001. A meeting in Warmfolk

[Corwin]

[19:58] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, so what's the party's plans now? I heard a few things get bantered around.
[20:00] <@Athear> OOC: For the time being, Athear would want to at least pursue the lead they have to fix the cursed grove. After that is up in the air, but he'll ask around about wyverns and that sort of thing as well, just in case.
[20:00] <@Inari> OOC: I want to find a mouse, a squirrel, a bird, and a deer (along with the fox), and see if something happens with them all at the grove.
[20:02] <@Kotono> OOC: Right. What about you, Annerose?
[20:05] <Annerose> OOC: Sorry, missed the chan
[20:06] <Annerose> OOC: My idea was to go ask Lathander's people for help, so I'll help the others here for now
[20:06] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[20:06] <@Kotono> OOC: We'll start with animal getting, then. Which one of you has the highest modifier for survival?
[20:07] <@Inari> OOC: me I think, +9
[20:08] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, make a check and the other two can aid. Unless any of you have a better idea here, then speak up.

[20:09] <@Inari> roll 1d20+9
[20:09] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=13]
[20:09] <Annerose> roll 1d20+2 aid
[20:09] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 7 > [d20=5]
[20:09] <@Athear> roll 1d20+2 aid
[20:09] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 12 > [d20=10]
[20:12] <@Kotono> OOC: How are you planning on transporting 'em?
[20:14] <@Inari> OOC: using wild empathy to have them follow me
[20:14] <@Inari> roll 1d20+12 wild empathy
[20:14] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 21 > [d20=9]
[20:15] <@Kotono> It takes most of the morning, but catching a mouse, a squirrel, a bird and a deer isn't hard. Getting them to follow is a bit trickier, but between a foxgirl and a snowgirl, it's not too hard. Soon enough the party approaches the grove once more, animals following dutifully along.
[20:15] <@Athear> Athear will follow along, curious as to what this is all supposed to amount to.
[20:16] <Annerose> "What happens once they are all within the grove?" Annerose voices.
[20:17] <@Inari> "I don't know," Inari admits. "But hopefully I was shown their images for a reason - this was a place for animals as much as humans, after all." So, making sure that the fox doesn't eat the rodents or birds once more, she leads them all into the centre of the grove.
[20:18] <@Kotono> The animals stop before the border of it, save for the fox, who follows. They suddenly look skittish - the deer freezes, the mouse scurries back, the bird woibbles in the air, the squirrel hides behind the deer.
[20:21] <@Inari> Inari stops on the other side of the border and turns around, a hand petting the fox as she encourages the other animals to follow. "Come on, the more you fear her the stronger she becomes," she says, reaching up for the bird to land on her hand while using her warm fluffy tails to try and cajole the land-bound animals to advance. "You'll be safe with me, I promise."
[20:21] <@Kotono> OOC: Make another empathy check.
[20:22] <@Inari> roll 1d20+12
[20:22] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=12]
[20:24] <@Kotono> It's the bird that reacts first, flying over. Then, as if a great freeze was lifted, the others follow in.
[20:24] <Annerose> Letting out the breath she was holding, Annerose keeps an eye on the grove for any signs of Auril reacting unfavorably, as happened the last time they were there.
[20:27] <@Kotono> OOC: Perception.
[20:27] <Annerose> roll 1d20+2
[20:27] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 13 > [d20=11]
[20:27] <@Kotono> There's no immediate sign of a reaction.
[20:28] <@Inari> "That's it," Inari says warmly, leading them deeper inside. "This was a welcoming place once, a refuge for your ancestors," she explains, uncaring that of course animals can't understand her. In a way her words are as much for the universe as they are for her companions. "The humans liked it too, but as I understand Eldath... nature came first." She sits down now, wrapping her tails around the
[20:28] <@Inari> animals surrounding her for warmth. "This was your place. A place of peace where predator and prey were meaningless words. Just like they are now, with us all at peace here," she continues soothingly, trying to find the right key to re-establish Eldath's power.
[20:31] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a Charisma check.
[20:31] <@Inari> roll 1d20+8
[20:31] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 18 > [d20=10]
[20:32] <@Kotono> animals curl up around Inari. It's warm here, safe and warm and comfortable. Yet it's so cold. As they stand there, the party can feel it growing colder. It's no longer like fall here, but like a chilly winter day. The sun's light grows paler, the sky darker.
[20:33] <@Kotono> *Animals. Gah.
[20:33] <Annerose> So pleasant! Annerose doesn't get lulled into a false sense of security, however, and looks around again for a shard of Auril's power!
[20:34] <@Athear> Athear glances to the side as if he heard something. He murmurs quietly to himself. "Jack, perhaps?"
[20:34] <@Inari> Inari breathes deeply. It's a reaction, but it's not what she wants. Not enough. "Annerose, Athear? Could one of you run to the village? Bring back people who knew Eldath, who know her words and her songs," she asks. "I think we're close to something but it's not enough just like this."
[20:36] <Annerose> "Anything to help," Annerose responds, heading off!
[20:37] <@Athear> "Are you certain you wish to remain by yourself?" Athear asks as he starts to step away.
[20:37] <@Kotono> The fox steps up and licks Inari's hand, then stands before her. It looks on guard, eyes sweeping about.
[20:38] <@Inari> "You can stay," she says to Athear, since only one is needed to carry a message. "But this is important. If we're attacked, if we draw a reaction from Auril or her followers, we must'nt fight back. Any violence would ruin everything."

[Corwin]

#d

[20:39] <@Athear> "Hm. That's not usually my way... but very well." Athear nods. "I will respect your dedication for now."
[20:40] <@Inari> "Maybe restraint..." she allows at least after considering the limits on her ability to heal. "But nothing past that."
[20:41] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+5 vs ???
[20:41] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 9 > [d20=4]
[20:41] <@Kotono> OOC: Any cold res, you two?
[20:41] <@Inari> OOC: 10
[20:43] <@Athear> OOC: None here
[20:44] <@Kotono> It's growing colder. The animals curl up to Inari, shivering against her. While Inari can stand it, Athear is finding it rather unpleasant and growing more unpleasant by the moment. His scales are ice cold and his fingers and toes are growing numb.
[20:45] <@Athear> "Do you think this is like breaking a fever?" Athear asks, trying to get his mind off of how cold it's becoming.
[20:46] <@Inari> "It's alright," Inari soothes the animals, rubbing her hands and tails over fur and feathers to help keep them warm. "It's not really that cold, not inside. Eldath is looking out for you, and so am I." Raising her voice to Athear she considers, "Perhaps. If nothing else, Auril must have reason to be concerned right now."
[20:47] <@Athear> Athear grunts and nods. "It would be a dishonor to Bahamut if I step outside of here just because it's a bit nippy."
[20:48] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a survival check, Inari. Make a Fortitude save, Athear.
[20:49] <@Inari> roll 1d20+9
[20:49] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 11 > [d20=2]
[20:50] <@Athear> roll 1d20+14 (+2 if this counts as evil)
[20:50] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=9]
[20:52] <@Kotono> roll 1d20
[20:52] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=15]
[20:52] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[20:52] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=19]
[20:52] <@Kotono> roll 1d20++1
[20:52] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 21 > [d20=20]
[20:52] <@Kotono> roll 1d20
[20:52] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 13 > [d20=13]
[20:53] <@Kotono> The animals are shivering and shuddering - but they endure, as does Athear. It's cold as a winter's night now, well below freezing. Little rills of ice are forming in the grass.
[20:54] <@Athear> "Well, whatever you're doing, it seems to be having an immediate impact." Athear says through a shudder that he tries to supress. "Probably got someone's attention, if nothing else."
[20:55] <@Inari> It's a pity she doesn't have any magic to better endure the cold... but would it lose its significance if she did use such? Perhaps. In any case she huddles closer with the animals, bestowing on them a little more endurance even if it doesn't really alleviate the chill. Starting from the smallest and most vulnerable first...
[20:55] <@Inari> OOC: Gonna cast aid on them in order of mouse, squirrel, bird, deer, fox
[20:55] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[20:55] <@Kotono> OOC: Roll 'em.
[20:56] <@Inari> roll 5#1d8+5
[20:56] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 10, 12, 12, 7, 13 >
[21:02] <@Kotono> Warmth spreads with aid, but the chill intensifies as time passes. It's bitterly cold now as a faraway voice is heard, "They will suffer because there is no end to winter," a female voice is heard, one Inari has heard here before. "Watch and see. There are two choices - suffer like this or bow to winter. Bow to Auril. Those who do are made so they can endure the worst of winter. They are made
[21:02] <@Kotono> stronger, better."
[21:05] <@Athear> Athear shifts his posture but stays silent. Anything he says might make matters worse.
[21:05] <@Inari> "If you leave your heart in Winter it will never leave there. Winter can be endured so that Spring can be celebrated," Inari says in response, taking her part in this drama. "It is a transient thing, for all its fury, and can always be outlasted by proper care and planning."
[21:08] <@Kotono> At this is grows colder again, a savage wind blowing from the north. Ice forms over the ground, flakes of rock-hard snow falling from the clear sky. OOC: Fort save, Athear.
[21:08] <@Kotono> roll 1d20
[21:08] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=20]
[21:08] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[21:08] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+1
[21:08] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 2 > [d20=1]
[21:08] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 19 > [d20=18]
[21:09] <@Kotono> roll 1d20
[21:09] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 13 > [d20=13]
[21:09] <@Athear> roll 1d20+14
[21:09] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=12]
[21:09] <@Kotono> roll 1d6
[21:09] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 5 > [d6=5]

[Corwin]

#ed

[20:39] <@Kotono> OOC: For the sake of speed, make a Con check. See what sort of pace you set. Also, what's your base movement speed.
[20:39] <Annerose> roll 1d20+2
[20:39] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 21 > [d20=19]
[20:39] <Annerose> OOC: 30ft
[20:40] <@Kotono> This sort of grueling pace is hard. Annerose is panting b ythe time she reaches Ailan, but she makes incredible speed. It's all she can do to double over, panting as people approach her. One's familiar - Dolf. "Annerose!" he calls, hurrying over, "What's wrong?" Anisa's nearby as well, hurrying over, "Snow lady! Snow lady!" A third woman comes to her from behind, helping her stay up as she
[20:40] <@Kotono> catches her breath.
[20:48] <Annerose> Annerose smiles at the woman helping her, and at Anisa and Dolf as well. Regaining her breath, Annerose gestures and an enlargened image of her appears in the sky, certain to get attention. "For far too long has Auril's power defiled nature," she tells the gathering people. "Her power is real, and no mortal man or woman is its match. But what of all of us? What of Eldath's children?" Annerose spreads her arms wide, her image faithfully mimicking her motions. "We stand a chance to drive Auril's wrath from Eldath's Grove right now, if we come together! If we show her that we're not afraid to try, if we show that we believe in ourselves, in our neighbours, in our friends!"
[20:52] <@Kotono> OOC: What spell are you using, silent image?
[20:52] <Annerose> OOC: Yes, it's just a large hologram of me to gain attention
[20:54] <@Kotono> The sounds of building and work slow as Annerose speaks. Gregor comes on over, as do others. But the one that speaks up is Gregor, "People of Ailan, listen to our savior and hero," he calls, "It's time to put the her words and the words of Athear into action. If there's any chance of reclaiming our grove, let us go! Or will we stay here and beg Auril for another winter, and then another and
[20:54] <@Kotono> another?"
[20:56] <@Kotono> At this several nod, an unfamiliar man calling, "We owe them our lives and freedom," he says, another putting down a saw and nodding, "Yeah, if you're sure," he looks to Annerose.
[20:58] <Annerose> "All things in life worth having involve a risk, and so does supporting Eldath against Auril," Annerose acknowledges. "Yet it was Gregor who made the best argument for trying. For if you do not try, for your own sakes, there is no chance of success but the nonexistent mercy of Auril. If it's like that -- and you've all lived through it enough -- why not get together and try to drive her off for good?"
[20:59] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a diplo check here, +5 circumstance bonus.
[20:59] <Annerose> roll 1d20+14+5
[20:59] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 35 > [d20=16]
[21:01] <@Kotono> A cheer goes up at Annerose's words, "Let's go," Dolf dusts his hands off, "You're absolutely right!"
[21:02] <Annerose> Even though she's just ran over, Annerose gets a second wind at that warm reaction and starts leading the way, a catchy folk tune praising Eldath on her lips.

[Corwin]

[21:10] <@Kotono> The mouse is shivering violently, skin paling and cold to the touch. But the others endure the latest onslaught of wintry cold. As you endure this, time trickling by in frozen pain - the sound of voices. Of friendly voices, Annerose leading the people of Ailan towards the grove.
[21:10] <@Inari> She cups a hand over the mouse, knowing that the aid she gave it will help the tiny mammal last long enough. Careful planning, yes?
[21:17] <Annerose> "This is the time to take back your grove," Annerose encourages, the goal in sight. "You're not alone! Nature, too, wants things to go back to the way they were. And Auril, for all her strength and hate, can only have as much power over us as we give her! She likes to pretend she controls all winter, yet what hold does she have over me? Her power, while great, is nowhere near as absolute as she likes to pretend!"
[21:21] <@Kotono> As the others endure, Annerose brings the others in. Oh, it feels nice here to the yuki-onna. The others shiver as they enter, the temperature dropping well into the sub-zeros. Ice everywhere. Pillars of ice form, rising up in complex patterns. It's cold here - so cold that Athear can feel his entire body going numb in moments. It's codl enough to bother Inari, making her shiver despite her
[21:21] <@Kotono> endurance. Groans and cries come from the townfolk as the animals desperately cling to Inari.
[21:22] <@Inari> This isn't good, they're suffering, not surviving. She wishes she knew Eldath's songs, so she could sing and lift their spirits. "Come, sing!" she encourages them, she can join in if she knows the words. "Remember Eldath's hymns, use your voices to call her back and drive Auril out!"
[21:23] <Annerose> At that prompt, Annerose starts singing one of those hymns that she'd taught to the townfolk on the way over!
[21:24] <@Athear> roll 1d20+6 K:R maybe I can recall a famous song of Eldath's?
[21:24] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 7 > [d20=1]
[21:26] <@Kotono> OOC: Congratulations, you won an all expenses paid trip to the land of natural 1. Unfortunately ,they only know sad, emo songs there.
[21:26] <Annerose> OOC: It's okay, I know all the songs
[21:31] <@Kotono> Slow, faltering songs begin in the cold. But they pick up energy as the people join in. Words and cold duel for several long moments - until the ice pillars crack all over. The sound is like glass breaking all around you, followed by a great shuddering. The ground ahead of the party splits open, a gush of ice, snow and frozen mud spraying all about. What emerges from it is titanic, larger than
[21:31] <@Kotono> the fire elemental you fought before. It is a creature of pure, solid ice. A terrible, dreadful cold comes from it, seeming to leech the heat from everything around it. It speaks in a coldly dispassionate voice, "Winter is the only reality. I will crush you beneath it. The blood in your veins will freeze and shred your bodies apart like a hundred knives!" OOC: K:P if anyone wants to ID, first
[21:31] <@Kotono> of all.
[21:32] <Annerose> roll 1d20+4
[21:32] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=16]
[21:32] <@Athear> roll 1d20+6
[21:32] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=19]
[21:33] <@Inari> "Peace," Inari says. "Keep singing, there can be no violence in Eldath's sacred grove!" Inari calls, already standing up without her spear. They'll have to hold this thing back somehow, but she's sure fighting it would just undo their hard work.
[21:34] <@Kotono> Annerose can identify it. The creature before you is an ice para-elemental. A huge sized one in particular. They are surrounded by an aura that freezes life solid. They strike with icicles that rip apart the weak. They are tremendous champions of cold and this one seems sworn to Auril. Athear also knows something else on top of it. The elemental has a blizzard form that's invulnerable to most
[21:34] <@Kotono> things. However, fire still damages it and a control weather spell forces it it back into elemental form. OOC: Init here, even if you aren't going to fight, I think a turn order is best here.

[21:34] <@Inari> roll 1d20+4
[21:34] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=12]
[21:34] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[21:34] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 9 > [d20=2]
[21:34] <@Kotono> roll 1d20 people of Ailan
[21:34] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 3 > [d20=3]
[21:34] <Annerose> roll 1d20+5
[21:34] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=20]
[21:34] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(25)>Inari(16)>Ice Para-Elemental(9)>People of Ailan(3)'
[21:34] <@Athear> roll 1d20+2
[21:35] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=14]
[21:35] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(25)>Inari=Athear(16)>Ice Para-Elemental(9)>People of Ailan(3)'
[21:35] <@Kotono> OOC: The elemental is about 50ft away from Inari and Athear, as well as the animals. It's 80ft from Annerose and the head of the people of Ailan.
[21:35] <@Kotono> OOC: Open Annerose.
[21:42] <Annerose> It must not get to the people of Ailan, she's certain of that. And as they sing Eldath's hymns, Annerose approaches the elemental as a bulwark protecting them, shield held at the ready. "You are a champion of winter!" she calls out to the elemental. "Don't limit yourself to serving Auril, but recall the beauty of winter when it coexists with the people, when it gives the land time to recover and bear fruit once more, when it is a natural part of life!"
[21:42] <Annerose> OOC: Total defense, moving 30ft closer
[21:44] <@Kotono> The elemental's gaze is on Annerose, the cold licking against her. So bittery cold, yet so refreshing to her after summer. OOC: Inari and Athear.
[21:45] <@Inari> Inari casts shield of faith on herself and advances on the ice elemental, putting herself between it and those she protects. OOC: casting and moving twenty feet closer
[21:45] <Annerose> "You can be free like me if you cast off Auril's chains!" Annerose adds, with the elemental's gaze upon her.
[21:47] <@Athear> Athear looks to Inari at her request to avoid violence and sighs. There goes the easy way out of this. "Be careful, it can transform itself into a blizzard itself. If that happens... fire is the only real answer." Athear cautions the others as he steps towards the elemental as well. He can at least stand between the elemental and the people in case something goes awry. OOC: I'll move within 5
[21:47] <@Athear> feet of Inari to her left.
[21:47] <@Kotono> Inari comes to within 30ft of the elemental. The cold savagely tears at her and then at Athear, biting at them both. OOC: Fort saves, you two.
[21:48] <@Inari> roll 1d20+6
[21:48] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=17]
[21:48] <@Athear> roll 1d20+14 (+2 if evil)
[21:48] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=13]
[21:50] <@Kotono> roll 2d8 cold damage Inari full, Athear half
[21:50] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 12 > [d8=4,8]
[21:52] <@Kotono> The icy aura sucks the heat out of both Athear and Inari, weakening both with growing numbness. Nevertheless, they endure as the elemental gazes hatefully at Annerose. It stomps forward 15ft, an arm becoming a massive iccile to impale Inari. It races down right at her, aimed squarely at her heart.
[21:53] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+15 (-6 PA) AC?
[21:53] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 32 > [d20=17]
[21:53] <@Inari> OOC: 25
[21:53] <@Kotono> roll 3d8+11+2d8 (2d8 is cold, will probably tink)
[21:53] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 37 > [d8=3,3,8,5,7]
[21:55] <@Kotono> Inari is impaled right through the chest. No blood flows - only frozen blood on the end of it. No pain, nothing but yawning, sleepy numbness. The elemental's visage is triumphant - until the sound of breaking ice is heard again. Its icicle arm shatters, reared back as nothing more than a ruined stump.  "What is this?!" it demands in a cold rasp.
[21:56] <@Inari> "I... told you..." Inari gasps harshly, a hand over her chest. "There can be no violence here!"
[21:57] <@Kotono> "Fox lady!" Anisa breaks her song to call, but the others keep singing. The song mingles with the elemental's words of surprise, as it stares anew at the party. OOC: Annerose.
[21:58] <Annerose> "Auril's strength is a lie! An illusion of power, seized as a common bully when none stand up against her! Winter can be so much more-- is so much more!" Annerose insists, walking closer still towards the elemental. "Wake up to that, rather than ruining yourself over someone who is abandoning you without a moment's thought!"
[21:58] <Annerose> OOC: 30ft closer, total defense
[21:59] <@Kotono> OOC: You're coming into AoO range, yo uokay with that?
[22:00] <Annerose> OOC: I'll stop at the AoO range, then
[22:02] <@Kotono> Annerose stops just before the elemental's reach. "There is nothing but Auril," It snaps back in a cold, unfeeling tone. As it does, droplets of water run from its ruined arm, its upper arm melting before you reyes. OOC: Inari'n'Athear.
[22:03] <@Inari> Still clutching her chest, Inari heals herself as best she can... it might not be enough even then.
[22:03] <@Inari> roll 2d8+5 cure moderate
[22:03] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 16 > [d8=7,4]
[22:03] <@Athear> Athear places a hand on Inari's shoulder to infuse her with life. OOC: Lay on Hands, 15 HP
[22:04] <@Inari> And healed entirely so her wound is just a memory, she stands tall once more, giving Athear a grateful nod.
[22:04] <@Athear> OOC: I'd Knight's challenge this but this is Inari's thing, so I'll just stand with her.
[22:05] <@Kotono> Inari's wound is gone. The elemental staggers forward another 5ft (you can AoO if you like, Athear) and snarls at them all, before sending its good arm down at Annerose. It's aimed right for her chest as well, as if to tear her open like a ripe fruit.
[22:05] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+15 (-6 PA) AC?
[22:05] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=11]
[22:05] <Annerose> OOC: 33
[22:06] <@Athear> Athear looks for a moment to consider taking advantage... but relents. OOC: I'll pass.
[22:06] <@Kotono> But Annerose is ready. Her shield comes up and smoothly blocks the powerful blow. She's not even pushed back, as the elemental's good arm shatters like  a glass window. It stumbles back again, both stumps melting before your eyes, spreading to its shoulders. Before your very eyes, the elemnetal is melting like snow on a summer's day.
[22:07] <@Inari> "Still you refuse to learn..." Inari says, standing defencelessly before the mighty but disarmed elemental.
[22:09] <Annerose> "That is Auril's strength. That is Auril's loyalty! Her conviction! Her favor! Will you really throw your life away for the one who discarded you so?"
[22:13] <@Kotono> Amid song and words, the elemental melts. A warm breeze comes, blowing away the unnatural chill. Summery warmth floods the grove as before your eyes, tall trees rise up, growing from saplings to maturity in mere moments.
[22:13] <@Kotono> OOC: Free act.

[22:14] * Annerose shakes her head in sadness, before putting on a bright smile and turning towards the villagers. "People of Ailan! You've driven Auril out with your strength!"
[22:15] <@Inari> "That is the power of faith," Inari declares, turning and walking back towards the animals and villagers.
[22:17] <@Kotono> Cheers erupt from the half-frozen townfolk. As this happens...Athear notices something behind the party, out of the corner of his eye. Something moving?
[22:18] <@Athear> Hm? He turns to get a better look.
[22:21] <@Kotono> There's something growing out of the ground. It looks like a giant flower bug, easily the size of Athear and growing larger.
[22:21] <@Athear> "Annerose, Inari." Athear calls out to get their attention. "Do you know what this is?"
[22:22] <@Inari> Inari turns around to have a look, letting out a little, "Oooh!" as she takes in the floral bug.
[22:23] <@Kotono> *bud, not bug. Typo.
[22:23] <@Athear> "Perhaps Eldath's blessing?" Athear wonders.
[22:24] <@Athear> roll 1d20+6 K:R Is Eldath known for giant flowers or something?
[22:24] <Annerose> "You know a great way to get warmer?" Annerose asks the townfolk. "Dancing! And you all deserve a proper celebration!"
[22:24] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=19]
[22:26] <@Kotono> Athear knows Eldath has dominion over plants. This sort of thing could easily be a sign of her favor or indirect intervention.
[22:26] <@Inari> roll 1d20+11 what kind of plant is it! (nature)
[22:26] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 21 > [d20=10]
[22:27] <@Athear> He nods. "I think your plan to call on Eldath was received well."
[22:30] <@Inari> "I'm glad we didn't have to go and bring Lathander or someone else in," Inari agrees, patting the mysterious bud. "From this, something great may grow."
[22:32] <@Kotono> It's some sort of odd plant. It's a pale pink, like a carna-wait a moment. It's opening. Within it you see a horse drawn wagon with white covering. The horses are two gray stallions, powerfully built. There's a seat on the front for someone to drive it and an opening in the rear to go into the back. It's about the size of a normal wagon - perhaps 20ft long and 10ft tall.
[22:33] <@Inari> "Oh... I was speaking more metaphorically..." Inari says in muted shock as the wagon rushes past her.
[22:34] <@Athear> Athear raises a hand as if to say something, then doesn't. "...I... ...should we..." He clears his throat. "Perhaps we should take this invitation?"
[22:35] <@Kotono> The wagon isn't moving, at least. The stallions look ready, but they don't react.
[22:35] <@Kotono> In the background is all the song and dance, lending a jaunty air to the proceedings.
[22:36] <@Inari> "Well... why not," Inari shrugs whimsically, waving to the villagers. "We'll be back before you know it!" she calls before hopping into the back.

[Corwin]

[20:01] <@Kotono> OOC: Mounting thew agon, y'all?
[20:01] <@Inari> OOC: sure
[20:02] <@Athear> OOC: Sure, I'll take the driver's seat so we're not all crammed into the back for now
[20:02] <Annerose> OOC: works
[20:03] <@Kotono> The party gets into thew agon. Inari gets in the back and sits, Athear takes the driver's seat and Annerose joins Inari in the back. It's a wagon - not he most comfortable thing ever, but it's a chance to sit down and rest a little bit. The horses don't react when the party gets on, but there are reins if Athear wishes to direct them.
[20:04] <@Inari> "I actually expected it to whisk us away on a magical journey," Inari says. "I suppose my thoughts aren't the same as Eldath's though."
[20:05] <Annerose> "I expected it to be a nice wagon," Annerose muses. "Perhaps we could see how it handles for a bit, and then join the festivities again?"
[20:06] <@Athear> "Beyond the obvious source, is there anything magical about this?" Athear asks with a turn back to Inari and Annerose. "All right, I think I can manage this part..." He turns back to the horses to take the reins to at least get the wagon moving to start.
[20:06] <@Kotono> OOC: Any ranks in ride or anything relevant? It won't matter here, but curious since you took the reins.
[20:06] <@Inari> Inari casts detect magic!
[20:07] <@Kotono> Inari can detect fading magic. OOC: Spellcraft.
[20:08] <@Inari> roll 1d20+11
[20:08] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=12]
[20:08] <@Athear> OOC: Not... particularly, no.
[20:09] <@Kotono> Athear spurs the wagon on. The horses respond by going forward at a good clip, having no problem pulling the wagon. It's a solid, strong and smooth ride. Meanwhile, Inari can't figure out the magic here. Whatever created this was powerful.
[20:10] <@Inari> "It was made by magic but it's not magic in and of itself," Inari answers. "Anyway, shall we rejoin the festivities?"
[20:11] <Annerose> "How about giving the kids rides in this?" Annerose suggests. "It looks safe enough."
[20:12] <@Athear> "It's easy enough to steer." Athear says as he directs the horses to go back the way they came.
[20:15] <@Kotono> This goes without incident. By this point, the villagers have come to surround the wagon. Gregor's the one that speaks up, "Amazing! You are, without a doubt, true heroes!"
[20:18] <@Inari> "Not just us," Inari says. "Each of you made the choice today to put yourselves between Eldath and Auril. We couldn't have done this on our own."
[20:19] <@Athear> Athear nods. "It was the courage fostered by all of you that aided us."
[20:22] <@Kotono> Anisa pipes up here, "So we're all heroes?"
[20:22] <@Inari> "Just so!"
[20:25] <@Kotono> Cheers and laughter spread, as...OOC: Okay, so what's on your agendas now, y'all?
[20:27] <Annerose> OOC: I'll go to the capital by way of Warmfolk and it'd be cool if people came along?
[20:27] <@Inari> OOC: we're hook-less!
[20:27] <@Inari> OOC: I guess I'll come with then, good a direction as any.
[20:28] <@Athear> OOC: Athear would ask about any wyvern-or-otherwise-related material from the townsfolk but otherwise would be happy to accompany the ladies for now.
[20:28] <@Kotono> OOC: Do y'all want to talk about this IC, since it seems relevant?
[20:28] <@Inari> OOC: may as well
[20:29] <@Inari> OOC: or wyverns can grab Anisa and fly towards the capital.
[20:29] <@Athear> OOC: Kobold-monkeys
[20:32] <@Kotono> That evening, the party settles in. The wagon is nearby as they share a campfire, dinner cooking away. It's just about sunset, the town getting in the last smidges of work before resting. Everything is so hectic, to the point where the party does its own cooking tonight. It's a chance to rest from the day's efforts, recover and talk amid themselves...OOC: Go ahead.
[20:34] <Annerose> "I have been headed for Misty Harbor," Annerose says suddenly and with no preamble. "Would either of you wish to travel together?"
[20:35] <@Inari> "We made a good team, didn't we?" Inari says, a warm smile on her lips. "I had struggled with finding direction, until Dolf stumbled into that tavern. I would greatly enjoy the chance to continue our travels together, whereever they might end up."
[20:35] <@Athear> "You had mentioned something about that when we first met." Athear says. "I suppose it's another place that could use help, if nothing else."
[20:36] <Annerose> "It is important, knowing whether the rot comes straight on down from above, or whether those in power merely remain isolated from the people."
[20:38] <@Inari> "And if it is at the top then your mission will assuredly be dangerous," Inari says calmly. "Another reason to remain together."
[20:38] <@Athear> Athear nods. "I agree. A small village like this... I doubt there would be anyone trying to push the agendas of evil beings like Tiamat without blowing their cover. But a place like Misty Harbor sees much more travel."
[20:41] <Annerose> "What would they be?" Annerose asks curiously.
[20:45] <@Athear> "I would think this oppression of the people... this fear, hopelessness... That sort of thing is something Tiamat and her ilk would thrive on." Ahtear says with some disgust. "Goblins... it wouldn't surprise me if there were a green dragon hiding out somewhere in this land, it would be fitting for them to have something to do with the greed that is at the heart of this land's trouble."
[20:46] <Annerose> "Without a doubt-- but what about Tiamat specifically?"
[20:48] <@Athear> "If there are specifics here, I am not yet aware of them." Athear answers. "However, I felt... compelled to come to this area some time ago. I am still investigating if there was a specific reason or a specific agent of hers working here."
[20:52] * Annerose nods, turning to look at Inari. "How about you? Anything I should keep an eye out on our way?"
[20:55] <@Athear> "To Inari's statement, I would be happy to accompany the both of you to Misty Harbor. Although searching for Tiamat's followers is my priority, the two of you are both individuals I would trust in and out of combat both, so I see no reason to part ways."
[20:55] <@Inari> "Oh no, I'm just making it all up as I go along," Inari smiles gaily. "All that matters is making time to help others, I've no destination in mind."
[21:01] <@Kotono> OOC: REady to hop along then, y'all?
[21:02] <@Inari> OOC: yes
[21:03] <@Athear> OOC: Yar
[21:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:04] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 62 > [d100=62]
[21:05] <@Kotono> OOC: I presume you're using the wagon?
[21:06] <@Inari> OOC: s'what it's there for.
[21:06] <Annerose> OOC: It's there to be used! And Siggy is riding inside.
[21:10] <@Kotono> With that, the next day begins with travel. The party gathers at the dawn, the people of Ailan rising with them. As they prepare and load the wagon, the people come up. "Thank you," Dolf shakes Athear's hand, while Anisa hugs Annerose and Inari, "I want to be like the snow lady and the fox lady when I grow up!" she gushes. Gregor comes up and speaks over all of it, "All of you - thank you."
[21:11] <@Inari> "Well make sure to eat your vegetables and listen to your parents and you just might!" Inari teases Anisa good-naturedly.
[21:13] <@Athear> "I'm sure you can all stand on your own two feet now, but if you ever need us, please send word. I am certain we can return." Athear tells Dolf.
[21:13] <Annerose> "You never know," Annerose agrees with a smile, while Siegfried gives Anisa a hug of his own!
[21:15] <@Kotono> Handshakes and hugs are exchanged at this, "Good luck," A chorus comes from the villagers, as the heroes set off to begin a new journey...(More)
[21:18] <@Kotono> Tola 28 is a warm, muggy day. You reach Warmfolk by about noon, puffy white clouds filling the blue sky. The port cit is busy when you approach, much as the last time you were here. A chance to stop in town, perhaps, or to simply move on and follow the northwestern road towards Misty Harbor.
[21:20] <@Inari> "Hopefully I can get a proper drink this time," Inari says, leaning out the front of the wagon by Athear's seat so she can look around as they enter the city.
[21:21] <@Athear> "I wouldn't mind getting that ranseur identified while we're here." Athear says. "Beyond that I can't think of much else to do."
[21:23] <@Kotono> Warmfolk's western edge is rather patchwork. Inari can see guards about, people going to and fro. The scent of sea air teases her, but is largely masked by the less savory scents of the city. But ti is busy - travelers, sellers, and all sorts of city folk busy making a living in the heat.
[21:23] <Annerose> "Then we really should head to a tavern," Annerose muses. "It would be easiest for you to find a good lead there. Perhaps the same one we all met in?"
[21:25] <@Inari> "That suits me," Inari says agreeably.
[21:31] <@Kotono> With that, the party returns to Anock's Grapes. It is at ypical tavern in Warmfolk, filled with humans and the occasional half elf or Malanese elf. The old tables are full of people eating and drinking as the party settles in. Food and drink is provided - ale and wine of average quality, some leftover stew from lunch, fried meats and a curious dish of deep fried oinions, deep fried whole garlic
[21:31] <@Kotono> cloves and spicy pork. OOC: Loot post, post how you're divvying the cost. Athear, if you want to go chat, feel free to go info hunting.
[21:33] <@Inari> Inari seems particularly keen on anything that's been fried, accompanying it with infrequent sips from a small glass of brandy.
[21:33] * Annerose gravitates to the bar, with the tables full. It's her preference, anyway.
[21:34] <@Athear> Athear will look around the tavern for people who might know a thing or two about magic -- he won't waste time talking to folk who probably wouldn't be able to answer his questions or think he's some demon or what have you.
[21:36] <@Kotono> It's pretty strong. Such strong tastes! It's quite a strange thing to eat fried thigns, but they're quite tasty. As Inari gets acquanted with pub food, Annerose settles into the bar. The barkeep ambles on over - an old woman today. "Think I saw you last week," she says without preamble, "Water, wasn't it?" Meanwhile, Athear goes looking about. OOC: Diplo check, Athear, since you're going GIing.
[21:37] <@Athear> roll 1d20+10
[21:37] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 30 > [d20=20]
[21:37] <Annerose> "Water indeed!" Annerose is all too happy to respond, pleased to be remembered. "It looks even busier today, so business must be good?"
[21:39] <@Kotono> Water is provided. "You're rememrable," Is the answer Annerose gets. Meanwhile, Athear talks around a bit before drifting to a man eating alone. He's a godo six and a half feet tall and all muscle. The sort of brick you expect to see after someone's put on a belt of giant strength. He carries a massive warhammer and had a large, bushy blonde beard. He's drinking from a mug, froth from his ale
[21:39] <@Kotono> getting in his beard. He wears full plate armor save for a helmet, a mass of metal more than flesh. "Looking for something?" He asks, pausing in between gulps of ale.
[21:39] <@Inari> Back when she was a goddess people would give her offerings of fried curds which were always particularly tasty. Sadly it seems the recipe never made it out here, but she's still quite happy with what's on her plate.
[21:44] * Annerose makes sure Siegfried has enough to drink as well, pleasantly chilled, before turning to her own glass. "The pirates didn't strike, then, I take it? There was some worry upon arriving, I recall, so I'm glad the threat never materialized."
[21:44] <@Athear> "I am. I have something I need properly identified. You look the sort that would be able to point me in the direction I need to go in." Athear answers as honestly as he's able.
[21:44] <@Kotono> As Inari happily munches on her food, "Ma'am, you certainly put it down," A waitress comes on over, a typical tavern wench, "Want anything else?"
[21:44] <@Kotono> "Not this time," The barkeep says, "They struck a small fishing village to the north instead." Here she shrugs, "Better them than us."
[21:45] <@Kotono> "Magic or mundane?" He banters right back, finishing off his ale. "5 gold for a good recommendation for mundane, 10 for magic."
[21:47] <Annerose> "When was the last time someone tried to stop them?"
[21:47] <@Inari> She's mostly done now, washing the last of it with some brandy. "A pear if you have one, please?" she asks, now craving something refreshing to cap off her meal. It had been slim pickings during their recent travels around Ailan, so she can afford to spoil herself a little now.
[21:48] <@Athear> Athear rubs at his forehead. "Is that the way of things?" He asks. Nevertheless, he provides the asked-for 10 gold.
[21:50] <@Kotono> "Heard the navy clashed a few weeks ago up north. Clapper Gavin's group, don't know who won," The barkeep says, as meanwhile Inari gets a nod and soon obtains a pear. With 10 gold given to the blonde bearded man (post that in loot, Athear), "You need to spend money to get things. It's always been the way it is. Unless you're some damned fool. Anyway, look for Sly's Pawn and tell them that a
[21:50] <@Kotono> crusty old fisherman sent you. There's a wizard in the back who's good at it, invitation only. That's your invitation. Charges 2% of the item's value for an appraisal."
[21:53] <@Athear> "Very well." Athear nods and returns to the others. "Did we need anything else looked at while we were here?"
[21:53] <@Inari> Inari gets to work on her pear now, dabbing a cloth at her chin where the juices run. "I have nothing pressing," she answers Athear when he approaches her.
[21:53] * Annerose shakes her head at Athear's question.
[21:54] <Annerose> "So that fishing village," she muses, peering at the bartender. "Could you tell me more about it? Sounds like times are rough over there."
[21:56] <@Kotono> "Maxes," The bartender shrugs, "Couple of days north, then a day's trip to the east from the road. Heard there's not a lot left there. Fire got started and it spread." She shivers at that, "Ugly."
[21:58] <@Athear> Athear nods and leaves them to do the talking and goes to get the spear identified!
[21:58] * Annerose shakes her head sadly. "Someone might still be there, trying to rebuild. Worth taking a look, I think."
[22:08] <@Kotono> From there it's a matter of finding Sly's Pawn. It's a sprawling old building smack in the middle of Warmfolk. It's not really close to the docks nor any road out, just a big old place. Inside are many things - old swords lean next to a stuffed boar's head. Stained glass wnidows are mounted on one wall, with smaller glass figurines for sale beneath them. Shelves of books, trinkets and doo-dads
[22:08] <@Kotono> fill up everything. A sealed glass case full of jewelry and other shiny things is on a side wall. A big, burly woman stands at the door, glaring at the three of you like you're pond scum. She has blonde braids and a stony look, like an overstuffed valkyrie. "No trouble in here, y'hear?" she says, soudning more like a man than a woman. "Or else I'll drag you out by the short hairs."
[22:09] <@Athear> "I apologize. A crusty..." Athear takes a breath, realizing now how embarassing this is to say. "A crusty old fisherman sent us."
[22:10] <@Kotono> "Oh. Straight ahead into the back," she points towards a door there, stepping aside.
[22:11] <@Inari> "Thank you," Inari says, past caring about the less than reverent attitude. She's gotten plenty of that lately. Waiting for Athear to go first, she follows after him.
[22:12] <@Athear> Athear will go straight ahead and to the door to open it, knocking once first.
[22:13] * Annerose trails after them silently, smiling at the blonde when their eyes briefly meet.
[22:14] <@Kotono> "Come in," A voice invites. A simple, plain room is here, an old man in a white robe sitting. He nods slightly, "What do you need appraised?" he asks, right to it. "Two percent fee of the item's value for any apprasal. We may or may not make an offer on the item ourselves after apprasal."
[22:16] <@Athear> "Fair enough." Athear will hold out the ranseur for inspection. "We do have some other mundane items, would those be best sold to the person up front?"
[22:18] <@Kotono> "Yes," He says shortly, examining the spear as his eyes glow with blue light. Soon enough he nods, "This spear is called glassbound..." he begins to explain. When he's done, "I'd price it at about 4,500 gold, so 90 gold for the apprasal." OOC: Loot.
[22:20] <@Athear> "Interesting." Athear reaches into his pack to withdraw the 90 gold to place it on the desk. "Thank you."
[22:20] <@Kotono> OOC: Post the expense.
[22:20] <@Inari> "Do either of you two want to keep it?" Inari asks her companions. It's too small and the blade's off for what she'd prefer.
[22:20] <@Kotono> A nod as the gold is taken, "You're welcome."
[22:22] <@Athear> "I have considered adopting a different style of weapon eventually." Athear says. "I may try and use it in conjunction with a shield."
[22:22] <@Athear> "But the size is a problem for the time being, but... well, it can always potentially be modified later, I suppose." Athear adds.