056. (Coda) Part 1: Gathering allies and shaking off rust

[Anastasia]

> It's a rather frazzled Simmer that gets Muirfinn's attention. He's in the cafeteria, taking a quiet moment with his people when the pyrodryad approaches. Her hair is tousled and messed up, her clothing splotched with a clashing rainbow array of paint stains and she winces every so often, rubbing the side of her head. Loud enough to carry over the general din of the cafeteria, "Muirfinn," she begins, "Guess who wants to see you."
* Muirfinn looks up at her, a scaly eyebrow rising. "Had a run-in with Baleruk, have you?"
> "Yeah. Afina and I got dragged into dragon art time." Rubbing the side of her head with another wince, as your fellow tortles give her curious looks, "Also something about having had steam and fire and now wanting water. I'd say he needs more fire, but he wouldn't hear anything of it."
* Muirfinn snorts, standing. "I suppose I'll humor him again. We wouldn't want him to get crazier than usual and snatch up an elemental or something worse."
<Muirfinn> "I'll see about calming him down." Muirfinn says, nodding to the people around him.
> From there it's a quick trip to Baleruk's lair. The dragon stands before a massive blob of multicolored clay. It quivers erratically, briefly taking on the shape of a horse - no, a rabbit, no a flagpole, no back to a blob - and then going back to quivering. Sitting nearby atop a small pile of coins is Kascha, a big tome on her lap as she writes away. "Excellent," Baleruk greets you, "YOU HAVE COME FORTH."
<Muirfinn> "Hello, Baleruk." Muirfinn greets the dragon. "How can I help you today?"
> As the mass of clay continues to shake and shudder, "I have heard you have assumed a more tolerable form," Baleruk begins aloud, "Is this true?"
* Muirfinn looks down, patting his chest. "Is this form not tolerable?" Muirfinn looks up, amused. "Am I too turtle for you? Or not enough?"
> "I thi-" Kascha begins, to be cut off as wind gusts! Baleruk's maw opens wide as, "I HAVE HEARD FROM THE WIND AND STARS THAT YOU HAVE OBTAINED A GREATER FORM! TELL ME IF THIS IS TRUE OR IF THE SCHEME AGAINST ME AS DO THE COWARDLY PRESUMPTIVE LORDS OF DRAGONKIND!"
> Eeeping and holding her book down as pages fly freely, Kascha holds onto her book tight! "Aaaah!" She cries, smoothing the pages back after, "Oh no, I spilled ink!" She focuses on it, starting to chant simple arcane words.
* Muirfinn blinks at Baleruk as his robes are tossed about in the wind. "Oh, yes. That. It's true that I can now assume the form of a dragon, if that's what you are referring to." Muirfinn says, absently wiping off a bit of dragon spittle from the end of his beak. "Nobody here is out to get you, Baleruk. I thought that we had established that."
> "Good." Baleruk's voice drops back down to normal, "This serves me well. I have a task for you."
<Muirfinn> "How can I help?" Muirfinn asks as he resettles his robes.
> "Do you know Herak Villan on the Astral Plane?" Baleruk asks, and before waiting for an answer, "It is a trade city of shadows and silent money. It is overlooked by the gith in exchange for rich bribes. I desire something from it."
<Muirfinn> "I'm sorry to say that I've not heard of it. I'm sure that I can find it, though. What is it you need?"
> "Mazpluan of the Green Gems resides there," he continues on, "He is said to know where a great horde of treasure lies in Nidavellir. I desire this information." OOC: Make K:P here?
> Meanwhile Kascha continues to write away, focused on her book.
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+22
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+22 and gets 34." [1d20=12]
> Muirfinn recalls that Mazpluan is a figure associated with devilry, but he can't recall any more. Nidavellir is the deepest level of Ysgard, well below ground. Not much is known of it as the action takes place on the higher layers.
* Muirfinn nods. "I'll see what I can do."
> "So BE IT," Baleruk finishes, turning back to the clay. OOC: What are you going to do now?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Well, doing anything alone is sort of stupid. I'll go on a walkabout and see who's up for an adventure.
> OOC: Okay. More coming.
> Once out, Muirfinn reaches the ground. As he settles on, "Wait!" Kascha's voice from behind, as moments later she lands besides Muirfinn.
* Muirfinn stops and turns. "Ah, Kascha. I thought you were staying with Baleruk. How can I help you?"
> "I wanted to ask if you wanted help," Kascha says, pausing to brush a bit of her hair out of her face, "I'd also like the chance to learn about Nidavellir!"
<Muirfinn> ""Oh, of course! You're always welcome to come along. I was just heading out to find a few people who wanted to join me."
> "Simmer was in an adventuresome mood! Afina was too but she said she has things to craft. The mercane are visiting," Kascha burbles on, before snapping her fingers. "What about a songstress to help, like Ebony or Vivantha?"
<Muirfinn> "Well." Muirfinn hums, tapping his beak in thought. "I think Simmer would be a good addition, and I don't believe that Vivantha has had a true opportunity to test her mettle on an Aurora adventure yet. Yes, that sounds like a good idea. Thank you, Kascha."
> "Sure! I'll meet you by the gate when you're ready?" Kascha offers.
* Muirfinn nods, heading off to find Vivantha.
> Vivantha's found atop Aurora's roof. She stands out of sight of the ground, clad in jewelry to decorate her body. She has her hand on a harp, as if to strum it. Sitting a little away from her is Sylvie, scribbling away at a floating parchment. The parchment faces away from Muirfinn, contents hidden. You can see a selection of colored chalk and pencils besides her. Her attention is solely on Vivantha - Muirfinn barely even gets a glance.
* Muirfinn recognizes this scene for what it is and keeps silent, smiling a bit to himself. He moves off unobtrusively to the side, far enough away that his presence won't filter into either woman's consciousness but close enough to address them should they finish.
> roll 1d20+37
* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+37 and gets 39." [1d20=2]
> Vivantha flashes a momentary smile but otherwise stays still. It stretches on and on and on....and on and...."Okay, you can move!" Sylvie announces, putting down a bit of chalk and dusting her hands off. Immediately Vivantha relaxes, turning to Muirfinn, "Brave hero!" she greets with a smile, "How are you?"
* Muirfinn moves in to join them. "Hello, ladies. I am well. How are you?"
> "Oh, I had a few hours free before meeting some friends from home," Sylvie says casually, "I thought I'd learn to draw before then and show them."
> "
> "I'm well," Vivantha says with a warm smile, coming over to Muirfinn. "How goes the Aurora'
> OOC: Gah.
> "I'm well," Vivantha says with a warm smile, coming over to Muirfinn. "How goes the Aurora's efforts?"
<Muirfinn> "It's a slow process, as always, but we are steadily making headway against both infernal incursion and against the Father. It will be some time before we can make an attempt at killing the Father, but I believe that with enough perseverence and forethought he will fall before us. As for the devils...to take a page from their own book, it is a foregone conclusion that they will ultimately fail
<Muirfinn> and be forced to relinquish Lifasa. I do not believe that they will be able to stand against us once we are prepared."
> "Victory is the only acceptable result," Vivantha adds after that. Meanwhile Sylvie rises and stretches, before gathering up her floating parchment. "Did you want to see?" she asks, kneeling back down to gather up her supplies.
<Muirfinn> "Of course." Muirfinn says, addressing both women.
> The parchment is presented! It's a sketch of Vivantha - extremely skilled and lifelike. It looks just like her. Vivantha looks on - and then frowns slightly. "...I suppose I see why," she murmurs to herself.
<Muirfinn> "Hmm?"
> "Hmph." Sylvie smirks, "Oh. Nothing important. Just an old story. I learn fast and it rubs people wrong."
> "I cannot hold someone taking umbrage against that," The lillend continues to study the picture, "If I were an artist and someone learned the craft in hours...well, furious is a fine word for it. Skill comes with effort and skill won cheaply is hardly worth praise at all."
<Muirfinn> "This is true, and yet it is a wonderful thing. A gift, if you will. Most must apply themselves to learn and master a skill. The gods have given Sylvie the ability to master anything she applies herself to. It is of course a great responsibility. One could easily use the talent for evil purposes."
> "Jealousy is an ugly thing. Fun to watch, though." Sylvie adds with her smirk.
> "One could," Vivantha murmurs, "Gift or no, I think more humility would serve well with it. The superior have no need to prove to the inferior they're better."
* Muirfinn bobs his head. "True, but we appreciate the great sacrifice she makes for us all, humility or not. The burden she bears makes a great deal forgivable, though she is wise not to take advantage of that fact." Muirfinn pokes Sylvie in the side playfully.
> "I know what I can get away with," Sylvie admits with a little smile, "I've used it for petty ends before, though I've gained perspective since then. Other women just get jealous." That draws her smirk back out, softer than last time. "Anyway, I need to get going. Balyss is bringing a few friends to visit from Balmuria. I'd introduce you, but we already have plans."
* Muirfinn shrugs, waving her off. "Go have fun, I came for Vivantha anyway."
> As Sylvie goes off, "Oh?" Vivantha smiles, "Do you need me for something, brave hero?"
<Muirfinn> "Baleruk has made a request of me to travel to the Astral, and I thought you might like to join us. Your company is always welcome, and a skilled and beautiful songstress on our journey would be much appreciated." Muirfinn says with a smile.
> "I've love to," Vivatha says, "When shall we go?"
<Muirfinn> "Soon. I need to find Simmer and then we will meet Kascha at the gates. Can you be ready?"
> "I shall." This gets another smile before she's gone. From there, finding Simmer isn't so easy. She's not immediately around and one call to Elena later, "Simmer? She's in the fire baths up to her eyes in lava." Said ghost girl is dressed normally today, nothing remarkable there for once.
* Muirfinn sighs the long-suffering sigh of a man forced to do something he'd much rather not. "Thank you, Elena. I'll make my way there now."
> "Ahem," Coughing quickly, "Muirfinn, it's still a bath. You can't go in there when Simmer's bathing!"
<Muirfinn> "Either I'm going in there or you're gonna need to bring her out." Muirfinn points out.
> "Fine," Elena sniffs, "Fine fine, I'll go get her. She'll meet you by the portals."
<Muirfinn> "Excellent." Muirfinn turns, heading to gather his things.
> The portals are bustling. Lief darts around the Medicant Golems whilst a squad of pixies follows him. Jaela's a distance away, leaning against a wall with her arms crossed. She looks lost in thought, or perhaps waiting for someone. Lady Rosa's lingering near a portal as well, tapping a foot but otherwise unmoving. Fortunately your wait seems the quickest of all - Simmer comes on out. Steam rises off her body, the air around her hissing. "Elena said you needed me?"
<Muirfinn> "Kascha, Vivantha and I are going to the Astral to start a treasure hunt for Baleruk. Kascha said that you might like to go along. Would you like to join us?"
> "I'm i-" Simmer before before stepping aside. A trio of rather large earth elementals come out, each as big as Hanna. "Careful!" Simmer shouts after them, giving them a fiery stink eye. Quite literally, flames dancing over her eyes. "I'm good fo-ack!" Again Simmer moves back to where she was, before sidestepping again. Hanna comes out, passing by with a nod before heading to Jaela. The two begin to discuss something, smiling and chatting amid themselves. Simmer sighs before stepping well aside, "As I was..." a pause, no interruption. "As I was saying, I'm in the mood to burn something. Count me in."
* Muirfinn looks distinctly amused. "Meet us at the gates when you're ready."
> Lady Rosa glances at your group, the elementals and then mother and daughter. She ever so slightly sighs, staring at the portals as she taps her foot. "I'm ready now," she says, "I have my magical supports."
<Muirfinn> "Let's go then." He nods to Lady Rosa as he heads out.
> It gets a nod back as the duo meets up with the others. All are prepared and ready, awaiting before Aurora's grand gates. Outside you can see the air elementals and Drena, forever circling Aurora. "So who's transporting us?" Simmer speaks up, "Where exactly on the Astral are we headed?"
> "Herak Villan," Kascha supplies, "We'll be looking for Mazpluan of the Green Gems."
> roll 1d20+8 Vivantha wants to roll bardic lore
* Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+8 Vivantha wants to roll bardic lore and gets 25." [1d20=17]

[Anastasia]

* Muirfinn nods. "I'll admit to not knowing as much as I'd like about it, but we will see when we get there."
> OOC: Okay then, ready to move along? Who's managing transport here, Yuth?
<Muirfinn> OOC: I can Gate
> OOC: Okay, where are you aiming for?
<Muirfinn> OOC: The city, or near to it if at all possible. If not, Astral in general.
> Thus the party heads through Muirfinn's Gate! You float in the timeless Silver Sea, a sense of unreality unsettling you. Before you are great slabby hunks of rock, metal, tightly packed earth, baked clay, wood and a few that may be flesh. These slabs are all about before you, unconnected and yet close enough together to cast darkness across the city. There slabs are filled with tall buildings and towers, a hodge-podge of styles and various motifs. The various slabs are at different heights, some higher and some lower. 
> Kascha studies ahead quite intently, taking out her book and scribbing within. "It reminds me of Acheron's cubes. At least slightly."
<Muirfinn> "Well, finding the place is simple enough. Let's see if we can find this Mazpluan fellow."
> OOC: What spells do you have active on you, Murifinn?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Superior Resistance
> OOC: For reference, Kascha has Mind Blank+Superior Resistance, Simmer has Greater Mage Armor and Superior Resistance and Vivantha doesn't have any autocast spells like that.
<Muirfinn> OOC: Ok
> Simmer studies the buildings and slabs are you progress on, her attention on that. Vivantha stays close, "What it reminds me of is the Infinite Stair. The placement of the slabs is similar to that at a distance, though the Stair's platforms are far more spaced out."
> "Mmm-hmm," Simmer adds in, "A few dedicated fire mages could set spreading fires. Those wood landmasses would be simple to burn. Assuming they aren't protected," she appends. As you progress on...OOC: You have true seeing from your mask, right?
<Muirfinn> "A unique view, that is certain." Muirfinn nods as they progress in toward the city. OOC: YUP.
> As you progess towards the city, Muirfinn can see scrying sensors in the air. They're spread out but fairly constant. They penetrate into the city as far as your true seeing can extend.
<Muirfinn> "There are scrying sensors everywhere above us. Someone keeps a close eye on this city." Muirfinn says lowly.
> "Or someones," Vivantha says back, just as low. Simmer shrugs slightly as you press onwards...OOC: More since you're looking for your target.
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 24." [1d100=24]
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 51." [1d100=51]
> The streets aren't quite empty - but they aren't far from it. People keep distant as they walk. You catch sight of humans, demihumans of various stripes, a bauriar, a shambling and stumbling blue slaad and other odd things. As you do...OOC: Do you have ranks in GI, Muirfinn?
<Muirfinn> OOC: 26 modifier
> OOC: Roll away. The others'll aid you.
> roll 1d20+11 Vivantha aid
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 Vivantha aid and gets 30." [1d20=19]
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+26 GI GI GI
> roll 1d20+9 Simmer aid
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+26 GI GI GI and gets 45." [1d20=19]
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 Simmer aid and gets 25." [1d20=16]
> roll 1d20+7 Kascha aid
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 Kascha aid and gets 17." [1d20=10]
> OOC: 51 total.
> Your quest for information leads you to a street corner. Here a humanoid in heavy brown robes stands. His face is hidden by a hood and an iron mask. It is shaped like a face, glass lenses over his eyes to hide them. His voice is a distorted grumble, "Mazpluan?" he asks, "Looking for that old 'loth dog?"
<Muirfinn> "Yes, do you know where we can find him?" Muirfinn asks politely.
> "I do not." He intones, garbled voice wobbling in pitch and timbre. "A word to the new: The wise in Herak Villan don't go around asking questions. People find out. But if you really need something - look up the Alley Sage." Pausing his walk away a moment, glancing back, "You'll find him in one of his namesake alleys, friends. I've heard it makes a nice day."
> OOC: Strike, misspliced tow lines.
> "I do not." He intones, garbled voice wobbling in pitch and timbre. "A word to the new: The wise in Herak Villan don't go around asking questions. People find out. But if you really need something - look up the Alley Sage." Pausing just a moment, "You'll find him in one of his namesake alleys, friends. I've heard it makes a nice day." OOC: Spot check real quick, Muirfinn?
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+46 lol 46
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+46 lol 46 and gets 66." [1d20=20]
> Muirfinn catches a glint of light from the wrist of the man, where his bare hand meets the arm of his robe. Like a glint of metal reflecting light.
<Muirfinn> Curiosity getting the better of him, Muirfinn peers at the man's arm. "What's that you've got there?"
> Behind you, Vivantha tenses slightly. Kascha blink-blinks while Simmer's hands twitch, a ripple of shimmering heat around her. At this the humanoid stops, growing still for just a moment. After he replies, "....nothing, but let me show you." He leans in, and in a low whisper, "You're from Aurora? I've heard the stories and you match them. Everything important in Herak Villan, including all the trading, happens inside. The outsider is the barrier that keeps everything inside, both good and bad. In the name of the Mercy-Bringer, step with wisdom." With a flick of his wrist a dagger appears in hand. "Just some self defense," he says in a louder tone.
> *the outside
<Muirfinn> "Oh." Muirfinn leans back. "Alright then. Thank you for the advice."
> The man nods and turns away, heading off. Once he's gone Simmer untenses, "The hell was that about?"
> "That this is going to be more complicated than we hoped," Vivantha adds, "But we shall preservere."
> "If it gets too difficult, enough fire usually solves the problem," Simmer adds, "Even if it's devil problems. Sounds like Mazpluan is a yugoloth problem, which is good. They burn easier than devils."
> "The entire conversation was strange," Kascha adds, "I feel like we only know a little of what happened there."
* Muirfinn shrugs. "This city is likely to be full of odd cloak and dagger activity. I sort of expected it after seeing all the scrying sensors."
> "We
> "We'll stand out," Vivantha adds as a long finger taps her chin, "An angel, a lillend, Simmer and a tortle are a remarkable group. A disguise may be preferable, especially if that man is the norm out here."
> "I could make you all look like pyrodryads," Simmer adds, snapping her fingers, "It'll take a Wish and it'll be an illusion, but it'll be a strong illusion."
<Muirfinn> "Err...that's okay. I can take care of my own illusion."
> "So can I," Kascha says, as she shifts to a wingless, demure version of herself. Vivantha does the same, becoming humanoid and tall, a striking seven feet tall but otherwise human in apperance.
> "Fine," Simmer shrugs, "So anyway, now what?"
* Muirfinn assumes the mousy brown-haired human guise he once used to help Tannin.
<Muirfinn> "Find the Alley Sage, I suppose."
> OOC: Okay, just going to wander and look for him or what?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Checkin' alleys, bein' shady.
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 4." [1d100=4]
> Perhaps fortune is with Muirfinn. You rise up and down, passing between slabs. On a slab of rusted iron and pitted barbs you come to between two rows of towers. Th ealley is so narrow the four of you have to walk single file through it. But ahead lies an ancient githyanki, skin weathered like old paper and wearing tattered old clothes. He sits on the rusty ground and stares at the wall opposite him. His eyes are clouded white, the color of clouds against the noonday sky. On his belt are several pouches, in far better shape than the rest of his clothes.
<Muirfinn> "Hello, are you the Alley Sage?" Muirfinn greets without beating around the bush.
> "When the past is the present and the past is yet to be sung, what is there to be done?" The old githyanki replies, staring ahead at the tower wall opposite him. "I once had everything in the palm of my hand, so what's to be done?"
> Simmer slowly reaches up, pinching the bridge of her nose and wincing.
> "Oh, is that a riddle?" Kascha perks up, "I say that if you had everything and lost it, that means you need to try again to get them back. But that's less of a riddle and more of philosophy."
* Muirfinn nods along, clearly pretending that everything said makes complete sense. "Interesting. Tell me more."
> "I once dreamed of a child that would enslave a world, so what's to be done?" The old gith now turns towards Muirfinn, "In frozen halls where pure winter rule, a tyrant was slain, so what's to be done?"
> Simmer buries her face into her hand and audibly sighs.
* Muirfinn tilts his head. That made sense, actually. "That is the question, is it not?"
> "Oh! That sounds like the story I've heard of Abigor's fall! I'm working on a ballad for it." Vivantha speaks up, "Doesn't it, Muirfinn?"
<Muirfinn> "It does indeed, and he speaks of the Child of Lifasa, an infernal abomination that fell shortly before I joined with the Aurora."
> "When the Gods curse you to see all and nothing, what's to be done?" The gith sighs, "Yet when not even the Lich Queen can wreak vengeance on you, what's to be done? What is the fate of the pariah?"
> "Ahem." Kascha gently clears her throat, "Are you saying you're a seer? I've heard of blind seers before, and your eyes look...well, are you blind?"
> "If the Gods curse you, curse them back by burning what they care about." Simmer says firmly, "Purify yourself in flame and ash."
<Muirfinn> "A curse...I don't understand that part, tough the second part could refer to Vul'lath."
> The Alley Sage sighs, "I speak not in allusion and mystery any more. I am a cursed seer." To Muirfinn his blind eyes stare, "You seek me for knowledge of the demonspawn Mazpluan."
<Muirfinn> "We do, but by what do you mean when you say you are cursed?"
> "Smote by the Gods, hated by the Lich-Queen. Unwilling to die and thus trapped in this realm. An outcast in the gith permitted trade cities and clusters within the Silver Sea. I have my eternal role to play in the shadows of buildings and the recesses of towers." Shaking his head back and forth, "The answer is always three. For how you seek Mazpluan, do you understand?"
> "Numerology," Simmer sighs again, before backing away, "I'll be back here when you're done."
> "Eh?" Kascha puts a hand to her mouth, "Oh! I'm afraid I don't offhand. Do either of you...?" She looks to both Muirfinn and Vivantha.
* Muirfinn shrugs. "Try me."
> "Three times has a truth of Mazpluan been presented to you," The gith continues on, "All three are truth yet it should be impossible. Mazpluan is something that must not be. He offends by existing. He is a perversion of the chains of the Nadir."
<Muirfinn> "I find most yugoloths offensive, actually." Muirfinn remarks offhandedly.
> At this Vivantha blinks, "Br-Muirfin." She stops there, "I'm sorry, but didn't the Alley Sage here call Mazpluan a demonspawn just now?"
<Muirfinn> "Eh? I thought the other man we spoke to earler referred to him as a 'loth?"
> "He did," Kascha says, "So which one is it then?"
<Muirfinn> "Why can't it be both? I can see awful breeding with horrible." Muirfinn says, looking disgusted.
> Kascha shudders visibly as well. Meanwhile the Sage speaks slowly, "Your wisdom has heights to yet reach. I bade you to sharpen your mind and wits before facing Mazpluan. He resides in the Grima Tower. But there is no entrance to the Grima Tower save in the All-Seeing Eye, the spire of the eye tyrants."
> OOC: You can make K:D here if you have ranks at all.
> OOC: Lore type abilities also apply.
> roll 1d20+14 Kascha'll try
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 Kascha'll try and gets 17." [1d20=3]
> roll 1d20+8 Vivantha too
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 Vivantha too and gets 16." [1d20=8]
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+22 k:d lore next
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+22 k:d lore next and gets 31." [1d20=9]
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+4+6 looore
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+4+6 looore and gets 20." [1d20=10]
> Muirfinn recalls that eye tyrants is a term for beholders. Big nasty flying orbs with anti magic eyes and eyestalks. Altogether unpleasant and evil creatures, generally.
<Muirfinn> "Oh joy, beholders." Muirfinn says drily.
> "Oh no," Kascha says quietly, "They're terribly difficult for wizards to battle! It puts all of us at a terrible disadvantage...if we have to fight them, of course."
> "The choices are yours to make." The Alley Sage replies, "Be you a roaring dragon in the sky, a wise-word whispering friend or a rich giver of gifts."

[Anastasia]

<Muirfinn> "I'd rather avoid the beholders entirely, if at all possible."
> "I think we need a plan," Kascha says with a cute little frown, "What do you think, Muirfinn?"
> "Plan burn them all?" Simmer calls over from where she stands. "You know, enough lava and magma solves any problem."
> "Or dragons," Kascha adds with a hint of brightening and a look to Muirfinn, "But that'll surely lead to trouble."
* Muirfinn flicks a quick glance at Simmer before turning and nodding at Kascha. "Yes, I think a solid plan would be best here. Charging into something like this would quickly leave us all powerless and slaughtered."
> ""
> "So then..." Vivantha says slowly, "Do we have a plan? Besides fire or dragons. Brave hero?"
> "Hmmm." Kascha considers, "Maybe we could find a local who could work for us?"
<Muirfinn> "Not yet. We need more information on this place first. Avenues of attack, weaknesses, and whether or not we can find a way in without violence."
> "Fine." Simmer rolls her eyes and comes back on over, arms crossed just under her chest. "The devils hate us, right? How about we get them to do our work for us?"
<Muirfinn> "...go on."
> "Gathering information," Kascha concludes, giving Simmer a glance before going on. "Hm?"
> "We make sure they get a hot tip that we're doing some business with Mazpluan and the beholders. Some suitable lie about an alliance with demons or whatever," Waving a hand, "See if we can bait them into trying to get to Mazpluan and doing all the work for us?"
<Muirfinn> "Hmmm....not a bad idea, really. It would at least occupy the beholders for a time."
<Muirfinn> "Let's gather our information first, then we'll decide how to proceed."
> OOC: Okay then, are you going to be GIing?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Yup
> OOC: On the streets or are you going to try to go inside towers?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Ohhhhh let's try towers!
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+26 GI
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+26 GI and gets 31." [1d20=5]
> roll 1d20+7 Kascha aid
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 Kascha aid and gets 10." [1d20=3]
> roll 1d20+9 Simmer aid
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 Simmer aid and gets 18." [1d20=9]
> roll 1d20+11 Vivantha aid
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 Vivantha aid and gets 16." [1d20=5]
> Thus disguised, the party takes to the towers. The first one you find that has doors is a tower of iron and wood. Coming inside, you find the insides are well lit by hanging lamps. The first floor is quite big, with no obvious stairs going up. The room is warm and on the border of being hot. The room is decorated with simple wicker furniture scattered about, often clustered around floating glass orbs. The room's inhabitants are all elves, tall and tanned. You get every eye in on you when you enter, but this passes after a moment. Smoothly one of the elves come forth and in perfect, lyrical elven, "Far from home are we, yet we greet you in our home that is an oasis."
* Muirfinn bows to the elf. "Thank you, and greetings to you. I am Muirfinn."
<Muirfinn> OOC: Fuck, disguise, scratch
<Muirfinn> OOC: Blanked out
> OOC: SUre.
* Muirfinn waves at the elf. "Hi."
> There is a moment of silence as Muirfinn gets a look, before the elf clears his throat. "Are you here to trade for firespice and the Ashes of Arai?"
> Kascha clears her throat and replies in elven, "Ah, not quite." She glances at Muirfinn before going on, "We're looking for information."
* Muirfinn nods along, switching to elven. "We're looking for information on Mazpluan."
> The elf's face tightens, jerking a thumb back, "Go to the back of the room and step on the indent on the floor. The Whitehearts sell information. This is our territory and there's a 10 gold coin fee for each person that passes through on business."
> "A toll? Really? To pass through a tower room?" Simmer drawls.
* Muirfinn shrugs and heads on by. "Who do we pay?"
> "I'll take it," he says, hand palm out.
* Muirfinn passes the man 40 gold.
> The gold is taken! Once done you're pointed to the far back of th eroom. There is indeed a simple indent on the floor. "Just stand there."
> Quietly Vivantha adds, more under her breath than anything else, "Such greed or need for coin, to charge passersby."
<Muirfinn> "It's actually quite common." Muirfinn says with a shrug. "Many of the mortal races put heavy emphasis on wealth and greed."
> "Oh yes," Kascha speaks up, "Money buys opportunities, safety and comfort. Not to mention the golden allure that captures so many."
> "A toll on the Stair is unthinkable." Vivantha murmurs back. "In the lessons I was given before joining Aurora, the devil Mammon was mentioned. He is of the same greed as that, no? Though..." Tapping one long finger on her chin, "Perhaps it is need."
<Muirfinn> OOC: There a roll for that?
> OOC: A roll for what?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Mammon thing guy man
> OOC: Oh sure, K:P.
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+22
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+22 and gets 41." [1d20=19]
-> *Muirfinn* Mammon is the Lord of the Third. He is the archduke of greed, wealth and hoarding. Imagine a fat, bloated hellspawn that lives on the work of everyone below him, keeping all the fruits of their labors to himself. He is a noted coward and avoidant to battle, unless his greed motivates him. The Fallen hate him because he is a full blooded devil, so he has poor relations with Baazlebub and Belial. He used to have an alliance with Mephistopheles and Dispaster, but he betrayed it for profit. They hate him too. So he's basically isolated and alone, yet is eternall greedy.
<Muirfinn> "Mammon? No, he's afflicted with greed. Need is purer, more earthly. Greed is a lofty, boundless goal."
> Meanwhile Simmer goes to step on the indent, promptly vanishing from sight. Kascha eeps at that and follows, as Vivantha lingers. "Ah yes, that's what I meant. Insofar as it may not be greed but need, not that Mammon is about need. But you're right, Brave Hero." She smiles at the end of that.
<Muirfinn> "Oh. Yes, quite. After you. Ladies first, after all." Muirfinn makes a sweeping gesture.
> Thus Vivantha steps on and vanishes away!
* Muirfinn immediately follows!
> There is a sensation of flying up, a moment of vertigo. When it clears, "...and go f-f-f-fuck a fireball!" Simmer says, teeth chattering as she rubs her arms! It's quite chilly in here, like a winter night. This room is full of leather furniture all over as well, clustered around tables filled with gameboards. The people here are humans on first glance, but have solid white eyes and a slightly blue tinge to their skin. They wear warm, fur lined clothes and capes with them. They are all thin, a man approaching. "Welcome and hail. Do you seek to buy wisdom or the fruits of the Whitehearts?"
> Kascha is staring at Simmer and blushing terrifically, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" She quickly turns to the man, "She just doesn't like the cold!"
> Vivantha blinks at that only a moment, staying close to Muirfinn. Her hand brushes his in the meantime.
* Muirfinn takes Vivantha's hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze while he says to Simmer, "Try not to fret. We're here on business." He pulls a wand out of his pack and taps Simmer with it in a distinctly and overtly non-threatening manner, bringing relief. "Anyone else need respite?" OOC: attune form bitchessssss
> You notice your greeter's eyes are right on you when you cast, but he makes no other action. "I'm fine," Vivantha demurs with a smile, while Kascha shakes her head. Meanwhile Simmer's shivers die down slowly, "Thanks," she says.
* Muirfinn puts the wand away. "Now that that's done, to business." He nods at the man.
> "What is your business?" he asks back.
<Muirfinn> "We seek information on Marzipan. Marziplan? Marzipluan! Yes. Him."
> "Mazpluan," Kascha delicately amends, coughing after.
<Muirfinn> "That guy." Muirfinn nods. Playing dumb is fun, but not easy!
> "Come and let us sit," You are escorted to a nearby table and chairs. Once you settle in, "I am Grinzul. Ask what you wish to know. I will tell you if we know it and the price the information commands."
* Muirfinn takes a seat. "So we're looking to talk with the guy, but the word on the street is that he fills the halls of his place with beholders and stuff. Right?"
> "It may be so," he says, "What exactly do you want to know?"
* Muirfinn leans in. "I just wanna know the best way to get to the guy."
> He leans in himself, keeping his voice low, "That's dangerous information. 10,000 gold."
* Muirfinn leans back. "Having a chat with the man is dangerous?"
> "It may be so." Is all he says in return, "Is this a deal we can make?"
> In a low voice, "I can help out if you can't afford it," Simmer says, leaning in to Muirfinn, "Fire can solve anything - and not even in the way you're thinking."
* Muirfinn ponders for a moment, then nods. "So long as your information is accurate and not a simple 'You can't.'"
> "It is," he says, "Present the money and the information will come forth. Just showing it to me will suffice."
* Muirfinn divides his money into thirds, then pushes one third to the center of the table. "Ten thousand. Roughly. Probably one or two over. Don't care to count it."
> The man's eyes glow golden for several seconds before he nods. "Mazpluan is insane. He can't decide between law, chaos or the middle between them and changes regularly. Only three things stay the same with him. He's vicious, he has an obsession with green gemstones and he hates gnomes. The middle's your in. Have a big enough emerald and he'll meet you. You don't even have to go to him. Just wander with it around Grima Tower and he'll show up."
> Kascha frowns at this but stays quiet.
<Muirfinn> "A hatred of gnomes? Weird." Muirfinn huffs. He turns to the girls. "Anyone know where to get a giant green gemstone?"
> "I may, but I don't want to give the information away for free." With a pointed glance at Grinzul, Kascha gives him a long look. Then back to Muirfinn, "Hold on a moment." She reaches out, touching Muirfinn's forehead and murmuring arcane words! An aura of light sparkles around her as she casts, before she falls back and exhales. 'Can you hear me?' she asks, heard in Muirfinn's mind.
> 'Ah!' Vivantha's voice echos in Muirfinn's mind a moment later, 'I can!' It's followed by Simmer's tone, 'I can. Telepathic Bond?'
<Muirfinn> 'Now this is an ability that we should all have. Telepathy.' Muirfinn sends.
> 'If only,' Kascha says as she smiles, while your host simply sits back and silently watches. 'I can probably get a large emerald from Seira if there's a good enough reason - and he gave me one. Back on the world Seira and I are from, there were gnomes who conducted horrific experiments. One branch tried combining creatures of law and chaos together or creatures of good and evil. There's one that Alicia and the others there adopted who is half ultroloth and half planetar. Fortunately, his better nature had won out before we freed him. This sounds like another of those experiments.'
> 'That's impossible. A fiend and a celestial couldn't breed, even if they wanted to,' Vivantha pipes up, voice full of disgust.
<Muirfinn> 'That's...rather disgusting, really.' Muirfinn makes a face
> 'It is. The experiments were...it was bad.' Kascha says quietly, 'Not as bad as the Destroyer, but it was close enough. Hugo was one of the lucky ones. Mazpluan's one of the lucky ones if he's in any way functional.'
> 'Fine. Insane fiend. Extra insane,' Simmer amends, 'So we get this gemstone, draw him out and...trade it for the information? Beat him up and make him talk? Take him home and encourage him to tell us?'
<Muirfinn> 'Is there any way we could help him become more lucid? If he's a mixture of good and evil, there may be some good he can do with his condition."
> 'If he's shifting between law and chaos, he's likely a crossbreed of a lawful and chaotic creature,' Kascha points out, 'If he's a fiend, likely a devil and a demon.' Here Kascha lightly shrugs her shoulders, Grinzul's attention on her at that. 'I don't recall that Seira or Alicia found a way. Hugo didn't need much help, he'd already won by rejecting his evil side. To be honest, if it's a choice between a devil and a demon? Perhaps a third option is better.'
<Muirfinn> 'Right, let him stay crazy. Option three. Okay, let's go get that gem, if none of you have anthing else you wish to ask?'
> 'This entire city is curious,' Vivantha says, 'But I did not bring the coin with me to buy knowledge.'
<Muirfinn> 'I can front you.' Muirfinn offers, 'It's just gold. We can always get more.'
> 'Thank you!' Vivantha breaks into a smile, turning to Grinzul, "Good sir," Smiling now and with her melodic voice unleashed, "How much would it cost for you to explain why the streets are so full of scrying?"
> "100 gold," he says, "It's common knowledge."
* Muirfinn puts more gold on the table!
> "It's the way of the controlling interests of the city to enforce what they want. The public is scried, watched and without shadow or secret. If you want to do anything without everyone important knowing and other amateur watchers as well, you have to go inside. The towers are regulated and insular, where no one knows what's happening except for the tower they're in - or even only the floor of the tower they're on."
> "That's miserable," Kascha murmurs to herself, while Vivantha frowns, "Why is it that way? Isn't Herak Villan a trade city?"
> "300 gold," Your host says with a look to Murifinn.
<Muirfinn> Gold for everyone!
> "That one's easy," Simmer speaks up, "Privacy. Endless backroom deals." Ticking off fingers, "Selling things that need that."
> The money is taken. "Not quite. If you're buying something in Herak Villan, you know what you're looking for already. The word's spread to the right parties and ensures that they know where to come for the services offered here. Whatever is for sale here is always unique and difficult to find elsewhere. Rare things from the Prime Material are common, as well as rare planar substances and materials. You can control who can buy it here. In our case, the goods of the Whiteheart are unique to our world due to the the Iron Glacier."
> Vivantha nods and bows her head, "Thank you," she says. Reaching out to rest a hand on Muirfinn's shoulder, "Thank you as well."
* Muirfinn nods as if that makes sense. Controlled economy.
> "Information brokering is...risky on account of that," Grinzul speaks up, "I trust you will be properly discreet."
<Muirfinn> "Of course."
> As agreement is murmured...OOC: Good with moving along now?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Yup.
> A few spells take you back to Aurora. It doesn't take long for Kascha to return with a beautiful, clear green emerald. It's about the size of a man's fist, carried carefully with both hands.
<Muirfinn> "Alright, we've got the gem. Now we just need to get the thing's attention."

[Anastasia]

> Simmer gives the gem a look and whistles low, "That could keep Afina working for weeks if you sold it."
> Kascha merely nods, tucking it away into a pouch. "It was unusually easy to get. I can't help but think we'd normally have to go to more effort to get something like this." Still, after that she goes on, "Will you open another gate?"
<Muirfinn> "Yes, but that's not the point, right? The gem serves a greater purpose." Muirfinn says, indeed opening the gate.
> "Just as well," Simmer says as you go in, "She got another batch of orders. That slaad dungeonmaker got its hands on Ithea, Sylvie and Balyss again. Apparently it involved a molten platinum waterfall." Thus you step through, back to the outskirts of Herak Villan.
> "So we go find Grima tower and walk around, brave hero?" Vivantha asks, "Are there any preparations to be made?"
<Muirfinn> "Well, at least they had fun?" Muirfinn ventures.
> OOC: Are you just going to try and find Grima Tower and go show off the gem, Muirfinn?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Is the location not common knowledge?
> OOC: Well, it's a city you still don't really know well. It may take a bit of lookin'.
<Muirfinn> OOC: We'll do that. All subtle-like
> OOC: Okay.
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 50." [1d100=50]
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 83." [1d100=83]
> Grima Tower is a tall, skinny tower made out of what looks to be green marble? Green like grass and moldy cheese, with a vibrancy that seems to stick out in the drab city around you. It sits on a great slab of barren and rocky earth, another tower connecting to it. This one is shorter and with a circular theme, made of black obsidian with snow white highlights and occasional eye-motif decorations. Here Kascha goes into her bag, taking out the gemstone. "I'm ready," she says, looking around with a blush. She bows her head and starts to walk forward, the gem in open isght.
> Simmer withdraws a tome, opening it and scanning the pages. "Ready," she murmurs, while Vivantha clears her throat.
* Muirfinn looks relaxed. "Just be aware, everyone. Everything will be fine."
> roll 1d20+27
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+27 and gets 30." [1d20=3]
> Thus you walk! Muirfinn can see scrying sensors in the air - and after a few floating moments? Dozens appear around Kascha as lines of blazing white appear around her! They concentrate around her head as a sound like glass shattering echos around you! "AAAAH!" Kascha calls, looking around in bewilderment. OOC: You can make spellcraft here, Muirfinn.
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+50 oh yeah
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+50 oh yeah and gets 55." [1d20=5]
> Kascha's Mind Blank spell was just dispelled. Quite visually and aggressively - the scrying sensors cut right through it like a hot knife through butter. That's some extremely potent magic at play, possibly of the 10th circle or higher.
* Muirfinn raises an eyebrow at that, tensing. "She's been dispelled. Her Mind Blank is gone."
> roll 1d10
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 and gets 6." [1d10=6]
> "Wh-" Simmer begins, before it stands before you. It is a figure of crumpled, dull grey. It is only the size of a well muscled human, yet all skin and bones. It wears no clothes, yet almost every inch of its body is covered with embedded greem gemstones. In each gemstone you can see green tinted tornadoes, fires, quaking earth, roaring tidal waves and other such things. Its eyes are gone in favor of each one being filled with oversized emeralds. Yet it stares right at the gem in Kascha's hands. His voice is a syllabant whisper, "Give me the beautiful thing." You swear he's whispering right into your ear, yet his mouth barely moves at all.
> OOC: You have true seeing up?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Of course!
> Muirfinn's vision allows him to see that the creature is quasi real - a powerful projection and illusion. It's quite advanced magic, likely a customized spell.
> Simmer steps back, staying in position as Vivantha also tenses. Kascha looks on, "Ah..." she begins, openly staring into those gemstone eyes.
* Muirfinn relaxes again, nodding. "It's an illusion. Very advanced and even somewhat real, but an illusion none the less. He's not really here."
> "Reality is but a dream." The whisper into your ear is sweet, a sensation of tasting honey on your tongue. "Why do you persist in this doomed life?" Yet it never stops staring at the gemstone, all the while focused on it with a raw purity of intensity. "When all hope is naught but an illusion in the brain stem? Give me the beautiful thing. Let me break the illusion."
<Muirfinn> "Indeed." Muirfinn says, stepping forward. "We wish to barter. You are in posession of a small bit of information. We would like to trade the gemstone for this information. Are you willing to bargain?"
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+39 diplomacy because I can
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+39 diplomacy because I can and gets 52." [1d20=13]
> roll 1d10
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 and gets 5." [1d10=5]
> "Hope is never an illusion," Kascha says, conviction in her words as she meets its gaze. Meanwhile the figure continues to stare as it replies, "What do you want?"
<Muirfinn> "Information on a large hoard of treasure that lies in Nidavellir."
> roll 1d10
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 and gets 6." [1d10=6]
> "Give me the beautiful thing," It insists, "I will talk."

[Anastasia]

<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+26 Sense Motive check because uhhh why not
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+26 Sense Motive check because uhhh why not and gets 30." [1d20=4]
> roll 1d10
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 and gets 3." [1d10=3]
> roll 1d20+36
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+36 and gets 55." [1d20=19]
<Muirfinn> OOC: Christ
> Muirfinn can't read the creature at all. Its all gemstones, malice and wrongness.
* Muirfinn sighs, turning to Kascha. "Your gemstone, your call."
> Kascha stares at the creature before locking eyes with it. Or eyes to gemstones as the case may be. "Rot in the Hells that spawned you, fiend. There's always hope - even if it's the dark, twisted greed that motivates your hope for this treasure! A creature like you deserves nothing!" Her voice rises in volume, becoming loud enough to carry and reach into the realms of a shout. "The things I've learned from a goddess of hope show that your words are nothing but foolish lies!"
> Simmer turns and stares at Kascha, eyes widening throughout all that.
* Muirfinn quietly facepalms.
> "..." Vivantha doesn't say anything at first, keeping her gaze fixiated on the fiend before you.
> "Kascha..." Simmer tries, "Ah..."
> roll 1d10
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 and gets 2." [1d10=2]
> "Is that all?" The fiend asks, "Fine, there's hope. Give me the precious thing."
> Simmer stops and stares at the fiend now, then to Muirfinn. Her face is completely confused now.
> Kascha blinks once at that, expression completely dropping into confusion. "Oh." She says, sounding rather poleaxed.
<Muirfinn> "Chaos." Muirfinn grumbles."Lack of hope would be the yugoloth in him talking. Now I'd bet on dealing with the demon side of things."
> "I think it's a fair bargain," The fiend continues, "You seek what I know. The beautiful thing is the price to be paid. Give it to me."
* Muirfinn nods after a moment. "Or maybe the devil side. Now might be the right time, Kascha."
> "Oh." Kascha repeats, "I...suppose then?" she finally says, "But you have to tell us first. You have my word as a celestial."
> roll 1d20+7
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 11." [1d20=4]
> roll 1d10
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 and gets 5." [1d10=5]
> roll 1d20+36
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+36 and gets 55." [1d20=19]
> "But what about your word as an eladrin?" The creature asks right back, "Eladrins are commendably less bound to their word than archons or angels."
> Kascha reddens and nods slightly, "I give you my vow as a celestial and an eladrin," she says slowly.
> roll 1d10
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 and gets 10." [1d10=10]
> "My answer is that you can rot!" Snapping back as a manaical grin splits its gemstone face, "SUFFER!" it calls, as a shuddering wave of black power gathers around the quasi-real illusion! OOC: Init here.
> roll 1d20+14 Vivantha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 Vivantha and gets 26." [1d20=12]
> roll 1d20+10 Simmer
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 Simmer and gets 25." [1d20=15]
> roll 1d20+17 Kascha, +5 nerveskitter
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 Kascha, +5 nerveskitter and gets 29." [1d20=12]
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+12 god dammit chaos
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+12 god dammit chaos and gets 30." [1d20=18]
> roll 1d20+9
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 26." [1d20=17]
* Retrieving #dunes modes...
* Kotono changes topic to 'Muirfinn(30)>Kascha(29)>Vivantha=Mazpluan(26)>Simmer(25)'
> OOC: Open Muirfinn.
<Muirfinn> OOC: How close is gemface?
> OOC: 15ft away.
<Muirfinn> Forgoing his disguise, Muirfinn's form melts away into a swirling form of water. Reaching out, he smashes into the illusion with full force and fury!
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+37
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+37
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+32
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+27
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+37 and gets 50." [1d20=13]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+37 and gets 39." [1d20=2]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+32 and gets 48." [1d20=16]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+27 and gets 43." [1d20=16]
> OOC: Three hits.
<Muirfinn> roll 3#4d10+5+14+2d6 holy damage, plus 1 Con damage each hit. Counts as magic/good/bludgeoning/silver
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 3#4d10+5+14+2d6 holy damage, plus 1 Con damage each hit. Counts as magic/good/bludgeoning/silver and gets 128." [3#4d10+5+14+2d6 = 47, 43, 38]
<Muirfinn> OOC: That's 3 CON damage if you're counting
> The fiend is swiftly plummeled, knocked back hard! It's hard to damage, gemstones hard enough to resist some of the force. Nonetheless he has cracks running up and down his body now as Kascha chants! "Begone fiend!" she cries, as a blast of pure holy power detonates around Mazpluan!
> roll 1d20+26 vs SR
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+26 vs SR and gets 27." [1d20=1]
> But the spell comes to naught, crumbling before him! OOC: Vivantha and Mazpluan are up.
> Vivantha scurries back and sings! It is a toneless song that makes Muirfinn's fists vibrate, pure sonic power racing through them! OOC: +5d6 sonic per hit to all your melee attacks. Mazpluan is up.
> Suddenly Mazpluan leaps back! The creature moves jerkily, in great spurts! It lands just a little bit away nimbly, only 5ft! But it's enough to rear its head back and emit a great greasy cloud of cloying darkness that spreads over all of you! OOC: Reflex, y'all. Note if you have evasion shenanigans.
> roll 1d20+39 Vivantha (+2 rapture of the song)
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+39 Vivantha (+2 rapture of the song) and gets 55." [1d20=16]
> roll 1d20+29 Simmer
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+29 Simmer and gets 41." [1d20=12]
> roll 1d20+28
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+28 and gets 41." [1d20=13]
> OOC: That's Kascha.
> OOC: Muirfinn?
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+28+6 evasion
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+28+6 evasion and gets 42." [1d20=8]
> roll 27*8 maximized breath, all vile damage. Vivantha havles, Simmer halves, Kascha halves, Muirfinn nulls. Adjust topic HP in #elysium
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 27*8 maximized breath, all vile damage. Vivantha havles, Simmer halves, Kascha halves, Muirfinn nulls. Adjust topic HP in #elysium and gets 216."
> roll 216/2
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 216/2 and gets 108."
> The breath rips through the party - but Muirfinnf lows around it like raindrops as the others duck and dodge! None of them avoid it entirely, but the manage to bypass the worst of the barrage! OOC: Simmer's up.
> Holding Arcanum XIII, Simmer chants! From above the sun rises into the Silver Sea, before cascading down on Mazpluan in a ball of destructive fire! OOC: Lingering Flames with the +1 die step from Arcanum XII, metamagic specialist, searing+fiery+empower spell, using maximize spell rod, applying battle spell, applying overwhelming spell, heals no HP since vile damage, apply elemental fury afterwards. Woof.
> OOC: Also Assay SR as a swift. Rusty with her routine.
> roll 1d20+35
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+35 and gets 52." [1d20=17]
> roll ((15*8)*1.5)+45+15
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls ((15*8)*1.5)+45+15 and gets 240."
> roll 1d20+19
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 and gets 37." [1d20=18]
> A massive blast of flame slams down into the fiend, stabilizing into a ball of flame consuming him! OOC: Muirfinn, go. He's on the front edge of a Lingering Flames.
<Muirfinn> Deciding that fire is the way to go, Muirfinn shifts from water to fire, creating a flash of steam into the air as he takes a single stride toward the evil monstrosity! OOC: Groovy, 5 ft step, immune to fire.
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+37
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+37
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+32
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+27
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+37 and gets 44." [1d20=7]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+37 and gets 43." [1d20=6]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+32 and gets 48." [1d20=16]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+27 and gets 34." [1d20=7]
> OOC: Uh, she dropped searing in there. You'd still need tomaker ef.
<Muirfinn> OOC: Even with immunity to fire and 15 foot reach?
> Well yeah, you'd need to reach in to smack it. You'd be exposing yourself ot the flames is all.
<Muirfinn> OOC: Tricksy pyrodryads.
> OOC: You can blame that one on me plus Simmer beign a firebug. Mostly me since I'm rusty with her routine.
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+28+6 reflex go
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+28+6 reflex go and gets 37." [1d20=3]
> OOC: Scucess.
> OOC: Unfortunately no hits, he's not flatfooted now.
<Muirfinn> OOC: Yeah, sorta figured that.
> Muirfinn avoids the sphere of flames as it races in a perfect sphere! Meanwhile Kascha chants - first the power to overcome spell resistance flows into her, then pure heavenly wrath again slams down into the sphere of flames!
> roll 1d20+36 (+10 AS)
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+36 (+10 AS) and gets 53." [1d20=17]
> roll 20d8*1.5
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 20d8*1.5 and gets 129." [20d8=2, 7, 7, 4, 3, 8, 6, 2, 5, 5, 2, 5, 1, 5, 4, 4, 8, 4, 2, 2]
> roll 1d20+19 will
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 will and gets 36." [1d20=17]
> The blast of holy power gets the fiend dead on, making his form crack apart! It winks out as the quasi-real illusion fizzles out, disrupted and destroyed! OOC: Free act.
* Muirfinn relaxes, flowing easily back into human form. "Not quite how I'd hoped it would go, but not entirely unexpected."
> "Now what?" Vivantha asks, "Our first contact was unsuccessful."
> "Perhaps we should fall back to Balmuria." Simmer says, looking about, "I'm sure we've been noticed."
> OOC: Strike.
> "Perhaps we should fall back to Aurora." Simmer says, looking about, "I'm sure we've been noticed."
> "I'm sorry!" Kascha turns and bows her head low, "I didn't meant to lose my temper like that!"
* Muirfinn nods. "We'll regroup and come up with a new plan." OOC: HAHAHAHA
> OOC: Going to Gate the party back to Aurora?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Once we're away from the tower, yeah.
> OOC: Will saves, y'all, before that.
> roll 1d20+31
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+31 and gets 33." [1d20=2]
> roll 1d20+23 Simmer
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+23 Simmer and gets 43." [1d20=20]
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+36+6
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+36+6 and gets 47." [1d20=5]
> roll 1d20+24 Kascha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+24 Kascha and gets 30." [1d20=6]
> As you fall back to cast your gate, Muirfinn feels a jerk against his body. A sensation, as if being pulled or tugged away.
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+50 OH SHIT SON IT'S A SPELLCRAFT ROLL
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+50 OH SHIT SON IT'S A SPELLCRAFT ROLL and gets 69." [1d20=19]
> Muirfinn realizes the party just resisted being teleported somewhere. It's a custom spell - not only does it try and teleport you, but it managed to bypass spell resistance and will keep trying, getting harder to resist each time. Fortunately, gating off plane should cause it to fizzle and fail.
<Muirfinn> "Time to leave, we are being forcibly teleported." Muirfinn says, abruptly stopping to form a Gate.
> With a Gate formed the party races through! Soon you're back in Aurora, regrouping in the library. Kascha sits at a table with her head bowed, the emerald in her lap. Simmer paces, ignoring the nearby Sage Vul'lath that is openly keeping one eye on her. Vivantha floats just off the ground, lying stomach down with her snake tail twitching in the air. "So. Brave hero, what's our plan now?"
* Muirfinn taps his beak, back in his natural form. "Hmmmm...well, there's always the solid plan B. Long-range bombardment. Not as heroic and diplomatic as a direct interaction, but it still could get his attention in the right place...but I'm not so sure that's actually what we want. What would be best is to find a way to lock him into a lawful state, even temporarily."
> "I know I feel fire even more strongly when I'm around powerful sources of fire. Get some sort of lodestone or focus of overwhelming law?" Simmer suggests, waving a hand as a few flickers of flame dance between her fingers. Sage Vul'lath's sour expression intensifies but he says nothing.
<Muirfinn> "Simmer, no fire in the library if you please." Muirfinn asks politely.
> "Law's not Aurora's strongest suit," Kascha murmurs, "But I have a secondary idea we could try, if Mazpluan is intractable."
> Simmer hmphs, the flames winking out, "You don't really think I'd lose control of them?"
<Muirfinn> "I'm not saying you're incapable. Merely that fire likes to burn things. Books cannot be healed, unfortunately, and heat tends to dry out pages." Muirfinn consoles, before looking at Kascha. "By all means, you have the floor."
> "Well, Nidavellir is part of Ysgard. Aurora's long enjoyed Selune's favor and her realm sits above Ysgard and shines down on it. Plus Balyss is so good at divinations..." Trailing off, "I mean, I expect we may get sent on a quest for it, but Selune may know and be willing to tell us."
<Muirfinn> "So simply cut Mazpluan out of the picture altogether?" Muirfinn nods slowly. "I find working for Selune much more palatable than dealing with an unholy abomination that may or may not decide to kill us or worse at any given moment. Any objections?"
> "I'm for it. WE can keep Mazpluan as a last resort," Vivantha speaks up.
> "Whichever," Simmer says, "Selune's been good for us and Balyss is good too."
* Muirfinn nods. "This is our new plan, then. Selune it is. Elena?"

[Anastasia]

> Elena's dressed up in loose flowing robes, including a hood and belt to keep them tight around the waist. "Hi," she says brightly, "Balyss is in Sylvie's room, she's getting her to preen her wings."
<Muirfinn> "Ah, right. Thank you, Elena. We will go see her shortly." Muirfinn says, standing from his seat. "Shall we go now, ladies?"
> From there getting to Sylvie's room is without incident. After a call of come in, you find Sylvie's there. Her face is focused as she sits behind Balyss, working on her wings. Her hands move around the feathers, straightening and smoothing them over with gentle touches. Balyss has her head bowed with a relaxed smile, only looking up as you enter, "Do you need one of us for something?"
* Muirfinn ponders a moment, eyeing the scene thoughtfully before clearing his throat. "Yes, hello Balyss. If you don't mind, we would like to ask a favor of you when you are free. We would like to beseech Selune to ask a favor."
> Sitting up just a little straighter at that, "What kind of favor?" All that relaxation drains away at this, "Is it officially on behalf of Aurora or personal business?"
* Muirfinn waves his hand in a settling manner. "No need to worry. It's not urgent, nor is it essential. Baleruk wants something, and we're trying to get it. Unfortunately, the 'easy' way of doing it involves an unholy abomination that fluctuates between law, chaos, and neutrality. A much more palatable and likely enjoyable alternative would be to ask Selune, who we are in a good relationship with,
* Muirfinn to guide us to our destination in return for unnamed good deeds on her behalf."
> "It's official," Kascha adds in, hanging back behind Muirfinn. "But it isn't urgent like he said. It's just...Mazpluan is unpredictable and a vile creature in any case."
> "If it's a formal request, urgent or not, there's ceremonies to be done first. Especially since we don't have the excuse of being in battle or under pressure. I'll be ready for it tomorrow. Most of the preparations don't involve you or aren't applicable since we're on Air instead of the mortal realms. But if you can manage a trip to somewhere the moon shines before the ceremony, it would be respectful."
<Muirfinn> "I see no reason why wecan't do that."
> "It can't be the mortal realms for me. I died in Balmuria a few years back," Simmer speaks up, "Ysgard has a day-night cycle and could work."
<Muirfinn> "It's right around where we want to go, as well." Muirfinn nods.
> "I was going to suggest the Lost Eastlands," Kascha frowns a little bit, "But that places it out of the question. Ysgard works."
> OOC: Okay, so any plans beyond resting+going to Ysgard for the aforementioned moonlight thing?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Kascha needs to respell and stuff, but yeah. That's it really. Being a druid has its perks.
> OOC: Will you be providing the Gates again?
<Muirfinn> OOC: I don't see anyone else volunteering
> OOC: Okay.
> OOC: Aiming for anywhere in Ysgard in particular?
<Muirfinn> OOC: It's Ysgard. I think I'll let the plane decide whether we'll have to get in a fight or not. :D
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 77." [1d100=77]
> The Gate opens up into the Ysgardian night. The air is chilly-cold and perfectly clear as you stand atop a broad mountaintop. It's big enough to place a castle here, a titanically huge mountain expanding below you. Below are also the clouds, the air thin and the sky brillantly bright with stars and the looming full moon. It is darkness overcast with the silver-white shadow of the moon.
> Vivantha looks around, "All the songs and tales of frigid Ysgard's beauties are not exaggerated," she says as she slowly walks about, taking it all in. "Yet not a battle in sight."
> Simmer grunts at the mention of the cold, rubbing her arms and shoulder with her hands.
* Muirfinn kindly grants Simmer Attune Form with his wand.
> Simmer doesn't stop shivering. "Thanks, but Ysgard doesn't agree with me." At least her shivering slows, "But never mind it, I'm used to it. All the temperatures in Aurora are too cold for me."
<Muirfinn> "This place is famous for its battles, yes, but there are areas devoid of conflict, even here."
> "What's war without peace?" Kascha looks up at the full moon.
> roll 1d20+24
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+24 and gets 25." [1d20=1]
* Muirfinn nods.
> "That's not an argument I'd expect out of a celestial," Vivantha turns to Kascha at that, "At least one like you. No offense."
> "When I was a mortal, my life ended in war when Princess Marianne became the Destroyer. The only thing that saved the descendants of that tragedy was war against the Destroyer." She lightly shrugs her shoulders, "Seira and Alicia slew the Destroyer - a Tarrasque, if you know what is. I've learned about war from that. War and peace need each other."
> OOC: Muirfinn, you have true seeing up?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Always!
> "You remember your mortal life?" Vivantha speaks up, not hiding the surprise in her voice. Meanwhile Muirfinn can see na invisible scrying sensor appear over Kascha.
* Muirfinn raises an eyebrow. "Kascha. You are being scried."
> "Oh!" Kascha eeps even as she reaches for her greatsword! Simmer begins to look around immediately, flames lighting up the silvery night, "Devils." she says shor-gah! Abruptly the ground begins to quake! The entire mountain is shaking! The blue glow of magical auras explode into sight, leaking into the naturally visible spectrum! OOC: Ref saves, y'all. Also anyone can make spellcraft here if you like.
> roll 1d20+37 Vivantha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+37 Vivantha and gets 39." [1d20=2]
> OOC: I'm sorry, strike that. I read the wrong line. I meant balance checks.
> OOC: Total of 10 for Vivantha then.
> roll 1d20+10 Simmer
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 Simmer and gets 30." [1d20=20]
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+24+6 reflex
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+24+6 reflex and gets 34." [1d20=4]
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+50 spellcraftin
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+50 spellcraftin and gets 56." [1d20=6]
> roll 1d20+8 Kascha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 Kascha and gets 14." [1d20=6]
> OOC: Balance, not reflex, Yuth.
<Muirfinn> OOC Oh
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+5+1 balancin
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+5+1 balancin and gets 20." [1d20=14]
> roll 1d20+29 spellcraft Simmer
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+29 spellcraft Simmer and gets 39." [1d20=10]
> roll 1d20+44 spellcraft Kascha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+44 spellcraft Kascha and gets 58." [1d20=14]
> OOC: Make a supplementary K:P check, Yuth.
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+22
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+22 and gets 23." [1d20=1]
<Muirfinn> OOC: Bork bork bork
> As the ground shakes, Vivantha and Kascha are tossed down and knocked prone! Simmer and Muirfinn manage to stay up, swaying with the earthquake! Meanwhile it's impossible ot miss the signs! An incredibly powerful spell is being evoked, one calling on the primal powers of the earth. Part of the mountain is being animated with the spirit of a primal earth elemental - elemental demigods, akin to how solars stand above all other celestials.
> roll 1d20+33 Kascha K:P
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+33 Kascha K:P and gets 51." [1d20=18]
<Muirfinn> "Not good. We need to leave. Someone's turned this mountain into a giant earth elemental. Probably not just to say hello."
> "We need to..a.aaaaah! Yes that!" Kascha calls as she bounces on the ground! But even as you say that, the far side of the mountain shudders! With a tremendous CRACK it breaks off, hovering in the air! Before you it shifts and becomes the upper body of an absolutely titanic earth elemental! It's nearly 100ft tall from waist to head, looming tall enough to cast a shadow over the party! It speaks like rocks breaking apart, loud enough to make blood trickle from your ears, "IN THE NAME OF THE PACT OF CHARRED IRON, YOU SHALL BE BROKEN!" OOC: Init here. May need to do a fighting retreat if that's your plan.
* Kotono changes topic to ''
> roll 1d20+14 Vivantha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 Vivantha and gets 16." [1d20=2]
> roll 1d20+10 Simmer
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 Simmer and gets 12." [1d20=2]
> roll 1d20+12 Kascha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 Kascha and gets 32." [1d20=20]
> roll 1d20-1 Primal Earth Elemental
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20-1 Primal Earth Elemental and gets 2." [1d20=3]
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+12
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+12 and gets 24." [1d20=12]
> "I-i-it's able to control earth and earth magic!" Kascha blurts out, "It can mimic almost any spell related to earth, rock and stone!"
* Kotono changes topic to 'Kascha(32, prone)>Muirfinn(24)>Vivantha(16, prone)>Simmer(12)>Primal Earth Elemental(2)'
> "Are we retreating?!" Kascha calls, "Or are we fighting?" OOC: Kascha will hold pending that. Go Muirfinn.
<Muirfinn> "Try to destroy it! We will retreat if necessary!" Muirfinn says, his form warping and growing into the great winged form of a massive silver dragon. Muirfinn lets loose a massive blast of frigid ice and snow into its face with a titanic wintery roar! OOC: Go go dragon form, power of frozen eyeballs! Insert breath weapon. DC 29 which he'll likely autopass. still. 70 foot cone.
> roll 1d20+17 crappy ref since crappy dex
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 crappy ref since crappy dex and gets 19." [1d20=2]
<Muirfinn> OOC: Nuoh my gawd
<Muirfinn> roll 21d6 cold damage
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 21d6 cold damage and gets 71." [21d6=2, 5, 5, 6, 1, 1, 2, 5, 1, 4, 3, 4, 2, 6, 2, 4, 5, 6, 2, 4, 1]
> The blast of cold coats the elemental's face in great hanging icicles! Its entire face is iced over, but the massive creature isn't even slowed down by it! Instead...OOC: Kascha will take her held turn then.
* Kotono changes topic to 'Muirfinn(24)>Kascha(prone)>Vivantha(16, prone)>Simmer(12)>Primal Earth Elemental(2)'
> Kascha manages to sit up, focused on on rising but on an elaborate arcane pattern in the air! "Zeroum and Negative! Open the gate to the maximum and come forth!" At the same time a pale energy surrounds Kascha, as she points at the elemental! OOC: Assay SR+Empowered Maximized enervation.
> roll 1d20+36 vs SR
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+36 vs SR and gets 55." [1d20=19]
> roll 1d20+28 vs touch AC
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+28 vs touch AC and gets 42." [1d20=14]
* Kotono changes topic to 'Muirfinn(24)>Kascha(prone)>Vivantha(16, prone)>Simmer(12)>Primal Earth Elemental(2, -6 negative levels)'
> The beam hits the elemental in the shoulder! It barely seems to have an effect at first, but the corscucating black beam causes chunks of the elemental to wither down to dust, blowing away in the wind! Meanwhile Vivantha slowly rises to her feat, beginning to sing! "Brave Hero, do not let this defeat you!" Her song rouses Muirfinn, stirring his blood and passions! OOC: Song of Heroics on Muirfinn and herself, +4 morale to saves and +4 dodge bonus to AC. Simmer's up.
> Simmer manages to fall back quickly, a corona of flames surrounding her! She points at the creature and calls, "Surprise!" From below its waist is a suddenly burst of ruddy red firelight! OOC: Simmer's surprise with maximise spell from the rod and fiery spell attached. Metamagic specialist used. Battle spell applied. Using Assay SR as her swift.
> roll 1d20+33
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+33 and gets 47." [1d20=14]
> roll (20*6)+60+20
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls (20*6)+60+20 and gets 200."
> roll 1d20+42
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+42 and gets 52." [1d20=10]
> The elemental sags forward, but is able to stay up! Great torrents of steam rise up from them, obscuring the creature as suddenly Muirfinn feels a terrific pain deep in his bones! OOC: Do you have SR?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Is that a joke? I'm the only dragon out there without it!
> OOC: Fort.
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+50
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+50 and gets 54." [1d20=4]
> roll 35d6 halve this
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 35d6 halve this and gets 127."]
> Suddenly stone spikes erupt out from Muirfinn's draconic body in all directions! Blood gushes out from the wounds that pepper his form, as the spikes dig into the ground below! Muirfinn is pinned down, unable to move1 OOC: You're treated as being pinned and spikes extend 10ft from you in all directions. http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#pinned It's possible on your t urn to try and get out, break the spikes or whatever. But the elemental isn't done yet.
> As Muirfinn's draconic form erupts in stone and pain, the oversized fists of the elemental slam down! One fist goes for Kascha and the other goes for Vivantha!
> roll 1d20+42 (-8 levels) Vivantha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+42 (-8 levels) Vivantha and gets 59." [1d20=17]
> roll 1d20+42 (-8 levels) Kascha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+42 (-8 levels) Kascha and gets 49." [1d20=7]
> roll 1d20+42 (-8 levels) Vivantha crit threat
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+42 (-8 levels) Vivantha crit threat and gets 56." [1d20=14]
> roll 8d10+60 Vivantha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 8d10+60 Vivantha and gets 86." [8d10=6, 5, 1, 1, 4, 2, 2, 5]
> roll 4d10+30 Kascha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d10+30 Kascha and gets 50." [4d10=7, 1, 9, 3]
> OOC: -10 from Kascha's damage due to DR.
> The first fist hits Vivantha hard, pushing her hard into the ground! It leaves a crater in its wake, Vivantha knocked prone and bloodied! One arm is at an unnatural angle, surely broken! Kascha is also hit, bu tonly partially! She's sent rolling back in a heap, bruised but not out! OOC: Ow. Muirfinn. Alsodon't you have to roll for your breath weapon's recharge time?
<Muirfinn> roll 1d4 recharge
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d4 recharge and gets 3." [1d4=3]
* Kotono changes topic to 'Muirfinn(24, 2 rounds)>Kascha(prone)>Vivantha(16, prone)>Simmer(12)>Primal Earth Elemental(2, -6 negative levels)'
<Muirfinn> OOC: Thanks for reminding me
> OOC: Incidentally it should've been -6 and not -8, but oh well.
> OOC: Didn't matter.
<Muirfinn> OOC: What is DC to break spikes? And will shapeshifting drop them?
> Kascha groans lightly but is already rolling with it, "We need defenses!
>  OOC: Gah.
> Kascha groans lightly but is already rolling with it, "We need defenses!" Meanwhile Vivantha cries out in pain, her song stumbling!
<Muirfinn> OOC: What is DC to break spikes? And will shapeshifting drop them?
> OOC: Quick K:A check then.
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+22
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+22 and gets 34." [1d20=12]
> The spikes shouldn't be too hard to break, Muirfinn thinks. Shapeshifting...you aren't sure how that and the spell will interact. In theory the spikes should just change size, but it's possible they'd fall away or interfere with the shapeshifting. It's a corner case with an obscure spell.
<Muirfinn> Ever the scholar, there is no time like the present to learn! Muirfinn shifts out of draconic form and into his natural form! OOC: More coming depending on what happens!
> OOC: Make a fortitude save.
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+34+6 plus 4 is Vivantha's song is lingering which I think it does
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+34+6 plus 4 is Vivantha's song is lingering which I think it does and gets 52." [1d20=12]
> You get a painful jolt, but you transform back to normal without incident. The spikes change with you, becoming the right size. However, since the tears they ripped into the ground are far larger than the spikes now, you're free! OOC: You're treated as entangled thanks to having spikes jutting out in every direction, but you're not pinned any more. http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#entangled
> OOC: Anyway, rest of your turn is up. Go.
* Muirfinn waves a hand, invoking an inherent spell! OOC: Casting Acid Fog as an SLA, centered on the elemental's head. No save, no SR. Creates solid fog. It will likely buy us a small amount of time. We now have total concealment.
<Muirfinn> OOC: 20x20x20 sphere of solid fog.
<Muirfinn> OOC: Also, rolling concentration
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+33
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+33 and gets 38." [1d20=5]

[Anastasia]

> A foggy mass of sickening green fog cloaks the face of the primal elemental! It sizzles and pops against its stony face, the fumes hiding the party from sight! OOC: Is that all for you this round?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Yup
> Kascha stays kneeling, wincing as she manages to get up to one knee. "We need to hit it harder!" Kascha calls, hands drawing patterns of black and pallid grey in the air. "Again, be withered!" she calls, a beam of black un-energy arcing out towards the elemental!
> roll 1d20+36 SR
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+36 SR and gets 44." [1d20=8]
> roll 1d20 vs touch AC of a collossal creature with low dex, only misses on a 1
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 vs touch AC of a collossal creature with low dex, only misses on a 1 and gets 14." [1d20=14]
> OOC: Empowered enervation.
> roll 1d4*1.5
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4*1.5 and gets 1.5." [1d4=1]
* Kotono changes topic to 'Muirfinn(24, 2 rounds)>Kascha(prone)>Vivantha(16, prone)>Simmer(12)>Primal Earth Elemental(2, -7 negative levels)'
> As the beam hits it, the titanic creature only seems mildly phased, no visible damage! A moment later a whirling circle of blowing leaves and gusty wind appears to the side of the mammoth rock monster! A greater air elemental appears, a battlecry like a hurricane wind as it tears into your foe! OOC: Quickened summon greater elemental.
* Nephrite (Nephrite@65.33.115.172) has joined #dunes
* Kotono changes topic to 'Muirfinn(24, 2 rounds)>Kascha(prone)=Greater Air Elemental>Vivantha(16, prone)>Simmer(12)>Primal Earth Elemental(2, -7 negative levels)'
> roll 1d20+23
> roll 1d20+23
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+23 and gets 40." [1d20=17]
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+23 and gets 28." [1d20=5]
> But the blows do nothing, not rattling a single pebble on the creature! OOC: Vivantha.
> Vivantha begins to sing - two songs together with a powerful refrain! The first promises victory and bravery, singing the praises of Kascha and Simmer! The second sings of places beyond, singing of returning to whence you came! OOC: Song of Solitude for the second song.
> roll 1d20 will do all the math if it's low enough to be a possible fail
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 will do all the math if it's low enough to be a possible fail and gets 9." [1d20=9]
> But the creature remains there! OOC: Simmer.
> "Okay, no more holding back! BURN!" Simmer shouts, gathering the energies of Fire into her! A burst of fire appears around the elemental's midsection! OOC: Fiery/empowered/maximized Lingering Flames+battle spell+overwhelming spell+4d6 with mystic fire gauntlets.
> roll 15*6
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 15*6 and gets 90."
> roll 135+45+15+4d6
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 135+45+15+4d6 and gets 208." [4d6=6, 1, 3, 3]
> roll 1d20+35 (-7 levels)
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+35 (-7 levels) and gets 37." [1d20=2]
> roll 1d20+37 SR
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+37 SR and gets 52." [1d20=15]
> OOC: Strike, wrong save.
> OOC: 10+2=12 on the ref save.
* Kotono changes topic to 'Muirfinn(24, 2 rounds)>Kascha(prone)=Greater Air Elemental>Vivantha(16, prone)>Simmer(12)>Primal Earth Elemental(2, -7 negative levels, dazed 1 round)'
> The flames explode on its middle as Simmer's gauntlets flare aflame! Its face is covered in acid fog and blind, its midsection melting away and parts of its body crumbling to dust! It rocks back, momentarily aback! "Got it!" Simmer cries, "Now, get it! It's vulnerable!" OOC: Elemental's dazed. Go Muirfinn.
* Kotono changes topic to 'Muirfinn(24, 2 rounds)>Kascha(prone)=Greater Air Elemental>Vivantha(16, prone)>Simmer(12)>Primal Earth Elemental(2, -7 negative levels)'
* Kotono changes topic to 'Muirfinn(24, 2 rounds)>Kascha(prone)=Greater Air Elemental>Vivantha(16, prone)>Simmer(12)>Primal Earth Elemental(2, -7 negative levels, acid fog, lingering flames)'
> "Not talking so much now, are you?" Simmer's grin matches her light tone, "How about we make a pact of charred earth instead of charred iron?" She calls out in Ignan, "Melt, rock! It's the only worthwhile thing for Earth to do!"
<Muirfinn> Brandishing the leaf of Yggdrasil, Muirfinn channels the power of nature through it, calling on the earth and trees! Above the elemental, a massive conglomeration of trees, dirt, and rocks appear, raining wodn on the massive erathen monstrosity! OOC: Woo Deadfall. Reflex DC 28 or fall prone. No SR.
<Muirfinn> roll 20d6
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 20d6 and gets 71." [20d6=4, 5, 6, 4, 5, 5, 1, 3, 2, 5, 5, 1, 2, 4, 4, 4, 1, 4, 2, 4]
> roll 1d20+10 ref
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 ref and gets 12." [1d20=2]
> OOC: Roll the acid damage from acid fog too.
<Muirfinn> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 2d6 and gets 10." [2d6=5, 5]
> The the rain of wood and dirt knocks the elemental low! It leans down now, leaning against the rest of the mountain! It's off balance and prone, shaking and stumbling! Not a further word comes from it now! OOC: Prone.  Only so 'prone' it can get due to acid fog+being absolutely gigantic, but. That it, Muirfinn?
* Kotono changes topic to 'Muirfinn(24, 2 rounds)>Kascha(prone)=Greater Air Elemental>Vivantha(16, prone)>Simmer(12)>Primal Earth Elemental(2, -7 negative levels, prone, acid fog, lingering flames)'
> OOC: That it, Muirfinn?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Standard action, so not much I can do.Go ahead.
> Kascha continues to cast, "Shadow lords of entropy, strike down!" she cries, firing another enervation forth! She rises after, falling back behind Muirfinn!
> roll 1d20 touch AC
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 touch AC and gets 7." [1d20=7]
> roll 1d20+36 SR
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+36 SR and gets 40." [1d20=4]
> But the spell fizzles against the titanic creature! Meanwhile the air elemental hits and hits some more!
> roll 1d20 its 1 fishing
> roll 1d20 its 1 fishing
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 its 1 fishing and gets 8." [1d20=8]
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 its 1 fishing and gets 1." [1d20=1]
> OOC: Er, 20.
> As it flails hatefully but ineffectively, Vivantha keeps her song up - and again attempts to call on the powers of banishment!
> roll 1d20
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 14." [1d20=14]
> But again nothing happens! OOC: Lingering flames and them Simmer.
> roll 1d20+10
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 23." [1d20=13]
* Kotono changes topic to 'Muirfinn(24, 2 rounds)>Kascha(prone)=Greater Air Elemental>Vivantha(16, prone)>Simmer(12)>Primal Earth Elemental(2, -7 negative levels, prone, acid fog, lingering flames, dazed 1)'
> The flames continue to melt great big chunks of the elemental's middle! Streams of magma as big as Hanna and twice as wide pour down the creature's front, leaving sizzling and charred trails in its wake! As Simmer grins white flames cascade around her, the stone beneath her starting to melt! She just points and grins - too big, too many teeth - as a small orb of fire flies out! It strikes the creature in the chest, exploding into a fireball! OOC: Delayed blast fireball+empower+battle spell+metamagic specialist.
> roll 1d20+37 SR
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+37 SR and gets 54." [1d20=17]
> roll (20d6*1.5)+60
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls (20d6*1.5)+60 and gets 163.5." [20d6=5, 2, 3, 1, 4, 3, 2, 6, 4, 2, 3, 4, 1, 4, 3, 4, 5, 2, 5, 6]
> roll 1d20+10 ref
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 ref and gets 13." [1d20=3]
> A burst of fire erupts around its chest, sending stone and lignering rubble from above cascading around you as fiery shrapnel! Much of its front is gone now, melting or charred to stony ash! Chunks of bubbling, frozen over face-stone crumble out of the acid fog in th emeantime! OOC: Muirfinn, go.
* Kotono changes topic to 'Muirfinn(24, 2 rounds)>Kascha(prone)=Greater Air Elemental>Vivantha(16, prone)>Simmer(12)>Primal Earth Elemental(2, -7 negative levels, prone, acid fog, lingering flames)'
<Muirfinn> roll 2d6 acid
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 2d6 acid and gets 4." [2d6=1, 3]
* Muirfinn points at the elemental, intoning a sharp word as three sharpened logs fly from his hand, streaking out to strike at the thing's pitted and crumbling chest! OOC: Splinterbolt!
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+27 ranged touchhhhhhhh
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+27 ranged touchhhhhhhh
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+27 ranged touchhhhhhhh
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+27 ranged touchhhhhhhh and gets 38." [1d20=11]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+27 ranged touchhhhhhhh and gets 43." [1d20=16]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+27 ranged touchhhhhhhh and gets 39." [1d20=12]
> OOC: Hits.
<Muirfinn> roll 3#4d6
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 3#4d6 and gets 46." [3#4d6 = 16, 14, 16]
<Muirfinn> OOC: And done
> The shots fly true, burrowing into the creature's ruined chest! They punch straight through, moonlight peeking through the new holes as cracks run all along its chest! For the space of ab reath it is little more than cobwebbing cracks, before the entire chest begins to fall apart! It is an earthshaking cascade of rock! AS it falls apart a brown wave of energy erupts out and vanishes into the sky above! In the aftermath are lesser earthquakes and moonlight, now visible once more. OOC: Free act.
> Vivantha immediately holds her broken arm, chanting words of soothing magic!
> roll 3d8+15
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d8+15 and gets 26." [3d8=2, 4, 5]
> Simmer goes on over with that too large grin, kneeling besides a boiling pool of magma. She gathers some up on one finger and licks it down. "See that? You're the inferior element."
> Kascha dusts herself off, "We should fall back to Aurora before our peeing tom can do that again."
* Muirfinn immediately casts Heal on Kascha and Vivantha!
> Wounds are mended and bodies righted! Simmer goes over and gathers up a slab of red hot stone, a shard of the elemental's broken body. She comes on back, "Stone inhabited by a primal earth elemental? Afina should be able to make something good with it. Give it to Jaela or Hanna and have them sanctify it and it'll be great if we ever have to face Yan-C-Bin."
* Muirfinn nods at Simmer. "Good call. As it is, let's try to stay. I'll try to dispel any new sensors. We need to do this properly, after all."
> Simmer nods. Meanwhile Kascha frowns, "Isn't that a bad idea? We're inviting the chance of another attack. At the least let's go somewhere else on Ysgard."
<Muirfinn> "Very well. We can move while staying on the plane. Does anyone have a place they have in mind?"
> "I do," Kascha says quietly, "I'll teleport us there."
* Muirfinn nods, picking absently at the spikes protruding from his body. "I'll take care of these when we get somewhere safe."
> A quick teleportation later and the party is in a narrow, rocky valley. The moonlight falls here as well, a small stream and the ruins of burnt trees all around you. As Simmer lights up in a smile, Vivantha comes and taps the side of one spike, "They're not going away?"
<Muirfinn> "I'm hoping a simple Regenerate will remove them and restore my bones to their previous condition. This is...mildly painful now and extremely disorienting."
> Vivantha steps back, "Good luck, brave hero," she says with a warm smile.
<Muirfinn> "If not...well, I'm sure I'll find a way." Muirfinn says, pulling a simple staff from his back and releasing the spell held inside. OOC: Regenerate on meeeeeeeeeeeee
> There is a sharp moment of agonizing pain as the spikes slide back into Muirfinn's body! No blood is shed as his form recovers, the pain fading after a few heart-grinding moments.
* Muirfinn shivers a bit, patting hemself down. "I thought that might work. An unpleasant spell, that. I've never seen its like."
> "I've heard of it," Kascha speaks up, "It's called Stone Skewers." She goes to sit on a mostly intact log, brushing away a bit of charred ash. "A person's skeleton has trace amounts of Earth in it and the spell causes those traces to multiply many times over. It forms them into spikes - which alone is usually lethal, but the spell's designed to have the spikes trap the victim if they're close to the ground, a wall ora nything they could get stuck in. Not to mention anyone nearby."
<Muirfinn> "A vicious spell." Muirfinn says with a shake of his head.
> "It might be possible for a druid like you to use, if your magic is sufficiently skilled." Tapping one long finger against her lips as she hmmms a few moments, "Baleruk mentioned it. It's of the 10th circle and beyond the grasp of most, but your spellcraft is extremely advanced."
<Muirfinn> "It's possible, yes. We'll see after we get some down time. I'll look into it." Muirfinn says.
> OOC: What are y'all gonna do now? Moon stuff, I presume?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Moon stuff, yeah. Hopefully we can do this without being interrupted, though I'll have a Greater Dispel readied just in case.
> OOC: Make a will save?
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+32+6
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+32+6 and gets 40." [1d20=2]
> Fortunately, the rest of the ritual goes without incident. Thus you travel back to Aurora and rest...OOC: Go ahead and reset/update your spells. HP is restored for all, resources refreshed. Lemme know when you're done and I'll move us along.
<Muirfinn> OOC: Might be a while, just a heads up
> OOC: Sure, I need to shower'n'stuff anyway.
> OOC: Back in 15.
> From there the four enter the small chapel of Selune. Balyss is there, clad in silver armor and robes. "Blessed be those who enter the House of the Moon," she intones in a voice. Far behind her, past the altar, one can momentarily see the flickering images of others - like a bit of moonlight in the night, Muirfinn unable to quite make them out. They echo the words of Balyss.
<Muirfinn> "You have our thanks for these blessings." Muirfinn says, bowing respectfully. "And our thanks for this service."
> Balyss approaches, taking Muirfinn's hands into her own. "Selune turns away none that are wise enough to listen to her words. Those who seek the guidance of the moon will always find their way here." Behind her it is echoed and appended with, "The path will always be revealed in the light of the moon."
<Muirfinn> "We appreciate it." He adds, grasping her hands in turn.
> Darkness falls in the church! The phrase, "The path will always be revealed in the light of the moon," is repeated over and over, as before you a silver-lit path to the altar appears. Balyss steps aside now, "I will guide you in spirit. Approach the altar and kneel to hear the words of the Moonmaiden."
* Muirfinn does so, moving carefully up to the altar and kneeling.
> The world around you seems to vanish, save for the full moon above. It shines in the sky, surrounded by twinkling stars. As if all the night sky was a dress and the stars were small diamonds surrounding one great, ethereal pearl. From the moon a single silver teardrop falls, cascading to the ground. It does not break apart, instead it smoothly flows upward into the shape of a young girl. She holds a bouquet of white flowers in her arms, clad in a white dress with pale gray skin and white hair. Her voice comes from her - and from each of your sides and behind you. "Speak of your wish. Offer your wish."
<Muirfinn> "We seek a great hoard of treasure hidden in Nidavellir. One of our own has need of it, and it would greatly enhance our campaign against the forces of the Nine Hells. In return, we offer our services to you for present or future deeds in your name." Muirfinn says. "Can you help us?"
> In the light of the moon, the full moon slowly becomes a waning moon. The young woman before you is tall and lithe, in the full flower of new womanhood. "New life and new power. The Abyssal scion Athux took leave of his dark father, the Demon Prince Graz'zt. The realm of Greenrot has become his realm to rule. He is newborn to his power and his dark father is wroth with him."
<Muirfinn> "You wish him slain then? The son of Graz'zt?"
> "He is weak. Vulnerable. Isolated." The woman is middle aged, the lines of time and history showing on her face. The moon above is now slipping into the new moon, darkness overtaking you. The only light is the woman, so radiant as she speaks from all around you. "He may still yet be slain by mortals under the right circumstances, for his dark father has greatly attacked his cosmic power."
* Muirfinn nods. "What are these conditions and where can we find him? We will gladly slay him."
> Slowly the moon rises again. It is a waxing moon now, an old woman before you. Yet she does not sag with age, her posture straight as before. "The last lord of Greenrot was slain at the end of a journey by the Crimson Guard. The deities Alicia and Seira participated in this. You must repeat this journey and confront Athux at his base of power. The repetition of this journey shall net you the power of law. The nascent energies left behind by the Crimson Guard shall grant you the power of righteousness. A blade of holy cold iron wielded by a maiden pure in body can destroy Athux for all time if that path is repeated."
* Muirfinn nods at the woman. "Consider it done."
> The moon is so bright once more. The young child stands before you, "Go. Prepare and begin the journey. Balyss will tell you more." Around you the world becomes a silvery haze, before you see the altar once more. Natural light has returned, Balyss approaching and offering a hand up.
* Muirfinn takes the hand, standing. "That went well."
> "Selune smiled on your request. I've been informed of more information. First of all," Starting to walk towards the door out, "Are you familiar with Graz'zt or Athux at all?"
<Muirfinn> "I know a bit of the father, but not the son."
> "Graz'zt is the demon lord of tyrants," A pause here, "Baator doesn't have a monopoly on it," she adds ruefully, "As well as the Demon Prince of seduction. Athux is a chip of the block as far as that part goes, and also takes after his mother. There's a book in the library about him, one of those lost lore of the Abyss ones from the bookshop. His mother was a powerful mortal blackguard and he follows the same path. He's a seducer, a murderer and a petty tyrant of whims. According to what I've been able to find, the Crimson Guard slew the last lord of Greenrot and Athux pounced on the lordship. Gurlan used to rule it, but wasn't much of a lord. However, the layer was obscure enough that it hardly mattered. Athux's more ambitious, but he jumped ship from his father's court to do that. Daddy didn't approve.""
<Muirfinn> "I can imagine so." Muirfinn says wryly. "How did the Crimson Guard deal with the last lord?"
> "They killed him." A light shrug, "You could ask Kascha or Ebony more about it. He wasn't a divinity or cosmic lord from what I gather from my instructions from above. Athux isn't so limited, but Graz'zt is doing his best to impede him."
* Muirfinn nods. "We'll need to move on this fast, then."
> "Selune didn't send a sense of immediate urgency," Balyss pauses at the door out, "But to stop a moment, you'll need to assemble a team to go. Moreover, you'll need a pure maiden to wield a holy, cold iron blade to kill him. I can offer you my moonfire blasting sword if you want to borrow it. It's not holy, but if you have the wealth to change that, it would serve you well. Before you ask," Coughing into her hand, "I don't qualify. Some sects of Lunatics and general Selunites take vows of chastity, but I didn't."
<Muirfinn> "I am certain that we can find someone. You have my thanks for the blade. With any luck, we'll use it to slay the beast and further the causes of Selune." Muirfinn says.
> "Good luck. Get whom you'll take together, find your holy maiden and meet me in the library. I'll give you the rest of the information Selune promised then." Balyss says, "I'll leave the blade with Afina, so if you want it you cans wing by, have her improve it and pick it up before you go."
* Muirfinn nods, heading out. "Thanks again."
> OOC: What's your plan now, tortle?
<Muirfinn> OOC: RESEARCH!
<Muirfinn> OOC: And you know, find a virgin and stuff
> OOC: Which one do you wanna tackle first?
<Muirfinn> "Preferably one that knows how to swing a sword
<Muirfinn> OOC *
<Muirfinn> OOC: Let's go ask KAscha and Ebony what they remember of the path the Crimson Guard took, since we have to do it all the same way.
> By a stroke of relative fortune, you find the two together. They're at Winddance, sipping cups of something warm and steaming. A chocolate cake is between them, the two nibbling and talking quietly together. Not so quietly that you can't hear as you approach, "...know. It's powerful but there's enough elemental scions that could, and more than a few are willing to sell the service." Ebony says.
> "Mmm, mmm," Kascha sighs after a bite of her cake, a gentle smile creasing her face. "Oh no, I was hoping you'd have a different answer." Despite that she's fully upbeat, "But I knew you'd probably have the same."
> "It's no great surprise," Ebony agrees, and raising her voice just slightly, "Kascha tells me you battled a primal spirit of the Elemental Plane of Earth. Congratulations on your victory, it's an impressive one."
<Muirfinn> "We were well prepared for it. We made a good team on that." He nods to Kascha. "Thanks."
> "Join us," Ebony gestures to an empty chair, "Cake?"
> "Thank you!" Kascha smiles again at that, "I'm sooo sorry about losing myself with Mazpluan!"
* Muirfinn sits. "I don't have chocolate often, I may as well. Thanks." He waves off Kascha's apologies. "No need. He is a creature of madness. I'd have been more concerned if you hadn't reacted at all."
> As a slice is made and plate slid over to Muirfinn, "Sorry anyway." Bowing her head briefly, "I've been asking about the primal elemental we battled and who could have summoned it. Unfortunately, auguries have shown nothing but an impediment against them. Summoning a primal elemental is rare but not impossible, and some of the more socialable - relatively - elementals even barter or sell their services to other powerful entities."
> "It's not Baator's style," Ebony adds, her fork playing with a bit of cake without actually spearing it. "But I can't rule out a change of strategy, and they'd have the resources to stop divinations. We also can't confirm it's them, and they aren't the only enemy Aurora has."
> The background din of Winddance is quiet. Several of the tables are filled. A few away are Adrian and Misalea, sitting close and sharing some pudding. They're laughing with each other, all smiles. Cresea watches over it all, windy form gently buffeting the entire restaurant with a cool breeze.
<Muirfinn> "Keep in mind that it could also be Mazpluan. He demonstrated some strong skill with spellwork."
> "Entirely possible," Ebony says, "In other words, we can't conclude much of anything from this."
> "I passed it onto Morniel, and he'll pass it onto the generals," Kascha adds, "Ithea's been on Earth before and she might know someone or have some insights."
<Muirfinn> "Yes, that's where she found me."
<Muirfinn> "And you, if I recall correctly.
<Muirfinn> "
* Merc-zzz is now known as Merc
> "Mmm." Kascha murmurs. There's a pause to eat - the cake is extremely good, all sweetness and chocolate without being cloying. "How did the petition to Selune go?"
<Muirfinn> "Well enough. She wants us to kill the son of Graz'zt in Greenrot. She said you might have some knowledge of that."
> "Athux," Ebony says quietly, putting down her fork with a fragile, metallic clatter. "I do."
> "So do I," Kascha says, "I've heard the stories firsthand."
<Muirfinn> "By all means," Muirfinn holds out one arm while another shovels a bite into his mouth with a fork. "share if you can."
> "You want to know about him?" Ebony inquires. "I did some research into him for Sylica. While not precisely a foe, he's still had interactions with the Goddesses. How much do you know already?"
<Muirfinn> "Relatively little. He's the son of Graz'zt, has led his armies a few times, and reently took over Greenrot. His father is of course not pleased with this, likely because he can't keep Athux directly under his thumb anymore. I know the Crimson Guard slew the last lord of Greenrot, but I don't know how they got there."
> "Athux lead Graz'zt's dark armies more than a few times," Ebony remarks, "He made his bones leading Abyssal forces in the Blood War and also against the forces of Orcus and Demogorgon. He's a violator of any being that catches his eye." With a hint of scorn in her voice, "But you must remember that he's an accomplished general and a powerful blackguard. It runs in the family, his mother was a precocious hellion to the forces of the Abyss. But as far as Graz'zt goes, he's angry at that and for Athux not handing the realm over to him. If he intends to kill Athux or firmly make him a vassal isn't clear. Athux has a relatively small army of abyssal ragtags and defectors from his father's court, as well as his own...entertainments." The word is said flatly, "Vile perversions as only the darkest feelings of the Abyss could create. He's pressured by his father, as well as Demogorgon and Orcus. Further, a few Baatorian harrassment parties have attacked him. The devils never do forget an enemy."
<Muirfinn> "So he's on his guard, then?"
> "Only a fool wouldn't be in the Abyss." Ebony says, pausing to eat a little bit of cake. After that moment of quiet, "But moreso than the norm. If he gets too weak, he's an appealing target to every greater demon who craves true Abyssal power. But right now it looks like he has enough prestige to keep his army topped off, but there's no great margin for error. As near as we can tell, figuring forces in the Abyss is impossible to do past generalities."
> "I've seen demons split into multiple demons or demons just vanish," Kascha adds, a hint of uneasiness in her voice. "It drove a mortal insane to see and it still makes my skin crawl."
* Muirfinn nods. "It sounds like we will need to coordinate with an attack already in progress, or be very subtle. While we are strong, fighting an army of demons is not on my list of things to do this week."
> "Obyrith's work," Ebony appends, pausing a moment to push back her hood.
> "Subtletly will serve well. An assassin's party rather than a full war party," Ebony says, "A distraction wouldn't hurt. Alicia was able to contract a white slaad to make a distraction as they advanced on The Green Castle."
<Muirfinn> "Doesn't Ithea know that one slaad? The one with the dungeon?"
> Kascha quickly shakes her head, "Don't bring him up. Trust me. Really don't."
<Muirfinn> "Bad?"
> Ebony has a ghost of a smile on her face at that, "Do consider a distraction if it fits your plans. Moreover, a recent book in Aurora's library provided insight on how to slay Athux. He fears holy, cold iron weapons wielded by a pure maiden. A thing that completely opposed what he is."
> "Bad." Kascha says, waving her hands, "No no no, don't ask Ithea about that. Trust me."
* Muirfinn nods. "Selune said much the same. We just need to find a pure girl that can reliably use a sword."
<Muirfinn> "I'll take your word for it." He says to Kascha.
> "Mmm." Ebony considers, "I must recuse myself, for I fail on both counts. I recall my mortal life and am thus not free of that particular connotation of it. I suspect Kascha is in the same position."
> Kascha turns very red and swiftly looks down, as if her plate is the most interesting thing in Creation.
* Muirfinn nods along. "As expected. War and passion tend to run well together. I suspect it takes great dedication fo remain pure."
> "The body wants what the body wants. Let alone when the heart and soul join in." Ebony again has a ghost of a smile, "If I may ask, how are you going to find your pure maiden?"
<Muirfinn> "I honestly haven't the foggiest."
> As Kascha continues to mimic being as red as a ruby, Ebony chuckles, "Of course you don't. Mmmm. Misaela's obvious disqualified, as is Hanna. Hmmm. This isn't a question for a man to go around asking the ladies. Perhaps...mmm. I have a few ideas. Enjoy your cake and rest a time." Ebony rises, "Allow me. There's really no good way I can think of you directly accomplishing this goal, save if you wish to wallow in embarrassment and scandal."
* Muirfinn adopts an innocent look. "But Ebony, I'm not embarassed to ask at all."
> "You aren't, but they will be." Ebony says, but with a sardonic smile as her wings flare out, "If you insist, go ask them yourself. While you're at it, kindly ask Kascha to cast Stoneskin on you before you go."
* Muirfinn snorts. "You go right ahead. I appreciate you volunteering."
> A bit of peaceful time of cake and light conversation with Kascha passes. Soon enough Ebony returns, pausing only to fetch some tea before joining you again. "I've found two possibilities," she says.
<Muirfinn> "Yes?"
> "Vivantha qualifies. I'm not sure if it's due to her metamorphosis or not, but she said she is. The other is Mirajane, Jaela's adopted daughter. That has...difficulties." Pausing on that, "Familial disagreements about her going forth into glorious battle against evil. I'm not privy to most of it, but it may not be a wise idea to invite her."
<Muirfinn> "Yes, I recall that when I spoke with her, Jaela was somewhat upset." Muirfinn muses, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Very well. I'd prefer to involve Vivantha anyway."

[Anastasia]

> "So you and Vivantha," Kascha says, "Who else is going?"
<Muirfinn> "Well, you are of course invited, Kascha. As for our fourth, I was thinking perhaps someone with personal knowledge and experience with the Abyss. I was thinking either the Master or Canderella. Your thoughts?"
> "Oh!" Kascha smiles slightly, "Of course!"
> Ebony considers, pausing to sip at her tea. She closes her eyes after, steam rising up to her face. "I've been them both fight, Canderella more than the Master. The Master is a better warrior, but Canderella makes up for that with her native knowledge. Also, she's been working on something I appreciate greatly and I'm certain the both of you two would as well. She's found a way to channel her personal force of will into her spells and those who listen to her voice. It greatly augments the ability of your spells to overcome resistance to magic."
<Muirfinn> "Ah, I see. That could be most useful." Muirfinn nods. "How has it worked out?"
> "The effect is at least greater than Assay Spell Resistance," Ebony says, again sipping her tea, "I presume you're familiar with that incantation? How much so is difficult to ascertain."
* Muirfinn nods. "I am leaning toward Canderella. Her knowledge of the Abyss would be invaluable."
> "Mmm. Elena, where is Ebony?" Ebony asks aloud. Elena promptly appears and points right at Ebony before vanishing. That causes her to stop and stare a moment, entirely off balance. "Eh?"
> "Huh? Why'd you ask where you were?" Kascha asks, glancing over at Muirfinn with concern. "Ah, are you feeling alright?"
<Muirfinn> "Me? I'm perfectly fine. You two are acting odd." Muirfinn  leans back, peering at the two women warily.
> "I asked where Canderella was," Ebony says, looking between the two in confusion.
> "No, you asked where Ebony was." Kascha says, "Right, Muirfinn?"
<Muirfinn> "Yes. Ebony asked where Ebony was."
> "Ah." Clearing her throat, "My apologies. Elena," With a bit more snappiness to her words, "Where is Canderella?"
> Elena appears again, clearing her throat, "AHEM! Canderella's at the memorial. She's having a conversation with Hanna - as far as they ever converse."
> Ebony raises a single eyebrow but nods, "There you go."
* Muirfinn nods, standing. "Enjoy the rest of your cake, ladies. I suppose I'll need to go intervene before one strangles the other."
> By the time you get to the memorial, there's no sign of Hanna. Canderella's there, sitting near the wall. 27 rests its head on her lap, as she idly pets its head. The image of a rather large trollish, demonic figure is currently being projected.
* Muirfinn eyes the image as he approaches, recognizing it. "That's Willim, correct? One of the original group that found this place?"
> "Yes." Tapping the wall so that the image winks away, "I've heard stories, but..." At this moment 27 stirs, sitting up and looking at Muirfinn. It just stares at him for several long seconds before, "There will be repetition in more than one way, and in something you may not immediately suspect. But it's not your battle, even if you can win it."
* Muirfinn nods slowly at the weird little slaad before turning to Canderella. "All lives lost in this crusade are a tragedy. We can only hope to make their sacrifices count for something greater."
> Not even missing a beat at that, "Mmm-hmm. So are you here to reflect on the fallen?"
> 27 stares long at Muirfinn again, before going up to his foot and starting to gnaw on it.
* Muirfinn ignores the creature for right now. Chok's teeth are sharper anyway. "No. I am here to ask for your aid. I am mounting a strike on the Abyss, to slay Athux the son of Graz'zt in Greenrot. I thought I would ask if you cared to come along. Your knowledge of the Abyss would be invaluable to us."
> "Oh!" Starting to smile, "A trip back home! But it's never as fun anymore." Shaking her head with a hint of sadness, "I'll come along. Who else is participating?"
<Muirfinn> "Myself, Kascha, and Vivantha. An unlikely team, but I am hoping that it will be effective. One more will round us out, but she has not yet been found."
> "Would that be little me or a fifth?" Canderella's sorrows are already gone, as 27 just stares up at you. He stares and stares and stares and stares.
<Muirfinn> "A fifth. We need a virgin, a pure maiden. Preferably one that knows how to swing a sword."
<Muirfinn> OOC: STriiiike. Strikey strike strike
<Muirfinn> "Myself, Kascha, and Vivantha. An unlikely team, but I am hoping that it will be effective." Muirfinn says. "Is this satisfactory?"
> "Mmmm. On one condition," Canderella finally says, with a heartstopping smile as she slowly leans into Muirfinn. "If we're going to slay a demon lord, I want to eat cake on his corpse. Get Ebony to provide us a few cakes and store them in a bag of holding."
<Muirfinn> Chaos. Muirfinn sighs. "If it will make you happy, Canderella, and if we have the time. I do not know if we will be able to evade all of his forces."
> "Come now. Who can say they slew a demon lord and had their cake, too?" With a beautiful smile she reaches out and pats Muirfinn's cheek. "I'm in."
* Muirfinn nods. "We'll meet at the gates soon, then. Please be ready."
> OOC: Now what then?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Now it's time for a staring contest between me and the slaad.
> 27 continues to stare at Muirfinn. Canderella saunters off to the portal and yet 27 continues to stare.
* Muirfinn placidly returns the stare with his clear blue eyes, sapphire orbs full of flowing waters and endless seas.
> Still the strange slaad herald stares at Muirfinn. It stares at him long, before uttering...words? It's like you can see the words coming out of its mouth, and they flex and vibrate and twist in the air. Words you don't know nor can you know. But Muirfinn's world is utterly consumed with animalistic terror. It fills his senses like the pain of being impaled. Utter agony. A terror as something important is ripped apart. The claws. The claws rip in, rip into your beautiful ************ bleeding and hurting running terror fear terror fear fear fear fear terror fear fear fear-Muirfinn kneels. His mind races as he returns to himself. If nothing else, 27's gone now, as a sense of confusion is peppered by one salient question: What the hell just happened?"
* Muirfinn staggers, holding his head. He gives it a good shake as if trying to clear it and peer around himself for a moment before centering himself. He has things to do, and he moves on.
> OOC: Were you going to get everyone together and talk to Balyss now or something else?
<Muirfinn> LEt's do that, yeah. Preferably before I have any more bright ideas.
<Muirfinn> OOC: *
> Muirfinn, Canderella (after Elena retrieves her from the gate), Kascha, Vivantha and Balyss. The five of you meet in the library. All of you are sitting comfortably as Balyss goes over what you know so far. "...so that's as far as I got with Muirfinn." A moment's pause, "First of all, let me detail the journey you need to make. You'll be starting in the city of Balmuria. I can transport all of you there myself. Sylvie could too if you'd rather she does it. I'd recommend saving your spells for the Abyss. Balmuria's friendly and just a starting point, so there's not a lot to worry about there....except the Mythal." Snapping her fingers, "Canderella, I don't think it should apply to you. But if it does, just go to the Western Reaches and teleport from there. It's still technically a part of Balmuria and should hopefully be good enough. If you can get into the city, go to Whimisical Sweets. I have a friend there that will let you use it as a gating point. You'll need to transport yourselves from there to the Silver Sea. I can come along and transport all of you as well if you'd like to save another spell."
> "A Mythal?" That gets Canderella's full attention, "Impressive for a mortal city to have something like that."
> "A goddess did it. Two." Kascha adds quietly, "So the Astral Plane is next? We've all been there before more than once. We know what's coming for that part."
* Muirfinn nods, waiting as Balyss tells her directions.
> "Right." Balyss continues, "You'll be headed to Dysani, a githzerai city on the Astral. The githyanki take steps against it, but the githzerai have been persistent and endured. I'm not up on local politics there enough to know the details. It's not imporant anyway. The city's known for being full of controlled color pools. It's a hub for travelers and you'll be looking for a pool to the Infinite Staircase." A nod to Vivantha, "I'm sure you'll make this next part eays. You'll need to find an encampment known as the Planeswalkers Guild and then travel to a door that leads to Greenrot."
> "I've been there!" Vivantha speaks up, "Yes, I can request assistance once we enter the Stair. We'll have an escort to chase away any problems and give us early warning if we're heading towards trouble."
<Muirfinn> "From there, I assume that Canderella will be able to safely guide us to Athux's lair." Muirfinn says, nodding in gratitude at Vivantha.
> "About that," Canderella and Balyss say at the same time. Balyss quickly clears her throat, "Remember, Greenrot's changed since Athux has been in charge. It's not longer a land of disease and boiling planes of cysts." She makes an EW face after that, "Lovely images."
> "It was as bad as it sounds," Kascha chimes in quietly.
> "I can still find the way, it's in my blood," Canderella adds, "But we should expect surprises. More than usual for the Abyss, and previous knowledge is even more useless than usual."
* Muirfinn nods. "We are still better off."
> "Athux favors certain types of servants," Balyss continues, "Succubi blackguards, dark paladins. They may look like sluts pretending to be warriors, but they have deadly trick-GAH!" Balyss shudders as a shock of electricity runs through her! She sits on her seat, hair wild from the shock. Canderella lightly clears her throat, "I've pretended to be a warrior lately. Really now."
> "Can we stay on topic?" Vivantha speaks up, "This is important!"
> Kascha mutters something - something about succubi and it doesn't sound kind. But it's only half heard at best.
<Muirfinn> "Let's keep opinions to ourselves, shall we ladies?" Muirfinn says, hoping to redirect them back on course.
> "But they have deadly tricks," With a glare at Canderella, "Succubi that specialize in enchantments are common as well. They lead around hordes of hezrou - they're generally subservient to the succubi by order of Athux - all dolled up. I don't pretend to understand the reasoning there, but he seems to draw hezrou but dislike them. No matter." WAving it aside, "He needs help enough to where a lot of ragtag greater demons have thrown in. As long as they help the fight he's largely let them do as they please. I've heard reports of Nalfeshnee and Balors."
> Canderella returns that glare, "There's likely some reason for it. Athux is a good general from all reports."
* Muirfinn sighs very quietly. Why can't everyone just get along?
> "Moving on." Balyss breaks the stare down and clears her throat again. Meanwhile Vivantha sighs as well as Balyss continues. "Secondly, I've left my sword with Afina. It's there if any of you want to have it enhanced to take with you."

[Anastasia]

* Muirfinn nods. "We will go see her if there is anything we need. Anything else?"
> "Yes. Thirdly," Going on, "I've foreseen danger. This will not be an easy trip for you. Walk carefully, walk safely and walk with wisdom," Balyss looks to each of you, "Be prepared for anything."
> "Prepare for everything and nothing," Canderella says, "You can't predict chaos like the Abyss, only be prepared to endure what it throws at you."
> "I'm more worried about the Astral Plane," Kascha adds in, "I just hope we don't have another ambush or more trouble."
<Muirfinn> "When are we ever out and not assaulted by dangerous foes?" Muirfinn asks. "We shall endure."
> "Well then," Balyss stands, "May Selune guide your path." OOC: Any prep to do before going?
<Muirfinn> OOC: I honestly have no opinion on the blade. Whatever Vivantha wants since she'll be using it? Holy enchant maybe?
> OOC: Works for her. The 25k question: Do you have actually have th emoney to upgrade it?
<Muirfinn> I don't!
<Muirfinn> OOC Tag.
> OOC: Balyss will put holy up. She has a shitload of cash, I'll figure it out later. Ready to move on then?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Onward to ab yssal nonsense
> Balyss joins you just outside of Aurora. A glass platform floats in the air here, Kascha doing a doubletake at it but not commenting further. Balyss steps out onto it, "I'll take us to Balmuria. Join hands with me," She offers her hands out.
* Muirfinn does so!
> Vivantha takes one hand, squeezing Muirfinn's as Kascha takes Balyss' other. Canderella completes the circle and thus you transport! You appear on a bright, sunny day. The grass is green and the air has a salty sea tang. A road is nearby, leading to the border city of Balmuria. Balyss pauses long enough to fiddle with a ring she wears. For a moment a shaft of moonlight illuminates her, as if against the backdrop of night. She then appears as a human version of herself, facial features slightly different but still notably her. "C'mon, we're not far. It's not too long a walk."
> Canderella takes a long breath of air, wrinkling her nose after. "The Primes always smell strange," she opines.
> As she goes, Canderella shifts into a non winged, non demonic version of herself. Kascha holds a moment and incants a similar spell, doing the same.
> "They're invigorating. They smell so alive through the doors of the Stair." She likewise changes in the meantime.
* Muirfinn sniffs at the air. "It smells like earth and humans. Vaguely." Muirfinn says as his scales go all weird and puttylike and oh god he's a shapeless mass and SO MANY EYES and then he's a nondescript human.
> Canderella pauses at that, a coy smile showing on her face, "My, have you seen a Ocalanthalan before?"
<Muirfinn> "A what?"
> "A band of Fallen that are said to have come from a holy place. They have a thousand eyes and were created so they could see as much of the holiness to better understand it," Canderella continues lightly, "They're known as Thousand-Eye demons in their Fallen state."
<Muirfinn> "Oh. Well, in that case, I'd have to say no." Muirfinn says. "Why do you ask?"
> "You momentarily resembled one." Sighing with a fond smile, "I remember the good times Ocayza and I had. The Ocalanthalan are so -good- at driving mortals insane. You can let one walk through a city square, and in a day the entire city will have fallen to madness and anarchy."
<Muirfinn> "That's...lovely. And also terrifying." Muirfinn helpfully points out.
> "I know." Another sigh as the others hurry on, seeming to ignore the conversation. "It's just not the same anymore. I'd probably end up trying to stop it instead of enjoying the fun."
<Muirfinn> "That is a very good thing." Muirfinn says. "Otherwise, we would be obligated to stop you."
> "Yes yes," Canderella waves it off, and thus you pass into Balmuria. Passing through the Mythal is without incident, Canderella not bursting into flame. Balyss sighs in relief but doesn't comment, as you come on Whimsical Sweets. The outside is as Muirfinn saw last time, Balyss taking a steeling breath before heading inside.
> "Candy?" Vivantha smiles and hurriedly follows. Kascha is more relaxed, following happily.
* Muirfinn taps his nose thoughtfully. "Why does this remind me of something...?"
> "Hm?" Canderella pauses outside, "Have you been here before?"
<Muirfinn> "I do not believe so." Muirfinn looks around.
> "Oh w-" BOOOOOOM! Balyss, Kascha, Vivantha and a blonde come flying out of Whimsical Sweets, a great gush of cherry red fired spewing out after! The scent of sugar and cherries fills the air, powerfully strong! The ladies land in a heap, the blonde thrashing atop, "Woah...like..."
* Muirfinn blinks once. "...that is a great deal of candy."
> "I hear that a lot," Canderella says with a chuckle. From amid the pile you hear groans and whimpers! Meanwhile a rather fat half-elf emerges, dressed in...grapes? His outfit has dozens of large grape-like balls attached to it, making him look like a plump cluster of grapes. "Ah, alas and ill tidings! I'm afraid I added too much cherry bomb to this recent concoction, but fear not, for pain is only temporary and we have in our good compay Balyss once more; nonetheless, I marvel that we'll all smell as fair, pleasing and nostalgic as cherries on a warm summer's night."
> "Shut...up...Josa..." Balyss groans from beneath several hapless victims, "Selune's sake...just...shut...up!"
<Muirfinn> "...Josa...of course! The candy elf!" Muirfinn's face dawns into a satisfied smile. "Now I remember."
> "Like," Rubbing the side of her head, Yuria slowly getting up. She dusts off her cherry-charred clothes, "Next time add less cherry acid too."
> "You know him?" Canderella glances over, "Is he a pet jester?"
> Next up is Kascha, coughing and wiping her eyes clear. "Ooooow...!"
<Muirfinn> "I've heard of him." Muirfinn nods. "But I've met Yuria over there."
* Muirfinn clears his throat, speaking up. "Is everyone alright?"
> From that Vivantha is next, rolling off and landing on her butt. Her voice sounds dazed, "All I can smell is cherries," she groans, "So many cherries!"
> Balyss is lying face down at the bottom of the pile, neatly impressed into the street. Her leg twitches up a few times before planting back down. "Why me, Selune?" she can be heard groaning, "Wasn't that slaad dungeon enough suffering for my sins? Have I displeased you?"
* Muirfinn pulls a blue-tinted glass pitcher from his pack, muttering under his breath as pure, clear water flows out of it. "Anyone wish to rinse?"
> Josa merely coughs into his hand, "Ah, I believe we've met when Sylvie came back to us!" Josa perks up, "Excellent salutations and fond reunions, Muirfinn! To what can our fair city and hearthstone of home, hospitality and hope offer you this day that the places far and wide beyond cannot, for I fear our shop may pale in comparison to the many wondrous tales and fables of what lies beyond others have brought back in recent times."
> Vivatha holds a hand up. "Me," Kascha chimes in quickly.
> Balyss finally rolls over, her entire front scuffed up. There's only a hint of a split lip, and that seals itself within moments, as if it was never there. "Going inside," she gestures vaguely, "Need a place to teleport from. Symbolic. Selune said so," Rubbing her forehead, "Just let them in, Josa."
<Muirfinn> "Well, we can cross cherries off the list, for starters." Muirfinn says, pouring the water over the girls. "Probably forever."
> Water is followed by a duo of cleansing cantrips, drying them off and replacing the overwhelming scent of cherries. At least somewhat, anyway. Yuria stumbles back in, shaking her head.
> "Ah, I see, I see! Who are we to question the word of the Goddess of the fair Lunatics and those who put their lives into the endless crucible of prophecy and meaning hidden in meanings wrapped in enigma and fantasy?" Stepping aside from the door, "Please, enter!"
> Balyss gets up as well, heading inside, "C'mon. Upstairs everyone."
<Muirfinn> Muttering another word of command, the water ceases to flow from the pitcher and is subsequently put away. Muirfinn clasps hands with Josa as he enters. "It is indeed good to see you again. Tell me, how is business? Is that spriteful little pixie still keeping you on your toes?"
> Hands are shaken as the rest of the party hurries upstairs, "Ah, Silver is taking a sabbatical this warm day, for the piers call to her with an uncanny and persistent looming; I fear that the tides of the sea elves and the strange allure of the unknown and unknowable fey of the deep depthts call to her with a siren song as incomprehensible to us as freedom is to those of Baator, as alienated as the chaos frogs of the slaad are to logical deduction and as miserable as a warm fire is to the frozen bitch of winter and her lackey Bitch Queen of the ever-stormy seas; yet nonetheless I am certain she will return for her spirit ever so clings to around as moss wicks to rocks and trees."
> Yuria hops onto a counter and pulls a brush out, working on her blonde hair, "Like, she wanted to welcome ships into Balmuria after one story." Working on her hair, "Or something, I didn't really pay attention."
<Muirfinn> "Either that or she's throwing rocks at them." Muirfinn says.
> "Entirely a possibility," Josa confesses, "I would offer you more hospitality, but it seems that fair Balyss has her own objectives today and seeks not respite nor rest until they are fully accomplished."
<Muirfinn> "Yes, we are unfortunately not here on holiday." Muirfinn says as they rejoin the group. "We are headied into danger, it seems. As always ."
> "Such is the role of those who seek fortune, fame and festivities in our lines of work," Josa confesses, "Go, we shall talk another time."
* Muirfinn nods, turning to Balyss. "What is our next step?"
> Balyss is already well upstairs. In fact, as you tarry, "Muirfinn, come on!" Balyss calls back down.
* Muirfinn pokes Balyss in the arm. "I'm right here."
> "Oh good," Balyss says agreeably. She sits in a chair upstairs. Kascha and Canderella are reading from a cork bulletin board, and overheard is, "...AND it includes finding the lost sword too?" Canderella adds with a note of disbelief. Vivantha is waiting, standing besides Balyss.
<Muirfinn> "That doesn't sound good."
> "Right," Standing up, "Quick review. I'm going to open a Gate to the Astral. From there all of you are on your own. Travel to Dyrani, find a portal to the Infinite Stair, find the door that leads to Greenrot, track down Athux and defeat him in combat so Vivantha can finish him with the Sword of the Moon. Any last questions?"
> "It's not important," Canderella turns around. "No questions." Kascha likewise shakes her head.
<Muirfinn> "Sounds like a plan." Muirfinn nods.
> "Good luck. May the Moonmaiden watch over you and guide your path." She goes to each, anointing each of your foreheads with a dab of holy water, "In the name of Selune, may the ravenous chaos and eternal evil of the Abyss be held at bay. Lady Selune, so we pray. Amen."
<Muirfinn> "Alright, everyone set? No last minute emergencies?"
> "The Dragon Princess will protect us," Kascha adds in after that, "We need only banish fear and carry hope in our hearts."
> "I'm fine," Canderella chuckles, shaking her head with a decidedly amused smile.
> "I'm ready," Vivantha says, "I am the strength of my people. I will always be ready."
<Muirfinn> "Alright. Whenever you're ready, Balyss."
> Balyss kneels. She bows her head and incants in Celestial, "Guardian of the moon and mistress of the phases of truth! Answer my call! As your blood fell and created life, let your light shine and create the way forward! Answer my call! In the name of Selune, I ask for the abayance of this reality into another! Answer my call!" Before you a twisting silver portal of glowing moonlight appears! Beyond it you see the endless, eternal, timeless reaches of the Silver Sea! A faint breeze blows from the portal, a scentless air that washes away the smells of candy and replaces it with a scent of absolute nothingness.
<Muirfinn> "Well, that's that then. Shall we, ladies?"
> "We shall," Kascha says, going through! Vivantha follows silently, Canderella lingering a moment. "You know," She opines, "This feels like getting dressed up and made up to go into your own house." Nonetheless she steps through.
* Muirfinn follows in the last. "Consider it an exceptionally violent homecoming."
> It is like stepping into a frozen moment, replayed over and over. The Silver Sea of the Astral Plane is silent. A breeze blows but otherwise all is still. That peculiar sense of timelessness overtakes Muirfinn, dulling the passage of everything into a sense of the same. Behind you Balyss and Josa can be seen. "In the name of Selune, triumph!" she calls, before the portal winks out behind you.
> "Ahead," Canderella speaks up, "Keep the idea of heading to Dyrani in your minds and fly forward."
* Muirfinn does so, keeping pace with the girls. "Anyone here know of the place?"
> "No," Kascha says, "But I've heard stories. It's best if we're forthright and are willing to pay the nominal fee. I'm more concerned with coming across trouble on the way."
<Muirfinn> "We will deal with it, if we do."
> OOC: Ready to skip along?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Yah
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 27." [1d100=27]
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 30." [1d100=30]
> You fly. A timeless flight that is impossible to measure as you sail through the endless expanses. But suddenly- OOC: Muirfinn, what spells do you have up and what immunities do you have?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Immune to drowning in water. Immune to mind-affecting. True Seeing. Immune to disease and water effects. I have one spell up, Superior Resistance.
<Muirfinn> OOC: Also, immune to poison
> roll 1d20+31
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+31 and gets 36." [1d20=5]
> roll 1d20+40
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+40 and gets 53." [1d20=13]
> "Hmph." As Vivantha frowns and shakes her head, Canderella draws to a pause, "Something just attempted to mentally influence me," she announces, an open note of pique.
> "Myself as well," Vivantha looks about, "Brave hero, are you alright?"
> "I have mental protections cast," Kascha says, "I didn't feel a thing."
<Muirfinn> "I'm fine. I took a potion from Medi's quarters that makes me immune to mental influences." Muirfinn looks about, casting Detect Magic!
> There's faint magic all over. OOC: Make spellcraft.
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+50
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+50 and gets 69." [1d20=19]
> It's cloaked enchantment magic. It's not overly powerful, but a lesser student of the arts would have missed it. Someone was trying to dig into your minds for information. You can follow the traces of magic - it's coming from somewhere far above you. As much as directions matter here, anyway.
<Muirfinn> "It's coming from above us. Far above us." Muirfinn says. "The question is, should we attempt to trace it or continue on?"
> "It's a distraction," Kascha speaks quietly, "Best to forge ahead."
> "But what if it follows?" Canderella counters, "
> OOC: Gah.
> "But what if it follows?" Canderella counters, "I say we go and instruct it in proper manners. Perhaps it will even survive its chastisement."
> "This isn't grounds to kill it," Vivantha speaks up, "But something is clearly awry. Brave hero, the story is yours."
* Muirfinn ponders. "This is the Astral. Information is very valuable here. It could be that someone simply noticed us and lacks the manners to simply inquire. As for confronting them, they are not close. Of that I am certain. We also have no guarantee that they will be there when we arrive. That said, I'd like to know if it's something that will come and bother us in the future. If you ladies are
* Muirfinn up for it, we can go examine our perpetrator. Be aware, though, that it will detract from our time to do what we are here to do."
> "Then I bow to your wisdom," Vivantha says, as Canderella merely flies upwards.
> Kascha nods, "Alright then, if I'm outvoted," she says, "Then at least let's make it swift."
* Muirfinn snorts. "Hopefully this won't take too long." He surges upward, following the magic!
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 61." [1d100=61]
> You don't need to fly far. Above you is a figure, head hanging down as if in silent supplication. A six pointed pentagram of metal has been nailed into its chest, rills of dried blood decorating his its chest. It looks vaguely masculine but has no obvious sexual characteristics, nor any clothes at all. It is perhaps six feet tall and muscular, but not overly so. Its eyes are closed and its arms hang slack.
* Muirfinn frowns. "Why is it that no matter where we go, we see awful things?"
> OOC: You can make K:P here.
> OOC: The girls will take ten as appropriate.
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+22
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+22 and gets 36." [1d20=14]
> Muirfinn can identify that symbol as a six pointed pentagram. It is an object of vile power connected to the Abyss.
> Kascha stares up with a frown and a soft gasp, color paling. Canderella looks unphased, calling in Abyssal, "Victim, who owns your worthless soul?" In Muirfinn's mind Canderella is heard, 'That pentagram is an Abyssal symbol.'
> Vivantha draws her borrowed blade, brandishing it as she stares up. Rills of beautiful silver fire play along the blade, a soft, barely heard humming as the sword vibrates.
<Muirfinn> 'Yes, it is.' Muirfinn responds, watching the proceedings.
> The figure's eyes stir. Still closed, a single tear comes from each. It looks up - oh so slowly looks up and opens its eyes! Within are mouths, nothing but open maws demanding food! From those mouths twin voices whimper, "...hungry...won't you...help me eat?" The voice is piteous yet begins to rise in tone, rising manically. "Help me...help me to the feasts! It's so clear!" As it speaks, its stomach spreads open! A new mouth forms, devouring flesh around it and growing bigger! "It's His will that we eat and eat well! Join me and we shall feast, Muirfinn and it will be good and it will forever be good!"
> "The Father." Kascha's voice becomes steel, holy-white power forming around her hands and head like luminent halos. "Muirfinn, let us put this poor soul to rest."
<Muirfinn> "This beast. Again. He plagues me so. Do not touch it. Destroy it from afar." Muirfinn says.
> OOC: Let's roll init here, you know it's hostile.
> roll 1d20+4 Canderella
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 Canderella and gets 6." [1d20=2]
> roll 1d20+14 Vivantha (+2 to everyone's init), 8 for Canderella.
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 Vivantha (+2 to everyone's init), 8 for Canderella. and gets 23." [1d20=9]
> roll 1d20+14 Kascha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 Kascha and gets 15." [1d20=1]
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+12
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+12 and gets 27." [1d20=15]
> roll 1d20+11 Thrall
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 Thrall and gets 26." [1d20=15]
* Kotono changes topic to 'Muirfinn(27)>Thrall(26)>Vivantha(23)>Kascha(15)>Canderella(8)'
> OOC: Open Muirfinn.
* Muirfinn points at the creature, sharpened saplings springing from his fingertip and streaking for his foe. OOC: Splinterbolt because why not
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+25 ranged touch
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+25 ranged touch
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+25 ranged touch and gets 32." [1d20=7]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+25 ranged touch and gets 32." [1d20=7]
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+25 ranged touch
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+25 ranged touch and gets 30." [1d20=5]
> OOC: All hit. Damage.
<Muirfinn> roll 3#4d6
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 3#4d6 and gets 41." [3#4d6 = 15, 12, 14]
<Muirfinn> OOC: Alas, no crits
> The bolts all fly true, two to his chest and one to his shoulder! Yet where they strike, gaping maws open! The wooden bolts are noisily devoured, swallowed whole without drawing a drop of blood! The thrall laughs, mouths starting to sprout all over it! "Oh let it be blessed! Let our coming meal be BLESSED! LET US FEAST TOGETHER FOREVER AND EVER! AS I SAY IT IS GOOD, AMEN!" It's voice rises to screaming insanity, as it flies down towards Muirfinn, mouths slavering as bloody tongues loll out!
> roll 1d20+23 AC?
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+23 AC? and gets 34." [1d20=11]
<Muirfinn> OOC: Yeah, waaay higher than that
> But Muirfinn nimbly evades, his monk training letting him dodge like a swaying willow! Vivantha quickly darts away, only 5ft as she stands and begins to chant! It is a song of discordant noises and clanging sound, becoming an absolute din that engulfs the creature's head...yet as it approaches, its entire head becomes a cluster of mouths! Bile and blood trickle from them as they bite into the air, musical notes becoming visible as they are devoured! Vivantha stands in shock, uttering, "It...it...ate sound?!"
<Muirfinn> "The Father is corruptive on a level you would not believe. His blasphemies are enough to change the very nature of the world. Do not be surprised by anything he or his followers do." Muirfinn says with narrowed eyes.
> "That's impossible!" Kascha blurts out, already weaving spells as she flies back! Her wings flare out as a glowing white magic circle appears beneath her feet! "Weave shatter! Mystra's gifts, return to the bloodstream of the Goddess!" Raw purple energy appears around the thrall, but mouths dart otu from its body! The purple radiance is consumed whole! "It ate my dispel too!" Kascha says, "We need a plan!"
<Muirfinn> "Can any of you cast divine magic?"
> "Then-" Canderella dances nimbly, a gliding jump-step like a ballerina! Storm slashes out, going right for the pentagram nailed into his chest!
> roll 1d20+24
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+24 and gets 38." [1d20=14]
> roll 1d10+5
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10+5 and gets 15." [1d10=10]
> Canderella's blade slices into the pentagram! It mades a shallow cut into it, no mouths coming to stop her, "Aim for the Malcanthet-damned pentagram! At the least it's a demonic focus!" OOC: Go Muirfinn.
<Muirfinn> Heedless of his own warnings, Muirfinn takes the form of wind, elemental shape coming in to severely occupy the thing's attention as he batters the pentagram around it!
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+37
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+37
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+32
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+27
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+37 and gets 53." [1d20=16]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+37 and gets 45." [1d20=8]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+32 and gets 35." [1d20=3]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+27 and gets 45." [1d20=18]
> OOC: Sundering, I presume?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Yesh?
> OOC: All hit. Roll damage.
<Muirfinn> roll 4#4d10+5+14+2d6 holy damage, plus 1 Con damage each hit. Counts as magic/good/bludgeoning/silver
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 4#4d10+5+14+2d6 holy damage, plus 1 Con damage each hit. Counts as magic/good/bludgeoning/silver and gets 204." [4#4d10+5+14+2d6 = 58, 50, 53, 43]
> Slam after slam hits home! The pentagram shatters into bits, the creature's body eaten asunder! It instantly becomes a mass of slavering mouths once the pentagram is broken, "I am the blessed one!" It howls in a thousand identical voices, "I am one of the Blessed Children! AMEN!" With a terrible fury the creature leaps onto Muirfinn!
> roll 1d20=
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20= and gets Error: Numeric values only." [1d20=5]
> OOC: Gah.
> OOC: Total of 55. What's your CMD?
* Kotono changes topic to 'Muirfinn(27)>Father's Blessed Child(26)>Vivantha(23)>Kascha(15)>Canderella(8)'
<Muirfinn> OOC: 61
> But Muirfinn is a hair too fast, leaping back in the emptiness! At this Vivantha continues to sing, gathering her energy into a sonic blast at the Blessed Child! "Now!" Canderella calls in the meanwhile!
> roll 1d20+21
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 and gets 33." [1d20=12]
> roll 20d8 can't fail SR with Canderella's SR beating booster in play
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 20d8 can't fail SR with Canderella's SR beating booster in play and gets 67." [20d8=2, 1, 5, 4, 7, 3, 5, 1, 4, 2, 1, 5, 1, 1, 7, 6, 2, 2, 2, 6]
> This time the soundburst hits the Blessed Child dead on! Teeth explode and lips split under the sonic assault! A moment later a blast of pure holy power comes from Kascha!
> roll 10d8 can't fail SR
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d8 can't fail SR and gets 54." [10d8=8, 3, 6, 6, 1, 7, 8, 3, 7, 5]
> roll 1d20+17
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 and gets 23." [1d20=6]
> The blast is enough to leave the creature wobbling in the air, dazed and stunned! Canderella just holds a moment as...OOC: Go Mujirfinn.
* Muirfinn punches it in the face!
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+37
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+37 and gets 54." [1d20=17]
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+37
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+32
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+27
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+37 and gets 41." [1d20=4]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+32 and gets 50." [1d20=18]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+27 and gets 41." [1d20=14]

[Anastasia]

> Blow after blow after blow rains down on the creature! Its skull is crushed, split apart under Muirfinn's assault! The mouths stop for a painstaking, terrible moment before twisting inward, devouring themselves whole! Within moments nothing is left behind, the abomination destroyed! OOC: Free act.
> "Quaint," Canderella dusts her hands off, "Really though, anything more than three or four mouths is a waste."
* Muirfinn grimaces. "This is just what I needed today. Don't be surprised if he shows up again. I think he knows I mean to slay him."
> Kascha closes her eyes and then sighs, slumping forward. "Muirfinn, I do wonder why we're so cursed to always encountered the terrible and macabre."
> "More reason to keep going," Vivantha speaks up, "The Infinite Stair will be safer."
<Muirfinn> "We seem to have the unique gift of attracting the attention of living atrocities." Muirfinn says to Kascha, heading back down.
> "The better for it, because we are not hapless victims that pass into the night." Vivantha adds as she follows. "We can face the darkness and emerge triumphant with the dawn."
<Muirfinn> "The trick is to keep being successful. Failure is rather permanent." Muirfinn replies.
> "You know," Canderella picks up conversationally, taking up the rear, "Not every Hell or fiendish realm is dark. Malcanthet's is full of light, as are some hosted by fiends of burning agony or particularly wistful Fallen. The worst fiends are the ones that can walk in broad daylight with a smile."
> "Mmm." Kascha bows her head, "Even in Seira's service it's like that. We have those who serve her but fall fighting evil. It amazes me we make it so far - it's so easy to die. But that's why hope's so important."
> "The point stands," Vivantha says with a little bit of heat, "Cease being so contrary!"
<Muirfinn> "Daylight and night aren't meant to display or conceal evil. That is entirely up to the perpetrator of deeds.. good or ill. What matters is intent and result."
> Smiling with a hint of ice, Canderella doesn't even glance at Vivantha. "You should know better is all. You wouldn't want to let down your brave hero, would you?"
> Kascha looks between the two and then scurries closer to Muirfinn. "AHEM. Light and dark are merely states of light, not the greater totem of radiance and purity. Muirfinn's correct, and they can be used against type."
> Response to Kascha? None whatsoever. Instead Vivantha sharply glares at Canderella, "You're a fool if you think I would! Now cease speaking of things that do not concern you!"
<Muirfinn> "Enough." Muirfinn says. "We can debate philospohy at another time."
> Canderella merely smiles and says nothing more. Vivantha follows suit, and as silence falls, "Let's continue on to Dyrani," Kascha says, clearing her throat. "Right Muirfinn?"
* Muirfinn nods. "LEt us be quick about this tack and done with it. I would rather spend as little time in the Abyss as possible."
<Muirfinn> OOC: WOW
* Muirfinn nods. "Let us be quick about this task and done with it. I would rather spend as little time in the Abyss as possible."
> OOC: Ready to continue on?
<Muirfinn> OOC: GO GO GO GO GO
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 82." [1d100=82]
> Thus you fly along. As the not-time does not pass, suddenly Vivantha stops. Her face is filled with a red blush, shouting, "STOP THAT!"
> "Eh?" Kascha pauses, "Beg pardon?"
* Muirfinn turns, a very flat look on his face.
> Canderella turns, a perplexed frown, "Now what's wrong?"
> "I-" Vivantha starts and blushes instead of going on. She takes a breath, "Nothing. I was...thinking out loud."
<Muirfinn> "...I see." Muirfinn says, contemplating his own sanity at bringing the succubus as he turns back to the way ahead.
> Thus the party goes on! It is mercifully free of any other problems until...At last! On the endless silver horizon you see great hunks of land. As if someone ripped a mountain from the earth and broke it into dozens of smaller hunks. This floating mass of stones is held together by heavy chains interweaving through the stony mass. Sitting atop this is a large island of bridges and buildings, all made of stone. Above, chains rise from the tallest buildings, connecting far above to further, smaller islands. These island hold one building each, undecorated. While you could easily fly into the city, there is nonetheless a large stone archway gate.
> "Finally," Canderella looks on, "We're almost to the next phase."
<Muirfinn> "Looks like we are here." Muirfinn says, flying for the archway. If there are bridges, there is likely local gravity.
> Vivantha merely smiles coolly, Canderella suddenly looking far less amused. She smiles, but it's as fake as a tortle with hair.
> Approaching the stone archway, you see several yellow skinned humanoids standing there. All but one are wearing light metal armor and have weapons. One wears only a loose robe, a little back from all of them. They all look over the party, "Welcome to Dyrani. As long as you don't start any fights or make any problems there, you're welcome in."
> "Oh good." Kascha smiles, "A respite from meaningless fighting would be a wonderful change of pace!" Cheerfully saying so, "Thank you for hospitality!"
* Muirfinn nods, eyeing the other two women briefly. "I am certain that we will not start any fights. We are allowed to defend ourselves though, yes?"
> Canderella and Vivantha are currently eyeing each other. Their eyes are narrowed and you can almost feel electricity - no check that, you can. Canderella's eyes crackle with it, fading after a moment. They both turn away, Vivantha speaking up, "Thank you," she adds.
> "Yes," The gith says shortly. "Use non-lethal means if you must."
* Muirfinn bobs his head. "We can easily agree to that, yes?"
> The robed one takes a step forward, "As long as you respect our laws, you are welcome. Even the greatest wars, from the Blood War to those of good and evil, are stilled here. Remember that."
* Muirfinn nods. "We will."
> OOC: What's your plan from here?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Ask around, find the colorpool for the Infinite Stair and move on. We're not here for a day trip and shopping.
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 60." [1d100=60]
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 62." [1d100=62]
> OOC: Make GI?
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+26
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+26 and gets 40." [1d20=14]
> roll 1d20 Vivantha aiding, will look up scores if it's like a 1 since they all have good charisma.
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 Vivantha aiding, will look up scores if it's like a 1 since they all have good charisma. and gets 19." [1d20=19]
> roll 1d20 Canderella aiding she can't fail
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 Canderella aiding she can't fail and gets 10." [1d20=10]
> roll 1d20 Kascha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 Kascha and gets 8." [1d20=8]
> You wander about the city. As you do, you get a view of the area. Segments of rock are clustered with buildings and squares, bridges and paths over thick chains to connect them if you don't care to fly. Many different areas are on slightly different layers, rising up and down as you travel. You find a festhall, near a vast marketplace. Inside the smell of cooked meat and food gushes out. Kascha sniff-sniffs, "Ooooh. It must be for travelers who need to eat and drink before leaving the Astral. We can probably get information in there."
> Vivantha is smiling slightly, Canderella frowning. Then she smiles, "My, my. Muirfinn, you have a scholarly bend. I have a question about language." She flies closer in as well, sniffing the air.
* Muirfinn nods idly. "Go ahead, Canderella. Ask your question."
> "Is there a word for 'whore' in Celestial?" Sweetly smiling, "Vivantha's showing a marvelous command of several languages, but she's struggling when she lapses into her native tongue."
> Vivantha reddens all over again, "Silence," she yelps, hands balling up and her arms going straight down. "You liar!" she says, the word as much a curse as a true profanity.
<Muirfinn> "Unlikely." Muirfinn says drily. "Please stop bickering, the both of you. I need you both sharp for this, and distracting each other with this will benefit none of us. Least of all yourselves. It is unbecoming."
> Kascha sighs ever so softly, "Grow up," she finally says, heading in and past all this. "You have the fate of many in your hands and power that can change the fate of nations, and you're quibbling like babies. Seira above, I'll be inside with the adults."
> "Well," Canderella tosses her hair, brushing it aside with one hand, "I was just trying to help. Vivantha needs it."
> "I will be a sharp as a blade," Vivantha says, "Canderella's childish outbursts are not distracting me. I can't blame the old for envying the young. It's only mortal." Going on with a serene smile now, "Come, brave hero. I will give you my all."
> Canderella's eye twitches at that, as she mouths, 'Old? OLD?' "Ah, excuse me then for trying to live up to one of your heavenly virtues. Helping the helpless and lost is a virtue, isn't it? Besides, I am already more than sharp. We will triumph with power to spare."
* Muirfinn spals a scaly hand against his beakish face, resting it there and closing his eyes with a sigh. He heads inside without a word.
<Muirfinn> OOC: Slaps, not spals. JEsus.
<Muirfinn> OOC: Holy hopping christ on a habenero
> Within is a typical enough restaurant. It takes advantage of the lack of gravity and chains, several tables in midair. Nonetheless a bit of work gets you chatting with a waitress after you've sat down. She looks half-elven except for a slightly red tinge to her skin. "Hello," she inclines her head with a smile, "Menus, water or anything?"
<Muirfinn> "Water, if you please, and a menu."
> "Something sweet," Canderella says, "I'm not picky."
> "I'll say," Vivantha murmurs, just al ittle too audibly. "Nothing, thank you."
> "Milk with sugar and a bowl of almonds," Kascha says, "Also, we're new. Do you know a good guide to color pools?"
> Canderella slooowly blows a breath out of her nose, but doesn't reply that time. At least not that Muirfinn can hear.
> "I'll can manage everything but the almonds. I don't think we carry that kind of nut here. Almonds, almonds..." Smiling nonetheless, "I'll ask in back if anyone's heard of them. As for a guide, I can get you one. Do you have a destination in mind?"
<Muirfinn> "The Infinite Stair."

[Anastasia]

> "Right. I'll see if I can rustle one up," The waitress says, before floating off.
> Kascha sits back in her chair, slowly breathing in and out. She half closes her eyes. Meanwhile Canderella and Vivantha seem to look anywhere but each other. It's Canderella that breaks the silence, "The gith there were unusually friendly. Gith, either type of them anyway, aren't known for being the most social or agreeable sorts."
<Muirfinn> "This place seems friendly enough." Muirfinn says after she is gone. "A welcome respite tfrom previous experiences."
> "They're quite accepting, brave hero," Vivantha says. Yet a moment later she bites down on her lip, eyes narrowing as they go from Muirfinn to Canderella.
> "If I had time to kill, I'd poke around," The former succubus glances the way the waitress went, "Even if it's really none of our concern."
* Muirfinn nods along. "If all gith were this cosmopolitan, they'd have a much more appealing reputation."
<Muirfinn> "We can always come back another time." Muirfinn points out. "We've managed to find it once."
> "Mmm." Canderella murmurs, but conversation dies off for a bit. The waitress comes back with your requests soon, savef or almonds. Canderella gets some sort of confectionary liquid, like runny caramel, served in a tall glass. "Here, here, here and here," she passes them out, "Sorry. No almonds, they don't exist on our source world," she says with an apologetic smile. "So you're interested in the Infinite Stair?"
<Muirfinn> "Indeed. Do you know where we can find a color pool?"
> As two predictable women shoot each other stink eyes, Kascha smiles and ignores them. "We are. A color pool's fine if you know where one is."
> "Well, you'd best find the En'drai," she stumbles over it a little bit, "That's what my source said. The fee's 100 gold a head. You'll want to look for a simple stone building with a dome. There will be githzerai guards lingering around."
> Sipping her milk, "Thank you," she replies, silently ignoring a little lightning bolt that shoots out of Canderella's eyes at Vivantha. Vivantha ignores it as it hits her nose, the two locked in a glare. The waitress gives them a look, but doesn't look anything but mildly amused.
<Muirfinn> "Simple enough." Muirfinn says, sipping his drink.
> "Sure thing," she says, "It's not the most popular destination, have to say," she goes on, "Who wants to go to a transitive plane when you're already on one?"
<Muirfinn> "You'd be surprised."
> "That's us, full of surprises." Canderella says cheerfully, "You wouldn't imagine the things my friend gets up to."
> "Ahahahhaha." Laughing nervously and quickly interjecting, "But enough stories about us," Kascha cuts in. "It's really nothing. Thank you again!"
* Muirfinn eyes Kascha warily, mildly alarmed by her severely suspicious outburst.
> Vivantha nearly stares a hole in Canderella's head, fists balling up. The waitress smiles back, "Oh well," she says, "I can see these two lovebirds are cloying the table atmosphere up. No need to make excuses for them."
> "What?" Both Vivantha and Canderella say it completely deadpan, turning to STARE DEATH at the waitress. She smiles back innocently, "I'm a telepath. I've been hearing your entire conversation."
> "Then," Sputtering, "Why do you say that?! It's patently untrue!" Vivantha yelps.
<Muirfinn> "Ah, yes. Their honeymoon has been...tumultous." Muirfinn says, calmly siezing the line.
> "You bitch," Canderella virtually growls that out, falling into Abyssal, "You conniving little sneakbitch!"
> "Hasn't it?" The waitress smiles back, and without missing a beat to Muirfinn, "I hope you have a safe trip. With these two, I'll make an offering for your safety."
* Muirfinn heaves a quiet sigh, nodding. "Perhaps it will help."
> Vivantha's jaw clenches, whilst Canderella continues to stare death at her. The waitress goes off, Vivantha huffing, "The absolute gall of her, listening on private conversations and flouting it!"
> "If she'd found me a few millenia ago, I'd teach her and this entire building manners," Canderella continues to stare at the waitresses back.
<Muirfinn> "Please do not attack the locals. We will likely have to fight absolutely everyone here, and I'd rather avoid that." Muirfinn says drily. "Calm down, the both of you."
> "It's a terrible invasion of privacy." Vivantha nods along, turning, "I wouldn't dream of attacking her, I'm just upset at her manners."
> "Likewise," Canderella finally exhales, posture loosening. She unclenches her hands, "Fucking telepaths." She smiles a tiny bit, a twisted little thing, "That's a play out of a manipulator's handbook. Insult two enemies and make them both hate you at the same time. It's terribly cliche, but it works sometimes."
> "Hmph," Vivantha murmurs, looking away.
> "Muirfinn, we should leave her a tip." Kascha adds, still cheerful. "A big one."
<Muirfinn> "I rather like it here. Everyone has been so pleasant." Muirfinn says.
> Canderella sits back, taking a long sip of her strange drink. Pucking her lips after and putting it down, "They are friendly for gith and gith associates, like I said."
* Muirfinn nodnods.
> "Right." Finishing off her milk, "How about we get going then?"
* Muirfinn swills his cup around, water sloshing. "I'm ready when everyone else is. I figured we could all use a drink and a moment of peace, is all."
> "...yes, we could," Vivantha says, and she sounds tired when she goes on. "Kascha and Muirfinn both scolding us should have been enough. When a random stranger has to take us to task, it's a humiliation."
* Muirfinn waits for Canderella to have her own revelation. Or go insane. Chaos.
> Canderella shrugs. "I've had worse. If you're not doing something to annoy or anger a demonic comrade, you're failing to be a demon." Taking another sip of her drink, "I can't prove it, but I have an itching suspicion we should be moving on. A restaurant with a telepath is a damned waitress is probably lousy with them. Great way to glean all sorts of information. She wanted to to know too, so we either annoyed her enough to let the information spread or to make a point."
Session Time: Sun Apr 21 00:00:00 2013
> "Uh oh..." Kascha blushes, "I'm glad I cast divination wards on myself now."
> *wanted us to know. God that entire line is a trainwreck of mistakes.
> "I apologize," Vivantha says to Canderella first, then to Kascha and Muirfinn, "I also apologizing not taking your words to heart sooner, brave hero. My own anger and petty hubris lead me to ignoring what was obvious."
<Muirfinn> OOC: BAHAHAHA
* Muirfinn nods sagely. "Well, no sense dwelling on it. Let's carry on, shall we?"
> "Well, now that we're done with unproductive bitching, you should," Raising her voice into a deeper rendition of Vivantha's own words, "Hang on the arm of your brave hero." She finishes her drink and rises, "Bitter, sour and sweet together. Not a winning combination.
> "
> Vivantha blushes, Canderella laughing after, "Nevermind. Let's just go."
* Muirfinn snorts. "Sounds like our beer, somewhat."
* Muirfinn stands. "Let's."
> From there finding the En'drai isn't difficult. You find En'drai to be a domed building, simple in design. It takes up much of the rock it's on, a few githzerai guards standing outside the entrance.
* Muirfinn heads inside!
> As you head inside, a pair of githzerai guards intercept you. "Hold," one says, "You seek the service of the portals?"
> "Mmm-hmm," Canderella drawls.
> "Which portal do you seek?" The question is asked, giving the party a look.
<Muirfinn> "We wanna go to the moon."
<Muirfinn> OOC: Scratch
<Muirfinn> "We seek the Infinite Stair."
> "This way." The party is taken inside, through cramped halls and passages, eventually to a simple room with a chair facing several other plain stone chairs. On this chair sits a robed githzerai, expression drooping and serene. "Ah. You seek the Infinite Stair?"
* Muirfinn nods.
> "There is not, strictly speaking, a portal to the Infinite Stair," The gith says, voice reflecting his age. His words come slow, "There is a door. It is 100 gold per head, or 400 gold for all of you. Pay and you'll be on your way."
<Muirfinn> Before Vivantha can protest, because it's likely coming, Muirfinn quickly shells out 400 gold.
> "I-" Vivantha is outsped! The gold is taken and the party is lead along. You are lead deeper within. You walk along halls and passages, until coming to a dusty, quiet door. It's like any other here, but here your guards stop. "When you pass through this door, you will leave the Astral and come to the Infinite Staircase."
* Muirfinn nods, ushering the girls through pre-protest. "Many thanks!"
> "Mmm-hmm," Canderella says, "If we were mortals, we'd be tired and famished on coming out. Fortun-ack!" Thus you are herded through! You appear on a landing in the Infinite Staircase. You have been here before...all about is blackness, in the distance you think you can see rising stairs. Stairs lead up and down from here, a large sign by one rising upwards into the blackness. "I am home," Vivantha says, "Hold just a moment."
* Muirfinn nods, making sure they haven't walked into another combat situation. He peers around.
> Vivantha raises her face up and sings! It's a single long note, echoing in the emptiness! Meanwhile...OOC: Spot.
> Canderella goes and sits on the edge of the platfor, legs dangling off. Kascha merely looks about in the meanwhile.
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+46
<Muirfinn> OOC: HATBORT
-castleheck.tx.us.lunarnet.org:@#dunes- Kotono invited Hatbot into the channel.
* Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-72-182-99-123.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
> OOC: Go for it.
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+46
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+46 and gets 58." [1d20=12]
> With his keen eyes, Muirfinn can see it first. From above, ahead, behind and below, they come. Lillends rush to the platform, dozens in moments hovering above the party. "My friend Muirfinn speaks with my authority here," she says, "Muirfinn, speak your will and they will obey."
* Muirfinn blinks slowly. "...my what!?"
* Muirfinn shakes himself. "Right. Hello." He greets the incoming lillend..
> "You lead us," Vivantha murmurs quietly, "So I defer to you in this. Express our quest and they will guide us."
<Muirfinn> "Right then. We're looking for the door to Greenrot. We have a demon lord to kill, unfortunately."

[Anastasia]

> The lillend sing as one, "We shall guide your path to Greenrot!" Before you appear floating stuffed chairs, "Sit and allow our magic to take you along. "
> Canderella smirks slightly and sits in one, "Mmmmmmmm..." she sighs as she sinks into it. "Very good. Very nice. Oh, is this Elysian silk? I know that softness anywhere!"
<Muirfinn> "I'm sure that we can do that." Muirfinn says, grabbing a seat.
> The seat is comfortable and soft. It supports you while letting you sink deep into its cushions. You feel as if you sit in the epitome of a comfortable chair. Vivantha follows, as Kascha makes a little eep, "My, these are nice! Thank you!"
> As you sit, the chairs begin to fly towards, to a stair going up! You ascend up them, comfortable as the chairs glide over them. The lillend fly in a loose circle around the party in all directions.
<Muirfinn> "You'd think that the way to the Abyss would be in a downward direction." Muirfinn muses.
> "Directions here aren't determined by mortal or ethical patterns. There is a pattern, but..." Vivantha hesitates, "It's best that I know speak of it."
* ChanServ sets mode: +o Merc
<Muirfinn> OOC: Explain the last part of that.
> "Mmm-hmm," Canderella closes her eyes and snuggles in, a low, throaty murmur of pure approval. "Patterns, power, secrecy, and more power yet."
> *not speak of it.
* Muirfinn bobbles his head from side to side, in thought. "This place has a power of its own, of that I am certain."
> "I think so too," Kascha adds, "I wonder why it exists. It seems unneeded with the Astral Plane. Why is there another transitive plane like this?"
<Muirfinn> "Fewer people know if it, and it is somewhat safer."
> Vivantha is quite silent here, as Canderella murmurs, "It's not as easy as a spell or an astral flight. People who use it tend to be more in the know."
> "Oh yes, we'll be passing one of those guilds on the way," Kascha speaks up, "Speaking of them. I wonder if the Infinite Stair isn't a natural plane but some sort of constructed plane like a demiplane?"
<Muirfinn> "I rather imagine it as an artery, hidden deep in the planes, yet connecting them all. They may have originated from this place." Muirfinn postulates.
<Muirfinn> "If it were a demiplane, it would need some sort of intelligence to continuously connect it to expanding and collapsing planes
<Muirfinn> "
> "There could well be an intelligence behind it," Kascha speaks up, "Just one that we don't know of, or one that we know but don't know of their role in it. Deities have lots of secrets."
* Muirfinn nods.
> "I think Muirfinn is implying the Infinite Staircase is sentient." Canderella sits up enough to peer back to Muirfinn as you fly up, "Like it's a living organism."
<Muirfinn> "Or part of a greater whole, yes."
> "There's a theory about that, that Creation is a living organism. I don't think it's correct," Kascha goes on, "Based on a few things the Guardian of 21 implied and my own research. Well, at least as far as we understand them. It's more akin to a series of interconnected rooms with both overriding rules and room specific rules."
* Muirfinn shrugs. "It would not surprise me if it were all alive. I have seen stranger."
> "That metaphor's painfully awkward," Canderella opines, "But I've seen stranger too."
> "Well....oh!" Kascha suddenly perks up, "Maybe we'll find out one day. If I do, I'll make sure to tell you, Muirfinn. If you do, promise to tell me?"
<Muirfinn> "Why not? Provided we don't all die awful deaths to unbeleivable cosmic horrors from the Nine Hells or the Abyss, I suspect we will all be around forever anyhow." Muirfinn says matter-of-factly.
> "Of course," Canderella waves a hand as she settles back in, sighing in contentment, "Mortality is such a quaint notion. Anyone who can make it as far as we have should be able to toss it aside like an ill-fitting tunic."
> "Forever's a long time," Kascha sits back and looks ahead, not really looking at anything at all. Her expression is full of ruminations, "Even now, decades after being reborn, my mortal life still makes that seem silly."
<Muirfinn> "Mortality, I have found, changes your outlook on life. Tell me, Canderella, what would you do if you found that you only had a scant forty years left to live, and while you lived these years, you would become old and frail. How would you live that life?"
> "I'd find a way to become immortal once more," Canderella answers immediately, "It's not that hard if you have power and know whom to call on. An aging mortal vessel is naught but binds for the soul, ropes of dust and dirt."
* Muirfinn shakes his head. "What if that were not an option?"
> "Not that hard," Kascha laughs, a strange little sound that's somehow uncertain. With a wry smile, "You speak of a desire almost every mortal ever born feels and few obtain as they wish."
> "There's always another option. I'd strive for that until my time ran out. At worst, I'd train my spirit and will to be able to retain my sense of self after death." Canderella chuckles at the last, "Mortals do desire it. It's an easy weakness to exploit."
> "That can be done?" Vivantha speaks up, "I've heard of it spontaneously happening, but it's the exception rather than the rule."
> "I've seen it. Of course, any of us would have huge advantages in that situation. A mere mortal could train but would almost certainly fail." Canderella's voice grows slower and lazy, "Mmmmm. Mortals aren't meant to do anything but live, die and be reborn. Their basic natures conspire against it, while our natures embrace it instead."
<Muirfinn> "In turn, we are not reborn when we die. We simply...cease."
> "If we are slain at our wellspring of power. As we grow mightier, the odds of that become far more remote." Canderella smirks, "I have no intentions of dying in the realm of Talos."
<Muirfinn> "Nor do I on Water, or any of us in our own realms." Muirfinn says. "Yet it happens on occasion."
> "That's...not quite true," Kascha speaks up, "You'll become part of the realm you're connected to. It's not quite awareness as we define it here, but it's not a true cessation. I was part of Arborea for millenia, it's...." Kascha finally just goes on, "Different. Wonderful but different."
<Muirfinn> "Oh yes, some of us may reform eventually. Others are reformed by the gods they serve. Others are not."
> "Mmm. When the time comes, you may not want to. I can't speak for other realms, but in Arborea? I was unique, a completed treasure at peace with everything around me. I was finished. There's a sense of peaceful and satisified finality that I can't describe adequately. Even if it's possible to reform, I doubt many will choose to do so. I only did because Seira intervened to me."
> "Oh!" Vivantha suddenly stirs, "I'm afraid to announce we've cheated a little bit, going far faster than a normal traveler. Halt." Vivantha commands, the chairs stopping. "Brave hero, ahead is Planeswalker's Guild. It would be best if we go through it on foot - going through with such means as we do now would attract a great deal of attention."
* Muirfinn shrugs. "I have no incredible love for Water. It is my home plane, and where I will eventually end. Whether that will be by choice or not, who knows? In the end, only I will know."
* Muirfinn nods, stepping carefully from the chair. "That seems reasonable."
> Kascha gets up as well, followed by the others. As you get off, you can see a platform above you - perhaps ten minutes of walking. Muffled and distant sounds carry from it, nothing distinct.
> Chairs and lillend rise up and above, out of sight and away.
* Muirfinn heads for the stairs. "Shall we?"
> With that, the party advances up! As you climb, you see this is a vast foyer, stairs connecting to it at all angles. Every inch of space is taken up by tents of all shapes and colors and materials. About you see creatures of all types and colors and sizes and clothing, a storm of them. A wooden sign just past the entrance reads, "Planeswalker's Guild - come on in!" Near the sign, a black skinned human man and a Mercane shout at each other, pointing fingers at each other. Back and forth they go, "Red!" "Blue!" Red" "Blue!" Other people pay them little mind, sidestepping past them.
> "How lively," Canderella glances around, "Are we going straight through, or do we have time to dally with the local culture?"
<Muirfinn> "Purple." Muirfinn turns and says to the arguing couple as they pass.
> The man turns, lightly muscular and athletic. He has a short trimmed goatee, going up to stroke it. "Purple?! That's just absurd, man!"
> The mercane turns with a dry look, "Not so fast. Purple could be an interesting adaptation of the idea."
* Muirfinn doesn't even slow down!
> The others follow as you plunge in. Vivantha smiles, "I can direct us the way we need to go at any time," she says, "Though this is a hub of information and oddities."
* Muirfinn nods. "So I can see. What was that fellow arguing with the mercane back there?"
<Muirfinn> OOC: As in what the hell was he
> "Gaspar," Vivantha cracks a smile, "He and the mercane - Alvaris - are a staple over there. They've been having the same argument for decades now."
<Muirfinn> "Seems a bit...drawn out."
> "That sounds more like a comedy routine than an argument," Canderella wrinkles her nose, "I'm sure they'd have settled it by now otherwise."
> "They get paid to repeat it," Vivantha says, "I hear they're..." She curls two fingers together, "Close."
* Muirfinn shrugs, looking about. "Whatever floats their goat."
> Around you are various tents and people of all sorts. A lantern archon sits atop a grey ogre, who walks next to a tired looking old man with a cane. A tent has a sign with a crystal ball and the text READINGS OF THE SOUL. Another tent is much larger, symbols of weapons and armor above it. Sitting on the nearby edge of the landing is a flaxen haired maiden, wearing a clingy cutoff chain mail shirt and short chainmail skirt, joind by a horned helmet. Next to her is a woman with the same features and blonde hair, save that she is clad in heavy full plate armor, only her head bare.
* Muirfinn blinks at the women and eyes the lantern archon and ogre with a smile. "I could get used to a place like this."
<Muirfinn> "It rather reminds me of an idea I had for the Aurora."
> "Oh?" Kascha slips by a rather short humanoid with a long white beard, smiling at it before turning her attention to Muirfinn.
> "Hmmm..." Canderella glances back, "I'll be back in a few," she says, starting to slip away.
<Muirfinn> "Have you heard of the concept of a Worldmeet Glade?"
> "We'll never get to Greenrot if we stop to sightsee everywhere," Vivantha says, childingly. She waggles a finger at the ex-succubus, her free hand on her hip. "You could lose days here."
> "Oh! Oh my, yes, that! Whatever happened to that? I thought it was going to be made, but it never quite happened."
> OOC: Gah.
> "Oh! Oh my, yes, that! Whatever happened to that? I thought it was going to be made, but it never quite happened." Kascha says, eyes sliding over to Vivantha a moment.
* Muirfinn shrugs. "I am ultimately not in charge of what is and what is not constructed on the Aurora, nor am I given free reign over how its funds are spent."
> "I could talk to Ithea about it," Kascha says, "She has money and authority. I thought it was a good idea."
* Muirfinn snorts, watching the two as they go. "You may as well. Afina is mostly wrapped up in her smithing, and I believe Jaela is the one who ultimately blocked the idea."
> "Really? Why'd she do that?" Kascha hms, glancing over her shoulder. "...This is still better than petty bickering."
<Muirfinn> "I do not believe that she trusts me."
> "...really?" Kascha turns in curiosity, "Why'd that?" As you talk a catfolk pushes past you - clad in black with white fur, a small wolf trotting along with it. Right after it is a smalle arth elemental, also following. "Watch out!" The elemental says, a deep, rumbling bass as it stomps past the two of you, "Coming through"!
> *Why's
* Muirfinn smoothly dodges the elemental, rumbling a greeting at it in Terram as it passes. "I would gather her reaction to my presence near Mirajane would be an indicator of it, though I do not quite understand the why of it."
> "Oh, about the - oh." Kascha shakes her head, "But let's at least go somewhere quieter if we're going to talk, or at least track down Canderella before she gets to trouble."
<Muirfinn> "If anyone can keep her out of trouble, it's Vivantha." Muirfinn says. "Even if it's only be starting another argument."
> "I can hope," Kascha says with a slight sigh, "Seira help us."
> OOC: What are you going to do now, Muirfinn?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Probably go to  bed. I'm tiredddddd
> OOC: Okay, I'll start next session with that question then.

[Anastasia]

<Muirfinn> OOC: I suppose we should find a pub nearby or something.
> OOC: Make a GI check then?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Or, if we wanted to be responsible, we could go after the girls. I suppose.
> OOC: Well, up to you.
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+26 let's all go to the taaaavern, let's all go to the taaaavern, let's all go to the taaaavern, and have ourselves a drink.
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+26 let's all go to the taaaavern, let's all go to the taaaavern, let's all go to the taaaavern, and have ourselves a drink. and gets 27." [1d20=1]
> roll 1d20 Kascha aids
<Muirfinn> OOC: ONE
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 Kascha aids and gets 2." [1d20=2]
> OOC: Lemme check if she even mamkes 10. Wow.
> OOC: Nope!
<Muirfinn> OOC: Ohh boy!
> You wander a little bit. Soon enough you come to a tent with a floating image of a frothy mug hovering above it. Within you find the thick brown tent is dim, low enough that you need to walk hunched over. A small bar about two feet off the ground is here, enough space for perhaps four or five people to sit. Behind it is a strange little creature - like a dwarf, but with rosier cheeks and not quite so squad and muscular. It chuckles and pats its stomach as you enter, "Ho there!" Behind it is a single barrel and a few mugs atop it.
* Muirfinn blinks watery-blue eyes, turning to Kascha. He says nothing, letting a brief flat look speak for itself. He turns to the barkeeper, nodding. "Hello."
> "Oh!" Kascha puts a hand to her mouth, staring a moment before quickly and politely averting her gaze. "Hello there!"
> "You're just in time to try a new brew," he says jovially, "Have you ever sat down and enjoyed some fine mushrooms and some fine beer, then realized how well they go together? It's only natural that this new batch will be amazing!"
* Muirfinn perks. "Mushrooms, you say?"
> "Exactly!" He pours two mugs and places them on the bar. Kascha sits in the meanwhile, brushing her bangs away from her eyes. "It's the finest in mushrooms aged in the beer!"
* Muirfinn leans back, frowning. "Ah...beer. No, I think I'll pass."
> "Oh, don't be a wet sod!" The fellow smiles, "Come and try a mug! It won't kill you and you might just like it!"
<Muirfinn> "My kind do not react well to alcohol." Muirfinn says.
> "Oh, too bad!" With a gentle smile, "Dear girl, you should try some then!"
* Muirfinn nudges Kascha. "Yes, really."
> Kascha starts to say something but stops, "Well..." she blushes as a mug is placed into her hands! "Well...if you say so..." she says, taking a drink!
> roll 1d20+24
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+24 and gets 30." [1d20=6]
> She drains a bit of it before putting it down, blinking and going, "Woaaaaaaah!" Her eyes widen to the maximum, pupils shrinking.
<Muirfinn> "...yes, I do believe I made a wise choice in declining." Muirfinn states. "Are you alright?"
> "Strong, isn't it?" Laughing and going to pat Kascha's back, "Just give it a moment."
> "I been affected," she says slowly, "What in Seira's name is in this?"
> "The finest color-seeing oracle mushrooms and the strongest cave beer I could make," he says proudly, "I estimate that with our secret techniques, it's more alcoholic than pure grain liquor and with that special mushroom kick!"
<Muirfinn> "It is...hallucinogenic?"
> "Oh yes, and fast acting!" Patting his stomach with both hands, "It absorbs into the body as it goes down your throat and into your stomach."
> "Oh. So that's why I'm seeing caterpillers," Kascha says, staring ahead at the barrel. "Like," Licking her lips a few times, "Red and blue caterpillers. Squiggly caterpillers."
* Muirfinn holds up a hand, index ginger extended. "How many fingers do you see?"
<Muirfinn> OOC: Finger. Not ginger. WOW.
> Kascha stares ahead, "I see...three, seven, twenty one, twenty seven," she says one after another, voice getting drifty. Hr clothing and gear fall in a pile around her as she takes on the form of a glowing globe of light! Eldritch energies dance over her as her voice is still heard despite having no mouth, "There's so many caterpillars!"
* Muirfinn sighs, eyeing the man balefully. "You could at least have warned us."
> "I did! I told you it was mushrooms and beer," He chortles, "Oh, and it's 10 gold for the drink."
> Meanwhile Kascha starts to fly off and away, towards the door, "I can taste the colors!" she cries, "I can taste them!"
* Muirfinn gathers up her things, making sure everything Kascha dropped makes it into his pack. "I hardly find this amusing. I've heard of mushroom-based wines and beers. Some of them can be good, or so they say. From what I have heard, none of them cause spontaneous discorporation or hallucinations in the divine. Two gold."
> "Ah, come friend," Gesturing wide, "That's exactly why it deserves better payment! It's a breakthrough in brewery! Eight gold."
<Muirfinn> "While it might be a 'breakthrough,' it is by no means sporting or polite to spring such a thing on the unwary. Four gold. For your trouble, and components." Muirfinn says, keeping an eye on Kascha.
> Kascha's done a wonderful job of flying right on out of the tent while you dicker. "My friend, four gold would bankrupt me! This is all in fun and discovery! Six gold between friends, no?"
<Muirfinn> "If a difference of two gold would bankrupt you, perhaps you should offer consideration for your clientele and a wider selection of non-psychotropic vices." Muirfinn places five gold coins on the bar. "My final offer. I wish you a good and very prosperous day, sir." With that, Muirfinn hurries off after Kascha!
> The tent street is aflutter! Kascha is a ways away now, swooping along! Her laughter fills the air, "Watch out! Everyone watch out!" she calls, "The caterpillars are coming! The caterpillars are coming!"
* Muirfinn shakes his head, following after.
> Thus you follow after Kascha! You push past the strange creatures and through two streets of tents! You find her stopping - now in her angelic form. She falls onto the rear, all eyes on her. "I can see time," she says in an awed little voice.
<Muirfinn> In spite of himself, Muirfinn says, "And?"
> The naked eladrin looks up with a smile, "I...I...I don't know!" she says before falling back on hre back, wings pressed into the ground beneath her. An elf comes forward, honey blonde hair and graceful. He drapes a green cloak over her, "M'lady, please cover yourself," he murmurs.
> "Boo!" A few people call, "Take it off! Take it off! Take it off!"
* Muirfinn nods. "As it should be." He pulls Kascha away from the jeering onlookers. "Let's get you settled, then. Hopefully this nonsense will wear off soon."
> "I have a tent that's not far from here," The elf says, "Yupai Yupaiwood," he offers.
> "What if I want to take it off," Kascha pouts, "I can see time crawling up my body right now!"
<Muirfinn> "Kascha, if you were in your right mind now, you'd be red down to your toes and squawking about things that are proper. Trust me. Keep the cloak on."
> "Please, m'lady," Yupai adds, expressive blue eyes that meet hers. "Peace now."
* Muirfinn nods in gratitude at the elf.
> "Mmm...but the caterpillars," Kascha whimpers, the elf smiling and gently putting a finger to her lips. Looking over to Muirfinn, "May I?"
<Muirfinn> "Depends on what you want." Muirfinn says. "Keep the cloak on and try not to fly off."
<Muirfinn> OOC: Wait
<Muirfinn> OOC: I misread that
* Muirfinn raises an eyebrow at the elf. "May you what?"
> "Take her back to my tent," he says, "You as well, of course. Somewhere out of the eye of others."
* Muirfinn nods slowly. "I ask that you kindly do not try anything. I do not wish to fight here. Again." He takes Kascha's arm. "Lead the way."
> You are lead a few streets down, Kascha carried by him. She just stares off, eyes all pupils now. His tent is purple and as big as a cabin or so, having a bed, table and other such things. Kascha is taken in and laid on the bed, staring off for now. He tucks her in under the blankets nad turns to Muirfinn, "What deviltry befell her?"
<Muirfinn> "Mushroom beer."
> "That's an incredible beer," Shaking his head, "How much did she drink?"
<Muirfinn> "About a gulp of it." Muirfinn shakes his head. "That gnome is likely to kill people with that."
> Sighing quietly, "Gnome? I'll need to bring this up. This is out of line." Yupai rubs his forehead slowly, "Let alone to a creature without an eladrin's fortitude."
* Muirfinn nods. "You see my concerns then."
> "The poor woman." Sighing slightly again, ""How bothersome. Fortunately, it seems to have overwhelmed her now." Turning back and checking her over, "She's breathing fine. She's not mortal so she should kick it off swiftly."
* Muirfinn sighs, taking a seat. "If you don't mind our intruding, I will stay here with her until she is lucid."
> "It can't be helped," he says, taking a seat after. "There's not much law and order around here, but really, this is going a little too far."
<Muirfinn> "It's rather surprising that there isn't a group that keeps law here. Most settlements have them."
> "It's fairly informal here. The lillend don't interfere as long as things don't get too out of hand, and most people just pass through." Yupai says. He glances over at Kascha, who is now staring at the both of you. "Finnegan?" she asks, voice sounding oh so far away. "Why's the the moon and sun dancing together?"
* Muirfinn eyes Kascha as he says, "Yes, I gathered that they wanted to avoid the place unless necessary. I got the feeling that it would cause a ruckus if you saw more than one or two here."
> "Might. People leave each other alone." Your new friend also eyes Kascha, who doesn't reply and just staaares. "If she doesn't recover in due time, there are usually a few clerics to be found around here."
<Muirfinn> "We'll see how it goes."
> OOC: Skip ahead a little bit?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Yeap
> About an hour passes. Kascha's asleep now, while you pass time chatting with your new friend. It's then that the tent flap is thrown open. Canderella comes in, followed by Vivantha, followed by several men carrying great armfuls of clothing, jewelry and other such things. Canderella has a pleased smirk on her face, "Ah! There you are! Just put them down here, boys." Waving a hand towards her followers with barely a glance at them. Meanwhile Vivantha looks a little off-put, a frown threatening to form every so often.
* Muirfinn stands. "Hello, ladies. How was your shopping trip?"
> "Productive," The men put the various things down and file out. Vivantha looks at her, "It was...informative to see a succubus working her charms on the menfolk, brave hero."
> "I'm sorry, but..." Yupai clears his throat, "A succubus traveling with alillend and an eladrin? What madness is this?"
* Muirfinn nods, a small smile at the corners of his lips. "Nice to know she's not destructively evil, isn't it? Either way," Muirfinn waves an arm at Kascha,s prone form. "you two missed the fun."
<Muirfinn> "Talos, Yupai."
> "That story's true?" Yupai's eyes widen, as meanwhile Canderella curties, "Too bad, but I made my own fun."
<Muirfinn> "Probably not as much fun as Kascha discovering hallucinogenic drugs." Muirfinn points out.

[Anastasia]

> Vivantha goes over to Kascha, checking her over with one hand held to her chest. At the meantime Canderella gestures, "You're welcome to anything there. It's things lesser women need." Going to take a seat, "So will be staying much longer?"
<Muirfinn> "Until I can be certain that Kascha can maintain her modesty, yes." Muirfinn nods.
> That gets a crack of a smile from Canderella but nothing else. About an hour and a half passes until Kascha rises. She sits up, blanket clinging to her to preserve modesty. "Ohhhhh..." One hand holds her head, "My head throbs!"
* Muirfinn conjures water!
> OOC: Like on her or in a cup or what?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Well, a cup would be preferable.
> "Shh," Vivantha murmurs a few soothing words as Muirfinn conjures water.
> "Mmmgh...I can barely remember anything." Slowly rubbing her forehead, "Why am I here? For that matter," Reddening as she pulls the blanket tighter, "Why aren't I dressed?!"
> Yupai clears his throat, "Madam, you were afflicted by gnome's brew. Fortunately, you're safe and nothing wrong happened. Your garments are over here."
<Muirfinn> "You discorporated in the tent, leaving your clothes behind and ranting about seeing time." Muirfinn says. "I followed you and Yupai threw a cloak around you when you became physical again."
> "Oh." Kascha says in a small little voice, as Yupai rises. "It's a pleasure to meet you, but if you excuse me, I'll step out while you dress." Yupai does just that.
> Vivantha goes and takes the water from Muirfinn and hands it to Kascha. She drains it dry, "Thank you. Could you go, Muirfinn?"
* Muirfinn pats Kascha on the head, following Yupai out. "Just let me know when everything is settled."
> Yupai waits outside, looking out at the stairry, empty sky above. His arms are crossed, "Say. How is it traveling with a lillend? I've heard that those in their favor use the Infinite Stair almost as fast as teleportation and far more enjoyably."
<Muirfinn> "Comfortable, to say the least." Muirfinn says.
> Nodding along as he watches, "I-" There's a pause as Kascha lets out a rather loud EEEEP!
* Muirfinn turns. "Everything alright in there?"
> "Just fine!" Canderella's voice is all sweetness and honey.
* Muirfinn nods.
> There's a oud THUMP and then Vivantha calls, "Everything's good," she says.
<Muirfinn> "It's been an interesting journey." Muirfinn says to Yupai, heading back in.
> You find the girls ready to go. Kascha curties to Yupai, "Thank you for watching over me."
> He cracks a smile, "Sure. I hope the rest of your journey is safer."
<Muirfinn> "You have our thanks for your hospitality." Muirfinn bows.
> OOC: Good to skip along a bit then?
<Muirfinn> OOC: Rock and roll!
> From there the party heads out and to the stairs. Soon the lillend carry you along again, taking you to a plain door. A few satiny pink pillows lie about the door, but otherwise it is unremarkable and the landing is plain. The lillends that took you here chorus, "We will watch this door. Should you need aid, return and we will help you."
* Muirfinn nods. "Hopefully this will not be a situation where we are too overly matched to be forced to retreat to the door."
> "Let us go forward in triumph!" Vivantha declares, heading for the door.
> "This is a realm at war," Canderella follows, "We must be ready for every and anything here."
* Muirfinn nods. "Are we ready?"
> "I am," Kascha draws her greatsword, holding it with one hand.
> "Yes," Canderella and Vivantha say almost at the same time.
<Muirfinn> "Alright then. Let's proceed."
> Thus the door is opened, the party passing through! There is a sensation of plummeting. It feels as if you are plummeting, yet you do not fall. Instead you stand in a hallway. It is of fine marble and may have once been some sort of beautiful palace. Yet everything is smeared with blood. Bodies of all types lie about - the upper body of a dwarf is nearby, next to the ruins of several devilish looking kobolds. A pile of ashes and armor is also nearby, everything there charred. Pinned into the wall next to it is a small red dragon's head, eyes gouged out.
> "We missed the entertainment," Canderella wrinkles her nose, "Step lively, now. There may be left over party favors around."
<Muirfinn> "Well." Muirfinn says. "Looks like quite the fight here."
> "IT doesn't look like a regular army's forces, but the Abyss doesn't encourage them," Kascha says, stepping over the messes. There's a path ahead down the hall. There's various doors dotting the hall as well, some open, some closed and a fair few torn off and gone.
> "Less talking, more moving," Canderella says tersely, "Demons have good ears. Sitting and yapping is rarely a wise option."
* Muirfinn nods, staying quiet and hurrying along.
> You hurry along. The hall leads to a grand entry room. Here beautiful stairs are stained and broken. The entrance lobby is full of bodies, skeletons and the corpses of what look to be a good dozen red giants. Most of the front wall is gone, revealing a devastated landscape that may have once been a garden. The sky is a roiling pink-red, the sweet smell of perfume mixing with the charnal scents of the battlefield. Past the ruined garden you can see a forest of crucifixes, surely thousands of them. Each has a being crucified onto it, not a single empty one from what you can tell from here.
* Muirfinn grimaces. "Which way, Canderella?"
> "Out," Canderella says, flying down. AS the others follow, "We may be able to find out who won from those crucifixes. Demons like to leave calling cards."
> Vivantha looks rather pale, but she does follow.
* Muirfinn nods, face set. "Let's go." Muirfinn says, turing into a bird to follow.
> Kascha's face slips into a stony and resolute grimace. "If it's the forces of another demon lord, that means we may have to sneak by their armies or otherwise get through."
> Thus you go out, flying over the ruined garden. On reaching the forest of crucifixes, you see it stretches ahead and to either side farther than you can see. Creatures of all types are crucified, including demons. Canderella dips down, flying go the edge and going to inspect a crucifix.
* Muirfinn lands on her shoulder, giving the crucifix a very bird-like stare.
> The poor creature here was a humanoid creature with gills and a white beard. It is most dead, stripped nude and body brutalized in unspeakable ways. Painted on his torn open rib cage is a crude sigil of a fingerless hand. Six stumps are there instead of five. OOC: You can make K:P off of that if you please.
> roll 1d20+30 Canderella
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+30 Canderella and gets 38." [1d20=8]
> roll 1d20+33 Kascha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+33 Kascha and gets 40." [1d20=7]
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+22
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+22 and gets 23." [1d20=1]
> roll 1d20+8 Bardic Knowledge for Vivantha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 Bardic Knowledge for Vivantha and gets 22." [1d20=14]
> Muirfinn can't quite figure it out. However, Canderella and Kascha exchange a glance. "I'd say because the fingers were cut off?" The eladrin ventures, Canderella smiling faintly.
> "The symbolism's simple," Canderella goes on, "Graz'zt is known for having six fingers. Six stumps on a hand is a fairly direct allusion to Graz'zt. I'd guess this was one of his armies, or at least the defenders thought so."
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 59." [1d100=59]
> OOC: Listen check, y'all.
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+31
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+31 and gets 36." [1d20=5]
> roll 1d20+27 Kascha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+27 Kascha and gets 36." [1d20=9]
> OOC: That was Vivantha, excuse me. Other two will take 10.
> Muirfinn can hear a groaning ahead. It's faint as anything, but it is audible. "H...H..."
* Muirfinn cocks his head, trying to hear.
> Vivantha turns at the same time, peering ahead. You can hear it again from ahead, "H...H..." A ways ahead you can see one cross in particular. Crucified there is a massive green troll. It's head is burnt and blood-spackled, eyes on the party. It's lips ever so slowly move, blood leaking from them. It wears naught, iron spikes all over its body, barely leaving any green flesh unpierced.
* Muirfinn eyes the troll. "It is not dead, and will likely recover." he squarks. "What is he saying?"
> "Oh, how fortunate," Canderella begins to fly there, "He's still alive! If he's sane, I can interrogate it with telepathy."
> "It won't, actually," Kascha speaks up, "Trolls can starve to death or dehydrate. It's one of the few things that can kill one off for good besides fire or acid."
<Muirfinn> "Well, provided it can get down, yes."
> "He's crying for help," Canderella rubs her forehead, "He's started screaming in the mind the moment I initiated a telepathic channel. I can't even get it to listen to a word edgewise."
> "Trolls are violent brutes. One in Graz'zt's army had to have been a special kind of brute. The sort that would take advantage of innocent maidens after waylaying them." She shudders with her whole body.
> "Curiosier yet, Graz'zt hates ugliness," Canderella glances back, "Not that it's stopped the hordes of the Abyss before." Reaching him and hovering before him, "Or he was caught in the battle or he was an ally that the defenders didn't like."
<Muirfinn> "Shall we help it? It could be of use, and even a troll can be kept in line."
> "I saw we interrogate it and send it to Ysgard. It probably doesn't deserve it," Kascha stares at it, "But no one deserves to die alone and scared." Her voice doesn't waver at that, flying forward. She draws her greatsword, "I'll cut it down if there's no objections."
> Canderella just shrugs. "It probably won't talk without torture or helping it."
* Muirfinn ruffles his feathers. "None here."
> *say we interrogate it
> "Why Ysgard?" Vivantha speaks up at that, a little frown of puzzlement on her face. "You're right, it doesn't deserve it."
<Muirfinn> "Ultimately, on Ysgard, it can't permanently hurt anyone."
> "Look at it," Kascha gestures with her blade, which shimmers with little eddies of air, crackles of fire, blobs of water and sharp stones. "It has reached the absolute nadir it could imagine. Killing it would be a mercy, but that would just feed the Abyss. In Ysgard, it can't do any permanent damage and it'll have a chance to reflect on what it's done."
> The troll opens it's mouth, managing ot whisper-rasp, "H..elp!"
> "Oh, if yo uthink this is a nadir, you're still painfully naive." Canderella reaches out to pat the troll's cheek, a smile like bladed silk. "This isn't bad work, but it's far from personalized torment. It's only an atrocity of war. Good for bulk, bad for quality."
<Muirfinn> "Possibly atone. Probably not, but Ysgard effectively neutralizes it, Nobody is likely to provide passage off-plane for it. And didn't the Aurora already have a demonic troll on it's side at one time?"
> Kascha makes a gagging sound, looking away. "Thank you for that," she sighs, "The point is..." Kascha slices out! She cuts off most of the troll's backflesh and the iron spikes holding him in place! It falls to the ground in a heap, Kascha kneeling before it. "Water, Muirfinn?" She begins to remove the spikes with her hands, grunting as she rips out as much flesh as iron.
> "I suppose," Vivantha says, staying back.
> "It did," Kascha says as she works, tossing aside spike after spike. The creature soundlessly gasps with each one, the wounds sluggishly closing as the troll's regeneration works. "Trolls aren't beyond saving, even one with demon's blood."
* Muirfinn alights from Canderella's shoulder, landing and morphing back into his natural form. Pulling the decanter from his pack, he speaks a soft word and a stream of purest water flows from the top, arcing down over the troll's mouth. "Nothing is beyond salvation, so long as it is willing to make the sacrifices necessary."
> The troll opens its mouth wide! It gulps down water, chokes, coughs it up and drinks again. "Besides, better to fail in Ysgard than to die here and feed this realm," Kascha says. Meanwhile Canderella speaks up, "His name is Grrrsomething. It's trollish."
<Muirfinn> "I'm afraid my trollish is somewhat rusty. Perhaps telepathy is the best choice."
> "As you wish," Canderella smiles and kneels down next to it. As it drinks yet more water, "It's claiming it wasn't a member of Graz'zt's army. It's hard to read bluffs with telepathy," she adds, "Grr was a Blood War conscript that ended up entangled in the battle. Graz'zt's forces blundered. From the sounds of it, they ran into a well led force. It may have been Athux's main forces, but who's to know for sure. Trolls aren't known for brilliant insights and cunning thought."
* Muirfinn nods. "Anything else? Where's it from?"
> "The forests. It fell into a portal one day and one thing lead to another." Canderella wavers a hand up and down, "It's not an uncommon story. The Abyss gets a lot of unexpected guests."
* Muirfinn nods. "If there is nothing else from him, I can open a gate."
> "Do it," Canderella says.
* Muirfinn opens a Gate under the troll, letting it fall into Ysgard.
> It does just that, gone and away. Once done Vivantha takes to the air, silently flying on.
* Muirfinn allows the portal to close, packing away the decanter and taking wing again. "Shall we?"

[Anastasia]

> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 75." [1d100=75]
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 80." [1d100=80]
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 90." [1d100=90]
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 81." [1d100=81]
> The party flies on. Ahead the forest of the crucified stretches further. A forest without trees, rivers without water. The crucified and blood replace them instead, stretching to the horizon. After a few minutes of this flight, Vivantha glances down and in a small voice, "How many?" she asks, her voice brimming with nausea.
> "I'd guess at least ten thousand," Canderella says, looking ahead through squinted eyes. "It could easily be more depending on how far it stretches to our sides." With a chuckle as she flies on, "This isn't so big by Blood War standards. Million demon armies are the minimum fielded by any demon warlord remotely serious about competing. I've heard that there are parts of Pazunia with mass graves bigger than continents from the worlds of mortals."
<Muirfinn> "Too many." Muirfinn warbles next to her. "There is nothing we can do for all of them. I can only open one more gate, and freeing a significant number would no doubt attract attention. As much as it pains me to say so, nothing would ultimately come of such an action. No matter how needlessly heroic it might be. An army of wounded, exhausted troops would only be slaughtered by more demons, or
<Muirfinn> merely re-affixed to those crosses. Along with ourselves. After we have dealt with Athux, and if situations permit, we can come in here with an army and choose the living from the slain."
> "The vast majority here are only getting what they deserve," Canderella interjects after that, "Don't forget this is an army of demons, not innocent lambs and mortals." Sweeping her arm out as you fly, the scent of rotting meat and death growing heavier as you continue ahead, "Besides, I'm sure a fair few were slain by their comrades. Demon armies routinely fight amid themselves. They aren't disciplined like Hell's forces are."
> "They have numbers and little else," Kascha adds, keeping her eyes ahead.
<Muirfinn> "The senseless, violent chaos of it all is disgusting. Madness for the sake of destruction, and destruction for the sake of madness. It is not a means to an end, just a means. No goal involved."
> "There is no why." Canderella nods slightly as she flies, a dry smile coming to her face. "It's a quote attributed to more demons than I can count. There is no why, no causes, no justification. There is only the Abyss and endless atrocities. The destruction isn't a goal, a means, an end or anything. It simply is."
<Muirfinn> "It is offensive."
> "It's hideous!" Vivantha pointedly looks up at the boiling horizon, "Chaos is freedom, not this!"
> "Hmph." With a teasing smile, the former succubus continues on. "Then you owe Baator thanks. If they didn't perform so accursedly well at their side of the Blood War, the rest of Creation would surely be overran."
<Muirfinn> "Unfortunate but true." Muirfinn glides. "The necessity of the Nine Hells is not lost on me."
> As you fly, there is a shudder. Not in yourself or in another. It is as if the realm itself shudders. Everything flickers, darkens and shakes. Light only returns halfway, cob-web cracks running along everything.
> "That's a short step from advocating what Hell does," Kascha says, "If need be, the Heavens could take Baator's place. Mechanus would join with us to contain the Abyss. We'd-" She pauses as she looks about quickly.
> "Eh?" Vivantha stops in the air, "What's happening?"
* Muirfinn twitches his gull's beak. "The realm shudders and shifts. Is it under attack?"
> OOC: K:P here, y'all.
> roll 1d20+36 Canderella (+6 bonus for being a former native)
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+36 Canderella (+6 bonus for being a former native) and gets 50." [1d20=14]
> roll 1d20+33 Kascha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+33 Kascha and gets 49." [1d20=16]
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+22
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+22 and gets 39." [1d20=17]
> Muirfinn knows this. This part of the Abyss is slipping out of the control of the layer's lord - likely caused by Athux's tenous grip on it and divine power. The previous shape of the realm is trying to reassert itself. Brace, this is likely going to be extremely violent and dangerous until it passes.
<Muirfinn> "Brace yourselves! The plane is shifting!" Muirfinn prepares to take evasive action!
> Muirfinn does just that! Just in time as the others follow suit, as everything around you shatters like glass! OOC: Ref saves, y'all. +3 bonus.
> roll 1d20+38 Canderella
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+38 Canderella and gets 47." [1d20=9]
> roll 1d20+28 Kascha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+28 Kascha and gets 45." [1d20=17]
> roll 1d20+37 Vivantha
> roll 1d20+37 Vivantha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+37 Vivantha and gets 44." [1d20=7]
> OOC: Did not include the +3 to any of their rolls. Dur.
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+25+6+3
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+25+6+3 and gets 39." [1d20=5]
> roll 10d6 Canderella half, Kascha half, Vivantha half, Muirfinn half. Add them to topic HP in #elysium.
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 Canderella half, Kascha half, Vivantha half, Muirfinn half. Add them to topic HP in #elysium. and gets 40." [10d6=6, 1, 6, 4, 5, 4, 1, 2, 5, 6]
> Reality becomes bleak nothingless as it becomes a storm of shards! It slices into all of you, scores of minor but endurable wounds. Before you is now hot, fetid hills. Hills of flesh that throb, full of crucifixes. They slowly emerge out as white putrescence seeps from the holes. The smell that hits you is nigh overwhelming! As you reel from that? The shards of the former reality swirl in front of you! It forms a titanic creatures of jagged, broken reality! It is in the shape of a balor, burning with the bonfire of everything that was! The blade in its hand is large enough to run one of you through five times over, made of rusted, ancient iron that crackles with lightning. In it's other hand is a gigantic spine, cracked like a whip!  The dislodged crucifixes fly up to it's neck, forming a necklace of them! The figures on it stare ahead, wide eyes and gazing at the party with contempt, hate and horror! OOC: First of all, Fort saves, y'all. This is a sickened/nauseaed effect if any of you are immune.
> roll 1d20+36 Vivantha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+36 Vivantha and gets 37." [1d20=1]
> roll 1d20+40 Canderella
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+40 Canderella and gets 46." [1d20=6]
> roll 1d20+24
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+24 and gets 35." [1d20=11]
> OOC: Kascha there.
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+33+6
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+33+6 and gets 58." [1d20=19]
> The figure is 100ft away. It stomps down, the hills beneath it cracking like sundered skulls. Amid a sea of foulness it stands, screaming in a voice of maniac rage, "THE END COMES! THE END COMES! THE END COMES!" Then before you can react further, the creature advances onto you! OOC: Kascha and VIvantha are nauseated one round and sickened until the end of the combat. Muirfinn and Canderella are merely sickened until the end of the combat. Init.
> OOC: Remember +2 from Vivantha.
> roll 1d20+14 Vivantha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 Vivantha and gets 22." [1d20=8]
> roll 1d20+4 Canderella
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 Canderella and gets 15." [1d20=11]
> OOC: +2 to hers for 17.
> roll 1d20+14 Kascha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 Kascha and gets 16." [1d20=2]
> roll 1d20+11 giant shard-balor
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 giant shard-balor and gets 27." [1d20=16]
> roll 1d20+6 the damned
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 the damned and gets 15." [1d20=9]
* Retrieving #dunes modes...
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+12
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+12 and gets 24." [1d20=12]
* Kotono changes topic to 'Shard-Balor(27)>Muirfinn(24)>Vivantha(22, nauseated 1)>Kascha(16, nauseated 1)>Canderella=The Damned(15)'
> The massive balor of shards raises its blade high! It swings it down as if to bisect reality before you, and it does just that! A wave of tearing reality surges towards the party, as if to cleave them apart! OOC: Ref, y'all.
> roll 1d20+37 Vivantha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+37 Vivantha and gets 40." [1d20=3]
> roll 1d20+38 Canderella
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+38 Canderella and gets 54." [1d20=16]
> roll 1d20+28 Kascha
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+28 Kascha and gets 29." [1d20=1]
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+25+6
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+25+6 and gets 48." [1d20=17]
<Muirfinn> OOC: Imp evasion
> roll 15d12 Vivantha half, Canderella half, Kascha full, Muirfinn none
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 15d12 Vivantha half, Canderella half, Kascha full, Muirfinn none and gets 128." [15d12=7, 12, 9, 12, 7, 12, 2, 12, 10, 7, 3, 4, 11, 8, 12]
> The blast of shards rips through the devastated party! Reality shreds all of you, save for Muirfinn who weaves amid it with a liquid serenity! OOC: Ow. Muirfinn, go.
* Muirfinn banks to the side, peeling off from the group a short way before morphing into the form of a massive silvery dragon, the air around him chilling and condensating as he exhales a mighty blast of frosty air!
<Muirfinn> roll 21d6 cold damage ref dc 29 go
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 21d6 cold damage ref dc 29 go and gets 73." [21d6=2, 3, 6, 5, 5, 3, 3, 1, 3, 5, 2, 4, 6, 3, 3, 3, 6, 1, 6, 1, 2]
> roll 1d20+19
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 and gets 24." [1d20=5]
> The blast of cold breath hits the shard-balor right on! The flames around it burn ice-blue as torrents of water pour off it and steam rises up! As the demon screams in fury, Vivantha is busy emptying out her stomach the hard way! So is Kascha, doubled over and being miserably ill! OOC: CAnderella and the damned are up.
<Muirfinn> roll 1d4 breath cooldown
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d4 breath cooldown and gets 4." [1d4=4]
> Canderella gestures, roaring in fury, "Oh yeah?" she retorts, as a giant fist of pure electricity appears above! Thunderclaps shatter everything into a din of pure fury as the fist strikes at the necklace of the damned!
> roll 1d20 this is ranged touch so just going to see if it 1/20s
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 this is ranged touch so just going to see if it 1/20s and gets 12." [1d20=12]
> roll 25d8
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 25d8 and gets 110." [25d8=7, 5, 5, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 1, 5, 5, 6, 3, 2, 5, 7, 6, 1, 8, 4, 5, 3, 6, 8, 5]
> Hit dead on, the necklace of the damned cracks apart! It rains down, but not before it sounds an unholy paean! Dark energies surge into the shard-balor, boiling beneath its jagged flesh! OOC: Shard balor is up.
* Kotono changes topic to 'Shard-Balor(27)>Muirfinn(24)>Vivantha(22)>Kascha(16)>Canderella'
> With deadly speed the balor pursues Muirfinn! It makes all the realm shake terribly with each loping step! It is within range in seconds, one massive swing angled down at him!
> roll 1d20+49 (-10 PA, +2 charge, +6 dark supplication) AC?
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+49 (-10 PA, +2 charge, +6 dark supplication) AC? and gets 53." [1d20=4]
<Muirfinn> OOC: 63
> But Muirfinn wheels in the air! His draconic body swoops lower, going underneath the legs of the creature as its swing only hits raw air! OOC: Go.
> "Rally your magic!" Canderella bellows, "Hit it right where Muirfinn did! Now!"
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+40 Bite
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+40 Bite and gets 55." [1d20=15]
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+35 Claw
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+35 Claw
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+35 Wing
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+35 Wing
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+35 Tail slap ASSUMING I DID ALL THAT MATH RIGHT HERE
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+35 Claw and gets 52." [1d20=17]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+35 Claw and gets 38." [1d20=3]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+35 Wing and gets 41." [1d20=6]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+35 Wing and gets 54." [1d20=19]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+35 Tail slap ASSUMING I DID ALL THAT MATH RIGHT HERE and gets 39." [1d20=4]
* Muirfinn attacks as he sails under the legs of the beast!
> OOC: All hit. AC it isn't.
<Muirfinn> roll 4d8+24 Bite
<Muirfinn> roll 4d6+12+2d6 plus 1 CON damage Claw
<Muirfinn> roll 4d6+12+2d6 plus 1 CON damage Claw
<Muirfinn> roll 2d8+12 Wing
<Muirfinn> roll 2d8+12 Wing
<Muirfinn> roll 4d6+36 Tail slap
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 4d8+24 Bite and gets 46." [4d8=1, 8, 5, 8]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 4d6+12+2d6 plus 1 CON damage Claw and gets 29." [4d6=3, 6, 1, 4][2d6=1, 2]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 4d6+12+2d6 plus 1 CON damage Claw and gets 26." [4d6=2, 3, 1, 1][2d6=2, 5]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 2d8+12 Wing and gets 18." [2d8=4, 2]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 2d8+12 Wing and gets 23." [2d8=5, 6]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 4d6+36 Tail slap and gets 53." [4d6=5, 5, 4, 3]
> OOC: What do your attacks count as to bypass DR?
<Merc> ooc: they count as tortle, ninja, teenage, and mutant!
<Muirfinn> OOC: Normal attacks count as magic, claws count as holy/magic/silver/Merc-slaying
> The flying dragon takes to the air, ripping into the legs of the giant balor! Shards are torn away as Muirfinn savages it, swooping up as its wings tear apart great lines into its back! AS this happens...OOC: Vivantha.
> Vivantha begins to sing! The rousing song fills the air, your weapons vibrating with sonic energy! OOC: +5d6 sonic to all attacks. Kascha.
> Kascha whirls back, pale-faced as she chants! Bands of light appear around her, before breaking apart as a powerful burst of holy energy slams into the demon!
> OOC: No SR check needed due to her boosters to that+Canderella.
> roll 20d8
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 20d8 and gets 96." [20d8=7, 1, 8, 3, 7, 6, 2, 6, 8, 3, 1, 8, 5, 3, 6, 1, 1, 5, 8, 7]
> roll 1d20+19 will
> roll 1d4 blidn
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4 blidn and gets 2." [1d4=2]
* Kotono changes topic to 'Shard-Balor(27, blind 2)>Muirfinn(24)>Vivantha(22)>Kascha(16)>Canderella'
> The blast gets the balor in the leg, causing it to fall to one knee! It's momentarily downed as Canderella swoops in! With it blind it can't see her dive in for a slash!
> roll 1d20+27 (+2 charge)
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+27 (+2 charge) and gets 44." [1d20=17]
> roll 1d10+5
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10+5 and gets 7." [1d10=2]
> Canderella hacks at the demon, perhaps scratching it mildly. Perhaps. Meanwhile it whirls about, swinging wildly for Muirfinn!
> roll 6#1d100 going to see how many even have a chance to hit him first needs 51 or higher
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 6#1d100 going to see how many even have a chance to hit him first needs 51 or higher and gets 328." [6#1d100 = 89, 54, 78, 36, 51, 20]
> roll 1d20+47 (-10 PA, +6 dark supplication) sword 1
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+47 (-10 PA, +6 dark supplication) sword 1 and gets 52." [1d20=5]
> roll 1d20+47 (-10 PA, +6 dark supplication) sword 2
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+47 (-10 PA, +6 dark supplication) sword 2 and gets 48." [1d20=1]
> roll 1d20+47 (-10 PA, +6 dark supplication) sword 3
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+47 (-10 PA, +6 dark supplication) sword 3 and gets 51." [1d20=4]
> roll 1d20+47 (-10 PA, +6 dark supplication) whip 1
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+47 (-10 PA, +6 dark supplication) whip 1 and gets 66." [1d20=19]
> OOC: AC?
<Muirfinn> OOC: HE GOT MEH
<Muirfinn> OOC: 1 hit
> roll 1d20+47 (-10 PA, +6 dark supplication) whip 1 crit check then
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+47 (-10 PA, +6 dark supplication) whip 1 crit check then and gets 57." [1d20=10]
> roll 1d8+22+2d6
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+22+2d6 and gets 37." [1d8=8][2d6=6, 1]
> The thrashing demon whirls about! While most are dodged cleanly, a slash of its spine-white gets Muirfinn's scaly side! He's sent wobbling in the air, knocked off balance! OOC: Go.
* Muirfinn spins into the wobble, wings retracting as he uses the momentum to come around and hit the monstrosity again!
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+40 Bite
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+35 Claw
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+35 Claw
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+35 Wing
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+35 Wing
<Muirfinn> roll 1d20+35 Tail slap
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+40 Bite and gets 42." [1d20=2]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+35 Claw and gets 53." [1d20=18]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+35 Claw and gets 43." [1d20=8]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+35 Wing and gets 47." [1d20=12]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+35 Wing and gets 48." [1d20=13]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+35 Tail slap and gets 44." [1d20=9]
> OOC: Congratulations, this hurts.
<Muirfinn> OOC: Everything again?
> OOC: Yep.
<Muirfinn> OOC: Alas, poor balor-thing.
<Muirfinn> roll 4d8+24 Bite
<Muirfinn> roll 4d6+12+2d6 plus 1 CON damage Claw
<Muirfinn> roll 4d6+12+2d6 plus 1 CON damage Claw
<Muirfinn> roll 2d8+12 Wing
<Muirfinn> roll 2d8+12 Wing
<Muirfinn> roll 4d6+36 Tail slap
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 4d8+24 Bite and gets 42." [4d8=6, 4, 3, 5]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 4d6+12+2d6 plus 1 CON damage Claw and gets 33." [4d6=4, 6, 2, 3][2d6=4, 2]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 4d6+12+2d6 plus 1 CON damage Claw and gets 33." [4d6=2, 1, 4, 3][2d6=5, 6]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 2d8+12 Wing and gets 24." [2d8=6, 6]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 2d8+12 Wing and gets 21." [2d8=4, 5]
* Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 4d6+36 Tail slap and gets 52." [4d6=2, 2, 6, 6]
> Under this devastating assault, Muirfinn rises up its side! He tears its arms apart, before going into the head! With one dragon-sized bite he rips its head open, plunging through the brain-matter! The creature stumbles and breaks apart - and slowly the realm reassembles itself. While jagged and cracked, it is once again the sea of crucifixes. OOC: Free act.
* Muirfinn gives a mighty draconic HOARK and spits out the disgusting material.
<Muirfinn> Shaking his head, Muirfinn rumbles, "Well, that most likely wasn't ignored by the natives."