A return home

[Anastasia]

As he sets up Antenora nods, "You really should not."

"Mrr," Sharess makes a purring noise as others listen, "A few of my better champions have been observant as a dead mouse. You shouldn't reward it, but understand it's not everyone's strength."

> roll 1d20+15 Heal
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=20]

For all his flaws at seeing, the man's rudimentary healing is quite effective. He simply does what needs to be done, no squeamishness as cursed metal is pulled out of their wounds and potions are administered. Whew.

[Ebiris]

"I suppose not," Alicia acknowledges as the devil-slaying heroes are brought back from death's door. And hopefully they'll get to do lots more heroics in the future now! "But still it seems to have resolved well. They slew a particularly nasty devil mostly through good luck but were left with wounds they couldn't treat on their own. So I'm happy to have helped out there," she says for the benefit of those that weren't able to peek in on her divine workings.

[Anastasia]

A murmur of agreement from that.

"Sister," Jessica speaks up, "What is it like to see and sense so much? How do you stay you so well when you're dealing with so much?" She puts down her food at that, "Sharess and Mystra, you were born this way. But for Alicia and Syala, they had to learn to live with it."

'One,' Antenora murmurs in your mind, 'Capable of a realm others can live in forever. Another world. Almost like their own Creation.'

[Ebiris]

"Well, I have two brains with my avatar," Alicia mentions. "Mostly it's like a low background hum, few prayers require much of my direct focus or time. And when I'm aware of other locations, it's a lot like using divination spells that give you information, just even smoother. It just genuinely is that easy, but hard to put into words for someone that hasn't experienced. It's like... being in the water and understanding from the shape of it and the feel of the currents how everything else in the water is placed and put together. I'm still me at the centre, there's just this extra medium extending me in all directions."

'Eblis mentioned something similar, to survive Creation even if Shar wins,' she sends back to Antenora.

[Anastasia]

Antenora nods and smiles, "I'm going to go sunbathe," she announces, "Anyone want to join me?"

"I think I'll go swimming now," Latha declares, getting up.

"How about another game?" Syala asks, "I could go for some more games."

Jessica listens and nods and...

Ball is in your court here, whatever you choose will move it along to you and a few characters. If you're interested in someone in particular, either join them or invite them with you.

[Ebiris]

"I'll try and regain some pride after Sharess stripped me," Alicia says, turning to Syala and clenching a fist to show her determination to get a win!

[Anastasia]

Laughs follow, Mystra coming with you. "I'll play whomever wins," Mystra offers, taking a seat at the next table as Syala gestures, "You choose the game, dear. Though really, we should have a wager so I can win something when I beat you."

Meanwhile Antenora and Marie go to nap int he sun while Jessica, Sharess and Latha go swimming.

[Ebiris]

"Lets go with poker again," Alicia picks that old staple, shuffling the cards from hers and Sharess's game. "But don't be so sure of your victory. If you want a wager... if you win you get to come up with some pretext to keep Marie and Antenora busy a bit longer, if I win they'll be blessedly free to go visit lawful Mechanus after this?"

[Anastasia]

"Deal," Syala says, some chips appearing before the two of you.

Mystra smiles and looks over to them, "I'm pleased with Marielle. She's lived up to her potential and more aside, just as I'm pleased with Antenora."

Int checks.

[Ebiris]

[18:52] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+9 int
[18:52] <+Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=19]

"She's been a joy to have around, both as a familiar and a friend," Alicia agrees as she deals out the cards and considers her hand. Looks like Mechanus beckons after all, but she keeps her poker face up. "I'm not quite sure about her ardent devotion towards the magic missile spell, but it is iconic."

[Anastasia]

> roll 1d20+10 Syala needs a big roll
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d20=12]

The cards begin to fall your way as you play, a lull in the conversation as you all focus on the game. "I have a special place in my heart for those who focus on a single spell," Mystra says, "The Weave is grand and magnificent, yet each spell is a symphony that can be savored for an entire lifetime."

Syala frowns as you rake in some of her chips, a new hand starting, "My luck is not favorable right now."

[Ebiris]

"I can hear those cogs whirring away," Alicia says pleasantly as she pulls in her chips. A nod to Mystra afterwards, "Actually that reminds me of something I read in an old combat treatise. 'I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times,'" she recites it out. "So Marie's living up to the magical equivalent of that thinking."

[Anastasia]

"It can lead to great heights," Mystra agrees, "Afina of Aurora uses the same approach, and I've watched with satisfaction as she's mastered haste."

Syala sighs as you lay down your hand, claiming the rest of her chips. "So you can. You're a cruel woman, Alicia," Syala remarks right back. "Oh well, I'm sure Marie will be just fine once she stops shivering in terror."

[Ebiris]

"Oh yes, everything I've heard about Afina paints her as an exceptionally deadly combatant. Her talent with fire magic and haste is a rare combination... that sort of battle-magic makes me wish she was one of mine," Alicia says with a smile, before glancing over at Antenora and Marie. "I wonder if Antenora might even find an excuse not to go just so she can keep it as a threat to hold over Marie instead."

[Anastasia]

"She is good at finding excuses, like excuses to run around undressed," Syala remarks casually, a warm smile on her face. "Another game?"

"Please," Mystra says, "Deal me in, poker can be played with three players. What shall we wager this time? Also, one who dresses in the radiance of light truly sits within a glass house."

To this Syala chuckles a bit, "Yes, well....say, is it your fault Alicia always brings home naked women? It started with Antenora and keeps happening."

Mystra merely smiles mysteriously as another set of chips appear, the previous game's ones sorting back out evenly.