Keep up or be left behind

[Ebiris]

[18:02] <@Tiny_Ko_Army> The end of summer has come. While the warmer seasons are somewhat muted in the Vastwoods due to the thick canopy, it is nonetheless notable as heat yields to temperate weather once more. It makes Ysvoldae's travels pleasant, the last several days of travel unusually uneventful. It is under this that she approaches a bastion of civilization and refinement in the forest, for the elven village of
[18:02] <@Tiny_Ko_Army> Malaines is ahead. It is a large village of log cabins and small farm plots, all knitted together by fused cobblestone footpaths. Above in the canopy are several places where lattices of wood push aside part of the canopy, making lattice-windows to allow sunlight in. There aren't too many elves around on a glance, adn the ones that are carry baskets or bushels full of harvest goods.
[18:06] * Tiny_Ko_Army is now known as Kotono
[18:07] <@Ysvoldae> A lithe figure dressed in light garments of forest green augmented by a thin and flexable maile of good elven chain over her torso, Ysvoldae walks softly onto the harder cobblestones after crossing rain-softened earth, a longbow slung over her shoulder and a handsome dog of mottled green and black fur padding alongside her. It doesn't get much more quintessentially elven than the image she presents, and so she doesn't falter on the basics such as greetings, raising a hand and calling out, "Uuma ma' ten' rashwe, ta tuluva a' lle!" in a sweet voice towards the first of her fellows that she encounters upon arriving in the village.
[18:13] <@Kotono> The nearest elf is an older teenager, a male carrying a basket full of apples. He smiles to Ysvoldae and approaches, "Welcome, friend," he greets warmly, "We are harvesting today. I can't talk long, the inn's that way," Gesturing with his head towards the northern part of town, "Hospitality is free."
[18:17] <@Ysvoldae> "Thank you, young one," Ysvoldae bows slightly in appreciation before taking the directions given and heading towards the inn to rest her feet and enjoy a hot meal before worrying about anything else. It seems a peaceful village at least.
[18:26] <@Kotono> The inn is pleasant, warm and peaceful. Soon a hot meal of apple pancakes and fresh crushed pine syrup and honey is before you. It's brought to you by a blonde female elf, all smiling girlishness. "Hello there," she says as she puts the food down. "That's a fine hound you have there."
[18:29] <@Ysvoldae> "Thank you," Ysvoldae says as the dog sits up and looks at the girl with intelligent eyes, its long slender tail starting to wag. "His name is Lyvan, he's been my companion for nearly forty years now," she adds, reaching over to scratch between his stiff and feathery-furred ears, the dog's tongue lolling out in contentment. "You can call me Ysvoldae if you please. We've been wandering the Vastwoods a few years, but this is our first time in this village."
[18:31] <@Kotono> "Good dog," The elf smiles to the dog, "We have elven cats in the village, but you know how independent cats are." Chuckling, "Do you mind if I join you?"
[18:35] <@Ysvoldae> "Not at all, I could use the company," she says, cutting off a small section of the pancake and dropping it into Lyvan's waiting jaws. The dog then turns to look at her with big soulful eyes, silently begging for more. "No, Lyvan, you'll get fat," she chastises kindly, ignoring those puppy eyes with practiced ease, "We'll go hunt some rabbits for you later."
[18:38] <@Kotono> Smiling at the dog and the interplay, "Have you come across the Holset farmstead lately, by any chance? It's maybe a week easternly from here."
[18:40] <@Ysvoldae> "No, I've been coming up from the South," she replies, cutting up another bit of pancake for herself and chewing it down. "Mmm, these are nice," she compliments, cutting off another section and nudging the plate slightly towards the other elf, "Help yourself. Anyway, what's happening over there?"
[18:42] <@Kotono> "No thank you, I just ate," She shakes her head, "A little to the north of the farmstead there's a human village. The stories coming that way is that a dragon brought winter to high summer there. Brave heroes from the farmstead slew an army of half-dragons and the dragon to save summer." She smiles now, a little wistful, "I have family there. She married a human and they have over a dozen
[18:42] <@Kotono> children."
[18:45] <@Ysvoldae> Ysvoldae suddenly looks uncomfortable at the latter subject, her previously friendly and relaxed expression shifting between scandal and shame before she manages to somewhat school herself. "Well..." she coughs primly, "Not bad for a few farmboys, then. Though these things always end up bigger in the retelling, don't they?"
[18:48] <@Kotono> "It's the truth," The elf smiles now, almost amused. "You can call me Messae. It's the truth, I visited there not long ago. There's a natural healing spring there, too, and a druid and other spellcasters. They always have a plentiful harvest there. It's remarkable to see."
[18:52] <@Ysvoldae> "Sounds like a bit more than just a simple farmstead from what you're describing," Ysvoldae says. "Especially the healing spring... those must be fantasticly rare. I've only ever heard of one in all my travels, and that was on another continent."
[18:53] <@Kotono> "They're expanding," Messae says, giggling, "It's like its own miniature world there. I was thinking about visiting again before winter sets in. They have the best harvests."
[18:57] <@Ysvoldae> Though it would certainly be awkward to be surrounded by so many half-breeds, never mind the perversity of a stable elf/human relationship, Ysvoldae is rather curious about that healing spring. Her father had mentioned visiting the other one before she was born and described it as an incredible experience. "Well, I wouldn't mind taking a look at this spring, I suppose. If you want Lyvan and I could accompany you - we're quite used to dealing with the sort of trouble you find travelling these woods."
[19:06] <@Kotono> "Oh, thank you!" Messae is all smiles at that, "Thank you so much!"
[19:08] <@Ysvoldae> "Really, it's no trouble," Ysvoldae shakes her head and goes back to her pancakes for a moment, "I'll stay around this village for a little while, so just let me know when you plan on leaving and we'll accompany you."
[19:12] <@Kotono> "The day after tomorrow," she says, standing, "Please enjoy Malaines until that time. It's the harvesttime, so most are busy with that."
[19:14] <@Ysvoldae> "I'll see you then if not before," Ysvoldae nods, polishing off the last of her meal and lifting the plate and cutlery to go and wash them. She may as well lend a hand with the harvest for a few hours and then go hunt down a meal for Lyvan. If he doesn't hunt it himself.
[19:16] <@Kotono> OOC: Good to skip along a bit then?
[19:18] <@Ysvoldae> OOC: yep
[19:20] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:20] -rpgcafe.ca.us.lunarnet.org:@#dunes- Kotono invited Hatbot into the channel.
[19:20] * Joins: Hatbot (~Hatbot@72.183.113.233)
[19:20] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 42." [1d100=42]
[19:21] <@Kotono> The time in Malaines is peaceful. It passes without incident and soon Ysvoldae and Messae are ready to leave. Thus they begin to travel in the crisp fall weather...OOC: Make a survival check for general reference.
[19:23] <@Ysvoldae> roll 1d20+16
[19:23] * Hatbot --> "Ysvoldae rolls 1d20+16 and gets 17." [1d20=1]
[19:24] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:24] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:24] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 70." [1d100=70]
[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 41." [1d100=41]
[19:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 91." [1d100=91]
[19:26] <@Kotono> The first two days of travel are fair and utterly unremarkable. As you travel the third day, you pass through a little gully between trees. It was perhaps once a little brook, but no sign of water is in it. In fact, ahead, you can see a curious thing - a large patch of red and white mushrooms. Each one has a rounded cap and looks like a storybook drawing of a mushroom.
[19:29] <@Ysvoldae> "Those are strange looking mushrooms," Ysvoldae observes. And one thing about strange phenomenon in the Vastwoods, it's better to err on the side of caution. "Best not to disturb them, this could be a Sidhe's game," she suggests to her companions, making sure to give them a wide berth.
[19:30] <@Kotono> Messae gives them a fairly long look, before speaking a little hesitantly. "I think they're safe, but caution is best." She glances around at that, and in a low voice, "Have you ever met a Sidhe?"
[19:32] <@Ysvoldae> "Just once. Never lack for politeness should you meet one yourself," Ysvoldae suggests with utmost seriousness. Lyvan whines in agreement, ears flattened.
[19:35] <@Kotono> As you skirt around, one of the mushrooms glides forward. Like the ground is ice, coming towards Ysvoldae. Meanwhile Messae nods, "I've heard all the stories," she whispers back, eyes drifting to the mushroom that approaches.
[19:37] * @Ysvoldae stops. "We're involved now," she says, hoping Messae took heed. There's no point in running, it would only annoy the sidhe involved. Turning towards the mobile mushroom, she crouches down on her haunches. Is it for eating? Or is it poison? Red certainly is an ominous colour as far as food goes. But as best she can tell this is an invitation, and it's best not to refuse it. Gulping, she reaches out to pluck the mushroom from the ground.
[19:38] <@Kotono> When the mushroom is touched, it vanishes. At the same time, Vsvoldae grows! Her entire body swells up, enlarged! OOC: As enlarge person.
[19:40] <@Kotono> "Goodness!" Messae stares at the growing elf and vanishing mushroom, hands going to her mouth.
[19:41] <@Ysvoldae> Lyvan barks and wags his tail, starting to bounce around his now impressively statured companion in excitement. Ysvoldae is less impressed, looking at her hands and then down at her body before casting her eyes about from this heightened vantage. "I really hope this isn't permanent..."
[19:43] <@Kotono> Messae stares up at the enlarged elf, "Magic mushrooms. I told you this area was different," she remarks.
[19:45] <@Ysvoldae> "I'll admit, this is an entirely new experience," she agrees. "I suppose that's enough entertainment?" she muses, looking about just to see if they're going to be pressured into anything else. "Well, may as well just keep going... and calm down, Lyvan!" she adds at her overly excited dog.
[19:47] <@Kotono> "Good dog," Messae turns to Lyvan, "Sit?" As she tries that, Ysvoldae's entire body shrinks back down.
[19:47] <@Kotono> Ysvoldae doesn't see anything remarkable about or anything that looks like you're being forced to it.
[19:50] <@Ysvoldae> The dog seems happy enough to do so while his companion regathers her wits. It's far less interesting now that she's her normal size anyway. "Well, that was refreshingly quick and to the point. Shall we?" she asks, gesturing to start moving onwards again.
[19:50] <@Kotono> With that curious interlude done, the twto continue on...
[19:50] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:50] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 12." [1d100=12]
[19:50] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:50] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:50] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 19." [1d100=19]
[19:50] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 75." [1d100=75]
[19:51] <@Kotono> The sixth morning is unremarkable. Ysvoldae rises from her trance and goes to the fire for breakfast. But as she does, she stops and blinks. A large wooden cube floats 5ft above the campfire. It's dusted with golden glitter, just floating there.
[19:53] * @Ysvoldae just stares. Why? What does it mean? Where did it come from? At least her dog is asleep and isn't going to start making a fuss over the shiny thing, she reflects as she scavenges for a long branch and uses it to prod the block.
[19:55] <@Kotono> The block is poked. It lurches up momentarily, the center spasming. From it comes out a golden, twisted, malformed...thing. You'd need to take a look at it to see more. The gold dust vanishes from the block and it hangs in the air, a dull wooden block.
[19:56] * @Ysvoldae takes a look at the malformed thing.
[19:57] <@Kotono> It looks to be a large, flat gold coin. However, it is twisted all about like hot taffy. Meanwhile Messae comes out from the bushes, carrying an armful of berries with her. "Oh, you're u...up...?" She stops, "What's going on?"
[19:59] <@Ysvoldae> "I have no idea," the other elf says in a puzzled tone. "It looks like gold but... I don't want to touch it."
[20:00] <@Kotono> "I have no idea," Messae finally says, "I mean, I don't have any idea either. How...how about we just get going?"
[20:01] <@Ysvoldae> "Yes, I like that plan." Prodding Lyvan with a toe, she grabs her things and starts beating a hasty retreat.
[20:02] <@Kotono> Thus the two hurry along. The rest of the day's travel makes good time, finding worn hunting and footpaths leading towards the farmstead. It's getting close to dusk when, following one such path, the two can see a rustling in the bushes ahead.
[20:05] <@Ysvoldae> Holding up her hand to stop Messae, Ysvoldae smoothly draws her bow and knocks a pair of arrows. Why pass up a chance for catching dinner when it appears before them after all. Making a faint clucking noise with her tongue, she sends Lyvan creeping around the bushes to get to the rear where he'll be able to flush the quarry out towards her.
[20:06] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a quick stealth check, Lyvan?
[20:06] <@Ysvoldae> roll 1d20+8
[20:06] <@Kotono> Meanwhile Messae steps back, getting behind Ysvoldae.
[20:06] * Hatbot --> "Ysvoldae rolls 1d20+8 and gets 13." [1d20=5]
[20:07] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+11
[20:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 19." [1d20=8]
[20:08] <@Kotono> As the hound slinks into the woods, there's another rustling in the bushes. It expands and a female voice calls, "Hello?" in Elven, then repeats it in Common.
[20:09] * @Ysvoldae quickly relaxes her bow and lowers it, whistling first for Lyvan to return to heel before calling out herself, "Uuma ma' ten' rashwe, ta tuluva a' lle."
[20:10] <@Kotono> "Oh!" The voice is followed by a female elf emerging from the bushes. She has red hair and pointed ears, wearing woven silk armor and sturdy traveling clothes beneath it. A glistening blade of crystal hangs at her side. "Greetings...and Messae, wasn't it?" The elf turns towards your companion, who comes up and smiles.
[20:11] <@Ysvoldae> "Ysvoldae Dre'ara," the archer introduces herself. "I almost had you mistaken for a deer."
[20:11] <@Kotono> "Oh, we must be close," Messae says, "Ysvoldae, Myann. Myann, Ysvoldae. She's been staying at the farmstead lately, we met last time I visited."
[20:12] <@Kotono> "Myann. Just Myann," She adds that as an afterthought, Giving Messae a glance and then turning to Ysvoldae, "Are you heading that way? I'm heading back myself."
[20:14] <@Ysvoldae> Slotting the arrows back into her quiver and slinging her bow over her back, Ysvoldae nods. "Messae came to visit her sister. I was just curious about the healing spring."
[20:17] <@Kotono> "Word spreads," Myann says with a little hm, "It's not far. I could use a visit," Reaching up to rub her neck, "I've been on the move the last several days."
[20:19] <@Ysvoldae> "That's good," Ysvoldae looks over her shoulder briefly. "These woods have been stranger than usual, since we left Malaines."
[20:20] <@Kotono> "Oh?" Myann asks, starting to lead the way on. "These woods have a mind of their own, but it's been quiet since the incident up by Willowford."
[20:22] <@Ysvoldae> "Strange mushrooms and floating blocks of wood, yes," Ysvoldae nods. "But are you talking about the dragon? Mennae mentioned it to be, were you involved?" She has the look of a fighter, and it's a far better topic than strange sidhe games to discuss.
[20:25] <@Kotono> "Those." Myann shakes her head, "Don't worry about them. The dragon..." She closes her eyes and sighs, "A white dragon was in its High Season. It transformed many powerful servants and creatures into half dragons and sent them out. It desired to collect the residents as treasure. We were the ones that faced it - Myself, a human named Feather, a half elf named Porridge and a human named Gildas.
[20:25] <@Kotono> We ended up fighting them to protect Willowford and investigated. It was cold as late fall in spite of being winter and unnatural things were happening." She follows the trail as she goes on, "I could tell many stories of it, and in the end we faced and killed the dragon, stopping the attacks and restoring the weather to what it should be. We even did it fast enough to save most of Willowford's
[20:25] <@Kotono> crops. They'll have a tight winter, but they'll make it."
[20:29] <@Ysvoldae> "Oh..." she looks briefly at the blonde elf, "I'd thought it tall tales but you don't sound like you're boasting. You really must be strong, Myann," she says, impressed and automatically discounting the contribution of the non-elves.
[20:31] <@Kotono> Myann looks away at that. "I have strength, but it wasn't my strength that won those battles. I have the gift of sorcery, supporting my allies more than doing the battles myself. Against the dragon, Porridge discerned the trick that protected the dragon, Feather greviously wounded it and Gildas slew it. You should hear them tell of it. The stories aren't all happy ones...but they deserve to be
[20:31] <@Kotono> told. To remember Porridge, since he gave his life to save Feather against the dragon."
[20:32] <@Kotono> "I'm sorry," Messae speaks up at that, quietly adding.
[20:36] <@Ysvoldae> She blinks briefly at Messae's reaction, having assumed this half-elf would have been one of her nephews. No doubt it was his elven side that gave him the wits to discern the dragon's trick, but still, it stings a little to think a half-elf could do something so brave and selfless, when another wasn't even given a chance at life. She quickly quashes her guilt, unused to even thinking of that day all those years ago, and after an uncomfortable moment she speaks up, "Yes, but at least you prevailed."
[20:41] <@Kotono> "Barely. Don't fight a dragon if you can avoid it. It was terrifyingly powerful." Myann looks to the side at that, seemingly lost in her own thoughts for a little bit. "I remember a little bit of bardic doggerel from my childhood. Some bardsong or another, but the name has stuck with me. Draco tyrant. Words that are wholly true. It saw all the land as its personal fiefdom and the humans living
[20:41] <@Kotono> there as cattle to be used as it sees fit. It knights its servants with its own blood, creating battle after battle against dragon-enhanced warriors. Have you ever seen a river crocodile? Grow one bigger, give it wings, freezing breath and increase its natural cunning. Or give all those gifts to a pack of wolves, or teach a dire weasel how to fight like a monk, or command an entire hive of giant
[20:41] <@Kotono> bees blessed with dragonblood to rule the skies."
[20:43] <@Ysvoldae> "That's something well out of my experience, and I'm hardly sheltered," Ysvoldae says, amazed and a little intimidated at what she's hearing. It's a good thing she didn't send Lyvan after this particular quarry, he'd surely have been crushed!
[20:47] <@Kotono> "Ever since I've traveled with Feather, Gildas and Porridge, my life has been anything but ordinary." She says that with a hint of...something. Almost wistfulness and something you can't put your finger on. "Porridge, for instance, could become any animal he had ever seen and fall into terrible rages, as well as cast a little bit of magic. I've been spending some time reflecting after that, and
[20:47] <@Kotono> it's amazing how the last few months have been. The dragon was gigantic, the size of a large house. Porridge was able to shove it away to free Feather from underneath it. It's what got the dragon's ire directed at him. It's remarkable when Eltia tells the tale."
[20:51] * @Ysvoldae just nods, feeling a little overwhelmed by all this. "It sounds remarkable the way you tell it."
[20:53] <@Kotono> "It was," Myann agrees, "Follow me, I'll lead you on." She pauses and smiles a little bit, "We're almost there."
[20:54] <@Ysvoldae> Nodding and falling silent, she continues onwards following the other elf.

[Ebiris]

[18:04] <@Kotono> Fall has come. In these days, the days are taken up by building and the harvest. From sunrise to sunset almost everyone works. The sole exceptions are Myann and Hylath. The former needs some time to herself for both fey and personal reasons, while Hylath is busy encouraging workers. Somehow a constant serenade of song, poetry and encouragement helps everyone along. With the infusion of new
[18:04] <@Kotono> townspeople for manpower, the harvest and buildings are going well. Gildas, Feather, Rashens and several new townsfolk are working on a cabin on the edge of the farmstead. They've just finished hauling some logs over when the sounds of people coming through the forest is heard. It sounds like whomever it is isn't making much effort to be quiet.
[18:05] <Feather> If it's something he's needed for, someone will call Feather. Em, probably, he muses as he sits down to rest.
[18:07] <Gildas> Gildas glances over, currently carrying a log to its destination. He decides to put it where it is meant to go before fully turning his attention that way. "It isn't lunch..." He remarks, entirely unnecessarily.
[18:08] <@Kotono> The figures that come out are familiar. One is Myann and another is Messae - but the third is foreign. Voices can be heard, the group talking, "And right...oh, they've got a new cabin going here," Myann says to the unfamiliar elf. OOC: Go ahead and intro yourselves anda ll that as you please, y'all.
[18:09] <Feather> "Welcome back!" Feather greets Myann, waving at Messae before looking at the third elf curiously. Yet more family?
[18:10] <Gildas> He smiles and nods to those he knows. "Greetings." He says to the newcomer.
[18:12] <@Ysvoldae> The other elf doesn't much look like the Missus or any of her children or sister, armed with a bow over her shoulder and accompanied by a large green and black-furred dog. Her yellow and somewhat predatory looking eyes narrow a little at Gildas' address, replying pointedly in elven, "Well met, stranger," in a clipped tone.
[18:12] <@Kotono> Myann greets Feather with a large smile, "Ysvoldae, that's Feather and that's Gildas. The elf over there with the logs," Pointing ot the other side of the cabin, "Is Rashen. I'll introduce you to all the other humans a bit later, we're still getting to know one another."
[18:13] * @Ysvoldae nods, perking up a little as she spots Rashen but not looking overly enthusiastic at the prospect of meeting more humans.
[18:17] <@Kotono> Rashen comes on over, "Greetings," he echos in Elven, "Don't think you're from Malaines, are you?" He pauses to reach into his pocket and take out a cloth-wrapped hunk of bread, starting in on it.
[18:17] <@Kotono> Meanwhile Myann glances back over at Ysvoldae and frowns slightly, but turns her attention to Feather. "How're things going here?"
[18:18] <Feather> "Same old," he responds with a shrug. "Building, getting people to mix together all proper-like. How about you? Found what you were looking for out there?"
[18:19] <@Ysvoldae> "No, I'm from all over really. I properly came to the Vastwoods just a few years ago, but I'd visited several decades ago," Ysvoldae tells Rashen, fastidiously sticking to elven. If someone can't speak a proper language then they're not worth talking to.
[18:19] <@Kotono> "Yeah," Myann says, "I expended a lot of magic as well." Yawning after and stretching, "I was going to go see what's cooking for lunch."
[18:20] <Feather> "Sure thing. We're on break now anyway. Wanna go together?"
[18:20] <Gildas> He either didn't notice or doesn't acknowledge anything, taking a moment to smile at her beast companion, before turning his attention back to Myann with a nod.
[18:21] <@Ysvoldae> The dog at least seems in better humour than its owner, given the happy canine expression on its potentially fierce features.
[18:21] <@Kotono> Finishing the bread off quickly and then taking out an apple and starting on that, "That right?" Rashen says casually, "Lunch is a good idea. I think the Missus is fixing up something with those spring mushrooms."
[18:22] <@Kotono> "Good idea," Myann says, glancing at Ysvoldae, "Would you like to join us? The children should see Lyvan, too," Adding that thoughtfully, "There's a zygraat colony here, but no elven cats, dogs or anything like that. It wouldn't hurt for them to meet an elven hound."
[18:24] <@Ysvoldae> "Alright," Ysvoldae nods. "Just so long as they don't pull his tail or anything, I'll accept your hospitality."
[18:29] <@Kotono> WIth that, the group heads to the picnic tables. Rashen whipped up a few more, a giant string of them together for the lunch meal. As you come over, Robert comes on by. He towers over the others, "Messae," he greets, "The Misuss'll be out soon. Good to see you again." Then to Ysvoldae, "Robert Holset," he offers to her in Elven. Behind you is a gaggle of humans settling in for the meal. They're
[18:29] <@Kotono> joind by a brood of half-elf children, easily over a dozen of them. They're setting places, putting down plates and all that.
[18:31] <Feather> "Robert," Feather greets him, nodding at the man before making his way to a seat.
[18:31] <@Ysvoldae> "Ysvoldae Dre'ara," she replies, deigning to follow the human custom and daintily put her hand in his for a brief moment. He can't be that bad. Unless his wife is a degenerate, but Messae seemed alright.
[18:32] <Gildas> Gildas nods likewise to him before going to help the kids with the place-setting before taking a seat for himself.
[18:35] <@Kotono> His grip is strong and calloused. He continues in elven, "Passing by or interested in the township?" he asks casually.
[18:37] <@Ysvoldae> "Well, we'll see... I was mostly curious about the healing spring," she admits. "But Myann told me some impressive stories of recent events."
[18:38] <@Kotono> "Yeah? Did she tell you about the time we fended off a rabid dire bear from the farm?" Robert asks.
[18:38] <@Kotono> Meanwhile, as people set up, sit down and generally position..."HELP!" The shout comes from the direction of the springs. "HELP!" What's worse is that it sounds like Em. She comes stumbling from the path to the healing spring, in a panic as she rushes towards the party.
[18:39] <@Ysvoldae> "Not that one-" she begins before turning towards the ruckus and drawing her bow on instinct, a whistle having Lyvan perk up from wherever he'd lay down and bound over to her heel.
[18:40] * Gildas stands and jogs over to Em! "Are you injured?" He takes a look at her to be on the safe side first.
[18:41] <Feather> That cry of help is all that Feather needs to dash towards Em and the past her, all the way to the spring. There might be others there who need help!
[18:42] <@Kotono> As Myann dashes towards her, Robert hustles to his daughter. "Em, are you hurt? What happened?"
[18:42] <@Kotono> Em collapses into Robert's arms,
[18:42] <@Kotono> OOC: Gah.
[18:42] <@Kotono> OOC: Just a sec, Gildas. If the others delay long I'll do yo uat the spring in another room.
[18:43] <@Kotono> Em collapses into Robert's arms, "A..ants. Giant ants," she pants, "Lead by a white one. Th-they took Ma!"
[18:44] <@Ysvoldae> That's all Ysvoldae needs to get moving, gesturing for Lyvan not to wait for her, "Go!" she says, the dog rocketing off at tremendous speed even as she runs far slower behind him.
[18:45] <@Kotono> "Did they?" Myann says quietly, "Let's go!" She shifts into the form of a mushroom panther, hurrying towards the springs as well.
[18:46] <Gildas> "Not this again..." He mutters to himself as he follows Myann's lead to go see what's happening! But wait... a white one? Oh, that isn't what he hopes it isn't... is it?
[18:47] <@Kotono> In a hurry, the group rushes towards the hot springs. Feather gets there first due to his lead. A basket lies besides the spring, full of the mushrooms that grow there. It otherwise looks serene on a casual glance.
[18:48] * Feather immediately looks for any tracks the ants would have left, or signs of the Missus being dragged away. Assuming there is nothing to be seen in the water, of course.
[18:49] <@Kotono> OOC: Survival check.
[18:49] <@Kotono> OOC: I cast summon miko.
[18:50] * Joins: Rei-chan (~mars@cpc9-sgyl30-2-0-cust73.sgyl.cable.virginmedia.com)
[18:50] <Feather> roll 1d20+10
[18:50] <Rei-chan> Feather rolled : 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{27}
[18:51] <@Kotono> As the others catch up, Feather finds a path leading deeper into the forest. It's not the hardest to find, thankfully, and following it shouldn't be tood ifficult for a tracker.
[18:51] * Quits: Gildas (~rscuderi@rrcs-24-227-47-10.se.biz.rr.com) (Ping timeout)
[18:51] <Feather> "Over here!" he calls out to those following, setting out down the path.
[18:52] <@Kotono> Myann shifts back to human form, "Is there a trail?" she asks as soon as he mouth reappears. She kneels bit a bit, starting to study the path. "Ysvoldae, thanks you," she says first of all at the unexpected company, "Do you have tracking training?"
[18:53] <@Ysvoldae> "Yes, and Lyvan has an incredible nose. He'll keep us on course," she reassures Myann, a quick command having her dog stop to nose around the basket to pick up the Missus's scent before she lets her dog take the lead.
[18:54] <@Kotono> OOC: Tracking by scent?
[18:54] <@Ysvoldae> OOC: yep
[18:54] <@Kotono> OOC: Survival check.
[18:54] <@Kotono> OOC: Ysvoldae and Myann can aid.
[18:54] <@Ysvoldae> roll 1d20+14 dog
[18:55] <Rei-chan> Ysvoldae rolled : 1d20+14 dog --> [ 1d20=19 ]{33}
[18:55] <@Ysvoldae> roll 1d20+16 owner aiding
[18:55] <Rei-chan> Ysvoldae rolled : 1d20+16 owner aiding --> [ 1d20=11 ]{27}
[18:55] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+9 survival aiding
[18:55] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+9 survival aiding --> [ 1d20=8 ]{17}
[18:57] * Joins: Gildas (~rscuderi@rrcs-24-227-47-10.se.biz.rr.com)
[19:00] <@Kotono> Lyvan snatches onto the scent, the party following at good speed. With this the party makes good time - and in a half hour you find your quarry. There's a litte depression on the ground ahead, unremarkable. It's covered with vines, only obvious as you get closer. The trail leads right to it.
[19:01] <@Ysvoldae> Lyvan pads right on in without pausing, nose to the ground. Ysvoldae pauses only a moment to cast light on an arrow, placing it against her bow without drawing just yet as she follows.
[19:02] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:02] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=12 ]{12}
[19:03] <@Kotono> Myann does the same light trick on her blade, following along. "Another hive?" she grunts as the party goes in. The depression leads to a cave opening in the ground, going straight down. Cool air emaniates from within.
[19:05] * Feather draws his own sword, keeping close to Myann.
[19:05] <@Ysvoldae> Drawing her arrow now, Ysvoldae fires it blindly down to the bottom.
[19:06] <@Kotono> The arrow slams down! It goes down sixty foot before hitting the bottom, illuminating below. Notably you catch glimses of ants scurrying away from the light, big as horses.
[19:09] <@Ysvoldae> "We'll have to climb. Sorry boy, this is as far as you go," she pats Lyvan's head, eliciting a disappointed whine. "Guard our exit," she says, stowing her bow over her shoulder and lowering herself over the lip before starting to climb down.
[19:09] <Feather> "I'll jump down," Feather voices, nodding at Ysvoldae before glancing at Myann and Gildas. "How about you two fly down? On three."
[19:10] <@Kotono> As the party goes down to climb or jump, something happens! Namely, a big, bloated white ant comes forth. It's body is covered in scales and seems to be bulging. A snarl of rage comes from it as it opens it's mouth up, about to eject wintry hell up the hole! OOC: We need init here since oging down won't be unopposed. You all are all around the cave opening.
[19:10] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Myann
[19:10] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+2 Myann --> [ 1d20=13 ]{15}
[19:10] <Feather> roll 1d20+3
[19:10] <Rei-chan> Feather rolled : 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{14}
[19:11] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+4 White ant
[19:11] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+4 White ant --> [ 1d20=6 ]{10}
[19:11] <@Ysvoldae> roll 1d20+3 elf
[19:11] <Rei-chan> Ysvoldae rolled : 1d20+3 elf --> [ 1d20=20 ]{23}
[19:11] <@Kotono> roll 1d20 ???
[19:11] <@Ysvoldae> roll 1d20+4 dog
[19:11] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20 ??? --> [ 1d20=18 ]{18}
[19:11] <Rei-chan> Ysvoldae rolled : 1d20+4 dog --> [ 1d20=19 ]{23}
[19:11] * Kotono changes topic to 'Ysvoldae=Lyvan(23)>???(10)>Myann(15)>Feather(14)>White Ant(10)'
[19:12] <Gildas> roll 1d20+7
[19:12] <Rei-chan> Gildas rolled : 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{18}
[19:12] * Kotono changes topic to 'Ysvoldae=Lyvan(23)>???=Gildas(18)>Myann(15)>Feather(14)>White Ant(10)'
[19:12] <@Kotono> OOC: Open Ysvoldae.
[19:12] <@Ysvoldae> Lyvan quickly darts back from the edge of the cave, unable to do much more. Ysvoldae is more proactive, drawing and firing a pair of arrows before moving back along with her dog to get well out of the ant's line of return fire!
[19:12] <@Ysvoldae> roll 1d20+7 multishot
[19:13] <Rei-chan> Ysvoldae rolled : 1d20+7 multishot --> [ 1d20=16 ]{23}
[19:14] <@Kotono> OOC: You mean manyshot?
[19:14] <@Ysvoldae> OOC: yeah sure
[19:15] <@Kotono> OOC: Hit. Damage.
[19:15] <@Ysvoldae> roll 2#1d8+3
[19:15] <Rei-chan> Ysvoldae rolled : 2#1d8+3 --> [ 1d8=4 ]{7}, [ 1d8=5 ]{8}
[19:16] <@Kotono> The ant gets two arrows in the back! Frigid ice-blood explodes out, sending the arrows flying back up! The ant slumps over and crumbles into icy flesh, as a wave of white surges back and out of sight. OOC: ??? is up, isn't doing anything you can see. Gildas.
[19:17] <Gildas> Gildas takes a moment to survey the area before shifting into his bear form and he bounds for the ant, trying to take a bite out of it!
[19:18] <@Kotono> OOC: Leaping down then
[19:18] <@Kotono> ?
[19:18] <Gildas> OOC: OH
[19:18] <Gildas> OOC: I thought we were... already... sorry.
[19:18] <Gildas> OOC: I'll go Aerial to get down then.
[19:18] <@Kotono> OOC: No big, happens.
[19:19] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay then, moving and going down?
[19:19] <Gildas> OOC: Yessir.
[19:20] <@Kotono> Gildas swoops down. Below is a large chasm, full of ants all over! A few dozen at least! The ground is muddy and chill, the ceiling sagging. It's supported by myriad columns of slowly melting ice. A few tunnels branch out, but you don't have time to investigate at the moment. In the back, 40ft away from where you are, an ant is turning white before your eyes. Its body swells massively, beginning
[19:20] <@Kotono> to resemble the ant Ysvoldae just slew. OOC: Myann.
[19:21] <@Kotono> Myann does the same, flying down with Gildas. OOC: She's purely positioning. Feather.
[19:22] * Feather leaps off the edge with a mighty roar, seeking to plunge his sword into the hateful thing's forehead!
[19:22] * Kotono changes topic to 'Ysvoldae=Lyvan(23)>Ant Horde=Gildas(18)>Myann(15)>Feather(14)>White Ant(10)'
[19:22] <Feather> roll 1d20+13 zap
[19:22] <Rei-chan> Feather rolled : 1d20+13 zap --> [ 1d20=19 ]{32}
[19:22] <Feather> roll 1d20+13 crit?
[19:22] <Rei-chan> Feather rolled : 1d20+13 crit? --> [ 1d20=5 ]{18}
[19:22] <@Kotono> OOC: Congratulations, that's a critical hit.
[19:25] <Feather> roll 2d10+14+2d6+4d6+1d6+5d6 last are cold and elec
[19:25] <Rei-chan> Feather rolled : 2d10+14+2d6+4d6+1d6+5d6 last are cold and elec --> [ 2d10=14 2d6=4 4d6=13 1d6=1 5d6=25 ]{71}
[19:27] <@Kotono> Feather dives into the ant horde! He lands atop the transforming ant and plunges his blade into its head! It swells with electricity and cold, exploding before him! Half a dozen ants have the exact same thing happen, scattered all around! The horde is suddenly decimated, as a gush of white light surges to an ant 10ft back the way it came, 30ft from the hole. This ant immediately begins to swell
[19:27] <@Kotono> an dturn white! As it does it screams. After that scream, the dragon's voice is heard, "Impudent creatures!" it roars, as if it still had the majestic body of a wyrm. OOC: White ant is up.
[19:28] <Feather> "The fuck's this nonsense?!" Feather snaps back at it. "Stay dead, you fucking deviant!"
[19:29] <@Kotono> The ant's body shudders, even as daggers of ice form from its mandibles. They swell into the size of greatswords, before hurtling towards Feather! At the same time, the ant collapses into meat and ice, the light going to the next at 5ft to the side.
[19:29] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[19:29] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[19:29] <@Kotono> OOC: AC?
[19:29] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{18}
[19:29] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{20}
[19:29] <@Kotono> OOC: Feather's AC, rather.
[19:30] <Feather> OOC: 15 on account of not having armor
[19:30] <@Kotono> roll 4d6+4d6 cold damage onb oth so cold res applies
[19:30] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 4d6+4d6 cold damage onb oth so cold res applies --> [ 4d6=19 4d6=20 ]{39}
[19:30] <@Kotono> OOC: Geez Rei. Not a Feather fan, are you?
[19:32] <@Kotono> The twin swords of ice impale Feather! He stumbles back, bleeding but upright as they melt within him, falling away! As this happens...OOC: Elf and hound.
[19:33] <@Ysvoldae> "Stay here," Ysvoldae tells Lyvan, running back up to the hole and starting to quickly climb down it.
[19:33] <@Ysvoldae> roll 1d20+8 accelerated climbing
[19:33] <Rei-chan> Ysvoldae rolled : 1d20+8 accelerated climbing --> [ 1d20=4 ]{12}
[19:34] <@Kotono> Ysvoldae starts to climb - but the sides are chill, slippery and not so good for climbing! After going down ten feet, her grip slips and she's falling! OOC: Do you have anything to mitigate falling damage?
[19:34] <@Ysvoldae> OOC: acrobatics?
[19:34] <@Kotono> OOC: Go for it. Can carve off 10ft at least.
[19:34] <@Ysvoldae> roll 1d20+11
[19:34] <Rei-chan> Ysvoldae rolled : 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{16}
[19:35] <@Kotono> roll 4d6 (-10ft for how far you go, -10ft for acrobatics)
[19:35] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 4d6 (-10ft for how far you go, -10ft for acrobatics) --> [ 4d6=16 ]{16}
[19:35] <@Kotono> Ysvoldae lands in a heap, prone and momentarily dazed from the impact. As she reels from it...OOC: Prone. Rotten luck. Ant horde, let me resolve them first and then Gildas goes.
[19:36] <@Kotono> The horde is on you! Suddenly over a dozen ants are biting, clawing and ripping at the party all around! There's a curious lack of crystal shards, freezing breath or variety - the ants simply attack, showing little variety and nothing but dumb brute might.
[19:36] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Feather
[19:36] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+5 Feather --> [ 1d20=9 ]{14}
[19:37] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Ysvoldae
[19:37] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+5 Ysvoldae --> [ 1d20=15 ]{20}
[19:37] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Myann
[19:37] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+5 Myann --> [ 1d20=4 ]{9}
[19:37] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Gildas
[19:37] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+5 Gildas --> [ 1d20=5 ]{10}
[19:37] <@Kotono> OOC: ACs?
[19:37] <@Ysvoldae> OOC: 15
[19:37] <Gildas> OOC: 18
[19:37] <Feather> OOC: Actually should've been 18 instead of 15
[19:38] <@Kotono> OOC: Right. Doesn't matter since it was 18-20 above.
[19:38] <Feather> OOC: Yep
[19:38] <@Kotono> OOC: Myann's an obvious miss since it's sub 10.
[19:38] <@Kotono> roll 1d6+1 and improved grab Ysvoldae
[19:38] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d6+1 and improved grab Ysvoldae --> [ 1d6=1 ]{2}
[19:38] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+4 CMD Ysvoldae
[19:38] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+4 CMD Ysvoldae --> [ 1d20=18 ]{22}
[19:39] <@Ysvoldae> OOC: 22
[19:40] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+5 sting on Ysvoldae
[19:40] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+5 sting on Ysvoldae --> [ 1d20=14 ]{19}
[19:41] <@Kotono> roll 1d4+2+1d4 (1d4 is acid, not your battle geez)
[19:41] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d4+2+1d4 (1d4 is acid, not your battle geez) --> [ 1d4=4 1d4=3 ]{9}
[19:41] <@Kotono> Ysvoldae is picked up in the mouth of a giant ant, bitten and stung! Her shoulder sizzles with acid, pain blurring her vision into a red-tinted hell! OOC: Ow. Gildas, go.
[19:41] <@Kotono> OOC: You're no longer prone, Ysvoldae, but you're grappled.
[19:41] <@Ysvoldae> OOC: hurray?
[19:44] <Gildas> Gildas swings into battle, shapeshifting into his bear form to take a bite out of the ant attacking Ysvoldae!
[19:45] <Gildas> roll 1d20+8 bite
[19:45] <Rei-chan> Gildas rolled : 1d20+8 bite --> [ 1d20=6 ]{14}
[19:47] <@Kotono> But Gildas can't manage to land a blow on the ant swarm, its flesh too tough to pierce. OOC: Myann.
[19:47] <@Kotono> Myann turns to Ysvoldae, sword flashing out as she attempts to free her as well!
[19:48] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+11 (+2 verminbane)
[19:48] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+11 (+2 verminbane) --> [ 1d20=15 ]{26}
[19:48] <@Kotono> roll 1d8+6+2d6
[19:48] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d8+6+2d6 --> [ 1d8=1 2d6=12 ]{19}
[19:49] <@Kotono> The crystal blade glows bright as it cleaves through the ant's neck! Dust gushes out instead of blood, the ant falling amid its slain friends. This frees Ysvoldae the hard way, letting her drop to the ground once more. OOC: No longe rgrappled. Feather.
[19:50] * Feather dances around the gathered ants, seeking to make his way over to Ysvoldae's other side and allow her a moment to regain her breath while dispatching some of the horde.
[19:50] <@Kotono> "Are you able to fight in melee?" Myann asks as she dodgesa nother ant bite, speaking in Elven to Ysvoldae. "Defend yourself if you can't, we'll clear them out in a moment."
[19:50] <Feather> roll 1d20+11 acrobatics
[19:50] <Rei-chan> Feather rolled : 1d20+11 acrobatics --> [ 1d20=10 ]{21}
[19:50] <Feather> roll 1d20+13
[19:50] <Rei-chan> Feather rolled : 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{30}
[19:50] <@Kotono> OOC: Success.
[19:50] <Feather> roll 1d20+8
[19:50] <Rei-chan> Feather rolled : 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{22}
[19:50] <@Kotono> OOC: Two htis.
[19:51] <Feather> roll 2#1d10+7+2d6+4d6+1d6 last is cold
[19:51] <Rei-chan> Feather rolled : 2#1d10+7+2d6+4d6+1d6 last is cold --> [ 1d10=9 2d6=2 4d6=17 1d6=2 ]{37}, [ 1d10=8 2d6=6 4d6=15 1d6=1 ]{37}
[19:51] <Feather> OOC: +2 more damage
[19:52] <@Kotono> Like a scything tornado, Feather dashes amid the ants. Ant after ant is sliced apart, shocked and torn asunder. The blade glows as it sates itself on its hated enemy, the ants reduced to a half dozen after the rampage! OOC: Ow. Bane weapons are nice. White ant.
[19:52] <@Kotono> The white ant simply crumbles apart. The light surges out, going down a tunnel and quickly out of sight. OOC: Booking it for now. Ysvoldae.
[19:52] <@Ysvoldae> Disoriented from her sudden fall and all the trauma that came with it, Ysvoldae isn't really paying attention to much but the desire to get up on her feet. And hopefully far away from here. Elves were clearly never meant to go underground! Heedless of any openings she might present, Ysvoldae clambers weakly to her feet and draws her longsword.
[19:53] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, the horde is up.
[19:53] <@Kotono> The decimated hoard strikes out, biting and clawing at the remnants, but with far less ability than before. They look lost, a few ants in a sea of corpses.
[19:53] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+1 Myann
[19:53] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+1 Myann --> [ 1d20=3 ]{4}
[19:54] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+1 Ysvoldae
[19:54] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+1 Ysvoldae --> [ 1d20=3 ]{4}
[19:54] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+1 Feather
[19:54] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+1 Feather --> [ 1d20=20 ]{21}
[19:54] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+1 Feather crit?
[19:54] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+1 Feather crit? --> [ 1d20=20 ]{21}
[19:54] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+1 Gildas
[19:54] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+1 Gildas --> [ 1d20=1 ]{2}
[19:54] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay Rei, what did Feather do to you?
[19:54] <@Kotono> roll 2d6+2 and improved grabbings
[19:54] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 2d6+2 and improved grabbings --> [ 2d6=4 ]{6}
[19:54] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+1 CMD?
[19:54] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+1 CMD? --> [ 1d20=15 ]{16}
[19:54] <Feather> OOC: 23
[19:55] <@Kotono> Feather gets chomped in the shoulder, but he kicks the ant away before it can latch onto him. OOC: Gildas.
[19:59] <Gildas> Closer now, Gildas tries to go into a flurry of blows while stunning one of the ants at the same time!
[20:00] <Gildas> roll 1d20+8 SF here
[20:00] <Rei-chan> Gildas rolled : 1d20+8 SF here --> [ 1d20=7 ]{15}
[20:00] <Gildas> roll 1d20+8
[20:00] <Rei-chan> Gildas rolled : 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{22}
[20:00] <Gildas> roll 1d20+3
[20:00] <Rei-chan> Gildas rolled : 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{5}
[20:00] <@Kotono> OOC: One hit. No dice love.
[20:02] <Gildas> OOC: Those need to be +2 higher.
[20:02] <Gildas> OOC: Due to verminbane
[20:03] <@Kotono> OOC: First one hits too then. TWo hits.
[20:03] <@Kotono> OOC: DC on the fist?
[20:03] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+3 fort
[20:03] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+3 fort --> [ 1d20=8 ]{11}
[20:03] <Gildas> OOC: 15
[20:05] <@Kotono> OOC: Anyway, damage.
[20:05] <Gildas> roll 2d6+20+2d6+2d6+2d6 last two are verminbane and last is cold if i did that right
[20:05] <Rei-chan> Gildas rolled : 2d6+20+2d6+2d6+2d6 last two are verminbane and last is cold if i did that right --> [ 2d6=9 2d6=7 2d6=11 2d6=9 ]{56}
[20:06] <@Kotono> Like the wrath of a dire bear, Gildas strikes. Claw bash, kicks and bites rip the remaining ants apart! They are knocked prone, torn apart and reduced to little more than dusty leftovers! OOC: Free act, the horde's kaput.
[20:06] <@Kotono> Myann immediately approaches Feather, the words of a healing spell on her lips.
[20:06] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:06] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=96 ]{96}
[20:06] <@Kotono> roll 1d8+5
[20:06] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d8+5 --> [ 1d8=8 ]{13}
[20:07] * @Ysvoldae sags, wondering why she even came if she was just going to be dead weight with these dragonslayers. Still, there's at least one thing she can do, focusing on the stylized silver lightning bolt pendant she has, she produces a wave of healing energy all around herself.
[20:07] <@Ysvoldae> roll 3d6 healan
[20:07] <Rei-chan> Ysvoldae rolled : 3d6 healan --> [ 3d6=9 ]{9}
[20:07] <Feather> "Thanks," Feather tells Myann gratefully, before heading down the direction he had seen the light flee towards.
[20:07] <@Kotono> roll 1d100 again
[20:07] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 again --> [ 1d100=64 ]{64}
[20:07] <@Kotono> roll 1d8+5
[20:07] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d8+5 --> [ 1d8=8 ]{13}
[20:08] <@Ysvoldae> One more, and then she sheathes her unblooded sword, readying her bow once more to take up the rear. Way back.
[20:08] <@Ysvoldae> roll 3d6
[20:08] <Rei-chan> Ysvoldae rolled : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=9 ]{9}
[20:08] <@Kotono> After healing Feather a second time and he goes off, Myann turns to Ysvoldae, "Oh, you can heal yourself?" she asks quickly, "I can as well if you'd like."
[20:09] <@Ysvoldae> "It's one thing I'm skilled at," she assures Myann, giving herself specifically a healing spell as she slowly follows Feather.
[20:09] <@Ysvoldae> roll 1d8+5 converting sign
[20:09] <Rei-chan> Ysvoldae rolled : 1d8+5 converting sign --> [ 1d8=8 ]{13}
[20:09] <@Kotono> As the party starts to go along, "Bastards!" The dragon's voice roars from all around you. It sounds delerious, rasping and hacking as it talks. "You...Feather...I'll eat your heart and soul! You'll feed me just like I killed your worthless friend!"
[20:11] <Feather> "Tried that once!" Feather snarls back, heading onwards despite the tiredness seeping into his bones. "Didn't take then, won't do much good for ya now!"
[20:11] <@Kotono> Myann merely shakes her head and hurries on, "This way," she says, "It went this way!"
[20:11] <@Kotono> The tunnel is long - it looks like a recently burrowed out tunnel, bits of dirt around. Little pillars of half melted ice support it, making the entire thing a muddy mess. As the party hurries down it, "You...Gildas! Your magic will feed me! I'll rip it out of your torn throat!"
[20:13] <Gildas> He can't very well respond as a bear, but keeps pace with the others.
[20:14] <@Kotono> Myann likewise keeps pace, taking third beyond Feather and Gildas. The tunnel slopes down and turns, and as you maneuver that, "You...Myann! I'll absorb your Sidhe power and rule over nature with it! I'll let you watch as mushrooms sprout out and devour everyone in that damned farm like a plague!"
[20:15] * @Ysvoldae looks at Myann in sudden surprise, eyes wide.
[20:15] <Feather> "Spiteful little bugger, ain't he?" Feather mutters, shaking his head.
[20:17] <@Kotono> "We'll kill him for it," Myann growls, not even glancing at Ysvoldae. "You hear that, dragon? This is what we're going to do to you - we're going to END you! What you did to Porridge is what you have coming to you!" Meanwhile you go down the path and to a dead end room. Here, on a bed of dirt and plant debris, lies the Missus. Her body is covered in scales and surrounded by a white corona of
[20:17] <@Kotono> frigid power. Dead, burst ants lie about all over. Yet she can't even rise - she tries but falls back. "Peasants have no right to strike against me!"
[20:19] <Feather> In this situation, Feather looks with his magical sight rather than risk hurting the hostage somehow.
[20:19] <Feather> roll 1d20+10 spellcraft?
[20:19] <Rei-chan> Feather rolled : 1d20+10 spellcraft? --> [ 1d20=1 ]{11}
[20:20] <@Kotono> There's magic, but it's too wild for Feather to get a read on it.
[20:20] * Feather grimaces, before deciding to pick the woman up and bring her back to the farm for now.
[20:22] * @Ysvoldae just defers to the experts, feeling completely out of her element.
[20:22] <@Kotono> The Missus struggles slightly, but does not put up meaningful resistance. "How dare you?!" The dragon snaps, as Myann sighs and shakes her head. "We need a way to force it out now," she says, "Ysvoldae, you know magic. Would you know anything like that? What about you, Gildas?"
[20:23] <@Ysvoldae> "Er... if it's a disease I can cure it?" the elf says uncertainly, lacking much poise now. But she does reach out onto the other elf's stomach and casts a remove disease incantation just on the off chance.
[20:25] <@Kotono> The magic is incanted, but nothing happens. OOC: Going to return with the Missus then, y'all?
[20:25] <Feather> OOC: Unless something else here is magical, or some obvious artifact can be seen
[20:26] <@Kotono> OOC: Nothing like that. We'll pause here then and resume this tomorrow.

[Ebiris]

[18:01] <@Kotono> Amid the dragon's protests, the party carries the Missus out of the cave and back to the surface. You whisk her away back home, where she's put in bed and the party plus Robert stand over here. The question that lingers is asked by Robert, "So what in tarnation do we do now?"
[18:03] <@Ysvoldae> "I can meditate to gain spells to remove curses and ward against possession. Perhaps one of them might work?" Ysvoldae suggests, ignoring her own prohibition on not responding unless addressed in elven.
[18:04] <Feather> "I reckon we'll start by gathering everyone who's traveled a while in these woods?" Feather suggests. "Let me fetch Eltia."
[18:04] <@Kotono> Myann considers a time, "That might work," she says, "It's the best idea I can think of." Meanwhile Feather fetches Eltia, coming back with the bard shortly thereafter.
[18:05] <@Kotono> "Foolish worms," The dragon's voice bellows out of the Missus's mouth, "You'll pay in blood for this! All of you! A dragon does not lie in bed!"
[18:05] <Feather> "--so that's when I couldn't tell what the magic was all about and we brought her over," Feather concludes, looking warily at the elf. "Dunno how to deal with possessions, though."
[18:05] <Gildas> "You could always leave." He says with little more than disdain.
[18:06] <Gildas> "I think Ysvoldae has the right idea, I will see if the land offers me any suggestions on how to proceed in regards to this... unique situation." He says, nodding to her. "Thank you for the idea." He adds, in Elven.
[18:07] <@Ysvoldae> "I also have a spell to calm the excitable or angry," she adds after that outburst. "I can cast it right now."
[18:07] <@Kotono> "You dare?!" The Missus starts to rise in bed, before falling right back over. Her body swells up and chill whit emist surrounds it. Robert's jaw clenches as he watches.
[18:08] <@Ysvoldae> "I'm going to cast it now," she decides without waiting for further input, casting calm emotions over the Missus/dragon.
[18:08] <@Ysvoldae> OOC: DC 16 will
[18:10] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[18:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 21." [1d20=13]
[18:10] <@Kotono> "Let me take a look," Eltia says, murmuring words of magic and giving the Missus a look over.
[18:10] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[18:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 14." [1d20=7]
[18:10] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+7 bardic lore
[18:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 bardic lore and gets 21." [1d20=14]
[18:11] <@Kotono> The spell is cast, but the Missus still seems angry. "Pitiful!" The dragon rages, sneering in Elven, "Ysvoldae, is it? I can see right through you, elfling. Your kind are ever so predictable and dull."
[18:12] <Feather> "Mighty nice of it to talk to us in our mother tongues," Feather comments, glancing at Eltia.
[18:12] <@Kotono> "Hmmm..." Eltia hms to herself, "Well, what we really need is an exorcism," she finally says, "I know a few stories that have details about exorcisms."
[18:13] <@Ysvoldae> "If you don't like elves then get out of that one!" Ysvolae retorts.
[18:13] <Feather> "So what are we thinking here? Go to the Circle or the kobold shamans?"
[18:14] <@Kotono> "The Circle's not a bad idea, but the help probably won't be free," Eltia says, "I can tell about what I know about exorcisms, if you want to try yourselves."
[18:14] <@Kotono> Myann crosses her arms and glares at the possessed Missus, but doesn't say anything.
[18:14] <Gildas> "Exorcisms are usually outside of the realm of Druids, but... I suppose it's possible..." He muses, looking down in thought.
[18:15] <@Kotono> "Silence, worm!" The dragon barks at Ysvoldae, face straining with bulging muscles and scales. "You should be honored to be in the presence of your superior!"
[18:16] <Gildas> "Some superior, taking over the body of someone because you cannot die with any grace." He retorts with deadpan attitude.
[18:16] <Feather> "How about you do?" Feather suggests, happy that the dragon is content to taunt them instead of doing something worse. "We can see if we'll manage it ourselves then."
[18:18] <@Kotono> "Right." Eltia goes and fetches a stool, sitting down. "First story has a holy man tickle the feet of a possessed man. When he's distracted by laughing, he smacks the bottom of the man's feet as hard as he can. It makes the spirit come out like the way you cough out the congestion of a cold."
[18:19] <Feather> "And what's to make it go away?"
[18:20] <Gildas> "It may not be able to pass through solid objects." Gildas says. "I mean... if it could, wouldn't it have run away?"
[18:22] <@Kotono> "Might be," Eltia says, "Next is how a shaman druid danced all night and forcefed a possessed woman holly berries. It sickened the woman and spirit so much that the possessing spirit fled."
[18:23] <@Ysvoldae> "Why don't we get a few fires going and wrap her tight in lots of blankets, then?" Ysvoldae offers. "It's a frost dragon, isn't it?"
[18:24] <@Kotono> "It is," Myann confirms.
[18:24] <Gildas> He nods to Ysvoldae.
[18:24] <@Kotono> "Impudent, worthless WORMS!" The Missus rages, "You have the audacity to discuss it in front of me?!"
[18:25] <Feather> "What? Don't you want to hear 'bout all the indignities you're gonna be put through?"
[18:25] <@Kotono> "Shut up," Myann glances sidelong at him, "Before I decide you aren't entertaining me, dragon."
[18:25] * Feather shrugs. "It could always decide to just up and leave."
[18:25] <@Kotono> "You know, it's all but helpless here," Eltia speaks up, "So why isn't it fleeing?"
[18:26] <Feather> "Too dumb to live," Feather says bluntly. "Too dumb to even stay dead. Did you know its brilliant plan was to pretty much seal itself away in the ground?"
[18:27] <Gildas> "If I were to take a guess, it's because it either can't... because it can't pass through things... or it can't..." He stops, looking around. "The ground... I wonder if it was going to try and make another ice cavern. If that's the case, it may simply not be able to withstand temperatures, like Ysvoldae mentioned."
[18:28] <@Kotono> "Let's go get the den fire going," Robert says, "Could you all gather up all the quilts and bring her downstairs?"
[18:29] <Feather> "Sounds like a plan," Feather agrees. "We can try out other things later if we gotta."
[18:29] <@Kotono> "I think you might be right," Eltia agrees, "Especially about the heat, both of you. A white dragon's tied to frost on a supernatural level."
[18:29] <@Kotono> OOC: So gonna try the great dragon bake out plan?
[18:30] <Gildas> OOC: Indeed. I might prep some spells if that doesn't work though.
[18:33] <@Kotono> The den's warm. The fire is roaring and the Missus is wrapped up in blankets. It's like a balmy summer day in here! "Foolishness!" The Missus barks, as white mist rises up from her. It dissipates in the air. "All of this is asinine foolishness! This cannot work! A mere hearthfire can't hope to banish me!"
[18:35] <Feather> "Just why are you even still here, you deviant?" Feather has to ask. "Ain't you ashamed of yourself? Half-dragon bees. Half-dragon mushrooms. Half-dragon trees! Half-dragon rocks!"
[18:36] * @Ysvoldae busies herself with fanning the flames to keep it nice and toasty. "Maybe heat up a bucket of water for her feet?" she suggests idly to anyone who cares to listen. And can understand elven.
[18:36] <@Kotono> "It's really scandalous," Eltia giggles, "What are you doing, going around and humping everything from the ground to a beehive?"
[18:36] <@Kotono> "I'll go do that," Myann says, going into the kitchen.
[18:37] <Feather> "There was no escape," Feather grimly confirms.
[18:37] <@Kotono> "SILENCE!" More mist rises from the Missus's head, her face flushed with the heat. "There is no scandal! I gave many an incredible gift! Your pathetic minds can only think of the carnal!"
[18:37] <Feather> "No, see, we try very hard not to think of it."
[18:39] <@Kotono> "You are one to talk, Sidhe boy toy," The Missus sneers, "You-" A cutoff as she coughs several time, white mist escaping from her mouth.
[18:39] <Gildas> "Did you even ask anyone before you 'gave' this gift? It seemed like everyone was quite happy that you were no longer terrorizing them." He says.
[18:40] <@Kotono> The answers are lost in a storm of coughing. When the Missus recovers, "They have no right to complain and no need to be asked. They are tribute to me!" Meanwhile Myann returns with a bucket of warm water, dunking the Missus's feet in it. The dragon groans at this, coughing up more white mist.
[18:41] <@Kotono> "I always liked the stories about wise, helpful dragons. It figures the one I meet would be an entitled prick," Eltia sighs in a most exaggerated manner, rubbing her forehead after.
[18:42] <Feather> "Yeah just stay dead this time, alright?"
[18:43] <@Kotono> "You...ugh!" The Missus is again wracked with coughs, more mist escaping. Her body begins to relent, no longer so swollen. "Damn you!" The dragon's voice is lesser now, sounding like a mix of his voice and the Missus's. "Stop this foolishness! Stop the heat!"
[18:44] <Gildas> "What motive do we have to do that? You have not even learned a single lesson from your own mistakes." He says with a shake of his head.
[18:44] <Feather> "Since it's begging now, seems like this idea's working," Feather muses, grinning at Ysvoldae. "Good thinking."
[18:44] <@Kotono> The Missus's face is sweaty and flushes, her breathing rapid. Coughs follows as she shudders all over, "...I'll give you power!" he declares, "Cease this, let me go and I give you my word you'll be granted power for this!"
[18:46] <Gildas> "Like you gave the other humans power?" He counters. "Made them wear your snowflake rings?" His face sags with a sadness. "We ought to just take your spirit into our bodies and -use- you, like you used others."
[18:46] <@Kotono> "That worked out well last time someone offered power. Remember the wolf eyes?" Myann speaks up.
[18:46] * @Ysvoldae just nods in return to Feather, stoking the fire some more.
[18:47] <@Kotono> "Ughgs!" Another incoherent cough follows. "Stop! Please!" The voice is watery, more the Missus now. "I don't want to die! Please!" AS the fire is stoked, the Missus convulses, "HELP ME!"
[18:49] <Feather> "Shoulda thought about that before attacking people! Before killing Porridge! Now go!"
[18:49] <Gildas> He turns away, having a hard time watching something be smothered right in front of him.
[18:50] <@Kotono> Myann doens't turn away. Her face hardens, and she goes to toss a bit of wood onto the fire. "Rot in hell," she says, anger seeping into her voice. "Worthless hypocrite."
[18:52] <@Kotono> "Stop! STOgugjgsgslk!" More coughs. The Missus throws her head back and screams! From it a great gout of white light comes out as she slumps over. The light twists and bulges all over, before exploding into fragments that fade away.
[18:52] <Feather> Even as they are fading away, Feather is checking up on the elf.
[18:53] <Gildas> He winces once before turning back. "Hopefully it did not break itself into more parts..."
[18:54] <@Ysvoldae> "Are you yourself?" Ysvoldae asks the missus, getting up to give her a lesser restoration that should help her recover after her ordeal.
[18:58] <@Kotono> "I'm...I'm fine," The Missus says tiredly, patting her stomach. "Babies are kicking, that's all." She speaks in Elven, sounding rather dazed. "Oh, I don't think I've met you. Hello there..." She manages a loopy smile before falling against Ysvoldae.
[18:59] <Gildas> Babies? Did he hear that right? ...That son of a...  His face grimaces and he shakes his head.
[18:59] <@Kotono> "You're fine," Robert hurries to her, "Just rest up."
[19:00] * Feather just pretends he didn't hear that.
[19:01] <@Ysvoldae> "Just relax," Ysvoldae says, helping get the blankets off and casting lesser restoration on her.
[19:01] <@Kotono> "Thanks..." she murmurs, before her eyes suddenly widen. "Robert?"
[19:02] <@Kotono> "Yes," Reaching down to soothe her as Ysvoldae works, "What is it?"
[19:02] <@Kotono> "My water just broke," she says, "I...I think it's time."
[19:03] <Feather> Now that he definitely didn't hear. "Oh, look at the time!"
[19:04] <@Ysvoldae> She's done this before on her own she she can help, though clearly the Missus has tons of practice and probably won't have any trouble of her own.
[19:05] <Feather> "I'll go make lunch!" Feather volunteers. "Or dinner! Don't matter much, it'll be done." And with those words, he's gone.
[19:05] <@Kotono> "We can handle this," Robert says with a bit of a smile, "It's triplets and we've been through that before. Feather, could you busy yourself getting some spring water, in case we need it? Ladies, could you help me get her back up to bed?"
[19:05] <Feather> "Got it!" he calls back, dashing for the spring.
[19:06] <@Kotono> Myann watches Feather go and smiles. "Men," she mutters in Elven. OOC: Good to skip along a bit, y'all?
[19:06] <@Ysvoldae> OOC: yep
[19:06] <Gildas> He nods to Myann's words and gets out of the way, either way. OOC: Sure thing.
[19:10] <@Kotono> The afternoon is a tense one. What happened to the Missus combined with the looming childbirth puts everyone on edge. It ends up being Messae and Robert helping her, leaving the others waiting in the living room with the brood and friends...OOC: Go ahead and set yourselves up, y'all. If there's anything you wanna chat about or do, now's not a bad time. More's coming after that.
[19:12] * Feather paces, occasionally taking a sip of spring water to calm his nerves.
[19:12] <@Ysvoldae> Feeling like an intruder by now, Ysvoldae keeps to herself, just waiting for things to be resolved. Her dog is more gregarious, playing with anyone who'll show it a lick of attention and begging for scraps.
[19:13] <Gildas> "Well, now you've slain a dragon." Gildas offers to Ysvoldae in Elven as he sits near Lyvan, glad to at least by on one of the good sides!
[19:13] <@Ysvoldae> "Hmph. It was simpler than the tales say," she replies distractedly.
[19:14] <Feather> "It's pretty easy when it doesn't fight back, yeah," Feather agrees with a snort.
[19:14] <@Kotono> The children are playing happily with Lyvan. Meanwhile Myann quietly adds to the conversation, sitting nearby, "This was just the end of it. Everything before was much more complicated. This was his last resort, I bet."
[19:17] <Gildas> "We can only hope." He adds with a nod to Myann's words.
[19:21] <@Kotono> More time slips away from the party. As you while it away, "Attention!" Robert comes on down, carrying a cloth-wrapped bundle of joy. "It's done. The Missus, Messan and Rose are all resting. But I did bring one to meet you. See him here?" The baby begins to cry at that, rather loudly. "This one here's named Porridge."
[19:23] <Gildas> His attention turns to Robert with a small smile twinged a bit of sadness. "I think I can understand why you chose that particular name."
[19:24] <Feather> "Raising hell from the very start, eh? Fitting, Robert!"
[19:25] <@Kotono> "Heh," Myann smiles, rather melancholy. "Thank you."
[19:25] * @Ysvoldae doesn't really want to look at a half-elven baby, not after leaving the last one she saw out to die in the wilds. Whistling for Lyvan, she pulls the dog away from whatever he's playing at and stands up. "Congratulations, and pass my regards to your wife. If all the excitement's died down I think it's time I moved on."
[19:26] <@Kotono> "Alright, it was nice meeting you," Robert says, "Good travel out there."
[19:26] <@Kotono> "I'll walk you out," Myann says, standing up.
[19:28] * Feather gives Ysvoldae a friendly wave, calling after her, "Thanks again for everything!"
[19:28] <@Kotono> Meanwhile the brood comes forward, all focused on the new addition.
[19:28] <@Ysvoldae> "Farewell," she nods, walking out with Myann.
[19:28] <@Kotono> As the two head outside, "I'd like ot ask a favor," Myann says, slipping into Elven again.
[19:29] <@Ysvoldae> "Yes?"
[19:30] <@Kotono> "What the dragon said about the Sidhe?" She sighs a little bit, "Could you not tell anyone else about that? It's complicated and it's best if that knowledge doesn't spread. The Sidhe - the other Sidhe - don't like their secrets being passed around. I don't care, but it's really best not to risk provoking them."
[19:32] <@Ysvoldae> "Provoking sidhe... talking about them, really, is never a good idea," the other elf says. "I won't speak of it."
[19:32] <@Ysvoldae> "About you, sorry," she adds a bit worriedly.
[19:33] <@Kotono> "Thank you." Myann looks out ahead, "Good luck and good travel out there. Also, I won't take offense. I'm not like them." She smiles, rather sadly. "Just hope you don't run into any others. Nothing good comes from them."
[19:35] <@Ysvoldae> Not questioning her good fortune that Myann isn't like other sidhe, she just nods. "Farewell, then," she says, departing without much interest in the healing spring she came to see.