130. Alystar.

[Corwin]

[20:01] <@Kotono> The creature quickly shakes its head back and forth.
[20:03] <Annerose> "If I kill you it will hurt."
[20:04] <@Kotono> OOC: Goahead and throw in your own intimidate check, Annerose.
[20:04] <Annerose> roll 1d20+20 a promise, not a threat
[20:04] <Penuche> Annerose invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=10]
[20:06] <@Kotono> Ah crap. It turns out imps are cowardly, craven little things. Annerose's frozen gaze makes it huddle onto itself, a pool of liquid surrounding it as it whimpers. Huh, you must have really scared it. "Big man!" It yelps, "Big human! Waved the wand and made the circle, said the nine names! Happy man with him, even scarier!"
[20:07] <@Kotono> T starts to grimace, but his words are cut off. "Happy man? A scary happy man? He smiled a lot?"
[20:08] <@Inari> "Oh we're going to need room service to replace that pillow," Inari says unhappily, wrinkling her nose.
[20:08] <@Erad> Erad frowns. "I guess he's tired of us constantly ruining all of his plans."
[20:08] <@Kotono> The little devil nods quickly enough to make his entire body shake. "Smile lots. Congratulated the other one on finally mastering the circle."
[20:10] <Annerose> "Names. Theirs."
[20:11] <@Kotono> "Big man named Alystar. Like alley star. Other one didn't say his name. Alystar seems afraid of him. I was afraid of him, too. He knows things. Sees things. Has eyes that aren't human."
[20:11] <@Kotono> Rock sniffs the air once and promptly stomps out of the room.
[20:12] <@Inari> "So what precisely did the big man ask of you?" Inari asks. It's fairly obvious but she could be wrong!
[20:13] <@Kotono> "Serve him at first. Help, aid, advise. Can talk to superiors and get information." The little devil explains quickly, "But he's busy and sometimes has me do things like this."
[20:16] <@Inari> "Things like this being...?"
[20:16] <Annerose> "What did both look like?" Annerose asks, growing more talkative. "Describe them both as if your life depended on it."
[20:20] <@Kotono> "Big," Inari gets pointedly ignored, Annerose answered instead. "Over six feet tall. Blonde, curly hair. A little beefy without being fat. Like a warrior who is getting older. He's middle age for humans. He moves with purpose, like a trained soldier and not like most of the catt-humans." The imp quickly brushes it off, "The other wore a hooded cloak. But you could see his smile. He wasn't too
[20:20] <@Kotono> tall or too short. Made you look at him. Drew attention, like a commander. His eyes weren't human. They had too much life in them. He was having fun, so much fun. I only saw him that one time and he was gone."
[20:20] <Annerose> "Good. Now answer the nice fox lady as well. Things like this being?"
[20:21] <@Inari> Annerose did make him wet himself with a mere seven words so Inari doesn't feel too put out at being ignored.
[20:22] <@Kotono> "Um...eliminating pests," he says, "People you don't like - like you Aurilites." He says, "Maggen's dogs, he calls you."
[20:23] <Annerose> "Who does Alystar serve, then?"
[20:23] <@Inari> What a twist! "I see being feted by Lord Maggen has proven a triple-edged sword," Inari says, amused.
[20:23] <@Erad> Erad reaches up to rub his forehead. "Yes, the dragonborn of Bahamut, truly a secret Aurilite."
[20:23] <@Kotono> Helena chuckles, "That is sort of funny," she admits, hand drifting to the hilt of her new cutlass. "Evil turns on evil, isn't it how it goes?"
[20:24] <@Kotono> T reaches over and pats Erad's shoulder, "I'm sure your unholy symbol and ice dagger are already being rushed to you."
[20:25] <@Kotono> "Alystar serves himself. Rich," The imp quickly replies, "A merchant, good money. Owns the town's tanneries. Um, he mentioned something about losing cattle to Aurilites for tribute."
[20:26] <@Kotono> "Well," T rubs his chin, "I admire his initiative, even if he is a devil summoner. Say 'nari, that's still good for a shallow grave these days, right?"
[20:27] <@Erad> "Especially if he's dealing with Smiles." Erad agrees.
[20:29] <@Inari> "There was a lot of beef at that feast too, wasn't there?" Inari says thoughtfully. "Fruitful lands indeed!"
[20:29] <@Kotono> "Looks like Jacky boy pulled rank and pissed someone off," T says, "Hah. Bastard. So how do we play this?"
[20:31] * Annerose returns her frozen gaze upon the imp. "Where can we find proof of Alystar's crimes against Malana? His notes of summoning devils?"
[20:32] <@Kotono> "In his mansion," He says right away, "Under bespelled lock and key."
[20:32] <Annerose> "Is there a way to get inside without triggering any traps, mundane or magical?"
[20:33] <@Kotono> "Um, the front door?" The little imp replies, "But there's servants there."
[20:33] <Annerose> "T? What do you think about securing the evidence?"
[20:35] <@Inari> roll 1d20+15
[20:35] <Penuche> Inari invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=11]
[20:35] <@Kotono> "I can probably do it," T remarks, "Or at least get close. Gimme tonight and I'll have the evidence."
[20:36] <@Erad> "You sure you want to do that? They might be expecting you." Erad says.
[20:36] <Annerose> roll 1d20+12
[20:36] <Penuche> Annerose invokes Penuche's magic: < 15 > [d20=3]
[20:37] <@Kotono> T shrugs, "This is what I'm good at. If they catch me, I deserve to be caught."
[20:37] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+15 T (+3 inspiration)
[20:37] <Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d20=8]
[20:37] <Annerose> "Would you like someone along with you? I could disguise myself as one of the servants."
[20:38] <@Erad> "Mm... all right, if you say so. I still don't like stealing things like this." Erad says. "But it's for a good cause."
[20:38] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+9 Helena
[20:38] <Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=20]
[20:38] <@Inari> "Still someone should be along to bail you out just in case," Inari says, nodding along with Annerose. "Accidents happen to everyone."
[20:38] <@Kotono> T glances at the imp, "No kidding. Still, I can manage best by myself. I'm going to be honest, you'd just get in my way. None of you are that good at sneaking."
[20:39] <Annerose> "Helena and I can just wait outside, then, looking inconspicious and not at all like ourselves."
[20:40] <@Kotono> "And if they have guards worth a damn, they'll put one plus one together and get two," T shakes his head, "Relax, I have this. Nothing will go wrong."
[20:41] * Annerose palms her face.
[20:41] <@Kotono> Helena scowls brightly, "What? I can sneak like a mountain lion stalking prey!"
[20:41] <@Inari> "You just invited Beshaba in," Inari sighs.
[20:41] <Annerose> "It's alright. Nothing we try at this point will change anything. You better just go now."
[20:42] <@Kotono> "Pfah," T snorts, "I'll make my own damn luck," He says, turning to go. "Don't wait up, I'll be back by dawn."
[20:42] <Annerose> The imp is then asked, "Any others like you? Stronger than you? Summoned devils?"
[20:48] <@Kotono> He shakes his head, "Sometimes bu tnot permanent. Temporary summons and calls."
[20:48] <@Kotono> Helena's fists are balled up, gaze pure ice as she stares at the door T closed behind him. "That...BASTARD!" she snaps, "That impossible jerk! I can creep well enough to ambush a twitchy rabbit and he says I'm not good at sneaking!"
[20:50] <Annerose> "You should stalk him some day," Annerose suggests. That can't possibly be a bad idea!
[20:50] <@Inari> "It's probably for the best," Inari says, reaching over to pat Helena's shoulder. "You two have trouble working together after all."
[20:50] <@Erad> "Helena, relax." Erad says, looking a bit surprised. "He didn't mean it personally."
[20:51] <@Kotono> "Grrr..." Helena actually growls, sounding more like an animal than a yuki-onna. She balls her fists up even tighter and closes her eyes, breathing quickly. She then exhales massively, "Fine," she says calmly, "Are we done with the pest?"
[20:53] <@Erad> "...Helena, are you all right?" Erad says. "This is rather unlike you."
[20:54] <Annerose> "No, it really is. There's just something about T-- what did he actually do to you?"
[20:54] <@Kotono> "It's nothing," Helena replies coldly, going to her bed and lying down. "You're welcome to share this one once the thing's dealt with, since yours is ruined."
[20:56] <@Inari> "We need to get the help in to change the sheets and pillows," Inari says, not wanting to sleep in a room stinking of devil urine. "So what are we going to do with the little fellow anyway? He seems so harmless but we can't have him running off to tell his master of T's plans."
[20:57] <@Erad> "He gave us the information he asked for." Erad says. "I leave the matter up to you."
[20:59] <@Inari> "Alright, you're sleeping with Rock and Erad," Inari says since Erad gave her responsibility for his fate. "We'll let you go tomorrow."
[20:59] <@Kotono> Rock's outside and thus doesn't comment, while Helena seems more concerned with trying to go to sleep.
[20:59] <@Kotono> "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" The imp quickly says, "Thank you!"
[21:00] <@Inari> "Just remember that honesty pays," Inari nods virtuously, picking the imp up and handing him off to Erad.
[21:00] <@Erad> Erad shakes his head and takes the Imp. "You'd better behave. And there better not be any more of you waiting in our room."
[21:00] <Annerose> The imp will probably never know how close he came to dying via magic missile, the most painless method she could think of.
[21:01] <@Kotono> OOC: Anything else there?
[21:02] <@Inari> OOC: I need some maids to change Annerose's bed
[21:02] <@Kotono> OOC: Can be handled OOC easily enough.
[21:02] <@Inari> OOC: done
[21:03] <@Erad> OOC: Erad will stay up to wait for T and so the imp doesn't run off.
[21:04] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[21:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+21
[21:04] <Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=16]
[21:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:04] <Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d100=29]
[21:05] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+25 (+9 inspiration)
[21:05] <Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=16]
[21:06] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+13
[21:06] <Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d20=10]
[21:06] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+30 (+9 inspiration)
[21:06] <Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=3]
[21:06] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+21 (+9 inspiration)
[21:06] <Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=14]
[21:06] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+21
[21:06] <Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=5]
[21:07] <@Kotono> Night is passing. Annerose suddenly wakes up, shakes all through her body. She's shivering like she hasn't since she was a human, cold all over. The bad sort of cold, the sort of cold that comes with thickness in your throat and a snuffed up nose. She lies in her bed, unable to do anything but shake for several minutes.
[21:07] <@Kotono> roll 1d4 Strength damage
[21:07] <Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 4 > [d4=4]
[21:09] <Annerose> "Inari," she groans. "Helena. Are you awake?"
[21:10] <@Inari> Inari sits up in her shift, reaching up to push hair out of her face. "What's wrong Annerose?" she asks, looking around and sniffing for any foreign scents that could herald an attack.
[21:10] <@Kotono> Inari can smell it - the scent of sickness, of mucus and fever, radiating from Annerose.
[21:10] <Annerose> "I can't sleep," Annerose complains. "I must be ill! Again. I'm cold. Again!"
[21:10] <@Kotono> Helena makes a groan and rolls over, an incoherent sound.
[21:11] <@Inari> "Oh my! I'll take care of that for you Annerose," Inari says, shifting out of her bed and approaching Annerose, a quick casting of panacea enough to see her right as rain once more.
[21:11] <@Kotono> OOC: What's panacea do?
[21:11] <Annerose> "Oh thank you," Annerose moans. "It's so terrible, not being able to sleep at night!"
[21:12] <@Inari> OOC: see #e
[21:12] <@Kotono> The sickness leaves Annerose, flecks of black rising from her body and fading away. Afterwards she just feels achy, her entire body sore. But she still feels much better.
[21:13] <@Inari> "Think it was something you ate?" Inari asks guardedly, watching those flecks manifest themselves and vanish.
[21:14] * Annerose awkwardly climbs out of her bed, giving it a distrustful look. "Either that or they changed the sheets badly. Can I sleep with you instead?"
[21:16] <@Inari> "Of course, there's plenty of room," Inari says cheerfully. "I'm just going to give the boys a quick check in case they've caught anything though," she says, slipping out to visit the neighbouring room.
[21:17] <@Kotono> Inari goes out. As she approaches the door, she sees T strolling on towards it. "Oh hi, Inari. Great timing." He hefts a sack, "Good news."
[21:17] * Annerose lethargically moves to Inari's bed and tries to fall asleep again despite all the aches.
[21:18] <@Inari> "You can tell everyone in the morning, but I'm glad to see you safe," Inari smiles at T. "I'm just checking up on Erad and Rock - Annerose has come down with a sickness and I'm worried it's from the food we ate."
[21:20] <@Kotono> "I feel fine," T says, throwing the door open. "Wake up, Inari needs to check you for sickness. Annerose got it already."
[21:21] <@Erad> Erad glances over at the door, apparently deep in a conversation about the merits of morality with the imp. "Huh? I feel fine... but perhaps I'm immune to whatever it was?"
[21:22] <@Inari> "You don't need to wake them up, I can tell from their breathing," Inari says, unhappy about disturbing their peace. "Glad to hear it Erad," she whispers, taking a glance at Rock. Of course anything that could upset a troll's stomach would surely have done far worse to Annerose.
[21:22] <@Kotono> Rock seems fine, snoozing away. Nto a hint of sickness on him.
[21:23] <@Erad> "Would you mind checking Helena, just to be safe? Despite what Annerose said, she still seemed off to me." Erad says.
[21:23] <@Inari> "All clear. Goodnight everyone," Inari says, ducking back out and going to join Annerose in bed. Hopefully she hasn't hogged the covers.
[21:24] <@Inari> "Alright, it's no real trouble," Inari says to Erad as she departs, casting panacea on the sleeping Helena before resuming her own slumber.
[21:25] <@Kotono> Come morning, the party gathers in the ladies inn rooms. Annerose still aches in the morning, entire body feeling battered and sore. It hurts to move. T's kicked back on a chair, a sack on the table in front of him. "So the short version is that I got it done. All the evidence is in there. Grimoires, incriminating components, records of diabolical contact, enough for anyone to say he's guilty."
[21:26] <@Erad> "Did he just keep it laying around...?" Erad asks with some surprise.
[21:26] <Annerose> "So let's go to the authorities," Annerose says, staying in bed where it's warm and nice and restful.
[21:26] <@Inari> "Guilty by what standard though?" Inari asks. "We all remember the bankers in Misty Harbour with their succubus maid, yes? And the demon that attacked the church. Can someone actually be convicted for this sort of thing?"
[21:27] <Annerose> "He can be if T tells Maggen that he hates Aurilites."
[21:27] <@Kotono> "Exactly. I got some evidence of that, too," T says, "I'm sure thing'll work out then."
[21:29] <Annerose> "Just one thing. Do the documents implicate anyone who was only duped? Or is anyone there guilty by our standards, too?"
[21:29] <@Inari> "And we know what will happen to him once we point Maggen his way, right?" Inari clarifies. "Are we really willing to inflict that on someone?"
[21:32] <Annerose> "Good point," Annerose admits. "Do we know when he leaves town?"
[21:32] <@Kotono> "Not a soul," T says, "It's guilt all the way down. Ugly business."
[21:32] <@Erad> Erad folds his arms, probably with the imp in tow. "Ethically, I don't see a lot of options here. This guy is very clearly a bad individual... but... what is he actually doing with all of it?"
[21:34] <@Inari> "We could blackmail him?" Inari suggests. "Only threaten to reveal the documents in exchange for him cleaning up his act?"
[21:35] <Annerose> "The smiling man is scarier, and does this for a living. We couldn't compare."
[21:35] <@Erad> Erad makes a face at that. "Perhaps that's a better use of what we have, then. We find a way to get to Smiles through Alystar."
[21:39] <Annerose> "So our options are to let the authorities kill the guilty, try to reform them and get at the instigator, or kill them ourselves, with the documents as protection from the law?"
[21:43] <@Erad> "I'm all for the latter options. I'm curious as to what his motivations have been -- if they've just been to get at Maggen and Auril, I can't say I'm opposed." Erad says. "But if he's been summoning denizens of Hell to do his bidding... Well. It's entirely possible that this is like Umba, isn't it?"
[21:44] <Annerose> "T just said it's not."
[21:45] <@Erad> "It isn't like his writings would say 'And then today I was visited by a man who made me evil,' you know."
[21:46] <@Kotono> "Yeah, but still," T says, "Ugly business."
[21:47] <@Kotono> "We need to make a choice before Alystar realizes he failed and takes measures. Or he notices what T took." Helena poitns out. "We don't have the luxury of time."
[21:47] <@Inari> "We may as well confront him," Inari says. "We shouldn't leave this behind us, and either he can be reasoned with or he starts summoning devils to kill us and we have to defend ourselves."
[21:47] <@Erad> "Well, either way. I think a visit is in order." Erad says. "We can return this, too." Erad shakes the imp lightly.
[21:47] <@Erad> "Yes, I agree with Inari. Either way we put an end to it."
[21:50] <@Kotono> OOC: So your plan is to go pay him a visit?
[21:51] <@Inari> OOC: lets
[21:52] <@Kotono> Snow. Only a light snowfall today, the weather viciously cold. Pleasant for Annerose and Helena, less so for the others. Alystar's mansion is on the outskirts of town, a building new and regular. It's all one place instead of being added onto over the years, the same design of brick and wood. There's no gate, but a large lawn with a cobblestone path leading to the front. Stables are on the sides.
[21:53] <@Inari> Trusting Erad to keep a hold of the imp, Inari walks up and knocks on the front door.
[21:55] <@Kotono> A serving man opens the door, looking the party over - and staring at the imp, dumbstruck a moment. "...what?"
[21:56] <@Inari> "Hello, we're here to see the master of the house," Inari says, smiling winsomely at the doorman. Hopefully he doesn't slam it in their faces. That didn't work out well for the last doorman to try it.
[22:00] <@Kotono> "Yeah, tell him he'll know why or can guess. Oh, and tell him if he tries anything stupid, it'll go even worse for him. He's no dragon." T says, smiling.
[22:01] <@Kotono> "C-come in," he offers, leaving the door open and hurrying away.
[22:01] <@Inari> "Thank you," Inari walks in and follows him.
[22:02] <@Erad> Erad will follow suit.
[22:02] * Annerose trails behind them, keeping cold and aloof and not revealing just how tired being out here makes her.
[22:04] <@Kotono> Inside the front room is a display of glass cases. Each has various bits of leather in it along with some writing. Looks mostly showy, the servant having ran off to deeper in the mansion.
[22:05] <@Inari> Inari doesn't stop to gawk and hurries after the servant, confident he'll lead them straight to Alystar.
[22:05] <@Erad> "Beats the fire and brimstone, huh?" Erad says to the imp.
[22:11] <@Kotono> "Too cold," The imp mutters, as the party follows. You're lead a few rooms in, to a dining room. Here a man exactly like the imp eats, a few children eating with him. They're making noise about this or that, "S-sir," the serving man interrupts, "There's people here to see you urgently."
[22:12] <@Kotono> The big man - he is indeed quite tall, an aging warrior that's still mor emuscle than fat - looks up and frowns deeply. He closes his eyes, "Very well. Take the children with you. Go with Samuel." He instructs, voice brooking no disagreement, "Now."
[22:12] <@Kotono> *exactly like the said
[22:14] <@Inari> "Hello, Alystar? Or is it Alistair? I'm not very confident in our little friend's diction," Inari says by way of greeting. "I'm sure you know who we all are."
[22:14] <@Kotono> Once the children are gone, "I know," he says, rather grimly, "What do you want, ice dogs?" He stands, wary.
[22:15] <Annerose> "We are not," Annerose says slowly, "following Auril in any way. That does not, however, mean we support what you and your friend with the nice smile have been up to."
[22:16] <@Inari> "Well we'd like to clear up a misconception first of all," Inari says, "None of us serve Auril. In fact we rather despise her and those who follow her. Also sorry about what happened to your cows? We didn't exactly ask for that feast, but refusing wouldn't have worked well I think."

[Corwin]

[20:00] <@Kotono> "Yeah, see, not everyone who lacks body heat follows Auril. Funny thing, that." T says, "We're more of freelancers who have an unfortunate resemblance to Aurilites. Sort of like how you have an unfortunate resemblance to a respectable, upright businessman. Gets right in the way when you sell your soul for power, doesn't it?"
[20:02] <@Erad> "It's been a while since that confusion's sprung up." Erad says with a shrug. "Either way, you can either believe us or not, but the fact that we didn't just walk in and start murdering you and your family should probably speak for itself."
[20:03] <@Kotono> There's a long, tense pause before he says, "Fine. le'ts say you don't serve her. What do you want then?"
[20:04] <@Inari> "We want to know all about your smiling friend, for starters."
[20:06] <@Kotono> That gets a slight squirm from him, shifting before he says, "And if I don't?" he asks, guardedly.
[20:07] <Annerose> "Why do you ask questions the answers to which are already known to you?"
[20:10] <@Kotono> "Yeah," T drawls, going on over next to Rock, "Don't think all the imps in Hell are going to help you when Rock gets annoyed."
[20:11] <@Erad> Erad just stays silent, still holding onto Impsy.
[20:11] <@Kotono> He considers for a little before nodding curtly. "He just appeared one day. He knew what I was trying, I don't know how. He showed me exactly what I was doing wrong and made sure I completed the summoning pacts. I don't know his name, his face or anything. Only that he smiled all the time, like a damned jester. I spent maybe 3 or 4 hours with him and then he was gone. When he explained it, I
[20:11] <@Kotono> immediately saw the mistakes I made and how to fix them."
[20:13] <Annerose> "Why would you even want to summon devils?" Annerose asks, not quite ready to move past that part.
[20:15] <@Erad> "Yes, there are many better and less contemptible ways of getting at Auril and someone like Jack Maggen." Erad adds.
[20:20] <@Kotono> "Power, what else? Hell has the fires to melt winter," The man says, coolly. For a moment flames dance around his hands and he smiles sickly. "Auril threatens to freeze this world solid. No. I will set it ablaze instead. Let the searing flames of order set all aright. Maggen's a bastard. All of them are self serving bastards who live on family and care nothing for talent. But Hell cares about
[20:20] <@Kotono> talent. You rise as far as you can rise there on your own talents. It's fair, better than this bloated mess of a corrupt kingdom."
[20:21] <Annerose> "Burning the village down to save it. Sounds like Hell's philosophy, alright, if you ignore the saving part," Annerose muses. "So to hate Maggen, you must know a lot about him?"
[20:22] <@Kotono> Helena frowns deeply, "That's not the right way."
[20:22] <@Erad> Erad reaches up with his free hand to rub his forehead.
[20:23] <@Kotono> "Hold on," T says, "How many would die in these 'searing flames of order'?" He drawls that part, scowling, "You know what the problem with revolutions are? Past all the pretty talk, you fill the graveyards many times over."
[20:24] <@Inari> Inari can't help but admire his revolutionary fervour, even if his patrons are a bit misplaced. "Fire and frost are both aberrations, it's the temperature in the middle that allows for the most fruitful kingdom, assuming you're not just speaking of metaphorical flames," she says. "But really Auril and Hell are as bad as each other, you should channel your energies towards something more productive."
[20:28] <@Kotono> "I know enough. Know his nickname?" Alystar says coldly, "He earned it just like the stories say. If people have to die to stop him and his cronies, so be it. They die to make a better world. This?" Alystar sweeps his hand aside, "If all of Allam must become a bonfire to save Malana, then let every soul in it burn in hellfire and brimstone! Fill all the graveyards 90 times over, for in the end,
[20:28] <@Kotono> the middle means nothing. Only revolution and Hell can save Malana."
[20:29] <Annerose> "And your lovely family? Are they going to be the first victims for your glorious cleansing of Malana of people?"
[20:29] <@Inari> "It means everything to the people dying for your ambition," Inari retorts sharply.
[20:30] <@Erad> "I think the saying 'two wrongs don't make a right' is appropriate here." Erad says.
[20:35] <@Kotono> "Yeeaaaaaah," T drawls ever so slowly, "So hey, you're angling for a nick name like Silver, right? How about bonfire? Or murderer? Or child killer?" T says, glaring at him.
[20:37] <@Kotono> The man sticks his chin out and challenges, "Well, what are all of you going to do about it?" he asks right back, "Kill me like you killed those dragons?"
[20:38] <Annerose> "Your choices right now are to be killed by us, to be killed by Maggen or to change your ways and work towards a better Malana without mass murder or devils. Which path would you choose?"
[20:39] <@Kotono> The man stands straight, flames around his hands. "I've made my choice and cast my lot," he says defiantly, looking Annerose in the eye, "Tjere
[20:39] <@Kotono> OOC: Gha.
[20:39] <@Kotono> The man stands straight, flames around his hands. "I've made my choice and cast my lot," he says defiantly, looking Annerose in the eye, "There's no turning back from this."
[20:40] <@Kotono> The imp nods quickly, thought doesn't say anything.
[20:40] <@Erad> "You don't get a say in this." Erad says, glaring at the imp.
[20:40] <Annerose> "And I'm saying there is, in fact, turning back from this," Annerose tells him patiently.
[20:40] <Annerose> "You've made the wrong choice before."
[20:41] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+13 K:P for Helena
[20:41] <Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=17]
[20:41] <@Kotono> The yuki-onna's eyes narrow, "You made an actual soul pact, didn't you? Not just consorting with devils, you sold your soul for more."
[20:43] <@Erad> "Oh for..." Erad mutters.
[20:43] <@Inari> "Whatever they paid you it wasn't enough," Inari sighs. Why would anyone sell their soul? It's like agreeing to become a slave.
[20:43] <Annerose> "You know how Hell says all sales are final? That, too, is not quite true," Annerose points out. "Whyever would you want to speed up going to Hell over actually trying to save both Malana and your soul?"
[20:43] <@Kotono> Them imp scowls, "He chose the winning team. It doesn't matter if you kill him here, he's getting a cushy spot afterwards. The pact's signed, sealed and delivered. You can't do anything to save him."
[20:44] <Annerose> "A cushy spot in the some pit of torture for a nice century or two?"
[20:45] <@Inari> "Oh yes, you'll be his boss when he ends up down there won't you?" Inari glances at the imp. "Lovely."
[20:46] <@Inari> "I should add that your friend there wet himself on our pillows last night."
[20:46] <@Kotono> "Nonsense, he'll be a..." The imp begins, before sputtering at Inari's words.
[20:46] * Annerose grimaces. "It was pretty nasty."
[20:46] <@Kotono> "Be a what? An erinyes? A barbazu? Something like that?" Helena challenges.
[20:47] <@Kotono> "I will be an erinyes, the power of fire mine to command," Alystar retorts, before grimacing, "You wet yourself?" It seemst o momentarily take the wind out of him entirely.
[20:48] <@Kotono> "Oh yeah," T comes on over, patting the imp on the head, "Pissed himself like a baby, right over poor Annerose's bed. All it took was one look from Annerose and he was terrified. Just terrified."
[20:50] <Annerose> "I won't help you if you refuse to try helping yourself," Annerose tells Alystar. "But if you do change your mind, Malana needs people who care about it."
[20:54] <@Kotono> "Shut up," the imp squirms, and suddenly...
[20:54] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+8 AC EraD?
[20:54] <Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d20=15]
[20:56] <@Erad> OOC: 21
[21:00] <@Kotono> roll 1d4 and Fort
[21:00] <Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 3 > [d4=3]
[21:02] <@Erad> roll 1d20+13 (+2 since I presume this is also an evil thing) mettle
[21:02] <Penuche> Erad invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=13]
[21:03] <@Kotono> OW! The imp's tail lashes out, stinging Erad in the forearm. OOC: Act, y'all.
[21:05] <Annerose> "The devil won't be trying to shut us up if the contract was final and there was nothing you could do," Annerose notes, thinking Erad has the matter firmly in hand so long as the imp hasn't escaped his grasp. "It wouldn't be doing that if it didn't think there's hope you'll reconsider your bad choices, either."
[21:06] <@Erad> Erad makes a face at that. "Are you serious?" He mumbles as he uses his other hand to get a better grip on the imp so it also can't bite him, trying to hold it in place.
[21:07] <@Inari> "The fact is, we admire your ideals," Inari says, dismissing the imp as a threat. "Too few people are willing to stand up to the rot that's taken hold of Malana. But your methods don't live up to your goals."
[21:07] <@Kotono> OOC: CMB.
[21:08] <@Erad> roll 1d20+11
[21:08] <Penuche> Erad invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d20=16]
[21:14] <@Kotono> Got him. Erad pins his tail and covers his mouth, preventing any more problems. "My methods can work. What can you do?" Alystar challenges back.
[21:15] <@Erad> "...Did you forget about the dragon-killing part already?" Erad asks with some surprise.
[21:15] <@Inari> "We stopped the war between Malana and Kabath," Inari supplies helpfully. "And yes, those dragons were ritualistically murdering people in your hometown for years and you didn't do a thing about it! We did."
[21:16] <Annerose> "Kill dragons, obviously," Annerose agrees. "Negotiate, which is how the war was ended in a way that it won't restart any time soon. Investigate, which is how we're here in a position of strength. We can actually save Malana, and not by killing everyone."
[21:19] <@Kotono> "Yeah. See, we're going to sort this shit out," T says, "You can either get out of this devil shit, and I'll bet you anything there's a way for you to save yourself, or Rock pays you a visit. Your call."
[21:20] <@Erad> "You're a merchant, right? Aren't there always... what are they called, loopholes?" Erad says.
[21:27] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a diplo check here, whichever of you three has the highest. Other two can aid. -5 circumstance penalty.
[21:28] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2 diplomatic brick aiding
[21:28] <Penuche> Erad invokes Penuche's magic: < 15 > [d20=13]
[21:29] <@Inari> roll 1d20+20 I think Annerose matches me but I'll take the lead
[21:29] <Penuche> Inari invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=11]
[21:29] <@Inari> OOC: -5 on that so 26
[21:30] <Annerose> roll 1d20+20-5 aid
[21:30] <Penuche> Annerose invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d20=2]
[21:34] <@Kotono> Something about it seems to get through. It might be your words, the bound imp or Rock's glare. It's probably Rock actually, as his eyes linger on him. The imp makes a squaking noise, words stopped by Erad and movement held. "Loopholes," he murmurs.
[21:35] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+19 K:R T -1 inspiration spent
[21:35] <Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d20=8]
[21:35] <@Erad> "I'm being extremely merciful with you right now." Erad says quietly to the imp. "Give me another reason not to be."
[21:36] <@Kotono> "Yeah, loopholes," T says, casually. "Turns out there's a cosmic one out there called atonement. Make it right and that can make it right. It'll get you out of Hell, sure as anything."
[21:36] <@Kotono> OOC: Intimidate, Erad. +5 circumstance.
[21:36] <@Erad> roll 1d20+7 scary dragon
[21:36] <Penuche> Erad invokes Penuche's magic: < 11 > [d20=4]
[21:40] <@Kotono> The imp's not stopping, but you have a solid grip on him. Meanwhile Alystar is briefly quiet, considering.
[21:43] <@Inari> Inari is quiet as well, letting him think over his options. She really doesn't want to kill a father with his children in the next room, so she hopes he chooses well.
[21:44] <Annerose> "As for Malana's wellbeing, you're not the only one who thinks Maggen and Auril are in the wrong," Annerose voices, to bring the other reason for him to reconsider up once more. "You've had time to investigate him and his network. We know a thing or two as well. Imagine how things might go if we pooled our resources."
[21:46] <@Erad> "We'd put in a good word with you and Lord Househaven if you renounced your misdeeds and made amends for them." Erad adds. "Good deeds deserve to be rewarded."
[21:50] <@Kotono> There's a long pause until he says, "How do you plan to get Maggen?"
[21:51] <@Inari> "Very carefully," Inari admits, pursing her lips. "Due to some ill chosen words in front of Knight Windor, any accident befalling him would almost certainly throw suspicion straight onto our heads. However, Aurilites are fond of forebidding mountainous regions. A better opportunity might present itself when he returns to his own fief."
[21:53] <Annerose> "Or should he head out to examine the dragon's cave as he indicated."
[21:53] <@Kotono> "I hear Maggen's leaving in a week or so, once the new Lord comes to town," he says, "Right back to his mountains."
[21:54] <@Erad> "It would be awful if some bandits or something got to him on his way back." Erad says.
[21:54] <@Inari> "We're headed there regardless," Inari goes on. "We don't want any rituals conducted there to make this winter even fiercer so they'll be stopped regardless of whether we chance upon Maggen in some remote mountain pass."
[21:57] <@Kotono> "I'm not sure what Lord it'll be," Alystar says, "But I hear a week is the expected time. He'll be right off after that."
[21:59] <@Erad> "We could leave the same day the Lord arrives and wait for Maggen." Erad says. "Though I suppose he might expect that."
[22:01] <@Inari> "I think getting a head start would be preferable," Inari says. "The only question is, can we leave our friend here behind?"
[22:03] <@Inari> She looks at Alystar when saying 'our friend' sparing no further thought for the imp. So it should be clear from context who she speaks of!
[22:03] <Annerose> "We do have certain documents in our possesion," Annerose muses.
[22:09] <@Erad> "Well, it may be best to remove what I would imagine is a bad influence." Erad says, jiggling the imp some.
[22:11] <@Kotono> "...If you're going after Maggen, we have no quarrel," he says.
[22:13] <@Inari> "That's nice, but I'm more worried about the next poor soul you send the legions of hell after," Inari says, folding her arms across her chest as her golden tails wave lazily behind her. "We'd like assurances... or else we'd have to keep an eye on you."
[22:15] <@Kotono> "I won't," he says, and quickly, "I give my word."
[22:16] <@Erad> roll 1d20+14 Sense motive to see if he's just trying to get rid of us?
[22:17] <Penuche> Erad invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d20=9]
[22:17] <@Inari> roll 1d20+16 I haven't sensed someone's motives for ages
[22:17] <Penuche> Inari invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=14]
[22:17] <Annerose> "In that case what's left is for you to work on a plan that helps Allam's townspeople rather than preparing for less savory things," Annerose muses.
[22:21] <@Kotono> He seems fairly on the level now - tense and pressed, but honest.
[22:21] <@Inari> "I think that's as good as we're going to get," Inari says, glancing at her friends before regarding Alystar once more. "Your heart's in the right place, but good intentions aren't enough these days. Try to be a man your children can be proud of, not one they'd be scared of."
[22:21] <@Erad> "You're the one who summoned him --" Erad gestures the imp towards Alystar. "What do you want to do with it?"
[22:23] <@Kotono> There's a pause - a long pause, before he says, "Dispose of it."
[22:24] <@Erad> "Here you go, Rock." Erad tosses the imp at him.
[22:33] <@Kotono> What happens next is ugly and unpleasant, but soon there is one less imp.
[22:35] <@Erad> "I would suggest you find someone in town who can absolve your sins." Erad says. "Before they send something after you."

[Corwin]

[20:04] <~Kotono> A bit of time passes as the party sells off their goods and prepares for the next leg of the trip. But unfortunately it is not all good. Inari has to depart suddenly, citing trouble at her old shrine and hurrying off. It is Pess 35 and based on what you heard, Jack Maggen is likely leaving town soon. OOC: This is very much a situation where the ball is in your court. Possibly ambushing him was
[20:04] <~Kotono> an option brought up. Up to y'all if you pursue that or choose to simply continue your trip or engage in some other option.
[20:06] <@Erad> OOC: I'm all for making sure he doesn't get back to his cronies in his mountains myself, but I'm open to suggestions on how to approach the matter.
[20:07] <~Kotono> OOC: Up to y'all, and if you wanna talk about this IC or OOC.
[20:09] <@Annerose> OOC: Let's talk IC
[20:11] <~Kotono> It's the guy's inn room. T's sitting on his bed, arms crossed. Rock's staring out the window, while Erad stands. Helena sits, shiled on her lap and says, "So, have we come to a decision yet?"
[20:12] <@Annerose> "The least bad choice is dealing with him now," Annerose says. "I'd like to hear ideas on how to accomplish that."
[20:14] <@Erad> "The easiest is to simply attack him when he's far enough away from the city that his lackeys can't help him." Erad says. "There aren't that many different ways he could go to leave, so I doubt we'd need to do much in terms of finding a spot to wait. I think he's too arrogant to believe we'd even try something like that."
[20:14] <~Kotono> "That assumes he doesn't have magic to cheat," T says, "We should plan with that in mind, too. But if so, keep it basic. Monitor the routes, dive in and do the deed. Something we can abort if it doesn't work or he no shows. But if we commit, we need to be sure he can't get away."
[20:17] <@Erad> "Hm... flying we can deal with." Erad says. "Invisibility, maybe? I don't really have anything that can stop that."
[20:17] <~Kotono> Helena considers, "We can't count on snowy weather helping us, so that's one advantage of ours we can't rely on," she says, "I can't do anything about that, either."
[20:18] <~Kotono> "I can," T says, "At least for myself. Now 'nari cou-" T stops and grimaces, "Nevermind that. I can, but it only works for myself. Still, having someone to point him out helps. So have some options like fireballs and the like that you don't need to be precise with."
[20:20] <@Annerose> "So we bet on a route we think he will take and go for an ambush?" Annerose muses. "I don't see how I could be of much use directly against him. But if he does bring friends, that's another thing."
[20:22] <@Erad> "I doubt he travels by himself." Erad says with a glance at T. "Do you know, by any chance?"
[20:23] <~Kotono> "Easy question, of course he doesn't. Any Lord's going to hae a retinue. You know those soldiers in that armor we got? I've seen about a dozen of them around, not to mention assorted hanger ons and probably a few hidden Aurilites." T shrugs, "Numbers won't be on our side unless he's a damned idiot."
[20:26] <~Kotono> "Hmm, we need something to help then," Helena admits, "Can we lead them into something that gives u the advantage?"
[20:27] <@Annerose> "We'll have the advantage if he goes to look into the dragon's lair. We know the place and the real lair has some nice advantages for Erad, right?"
[20:28] <@Erad> "It's entirely possible he might." Erad says. "Hm... we can't set up anything because we can't be sure where he's going. That's the hard part."
[20:29] <@Annerose> "Let's gamble on him taking the bait. If he doesn't, we'll wait for another chance."
[20:29] <~Kotono> "That is the problem," T admits, "So we go all in on that, and just continue on if it misses?"
[20:30] <@Annerose> "If people hate him here enough to plot against him to the point of summoning fiends, there's bound to be opposition at his seat of power as well. That could be our next opportunity."
[20:31] <~Kotono> "Alright then," Helena agrees, "Then let's do this. We'll need to leave soon to make sure we make there before he does, and enough time for new snow to cover our tracks."
[20:31] <@Erad> "I can stay behind and see if I can spot him, if you want." Erad says. "If he goes in another direction, I can catch up to everyone pretty easily. I also doubt they'd really notice me if I fly high enough."
[20:35] <~Kotono> "That'll work," T says after some thought, "Sounds like our best plan to get him."
[20:35] * @Annerose nods. "T, coming up with the actual ambush will be up to you. Just tell us how to arrange things."
[20:38] <~Kotono> "We'll need to get there, but..." OOC: Tob e clear, you mean the collapsed cave or the real lair for this? I want to be sure since it's been a bit.
[20:39] <@Annerose> OOC: The real one. I think he didn't buy what I said at the time and will find it.
[20:42] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, so when are all of you minus Erad going?
[20:42] <@Annerose> OOC: Now
[20:45] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, Annerose in here and Erad in #evildunes. One moment.

---

[20:56] <~Kotono> OOC: What's your plan here for keeping an eye on Maggen?
[20:57] <@Erad> OOC: Just hang around town until his assumed cavalcade of evil leaves, then fly up to see which direction they're going in. Probably follow them for half an hour or an hour high up to see if they change directions for whatever reason and then go from there.
[20:58] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay. how close an eye are you going to keep on him? Like watching his residence or just hanging around town and picking up the gossip
[20:58] <~Kotono> ?
[21:05] <@Erad> OOC: Just listening to the gossip, he's a big enough thing that surely people are going to talk about him leaving
[21:08] <~Kotono> OOC: Make a gather info check.
[21:10] <~Kotono> OOC: Er, diplo check, but you know what I mean.
[21:11] <@Erad> roll 1d20+5
[21:11] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{14}
[21:13] <~Kotono> It's not hard. Pess 35 passes easily enough and Pess 36 begins. Erad's enjoying a tavern's morning special - porridge and watered ale - when he hears, "Well, at least he's finally going," drifts over from a nearby table.
[21:16] <@Erad> Erad glances over. People talk against him that publically? He'll linger a bit just to hear more.
[21:23] <~Kotono> It's two peasants, chatting away over a breakfast identical to Erad's. "Yeah," the other said, "But you know Lords, they stay as long as they want."
[21:28] <@Erad> Erad nods. It's good that there are enough people against him. Either way, it looks like it's time for him to go, so he will do so.
[21:31] <~Kotono> OOC: What's your plan now?
[21:33] <@Erad> OOC: Just wait around for the group to leave, not much else to do
[21:35] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, make another GI check tos ee how successful you are, we'll roll with that.
[21:40] <@Erad> roll 1d20+5
[21:40] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{19}
[21:41] <~Kotono> Fortunate is Erad, for he finds it quickly. Jack Maggen and company are heading out. A dozen honor guards, several more men on horses and a trail of functionaries and aids. Over two does total, heading on down and south east instead of north towards the dragon's lair.
[21:50] <@Erad> Erad will let them go, before he will exit the city afterwards and then take to the air to tail them, hopefully high enough that he's not noticable.
[21:55] <~Kotono> OOC: How high up?
[22:01] <@Erad> OOC: Hmm... let's go with 2000 feet and see what things are like.
[22:04] <~Kotono> Ah, up in the sky. Erad is up in the cloudy, cold day and flying along. Like this you can see Maggen's caravan heading along on the roads that eventually lead to the Whitepack Mountains. You can't see anything like detail here, but it does seem like they're going there and not looping around or anything. OOC: How long are you going to follow them?
[22:05] <@Erad> OOC: Half an hour before I'll head back for the others.
[22:05] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay. Over to #dunes.

---

[20:49] <~Kotono> Thus, Annerose and company head north once more, back to the lair. (More)
[20:49] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:51] * Kobot (~dunefar@ip68-10-229-242.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
[20:52] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:52] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=19 ]{19}
[20:52] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:52] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=96 ]{96}
[20:53] <~Kotono> Pess 35 passes easily enough. As you settle in for the night, "How do we want to do watches now?" T asks.
[20:55] <@Annerose> "Split it with Helena for now, until Erad rejoins us. Rock and I will be fresh in case we need to fight."
[20:57] <~Kotono> T grumbles but doesn't argue, the two settling in. Annerose's sleep is deep and she dreams of beautiful, snowy mountains. They rise up, great slopes towards marvelously snowcapped peaks. She just wants to - eh? "Wake up!" T's voice stirs Annerose, "Trouble!"
[20:59] <@Annerose> Perhaps contrary to her original claims, Annerose is not particularly fresh while woken up in the night. "Whtsrng," she mumbles, blinking owlishly.
[21:00] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+8 vs 19
[21:00] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 vs 19 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{18}
[21:01] <~Kotono> The clang of metal on metal is Annerose's reply. Through the haze of sleepiness, she can vaguely hear something or another about combat. Rock roaring or something.
[21:02] <@Annerose> Through a supreme effort she forces her eyes to open and take in the situation, casting Light upon her shield in the process.
[21:04] <~Kotono> A man in black leather and face mask is dueling T. The man uses a rapier while T's dodging, Rock charging out from the wagon. Nearby Helena's also waking up, muttering something like, "Mgharghla?" OOC: Init here.
[21:05] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+5
[21:05] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{25}
[21:07] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6 T
[21:07] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 T --> [ 1d20=4 ]{10}
[21:07] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Helena
[21:07] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Helena --> [ 1d20=6 ]{12}
[21:07] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+1 Rock
[21:07] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+1 Rock --> [ 1d20=9 ]{10}
[21:07] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6 man in black
[21:07] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 man in black --> [ 1d20=16 ]{22}
[21:07] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(25)>Man in Black(22)>Helena(12)>Rock=T(10)'
[21:07] <~Kotono> OOC: Open.
[21:08] <@Annerose> Someone is attacking them, so without so much as a thought Annerose strikes at him with her magic while sleepy doubles appear all around her.
[21:08] <@Annerose> roll 1d4+3 greater mirror image as swift
[21:08] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d4+3 greater mirror image as swift --> [ 1d4=2 ]{5}
[21:09] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+11 ranged touch, ray of dizziness, will DC 24
[21:09] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+11 ranged touch, ray of dizziness, will DC 24 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{27}
[21:10] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:10] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{22}
[21:10] <~Kotono> OOC: That makes him one standard or one move, right?
[21:10] <@Annerose> OOC: Correct
[21:13] <~Kotono> The man in black wobbles like a top, taking a lunge at T.
[21:13] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+8 vs 19
[21:13] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 vs 19 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{24}
[21:13] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+8 vs 19 crit
[21:13] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 vs 19 crit --> [ 1d20=13 ]{21}
[21:14] <~Kotono> roll 2d6+10+3d6+2d6 ow ow ow ow ow
[21:14] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6+10+3d6+2d6 ow ow ow ow ow --> [ 2d6=12 3d6=14 2d6=8 ]{44}
[21:15] <~Kotono> Unfortunately, T's big plan seems to be catching the rapier with his shoulder. As he's impaled deeply, Helena looks up and glowers. "It's too early for this," she says, crawling ot the side and aiming a cone of cold, only just grazing the man in black and missing T entirely.
[21:15] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+9 evasion unfortunately Ref is his strong save
[21:15] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 evasion unfortunately Ref is his strong save --> [ 1d20=2 ]{11}
[21:15] <~Kotono> roll 9d6 full fortunately he bombed the save
[21:15] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 9d6 full fortunately he bombed the save --> [ 9d6=33 ]{33}
[21:16] <~Kotono> The cold gets him right in the side, freezing him partially and making him stumble. This gets T the chance, pouncing on the wounded man in black.
[21:17] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+13
[21:17] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{15}
[21:17] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[21:17] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{23}
[21:18] <~Kotono> roll 1d4+3 nonlethal
[21:18] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d4+3 nonlethal --> [ 1d4=1 ]{4}
[21:18] <~Kotono> T clubs him upside the head, knocking him back a little more - and right into Rock's charge through the snow.
[21:19] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+15 (+2 charge, +2 rage, -4 PA)
[21:19] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 (+2 charge, +2 rage, -4 PA) --> [ 1d20=6 ]{21}
[21:19] <~Kotono> roll 1d6+16
[21:19] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+16 --> [ 1d6=5 ]{21}
[21:20] <~Kotono> Oh, Rock gets him alright. He plunges his claw right through the man's chest, coming out and almost hitting T. The masked man stiffens and slumps, Rock tossing him aside into the snow with a low growl. OOC: Free act.
[21:21] <~Kotono> T clutches his wounded shoulder with a grimace, "Y'know," he says with a weak grin, "I think the quality of assassin's going downhill in Allam. That really wasn't a very good job."
[21:21] <@Annerose> "How bad is it?" Annerose asks T in concern. "Can you heal yourself?"
[21:22] <~Kotono> A flash of light comes from T's shoulder, "Yeah," he says. OOC: 1 use of op, 21 hit poitns healed. It's factotum level * 2 + Int mod.
[21:24] <@Annerose> Mollified by that, Annerose goes to check on the would-be assassin.
[21:24] <~Kotono> He's dead. Having most of your chest torn out does that, don't you know. The snow around him is bloody and his rapier is lying nearby.
[21:25] <@Annerose> That's something she expected, so Annerose checks for anything he was carrying and for any magic.
[21:26] <~Kotono> Searching him finds a coin bag, his leather armor (damaged and bloodied), a scroll and his rapier. You can take any of them that you wish.
[21:26] <~Kotono> Helena comes on over, "Must've been too cocky or thought he could get T quickly."
[21:27] <@Annerose> "The one stab he managed was more than enough," Annerose mutters. "Not to mention some people probably don't keep a watch." She takes a look at the scroll, in hopes it sheds some light on the assassin.
[21:30] <~Kotono> The scroll has a list with the following names: Erad, Inari, Annerose, T, Rock, Helena. A crude sketch of each follows, as well as of your wagon. Each has a few notes. Erad: Dragon man, unarmed fighter, flies. Inari: Healer, pole fighter, eliminate first because healer. Annerose: Mage, spells, bring cold protection. T: Thug, knife fighter, smart but not as smart as he thinks. Helena: Waif, shield
[21:30] <~Kotono> maiden, cold tainted. Rock: Troll. Avoid/ignore.
[21:31] * @Annerose glances at T with a smile.
[21:31] <~Kotono> T's poking his mostly healed shoulder, another flash of healing light. OOC: 21 more healing, should top him off.
[21:32] <@Annerose> "Whoever sent this man thinks you're a thug," Annerose voices. "Then again, their advice is to ignore Rock. I don't see how it's a good idea to ever ignore Rock."
[21:35] <~Kotono> "Charming," T drawls, "Don't suppose it told us who sent him?"
[21:36] <@Annerose> "Someone who takes pleasure in putting you down, so it doesn't narrow the field much, I'm afraid. They don't know as much as they thinks, at least."
[21:38] <~Kotono> "Well, at least it's something." T remarks. OOC: Anything else here, going to take any of his stuff for looting?
[21:38] <@Annerose> OOC: If it's not magical I'll leave it behind and just take the scroll.
[21:40] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay then.
[21:44] <~Kotono> The rest of this night passes uneventuflly. Come morning everyone rises, finding PEss 36 cold and cloudy. No snow falls as everyone quietly eats breakfast. "Got one thing out of this - we need to invest in more healing," T says, "Inari isn't here to take care of that anymore."
[21:46] <@Annerose> "I thought about that myself," Annerose admits gloomily. "Maybe stop by a temple and see if any acolytes want to travel the world?"
[21:47] <~Kotono> Helena sighs as well, "I liked traveling with Inari for a lot of reasons, but that's the one part of her we can't easily replace. We need to find something or buy a lot of healing."
[21:48] <~Kotono> "Worth a shot," T says, "Maybe we'll find someone."
[21:50] <@Annerose> "If we don't, I'll take care of it," Annerose promises. She's been neglecting that side of her training, but if the need is great enough she'll amend that.
[21:56] <~Kotono> "Yeah," T says, "C'mon, let's get going."
[21:58] * @Annerose nods.
[22:06] <~Kotono> It's about lunch time of an uneventful and cold day. The party's just settling inw hen you can see Erad flying in from above. OOC: Ga ahead, y'all.
[22:06] <~Kotono> OOC: Go, even.
[22:06] <@Erad> "They're heading back towards the mountains." Erad explains. "Unless they saw me and it's all a ruse or something, but that seems unlikely."
[22:08] <~Kotono> "Damn," T says, "I was hoping he'd be nice enough to make it easy on us."
[22:09] <~Kotono> Helena sighs a little, "Unfortunate, but at least we know. I wonder why he didn't go himself?"
[22:11] <@Annerose> "Let's just put it aside for now, then. We'll take another route and distribute food to those who need it."
[22:12] <~Kotono> "Right," T says, "So we going to turn around and get this show moving? Winter's still not even here for a few more days, so we still have a lot of miserable weather ahead."
[22:16] <@Erad> "We don't have many other options." Erad agrees.

[Corwin]

[20:04] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d100 travel random
[20:04] <Kobot> Infinite_Ko_Loop rolled 1d100 travel random --> [ 1d100=5 ]{5}
[20:04] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d100 travel random
[20:04] <Kobot> Infinite_Ko_Loop rolled 1d100 travel random --> [ 1d100=1 ]{1}
[20:04] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d100 travel random good subtable
[20:04] <Kobot> Infinite_Ko_Loop rolled 1d100 travel random good subtable --> [ 1d100=76 ]{76}
[20:06] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> Pess 38 is bitterly cold and overcast, yet not a single flake of snow falls. You're making your way back past Allam and to the roads towards Maggen's lands when you come on something on the side of the road. It's a rather massive tent, colored a bright red and standing out amid the snow.  A sign is by the entrance.
[20:06] * @Annerose takes a closer look at the sign!
[20:09] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> IT reads in Common, 'Come in one and all to my celebration!'
[20:10] <@Erad> "I'm not really sure we have the time for something like this." Erad says with a glance at the tent. "It does seem a bit odd to be sitting out here, though..."
[20:11] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Really odd," T seconds, "We've seen stranger, but this is up there."
[20:11] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "But now I'm curious," Helena says, "Do you think it could be some sort of trap?"
[20:14] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Might be," T says, "But it's odd, no matter what. Anyone feel like risking it?"
[20:14] <@Erad> "Probably." Erad says. "Well, I suppose we're obligated to at least investigate it."
[20:14] <@Erad> "If it is a trap, we can't have regular citizens bumbling into it."
[20:15] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yeah, yeah," T says, sighing a bit and going on in.
[20:16] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> After a moment's consideration, Helena looks to Annerose and asks, "Are we going to follow him?"
[20:17] <@Erad> Erad goes after T after putting the wagon to the side of the road.
[20:18] <@Annerose> "We're not splitting up," Annerose finally decides, after thinking about it for a short while.
[20:22] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> The group goes in. Inside is a large space, cleaned up and warm. Warm! Warm as a late spring day, and you can almost feel the sunshine on you. Gaming tables are spread out - roulette wheels, card tables, games where balls are pulled from giant tumblers and stranger ones yet. Coming from seemingly nowhere is a middle aged man, barrel-chested and fit. He wears rich clothes of crimson and a mantle.
[20:22] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> He claps his hands once before he says, "Well there's some visitors! I'm Ahmed, a traveler from far beyond stranded here. I deal in games, chance and gambling. Tell me, are any of you gamblers?"
[20:23] <@Annerose> "I've gambled," Annerose is all too happy to agree, looking around to see who else is present.
[20:24] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> Just the four of you and the man right now. "I know my way around some games," T says easily enough, sighing, "Damn, it feels good in here. Auril's having a hissy fit this season."
[20:25] <@Erad> Erad merely shakes his head.
[20:26] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Well, if you're game, we have virtually any game here." Ahmed says, "I'll take almost any wager. Coin, goods, magic, anything."
[20:26] <@Annerose> "What are the terms?"
[20:28] <@Erad> "How exactly did you come to get stranded here, anyway?" Erad asks, suddenly realizing that this doesn't exactly add up.
[20:30] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Was on the losing end of a bet with a compatriot," Ahmed sighs deeply, "Such are the whims of fortune. But we must make the best of it that we can." Clapping his hands together again, "You bet something and you get an equivalent and equal payout if you win. If you lose, the house takes your bet."
[20:32] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> T glances at the others, "Could be good, but never bet what you can't afford to lose."
[20:34] <@Annerose> "I'd like to bet information," Annerose tells Ahmed. "A reasonably short question answered to the best of one's ability."
[20:36] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "That's unusual," Ahmed admits, "At least for mortals, but you aren't really  mortals, are you?" Ahmed chuckles, "Why not?" He heads on over to one of the tables, a roulette wheel. "The game is simple. I place this ball in play," he holds up a small white ball, "And it ends up in a slot. There's many ways to play this, but we'll keep it simple for a simple bet. Choose odds or evens."
[20:37] <@Annerose> "Odds for me," Annerose says, glancing at the others. "Anyone else care to place a bet?"
[20:38] <@Erad> "And I'm sure this particular game is in no way rigged in anyone's favor?" Erad asks, obviously not sounding like he thinks it's fair at all.
[20:38] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I'll take odds as well," Helena says.
[20:38] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> T promptly sighs at that, "Use your brain, Helena. If you want to get information out of him, then bet even. It has to be one of those unless it ends up a 0."
[20:38] <@Annerose> "I think there is a slight advantage to the house, as designed," Annerose tells Erad. "Due to what T had just pointed out."
[20:39] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Ahem. Due to the nature of this bet, the house restricts it to one bet only." Ahmed clears his throat.
[20:39] * @Annerose smiles in amusement. "Then the bet has been placed. Let's see whether luck favors me."
[20:40] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d37 37 is 0, just fair warning
[20:40] <Kobot> Infinite_Ko_Loop rolled 1d37 37 is 0, just fair warning --> [ 1d37=19 ]{19}
[20:41] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> Round and round the wheel goes...and with a soft tink tink tink, it finally ends up in 19. "Odds, player wins," Ahmed announces smoothly.
[20:42] <@Annerose> "I'm curious about many things," Annerose admits, "though the one question I would like answered honestly is whether you have hurt or killed anyone here, or plan to do so in the future. That quite affects whether I'll make another bet~"
[20:44] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Not at all," Ahmed says, "Of course, if I'm attacked..." he spreads his arms out, "That's just defending myself."
[20:45] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Can't fault there," T says, "Adventurers the world over know that Aurilites and Umberlants just happen to fall onto your sword all the time. It's an ongoing tragedy."
[20:45] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> *fault that
[20:46] <@Annerose> "Oh, certainly," Annerose agrees. "Shall we play another round?"
[20:46] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Very well," Ahmed agrees, "State your wager."
[20:47] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Evens," T pipes up, "I have this one."
[20:47] <@Annerose> "Oh, I'm keeping my wager. It's the most interesting thing I could win, wouldn't you say?"
[20:47] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> Ahmed looks between the two and smiles gently, "I believe the lady is still playing," he says, "Very well then. Odds again?"
[20:48] <@Erad> Erad folds his arms. This is harmless, if frivolous, fun.
[20:48] * @Annerose glances at T and then shrugs slightly. "Very well, far be it for me to prevent others from enjoying themselves. It's up to you, T."
[20:49] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "As you wish. T then, odds." The ball is put back into play...
[20:49] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d37
[20:49] <Kobot> Infinite_Ko_Loop rolled 1d37 --> [ 1d37=24 ]{24}
[20:49] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Evens he said, excuse me.
[20:49] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> Round and round it goes, eventually plopping down into 24. "Player wins," Ahmed announces.
[20:51] <@Annerose> "Aside from Lord Househaven, who do you think might be good allies for helping better the nation and its citizens?" Annerose asks Ahmed curiously. "You've come across all sorts of people, and seem like the well-traveled sort."
[20:51] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> T smirks, considers and says, "Do you have any knowledge beyond what you know or means of gathering it? I'd like ot know for possible future questions."
[20:53] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I will answer both in a way," Ahmed decides, "I cannot answer Annerose's question, as I have no source of knowledge beyond my own experiences. I am no seer. I do not know Louse Househaven so I do not know who would be a good ally for him."
[20:55] * @Annerose blinks, peering at Ahmed. "My fame must have traveled far and wide if you've heard of me, then."
[20:59] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Strike his mention of your name, I though it was said but I had it mixed up with another's. My fault. Goa head and redo your line, Annerose.
[21:00] <@Annerose> "Disappointing, but to be expected," Annerose muses.
[21:02] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Another wager?" Ahmed then asks.
[21:02] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Say, what would Erad get if he bet that staff of his?" T pipes up.
[21:03] <@Annerose> "I'm actually good," Annerose says, smiling at Ahmed as she shakes her head. "It's not the same if I'm not gambling to improve someone's life or to impoverish criminals."
[21:04] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yeah," T smiles, a hint of sadness to it. "I remember when Inari and I went to take care of that."
[21:04] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I would have to see the staff," Ahmed says. "Any more wagers?"
[21:05] <@Annerose> "It was brief but fun! But I think I'd like to go and enjoy the cold outside," Annerose responds. "Unless someone else would like to have a go?"
[21:06] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I'm good," T says, Helena likewise shaking her head.
[21:07] <@Erad> "What were you celebrating, anyway?" Erad asks. "Or was that just an attractor?"
[21:08] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Why, my coming to this place," Ahmed laughs, "Is that not a good reason to celebrate?"
[21:08] <@Erad> "Not if you lost a bet." Erad says.
[21:10] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Hah," Ahmed claps his hands together, "Speaking of that,  if there are no further bets?"
[21:11] <@Erad> "I'm not much for games of chance." Erad says.
[21:12] <@Annerose> "It looks like there aren't. Have a pleasant day," Annerose concludes, heading out.
[21:12] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Ready to move on then, all?
[21:12] <@Annerose> OOC: Yes
[21:15] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> The next two days of travel are unremarkable. You head on the road towards Luremdale and ultimately Arenel, the weather staying dark but snow and ice free. But the few feet of snow on the ground barely melts, the sun not being seen. Pess 40th begins with scything winds blowing, T shivering, "You know," he says over breakfast, "Tomorrow's the first official day of winter."
[21:16] <@Annerose> "You could always try transforming in a blizzard."
[21:17] <@Erad> "I'm sure all of this nonsense has been a plan put in place long ago by Maggen and his cronies." Erad says. "I bet you that those stupid goblins that attacked Ailan probably had something to do with it somehow, too."
[21:20] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "More reason to get going," T rolls his eyes at Annerose and goes on, "But honestly, am I the only one worried something's going to happen tomorrow? The weather's been threatening snow the last few days."
[21:20] <@Erad> "Even if we worry about it, what are we going to do?" Erad asks. "We're not druids who can control the weather on a whim."
[21:21] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I knew I missed my calling," T snaps his fingers. "Point is that I want us to be ready in case something happens."
[21:22] <@Annerose> "Ready how?"
[21:22] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Just ready," T says, "Better than being blindsided by something happening."
[21:23] <@Erad> "Well, let's assume it'll be another horrible storm that summons monsters." Erad says. "We'll just be prepared to deal with them."
[21:24] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> "If it happens, we'll deal," Helena says, "We always have before."
[21:24] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: REady to move along then, y'all?
[21:24] <@Annerose> OOC: sure
[21:28] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> The day passes, barely any sunlight making it through at all. Come evening the party settles in...OOC: Watches?
[21:29] <@Annerose> OOC: Erad/T/Helena?
[21:29] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Sounds like a plan.
[21:30] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> The party settles in for the night. Erad has first watch and it's unremarkable, just about ready to go rouse T and get some sleep. Then - hm? A snowflake lands on his hand, then another and another. OOC: Make a Listen check. Er, perception, dur.
[21:35] <@Erad> OOC: Okay
[21:35] <@Erad> roll 1d20+16
[21:35] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{29}
[21:37] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> Erad swears he hears the rustling of something heavy above him.
[21:39] <@Erad> OOC: Is he away from the wagon itself or sitting in it?
[21:40] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Near it.
[21:41] <@Erad> Fucking... Erad extends his wings to pull himself back 30 feet while looking up to see what it is!
[21:42] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> Looking up, the skies are clear save for snow falling. It's starting to snow, alright.
[21:45] <@Erad> That's not heavy at all... Is it something invisible? He'll look around at the snow and see if there's any sign of anything.
[21:45] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Perception.
[21:47] <@Erad> roll 1d20+16
[21:47] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{22}
[21:47] <@Erad> OOC: 90 ft darkvision if it matters
[21:48] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> Erad doesn't notice anything awry. If anything, he's fairly sure nothing's around but new falling snow.
[21:50] <@Erad> He lets out a breath and goes to wake T up, but he does so very slowly. Something's still not quite right...
[21:50] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> T's awoken without incident, "I'm up, I'm up," he groans, sitting up. "All quiet?"
[21:51] <@Erad> "I could've sworn I heard something heavy. Heavier than snow." Erad says. "But I can't see anything. So if it's there it's biding its time."
[21:51] * Candy (~Kallen@207-210-181-180.cpe.skymesh.net.au) Quit (Ping timeout)
[21:52] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> 'Right," T says, getting up quickly. "I'll keep an eye out."
[21:52] <@Erad> "I'll stay up for another hour, just in case." Erad says.
[21:53] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> From here another hour passes. It's quiet, a slow snowfall and nothing else. No sign of further creatures that either of you hear.
[21:54] <@Erad> Erad will go to sleep then, confident that T will shout if anything shows up.
[21:57] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> Meanwhile, Annerose sleeps. She's drifting along in a blizzard, content in a dream-like, hazy way. Yet her attention begins to focus, awareness coming in a strangely sharp way. 'Turn away. Beg forgiveness.' A voice whispers into her ear, 'Join the winning side. The kingdom will be yours to rule.' The voice is strangely voiceless, heard and yet no sound. Nothing to identify it. 'Complete the task
[21:57] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> and ensure the rise.'
[21:58] <@Annerose> "Task?" she asks in confusion. "What task?"
[22:03] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> 'Bow,' The voice says, 'Beg for forgiveness. Recant.'
[22:06] * @Annerose yawns. "How did I get here?" she wonders out loud. "Where is here?"
[22:07] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> It looks like a blizzard alla round you. 'Recant or be melted,' The voice says. 'Only death lies ahead, otherwise.'
[22:07] * Candy (Candy@207-210-181-180.cpe.skymesh.net.au) has joined #dunes
[22:07] <@Annerose> "I don't think so."
[22:08] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> With a startle, Annerose awakens. She blinks, the sounds of morning stirring her. Helena putting on her armor, T fixing up some dinner, Erad doing stretches.
[22:09] * @Annerose sighs, not feeling very rested.
[22:16] <~Infinite_Ko_Loop> From there, the party continues on towards Arenel, another step towards meeting Jack Maggen. Annerose's sleepiness dogs her, but only she goes, another day in this long winter going. OOC: It's close to pause time, so let's pause here.

[Corwin]

[19:55] <~Kowork> You begin to travel on the first day of winter, gentle snows falling. It's surprisingly restrained despite the date, gentle snowfall that you just glide over easily. As noon approaches...OOC: Make a Will save, Annerose.
[19:56] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+7
[19:56] <~Kowork> OOC: I cast summon miko.
[19:57] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@cpc1-sgyl37-2-0-cust111.18-2.cable.virginm.net) has joined #dunes
[19:57] <~Kowork> OOC: Go for it.
[19:57] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+7
[19:57] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 1d20+7 --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{15}
[19:58] <~Kowork> T goes a little ahead, "Not much in the way of breaks or inns ahead, so we may as well camp and eat, or eat on the go," he says.
[19:58] <~Kowork> "Yeah," Helena says, "I'm getting hungry anyway."
[19:59] <@Annerose> "Camping makes sense," Annerose agrees. "It's far more comfortable to eat that way."
[20:00] <~Kowork> "See, Annerose gets it," T grins, starting to slow down. As the party prepares to make camp and get lunch going...OOC: Quick refresher, do any of you have supernatural senses beyond darkvision and low-light vision?
[20:00] <@Erad> OOC: Besides something like detect evil, no
[20:01] <@Annerose> OOC: afraid not
[20:01] <~Kowork> T makes camp and gets a little fire going after clearing out some snow with the shovel. He's working away as...OOC: Set up what each of you is doing then.
[20:02] <@Annerose> She's just as terrible at preparing food as she is on watch, but the former is unlikely to kill them and so Annerose participates while being careful to steer away from the fire.
[20:02] <@Erad> Erad will take to the sky while the preparations are made, just to ensure nothing sneaks up on them.
[20:03] <~Kowork> Helena takes a seat on top of the snow, lying back as she lets snow slowly cover her. Not a flake melts when it hits her. OOC: Listen checks, everyone but Erad.
[20:05] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+2 this is why I don't take watches
[20:05] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 1d20+2 1,0this is why I don't take watches --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{11}
[20:05] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+13 T
[20:05] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+13 1,0T --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{26}
[20:05] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+14 Helena
[20:05] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+14 1,0Helena --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{21}
[20:05] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+10 Rock (+10 circumstance bonus)
[20:05] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+10 1,0Rock (+10 circumstance bonus) --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{22}
[20:06] <~Kowork> T's just starting to cook when he perks up, "Hey, did anyone hear that?
[20:07] <~Kowork> "Hear what?" Helena looks up from where she lies.
[20:08] <@Annerose> "The pleasant sound of falling snow?"
[20:09] <~Kowork> "I thought I heard-" And then the ground beneath the four of you erupts out, all of you tossed aside abruptly. OOC: Acrobatics checks cna be made here to help with the sudden toss and fall.
[20:09] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+16 T
[20:09] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+16 1,0T --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{26}
[20:09] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+17 Helena
[20:09] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+17 1,0Helena --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{24}
[20:09] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+1 Rock
[20:09] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+1 1,0Rock --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{15}
[20:10] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+5 this is not my thing either
[20:10] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 1d20+5 1,0this is not my thing either --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{11}
[20:11] <~Kowork> roll 1d6 damage to Rock and Annerose
[20:11] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d6 1,0damage to Rock and Annerose --> 6,0[ 1d6=4 ]4,0{4}
[20:12] <~Kowork> OOC: Nonelthal to rock since regen.
[20:12] <@Annerose> OOC: DR
[20:13] <~Kowork> OW! Annerose is tossed end over end, landing 20ft away. The other three do the same, at least all of them save Rock manage to land gracefully. It erupts out - a massive snake two dozen feet into the air, snow white and with a pair of pincers below a massive mouth. The worm's bigger around than any of you, much bigger. From Erad's perch 100ft up from the party, he can see it all happen. OOC:
[20:13] <~Kowork> Init, then any of you can make K:A checks once all the init rolls are done.
[20:13] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+6 T
[20:13] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0T --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{19}
[20:13] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+6 Helena
[20:13] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0Helena --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{23}
[20:13] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+1 Rock
[20:13] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+1 1,0Rock --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{8}
[20:14] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2
[20:14] <Rei-chan> 6,0Erad rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{7}
[20:14] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+4 worm
[20:14] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+4 1,0worm --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{11}
[20:14] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+5+5
[20:14] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 1d20+5+5 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{30}
[20:14] * Kowork changes topic to 'Annerose(30)>Helena(23)>T(19)>Worm(11)>Rock(8)>Erad(7)'
[20:15] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+14 K:A
[20:15] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 1d20+14 1,0K:A --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{28}
[20:16] <@Erad> roll 1d20+5 K:A
[20:16] <Rei-chan> 6,0Erad rolled :6,0 1d20+5 1,0K:A --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{23}
[20:17] <~Kowork> Erad and Annerose both know what this is - a frost worm. They tunnel through ice and dirt to ambush creatures. Watch out - they can emit a trilling that leaves creatures unable to move or act, though shaking the affected creature can help them shrug it off. Also, they have a powerful frost breath weapon and explode when slain. Annerose also knows cold is worthless and fire massacres them.
[20:21] <~Kowork> OOC: Go Annerose.
[20:21] <@Annerose> "My food!" Annerose exclaims in pique, frost surrounding her like a fog. Her shield flew who knows where and she hadn't put her armor yet, so she feels entirely too exposed-- she fixed that by summoning mirror copies of herself to overlap her body. "It's a frost dragon worm, it can breathe cold and dies to fire like all sensible things!" she calls out to the others even as snowflakes around her convert to throwing stars and unerringly seek out the worm's hide!
[20:21] <@Annerose> roll 4d4+4 magic missile
[20:21] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 4d4+4 1,0magic missile --> 6,0[ 4d4=9 ]4,0{13}
[20:22] <~Kowork> Magic missles pelt it all over as T calls, "Right," and Helena scowls. She rears back and charges it, fearlessly.
[20:22] <@Annerose> roll 1d4+3 greater mirror image
[20:22] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 1d4+3 1,0greater mirror image --> 6,0[ 1d4=3 ]4,0{6}
[20:22] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+18 (+2 charge, +1 ab, +1 terrain)
[20:22] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+18 1,0(+2 charge, +1 ab, +1 terrain) --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{37}
[20:23] <~Kowork> roll 1d6+9+2d6
[20:23] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d6+9+2d6 --> 6,0[ 1d6=5 2d6=5 ]4,0{19}
[20:24] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+14 vs stun, too big to trip
[20:24] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+14 1,0vs stun, too big to trip --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{33}
[20:24] <~Kowork> Helena leaps up and hits it right in the middle, knocking its upper body back from the impact. She slides down, opening up a cut on it as magic missiles plet it. Then...OOC: T.
[20:25] <~Kowork> "Okay, you wanna play it like that, "T retreats back 30ft, pointing, "Bye!" A fireball streaks from his finger, exploding behind the worm, getting it but not Helena.
[20:25] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+9 REf
[20:25] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+9 1,0REf --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{27}
[20:26] <~Kowork> roll 9d6 halve this then 1.5 for weakness
[20:26] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 9d6 1,0halve this then 1.5 for weakness --> 6,0[ 9d6=34 ]4,0{34}
[20:26] <~Kowork> roll 17+8
[20:26] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 17+8 --> 4,0{25}
[20:26] <~Kowork> Snow bursts into steam from the fireball, leaving a flash of it all around. The worm lets out a high pitched cry, before a soft, gentle trilling comes from it. So quiet, so lulling, so...OOC: Will saves, all. Mind-affecting enchantment.
[20:27] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+7
[20:27] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 1d20+7 --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{14}
[20:28] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+7 T 5/7 inspiration left
[20:28] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+7 1,0T 5/7 inspiration left --> 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{9}
[20:28] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+7 Helena
[20:28] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+7 1,0Helena --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{17}
[20:28] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+12 Rock, naturally he's the Willy one
[20:28] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+12 1,0Rock, naturally he's the Willy one --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{17}
[20:29] <@Erad> roll 1d20+15 (+2 if this counts as an evil attack and +2 also if this creature is chaotic or evil) mettle
[20:29] <Rei-chan> 6,0Erad rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0(+2 if this counts as an evil attack and +2 also if this creature is chaotic or evil) mettle --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{26}
[20:30] <~Kowork> Annerose goes slack, unable to do anything but listen. Likewise T, but Helena shakes her head and clears it, while Rock roars in anger. The troll does not approve, charging over the snow to tacklebite the worm.
[20:30] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+19 (+2 charge, +2 rage, clawing actually but details)
[20:30] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+19 1,0(+2 charge, +2 rage, clawing actually but details) --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{27}
[20:31] <~Kowork> roll 1d6+12
[20:31] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d6+12 --> 6,0[ 1d6=1 ]4,0{13}
[20:32] <~Kowork> He leaps onto it and claws away, snarling anger and taking bites of the worm's frozen flesh. It's bleeding and shaking as...OOC: Go Erad.
[20:33] <@Erad> Erad flies down within 50 ft. of the creature and wields the Draconic staff! "Ixen caex!" He shouts! Hopefully this works just like it did against them!
[20:33] <@Erad> roll 8d6 fire, DC 20 reflex halves
[20:33] <Rei-chan> 6,0Erad rolled :6,0 8d6 1,0fire, DC 20 reflex halves --> 6,0[ 8d6=27 ]4,0{27}
[20:34] <@Erad> OOC: Oh SR applies if it has any
[20:34] <@Erad> OOC: The CL is 15 in that case
[20:35] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+9 Ref
[20:35] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+9 1,0Ref --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{19}
[20:35] <~Kowork> roll 27+18
[20:35] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 27+18 --> 4,0{45}
[20:35] <~Kowork> A great gout of fire htis the frost worm dead on, its trill stopping as it cries in absolute agony. It's burned and blackening all over, as....OOC: Trill lasts 1d4 rounds after it ends, rolling now.
[20:36] <~Kowork> roll 1d4
[20:36] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d4 --> 6,0[ 1d4=3 ]4,0{3}
[20:37] <~Kowork> Helena continues to attack, shouting, "Careful with that fire!"
[20:37] <@Erad> "That's why I'm up here and not down there!" Erad shouts.
[20:37] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+15 (+1 terrain)
[20:37] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0(+1 terrain) --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{26}
[20:37] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+10
[20:37] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+10 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{22}
[20:37] <~Kowork> roll 1d6+8
[20:37] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d6+8 --> 6,0[ 1d6=5 ]4,0{13}
[20:37] <~Kowork> roll 1d6+8
[20:37] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d6+8 --> 6,0[ 1d6=6 ]4,0{14}
[20:38] <~Kowork> Helena plummels it more, tearing it apart with shield bash after shield bash. Rock is also on it, an unending fury as it struggles as the tables are so abruptly turned on it.
[20:39] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+17 (+2 rage) claw 1
[20:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+17 1,0(+2 rage) claw 1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{28}
[20:39] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+17 (+2 rage) claw 2
[20:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+17 1,0(+2 rage) claw 2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{24}
[20:39] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+12 bite
[20:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+12 1,0bite --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{16}
[20:39] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+12 tail
[20:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+12 1,0tail --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{19}
[20:39] <~Kowork> roll 1d6+12+1d6+12+2d6+18+1d8+6
[20:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d6+12+1d6+12+2d6+18+1d8+6 --> 6,0[ 1d6=2 1d6=5 2d6=3 1d8=7 ]4,0{65}
[20:41] <~Kowork> Rock leaps up, crawling up the thing and ripping with hands and feet. He goes up to its maw and rips a pincer off shoving it into the beast's skull. It begins to fall over before it shatters, thousands of ice shards spraying about like lethal daggers. OOC: Ref all, everyone's in range. Rock doesn't dodge since he gives zero fucks since cold doesn't break his regeneration.
[20:41] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+9 (+3 4/7inspiration) T
[20:41] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+9 1,0(+3 4/7inspiration) T --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{27}
[20:42] <@Erad> roll 1d20+12 (+2 more blahblah if it's evil) improved evasion
[20:42] <Rei-chan> 6,0Erad rolled :6,0 1d20+12 1,0(+2 more blahblah if it's evil) improved evasion --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{30}
[20:42] <~Kowork> roll 1d20+9 evasion Helena
[20:42] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d20+9 1,0evasion Helena --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{12}
[20:45] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+13
[20:45] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 1d20+13 --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{32}
[20:45] <~Kowork> roll 12d6 cold, T half, Rock full and nonlethal, Helena none since immune, Erad none since evasion, Annerose none since cold immune more damage incoming from the piercing part, DR applies to the piercing but not the cold.
[20:45] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 12d6 1,0cold, T half, Rock full and nonlethal, Helena none since immune, Erad none since evasion, Annerose none since cold immune more damage incoming from the piercing part, DR applies to the piercing but not the cold. --> 6,0[ 12d6=36 ]4,0{36}
[20:46] <~Kowork> roll 8d6 piercing, T half, Rock full and nonlethal, Helena full, Erad none, Annerose half
[20:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 8d6 1,0piercing, T half, Rock full and nonlethal, Helena full, Erad none, Annerose half --> 6,0[ 8d6=36 ]4,0{36}
[20:48] <~Kowork> The blast leaves the party frozen and bloodied, but the worm is most pointedly dead. "Ow." T says, completely deadpan. OOC: Free act.
[20:49] <~Kowork> Rock falls to the ground with a thump, already healing.  He picks up as hard of ice and loudly chews on it.
[20:49] <@Annerose> "Oh!" Annerose exclaims, coming out of her trance as her images shakes their heads in tandem. "The frosty dragon worm explodes when you kill it with fire."
[20:49] <@Erad> Erad flies down to check on the corpse to see if there's anything (somehow) of any use within it.
[20:51] <~Kowork> "A bit late there," Helena groans, wincing as she pulls out an ice spike from her arm. She's bleeding, "T, could you?"
[20:51] <~Kowork> "Fine," T grimaces, taking out a little sketch of a fox, "Gather round, gather round, for it's fox healing time!"
[20:51] <@Annerose> "I don't know why, but my mind drifted!"
[20:51] <~Kowork> roll 5d6 turning, daily use of op
[20:51] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 5d6 1,0turning, daily use of op --> 6,0[ 5d6=13 ]4,0{13}
[20:54] <~Kowork> As your wounds heal, Erad doesn't find much expect a lot of ice shards. The entire thing broke apart. There's a long, deep tunnel where it went, already starting to look unstable.
[20:55] <@Annerose> "Thank you, T," Annerose says, casting the grounds a look before shaking her head again. "Food's lost and I'm not hungry anymore. Let's go find a better spot."
[20:55] <@Erad> Erad shakes his head and flies over to everyone. "I've only done this once before and it leaves me drained, but here." He takes a breath, as if steeling himself for something. "Irisv kepesk!" He holds the staff up. OOC: This is the healing one
[20:56] <@Erad> roll 2d8+15 heals for everyone but our dragon hero
[20:56] <Rei-chan> 6,0Erad rolled :6,0 2d8+15 1,0heals for everyone but our dragon hero --> 6,0[ 2d8=2 ]4,0{17}
[20:57] <~Kowork> "Yeah," T seconds, "Figures Auril had to ruin our day. I hope you choke on Umberlee's cock, Auril," he shouts, "You hear me?"
[20:58] <~Kowork> "Not helping," Helena retorts, "And I'm not even going to touch the rest of that."
[20:58] <@Annerose> "Are we sharing wishes?" Annerose asks curiously, looking up towards the sky. "In that case, my heartfelt wish is that you die alone and forgotten, Auril."
[20:59] <@Erad> "I wonder how annoyed she gets every time one of her creatures ends up dead." Erad reasons as he goes to heal himself from the damage he caused... to himself.
[20:59] <~Kowork> "Lots," T says, "We're racking up a pretty good body count of ice servants."
[21:00] <@Erad> "Well, as much as I'm sure we'd like to finish our meal, it's probably best to get away from that hole before it collapses and causes us to get stuck." Erad says.
[21:01] * @Annerose shrugs. "They made bad choices about their lifestyle."
[21:05] <~Kowork> OOC: Ready to move on y'all?
[21:06] <@Annerose> OOC: Yeah
[21:06] <@Erad> OOC: yar
[21:08] <~Kowork> roll 1d100
[21:08] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=52 ]4,0{52}
[21:08] <~Kowork> roll 1d100
[21:08] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=77 ]4,0{77}
[21:09] <~Kowork> Nearly a week of travel passes. Soon the party is coming towards Luremdale on Pess 49, a cold and icy day. You're at a grand intersection on the roads, "We can go northeast here and stop in Luremdale, or continue on southeast and then hook south towards Arenel."
[21:10] <@Annerose> "I want to stay at an inn again," Annerose announces. "Luremdale it is."
[21:11] <@Erad> "Do we really have the luxury of stopping?" Erad asks. "Or are we just giving up on the idea of catching Maggen before he gets back?"
[21:13] <@Annerose> "I'd prefer to seize an opportunity presenting itself, or creating one myself if it doesn't happen," Annerose responds. "He can't possibly predict those or guard against them, whereas he would be foolish not to be prepared against our attack right now."
[21:16] <@Erad> "I suppose it's as you say, if there are people within a completely random city that want to kill him, his home base of operations is probably crawling with them." Erad says with a nod.
[21:17] * @Annerose nods herself. "Not to mention plots he himself must be running. If we learn of them, we could disrupt them or take advantage of them to get to him. Besides, if a map with a secret way into the Dynast's palace exists, something might let us get quite close to Maggen as well."
[21:19] <~Kowork> "Mmmm," T considers and nods, "Alright then, unless there's any objections, we're heading to Luremdale."
[21:21] <@Annerose> "Yes!"
[21:24] <@Erad> "We may as well see how things are going there." Erad says as he turns the wagon in that direction and sets off.
[21:25] <~Kowork> roll 1d100
[21:25] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kowork rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=76 ]4,0{76}
[21:28] <~Kowork> Ah, Luremdale. You return and get a good inn right away, the party settling in and cleaningup. You get your dinner in your room, everyone settling in. It's then that Erad hears a voice in his mind. 'I am Cylen. Emmia inspired me. I want to meet you. Where are you?'
[21:30] <@Erad> Erad looks around. "Uh... ...can anyone else... hear... that?" Erad asks aloud. He isn't entirely sure how to respond -- quite literally, in fact, so he tries to answer in his mind by stating the answer there, unsure if that will actually work.
[21:31] <@Annerose> "Hear what? I don't even hear the falling snow when indoors."
[21:32] <~Kowork> "Huh?" T comes out of a daydream, "Say something?"
[21:32] <~Kowork> Helena looks up from going through her pack, "Id idn't hear anything."
[21:32] <~Kowork> OOC: What's the answer you said in your mind, Erad?
[21:33] <@Erad> OOC: The name of the inn and the room number they're in.
[21:34] <~Kowork> OOC: Okay.
[21:34] <@Erad> "I heard a voice." Erad explains. "Apparently someone who Emmia inspired."
[21:35] <~Kowork> "That's different," T remarks, "I didn't think she had met anyone in that house of hers."
[21:35] <@Annerose> "It could happen after."
[21:35] <~Kowork> "Huh, I guess," T says, as there's a firm knock on your door.
[21:38] <~Kowork> Helena looks up, "Speak of the devil?" she murmurs, going up to get it.
[21:40] <~Kowork> A hooded and cloaked man is there. "Are you the Torch Bringers?" he asks right away, face hidden.
[21:41] <@Erad> Erad smiles. "Yes, that's us. Come in, Cylen."
[21:41] <@Annerose> "Why are you hiding your face?" Annerose asks curiously.
[21:49] <~Kowork> Cylen enters and pulls down his hood. His skin is chalk white, his hair the same. His eyes glow faintly with light, "I am not human," he announces, "That is why." He's tall and large, looming even dressed like he is.
[21:49] <~Kowork> "That would be why," T says, "Rather obvious now."
[21:49] <~Kowork> "Quite," Helena echos.
[21:50] <@Annerose> "Neither are we," Annerose responds, adding quietly, "Except T."
[21:50] <~Kowork> "Still the original model," T grins and thumps his chest.
[21:51] <~Kowork> He nods to all and then to Erad he greets in Draconic, "Hail and well met, dragonborn."
[21:52] <@Erad> Erad smiles and responds in Draconic. "Thank you for making the trip to see us." He switch back to Common afterwards. "Do you mind telling us how you came to know Emmia? We didn't know her very long, but she was... extremely kind and helpful to us."
[21:53] <~Kowork> He nods, and in Common he says to Annerose, "Yes, but a moment. You serve a dragon as well, do you not?"
[21:54] <@Annerose> "That's right," she responds, not seeing a reason to hide it.
[21:56] <~Kowork> "Emmia said this world is on the brink of dying. I came to help," Cylen replies, "I am a servant of Celestia who happened to meet Emmia's spirit. Little more than a child resting and playing, yet she recalled the kindnesses you gave her at the end of her suffering. The hope you gave her that this corrupt world may yet find the light. I came to this world to look myself, and I see naught but
[21:56] <~Kowork> darkness, save for the torches you have lit. Fires that fight valiantly against the uncoming winter of endless night."
[21:56] <~Kowork> *incoming
[21:58] <@Annerose> Annerose's eyebrows climb pretty high at that admission. "You came here from Celestia? Wait, of course you did. And a child? I suppose because children are innocent and carefree, and that's a type of reward for dutiful worshippers? I'm glad Emmia is happy, then!"
[21:58] <~Kowork> "We've met fiends and their works. It's nice to meet the other side," Helena points out, "It's about time!"
[22:00] * @Erad (~Nephrite@97-97-130-179.res.bhn.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[22:00] <~Kowork> "She is," Cylen confirms, voice quiet. "But worry not about it. The affairs of this life and this world are your concern."
[22:02] * Erad (~Nephrite@97-97-130-179.res.bhn.net) has joined #dunes
[22:03] <Erad> Erad sits up a bit more at that. "You're from Mount Celestia itself? Forgive my, uh... ignorance I suppose on the subject, but what exactly are you?"
[22:05] <~Kowork> "I am of the Arinnaphim, a caste that serves the Authority of Wardens, who serves Barachiel of the Hebdomad, who serves Zaphkiel. It is not important, however. I am a sword archon," He raises his arms up, the flesh turning to blades of white fire. Only briefly, reverting back. "I simply ask how I can help you - be it to help track down evil or to instruct people how to be better, or to take the
[22:05] <~Kowork> flames you have lit and fan them."
[22:07] <~Kowork> "You know, I'm not sure," T says, rubbing his chin, "Usually we get people trying to kill or stop us, not help."
[22:08] <@Annerose> "We're trying to deal with a blight on this land in the form of Jack Maggen, a favored follower of Auril and a person of importance to the kingdom," Annerose tells Cylen, not sharing in T's problem. "Right now, our best thoughts are to expose his plots and foil them or turn them against him."
[22:11] <Erad> "We're also looking to recruit someone competent in the healing arts." Erad says.
[22:12] <~Kowork> "Yeah, we just lost our healer," Helena says, "We're feeling that loss."
[22:13] <~Kowork> "Auril," Cylen says the word like it is a curse, "If you seek aid against him, I will provide it."
[22:15] <@Annerose> "It won't solve everything, but it's a good next step for us. We'll be happy to have your help."

[Corwin]

[19:59] <@Kotono> "Then you have it," Cylen offers his hand out. "If you need to find him, I can track him down."
[20:01] <@Erad> Erad will give Cylen a firm handshake. "Well, funny story, we already know where he's going."
[20:03] <@Kotono> His grip's strong, "Better then. Cornered prey is the easiest to hunt."
[20:03] <@Kotono> "Yeah, but they bite harder," T remarks, "Maggen has a hell of a bite, too, I bet."
[20:04] <@Kotono> "Then we'll defang him," Helena says with firm confidence, "Malana can't improve with someone like that in power."
[20:05] <@Erad> "Probably isn't expecting someone from Celestia itself to show up on his doorstep though, hah." Erad snorts at that. "But it does raise a good question, we may want to look into that person with healing arts before we go into the mountains. Although the staff... hm." Erad stops, looking down. "Actually, I take it back. The staff might be sufficient, it can protect everyone from the cold, which
[20:05] <@Erad> is what I would guess all his spells are going to be... but maybe extra insurance wouldn't be a bad idea?"
[20:06] <@Kotono> "Finding a good healer is hard. It is the path of the noble heart, and few i this world remember what a noble heart is," Cylen meets your eyes at that, "It is a shame, but one we can correct once we are triumphant. If this generation is lost, then we can ensure the next is not."
[20:09] <@Erad> "Then it might be in our best interests to at least find out if this thing," Erad shakes the draconic staff, "Can do anything else before we go."
[20:13] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay then, what's the plan?
[20:14] <@Annerose> OOC: Let's head for Maggen's town
[20:17] <@Erad> OOC: I'd like to do a quick trip around to see if anyone can identify the staff beyond what I know about it
[20:17] <@Erad> OOC: But beyond that nothing else
[20:18] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=96 ]4,0{96}
[20:18] <@Kotono> roll 1d100 subtables eh
[20:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 1,0subtables eh --> 6,0[ 1d100=19 ]4,0{19}
[20:19] <@Kotono> Pess 50 starts with sorting that out. Some talking around leads you to a dead end street, where a single house waits. An old family house, said to have a reclusive wizard living within, one who can identify magical items and buy them at times.
[20:20] <@Erad> Erad will go to knock on the door, presuming there is, in fact, a door to knock on!
[20:22] <@Kotono> There is. A nice wood door which is knocked on. The rest of your friends follow as a voice whispers, "Ahead lies the domain of the senses and magic. Dare you enter what you do not know?"
[20:23] <@Erad> "...Yes, that's why we're here." Erad answers. Wait, hasn't he done something like this before...?
[20:23] <@Kotono> "Yeah well, we know magic," T calls, "We need something identified, get a second opinion on it. Y'know, took it from a green dragon we killed."
[20:24] <@Kotono> The door sweeps open, dark and cobwebby hallway ahead of you. "Come then, come then, come then. Come into the realm of the senses."
[20:24] <@Erad> Erad makes a face and walks inside.
[20:25] <@Kotono> "A bit taken with himself," Cylen murmurs, "Distracted into frivolity."
[20:27] <@Erad> "I met someone like this in Lemmen, too. I think it's a wizard thing. Er... no offense." Erad calls out to Annerose.
[20:28] * DarthSquiddius (~dfvsdfsdf@184.101.226.123) Quit (Ping timeout)
[20:28] <@Annerose> "None taken," Annerose assures him.
[20:29] <@Kotono> The party heads inside. It's a dark, cobwebby room that may have once been a sitting room. The voice comes ahead, from the darkness - and thanks to the party's darkvision, most of you can see him. A plump man in robes black with white stars embroidered onto it, rubbing his hands together. "Welcome to my abode. My realm is yours so long as you visit, visitors. You are dragonslayers, the ones
[20:29] <@Kotono> spoken of by the heralds from Arnam? I am honored you would enter here."
[20:31] <@Erad> "I guess we really made an impression." Erad says. "It's good to meet you. I'm Erad, this is Annerose, Helena, T, Rock and Cylen." Erad explains, pointing them all out. "What should we call you?"
[20:35] <@Kotono> "Mirmandunbariusarium the Wise!" He claps his hands onto his stomach, "The greatest wizard of Luremdale! You may call me Mir."
[20:35] <@Kotono> Helena quietly sighs.
[20:36] <@Annerose> "Mir it is," Annerose readily agrees. "A pleasure to make your acquaintence."
[20:37] <@Erad> "...Right." He takes a step forward at that and holds the staff out. "I want to know what you can tell me about this. I've already figured out some of what it can do, but I want to see if there's more to it. In addition, it seems to take some of my strength to use, but that might be because I don't have any magical aptitude."
[20:40] <@Kotono> "Yes, yes, this staff," It floats out of your hand, the wizard gesturing as it vanishes into the darkness.  You can see him sniff it, lick it, and then put his ear to it. "Curious, curious and curious. This was carried by a dragon, no doubt. It reeks of dragon to its core."
[20:40] <@Erad> "..." Erad just stands there.
[20:41] <@Annerose> "I'm sure he doesn't mean you."
[20:41] <@Kotono> Cylen stares, unable to get a word out.
[20:41] <@Kotono> Helena looks up and sighs again, pinching the bridge of her nose.
[20:46] <@Kotono> "Yes, a dragon." The man nods, "Yes yes, a green dragon. You are correct, it was a green dragon. Not the youngest nor the oldest, but an adult. "
[20:47] <@Erad> "...Huh, I was actually thinking he was on the older side." Erad says. "But I guess I didn't really have much to go on there."
[20:49] <@Kotono> "Dragon ages are deceptive, as they are deceptive creatures." Mir insists, "There is a taste," Another lick, "A patina of falsehood to the staff, worn in by the centuries. But there is age beneath it, terrible age. This is truly a terrible thing you have brought here. Ancient and surely not made by the dragon itself."
[20:50] <@Annerose> "You got all that from licking the dragon's rod?"
[20:50] <@Erad> He's really going to have to wash it off later... Erad clears his throat. "I had a feeling he probably stole it or found it from --..." Erad turns to Annerose, scowls, then turns back. "...Somewhere."
[20:51] <@Kotono> "You can get so much from licking the dragon's rod," Mir says, completely serious. "I would suggest you try it on the next dragon you meet, lass."
[20:51] <@Kotono> Helena sighs, loudly this time, and buries her face into her hands.
[20:51] <@Annerose> "I'll take the advice under consideration."
[20:52] <@Kotono> "There is age to this. This is not a mortal work," Mir goes on, "No. No hand bound by mortality was involved in this creation. I fear but do not know what made it. A great dragon, a spirit of what waits for us beyond or even something greater."
[20:53] <@Erad> "Are you saying that it originally was to be used by Bahamut's children and he ended up twisting it somehow?" Erad asks. "When I first held it, I felt... something inside it."
[20:53] <@Annerose> "Bahamut's or Tiamat's hand, at that?"
[20:54] <@Kotono> "Good, evil, law, chaos...I cannot tell," The wizard says, holding the staff up to his ear, "It does not speak of its origins. It speaks of power. Such power in Draconic, power you know. Power of the five, power of life, power of magic. Power to unlock...yes! That is it. A key. This is a key to something greater. Or perhaps a lock waiting for a key. Maybe a soul resides in here of great power."
[20:58] <@Erad> Erad tilts his head. "...Huh. Is there a place to take it to find more out, or is this one of those 'it'll come to you in time' kind of things?"
[20:59] <@Kotono> "I do not know," The wizard says, holding the staff up into his armbit like a tucked away baton. "I feel it. Warm, like a heartbeat. Cold, like a winter wind." He then sniffs the staff from top to bottom, "A purpose, though what I cannot tell."
[21:00] <@Erad> "Sounds like a 'it'll come to you in time' kind of thing, then." Erad says. "So, there aren't any other word combinations with it for now, right? Oh... does it have a name? I feel bad just calling it 'that dragon staff.'"
[21:01] <@Kotono> "If it does I do not know it," The wizard says, the staff floating back to you now. "That will be 200 gold coins."
[21:03] <@Erad> Erad sighs, fishing out the coins. "Do you sell anything, Mir?" Erad asks as he walks into the darkness to hand the coins over. OOC:
[21:04] <@Kotono> OOC: Post the expense, and what was your empty OOC?
[21:05] <@Erad> OOC: That I was posting the expense
[21:05] <@Erad> OOC: tee hee
[21:08] * @Annerose takes off Winter's Tiara from her head, offering it to Mir. "As for myself, I'm wondering whether you could improve upon the design."
[21:08] <@Kotono> "Why yes, I do," he says, "I have four things for sale - a mildly enchanted greatsword for 2,000 gold, a an amulet of increased health for 4,500 gold, a rod that grants metamagic to simple spells for for 4,000 gold and a suit of enchanted full armor for 10,000 gold." He snaps his fingers and looks at it, sniffing it, "How so?"
[21:11] <@Annerose> "Its affect on force of personality," Annerose clarifies. "I expect it is a good time for that."
[21:13] <@Kotono> OOC: It's +2, right?
[21:13] <@Annerose> OOC: Yes
[21:13] <@Kotono> "About thirteen thousand gold," He says after some study.
[21:14] <@Erad> "Hm. What does the amulet do?" Erad asks. "I mean... it sounds like it bolsters your health somehow, I'd guess..."
[21:15] <@Annerose> "Very well," Annerose agrees, tallying the cost and her available funds and coming to a decision.
[21:17] <@Kotono> "Yes, it improves it in all aspects." Mir agrees, as the cost is weighed and made. OOC: Post the expense in loot. "Come back on the morning of the third day for now and your tiara will be ready."
[21:19] <@Erad> "All right. Do you mind if I try it on before I buy it?" Erad asks.
[21:19] <@Kotono> "By all means." An amulet comes floating on over, made of gold and fangs.
[21:20] <@Erad> Erad will take it and put it on!!
[21:22] <@Kotono> With it on, he feels better. Stronger, a little healthier, just overall beter.
[21:24] <@Erad> Erad nods. "All right." He takes out the requested amount and hands it over.
[21:26] <@Kotono> OOC: Post the expense. Anything else except waiting for the tiara upgrade?
[21:27] <@Annerose> OOC: Nope
[21:27] <@Erad> OOC: No, I'm good
[21:28] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:28] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=91 ]4,0{91}
[21:29] <@Kotono> Pess 53 is snowy and dark. You return and get your tiara, Mir floating it over. "There is one more thing," He says as Annerose gets it back, "I discovered a mention of what may be your staff."
[21:30] <@Annerose> "Oh?" Annerose asks, cleaning the tiara with her magic as she adjusts it on her head.
[21:31] <@Erad> "Really? Did you have to lick something?" Erad asks.
[21:32] <@Kotono> "No, it was in an old book. It called it the Staff of Many Elements, said to be ancient and indestructable." The wizard says.
[21:33] <@Erad> "...Seems like an odd name for something Draconic like that. Or is that what you meant when you said there was falsehood to it?" Erad asks.
[21:34] <@Kotono> "It may be so," Mir admits, "But I know not. I fear to look more, for artifacts of this caliber are the end of worlds and the bringers of change."
[21:36] <@Erad> "Hm. You know anyone who might be willing to look more into it, by any chance?"
[21:38] <@Kotono> "Only one," Mir whispers, "I have heard Silver has looked into ancient mysteries great and small. His personal library has lore from a dozen kingdoms and a hundred cities."
[21:40] <@Erad> "Why, Annerose, did you hear that?" Erad asks as he looks at her. "What fortune we've come across."
[21:41] <@Kotono> T grins, "I just love it when things work out like that."
[21:42] <@Annerose> "Time for us to be on our way, then?"
[21:42] <@Erad> "It would seem so. Thank you for all you've done, Mir. I'm sure you'll hear more stories about us soon." Erad says as he turns to go.
[21:43] <@Kotono> OOC: Ready to hit the road then, y'all?
[21:44] <@Erad> OOC: Yar
[21:46] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=23 ]4,0{23}
[21:46] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=77 ]4,0{77}
[21:49] <@Kotono> Pess 56 starts as the others - snowy and cold still. You're traveling along when...Annerose hears it in her mind. 'Dawnlord MacGregor. Heard of your victory, congratulations. Misty Harbor quiet. Auguries of difficulties for you ahead. Be wary the Smiling Man.'
[21:53] * @Annerose is confused for a few moments, before she realizes what must be happening. "Glad to hear it. We're always on guard. Anything in particular? Ties to Maggen? Please tell Inari as well," she says, wondering if it all made its way into the spell.
[21:56] <@Kotono> "Hm? Helena glances your way, curious.
[21:58] <@Annerose> "It sounded like a Sending spell," Annerose elaborates for Helena's benefit. "The Dawnlord received auguries of difficulties related to the Smiling Man for us, and passed the warning on with his congratulations on..." Annerose pauses, blinking. "Not sure, actually, either our success at stopping the war or at dealing with the dragons."
[21:58] <@Kotono> "We may have netted his attention," T calls back, "Think we're ready to shithouse him too?"
[21:59] <@Erad> "I don't see how we couldn't have." Erad says from the front. "Someone may want to fill Cylen in on that one."
[22:00] <@Kotono> "Yes, who is this Smiling Man?" Cylen asks.
[22:06] <@Erad> "We don't know a lot about him, except that he's had a hand in several incidents over the past few months here." Erad explains. "We think that he's an agent for someone, but we really have no idea who. Apparently there are some stories of him tangling with... uh, Annerose, do you remember? Was it the Red Knight, I think?" Erad shrugs. "Anyway, somehow or another he's been behind several issues,
[22:06] <@Erad> although it seems like he's playing all the different sides at once, so we're not really sure what his end goal is."
[22:08] <@Kotono> "He sounds like an agent of evil, perhaps a demon thrall," Cylen considers, "The truth of these matters is best found directly rather than guessed, however."
[22:09] <@Erad> "It sounds like he may just show up. Well, probably not, he strikes me as the type who'd never go himself unless he had to." Erad says. "Maybe he'll drop a dragon on us."
[22:09] <@Annerose> "That's about our own guess," Annerose agrees. "He sets things in motion, and they can be local or lead to a war between nations, but people always suffer and die as a result."
[22:10] <@Kotono> "Then we'll bring him to justice," Cylen says, "There will be no doubt about that. His mystery will be rooted out and brought to the light."
[22:12] <@Erad> "It'll be good to get rid of him, whoever he is." Erad agrees.
[22:15] <@Kotono> "Yeah, let's get to that," T says, "Sooner there, sooner Maggen's feeding the worms. If any will eat him, which I wonder about."
[22:20] <@Erad> "I wonder if he'll turn into ice when he dies." Erad muses.

[Corwin]

[20:03] <@Kobrb> OOC: Ready to continue on towards Arenel or anything left to do with that sending discussion?
[20:04] <@Erad> OOC: I think we're good.
[20:04] <@Kobrb> roll 1d100
[20:04] <@Kobrb> OOC: Can we get a bot in here, Eb?
[20:04] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@cpc1-sgyl37-2-0-cust111.18-2.cable.virginm.net) has joined #dunes
[20:05] <@Kobrb> roll 1d100
[20:05] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=72 ]4,0{72}
[20:05] <@Kobrb> roll 1d100
[20:05] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=18 ]4,0{18}
[20:08] <@Kobrb> Pess 59. Another cold, bleak day. But here you at last manage to reach the split - a road to the southwest, slowly leading towards the mountains on the horizon and Maggen's holdings. A sign points as much out, and also notes that if yo udon't take it, you'll eventually head towards Banam and the Whitepack Pass to Krygur. OOC: This is mostly a chance to determine how you plan to travel this leg
[20:08] <@Kobrb> of it, be it on road or something more exotic.
[20:08] <@Annerose> OOC: On the road is fine
[20:10] <@Erad> OOC: Sure, no reason to be fancy unless an opportunity presents itself.
[20:12] <@Kobrb> roll 1d100
[20:12] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=41 ]4,0{41}
[20:13] <@Kobrb> Pess 60 starts even colder. The ground's turning rockier and steeper already, the mountains a constant sight when weather permits. Mid-morning you see something on the horizon, a village. Coming from somewhere within it is a plume of smoke, rising up amid the buildings.
[20:14] <@Erad> "Huh. Is it on the map?" Erad asks back to the others.
[20:14] <@Annerose> "We can see if the locals need anything?" Annerose proposes, peering outside.
[20:15] <@Kobrb> T pulls it out and takes a look, "Mela," he announces, "It is.
[20:15] <@Kobrb> T pulls it out and takes a look, "Mela," he announces, "It is."
[20:16] <@Kobrb> You advance on closer. As you do, you see it's several dozen houses and frozen fields. In the city square is a bon fire. People are lined up, holding great armfuls of what looks to be food and grain. A bonfire is in the center, where they slowly toss it in. Standing over this are two. The first is a young man clad in snow white, the emblem of a snowflake on his tunic. The second is a man in full
[20:16] <@Kobrb> plate armor, emblazed on with Auril's unholy symbol. His voice can be heard from afar, "Offer! Offer more to the Frozen Lady, so that winter will spare you!"
[20:19] <@Erad> Erad frowns at this wretched display as he turns back to Annerose. "I think this might be your show."
[20:20] <@Kobrb> T idly draws his dagger, "Yep," he seconds, "You two can probably do this better than ther est of us."
[20:21] * @Annerose decides on the direct approach as she disembarks and approaches the bonfire. "Auril was never one for sparing people, the frozen hag," she mentions, voice projecting clearly across the city square. "Even her followers, at that. However, getting past the winter is possible if you stay warm indoors and don't burn away all your food!"
[20:21] <@Erad> "Be ready to do that invisibility thing you like so much." Erad says as he moves to follow after Annerose.
[20:22] <@Kobrb> Helena follows, arms crossed. T just nods and parks the wagon, then hops off and scurries out of sight. Cylen follows behind you, focused on the Aurilite.
[20:26] <@Kobrb> Your words stop the line of villagers, the Aurilite and friend both turning to you. "You dare blasphemy against Auril?" The armored man declares.
[20:26] * Kobrb is now known as Kotono
[20:27] <@Erad> "Any and every day we see that wrectched perversion of winter's image." Erad says. "She's the most fond of it, though." He gestures to Annerose.
[20:27] <@Annerose> "Doesn't everyone?" Annerose asks with a fake gasp. "Besides, it is perfectly true that there is no point in throwing away good food. Or that Frosty never actually likes anyone. In fact, everything you called blasphemous is perfectly true!"
[20:33] <@Kotono> The villagers stare in shock and horror, starting to move well away from both sides of this. "Stand back," He hisses to the man in white, who nods and does that. The armored man approaches, drawing a pick, "I know you," he declares, "The Torch Bearers, heroes of Lord Househaven. You dare come to Lord Maggen's lands and blasphemy!?"
[20:35] <@Annerose> "We were just passing through," Annerose says helpfully. "It's nice to hear we're famous here!"
[20:36] <@Kotono> "We do not blaspheme," Cylen says, looking up. His gaze glows, "We stand against those who terrorize the innocent and spread fear. We stand against you and every black deed you inflict. We stand against Auril herself and spit in her face."
[20:37] <@Annerose> "Metaphorically," Annerose amends. "I have no desire to actually go anywhere near that hateful thing." She shudders. "Would you?"
[20:38] <@Erad> "I mean, if the opportunity presented itself..." Erad shrugs.
[20:38] <@Annerose> "You want to look into her face?" Annerose asks in horror.
[20:38] <@Erad> "Not willingly, but we may not have a choice someday, you know?" Erad responds.
[20:39] <@Annerose> "Maybe if she wore a sack over her head."
[20:39] <@Erad> "That would probably help." Erad nods.
[20:40] <@Annerose> "What do you think?" Annerose addresses the Aurilites curiously.
[20:40] <@Kotono> "You..." The armored man shakes with visible, uncontained rage. His words become a scream as he charges you head long. OOC: Way to provoke him. Init.
[20:40] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+6 T
[20:41] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0T --> 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{8}
[20:41] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2
[20:41] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Helena
[20:41] <Rei-chan> 6,0Erad rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{8}
[20:41] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0Helena --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{19}
[20:41] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+1 Rock
[20:41] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+1 1,0Rock --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{7}
[20:41] <@Erad> OOC: hooray I'm not the miko
[20:41] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+3 Cylen
[20:41] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 1,0Cylen --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{11}
[20:41] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+5+5
[20:41] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 1d20+5+5 --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{20}
[20:41] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Aurilite
[20:41] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+2 1,0Aurilite --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{15}
[20:43] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(20)Helena(19)>Aurilite(15)>Cylen(11)>T=Erad(8)>Rock(7)'
[20:43] <@Kotono> OOC: Open Annerose. He's 50ft away.
[20:45] * @Annerose smirks at the charging zealot, seeking to take hold of his mind!
[20:45] <@Annerose> OOC: Hold Monster, Will DC24
[20:45] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[20:45] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+9 --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{15}
[20:45] <@Kotono> And just like that, he falls to the ground, unable to move. He hits the snow hard, a clunk of metal. Helena glances and asks, "What do you want to do with him?"
[20:46] <@Annerose> "Throw him in the bonfire, see how he likes it?"
[20:47] <@Erad> "As amusing as that'd be... I think that'd send the wrong message to these people." Erad says.
[20:48] <@Annerose> "Disarm him and tie him up until he learns to behave?"
[20:49] <@Kotono> The people are staying well back, but with the Aurilite down, are mostly fleeing back to their houses.
[20:50] <@Erad> "Let's start with that." Erad says as he goes over to do that very thing. He looks around for the youth who was with him, also.
[20:51] <@Kotono> Said youth has considered, then turns and flees rather swiftly. You could chase him, though.
[20:53] <@Erad> Erad will just find him later. OOC: First things are to disarm him and get him out of the armor and then we can tie him up and all that fun stuff.
[20:53] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+9 resisting the paralysis
[20:53] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+9 1,0resisting the paralysis --> 6,0[ 1d20=16 ]4,0{25}
[20:54] <@Kotono> Unfortunately, as you do, he begins to move again. Fortunately, there are all of you around him as...OOC: Act, y'all.
[20:54] <@Erad> "Look, you're pretty terribly outnumbered. I'd really rather not kill you and send another soldier marching off to that frigid whore. Are you going to behave or do we have to do this rough?" Erad asks.
[20:57] <@Kotono> Cylen's hands and arms turn to flaming blades, one of which is impaled in the ground next to the Aurilite's head. "Make your choice wisely."
[20:57] <@Kotono> The Aurilite goes still at this, not resisting.
[20:58] <@Annerose> "So whose idea was it to make people burn all their food as offerings?" Annerose asks him.
[20:58] <@Erad> "Wonderful, we've made a breakthrough." Erad says, intent on continuing his original plan.
[21:00] <@Kotono> With all of you over him and him face down on the ground, "Mine. Auril demands tribute!"
[21:00] <@Annerose> "So you clearly burned yours and your family's first, right?"
[21:03] <@Kotono> "Ours is Auril's gift to us for loyalty," The Aurilite growls.
[21:04] <@Annerose> "She's so charitable! Do you think Auril can find it within her to be charitable with everyone else? Starting from right now?"
[21:05] <@Kotono> "She is! She gives them a chance for mercy from winter in exchange for offerings. Auril is great and far more than any of you!"
[21:06] <@Erad> "Let me tell you a little story." Erad says. "Little place called Ailan -- beautiful little village. Got cursed a few years ago by an Aurilite. We hadn't done anything wrong -- we just wanted some peace. People there gave to Auril every year -- didn't change anything. Never changed anything."
[21:07] <@Erad> "Until some heroes came and brough back our hopes and brought life back to our village. So don't you even start trying to tell me or anyone else that Auril will -ever- show mercy to -anyone- for -any- reason, you mind-warped -dumbass-."
[21:07] <@Erad> "Tell me the LAST time you saw her be merciful. Go on, I'll wait." Erad says as he starts to try and pull the Aurilite to his feet.
[21:09] <@Kotono> "She's merciful righ tnow," The man grins, spitting in your face. "She does not strike you down for blasphemy. Oh Auril, smite them if it is your will!"
[21:09] <@Kotono> roll 1d1000
[21:09] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d1000 --> 6,0[ 1d1000=691 ]4,0{691}
[21:11] <@Kotono> OOC: Carry on, he didn't get the legendary 1000.
[21:11] <@Annerose> "You know, I think he's right. For an ever-hateful deity, not literally smiting us right this minute counts for mercy." Annerose shrugs, returning her attention to the zealot. "But you know, for normal people mercy is having enough food to go through the winter without starving. So here is what is going to happen. We will make sure to give the people what they need. You will go be a zealot somewhere else and not interfere, or you will visit Auril in person and discover her mercies. Do you understand?"
[21:13] <@Erad> "Yeah, we'll probably just have to fight another stupid snow worm or something." Erad says. "Oh, you know, maybe he can find out how harsh winter is when he doesn't have any of his normal amenities because we donate them to these people."
[21:14] <@Kotono> You get a baleful gaze and a nod, the Aurilite quivering in rage.
[21:15] <@Annerose> "In the end, he doesn't need to change. Just to stop forcing his beliefs on others," Annerose says, stepping away and waving T over.
[21:21] <@Kotono> No more words - he simply flees, as T comes on over. "Not bad," he drawls, "Not bad."
[21:23] <@Annerose> "Sometimes you have to be direct," Annerose says, shrugging again. "Listen, I want to make sure the locals are well cared for. We have enough supplies, but they did just see me challenge the Aurilite and his friends. Do you think they'd open up more to you if you asked around and offered to help?"
[21:26] <@Kotono> "Maybe," T rubs his chin, "I'm guessing they're fairly used to this and well cowed. Should be able to with some time."
[21:26] <@Annerose> "I'll leave it up to you, then, while the rest of us remain out here and obvious. We'll see if the authorities try to move against us and draw their attention, if so."
[21:28] <@Erad> "He's probably just going to run and tell Maggen on us anyway." Erad says with a shrug.
[21:31] <@Kotono> T goes and works as the rest of the party takes position. The villagers have generally retreated inside and take their food with them. It takes a few hours for T to return, "Yeah," he says, "They're petrified, but I got some food spread out. Apparently this is a yearly thing, and usually mor ethan once per year."
[21:32] <@Annerose> "Delightful. Let's keep going?"
[21:33] <@Erad> "They won't have to worry about it much longer." Erad agrees.
[21:38] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:38] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=13 ]4,0{13}

[Corwin]

[20:03] <~Kobrb> OOC: Going to continue on after giving out food or linger at all?
[20:04] <@Annerose> OOC: The former
[20:05] <~Kobrb> roll 1d100
[20:05] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=72 ]4,0{72}
[20:07] <~Kobrb> That evening, you end up making camp on the road. It's cold and snowy, the party tucked away into the wagon. T peers out at the wagon, "It's coming down pretty good," he says, "We might get a blizzard over night. Another one." Shaking his head, "Auril's probably having a hissy fit."
[20:07] <@Annerose> "Her life is not about to get any easier," Annerose points out.
[20:08] <~Kobrb> T smiles as he gets his cloak on, "I'll take first watch. All of you get some rest."
[20:09] <@Erad> Erad nods and goes to get some sleep!
[20:13] <~Kobrb> roll 1d100+80
[20:13] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d100+80 --> 6,0[ 1d100=62 ]4,0{142}
[20:14] <~Kobrb> You barely get any rest before T shouts, "Everyone up! Up! Attack!"
[20:15] * @Annerose rouses, blindly reaching for her shield!
[20:16] <~Kobrb> Helena grabs her shield as well, stumbling awake, "What?"
[20:16] <~Kobrb> Cylen is already moving, flowing outside like an inevitable force of nature.
[20:16] <@Erad> Erad mumbles something about Aurilites being assholes as he stumbles out and with the otehrs!
[20:18] <~Kobrb> Rock brings up the rear as you come out. Knee deep snow. Snow falling. Dark. But ahead you see them - at least a half dozen winter wolves 30ft ahead, growling low and advancing. You can see dark shapes farther ahead, hidden by the falling snow. The winds blow, sending snow all over. OOC: Unless you fly and/or are a yuki onna, everything's difficult terrain due to the heavy snowfall. The wind
[20:18] <~Kobrb> inflicts a -2 penalty to Listen checks and ranged attacks, so bear that in mind. Init here.
[20:18] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+6 T
[20:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0T --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{25}
[20:19] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+6 Helena
[20:19] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0Helena --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{14}
[20:19] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+1 Rock
[20:19] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2
[20:19] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+1 1,0Rock --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{14}
[20:19] <Rei-chan> 6,0Erad rolled :6,0 1d20+2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{21}
[20:19] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+5
[20:19] <@Erad> OOC: My Darkvision extends to 90 ft, does that change anything?
[20:19] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 1d20+5 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{17}
[20:19] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+3 Cylen
[20:19] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+3 1,0Cylen --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{16}
[20:19] <~Kobrb> OOC: Yes. I'll PM you relevants, Erad.
[20:19] <@Erad> OOC: Thanks!
[20:20] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+5 wolves
[20:20] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+5 1,0wolves --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{10}
[20:21] * Kobrb changes topic to 'T(25)>Erad(21)>Annerose(17)>Cylen(16)>Helena=Rock(14)>Wolves(10)'
[20:21] <~Kobrb> "It's fine, I have this," T says, throwing a ball of bat guano at the wolves, which explodes into a fireball. OOC: 6/7 inspiration, using fireball.
[20:21] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+6
[20:21] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{17}
[20:22] <~Kobrb> roll 9d6
[20:22] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 9d6 --> 6,0[ 9d6=21 ]4,0{21}
[20:22] <~Kobrb> OOC: 31 to 15 after weakness an save.
[20:23] <~Kobrb> The fireball explodes, the snow around the wolves vaporized into steam. They're scorched and whimpering but not down, as...OOC: ERad.
[20:27] <@Erad> "Back behind them... big things." Erad calls out to the others. "Bigger than trolls, so... I don't know what, but be ready!" He then takes off into the air and flies forward. "I know you can all understand me -- if you don't want to die today, then get out of here!" He shouts at the wolves as he lands in front of them, aiming for a display that will send some fear into them.
[20:28] <@Erad> roll 1d20+9
[20:28] <Rei-chan> 6,0Erad rolled :6,0 1d20+9 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{29}
[20:28] <@Erad> roll 1d20+9 crit?
[20:28] <Rei-chan> 6,0Erad rolled :6,0 1d20+9 1,0crit? --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{24}
[20:28] <~Kobrb> OOC: Hit. ATtack I presume, wasn't clear?
[20:28] <~Kobrb> OOC: Crit if so.
[20:28] <@Erad> OOC: Yes, sorry, and my math was off so it's actually +4 higher anyway.
[20:29] <@Erad> OOC: Do these count as evil?
[20:29] <~Kobrb> OOC: Yes.
[20:29] <@Erad> roll 2#3d6+3+1d6+2d6
[20:29] <Rei-chan> 6,0Erad rolled :6,0 2#3d6+3+1d6+2d6 --> 6,0[ 3d6=14 1d6=3 2d6=5 ]4,0{25}, 6,0[ 3d6=10 1d6=6 2d6=5 ]4,0{24}
[20:30] <@Erad> OOC: I should have probably just put that all together so if you want me to reroll it I can
[20:30] <~Kobrb> Your foot lands in a winter wolves's skull, smashing through like it was glass. The wolf slumps, extremely dead, and you kick it aside. The others are already whimpering from the fire and recoil at your display, as...OOC: Annerose.
[20:32] <@Annerose> "Leave!" Annerose commands, temper short from having her beauty sleep interrupted so rudely.
[20:32] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+21 intimidate
[20:32] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 1d20+21 1,0intimidate --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{35}
[20:32] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+11 (+4 circumstance bonus)
[20:32] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+11 1,0(+4 circumstance bonus) --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{15}
[20:33] <~Kobrb> The wolves really begin to whimper as Cylen tosses aside his cloak. He's taller, taller than you realized. His arms burst aflame and become blades as his wings carry him off the ground, "Flee or perish," he adds.
[20:33] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+22 He'll make them even more fearful, sure.
[20:33] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+22 1,0He'll make them even more fearful, sure. --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{34}
[20:33] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+11 (+4 circumstance bonus)
[20:33] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+11 1,0(+4 circumstance bonus) --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{25}
[20:35] <~Kobrb> At this the wolves are already starting to scrample and yelp, a retreat beginning as Helena holds. Rock starts to slog forward in the snow, but the wolves are faster. They turn and retreat in bad order ,fleeing as fast as they can. As they do, a figure approaches, coming to within 60ft. The snow hides him - a horned helmet and armor and greataxe. Blue skin and massively tall - easily close to
[20:35] <~Kobrb> two dozen feet. He looms over you, bearded face cold. "Look at this, a punch of heretics and heathens! There's only one way this ends, worms." OOC: Init change, then T's up.
[20:36] * Kobrb changes topic to 'T(25)>Erad(21)>Annerose(17)>Cylen(16)>Helena=Rock(14)>Big man (13)'
[20:36] <~Kobrb> OOC: Also K:N is a thing here.
[20:36] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+8+5 KN
[20:36] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 1d20+8+5 1,0KN --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{30}
[20:37] <@Erad> "You're right, but it's probably not the outcome you're picturing." Erad says with a grin.
[20:37] <~Kobrb> It's a frost giant. Powerful, overwhelming and mighty. A melee with it won't work out for any of you, especially if he's advanced or skilled at all. Primarily a brute, but you also see Auril's unholy symbol around his neck.
[20:38] <~Kobrb> T scowls, "And looky here, another dead body." OOC: T holds. Erad, go.
[20:39] <@Annerose> "A frost giant bending knee to Auril dares attack us?" Annerose asks, eyes narrowing. "It will be your last mistake!"
[20:40] <@Erad> "Frost, huh?" Erad says with a smile as he moves enough away from the others that they won't be affected. "Then let's see how you burn! Ixen caex!" He wields the staff at the giant!
[20:41] <@Erad> roll 8d6 Reflex DC 20
[20:41] <Rei-chan> 6,0Erad rolled :6,0 8d6 1,0Reflex DC 20 --> 6,0[ 8d6=28 ]4,0{28}
[20:42] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+13 Ref
[20:42] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+13 1,0Ref --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{22}
[20:43] <~Kobrb> The giant throws his arms up, and a great hand of ice appears over him. It blocks much of the fire, and he's barely touched when it clears. OOC: Go Annerose.
[20:45] * @Annerose abandons any idea of melee, discarding her shield and crouching behind it to steady her pointed hands on the raised part. Magic gathers at her call, and then a beam launches itself at the giant!
[20:46] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+11 ranged touch, ray of dizziness
[20:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 1d20+11 1,0ranged touch, ray of dizziness --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{31}
[20:46] <~Kobrb> OOC: Irrelevant, but remember the -2 due to wind conditions. Nice 20.
[20:47] <@Annerose> OOC: Will DC21
[20:47] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+13
[20:47] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+13 --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{21}
[20:50] <~Kobrb> The beam flies - but the same hand of ice hits it, blocking it at the last moment. Cylen is right behind it, charging in armblades first. However, the giant's faster, axe taking a powerful swing at the celestial.
[20:50] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+30
[20:50] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+30 --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{33}
[20:51] <~Kobrb> roll 4d6+18+1d6 (1d6 is cold)
[20:51] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 4d6+18+1d6 1,0(1d6 is cold) --> 6,0[ 4d6=17 1d6=3 ]4,0{38}
[20:51] <@Annerose> OOC: My bad, forgot to adjust spell DCs for purchase. Should be 22 for non-cold.
[20:53] <~Kobrb> OOC: He's affected, though it doesn't impact anything since staggered doesn't stop AoOs.
[20:53] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+20 (+2 charge, -8 PA)
[20:53] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+20 1,0(+2 charge, -8 PA) --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{39}
[20:54] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+20 (+2 charge, -8 PA) crit threat
[20:54] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+20 1,0(+2 charge, -8 PA) crit threat --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{32}
[20:54] <~Kobrb> roll 4d6+40+1d6+2d6 both are hurting
[20:54] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 4d6+40+1d6+2d6 1,0both are hurting --> 6,0[ 4d6=14 1d6=5 2d6=12 ]4,0{71}
[20:56] <~Kobrb> The two go past each other, exchanging blows. Cylen has much of his side torn open, blood raining down. Then much of the giant's side is gone, massive wound ablaze and spraying blood. Both stagger badly from it as...OOC: HElena and Rock.
[20:58] <~Kobrb> Helena takes off at a sprint, gliding over the snow in a charge - but the giant is faster, axe going out for her, too.
[20:58] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+30 AoOed
[20:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+30 1,0AoOed --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{48}
[20:58] <~Kobrb> roll 4d6+18 (no cold rolled since really)
[20:58] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 4d6+18 1,0(no cold rolled since really) --> 6,0[ 4d6=13 ]4,0{31}
[20:59] <~Kobrb> OOC: Doesn't beat her DR, so -5 to that.
[21:00] <~Kobrb> "Is everyone suicidal?" T wonders as Helena's face is hit with the flat of the axe. It stops her charge (and breaks her noise), but not before her shield hits home.
[21:00] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+17 (+2 charge, +1 terrain)
[21:00] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+17 1,0(+2 charge, +1 terrain) --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{20}
[21:01] <@Annerose> "I don't know what's going on anymore."
[21:01] <~Kobrb> Downside? Getting axe-smashed stopped Helena's charge before it got enough, her blow failing. She's knocked 'round, bloodied face visible ot all. Rock, being Rock, simply slogs through the snow and takes the AoO without a care in the world.
[21:01] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+30 he has regen, so it makes snese for him
[21:01] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+30 1,0he has regen, so it makes snese for him --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{48}
[21:01] <~Kobrb> roll 4d6+18+1d6
[21:01] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 4d6+18+1d6 --> 6,0[ 4d6=20 1d6=1 ]4,0{39}
[21:03] <~Kobrb> Rock doesn't care that he loses most of his left arm, only that it starts to heal and he rips into the giant.
[21:03] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+17 (+2 rage)
[21:03] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+17 1,0(+2 rage) --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{25}
[21:04] <~Kobrb> But the giant's defense is just a bit too good, parrying the blow. He whirls around on Cylen, axe coming down as it gleams with darkness. It brings a chill to all of you as...
[21:04] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+24 (+4 smite good, -10 PA)
[21:04] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+24 1,0(+4 smite good, -10 PA) --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{30}
[21:05] <~Kobrb> But this time Cylen's fast enough to block it, armblades on axe. "Now!" Cylen shouts as the two grind weapons against each other, "Finish him off!" OOC: T's up.
[21:05] <~Kobrb> OOC: T'll hold, just doesn't have many options here, he'll deal with piecing people back together after. Erad.
[21:06] <@Erad> OOC: Hm, the fire would hit people who are around the giant, correct?
[21:07] <~Kobrb> OOC: Yep.
[21:07] <@Erad> OOC: and the healing would hit the giant too, right?
[21:09] <~Kobrb> OOC: Yes ,though see #elysium.
[21:09] <@Erad> OOC: Okay.
[21:09] <@Erad> Erad will aim the flaming explosion higher this time so it doesn't hit any of his allies!
[21:09] <@Erad> roll 8d6 Reflex DC 20
[21:09] <Rei-chan> 6,0Erad rolled :6,0 8d6 1,0Reflex DC 20 --> 6,0[ 8d6=31 ]4,0{31}
[21:14] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+13 Reflex again
[21:15] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+13 1,0Reflex again --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{14}
[21:15] <~Kobrb> This time you atch him head on. Flames burst amid his head, charring his nogging and leaving him staggering, "Auril," he cries in pain, "Why are they so strong?!" OOC: Annerose.
[21:18] <@Erad> "I'm pretty sure I told you this was going to happen." Erad shouts. "This is what you get!"
[21:18] <@Annerose> "You think you're the first to be tricked by Auril, and sent to die for her amusement?" Annerose asks, summoning snow between her cupped hands. It pulses with magic, solidifying into icicles that she launches unerringly at the giant's head!
[21:18] <@Annerose> roll 5d4+5 MM
[21:18] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 5d4+5 1,0MM --> 6,0[ 5d4=15 ]4,0{20}
[21:19] <@Annerose> OOC: +15 more from knowledge devotion
[21:20] <~Kobrb> Hit, hit, hit, hit and hit. Five icicles now pepper the giant's head, having gone all the way through. It falls over and lands with a crash, dead. OOC: Free act.
[21:23] <@Annerose> "T, it's your turn," Annerose says as she picks her shield back up and heads back to bed.
[21:24] <@Erad> Erad raises the staff up to heal everyone!
[21:25] <~Kobrb> T sighs and stomps on over, "Come around and I'll heal you up," he offers, then calls back, "Annerose, check for magic before that!" OOC: Or Erad beats him to it, that's fine too.
[21:25] <@Erad> roll 2d8+15
[21:25] <Rei-chan> 6,0Erad rolled :6,0 2d8+15 --> 6,0[ 2d8=6 ]4,0{21}
[21:26] <@Erad> "If you can do the rest, that still takes a lot out of me." Erad says as he uses his own inner vitality to heal himself back. OOC: Covering the 30 health cost with my own abilities.
[21:26] <@Erad> Erad then goes over to the giant to see if he can manage to get anything of any use off its corpse. OOC: Rock can help if it's too heavy!
[21:28] <~Kobrb> roll 5d6 healing for Erad and anyone else who needs it.
[21:28] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 5d6 1,0healing for Erad and anyone else who needs it. --> 6,0[ 5d6=18 ]4,0{18}
[21:28] <~Kobrb> roll 5d6 healing for Erad and anyone else who needs it.
[21:28] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 5d6 1,0healing for Erad and anyone else who needs it. --> 6,0[ 5d6=24 ]4,0{24}
[21:33] <~Kobrb> With no Annerose coming, T sighs. In the meantime, you check him over. He has his greataxe, armor, a cloak, a ring and a bag. In the bag is some food and several handfuls of gold coins.
[21:35] <@Erad> Erad casts detect evil before he touches anything, just in case.
[21:36] <~Kobrb> The axe radiates evil.
[21:38] <@Erad> "The axe itself is evil, everything else I think we can take and possibly put to use." Erad says. "Would you care to do the honors in ridding the world of whatever it is, Cylen?"
[21:41] <~Kobrb> Cylen nods, slamming his arms down through it. The axe is broken, a low-pitched keening wail echoing amid the blizzard winds.
[21:42] <@Erad> Erad will move to collect the other items and have Annerose identify them later when she's had her nap. OOC: So we'll just take everything. I'll post in loot.
[21:43] <~Kobrb> OOC: Okay, thanks.
[21:44] <~Kobrb> Pess 61 starts snowy and freezing. The blizzard's still going strong, the winds howling and baying. As you go out and prepare to resume, you notice one thing - the giant's body is now clear ice.
[21:45] <@Erad> "Uh... is that normal for frost giants?" Erad asks. "Or is it just that cold out here?"
[21:46] <@Annerose> "Probably the Auril serving part is responsible," Annerose responds, hiding a yawn as she casts Detect Magic to take a look.
[21:49] <~Kobrb> There's fading magic around him, yep. OOC: You can spellcraft.
[21:50] <~Kobrb> Helena goes over, and softly, "Would that happen to one of us if we fall, Annerose?
[21:50] <~Kobrb> "
[21:50] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+15
[21:50] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 1d20+15 --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{34}
[21:50] <~Kobrb> "Nah, you'll light up like a bonfire 'till Inari can get back around to get you back up," T calls over as he readies the horses.
[21:50] <~Kobrb> The magic transmuted him, yes. No other effect.
[21:51] <@Annerose> "Probably not," Annerose tells Helena. "Also, to be honest I figured Rock would eat him. Maybe it's good he hadn't?"
[21:52] <@Erad> "Do you mind taking a look at the other stuff while we go?" Erad asks. "We brought back everything except his axe, which Cylen got rid of."
[21:52] <@Annerose> "Sure."
[21:52] <@Annerose> OOC: Take 10 for 25
[21:53] <~Kobrb> Thea rmor is full plate+2 sized for a huge creature. The cloak is a cloak of dexterity+4. The ring is a ring of fire resistance 10. Both giant sized.
[21:54] <@Annerose> "I suppose you could use that one as a belt of resisting the worst element," Annerose muses as she points the ring to Helena. "You would like it too, Rock!"
[21:54] <~Kobrb> Rock sniffs the ring, then licks his lips, starting to go in for a bite.
[21:55] <~Kobrb> "Hold on, stop!" Helena says, going to grab one of Rock's arms. "Don't eat it!"
[21:55] <@Annerose> "Not like that!" Annerose says hurriedly. "If you wear it you will be stronger than fire!"
[21:56] <~Kobrb> Rock stops, looking at both of you, "Food," he says in common. "Good food. Strong food. Strong food make strong."
[21:56] <@Erad> "You know, he might actually absorb some of the magic if he did eat it." Erad reasons.
[21:57] <@Annerose> "How about you try just wearing it for a bit, and if it doesn't help you against fire like I said it would you could eat it then?" Annerose proposes to Rock.
[21:59] <~Kobrb> OOC: Diplo check, Annerose.
[21:59] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+21
[21:59] <Rei-chan> 6,0Annerose rolled :6,0 1d20+21 --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{30}
[22:01] <~Kobrb> A low, bestial growl before Rock puts it on, wearing it like an armband. He's big enough to wear it like that, rather than a belt.
[22:04] <@Erad> "All right then. I'll see if I can figure out a way to wear that cloak without fumbling too much with it." Erad says.
[22:05] <~Kobrb> Helena comes over, "There's enough fabric where you could convert it to a robe?" she suggests, "Some sort of loose overwear?"
[22:06] <@Erad> "It's possible. It isn't a hugely pressing matter for now though." Erad says. "But it's an idea for the future."
[22:07] <~Kobrb> OOC: Ready to move on then, y'all?
[22:07] <@Erad> OOC: Yar
[22:10] <~Kobrb> roll 1d100
[22:10] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=43 ]4,0{43}
[22:10] <~Kobrb> OOC: Going to work on the cloak on the road, Erad, or just table it for now?
[22:11] <@Erad> OOC: He can fiddle with it but I don't think anyone has any kind of tailoring ability.
[22:13] <~Kobrb> OOC: Alrighty then. Moving y'all along.
[22:14] <~Kobrb> OOC: Fortitude saves, all. Creatures with the cold subtype like yuki-onna are exempt.
[22:14] <~Kobrb> OOC: Bonuses/immunities to disease apply.
[22:14] <~Kobrb> roll 1d20+12 T
[22:14] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kobrb rolled :6,0 1d20+12 1,0T --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{22}
[22:14] <~Kobrb> OOC: Rock's disease immune as is Cylen. Erad, are you?
[22:15] <@Erad> OOC: yep
[22:15] <@Erad> OOC: Including supernatural and magical in case it matters
[22:18] <~Kobrb> OOC: It does. By the time you stop for lunch, you notice T's sneezing. Fairly regularly, sniffling and rubbing at his nose.
[22:19] <@Erad> Erad glances over at T. "You all right?"
[22:20] <~Kobrb> "Think I'm getting a cold," T wetly sniffles, "Can you drive," he asks, "Wanna get some rest, feel like ass."
[22:23] <@Erad> "Yeah, sure." Erad nods. "Take care of yourself."
[22:24] <@Annerose> "If it's what I had, that's nasty enough that we should stop by a town and find a healer," Annerose adds. "Just wait until we do."

[Corwin]

[19:45] <@Kotono> ---
[19:52] <@Kotono> T goes to retire to the bed. Checking on him a few hours later as you go along, you find him shivering under three blankets. His face is ice pale and burning up, sweaty and coughing wetly. He barely manages a reply, more of a piteous groan.
[19:55] <@Erad> roll 1d20+14 Heal check to see if Erad can figure out what it is
[19:55] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+14 Heal check to see if Erad can figure out what it is --> [ 1d20=12 ]{26}
[19:55] <@Annerose> "Can you manage something with your staff?" Annerose asks Erad uncertainly.
[19:57] <@Kotono> He's suffering from the flu - an extremely nasty case, fast acting. He'll be deathly sick for a week at least and weak for weeks after, and it could well kill him. Erad's sure of it after checking him over.
[20:00] <@Erad> Erad scratches his head. "I don't think so, but it can at least keep him healthy enough in an emergency. He's got a really bad case of the flu... worse than normal. I'll see if I can at least make him something with the provisions we've got, but he probably needs magical attention."
[20:02] <@Annerose> "Then we just have to find a healer," Annerose decides. "Even if we can't find one to join our cause, money will still ensure T is healed."
[20:02] <@Erad> Erad nods. "I don't seem to be suffering from it -- none of us are except him, so I'll see if I can treat it as best I can with our supplies while we go along."
[20:03] <@Annerose> "I suffered from it before. Twice. And I don't get sick. It's probably Auril's way of showing she cares."
[20:05] <@Kotono> T softly groans.
[20:06] <@Kotono> "We rather do need a healer," Cylen softly agrees, "We can't afford T to be weakened when need his talents."
[20:20] <@Erad> "Then let's head back to Luremdale." Erad says. "I'll check on him every so often."
[20:21] <@Annerose> "Let's get there as quickly as possible," Annerose agrees.
[20:22] <@Erad> "I can see in the dark, so we can travel some during the night. I'll keep myself awake." Erad nods.
[20:24] <@Kotono> OOC: Make 4 heal checks, Erad.
[20:26] <@Erad> roll 4#1d20+14 I think this is the right syntax
[20:26] <Kobot> Erad rolled 4#1d20+14 I think this is the right syntax --> [ 1d20=1 ]{15}, [ 1d20=14 ]{28}, [ 1d20=1 ]{15}, [ 1d20=1 ]{15}
[20:26] <@Erad> OOC: Well it was but I kind of wish it hadn't been, but oh well
[20:27] <@Kotono> OOC: 3 1s. Wow.
[20:27] <@Merc> Kobot is in fine form.
[20:28] <@Kotono> roll 4#1d20+12
[20:28] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4#1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{27}, [ 1d20=7 ]{19}, [ 1d20=12 ]{24}, [ 1d20=9 ]{21}
[20:32] <@Kotono> Pess 65. The end of the year looms, a cold and blizzardy day as you approach Luremdale. Guards are huddled by the gates, spears at the ready. "Halt! Identify yourselves!" they shout amid the winds. T's meanwhile lying back - he's holding in there, sick but enduring.
[20:34] <@Erad> "The Torch Bearers!" Erad calls back from the head of the wagon.
[20:34] * @Merc (~k@c-73-232-147-55.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) Quit (Quit: )
[20:38] <@Kotono> "What's your business in Luremdale?" The guard shouts back, as the wind howls.
[20:40] * @Annerose looks outside, peering at the guards.
[20:40] <@Erad> "We have need of one with the healing arts to take a look at a comrade!" Erad calls out. He then looks to Annerose. "I wonder if we should ask them if we can help with whatever's wrong? They seem more on edge than normal."
[20:41] <@Annerose> "Is there a problem?" Annerose voices.
[20:42] <@Kotono> They're guards. Bundled up against the cold and rather miserable looking. They have sharp spears and some armor on beneath it. "Food riots," the guard calls back. "The price of food is rising because of scarcity. There's imports from Kabath promised, but the weather's slowing them down."
[20:44] <@Annerose> "You are in luck! We happen to have some food with us. I'm sure things would go smoothly for everyone if we received your cooperation."
[20:46] <@Kotono> The guards immediately part, "Then come on in.
[20:46] <@Kotono> "
[20:47] <@Erad> Erad will guide the wagon inside.
[20:48] <@Kotono> You head inside without any further problems. OOC: Plans here/
[20:49] <@Annerose> OOC: Erad will look for healers to help T, while I handle the food part. I'll ask the guards about who is selling the food locally, ask for their representatives to show up at one place and offer them all enough of our supplies to tide the city over
[20:51] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay. Make ad iplo check Annerose, while T makes a gather information check. Which is also diplomcay.
[20:52] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+21
[20:52] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+21 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{37}
[20:53] <@Erad> roll 1d20+5 aiding T
[20:53] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+5 aiding T --> [ 1d20=11 ]{16}
[20:55] <@Kotono> It's a near panic, but guards and Annerose's words get food spread out. Meanwhile Erad goes looking. You eventually find a small building where an old man lives. A small house where he offers you tea, "You seek healing?" hea sks, rubbing his beardless chinc.
[20:57] <@Erad> "It's for a friend." Erad explains. "The symptoms are like the flu, but much worse -- I fear it's a magical malady."
[20:59] <@Kotono> "I've heard about it, the winter flu," The old man explains, "It's coming on these cold winds, they aren't healthy. He might recover but it'll take several weeks without magic."
[21:00] <@Erad> Erad makes a grunt. "Auril and her filth again. We can pay you for your services, if you'll come and take a look at him."
[21:03] <@Kotono> "I will," he agrees, "Prove you have coin first, though."
[21:05] <@Erad> Erad will take out one of his platinum coins. "We have more from our tangle with a dragon. Not sure if that news made it all around or not..."
[21:07] <@Kotono> "That'll do for proof," he says, going back with you. The steets are largely empty, save those bundled up and going to stores - which have guards guarding them. Not a hint of sunlight as you travel back, only more miserable snow. By now Annerose is done with her work, Helena and Rock helping to clean up after.
[21:08] * @Annerose is merely enjoying the snow, now, while waiting on T to be healed.
[21:08] <@Erad> "It's too bad we have to rely on another country, rather than those in charge offering food to the needy." Erad says as they go.
[21:09] <@Kotono> Helena stays with Annerose, contentedly watching the snow fall.
[21:09] <@Kotono> "I'm relieved we have food coming," The old man says, "Iknew during the summer that it would be a hard year."
[21:11] <@Erad> Erad nods. "I'm glad we were able to find you, we really need a permanent solution... If you happen to have heard anything?" He asks.
[21:15] <@Kotono> "Unfortunately little," he says as he goes to T. He kneels at his bed and rests a hand on T's shoulder, the shorter man groaning and coughing, clearing up rapidly.
[21:16] <@Erad> "I imagine news travels slowly in weather like this." Erad agrees.
[21:17] <@Kotono> "300 gold," He says once done, "He is healed."
[21:20] <@Erad> Erad nods, taking out 35 platinum coins and pressing them into the man's hands. "I don't care if we're being overcharged, but take something extra to spread some happiness to your friends or to the townspeople."
[21:22] <@Kotono> That gets a smile from him, "They could use it," he says, lingering. He starts to go but pauses, "It's been a long time since I've been young," he says, "But I swear there's less of your kind around than there used to be."
[21:23] <@Erad> "There are." Erad responds. "We're trying to fix that. Remember the name of the Torch Bearers -- we're not going to let Auril and her ilk have her way this winter."
[21:25] <@Kotono> "Good luck," he says, shaking his head as he goes, "If I were only 50 years younger..."
[21:27] <@Erad> Erad smiles. "You've lived your life. Don't worry for our sake, but any extra prayers you can add to our cause are helpful."
[21:29] <@Kotono> "I will," He promises, going off. T meanwhile rises, "Damn, that's better. So what did I miss?"
[21:30] <@Annerose> "We fed more people," Annerose fills T in, as soon as she sees that he is awake and upright once more. "Also, we keep on returning to Luremdale. Perhaps it is a sign?"
[21:31] <@Erad> "You owe me three hundred gold." Erad says, then smiles just a little. "We also haven't solved the healer problem... but I wonder if maybe we're looking in the wrong place."
[21:32] <@Kotono> "I'll pay ya back eventually," T says, "What, that something's here?"
[21:32] <@Annerose> "How about we take a look? And I bet you're eager for that yourself, after lying around for so long."
[21:33] <@Erad> "I'm kidding." He shakes his head. "No, but, Kabath is supposed to be bringing food here. It seemed like they had an awful lot of clerics when we tangled with Amanna. I was thinking we might be able to find her, or convince someone from their to come with us."
[21:36] <@Annerose> "That's not impossible," Annerose muses. "Still, why not look for any healers who might sign on with us? If Amanna does show up, two healers are even better than one."
[21:37] <@Kotono> "Sure, but it gives ol' Jacky more time," T says.
[21:37] <@Erad> Erad nods. "I don't think it hurts much to ask around. I am worried though, the elder mentioned that there are a lot getting sick this winter... but even if that's the case and somehow it's another stupid plot from that ice bitch, I don't know that we can do much about it."
[21:39] <@Kotono> "Besides some recreational murder," T says dryly. OOC: Going to GI in town then?
[21:40] <@Annerose> OOC: Sure! Let's go, T~
[21:40] <@Erad> OOC: Yes. The friendship train's come into town!
[21:40] <@Kotono> OOC: Diplo check, someone, and two people can aid.
[21:40] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+21 join me!
[21:40] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+21 join me! --> [ 1d20=3 ]{24}
[21:40] <@Erad> OOC: Surely someone has a better aid than my +5
[21:41] <@Kotono> roll 1d20 T aids
[21:41] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 T aids --> [ 1d20=16 ]{16}
[21:42] <@Kotono> roll 1d20 Cylen aids
[21:42] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 Cylen aids --> [ 1d20=4 ]{4}
[21:42] <@Kotono> OOC: Total of 28.
[21:42] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:42] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=68 ]{68}
[21:42] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:42] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=9 ]{9}
[21:48] <@Kotono> You're in a tavern  -guards outside, and a surprising amount of gold gets you drinks and a meal. As you quietly eat, Annerose looks about. Reflexive, really. Just doing the rounds. You see Amanna, sitting at the bar and nursing a cup of ale. She's quietly talking to the barkeep.
[21:49] <@Annerose> What do you know? Annerose excuses herself, before joining Amanna at the bar.
[21:50] <@Erad> Erad glances over and looks a bit surprised, but remains with the others.
[21:56] <@Kotono> Amanna glances at you and looks back at her ale - before doing a quick double take. "Annerose?"
[21:58] <@Annerose> "Believe me, I was just as surprised!" she responds with a grin. "Though Erad had faith we'll see you again here."
[22:12] <@Kotono> "What are you doing here?" Amanna asks, "I did not think Tempus would have us meet again yet."
[22:14] <@Annerose> "Distributing food to tide the town over, since the scheduled delivery got delayed," Annerose responds, turning in the seat to face Amanna. "And we ended up returning in the first place because T got sick, and we didn't have anyone to heal him after Inari had to leave." She tilts her head, peering at the cleric. "This whole thing sure looks like divine providence."
[22:18] <@Kotono> "I am but a servant of Tempus," Amanna says, "State your meaning and desire clearly."
[22:20] <@Annerose> "Team up with us. We killed a couple dragons that were menacing the land recently, and there are plenty threats still. I can practically guarantee glorious battle. We work well together, and we need your skills."
[22:21] <@Kotono> A long sip of her ale, "Who is your enemy?" she asks, lowering her voice.
[22:22] <@Annerose> "Awfully strong storm we're having," Annerose notes, matching her quiet tone. "Almost reminds you of another, doesn't it? Both are likely with the same source, and it's about time this sort of thing stopped."
[22:23] <@Kotono> Amanna smiles. "Yes, it is. For that I can lend you my aid. It seems to be the will of Tempus that I find this battle."
[22:24] <@Annerose> "Glad to hear it!" Annerose gestures at their table. "Want to sit down with the others?"
[22:25] <@Kotono> "Yes," Amanna says, rising.

[Corwin]

[20:06] <@Kotono> ----
[20:07] <@Kotono> Erad soon returns Amanna to your table, T giving her a look and then to Annerose, "Huh."
[20:09] <@Erad> OOC: You mean Annerose returns?
[20:09] <@Kotono> OOC: Yes, sorry, brain farty.
[20:11] <@Erad> "It's good to see you again." Erad says as he raises his mug to Amanna. "Were you here to help organize the food effort?"
[20:13] * DarthSquiddius (~dfvsdfsdf@97-117-166-77.phnx.qwest.net) has joined #dunes
[20:13] <@Kotono> "Deeds and means," Amanna says quietly, bringing her own mug over. "Inari left you?"
[20:13] <@Kotono> Helena nods slightlyl, "Oh, and this is Cylen," she introduces the hooded and cloaked man. "A friend."
[20:14] <@Erad> "She had an urgent matter to attend to." Erad explains. "I can understand -- if I heard something was happening to Ailan, I'd probably do the same."
[20:15] <@Annerose> "It was unfortunate, in many ways. Though better than the alternative."
[20:17] <@Kotono> "Miserable luck," T confirms, "Anyway, it makes your services all the more valuable."
[20:17] <@Erad> "We were actually on our way somewhere else, but if you think we should try and help facilitate the relief effort here for a few days, I wouldn't be opposed to helping people in need." Erad says. "But if you think your forces can handle things, then we can set off again."
[20:18] <@Kotono> "No," Amanna says, "Slay the head of the serpent and the beast dies."
[20:18] <@Erad> Erad grins a bit at that. "Well said."
[20:20] <@Kotono> "We move on." Amanna says, "We will overcome logistics here while we triumph elsewhere."
[20:21] <@Kotono> T considers and nods, "Yeah, probably so. Unless there's an objection, we can get moving again."
[20:22] <@Erad> Erad nods. "I'll take care of the night driving so we can keep moving, then."
[20:30] <@Kotono> OOC: Leaving that day or going to wait for first light?
[20:31] <@Erad> OOC: We may as well go right away. Erad will take care of night travel since I think he's the only one with darkvision.
[20:35] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:35] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=4 ]{4}
[20:35] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:35] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=29 ]{29}
[20:38] <@Kotono> Three days of bitterly cold and miserable travel. Pess 68 is winding down, everyone in front of the fire. T's busy over it, cooking little balls of dough with something inside of them. "So tomorrow's a new year," he says, "Have a tradition back at home. Everyone gets these little balls, and in one of them is a coin. Bite down, and if you have the coin in yours, make a wish when you realize it.
[20:38] <@Kotono> It might just come true."
[20:40] <@Annerose> "Any wish?"
[20:42] <@Kotono> "Sure," T says, passing baked balls of dough around.
[20:42] <@Kotono> Helena says, "I know what I'd wish for. A better year than the past one," she says, "A year with less Auril."
[20:43] * @Annerose takes one herself, shaking it next to her ear.
[20:43] <@Erad> "I'm not sure if it counts if we're just fulfilling that particular wish." Erad says with a small smile. "But it's a earnest wish nonetheless."
[20:45] <@Annerose> "Any wish counts! T said so!"
[20:46] <@Erad> "I suppose he did." Erad agrees.
[20:48] <@Kotono> "Yes. Now on three. One, two..." T says. "THREE!"
[20:48] <@Erad> Erad shrugs and bites down.
[20:49] * @Annerose bites down with an expectant grin.
[20:50] <@Kotono> roll 1d8 1 Erad 2 Annerose 3 T 4 Helena 5 Rock 6 Cylen 7 Amanna 8 Reroll
[20:50] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8 1 Erad 2 Annerose 3 T 4 Helena 5 Rock 6 Cylen 7 Amanna 8 Reroll --> [ 1d8=2 ]{2}
[20:50] <@Kotono> Sure enough, ow! Annerose bites something solid and metal in hers.
[20:51] * @Annerose makes her wish!
[20:51] <@Kotono> OOC: Tell it to me in PM.
[20:52] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:53] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=50 ]{50}
[20:53] * @Annerose gives T the thumbs up sign, revealing the coin she's biting on.
[20:55] <@Kotono> "Oh great," T groans, "Now we'll always have winter."
[20:55] <@Kotono> Helena giggles, "Maybe a winter where we can still grow food."
[20:55] <@Erad> Erad laughs. "I'm sure there are some plants that can grow in the cold."
[20:55] <@Annerose> "Around the year farming? I could see it!" Annerose muses, pocketing the lucky coin.
[21:02] <@Kotono> From here, Calin 1 dawns. An icestorm starts the morning, topping the big drifts and feet of snow with an icy sheet. As you begin to pack up for th emorning...OOC: Perception all.
[21:03] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+2
[21:03] <Kobot> Annerose rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{8}
[21:03] <@Erad> roll 1d20+16
[21:03] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{21}
[21:08] <@Kotono> Erad just happens to look up - in time to see a great shape far above. A mass of white, something he knows in his bones is a white dragon far, far, far above, almost to the high clouds that rain down ice.
[21:09] <@Erad> "...What the...?" Erad squints, as if unsure for a moment. "...Damnit all. Up there! White dragon, I wonder where it's going, or if it has anything to do with this weather..."
[21:10] <@Annerose> "Would you like to fly up and ask?"
[21:11] <@Kotono> Helena looks up as it passes, "At least it's not our enemy right this moment," she says, "Right?"
[21:11] <@Kotono> T snorts.
[21:12] <@Kotono> Cylen peers up, "The beast avoids conflict flyign that far up. We would have to pursue greatly to catch him nad force the matter."
[21:12] <@Erad> "My blood tells me to go up and kill it." Erad says plainly. "But my code tells me we've got something more pressing to handle. We'll meet the dragon on the field of battle eventually, just as we did the rest."
[21:14] <@Annerose> "Or it could be a nice, perfectly reasonable dragon."
[21:16] <@Erad> "I'm not sure those exist amongst the kin of white dragons."
[21:17] <@Erad> "Let's just keep moving -- I'll keep an eye out for it if it starts to follow us." Erad says.
[21:18] <@Annerose> "Alright," Annerose agrees, climbing into the wagon.
[21:18] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:18] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=67 ]{67}
[21:18] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:18] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=64 ]{64}
[21:26] <@Kotono> A few more days of travel. You make up lost time and more besides, progressing into Jack Maggen's territory. It's mid afternoon of Calin 5 and you pass by a village. Here no one is out, only several lonely houses half buried by snow. The cloudy sky holds back any more for now, but it is likely only a matter of time.
[21:26] <@Annerose> "Let's take a look," Annerose proposes. "See how the locals are doing."
[21:27] <@Erad> Erad nods. "I think we can afford the time to do so."
[21:32] <@Kotono> "Wise," Amanna says as you head in. The buildings are largely log cabins, ramshackle and rustic. Doors of wood reinforced with whatever you can see, cloth plugging holes in the cabins. No one's about, but smoke does rise from chimneys.
[21:33] * @Annerose knocks on one of the doors!
[21:35] <@Kotono> After some time, the door opens a crack. You see one bloodshot eye, a woman's trembling voice, "W-we've paid the tributes, ma'am," she says in a soft voice, "W-we gave half our chickens and pigs to Auril, as promised."
[21:36] <@Erad> Erad immediately frowns. "This nonsense again..."
[21:36] <@Annerose> "That's nice-- oh. Oh!" Annerose smiles. "Despite how I look, I don't follow Auril. I'm here to ask you if you have enough food for the winter, because I have a surplus."
[21:37] <@Kotono> There's a moment's pause before the door's thrown open. A child rushes past the woman - 30something and careworn, wearing an old, tattered dress with a few holes - and comes to you, "Food? You have food?" The young girl asks, a shrunken and starving thing. "Food! So hungry!"
[21:38] <@Kotono> Helena kneels down and smiles, "We do. We have lots of food."
[21:38] <@Kotono> T's silent at this, face twisting into a grimace.
[21:38] <@Erad> "We're going to put an end to this." Erad mutters to himself as he folds his arms.
[21:39] * @Annerose pats the girl's head, calling out, "T, why don't you get our supplies."
[21:39] <@Kotono> "You...you have food?" The woman asks, as two more children - a boy and a girl, slowly approach. The boy is bare chested and shivering, ribs clearly visible against his skin. "Oh thank you! Please, please, I beg you!" she asks.
[21:41] <@Kotono> Cylen goes iwth T silently, helping him get some of the promised food. Amanna looks on, "Does your lord starve you so? That will hardly make hardy soldiers for your next war with Krygur."
[21:42] <@Annerose> "Among other things," Anneroses murmurs, before raising her voice as she asks, "Is anyone sick? Injured? We can help with that as well."
[21:42] <@Erad> "We should have bought some clothes... ah well." Erad shakes his head. "We can always redistribute them later."
[21:43] <@Kotono> "Landy down the street has the shakes," the woman points, "Milligan's with a broken leg from trying to ford the snows."
[21:44] <@Kotono> Amanna frowns more, "Ma'am," she begins, but as T brings forth a sack of flour, the woman leaps and hugs him. "Oh thank you!" she gasps, starting to cry. "We have food!" The children cheer, crowding around.
[21:45] <@Erad> "Amanna." Erad says, gesturing with his head away from the others and in the direction the woman's pointing. "Let's go check on the others. We can get our answers that way.
[21:45] <@Annerose> "T, look over things for a bit?" Annerose requests, drawing Amanna away. T should stop them from eating too much after starving. "Would it help if I told you their lord is Maggen? The same one we talked about as we set off?" she tells Amanna quietly, once they have more of a privacy.
[21:46] <@Kotono> "Quite," Amanna says, following Erad and Annerose. "It would, and I knew that already, as I am no fool." She smiles unkindly, "This is not merely greedy, it is suicidal. What is a ruler with no serfs and peasants to command?"
[21:48] <@Annerose> "Maybe he feels he'll be elevated by Auril, if he sacrifices enough people to her this winter?"
[21:49] <@Kotono> "Madness," Amanna spits to the side, "Wretched madness."
[21:50] <@Erad> "That's probably it. He takes the food and animals and sacrifices them, and if the people die too... well that's just more blood in the snow for him." Erad says. "It makes me happy to know even such a small act as us delivering food spits in his eyes from here."
[21:51] <@Annerose> "I'm just glad we got here in time," Annerose voices.
[21:52] <@Kotono> "We must and shall," Amanna agrees, "Whatever his goals are."
[21:52] <@Kotono> OOC: Plans here?
[21:53] <@Erad> OOC: Erad and Amanna heal who they can, Erad will check on anyone more sick than usual and see what he can do.
[21:53] <@Annerose> OOC: We leave enough supplies for people to make it through winter and replant
[21:57] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[21:59] <@Kotono> Hours pass and you help the village - Holdfast - recover from the brink. As you go about and help Milligan - a young man living alone - Amanna asks, "Is your lord always this demanding?"
[22:00] <@Kotono> The young man looks up as his leg mens, slowly flexing it, "Thank you muchly, ma'am," he says, "No ma'am, our lord's worse this year. Auril's taking much more and demanding almost everything, ma'am. Ma'am, winter is hungry this year."
[22:01] <@Erad> "He must really have been cooking this up for a while." Erad says with a sigh. "Ridiculous."
[22:04] <@Kotono> "Madness," Amanna shakes her head, "No matter why, this must be put down like the madness it is."
[22:06] <@Erad> "Do you know of any other villages on the way that might also need our help?" Erad asks. "Or ones that may be out of the way -- off the normal paths?"
[22:08] <@Kotono> "Everything ahead on the main road, ma'am. There's also Winterfast. It's a ways off the roads and a mining town. But we haven't seen anyone fromthere it since Sess."
[22:09] <@Erad> "He might be using it for supplies..." Erad reasons. "It wouldn't hurt to stop in."
[22:10] <@Annerose> "We should make the effort to take a look," Annerose agrees.
[22:12] <@Kotono> "It's a few days to the west," he says, "South a bit too, on one of the first real mountain slopes."
[22:13] * Sailor_Mercury (~Merc@c-50-175-190-75.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) Quit (Ping timeout: 180 seconds)
[22:15] <@Erad>  "We'll check it out and make sure everyone's okay. Once this weather lightens up, just remember our name -- The Torch Bearers. If you're feeling especially pious in the next few days and weeks, we could probably use some prayers, too." Erad adds the last bit with a bit of a grin.
[22:15] <@Kotono> He nods at that, "The Torch Bearers, sir. Bringing warmth in this miserable winter, sir?"
[22:18] <@Erad> "And light to a world of darkness." Erad agrees.