097. Setting off after Jack.

[Corwin]

[20:12] <@Kotono> Rest and recovery. The mood of the fortress is tentatively excited, as word of a peace deal spreads throughout it. The party meets before the wagon in the morning, rested and refreshed. The wagon's heavy with supplies, as T says, "So," he says casually, keeping his voice down, "We need to reach Arenel, which is where ol' Jacky does his things." He takes out a map of Malana, "Let's see here..."
[20:15] <@Inari> "It's mostly South from here then we can just hug the mountains, right?" Inari says, leaning over to look at the map.
[20:16] <@Kotono> Helena peeks over his shoulder, "Hmm. We'd be best sticking by the roads at first, especially with this mess. It's the most likely to have any clearance on it at all and a few drifts." Glancing at Inari, "You want us to go off the roads for all of this again?"
[20:16] <@Kotono> Rock gnaws on a ball of beef jerky the size of Inari's head. He look sat the map, sniffs and goes back to his jerky.
[20:18] <@Inari> "Oh, right," Inari says, shaking her head. "It looks so easy on the map... I suppose we'll want to head East to Luremdale and then go South."
[20:19] <@Erad> "Do you think he's made it all the way back there?" Erad asks. "I suppose he may not have any reason to still be out here considering the circumstances..."
[20:21] <@Annerose> "We can hardly expect to catch him on the road at a time of our choosing, so aiming for his home is best," Annerose muses.
[20:21] <@Kotono> "We'll swing by Allam first," Then T glances at the map atn mutters, "Stupid cheap map didn't even include the name!" He jabs at the city west of Luremdale, "There, that one. Then Luremdale and see from there. When it starts getting rougher by Arenel, we'll need to use the roads or rough it in the mountain snow anyway, which is even worse than this."
[20:21] <@Inari> "You mean Maggen? He could have gone to the capital to curry favour there, or still be around here sniffing for an excuse to restart the war."
[20:22] <@Kotono> "Yeah, probably. See, we do have one tiebreaker, though. Winter's coming and guess where any good little Aurilite wants to be in winter? Home is where the sacrifical altar is."
[20:22] <@Kotono> OOC: Gah.
[20:23] <@Kotono> "Yeah, probably. See, we do have one tiebreaker, though. Winter's coming and guess where any good little Aurilite wants to be in winter? Home is where the sacrifical altar is." T chuckles, "That was what Househaven said anyway, and I'm inclined to think he's right. Even if he's not there now, bet he's there by the time we get there."
[20:24] <@Erad> "Sensible." Erad nods
[20:26] <@Kotono> "Well then, unless anyone wants to argue it?" T says, rolling the map up.
[20:27] <@Annerose> "Actually," Annerose voices, "would it be possible to get there quicker by ship?"
[20:28] <@Inari> "I don't think so," Inari says. "We'd have to go to Jellam then sail all the way to Warmfolk, then travel inland about as far as we're going from this direction anyway."
[20:28] <@Kotono> T considers a moment, "Yeah," he says, stashing the map, "THink 'nari's right there. It might be ean easier trip for part of it, but it'll still be about the same timewise. Maybe more since we have go all the way around Malana."
[20:30] <@Annerose> "On the plus side, we could distribute some of our supplies there while Lord Househaven takes care of it in these parts," Annerose suggests. "And if we head for that little fortress hugging the mountains, we could disembark and take the road to our destination. I bet plenty of ships pressed into service are now being released in Jellan."
[20:30] <@Kotono> Suddenly T frowns, "You know what? Let's just forget the sea route and go on land. Yeah. Away from, you know, white dragon prophecies around Misty Harbor that we heard about."
[20:31] <@Inari> "Could we disembark at that fortress? I just assumed Warmfolk was the only port in that area since it's the only one with a name."
[20:32] <@Annerose> "I think we can, and we might even avoid sailing into Misty Harbor altogether to keep T happy."
[20:32] <@Erad> "Prophecies have a way of coming true whether you like them or not." Erad says with a smile. "But however we get there is fine."
[20:33] <@Kotono> T's frown devolves into a scowl, "Fine. How about we vote for it?"
[20:34] <@Inari> "Lets keep things simpl-oooh!" Inari jerks a bit as a rustling sound at her rear heralds the appearance of another fluffy golden tail to join the trio already there. "Oh! New tail!" she grins and reaches around to hug the new appendage, though the motion has it move away from her and she's forced to spin around a few times chasing her tail before she blushes embarrassedly and stops, swaying a
[20:34] <@Inari> little dizzily on her feet but still wearing a silly smile. "Er, keep things simple and take the overland route?"
[20:35] <@Kotono> T raises a finger up, as if to say something, and simply stops as Inari sprouts a new tail. "You know what? Fuck it. I don't care. Choose whichever you all want. I'm going to take a nap." He hops up into the wagon, going into the hidden room and closing the door behind him.
[20:35] <@Kotono> "Oh! Congratulations, it's adorable," Helena gushes, "That's four of them now?"
[20:36] <@Erad> Erad raises a brow at that. "He seems more moody than normal. Either way, let's just get going to Allam and see what's going on."
[20:36] <@Annerose> "Does it feel as fluffy as the rest?" Annerose asks the more important question.
[20:36] <@Inari> "Nearly halfway back to where I was!" Inari says proudly, reaching back without turning her body this time so she can grasp the new white-tipped tail. "And just as fluffy as the rest."
[20:37] * @Annerose falls into temptation, checking for herself!
[20:38] <@Inari> The fur may indeed be softer than the other tails, having never been exposed to the cold elements before now!
[20:39] * @Annerose makes a happy little sigh.
[20:39] <@Kotono> Helena does the same, petting it and nodding. "It really is nice."
[20:40] <@Kotono> Rock sniffs the air and stares at Inari, before growling and baring his teeth. "Stronger!" he says in giant.
[20:40] <@Inari> "Yes, stronger!" Inari agrees with a resolute nod, all four tails wagging as she's petted and complimented.
[20:41] <@Annerose> "I guess I can stand to make T happy. I just don't have the heart to argue when he's so huffy," Annerose says, heading into the compartment to give the sulking T the happy news.
[20:42] <@Kotono> OOC: Ready to move along then?
[20:42] <@Inari> OOC: lets
[20:42] <@Annerose> OOC: I want to see the changes!
[20:42] <@Kotono> OOC: Same procedure as before? Shoveling/snowwalking/Erad in the sky? Okay, if you're going to search the wagon, make a search-er, perception check.
[20:43] <@Inari> OOC: we're not in a huge rush so we'll take shifts on the shovelling rather than everone running ragged on it.
[20:44] <@Inari> roll 1d20+15 I'll have a look about the wagon for anything fun
[20:44] <Rei-chan> 6,0Inari rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0I'll have a look about the wagon for anything fun --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{22}
[20:46] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+13 Helena looks as well
[20:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+13 1,0Helena looks as well --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{20}
[20:46] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+20 (+8 factotum) perception T, he'll stop moping and help too
[20:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+20 1,0(+8 factotum) perception T, he'll stop moping and help too --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{24}
[20:48] <@Kotono> It's a long pace, more snow shoveled and tossed aside. But come near noon, T finally finds something. "Hey," He's on the opposite wall of the wagon from the other door, "There's a little handle here," he announces."
[20:48] <@Kotono> OOC Gah.
[20:48] <@Kotono> It's a long pace, more snow shoveled and tossed aside. But come near noon, T finally finds something. "Hey," He's on the opposite wall of the wagon from the other door, "There's a little handle here," he announces. "Give me a minute..."
[20:49] <@Annerose> All anticipation, Annerose hovers just next to him!
[20:51] <@Inari> Inari takes a break from her shift at the snowfront to go see what's been found, since she failed to spot anything earlier.
[20:51] <@Kotono> He fiddles a few moments, "There's a tiny," He leans in and squints, "Keyhole here and it's not opening."
[20:52] <@Annerose> "Did you search the other room for a key?"
[20:53] <@Kotono> "Annerose, have some confidence," T grins, "Who needs a key when I'm here?" He kneels down, "Now if I can just get a small enough bit of wire," he mutters, humming.
[20:53] <@Annerose> "The rest of us when we want to use the lock?" she responds with a matching grin.
[20:53] <@Inari> "Let me know how you get on," Inari says, before hopping back out of the wagon and resuming her digging.
[20:55] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+13 (+8 inspiration, -10 circumstance)
[20:55] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+13 1,0(+8 inspiration, -10 circumstance) --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{28}
[20:55] <@Kotono> T works awhile, the wagon trip resuming. It's not until after noon that T's shout of, "Got it!" is loud enough to be heard clearly outside.
[20:57] <@Annerose> Having kept watching for all that time, Annerose is properly placed to see it!
[20:58] <@Kotono> Helena heads back in from the snows, "Well, open it already!"
[20:59] <@Inari> Inari takes another break to go see what's been found!
[21:00] <@Kotono> T does just that. The door opens to reveal an empty room, save for empty wooden crates and shelves. Despite the wagon's roll, this room is stilll as of it were on solid ground. OOC: Erad, make a perception check isnce you're skybound in the meantime.
[21:01] <@Kotono> "Storage?" T considers, idly rubbing his hands. "Not bad. We can always use more space."
[21:01] <@Erad> roll 1d20+15
[21:01] <Rei-chan> 6,0Erad rolled :6,0 1d20+15 --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{33}
[21:01] <@Annerose> "A place to eat as well?"
[21:01] <@Inari> "Hmm, the bedroom was more interesting," Inari says, poking her head in to take a look before she goes and gets back to work.
[21:04] <@Kotono> While the rest of the party is on the wagon, Erad can note the ohrses keep going. They climb onto the snow, crossing it as if it were solid and without sinking in.
[21:05] <@Erad> Erad blinks. ...Huh? Well, that's interesting. They didn't need those shovels after all...
[21:06] <@Inari> "Augh, hey! Hold up!" Inari says, nearly trampled by the horses as they push past her in her attempt to get back at the snowfront. "Oh... well now I feel silly," she says as they clamber atop the snow with as much ease as Annerose or Helena. "Good news, we don't have to shovel anymore!" she says, jumping back aboard.
[21:06] <@Kotono> That gets T to peek out, stare about and sigh. "Two weeks ago would've been better, but thank goodness."
[21:09] <@Annerose> "Do we still need the shovels?"
[21:10] <@Kotono> Doesn't look like it, the horses are walking as easily as you or Helena now.
[21:12] <@Kotono> OOC: Ready to move along, y'all?
[21:12] <@Inari> OOC: sure
[21:12] <@Annerose> OOC: syre
[21:12] <@Kotono> roll 1d100+40 (+40 ???)
[21:12] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100+40 1,0(+40 ???) --> 6,0[ 1d100=73 ]4,0{113}
[21:12] <@Kotono> roll 1d100+40 (+40 ???) subtables
[21:12] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100+40 1,0(+40 ???) subtables --> 6,0[ 1d100=48 ]4,0{88}
[21:14] <@Kotono> A few days of travel pass unremarkably. The snow's beginning to thin out - only a foot deep in places at last. The party makes camp in one such place, settling down for the night. OOC: Describe your current precautious/watches, y'all.
[21:16] <@Erad> Erad will still keep an eye from the air for now!
[21:17] <@Inari> Since it's just good practice in such tumultous times, Inari maintains her ruse of covering their wagon and campsite with an illusory stand of trees. With the snow-gliding of their wagon there aren't even tracks to give them away now! Past that it only makse sense to keep watches, aside from Annerose with her prepared spellcasting blues. So T, Helena, herself, and Erad will all take watches. In
[21:17] <@Inari> that order.
[21:17] <@Kotono> OOC: In the middle of the night, Erad?
[21:18] <@Erad> OOC: Yes, although I'll alternate air and ground every so often, say check the air for 5-10 minutes at a time out of every 60 minutes I'm on watch. I've still got low-light and darkvision so I should be able to see something.
[21:20] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay. Just during your watch or the entire evening?
[21:21] <@Erad> OOC: I'll do it before I go to bed and then during the watch.
[21:23] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[21:23] <@Kotono> roll 1d2
[21:23] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d2 --> 6,0[ 1d2=2 ]4,0{2}
[21:23] <@Kotono> It's in the middle of the night. Inari is keeping her watch on the wagon when...hm? A passing breeze brings the scent of frozen canines to her. From the south, she thinks.
[21:25] <@Inari> Tributes? Well she can't have that. "Everyone wake up," she says, going around and shaking everyone to wakefulness. "I smell something to the south, like frozen dogs. It's like those tributes of Auril we saw before, I think."
[21:26] <@Erad> "...This again?" Erad mumbles as he moves to sit up to get ready.
[21:27] <@Kotono> T groans and gets up, quickly getting ready. Helena does the same, "I suppose we lasted a good while without Auril showing her displeasure."
[21:27] * @Annerose needs twice the amount of shaking the others do, and she's equally unhappy at the news. "Are they getting closer?" she asks.
[21:27] <@Inari> "I'm going to go put them to rest. Anyone want to come along?" At Annerose's question she pauses and turns her head, sniffing and trying to determine if it's so...
[21:30] * @Annerose takes the time to put on her armor in the meantime.
[21:30] <@Erad> "Of course." Erad says. "I wouldn't want to leave them in this state."
[21:38] <@Kotono> The party heads on out after getting equipped. Inari takes a sniff - from the south, oh yes. Several at least, perhaps into the dozens. All the same sort of cold canine smell, a pack.
[21:39] * Rin (uid69210@charlton.irccloud.com) Quit (Quit: Connection closed for inactivity)
[21:40] <@Inari> Inari casts protection from evil as they head out the wagon. "There's quite a lot of them actually, well over a dozen I'd think," she warns. "So be prepared."
[21:42] <@Kotono> Helena strides out, shield up and ready. T follows, slinking along, "This should be good, 'nari. Fortunately, got a nice, hot surprise for them."
[21:42] <@Kotono> OOC: Go ahead and describe what you're doing/setting up a defense or going on the offensive or whatever.
[21:43] <@Inari> Inari leads the way South to intercept the pack of tributes! She'll cast more spells when they get closer, but those have shorter durations.
[21:44] <@Erad> Erad follows along with Inari.
[21:44] <@Kotono> OOC: It's fairly dark, so perception only if you have darkvision or some unusual means of perception.
[21:45] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+13 Helena does
[21:45] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+13 1,0Helena does --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{30}
[21:45] <@Inari> roll 1d20+15+13 I have low-light vision, also lets use divine insight
[21:45] <Rei-chan> 6,0Inari rolled :6,0 1d20+15+13 1,0I have low-light vision, also lets use divine insight --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{46}
[21:46] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+2
[21:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{12}
[21:47] <@Erad> roll 1d20+15
[21:47] <Rei-chan> 6,0Erad rolled :6,0 1d20+15 --> 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{17}
[21:53] <@Kotono> Inari's gaze sweeps about as the party advances south, into the snow. It's naturally slower going but fordable and soon Inari sees them. About two dozen wolves in a fairly spread out pack about 150ft away, advancing towards the party. Each on is large for a wolf and with white fur. Too large to be normal wolves, Inari knows that much.
[21:54] <@Inari> roll 1d20+14 religion/nature, are these tributes or winter wolves?
[21:54] <Rei-chan> 6,0Inari rolled :6,0 1d20+14 1,0religion/nature, are these tributes or winter wolves? --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{26}
[21:55] <@Kotono> Winter wolves. They don't look like tributes.
[21:58] <@Inari> "Oh, they're winter wolves. Smell the same as tributes," Inari says apologetically, voice low. "Coming our way though, and they don't look friendly!" She casts mass resist energy vs cold on T, Erad, and Rock given this new information. "I don't have any special hatred for them, so we'll see if they're on a mission from Auril or just doing their own thing before it comes to a fight?"
[21:59] <@Erad> Erad nods, trusting in Inari's judgement.
[21:59] <@Annerose> "If we need to," Annerose says back, matching Inari's volume, "I can put obstacles between us, or surround us with a wall of ice."
[22:00] <@Inari> Raising her voice, Inari calls out towards her fellow magical canines. "What are you doing out here?"
[22:05] <@Kotono> "You can talk to them?" T asks, "Or figure that out somehow?"
[22:06] <@Inari> "They're intelligent and capable of speech," Inari says quietly. "They just can't transform into fetching humanoid forms. Unless there's a lycanthrope amongst them."
[22:13] <@Kotono> "Good luck, then," T says.
[22:13] <@Kotono> OOC: What's the plan here then?
[22:14] <@Inari> OOC: I'm shouting at them and waiting for a reply?
[22:17] <@Kotono> OOC: Oh wow, sorry, my bad.
[22:17] <@Kotono> No response from them, they keep advancing. 120ft away now.
[22:19] <@Inari> "I'll take silence as you all looking for trouble," Inari warns, casting recitation now and filling everyone with fervour! Particularly if they reverse the Best Fox.
[22:19] <@Inari> OOC: +2 luck to AC/attack/saves. +3 for worshippers of Inari
[22:20] <@Inari> *revere
[22:20] <@Erad> Erad glances at Inari then back at the wolves. "They always seem to pick this option, don't they?"
[22:20] <@Kotono> "Yep," T says, "Get ready!" OOC: Init here.
[22:20] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+6 T
[22:20] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0T --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{10}
[22:21] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Helena
[22:21] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0Helena --> 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{8}
[22:21] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+1 Rock
[22:21] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+1 1,0Rock --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{15}
[22:21] <@Inari> roll 1d20+4 need to remember to cast sign more often
[22:21] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+5 winter wolf pack
[22:21] <Rei-chan> 6,0Inari rolled :6,0 1d20+4 1,0need to remember to cast sign more often --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{15}
[22:21] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+5 1,0winter wolf pack --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{20}
[22:21] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+5
[22:21] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 1d20+5 --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{23}
[22:21] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2
[22:21] <Rei-chan> 6,0Erad rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{21}
[22:24] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(23)>Erad(21)>Winter Wolf Pack(20)>Rock=Inari(15)>T(10)>Helena(8)'
[22:24] <@Kotono> OOC: Annerose opens.
[22:26] * @Annerose spreads her arms wide to the sides, and a massive wall of ice rises out of the snow directly between them!
[22:27] <@Annerose> OOC: Wall of Ice variant 1 for 90ft
[22:28] <@Annerose> OOC: 100ft away from us, 20ft away from the wolves

[Corwin]

[20:33] <@Kotono> OOC: Evenly in both directions?
[20:33] <@Annerose> OOC: Yes
[20:36] <@Kotono> A wall of ice rises up on command, stopping the wolves cold. They freeze when it appears, advancing not a paw more. OOC: Erad, go.
[20:37] <@Erad> Erad will hold his position for now!
[20:39] <@Kotono> Erad stops and lets the wolves react. They sprint to the side, reaching the western edge of the wall and starting to come into visibility once more. OOC: Rock'n'Inari, go. 120ft to the south and 50ft to the west, just coming around the side of Annerose's wall.
[20:40] <@Inari> Casting divine might upon herself, Inari suddenly looks a whole lot more confident in how she handles her spear! Moving towards the West and a bit ahead of the party, she readies herself for the wolves approach!
[20:40] <@Inari> OOC: divine power rather
[20:41] <@Kotono> OOC: How much are you moving, precisely?
[20:42] <@Inari> OOC: 10 feet West, 10 feet South.
[20:42] <@Kotono> Rock follows Inari, ending up just ahead of her and defending her. He growls at the wolves, snapping his teeth. OOC: T's up.
[20:46] <@Kotono> T just grins, "Hey, I got this great new trick for problems like this. It's called fireball!" T stands and points, a searingdot of fire flying towards the wolves. It lands amid them and explodes into a fireball.
[20:46] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+8 vs DC 16 Ref
[20:47] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+8 1,0vs DC 16 Ref --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{11}
[20:47] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+14 K:A
[20:47] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 1d20+14 1,0K:A --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{33}
[20:47] <@Kotono> roll 8d6
[20:47] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 8d6 --> 6,0[ 8d6=29 ]4,0{29}
[20:47] <@Kotono> roll 29*1.5
[20:47] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 29*1.5 --> error: malformed expression
[20:47] <@Kotono> roll 29+14
[20:48] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 29+14 --> 4,0{43}
[20:49] <@Kotono> The blast scorches the wolves, getting an array of yips and whines. The front vanguard is badly torched, in shambles from the blast. Helena meanwhile just glides across the snow, sprinting over it 120ft and reaching the middle of the wall of ice.  OOC: Annerose, unless Erad's going to take his held turn?
[20:49] <@Erad> OOC: I'll take it.
[20:50] <@Erad> Erad will fly after Helena! OOC: moving twice to catch up to her.
[20:51] * @Annerose holds off for now, intending to drop another wall just as the wolves dash over in hopes they won't stop in time.
[20:51] <@Kotono> "OOC: Okay. Adjusting Init real quick.
[20:51] * Kotono changes topic to 'Erad(24)>Annerose(23)>Winter Wolf Pack(20)>Rock=Inari(15)>T(10)>Helena(8)'
[20:53] <@Kotono> The wolves recoil from the fire and the advancing forces, growling and whimpering. After af ew moments, a big old winter wolf in the back lets out a low, long howl, and the rest of them start to retreat back the way they came. OOC: They seem to be retreating. Are you going to do anything, Annerose?
[20:53] <@Annerose> "Well, that was pointless," Annerose says, happy to let the wolves flee.
[20:54] <@Inari> "Good work, T!" Inari praises him, lowering her (still competently held!) spear now that it's no longer needed. "I doubt they'll be back tonight, so lets go back to bed?"
[20:55] <@Kotono> "C'mon, learning that one was an easy choice after all this," T grins, "I have to say, I like my dogs more like you, 'nari: Intelligent and cute."
[20:55] <@Kotono> Helena comes back over, "If only more of our foes would retreat at a show of force."
[20:56] <@Inari> "It just shows how smart those wolves were. I won't argue about the cuteness though!" Inari laughs, turning and starting to head back towards their hidden campsite.
[20:59] <@Kotono> OOC: Going back to sleep, y'all? Okay then.
[21:00] <@Kotono> The next day dawns sunny and bitterly cold. More like winter than mid/late fall, the wind chill well below freezing. Like this the party continues on...
[21:01] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:01] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=62 ]4,0{62}
[21:02] <@Kotono> It's at a bit past noon that the party sees something ahead. A little village, less than a foot of snow around and the roads of the village clear. It's a bunch of houses clustered around the road, nothing remarkable. But T peeks out and takes a look, "First place we've been in awhile that isn't buried. Do we want to sto pand get a feel for things?"
[21:04] <@Inari> "We may as well," Inari says. "It's been a while since we've seen people that aren't soldiers."
[21:04] <@Annerose> "We can't just let a village starve to death, so we're going to stop everywhere and see about sharing our supplies," Annerose adds to that.
[21:07] <@Kotono> "Right then," Helena says, hopping on out. OOC: Elaborate your plans, y'all.
[21:08] <@Inari> OOC: we'll roll into the village, catch the local scoop, offer conjured food/rations, rescue cats from trees. The stuff we did in towns before the war!
[21:08] <@Inari> OOC: but with more food being given out
[21:08] <@Annerose> OOC: Let's hear how things have been, talk about how the war has been settled by the heroic Househaven, see if they need the food and how much
[21:10] <@Kotono> OOC: Sure, make a GI check, y'all. One makes and others can aid.
[21:11] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+18 sure!
[21:11] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 1d20+18 1,0sure! --> 6,0[ 1d20=16 ]4,0{34}
[21:11] <@Inari> roll 1d20+19 I'll aid that
[21:11] <Rei-chan> 6,0Inari rolled :6,0 1d20+19 1,0I'll aid that --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{38}
[21:12] <@Erad> roll 1d20+5 brick
[21:12] <Rei-chan> 6,0Erad rolled :6,0 1d20+5 1,0brick --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{9}
[21:15] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+13 T'll aid too. Rock won't and Helena will reserve just in case something goes horribly wrong
[21:15] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+13 1,0T'll aid too. Rock won't and Helena will reserve just in case something goes horribly wrong --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{25}
[21:17] <@Kotono> The party ends up with passes for a tavern here. It's a converted barn, still smelling faintly of hay and horses. A massively long bar dominates the middle, with all sorts of mismatched chairs and tables all about. Stairs lead to the upper lofts, where more chairs and tables can be found. The barkeep's a slumped shouldered, sallow fellow with a grimace and a limp. "Ho there, ho there, travel-"
[21:17] <@Kotono> He looks all of you over, "Auril's cock AND balls." he breathes, "Troll!" He doesn't say it loudly, more stunned than anything else. But his gaze is right on Rock.
[21:18] <@Inari> "It's alright, he's friendly!" Inari says, her disarming presence hopefully a counterbalance to Rock's... Rockness.
[21:18] <@Kotono> T laughs, "Friend, friend, friend. Rock's not just a troll," he says easily, "He's a friendly troll! See here, he hasn't taken a bite out of us yet." He takes a seat on the bar, "Got any ale? We're thirsty and tired, could all use a round."
[21:19] <@Kotono> Rock stares at the man and licks his lips. "Want meat," he says in Common, "Have meat?"
[21:19] <@Kotono> Helena stops, "Is it wrong that the main thing I took away from that is that he has Auril's gender mixed up?" she asks.
[21:20] <@Inari> "Don't worry Rock, I'll have you covered on meat," Inari says, her conjured food just the thing for sating Rock's bottomless appetite. He's not exactly a picky eater so the taste won't matter much, and it's sure to be filling.
[21:20] <@Kotono> Rock turns to Inari, "Now."
[21:21] <@Kotono> The man stares at them all, then finally back to Annerose. "Uh...ah...not from around here?" he says, rather faintly.
[21:21] <@Annerose> "It all looks very strange, I'm sure," she tells him pleasantly. "But have no worries. None here serve Auril! Besides! We've come from the front!"
[21:22] <@Inari> "Certainly!" Inari smiles and turns to one of the empty tables, conjuring up enough food enough to sustain three humans or perhaps one Rock for twenty four hours! It comes in the form of appetising looking if comically oversized drumsticks from some sort of indeterminate animal, though one would find the taste to be fairly bland.
[21:25] <@Inari> It actually takes a few minutes for the food to appear under Inari's hand-waving and chanting though...
[21:25] <@Kotono> As Rock tears into his food (and comments, "Needs salt," in giant), the other settle on into the bar. Drinks are provided, "The front?!" The man gasps, "The front! I heard the barbarians surrendered!"
[21:28] <@Kotono> "Something like that," Helena takes a seat, sipping her ale. "Did you hear about Lord Househaven?"
[21:29] <@Kotono> The barkeep nods, "I heard he waded into the enemy camp and made Queen Penelope surrender! I don't believe they actually knew when they were licked!"
[21:31] <@Annerose> "Oh, trust me, they knew they were beaten," Annerose assures him. "Between that and finding out the war's started over a pack of lies, well, it made things work out."
[21:34] <@Kotono> "Hah," The man laughs, just a little nervous still.
[21:35] <@Kotono> The man's gaze slides over to Erad, "Also..." He starts to say something, frowns, starts again, stops. "Say, Ailan mean anything to you?"
[21:35] <@Erad> "I'm from there." Erad responds, looking at the man curiously. "How did you...?"
[21:38] <@Kotono> "Some guy came around from there a few weeks back. Talked about Bahamut and dragons, and damned if you don't look scaled like a dragon." The barkeep remarks.
[21:39] <@Inari> "That's... all he talked about?" Inari asks, feeling a little bit disappointed. Athear must have made a really big impression on everyone there, but everyone else helped too!
[21:40] <@Erad> Erad smiles a bit. "I'm glad it's starting to spread." He looks over at Inari. "We'll have to spread word of the great fox goddess and her allies bringing Queen Penelope to her knees."
[21:41] <@Inari> "And the snowmaidens, and Rock, and T!" Inari insists in the interest of fairness.
[21:42] <@Kotono> :Yeah, now that you mention it, he talked about some fox and and ice..." The guy stops, blinking hard and looking at them all anew.  He leans over the bar and peers behind Inari's back, seeing her tails and stopping cold.
[21:42] <@Erad> "I'm not much of a bard, so you'll have to come up with the particulars." Erad says with a look back at the barkeep.
[21:42] <@Kotono> T snickers and works on his drink, "Four of 'em, alright, friend. Just don't pet them without asking her first."
[21:44] <@Inari> "These tails are a symbol of my authority and righteousness," Inari declares resolutely, all four fluffy tails fanning out behind her. It certainly looks busier than when she just had two back there.
[21:46] <@Kotono> "Ice is Annerose and myself," Helena supplies, "Good to hear word spreads."
[21:46] <@Kotono> "Y-yeah," The barkeep says, "No wonder you have a troll, the stories are true!"
[21:47] <@Annerose> "It does feel nice to have the right sort of reputation," Annerose muses. "Is everything alright here?"
[21:47] <@Erad> "Have you heard any word from anything in Misty Harbor?" Erad asks. "About the Cathedral of Shining Light by any chance?"
[21:47] <@Kotono> "Well, ah, we're surviving. We had most of the harvesting done before the early winter set in. Still going ot be a bad winter, it was too wet before that. Probably be eating horsemeat by the time its all said and done."
[21:48] <@Kotono> OOC: Gha.
[21:48] <@Kotono> "Well, ah, we're surviving. We had most of the harvesting done before the early winter set in. Still going ot be a bad winter, it was too wet before that. Probably be eating horsemeat by the time its all said and done." The barkeep busies himself cleaning a tankard, "Misty Harbor? Heard something about a cathedral there a few times, I think. Might've been it."
[21:50] <@Annerose> "You know, part of the settlement was that Kabath shares some of their harvest," Annerose voices, settling on a barstool.
[21:54] <@Kotono> "No kidding?" The man says, "Well, that'll be great if we see any of it."
[21:54] <@Kotono> "You will," Helena says, "I'm sure of it. Kabath lost fair and square."
[21:55] <@Annerose> "And there are plenty still who care about Malana's people and their wellbeing."
[21:55] <@Erad> "Is there any immediate need of food here?" Erad asks.
[21:57] <@Inari> "I can conjure food like I did for Rock," Inari volunteers. "It's not gourmet or anything, but it's filling and nutritious. If I do that a bit while I'm here your stocks should stretch further."
[21:58] <@Kotono> "Yes," The barkeep says immediately, "Wonder where everyone is? Out trying to hunt anything they can before it gets any snowier. A few more hares or deer could mean the difference."
[21:59] <@Annerose> "Have you heard about the other settlements in the area? If there's one not doing too well?"
[22:00] <@Inari> "If you get someone to fetch everyone else I can have a spread waiting here for them," Inari offers. "How many people are in the village?"
[22:01] <@Annerose> "Ooh! I can make it taste better, then!"
[22:01] <@Inari> "Teamwork!"
[22:03] <@Kotono> With that the barkeep goes off. Onc ehe's gone T just sits back, "Not a bad day's work," he says, "Shame we aren't getting paid for it."
[22:03] <@Annerose> "There'll be a payday eventually," Annerose assures T.
[22:03] <@Inari> "But doesn't your soul feel fulfilled by helping others? Can you imagine the smiles on their faces?" Inari prods.
[22:06] <@Kotono> T shrugs, "I prefer to imagine the fullness of my coin purse. You can't retire on smiles, can you?"
[22:07] <@Annerose> "It would take a very lazy man to retire at your age!"
[22:07] <@Inari> "You're far too young to be thinking about retirement," she chides in agreement with Annerose, starting on whipping up more food via magic.
[22:08] <@Kotono> "I'm young now, which means I should retire in luxury so I can enjoy my good years. I'm not some ice princess or fox spirit that doesn't get older, or dragon man that lives for ages and ages. All human here," T taps his chest. "Gotta enjoy it while you have it, right?"
[22:09] <@Kotono> Helena blinks heavily, "You're right, you know. It just hit me, I'm never going to get wrinkles or any of that, am I? I mean...you'll be some shriveled up old man and I'll still look like this." She looks down at her drink, biting her lip.
[22:10] <@Inari> "We'll still like you when you're a prune, T," Inari reassures him. "Whether it's a rich or a poor one."
[22:10] <@Kotono> "Sure will be," T says, "Rich, that is." He chuckles, settling into waiting.

[Corwin]

[19:59] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, did you want to continue RPing the village stuff or did y'all wanna move on now that you got some info and mood of things?
[19:59] <@Inari> OOC: barring quest hooks we can carry on.
[20:01] <@Erad> OOC: Yeah I'm fine with that
[20:02] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay then.
[20:02] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:02] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=85 ]{85}
[20:02] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:02] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=66 ]{66}
[20:07] <~Kotono> The party continues on towards Allam. You're a day further on, setting up camp under some trees and off the road. As the party settles in, T grumbles and starts to prepare dinner. It's quiet here, the sun already set and another fall day coming to an end. OOC: Do any of you have special means of perception besides perception checks?
[20:07] <@Inari> OOC: just low-lght
[20:08] <@Erad> OOC: Ditto
[20:10] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay then. Perception checks, just Inari and Rock.
[20:10] <~Kotono> roll 1d20-1 Rock
[20:10] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20-1 Rock --> [ 1d20=1 ]{0}
[20:10] <@Inari> roll 1d20+15 I'll be your eyes Rock. Oh, I have scent too. I forgot.
[20:10] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+15 I'll be your eyes Rock. Oh, I have scent too. I forgot. --> [ 1d20=2 ]{17}
[20:13] <~Kotono> Inari catches and odd, foul scent on the wind. It smells like bodies rotting, coming from the way they came.
[20:14] <@Inari> They didn't pass any massacres and anyone freshly dead wouldn't make that smell. So that leaves only one unpleasant conclusion, "T you better put dinner on hold, I don't think anyone except Rock'll have much appetite in a minute. I smell zombies."
[20:16] <@Erad> "What?" Erad asks as he moves to his feet. "I suppose it makes sense, that storm could've done any number of things before we stopped it..."
[20:18] <@Annerose> "Take a look to see how far they are?" Annerose suggests to Erad.
[20:18] <@Inari> With warning given, Inari grabs her spear and casts protection from evil on herself. "Lets, I suspect they're coming our way so no point letting them befoul our campsite."
[20:19] <~Kotono> T puts dinner aside, "Great, undead smiting instead of dinner." He sighs and grabs a strip of dried meat, chewing on it as he gets ready.
[20:19] <~Kotono> Helena rises smoothly and readies her shield, "I wonder what it is?"
[20:19] <@Erad> Erad nods and goes to fly up to see if he can spot them!
[20:22] <~Kotono> Erad flies up. He begins to look around, trying to find his prey...OOC: Perception.
[20:23] <@Erad> roll 1d20+15
[20:23] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+15 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{23}
[20:25] <~Kotono> About 1000ft away from the party, Erad can see something. Large holes in the snow, advancing towards the party. No source for them, but there are two rows of them, three each. As if a massively oversized spider was approaching, albeit an unseen one.
[20:27] <@Erad> Erad grimaces and flies back within earshot of the others, but stays flying. "I can't actually -see- them, but they're coming. You can tell where they are because of the snow... Do we have anything to deal with invisible... things?"
[20:29] <@Inari> Inari snaps her fingers. "That's something I forgot. I'll work on it for next time," she says, ears flattening against her head. After what happened at the temple she really should have remembered! She soon perks up though, "But we can smell them and see their imprints in the snow! And invisibility usually wears off after they attack."
[20:30] <@Annerose> "Do you want me to try and wall it off?"
[20:30] <@Inari> "It'll give us a clue how intelligent they are in how they deal with it," Inari says, seeing no harm in it.
[20:31] <~Kotono> "Wouldn't hurt," T remarks, "How many are there, you think?"
[20:34] <@Erad> "It's hard to say. There are two sets of three holes, basically... I really hope it isn't some sort of invisible... something, but whatever it is it's not just a few zombies shambling along." Erad says. "I think it might be something with six legs, or... two creatures with three? It's... I don't know. My guess is it's one or two somethings."
[20:35] <@Annerose> "Lead the way, we'll figure it out as we go?"
[20:36] <@Erad> Erad nods and will start to fly back in the direction, taking stock of how close the imprints are now.
[20:36] <@Inari> Inari casts sign and aid in that order before heading out after Erad!
[20:36] <@Inari> roll 1d8+8 temp hp
[20:36] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d8+8 temp hp --> [ 1d8=7 ]{15}
[20:36] <~Kotono> The party advances back the way they came a few hundred feet. They can now see it 200ft away - the two rows of three advancing at a fast and steady clip. It's coming right at them, unerringly, whatever it is. OOC: I'm going to call for initiative here and do this round by round.
[20:37] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6 T
[20:37] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 T --> [ 1d20=13 ]{19}
[20:37] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Helena
[20:37] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Helena --> [ 1d20=1 ]{7}
[20:37] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+1 Rock
[20:37] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+1 Rock --> [ 1d20=17 ]{18}
[20:37] * Kotono changes topic to 'T(19)>Rock(18)>Helena(7)'
[20:37] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+5
[20:37] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{22}
[20:37] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2
[20:37] <@Inari> roll 1d20+8 sign!
[20:37] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{4}
[20:37] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+8 sign! --> [ 1d20=10 ]{18}
[20:40] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(22)>T(19)>Rock=Inari(18)>Helena(7)>Erad(Rei)'
[20:41] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[20:41] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{21}
[20:41] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(22)>???(21)>T(19)>Rock=Inari(18)>Helena(7)>Erad(Rei)'
[20:41] <~Kotono> OOC: Open Annerose. Your enemy is 200ft away.
[20:42] <@Annerose> OOC: How big is the distance between the two most distant 'footsteps'?
[20:46] <~Kotono> OOC: 5ft, maybe. They're fairly close together.
[20:47] * @Annerose comes closer to the invisible thing and places a hemisphere with a ten feet radius around its apparently location.
[20:47] <@Annerose> OOC: Moving 30ft, then using the hemisphere option of Wall of Ice
[20:49] <~Kotono> OOC: How exactl yare you positioning it?
[20:51] <@Annerose> OOC: I'm using the apparent center of the six 'footsteps' as the center for the hemisphere and it extends from that point 10ft in every direction.
[20:54] <~Kotono> The hemisphere of ice appears and stops midway, hitting...something? A moment later a beam of red light flies up, lancing through the ice and dmelting it instantly. What appears is like a mix between a spider and ant. A body like an ant and the legs of a spider, the creature well over a dozen feet tall and with clacking mandibles. Four eyes dominate its face, each made of shiny glass. A red eye,
[20:54] <~Kotono> a blue eye, a green eye and a yellow eye. It makes hardly a sound as it advances 50ft over the snow, 120ft from Annerose and 150ft from the rest of the party. OOC: K:P or K:A for identification, whichever is better.
[20:55] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+9 T arcana
[20:55] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 T arcana --> [ 1d20=5 ]{14}
[20:55] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Helena planes
[20:55] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 Helena planes --> [ 1d20=6 ]{18}
[20:55] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+14 K:A
[20:55] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+14 K:A --> [ 1d20=20 ]{34}
[20:56] <@Erad> roll 1d20+8 K:P
[20:56] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+8 K:P --> [ 1d20=1 ]{9}
[20:57] <~Kotono> Annerose knows what this is. A retreiver, a construct built by demons to retrieve lost slaves or capture enemies. It can fire an eye ray each round as well as move and attack. Watch out for powerful rays of fire, cold, acid or...probably electricity. The fourth eye varies, sometimes being a ray of petrification and sometimes something else. You aren't 100% on it without seeing it, unfortunately.
[20:57] <~Kotono> Annerose also knows this is a foe more powerful than any they've ever faced - a grave, deadly battle is ahead of them. OOC: T's up.
[20:57] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(22)>Retriever(21)>T(19)>Rock=Inari(18)>Helena(7)>Erad(Rei)'
[20:58] <~Kotono> "Uh..." T stares up at it, "What the hell is that?!"
[20:59] <@Annerose> "A retriever! That's a demon sent to capture the really pesky enemies. Hey, I bet Auril sent!" Annerose exclaims. "Also, it has creepy eyes that shoot out horrible blasts of energy or just kill you in one hit!"
[21:00] <~Kotono> "So..." T stares up at it, "How cast can it run and can we run faster?"
[21:00] <@Erad> "Oh, that's... great."
[21:00] <@Annerose> "Almost twice as fast as we can!"
[21:01] <~Kotono> "Well, gentlemen and ladies," T grimaces, "It's been fun." OOC: T's holding a sec. Rock and Inari, go.
[21:01] <@Annerose> "It can be killed! Plenty of people kill them!"
[21:03] <@Inari> "Don't get hit, then!" Inari suggests, providing a recitation of her divine virtues to bolster the party! If they actually believed in said virtues it might bolster them a bit more! OOC: +2 luck to hit/ac/saves. +3 if you convert.
[21:06] <~Kotono> Rock seems utterly unimpressed. He bares his teeth and charges forward through the snow, advancing 80ft to be 70ft away from it. T sighs, "No sense of self preservation," he mutters, wiggling his fingers and pointing. Another fireball flies, right at the retriever.
[21:06] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6 vs DC 16
[21:06] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 vs DC 16 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{17}
[21:06] <~Kotono> roll 8d6 halve this
[21:06] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 8d6 halve this --> [ 8d6=15 ]{15}
[21:07] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(22)>Retriever(21))>Rock=Inari(18)>T(17)>Helena(7)>Erad(Rei)'
[21:08] <~Kotono> Helena advances 50ft carefully, 100ft from the beast. She positions carefully, lining up a charge. OOC: Erad.
[21:09] <~Kotono> Meanwhile the fireball strikes. It melts the snow around it and lightly scuffs up the retriever, perhaps burning  it a little. Maybe.
[21:10] <@Erad> "Seems like the obvious solution is to smash the eyes." Erad says as he flies up and after Rock! OOC: Flying 70 and going up to be about 30 ft in the air, if possible.
[21:10] <~Kotono> Erad flies and positions, getting himself ready. OOC: Annerose.
[21:12] * @Annerose glides swiftly over the snow, gesturing at the monster once she's ready! And from her outstretched hand, an ever-expanding wave of frost assaults the retriever!
[21:12] <@Annerose> roll 8d6 cone of cold ref dc24 half
[21:12] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 8d6 cone of cold ref dc24 half --> [ 8d6=30 ]{30}
[21:13] <@Annerose> OOC: swift expeditious retreat lets me move 60ft closer
[21:14] <~Kotono> OOC: How close do you get?
[21:15] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6 vs 24
[21:15] <@Annerose> OOC: 60ft
[21:15] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 vs 24 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{9}
[21:18] <~Kotono> Waves of cold batter the construct, real damage appearing from cracks and breaks. But they begin to repair before Annerose's eyes, as it rushes at Annerose in one great stride, a leg coming up to claw her. OOC: Going to cover it?
[21:20] <@Annerose> OOC: Only bites or eyes for now
[21:21] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+17 (+2 charge)
[21:21] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+17 (+2 charge) --> [ 1d20=13 ]{30}
[21:21] <~Kotono> OOC: AC?
[21:22] <@Annerose> OOC: 31 due to recitation!
[21:22] <~Kotono> The strike is swift and massive, but Annerose is lucky. She somehow slips on the ice, stumbling back. Somethign that should never happen, yet it moves her out of the way of the claw with perfect timing. A moment later, a yellow ray fires off towards Rock.
[21:23] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+8 vs Rock's touch AC this probably hits
[21:23] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 vs Rock's touch AC this probably hits --> [ 1d20=5 ]{13}
[21:23] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+10 Will Rock
[21:23] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 Will Rock --> [ 1d20=2 ]{12}
[21:24] <~Kotono> Rock promptly falls over, body lock-solid and unmoving.  OOC: Rock's paralyzed. Inari's up.
[21:24] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(22)>Retriever(21))>Rock(paralyzed)=Inari(18)>T(17)>Helena(7)>Erad(Rei)'
[21:24] <@Inari> Everyone always runs off without her! Casting divine power and gripping her spear with more confidence, Inari advances 30 feet towards the encroaching construct!
[21:26] <~Kotono> Inari advances 30ft, coming closer within 60ft of the beast that now engages Annerose. T just vanishes from sight with a ripple, gone. OOC: Invisibility. Helena's up.
[21:27] <~Kotono> Helena braces a moment before charging right on in, shield first as she throws her all into it. OOC: Using one of her daily uses of adrenaline boost. +2 str/dex for 1 round.
[21:28] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+15 vs AC 26 (-2 charge), she provokes from it
[21:28] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 vs AC 26 (-2 charge), she provokes from it --> [ 1d20=14 ]{29}
[21:28] <~Kotono> roll 2d6+10+1d12 does not beat her DR so -5 from this
[21:28] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6+10+1d12 does not beat her DR so -5 from this --> [ 2d6=10 1d12=6 ]{26}
[21:28] <~Kotono> OOC: Also, AC 28 due to recitation. Dur.
[21:29] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+16 (+2 charge, +1 ad, +2 recitation)
[21:29] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 (+2 charge, +1 ad, +2 recitation) --> [ 1d20=7 ]{23}
[21:30] <~Kotono> roll 1d6+5 and free daze, constructs aren't immune.
[21:30] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+5 and free daze, constructs aren't immune. --> [ 1d6=6 ]{11}
[21:31] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[21:31] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{22}
[21:31] <~Kotono> Helena slams right into one leg, cracking it from thei mpact. It's still up, barely rocked by losing most of one. OOC: Erad.
[21:33] <@Erad> Erad flies down, aiming to land on top of the creature and deliver an acid-soaked punch to the area right above where its glassy eyes are!
[21:33] <@Erad> OOC: Not sure if that triggers an AoO, AC is 21 if it does
[21:33] <~Kotono> OOC: It doesn't, it only has one per round.
[21:34] <@Erad> OOC: Fantastic.
[21:34] <@Erad> roll 1d20+12 whapow
[21:34] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+12 whapow --> [ 1d20=17 ]{29}
[21:34] <~Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[21:34] <@Erad> roll 3d6+3+1d6+2d6 first is good-aligned and the second is acid
[21:34] <Kobot> Erad rolled 3d6+3+1d6+2d6 first is good-aligned and the second is acid --> [ 3d6=15 1d6=4 2d6=9 ]{31}
[21:35] <~Kotono> Erad lands like a meteor, fist slamming into the construct's head. It cracks all over, fist sinking  agood inch into the almost flesh like body of it. It sags down from the blow, lowr body hitting the snow. OOC: Annerose.
[21:37] <@Annerose> Mist and snow kicked up in the fight solidify into phantom images of Annerose, while her fists ignite with holy fire and she attacks the retriever head on!
[21:37] <@Annerose> roll 1d4+2 greater mirror image as swift
[21:37] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d4+2 greater mirror image as swift --> [ 1d4=3 ]{5}
[21:37] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+9+4+2 touch, dragonfire wrath
[21:37] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+9+4+2 touch, dragonfire wrath
[21:37] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+9+4+2 touch, dragonfire wrath --> [ 1d20=4 ]{19}
[21:37] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+9+4+2 touch, dragonfire wrath --> [ 1d20=7 ]{22}
[21:37] <~Kotono> OOC: Two hits.
[21:37] <@Annerose> roll 2d6+3+4+1d8
[21:37] <@Annerose> roll 2d6+3+4+1d8
[21:37] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 2d6+3+4+1d8 --> [ 2d6=11 1d8=1 ]{19}
[21:37] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 2d6+3+4+1d8 --> [ 2d6=11 1d8=6 ]{24}
[21:38] <~Kotono> The touches cause power to explode across the retriever, making it shudder and its eyes start to shin brighter. It's convulsing before your eyes. OOC: K:A check, anyone with ranks.
[21:39] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+9 T
[21:39] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 T --> [ 1d20=14 ]{23}
[21:40] <@Erad> roll 1d20+3 I do in a semi-sort of sort of way!
[21:40] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+3 I do in a semi-sort of sort of way! --> [ 1d20=2 ]{5}
[21:40] <@Erad> OOC: Obviously not really though!
[21:40] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+14
[21:40] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{26}
[21:40] <@Annerose> OOC: Golden ice is a fort save, if it's affected
[21:41] <~Kotono> OOC: It's not.
[21:41] <~Kotono> Annerose can tell what's happening. The golem should be destroyed, but instead a secondary source of power is filling it - overfilling it. It's going to explode promptly in a massive discharge of power. This is bad, bad, bad. You either need to get as far away from it as possible as soon as possible, or deal enough further damage to destroy the body and short circuit the explosion.
[21:45] <@Annerose> Her eyes widening, Annerose cries out, "Destroy it! Break the body before it explodes and takes out Rock!"
[21:45] <~Kotono> OOC: Rock and 'nari are up.
[21:46] <@Inari> Finally, Inari was born for this moment! With all her magic bolstering her to an incredible degree, she charges in to slam her spear ruinously into the core of the insectoid horror's body!
[21:46] <@Inari> roll 1d20+21 -8pa smite charge divine might
[21:46] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+21 -8pa smite charge divine might --> [ 1d20=15 ]{36}
[21:46] <@Inari> roll 1d8+34
[21:46] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d8+34 --> [ 1d8=5 ]{39}
[21:51] <~Kotono> Inari plunges ahead, slicing deep intot he body of the retriever. She hacks away a leg and part of its underside as suddenly there's a ripple to its side, follow by T appearing with a stab. OOC: 2/7 inspiration, used cunning move.
[21:52] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+18 (+3 recitation, +3 inspiration 1/7 left, spending last point for +3 damage)
[21:52] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+18 (+3 recitation, +3 inspiration 1/7 left, spending last point for +3 damage) --> [ 1d20=8 ]{26}
[21:52] <~Kotono> roll 1d4+2
[21:52] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d4+2 --> [ 1d4=2 ]{4}
[21:53] <~Kotono> T's sharp stab thrusts into the body of the retriever, tearing away more flesh as...OOC: Helena.
[21:53] <~Kotono> Helena menawhile holds her place, "Get it - fast!" she cries, as she strikes and strikes.
[21:54] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+14 (+1 ad, +2 recitation)
[21:54] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 (+1 ad, +2 recitation) --> [ 1d20=5 ]{19}
[21:54] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+9 (+1 ad, +2 recitation)
[21:54] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 (+1 ad, +2 recitation) --> [ 1d20=16 ]{25}
[21:54] <~Kotono> roll 1d6+6
[21:54] <~Kotono> roll 1d6+6
[21:54] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+6 --> [ 1d6=6 ]{12}
[21:54] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+6 --> [ 1d6=4 ]{10}
[21:54] <~Kotono> Helena's shield checks knock it bad further, caving in most of its head and cracking it slethal eyes. OOC: Erad.
[21:55] <@Erad> Erad takes a breath, steeling himself for the decisive blow!
[21:55] <@Erad> roll 1d20+11 vs DC 15
[21:55] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+11 vs DC 15 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{27}
[21:55] <@Erad> Power surges through his fists as he reels back to deliver a series of punches to destroy this abomination!
[21:57] <@Erad> roll 1d20+11+2+4 (+2 recitation, +4 power surge)
[21:57] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+11+2+4 (+2 recitation, +4 power surge) --> [ 1d20=14 ]{31}
[21:57] <@Erad> roll 1d20+6+2+4+5 (+2 recitation, +4 power surge, +5 smite evil)
[21:57] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+6+2+4+5 (+2 recitation, +4 power surge, +5 smite evil) --> [ 1d20=17 ]{34}
[21:57] <@Erad> roll 1d20+6+2+4+5 (+2 recitation, +4 power surge, +5 smite evil)
[21:57] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+6+2+4+5 (+2 recitation, +4 power surge, +5 smite evil) --> [ 1d20=13 ]{30}
[21:57] <@Erad> roll 3d6+7+1d6
[21:57] <Kobot> Erad rolled 3d6+7+1d6 --> [ 3d6=14 1d6=4 ]{25}
[21:58] <@Erad> roll 2#3d6+7+1d6+5
[21:58] <Kobot> Erad rolled 2#3d6+7+1d6+5 --> [ 3d6=12 1d6=1 ]{25}, [ 3d6=8 1d6=4 ]{24}
[22:00] <~Kotono> OOC: They all hit, yes.
[22:02] <~Kotono> The crunching flurries of blows  shatters the retriever's head. He then moves into the body, fists a blur as they rip into its middle. Iron and flesh are torn away, sizzling with acid and dissolving under the light of Erad's fists. The rest of the golem crumbles around you, falling to the ground. Ag reat, terrible howling comes from it. A human voice, a ghostly, black shrouded thing rising from
[22:02] <~Kotono> it. It radiates intense cold, a chill that causes ice to form around it. OOC: K:R, y'all.
[22:03] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+14
[22:03] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{16}
[22:03] <@Inari> roll 1d20+14
[22:03] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{22}
[22:03] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+9 T
[22:03] <@Erad> roll 1d20+10
[22:03] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 T --> [ 1d20=13 ]{22}
[22:03] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{17}
[22:04] <~Kotono> With a chill, Erad and Inari realize what this is: a dread wraith. It steals life with a touch and is a tormented spirit that hates anything that lives. Inari can also tell its affected by the power of winter, making it colder and perhaps stronger, or at least versatile. OOC: Dread wraith takes the retriever's place in init.  Annerose is up.
[22:05] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(22)>Dread wraith(21))>Rock(paralyzed)=Inari(18)>T(17)>Helena(7)>Erad(Rei)'
[22:05] <~Kotono> "Oh crap," T says, "''nari, turn that thing! We've really got Auril's panties in a knot now, she's sending enemies inside of enemies or something!"
[22:06] <@Erad> "Well, at least this one won't explode, right?" Erad asks, taking a few breaths as he moves to stand back up.
[22:06] <@Inari> "I once saw a doll like that..." Inari mutters, narrowing her eyes at the new threat. It was much cuter.
[22:06] * @Annerose reaches out to freeze a good-sized portion of the wraith....
[22:06] <~Kotono> "Oh come on!" Helena growls, readying herself.
[22:06] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+9+2+2
[22:06] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+9+2+2
[22:06] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+9+2+2 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{17}
[22:06] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+9+2+2 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{33}
[22:07] <~Kotono> OOC: One hit, d100 on it unless you can deal with incorporeal.
[22:07] <@Annerose> roll 1d100
[22:07] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=42 ]{42}
[22:08] <~Kotono> Annerose tries to touch the spirit, but nothing happens. It looks around - a dead empty face that seems uninterested in Helena and Annerose, and far more interested in T, Helena and Erad. It reaches out for the fox-girl, trying to wring the life from her.
[22:08] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+16 touch AC?
[22:08] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 touch AC? --> [ 1d20=8 ]{24}
[22:08] <@Inari> OOC: 26, thank me for believing in me
[22:10] <~Kotono> But Inari gets lucky - just as lucky as Annerose. A sudden, sharp pain in her stomach makes her grimace and double over, smoothly dodging the wraith's hands. It meanwhile looks up at Erad, twin beams of icy frost firing from them and at him.
[22:10] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+16 touch AC?
[22:10] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+16 touch AC?
[22:10] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 touch AC? --> [ 1d20=17 ]{33}
[22:10] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 touch AC? --> [ 1d20=7 ]{23}
[22:11] <@Erad> OOC: 17
[22:11] <~Kotono> roll 2d6
[22:11] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6 --> [ 2d6=6 ]{6}
[22:11] <~Kotono> roll 2d6
[22:11] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6 --> [ 2d6=9 ]{9}
[22:11] <~Kotono> OOC: Cold damage on both.
[22:11] <@Erad> OOC: 1 and 4 for a total of 5 damage for the record, then.
[22:11] <~Kotono> The beams strike Erad, driving the heat from his body. But he weathers it well, as...OOC: Inari.
[22:12] <@Erad> "Inari, you didn't happen to learn a spell to let us hit things like this, did you?" Erad calls out as he shifts his posture slightly from the sudden chill.
[22:12] <@Inari> Her divine blessing manifests in strange ways, but she'll take a dubious tummy over whatever that touch bodes! Stepping back to properly leverage her ghost-hating spear, she stabs out twice!
[22:12] <@Inari> roll 1d20+17 -5pa
[22:12] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+17 -5pa --> [ 1d20=15 ]{32}
[22:12] <@Inari> roll 1d20+12 -5pa
[22:12] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+12 -5pa --> [ 1d20=5 ]{17}
[22:12] <~Kotono> OOC: One hit.
[22:13] <@Inari> roll 1d8+22+2d6
[22:13] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d8+22+2d6 --> [ 1d8=1 2d6=6 ]{29}
[22:13] <~Kotono> Inari's ghost fox spear stabs into the undead like it was solid, ripping open its stomach area. No blood, just a gray mist that slowly leaks out. OOC: T.
[22:14] <~Kotono> "Get 'em, Inari," T calls, beating a hasty retreat back carefully. OOC: Using withdraw action, he's pretty much worthless here without inspiration to channel energy. Helena's up.
[22:16] <~Kotono> Helena shield bashes away, but it has little effect. OOC: Shield spikes aren't magical so she's out of luck here. Erad.
[22:17] <@Erad> OOC: Am I in melee range with it or do I need to move?
[22:17] <~Kotono> OOC: You can melee it.
[22:18] <@Erad> OOC: OK
[22:18] <@Erad> Erad takes another breath, but this time, just causes his hands to coat themselves in acid as he tries to tear at the wraith! It worked once, why not again?
[22:19] <@Erad> roll 1d20+11+2 (+2 recitation)
[22:19] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+11+2 (+2 recitation) --> [ 1d20=15 ]{28}
[22:19] <@Erad> roll 2#1d20+6+2 (+2 recitation)
[22:19] <Kobot> Erad rolled 2#1d20+6+2 (+2 recitation) --> [ 1d20=1 ]{9}, [ 1d20=4 ]{12}
[22:20] <@Erad> roll 1d100
[22:20] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=14 ]{14}
[22:20] <~Kotono> But Erad's strikes pass throught it harmlessly, doing no damage at all. OOC: Annerose.
[22:21] <@Annerose> If at first you don't succeed....
[22:21] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+9+2+2 touch
[22:21] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+9+2+2 touch
[22:21] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+9+2+2 touch --> [ 1d20=6 ]{19}
[22:21] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+9+2+2 touch --> [ 1d20=11 ]{24}
[22:21] <~Kotono> But Annerose just can't manage to touch it. It's annoyingly fast and hard to pin down. As it does, ti glares at Inari, twin beams of cold flying from its eyes to her.
[22:21] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+16 touch AC?
[22:21] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+16 touch AC?
[22:21] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 touch AC? --> [ 1d20=14 ]{30}
[22:21] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 touch AC? --> [ 1d20=20 ]{36}
[22:21] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+16 touch AC? crit?
[22:21] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 touch AC? crit? --> [ 1d20=8 ]{24}
[22:22] <~Kotono> roll 2d6
[22:22] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6 --> [ 2d6=9 ]{9}
[22:22] <~Kotono> roll 2d6
[22:22] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6 --> [ 2d6=5 ]{5}
[22:23] <@Inari> OOC: 26
[22:23] <~Kotono> OOC: Do you have innate cold res?
[22:23] <@Inari> OOC: yes, 10
[22:23] <~Kotono> But the beams slide off her harmlessly, as the dread wraith withdraws into the ground, vanishing from sight. OOC: Using withdrawl action to avoid AoOs. Inari's up, go.
[22:23] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(22)>Dread wraith(21)>Rock(paralyzed)=Inari(18)>T(17)>Helena(7)>Erad(Rei)'
[22:25] <@Inari> Inari keeps right on stabbing away with Ghost Fox!
[22:25] <@Inari> roll 1d20+17 -5pa divine might
[22:25] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+17 -5pa divine might --> [ 1d20=16 ]{33}
[22:25] <@Inari> roll 1d20+12 -5pa divine might
[22:25] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+12 -5pa divine might --> [ 1d20=14 ]{26}
[22:25] <@Inari> roll 1d8+29+2d6
[22:25] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d8+29+2d6 --> [ 1d8=5 2d6=4 ]{38}
[22:25] <@Inari> roll 1d8+29+2d6
[22:25] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d8+29+2d6 --> [ 1d8=6 2d6=2 ]{37}
[22:25] <@Inari> OOC: wait whoops misread
[22:26] <@Inari> "It can't hide forever..." Inari murmurs, looking around pensively as she waits for it to return...
[22:26] <@Inari> OOC: readied action to attack if it pops up
[22:29] <~Kotono> T just looks around, backing off a little bit. "Great," he mutters. Helena strides away and calls, "Come out, coward!" OOC: Erad
[22:29] <~Kotono> .
[22:30] <@Erad> Erad uses sense evil to try and locate the wraith!
[22:32] <~Kotono> OOC: DEtect evil, you mean?
[22:33] <@Erad> OOC: Wow, yes.
[22:34] <~Kotono> Erad detects and gets the first round result. There is indeed evil here, lots of it. OOC: Round 2 brings more information, as does round 3. This is normally handwaved out of combat since a bit of time is irrelevant. It isn't here, hence going round by round. Annerose.
[22:34] <@Annerose> On second thought, touching the cold undead thing is probably not the best idea, so Annerose waits for her chance to shoot a ray of positive energy at it!
[22:36] <~Kotono> OOC: Holding? Okay.People that are holding fo ra chance to do something, make perception.
[22:37] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+2
[22:37] <@Inari> roll 1d20+14
[22:37] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{14}
[22:37] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{33}
[22:37] <@Erad> OOC: I think DE requires me to maintain it so I'll just keep... doing that.
[22:40] <~Kotono> Inari's sharp eyes see it - a ghostly hand rising out of the ground just before Rock, reading for his neck.
[22:42] <@Inari> "At Rock!" Inari shouts, charging that hand to run it through!
[22:42] <@Inari> roll 1d20+16 -8pa divine might charge
[22:42] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+16 -8pa divine might charge --> [ 1d20=20 ]{36}
[22:42] <@Inari> roll 1d8+35+2d6
[22:42] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d8+35+2d6 --> [ 1d8=6 2d6=11 ]{52}
[22:43] * @Annerose doesn't see anything, but Inari's shout is more than enough to direct her!
[22:43] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+9+2
[22:43] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+9+2 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{16}
[22:45] <~Kotono> Inari's charge is perfect. She lunges and stabs down, going right through the middle of the hand and into the dirt. Through wrist and arm, plunging deeper yet. There's a horrifying cry of pain followed by a wave of force, Inari knocked back with her spear still in the ground. The wraith emerges to the surface, arm extended up. Ghost Fox is buried through it's hand, wrist arm and then into its
[22:45] <~Kotono> center. It shakes and shudders, breaking apart into fading mists, until at last her spear is dropped. OOC: Free act. Dread wraith wasn't at full HP due to some spillover damage on the retriever.
[22:46] <@Inari> "Take that!" Inari grins, going to cast panacea on Rock to lift his paralysis before she retrieves her spear.
[22:47] <@Erad> Erad says a silent prayer for whatever poor soul was perverted into that horrible filth. Hopefully Bahamut can somehow shine his light on them.
[22:47] <@Annerose> "My, my! Auril must be really upset!" Annerose says, walking over with a happy little skip to her step.

[Corwin]

[20:01] <~Kotono> T exhales heavily and falls right on his ass. "Whew. I can't believe we just managed that."
[20:01] <@Inari> "Still, even with us gliding over the snow and hiding our campsites, she's not having a hard time finding us is she?" Inari says. "I'll start obscuring our scent tomorrow, see if that helps any."
[20:03] <Rin> "She is a goddess," Annerose points out. "A terrible evil skank of one, but still. I'm sure she only needs to tweak her nose to know where we are."
[20:03] <@Erad> "We might not be able to avoid that dragon after all, you know." Erad says with a look over at T. "Either way, I'm glad we came out of this unscathed."
[20:04] <~Kotono> "It might," Helena says, nudging the remnants with her foot. "Retrievers specialize in finding prey, so I'm not sure we could do much to stop this one." A bit of flesh wiggles, which gets a grimace and a quiet "Ew," from her.
[20:04] <@Inari> "That's defeatist talk," Inari says. "She should be just as capable of smiting us from afar with that attitude."
[20:05] <~Kotono> Rock meanwhile goes on up and takes a hunk of metal and flesh, starting to eat the retriever's remnants.
[20:05] <@Inari> "No Rock, don't eat that, you don't know where it's been!" Inari protests. "Also it's concentrated evil, it'll probably give you bad thoughts and the runs."
[20:06] <Rin> "I rather enjoy the knowledge that wherever she is, she always knows I mock her with my every word."
[20:06] <~Kotono> Rock just stares at Inari, slowly chewing his mouthful of demon construct.
[20:07] <@Erad> "I think if she were to actually come to kill all of us herself, she'd be lowering herself to the point of needing to directly interfere, which I'm sure she'd never allow." Erad says. "Or... something like that. Maybe she can't just appear here and kill us, who knows."
[20:07] <@Inari> "Well fine but if you get a bellyache I'm not going to cure it," Inari huffs. At least she got him out of eating anything human-shaped so she'll take what she can get.
[20:07] <Rin> "You don't know where it's been, Rock," Annerose agrees with Inari.
[20:10] <~Kotono> Rock just gets another mouthful, still eating. In between he says, "Tastes like metal chicken," he says in slow Common.
[20:10] <Rin> "Is metal tasty?"
[20:10] <~Kotono> "...seriously," T just bows his head and sighs profoundly, before getting up. "Anyway, let's get back and get some rest."
[20:11] <@Inari> "He did like those gold coins the first time he got paid in them," Inari says. "Anyway, just break off a leg if you need to Rock, we're going back to camp."
[20:11] <Rin> "Don't we have an actually good dinner waiting for us?"
[20:11] <@Erad> "It's much more appetizing than this, surely."
[20:12] <~Kotono> Helena shrugs, "He's a troll. Who knows?"
[20:12] <~Kotono> Rock does exactly that, breaking off a leg and bringing it. "Metal good."
[20:13] <@Inari> "It's probably good for the bones..."
[20:14] <~Kotono> OOC: Ready to move along?
[20:15] <@Inari> OOC: Sure. Tomorrow I'll start using pass without trace on the party/horses/wagon (assuming it can be used on a wagon, it does specify 1 creature/level)
[20:17] <~Kotono> OOC: Lemme look, that probably needs a ruling.
[20:18] <~Kotono> OOC: It's pretty clear about creatures. Would help with the horses but not the wagon wheels.  You could go a bit slower and take means to try and cover your trail with the wagon's wheels, though.
[20:20] <~Kotono> OOC: Up to y'all on that, waiting on a yes/no.
[20:20] <@Inari> OOC: the wagon's been gliding over snow without tracks anyway, it's just for scent. And the wood scent of the wagon is less trackable than the people/troll/fox/dragon/horse scent of us.
[20:20] <~Kotono> OOC: That's fine then.
[20:22] <~Kotono> The next morning dawns dark and snowy. A steady fall greets you as the party shares breakfast - just some rations and porridge - and T looks up, a hand out for snow to fall on. "Well, it's official. Winter's going to be long and cold. By the way, today's the first day of Pess." He shivers, a sharp wind driving the cold into you. "Feels like it won't get above freezing today."
[20:22] <~Kotono> "I can endure that," Helena says with a pleasant smile, sitting next to Annerose. "It's everyone else that I'm worried about."
[20:23] <~Kotono> Rock gnaws on his meal and asks, "Pess?"
[20:23] <~Kotono> "Yeah, Pess. Last month of the year. 68 days, winter starts on the 41st. 'course, today's the 1st, so things are off to a great start," T flicks the snow off his hands, "Auril's probably acting so fucking smug when she looks over here right now."
[20:24] <@Erad> "All we can do is take care of anyone we come across." Erad says. "It'll probably warm up some once we complete what we're setting out to do."
[20:25] <~Kotono> "We'll need to check any villages we pass," Helena says, sighing softly, "As pleasant as the weather is now, I know it hurts everyone else."
[20:26] * BokChoi is now known as Annerose
[20:26] <~Kotono> "Yeah, something like that," T says, rolling his shoulders, "We need to keep going and make it into Allam before it gets any worse. All of you ready to get moving?"
[20:26] <@Inari> "Peopl will be out stocking up heavily on firewood right now I expect, and that's hungry work. The problems just double up on each other, really."
[20:27] <~Kotono> "No." Rock gets up and starts loudly hacking and wheezing, pounding his chest.
[20:28] <@Annerose> "Did we learn to stop eating the evil metal chicken?"
[20:28] <@Inari> "Oh, Rock... I warned you," Inari says, shaking her head sadly.
[20:29] <~Kotono> Rock grimaces and HACKS loudly, spitting out a small, shiny blue thing. It's ice blue, a large faceted gemstone. He then coughs once more and staightens up.
[20:30] <@Erad> Erad will cast Detect Evil on the gemstone. He forgot to do this once before, so best to remember.
[20:31] <~Kotono> The gemstone does not radiate evil.
[20:31] <@Inari> "Has that been sitting in your throat all night, or did T slip something into the porridge?"
[20:31] <~Kotono> T's eyes just go wide as saucers, "Oh come on! Tail sprouting and gem spitting and..." he just waves his arms, incoherent.
[20:32] <~Kotono> "Rock make." Rock reverts to giant, "Make like earth. Rock earth, earth makes things."
[20:32] <@Erad> Erad will lean down to pick it up. "Is it a... what's it called, sapphire?"
[20:33] <~Kotono> OOC: Any ranks in K:D or appraise?
[20:33] <@Inari> "Oh... so it's like the opposite of the runs then," Inari says, smiling proudly at their clever troll of many talents.
[20:33] <@Erad> OOC: Not for me, no.
[20:34] <~Kotono> OOC: Loo tpost.
[20:35] <@Erad> "Well, maybe one of you can take a look at it while we're traveling." Erad offers.
[20:37] <@Inari> "Is it magic?" Inari asks, casting a spell to look for such. It came from a magic troll after all!
[20:38] <~Kotono> The gem indeed radiates magic. OOC: Spellcraft.
[20:38] <@Inari> roll 1d20+14
[20:38] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{30}
[20:43] <~Kotono> OOC: Post edited.
[20:45] <@Inari> "Oh Rock, that's a really nice gift!" Inari says, pride increasing. "If any of us hold it it'll augment our natural powers with cold. Not much use against Auril's lot but handy to have, yes?"
[20:46] <@Annerose> "It's very nice," Annerose agrees, beaming at him. "Thank you, Rock!"
[20:46] <@Erad> "Oh, well that's good to know." Erad agrees. "I'm sure it'll come in handy."
[20:46] <~Kotono> Rock goes and takes T's breakfast, untouched as he still mutters to himself. He eats it and then goes to begin walking.
[20:47] <~Kotono> OOC: Ready to move along, y'all?
[20:47] <@Annerose> OOC: sure
[20:51] <~Kotono> roll 1d100+1
[20:51] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100+1 --> [ 1d100=17 ]{18}
[20:51] <~Kotono> roll 1d100+1
[20:51] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100+1 --> [ 1d100=99 ]{100}
[20:51] <~Kotono> roll 1d100+1 yep
[20:51] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100+1 yep --> [ 1d100=68 ]{69}
[20:54] <~Kotono> The early day is unremarkable. You pass along the snowy roads and make good time. After a brief lunch, the party continues on. By about mid afternoon the snow still falls, several inches of it accumulated now. Ahead you can see a village a bit off the roads, a cluster of buildings, perhaps three or four dozen in total. Probably fields as well, but hard to tell with all the snow.  T points, "Are
[20:54] <~Kotono> we going to stop and pass out food to that one?"
[20:55] <@Annerose> "Stop and ask around," Annerose responds. "If they don't have enough or need help, we'll provide it."
[20:55] <@Inari> "They might even have other non-food related problems."
[20:58] <~Kotono> Thus the party rides into town. You find no one about, windows dark and chimneys clear of smoke - save for one building. One of the bigger ones, the town inn. LIghts are on there and smoke rises from those chimneys.
[20:59] <@Inari> "Trying to conserve firewood by living together?" Inari wonders at this seeming arrangement, hopping off the wagon and going to knock on the door of the sole occupied building.
[20:59] * @Annerose disembarks lightly after Inari and heads over to the door with her.
[21:03] <~Kotono> Helena follows, gliding over the snow. Next to her T stompst hrough it, shivering into his heavy cloak. Rock follows, gnawing on an old wagon wheel spoke. The door is knocked on and is opened. A young man is there, perhpas 20 or so. He's wearing peasant clothes and his face is flushed, "Ho ho!" He grins, then stops, "Wait, I don't know you! Stay here, I have to ask Umba!" He promptly slams the
[21:03] <~Kotono> door in your face.
[21:04] <@Erad> Erad watches the door open and then close from the wagon with a small tilt of his head.
[21:04] * @Annerose reaches out and knocks on the door herself.
[21:07] <~Kotono> The knocking isn't answered right away. It takes a bit for the same young man to open it, "Oh hi!" he grins, and this time you can hear music from within. Cheery music, a dancing tune. "Hi ho, hi ho!" He wobbles on his feet a bit, "Umba says you can come in, but only if you don't get in anyone way and insult her hospitality."
[21:08] <@Annerose> "It would take something fairly major to turn on someone's hospitality," Annerose says. "Introduce us to Umba?"
[21:08] <@Inari> "Is this a bad time? We were just passing by and wanted to check the village was doing alright what with the recent war and the impending Winter..." Inari says. "Certainly we wouldn't want to insult anyone while we're here!"
[21:09] <~Kotono> "Oh, yeah, yeah," He grins, stepping aside, "C'mon, everyone meets Umba!"
[21:10] * @Annerose accepts the invitation!
[21:12] <~Kotono> T shrugs and heads inside, Helena following. Rock stays outside, chewing on his wood. OOC: Inari and Erad, are you going in or staying out?
[21:13] <@Inari> Inari follows after Annerose to have a nose inside!
[21:13] <@Erad> Erad will go in but lean down to whisper to Inari. "Something seems off about this place, can you tell if there's magic going on here?"
[21:16] <@Inari> "Give me a second..." she says, casting detect magic before going in!
[21:16] <~Kotono> There is indeed magic - on the youngman. OOC: Spellcraft.
[21:17] <@Inari> roll 1d20+14
[21:17] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{17}
[21:18] <~Kotono> INari can't figure it out.
[21:19] <@Inari> "Some spell on him but could be anything," she murmurs to Erad, not willing to make a scene over what could just be mage armour. She'll see what the situation's like inside soon enough anyway!
[21:19] <@Erad> Erad nods. "Thanks, I'll keep an eye out." With that said, he'll glance across the inside for anything seemingly out of the ordinary.
[21:20] <~Kotono> You head inside, right to the inn common room. It's full of people dancing, laughing, drinking. A group play instruments, a decent if not spectacular song that's more energetic than skilled. Food and drink flow freely. Amid all the fun sits a single woman, vibrant red hair like fire. She wears a few leaves that keep her modest, connected with gossamer threads. The moment Erad and T see her, it's
[21:20] <~Kotono> like the world stops. They can barely breathe, everything consumed by this one woman. OOC: Will, you two. Charm and mind-affecting if it matters.
[21:20] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6 T (+3 inspiration, 6/7 left for encounter)
[21:20] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 T (+3 inspiration, 6/7 left for encounter) --> [ 1d20=16 ]{22}
[21:21] <@Erad> roll 1d20+15 (+2 if somehow it's an evil supernatural effect) mettle
[21:21] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+15 (+2 if somehow it's an evil supernatural effect) mettle --> [ 1d20=1 ]{16}
[21:22] <~Kotono> OOC: You are charmed towards the woman. She is the lovelist thing you've seen, ect ect ect.
[21:22] <~Kotono> OOC: More.
[21:23] <~Kotono> The others can see her - stunning beautiful, perfect in a way mere humans never are. It's not hard for Annerose or Inari to know exactly what she is - a nymph.
[21:23] <@Annerose> Picking a freely-offered drink for herself, Annerose glides over to the nymph. "Umba, I believe? My name is Annerose," she introduces herself.
[21:24] <@Inari> "Oh, hello there Umba," Inari smiles at her fellow fey. "So rare to see one such as you in a human village. How do you do? I'm Inari," she introduces herself after Annerose.
[21:26] <~Kotono> T stares and whistles low, "Well damn," he mutters.
[21:26] <~Kotono> Helena follows, "You're a nymph, aren't you?" she says, cocking her head to the side.
[21:26] <@Erad> "Wow... I never thought I'd see someone as radiant." Erad says quietly. "Maybe the life of a dragonborn was wrong, after all..."
[21:28] <~Kotono> "Umba," she greets, "Well well. Two Unseelie and a fox," she remarks blandly, waving a hand. The music and dancing picks up, "We're celebrating, oh...a new month, as the humans mark it? Whatever." She grabs a drink from a passing woman, drinking deeply. "Live and make merry, for tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow will be cold."
[21:30] <@Inari> "It does look to be a harsh Winter ahead," Inari agrees. "How is the village placed for supplies to endure it?" she asks, though she wonders if Umba even knows or cares, she seems nominally in charge right now so she may as well ask.
[21:30] <@Annerose> "Not really Unseelie," Annerose says cheerfully. "We're passing through and wanted to stop by for a bit. How about you?"
[21:32] <~Kotono> "Oh, even better then." Umba laughs, "Oh, they have some, I guess." She waves it off, "Who cares, for today is today, and today is good. Tomorrow is tomorrow's problem."
[21:33] <@Inari> "Then isn't this rather wasteful?" she says, seeing how the food's being spread out like she'd expect to see at a harvest festival. "Tomorrow will become today sooner than you'd like."
[21:33] <~Kotono> "Yeah..." T murmurs back, "Careful though, you're sounding a bit daft in the head. Rule number 1: No woman's worth screwing up the rest of your life. Gotta keep it together," T murmurs out of the side of his mouth, "There's always more women out there."
[21:34] <@Erad> "Yeah... right... whatever you say." Erad says, distractedly. "Not like this, though..."
[21:34] <~Kotono> "Who cares?" The nymph laughs, "Tomorrow is not today, is it! Drink, drink!" She calls, the people doing just that at her call. She finishes her own drink off and tosses the mug aside, "Ah! Eat, eat! Dance! Sing! Play!"
[21:36] <@Annerose> "You should," Annerose muses. "If everyone were to die from hunger and cold after using up all their supplies, there won't be any more parties in your future."
[21:36] <@Inari> "Now, your young friend at the door did warn us not to insult your hospitality," Inari admits, "But it's looking like you're taking advantage of this village's hospitality yourself. What use a grand party now when they're shivering and starving weeks from now?"
[21:39] <~Kotono> "Who cares?" The nymph laughs some more, "After all, we are but to laugh and laugh! The world is but a place for us to celebrate each day, and if one cannot go on, then find others." She grins at this, "Wisdom, don't you think?"
[21:40] <@Inari> "It sounds a deeply shallow philosophy," Inari says, unimpressed. She supposes with how bad morals have slipped around the world the fey couldn't be an exception, but she'd gotten her hopes up when she'd first laid eyes on the nymph that she could be a friend like Annerose.
[21:41] <~Kotono> "It's the best," she retorts, "What should I do, stay in my pool like every other year?" She snorts, "This is so much more fun!"
[21:41] <@Annerose> "So what made this year different? What made you decide that this year out of your eternity you'll go to this particular village to party?"
[21:42] <@Inari> Inari has a few choice suggestions but Annerose's question is a good one!
[21:42] <~Kotono> "Oh, I met the most amazing man," Umba says, "He showed me how much fun things can be and suggested I do this. I've never met a man who understands fun like him, he made everything so clear. This is so much better than staying in a boring pond!"
[21:43] <@Erad> Erad's dumb smile sours a small bit at that.
[21:43] <@Annerose> "Ah, the man that smiles!" Annerose beams at her. "He's a big fat liar~"
[21:43] <~Kotono> T frowns deeply at that, "Oh really?" he says, "Tell us more."
[21:45] <~Kotono> "The man that smiles, that's a good name for him. He never stopped smiling and laughing, but I see why now." Umba laughs, getting another drink as servers go by. "Everything's so much fun this way!"
[21:46] <@Annerose> "You listened to him when he said to go out and do what you like and came here to have fun! And just outside is a troll that listened to him when the smiling man told him to go out and eat anyone he likes!" Annerose tilts her head. "I think your ideas of fun are going to clash terribly."
[21:46] <@Inari> "Is that all that matters now, having fun?" Inari asks. "Nevermind that people will be hurt for your fun, that Auril and her servants mutilate and torment the animals of the wild, that the natural rhythm of the seasons has been upset... shallow fun and frippery are all that matters?"
[21:48] <@Erad> "Hey, hey, maybe it's a different man." Erad says. "Let her defend herself." He looks back to Umba and gestures. "Go on."
[21:48] <@Annerose> "I don't mind at all if Umba defends herself," Annerose says brightly. "Defending yourself is what you do when you're in the wrong and make excuses, isn't it?"
[22:01] <~Kotono> Umba blinks at all of that, "So?" she asks, "Who cares? Seelie, Unseelie. Life, death. None of it matters except for fun. Everything's so clear now, so if you're going to be a downer, you can get out of here."
[22:02] <@Inari> OOC: is there any magic on Umba by chance?
[22:03] <~Kotono> OOC: Yes. You can spellcraft if you want.
[22:03] <@Inari> roll 1d20+14
[22:03] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{29}
[22:03] <~Kotono> Umba has been charmed and modified. Mind-affecting magic, something designed to lower inhibitions and encourage behavior she normally wouldn't do.
[22:04] <@Inari> "Oh, Umba," Inari shakes her head sadly. "I'm sorry, I misjudged you completely. Let me help you with a spell to bring your true self out for a little while," she says, attempting to cast protection from evil on the nymph.
[22:06] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[22:06] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{14}
[22:06] <~Kotono> "What..." Umba begins, but Inari's faster. She touches her, magic spreading over her. Umba blinks once, very slowly, as the magic settles over her. "...eh?"
[22:06] * @Annerose calls upon Detect Magic herself.
[22:06] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+14 spellcraft
[22:06] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+14 spellcraft --> [ 1d20=11 ]{25}
[22:07] <~Kotono> Umba is indeed enchanted. OOC: You can spellcraft as well, Anne-okay, you find out the same as Inari.
[22:07] <@Inari> "Feeling more yourself?" Inari asks gently. "It's only temporary relief I'm afraid, I can't dispel magic."
[22:07] <@Annerose> "In a way, I'm glad," Annerose muses. "Umba, please stand still and think happy thoughts! Luckily, I can dispel magic~"
[22:08] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+8 targetted dispel on the charm
[22:08] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+8 targetted dispel on the charm --> [ 1d20=4 ]{12}
[22:08] <@Inari> "Oh, wait! Yes I can!" she raps her head before casting heart's ease on Umba.

[Corwin]

[19:59] <~Kotono> Umba immediately places her head into her hands, groaning, "My head," she whimpers, "It hurts!" This cry gets the attention of the nearby revelers, who whirl towards Umba and blurt out questions like, "Can we help?" "What's wrong?" A few try to push the party away to get to her.
[20:00] <~Kotono> "Hey, hey, back off," T glares at them, brushing his tunic off, "What you have here is a bona fide magical intervention. Let the professionals work."
[20:00] <@Inari> "Stop crowding her, she needs to breathe!" Inari says, pushing back!
[20:00] <@Annerose> As the others handle the revelers, Annerose focuses on the magic about Umba to see if it's gone.
[20:01] <~Kotono> With T and Inari, it's not too hard to keep the crowd back. At least long enough for Umba to groan again - yes, the magic is fading - and look up. "Yes, a smiling man. A laughing man. He came to my spring and everything's been a fog since then. Stop, please," she calls, "Go...just go back to celebrating. Leave me be!" She looks pleadingly to the celebrants, who immediately back off.
[20:02] <@Annerose> "He's a very busy, very bad man."
[20:03] <~Kotono> "I..." Umba starts, before rising, "Oh no, Rennan!" She gets to her feet on shaky legs, "What day is it?" she asks, grabbing Inari, "What day is it?"
[20:04] <@Inari> "It's the first of Pess," Inari dutifully reports, thanking T mentally for his timekeeping.
[20:05] <~Kotono> A pause, "If I hurry," she mutters, "I need to go to Rennan. It's a rural village to the north of here. They spent too long under my presence, they'll waste away without me. Dozens of people..." A shudder goes through her, "They'll lie there until they die of dehydration."
[20:06] <@Erad> Erad nods to Umba. "Of course, we'll do everything we can to help you."
[20:06] <~Kotono> "Y'know, think I have person number two who needs meet a knife to his back," T says casually. "Sound good to everyone?"
[20:07] <@Inari> She was a goddess and not even she had that kind of effect on people! Nymphs are pretty messed up, Inari thinks. "Then we'd best go, I can treat mental maladies like that. Then we can come back when people here have settled down again."
[20:07] <~Kotono> Erad's words get Umba's attention, "You, dragonborn," she says, "You just fell under. Yes, let's hurry." She takes Erad's hand, "I'll be back," she calls, "Just enjoy the day and clean up tomorrow," she shouts, hurrying out.
[20:08] <@Annerose> "We should make haste," Annerose agrees. "We can look into their supplies afterwards. You can summon food just as Inari can, can't you?"
[20:09] <~Kotono> "No, that's not a spell I ever learned," she says, and once outside, immediately smacks Erad. It's a hard, sharp slap that crackles across the snowy village, but it immediately clears Erad's head up. The fog of charm is gone from him. OOC: Charm broken.
[20:09] <@Inari> "Go easy on your food stocks!" Inari warns the villagers before heading after Umba. Today's dehydration trumps tomorrow's starvation!
[20:12] <@Annerose> "Really?" Annerose blinks. "I always thought you could make those berries that have the nutrinional value of a proper meal."
[20:13] <@Inari> "That's a really good spell," Inari says. "Not as filling as my conjured food, but tastier and it keeps for longer too. You do need normal berries to start with though."
[20:15] <@Erad> Erad reels from the sudden smack and rubs his cheek a bit. "...Who knew you could dispel magic like that." He says with a shake of his head. "That's not going to happen again, is it? That was embarassing enough for once." He shakes his head quickly. "Either way, it sounds like we need to make a detour, right?"
[20:23] <~Kotono> T goes to get Rock, while in the meantime Helena says, "We do. We have to help Rennan."
[20:24] <~Kotono> "Then let's..." Umba glances at T as he returns with Rock, a moment of sheer shock and slack-jawed staring.
[20:25] <@Annerose> "Let's get inside?" Annerose suggests, holding the door of the carriage open. "It goes pretty fast over the snow!"
[20:25] <@Inari> "Don't worry, Rock's nice," Inari assues Umba. "Rock this is Umba, she'll be travelling with us a little while. Be kind to her, alright? The Smiling Man tried to use her like he did you."
[20:29] <@Erad> "You know, we've done a lot of chasing down what this person's done, but..." Erad starts as he moves to get into the rider's seat. "Do you think this thing is just a devil of some sort or something?"
[20:30] <~Kotono> OOC: Make a diplo check, Inari, +2 bonus. Since troll.
[20:30] <@Inari> roll 1d20+21
[20:30] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+21 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{33}
[20:31] <~Kotono> "But...troll..." Umba mutters as she's herded on in, the party getting ready to go. Off you go, to the north. If the magical wagon gets Umba's attention, she doesn't show it. Instead she asks quietly, "A  nice troll? What manner of madness is this? And why do you have a single human traveling with you?"
[20:32] <@Annerose> "We used to have three more, but it didn't really work out," Annerose informs her.
[20:32] <@Inari> "T's nice too," Inari insists.
[20:37] <~Kotono> "I'm the odd one out. All human here," T says cheerfully, "Want me to show you?"
[20:38] <~Kotono> "Ah." Umba murmurs, eyes still on Rock, "No thank you, I doubt you're a satyr." Without missing a beat, "I had thought all the frostmaidens had joined the Unseelie or Auril."
[20:39] <@Annerose> "I don't like Auril and the feeling is quite mutual!" Annerose is all too happy to tell her, as cheerful as T at the topic. "As for the fey courts, I've never really come across them. It happens when you lead a lonely life in the mountains."
[20:41] <@Erad> "Yeah, the only other fey we ran across was that map-seller, right?" Erad asks over his shoulder.
[20:42] <~Kotono> T opens his mouth to say something and thinks better of it, reddening and going quiet.
[20:42] <@Inari> "And that other frostmaiden that lived up to the stereotype," Inari says, shaking her head sadly at T. It'd take more healing magic than she has to recover from that burn.
[20:43] <~Kotono> "Ah," Umba murmurs, "Thank you for coming out, you saved me."
[20:45] <@Erad> "Oh, that's right, the one that got turned into gold." Erad nods. "Fitting end, really."
[20:46] <@Inari> "It was pure luck we happened by, and more luck too that we didn't just write you off as being beyond hope," Inari says. "But sometimes things have a way of working out."
[20:49] <~Kotono> "Thankfully." Umba says, sighing, "Who is this smiling man?"
[20:51] <@Inari> "Someone that likes to set awful things in motion and observe the results without getting his own hands dirty," Inari says. "Aside from Rock none of us have seen him, but we've seen his handiwork too often this last season."
[20:51] <@Annerose> "Who knows? He's been going around making trouble for us and Kabath, and even brought about this war. But clearly he's a very firm believer in never taking a break."
[20:54] <~Kotono> "He sounds like a monster," Umba says, "A malicious Unseelie that's gone too far."
[20:55] <@Erad> "You think he's a fey?" Erad asks. "I suppose it's possible."
[20:55] <@Annerose> "That or fiend," Annerose says with a shrug. "I doubt he's a mortal."
[20:56] <@Erad> "Agreed. The tales go back too far, I think. I don't think it's just a copycat." Erad says with a nod as he keeps an eye on the road -- or what's left under all the snow, anyway.
[20:57] <~Kotono> Not much of a road, but the occasional direction from Umba suffices. "Something not mortal," Umba agrees, "It could be a dragon in disguise, I've heard stories about the worst of them doing things like that."
[20:58] <@Erad> "Do you recall how long ago you met it?" Erad asks. "I doubt they're still in the area, but you never know."
[21:02] <~Kotono> "I'm not sure. The days became a haze for  atime. At least a month as mortals keep time, in the late summer or early fall." Umba says.
[21:04] <@Inari> "Have you only visited these two villages or have you, ah, toured more widely?"
[21:07] <~Kotono> "Just those two," she says, "I took my time in Rennan." She shakes her head, eyes growing wet, "They won't hav eenough to survive far into winter, even now."
[21:08] <@Annerose> "Then isn't it lucky that we have plenty of supplies with us?" Annerose tells her lightly. "Don't count them out just yet. We'll make sure everyone makes it through."
[21:08] <@Inari> "We'll do what we can to help. Thanks to Annerose's foresight we're well stocked up on preserved rations, and I can conjure food. It's only good for a day but a full belly makes stretching those rations out easier in the future."
[21:09] <@Annerose> "And if we find some berries as her stay over, we'll extend even that," Annerose adds optimistically.
[21:16] <~Kotono> OOC: Ready to movea long, y'all?
[21:16] <@Annerose> OOC: Sure

[Corwin]

[20:22] <@Kotono> roll 1d100-5
[20:22] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100-5 --> [ 1d100=59 ]{54}
[20:27] <@Kotono> Night falls, snow still falling. As if winter has come with the first of Pess and refuses to leave, yet more accumulating. But with your magical wagon and horses, heading onward is easy as can be. It's past midnight when Umba looks ahead. There's a small line of scattered pine trees, "Past those trees is Rennan. Hurry!" She shakes her head, "I should have remembered better. I avoid mortals
[20:27] <@Kotono> because this is what happens."
[20:30] <@Erad> "I don't think you can hold yourself responsible for something like this," Erad says, egging the horses on. "You weren't really in control of your actions."
[20:31] <@Annerose> "And most important of all," Annerose adds, "we will be there in time."
[20:31] <@Inari> "It does sound like it cuts down on your chances to meet people though," Inari commiserates.
[20:33] <@Annerose> "Does it actually have to happen?" Annerose asks curiously.
[20:35] <@Kotono> "Yes," Umba murmurs, as T comes out and peers ahead, over Erad's shoulder. "Most nymphs can blnid with their beauty and can control it. I can't. I make mortals fall hopelessly in love with me and I can't control it."
[20:35] <@Kotono> "Eh, it isn't perfect," T murmurs, a hand shielding his eyes as he stares ahead. "I threw it off. 'course, spending enough time around all of them and you get used to fey strangeness."
[20:36] <@Kotono> "That's horrible," Helena murmurs, "So you had to stay in the forest and your pond?"
[20:37] <@Erad> "I wonder if wearing a mask or something would work." Erad says as he guides the wagon along. "Or if it's just magical."
[20:38] <@Annerose> "How long does it last, Umba? Do they remain besotted and spurn others for the rest of their lives, or for a week after you leave?"
[20:41] <@Kotono> "If I slap them before a day has passed, it stops. But they fall back in love the next day or after, if they seem me again. Otherwise, only magic can help," Umba says as you pass the snow pine trees. Ahead is a village, dark and quiet. Jus ta cluster of spread out farmhouses, not a single glint of light or rising smoke from any of them. It's quiet, save for the falling of new snow.
[20:42] <@Inari> "So after a day you can be an abusive harridan and they'll thank you for it?" Inari asks, wincing. It's a good thing Umba is so self-sacrificing with that kind of power!
[20:42] <@Annerose> "We help people we come across," Annerose muses. "Once we've dealt with thing here and in that other village, we'll see if we can't help. For now, can you tell me which building everyone was at?"
[20:46] <@Kotono> "Yes," Umba says simply, "That one ahead," she points at a particular farmhouse. "If they're anywhere, it's there."
[20:47] * @Annerose waits for them to reach it before disembarking and heading inside, Light summoned upon her shield to illuminate the way.
[20:47] <@Erad> Erad will steet the wagon to the farmhouse. "Well, I guess someone may have to smack me again later, then."
[20:48] <@Inari> Inari hops out the back of the wagon after Annerose once it comes to a stop.
[20:49] <@Kotono> Helena follows, with T slogging through the snow. "Stay here, Rock," he says, "Guard the wagon."  With Annerose's light leading the way, they enter the farmhouse.  A large, rustic front room, taking up a ton of space. It borders more on a meeting hall than a typical farmhouse room, with a long table with a few dozen chairs. All about here people lay listlessly. Thin and gaunt, barely moving. On
[20:49] <@Kotono> chairs, on the floor, slumped over the table, one even on the table. Remnants of past meals are littered about, the room smelling of trash. But the moment Umba comes in, a few manage to croak, "You came back!" and even smile.
[20:51] <@Annerose> "Just remember, it's not Umba's fault," Annerose says, kneeling by one of the victims still talking. "Can you stand?"
[20:51] <@Inari> Inari goes to find a bowl in which she can conjure some water first of all. "Erad, T, Helena, can you three help fill cups for everyone?" she asks before she starts conjuring up food.
[20:53] <@Erad> "Sure." Erad says. "I'll check them out for anything as we feed them."
[20:54] <@Kotono> OOC: Do any of you have ranks in Heal?
[20:55] <@Erad> OOC: I do
[20:55] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a Heal check, Erad. Anyone who wants to can aid you.
[20:56] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+4 T aids
[20:56] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 T aids --> [ 1d20=20 ]{24}
[20:56] <@Erad> roll 1d20+13
[20:56] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{18}
[20:56] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+15 Helena aids
[20:56] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 Helena aids --> [ 1d20=2 ]{17}
[21:03] <@Kotono> The people are in bad shape. Starved, dehydrated and closer to life than death. Erad can tell they'll need lots of treatment - food, water and magic. Most aren't awake, instead drifting closer and closer to their demise.  Umba watches it briefly, before turning away and bowing her head. He'll need to set up beds, get them liquids immediately but slowly so they don't throw them back up, get the
[21:03] <@Kotono> ones who need it magical healing...
[21:05] <@Inari> After conjuring enough food to fill everyone's bellies Inari will devote some castins of panacea to whoever Erad identifies as the most in need.
[21:06] <@Annerose> She may not be able to help with the actual healing process, but Annerose can certainly keep people's spirits high, and tempers from flaring up after their affection for Umba is dispelled.
[21:06] <@Erad> "This is going to take a lot of work." Erad announces. "Some of them need fluids -- but need them in small doses. We need to get the most critical people into beds first and make sure we don't lose track of the rest." With that, he'll get the most critical separated and then try and organize the rest by need so it's easier on them for care.
[21:09] <@Kotono> A long, hard night passes. Magic helps as it always does, drawing the weakest back towards living as everyone works. It's well past noon of Pess 2 that the party finally has a break, everyone tended and asleep. It finally stopped snowing but is still overcast. Erad can tell this much - they'll need at least a few days of attention before any of them are strong enough to feed themselves. More
[21:09] <@Kotono> worryingly, checking their reserves indicates they're low already, not nearly enough to survive winter.
[21:10] <@Kotono> T slumps against the wall of the room you found them all in, "Ugly business," he mutters.
[21:12] <@Erad> "It'll take a few more days." Erad says. "We'll be delayed, but... even worse, I don't think they have the food to last the entire winter and I don't know what we do about that."
[21:12] <@Annerose> "I'm not a farmer, so I don't know. Would it be acceptable for these people to stay in the village over for the winter? Or should we simply use up some of our supplies?
[21:12] <@Annerose> "
[21:14] <@Inari> "We should certainly hand over a share of our supplies, assuming we have enough... past that I could stay longer to supply conjured food for them a while? It would mean putting off our business in the mountains for quite some time though, I think."
[21:15] <@Kotono> Helena hms, "I think our best bet is to gather everything we can," she finally says, "And bring them over. Help them how we can and move on. We have to stop Maggen now, and if we linger, another of Auril's presents might catch up to us."
[21:17] <@Annerose> "How do you suggest bringing all of them over?"
[21:19] <@Erad> "It's possible that he might be hoarding extra food." Erad says. "I mean, I don't intend to steal from one to give to another, but if they have excess... hm." Erad stops to consider their current stock. OOC: How much, percentage-wise if I can estimate, of our current rations will be needed to let them at least get through Pess?
[21:19] <@Inari> "Bring them over to the last village you mean?" Inari asks. "Well we've got plenty space in the wagon with those extra rooms, but it'd still be a bit cramped. And consolidating supplies could help stretch them a bit farther."
[21:20] <@Annerose> "Let's do it, then."
[21:22] <@Kotono> OOC: About 20%, though do note Pess is the longest day of the year with 68 days. That also assumes no other food sources are found, such as by hunting.
[21:24] <@Annerose> OOC: Okay, so let's talk to the people here about going ahead with this. Inari can do her thing, and we can look all over for berries for Umba to use.
[21:24] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay. Where are you going to look for berries?
[21:25] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+8 tell me, knowledge of nature!
[21:25] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+8 tell me, knowledge of nature! --> [ 1d20=3 ]{11}
[21:26] <@Inari> roll 1d20+12 I can use survival to forage around for stuff while everyone's getting ready to travel/once we get back to the other village
[21:27] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+12 I can use survival to forage around for stuff while everyone's getting ready to travel/once we get back to the other village --> [ 1d20=17 ]{29}
[21:29] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+15 Helena aids
[21:29] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 Helena aids --> [ 1d20=2 ]{17}
[21:30] <@Kotono> roll 3d10+10
[21:30] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d10+10 --> [ 3d10=25 ]{35}
[21:30] <@Kotono> It's fairly simple to remember that berries don't grow doing winter. Well, late fall, as it is. It's possible you might be able to find some last ones if you're lucky. Apparently, Inari and Helena are that sort of lucky. They wander out of town and find some red berries in a bush mostly hidden by the s now. They still look good, if just barely. They have 35 of them when it's all said and done,
[21:30] <@Kotono> a virtual jackpot against the odds.
[21:34] <@Erad> "Umba," Erad asks as he's helping to move people, "I have a question. Is the revelry they all want to participate in something you can get them to stop? I mean... if you just tell them 'Stop dancing and rest for a few hours,' will they do that?"
[21:35] <@Inari> Inari casts purify food and drink on the berries to keep them good as she brings them back for Umba to infuse with energy at her convenience.
[21:35] <@Kotono> OOC: Strike my line, Eb had a good point.
[21:37] <@Kotono> It's fairly simple to know that most berries don't grow during winter, but Annerose draws a blank on those that do. However, Inari and Helena are much more fruitful. They find a few winter berry bushes, collecting a lot of berries. (More)
[21:37] <@Kotono> roll 15d10+50
[21:37] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 15d10+50 --> [ 15d10=85 ]{135}
[21:38] <@Kotono> In the end, they come away with 135 berries for a day's hunting. Meanwhile, Umba says, "I hope so," she says. "I hope so." OOC: Annerose, you said you were going to dispel?
[21:39] <@Annerose> OOC: Yes. And let's see if Inari's spells also help?
[21:40] <@Annerose> OOC: A targetted dispel can target a particular spell. Can I do one for this same effect on all of them?
[21:41] <@Kotono> OOC: Sure.
[21:41] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+8
[21:42] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{23}
[21:44] <@Kotono> Annerose's work does not go unrewarded. Clarity of mind returns to the bed-bound villagers, one after another acting dazed and then relieved. Most manage a few words before slipping back into slumber, exhausted. Umba simply smile sand removes herself, meeting with the others once it's done. "Thank you. I need to make sure they don't see me now, so it doesn't begin again," she says. "Free the
[21:44] <@Kotono> other village for me so they can forget me and live freely."
[21:45] <@Erad> "Perhaps you can make it up to them by bringing them some magical berries in the middle of the night for the next few weeks?" Erad asks.
[21:46] <@Annerose> "It would be pretty nice and helpful," Annerose agrees. "Besides, you need to tell us how to find your home, so we could take a look at your magic. Maybe there's a way to help you, too."
[21:46] <@Kotono> "I..." Umba looks away, "Wouldn't it be better if I'm forgotten? No good comes from my presence."
[21:47] <@Kotono> "Now if you ask me, you're sounding like 'nari or Annerose when they get all self sacrificing. If you want to help them, help them," T says, "You have a brain along with tits for miles, so use it."
[21:48] <@Kotono> "You-" Helena begins, before turning to T with half lidded eyes. "Excuse me?"
[21:48] <@Inari> "I don't believe that," Inari insists. "You've helped us and done your best to make amends for what you were manipulated into. Also maybe slap T? I think he's been charmed."
[21:48] <@Erad> "...I think what he means is that you have the ability to use this as an opportunity for growth." Erad says.
[21:48] <@Annerose> "I should help, just in case your magic is not enough," Annerose agrees, helpfully slapping T.
[21:49] <@Kotono> Umba just stares at T, "You uncouth..." she mutteres, the rest lost into inaudibility. She reddens and looks away, just as T takes it right on the chin from Annerose. "A chance for growth, hm?" she murmurs.
[21:50] <@Kotono> "Ow," T rubs his cheek and grins, "What, we all thought it when we met her. Besides," That's cut off as Helena comes and gives slap number 2, right on the other cheek. "OW! Besides," he goes on, "Who has the courage to say that to you after throwing off your charm, anyway? If some human like me can do it, it means others can."
[21:50] <@Inari> "It does sound a very lonely life you lead," Inari says. "That can't be healthy. Even if you can't flaunt your presence for fear of captivating others, being a helpful unseen presence might give you some nice structure to your life and build your self esteem."
[21:51] <@Annerose> "Plenty of good came from your presence," Annerose assures her. "I wouldn't bet on many other people rushing so quickly to help all those people the instant after they got cured by Inari. And we all think it would help everyone if you were a part of their lives. Maybe more so once we figure out why your magic works differently, but even this unseen presence is better than just going away."
[21:52] <@Kotono> "Yeah, look." T says, both cheeks flaming red from the cold impacts. "Malana's short on people who give a damn. Even someone who is unseen and helps could make a difference, and all of them are big on that."
[21:55] <@Kotono> "...Yes. I hear there's another war," Umba looks away and sighs, "Perhaps...no, you are right. Perhaps there will be a berry fairy that makes legends." She laughs slightly, "My home isn't far from here. I know we're all tired, but would you come visit? There's something I want to give you."
[21:55] <@Kotono> "Of course," Helena says right away, "I'd like to see a fey's home. I, ah, I'm new to this and I haven't really seen what they're supposed to be like."
[21:56] <@Annerose> "Happily," Annerose agrees. "Once we've helped all we can for now."
[21:56] <@Inari> "I'd love to," Inari says, matching the frostmaidens' enthusiasm.
[22:00] <@Kotono> OOC: So what's your plan now, y'all?
[22:01] <@Annerose> OOC: Feed people, break magic, explain everything, leaving them delicious berries and go visit her
[22:03] <@Erad> OOC: Presuming it's safe to leave them for a few hours, Erad will go with. Otherwise he'll stay in case they need immediate care.
[22:04] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, it isn't. She'll me twith you after the villagers then and we'll move on from there.
[22:06] <@Kotono> The next few days are drudgery - hauling the sick, gathering supplies and making the trip over, then doing it all over again. With the situation solved, it's easy enough to combine the villages for now, making sure they know what's happened and all that. You meet Umba early on Pess 5, a day where tiny chips of ice fall from the overcast sky like tiny knives. It's viciously cold today, well below
[22:06] <@Kotono> freezing and the sort of day you'd expect in mid winter, not late fall. She comes over to the wagon and gets in, "It's not far, we'll be there for a late lunch," she says.
[22:07] <@Inari> "You can sit up front and help guide the horses?" Inari offers since driving a wagon is probably a novel experience for her. It might be fun!
[22:08] <@Kotono> Umba does just that, sitting next to Erad. Once they're going she murmurs to him, "Thank you as well. You aren't one of our kind, dragonborn. But you helped this all the same."
[22:09] <@Erad> "I'd like to think any of Bahamut's chosen would've done the same." Erad says. "...Minus the getting enchanted part. ...no offense."
[22:11] <@Kotono> "None taken. Thank you," She smiles and leans in, bestowing a chaste kiss to Erad's scaly forehead. "It only your kind wasn't..." she murmurs, then sighs warmly. "I bless you, Erad. You'll have the protection of my kind."
[22:12] <@Erad> "You have my deepest thanks." Erad says. "Try and forgive T, too, won't you? He's a loudmouth, but his heart's in the right place."
[22:15] <@Kotono> "I'll try, for I think he'll need the help," Umba says. OOC: Erad gains Nymph's Kiss as a bonus feat.
[22:21] <@Erad> "He has some good coaches." Erad says. "Either way... we'll help you too, don't worry. They helped my village some time ago... it's why I'm here with them."
[22:23] <@Kotono> From here the party travels on in the ice storm. You soon enough come to a thick grove of trees surrounded by rocks, As you approach, you find it's warmer here. Not above freezing, but only barely. The ice falls slower here, the snow less thick on the ground. "You can stop here," she says, "My pond and the dryads are in here."
[22:24] <@Erad> "Dryads, huh? Never met any of those, either." Erad says as he turns to call out to the others. "We're here!"
[22:25] <@Inari> "Oh, you live with others? That's nice, I thought it would be lonelier," Inari says as she dismounts.
[22:29] <@Kotono> "The dryads are like family," she says, as you're lead in. Within is a fair bit of space. A ring of big oak trees surround a large pond. The pond's not frozen over and have a faint green cast to them.As you step in, beautiful, bark-covered women poke out of the trees - literally, as if the trees weren't solid. "Umba! You're home," the call. "Umba's back!"
[22:30] <@Annerose> "Hello, Umba's family!" Annerose greets them.

[Corwin]

[19:57] <@Kotono> Annerose gets a few waves as Umba smiles and says, "I'm home," she announces. "These are my guests." she nods.
[19:57] <@Kotono> The dryads all turn to the party at Umba's instructions, turning and whispering to each other. Rather loudly, so you can overhear, "TWO frost maidens and a fox? And that man has scales! Scales! How exotic!"
[19:59] <@Kotono> "Why don't you keep them company for a bit?" Umba suggests, "I need to do something." After that, she goes right into her pond and dives in, vanishing from sight.
[20:00] <@Annerose> "Have you seen other frost maidens?" Annerose simply has to asks, bursting with curiosity. "Were they all terrible?"
[20:00] <@Erad> Erad raises an arm in greeting.
[20:01] <@Annerose> "Shh, you don't count!"
[20:01] <@Kotono> T smirks, "Well, there was the one..."
[20:01] * Ebiris is now known as Inari
[20:01] <@Annerose> "Neither do you," Annerose adds sternly.
[20:02] <@Inari> "Hello," Inari smiles nicely to the dryads, walking over. "My name's Inari."
[20:02] <@Kotono> Rock meanwhile ambles out, sniffs the air and frowns. "Not food," he mutters, "Trees not food. Elf food." He stomps right back into the wagon. The dryads freeze up when they see him and then turn to Inari, "Hi Inari," they gush, "So like, why do you have a troll with you and why isn't it trying to eat us and oh no, you're traveling with a troll, are you Unseelie who plan to use it on innocent
[20:02] <@Kotono> villagers?!"
[20:04] <@Kotono> Helena frowns, "Rock's very well behaved. He hasn't even eaten anyone lately, besides that demon construct."
[20:04] <@Annerose> "To the best of our knowledge, he has never killed and eaten someone, nevermind someone innocent," Annerose corrects Helena. "Hi again! I'm Annerose."
[20:05] <@Inari> "Rock's a very good friend of ours," Inari insists stalwartly. "He's helped fight against many a villain with us."
[20:06] <@Kotono> "Yeah, Rock's not bad," T offers, "A bit smelly though, but troll."
[20:07] <@Inari> "It's a nice earthy smell, at least."
[20:08] <@Kotono> Umba emerges from the lake, wet and her hair plastered against her back. She holds an ornate jewelry box, covered in gold leaf patterns. Shaking herself clean of water, "I have a gift for you helping me," she announces, "I've accured things, usually presents from lovesmitten mortals who wouldn't stop until I took the gift. They're just pretty things to me, but I know they'd be more useful to
[20:08] <@Kotono> you."
[20:09] <@Inari> "That's very kind of you, Umba. We'll be sure to put it to good use."
[20:09] <@Kotono> The dryads cease questioning, simply watching  Umba and nodding.
[20:09] <@Kotono> "Some of it's magic, though I've never bothered to find out what. The box isn't magical, but it's precious as well," she heads over to the party, presenting it to them.
[20:11] <@Kotono> "Well well," T says, "You have our thanks for putting us in the black again."
[20:11] <@Annerose> Ensuring her gloves cover her skin perfectly, Annerose thanks Umma with a hug.
[20:11] <@Inari> Inari accepts the box, opening it up to have a look. "I'll be a minute while I see what's magic..." she says distractedly, casting detect magic.
[20:11] <@Inari> OOC: taking 10 for 24 on any relevant spellcrafting
[20:13] <@Erad> "You have a much deeper heart than I think you realize, Umba. You shouldn't beat yourself up so much." Erad says with a small smile towards her.
[20:14] <@Kotono> Inari finds the following within. OOC: Loot.
[20:15] <@Kotono> "Ah!" Umba's hugged tightly, barely able to pass over the box. T keeps to Inari, giving it a look as well, "Good work. It's all worth some good coin, let alone what's magic there."
[20:16] <@Kotono> "Yes, you're better than most we've met," Helena says, "Too few care for nothing but themselves these days." She glances sidelong at T.
[20:16] <@Inari> "Oh, this tiara would really suit Annerose or Helena. It's a strikingly appropriate find, really," Inari says, sounding pleased.
[20:16] <@Inari> "... though I question the motives of the man who gave it you, Umba..." she adds after a moment's thought.
[20:17] <@Kotono> "The tiara was from one of Auril's followers," Umba explains, "He wouldn't stop until I took it, so bespelled he was. He managed to watch me for days without alerting me to his presence. He made his own folly."
[20:18] <@Kotono> Helena glances at the tiara, "Oh, that's lovely," she says, going over to it. "I wish I'd kept that blue ice breastplate now. It would look amazing with it."
[20:19] <@Inari> "Oh well, that's not as bad as I thought. But yes, it's not healthy for anyone who isn't all frosty to wear it. The rest is all lovely too, of course!"
[20:22] <@Erad> "Well, I suppose the question now is how we help you." Erad says, though he stops and tilts his head. "Actually, didn't you say earlier that you can break your spell, but only for a day?"
[20:25] <@Kotono> "Yes. And it doesn't work if someone's been exposed too long," Umba says.
[20:26] <@Erad> "Maybe I'm thinking about this too much, but... it's been a while since you smacked me, hasn't it?" Erad asks. "I mean, a few days, at least."
[20:27] <@Annerose> "You have an idea?"
[20:29] <@Kotono> "You're also not human," Umba remarks, "I assumed it had something to do with you being dragonborn."
[20:29] <@Kotono> "I've been okay, too," T points out, "But I never fell under it in the first place."
[20:30] <@Erad> "Well, maybe, but that didn't stop it the first time, yeah?" Erad asks. "I guess my theory is that you have more control over it than you think you do and you just gave into despair about it so you never tried to control it. Uh... sorry if that's too blunt."
[20:30] <@Inari> "We could leave T here for a few days to test it out?" Inari offers, smiling brightly.
[20:32] <@Kotono> "So wait, you want to leave me with at least a dozen beautiful maidens?" T matches that smile, "Didn't know you cared, 'nari!"
[20:33] <@Annerose> "Yes, I'm not quite sure who to feel sorry for in this situation."
[20:33] <@Inari> "You already spend your days with three beautiful maidens," Inari points out. "But we don't slap you." She glances at Helena then and amends, "Much."
[20:34] <@Erad> "You really do bring it on yourself." Erad adds with a nod towards the ladies.
[20:34] <@Kotono> "I-" Umba starts, then turns to T, "Ahem." Clearing her throat, "I don't know. I thought it was because of all of you."
[20:35] <@Inari> "We may have desensitised him a bit," Inari admits with a sage nod.
[20:36] <@Erad> "Well, there's an easy way to test it, I think." Erad says. "Let's go back to the people who are still infatuated and see if you can just... tell them to not be. It might require their own willpower to break, but if my idea's right, I think you can get them to stop."
[20:39] <@Kotono> T rubs his chin, "You know, you might be right, 'nari. Heard that sort of thing can happen. Most people don't spent time around powerful fey or things that can turn you into ice maidens. Heard one time someone became a spirit without dying, all because they were around other heavenly spirits a lot."
[20:40] * @Annerose tilts her head. "It's worth a try."
[20:41] <@Kotono> "Huh." Helena says just that, "Well...I...suppose, maybe?" she says.
[20:44] <@Kotono> "I suppose," Umba finally says, "We can try. I'm probably not that lucky, though."
[20:45] <@Erad> "It doesn't have to do with luck, though that always helps." Erad says. "Believe it will work -- you have to be able to help yourself before you can help other people, I learned that the hard way."
[20:45] <@Inari> "It's perhaps a little bit simplistic," Inari admits. "You might do well by trying some focusing exercises - like bringing your other natural abilities up and down, or casting spells and dispelling them. Something to put you in the mindset."
[20:47] <@Kotono> "Nothing to lose by trying," Helena says, "I'm sure you'll figure it out one day."
[20:49] <@Erad> "The important thing is that you -are- trying." Erad affirms. "Not just giving up."
[20:52] <@Kotono>  "Yeah, you know how it is. Get up and keep going." T says, "Besides, I'm sure anyone would be glad to help you."
[20:52] <@Kotono> "I will," Umba promises, "I'll find something." OOC: Okay, what's the party's plans now?
[20:53] <@Annerose> OOC: We did explain things to the villagers and leave some supplies Umba could further supplement? In that case, maybe we can keep going, check with all villages we pass on our way.
[20:57] <@Kotono> OOC: Sure, sounds good. Anything else?
[20:59] <@Erad> OOC: Nothing that I can think of. Dragon-hunting can wait until after the current mission is over.
[21:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d100 vs 80
[21:04] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 80 --> [ 1d100=32 ]{32}
[21:06] <@Kotono> Pess 7 is cloudy and with snow flurries. Another viciously cold day passes, but it's a good one. The snowed road leads to Allam. It's a city with a huge road that winds through it. Most of the buildings look like converted farmhouses and barns, with new ones further out. The city's streets are clear of snow and people go about. "Finally, some civilization," T says, "I want to go ge ta nice room,
[21:06] <@Kotono> have a hot bath and get a fine meal."
[21:07] <@Annerose> "But not too hot," Annerose muses.
[21:08] <@Inari> "We can have a cold one run for you and Helena," Inari offers as a compromise.
[21:08] <@Annerose> "With little floating icecubes?"
[21:09] <@Erad> "May not be a bad idea to look for any supplies we might need while we're here, too." Erad suggests. "We have plenty of food and we don't need the shovels anymore, but... never hurts to be careful."
[21:10] <@Annerose> "T likes the shovels," Annerose protests. "I'm keeping one as a birthday present!"
[21:11] <@Kotono> "We keep the shovels. Just in case," T agrees.
[21:11] <@Kotono> "Ice cubes..." Helena murmrus with a happy little sigh.
[21:11] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, what's the party's big plan in Allam?
[21:13] <@Inari> OOC: spend a couple of days getting the local news/looking for problems we can help with/move on?
[21:13] <@Erad> OOC: Do we want to sell stuff while we're here?
[21:14] <@Kotono> OOC: Certainly, Inari. Do y'all want to sell? T would like to do some shopping here if you are.
[21:15] <@Erad> OOC: Erad would ask T if he can find out if they'll get good prices on the jewelry here vs. waiting for a city with a proper store that trades in that sort of thing. Beyond that he'd probably look to see if there's anything of interest, but if they get money then he'd want to upgrade his fists with the downtime.
[21:15] <@Inari> OOC: we can sell the nonmagic loot, unless no one wants the tiara/necklace
[21:16] <@Annerose> OOC: I want the tiara~
[21:16] <@Kotono> OOC: Helena will pointedly suggest Annerose uses the necklace since she has acrobatics issues. IF not she'll take it.
[21:17] <@Kotono> OOC: In the meatnime, someone get together everything that's going to be sold.
[21:17] <@Kotono> OOC: Post that in loot.
[21:17] <@Kotono> OOC: Volunteer?
[21:18] <@Inari> OOC: done
[21:19] <@Kotono> OOC: Going to take the pendant or not, Annerose? If yo uaren't, Helena will post claiming it.
[21:19] <@Annerose> OOC: I can't even open it to see it, but either way I'd feel bad taking everything so no.
[21:21] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[21:23] <@Kotono> OOC: What level of inn does the party want?
[21:24] <@Erad> OOC: Erad's fine with whatever.
[21:24] <@Inari> OOC: lets go with someplace expensive. Hopefully more secure against assassins.
[21:31] <@Kotono> The Dancing Satyr gets a quiet grumble from T, but it's a nice inn. Upscale and pleasant, costing the party 10 gold for the three day sthey want to spend. Nice, individual rooms, beds and good food. After cleaning up the party gets together for a meal. It's breakfast for lunch - eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, beans, toast, biscuits, fruits and more. As everyone tucks in (and everyone else
[21:31] <@Kotono> gives Rock a wide berth), "So you want to knwo about that jewelry?" T asks, spearing a sausage with his fork. He finishes it off in two bites before saying, "Yeah, can do. Now Allam's big enough I can get good value. I could probably get more over in Misty Harbor, but oh well. I haven't checked them in depth yet, but I'm guessin ga few thousand for it all. They're good pieces.""
[21:31] <@Kotono> Rock eats heartily, while Helena picks at her food, gaze faraway.
[21:33] <@Inari> "We could just hold onto it for later then," Inari says. "It's not as if we're short on currency."
[21:33] <@Annerose> "How much more?" Annerose asks curiously, sticking with toast and a variety of fruit.
[21:38] * Rin (uid69210@charlton.irccloud.com) Quit (Quit: Connection closed for inactivity)
[21:39] <@Kotono> "Five hundred, maybe?" T wavers a hand, then goes for some bacon and biscuits. As he serves himself, "Little more or less depending on luck."
[21:41] <@Annerose> "It sounds like enough of a difference that we could wait," Annerose suggests.
[21:42] <@Kotono> "Up to all of you," T says with a shrug, "The money's not going anywhere."
[21:42] <@Kotono> "Unlike this," Helena mutters, pushing her plate aside. "For some gold we're eating like kings. We know how many are going to starve."
[21:43] <@Kotono> "Yeah, and? Do what you can and enjoy the life you have," T pauses to take a big bite out of his meal, "Besides, a bit of Inari's finger waggling's more than made up for this."
[21:44] <@Annerose> "Perhaps we could see about feeding the needy again?"
[21:44] <@Kotono> "If it makes you feel better," T says, "I'm gonna see about what's going on here." Finishing it up then making a rather large plate up and tucking it away, "I bet there's all sorts of problems in Allam."
[21:45] <@Inari> "And solving problems is what we do," Inari says. "If it's as simple as a family starving or as complex as an insidious cult of devils planning to sacrifice the town, we'll have it sorted out."
[21:47] <@Kotono> Helena stands up quickly, "Yes, let's," she says, rising. OOC: Who wants to lead and make the main GI check for this? Also someone post that you're holding onto the jewelry after all.
[21:49] <@Inari> roll 1d20+19 I'll lead
[21:49] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+19 I'll lead --> [ 1d20=8 ]{27}
[21:50] <@Kotono> OOC: The rest can aid.
[21:50] <@Annerose> roll 1d20 I'll aid
[21:50] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20 I'll aid --> [ 1d20=1 ]{1}
[21:50] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2 like a brick
[21:50] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+2 like a brick --> [ 1d20=19 ]{21}
[21:50] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Helena tries as well
[21:50] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 Helena tries as well --> [ 1d20=14 ]{18}
[21:50] <@Erad> OOC: A brick filled with good intentions
[21:51] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+13 T'll chip in as well
[21:51] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 T'll chip in as well --> [ 1d20=7 ]{20}
[21:51] <@Annerose> OOC: Over 10 with my mod
[21:58] <@Kotono> On first blush, the mood of Allam is joyful. The next of the truce has spread and the people celebrate. The barbarians are pushed back and Lord Househaven is being hailed as a hero. Celebrations are still ongoing and it's a bright mood despite the early winter. Probing past that, you see that things are tense. Those in the know are certain food is going to get tight and that some places are
[21:58] <@Kotono> already suffering. The celebrations are helping distract people from it. Beyond those problems, the main issues in town are threefold. One: Winter's coming and word is that the Aurilites from the mountains are going to be coming. From what you gather, that implies they'll want tribute. Two: (More)
[22:00] <@Kotono> Two: Frost wolves have been attacking people outside of Allam. It's an ongoing concern, to the point where a frost wolf pelt is worth a 100 gold reward from Lord Arnam, who rules the city. This one's blamed on the Aurilites as well. Three: You hear whispers that beggars have been vanishing. Just gone. No trace of old faces, nor any bodies.
[22:02] <@Inari> "Wolf meat isn't the best but it's edible," Inari observes. "Past that I'm worried about these missing beggars. Humans are edible too, after all."
[22:03] <@Kotono> "Really, isn't that cannibalism for you...and speaking of real cannibalism," T says, "Cheerful of us. You thinks omeone would be that desperate?"
[22:04] <@Erad> "No." Erad says. "But consider what happened with that ritual from before. Wouldn't it be just up their alley to decide that beggars and those downtrodden deserve to be used in that way, that they're 'helping' the city?"
[22:05] <@Erad> "I'm certain that it's those bastards trying to do something with the poor who can't defend themselves and no one would notice missing." He says, sounding actively agitated.
[22:05] <@Inari> "I try not to judge when it comes to survival," Inari tells T. "And those pelts could help people keep warm. But yes, lets look into these missing beggars first? It sounds more urgent."
[22:08] <@Annerose> "We could look into both," Annerose muses. "In both cases people seem to be in danger, and unlike hunger or Aurilites these are the immediate threats."
[22:09] <@Kotono> "Maybe split up?" T suggests, "I'd be pretty good at finding out what's happening to those beggars, 'least."
[22:13] <@Erad> "I can look around from the air. It might be something that a perspective change can help with." Erad says.
[22:14] <@Inari> "I'll come with you to look into the missing beggars," Inari says to T. Helena and Annerose make a good winter wolf hunting unit anyway.
[22:14] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, session end's 15 away, so go ahead and lay out y'alls plans adn we'll pick up with that tomorrow.
[22:16] <@Inari> OOC: T and Inari will ask around after missing people and hunt for clues
[22:17] <@Kotono> OOC: Erad, Helena and Annerose? Also what about Rock?
[22:17] <@Annerose> OOC: We'll catch wolves!
[22:18] <@Inari> OOC: Rock can join the wolf extermination squad
[22:18] <@Erad> OOC: Yeah, I think that works. If he needs to do a flyby of the city for the beggars later he can too.

[Corwin]

#d

[20:03] <~Kotono> Once the parties are split up, T and Inari walk on out of the inn. "So here's my thinking. We travel to the slummiest dive bar we can find and talk around, get a feel for it. We can at least get a grasp of the rumors and might come on something more solid. From there, I figure we can investigate or maybe set one of us to be grabbed, if it looks like that's possible."
[20:05] <@Inari> "I don't think either of us would be grabbed if they're targetting beggars," Inari observes. "We're too noticable, too challenging. And I think asking around the beggars themselves might be more fruitful - someone must have seen something, or we might get a scent trail or something."
[20:06] <~Kotono> "Yeah, that's my plan B. Figured we'd catch a beggar or two in there along with getting the local word," T admits. "Beggars have to eat too, and most of them are only tolerated in places like that."
[20:06] <@Inari> "We can start with a dive bar then, if you like," she allows at that reasoning.
[20:09] <~Kotono> OOC: Which one of you wants to make GI and which wishes to aid?
[20:10] <@Inari> OOC: If he uses cunning knowledge he'll have a higher mod so I'll aid
[20:10] <@Inari> roll 1d20+19 aiding
[20:10] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+19 aiding --> [ 1d20=11 ]{30}
[20:13] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+21 6/7 inspiration
[20:13] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+21 6/7 inspiration --> [ 1d20=10 ]{31}
[20:16] <~Kotono> The two find a dilapidated building that seems to serve as a bar. It's full of unwashed people, the scent of bodies overwhelming. People drink here uncaring of the hour, wearing battered peasant clothes and sometimes rags. You end up talking to an old man in a corner away from the fire, bundled up in clothes that look almost as old and weathered as he is. He simply reeks, his long beard with
[20:16] <~Kotono> bits of dirt and debris stuck in it. His long hair is greasy and lanky and his eyes dart from the two of you. His mouth is simply broken teeth and he speaks with a pronounced lisp. "The vanishings!" he says, peering at Inari and her tails. "Inhuman! Inhuman!"
[20:18] <@Inari> "Not human," Inari corrects gently. "Inhuman sounds rather perjorative."
[20:18] <~Kotono> "I know, friend," T smiles and shakes his head, pushing a tankard of ale towards the old man. "Here, you're thirsty? He nods and puts a few gold coins down, "Hungry too? We're just trying to find out about it. Strange business if you ask us."
[20:22] <~Kotono> The man stares at Inari, then the drink and coins. There's only a moment before he scoops them up, "Not human," he lisps, "Not right. They vanish like that. Not human with those scales. They come and leave and then they're gone with them." A long, noisy drink follows, splashing as much on his clothes as he manages to get down. His hands shake all the while. "Green scales, like noble's gems."
[20:23] <@Inari> Awww, they're probably dragons. Erad's going to be so disappointed! "Do they have sharp teeth and wicked claws?" Inari asks, leaning closer.
[20:25] <~Kotono> The man nods quickly, "Like knives," he whispers, "They talk in words I don't know. Inhuman words."
[20:27] <@Inari> "Where did they come from then? Or where did they go?" At least she's got plenty of experience sniffing out dragons so at worst trawling the town could turn something up. Unless they're teleporting from another city or something.
[20:29] <~Kotono> "The shadows," The old man says, looking down. "They're just there and then they return to them."
[20:30] <~Kotono> "Hm." T murmurs, "Thanks, friend."
[20:31] <@Inari> "Yes, this is very useful information," Inari agrees with T. "Where in town have you seen them?"
[20:32] <~Kotono> "Night. The streets. They know where we sleep," he shakes his head, "Under the bridges, between the houses."
[20:33] <@Inari> "Well we're going to do something about them, I promise you that," Inari assures him, reaching over to clasp his hand comfortingly. Or maybe not, given that she's inhuman...
[20:36] <~Kotono> The old beggar shudders. T kicks back and closes his eyes a moment, breathing out. He then chuckles, "Yeah, we got this, don't worry." He stands up, "You ready, 'nari, or..." he glances at him, wiggling his fingers.
[20:38] <@Inari> "Er... stay safe," Inari says awkwardly, letting go at that shudder and standing up.
[20:39] <~Kotono> The old beggar finishes his drink as the two walk out. T takes a long gulp of fresh air and then says, "Erad's going to be annoyed he missed this. Maybe we should knock one out and bring it back for Erad to fight??"
[20:40] <@Inari> "I think it would make him smile," Inari says lightly, "But only if we can do so safely. Anyway, lets take a walk around those bridges? I'm quite familiar with the scent of dragon so it might offer a clue."
[20:40] <~Kotono> "Sure, there's a few on the east side of the city, I think. That's where the streams run." OOC: Make a survival check, Inari.
[20:40] <@Inari> roll 1d20+12
[20:40] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{14}
[20:43] <~Kotono> The bridges are long ones, arching over streams that are closer to being rivers. No sign of the scent of dragons, unfortunately. The snow's startnig to get heavier, going from flurries to dedicated snowfall. Between the snow and the countless people that pass over the bridge, any draconic scent is likely long overwhelmed.
[20:45] <@Inari> "No luck," she shakes her head after hunting around a bit. "How about we go stock up on some food and blankets and then I can set up an illusion to hide us while we keep an eye on the area overnight?"
[20:48] <~Kotono> "Yeah," T says, scratching his nose. "You know, I thought you'd want to do some healing magic on that old beggar."
[20:49] <@Inari> "There's no spell that can heal a lifetime of grinding poverty," Inari says. Well, maybe regeneration?
[20:50] <~Kotono> "Guess you'd know," T says with a shrug, as...OOC: Ready to hop along?
[20:51] <@Inari> OOC: sure
[21:09] <~Kotono> OOC: Where exactly do you want to hdie?
[21:11] <@Inari> OOC: somewhere between the two bridges with a good view under each. I'll use mirage arcana to disguise us under a sandbank or wall or something.
[21:15] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[21:16] <~Kotono> Settling in, the two bundle up under blankets and magic. Slowly the bridge undersides fill up - the homeless come to lie under them, some with blankets and some without. The winds that blow are qutie vicious and chilly. "Hope they're made of stern stuff," T whispers, "This is the sort of night that ends people."
[21:21] <@Inari> If only humans were blessed with fluffy tails! She doesn't have enough spells to ward all of them from cold through the entire night, but a belly full of hot food is its own ward from the cold. "I can conjure up something hot if you want to make a run handing things out?" she suggests, starting on a spell to bring forth enough bland yet toasty meatrolls to feed eight people for a full day. Which
[21:21] <@Inari> should be stretched enough amongst the beggars to take the edge off for a while.
[21:23] <~Kotono> T considers and shakes his head. "No. Something unusual might scare off the snatchers, and in that case we're in the same situation tomorrow."
[21:24] <@Inari> "I suppose you're right," she admits, stopping her efforts. "Lets hope they appear early so we can be more overt afterwards."
[21:27] <~Kotono> "Yeah." It's all T says, the two settling in. OOC: Perception.
[21:27] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+12 T
[21:27] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 T --> [ 1d20=2 ]{14}
[21:28] <@Inari> roll 1d20+15
[21:28] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+15 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{34}
[21:32] <~Kotono> It's Inari's sharp eye sthat notice something in the dim light of the night. Between two bridges, 80ft away. You can see two figures emerge from the shadows of the bridge, going towards a sleeping man. They wear heavy clothes, but you can see their faces - green scaled faces.
[21:34] <@Inari> Inari nudges T and points them out, before she shifts into her fox form and starts skulking towards the interlopers!
[21:34] <@Inari> roll 1d20+8 lets try stealth
[21:34] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+8 lets try stealth --> [ 1d20=5 ]{13}
[21:35] <~Kotono> T nods and mutters a few words, going invisible and sneaking along. OOC: Invisibility used, 1 inspiration down.
[21:35] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+20 stealth
[21:36] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+20 stealth --> [ 1d20=1 ]{21}
[21:37] <~Kotono> The two sneak along, coming to within 40ft. As they approach the man, one glances your way. His eyes settle on the sneaking fox but barely pays it a second look. They go to th eman, going to grab him as you come to within 20ft.
[21:39] <@Inari> Getting within ten feet, Inari rises up into her full kitsune majesty, retaining the inquisitive furry triangular ears and the mighty four fluffy tails, but in all other respects taking the form of a woman as she levels her spear at the one burdened with a beggar. "And what do you think you're doing?" she asks archly.
[21:41] <~Kotono> The two freeze a moment, turning to you. Green, scaly faces with eyes of the same color. They just stare a moment and then drop the man, who yelps in surprise. They start to move as...OOC: Init. That was your surprise round, it was sufficient to startle them and make them drop things.
[21:42] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[21:42] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{7}
[21:42] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+1 scaled 1
[21:42] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+1 scaled 1 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{15}
[21:42] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+3 scaled 2
[21:42] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+3 scaled 2 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{20}
[21:43] * Kotono changes topic to 'Scaled 2(20)>Scaled 1(17)>T(Mikoing)'
[21:43] <@Inari> roll 1d20+4 should've cast sign
[21:43] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+4 should've cast sign --> [ 1d20=3 ]{7}
[21:45] * Kotono changes topic to 'Scaled 2(20)>Scaled 1(17)>T=Inari(Mikoing)'
[21:46] <~Kotono> Before either of you can react, both lean forward. Their jaws split open far too wide, until twin streams of acid come to engulf the two. OOC: Two Reflex saves.
[21:46] <@Inari> roll 2#1d20+10 evasion
[21:46] <Kobot> Inari rolled 2#1d20+10 evasion --> [ 1d20=16 ]{26}, [ 1d20=5 ]{15}
[21:46] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6 T save 1
[21:46] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 T save 1 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{15}
[21:46] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+9 T save 2 +3 inspiration 5/7 left
[21:46] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 T save 2 +3 inspiration 5/7 left --> [ 1d20=20 ]{29}
[21:47] <~Kotono> roll 6d8 acid T full, Inari none
[21:47] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 6d8 acid T full, Inari none --> [ 6d8=25 ]{25}
[21:47] <~Kotono> roll 6d8 acid T half, Inari full
[21:47] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 6d8 acid T half, Inari full --> [ 6d8=36 ]{36}
[21:49] <~Kotono> Acid sprays over the heroes, basting them both in sheer, unrelenting pain. T screams, still invisible and howling. But like that, the two turn and run full bore! OOC: AoOs, you two, they both provoke. You can take both if you have combat reflexes.
[21:49] <@Inari> roll 1d20+11 just the one
[21:49] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+11 just the one --> [ 1d20=6 ]{17}
[21:49] <~Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[21:49] <~Kotono> "Fucker!" T snarls, knife going out at the same one Inari slices.
[21:49] <@Inari> roll 1d8+5 forgot divine might
[21:49] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d8+5 forgot divine might --> [ 1d8=2 ]{7}
[21:50] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+15 (+3 inspiration, +4d6 SA blowing the rest of it, nonlethal)
[21:50] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 (+3 inspiration, +4d6 SA blowing the rest of it, nonlethal) --> [ 1d20=4 ]{19}
[21:50] <~Kotono> roll 1d4-1+7d6
[21:50] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d4-1+7d6 --> [ 1d4=2 7d6=29 ]{30}
[21:51] <~Kotono> Inari hacks the scaled man across the side, drawing blood. A moment later T appears, the hilt of his dagger slamming into the scaled man's skull. With a sick crack he falls to the ground, utterly limp. The other runs into the shadows and simply vanishes, as if no longer there. The homeless screams in terror, as others begin to stir around you. OOC: Free act.
[21:52] <@Inari> "Ohh, that was a lot of acid. Is everyone alright?" Inari calls, seeing to herself first with some emergency healing.
[21:52] <@Inari> roll 3d8+8 healz
[21:52] <Kobot> Inari rolled 3d8+8 healz --> [ 3d8=13 ]{21}
[21:56] <~Kotono> Well, sure, besides the screaming. Lots of screaming - the homeless awaken and screen in fear and confusion, joining the nearly  kidnapped man.
[21:56] <~Kotono> "You're welcome," T shouts, picking up the scaled man. "C'mon, 'nari, before the guard comes this way."
[21:58] <@Inari> "Guards don't come here," Inari deadpans, casting more heals on herself and T before they beat feet away. She gets a good look at those shadows though - probably a portal or something, right?
[21:58] <@Inari> roll 2#3d8+8
[21:58] <Kobot> Inari rolled 2#3d8+8 --> [ 3d8=11 ]{19}, [ 3d8=17 ]{25}
[21:59] <~Kotono> OOC: Just looking or using magic/
[21:59] <~Kotono> OOC: Just looking or using magic?
[21:59] <@Inari> OOC: just looking so I know where it is when we check it out later
[22:05] <~Kotono> Easy enough to do. The two hurry away, dragging the dragonman back to the illusion for the moment, "Where are we going to do this?"
[22:07] <@Inari> "I was thinking the inn, but I suppose they wouldn't appreciate having their drapes covered in acid so I suppose here will do?" Inari muses, taking a moment to search the dragonman for any weapons or contraband.
[22:14] <~Kotono> The dragon man is wearing black robes. He has a short sword on him, a coin bag, a scroll and a signet ring. The signet ring shows a dragon in flight. OOC: Post any you're taking in loot.
[22:15] <@Inari> She'll read what's on the scroll first!
[22:18] <~Kotono> The scroll is a spell scroll. Inari's able to decipher it easily enough - a scroll of sleep.
[22:21] <@Inari> "Just a second more..." Inari says after relieving him of his stuff, casting mass resist energy to ward her and T from acid. "Hold his head so he can't spit acid on us? We're protected but it's not fullproof," Inari says to T before she heals the dragonman back to hopeful consciousness.
[22:21] <@Inari> roll 1d8+5 healz
[22:21] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d8+5 healz --> [ 1d8=3 ]{8}

[Corwin]

#d

[20:06] <~Kotono> T gruntst and does just that as the healing takes him. It's enough to stir him, making him try to groan. But it comes out a choked grunt, T murmuring, "Quiet now or we'll do that again."
[20:08] <@Inari> "Well you can shout if you want," Inari notes cheerfully. "I'm sure all the people who's friends you've been kidnapping would leap to your aid."
[20:24] <~Kotono> "Oh yeah, no one likes kidnappers," T says conversationally, "Say 'nari, if you steal from someone, they might cut off your hand so you don't do it again. If you violate someone, they...well, you can g uess what they cut off. Wonder what'll get sliced for a kidnapper? Oh, I'm sure we'll get it right if we keep cutting things."
[20:25] <~Kotono> The dragonman groans in response, managing in Common, "Fucking hell, fine! You got me. What do you want? Money?"
[20:27] <@Inari> "I've already been through your pockets and you're not much richer than those you prey on," Inari replies. "So lets start with a name? I can't keep calling you kidnapping dragonman, can I?"
[20:31] <~Kotono> "Richardin," The dragonman says quickly, T smiling and nodding at this.
[20:32] <@Inari> "Hello Richardin," Inari greets him. "Nice to meet you, although the circumstances could be better for all of us, really. So, how about telling me what you and your friend are doing kidnapping people from around here?"
[20:40] <~Kotono> "Our sire demanded it," The dragonman replies, "For his rites."
[20:41] <~Kotono> "See that? That's a baaad answer," T says, "Makes us need to ask more questions, and I know that just gets under 'nari's skin here. She just might start thinking you're a hen and you know where that story ends."
[20:42] <@Inari> "It's still an answer," Inari points out. "I can appreciate that this isn't being dragged out. Why don't you tell us about your sire first of all?"
[20:45] <~Kotono> That gets a little eeeeeep from your prisoner, before he quickly says, "H-he's not human! He's a dragon!"
[20:46] <@Inari> "Green dragon? Likes extremely long range spells?" Inari hazards. How many of them can there be?
[20:49] <~Kotono> A quick nod, "Yes, yes. He gives us his blood and we serve him!"
[20:49] <~Kotono> "Uh huh," T mutters, "Explains your scales"
[20:49] <@Inari> "Great, we know who you're talking about then," Inari nods approvingly. "So serving him. What does that have to do with kidnapping people?"
[20:50] <~Kotono> "He performs these rites and needs people for them," He says quickly, "People that won't be missed."
[20:53] <@Inari> "And what do these rites involve?"
[20:54] <~Kotono> "Go on," T says casually, "Don't just imply, give us the gory details!"
[20:54] <~Kotono> "I don't know," he says, "I've never seen them! But he keeps needing more people for each one."
[20:55] <@Inari> "Well let me ask this, do you stock up on enough food at your lair to feed all the guests you've been accomodating?"
[20:56] <~Kotono> There's a long pause before he shakes his head without a word.
[20:56] <~Kotono> "That says a lot. Say 'nari, think the dragon's just hungry and too lazy to hunt for himself or are we talking something darker?" T says.
[20:59] <@Inari> "Probably something darker," Inari says. "Why eat a skinny beggar when you could have a horse or something? So Richardin, why don't you tell us a bit about the lair? Who all lives there?"
[21:03] <~Kotono> "It's Grimsley House!" Richardin blurts out, "Grimsly House! The servants and all of us and the keeper and the wizard and the trainer and everyone!"
[21:03] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[21:03] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{13}
[21:04] <~Kotono> "Grimsley House?' T frowns, "How about you tell us about it?"
[21:10] * @Erad (~Nephrite@97-97-130-179.res.bhn.net) Quit (Ping timeout: 182 seconds)
[21:11] * Erad (~Nephrite@97-97-130-179.res.bhn.net) has joined #dunes
[21:15] <~Kotono> "I-it's the old manor of House Grimsley, before they were wiped out," he says, "The Dynast owns it now through the local lord."
[21:17] <~Kotono> "Oh really? Say 'nari, doesn't that just pose even more questions," T glances at her, "Like, why is that in the hands of a dragon and are we going to have to smack a corrupt noble down for aiding a dragon's human sacrifices?"
[21:17] <@Inari> "Is there a giant cave underneath or is this one of those dragons that can turn into a human?"
[21:20] <~Kotono> "He can take human form," Richardin says, struggling momentarily. But T just glowers at him, his attempts stopping. "Into an elf, a dwarf, an orc, lots of things!"
[21:21] <@Inari> "And just how long has he been dwelling at House Grimsley and making dragonmen and abducting people?"
[21:22] <~Kotono> "A month or two for the abductions, longer for the making. You have to be worthy."
[21:23] <@Inari> "And you come out here to abduct someone every night?" She's surprised there's anyone left at this rate.
[21:24] <~Kotono> He shakes his head, "No, every few nights. But there lots of poor people to take, anyway."
[21:26] <~Kotono> T closes his eyes and is stone silent for several long moments. "So, the big question: What made you want to become a supplier for a mass murdering dragon? Are the poor people not people to you? Was the power worth it? Do dragon women suck your cock every night?"
[21:29] <~Kotono> "They're beggars, they don't matter," Richardin retorts, "They'd just die this winter anyway. Sire says it's better that they're useful for something instead."
[21:32] <@Inari> "They might not die if people with power and resources put a little effort in. They might even work and do more than just beg," Inari points out. "And speaking of, I'm going to start conjuring up food. Watch Richardson while I do, T? We can't let him run off till our friends are back and we can move on his Sire."
[21:33] <~Kotono> T doesn't say a word. He opens his eyes and coldly stares at Richardin, before lashing out with his dagger, pommelstone first.
[21:33] <~Kotono> roll 1d20 only 1 checking here since he's not in a position to dodge
[21:33] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 only 1 checking here since he's not in a position to dodge --> [ 1d20=16 ]{16}
[21:34] <~Kotono> The blow to the dragonman's head knocks him right back out, T letting go once its done. "What an asshole," T says, sighing long, his entire body seeming to deflate a few inches. "He doesn't even have the class to be ashamed of himself or try to lie."
[21:35] <@Inari> "I think he might be a little ashamed," Inari murmurs distractedly as she weaves her magic. "But when confronted with your own wrongdoing you have a choice of making amends or rationalising it away. The first is a lot harder than the second."
[21:36] <~Kotono> "Or have a way to wiggle out of it. Rookie," T says, "Dragon can't even hire someone who knows how to get out of trouble."
[21:38] <@Inari> "His friend was certainly quick enough on his feet to manage," Inari chuckles, though it fades. "They'll have warning if they expect Richardson to talk. I hope the others come back soon, not just because Erad would never forgive us for leaving him out."
[21:42] <~Kotono> "Ricardin," T corrects, "Yeah, let's go feed 'em and then go wait for them."
[21:42] <~Kotono> OOC: What's your plan now?
[21:44] <@Inari> OOC: I'll hand out food to the beggars (or just leave it around if they're asleep/scared of me) then drag dragonman back to the inn and catch some shuteye (in shifts) while waiting for our pals to come home.
[21:46] <~Kotono> Inari leaves it - the underbridges are empty by the time she gets back. From there it's going to rest as...OOC: Pause you briefly as the others finish up.

[Corwin]

#ed

[20:04] <~Kotono> OOC: 20,000 gold question: What's your plan for wolf hunting here?
[20:05] <@Annerose> OOC: First, let's roll GI for any apparent locations/routes where wolves attacked, then we try to track them down. Erad from the air and us on the ground.
[20:06] <~Kotono> OOC: Sure. Someone takes point on it and the others aid the roll.
[20:07] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2 brick aiding
[20:09] * Kobot (~dunefar@ip68-10-229-242.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #evildunes
[20:09] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2 brick aiding
[20:09] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+2 brick aiding --> [ 1d20=7 ]{9}
[20:10] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+19 GI
[20:10] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+19 GI --> [ 1d20=13 ]{32}
[20:16] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Helena aiding
[20:16] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 Helena aiding --> [ 1d20=15 ]{19}
[20:17] <~Kotono> Most seem to happen on the roads to the southeast, the beginning of the long trek to Luremdale and ultimately towards the southern mountains. Usually at night and especially during the snowfall.
[20:20] <@Annerose> "How about we leave for the south?" Annerose proposes. "We can look around."
[20:22] <~Kotono> "Sounds like a good plan," Helena says, "We can leave a few hours before sunset and then look around?"
[20:24] * @Annerose nods. "We'll camp out, too, just like that time we ran into a pack of wolves."
[20:25] <@Erad> Erad nods in agreement. "I wonder if it's the same pack we met? But if it was, the number of incidents should've dropped."
[20:27] <@Annerose> "I doubt it. I've ran into the wolves quite a bit while living in the mountains."
[20:28] <~Kotono> "Yes. Most likely it's one of many. They're ranging far further north than usual," Helena says, "It must be the weather."
[20:30] <~Kotono> OOC: Ready to move along to that? Any prep before that?
[20:31] <@Annerose> OOC: We're good
[20:31] <@Erad> OOC: Not that I can think of.
[20:33] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[20:35] <~Kotono> The weather's turned snowier - a steady snowfall by the time you leave. Yet more snow buries Malana as you head out, traveling southeast. The only travleers you meet are heading towards Luremdale, not towards it. All about are plains with the occasional rock or trees. OOC: Go ahead and set up yoru camp and what sort of general area you're aiming for, then.
[20:40] <@Erad> OOC: I'll stay flying around the camp until night at which point I'll join the others.
[20:41] <~Kotono> OOC: So noted. Waiting on another line going into my request, figuring Cor's lining that?
[20:43] <@Annerose> Annerose doesn't know the first thing about setting up camp, but Helena probably does and she relies on her to get it right. Ideally, it would copy their conditions when they ran into the wolves the first time as much as possible.
[20:46] <~Kotono> Myann sets up near a few oak trees. A cluster of them, one side covered by them. She sets up the wagons and then the horses, getting a campfire going and starting on dinner. "We'll need to sleep outside," she announces, "If we're in the wagon, they may not smell us, since I'm not sure how the wagon's magic works."
[20:48] <@Annerose> "Makes sense!"
[20:49] <~Kotono> OOC: Helena, not Myann. Wow.
[20:50] <@Erad> "Will they even approach us, though?" Erad asks. "I mean, I doubt any of smell like their normal targets."
[20:51] <@Annerose> "I don't think it works like that," Annerose responds. "They probably just attack travelers."
[20:51] <~Kotono> "I have my doubts. If anything, my scent and Annerose's will probably deter them. Then again, they attacked us last time." Stirring the simple porridge she's making, "One way to find out."
[20:55] <@Erad> Erad nods. OOC: He'll take one las tlook around and then stand watch.
[21:13] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[21:13] <~Kotono> Thus the party settles in to rest. Time begins to pass as...
[21:13] <~Kotono> roll 1d100+20 vs 80
[21:13] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100+20 vs 80 --> [ 1d100=29 ]{49}
[21:13] <~Kotono> roll 1d100+20 vs 80
[21:13] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100+20 vs 80 --> [ 1d100=74 ]{94}
[21:14] <~Kotono> The night wears on. Everyone but Erad is asleep, the snow slowing down once more. As this happens...OOC: Perception.
[21:31] <@Erad> roll 1d20+13
[21:31] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{32}
[21:35] <~Kotono> Erad can hear it, far away but audible. The almost ghostly howling of wolves, echoing in the night.
[21:36] <@Erad> Erad will awaken both Helena and Annerose then and inform them of the howling! "We may as well be prepared." He says.
[21:37] <~Kotono> Helena groans and gets up, going over to kick Rock awake."Hope this is it," she says, yawning hugely, "I want to go back to sleep."
[21:39] <@Annerose> Though slow to wake up, Annerose nevertheless is ready to do what they came here for. And in case the wolves are not alone, she calls upon all the cold she can draw into herself.
[21:43] <~Kotono> Rock rises with a growl, sniffing the air. "Wolf," he says, "Eat wolf?"
[21:44] <@Annerose> "Yes, actually," Annerose agrees. "But if you leave the pelts in good condition, the people back in town will give you even more food for them."
[21:48] <~Kotono> "Eat." Rock insists, as the howling is heard again. From the south you think, and louder this time.
[21:48] <@Annerose> "Let's go and say hello!"
[21:49] <@Erad> Erad nods, taking to the air about 30 ft up!
[21:52] <~Kotono> OOC: Order
[21:52] <~Kotono> ?
[21:54] <@Annerose> OOC: I'll lead, Helena and Rock 5ft behind me, Erad in the air 30ft above me
[21:57] <~Kotono> OOC: Right.
[21:57] <~Kotono> OOC: Who has low-light/darkvision here?
[21:58] <@Erad> OOC: Darkvision 60ft and low light vision on top of that
[21:58] <@Annerose> OOC: just low light for me
[22:04] <~Kotono> Erad soon sees them as they head past the roads and through the snow. 500ft ahead, slinking along the snow. Winter wolves, making no great effort to conceal themselves. They're heading in the party's general direction.
[22:06] <@Erad> "500 feet ahead!" Erad calls out.
[22:09] <@Annerose> "Take them down," Annerose tells Helena and Rock. "I will cut off any retreat and help divert their attention."
[22:11] <~Kotono> "Right," Helena says, the two hurrying along. OOC: What's your plan, you two?
[22:12] <@Erad> OOC: Flying closer.
[22:14] <@Annerose> OOC: We'll approach. Then Helena and Rock will kill them, I'll use my walls creatively and Erad will help whoever needs it most.
[22:19] <~Kotono> OOC: How close before you start to act?
[22:20] <@Annerose> OOC: Charging range for Helena or Rock, whoever is quicker
[22:21] <~Kotono> The party advances to within 100ft - the two groups are on a collision course for one another. As they race along the snows....OOC: Init here.
[22:22] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+5
[22:22] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{18}
[22:22] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2
[22:22] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{6}
[22:22] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Helena
[22:22] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Helena --> [ 1d20=8 ]{14}
[22:22] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+1 Rock
[22:22] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+1 Rock --> [ 1d20=13 ]{14}
[22:22] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+5 winter wolves
[22:22] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 winter wolves --> [ 1d20=1 ]{6}
[22:23] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(18)>Helena=Rock(14)>Winer Wolves=Erad(6)'
[22:23] <~Kotono> OOC: We'll pause at that, since I have work and it's about time.

[Corwin]

#ed

[20:00] <~Kotono> OOC: Topic is 'Annerose(18)>Helena=Rock(14)>Winer Wolves=Erad(6)' Annerose opens, go. They're 100ft away to refresh.
[20:03] <@Annerose> Annerose puts up a wall in the middle of the wolves, forcing those behind it to circle around and allowing her allies to deal with those in the front in detail.
[20:06] <~Kotono> OOC: First of all, how big of a wall?
[20:07] <@Annerose> OOC: 90ft
[20:11] <~Kotono> OOC: How tall?
[20:12] <@Annerose> OOC: 10ft
[20:13] <~Kotono> The wolf pack is suddenly split up, a wall of ice appearing amid them. Helena takes this chance, charging smoothly over the snow and to the leadmost wolf.
[20:16] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+13 (+2 charge)
[20:16] * Kobot (~dunefar@ip68-10-229-242.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #evildunes
[20:16] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+13 (+2 charge)
[20:16] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 (+2 charge) --> [ 1d20=9 ]{22}
[20:17] <~Kotono> roll 1d6+5+2d6
[20:17] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+5+2d6 --> [ 1d6=1 2d6=9 ]{15}
[20:17] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+9 free trip
[20:17] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 free trip --> [ 1d20=10 ]{19}
[20:19] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+8 fort
[20:19] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 fort --> [ 1d20=15 ]{23}
[20:20] <~Kotono> The lead wolf is smacked right in the muzzle, knocked down in a heap from Helena's charge. Rock meanwhile slogs through the snow, making steady progress. At this the wolves all rear back, sending blast after blast of freezing cold breath at Helena - but she seems just fine, while meanwhile the other half of the pack starts to go around. OOC: Erad.
[20:21] <@Erad> Well, he's certainly not going to have the ease that Helena and Annerose have with dealing with that, but that doesn't mean he should just fly around. However, he can't actually do anything, so he just flies 70 ft closer, staying in the air!
[20:26] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay. Annerose.
[20:28] * @Annerose draws closer, placing a second wall behind her and parallel to the first.
[20:29] <@Annerose> OOC: The two walls are 90ft apart
[20:34] <~Kotono> Taking a look, Annerose is able to see there are 14 wolves, even split between the sides.  Annerose's second wall so appears behind her as Helena giggles. "Oooh, that feels nice! Thank you," she calls to them, before shield-checking the downed one.
[20:34] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+11
[20:34] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{22}
[20:34] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[20:34] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{21}
[20:34] <~Kotono> roll 1d6+6
[20:34] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+6 --> [ 1d6=1 ]{7}
[20:34] <~Kotono> roll 1d6+5
[20:34] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+5 --> [ 1d6=5 ]{10}
[20:34] <~Kotono> OOC: -1 from the first, finger slipped.
[20:39] <~Kotono> Two more bashes stun the front wolf, smashing it in good and hard. As that happens, Rock makes it through the snow and reaches them, charging in claws and teeth first to them.
[20:39] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+14 (+2 charge, +2 rage, -4 PA)
[20:39] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 (+2 charge, +2 rage, -4 PA) --> [ 1d20=3 ]{17}
[20:39] <~Kotono> roll 1d6+15
[20:39] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+15 --> [ 1d6=2 ]{17}
[20:42] <~Kotono> Rock grabs one and claws it, lifting it up to take a big bite of the wolf's flank. It yelps in sheer surprise and pain, blood dribbling down Rock's face. But at this, the front wolves circle around, forming a loose ring around Rock and Helena. They're surrounded. Meanwhile, the other wolves reaches the side of the wall and a bit past it, getting into position for rejoin the pack. OOC: Erad.
[20:44] * Retrieving #evildunes modes...
[20:46] <@Erad> Oh, well we'll have none of that! Erad will fly down to land outside the circle and on the other side of Rock, aiming to bring an acidic fist down into the wolf! Oh, that might ruin the pelt... oh well, he'll just have to try and be careful.
[20:46] <@Erad> roll 1d20+12
[20:46] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{15}
[20:54] <~Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[20:57] <@Erad> OOC: Oh, my apologies
[20:57] <@Erad> roll 1d20+12+2d6+1d6 i2d6 is acid and 1d6 is good-aligned f it's evil
[20:57] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+12+2d6+1d6 i2d6 is acid and 1d6 is good-aligned f it's evil --> [ 1d20=1 2d6=6 1d6=5 ]{24}
[20:58] <@Erad> OOC: Wow I messed that up, hold on
[20:58] <@Erad> roll 3d6+3+2d6+1d6
[20:58] <Kobot> Erad rolled 3d6+3+2d6+1d6 --> [ 3d6=12 2d6=10 1d6=4 ]{29}
[21:01] <~Kotono> Erad flies on down, acid-fist hitting the wounded wolf. It yelps as part of its side is eaten away ,thrashing and writhing. It's bleeding massively, staining the snow all around it. OOC: Annerose.
[21:03] <@Annerose> Heading left, Annerose places a wall far to her right to connect the previous two and seal the wolves there into the forming structure.
[21:10] * @Erad (~Nephrite@97-97-130-179.res.bhn.net) Quit (Ping timeout: 182 seconds)
[21:14] <~Kotono> The wolves are thus sealed, retreat being blocked by wall after wall of ice. They begin to notice it, the wolves growling as they look to it. One of them in the circling group sits and lets out a long howl, the other wolves stopping. It manages to get out in distorted Common, "You. Coldmaiden. Demand submit?"
[21:16] * Erad (~Nephrite@97-97-130-179.res.bhn.net) has joined #evildunes
[21:17] <@Annerose> "Surrender, tell me why you have been attacking people here, and your lives will be spared," Annerose graciously offers.
[21:18] <~Kotono> The wolves immediately roll onto their backs (save for the wounded ones) and show their bellies. "Coldman. Demand attack."
[21:18] <~Kotono> Helena keeps her shield up, going to Rock, "Down," she commands immediately, then in very bad giant, "Down!" she repeats.
[21:19] <@Annerose> "Are there other wolves like you that the Coldman sent out to attack people?" Annerose asks.
[21:20] <Erad> "...Do you want me to heal it?" Erad asks. "Or will cold spells take care of that?"
[21:20] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[21:20] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{24}
[21:21] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+24 exploding crit may mattere here
[21:21] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+24 exploding crit may mattere here --> [ 1d20=18 ]{42}
[21:23] <~Kotono> Rock stops at Helena's command, even spitting out the meat he's chewing.
[21:24] <~Kotono> "Yes. Several packs. One pack here. Other packs not." The wolf replies.
[21:26] <Erad> Erad wrinkles his nose but leans down to put a hand on the wolf he just injured. "Hold still." He says as he channels some healing energy into it. OOC: Using lay on hands for 25 healing.
[21:27] <@Annerose> "Erad shall heal the wounded among you," Annerose tells their leader. "Send a runner to each of the groups warning them to stay away from humans and never attack first. That would be the only warning they get before I decide to act myself. The rest of you will take me to the Coldman, so I could deal with him. Is that understood?"
[21:28] <~Kotono> The wolf's injuries heal, getting surprised yelps from the pack. "Not human generous. But can't. Coldman gone."
[21:29] <@Annerose> "Did he smile? Like this?" Annerose is happy to demonstrate a smile filled with menace.
[21:30] <Erad> Ah, the old-fashioned 'Let's talk about Auril' smile... Erad shivers once as he stands back up.
[21:30] <~Kotono> "No. Never. Angry. Frown." The words come slowly as the pack is healed, coming back together and keeping low to the ground. None of them make a move to the party.
[21:32] <Erad> "...Hang on a second, maybe it's not Smiles, but it's Jack." Erad says.
[21:34] <@Annerose> "Can you describe how he looked?"
[21:35] <~Kotono> "Might be. Bet there's more Aurilites around here than just him, though," Helena points out.
[21:36] <~Kotono> "Big. Strong. Straw hair. Colored like straw. Scary eyes. Cold eyes." Is the answer you get.
[21:36] <@Annerose> "How did he force you to attack people?"
[21:37] <~Kotono> "Commanded. Strong coldman. Strong like coldmaiden. Demand submit."
[21:39] <Erad> OOC: Does that description fit Jack at all? I can't 100% remember.
[21:43] <Erad> "So it isn't Jack, but it's probably someone just as much of a whore-worshipper." Erad spits.
[21:43] <@Annerose> Alright, she can see that. "Just remember," she cautions the wolves, "and tell all the other packs as well. If others as strong as that man show up and tell you to attack humans again, I will be back. I will not stand for it, and one warning is all I will give. Once Erad has healed you all, go."
[21:45] <~Kotono> Soon enough the wolves are sent off, scurrying away quickly. Once they're gone, Helena smiles, "That went better than expected...if less profitable than T would like. That money would've been useful."
[21:46] <Erad> "Well, we can at least tell the local authorities we dealt with the wolves so they won't attack anyone." Erad says. "That's probably just as good."
[21:47] <~Kotono> "I bet we won't get a copper out of them for it," Helena remarks, "No proof."
[21:48] <Erad> Erad shrugs. "We don't do it for money, do we?"
[21:48] <~Kotono> "True, but I could use some improvements to my shield," Helena pats it fondly, "It's due."
[21:49] <Erad> "They can prove it themselves in the next few days as the number of reports drop. If nothing else, it gives our name a bit more oomph." Erad says. "They'll know the name 'Torch Bearers' here in town when we're all said and done."
[21:52] <~Kotono> OOC: Speaking of town, are y'all ready to get on back?
[21:52] <Erad> OOC: Yar
[21:55] <~Kotono> OOC: Dunes.

[Corwin]

[21:55] <~Kotono> ----
[21:56] <~Kotono> When Annerose, Erad and the others return, it's one thing to find Inari in T's room. It's another altogether to find another man lying in T's bed, all tied up. T stands near the bed, arms crossed and studying the draconic man.
[21:57] <@Annerose> "Kinky."
[21:58] <Erad> Erad opens his mouth and then just closes it again.
[21:59] <@Inari> "It was dragons!" Inari announces cheerfully in greeting.
[21:59] <Erad> "What was?"
[22:00] <~Kotono> "This," T says without missing a beat. "A green dragon did this."
[22:00] <@Inari> "Kidnapping the beggars. Keep up, Erad," Inari chides good naturedly. "We found this dragonman and his friend doing it, and he told us that they work for this real dragon - the same one that ruined that monastary remember?"
[22:00] <@Annerose> "Two dragons?" Annerose asks, looking the draconic man up and down. "Or did a dragon and a human like each other very much?"
[22:01] <@Inari> "No, he just gives his blood to humans and they transform. Very vampiric."
[22:01] <Erad> "They work for... really..." Erad says, getting a rather excited gleam in his eyes. "How unfortunate for them."
[22:02] <@Annerose> "A vampire dragon. Our world holds such terrific, creepy wonders!"
[22:04] <~Kotono> "Well," Helena says brightly, "I think tomorrow just got booked for us."
[22:04] <@Annerose> "Especially since we resolved the wolf situation. Rather than hunt all the packs down we just trapped one of them, beat them up and sent them on their way to warn off the rest. Did you know they're sapient? And can even talk?"
[22:06] <@Inari> "I tried to talk to the pack we ran into before but they wouldn't listen," Inari grumps. "Anyway, we know where the dragon and his minions are, so we can go whenever."
[22:06] <@Annerose> "I think they just don't like T."
[22:07] <~Kotono> "
[22:07] <~Kotono> "Yeah, yeah," T says, "But yeah, when are we going to go? I'd rather get some shuteye myself."
[22:07] * @Annerose snaps her fingers. "Oh, and Erad thinks one of Jack's minions sicced the wolves on people."
[22:08] <@Inari> "Fits the profile. But T's right, we should be fresh for any sort of fight against that much opposition."
[22:09] <Erad> "Well, I doubt they'd have time to move the entire operation in one night." Erad reasons. "But they'll know we're coming, most likely."
[22:11] <~Kotono> "Speaking of," T says, "What do we do with him?" He jerks a thumb at Richardin.
[22:11] <@Annerose> "We have all these nice rooms we paid for, and we should sleep in them," Annerose voices. "He can sleep with you, I'm going to bed."
[22:14] <Erad> "I'll have a word with him." Erad says with a crack of his knuckles. "Let's see if I can convince him of the error of his ways."
[22:15] <@Inari> "Thanks for volunteering, Erad!" Inari beams. "I'm going to bed now."
[22:16] <Erad> "You girls have fun." Erad says. "Oh, Inari, you'd have been impressed with Helena, she got Rock to play nice with the wolves."

[Corwin]

[20:03] <~Kotono> roll 1d100-15
[20:03] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100-15 --> [ 1d100=9 ]{-6}
[20:04] <~Kotono> The night passes and morning comes. OOC: Plans for the day? Also, Ia ssume y'all heal up before bed?
[20:05] <@Annerose> OOC: Let's go kill a bad dragon!
[20:05] <@Inari> OOC: yeah I can blow my healing spells before praying to myself
[20:06] <@Inari> OOC: I want to check around the bridge where the dragonmen appeared, see if there's a secret passage
[20:06] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay then, you two. Erad?
[20:07] <@Erad> OOC: Finding the bad dragon works for me.
[20:10] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, then bridge then looking up Grimsley house. If you have objections, say so now as I line.
[20:10] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:10] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=12 ]{12}
[20:11] <~Kotono> The trip to the bridge is unremarkable. It's not far into the morning when you get there, still no homeless around. OOC: Gao head and make perception, Inari.
[20:12] <@Inari> roll 1d20+15
[20:12] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d20+15 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{31}
[20:16] <~Kotono> No sign of anything like that. It's solid stone and masonry, no secret passages or anything. As Inari works...OOC: Perception, Erad and Annerose.
[20:17] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+2
[20:17] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{14}
[20:18] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+12 T
[20:18] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 T --> [ 1d20=5 ]{17}
[20:18] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+13 Helena
[20:18] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 Helena --> [ 1d20=8 ]{21}
[20:18] <~Kotono> roll 1d20-1 Rock
[20:18] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20-1 Rock --> [ 1d20=19 ]{18}
[20:19] <@Erad> roll 1d20+14
[20:19] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{16}
[20:19] <~Kotono> As Inari looks, Helena glances up. She frowns, "We have a problem," she hisses low, "I just heard someone say to look beneath the bridge for the fox woman."
[20:21] <@Inari> "To me," Inari whispers, using her innate talents with illusion to conceal them beneath a mudbank and some fallen masonry once they're all close together.
[20:21] <@Inari> OOC: mirage arcana for that
[20:21] <@Erad> Erad doesn't really see a reason to hide, but goes along anyway.
[20:24] <~Kotono> "Any idea who?" T whispers back as everyone hides beneath Inari's illusion. Moments after, city guards come on down. A solid dozen of them, glancing under with spears at the ready. After a few moments of this, "Nothing down here, sir. Not a soul."
[20:25] <@Inari> Inari keeps quiet to see how this plays out!
[20:26] <@Annerose> T's question answers itself. Annerose is quite happy with this state of events.
[20:26] <~Kotono> You hear a man's voice call down, "Then back up here,
[20:27] <~Kotono> OOC: Gah.
[20:28] <~Kotono> You hear a man's voice call down, "Then back up here." The guards clamber back up, leaving the party be. Moments pass until T exhales a bit, "Shit. All those hysterical people last night. Hope they don't think you're kidnapping people, 'nari."
[20:29] <@Erad> "Isn't that exactly what you two ended up dong?" Erad asks. "Either way, we can explain the situation once we resolve it."
[20:29] <@Inari> "Either that or the dragon has enough influence to sic the guard on people," Inari says. "Probably isn't hard to make up a story that'll fire people up about a non-human like me."
[20:32] <~Kotono> Helena smiles easily, "Well, this is easily solved. We do have those papers from Lord Househaven. Show them at the guard and they'll shuffle right off."
[20:33] <@Inari> "True enough. Shall we do that first or visit the dragon's house first?" Inari asks.
[20:33] <@Erad> "We may as well quell the issue first." Erad says. "Otherwise they might be posted at the house itself and then we'd have to explain more."
[20:34] <~Kotono> "Tricky," T says, "Thing is, fi the dragon is involved, it becomes a political issue. If Lord Arnam mixed up in this, it's essentially both sides falling to squabbiling."
[20:35] <@Annerose> "In a practical sense, if we were to kill a dragon no one local would challenge our documentation," Annerose points out.
[20:35] <@Erad> "That's true, too. I just don't want us going to Grimsley's house and then the guards showing up behind us or something." Erad says. "It's a situation I'd rather avoid if we can help it."
[20:36] <@Inari> "I do think it would be neater if we could have everything wrapped up without official intervention," Inaria grees with T and Annerose. "But we could drag our dragonman," she smiles a little at the wordplay, "Before the guard and present ourselves as concerned citizens."
[20:37] <@Inari> "Other dragonman that is," she hastily amends, since Erad can walk well enough on his own.
[20:39] <@Erad> "Well, why don't we do this: Let's go to our destination. If there are guards there, then we'll probably know all we need to." Erad suggests.
[20:42] <~Kotono> "Assuming we aren't stopped in the streets, but no helping that no matter what," T remarks.
[20:43] <@Inari> "Well we'll just have to take it as it comes then, we can't really stay off the streets if we want to reach Grimsley house."
[20:43] <@Erad> "If they're looking for a fox lady, they aren't looking for a fox." Erad says. "But I don't like the idea of hiding just to avoid things."
[20:45] <~Kotono> Rock just watches all of this, looking distinctly bored. "Eat yet?" he asks.
[20:46] <@Inari> "You just had breakfast, Rock," Inari chides. "Anyway, lets go back to the inn and pick up Richardin then drag him before some guardsmen so he can explain all about the kidnappings? If he's confessing they can't pin anything on me."
[20:47] <@Annerose> "I don't mind that~"
[20:47] <@Erad> Erad nods. "All right."
[20:48] <~Kotono> OOC: Staying in human form then, Inari?
[20:49] <@Inari> OOC: Yeah
[20:53] <~Kotono> roll 1d100+25
[20:53] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100+25 --> [ 1d100=16 ]{41}
[20:54] <~Kotono> By sheer luck, the party somehow makes it back to the inn unbothered. Richardin is still tied up there, out cold. "Want to wake him up before we throw him at them?" T asks.
[20:57] <@Inari> "May as well," Inari says, giving him a healing spell.
[20:57] <@Erad> "We probably should." Erad says.
[20:57] <@Inari> roll 1d8+5
[20:57] <Kobot> Inari rolled 1d8+5 --> [ 1d8=1 ]{6}
[21:01] <~Kotono> Richardin stirs with a groan, "Wha...?"
[21:01] <~Kotono> "Hi," T says easily, "We're going to take you somewhere, so don't get any ideas," he starts untying him in th emeantime. "Richardin, that's Erad there. Say hi."
[21:05] <@Erad> "We're going to have some words later, Rich." Erad says.
[21:05] <~Kotono> Richardin meets his stare, before quickly looking away. "Fine."
[21:10] <@Erad> OOC: I think we're good to go, if you were waiting on us.
[21:10] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay then.
[21:10] <~Kotono> From here finding a guard unit isn't hard. All you have to do is walk a bit and one comes right up to you in the streets, everyone else scurrying away, "Halt," they cry, spears and clubs at the ready.
[21:11] <@Inari> "Hello!" Inari calls over cheerfully, halting as requested. "We were actually looking for some officers of the law to hand over a dangerous criminal."
[21:15] <@Erad> Erad just waits, although he has a feeling he may have to explain why one dragonman is evil and he isn't...
[21:18] <~Kotono> "Yeah, that. I heard you might be looking for 'nari here," T smiles easily, "But we can sort that all out. If you have a commanding officer handy, that would be great."
[21:18] <~Kotono> The guard promptly surrounds the party, "Hands up, all of you," One barks, "Tell it Knight Windor."
[21:19] <@Inari> Inari obligingly raises her hands. "Lead the way, then?"
[21:20] <@Erad> Erad does so as well, although he also adds a detect evil into the mix. Are any of these guards secretly THE EVIL DRAGON?! He doubts that, but you never know.
[21:25] <~Kotono> Some of the guards do radiate faint evil. As T grumbles and raises his hands, Helena does the same. Rock just stares at them in confusion and asks, "Eat?"
[21:25] <@Annerose> "We raise our hands up like this, Rock," Annerose says, showing him how to do it, "and they pretend it makes us harmless."
[21:26] <@Erad> Erad eyes the ones that do, but for now just has his hands up.
[21:27] <~Kotono> OOC: Make a diplo check here, Annerose.
[21:28] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+19
[21:28] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+19 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{37}
[21:33] <~Kotono> Rock stares at Annerose before grunting and doing the same. They fall in line, marched through the streets. You soon end up in a rather large building on a street corner, all heavy stone and away from the main streets of Allam. Inside the party is taken to one rather large room - just empty, save for a single high-backed chair. Sitting in that chair is an older man, wearing noble's clothes and
[21:33] <~Kotono> with a silver-tipped cane resting against his knees. "The fox woman," He perks up immediately on seeing Inari.
[21:35] <@Annerose> "Inari," Annerose is all too happy to provide a name. "And I am Annerose. Would you be Knight Windor?"
[21:35] <@Inari> "My name is Inari," she supplies with an easygoing smile. "These are my friends, T, Erad, Annerose, Helena, and Rock. And this is Richardin, he's not really a friend although we did have a nice chat last night after he spat acid all over me."
[21:37] <~Kotono> "Yo," T says casually, "I suggest you listen before you start talking about chains, cells or hangings."
[21:37] <~Kotono> Helena nods but stays back, murmuring something to Rock.
[21:38] <~Kotono> "As it stands, I have every reason to convict you of kidnapping and possibly murder. You'll hang at sundown, demihuman." Knight Windor says shortly, "And if you even show a slight sign of magic, you won't make it to being hanged."
[21:39] <~Kotono> T just grins, snickering a bit but not saying anything.
[21:40] <@Inari> "Who exactly have I kidnapped or murdered, human?" Inari asks, allowing a bit of irritation to slip at the racial label.
[21:42] <~Kotono> "Peasants and that's enough," He waves a hand, "Do you have anything to say in your defense?" He raises a hand, guards readying spears, all at her.
[21:43] <~Kotono> Helena's gaze turns frostier, her fists clenching. "Why don't we skip to the part where we show you why you're completely wrong and are going to let us walk away with an apology?"
[21:43] <@Inari> "Clearly this is a farce and you just want to get your jollies killing a demihuman," Inari retorts. "Either that or you're actively protecting the murderous dragon living in your town. Either way I won't stand for it," Inari replies, readying her own spear since they didn't think to disarm her.
[21:43] <@Erad> "Woah, woah, there's no need for that." Erad says, although he does cast detect evil. "Just show him the paper from Lord Househaven."
[21:44] <@Annerose> "Before we let spears do the talking, I believe Inari has a right to meet her accuser," Annerose voices.
[21:44] <~Kotono> T's eyes widen and he quickly goes to Inari's side, putting his hand on hers. "Down Inari, down. Take a breath."
[21:44] <@Inari> "I don't think a bit of paper is going to dissuade Mr Windor's bloodlust, but by all means show it to him," Inari says, but she doesn't disarm herself. If they want to kill her she'll fight for her life.
[21:45] <~Kotono> "She has no rights," Windor says coldly, but his eyes narrow. "Lord Househaven?" he echos, "Lies. There's no way you have such papers."
[21:46] <~Kotono> "Woooow." T whistles, "Not only are you a jerk, but you're basically looking over at the hero of the hour and saying no, fuck you. You really want to read those papers. Trust me. Erad, Annerose?"
[21:47] <@Annerose> "If we had to beat up any posturing jerk we would never get anything important done. T, if you will?"
[21:47] <@Erad> "Hang on." Erad says, reaching into the pack for the paper from Househaven. He'd throw it on the desk dramatically if there was a desk. But there's not.
[21:48] <@Erad> OOC: Also, did Detect Evil show anything?
[21:48] <~Kotono> OOC: Moderate evil from him.
[21:49] <~Kotono> The knight's expression is cold as he takes the papers and reads - and he turns, white, whiter, whitest. His jaw clenches hard enough for a loud CLACK of teeth on teeth, his hands gripping the paper hard enough to bend it. He starts to say something once, stops and reads it again. "This is...Call Ringman." He snaps to a guard, "I want these papers verified for authenticity immediately. Get him
[21:49] <~Kotono> in here, even if you have to drag him. NOW!"
[21:50] <@Inari> There's a quiet tak noise as Inari plants the bottom of her spear on the ground, relaxing a little bit. Really if a fight starts she'll open with spells before she stabs anyone anyway.
[21:51] <~Kotono> T just smirks, "Told you," he drawls, "Not Windor - oh, you don't mind me calling you that? Thanks. Windor, you really need to relax. That can't be good for a man of your advanced age. We're all in this together, and I'd hate to see you leave early." Meanwhile a guard runs off fast as he can, on and out at that command.
[21:51] <@Erad> Erad does look Windor over for any obvious religious articles.
[21:52] <~Kotono> He's wearing noble's clothes. He favored dark greens and black, with matching jewelry. It's nice but nothing really symbolic, save for a signet ring he wears. You can't really make out the signet without getting closer.
[21:53] <@Erad> "I say, it is refreshing to see someone who doesn't just follow Auril so blindly." Erad says, trying to see what kind of reaction that gets.
[21:55] <~Kotono> Windor's furious expression doesn't change much, but it's hard to go past furious. "Silence," he snaps.
[21:56] <~Kotono> "Yeah, I know," T casually ignores him, "It's like Auril, Auril, Auril. Then you throw in some  Umberlee for flavor. You ask me, something like Tiamat or Bane would be great variety, yeah?"
[21:56] <@Inari> "I think Tiamat's in the room, after a fashion," Inari notes idly, nodding her head towards Richardin.
[21:57] <~Kotono> T snaps his fingers, "Oh yeah. At least someone's keeping quiet. Go you, kidnapper," he nods to Richardin, "By the way, before your verifier comes along and finishes ruining your day, he's one of the men behind those homeless kidnappings. Since I bet you're itching to solve that crime."
[21:58] <@Erad> "Do you think he actually knew that?" Erad asks, posing the question. "I mean, I suppose we'll find out when we go there how deep this goes."
[21:59] <@Annerose> "I don't suppose I could trouble you for a chair?" Annerose addresses one of the spearmen. "Since this looks like it would take a while."
[22:01] <~Kotono> "Silence or I'll throw you in jail, letter or no!" Lord Windor snaps. "Just stand until the end day, so long as you be silent!"
[22:02] <~Kotono> Richardin looks rather sullen but at least keeps quiet.
[22:02] <~Kotono> Helena holds Rock's arm and likewise keeps her peace, adding, "That's enough, T."
[22:05] <~Kotono> T smirks but does just that as silence comes over the room. It's maybe 10 minutes for the guard to come back with another - a middle aged man wearing plain clothes. Rather unremarkable, a bit short and portly combined with long brown hair kept in a ponytail. The moment he enters Lord Windor declares, "Verify if this is real or a forgery immediately," he says, thrusting the papers out as if they
[22:05] <~Kotono> were toxic.
[22:06] <@Erad> Aren't there spells for this sort of thing? Erad just stays quiet for now.
[22:06] <~Kotono> The papers are promptly studied, but not for long. "Sir, if these are a forgery, then the forger is the best one in history. No, these are authentic," he says, pausing to pass them back. "They are agents of Lord Househaven, Savior of the West."
[22:07] <@Inari> Saviour of the West, oooh that sounds nice!
[22:09] <~Kotono> The papers are taken back, "Dismissed," Knight Windor commands, Ringman taking the chance and going out. Once he's gone, "It seems that you are...not incorrect," he finally says, face starting to twist into a grimace, but quickly smoothing over. "In light of this improbable fact, I must declare you innocent of all charges." He gets that last word out like he has to force it, "Allam apologizes
[22:09] <~Kotono> for the misunderstanding and to Lord Househaven."
[22:09] <~Kotono> T smiles, "Well then."
[22:10] <@Erad> "Ah, how wonderful." Erad says with a proud nod. "So, now that we've got that out of the way..." Erad turns to Inari. "Do we even feel like explaining the situation anymore or should we just go deal with it?"
[22:10] <@Annerose> "Shall we get to the matter of Lord Househaven's agents capturing a kidnapper, and wishing to see justice done?"
[22:11] <@Inari> "Apology accepted," Inari says, stowing her spear away with a curt nod. "And yes, you have a dragon in your town that kidnaps people and performs unholy rituals on them. Under Lord Househaven's authority we are prepared to deal with it. What aid will you be offering?"
[22:12] <~Kotono> "May as well," T says, "Hey Windor, you'd be best locking Richardin here up for kidnapping. All of the homeless taken are probably dead, so he's on the hook for that too. Plus side, you can hang someone tonight after all. Oh wait, he was awfully helpful," T snaps his fingers, "You should probably take that into account in sentencing, since surely Lord Househaven would insist on as much."
[22:13] <~Kotono> With a face that's completely blank now, you get a short nod back. "Very well. Deal with it as you see fit. As independent agents, you are certainly capable of doing that. Bring any prisoners here and they will be tried."
[22:14] <~Kotono> Richardin's eyes manage to widen and then narrow back to back, his head whipping back and forth between everyone.
[22:14] <@Erad> "I don't know which profane god you follow," Erad decides to add, "But we intend to eliminate any traces of Tiamat from this city, with or without you. You seem like the type who follows the law, and I can respect that, even if you follow a deity who sides against the people. If I find out you have any relationship with these spawn, we're all going to be coming back here -- please don't take
[22:14] <@Erad> this as a threat, it is not meant as such, just a fact."
[22:15] * @Annerose is already leaving, deeply disappointed.
[22:15] <~Kotono> OOC: Make an intimidate check with a +4 bonus, Erad.
[22:15] <@Inari> So that's 'none' then. "Our sponsor will know of your consideration," Inari says, although she'll probably have forgotten this guy by the time she sees Househaven again. Time to go now, so she follows Annerose.
[22:16] <@Erad> roll 1d20+6 Scary Dragon
[22:16] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+6 Scary Dragon --> [ 1d20=17 ]{23}
[22:21] <~Kotono> There's a long pause before Knight Windor rises. "Lord Arnam is complicit with them," he says shortly.
[22:21] <~Kotono> The guards all stir at this, exchanging looks and holding their weapons tighter.
[22:25] <@Erad> Erad takes a step back. "Is he in this building?"
[22:26] <~Kotono> "No, Grimsley House," Windor says, "It's where they all are. It's where the dragon gives them eternal life."
[22:27] <~Kotono> T stops and hms at that, "Abandoning one side when it looks like it's going to lose, hm? Smart man."
[22:28] <@Erad> "Like I said, he might follow something evil, but I think we can see eye-to-eye on the law." Erad says.
[22:29] <@Erad> "We'll be back once we're done." Erad adds. "We'll need to see Lord Arnam's office too once we're back."