The Man in the Red Mask and Robes 06

[Corwin]

19:15 <•Anastasia> ----
19:15 <•Anastasia> OOC: Just a quick question before I begin - did you two have something particular in mind when you talked about going to do something somewhere, or wastossing things around?
19:15 <Skaya> OOC: Let's chat with Milla and see what's up, first
19:18 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
19:18 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=74 ]{74}
19:21 <•Anastasia> It takes some effort to find Milla the next day. Something about chasing someone down, but you only get vague details before catching up to her. She's at the western gate out of the city, nearby and just past the guard station there. She rests in the shade of tree, eyes half closed as she watches merchants and travels come and go in both directions. "Kellym's nice this time of year," Milla
19:21 <•Anastasia> greets the both of you, the summery heat out in full blast today. "Thinking about going visiting?"
19:22 <Skaya> "Keeping my options open," Skaya responds with a shrug. "What would you recommend?"
19:23 <•Anastasia> Milla opens her eyes and gives the two of you a curious look, "Wait until late summer so you miss the worst of the heat," she says instead. "I don't have a lot of time, so what is it?"
19:25 <Skaya> "Part of it was just that, asking for some advice in case it was best for all if Rina and I laid low for a while," Skaya tells her. "Part of it is that we paused before completing our commission so I was wondering if we're gonna follow up, or just get paid for the part we did do."
19:32 <•Anastasia> "You never got paid for what you did?" Milla frowns, "Get that cleared up. I ended up sending the last task off with what happened, being up all night meant you were no good for today. As for advice, you want out of Mellanics for awhile?"
19:33 <Skaya> "I don't want to reflect badly on you or your father or the guild," Skaya says openly, since there's no need to hide her motives from Milla. "If that is best served by leaving for some extended time, it is something I can handle easily."
19:39 <•Anastasia> Now giving both of you her full attention, "Do you feel you need to leave?" Milla asks back, "I doubt father cares that much, or he'd say something himself."
19:39 <Skaya> "If it's like that, just tell me one thing. Off the record. Is the Crown investigating what's under the lake, or was the visit unrelated to that?"
19:41 <•Anastasia> OOC: Give me a charisma check, +2 bonus in that case.
19:42 <Skaya> roll 1d20+3+2
19:42 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+3+2 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{22}
19:44 <•Anastasia> It's not Skaya who gets an answer. Instead Milla turns to Devar, "Do you feel the same way and have the same question?"
19:45 <Devar> "I have the same question." He says. "I don't think we necessarily need to stay out of Bergan's way or anything, but I have a feeling he's not just throwing his weight around for no ultimate goal."
19:52 <•Anastasia> "Of course the Crown's investigating what's under the lake," Is Milla's answer, voice lowered, "Though as far as I know, what happened to Rina had nothing to do with that. Bergen's petty cruelty, nothing more."
19:54 <Skaya> "Okay. Coincidences do happen! In that case, got some job lined up that we could do together?" Skaya asks Milla curiously. "I couldn't help but think you were evaluating us for some task by letting us lead and fight the other day."
19:56 <Devar> Devar gestures slightly to Skaya with a 'See?' expressio at Milia.
20:00 <•Anastasia> Devar gets a flat look back before, "Alright. I need a team of four or five to head north along the border to Welland, and be willing to go into Welland itself. Trying to track down someone strange, someone who's been making trouble. A man in a red mask and robes. I don't have anything specific on him, but he keeps turning up where there's trouble. Someone's making trouble in our kingdom with
20:00 <•Anastasia> him, and it needs to stop."
20:04 <Devar> "You'd really think people wouldn't wear something that defining if they want to not be found." Devar says. "I guess it prevents divinations if you don't know their name, but still..."
20:06 <•Anastasia> "That or it's powerfully enchanted," Milla points out, "As well as practical against some divinations."
20:08 <Skaya> "Ah! That guy!"
20:10 <•Anastasia> "That-" Milla's expression turns annoyed, "You know him?"
20:12 <Skaya> "That's strange, I was sure you knew about it. Remember what got us Devar sent as reinforcements? I kept on sending reports back to the Guild Master, one about what we found at the caves and another about what happened along the way. We dealt with an unreasonably strong group of bandits en route, and that red masked weird mage guy was part of them.
20:12 <Skaya> He was the only one to disappear out of a locked room, so I assumed he's a mage, anyway."
20:16 <•Anastasia> "He must be, then," Milla says, "And no, but that means you at least know who I'm talking about. More reason for you to take it, because you know he's out there, making trouble like that.
20:16 <•Anastasia> "
20:16 <Skaya> "Mmm. I don't have confidence taking him down myself, but a team of four supporting me? Yes, I'm willing to give it a shot."
20:20 <•Anastasia> "Then form a team and go. You'll get 2,000 each gold for his capture or death, alon gwith any treasure on the way."
20:22 <Skaya> "Can it be half paid up front?" Skaya decides to check. "At least one of the girls I want to bring on would be onboard with that."
20:28 <•Anastasia> "Anne?" Milla cold-guesses at that, "So you can give her that and avoid being guilt tripped to help the orphans the entire time?"
20:28 <Skaya> "Yeah, though it'd make things an easy sell to the others too."
20:31 <•Anastasia> "Fine," Milla says after a few moments of thought, "But if you fail, you'll need to pay it back."
20:31 <Skaya> "That's fair."
20:33 <•Anastasia> "Then go gather your term and report back," Milla says, "Good luck."
20:33 — Skaya glances over at Devar to make sure he's fine with all this.
20:35 <Devar> A simple nod is Skaya's answer!
20:35 <Skaya> "I'll get going right away, then1"
20:38 <•Anastasia> With that choice made, one question is obvious: Who are you going to go ask?
20:39 — Skaya is going to invite Sanda, Anne, Rina and Regis. It'd make for a decent team of six to chase down a weird maybe-mage with no good leads!
20:42 <•Anastasia> OOC: Okay, Devar, anything to add onto that or discussion to be had?
20:43 <Devar> OOC: No sir
20:47 <•Anastasia> OOC: Okay then, how do you want to do this and wrangle theim into it?
20:48 <Skaya> OOC: Let's all meet for lunch at an inn and have a chat!
20:55 <•Anastasia> It's a late lunch, but it's lunch. A quiet inn in central Mellanics, cooler than outside and shaded. Over lunch the group listens, Rina quiet and Regis tense. It's Sanda who speaks first as Anne works on her stew, "So we go search, get paid for it and hope to find a provocateur?"
20:56 <•Anastasia> "Our success will be in the hands of higher forces than us," Anne says right away, "That sort of mission demands faith in our victory, and acceptance of what happens regardless."
20:56 <•Anastasia> Regis scowls, "Getting Rina out of here's good sense regardless, and if it goes more northernly and into Welland, we might even reach the sea coast eventually."
20:58 <Skaya> "Plus the order's a bit off. We get paid, convert that to better gear before heading out and ensure our survival, then the rest of it."
21:00 <•Anastasia> "Count us in," Regis says right away, and Rina nods quietly afterwards.
21:01 <•Anastasia> "The money's good," Sanda muses aloud, "So very good, and better if we find treasure. Logically speaking, we'll find treasure, so it's excellent money."
21:01 <•Anastasia> "
21:01 <Skaya> "Glad to have you onboard!" Skaya says cheerfully, before turning towards Sanda. "That other mission didn't end up taking the many months we planned for, so I figure you're good for an extended leave? And we're definitely getting decent treasure, that trashy guy is clearly working with bandits which means free money."
21:01 <•Anastasia> "I'm loathe to leave on a long trip again so soon," Anne reflects, "But the money could do so much good."
21:04 <Skaya> "Ah, speaking of that. Maybe you could make a change this time around?" Skaya muses. "There was this guy who heard your stories and wanted to be trained so he tried to tag along with me on a real job out of town. Maybe you can use some of the down payment to hire a few retired adventurers to train the teens that are looking for a job? Teach them the basics of survival and how to fight?"
21:07 <•Anastasia> "We already do that as we can for trades, but it's expensive and relies mostly on good will. We're disinclined to offer that sort of training generally," Anne goes on, "We can't offer enough, and going off half trained? No." Softer, "I already have gravestones to visit from that foolishness. The few with talent and the drive not to let go I quietly tutor in the basics, and have others help in
21:07 <•Anastasia> exchange for favors."
21:09 <Skaya> "Wow, that's new! I figured those old guys who took an arrow to the knee or something and long since retired would be bored and work for pennies."
21:11 <•Anastasia> "Statistically speaking, that wouldn't be finantically viable for them," Sanda points out.
21:11 <Skaya> "Not everything's about the money. Some people just like to recapture the glory of their heyday."
21:11 <•Anastasia> "Everyone wants money," Regis agrees, resting his head on his hand, lunch pushed away.
21:19 <•Anastasia> "Still..." Anne says after a moment, "I'll accept, it's too good a chance ot pass up."
21:20 <Skaya> "Mmm. You know, Sanda, Anne, I'm really hoping your magic will grow quickly. That'll open all sorts of fast travel options!"
21:21 <Devar> "There's definitely a lot of spells that make that easy, I hear." Devar agrees.
21:22 <•Anastasia> "So there are," Anne says, "I'll investigate a few simple ones, and se eif they're granted. But the truly good ones are well away and out of reach."
21:22 <•Anastasia> "Any basic wizard or sorcerer knows a spell for the basics," Sanda disagrees, "Logically speaking, isn that not superior, Skaya?"
21:23 <•Anastasia> "Spells aren't my thing, but what spells, Devar?" Regis asks.
21:24 <Devar> "Well, there's stuff like teleport, but that's pretty advanced. I have to wonder if our masked friend used it to escape... but if he's got spells like that then we'll have to be very careful on how to try and apprehend them." He says. "It may be safer to not assume he has that."
21:24 <Skaya> "Hmm. I was really talking about Teleport or Plane Shift, which are... well, I guess they're a bit off from our grasp for the near future? But I'm optimistic! And speaking of optimism, I'll check the Guild for a guard mission for any caravans heading our way. Getting our own wagon is not happening again since it's clearly cursed, so let's get paid while traveling with someone else's wagon."
21:31 <•Anastasia> "Sensible," Anne agrees with that.
21:31 <•Anastasia> "Teleport, is it? Things like that," Regis murmurs, "The stories of going across the country in a sneeze's moment."
21:32 <•Anastasia> "When will we leave?" Sanda speaks up at that, "How soon?"
21:32 <Skaya> "The stories of the wonderful mishaps with the spell!"
21:32 <Skaya> At Sanda's question, she coughs into her fist. "Like I said, let me find a decent guard mission. Let's be ready to leave within a few days if nothing comes up?"
21:36 <•Anastasia> Nods all around at that as...OOC: Okay then, prep before y'all leave?
21:36 <Skaya> OOC: How much are we getting paid for Milla's unfinished quest string?
21:37 <Skaya> OOC: I'll see from there if I have enough to check about an item or not
21:40 <•Anastasia> OOC: She never said before this?
21:40 <Skaya> OOC: I believe she said it was a thousand, but that was for completing all three.
21:42 <Devar> OOC: I unfortunately don't have logs for back then so I am of no help here
21:43 <•Anastasia> OOC: Okay, she'll give you 670 for two.
21:43 <Skaya> OOC: 1,000 split three ways, plus any treasure we get
21:43 <Skaya> OOC: Okay, thanks
21:46 <Devar> OOC: So just short on a +1 weapon or ring of deflection for me, so no purchases
21:48 <•Anastasia> OOC: Okay, cool. Post the gain in loot real quick Skaya. Any purchases for you? You'll have time to think since I need to go over NPC upgrades'n'stuff.
21:51 <Skaya> OOC: I presume Eyes of the Eagle would give +5 to perception, and Boots of Elvenkind and Cloak of Elvenkind each give +5 to stealth?
21:52 <•Anastasia> OOC: Boots and cloak would be an either/or since they're both the same bonus type, I believe. So just go with whichever you prefer, but yeah. What are the eyes in?
21:53 <Skaya> OOC: https://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicItems/wondrousItems.htm#eyesoftheEagle
21:53 <•Anastasia> OOC: Yeah, that'sf ine.
21:54 <•Anastasia> OOC: Anyway, go ahea dand get all of your ducks in order, do any loot posts you need to and we'll hit the gorund running on this next time, typos and all.

[Corwin]

19:02 <•Anastasia> OOC: Okay, last check. Anything to do before you venture forth? Any prep, purchases or anything like that?
19:02 <Skaya> OOC: All done!
19:02 <Devar> OOC: All done here too
19:05 <•Anastasia> OOC: One last question since I think it came up but having a durr. How were you allt raveling? Horseback? Wagon? Foot?
19:06 <Skaya> OOC: I was going to use my position at the Guild to find an escort mission for some caravan and have us join it as guard, if at all possible within a week's timeframe
19:07 <•Anastasia> OOC: Thank you, I knew something got between the cracks.
19:10 <•Anastasia> The mission is straight forward. Protect the caravan as it heads north towards Welland. It's run by a Mister John Wells, a rather disagreeable and rumpled man who smells of ale and of cologne rather than showers. He pulls an old, beaten felt cap down on his head as he eyes the group as you meet near the front gates, "You're the ones the guild sent?" It's a caravan of four wagons and several
19:10 <•Anastasia> pack animals as well.
19:11 <Skaya> "That's right! Our specialty is dealing with extra sized bands of bandits, so you can rest assured!"
19:14 <•Anastasia> Anne merely inclines her head, eyes roaming over the people here.
19:14 <•Anastasia> "We'll handle it," Regis steps forward, "If we're needed, there won't be any problems, but odds are we scare off any bandits who try."
19:16 <•Anastasia> The group of you gets a grunt before, "Well, no skin off my nose as long as you do your jobs. Which one of you is in charge?"
19:18 <Skaya> "That would be me, Mister Wells," she responds, introducing herself, "Skaya, at your service."
19:18 <•Anastasia> "No slacking off, I want my money's worth."
19:18 <•Anastasia>  OOC: Gah.
19:19 <•Anastasia> "No slacking off, I want my money's worth." The merchant scratche shis nose before he continues, "We eat breakfast before we break camp in the morning or we leave an inn, we eat lunch on the road and we eat dinner after we stop for the night. Talk to me if there's any problems."
19:20 <Skaya> "Certainly, Mister Wells," Skaya tells him, not finding any problems with this.
19:23 <•Anastasia> With that and a quick nod, your journey begins. Are any of you going to be doing anything unusual or just going along with it?
19:24 — Skaya will ensure there will be a suitable guard rotation and watch both as they move and at night. Otherwise, she'll spend some time chatting with Anne now and then.
19:27 <Devar> Devar will stay quiet but keep an eye out as they go - thankfully they probably won't be attacked by any white dragons on the trip!
19:28 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
19:28 <•Anastasia> OOC: Oh right.
19:28 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@lunarnet-82C188CE.hr.hr.cox.net)
19:29 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
19:29 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=61 ]{61}
19:31 <•Anastasia> The morning passes and lunch is on the road. Merely some preserved meat and bread, but it keeps you all going. The road is hot and dusty as the hours pass. Come mid afternoon you see your companions are all busy in theirw ays. Anne, in between conversations with Skaya, chats with members of the caravan. All smiles and gentle calls, speaking of those who need great help. Sanda keeps her eyes
19:31 <•Anastasia> open when needed, and when not pulls out a book or nabs flowers or plant samples from the roadside. Regis mostly keeps alert with Rina, the two having low, careful conversations at times.  OOC: Go ahead and set the both of you up.
19:33 <Skaya> "And we're on the road once more~" Skaya says cheerfully, observing the road ahead. She and Anne are guarding the front of the caravan, as it's not large enough to require complicated logistics and command chain. "Strange thought. Have you considered having an armor for every occasion, same as clothes, if money weren't an object?"
19:35 <Devar> Devar's on the opposite side to keep a lookout behind them, just enjoying the trip for the time being - he's sure it won't actually stay quiet, there's always something for adventurers to do, after all!
19:37 <•Anastasia> Anne peers ahead and pulls out a old cloth, dabbing away only the lightest sheen of sweat, despite her armor. "Yes, and also a princess dress and tiara, and jewelry worth more than all of Mellanics. Still, those thoughts stay where they had best stay: in the realm of fantasy."
19:37 <•Anastasia> Meanwhile Devar stays on the alert and...OOC: Perception check, Devar.
19:38 <Skaya> "Perhaps not! While shapeshifting armor is very lovely, you could just start by accessorizing it. And before that, how about applying a different color to it each day? Like with nails."
19:39 <Devar> roll 1d20+8
19:39 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{12}
19:47 <•Anastasia> Suddenly the ground beneath Devar shakes, just in time for the ground beneath him to erupt out into debris, something big coming from below that-!
19:47 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+7 flatfooted AC unless you have uncanny or something to help with that?
19:47 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+7 flatfooted AC unless you have uncanny or something to help with that? --> [ 1d20=14 ]{21}
19:52 <Skaya> OOC: Given his listed AC is 16....
19:52 <Devar> OOC: Nothing like uncanny dodge, no
19:53 <•Anastasia> roll 2d6+7+1d4 (1d4 is acid)
19:53 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 2d6+7+1d4 (1d4 is acid) --> [ 2d6=6 1d4=4 ]{17}
19:53 <Devar> OOC: I have 5 acid resistance so only 13
19:54 <•Anastasia> OOC: Neat. Definitely helpful there.
19:55 <•Anastasia> A great, six legged beast erupts out, acid dripping from its mandibles. A horror seen before - an ankheg. One that tears into Devar's legs as shouts of alarm go up, "ANKHEG!" from various memories. Regis and Rina are already moving, Anne turning and springing into action. Even Sanda's limping that way, arcane words on her mouth as...OOC: Init. Anne and Skaya are 40ft away, others less so ad
19:55 <•Anastasia> they close in and I'll handle them on my end.  Go ahead and update topic HP in here, Neph.
19:55 <Skaya> roll 1d20+7
19:55 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{19}
19:55 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20 Sanda
19:55 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20 Sanda --> [ 1d20=17 ]{17}
19:55 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 31/31 Devar 19/32
19:55 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+2 Anne
19:55 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+2 Anne --> [ 1d20=19 ]{21}
19:56 <Devar> roll 1d20+2
19:56 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{21}
19:56 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+3 Regis
19:56 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+3 Regis --> [ 1d20=18 ]{21}
19:56 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+5 Rina
19:56 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+5 Rina --> [ 1d20=11 ]{16}
19:56 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+0 Ankheg
19:56 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+0 Ankheg --> [ 1d20=1 ]{1}
19:57 <•Anastasia> Init is Anne = Devar = Regis (21) > Skaya (19) > Sanda (17) > Rina (16) > Ankheg (1)
19:57 <•Anastasia> OOC: Go ahead and open Devar since you're right on it.
20:01 <Devar> Taken mostly by surprise, the best thing for Devar to do would be to get the hell out and away from it, but he knows his chances of that aren't great. OOC: I'm basically in melee with it now, right? So trying to get away most likely provokes an attack from it? Or so Devar would assume?
20:02 <•Anastasia> OOC: Yes.
20:04 <Devar> He'll heal himself and then move five feet back - it's not much, but it hopefully gets him a little out of range. OOC: Lay on hands to put me back to 32. Five-foot step to just get me slightly out of range without provoking anything, hopefully.
20:04 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 31/31 Devar 32/32
20:07 <•Anastasia> Devar heals his torn legs and hops back. Meanwhile the caravan begins to panic and hurry ahead, as Anne makes the time to move close, positioning. Regis does the same from the other side as...OOC: Skaya.
20:09 <Skaya> "Stay calm and keep away from the ankheg!" Skaya's voice carries over the panicking merchants and other civilians. There is no need to give orders to her team, they're competent enough at working together to deal with something like that. For her part, she also moves over while sending a pair of conjured missiles to assault its flank!
20:09 <Skaya> roll 2d4+2 MM
20:09 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 2d4+2 MM --> [ 2d4=5 ]{7}
20:13 <•Anastasia> As the dust of the road is kicked up, wagons getting well away from the mosnter, pack animals lead along in a semi panic as shouts are heard? Anne readies herself while magic missiles strike. Two pepper the ankheg, both hitting it center mass. It's not enough to stop it, but you certainly draw a pained noise. Rina races in as well, darts flying fast as she tries to skewer the beast from afar.
20:14 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+6
20:14 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{16}
20:14 <Skaya> roll 1d20+15 diplo
20:14 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+15 diplo --> [ 1d20=11 ]{26}
20:15 <•Anastasia> Yet the dart glances off the ankheg's hide, not penetrating. Instead it turns and spews a great line of acid Skaya's way, before turning and burrowing back into the ground, retreating. OOC: Ref save, Skaya.
20:16 <Skaya> roll 1d20+6+5 evasion
20:16 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+6+5 evasion --> [ 1d20=5 ]{16}
20:19 <•Anastasia> Skaya evades the acid by the skin of her teeth, the ankheg burrowing down and away, back the way it came. Back under the earth, fleeing as...OOC: Devar, in case you can think of anything to do here or want to do.
20:20 <Devar> Devar gets a bit back and away from the hole it came out of just to be safe!
20:24 <•Anastasia> Anne rushes to him, checking Devar over. Rina fingers more darts but shakes her head, "Ankheg. Anothe rone!"
20:24 <•Anastasia> OOC: Free act.
20:24 <•Anastasia> "Another one," Sanda sniffs, "Too bad I wasn't there, the last one I beat with my staff."
20:25 <Skaya> "Show's over, let's get going again!" Skaya calls out to the caravan, before telling Devar, "How about you lead the way with Sanda to change your luck? Regis and Rina, stay with the center of the caravan. Anne and I will bring up the rear."
20:27 <•Anastasia> "There have been more of those this year," Regis mentions as he agreeably starts to go. "At least this one didn't stay to make it worse."
20:27 <•Anastasia> "Let me know if you need any more treatment, Devar," Anne offers.
20:27 <Skaya> "No point chasing it down, either. Not like we'll turn back to sell it for parts."
20:27 <Devar> "Sure." He says with a nod. "I'm all right, Anne." He adds with a smile. "I'm picking up a few more healing talents from you, it looks like."
20:31 <•Anastasia> "Good," Anne says, as the party continues on and...
20:31 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
20:31 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=96 ]{96}
20:31 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100 subtables
20:31 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 subtables --> [ 1d100=37 ]{37}
20:32 <•Anastasia> Nightfall. The first night of rest is on the roadside and the group makes camp. No sign of rain at least and one question lingers - how is the group going to keep watch at night?
20:32 — Skaya decides to keep the current teams for now, so it would be three shifts of two people each.
20:35 <•Anastasia> OOC: Which are, just so that we're clear?
20:36 <Skaya> OOC: Devar/Sanda, Rina/Regis, Skaya/Anne
20:39 <•Anastasia> OOC: Okay.
20:40 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
20:40 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=28 ]{28}
20:40 <•Anastasia> The night begins to pass for Devar and Sanda, on first watch. Sanda yawns away as she looks into the night, "Statistically speaking, what do you think the odds of an attack are, Devar?"
20:41 <Devar> "That's a rather general question - do you mean tonight?" He asks.
20:45 <•Anastasia> "Sure, tonight," Sanda agrees to that, "One in ten? One in twenty? One in five?"
20:47 <Devar> "There's a lot of variables." Devar says. "Animals are more likely than humans, but by how much, I wonder?"
20:49 <•Anastasia> "That-s" As Sanda begins? OOC: Perception again, Devar, -2 circumstance penalty.
20:50 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 16
20:51 <•Anastasia> Hm? It's subtle, but you see the ground around you start to twist and sink inwards. You almost missed it, actually.
20:51 <Devar> "Not again... it looks like it's 100%!" Devar says as he scrambles to his feet. "Move!"
20:55 <•Anastasia> "Move! ANKHEG!" Sanda calls just in time, as Devar moves. The ground around him erupts out again, as this time he narrowly avoids an Ankhegy followup to this afternoon. In the dark of night the battle is joined, the beginnings of alertness for others as...OOC: Init for Devar, Sanda and the ankheg. One round while everyone awakens, then I'll star tto deal the rest of your into init.
20:55 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20 Sanda
20:55 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20 Sanda --> [ 1d20=8 ]{8}
20:55 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+4 Ankheg
20:55 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+4 Ankheg --> [ 1d20=18 ]{22}
20:55 <Devar> roll 1d20+2
20:55 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{4}
21:00 <•Anastasia> Init is Ankheg (22) > Sanda (8) > Devar (4)
21:00 <•Anastasia> Before any of you can act, the ankheg blitzes out of the hole and chases after Devar, trying to bite him cold.
21:01 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+7
21:01 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{10}
21:01 <Devar> OOC: Thankfully 16
21:02 <•Anastasia> Yet Devar is fast enough to scurry ou tof the way, well and good away from an acid-dripping chomp. Sanda takes a big breath at this and draws her quarterstaff back, lightning running for it before, "Kyaaaaaaaah!"
21:02 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+7 arcane channeling for shocking grasp used
21:02 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+7 arcane channeling for shocking grasp used --> [ 1d20=8 ]{15}
21:03 <•Anastasia> Unfortunately it's a complete miss, hitting the ground rather than ankheg. At least the grass is scorched in a blue-white zap of lightning. OOC: Go.
21:04 <Devar> Devar takes a moment to ward himself as he prepares to fend off the attack! OOC: Mage Armor, puts me at 20.
21:06 <•Anastasia> MAgic armor surrounds Devar as meanwhile? People stir. Cries of alarm as the caravan master peeks out, "Another one?! Why? Who did we anger?!" Meanwhile the others are rising in various states. For her part, Skaya is 20ft away and getting to her feet as...OOC: Go ahea dand join init.
21:06 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+2 Anne
21:06 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+2 Anne --> [ 1d20=9 ]{11}
21:06 <Skaya> roll 1d20+7
21:06 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{18}
21:06 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+3 Regis
21:06 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+3 Regis --> [ 1d20=10 ]{13}
21:06 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+5 Rina
21:06 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+5 Rina --> [ 1d20=7 ]{12}
21:07 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+0
21:07 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+0 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{16}
21:08 <•Anastasia> Init is Ankheg (22) > Skaya (18) > ??? (16) > Regis (13) > Rina (12) >Anne (11) > Sanda (8) > Devar (4)
21:08 <•Anastasia> Skittering back into the tunnel it came from, the ankheg beats a retreat, but not before spitting acid right at Devar's face. OOC: Ref save.
21:09 <Devar> roll 1d20+8 evasion
21:09 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8 evasion --> [ 1d20=5 ]{13}
21:09 <•Anastasia> roll 4d4 owwies acid damage at least so -5
21:09 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 4d4 owwies acid damage at least so -5 --> [ 4d4=9 ]{9}
21:10 <•Anastasia> Fortunately, Devar is resistant. But he still gets some spray on him, hissing and burning against his flesh. The withdrawl isn't uncontested - as it falls back, Sanda takes a opportunistic swing, trying to clobber it in return.
21:10 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+7
21:10 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{9}
21:10 <•Anastasia> Which is ineffective as the ankheg makes it back to the tunnel untouched. OOC: Skaya, go.
21:10 <Skaya> Pissed off at having her beauty sleep interrupted, Skaya dashes over to Devar and Sanda and stomps hard on the ground to collapse the damn tunnel on the ankheg!
21:12 <•Anastasia> OOC: Okay, we'll treat it as an attack roll.
21:14 <Skaya> roll 1d20+7+5
21:14 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+7+5 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{27}
21:14 <Skaya> roll 1d8+3+5 unarmed?
21:14 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d8+3+5 unarmed? --> [ 1d8=2 ]{10}
21:16 <•Anastasia> The tunnel is slammed down good, burying the ankheg. Well, for as much as you can bury a burrowing monster, but still, as...OOC: Perception Devar, -2 again.
21:16 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20-1 perception Sanda meanwhile
21:16 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20-1 perception Sanda meanwhile --> [ 1d20=2 ]{1}
21:17 <Skaya> It's a burrowing beast, not an ethereal one! So hopefully that smacked it around and perhaps angered it enough to come right back!
21:17 <Skaya> roll 1d20+15+5-2 perception
21:17 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+15+5-2 perception --> [ 1d20=6 ]{24}
21:20 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 16 again
21:22 <•Anastasia> Devar and Skaya can see it - the ground starting to twist beneath Sanda. A moment away from an attack!
21:22 <Skaya> Being within reach, Skaya reacts immediately to pull Sanda away!
21:30 <Devar> Seeing Skaya has it in hand, Devar will just move away himself!
21:32 <•Anastasia> The reactions are enough to give Sanda a split second of warning. Enough to react when the ground erupts, a chance not to be taken off guard as...OOC: It's off turn so no chance of getting her out of it, but she's not flatfooted at least.
21:32 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+7
21:32 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{18}
21:32 <•Anastasia> roll 2d6+7+1d4
21:32 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 2d6+7+1d4 --> [ 2d6=8 1d4=3 ]{18}
21:33 <•Anastasia> OOC: 11/29.
21:33 <Skaya> OOC: Would I get an AoO on it?
21:33 <•Anastasia> OOC: That's fine, but hold your horses until I resolve this.
21:34 <•Anastasia> Sanda screams as her legs are ripped into, stumbling away as blood flows freely. The beast is up at least, a moment as Sanda is savaged, before...OOC: Go ahead and go for it, Skaya.
21:34 — Skaya kicks the beast with all her strength!
21:34 <Skaya> roll 1d20+7+5
21:34 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+7+5 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{21}
21:34 <Skaya> roll 1d8+3+5
21:34 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d8+3+5 --> [ 1d8=6 ]{14}
21:38 <•Anastasia> A hard kick to it, slamming it good. A moment later Regis and Rina are there, each with a sword and stabbing down at the injured beast.
21:38 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+6 Regis stab
21:38 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+6 Regis stab --> [ 1d20=4 ]{10}
21:39 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+4 Rina stab
21:39 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+4 Rina stab --> [ 1d20=19 ]{23}
21:39 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+4 Rina stab crit?
21:39 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+4 Rina stab crit? --> [ 1d20=4 ]{8}
21:39 <•Anastasia> roll 1d8+1
21:39 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d8+1 --> [ 1d8=1 ]{2}
21:39 <•Anastasia> It's only a grazing blow that gets it, slammed and then hit, as Sanda screams. She's bleeding bad, legs torn open and acid marred. Then Anne is there, touching her directly and..."Lady Jetina, heal her!"
21:40 <•Anastasia> roll 2d8+4
21:40 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 2d8+4 --> [ 2d8=14 ]{18}
21:40 <Skaya> "Good work, Anne!"
21:41 <•Anastasia> In an instant Sanda's legs repair themselves, Anne in a long shift and with her holy symbol in hand. It buys time for Sanda to stumble away, limping and withdrawing well away from another attack. OOC: Sanda wants no part of that again until she can get it together. Devar, you're up.
21:42 <Devar> Devar closes in to try and take a good strike at the beast! He doesn't love killing, but in this case, it's protecting an awful lot of people!
21:43 <Devar> roll 1d20+7
21:43 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{20}
21:43 <Devar> roll 2d4+3
21:43 <Kobot> Devar rolled 2d4+3 --> [ 2d4=7 ]{10}
21:45 <•Anastasia> A solid blow right to it, and a soft crack is heard. The ankheg shudders and falls back, this one good and down adn the other one out of immediate sight. OOC: Free act for now.
21:46 — Skaya gives it a smack just in case it's only pretending, before asking, "Everyone good?"
21:47 <Devar> "I'm fine, thankfully quick reaction saved us all a lot of trouble." He says.
21:54 <•Anastasia> Regis and Rina go further, getting some stabbing action in. Meanwhile, Anne checks Sanda over, who's gasping for air.
21:54 <Skaya> "Regis, take a few minutes to get ready with Rina and replace Devar and Sanda. Let's let them recover. We'll split the remainder of their watch between us."
21:54 <•Anastasia> "This is why I'm here," Anne calls over.
21:54 <Skaya> "That, and because we like you."
21:55 <Devar> "I've still got plenty of recovery magic left." Devar says. "So if anyone gets injured just let me know."
22:02 <•Anastasia> Nods all around as...OOC: It's about time for us so we'll resume...next time! Saturday in this case.

[Corwin]

19:04 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100-5
19:04 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100-5 --> [ 1d100=94 ]{89}
19:04 <•Anastasia> Mercifully, the rest of the night passes without incident. Come the next day, is this going to change anything up in how you handle things?
19:07 <Skaya> "Right," Skaya tells their group as they prepare in the morning. "I'm going to make it explicit. We'll always travel in pairs, and let's shift the power balance a bit. Regis, you're with me. Rina, you'll travel with Anne. Devar and Sanda, keep your team but don't try to fight anything in melee until the rest of us arrive. Let's see, you'll take the middle while Anne and Rina are at the front."
19:09 <•Anastasia> "Do you think it's going to happen again?" Rina asks, "I can't believe we encountered that man ankhegs in one day."
19:09 <•Anastasia> "Miserable luck, but one less now," Anne counters, "All things work to the right purposes, and I think a shift will help keep us sharp."
19:09 <•Anastasia> "One less we can't make anything off of," Sanda shakes her ehad, "But logically speaking, with the upsurge they're going to go for less and less anyway."
19:10 <Skaya> "I don't think it's natural, so either more of them or whoever or whatever's triggered this."
19:11 <Devar> Devar nods to Skaya. "I'm no ankheg expert but it does seem odd that there's so many that seem to be almost chasing us."
19:11 <•Anastasia> "It does seem odd," Sanda says, "The odds of it are remote, and if we see another soon, that would certainly suggest it's something unnatural."
19:11 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
19:11 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=61 ]{61}
19:12 <•Anastasia> Perhaps fortunately, that is nothing so unlucky as a jinx. Meanwhile, "We held our own just fine," Regis points out, "Ankhegs arne't the worst thing as long as we're cautious. No, I'm more concerned if they come up under one of the pack animals or caravan members."
19:13 <•Anastasia> Anne glances sidelong over at them as they prepare for the day, then quietly, "Yes, but we gain nothing saying so to them. They have eyes, any further word will only inflame their fears."
19:13 <Skaya> "I don't believe there's anything we can do about it, short of slowing our speed to a crawl and testing the land. We don't have enough to set up a proper perimeter, either. Unless you've got an idea we can try?"
19:14 <•Anastasia> Nothing to that, and after no one says anything, "Then we go on and hope we're quiet," Sanda says, "At least until we reach our destination."
19:14 <•Anastasia> "That or we all learn how to fly," Regis cracks a slight smile at that.
19:14 <•Anastasia> "That would mean we'd have to deal with sky ankhegs instead," Sanda sniffs.
19:14 <•Anastasia> Rina freezes solid at that, "S-sky ankhegs? There's ankhegs in the sky!?
19:14 <•Anastasia> '
19:15 <Skaya> "I'm sure there are worse things in the sky. Okay, let's go!"
19:15 <•Anastasia> "Of course not," Anne comforts Rina and glares at Sanda, who hmphs and turns her back on both of them.
19:15 <•Anastasia> "No, but it's a fine joke." Sanda concludes, as...OOC: More.
19:16 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100+5
19:16 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100+5 --> [ 1d100=54 ]{59}
19:16 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100+5
19:16 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100+5 --> [ 1d100=96 ]{101}
19:16 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100 subtables oi
19:16 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 subtables oi --> [ 1d100=9 ]{9}
19:17 <•Anastasia> roll 1d3
19:17 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d3 --> [ 1d3=3 ]{3}
19:18 <•Anastasia> A day's travel passes smoothly. It's late at night, perhaps an hour or two before dawn. Last watch is quiet in the embers of the cooling night, the most breathable part of summer. Still warm, but the heat's mostly abated for a few hours yet. Sanda's staring out, yawning at times but keeping her watch. After a particularly big yawn, "Devar?" she asks, looking up. The moonlight is increasingly
19:18 <•Anastasia> covered by clouds, "It's going to rain tomorrow, I think."
19:19 <Devar> "Hm. How bad, you think?" He asks. Muddy roads make for bad travel, after all.
19:21 <•Anastasia> "Enough to be unpleasant, the clouds are stacking up," She points up, which at the moment shows a break in the clouds. The moon is nearly full as - oh! A streak of lighta nd then another and another. Sanda stops and stands, looking up, "Is that...?" she whispers, intent now,  as more streaks of light cross the sky. "A meteor shower?"
19:23 <Devar> Devar stands to go look himself! "Wow - hopefully those aren't sky ankhegs." He says with a bit of a chuckle. "Or dragons, I suppose."
19:24 <•Anastasia> "Hopefully they're smiting the sky ankhegs," Sanda says, "Well, you know that they say shooting stars grant wishes. So make a wish." Sanda bows her head.
19:26 <Devar> "Well, if you insist." He says with a grin as he pauses to make his wish silently. Devar wishes that the adventure the six of them are taking together is blessed with good fortune and health for all of them!
19:34 <•Anastasia> The wish is made, and perhaps one from Sanda too. ... oh! A streak of light comes, and is coming closer. Falling fast, falling near the camp.
19:37 <•Anastasia> Sanda watches it fall with keen eyes, "Did one break away? Meteor iron can be worth a lot." She's already moving, going in the direction it's falling in.
19:37 <Devar> "We probably ought to alert the others." Devar says. "Just to be safe."
19:37 <•Anastasia> "Go ahead," Sanda says, not stopping her approach at all.
19:37 <Devar> "
19:38 <Devar> "Just be careful, then." Devar says as he goes to wake the other four up! No need to bother the caravan members itself.
19:39 <•Anastasia> Regis stirs quickly, Rina doing the same. Anne rises, mace in one hand and holy symbol in the other, "A fallen star?" she asks around  a yawn.
19:40 <Devar> "I didn't want to go investigate it without the rest of you." He explains. "If it's boring then I apologize."
19:41 <Skaya> "Are you two cursed? Geez," Skaya mutters. "Anne, Devar, let's take a look. Rina, Regis, can you make sure no oversized insects use the chance to strike?"
19:44 <•Anastasia> "Aaw," Rina says, but Regis just says, "It's fine, go. Before more ankhegs come.":
19:45 <Skaya> Pajamas are not the best attire for exploring strange fallen stars, but at least they are comfortable to move in! Skaya lets Devar lead the way, sticking near Anne.
19:45 <Devar> Devar heads that way!
19:46 <•Anastasia> Soon enough the three of you catch up with Sanda. She's kneeling, something held in her hands. No sign of a crater or any impact, but she calls, "I have it!" in a happy voice. Turning, you see in her hands is a key. A golden key that shines as softly as starlight, delicately ornate.
19:46 <•Anastasia> "A key?" Anne says as she takes it in, "A key fell from the sky?"
19:46 <•Anastasia> "It's glowing, so it's a magic key," Sanda retorts. "A magic key fell from the sky. That's important."
19:47 <•Anastasia> "A magic key," Anne blows out a breath, "Fascinating, but if it's opens something in the firmament, however would we ever be able to use it down here?"
19:47 <Skaya> "Were there more fallen stars?"
19:48 <•Anastasia> "Magic," Sanda answers, "But it might have other powers, too. And no, this is the only one."
19:48 <Devar> "...Were all those other fragments we saw keys too?" Devar asks aloud, while trying to see if he can identify anything about the key. OOC: Take 21 on Spellcraft for Detect Magic on the key.
19:48 <•Anastasia> There is no magic on the key that Devar can see.
19:49 <Devar> "...Well that's clearly not right." Devar hums. "I can't sense any magic on it at all."
19:49 <•Anastasia> "Oh no, some may have been pocket change, other keys or even Selune's lunch," Anne takes a long breath in and out, "The entire thing is madness."
19:50 <Skaya> "I guess it was a short excursion, then. Let's go back to sleep?"
19:50 <•Anastasia> "Really? That means it'll be even more valuable," Sanda says, smile growing. She gets up and carries the key with her, "I'll see if I can figure it out."
19:51 <Skaya> "If it opens a door, make sure you tell all of us before going through it."
19:53 <Devar> "if we come across a golden glowing door I have a feeling we'll know where it goes." Devar says. "Though I wonder if the other shooting stars we saw were doors? Maybe whatever dropped keys and doors."
19:54 <Skaya> "If it's a magical key artifact hiding its nature it might well open all sorts of passages from any regular door," Skaya points out.
19:55 <•Anastasia> "I'll let both of you know if I find out anything," Sanda says, and with that morning comes. Over your breakfast, "It's not magical," Sanda yawns widely before she goes on, as rain steadily falls. The key still glows, undimmed by the precipitation. "I tried it on a locked chest in the caravan and it didn't open it."
19:56 <Skaya> "What if it's a holy key? Hey, Anne, could you tell if it was?"
20:01 <•Anastasia> Anne closes her eyes a moment and grasps her holy symbol. "If I had the proper spell prepared, but I seldom have need to detect righteousness. Not today at least, but tomorrow."
20:01 <•Anastasia> "Yeah, aren't you usually looking for the other side?" Rina points out, studying the key as Sanda holds it.
20:01 <Skaya> "Let's give it a try. Devar, Sanda, if you could help that way, let's aim for tomorrow as well."
20:01 <Devar> "Sure." Devar says.
20:02 <•Anastasia> "Very well," Anne concurs.
20:02 <Skaya> "And here's to another giant-insect-free day!"
20:20 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100-5 rain helps
20:20 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100-5 rain helps --> [ 1d100=43 ]{38}
20:20 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100-5 rain helps
20:20 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100-5 rain helps --> [ 1d100=20 ]{15}
20:21 <•Anastasia> It rains all day and through the night. It's only come morning that's it's stopping, a sodden and sleepy party over breakfast. "The key doesn't radiate good or evil, or law or chaos," Anne concludes after some testing. "Also despite being gold, it's much sturdier than gold, which is a softer metal."
20:23 <Skaya> "Oh, good point," Skaya muses, taking the key for a closer look.
20:23 <Skaya> OOC: Can I take 10 for Appraise 27?
20:26 <Devar> "Huh." Devar hums. "So, we know it definitely is magical or at least has some properties beyond our ability to identify." He says. "But ultimately I guess it doesn't matter what sort of properties it has, it's a key and opens something."
20:26 <•Anastasia> OOC: Just fishing for it's value or something in particular there, Skaya?
20:26 <•Anastasia> "Unless the base metal is worth a great deal of money," Rina reasons.
20:26 <Skaya> OOC: What's it made of, can I guess at the maker, etc
20:27 <•Anastasia> "Sky gold?" Regis ventures, "The natural lure of sky ankhegs?"
20:27 <Skaya> "A key, in fact, does not have to open something."
20:28 <•Anastasia> It looks to be gold but 1. Gold doesn't glow and 2. Even a quick test suggests it's stronger than gold. It's outside of your experience to definitively identify, but you'd suspect something celestial as your first guess. Alternately, it could have ties to Lathander, as he has ties to the sky and gold. Likewise, one of the Godsrush would also fit for that, Latha. However, the oddness of it
20:28 <•Anastasia> strongly suggests a high value.
20:29 <Skaya> "It'll probably take a while till we figure it out. Let's make sure to work hard on mastering teleport and plane shift!"
20:32 <•Anastasia> General agreement to that as...OOC: More.
20:32 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
20:32 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=68 ]{68}
20:32 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
20:32 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=84 ]{84}
20:32 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
20:32 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=18 ]{18}
20:33 <•Anastasia> Fortunately, the rest of your time with the caravan's uneventful. You're getting more and more towards the northern border, what's your plan going to be here? OOC: Just want to touch base before I get into that at all.
20:34 <Skaya> OOC: We'll get paid!
20:35 <Skaya> Same as during their previous trip, they'll spend the time listening to any rumors. Strange happenings, plagues of ankhegs, golden meteors, mysterious masked robed men....
20:35 <•Anastasia> OOC: Was a quote for the caravan escort provided?
20:38 <Skaya> OOC: No
20:41 <•Anastasia> OOC: 100 gold each for the job, post it in loot. More.
20:43 <•Anastasia> Stonybrook is the small village you part ways from. It's near the border, a sleepy little town without much going on. An inn, a tavern, a general store and a lot of farms, one last vestige of normality before the border. As you traveled you listened to anything you could and...OOC: Diplo, both of you, GI function in particular. +1 circumstance bonus.
20:44 <Skaya> roll 1d20+10+5+1
20:44 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+10+5+1 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{33}
20:46 <•Anastasia> OOC: Waiting on Devar to roll.
20:47 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 23
20:50 <•Anastasia> There's the normal stories. Quite a few reports of ankhegs you note, often farm animals their food. There's some buzz about that meteor shower, but nothing solid beyond gossip. No immediate mention of a robed, masked man unfortunately, however. That's what you have to work with when you arrive at Stonybrook, anyway.
20:53 <Skaya> "Our next step looks to be crossing the border and hunting for rumors," Skaya muses as they all gather for lunch. "And perhaps pick up some mercenary work along the way as cover."
20:54 <•Anastasia> Anne's eating just an apple, but listens along. "If we fish long enough, we'll catch something," she agrees, "Persistance may be our virtue here, not haste."
20:54 <•Anastasia> "In other words, we have time," Rina agrees, nibbling on the fried fish Regis ordered as her brother rolls his eyes.
20:54 <Skaya> "And we'll get to see the world, do some good and earn a bit more money!"
20:55 <•Anastasia> "All worth the time," Anne agrees, "There's surely poor here, and I can also check on if there are any orphans without shelter here."
20:56 <Devar> Devar nods to the conversation. "People like that always make mistakes, and they stand out pretty obviously, so we'll find something eventually."
20:59 <Skaya> "Let's head out first thing in the morning, then?"
21:08 <•Anastasia> OOC: Going to do anything with the rest of your afternoon here then?
21:08 <Skaya> OOC: Nah
21:12 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
21:12 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=31 ]{31}
21:12 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
21:12 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=95 ]{95}
21:13 <•Anastasia> By chance, Devar and Skaya are returning to the inn for dinner. Sanda's standing outside of the inn, arms crossed and visibly glowering. The sort of glower that keeps people away from you, any passerbys well curving around her and the aura of bad mood she puts out.
21:13 <Skaya> "Please tell me you didn't get kicked out," Skaya says in concern.
21:19 <Devar> Devar dutifully does not add anything more on top of that!
21:20 <•Anastasia> "Only my coin pouch," Sanda says, not quite a snap, but with open exasperation. "Anne found a pair of orphans who needed help. It's worth noting that I said needed, not need. Statistically speaking, they have enough money put aside for them to see them through for quite some time now."
21:22 <Skaya> "Sounds great. Let's have dinner, then?"
21:25 <•Anastasia> "You're paying," Sanda says right away.
21:25 <Skaya> "While I don't mind that, did she seriously swindle over a hundred gold from you? In the short couple hours I was gone?"
21:29 <•Anastasia> "Yes," Sanda's response is exasperated, "It's hard to explain, but the way she said I was their hope?" Glancing over at Skaya, "It's harder to ignore when you see them right in front of you."
21:30 <Skaya> "Are you sure you don't just have a crush? This is seriously amazing, Sanda," Skaya tells her, throwing an arm over her shoulders and leading her into the inn's dining area. "I'm amazed! It doesn't happen all that often!"
21:32 <•Anastasia> A groan at that, "Of course not! Just...you're paying for dinner," Sanda finishes, mulishly, and then looking to Devar. "Wait until the odds turn and it's your turn to be in my position."
21:33 <Skaya> "I just apologized and refused," Skaya admits. "I'm not a saint."
21:37 <•Anastasia> With that the group heads on in and...OOC: More.
21:37 <•Anastasia> The next morning dawns warm and cloudy. Another summer's day, and the ball is well and truly in your courts to begin your investigation.
21:38 — Skaya had never actually gone past the borders of this nation, so that's what they'll do first. There should be a matching town on the other side, close enough for trade. They'll go there and check for rumors again!
21:44 <•Anastasia> The border is a road that is manned by a small keep, passage going right through it. A small line and as you go, "Nothing really stops yo ufrom going around if you don't want to deal with this," Rina keeps her voice low, "There's plenty of open space. But if you get caught doing it on this side, it's hard labor. Get caught on the other side, and suddenly you're a suspected spy."
21:45 <•Anastasia> "Deterrence through fear. Statistically sound versus the investment," Sanda reflects, watching the caravan ahead of your group slowly move forward.
21:45 <Skaya> "We're just a mercenary team looking for work. No reason for us to skip the legalities."
21:53 <•Anastasia> "No sense in it," Anne agrees, as you go up. It's a guard station - ten guards total as your turn comes, just inside the keep. A path leads you through, ahead to the gates that'll let you into Welland. As you do...OOC: Perception all.
21:53 <Skaya> roll 1d20+15+5
21:53 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+15+5 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{40}
21:59 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for for a measly 18
22:03 <•Anastasia> It's not too hard to notice - the guards are fanning out. An offensive posture. Quietly, a few more coming from the sides, leaving your party increasingly surrounded.
22:04 <Skaya> OOC: Our side, right?
22:04 <Skaya> OOC: Also, how many guards are there?
22:12 <•Anastasia> OOC: Yours ide. About 14-16 now on a quick glance.
22:13 <Skaya> How troubling. Skaya doesn't let her thoughts show on her face, merely following the line towards the guard station calmly.
22:15 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-423F0355.irccloud.com)
22:17 <•Anastasia> Regis and Rina notably glance about as Sanda goes on, while Anne doesn't seem to immediately notice either. When you're up, "Excuse me," One guard steps forward, "Are you Skaya, Devar and associates?"
22:18 <Skaya> "That's correct," Skaya responds with a smile. "I wasn't aware we were famous! How may we assist the guard?"
22:21 <•Anastasia> "By surrendering. We have order for all of your arrests," Is the answer, spears now pointed the party's way. "Lay down your weapons and do not resist."
22:22 <Skaya> "Please show me the order to validate it first," Skaya requests. "Otherwise, wouldn't this be simple banditry?"
22:25 <•Anastasia> The response comes...next time! OOC: We're over, so we'll tackle this on Thursday. Wow, we're like a half hour over.

[Corwin]

19:04 <Skaya> roll 1d20+10 (+5/-5)
19:04 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+10 (+5/-5) --> [ 1d20=9 ]{19}
19:07 <•Anastasia> "Lay down your weapons!" The soldiers barks out again, the demand clear. Spears are pointed your way, the party with over a dozen soldiers menacing them.
19:08 <Skaya> "So you're just bandits trying to stop us from leaving this country," Skaya hums, smirking at the leader. "But I have to ask, do you have the ability?"
19:09 <•Anastasia> "Skaya," Regis hisses, "Do you want to be declared an outlaw?"
19:09 <•Anastasia> For her part, Sanda seems perplexed, "This makes no sense."
19:10 <Skaya> "I'm sure we got caught in a factional dispute between nobles," Skaya muses in response. "But I'm not obliged to play along, am I?"
19:11 <•Anastasia> "Surrender! Last chance!" The guard bellows, as people tense, anyone not involved watching or fleeing.
19:13 <•Anastasia> Anne shakes her head, "Skaya, there's ways to fight this, but this isn't that." She takes her mace and drops it to the ground, her shield as well. She doesn't look happy about it, a severe frown on her face, but she does it.
19:15 — Skaya looks unhappy at that, but she's also not armed. Her weapons are in the haversack, after all. "You do realize this is corruption?" she has to point out. "You're content with being part of it?"
19:15 <•Anastasia> "There's ways to fight it that aren't bashing in guard's heads," Anne says steadily, "What of the rest of you? Regis? Rina? Devar?"
19:17 <Devar> "
19:18 <Devar> "I'd like to at least be told what we're being charged with." Devar says, for his part taking his sword off his back while doing so. "We just got here, so if we're being accused of something that happened we couldn't have actually been the culprits."
19:19 <Skaya> "Didn't they refuse to show us anything official?" Skaya scoffs. "Then again, maybe they'll tell someone who's not me."
19:20 <•Anastasia> Sanda looks like she's bitten into a sour lemon, but on seeing other weapons drop, she drops her own. "Logically speaking, this is a foolish choice."
19:21 <•Anastasia> Rina shakes her head, "No, no, no," she reaches for her darts. "Not again."
19:22 <•Anastasia> The guards are wary but starting to approach as weapons are dropped - but tense suddenly as Rina speaks, going for her darts.
19:28 <Skaya> This is unfortunate. "Guess we're eloping, then," Skaya tells Rina cheerfully. "You guys, take care!" She sidles up to Rina, picks her up without waiting for an answer, and then leaps past the encirclement! The spearmen have all drawn closer and it would be a simple manner of jumping on one of the more or less horizontal spears to get enough altitude to get past them, and then she can just run! Let's see how fast they are with armor.
19:31 <•Anastasia> OOC: Give me an acrobatics check then, Skaya.
19:31 <Skaya> roll 1d20+14+5
19:31 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+14+5 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{35}
19:32 <Skaya> OOC: From my knowledge of everything, do I know how the law is on crossing the border? Would the other side have anything like extradition treaties, or do they only care about entering the nation lawfully on their side, not how I would leave this one?
19:32 <•Anastasia> With a bolt Skaya's able to leap aside and past, springing off a spear and away. A desperate run as chaos erupts and...OOC: More. Skaya in #evil, the rest of youin here.

[Corwin]

19:33 <•Anastasia> ----
19:34 <•Anastasia> Running! Running through the key and out the gate, towards Welland. Rina clings tightly to yo uas you leave the rest behind, fleeing. One problem. You can see several soldiers are trying to chase you. Run! OOC: Dex check. +4 bonus for every 10ft of movement over 30ft. They suffer a -4 for being reduced movement due to weight and armor.
19:34 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@lunarnet-E011B3A9.hr.hr.cox.net)
19:34 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20-3
19:34 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20-3 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{17}
19:37 <Skaya> roll 1d20+2+5
19:37 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+2+5 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{17}
19:39 <•Anastasia> OOC : Does that include the factotum boost to dex checks? I'm honestly surprised it's not higher.
19:40 <Skaya> OOC: The factotum boost is in fact the +5 int
19:43 <•Anastasia> It's tough. The guards are abnormally inspired, somehow keeping up. That and carrying Rina doesn't help, but past this it's an open road and open fields. You're not getting away that easily! OOC: Same check as before.
19:43 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20-3
19:43 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20-3 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{17}
19:43 <•Anastasia> OOC: Geez.
19:43 <Skaya> She really should've relied more on expeditious retreat. It's such a good spell! Live and learn.
19:43 <Skaya> roll 1d20+2+5
19:43 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+2+5 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{10}
19:44 <Skaya> OOC: Wait a sec
19:45 <Skaya> OOC: My bad, I forgot my speed was 40ft. So the first one actually won by 4, and this one loses by 3, not 7.
19:45 <•Anastasia> OOC: Too late on the first, a round's passed. However, the second is in time so that'll lessen the failure a good deal.
19:46 <•Anastasia> How!? Somehow they're closing the distance even as Rina clings to you, as you sprint along as your lungs burn. How!? Do they have these guards run every day or something?! OOC: Check round 3. Saved you a grapple attempt at least, but they're closer now.
19:46 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20-3
19:46 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20-3 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{17}
19:47 <Skaya> Time to go all out!
19:47 <Skaya> roll 1d20+2+5+4
19:47 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+2+5+4 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{14}
19:48 <•Anastasia> Oh no! Somehow a guard manages to close as you sprint along and dives at Skaya headlong. Incoming!
19:48 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+5 CMB vs CMD
19:48 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+5 CMB vs CMD --> [ 1d20=13 ]{18}
19:48 <Skaya> OOC: CMD of 24
19:49 <•Anastasia> A guard makes a diving tackle at you but misses, only a few left int he race, but they're almost on you. You're in a spot now for sure. Do you keep running or try something else?
19:50 <Skaya> How is this possible?! Really, how is this possible? Has all her training been for nothing?! Still, the fact that only a few of them are left means that Skaya should keep trying to run away. If they manage to circle around her, she'll try to rely on acrobatics again. If they manage to grab her against all odds, she'll set Rina free and help her escape alone. In the end, saving Rina from trauma is the important thing, here.
19:51 <•Anastasia> OOC: One more round of checks.
19:51 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20-3
19:51 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20-3 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{16}
19:51 <Skaya> roll 1d20+2+5+4
19:51 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+2+5+4 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{27}
19:55 <•Anastasia> Despite the guards showing stunning cardio and incredible conditioning - whomever does their training deserves reward - Skaya is finally able to pull away. They're in the distance but lagging as you pull away and...OOC: One more round, they were close so you aren't all the way free yet.
19:55 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20-3
19:55 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20-3 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{9}
19:55 <Skaya> roll 1d20+2+5+4
19:55 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+2+5+4 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{21}
19:56 <Skaya> Whatever training those tenacious guards underwent, Skaya did all that and more!
19:56 <•Anastasia> Your lungs burn, your legs shake. You've ran for several long minutes full tilt and carried Rina the entire time. You finally have tos top once you see no more guards, half putting down and half dropping Rina as you take a moment to recover.
19:56 <Skaya> "How is it?" Skaya asks, gasping. "I told you. I'll keep you safe."
20:02 <•Anastasia> Rina takes several moments to recover before, "Better. Better." She answers, looking back before, "I-I can't, Skaya. I can't go back to another one of those cells."
20:04 <Skaya> "You idiot," Skaya scolds her, starting to walk towards Welland after taking Rina's hand to lead her. If they don't walk, she, at least, will regret it later after all this mad running. "If it was that bad you should've asked for help when I checked in on you. I would've come up with a lie to move you, or broken you out."
20:09 <•Anastasia> Rina takes Skaya's hand without complaint. "It's not that bad, I just can't. I won't." Rina shakes her head. "I was trapped in there and it was so narrow, and the night was so long. I was all alone in there, except when the guards brought me water."
20:11 <Skaya> "You should've asked for help," Skaya repeats. "I don't care for the law when it's unjust. And like I told those guards, they're not qualified to stop me. Don't just suffer silently until you can't anymore in the future. Tell me!"
20:13 <•Anastasia> "I will. I won't go in there again. I'd rather die," Rina says quickly.
20:15 <Skaya> "Then you won't," Skaya agrees. Maybe it's worth spending some time on treating the trauma, but clearly that time is not now. "Ah, if we do end up in some closed space in the future, I can get us out. Want me to teach you how to nudge any lock the right way once we cross the border and settle over in Welland?"
20:18 <•Anastasia> "When we have some time," Rina agrees just as quickly. She spares a glance back, "They'll catch up. WE'll meet up with them later."
20:19 <Skaya> "We'll spend a couple days at the nearest town as we discussed. If they manage to get free, that's fine. If not, I'll cross back and free them."
20:26 <•Anastasia> With that you move on and...
20:26 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
20:26 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=56 ]{56}
20:27 <•Anastasia> There's another town a few miles ahead. It's large roadside village called Kean. "If I remember right, this village is a stop over before a larger city north," he says.
20:27 <•Anastasia> *Rina says
20:28 <Skaya> "Let's find an inn room for now?" Skaya proposes. "We'll get some lunch alongside with it, and listen in to any rumors."
20:29 <•Anastasia> OOC: That works. Give me the GI function of Diplo, +2 bonus for fertile territory for rumors.
20:30 <Skaya> roll 1d20+12
20:30 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{13}
20:32 <•Anastasia> You get some food and a chance to rest. You're hearing all sorts of rumors, but nothing helpful. Just stories about Daresland and what's happening in the bigger city to the north, but nothing of weight. Petty fashion, rumors and things like that.
20:35 <Skaya> "I feel like I need a great deal of remedial training," Skaya confides in Rina later that evening over some ale. "I'm questioning the meaning of my life up till now."
20:39 <•Anastasia> "How did those guards even keep up?" Rina says as the two of you share a table by yourselves. "I've never seen guards who can run like that."
20:40 <Skaya> "I know right!" Skaya splashes a bit of her drink as she gestures her agreement. "Have you tried running long distance sprints in armor? It's seriously taxing!"
20:42 <•Anastasia> Rina drinks up deeply before, "Whomever trains them must be a madman."
20:43 <Skaya> "They are clearly the heroes of another story," Skaya decides. "Only that will allow me to live with myself in the future."
20:46 <•Anastasia> "The anonymous guardsmen who save Laremy," Rina drinks even deeper and finishes her mug off, "Why not?"
20:46 <Skaya> "No, no, I'm sure they have names."
20:54 <•Anastasia> "They're guards. Who cares?" Rina shoots back. Meanwhile, as the two of you enjoy an evening refreshment? Familiar faces come in, fresh off the road. Devar and friends catch up at last, reaching Kean and stumbling on the other two. OOC: Go ahead, y'all.
20:56 <Skaya> "So listen, I'm going to publicize their exploits!" Skaya tells Rina excitedly. "The three spearmen, Athos, Porthos and Aramis, seasoned guardsmen who pick up a plucky newcomer and grow closer after a series of duels--"

[Corwin]

19:32 <•Anastasia> "Rina!" Regis calls as Skaya and Rina escape. Guards surround the rest of you, grabbing you, pulling you along.
19:32 <•Anastasia> "Ugh," Sanda sounds disgusted, "Lighter!"
19:33 <•Anastasia> Anne follows, "Moore help you, Skaya," she murmurs to herself.
19:35 <Devar> "Well, this is going to get complicated." Devar says with a sigh as he doesn't make any motions to resist.
19:37 <•Anastasia> All of you are roughly pulled along, taken inside the keep. A gaggle of guards guard you, leading you into a plain room with a single  long bench built into the rear wall, made of wood. "Sit and wait," One grunts, pushing the party in.
19:37 <•Anastasia> Anne dusts her arm off, head held high. She goes to sit without a word.
19:39 <•Anastasia> Regis has a pinched, pained expression as he settles for standing. "I known that she'd not taken her night in that horrible cell well, but I didn't know it went that deep."
19:39 <Devar> "Hopefully we can just get the situation sorted out." Devar says as he sits.
19:40 <•Anastasia> As Sanda chooses to sit as well, meanwhile Anne says, "Perhaps our decision to ignore the politics of this was foolish." She says, then slumps back, "Fear not, we'll see through this as well."
19:41 <•Anastasia> "That or that prick carries more of a grudge than we thought." Regis rumbles, "As if what he did to Rina wasn't enough!"
19:42 <•Anastasia> "If this is his fault, we're going to make him regret it," Sanda promises, a low murmur that barely reaches all of you.
19:44 <Devar> "Let's not jump to conclusions." Devar says. "We have to see what we're even accused of."
19:49 <•Anastasia> "I'm curious too," Anne says, "For all we know it's an open ended warrant of arrest from the Crown."
19:50 <•Anastasia> "That's a nightmare. They'd drag us to Laremy in that case," Sanda grumps, "It would completely ruin our mission."
19:51 <•Anastasia> "That's also the worst outcome, short of an edict of execution," Anne reflects, as Regis pales at those words.
19:51 <Devar> "I don't think even he could manage to get that done." Devar says.
19:54 <•Anastasia> At this the door opens. An older man comes in, in breastplate, greaves, light helmet and bracers, with leathers beneath. He walks in with strong steps, a sword at his side. No medals or decorations adorn him, but his clean shaven gaze takes all of you. Rather average looking, "I'm Sir Rivers." he introduces himself, "Which ones are all of you?"
19:55 <Devar> "Devar of Eldath." He says plainly. "This is Regis," a pause, "Anne," another pause, "and Sanda."
20:02 <•Anastasia> "So Skaya and Rina are the ones who escaped." He leans out a moment and murmurs that to a guard, who runs off after. "At least four of you have the sense your mothers taught you. We received a writ yesterday ordering your arrests."
20:02 <•Anastasia> "Why? We've done nothing wrong," Anne answers, "We're on a mission from the Heroic Guild of Mellanics."
20:02 <Devar> "Yes, is it possible to read what exactly we've been charged with?" Devar asks.
20:04 <•Anastasia> "Smuggling," Is the answer, "Your possessions and packs are being searched as we speak. If you have nothing on you, you'll be freed to go."
20:05 <•Anastasia> Regis scowls darkly, "That makes no sense! Even if we were smuggling something, we're going TO Welland."
20:06 <•Anastasia> "It stinks of harrassment," Sanda's voice is just as dark. "What are the odds a particular little man is holding a grudge?"
20:09 <Devar> "Easy there." Devar says to Sanda. "Can you be any more specific than smuggling? That's... rather general."
20:10 <•Anastasia> "It is," Is the answer you get back from Sir Rivers, "If you're innocent, I'll be glad to let you read the writ. If you aren't, you have bigger problems."
20:11 <Devar> Devar just nods to that. "We'll sort it out." He says.
20:11 <•Anastasia> Anne merely nods, "In the meantime, I am a healer of some skill. Are there any of your soldiers who need healing?"
20:11 <•Anastasia> "If you're found innocent, we can discuss that then, miss," Is Sir River's answer, and then to Devar, "We'll have an answer within the hour."
20:14 <Devar> "If we can clear it up, hopefully we can figure out what exactly is going on." Devar says.
20:14 <•Anastasia> With that the man turns and leaves, leaving you all to wait. Regis half smiles, "That was a blatant attempt to curry favor. Didn't take you as that type, Anne."
20:15 <•Anastasia> "It's hardly wrong to heal those who are suffering," Anne's answer comes right away.
20:17 <•Anastasia> "Still, I can't imagine they'll find anything," Regis says. "Right?" OOC: On that note, quick question, Devar. Do you have on hand any of the following: Poisons, disease sources, trade goods that are hidden away or anything like that?
20:19 <Devar> OOC: nope
20:21 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100-5
20:21 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100-5 --> [ 1d100=53 ]{48}
20:23 <•Anastasia> About a half hour passes. Sir Rivers returns, "There's nothing on you and nothing to sustain the arrest." he says, "You're free to go. However," he says, "Your two friends are in trouble. Should you see them, tell them to surrender themselves when they return to Laremy. They'll likely be fined at the least, but better than running again."
20:24 <•Anastasia> Regis doesn't hide the grimace on his face, but says, "I'll talk to them."
20:24 <Devar> "Can we see that arrest writ, please?" Devar asks.
20:25 <•Anastasia> It is produced. It looks all official, a writ from Bergen to arrest your group on suspicion of possible smuggling, and notes the group is powerful and may be dangerous.
20:27 <Devar> He sighs. "I'm sorry." He says. "You've all been put in the middle of political nonsense." He shows the others the writ.
20:28 <Devar> "I realize you're all doing your jobs." He adds to Rivers. "We hold no malice towards you all, but I'm still sorry this is even happening."
20:28 <•Anastasia> Anne shakes her head, "All for one man's bruised ego."
20:29 <•Anastasia> Sir Rivers stands aside, "It's good tos ee most of your group has good common sense. I half suspected it may be so, but I cannot ignore or downplay an writ of arrest."
20:29 <Devar> "No, and I realize her absconding has made things more complicated." He says. "To Anne's earlier question, if you've got anyone wounded we'd be happy to help before we go."
20:35 <•Anastasia> "This way," You're lead along and...OOC: Quick check while I sec, what healing resources do you all have?
20:36 <Devar> OOC: 8 1d6 channel energies, a few cure light wounds, lay on hands
20:41 <•Anastasia> Healing goes well. It takes a little time but you clear out the infirmary, to which Sir Rivers says, "Thank you. I'll remember this service," he promises.
20:43 <Devar> "We're all on the same side." Devar says. He looks at the others. "Any idea where she might've gotten off to? I assume as far away from the border as possible, but that's... a lot of directions to try and go in."
20:44 <•Anastasia> "Not an idea at the moment," Regis looks to Sir Rivers, who simply nods and steps away. Once he's gone he says quietly,  "Nearest town to wait for us to catch up would be my guess."
20:44 <•Anastasia> "That makes the most sense, statistically speaking," Sanda agrees.
20:46 <Devar> He nods. "Let's just follow the road then." He says. "Do you think we should send a letter to Picke?" He asks. "There might be more afoot with all of this that he may not know about."
20:53 <•Anastasia> "It's a good idea, maybe he can smooth it over," Regis says, as the group takes back to the road. OOC: More.
20:53 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
20:53 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=72 ]{72}
20:53 <•Anastasia> OOC: More, I'll merge rooms shortly.

[Corwin]

21:01 <•Anastasia> "There the are," Sanda calls as the group enters, "Rina! Skaya!"
21:02 — Skaya turns around and waves at the group, all smiles!
21:02 <•Anastasia> Rina's answer is lost as she turns, "You caught up!"
21:07 <Devar> "We stayed a little longer to help out a little." Devar says. "Figured we could do some good and also potentially some help in the future if we need it."
21:08 <Skaya> "So what was it all about?"
21:10 <Devar> "Bergen." Devar says simply. "We're accused of smuggling - it's probably the best crime he could come up with since it's easy to accuse people of it without any actual evidence."
21:11 <•Anastasia> "He sent a writ that we were smuggling," Anne elaborates, "And the official in charge of it let us go, but you and Rina are in some trouble for running. He suggested you surrender yourselves when you return, and that you're likely to be fined."
21:11 <Skaya> "No surprise from me. Guess it explains why we weren't even told of the crime."
21:13 <Devar> "I was going to suggest we send a letter to Picke, but I honestly wonder if going back and dealing with this is a better idea." He says.
21:13 <•Anastasia> "Doubt it," Regis says, "Both to give Picke time to cool things down after we send him a letter, and because if we're lucky, it'll get rid of any lingering fines for Skaya and Rina."
21:13 <Skaya> "Let's write a letter," Skaya responds, shaking her head. "Whoever heard of an arrest warrant over smuggling without any actual proof of smuggling? Suspicion? That gets you a search warrant or being taken in for questioning, not an outright arrest!"
21:14 <•Anastasia> "We're not that lucky. Never imagine the crown or the taxman will willingly relinquish a claim on your money," Sanda retorts.
21:14 <Skaya> "They might reconsider when enough talented people leave the country?"
21:16 <Devar> Devar nods. "Whatever you guys decide is good with me."
21:16 <•Anastasia> OOC: Okay then, going to write a letter?
21:16 <Skaya> "Can I trouble you to send it? You're the one with the first person experience here."
21:17 <Devar> "Not a problem at all."
21:21 <•Anastasia> OOC: Okay then, what's the rough contents of the letter? Also sec, might be getting that RLing.
21:25 <Devar> OOC: "Picke, The problem has escalated. He's taken to creating false accusations of us for smuggling, and likely more. We're past the border. We'll send word of a more specific location for a letter later."
21:27 <•Anastasia> OOC: Works.
21:27 <•Anastasia> OOC: Okay, anything to do in this little town or are y'all just moving on from here?
21:28 <Skaya> OOC: I want everyone to roll diplo to gather info
21:30 <•Anastasia> OOC: Sure, go for that and we'll pause on that since I'm getting nabbed as I feared might happen. It's not a bad point to do so on at least.
21:30 <Skaya> OOC: I already struck out so it'd be Devar and the others
21:30 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 22
21:31 <Skaya> OOC: 24 since there was a +2 bonus here
21:31 <•Anastasia> OOC: Okay, I'll sort that all out and the NPCs supporting that roll...next time!