It takes a fun guy to train like that

[Ebiris]

[18:09] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[18:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 29." [1d100=29]
[18:11] <@Kotono> You travel towards the clearing with the big oak. You go past lunch time without incident, stopping for a quick bite to eat. You soon reach the point you're looking for - it's an unremarkable bit of forest where the panther first appeared. Tall trees, thick canopy, dim lightning, that sort of thing.
[18:13] <Gildas> "Feather, how far does your ability to detect magic reach?" He takes a look around for anything out of the ordinary, like panther tracks, for example!
[18:14] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a quick survival check.
[18:14] <Gildas> roll 1d20+13
[18:14] * Hatbot --> "Gildas rolls 1d20+13 and gets 28." [1d20=15]
[18:15] <@Kotono> There's some tracks but they're fairly degraded. You would estimate they are at least several days old.
[18:16] <Gildas> He blinks and moves over to the tracks and points them out to the others. "I don't know how old these are... a few days perhaps, but... shall we try and follow them?"
[18:18] <@Porridge> Nothing else to go on so Porridge shrugs in what might be an agreeably manner.
[18:18] <Feather> "Works for me," Feather agrees.
[18:19] <Gildas> "We'll probably need your tracking skills." He remarks to Porridge as he starts following them.
[18:21] <@Porridge> Porridge tries to follow the trail, then.
[18:21] <@Porridge> roll 1d20+10 survival
[18:21] * Hatbot --> "Porridge rolls 1d20+10 survival and gets 16." [1d20=6]
[18:27] <@Kotono> Several hours pass following the trails. It's not quite sundown, but it's getting dimmer. Nonetheless you reach the end of the tracks. They end before an old, tall pine tree. It's rather large for a pine tree, reaching up and up and up and up higher yet.
[18:29] <Gildas> He looks up... and up... and up. "I cannot say it's out of place here, but... what a peculiar place to end."
[18:29] <@Porridge> No claw marks on the tree indicative of a big cat climbing?
[18:30] <@Kotono> No claw marks at all. However...OOC: Make a quick K:N check, Porridge.
[18:30] <@Porridge> roll 1d20+9
[18:30] * Hatbot --> "Porridge rolls 1d20+9 and gets 21." [1d20=12]
[18:30] <Feather> "Could ask the tree about it?"
[18:30] <Gildas> He nods. "That would be wise."
[18:31] <@Kotono> The bark for the tree is odd. Pine bark is normally fairly rough, but the bark on this tree is smoothed. All the little ends have been smoothed over in a most unnatural way.
[18:32] <@Porridge> "Dunno if this is even a real tree," Porridge taps the bark. "Doesn't look quite right."
[18:32] <Gildas> He blinks at Porridge, then turns and looks at the tree more closely. "Feather, would you mind checking it with your magic detection? I wonder if it's a hidden entrance."
[18:33] * Feather is already doing so!
[18:33] <@Kotono> The tree radiates magic! OOC: Spellcrafting real quick?
[18:34] <Feather> roll 1d20+9
[18:34] * Hatbot --> "Feather rolls 1d20+9 and gets 16." [1d20=7]
[18:35] <@Kotono> The magic is moderate transmutation. It's unusually evident and easy to detect, saturated into the entire tree. If a druid or someone who knows how to fake it meditates on the tree, something should happen.
[18:37] <Feather> "Why don't you try... meditating or whatever tis you do when you think about nature?" Feather suggests to Gildas. "Looks like your kinda magic."
[18:38] <Gildas> He blinks at that, but nods. "Ah... yes, I believe I understand." He takes a step and sits down in front of the tree and will begin the process of meditating on the tree and nature around them.
[18:39] <@Porridge> Porridge wanders aimlessly around, expecting this to take a while.
[18:40] <@Kotono> Gildas settles in. A few minutes of waiting pass as he meditates before the tree before you changes. A large face appears on it, made of bark and wood. "Ho-hum, ho-hum. Good morning!" The face yawns deeply, tiny little wood arms flaring out from the trunk to stretch out. "Ho-hum, is it time to open the way up?"
[18:41] <Gildas> He cracks an eye open. ...He briefly considers closing it again, but looks up. "Yes, please open the way." He decides to just be direct.
[18:42] <@Kotono> Before you, the pine tree shifts! It flows like water, forming into a stairway rising up into the canopy above! A stairway of wood and pine bark, with pine needles sticking out of the bottom of the stairs.
[18:43] <Gildas> It takes him a moment, but he stands up and shakes his head quickly, not really believing what he's seeing. Then again, they've been in a mushroom house, so... He takes a step onto the stairs before looking at the others. "Shall we, then?"
[18:44] * Feather follows after Gildas!
[18:47] <@Kotono> OOC: Porridge, are you going?
[18:47] <@Porridge> Porridge brings up the rear.
[19:04] <@Kotono> Going up the stairs, you find it to be an easy walk. You climb up towards the canopy! As you reach it, the canopy spreads apart, opening up for the stairs to go into. Oddly enough, as you climb up to it, you can see that the interior looks like a wooden room. Heading up into it, you find that it is indeed that. A small, comfortable room. The far wall twists, the same face as on the pine tree
[19:04] <@Kotono> appearing. "Ho hum, ho hum, to the circle or the sky today?"
[19:04] <@Porridge> Porridge keeps his mouth securely shut, looking at Gildas.
[19:06] <Gildas> He considers for a moment before saying. "The circle, please." Hopefully there isn't some sort of hidden puzzle in that...
[19:07] <@Kotono> The wall before you shifts. It opens up, a stairway of pine leading the way ahead and down back into the forest.
[19:08] <@Porridge> "Either we're going nowhere, or we just shifted into a fairy world," Porridge says distastefully.
[19:08] <Gildas> He will continue forward! "I have a feeling they know we're coming."
[19:08] <Feather> "That so?"
[19:09] <Gildas> "You don't set something like this up just to hide from people, do you? I'm sure when it activates they know about it. A more elaborate scrying technique, if you will."
[19:11] * Feather can't really see anything like that, but it's not impossible, he muses. Giving Gildas a noncommital nod, Feather says, "Let's go meet them, then?"
[19:12] <@Porridge> Back downstairs, then!
[19:14] <@Kotono> Down you go. You progress away from the way you came, heading further in. It's going down towards an unfamiliar clearing, with several large oaks in a circle in the center. As you get closer to the bottom, you can see what lies in that circle. The purple panther is there. It's before a large deer, eating its innards. Yet the deer isn't dead. It's an excellent buck, worthy of a hunt. Yet each
[19:14] <@Kotono> time the panther takes a bite out of it, the wound heals in a few seconds, before the panther takes another chomp. Further, the buck looks completely unperterbed by being eaten. A little further away, a large, green hummingbird prances about the ground, whilst a blue and white toad flies despite the lack of wings. Several fish ahead stand in a sunbeam-lit patch, walking on the tips of their back
[19:14] <@Kotono> fins like feet. They're making a steady circle-dance, ongoing.
[19:15] <Gildas> He blinks once. Then again. That comment about the fairy world is seeming more appropriate. He tentatively steps down off the steps and into the clearing, still a bit awe-struck.
[19:16] <@Porridge> Porridge is sure he remembers a fable that went something like this... the being eaten while constantly heaing anyway. There were no walking fish or flying toads.
[19:17] <@Kotono> "Ho-hum, ho-hum," The voice of the pine comes through the voice of the deer, utterly calm even as it feeds the panther. "Welcome to this humble circle."
[19:18] <Gildas> "Thank you for..." He looks to be choosing his words carefully on this one. "...allowing us in."
[19:19] <@Kotono> Ahead of you, a deep, bassy voice comes from one of the circle's trees. "It is the nature of the world to allow new things in. What can we be but our own natures?"
[19:20] <@Kotono> The fish reply in a little girl's sing-song, "We can always be something else. What is our nature if not mutable?"
[19:20] <Gildas> "Ah... so all of you are..." The realization settles in. "I see, I believe I am beginning to understand."
[19:21] <@Kotono> A frog's croak comes from the throat of the hummingbird before it replies, "Understanding is to be treasured. That is not our nature, but the truth."
[19:21] <@Kotono> "These are ones that are known to us," The panther speaks up, bloodied face and whiskers lifted up to stare at the party.
[19:22] <Feather> "What if someone wants to be less mutable?" Feather asks. "Is that possible?"
[19:22] <@Kotono> "Anything is possible," The fish sing, "What is our nature if not to strive?"
[19:22] <@Porridge> The panther was a lot less creepy without the backup band.
[19:23] <@Kotono> "Ho hum, ho hum," The buck licks its deerlips, "What is possible depends on the people involved. What is it you seek to do?"
[19:24] <Gildas> "Our comrade and friend was afflicted by a fey curse. We rescued her... but since then, she still suffers. We are trying to return her to what she was before being cursed." He gives the best explanation of the facts that he can.
[19:24] <Feather> "You met her last time," Feather adds, looking at the panther.
[19:25] <Gildas> "She is apparently turning into a fey more and more every day. She does not wish this, and neither do we." He adds as well.
[19:25] <@Kotono> "I have long wondered," A dreamer's voice. It's a woman's voice, bringing to mind being curled up in blankets and fast asleep. It comes from behind the party. "Are the fey what they are because they are fey, or are they fey because of what they are? But, I suppose this wild world could only be the result of the fey's nature."
[19:26] <@Kotono> "This is not the time for deep questions," The panther growls ever so softly, "Return to sleep."
[19:27] <@Kotono> With another croak, "What you were is always to be treasured. That is not anything but the truth. Nostalgia enriches the phantoms of the past. But that is not the truth here. Your friend suffers a lamentable fate. Tell us more about her."
[19:27] <@Kotono> OOC: Gah.
[19:27] <@Kotono> With another croak, "What you were is always to be treasured. That is not anything but the truth. Nostalgia enriches the phantoms of the past. But that is not the truth here. Your friend suffers a lamentable fate. Tell us more about her." The land-bound hummingbird replies.
[19:29] <Feather> "She's slowly turning into something she hates. Who would want to become some mushroom-themed fey after being trapped by a fey in a narrow field of mushrooms for centuries? Whoever she meets or whatever she does, even if it's just having some lunch, ends up being about this too, and just reminds her about it all over again. And then it seems like it's even affecting her. Getting her depressed
[19:29] <Feather> or giving her urges she doesn't want."
[19:29] <Gildas> He looks over at Feather. "Would you like to? You're a bit closer to her than the rest of us."
[19:30] <@Porridge> "Some say elves are fallen fey uh, diminished from what they were," Porridge says, carefully choosing his words rather than saying 'more sane' or 'stable', overweening pride and dickishness aside. "Any truth there? How about speeding up that change?"
[19:34] <@Kotono> "The Lady of the Mushrooms," The dreamer's voice intones again, before slipping away. You have a distinct sensation of falling asleep, except it's outside of your body and leaves you awake. At this the deer rises, shifting. Before you stands a middle aged man clad in green and brown. He wears a belted tunic, long enough to form a skirt of sorts. Hose of the same green are present, as well as
[19:34] <@Kotono> brown boots. He has a neatly trimmed blonde goatee and hair of the same. A small handsickle hangs from his belt. "It is safe to say that we maintain an ear towards the world of the Fair Folk. We have heard murmurings of the woman you speak of, but not in some time. I am Kral. I will speak for the Circle." He snaps his fingers, the other inhabitants of the clearing leaving, save for the fish.
[19:34] <@Kotono> Beneath them a small pond appears, the out of water fish splashing down and starting to swim.
[19:36] <Feather> "Not in some time? What do you mean? She's only been free for what, a couple months?"
[19:36] <Gildas> "Well, she was originally put there, what, a hundred years ago, right?"
[19:36] <Feather> Belated realizing his rudeness, he quickly adds, "And name's Feather. Pleased ta meet you."
[19:37] <@Porridge> "Porridge," the half-elf nods in greeting.
[19:37] <Feather> To Gildas, he says, "Wasn't no fey when she ended up there, from what I heard."
[19:37] <@Kotono> "The Fair Folk love drama and gossip." Kral explains, "I have heard of her years before now, one of their ilk bragging of what he did to her." He nods to Feather, "We have already been introduced by proxy. Sit with me," he says, going to sit down on the grass. "I see no harm in answering your questions."
[19:38] <Gildas> He nods to Feather and then to Kral. "It is a pleasure to meet you." He moves over to sit.
[19:39] <@Porridge> Taking a few steps closer, Porridge squats down to listen.
[19:41] * Feather figured as much, what with the panther, but better safe than sorry. He sits down next to Gildas, peering at Kral. "We heard some, but there was more to it, seems like."
[19:41] <@Kotono> "If the elves were once Fair Folk I do not know. I have heard the Fair Folk claim both as the truth." Kral explains, "Ho hum." Scratching at his bearded chin, "The Fair Folk do not lie lightly, if ever; however, it does not mean they speak the truth. Their history is largely oral and oral histories have a way of becoming garbled. To your question - the Lady of Mushrooms is free now but becoming
[19:41] <@Kotono> one of them?"
[19:43] <Gildas> "That is correct. Lady Valisha told us when we went to their realm that she should just submit and take up a mantle." He shakes his head. "If she wished to do so, I would have no objections to it, but... she does not want to be deprived of a life that she herself leads, rather than being forced into a role she did not wish."
[19:44] <@Kotono> "Lady Valisha spoke in wisdom, if not compassion." Kral concedes, "What do you know about mantles?"
[19:44] <@Porridge> "Also fey are kinda scary what with the 'entertainments' that frighten vampires, and she's not real big on that," Porridge adds.
[19:45] <Feather> "Would be best if there was some way to just give all that up. There's usually some tricky clause for these things, isn't there?"
[19:47] <@Kotono> "Who would be?" Kral returns, "Fair Folk and entertainment are a mislikeable combination of words." Gesturing with a hand at Feather, "There might be. A fey curse is more powerful if it has an escape clause, but it's not always mandatory, depending on what provoked it. But on mantles a moment, since this is important. I presume that she's having greater and greater incidents involving some
[19:47] <@Kotono> particular thing, probably  mushrooms?"
[19:47] <Gildas> He nods. "Yes, that is correct. That is her mantle, then? Mushrooms?" What an odd thing to have a power over...
[19:49] <@Kotono> "Most likely. The Fair Folk are somewhat akin to tiny gods, as the civilized clergy reckons them. They are technically spiritfolk that oversee a particular thing or concept tied to nature. The more powerful ones may have multiple mantles or unusually powerful ones."
[19:52] <Feather> "Can't help but think it's strange she got no control over it," Feather muses. "Feels like the power should listen to her, not lord her around."
[19:52] <Gildas> A thought occurs to him, and he speaks up at Feather's statement. "Is the... matter that she spent so long under the curse? I ask because both of my friends here were... ..."gifted" something that they had removed without as much of an issue."
[19:53] <Feather> "We don't really know what the fey that cursed her bragged about."
[19:54] <@Kotono> "That's part of it. The other part? Simply put, if she's becoming one of the Fair Folk, her mantle is developing. It's akin to becoming a teenager and your suddenly trying to get friendly with the girls." Scratching his chin again, "Young fey are secluded away until they master their powers or die. That sounds like what's happening to your friend."
[19:55] <@Porridge> "So it could kill her?"
[19:57] <@Kotono> "Possibly, though from what I understand it's remote. What I know is because I encountered a young nymph once. What I say here is true as far as I know, but the Fair Folk won't speak of it if asked. They take offense instead." Shaking his head slightly, "It's not a matter a mature one talks about to outsiders. No, the risk is encountering another Fair Folk and projecting their mantle onto them.
[19:57] <@Kotono> It's a mortal insult."
[19:58] <Feather> "So what's our options here?"
[19:58] <Gildas> He nods to Feather's question. "Is it even possible to... undo what's been done to her?"
[20:00] <@Kotono> "I don't know," he confesses, "What little I know speaks of reversing it before a mantle manifests. You said you were cursed by the Fair Folk but it was quickly removed?" Sitting back and looking up a moment, "That's not hard to remove."
[20:03] <Gildas> He leans back a bit and frowns. "Well, if we can't go backwards... then I suppose all we can do is go forwards."
[20:03] <Feather> "What was the curse? And the escape clause?" Feather decides to find out. "Just so we can compare it to what we heard?"
[20:06] <@Kotono> "He bragged about it, but he didn't go into the details," Shaking his head again, "Even if the curse had an escape clause, if she's manifesting a mantle it might be too late. That aside, it's not impossible to divine the answer. I can research to see if it can be removed, and if not, teach her how to control her power. The nymph I met showed me some of the exercises." He looks to the party,
[20:06] <@Kotono> waggling one finger, "But I require a few things in return. First, you will not speak of what knowledge I have given you here, save to the Fair Folk or another trying to save someone from the Fair Folk. Some of the Fair Folk take offense at their secrets being spread far and wide by other creatures. Can you agree to that, first?"
[20:07] <Feather> "Sure thing," Feather finds it easy to agree. "Not in the habit of gossiping."
[20:07] <Gildas> He looks at the others. "I think that's easy to agree with. I don't think anyone would believe us, anyway..."
[20:07] * @Porridge nods. "Nobody's business but Myann's."
[20:08] <@Kotono> "Good. Second, should you come across a Fair Folk treating humans, elves, orcs or even half-bloods like pets, that you will stand up to them. Kill them if it comes to that and you can." He looks each in the eye, his own green-eyed gaze resolute. "I reckon you've seen the tragedies that come from fairy entertainments."
[20:09] <Feather> "We can. Not much use in it since they just come back and their pals torture innocent people nearby, but stopping them's another thing."
[20:09] <Gildas> "We already have some... experience in that regard." He nods.
[20:10] <@Porridge> "Yeah," Porridge nods. "Not gonna stand for that if we can."
[20:11] <@Kotono> "Good." A short nod to that, "Third, I hear your townstead has found a healing spring. Correct me if I'm wrong," he says, but without waiting for a reply, "I'd like a sample of its waters."
[20:12] <@Porridge> Unfortunately Porridge never refilled his glasses for what was expected to be an uneventful trip, so he's out.
[20:14] <Feather> "Sounds fair," Feather agrees. "How much?"
[20:14] <Gildas> "Well, more like the healing spring found the townstead..." He chuckles. "I have a feeling you know exactly why it's a healing spring, though, don't you?" It wasn't meant as accusatory, more respectful of his knowledge.
[20:15] <@Kotono> "Two waterskins full should do," He replies, "I might know, but I'd like to confirm it." Going on from that, "Fourth, if you ever come across a bard named Eltia in your travels, treat her well.
[20:15] <@Kotono> "
[20:16] <Gildas> He blinks. He looks up in thought. "That name rings a bell... I think."
[20:17] <Feather> "Came across her a while back," Feather muses. "I think? Just passed by."
[20:17] <@Porridge> "Yeah, seemed nice enough for a brief meeting," Porridge agrees.
[20:18] <@Kotono> "Could have. She wanders," he agrees, "Is all of this agreeable to you?"
[20:18] <Gildas> He wonders if, by chance, this Eltia was the one he helped. Ah well. "I can agree to it."
[20:19] <@Porridge> "Yep."
[20:22] <@Kotono> "Very well. Bring Myann and a sample of the spring water back here in two days," he says, "She may be here for some time and you won't be able to visit until it's done."
[20:23] <Feather> "Alright. She's been down, like we said. We'll try to raise her spirits up and all, but it'd help if you kept that in mind when you meet?"
[20:25] <Gildas> "Thank you for anything you can do for her." He nods.
[20:25] <@Kotono> "Alright," he says, standing. "The rest of the Circle won't be around when you return. Don't seek them out. This is my business now, not business with the Circle."
[20:26] * Feather climbs to his feet. "Not a problem, Kral."
[20:26] <@Porridge> "We'll see you in a few days then," Porridge rises.
[20:27] <@Kotono> OOC: Going to travel back now, y'all?
[20:27] <Gildas> He stands as well, bowing slightly again. "Please give our regards to... ah... Panther."
[20:27] <Gildas> OOC: Indeed.
[20:27] <Feather> OOC: Yeah
[20:27] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 59." [1d100=59]
[20:27] <@Kotono> OOC: You'l lmake it back late and without incident. We'll sort out the rest tomorrow since wow, 330 came quickly.

[Ebiris]

[18:08] <@Kotono> The party makes it back late in the night. The Missus is still up, sandwiches of ham, chicken, venison and bear ready when you arrive, joined with berry juice. "Rashen wanted to let you know they're making good progress on the tavern," she announces, "It won't take as long as the last one."
[18:09] <Feather> "Good to hear," Feather responds, picking a venison sandwich for himself while eyeing the bear one warily. He shakes his head, then, and asks, "Where's Myann? Already asleep?"
[18:09] <@Porridge> "Gets easier as we get practice at it," Porridge says in understanding, grabbing a chicken and ham sandwich and taking a big bite. A second bite ends it.
[18:11] <Gildas> He nods to the news and decides to just pour himself a cup of juice.
[18:12] <@Kotono> "Mmm-hmm," Nodding as she settles in, "She retired early." The sandwiches are good, seasoned well by the day's hunger. "I've heard someone moving around so she might still be up."
[18:14] <Gildas> He looks at the others. "We may as well inform her of her findings if she is still awake."
[18:16] <@Porridge> No need for them all to tromp up there so Porridge just nods and keeps eating.
[18:17] <Feather> "I'll go take a look," Feather volunteers, grabbing a chicken sandwich along as he heads over to check.
[18:18] <@Kotono> OOC: #evildunes.
[18:18] <@Kotono> Once Feather goes off,
[18:18] <@Kotono> OOC: Gah.

~

[18:20] <@Kotono> The door to the guest room Myann is in is closed. Unsurprising considering the hour. It's dim up here as nights tend to be. Nice and quiet, the children all abed and dreaming of play and adopting Porridge.
[18:21] <Feather> "Myann?" Feather asks, knocking lightly on the door. "Are you awake?"
[18:24] <@Kotono> You hear the sound of rustling, "Yes, but hold on," she calls. After a few moments you hear, "You can come in."
[18:27] * Feather opens the door, peeking inside. "Chicken sandwich?" he offers.
[18:30] <@Kotono> "Upset stomach," she shakes her head. Myann is wearing a plain wool dressing robe, set off by the paleness in her cheeks. "I think I'm getting a touch of a sickness."
[18:36] <Feather> Feather sighs. Then, he steps all the way inside and closes the door behind him. "Sorry about how late it is. But I'm not going to let you just waste away, so we're getting your problem fixed one way or the other." He shakes his head. "I don't know if you're feeling sick because of this fey curse. I don't even know if we can remove it entirely, or just get you to control all these powers so
[18:36] <Feather> you'd stop hurting yourself and being so down all the time. I don't rightly care. Myann's Myann, whatever race you happen to be."
[18:40] <@Kotono> This provokes a sigh, Myann looking away. "I'm feeling sick because of the fungus that appeared in my dinner. It was toxic enough to kill a dire bear with a few crumbs. For me it's enough for indigestion." Keeping her gaze away, "But there's no helping it, is there? I wanted my freedom and I'm still a prisoner, even with it."
[18:46] <Feather> "Figured it was that." Feather places the sandwich on Myann's bed and then comes closer to gently pull on her chin so that she would be looking at him again. "On the other part, you're dead wrong. There's plenty of helping it, for one. Me and the guys, we couldn't see you like that anymore so we went on a little trip together. Found this druid who doesn't much like how fey act. Says he's
[18:46] <Feather> seen this before. Like I said, one way or the other, he'll be able to help. No more of this poisoning yourself at a normal meal or even messing up with your taste or freaking people out with weird urges. He'll help you. And if he can't do much about returning you back to how you were, that's not so bad. No one here cares about what you are, just who you are. You know? S'like I said. Myann's
[18:46] <Feather> Myann, and we like her just fine. Worst case, it buys us plenty of time to look into this more. We were told a chicken wasn't enough, eh? So maybe it'll take a dragon or something. I just know I won't give up until you're happy, and if that's how I'm gonna be you can't do any less, you hear?"
[18:53] <@Kotono> Myann tries to jerk her head away, but there's no real strength behind it. "Just...shut up!" she hisses, tears starting to blossom in her eyes. The wetness turns purple, mushroom blooming out of the tiny droplets of water. "I don't want to drag you into any more of this nightmare! You got out of it and got your happy ending! You s-s-s," Here coherency is lost as she succumbs to her sorrows,
[18:53] <@Kotono> collapsing forward onto FEather.
[18:58] <Feather> "The girl getting rescued doesn't get no say in it," Feather says, holding her as she sobs. "I'm gonna be with you all the way until it stops being a nightmare, and I ain't alone in that, either. So just accept it and fight against this thing with us! In just a couple months you got farther than in two centuries, so don't give up at the first setback!"
[19:06] <@Kotono> It's like a short thunderstorm, all the sound and fury playing out until only a few drizzles remain. Myann rests against Feather, "Could you close your eyes for a few moments," she asks, voice a little muffled.
[19:08] <Feather> "Uh, sure."
[19:09] <@Kotono> Myann separates, followed by the sound of...plucking? It's an odd sound, but a familiar one by now. It's the sound of mushrooms being torn away from something. It goes on for several moments and several more before Myann says, "Okay," she says, her voice no longer muffled.
[19:11] * Feather opens his eyes again, scratching the back of his head. "So, uh, I meant all that. I know you don't feel too good right now, but just try to rest tomorrow and then we'll leave the day after. It ain't far."
[19:12] <@Kotono> "Alright," she says quietly, wiping her eyes clean, "Alright then."

~

[18:19] <@Kotono> Once Feather goes off, "There's something else," The Missus says, "Robert's making a necklace of out the bear teeth. Will any of you want it?"
[18:21] * @Porridge shakes his head. "Never did much to kill it. Oh, but speaking of," he reaches into a pocket for the small green rock taken from under the spring, "I need a leather thong or something so I can make a necklace for this. Anything handy for that?"
[18:23] <Gildas> "Oh?" He ponders for a moment. "I may, madam." He nods to her. He looks at the Porridge's stone, reminded now. "Ah yes, If that turns out to be successful, we may be able to make more with it."
[18:23] <@Kotono> "I can rustle you up something for that," She replies, "Where did you find that stone? Anyway, you're welcome to the necklace if yo uwant it once it's done."
[18:24] <@Porridge> "In the big cave under the lake," he jerks a thumb in that direction. "Rocks are all like that, kinda concentrated with the positive energy. Chipped this little bit off, figured it'd make a good charm."
[18:28] <@Kotono> "It might just," The Missus peers at it and agrees, "Hold on." She goes and come back, bearing a strip of leather. It's not perfect but it looks like it could do.
[18:30] <@Porridge> "Don't need nothing fancy," Porridge says, quickly tying a cross knot to hold to rock and then knotting the ends behind his neck and tucking the whole thing under his shirt.
[18:31] <@Kotono> OOC: Let me check something real quick.
[18:32] <@Kotono> OOC: I'm having a notes failure, so did I tell you anything about the rock at all?
[18:33] <@Porridge> OOC: Nope. We touched it, got random bonuses, that was it.
[18:34] <@Kotono> Porridge puts on the rock necklace. He feels momentarily woozy, a greenish glow coming from within his shirt.
[18:34] * Gildas blinks. "Are you all right?"
[18:34] <@Porridge> "Oh..." he says slightly, putting a hand on the table to steady himself. "Never did that in my pocket," he pulls the rock out from under his shirt to look at it.
[18:37] <@Kotono> The rock is unchanged. The light has dimmed down and Porridge feels normal now. The Missus gasps, "Magic?"
[18:37] <@Porridge> "Must be," he nods, putting it back and trying to think if he feels any different post-wooziness.
[18:40] <@Kotono> Porridge feels a little tired, but that could be the day catching up to him.
[18:41] * Gildas just watches for the time being.
[18:42] <@Porridge> "Mmm... hard to say what it's done. I'll ask Feather tomorrow." Draining his mug of juice he then asks the elf, "Need a hand tidying up?"
[18:43] <@Kotono> "Please," she says, "I need to get up early." As she goes, "How was your trip out?"
[18:44] <@Porridge> "Got a good lead for helping Myann get a handle on herself, if not putting her exactly back to rights," he says, starting to get to work on clearing plates, making sure to set leftovers aside for tomorrow.
[18:45] <Gildas> "It was quite eye-opening." He adds, helping the cleanup effort.
[18:48] <@Kotono> As the trio gets to cleaning off plates and dunking glasses in the kitchen's water bucket, "Good. The poor thing's tearing herself up lately. That, and it's so strange to find mushrooms growing around her bedroom." Thoughtfully tapping her fingers against the side of the bucket, "Things grow well her, but she seems to grow the fastest of all."
[18:48] <@Kotono> *here
[18:49] <Gildas> "It's a burden she seems to be trying to bear by herself." He remarks. "Hopefully this will help."
[18:49] <@Porridge> "Yeah, at first I didn't mind 'cause mushrooms are good eating, but nothing but? Not nice for anyone," Porridge agrees.
[18:55] <@Kotono> "Yes, I have enough safe mushrooms to last through until the next spring with some to spare. I've been feeding them to the children but they're getting tired of them." With a slight sigh at this, "Even the stranger tasting ones."
[18:57] <Gildas> "Well, if everything goes according to plan, it won't be a problem for much longer." He nods. "I hope she's taking the news well."
[19:00] <@Porridge> "Well, animals don't complain. It'll keep the pigs happy if nothing else," Porridge grins.
[19:08] <@Kotono> "I feed them the ones that make you have vision quests." The Missus replies, "The pigs are so much more obedient that way. They just lie in the mud for hours afterwards."
[19:11] <@Porridge> Porridge laughs. "A practical woman indeed, I love it. Sure the animals do, too."
[19:12] <Gildas> "Indeed. Quite an inventive way of handling things."
[19:25] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 1." [1d100=1]
[19:26] <@Kotono> The party starts traveling early. You're only an hour or so from the Farmstead when...OOC: Who's in the front of your merry band?
[19:26] <Feather> OOC: I'll stick close to Myann in case she gets second thoughts or something
[19:27] <@Porridge> OOC: I'll take point
[19:28] <@Kotono> OOC: Make perception, Porridge.
[19:28] <@Porridge> roll 1d20+13
[19:28] * Hatbot --> "Porridge rolls 1d20+13 and gets 14." [1d20=1]
[19:28] <@Porridge> OOC: alertness reroll
[19:28] <@Porridge> roll 1d20+13
[19:28] * Hatbot --> "Porridge rolls 1d20+13 and gets 26." [1d20=13]
[19:30] <@Kotono> Porridge's sharp eyes catch something. It crests ahead, striding to the top of a fallen log. It's 70ft away - a giant deer of snow white and golden coloring, a magnificient stag. It reaches the edge of the log, looking up. As it does a beam of sunlight breaks through the canopy, shining down on the deer's head. It has impressive antlers, entire body far bigger than any deer you've seen before.
[19:32] <@Porridge> "That's an impressive beast," Porridge says respectfully, pointing it out and giving it some space as they pass.
[19:33] <Gildas> "Hm... curious." He remarks as they continue on.
[19:33] <@Kotono> Myann glances up at it, but silently returns to her own thoughts.
[19:33] * Feather wonders if it's another druid.
[19:35] <@Kotono> OOC: Just continuing on then, y'all?
[19:35] <@Porridge> OOC: yeah, not gonna kill such a cool looking deer
[19:41] <@Kotono> From here, your trip is unremarkable. Not a single tangle or briar patch slows you down. You make excellent time, soon coming to the Circle's tree. Kral awaits before it...OOC: Go ahead, y'all.
[19:42] <Feather> "Myann, this here is Kral," Feather introduces them, first thing.
[19:44] <@Kotono> Myann approaches and sizes him up, "Hello," she finally says.
[19:44] <@Kotono> Kral replies in Elven, "Welcome and well met," he offers, "You'll be coming with me momentarily." Back to Common for the party, "Do you have the water?"
[19:45] <Gildas> He takes out a waterskin!
[19:46] <Feather> "Say, would we be in the way for this?"
[19:46] <@Porridge> "Here you go," Porridge hands over his. "Can I get the skin back when you're done, though?" He kind of needs it to live.
[19:47] <Gildas> He'll hand over his as well since he doesn't really need it, that way Feather can keep one.
[19:48] <@Kotono> Another waterskin is passes to Porridge, "You can borrow this one until I get yours back," he says, "Yes, you would be in the way," Kral goes on, "I'll send a message if you can help in any way."
[19:50] <@Porridge> "Thanks," Porridge accepts it. "Guess we'll just head back the way we came? Good luck, Myann, hopefully this'll do some good."
[19:51] <Gildas> "We will be waiting for your return." He adds, nodding to her.
[19:51] <Feather> "Don't give up," Feather tells Myann, patting her shoulder. "We'll get there!"
[19:51] <@Kotono> "....thanks," Myann says quietly, "I'll see all of you again, alright?"
[19:52] <Feather> "Won't be the same without you, so you better hurry back!"
[19:52] <@Porridge> "We will. And soon, I hope," Porridge says supportively.
[19:58] <@Kotono> OOC: Heading back now, then?
[19:58] <@Porridge> OOC: yep
[19:58] <Feather> OOC: Yeah
[19:58] <@Kotono> roll 1d100+20
[19:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100+20 and gets 22." [1d100=2]
[20:03] <@Kotono> Your trip back is stunningly uneventful. You make excellent time and return just past sundown. On arriving you find Hylath sitting against the newly repaired front door. A big sack is next to him. A bit beyond a gaggle of half-elves are at play, muddy and laughing. As you approach, "Big bro!" one of them calls!
[20:04] <@Porridge> Porridge waves in return, used to it by now. "Got that door taken care of, then?" he asks, drawing near.
[20:05] <Feather> "Keeping busy?" Feather asks Hylath, feeling more cheerful than he had been in a week.
[20:07] <Gildas> He glances at the sack, then over at Hylath.
[20:08] <@Kotono> Hylath stands up, "This came for you from the kobolds," he says, "A payment."
[20:09] <Feather> "That quick?"
[20:10] <@Kotono> "Truly so," Hylath confesses, "I admit I was surprised, but that curious creature insisted kobolds mine faster than any other creature ever, at least for shinies."
[20:10] <@Porridge> "Should be a regular thing, we can plough it into the town and paying for what we'll need to build it up," Porridge says brightly, leaning over to see how much is in the sack.
[20:10] <Gildas> "Well, when they aren't being accosted by the other denizens of that cave..." He chuckles. "It probably motivated them, too."
[20:10] <@Kotono> OOC: Loot post.
[20:12] <@Porridge> "Huh, I expected just the raw gold, didn't think they'd be able to mint their own," Porridge says, pulling out a coin to see what they've stamped on its sides.
[20:13] <Feather> "Huh," Feather echoes, taking a look. "Guess they appraised it." He seems contemplative, before asking, "Anyone feel like offering to help them again? Maybe with the lizards, to keep things balanced down there?"
[20:14] <@Kotono> The gold coins are minted with the image of a dragon on both sides. The silvers are minted with the image of ingots and the coppers are minted with shaman Ten'ten'tal's face.
[20:14] <@Porridge> "Glad we've got a good thing going with them," Porridge puts the coin back. "And yeah, may as well try and keep things safe down there for their sakes and ours."
[20:15] <Gildas> "I... still feel remorse at blowing some of them up." He admits. "We may as well keep ourselves busy."
[20:16] <Feather> "Next time they come by to trade stone for wood, let's ask them."