The Plagues of Dareslan 09

[Corwin]

19:05 <•Anastasia> "We head north since he's been going north, back east in the direction he was going as well. We listen, check for rumors and keep our ears to the ground. Sooner or later we'll get wind of disasters to put us on the trail." Here Starre slightly sighs, "And if we're wrong on one, at least we may solve a wrong as consolation . There's been a few times where misfortune isn't his work, but the work
19:05 <•Anastasia> of other evils."
19:05 <•Anastasia> "Hardly unworthy work, then," Anne concurs, "Good hands will find good work to do, as long as they stay busy."
19:06 <•Anastasia> "We go north and we go east," Rina cuts in coolly, "We listen, we hunt."
19:06 <•Anastasia> "Hardly unworthy work, "Starre seconds, "And fortunately, we need little treasure for quit esome time now, so that's not a concern."
19:07 <Skaya> "Did you have a town in mind? Or just follow the road for now?"
19:08 <•Anastasia> "Follow the road. I'd suspect he'll head to the coastal region and its cities, but the names escape me at the moment," Starre shakes her head, "Simply travel for now and listen, in case he changes direction. He may, for all I know he has no desire to board a ship."
19:09 <•Anastasia> "Statistically speaking, a ship is faster, but speed isn't his means. A ship wouldn't make sense, it would limit his mischief to only what's on the ship, and he can't sink it unless he wants to drown." Sanda points out, "I don't think getting on a ship makes sense unless he wants a break or needs to go somewhere roads can't reach."
19:09 <Skaya> "Works for me."
19:10 <Devar> "Is there anything in town we want to purchase before we head out?" Devar asks.
19:11 <Skaya> "Not me! I'm still thinking about what I want."
19:13 <•Anastasia> "I'm good, I replenished our essentials," Rina speaks up, "Trust me, we're ready."
19:13 <•Anastasia> "I'm fine, and if things go wrong, I can always ask for a spell to create food and water." Anne states, "Really, we're more than ready to go."
19:15 <Devar> Devar nods. "The only thing I could think of is something I heard of to help with identifying items, but we aren't really flush with those so it can wait." He says. "Oh, do you want to see if we could find someone to get a Sending spell back to the Guildmaster?"
19:15 <Skaya> "There's not really anything to report, is there? And if he had something to tell us, he'd be the one contacting us...."
19:16 <Devar> "I suppose that's true." He says with a nod.
19:16 <•Anastasia> "Then let's go," Rina says, as...OOC: Okay, so going to ride along, check rumors as you go and wait to hear something while going in a northeasternly direction?
19:17 <Skaya> OOC: Yes
19:17 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100+55
19:17 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100+55 --> [ 1d100=59 ]{114}
19:20 <•Anastasia> It's a roadside hostel that you rest at for a late lunch. It's nice to simply get a hot meal for a few coins rather than make camp, and while cooler, it's still nice to take a break. Rina's gaze is pensive as she looks out at the cloudy sky, Anne using her bread to sop up the last of her stew. Sanda's reading a book, already finished, while Starre's silently meditating. A simple chance of peace
19:20 <•Anastasia> at a table in a quiet hostel, few others, before both of you notice a man come in. Short, dressed well and with a cane despite being only in his twenties. "Your best food," he declares, "Swift travel away from Dareslan burns up a mighty fine appetite."
19:23 <Skaya> "Swift travel?" Skaya voices from where she's nursing a drink at the bar. "Sounds like a good tale to be told."
19:25 <Devar> Devar for his part is just quietly eating some dried fruit as he looks over at this new arrival.
19:29 <•Anastasia> As others look up the man turns, a florid, fat face. He tosses a few coins onto the bar without even looking and comes over, puffing up, "Quite so, quite so! Of course in my great reaction I made it out of Dareslan before any quarantine, but there's plague. Bloody flux, a great outbreak of it across the city. Oh, the clerics say that purifying the water can help, but it's a little too late for
19:29 <•Anastasia> that."
19:30 <•Anastasia> Anne takes a long breath and sighs, "It does tend to happen on occasion, but a big outbreak is rarer," she comments, though her gaze glances at Starre.
19:31 <Skaya> What. Mentally wondering about the odds this man is infected and how many like him managed to run away before this quarantine went into action, she voices, "Seriously? Plague? And hey, why is it too late if the clerics figured out the cause?"
19:33 <•Anastasia> "Imagine a city has a few dozen clerics who can cure disease a few times a day," The man says, "And say, conservatively, 5,000 souls are sick with it."
19:35 <•Anastasia> "In other words, some won't make it far enough to be healed, or are too sick already, or several other factors," Anne says, "Even if it's only the same logic that sees colds annoy the healthy but slay the old and sickly." She shakes her head, "Lady Jetina's teachings help with such plagues greatly, but by this point it's a matter of control and limiting the damage. Most likely the city's water
19:35 <•Anastasia> supply was contaminated in some way."
19:36 <•Anastasia> "More importantly," Rina cuts in, "Do you think it was him?"
19:37 <•Anastasia> "Who?" The man frowns, "Well regardless, I got out before I got it and have shown no symptoms. My good fortune!"
19:38 <Skaya> "How long does it take to show symptoms? And just how lethal is this thing?"
19:38 <Skaya> OOC: How far would this town be from us? And do I have any idea how big the population is?
19:40 <•Anastasia> "Within a few days," Anne murmurs, deep in her own thoughts, "So almost certainly you're safe. The symptoms are, ahem, unmissable." OOC: You've been to Dareslan before. It's several days to there.
19:42 — Skaya tilts her head. "Wait, if it's what I'm thinking of, it's not fatal in most cases. So if the clerics do triage and heal the ones most vulnerable, won't it be okay?"
19:44 <•Anastasia> "Some outbreaks are nastier than others," Anne goes on, Sanda listening now as Rina awaits. "It's the worst ones that put bloody in the name, and if it's living up to that, you're going to lose people. It's just too fast when it's bad. When it's mild people don't even realize what it is, usually."
19:44 <•Anastasia> "You seem well versed in this," The man says carefully, "I gather you too are a cleric?"
19:45 <•Anastasia> "A matron, no less." With a wry smile, "My charges bring in every sickness you can imagine, and more aside."
19:45 <Skaya> "Trying to figure out if we can help if we go, or just mess up the locals' plan," Skaya voices. "Hey, was there any suspicion of foul play over this?"
19:46 <•Anastasia> "I didn't stay long enough to hear," Is the answer, but then, "Wait! Are you saying this is the result of foul magery and spellwork?"
19:46 <•Anastasia> Sanda huffs, "Hardly! It would be foul poison or disease craft, leave innocent magery out of this!
19:46 <•Anastasia> "
19:47 <Skaya> "Foul play is always looked at when you get an outbreak like that," Skaya talks over Sanda. "Think we should check to be sure."
19:47 <•Anastasia> "I agree," Starre says, "It's not a big diversion to go that way, regardless."
19:48 <•Anastasia> Frowning herself, "At the least, we can see if our aid is needed." Anne agrees. "Devar, are you proof against illnesses? Those of your holy calling often are, is my understanding."
19:50 <Devar> Devar nods. "Eldath grants me that protection. I'm not practiced enough to remove diseases, but I can still help as much as I can." He says.
19:52 <•Anastasia> "Then you'll be dearly needed, should it be out of control," Anne mentions at that, "And if not, we can clue in the locals to at least investigate this possibility."
19:54 <Skaya> "I think we're going to be splitting up temporarily, because some of us don't have any particular immunity. Unless everyone wants to risk it?"
19:54 <•Anastasia> "Split up? How do you mean?" Rina asks at that.
19:55 <Skaya> "Some of us could spend a few days investigating the possibility of foul play outside  the quarantine. Suspicious sightings, pretty standard stuff."
19:55 <Devar> "I wouldn't want you all put at risk if it's really bad." Devar says with a nod to Skaya.
19:56 <•Anastasia> "I would go in regardless," Anne stands, "It's a matter of my duty to bring hope to those who need it most. Devar and myself then, unless any of the rest of you feel the same conviction?"
19:57 <•Anastasia> Sanda shakes her head so fast that the pages of her book rustle. "I'll stay well outside of the plagued city!"
19:57 <•Anastasia> "Same, unless he's in there." Rina answers, "There's no point otherwise."
19:58 <•Anastasia> "I could go," Starre says at last, "Do you need a third, Devar, Anne?"
19:58 <Devar> "Anne can remove the disease if any of us catch it, right?" Devar voices. "So it isn't just going in with no recourse."
19:59 <•Anastasia> "I cannot," Anne speaks clearly, "The spell to remove disease is still beyond me. I go in to help with the healing I do have, and my medical knowledge."
20:00 <Devar> He nods. "Sorry, I'm just so used to you healing everything else." He says with a bit of a smile. "Well, worst case we can get a scroll if we're in dire need. Either way I think Anne and I should be sufficient."
20:00 <Skaya> "Let's go and take a look, then? We'll see if it would be possible to keep in touch at the quarantine border, and if so, we'll touch base every couple of days."
20:03 <Devar> Devar nods
20:04 <•Anastasia> OOC: More then, sec.
20:20 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
20:20 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=2 ]{2}
20:20 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
20:20 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=49 ]{49}
20:20 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
20:20 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=78 ]{78}
20:20 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
20:20 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=9 ]{9}
20:21 <•Anastasia> As you travel back towards Dareslan, you see the number of travelers rapidly shrivel up. The roads coming from Dareslan are near empty, one can easily note.
20:23 <Skaya> "Let's keep going till we see some blockade or soldiers?" Skaya proposes. "Anne, Devar, you two can be in the lead and we'll be a few hundred feet away. Of course, if you need the help, let us know and we'll be there."
20:24 <•Anastasia> Anne nods simple agreement, falling in with Devar.
20:26 <Devar> Devar nods and will head forward!
20:27 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
20:27 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=4 ]{4}
20:28 <•Anastasia> It's when you get about ten miles out of town that you come on it, on a clear and hot day. A small checkpoint made of logs, soldiers manning it. As yo uapproach, "Travelers!" A soldier yells as you approach, hands cupped over his mouth, "Know that Dareslan is quarantined!
20:29 <•Anastasia> "
20:30 <Devar> Devar holds a hand up in greeting, still walking forward. "We heard." He says. "We're here to see if we can help with the situation."
20:33 <•Anastasia> The soldiers don't react or draw weapons, at least. "If you're a healer and willing to go in, you can enter once you reach town," Is the answer, "But once you go in, there's no exit until the quarantine is lifted. Escape will have you declare an outlaw with a death sentence over your heads."
20:35 — Skaya approaches a bit, but not quite all the way to Devar and Anne's location. "The rest of us can't help with the quarantine, so we'll be staying outside. But is there anything we can help you with? Securing supplies, running down leads if you suspect foul play, anything at all?"
20:36 <Devar> "I won't argue with you about that but the disease can't affect me, so there shouldn't be any concern about that - but we can deal with it when the time comes." He says with a nod to Skaya afterwards.
20:37 <•Anastasia> "You a holy warrior?" A peer at you, "One of Eldath's? That'll get you in without an argument, but you'll still be stuck in there until it's over." After that, "It's martial law around Dareslan since the second plague hit."
20:37 <•Anastasia> Anne's stone still for a second before, "We heard of an outbreak of the bloody flux and a bad one, but there's more?"
20:39 <•Anastasia> "A fever and lung sickness, I heard." The soldier approaches a little, a young man with a big, strong body. He rubs his chin, "It apparently has ripped through the healers the worst, or so we hear."
20:40 <Devar> Devar frowns. "That sounds almost like someone was targeting them specifically."
20:40 <•Anastasia> "Don't know the details, they might at the inner quarantine ring," Is the answer you get back. "Hope it's nothing but bad rumors."
20:43 <•Anastasia> ""I've never heard of a disease like that, one like that couldn't be anything natural," Anne finally says.
20:44 <Skaya> "Want us to invite some clerics from the outside, or do you have that handled?"
20:47 <•Anastasia> "I imagine that's been done, but ask ahead," Is the answer, "You have your warning, if you want to go ahead and then enter, that's on yoru heads."
20:50 <Devar> "I'm still willing to go and investigate." Devar says. "We can probably find some way to get a message to you out here."
20:52 <Skaya> "Got it. We'll be back in two days."
20:53 <•Anastasia> Then the soldiers step aside and allow the party to pass. As you do, quietly, "I'm liking our odds less and less here. A second plague? Seriously, what are the chances?"
20:54 <•Anastasia> Sanda says that as meanwhile Rina just goes on, stone faced.
20:55 <Skaya> OOC: Just Devar and Anne are going in!
20:55 <Skaya> "Let's not waste any time and ask around," Skaya offers. "I'm sure people escaped before the quarantine, so maybe we'll learn something helpful."
20:59 <•Anastasia> OOC: It's ten miles away, remember. It's literally an outer barrier before you reach town. Any inability to head back out only applies when you reach town and go in.
21:01 <Skaya> OOC: I figure anyone who escaped probably isn't staying inside this 10 mile ring, so we'll need to go farther. And just like we were at a hostel, there'll probably be hostels and inns like that on other directions from town. I'd like to check there to see if we can learn more.
21:03 <•Anastasia> OOC: Sure. Are you splitting up here then or staying together?
21:04 <Skaya> OOC: Splitting up here
21:08 <•Anastasia> OOC: Sounds good. Y'all will stay in here I suppose, while I'lls huttle Neph into #evil.

[Corwin]

21:09 <•Anastasia> OOC: Heading towards town then, just to be clear, Devar?
21:10 <Devar> OOC: Yep
21:12 <•Anastasia> As you pass the miles towards your destination, "Last night," Anne speaks up, "I dreamed that I died, futilely coughing up sickness on my sickbed."
21:13 <Devar> "That's awful." Devar says, frowning. "Do you get any sense that it was meant to be a vision from Lady Jetina?"
21:14 <•Anastasia> "I'm not certain, but I believe so." Looking ahead and brushing back her hair, "Not that it'll affect my choice. All I ask is that if I do meet my end here, that you ensure my treasures supports my charges, and that a new and reliable matron is found. I can't walk away from so many people who desperately need hope in their darkest hours."
21:16 <Devar> "Of course. But don't be so quick, she was probably just trying to give you an idea of what was going on here." Devar says. "I don't think she was trying to keep you from coming here."
21:17 <Devar> A small smile after that. "If they have somehow engineered some sort of plague that affects people who can heal..." A shake of his head. "If that's the case, we'll just find a cure."
21:18 <•Anastasia> A warm smile, "I think so, too. I didn't want to tell the others, because they wouldn't understand. My life isn't entirely my own to live since I took my vows." Anne continues on, "Or stop the source. Refresh me, did the man you interrogated say anything about disease or similar?"
21:21 <Devar> "Hmm." Devar rubs his chin. "I don't believe so, he mentioned the profane ritual that was shared, it's possible that's part of this." He says. "Interestingly, Lady Eldath hasn't given me any visions about this place, but I'm certain she will aid us if we need it."
21:24 <•Anastasia> "You're safe. You may not need one, but I hope you're right," Anne says, ""I doubted the bloody flux was anything but the normal sort of plague that happens in cities, but this is too much to be anything but unnatural."
21:26 <Devar> "Perhaps we can meet with whoever is in charge of the healers in town and get a better understanding of the situation." He says. "But... and I know this is going to be tough, we can't help every person we find, if we do want to find the source of this we may have to make difficult choices on how we spend our time."
21:29 <•Anastasia> "I know. We can only do the best we can," Anne seconds. "Come on, let's hurry on."
21:30 <Devar> Devar nods, picking up his pace a bit.
21:33 <•Anastasia> The gates are manned and closed. Several dozen soldiers ensure no one passes and the walls are manned with archers - turned towards the city. In the skies fly a handful of fliers riding what look to be some sort of draconic creature about the size of a large warhorse. They patrol the skies above the city. As you approach, "Halt!" The soldiers on the ground call from a distance, one in
21:33 <•Anastasia> particular coming forth to yell. "Dareslan is quarantined! Turn away now if you didn't know!"
21:35 <Devar> "We appreciate the warning!" Devar says, holding his hands up flatly so they know he's not trying to go for his weapon or anything. "We're aware of the quarantine and the law surrounding it, but we'd still like to enter to see if we can provide assistance. I'm a Paladin of Eldath and my friend here serves Moore." He does stop about 50 feet away so they don't have to be wary about him still
21:35 <Devar> moving.
21:39 <•Anastasia> "Your funeral." The soldier approaches to be in conversational range. "Here's the law around it. We're in martial law and if you go in, you don't come out until the plague and quarantine are over. If you do, we'll catch you and even if you survive, it's straight to the headman's block. If you get away, you're an outlaw and any citizen has the duty to put you to death if they can. Choosing
21:39 <•Anastasia> to leave and possibly spreading plague is seen as attempted massacre of innocents, legally. Are you clear on that part?"
21:40 <•Anastasia> "We are," Anne speaks up, "I understand the need and have no intention of turning away or fleeing."
21:42 <Devar> Devar nods. "Yes. We're working with a group who's on the outside working with local law enforcement, so we may need to request a runner at some point if we need to communicate with them." He says. "Can something like a letter or message be arranged to get sent through you all to the outside if need be?" He explains. "Obviously if there's some other emergency we'd understand, but I wanted
21:42 <Devar> to just make sure we had that option."
21:45 <•Anastasia> "Verbal messages, yes. Close enough to shout, just don't go past the line or you'll get shot full of arrows, mistake or not," Is the answer.
21:48 <Devar> "That should be plenty, then." Devar says. "Thank you. If it matters, my name is Devar and this is Anne. Do you need any sort of official registry of us entering?" He asks.
21:52 <•Anastasia> "Yes, but I'll take care of it." He says, "We've seen your faces and have your names. That's enough."
21:53 <Devar> He nods. "We'd like to try and talk to whoever is in charge on the inside, can you point us in that direction?" He asks. "We have reason to believe that this plague is man-made and not just some accident."
21:56 <•Anastasia> A dark look passes over his face, "Of course," he says briskly, "We'll..." OOC: Okay, it's about time and I need a few, so this is good. We'll pick up here...next time! Tuesday remember.

[Corwin]

21:08 <•Anastasia> OOC: Okay then, so going to search around. Give me the GI function of diplo.
21:10 <Skaya> roll 1d20+10+5
21:10 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+10+5 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{35}
21:13 <•Anastasia> OOC: Okay, elaborate on what you're searching for here, GI wise?
21:14 <Skaya> OOC: So our priority is to learn about the masked mage's presence, but other than that any accounts of people who escaped the quarantine or suspicious events/deliveries before the plague broke out. Maybe we could identify the poison used or what not and help with the second plague.
21:19 <•Anastasia> You find a nice roadside inn and get some food, as well as listen. It's mostly soldiers but it's not hard to listen in. The quiet murmurs of worry are obvious everywhere. Listening in to a pair near your table, "...and even then, that second plague's worse, I heard. It's a deep sickness."
21:20 <•Anastasia> "First that business with the mill, then this," the other says, "And with idiots trying to get out to make money..."
21:20 <•Anastasia> "They caught one yesterday when I was on the wall," The first goes on, "Cut his head off in front of all of us. No argument, no second chance. All to try and sneak out."
21:21 <•Anastasia> "He have money on him?" The second grunts, "Fools, all of them."
21:21 <•Anastasia> "Enough platinum to live on for years," The first says, "Gave up who sent him, and odds are word's been sent in. He'll be in the gallows by tonight unless he's already dead."
21:22 <Skaya> "Excuse me," Skaya speaks up, approaching that table. "I couldn't help but overhearing you mention the mill. Does it look like there is any connection? I was involved in that investigation, so...."
21:25 <•Anastasia> "Were you?" A curious question, "Not that I know of. Why would it?" An even more curious followup.
21:26 <•Anastasia> The second soldier grunts, "I heard some irregulars were helpful and got recognized for it."
21:27 <Skaya> "That thing was arranged by a meddling wizard," Skaya fills the curious soldier in, nodding at his companion. "Looks like he's just traveling along causing ruin where he goes. He's a suspect in killing a man with poison, so when I hear there's two plagues going on at the same time, one starting a few days after the other, the mind just goes there, right?"
21:29 <•Anastasia> "You got any sort of writ or proof that you worked on that?" The first soldier says, suddenly all business.
21:29 — Skaya indeed has it, and displays the scroll she received at the time.
21:30 <•Anastasia> It's read before, "Come with me, you need to talk to my captain," The soldier says. "Immediately."
21:30 <Skaya> "I'm at your disposal," Skaya agrees, before waving the others over.
21:35 <•Anastasia> The group heads out and you're lead to a captain sitting on a barrel in the heat. Middle aged and bald, drinking a tankard of water with ice in it. A tall man but very thin, wearing the lightest of leathers and with a belt full of pouches. His expression lightens as he sees you, "Ah, civilians. Just what the enterprising military wizard wants to see on his break. Now unless my soldiers suddenly
21:35 <•Anastasia> want to run laps all evening, I presume there's a point to this?"
21:36 <•Anastasia> "Yes, sir," The soldier immediately responds, "But please, best for them to speak for themselves." He immediately takes several steps back.

[Corwin]

19:02 <Skaya> "I'll try to be brief, Captain," Skaya says, meeting his eyes. She doesn't actually know whether that's his military rank of the soldier was having her on, but as a civilian she's not supposed to be too knowledgeable about the army in the first place. Especially if she's not a citizen of Welland.
19:02 <Skaya> "I'm leading a small mercenary team that's been trying to hunt down Brachidos, a particularly nasty wizard who's good at giving people the slip. He's recognizable by traveling in red mask and robes, and by his passing. Wherever he goes, death and misfortune follows."
19:02 <Skaya> She takes a brief moment to collect herself before proceeding. "One time it's a sizeable group of bandits that sprung out of nowhere, another it's a cabal of unscrupulous mages turning people into chimera. He can be direct, as he was here in Dareslan a couple weeks ago by assassinating a rogue named Jack in public with poison, by all appearances. He can be stealthy, as we have accounts of him manipulating people and events behind the
19:02 <Skaya> scenes that cause others to take their lives or the lives of others."
19:02 <Skaya> This part is certainly bound to be difficult to Starre and Rina, but she avoids details where she can and names Regis for his heroic efforts as her deserves all the same.
19:02 <Skaya> "For further proof of that you only need to look at the Pond Creek Mill explosion. It cost us the life of Regis, as he was trying to evacuate innocents caught in the blast when the building finally gave way, and that tragedy is also when we officially made contact with this nation's law officers in the form of Sargeant Dubois."
19:02 — Skaya presents the scroll she had shown the soldier previously.
19:02 <Skaya> "Our cooperation was later approved Acting High Reeve Richman of Dareslan, and to my understanding allows us to move as bounty hunters in Welland freely and without obstruction in pursuit of Brachidos or his co-conspirators." This should give the officer an idea of what they can do without revealing all their cards outright. After all, they still aren't sure what the wizard's goals here are or who might be paying attention for his sake.
19:02 <Skaya> "And in case you believe I've wasted a couple minutes of your time recounting all this, Captain, we know that Brachidos was here and the lead we followed from Dareslan to Weinford turned out to be a false one," Skaya continues with. "However, as we were returning to try and find it anew, we discover that there are two consecutive plagues running here all of a sudden? That beggars belief. Since we unfortunately have some experience
19:02 <Skaya> exposing his collaborators in the past, we were hoping to offer our assistance with that aspect of the investigation."
19:10 <•Anastasia> The scroll is taken, inspected as you speak. "Your words make a certain amount of snse," he says at last, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, "Brachidos, I've heard that name before." A sharp gaze silences Starre and Rina before they can say anything, "I can't remember where, but I think one of my older investigations came across it. It sounds familiar, I keep notes so I might have that somewhere."
19:11 <•Anastasia> After a breath and then letting the captain finish, "If you know anything, it would be helpful."
19:12 <•Anastasia> "He's not a new hand at this," Rina growls, "I didn't think he was, but it looks like he has a history."
19:13 <Skaya> "He seems to be the sort of wizard that does evil and spreads misery just because he can," Skaya says, for her part. "He's not doing this for ransom or out of revenge, not if I understand the way he works. Also, it's highly likely he recruited someone local rather than did this himself. If we can work together, perhaps take a look at your old notes, we might be able to track that person down. Perhaps we'll get a clue for a cure, perhaps
19:13 <Skaya> we'll stop a third plague from happening."
19:17 <•Anastasia> "I can read my own notes," The captain immediately stops that, "It won't even take me long with magic, I'll tell you what I find. George," he calls, one of the nearby soldiers coming over, "Get them in there, let them cool their heels and treat them to a drink or a meal.. I'll be back within a half hour after I check my notes. He stands up now, "Anything else?"
19:20 <Skaya> "I would recommend checking if there were any mentions of criminals with magical rings or of Outsiders, perhaps with a fell bent? Someone like this wizard is likely to have a patron and they won't be from Celestia."
19:24 <•Anastasia> "Alright," he says and goes, and you're taken inside. Once set up with refreshments once more, Sanda sits primly and sips her drink before, "You still have hopes about that ring of yours, Skaya?"
19:25 <Skaya> "Well yes, but I was thinking that one nutjob had a magical ring to focus his power, and no one spends time on designing a magic item for his minions only to use it the once."
19:31 <•Anastasia> "Sensible enough," Starre reasons. "Still though, I hope he has something - and now I wonder how long he's been active."
19:31 <•Anastasia> "Too long." Rina says, blunt and sour.
19:31 <•Anastasia> "Too long," Starre seconds and drinks deeply. "Too long."
19:33 <Skaya> "If no leads materialize and we spend some time looking," Skaya voices, deciding to get some food as they wait. "I'm thinking of risking it and heading in. Are you girls gonna be alright out here waiting for this to resolve?"
19:37 <•Anastasia> "I'm fine waiting," Sanda declares, "Statistically speaking, my odds of survival are far higher when I avoid plague areas."
19:37 <•Anastasia> "Naturally," Starre's voice is bone dry.
19:38 <•Anastasia> "If you need me in there, I'll go with you," Rina decides after a moment.
19:38 <Skaya> "Got it. Thanks!"
19:51 <•Anastasia> It's just about a half hour until you meet with the captain again. He gets a drink and comes over to join you, "Well, I found out something," he says, and promptly ignores Starre's expectant look.
19:51 <Skaya> "Excellent!"
20:04 <•Anastasia> "Brachidos was in the books of an old Eldathian who died of sickness. Nothing like plague, just old and didn't make it through the winter illnesses." The captain begins, "Anyway, I had to clear out his house because he was an Eldathian. Wouldn't be the first time one came to a bad end from people who still carry a grudge, so it's routine. Nothing nefarious about it, he was just really old." A
20:04 <•Anastasia> drink to pause, "Right, but I'm getting off track. So I read through his journals as part of my investigations. He'd been up to a lot until just a few years ago, when he began to wind down and enter into his dotage."
20:04 <•Anastasia> "And?" Rina asks immediately.
20:05 <Skaya> "He was on that wizard's trail?"
20:07 <•Anastasia> "He was a good writer, so I read them all," The captain retorts, "I remember making a day of it. A good day really, since I had the excuse to linger. Anyway, Brachidos was some up and comer, full of fire and energy, who was apparently someone Eldath warned him about. He went to investigate and they apparently met briefly, and he tried to persuade him away from his path. Didn't work out from
20:07 <•Anastasia> the sounds of it, so he passed on word to a pair named Wood and Ellen."
20:08 <Skaya> "And by word, do you mean asked them to keep an eye on Brachidos?"
20:10 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-B8D5816D.irccloud.com)
20:14 <•Anastasia> "He was a little vague, but I'd assume so since Eldathian," A wave of his hand, "They don't go off sending others to do what they won't. Except that one time, but I guess there was a reason he got excommunicated." Reflecting on that, "Ugly business that was, though at least we stopped him and gave him a proper hanging. Guessing they weren't so lucky with Brachidos, either they never found him
20:14 <•Anastasia> or came up second best against him, whoever they are."
20:15 <•Anastasia> "Except that-" Sanda begins, "Did you have one fall into murder on you?"
20:15 <Skaya> "No kidding, what did he do?"
20:18 <•Anastasia> "Oh yes, had to hang him high," The wizard drinks up, "Went completely mad like a mad dog, so we put him down like one. He apparently grew to believe pacifism was a mistake, and started killing. The bandits he'd get a reward for, at least from us. The robber?" A shrug, "Robber pissed away his own life. The men who didn't pay him for services? That's when we got involved, and not before he killed
20:18 <•Anastasia> several others for petty offenses, like not serving him fast enough. I felt bad for him, I think his mind went rotten. Enough pressure and anything breaks, even a mind.""
20:19 <Skaya> "Name wasn't Wood or Ellen, I take it?"
20:19 <•Anastasia> "Killing is sweet to some, and like sweet wine, some can't say no to another glass, and another and another and another," Starre murmurs.
20:21 <•Anastasia> "Afraid it's not that clean. His name was Leon Gold." A shake of his head, "Didn't live up to his name incidentally, he was poor all his life. Apparently had a reputation for losing money faster than he got it. Liked to throw dice too, even before he got into trouble. Now some people like that you know have problems, and  they'll come to a bad end because of them."
20:22 <Skaya> "I guess some people just go crazy," Skaya agrees. "Especially if they've been abstaining all their lives. So where does this leave us? Information on how Brachidos got started could be interesting, but how dated is it?"
20:23 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@lunarnet-E011B3A9.hr.hr.cox.net)
20:26 <•Anastasia> "Over a decade," Is the answer, "Say 13-17, or 15 and split the difference," After one more drink he adjusts his position and continues, "So that at least dates Brachidos. No younger than 30, I'd imagine, unless he got off to an early start. Are you sure he's fully human? If he has some elf or other blood in him, he may be fully vigorous still."
20:27 <•Anastasia> "I've never seen a sign he's anything but human," Is Starre's answer, leaning forward. "But with that mask he wears, I'm not certain of much."
20:27 <Skaya> "Given his whole deal is being mysterious, it's hard to be absolutely sure," Skaya agrees. "That said, even humans can be vigorous for a good while, patrons or no patrons, depending on their magic and training."
20:44 <•Anastasia> "Depending," The captain agrees, "So he's experienced by now. That help you much at all?"
20:46 <Skaya> "Only in the sense that one of our members follows Eldath so he might learn more about Brachidos from that end. Ah, I must've missed the name of that old Eldathian?"
20:50 ↔ Devar_ nipped out 
20:56 <•Anastasia> "I never mentioned it?" A frown at that, "Did you just miss it?"
20:56 <•Anastasia> "No, you never said it," Sanda cuts in here.
20:57 <•Anastasia> "Not once," Rina confirms, a side eyed look, "But we did find out about a mass murdering Eldathian."
20:57 <•Anastasia> "Have you ever considered a minstrel's role? You seem to enjoy telling stories," Starre suggests with just a little hint of a smile once Rina speaks.
20:58 <Skaya> "In any case, it might be useful for Devar when he looks into this matter."
21:09 <•Anastasia> "His name was Henri," Is the answer you get after a dour look, "Though he's been dead for over a decade now."
21:10 <Skaya> "Thanks," Skaya says with a nod. "So let's focus on the now. What information can you share about the plagues? Their timeline?"

[Corwin]

19:03 <•Anastasia> "Acting High Reeve Richman, he's in the Silver Keep," Is the answer you get, directions added as ewll.
19:04 <Devar_> "Thank you." He says and with a nod to Anne will enter!
19:18 <•Anastasia> In you go. The city is quiet. The streets are empty save for soldiers, at least near the gates. You can spy people peeking out from windows, but it's quiet. The few people you do see as you begin to go stay away from others, often with veils, masks or other face coverings. Market stalls are mostly empty, and what ones that are opened are manned by soldiers as well as merchants.
19:22 <•Anastasia> "The people are afraid, and the soldiers are ensuring order. I fear that there may have been trouble already if the soldiers are doing this," Anne murmurs to you, voice kept low.
19:24 <Devar_> "Richman's the one who gave Skaya her writ." Devar says, walking briskly in the direction they were given. "So that's good, we should be able to collaborate with them without issue." He nods to Anne, lowering his voice- "That's the problem when you follow the letter of the law sometimes."
19:25 <•Anastasia> "Order's paramount in situations like this, otherwise fear leads to tragedy," Anne says, voice low. "Plague brings out the worst in the desperate and fearful. I've seen it with my own two eyes before."
19:26 <Devar_> He nods. "Compassion sometimes has to take a secondary role."
19:36 <•Anastasia> As you talk, it doesn't take too long ot reach the Silver Keep. It's a tall building several stories tall, painted a metallic silver that glistens in the summer sun. Guards man it outside, weapons readied as you approach. In a calm voice, "Identify yourself and why you approach."
19:38 <Devar_> "My name is Devar, this is Anne." He says equally calmly. "We need to speak to High Reeve Richman. He should be familiar with us already." Devar says simply, stopping about 15 feet away.
19:41 <•Anastasia> "I'm a healer," Anne adds herself, staying back and hands off of her weapons, "Regardless of anything else, I'm here to lend what aid I can."
19:41 <•Anastasia> "Stand there, don't approach," One says as another turns and heads inside.
19:41 <•Anastasia> Then, "You have to be mad to come into here willingly. You heard what's happening to the healers?" The soldier asks Anne.
19:42 <•Anastasia> "I did," Anne doesn't deny it and instead, "My responsibilities do not change."
19:43 <Devar_> Devar smiles a little at that. "We've both steeled ourselves for this, her much more than I." He says. "I'm certain hope will win out."
19:45 <Devar_> "We have reason to believe this second plague is man-made." He adds. "It's why we want to talk to the High Reeve."
19:52 <•Anastasia> Tension at that but the guards go quiet, simply regarding you. Doesn't take long though until you're allowed in,  "Follow me," the soldier says. "The High Reeve will see you."
19:53 <Devar_> "Thank you." Devar says with a nod, then will proceed to follow!
20:10 <•Anastasia> You're taken inside. Soldiers mostly along with maids, all wearing facial coverings of some kind and staying distant. More than that, each room has fires lit despite the summer, the heat inside oppressive and stuffy. Everyone's sweating up a storm as they work, even the High Reeve. An older man, working alone in a large office. The soldier stays on the far side with the two of you ad the
20:10 <•Anastasia> older man raises his voice, "Devar of Eldath and Anne of Moore?"
20:10 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-B8D5816D.irccloud.com)
20:11 <Devar_> "That's us." He confirms.
20:14 <Devar_> "Skaya and the others are outside the city investigating." He adds, for some context.
20:23 <•Anastasia> "I understand you have information - though we already believe the second plague isn't natural," The High Reeve says, voice tired. "It's too targeted to be anything normal."
20:24 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@lunarnet-E011B3A9.hr.hr.cox.net)
20:25 <Devar_> He nods. "We believe it to be the work of the same one who caused the explosion and recently killed Mr. Jack. His name is Brachidos, if you aren't already familiar." Devar says. "Has anyone tried to discern the plague being magical? I can try if that hasn't been done."
20:28 <•Anastasia> "It is magical," he says, "Not hard for us to discern, but don't speak of that to others. If word of that gets out, it'll bring even more panic. We had two near riots as is."
20:28 <•Anastasia> "You're taking precautions of that. Speaking of that, does that explain the fires? Fire can burn away sickness, or boiling water can," Anne mentions, "Lady Jetnia teaches us much."
20:29 <•Anastasia> *Jetina
20:30 <Devar_> He nods. "I'm not adept at dispelling magics but I wonder if that helps. Actually, what can you tell us about it? As far as I can tell Lady Eldath protects me from it but given its nature I may still want to be careful."
20:31 <•Anastasia> "Good advice, our clerics have advised us of that, including those of Mystra in town," He answers, "It's miserable, but distance, heat and facial coverings seem to be the best we have. Keep people away from each other to slow it down." After that, "A spell to remove disease works, but it can come back. Only a few have let the second disease run its course, and none of them have survived."
20:32 <Devar_> "I have to wonder if the act of channeling divine magic is what causes it to worsen." He explains aloud. "I'm curious what exactly it does to healers, we may be able to use that to help."
20:32 <Devar_> Devar frowns. "So it's something that weakens you in some way to be be even worse the next time..."
20:38 <•Anastasia> "That's worrying," Anne says, "Could such a thin geven be done?"
20:38 <Devar_> "Ah, perhaps those who follow Mystra can use me. If I try to heal people, I wonder if I can draw the plague to me in some way... they might be able to see how it works to devise a way to counter it." He says. "Apologies, I'm just throwing ideas out here to try and help." He turns to Anne, "I don't rec
20:38 <Devar_> all, can you detect magical properties?"
20:39 <•Anastasia> "If you can find an answer, you'll be well rewarded," Is the answer, flat out. "As for symptoms, it's a feverish sickness with coughing and congestion, and difficulty breathing. Hallucinations can onset quickly as the fever rises higher and higher. If unchecked, death comes in a few days."
20:43 <Devar_> Devar nods. "I have some ideas. Id request whoever you can suggest as a magical expert. If we have the ability to requisition a magic item to help in detecting magic from a shop in town that would help." He says. OOC: ie a Spellcraft boosting item of some sort. +5 or 10 if available.
20:46 <•Anastasia> "We're working on that with Mystra's people, as well as the other faiths in town," Is the answer, "Is there anything else you can tell me about this Brachidos?"
20:50 ↔ Devar_ nipped out 
20:52 <Devar_> "Other than his patron is an awful creature known as The Adversary?" He asks. "He's rather elusive, which I realize does not help much."
20:54 <Devar_> "He convinces people to perform profane rituals. It wouldn't surprise me if there was a source to this disease in town." He says. "Perhaps several. Can you point me to your spellcasters? Perhaps we can divine something with Lady Eldath's and Lady Mystra's aid."
20:55 <•Anastasia> "Did you say The Adversary?" A scowl at that and a muttered curse. "We discussed possible patrons and he was one of the more obscure ones suggested." Taking breaths to master himself, "Head to Mystra's temple, they're using that for meetings."
20:58 <Devar_> Devar nods. "We will report back." He says, stepping out to talk to Anne. Once outside - but still in the building - "I know you probably want to stay here and help, but I think seeing if we can isolate what's going on is our best bet."
21:04 <•Anastasia> "Cut the head off and the body dies, in essence," Anne says, as...OOC: Give me a Fort save, unless you have disease immunity.
21:05 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+7
21:05 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{21}
21:05 <Devar_> OOC: I am immune

[Corwin]

19:03 <•Anastasia> "So if we can do that - but for now, Mystra's temple. One step at a time," Anne agrees with you.
19:04 <Devar> Devar nods, heading in that direction. T
19:04 <Devar> OOC: argh
19:04 <Devar> Devar nods, heading in that direction. Thankfully since they have the backing of the High Reeve they should be able to get more done!
19:09 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100 unrelated
19:09 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 unrelated --> [ 1d100=33 ]{33}
19:11 <•Anastasia> You see people, but distant - until you pass one tall building. A woman stumbles out of it, falls to her knees, and coughs up foulness. The few people on the streets flee her immediately as she moans, wet, hacking and weak. Her face is flushed and sweaty, her entire body trembles. A simple woman in a simple peasant's dress, unremarkable save for the sickness writ so deeply on her.
19:17 <Devar> Devar frowns. "We should've gotten you a mask." He says as he moves over to the woman, moving to kneel down next to her. "Peace, miss. Do you have a home I can help get you to?" He says. It doesn't take an expert to see what sort of malady has befallen her.
19:24 <•Anastasia> Anne stays back but doesn't hesitate to hold her holy symbol. "Please, bring her relief." Energy is channeled, and it at least seems to soothe her. It gets her to take ab reath then cough out several bursts of foulness onto the street. It's a strangely bright orange-brown with streaks of bloody red in it. "Gotta go. Gotta go. Run, run, Momma's got dinner done."
19:26 <Devar> OOC: Does it have any similarity to the weird gunk that our friendly river wyrm spat up? Or would I need a check for that?
19:26 <•Anastasia> OOC: Heal check if you have any ranks.
19:27 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 18 in that case
19:28 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+10 Anne will roll as well
19:28 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+10 Anne will roll as well --> [ 1d20=19 ]{29}
19:28 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-B8D5816D.irccloud.com)
19:29 <•Anastasia> That's blood (red) and dried blood (brown) in her mucus. She's gravely ill and seems to be hallucinating, suggesting a high fever. Upside, you strongly suspect this has absolutely nothing to do with that wyrm on account of that, unless it was also gravely ill.
19:32 <Devar> "Anne, any idea what that orange stuff is?" Devar asks. They can't really treat her in the middle of the street... "Where is it you need to go, ma'am?" He asks - maybe she can direct him even in her rather hallucinatory state.
19:44 <•Anastasia> "Mucus." She keeps some distance as you deal with her. "Disease from within."
19:45 <•Anastasia> "Momma's got dinner done," The woman looks up to you, sweat trickling down her face. "Dinner's done, dinner bell's rung. A shudder and another cough, this one closer to red than orange-brown."
19:45 <•Anastasia> OC: Gah.
19:45 <•Anastasia> "Momma's got dinner done," The woman looks up to you, sweat trickling down her face. "Dinner's done, dinner bell's rung. A shudder and another cough, this one closer to red than orange-brown. "Momma's calling for me to come home to her."
19:46 <•Anastasia> "Devar, she's delirious," Anne's voice softens, "Burning with fever, almost certainly."
19:47 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+7 meanwhile
19:47 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+7 meanwhile --> [ 1d20=13 ]{20}
19:48 <Devar> "Ugh, I can't just leave someone to die in the middle of the road - Anne, you go on and get to Mystra's temple, I'll catch up. You're at risk just standing out here, I'll figure out something." He says, looking around for any other nearby temples or things labeled as temporary hospitals or anything of the like.
19:52 <•Anastasia> Anne nods briskly and goes on, murmuring and holding her holy symbol as she goes. Meanwhile the woman clings to you and slumps, going limp nad burning up, yet clammy with sweat. Guards are approaching and keeping a distance, "You there! You're going to get the plague from her!"
19:58 <Devar> "I'm protected by Eldath! I'm here with some others investigating the plague!" Devar calls out. "Is there a safe place I can take her to not endanger anyone else?" He really hopes the answer isn't what he's worried it's going to be...
20:01 <•Anastasia> "Yes, follow us - at a distance!" Is the call back.
20:02 <Devar> "You got it!" Devar calls out, lifting the woman up. "Peace, I'll get you somewhere safe." He says quietly. He will follow - about 50 feet behind them.
20:18 <•Anastasia> You're lead along a few streets - to an open park. Here the sick and ill are left, face covered people tending to them as they can. They lay on simple mats on the ground, many coughing or groaning - and more than a few still, unmoving and beyond anymore suffering. Soldiers form a perimeter, spears and bows ready. Grim faced, hard eyed.
20:24 <Devar> Devar says a quiet prayer to Eldath to ease the suffering of these people as much as She is able. He will move dutifully whenever he's told to move the woman into the area - he knows that she's likely not even to be helped, since the others are most likely tending to those with better prospects... he prays again to Eldath to see him through this.
20:28 <•Anastasia> The woman is put down. She coughs a few times and lies there, barely awake. Yet she reaches out for your hand, "You...one of the old ones, from before..." she murmurs.
20:28 <Devar> He takes her hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. "One of the old ones?" He asks, quietly.
20:41 <•Anastasia> "Eldathians," She says slowly, "When we were so weak."
20:43 <Devar> He smiles. "Yes ma'am." He says. "If you feel up to it, pray to Her. She will see you through this." As if to prove a point, he will spend some of his energy to hopefully give her enough strength to pull through! OOC: Using Lay on Hands for 2 points of healing.
20:48 <•Anastasia> Her color improves from that and she coughs to the side, more foulness. It's less red and more orange-brown at least. Her voice is a bit clearer afterwards, "Even now, she'd...you'd..." she fumbles, voice hazy. "I was never...can I...can I follow her even now?"
20:50 <Devar> "Of course." Devar says. "She'd never turn away anyone who wished to better themselves." He adds with a peaceful smile. "It's how I found Her."
21:04 <•Anastasia> "Good. Good..." A look fo relief as she lies back, "...I promise I'll..." she coughs and rests, devolving into murmurs.
21:05 <Devar> He could stay here and help, but he knows that he has a mission - so - assuming no one stops him - he will leave and head to the temple of Mystra!
21:13 <•Anastasia> You get looks, but on seeing your holy symbol, none move to stop you. Instead, a soldier stops, "You're one of Eldath's. Protected against the plague?" he asks, plainly.
21:15 <Devar> Devar nods. "Yes, that's right. My name is Devar - working with the High Reeve to get to the bottom of this." He says.
21:25 <•Anastasia> A short nod, "If you're lying, you're a madman who'll die of plague," he answers, "Good enough for me. Go with all the luck you have."
21:30 <Devar> He smiles. "Mad in one way or another for following Eldath, some might say." A nod to the soldier as he hurries on his way!
21:34 <•Anastasia> You hurry on and...OOC: Perception.
21:36 <Devar> roll 1d20+8
21:36 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{26}
21:46 <•Anastasia> You're close to the temple, but you pass an alley. You see Anne kneeling before a sick man, who shudders and lies in his own waste. Her hand glows with power, tending to him.
21:47 <Devar> "Anne!" Devar calls out, jogging over. He won't bother with the reprimand.
21:48 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+7 vs ???
21:48 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+7 vs ??? --> [ 1d20=2 ]{9}
21:49 <•Anastasia> "Help him," Anne turns, "He was dying, but I was able to push that back, but he needs more." No hesitation in her at all. It's a man, barely a man and closer to a teenager. He's waxy pale and flushed over that, eyes glassy and unfocused.
21:50 <Devar> Devar kneels down - he can save his ability to channel energy for a room full of the sick. OOC: Cure light wounds
21:51 <Devar> roll 1d8+4
21:51 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d8+4 --> [ 1d8=7 ]{11}
22:00 <•Anastasia> The healing seems to help a little more, but he's still greviously ill. He needs more specialized treatment than that, clearly.
22:03 <Devar> "We're rather limited in what we can do." Devar says. "Without the ability to remove diseases itself. They're putting all the rather seriously sick people in a place in the park... I can't promise that he'll get help there but I can take him." He says as he leans down. "You need to get to the temple."
22:07 <•Anastasia> "I know," Anne says, "But I couldn't leave him," Her response is...next time!

[Corwin]

19:03 <•Anastasia> "It's been fast moving - less than two weeks or so," Is the answer, "The bloody flux is a known thing, and clerics often get word from above on how to help with it. Boil water, purify the source of the contamination, things like that. It'll kill but it'll be handled and burn itself out, usually. Bad way to go but a city will survive. The second one's much more recent and nastier, and good luck
19:03 <•Anastasia> if you get both. Heard they've found a few who got both and it wasn't pretty."
19:04 <Skaya> "Have you been able to figure out just what the second disease is?"
19:08 <•Anastasia> A shake of his head. "It's like pneumonia. Fever, congestion, coughing. But the way it hits cleric types is anything but normal, and it's nasty, nasty, nasty," Is the answer, a long sigh.
19:08 <•Anastasia> "I had that once as a child," Sanda pipes up here, "I was so sick that I didn't like my odds of getting through it."
19:09 <•Anastasia> "No one would," Rina murmurs, "Pneumonia, that is. Drowning yourself, one gasp at a time."
19:11 — Skaya has a lot of useless knowledge, and thinks back to see if she ran across a mention of something like that. Targets clerics? Related to the Adversary?
19:11 <•Anastasia> OOC: Trying a particular skill here?
19:13 <Skaya> OOC: Just hoping there's a relevant knowledge here
19:15 <•Anastasia> OOC: K:R.
19:16 <Skaya> roll 1d20+12+4
19:16 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+12+4 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{35}
19:22 <•Anastasia> Some very dim memory of something. Some obscure figure, starts with an E. Eb-something. Hatred of mortals and clergy. No link to The Adversary, but it tingles the back of your mind.
19:23 <Skaya> "Huh. Wasn't there some evil loner that hated healers and mortals? Ebliz, Eblust? Something like that?"
19:25 <•Anastasia> "No idea," Starre says blandly, "Does he have something to do with this?"
19:25 <•Anastasia> "Doesn't ring a bell for me," The wizard says, "But with the Godsrush it seems there's a new one every month."
19:27 <Skaya> "I think your patron ran into him," Skaya tells Starre with a shrug. "Maybe that's why I thought of it. Can't hurt to ask her if this is something he came up with, once upon a time?"
19:28 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-B8D5816D.irccloud.com)
19:42 <•Anastasia> "I'll do so," Starre agrees with that.
19:42 <•Anastasia> Meanwhile with a clearing of his throat, the captain goes on, "Do you have any other questions?"
19:43 <Skaya> "Do we know how it's transmitted? Is it airborne?"
19:47 <•Anastasia> "Getting close can spread it," Is the answer, "At a minimum it goes through the air. Through the body too, I don't doubt, and through fluids."
19:52 — Skaya nods, before asking, "What about non-magical remedies for pneumonia, or at least to relieve its symptoms? Ginger tea for chest pains, warm compresses for the fever and so on? Since the clerics are being targeted and all...."
19:59 <•Anastasia> "I assume the regular healers are helping with that," The captain says, "Things like that."
19:59 <•Anastasia> "I'd hope so," Rina mutters, "It only makes sense."
20:00 <Skaya> "Just happy to hear the remedies work. There's that, at least."
20:01 <•Anastasia> "There's that," An agreement and...OOC: Do you have anything else you want here?
20:02 <Skaya> OOC: I'm afraid not. We failed to get immediate hooks, so let's see if something happens!
20:19 <•Anastasia> OOC: Okay, more then.
20:19 <•Anastasia> As the conversation winds down, "So do you have an idea of what you're going to do next?" The wizard asks.
20:22 <Skaya> "It all goes back to how we can be of help. If there were any leads from Dareslan itself, we could run them down for you. Same if there was a need for supplies to secure without loosening the quarantine. But it sounds like you don't require it for the time being?"
20:27 <•Anastasia> Rubbing his chin in thought, "There might be one thing if you want to be useful," he says at last. "If I don't miss my guess, you're from Laremy?"
20:27 <Skaya> "Yes?"
20:29 <•Anastasia> "You have any contact with movers and shakers down there, anyone with any swing?" he goes on.
20:31 <Skaya> "A bit over in Mellanics, but not in the country itself," Skaya muses.
20:37 <•Anastasia> "I do have one thing," he says slowly, "But it's more of an emergency measure. Got it off a strange planar wizard, called a tiefling if you know what that is, since it's a fiend blooded, and it could send you home and back for a little while, before you're pulled back. Because we could desperately need more healers."
20:37 <•Anastasia> "Like teleportation?" Sanda perks up, "That's impressive magic!"
20:37 <•Anastasia> "It has some serious drawbacks," A sour look, "I think he was a strange one to make or loot something like this, but better I have it than him."
20:39 <Skaya> "What are the drawbacks, and how long is a little while?"
20:46 <•Anastasia> "61 minutes precisely, and you can bring back with you anyone who holds your hands or the hands of someone you're holding, or so on lik ea chain. The more people you bring back with you, the more it injures you." Is the answer. "Doesn't injure anyone else, though."
20:49 <Skaya> "That's actually doable," Skaya says after thinking it over. "But only if we can send word first, or do it more than once. So we're talking about a Sending, or about sending say Sanda over first and then Rina and I a couple hours later. Is that possible?"
20:50 <•Anastasia> "It only works once a day," he scratches his chin, "At least safely. Multiple uses within a few days of each other get more dangerous."
20:50 <•Anastasia> "It's still an advantage, and a chance to check in and get reinforcements," Rina speaks up, "It's too much of an advantage to pass up."
20:54 <Skaya> "Yeah, let's do this. We can go over and see if there's anything doable in the immediate range. And if not, at least schedule for the near future."
21:11 <•Anastasia> "We can do so much with a trip home," Rina agrees, "This is too good an opportunity to pass up."
21:12 <•Anastasia> "Then the question is how," Sanda goes on, "And since multiple trips get dangerous, we need to decide in what order."
21:14 <Skaya> "Could you please explain the dangers a bit more?" Skaya decides, asking the captain. "Let's say Sanda goes now, while Rina and I go twenty four hours later. What are the two of us risking? And what if Sanda were to take that second trip with us, would she be more at risk?"
21:24 <•Anastasia> "Harm to yourself on return, the more people you bring back, the more harm you take," he answers, "Multiple means more harm and things can get strange. I haven't tested it deeply and haven't been able to get to the bottom of it, but it can do strange things to you."
21:27 <Skaya> "Then let's send you there alone, Sanda. Get to the Guild Master and explain the details," Skaya suggests.
21:27 <Skaya> "We'll write a summary of our efforts thus far so you don't need to spend long on that, and just cover the immediate issue here. If they do have someone with the right skills who can make the trip, try to bring them with you. But just the one person, so we see how bad it gets. Also, schedule the follow-up trip, and that's somethin Rina and I can tackle."
21:29 <•Anastasia> "I can do that," Sanda decides after a moment, "Do we need anything from the guild?"
21:29 <•Anastasia> "Any support they can send. Some healing potions would help if nothing else," Rina says, "If they have anything on Brachidos."
21:31 <Skaya> "Do you have an official request Sanda could pass for you?" Skaya asks. "Could go over better if the Guild needs to get in touch with the local temple."
21:36 <•Anastasia> "Nothing official, the political will's not there," A shake of his head, "Most of the ruler class would rather die than officially ask Laremy for help. Too much bad blood."
21:39 <Skaya> "Disappointing, but not surprising." They'll probably have to pay for that, since healing potions don't come cheap even under the best of circumstances, but that sounds like an issue unrelated to her. Skaya decides to use the time they have while the captain prepares the transportation item to write down a summary of events for the Guild Master to hand to Sanda.
21:39 <Skaya> "Ah, and in case both the Guild Master and Miss Milla have left, try to find out when they'll be back and post a request with the Guild for as many healing potions as possible. We'll pick them up at the very least."
21:45 <•Anastasia> "I'll do that," Sanda agrees, "I'll bring back all I can, be it people, knowledge or support."
21:46 <Skaya> "We'll be waiting right here, then."
21:49 <•Anastasia> OOC: Any plan but to let Sanda go and wait for results?
21:50 <Skaya> OOC: We'll wait, it's only an hour
21:58 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100 Sanda stuff
21:58 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 Sanda stuff --> [ 1d100=42 ]{42}
21:58 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+1 diplomacy
21:58 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+1 diplomacy --> [ 1d20=2 ]{3}
21:58 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+3 diplomacy (+2 bonus ???)
21:58 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+3 diplomacy (+2 bonus ???) --> [ 1d20=2 ]{5}
21:59 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20 intimidation (-1 ???)
21:59 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20 intimidation (-1 ???) --> [ 1d20=13 ]{13}
22:05 <•Anastasia> roll 6d6 owwies incoming Sanda
22:05 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 6d6 owwies incoming Sanda --> [ 6d6=26 ]{26}
22:05 •Anastasia set the topic: Skaya: 34/34 Devar 35/35 Anne 48/48 Sanda 6/32 Starre 44/44 Rina 40/40
22:06 <•Anastasia> OOC: Okay, that's Sanda's returning damage, we'll sort that out...next time!

[Corwin]

19:06 <•Anastasia> It's time for the return. The magical item is a large crystal inset into rough stone, a purple color to it with a few cracks along its surface. Inside circular patterns dance, starting to spin up as Sanda's due back any moment. The group's outside and away from others, everyone waiting tensely as...OOC: If you have any setup to do, go ahead, just setting the stage.
19:07 <Skaya> "Are the cracks supposed to be there?" Skaya asks in concern, merely staying out of the immediate area to not interfere with the teleport.
19:12 <•Anastasia> Starre eyes those cracks while Rina stays back and ready. "They've been there the entire time. Far as I can tell, they were built into it."
19:12 <Skaya> "Weird," Skaya comments, waiting.
19:25 <•Anastasia> When Sanda reappears, it's in a burst of strange orange-green light. She promptly falls over, blood pouring from her nose and body twitching. Next to her is Milla, who shudders all over and falls to her knees, in her outfit and with a large pack on her back. "What kind of tele-teleport," A groan before she quickly takes off her pack and drops it off nearby.
19:25 <•Anastasia> Rina moves quick, going to help Sanda, hold her up as she's trembling and bleeding.
19:25 — Skaya swiftly makes her way over to examine Sanda!
19:26 <Skaya> OOC: I'll take 10 for Heal 15 to check Sanda and Milla
19:27 <•Anastasia> "That was a rough one," The mage admits as you check Sanda. Severe nasal bleeding, tremors - seizures. She needs healing urgently. Milla waves you off when you look, "I'm fine, I won't be here long anyway. Tend to her then we need to talk, then I need to get back."
19:27 <•Anastasia> Rina holds Sanda, helps her breathe as she uses a rag to soak up the blood, held contain the bleeding.
19:29 <Skaya> OOC: Provide First Aid is DC15, can I take 10 to ensure Sanda isn't dying?
19:30 <•Anastasia> You provide some basic first aid - stop the bleeding, help SAnda. The twitchs pass and she lies there limply afterwards. Putting the pack down MIlla digs in and takes out a small glass vial. "Have her drink this, it's healing. We scraped up the supplies we could to help."
19:31 — Skaya feeds the vial to Sanda with a nod. "Thanks, Milla. Really. We weren't sure it would be possible to get a response quickly enough, so it seems you and Sanda really did a lot of work here."
19:34 <•Anastasia> roll 1d8+1 just a CLW but it helps
19:34 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d8+1 just a CLW but it helps --> [ 1d8=3 ]{4}
19:34 •Anastasia set the topic: Skaya: 34/34 Devar 35/35 Anne 48/48 Sanda 10/32 Starre 44/44 Rina 40/40
19:34 <•Anastasia> That restores some color to Sanda's cheeks and the bleeding stops fully. She goes still, out but resting.
19:35 <•Anastasia> Starre moves to help her as Rina nods, "Thanks, Milla. It's been one mess after another, it's felt like."
19:35 <Skaya> "You said you were going back?" Skaya asks even as her attention remains on Sanda.
19:37 <•Anastasia> "I'm sorry about Regis," Milla says, giving that a moment for Rina to bow her head. Then, "Father tapped into his rainy day supplies for this. Several scrolls of cure disease, a few potions that accomplish the same and all sorts of alchemical compounds that help with disease recovery."
19:38 <Skaya> "I don't think this sort of help will be forgotten."
19:39 <•Anastasia> After, "I'm going back," Milla agrees, "There was an incident at the eastern border with Eis and it's possible war's brewing. Also the nobles are all infighting over what's under that lake, father's completely occupied with that and representing our interests in it. Remember when Bergen came by?"
19:40 <Skaya> "Hard to forget, especially after he tried messing with us at the border."
19:42 <•Anastasia> Rina visibly stiffens at that name, arms wrapping around herself. Meanwhile, "Officially we did nothing. Politics." The scorn in Milla's voice is deep, "These are contributions from travelers who have no political affliation. With what's going on with Eis, Laremy can't risk Welland taking offense."
19:44 <Skaya> "Everywhere's a mess, by the sounds of it," Skaya notes. "To answer the most pressing question, time-wise, is there a point to making another trip to pick volunteer healers? Or that's not happening right now?"
19:45 <•Anastasia> "Not happening. Father had to decline that. The nobles will have his head if they find out he sent out healers when war's potentially looming." With a soft sniff, "It's all he can do not to try and recall Anne with me."
19:46 <•Anastasia> "Of course. Attack us while we're still weakened," Rina says sourly, "Trample us and take more from us."
19:46 <Skaya> "If it comes to that, tell them she was exposed and if they really want to risk it, I could call oher over?"
19:46 <•Anastasia> A headshake, "Officially, I was never here and father never heard about any teleportation, and he definitely doesn't have a few scrolls of it for emergencies." Milla explains, then a gimlet eye to the mage. "I trust your discretion, sir."
19:47 <•Anastasia> The mage shrugs, "War's bad for a soldier's life, miss. Forgetting things tends to extend it instead."
19:48 <Skaya> "Do you have time to tell us how that situation at the border came to be? As well as what the fools are trying to do at the lake?"
19:50 <•Anastasia> "All I know is that Eis attacked a border patrol and devastated them. Dozens dead." Milla says gravely, "Unprovoked."
19:51 <Skaya> "Nuts."
20:01 <•Anastasia> "That's war," Rina says even more sourly, "Any nation who lets that pass says they're too weak to defend themselves."
20:01 <•Anastasia> "Not unless Eis makes some serious apologies and reparations, fast, and that's only maybe. But we're still not in a great position, and I've heard there's apphrension about war now." Milla explains.
20:04 <Skaya> "Do you and the Guild Master have any advice for us?" Skaya asks, taking that in. She likes Laremy's chances better than Eis's in any war, but it's bound to be costly all the same. And if another party joins the conflict....
20:14 <•Anastasia> "Keep your heads down and don't provoke anything," Milla says, "Father also says if you have any bright ideas, ask someone besides Sanda about it before you do it."
20:14 <•Anastasia> A weak cough from Sanda, "That's...not very nice..."
20:16 <Skaya> "That's also terrible advice, you'd be the first one I consult," Skaya assures her. "Alright, then. If it gets bad enough that you need us, recall us? Otherwise, we'll return once we've managed to actually finish the job. Or if we learn Teleport before than."
20:17 <•Anastasia> A nod, "One more thing." Milla considers, "This isn't related, but if you come across any vampires - they're a type of bloodsucking undead if you aren't familiar with them - be cautious. Father's words, I don't know anything else."
20:19 <Skaya> "Vamp-- oh for fuck's sake," Skaya mutters. "Right, thanks. Oh, Sanda, did you describe the symptoms of the disease over at Mellanics? Did someone have a good idea what we might be looking at?"
20:24 <•Anastasia> "In the-" Coughs break up her words, "In the opinion of Picke and a few others, it's not natural. Bloody Flux might be or it might be intentionally set off, can't say for sure, but the second disease isn't anything normal. Nothing they've heard of, though."
20:25 <•Anastasia> "
20:25 <•Anastasia> "Vampires," Milla agrees with that in one word, "Also there's still those ankheg problems, which seem to be intensifying if reports are true. We're still seeing them around Mellanics."
20:27 <Skaya> "That doesn't say good things for the world. I really hoped the ankheg activity was because of those chimera-making wizards, perhaps by kicking them out of their natural habitat. Guess not?"
20:28 <•Anastasia> "Wrong direction, anyway," Milla sniffs, "It all seems to go wrong at once after things calming down for some time."
20:28 <•Anastasia> "All the more reason to kill Brachidos and resolve some of our problems," Starre speaks up here.
20:29 <Skaya> "Yeah. Oh! Did Sanda tell you we saw an actual dragon? From a distance as it was flying, but still. Good times! It didn't try to kill anyone!"
20:39 <•Anastasia> "Hah, something to look into one day," Milla congratulates you, "I also heard about finding some legendary treasure!"
20:39 <Skaya> "I triggered so many traps...."
20:48 <•Anastasia> "So many," Rina seconds, as Milla smiles.
20:48 <Skaya> "Does that make me lucky or unlucky?"
20:49 <•Anastasia> "I have to get going," she says, going to step aside, "Thanks for your cooperation. Let's not meet again," she meets the gaze of the mage, who returns it with his own nod. "Alive." Milla says and goes, hurrying away.
20:51 <Skaya> The relations between neighboring nations really are terrible if the only thought either of them has of meeting means a battlefield. Still, Skaya is there as a guest and so she puts such thoughts away while looking towards the local mage for guidance.
20:56 <•Anastasia> Once MIlla's gone, "You have a complicated life, don't you?"
20:57 <•Anastasia> Sanda laughs weakly, "Naturally."
20:58 — Skaya shrugs. "It's the world that's all messed up. We're just trying to do our best in it."
21:02 <•Anastasia> "This healing will do us good," Starre hefts up the pack Milla left behind, "So where does that leave us?"
21:03 <Skaya> "Sanda, are you stable enough to tell us what you managed to secure?"
21:10 <•Anastasia> Sitting up, "Yes," she answers, "You mean the bag?"
21:11 <Skaya> "Yeah. Anything there we can help with preparing, or just mostly a stock of potions and remedies?"
21:13 <•Anastasia> "It's all premade," Sanda has Rina help her sit up, "Healing potions, disease cures, alchemical aides to disease recovery, even some fruits that might help with recovery. Picke knows quite a lot about disease prevention and recovery."
21:13 <Skaya> "He really came through for you. Excellent job!"
21:22 <•Anastasia> "He takes care of us," Rina adds quietly, "He's a good leader. He's one of the good ones, anyway."
21:23 <•Anastasia> "So are we still going over there tomorrow?" Rina then asks, looking over at Sanda as she recovers.
21:23 <Skaya> "Milla said we shouldn't. Since we can't bring anyone with us, and we might actually cause troubles by making things too official, I don't see the reason for it," Skaya muses, though for her part she glances over at Starre. They do have another option....
21:25 <•Anastasia> Starre meets your gaze, "What are you thinking, Skaya?"
21:25 <Skaya> "That we might have another destination if you're up to it? I could come with if you need that."
21:27 <•Anastasia> "Where?" Starre asks plainly, "What's your plan, Skaya?"
21:32 <Skaya> "I suppose it depends on the limitations of the device, but it seems to work off wherever we've been to rather than our places of birth?" Skaya says, checking with the captain with a glance. "In that case, you've traveled for a good while. It might be possible to hop over to Eis and getting some healing supplies might not draw much attention given the war footing. In the end, you're the one who knows best how far you've traveled."
21:37 <•Anastasia> Starre closes her eyes in thought before she nods slightly. "I'll do it. It's the right thing to do to help with this plague. We're to sacrifice ourselves, not take the easy road."
21:37 <•Anastasia> The captain shrugs back again, "It works as it works, but yes. If it has a range limit I haven't found it, but I also haven't tested it that extensively for one."
21:37 <Skaya> "I'll explode together with you and Sanda in solidarity," Skaya promises. "Plus we'll carry more together. When do you want to go?"
21:43 <•Anastasia> "Eis," she says, "Two reasons," Starre ticks off fingers, "One, it's far enough to work and as long as we're discreet, we shouldn't have a problem there. If we're wrong, we only have to pass an hour or less and we return. Two, I want to hear what they're saying about this attack, I'm curious now. Three, and I know this is one more than I said before, but I don't want to go too close to home
21:43 <•Anastasia> until Brachidos is dead, unless I'm following him."
21:44 <•Anastasia> "Someone can't count," Sanda manages from her recovery.
21:44 <•Anastasia> "Don't complain about extra," Starre retorts, "Be grateful instead."
21:45 <Skaya> "It's okay, it's okay!" Skaya says in a conciliatory manner. "So first thing tomorrow when the device is ready for another transport, then?"
21:50 <•Anastasia> A nod back, "It should be cooled down tomorrow. minimum of strange side effects."
21:51 <Skaya> "Gives us time to distribute the goods." And maybe some divine intervention during the night? Here's hoping!
21:52 <•Anastasia> Here's hoping indeed....next time! OOC: Out of time and need to bathroom, but good progress and you got some supplies, as well as ominous news. Good luck!

[Corwin]

19:02 <•Anastasia> "I know," Anne says, "But I couldn't leave him." Wiping her hands off on her armor she turns to go, "I'll see you at the temple."
19:06 <Devar> "Find yourself a mask!" Devar calls out as he goes to take the young man back to the park area, making sure to stay away from any guards he sees on the way.
19:11 <•Anastasia> That trip is well enough. The guards give you a pitying look as you go in, and the man's in no shape to speak to you or do much except trying not to die.
19:12 <Devar> "Just hold on." Devar says quietly to the boy, putting him somewhere open. "Eldath will protect you." He murmurs, before he jogs off again to hopefully get to the temple of Mystra and see if there's been any real progress on their end.
19:17 <•Anastasia> The temple has guards outside of it, who bring their spears together to block you, "State your business," they say plainly, "Healing is limited, the healers will help who they can."
19:20 <Devar> "My name is Devar of Eldath - I'm working with the High Reeve to find a solution this plague." He says. Hopefully just the title will be enough!
19:29 <•Anastasia> You get a look and you rholy symbol in particular gets a look. Spears are uncrossed, "Anne of Moore mentioned you, go in."
19:30 <Devar> He nods to them politely and will hurry past them!
19:33 <•Anastasia> Inside the temple is all business. Areas marked off with curtains, people at work. Guards are outside, protecting each curtained area. Anne's just inside, talking with a tall man, 30 or so, wearing only simple rags. His body is well worn and tired looking, but he wears only one thing of note: a crudely painted wooden plaque around his neck, showing two hands tied together with red string.
19:35 <Devar> OOC: I'm going to assume it doesn't take much of a K:R check to know who that's a reference to since even I know it, but Devar will take 10 on for 21 to identify it as Illmater anyway
19:36 <Devar> Devar jogs over to the two of them, giving the man a nod. "You take your vows to The One Who Endures to heart, good sir."
19:43 <•Anastasia> OOC: Ilmater, yes.
19:43 <•Anastasia> The man turns and with a wry smile, "All I ask is you donate my daily meals," he retorts, offering his hand out. "As there's more than a full plate of suffering for us all in these days. You're the Devar Anne mentioned?"
19:44 <•Anastasia> "He is," Anne confirms, "It's warming to see Ilmater's mercy here."
19:49 <Devar> "He certainly has His hands full." Devar says, giving the man a firm handshake. "We were hoping to talk to whoever has the most magical aptitude, as we come bearing information about what we think is the root cause of all of this."
20:00 <•Anastasia> "That would be the leader of Mystra's temple here," His grip is strong as he looks, "Most likely you'll talk to one of his aides because he's so busy."
20:01 <Devar> "That's fine." He says with a nod. "All we're here to do is try and help."
20:06 <•Anastasia> "I already got that moving thanks to Anne," He answers, not even giving his name. Instead he turns to go, "I'll take you to them."
20:07 <Devar> "Of course, thank you." He says. He never introduced himself, so Devar won't pry or ask out of respect.
20:16 <•Anastasia> Falling in, "His name's Morteau," Anne whispers to you, "It's some manner of personal quirk."
20:18 <Devar> Devar nods to Anne. "I hope the others are doing all right." He says quietly. "Or have found something."
20:23 <•Anastasia> A brisk nod back and soon enough you pass by curtained off rooms. Some smell of herbs and alchemical things, strangely chemical odors. Others reek of human waste and worse, while the occasional open window you pass smells of smoke. None of it good as you come to a small office - one wonderfully cool, like the breeze on a pleasant autumn day. It's a nice office, decorated with shelves of
20:23 <•Anastasia> books, a deep, soft reading chair and a large table. In this chair sits a 50something man, scribbling away on parchment. He looks up, "Our so called wonder detectives. Please, enlighten us. What's gong on here and how can we solve this Weave accursed plague?" He's wearing light robes with a  heavy gold chain with Mystra's holy symbol at the end, like a pendant. His face is stubbly, no sign
20:23 <•Anastasia> of having shaved his gray stubble recently.
20:32 <Devar> "I'm not sure who's called us that, exactly..." Devar starts. "We've been investigating an individual named Brachidos outside of this with a group of folks. That individual is a spellcaster of some note who follows someone known only as The Adversary. We understand that he's been involved in a great deal of deaths, including the recent mill explosion as well as other deaths involving poisoning.
20:32 <Devar> We believe him to be the culprit behind this scenario as well." He says. "I had hoped to try and leverage my own immunity to diseases to help better understand how this particular strain works, as it seems like it works based on divine casting, or something about healing in particular."
20:36 <•Anastasia> "Brachidos..." The man trails off at that, "Really." There's a curious confusion to his voice, before, "Nevermind, there's an old Mystran in the histories who had that name." Looking annoyed as he goes on, "That does match our own observations on how it works. When you say to better understand how it works, what do you mean?"
20:37 <•Anastasia> "Truly so?" Anne hums, "Do you know where he hailed from? It might provide insight into where Brachidos came from."
20:38 <Devar> "I wanted to perform some tests, but it might require a few things. Since I'm immune to the disease, it can't actually affect me, but I imagine it would still try. So, hypothetically, if I stood in a room with several other healers who were affected and channeled Eldath's divine power, the disease might try to latch onto me. In doing so, I thought that perhaps anyone with an eye for magical
20:38 <Devar> means could see how it was working. If we could procure any items to help with spellcraft, that might be beneficial as well." Devar explains. "To Anne's point, yes, once this matter is concluded we definitely would like to speak more on those histories and where we can find them."
20:48 <•Anastasia> "It's a foreign name at least," The man rubs his face with his hand, "Alright, we can try. We have enough dying that channeling healing energy will help a little, even if it doesn't cure the disease. It'll at least make their last hours more comfortable."
20:49 <Devar> "If my potential theory is correct, then healing might draw the magical aspects of the plague out of them." Devar says. "But that's just a guess that I have based on what I've heard."
20:54 <•Anastasia> "We're running short on ideas," He admits, getting up, "Milane," he introduces himself with a handshake to you once he's up. "I think it's a far shot to work, but we only have far shots unless we want to let it burn itself out on its own."
21:01 <Devar> Devar nods. "Sir Milane then." He says. "Given how it seems to be targeting healers in particular, I worry that it burning itself out on its own may take a different form than a usual disease. But as you said, at least it's worth trying. Any information we can gather from it is worth it."
21:09 <•Anastasia> "Then let's go do this," he agrees, as...OOC: What's you rplan herE?
21:12 <Devar> OOC: Have whoever wants to with good spellcraft and detect magic be on hand, I'll basically stand in the middle of as many people affected by the "Healer's Bane" version of the disease and channel energy over and over. The magic detecting folks will hopefully be able to see something happening with it that can be used to counter it in some fashion, or possibly even discern if it's coming
21:12 <Devar> from somewhere instead of being transmitted like a regular disease.
21:12 <Devar> OOC: The idea will be for them to basically be concentrating on detect magic and using any Spellcraft boosters they can get their hands on to see what happens
21:14 <•Anastasia> OOC: Sure. More.
21:14 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+20 (not noting the boosters, just rolling raw numbers here)
21:14 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+20 (not noting the boosters, just rolling raw numbers here) --> [ 1d20=9 ]{29}
21:14 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+19
21:14 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+19 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{25}
21:14 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+19
21:14 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+19 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{30}
21:14 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+18
21:14 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+18 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{37}
21:14 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+17
21:14 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+17 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{29}
21:16 <•Anastasia> It's an assembly of five, carefully watching. Around you lie the sick and the dying, the smell terrible. You channel energy to soothe them, to bring some small relief. Of them, it's a short man who look sat you intently - not even quite five feet tall, and with a wild mane of red hair. "There's something very, very strange," he says, curiously.
21:17 <Devar> "What's going on?" Devar asks. "I'm certainly a novice when it comes to magical arts compared to those assembled here, but I hopefully can understand."
21:24 <•Anastasia> As the others look to him, "If I didn't know better," he says very slowly, "There's almost a weave of magic that suggests that you're infecting them," After a terrible, tense moment that promises violence, "No, more that the contagion interacts with being healed somehow."
21:25 <•Anastasia> Another, a pot belled man in plain clothes and wearing only a holy symbol of the sun, considers that and goes, "You mean it's circumventing the healing?"
21:26 <Devar> "So it's a disease that amplifies itself when someone receives divine energy?" Devar asks after the other man.
21:27 <•Anastasia> "I'm not sure, but it's doing something with it," The short man finally answers, "But it's something I can work on. Give me an hour," he says, already running off.
21:27 <•Anastasia> Eyes follow him as Anne comes over, "Insidious. If it's using being healed in some way? What a terrible disease."
21:29 <Devar> "I agree." Devar says. "Is it something that that awful wizard cooked up himself, or is he borrowing someone else's work?" He says aloud. "Either way, at least it's a lead, which is more than we had before."
21:34 <•Anastasia> Anne goes to reply but turns away and coughs several times.
21:34 <•Anastasia> Eyes turn to her, looks of concern and pity.
21:38 <Devar> "Come on, let's find you a room." Devar says. "If it's still early on regular things might help, especially if you don't try and casting for now."
21:45 <•Anastasia> Anne shuts her eyes tightly and takes your hand, "Very well. I knew this was likely to happen regardless."
21:46 <Devar> "It was always going to be a risk." Devar says. He turns to the others. "Since I'm guessing you all have some experience - I assume if someone has the disease removed via magical means they can just catch it again by being in proximity?"
21:47 <Devar> A frown and a blink. "Actually... do we even know if removing it like that removes the magical portion of it?" He murmurs. "I wonder if it's two separate things..."
21:52 <•Anastasia> An answer comes...next time! OOC: It's just about time and I need to bathroom, so we'll wind it down here. Congratulations, you didn't die! Always progress, and you made progress here too.

[Corwin]

19:10 <•Anastasia> "Yes," Is the answer, "We're stretched beyond thin on spells as it is, but she'll get one when we can spare one. As for the rest," The red head starts to pace, "You might've found an important piece. The more I think about it, the more that..." he murmurs, starting to wave his hands as he walks.
19:11 <Devar> "Come on, let's see if we can find you something." Devar says. He'll look for a mask for her for now or something temporary at least like some cloth and help her to either find an empty room (unlikely) or a room with the least amount of people in it.
19:12 <•Anastasia> There's a separate room for healers. It's empty save for sleeping people right now, and Anne claims a bed. She coughs several more times, "I fear I'm starting to feel rather warm."
19:15 <Devar> "I don't doubt it." Devar says. Since that other individual said he needed an hour, Devar will spend the next hour helping out Anne by getting her some cool cloth to put on her head as well as help around the healer room in general!
19:18 <•Anastasia> Anne soon slips into a restless sleep, only disturbed by coughs. As for the rest...OOC: Give me a Heal check, and note if you're using any healing resources.
19:21 <Devar> roll 1d20+8 Heal check, no divine healing being used especially after what the testing seemed to uncover.
19:21 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8 Heal check, no divine healing being used especially after what the testing seemed to uncover. --> [ 1d20=11 ]{19}
19:28 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-423F0355.irccloud.com)
19:29 <•Anastasia> You help. The sick - coughing and feverish to those dehydrating themselves with wave after wave of foulness coming from themselves. Tending to them, helping them, even when...he's old. Ancient. Surely near a century old, skin so weathered and wrinkled he looks ready to break. With a hacking cough, "You...El..." he reaches weakly for your holy symbol.
19:38 <Devar> "Yes sir, that's correct." He says quietly. "I am one of Eldath's faithful." Devar will move closer - if he wants to touch it, he's welcome to do so.
19:45 <•Anastasia> He does with trembling fingers. A few more coughs wrack him. "I'm sorry. I-I said terrible things about her."
19:47 <Devar> "We all say and do things in our lives we wish we could take back." Devar says. "I'm not here to judge you. Have you forgiven yourself? Eldath would want you to do that first." he adds quietly. "We can't go back and do things over, so forgive yourself and believe, She will see you through this, I promise."
19:52 <•Anastasia> "It always felt wro-" Coughs. "I did it because everyone turned on her, and we were so angry..." a trail off and he rests back. His eyes are cloudy as he says, "G-good. Good."
19:55 <Devar> "I promise She forgives you." He says quietly. "This is one fight She would approve of, to overcome this and live a better life." He helps the man back down and assists with some blankets as well.
19:57 <•Anastasia> The man falls into a rest after that - and not soon after, a page comes to get you, "You're needed, Sir Devar!"
20:00 <Devar> He stands up and will follow!
20:08 <•Anastasia> The red haired man waits for you, meeting you halfway in the hall. "We think we've figured out one of the tricks," his voice comes fast, "It doesn't just target divine servants, it reacts to divine magic, I think it tries to spread through it to circumvent healing and keep spreading."
20:12 <Devar> Devar frowns. "Can something even do that?" He asks - clearly it can... "That's... that doesn't even sound possible." He says. "Is there anything more I can do to help see what else we can figure out about it?"
20:14 <•Anastasia> "Do you know someone who can cast a disease curing spell without divine power?" Is the question back, "A specialized bardic healer, maybe."
20:15 <Devar> "Our group doesn't have anyone like that. Hm, could you emulate that theory by having someone read a scroll?" He asks.
20:18 <•Anastasia> "We're putting our heads together on it," Is the answer, "But we're all out of healing supplies like that, and it takes time to get or recieve more."
20:19 <Devar> "My group is working on things on the outside, I can ask them if they can find us some to send in." He says. "I'm not sure how difficult it will be to get a message to them but I can manage something."
20:23 <•Anastasia> "Dot hat, please," Is the answer back.
20:24 <Devar> A nod. "I'll go talk to the High Reeve then and see what can be arranged and explain what we've discovered so far. I'll likely be there if anything comes up, just send someone to come get me." With that, he will head back to the main office or whatever it is that Richman is working out of.
20:32 <•Anastasia> You reach there as the day passes by. The HIgh Reeve looks outright exhausted, eyes closed as you enter. "Speak," he intructs right away.
20:35 <Devar> "The disease seems to spread and worsen via divine healing." Devar explains. "We're not sure how exactly, but if anyone here is capable of healing, please instruct them not to use their divine ability to do so for the time being. In addition, they're hoping to try some experiments with someone who can remove diseases without divine magic, but I realize the likelihood of anyone around here
20:35 <Devar> being able to do that is limited. I was hoping to try and get ahold of my group outside in some capacity to update them and see if they might be able to procure some resources."
20:40 <•Anastasia> "I can have a message sent," The High Reeve says, "That's not a problem."
20:40 <•Anastasia> After that, "What sort of..." he murmurs, "I'm no spellcaster of any skill, but that sounds strange."
20:43 <Devar> Devar nods. "Yes, I agree. This is definitely not ordinary." He says. "I will continue to keep you up-to-date." He gives a polite nod. "If you need anything from me, I'm either likely going to be here or the temple of Mystra in case there's something urgent." OOC: Devar will basically write a note outlining what's going on with the plague and that it seems to somehow use divine healing.
20:43 <Devar> He'll ask if the others can find any scrolls or potions of disease removal to send inside to help with the research. He will also say Anne's caught it but they're taking care of her.
20:46 <•Anastasia> OOC: Sure. One sec.
20:54 <•Anastasia> OOC: #dunes.
21:13 <•Anastasia> Hours of work. Of tending to the sick, the dying, the dead. It's grim work, but work that desperately needs to be done. Murmurs. "The plague's spreading," You hear more than once. "The High Reeve's missing," one claims. Others, "Devar," A page gets you inb etween rooms, "You have a message." It's well past nightfall now, the hours slipping by in work.
21:17 <Devar> Missing? Huh, that's certainly odd. Nonetheless, he has no time to worry about it, so he continues working until the page shows up. "Wonderful, thank you." He will take and read the message!
21:20 <•Anastasia> You fin da message that...OOC: Go ahead Skaya, write something or summarize as you prefer.
21:20 <Skaya> Skaya's response provides a copy of the list of healing potions, nonmagical remedies and everything in between that they've secured from Mellanics, along with a promise to get more the next day. She'll say that Sanda was injured in the process but is making a full recovery, and to inform them immediately if Anne requires anything in particular for her recovery. She'll be making remove disease a priority and bids Devar and Anne to
21:20 <Skaya> stay strong.
21:24 <Devar> "So they do have some..." He says - wait, Mellanics?? Well, they must've found something out out there. "Just a moment - please send this back to them whenever you can." He says, he will write back requesting two scrolls and two potions for now and a third of whatever they have for the non-magical supplies and that he will keep them updated.
21:27 <•Anastasia> "Nothing until tomorrow goes out, unless it's an emergency," Is the answer back, a fair warning.
21:29 <Devar> "That's fine, it can wait until the morning." He says. Isn't this entire situation an emergency? He'll hold onto the letter for now then.
21:30 <•Anastasia> OOC: Anything to do overnight?
21:31 <Devar> OOC: No, he'll stay with Anne and the other healers.
21:31 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+7 Anne
21:31 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+7 Anne --> [ 1d20=1 ]{8}
21:31 <•Anastasia> roll 1d10 con Anne
21:31 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d10 con Anne --> [ 1d10=10 ]{10}
21:34 <•Anastasia> Anne sickens rapidly. She falls into a shallow, hacking sleep. Her color turns from healthy to sweaty-waxy pale, she quickly becomes to cough up foulness tinged with blood. "Ah...ah..." she hacks weakly as dawn approaches, "D--Devar?"
21:37 <Devar> "Hey there, miss matron." Devar says quietly. "We've got some resources coming in from outside to help." He adds. "So don't try and shuffle off to see Moore today, all right?" OOC: I'm going to cast Detect Magic for myself and take 10 on Spellcraft for 21. I'd like to know if something like Lesser Restoration might help more than healing itself given what we know about it so far.
21:38 <•Anastasia> OOC: Give me a heal check as well, since this is directly relevant to it.
21:38 <Devar> roll 1d20+8 may as well go for it
21:38 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8 may as well go for it --> [ 1d20=4 ]{12}
21:38 <•Anastasia> "Trying. But...but..." A bloody cough, "Ah, if...if...tell Rina we'll both watch over her." A weak smile, "It's so much worse than I thought." Based on what you know in general, a lesser restoration would help in ways normal healing magic can't. Still only healing the damage rather than curing the disease, though.
21:42 <Devar> "I was thinking about something last night, but didn't want to chance it until I was able to see it a little more." He says. "I prepared a bit for this." He puts a hand on Anne's shoulder and channels a Lesser Restoration into her. He'll keep an eye on the magic with Detect Magic to make sure nothing strange seems to happen - or at least nothing totally out of the ordinary anyway.
21:46 <•Anastasia> OOC: Roll the ability score damage recovery.
21:46 <Devar> roll 1d4
21:46 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d4 --> [ 1d4=2 ]{2}
21:51 <•Anastasia> Anne coughs a little more, your spell perhaps bringing a little more color to her cheeks.
21:51 <•Anastasia> OOC: Gah.
21:52 <•Anastasia> Anne coughs a little more, your spell perhaps bringing a little more color to her cheeks. As for the rest, nothing you can detect at least.
21:53 <Devar> "It looks like the Restoration-style spells work a bit better on this than conventional healing does." Devar says. "I can do another one for you, but I know you'd admonish me if I do." A smile after that. "I'll save it if you promise to take care of yourself for now, all right?"
21:54 <•Anastasia> "...do it," Anne says quickly, "I don't want to see Moore yet." She coughs violently after, fumbling a cloth over to wipe her sweat soaked brow. "It's like Hell is chasing me, I can feel the heat, I'm burning up."
21:56 <Devar> "If you feel well enough tonight, maybe try and prepare some for yourself." He says as he puts a hand on her, bringing over a small cup of water for her too.
21:56 <Devar> roll 1d4
21:56 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d4 --> [ 1d4=3 ]{3}
21:59 <•Anastasia> That seems to help more. She coughs up several unmentionable things and struggles to sit up, "Thank you," she manages after, "It helped. It feels as hot as Raziel's flames..."
22:01 <Devar> "I'll start to spread the word that this seems to be a much more effective way to treat people." Devar says, helping her sit up and giving her a washcloth. "You stay put, and no arguing, all right?"
22:07 <•Anastasia> Her response comes...next time!
Friday, August 2nd, 2024
06:39 ⇐ Devar quit  ↔ Iddy nipped out 
Saturday, August 3rd, 2024
03:33 → Devar joined  ↔ Iddy nipped out 
19:00 <•Anastasia> "Right..." A long sigh comes out, Anne resting back. OOC: Going to go talk to someone?
19:01 <Devar> OOC: Yeah, I'll go find whoever is around and explain to them about Restoration-style spells seemingly working. After that I'll make sure that the letter got sent for some resources from the gang outside.
19:05 <•Anastasia> It's the red head again, who simply says, "We know. That's how it often is with diseases that devastate the body, but those spells are a lot scarcer than normal healing and have other drawbacks. We're going through them as fast as we can cast them, and they only suppress symptoms, not cure it,a nd with how we suspect it spreads now..."
19:07 <Devar> Devar nods. "I have some resources coming in from outside to help." He says. "It sounds like my friends were able to gather some supplies from whoever is working things out there. Once I secure them I'll bring them back here so we can hopefully keep working on the research."
19:14 <•Anastasia> "I heard supplies have arrived. Those are from your friends?" A question, "Come with me."
19:15 <Devar> "It should be, if it's what I think it is." He says. "I can verify, though. I heard some people talking about the High Reeve, have you heard anything?"
19:21 <•Anastasia> "He's fine, I heard that rumor too," The red head says, "It's been going around of ra few days." A tsk at that, "Stupid rumors fly at the best of times, but faster when there's a panic."
19:22 <Devar> "I didn't doubt it, he seems a reliable sort." Devar says. "But I imagine you don't make that position by happenstance."
19:36 <•Anastasia> A brisk nod at that, and you reach an interior room. Here a large pack rests, supplies spread out. Milane is here, sorting through it all. Various strange alchemical things, potions, scrolls and more are all being sorted through, labeled.
19:40 <Devar> "That must be what they sent." Devar says. "I'm happy to help use it on whatever research we can towards something better to fight this off. Anne was affected a bit worse than I think she realized, but I think she's doing a bit better this morning, some Lesser Restorations seemed to help her a lot."
19:46 <•Anastasia> "It'll stave the worst off," Milane says as he works, not even looking up, "Yes, your friends sent this. How they got it when we've been getting everything we can sent I don't know, but it's helpful. Especially the alchemical parts, considering what we know now."
19:48 <Devar> "I don't actually know myself, but they must've found something." Devar says. "If I can help with anything just let me know, otherwise I'll just spend my time tending to the sickest folks since I'm not at any risk."
19:51 <•Anastasia> "Go to the gate outside and speak with Dumont." Milane doesn't look up, "Check if there's any need for a strong sword arm beyond the guard's ability."
19:51 <Devar> "On it." Devar says and will leave to do just that!
20:08 <•Anastasia> Dumont is a surly looking guard who gives you a look, "So you're the one sent? Yeah, we got need," he answers, "You ever fought the living dead before?" He lowers his voice and gets in close, "Guards found a walking corpse wandering last night. By some miracle above they stopped it without anyone being alerted."
20:09 <Devar> "I've had run-ins before." Devar confirms. "Just the one, though?" He asks, quietly. "I'd expect more than that."
20:11 <•Anastasia> "Just one." he says, "Which is strange. So would I."
20:12 <Devar> "So do you want me to investigate where they found it?" He akss. "It sounds like it's already been dealt with."
20:19 <•Anastasia> "I want to ask you if you have any way to track this down," he says, "If there's a necromancer or worse in here, things could spiral out of control fast."
20:20 <Devar> "I can't say have any specific ability to track the undead, but I can... hmm." He rubs his chin. "Actually, I can probably try, I might have some way to accomplish it. I can at least look around the city."
20:24 <•Anastasia> An envelope is passed over. "Take this to the central guard station, they'll take you there and set everything up."
20:26 <Devar> A polite nod is given as the envelope is taken. "I'll keep you posted." He says as he heads off!
20:32 <•Anastasia> It's early morning. It's cloudy today and looks like it might storm. The city's quiet, save for soldiers taking wrapped bodies out of homes, grim faced and solemn. As you walk, you...OOC: Give mea  quick Wisdom check.
20:33 <Devar> roll 1d20+1 Devar is many things but he is smart and not wise
20:33 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+1 Devar is many things but he is smart and not wise --> [ 1d20=18 ]{19}
20:44 <•Anastasia> OOC: +1 is good in this party, Anne aside. >_>
20:45 <•Anastasia> You feel a sense of calm overtake you, like cool water washing over your body. It only lasts as long as water running across you does, but you feel refreshed, alert and ready.
20:49 <Devar> He murmurs a prayer to Eldath, thanking Her for watching over him today. That must mean something is afoot, so he keeps an eye out as he's going.
20:56 <•Anastasia> The guards are busy - but one look at your letter gets a simple, "Will you want an escort and do you want some guards to help you?"
20:58 <Devar> "An escort would be helpful, if they can fight all the better - but just one person should be fine either way." Devar says. "If we uncover something more monumental we'll retreat to get help."
21:05 <•Anastasia> A nod and you get a helper. A man, twenty something and wearing chain armor and leathers. A short sword, a spear and a sap are visible weapons and he wears a light helmet that hides his hair. He nods, "My name's Clancy," he introduces himself, "I understand you need an escort?"
21:06 <Devar> "Good to meet you, Clancy, I'm Devar of Eldath." He says, introducing himself. "I'm hoping you can show me where this zombie was found - I'd like to look around the area."
21:16 <•Anastasia> A quick handshake is offered, "I'll show you the way, it's secluded." he begins to walk with you, setting a brisk pace.
21:19 <Devar> Devar follows along! As he goes, he will invoke his ability to detect the presence of evil - he certainly won't find anything just walking, but as they get closer to where the zombie was he ought to at least be able to sense something.
21:26 <•Anastasia> OOC: Sure. Also throw in perception if you're doni' that.
21:30 <Devar> roll 1d20+8
21:30 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{9}
21:32 <•Anastasia> It's a little recess between two buildings. Out of the way, quiet, shady and shadowy. "Here," he says, a dead end here. "Why it was here I don't know."
21:34 <Devar> Devar looks around with his sense for evil! He'll start there at least.
21:42 <•Anastasia> There's no evil aura lingering here, at least. Nothing strong enough to linger.
21:44 <Devar> That's a good sign. He takes a further look around at the ground and walls - any signs of a secret passage or anything that explains how the zombie even got here?
21:47 <•Anastasia> OOC: Perception again, +1 bonus.
21:50 <Devar> roll 1d20+9 surely this time
21:50 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+9 surely this time --> [ 1d20=14 ]{23}
21:54 <•Anastasia> Hm? The ground beneath you seems a little weak, disturbed.
21:55 <Devar> "Down here." Devar says, kneeling down to better investigate. He'll see if he can move the stones around himself.
22:02 <•Anastasia> Clancy kneels with you as you find the stones can be moved. Everything here's loose as-! OOC: Ref save, -1 penalty.
22:02 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+3
22:02 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{8}
22:03 <Devar> roll 1d20+8 evasion if it matters
22:03 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8 evasion if it matters --> [ 1d20=14 ]{22}
22:07 <Devar> OOC: oh sorry that wasn't with the penalty, so 21
22:09 <•Anastasia> You mess with thes tones, and everything's loose. That's when the ground gives way. By sheer instinct you manage to dive forward and scrabble aside, narrowly avoiding a fall. From the cry and the thud, Clancy wasn't so lucky. You're facing the street and you can feel your legs dangling down, just barely keeping yourself up and out of a likely painful fall.
22:13 <Devar> He will try and pull himself up in order not to fall down!

[Corwin]

19:00 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
19:00 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=33 ]{33}
19:06 <•Anastasia> The crystal is taken out. It's as you saw before as everyone eyes it, especially the cracks. "Are you sure those aren't getting bigger."
19:06 <•Anastasia> "Positive," The captain agrees, "No worries about that."
19:07 <Skaya> For this excursion, Skaya is dressed in her traveling clothes and she makes good use of both magical lenses in her possession. Perhaps all those tripped traps were due to acting too fancy for what's needed. At the voiced question, she leans over to take a closer look.
19:07 <Skaya> OOC: This wasn't clear to me and it should really be by now. Is the captain providing funds for purchasing stuff? Asking for it as a gift/aid? Settling it all afterwards?
19:13 <•Anastasia> "Good. Here," A coin pouch is handed over, "Use this as well to get whatever you can to help. The local area's completely exhausted."
19:13 <Skaya> "Will do," Skaya promises.
19:22 <•Anastasia> Starre takes a breath, "Have you ever been to Eis before, Skaya?"
19:23 <Skaya> "No, never. I heard the basics, of how the previous war with Laremy left them without a clear leader but with a clear grudge."
19:33 <•Anastasia> "That means let me do most of the talking if in doubt," Starre says, "I doubt anyone will think I'm from Laremy. It's not likely if you look competent, but if war's looming it's much more likely."
19:34 <Skaya> "Sure. I'm not originally from Laremy either, so it should be fine. I'll back you up as needed!"
19:38 <•Anastasia> A nod and then the crystal is invoked. It glows and there's a strange green-orange light. You feel dizzy, disoriented, tumbling end over end over end over end - plop. For whatever reason you're face down in the dirt, but otherwise intact.
19:39 <Skaya> It must be really something to mess with her sense of balance, Skaya muses, as she raises her head to take stock of her surroundings.
19:48 <•Anastasia> A roof full of dirt. A sky full of dirt and rocks. Purple twists with orange and green. Rooftops dance together in a strange, constant motion that shows nothing is beneath them. Empty, phantom buildings that hold nothing. An abyss that only opens up into more of those colors, more of those colors that loop and loop around into spirals that don't ever seem to end-thud. You're face down again,
19:48 <•Anastasia> but you hear the sounds of a city. Normal noise. Your balance is mended, no longer feeling dizzy.
19:54 <Skaya> Once more, Skaya takes a look around.
19:59 <•Anastasia> It's a park in a city. It's busy, all the normal signs of life. People going, merchants traveling - you're right by a city square of some sort. You're hidden by some trees, given cover by them. Looks nice enough fo ra city, and smells like one too, unfortunately.
20:01 <Skaya> Weird. She declines to think about the teleport further and looks for Starre.
20:07 <•Anastasia> Starre's rising and dusting herself off, "Eis. In particular, Eastgarden," she says, ""We're on a timer, let's go. I know where there's a mageshop here, as well as a temple or two."
20:08 <Skaya> "Mage shop first, right," Skaya agrees, dusting herself and ready to follow!
20:09 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
20:09 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=54 ]{54}
20:10 <•Anastasia> It's only a few blocks away. The people are coming and going, and as they do? It's not hard to catch a few relevant snippets of chat. "...and Laremy's attacking..." "...one from Laremy is treacherous..."
20:12 <Skaya> Sounds like a setup. Really, the world is going to trash. Once they have a few scrolls and potions at the very least, they'll look into confirming that suspicion properly.
20:21 <•Anastasia> It's a shop called Gertrude's Final Syllable. A rather large and plump man oversees it, well lit and organized. Everything's labeled and two large - taller than you by several feet - stone statues loom over everything, slowly pacing the store. "And welcome to Gertrude's Final Syllable! The most famous shop in all of Eastgarden, protected by the works of my great-grandmother Gertrude! Why, you
20:21 <•Anastasia> can go up to them and say hello, and they'll respond."
20:22 <Skaya> "Hello," Skaya says as she follows his advice, approaching the nearest statue.
20:27 <•Anastasia> The statue stops and slowly waves back. It's expression doesn't change, but then it steps back and slowly bows to you. When it comes up, a single red flower is in its hand, which it carefully tucks behind your ear. Meanwhile, Starre smiles slightly before she turns to the man. "Rudy," she greets, offering a hand. They shake before, "We're here and in a bit of a hurry, but we're looking for
20:27 <•Anastasia> healing scrolls. Particularly remove disease and restoration spells."
20:28 <Skaya> Amazing! Skaya gives the statue a smile before thanking it and joining Starre.
20:33 <•Anastasia> "I'll see what I have, but why not a temple? That's more along their services." Rudy asks back, smiling to you as you join them.
20:33 <•Anastasia> "We need a lot," Starre explains, "Also, any alchemical supplies that can help with disease. Anything like that, throw it in."
20:34 <Skaya> "Plus arcane and divine magic has different approaches to healing and restoration. That often comes up as useful," Skaya adds.
20:46 <•Anastasia> "I'll get what I have," he agrees, going on to check shelves and then in the back. As he works, "Amazingly, no one's so foolish as to steal from this shop. The golems have means to stop that as well. They're remarkable things, but bound to this shop." Starre makes conversation.
20:47 <Skaya> "Does he offer his great-grandmother's golem-making research for sale as well?" Skaya asks curiously. "You know I was just getting interested by the field before all that mess."
20:56 <•Anastasia> "He doesn't sell family secrets, but I haer he's hardly the mage she was." Is the answer, quietly. Then, "You overheard things as we talked here?"
20:58 <Skaya> "Hard not to. I really have to wonder if Brachidos might've turned back in defiance of his travel pattern. I just can't think of someone who'd set up both countries like that, if it's as it comes across."
21:06 <•Anastasia> "If he did..." A trail off, silent, "How did he get back here so fast? We're not that far behind him."
21:07 <Skaya> "I've always felt he had a teleportation device of some kind. And actually... just how far behind him are we? I think that a week ago, we had a report that he was seen a week prior. That's two weeks, and if he merely triggered the release of the disease through an accomplice rather than do it himself, that's plenty to travel normally, too."
21:19 <•Anastasia> "Perhaps." Starre muses on it briefly as Rudy returns, arms full, "I have three scrolls of remove disease, a potion that does the same and a heap of alchemical supplies. 825 for the three scrolls, 750 for the potion and a total of 300 for the alchemical supplies. 1875 total."
21:20 — Skaya roots in the coin pouch she was provided to draw the funds and see how much they have left to purchase with.
21:26 <•Anastasia> In heavy platinum coins is 1,000 gold. That leaves 875 to pay for.
21:29 <Skaya> "I've had these appraised at fifty gold per coin," Skaya says, placing two of the large ancient coins on the counter. "It's a nice and round value. Would you accept them?"
21:31 <•Anastasia> The platinum coins get looked over, "Are they more Welland coinage?" he asks, giving them a look over before, "...goodness!" he murmurs quietly. He takes out a pair of glasses and peers at the coin, then nods to himself, "I'll accept them."
21:33 <Skaya> "Thank you," Skaya says, providing 18 such coins in addition to the platinum. While she could cover most of it, paying with Laremy gold is not the sanest option, here. "Ah, might I ask which mage made the scrolls and the potion?"
21:41 <•Anastasia> "In truth, I don't know. I got them in trade, and they got them from plunder," A little embarrassed laugh follows, "I've tested them, the scrolls work and are safe, as is the potion. Almost certainly some cleric somewhere or another."
21:43 — Skaya nods slowly to herself. She has half a mind to inquire about a wand, perhaps for restorations or regular healing, but they can hit a temple for that. Surely, if he had something like that-- actually, why guess? "Just to confirm, but you don't carry restorative or healing wands? In case some cleric somewhere got bored and made one?"
21:49 <•Anastasia> "No, not unless we get them in trade," he explains, "Lathanderites cover a lot of that in town, and there's a small group of the Unspoken One who also make most of their money n those fields. There's just not enough coin in it to fight them."
21:50 <Skaya> OOC: Unspoken One?
21:50 <Skaya> "Got it. Have to be thorough, right?" Skaya says with a shrug, before glancing over at Starre. "Want to stop by the temple now, or...?" It might be a good chance to gossip here, given their budget.
21:52 <•Anastasia> OOC: Feel free to K:R.
21:53 <Skaya> OOC: Taking 10 for 22
21:54 <•Anastasia> Doesn't ring a bell. Meanwhile, "Also, what's this I heard about Laremy? We just got in town."
21:55 <Skaya> "Everyone's talking about it everywhere, so it's gotta be big."
21:55 <•Anastasia> On Starre's question, Rudy's expression sours. "According to what I hear, they provoked an attack and then lied about it, and expected us to just take it. It's all the followers of Tempus there, they're uncivilized."
21:56 <Skaya> "Did you hear any of the details?"
21:56 <•Anastasia> "All I heard was an attack," Starre smiles back and hms, "So Laremy provoked an attack then claimed it was unprovoked?"
22:03 <•Anastasia> "It's conflicting, but something about going into our territory, threatening our soldiers then claiming innocent afterwards. Typical deceptive tactics," Rudy's expression sours even further, tight.
22:04 <Skaya> "Are there actual first hand accounts of the attack?"
22:10 <•Anastasia> "I've heard there was some survivors," Is the answer, "But they're all the way by the border."
22:11 — Skaya nods slowly. "Thanks for the info. And stay safe-- ah, not that it's a problem with these golems, right?"

[Corwin]

19:08 <•Anastasia> "Not at all! Why, they could fend off a hundred of Laremy's best!" Is the beaming, confident answer.
19:09 — Skaya smiles at him, before nudging Starre. "Let's go check a temple?"
19:14 <•Anastasia> A nod and you're lead out. "Any preference?" Starre asks as you go on out, supplies obtained in part.
19:15 <Skaya> "Somewhere we could get the most accurate account of the border mess?" Skaya muses. "We're already dipping into our own funds, so there's a limit to how much we could buy. Oh, and what's this Unspoken One? Never heard of it."
19:18 <•Anastasia> "A new faith," Starre explains as you go, "They do not speak the name of who they follow, but instead perform charity and good deeds, but rarely without some measure of profit. They'll aid the poor, after getting more than sufficient alms from the better off. They'll heal the sick, but ensure that others pay the price if the ill cannot. I had some concerns because of this, but my patron does
19:18 <•Anastasia> not seem overly concerned about them. Not approving, perhaps, but I may be reading in my own uneasiness with them."
19:20 <Skaya> "If the righteous deities don't think it's some pretender from down below, I'm fine with it," Skaya decides.
19:22 <•Anastasia> "Or perhaps it's one of the grey deities, tolerated if not condoned." Starre muses, "Or some small threat dwarfed by greater ones. Still, for information, I imagine the Lathanderites are the best in town. I think I heard of some of Shaundakul's here as well, but they move abou and we haven't the time to find them. They'd know more, unfortunately."
19:23 <Skaya> "Makes sense. And they might do some charity for us, too. Perhaps there's even someone willing to travel."
19:29 <•Anastasia> "Let's go, then," Starre leads you along and...
19:29 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100+5
19:29 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100+5 --> [ 1d100=56 ]{61}
19:31 <•Anastasia> It's a busy enough trip. Lathander's temple here is Rosegold River, a temple sitting on the banks of a river here. The river around it takes on a rosy red-gold hue, shimmering and shedding light even as the day gets gloomier, clouds rolling in. It's a large building, an open hall with several entrances right on in.
19:31 <Skaya> Since Starre asked her to follow her lead, that's what Skaya tries to do in public. Perhaps Starre knows a priest here?
19:37 <•Anastasia> Starre heads in - and most of it's an open floor plan, one giant space with the floor dominated by inlaid tilework of gold and red-oranges, showing a massive rising sun. Every cleric seems to have their own space set aside, standing or sitting as people comea nd go from them. A buzz of chatter fills the room, each one also having a sign. Not that Starre lingers on those, but instead heads to
19:37 <•Anastasia> one in particular. A man, thirty perhaps, with a big blonde beard and unruly hair. He wears a rich tunic and a cloak to go with it, the sun emblem on the back of it. The hint of fine chain armor can be glimpsed below it. When Starre gets close, "Starre?" He greets with a confused smile, "Oh! Did you succeed on your quest?"
19:38 <•Anastasia> "Not yet," Starre quickly says, "More that I found myself unexpectedly sent back this way and in need of clerical services. We need potions and scrolls of remove disease, as many as you can muster. Magical items that can do the same are good as well within reason, as are alchemical supplies useful against plague."
19:38 <•Anastasia> Immediately the man's expression tightens, "Plague? Where?"
19:38 <Skaya> "Hello," Skaya greets the man politely. "Perhaps we could discuss this in a more private setting, if possible?"
19:38 <•Anastasia> "Not here, not here," Starre quickly says, "We're here on the wings of magic and not here long." Keeping her own voice down, "Yes, so as not to lead to panic."
19:40 <Skaya> She's not a constant visitor to temples and churches, but this sort of request was easy enough to arrange in the past and Skaya opts to be patient.
19:51 <•Anastasia> You quickly get pulled into a back room, still nice but with just the three of you. There's some nice seats but the Lathanderite doesn'te ven wait to sit, "Explain yourself, Starre."
19:52 <•Anastasia> After a breath, "We come on short term teleportation magic from Welland, where two plagues devastates one of its cities. We need all the anti disease measures we can get." Starre explains, "It's most likely Brachidos's work."
19:52 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+9 meanwhile vs ????
19:52 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+9 meanwhile vs ???? --> [ 1d20=18 ]{27}
19:54 <•Anastasia> "Interesting." The Lathanderite says, but his attention turns to Skaya, "Skaya of the Heroic Guild of Mellanics?" he asks bluntly, "The fact that you're with Starre speaks very well of you, but I'd like to hear in your own words this is legitimate and not a plot from Laremy. If there's war, we'd need those supplies."
19:58 <Skaya> "Yes, I'm Skaya, though I've recently been traveling through Welland chasing down Brachidos," she affirms. "I suppose this is another reason it is good to discuss matters in a more private setting? I can tell you what I know of the situation in Laremy after.
19:58 <Skaya> As for the plague situation in Dareslan, it started as a regular epidemic. Bloody flux, tragic but manageable. But a short while later, a second plague hit. This one is actively hostile to the priests, or other users or divine magics. I understand it simply targets them and is very vicious, but even regular people are in danger from it as its symptoms resemble pneumonia.
19:58 <Skaya> Taken together, it is very lethal and the people best suited for dealing with it are the ones hurt first."
20:05 <•Anastasia> That gets a whistle from the Lathanderite, "That definitely sounds like Brachidos. This is true, Starre?"
20:05 <•Anastasia> "Every word, as far as I know," Starre answers, "We're also under a short time limit before we forcibly return, so we need to do this swiftly."
20:06 <•Anastasia> "If you'd come alone, you'd be out of luck," The priest says plainly to Skaya. "If only because of the political climate."
20:06 <•Anastasia> "Peake," Starre says in a heavy voice.
20:08 <•Anastasia> "I know. We don't make the world, we only live in it, and if I have to choose between my countrymen or those of another country dying, I choose to save my countrymen every time," The priests's words have a bit of heat in them, "But very well. You have good gold to pay for them now?"
20:08 <Skaya> "Listen, this stuff? I can vouch for it all. Geas me if you want or whatever. But now that I've contacted both the Guild and came here? Don't you find the timing strange? And the stories don't match! I don't think Laremy actually launched an attack. Maybe there's all sorts of special interests or marauders who did it and belong to Laremy, sure. But it's not something the Guild knows about. And from what I heard here, there aren't that
20:08 <Skaya> many first person accounts either? Or do you know more?"
20:11 <•Anastasia> "I heard one and that was enough," Peake meets your gaze, "I have no doubts that something attacked our brave soldiers.
20:11 <•Anastasia> "
20:12 <•Anastasia> "This is important but not our primary goal," Starre cuts in, "Peake, we NEED those supplies for the sake of the innocents of Welland. Imagine of a plague like that manages to spread."
20:12 <•Anastasia> "I'll see to what we have and can sell," Is the agreement, "I shalln't be long."
20:13 <Skaya> "It feels bad," Skaya confesses to Starre. "Trying to save innocent people in Welland where innocent people might die here if we don't do anything."
20:25 <•Anastasia> "It feels terrible," Starre agrees, reaching out to lay a hand on your shoulder.
20:29 <Skaya> She'll try again once they've secured more supplies, Skaya promises to herself.
20:29 <Skaya> OOC: How much time has passsed?
20:33 <•Anastasia> OOC: Total?
20:33 <Skaya> OOC: Yes, since we came here
20:34 <•Anastasia> OOC: Roughly a half hour. Give or take five minutes. Lemme know if you have any other questions or if line can income.
20:34 <Skaya> OOC: We can proceed
20:46 <•Anastasia> It doesn't take long for Peake to return, carrying a loaded pack with him, "In very short: seven scrolls of cure disease, seven potions of cure disease and some assorted supplies like you asked for. Eight thousand gold."
20:49 — Skaya sighs, but doesn't wait before withdrawing a large golden coin. "Would this do? I value them at fifty gold each. One hundred and sixty coins would cover this purchase."
20:51 <•Anastasia> "They will, I'll test one briefly," Peake takes the coin, looking at it before..."Alright, it'll do." OOC: Takes 10 on apprasal.
20:52 — Skaya takes out the coins, counting 159 more in addition to the one already out. Then, she checks the supplies she's buying and secures them in her haversack.
20:53 <Skaya> OOC: Appraisal 10 would give me 27
20:55 <•Anastasia> They're legitimate and high quality, best you can tell. The alchemical stuff's worth enough that 8k's under total value for it all, at least.
20:56 <Skaya> "Thanks," Skaya tells Peake. "Really. This is going to save those healers and prevent a collapse."
20:57 <•Anastasia> He offers his hand out to you, "Wish we'd met under better circumstances, Skaya."
20:59 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 34/34 Devar 32/35 Anne (36)48/(36)48 (-5 con) Sanda 14/32 Starre 44/44 Rina 40/40
21:03 — Skaya takes it, looking pensively at him. "Since you knew me on sight, you must also be aware that I'm persona non grata in Laremy are present. So when I'm saying that I want to prevent a war that feels manufactured, you know that I'm not doing it out of some misguided nationalism. Why don't you come with us to Welland, Peake? Talk to the locals and learn what they know of the situation. Perhaps even have a chance to help out there.
21:03 <Skaya> And if you arrange for Sending with the temple, here, or alternative magical means, you could relay what you learn back home. The people living peacefully here deserve better than a war forced on them by what looks like a third party! And if that third party is a rogue Laremy party, if we manage to provide proof through Welland to Laremy, not only will we stop the war but the ones in the wrong will pay for it without losing any soldiers
21:03 <Skaya> in the process! Isn't a chance of that worth the trip?"
21:12 <•Anastasia> OOC: Give me a diplomacy check for reference here.
21:13 <Skaya> roll 1d20+14
21:13 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{19}
21:19 <•Anastasia> "And abandon my duties here, when war and suffering linger on the horizon? War is a terrible thing, even when necessary, and it is our role to represent the dawn that comes when it ends." Peake explains, "I can't in good faith. Not without a tleast some good evidence that what you speak of is true."
21:20 <Skaya> "Can you tell us all you know, then?" Skaya requests, switching tracks. "We'll investigate over in Laremy as well, and Starre will do her best to provide word to you. Perhaps we'll find something out through collating all this information properly."
21:28 <•Anastasia> OOC: Second diplo check, +5 bonus.
21:28 <Skaya> roll 1d20+14+5
21:28 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+14+5 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{31}
21:39 <•Anastasia> There's a long pause before, "The survivor spoke of Laremy soldiers attacking unprovoked," Is the answer, " I believed him, and magic bore out. He believed what he said was true."
21:41 <Skaya> "Was it a lone survivor?" Skaya asks him. "How did he manage to escape? What Starre and I heard on the Laremy side is that a border patrol over there was attacked with dozens dead."
21:46 <•Anastasia> "Dumb luck," Is the answer, "He rolled down a little hill and was lost in the confusion," Is the answer.
21:48 <Skaya> "Did he hear any names? See any memorable commanders? Notice any regalia? At the very least we should be able to find out who was assigned to the Eis border from the Laremy side and cross-reference this." Skaya taps her lips in thought. "Was it a rout? Does it mean large numbers, strange magics, tamed beasts?"

[Corwin]

19:08 <•Anastasia> OOC: Str check, +2 bonus.
19:09 <Devar> roll 1d20+4
19:09 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{15}
19:14 <•Anastasia> It stakes some desperate heaving and pulling, but Devar manages to lift himself out and to safety, avoiding a nasty fall.
19:15 <Devar> "Clancy, are you all right?!" Devar shouts down into the hole. Hopefully he's just injured and nothing more. OOC: He'll take a look around and see if there's any ladder or anything nearby he could use that's down in the hole - or at least a safer way down.
19:20 <•Anastasia> roll 2d6
19:20 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 2d6 --> [ 2d6=6 ]{6}
19:20 <•Anastasia> Looking down you see it's as traight drop into a basement. Clancy landed face down and isn't moving, and blood surrounds his head - some manner of unseen head wound. He landed bad, on hard stone ground. However, after a few tense moments, he manages to stir. Not much but stirring. OOC: Perception.
19:26 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 18
19:29 <•Anastasia> You can spy a hint of a shadow moving outof sight, the nagles and yoru view from above only giving you a corner of the eye hint that something else is down there.
19:30 <Devar> OOC: Is there anything I can tie a rope to in the vicinity to let me get down there without needing to jump?
19:34 <•Anastasia> roll 1d2
19:34 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d2 --> [ 1d2=1 ]{1}
19:34 <•Anastasia> OOC: There's an old wooden post that should do.
19:35 <Devar> Devar will tie the rope securely to the post and then throw it into the hole - after which he will climb down to get a better look at the situation! OOC: I do also have darkvision 60 so I should be able to see whatever is moving.
19:39 <•Anastasia> As you go to tie the rope up, darkvision comes in helpful. A big, bloated corpse is kneeling, ready to lunge right at Clancy. It's clad only in rags and both arms are out, moments from turning him into a victim.
19:40 <Devar> OOC: Do I have time to heal him before a fight starts?
19:43 <•Anastasia> OOC: As it looks about ready to pounce, probably not.
19:43 <Devar> OOC: Okay.
19:44 <Devar> "Not so fast!" Devar shouts, not that it really matters what he says. OOC: Goal is to just get in front of Clancy so if I lose init he doesn't just get barred into.
19:44 <Devar> OOC: Barreled, too
19:55 <•Anastasia> OOC: Okay, give me an acrobatics check, I suppose, to see if you can get there fast enough and without taking a tumble in your haste.
19:57 <Devar> roll 1d20+2 dex acrobatics is not his strong suit
19:57 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+2 dex acrobatics is not his strong suit --> [ 1d20=15 ]{17}
20:01 <•Anastasia> With a deft pull, glide down the rope and jump, Devar lands right in front of the zombie, just in time! OOC: Init.
20:02 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20-1 zombie
20:02 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20-1 zombie --> [ 1d20=6 ]{5}
20:03 <Devar> roll 1d20+2 I can probably beat that?? famous last words
20:03 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+2 I can probably beat that?? famous last words --> [ 1d20=9 ]{11}
20:09 <•Anastasia> OOC: Go, open.
20:09 <Devar> OOC: How close is Clancy? If he's like right behind me I'll Lay on Hands him to get him up
20:15 <•Anastasia> OOC: Right behind you, yes. 5ft away, next square over territory.
20:16 <Devar> OOC: Okay, Then a 5ft move to him, Lay On Hands for 5 healing.
20:21 <•Anastasia> Clancy stirs and recovers, looking up. The front of his face is bloody, but no open wound now. Then the zombie is on you, lunging abruptly, both hands out to rip and rend flesh from your body!
20:21 <•Anastasia> roll 2#1d20+4
20:21 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 2#1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{6}, [ 1d20=10 ]{14}
20:21 <•Anastasia> OOC: AC?
20:25 <Devar> OOC: 17 currently
20:26 <•Anastasia> Yet both reaching tears are deftly dodged, neither coming particularly close. Devar sways around them, then...OOC: Clancy joining init.
20:26 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+4
20:26 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{24}
20:27 <•Anastasia> Init is Clancy (24) > Devar (11) > Zombie (5)
20:27 •Anastasia set the topic: Clancy (24) > Devar (11) > Zombie (5)
20:31 <•Anastasia> OOC: Was one sec.
20:32 <•Anastasia> With short sword drawn, Clancy lunges at the zombie, shifting to support you and...
20:32 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+5
20:32 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{20}
20:32 <•Anastasia> roll 1d6+1
20:32 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d6+1 --> [ 1d6=3 ]{4}
20:33 <•Anastasia> It's a solid piercing lunge - which doesn't penetrate at all. With a curse he draws his weapon back, "Slash! Don't pierce, slash!" OOC: Go.
20:34 <Devar> "Easily done!" Devar shouts, moving around to flank the zombie before he moves in to cut it down!
20:35 <Devar> roll 1d20+7+2 don't embarass yourself Devar
20:35 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+7+2 don't embarass yourself Devar --> [ 1d20=10 ]{19}
20:35 <Devar> roll 2d4+3
20:35 <Kobot> Devar rolled 2d4+3 --> [ 2d4=3 ]{6}
20:38 <•Anastasia> OOC: What type of damage/what weapon?
20:39 <Devar> OOC: Oh, sorry, he's using his longsword, so slashing
20:48 <•Anastasia> With one deep cut you tear into the zombie, ripping part of its middle away. It endures despite that and lunges again at you, the relentlessness that only comes from the mindless dead.
20:49 <•Anastasia> roll 2#1d20+4
20:49 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 2#1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{14}, [ 1d20=19 ]{23}
20:49 <•Anastasia> roll 1d6+1 and fort, Devar
20:49 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d6+1 and fort, Devar --> [ 1d6=2 ]{3}
20:52 <Devar> roll 1d20+12 fort
20:52 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+12 fort --> [ 1d20=13 ]{25}
20:56 <•Anastasia> A hand rips your side, not drawing blood, but tearing and bruising. You withstand it as Clancy keeps it up, and...
20:56 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+5 just trying to get its attention under the circumstances
20:56 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+5 just trying to get its attention under the circumstances --> [ 1d20=6 ]{11}
20:56 <•Anastasia> Not that it does much and a solid hit can't be scored, before...OOC:G o.
20:57 <Devar> Devar takes another swing with his sword!
20:57 <Devar> roll 1d20+7+2 don't embarass yourself Devar
20:57 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+7+2 don't embarass yourself Devar --> [ 1d20=17 ]{26}
20:57 <Devar> roll 2d4+3
20:57 <Kobot> Devar rolled 2d4+3 --> [ 2d4=6 ]{9}
20:58 <•Anastasia> A second blow is enough. You slash through the zombie and it collapses, down and defeated. It tries to get up but fails, then goes still. It's done. For now at least you're safe and only slightly harmed. OOC: Update HP in #dunes.
20:59 <Devar> "Clancy, you all right?" Devar asks as he examines the zombie's corpse - anything notable on it or just a zombie?
21:01 <•Anastasia> Just some rotted clothes and not much else. "I am, thanks to you." He looks down at the remnants, "You're good luck."
21:04 <Devar> "I'm not sure about luck, but it's worrisome we found another." Devar says. "Do you have any idea where this is? It looks like a basement, but I'm not familiar enough with the city... is this a residential area, or mostly business?" He asks, taking a look around the room with his darkvision to see if there's an open door or at least *A* door.
21:13 <•Anastasia> "Mostly business," he answers, as you see it's an old, dusty basement. Some broken odds and ends in a corner, and oyu spy a skittering rat, but otherwise quiet. There's a heavy iron door here, , as well as a section of wall that's done with a different color of brick, an obvious patchjob.
21:15 <Devar> Devar goes over to the section of the wall and pushes on it a bit, trying to see if it's even really solid - the way they came in was just hidden under some rocks, after all.
21:20 <•Anastasia> It's solid, alright. Good sturdy brick, fairly new looking.
21:21 <Devar> "Well, the zombies didn't come out of here, but I'm still concerned about this." Devar calls out, going over to check the door - is it locked?
21:27 <•Anastasia> It is locked. "It still doesn't explain how the zombie got up there, but that's two," Clancy reasons.
21:28 <Devar> "Agreed." Devar says. "We could spend time breaking the door down but let's not risk being ambushed by something - we'll go back and report the situation and see how whoever is in charge wants to handle it."
21:33 <•Anastasia> OOC: Goin' back then?
21:38 <Devar> OOC: Yeah, let's play this safe
21:41 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
21:41 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=6 ]{6}
21:47 <•Anastasia> OOC: Okay, lemme pick you up here next time. I'm going ro un Tuesday most likely, but probably run you two at different times since you're separated right now and can give both of you my full focus (and on a day that isn't as annoyingly distracted as today).
21:47 <•Anastasia> *to run
21:47 <Devar> OOC: You bet, no worries

[Corwin]

02:30 <•Anastasia> You return back. The streets are still mostly empty - and more than a few are soldiers, carrying wrapped bodies, everyone else giving them a wide berth. Yet when you arrive back? Outside an entire division of guards seem lined up, at attention. They're gathering before the High Reeve, and a small group of soldiers surround and guard him, weapons out.
02:32 <Devar> Devar blinks a few times, making no particular move towards his own weapon - hoping that he isn't the subject of this particular icy reception. He doesn't make any move to hide his arrival or return either, just walking up on the outskirts of the gathering, giving Clancy a confused shrug.
02:37 <•Anastasia> Clancy frowns as no one reacts to you, just in time. "Soldiers," The High Reeve begins, "Not twenty minutes ago, I survived an assassination attempt." Whispers, electric and vicious. "The enemy is a spellcaster of some variety. We will be conducting a house by house investigation to capture him. Capture him alive if possible, but if not, so be it. I don't know if he has anything to do with
02:37 <•Anastasia> the plagues or is an opportunist, but the threat of civil unrest is unacceptable. The man is approximately 50 years old, thin haired, plump and wore sturdy traveling clothes, brown and gray, along with bracers, a staff and considerable jewelry, probably enchanted. He has red cheeks and is clean shaven. He attempted a lightning bolt to kill me, but I'm faster than he thought."
02:38 <Devar> Oh, that's not good at all.
02:39 <•Anastasia> "Yes sir!" Is the thunderous answer back.
02:39 <•Anastasia> Clancy is deathly pale now as he goes on, "Sergeants will coordinate." he instructs, as the soldiers get to it. His gaze locks on you then, a momentary look, curious.
02:40 <Devar> "I'll explain the situation. Go get yourself cleaned up, Clancy." Devar says with a smile and a pat to his arm.
02:43 <•Anastasia> Clancy takes the opportunity and flees quickly, but adds, "Good luck, Devar."
02:44 <Devar> He gives him a bit of a salute as he waits to catch the High Reeve's eye, not trying to approach due to the guards around him.
02:45 <•Anastasia> You're motioned to come over, "The healing supplies alone would vouch for you," The High Reeve instructs, "Now what's going wrong?"
02:47 <Devar> "Well, two things - Clancy," He'll nod in his direction as he's leaving, "and I found a hole leading to a basement area in your business district. We found a second zombie down there along with a locked door and an area that looked to be patched over recently. I realize with what else is going on that may seem unrelated, but given this situation it leads to my second statement - I believe
02:47 <Devar> you ran into Brachidos. He wasn't wearing a mask, I take it?" Devar asks.
02:50 <•Anastasia> "Zombies," A groan from the HIgh Reeve, pinching the bridge of his nose. "He was not and he didn't mention a name."
02:52 <Devar> Devar nods. "I think it's safe to still assume it's the same person." Devar says. "We've been under the impression that he can either teleport or has some form of invisibility - do you know if any of the mages have tried to analyze any traces of leftover magic from his attack on you? It might help give us an idea of what he can do."
02:55 <•Anastasia> "Yes, and it's not that strong. The mage could barely cast the spell," The High Reeve answers, and quieter, "I did it myself, but I'd prefer not to advertise that fact. HE didn't do either, he ran out with enhanced speed and took advantage of surprise. Regardless, if it's him, my understanding his that you have several people outside the walls chasing after Brachidos?"
02:56 <Devar> Devar nods. "Yes sir. But... if that's the case, then I don't think it's him." Devar says. "The one we're after was able to poison a man and kill him with just a touch and has always seemed to be adept at spellcasting... so this may just be an accomplice."
02:59 <•Anastasia> "Or an opportunist or a lunatic," A grim look, "REgardless, we don't have the manpower to go an undead hunt right now. You, however, and yours....particularly that cleric of yours, if she's healed and told not to get herself sick again, would be ideal for the problem. And if any of your friends are willing to enter the quarantine to help, that would be a force able to deal with whatever's
02:59 <•Anastasia> caused this."
03:02 <Devar> Devar nods. "I'll talk to her - I'm sure some spells can be spared for her given the circumstances." Devar says. "I will write a letter to my friends outside to explain the situation - which has definitely changed a great deal." He adds.
03:02 <•Anastasia> "Do so," A dismissal and the HIgh Reeve goes off, leaving you in a position - now what?
03:03 <Devar> Time to go back to the temple and check on Anne! If she hasn't arranged for a remove disease for herself (which she assuredly hasn't) Devar will after he sees her.
03:06 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
03:06 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=13 ]{13}
03:07 <•Anastasia> roll 1d20+14 (+2 bonus) diplo ???
03:07 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d20+14 (+2 bonus) diplo ??? --> [ 1d20=15 ]{29}
03:08 <•Anastasia> roll 1d4
03:08 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d4 --> [ 1d4=2 ]{2}
03:08 <•Anastasia> roll 1d4
03:08 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d4 --> [ 1d4=2 ]{2}
03:08 <•Anastasia> roll 1d4
03:08 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d4 --> [ 1d4=4 ]{4}
03:10 <•Anastasia> You find Anne in a private room. Tiny and cramped, but she's down to a new, underclothes. Nothing particularly salacious, but she looks alert and is cleansing her face and arms with a washcloth, a basin of clear water next to her as she sits on the floor. Her gear is nearby as she looks up, "Devar," Her voice is clear once more, "How are you and how fares the plague?"
03:12 <Devar> "If I don't miss my guess you got some help while I was out." Devar says. "We've got some issues." He says - if there's a door to the room he'll shut it, otherwise he'll just lower his voice and approach. "We've got zombies and an attack on the High Reeve himself. I thought it was Brachidos, but I think it's some fool of an underling that did it."
03:14 <•Anastasia> "I did. More supplies just arrived as well," Is Anne's answer, "Skaya's been busy out there." As she washes up she listens, the door to the room closed. You barely have to step forward to get right to her, it's a small room. It looks more like an old closet converted than anything else. "The restless dead? My healing is the perfect counter to them. Let the dead return to rest," She reaches
03:14 <•Anastasia> for her armor's underpadding and begins with that right away, "Better than my foolishness yesterday. So eager to heal that I stepped into a sickness I knew would claim me."
03:15 <Devar> "Did Moore himself admonish you?" Devar asks with a smile. "You're not normally this flagellant of yourself."
03:16 <•Anastasia> "I don't normally come closer to death in a night of sickness than I have in the rest o fmy days combined." Anne says as she girds herself, "Without aid, I have no doubt I would leave this life behind by the coming sunset. The sickness was like nothing else I've ever felt before."
03:18 <Devar> Devar smiles and gives Anne a gentle pat on the shoulder. "You still did the right thing to come here. But let's make sure you get a mask and see if we can grab a potion or scroll before we leave just in case, all right?" Devar says. "I'm going to write a letter to the others outside to explain what's going on and see if any of them will be willing to come inside - we have supplies now so
03:18 <Devar> even if they do catch it it's not as concerning as it was originally."
03:19 <•Anastasia> "Do so. I'll be ready," Is the answer, Anne getting to her armor now. "And to imagine, I could've had the Bloody Flux with it as well, were I less fortunate. No wonder the graveyards groan under the new demand."
03:23 <Devar> "Imagine some kind of miracle spell that could cure all the diseases within miles." Devar says with a bit of awe in his voice. "Let me go write the letter and then we can take a walk around town - actually, there was a spot or two I want to check out, but I'm going to see if the mages here can help." OOC: I will go write a letter that explains they found zombies and a possible conspirator
03:23 <Devar> of Brachidos who attacked the High Reeve and basically ask if any of them would be willing to come inside to give them a hand.
03:23 <Devar> OOC: In addition, I'd like to go check with the mages and see if any of them have a wand of knock I could borrow
03:26 <•Anastasia> OOC: Okay. Letter will be good enough, we can handle that part on Cor's end next time since it'll be his call if he wants to come in or not. As for the rest? Give me a quick diplo with a +3 circumstance bonus.
03:27 <Devar> OOC: take 10 for 25
03:27 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100 high is good here
03:27 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 high is good here --> [ 1d100=3 ]{3}
03:27 <•Anastasia> OOC: No such luck - there's just not one handy, unfortunately. Not even a scroll of it, at least not to a quick muster.
03:30 <Devar> Rats. Well, he'll ask if they have anything else - even if it's a little more destructive. A wand of fireball maybe? It doesn't have to be fireball - he'll explain there's a problem he's investigating and he needs something to open doors, so anything they've got would help.
03:31 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100 high is good here
03:31 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 high is good here --> [ 1d100=60 ]{60}
03:32 <•Anastasia> OOC: There's the following, they'll spot on you one so it's your choice: Scroll of fireball, wand of bull's strength (18 charges) and an adamantine warhammer.
03:33 <Devar> The adamantine warhammer will be just fine!
03:33 <•Anastasia> OOC: Please don't lose it or get it broken. Anything else for prep?
03:38 <Devar> OOC: If we can bum some basic spells that the others aren't using - if they can spare a mage armour that'd be great, if not it isn't a big deal. All the other spells are x/min durations and won't really help us any.
03:39 <•Anastasia> OOC: I'll sort that next time pending Cor's answer since that'll impact my end of it.

[Corwin]

19:03 <•Anastasia> "A common soldier, as far as I know." Holding up a hand, "I had a discussion, I didn't dive for every detail." With a tired sigh, "A scared, injuerd soldier not knowing every detail is hardly persuasive proof of anything, except man's fallable nature."
19:04 <Skaya> "I'm not looking to convince anyone, just get a clearer picture. Would it be possible for you to find out the details and pass word on to Starre, you think?"
19:07 <•Anastasia> "If I find anything worthwhile," Peake decides at last, "I'll do that."
19:07 <Skaya> "Thanks. It's all we can ask."
19:10 <•Anastasia> A handshake and then...OOC: Anything else to do here?
19:10 <Skaya> OOC: I think we'll just wait to return.
19:12 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100+15
19:12 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100+15 --> [ 1d100=69 ]{84}
19:18 <•Anastasia> You head back outside to enjoy the last of your time here. Starre takes you to a street vendor, getting a breakfast of a pastry shell filled with scrambled eggs and cheese. Starre sits down as she eats, a moment of rest for the both of you. "After this quest is done and our enemy's stopped, then what are you going to do, Skaya?"
19:20 <Skaya> "Pretty optimistic of you to think it'll happen soon," Skaya muses, sitting down by her side. "I guess... study magic? Shop for a suitable religion? Explore mountain ranges until I run into another dragon?"
19:25 <•Anastasia> "The good things in life," Starre reflects, a bite of her food. "There's always tomorrow to think about. One of the smaller but important lessons Lady Antenora teaches us. We atone, but atonement is not eternal. One day things will be right again."
19:30 <Skaya> "I did consider her, actually. I think she's alright, crusading about the important things like killing devils. It's just-- I guess I was at that crossroad, but decided to do better in the future rather than fall to guilt for something I felt like I should've prevented?"
19:32 <•Anastasia> You sit on a bench by the street and watch people pass. Similar to Laremy but not - the people are subtly different, different clothes and sounds of voices. Starre watches them go, from the washer woman carrying laundry to the mule drawn cart carrying vegetables. "Were you? What happened?" Starre's attention turns to you fully. She pauses to lick away a bit of egg on her lip. "I hadn't realized."
19:33 <Skaya> "Did you hear what happened to Regis? The full story?"
19:36 <•Anastasia> "I see. I thought you meant something before that." Starre has another bite and looks out at the passerbyes, "For what it matters, I don't see that as a moral failing. He died a hero, and that will be reward-" A shimmer. An orange-purple shimmer alla round you. Starre suddenly tenses.
19:37 <Skaya> Frowning, Skaya checks the time that's passed.
19:38 <•Anastasia> It does seem to be creeping towards ti-a swirling nexus of an empty city, a green moon that looms above it. Cubes smash in the sky before-! OOC: More.
19:38 <•Anastasia> roll 6d6 both of you owwies
19:38 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 6d6 both of you owwies --> [ 6d6=24 ]{24}
19:38 •Anastasia set the topic: Skaya: 34/34 Devar 32/35 Anne (36)48/(36)48 (-5 con) Sanda 14/32 Starre 20/44 Rina 40/40
19:38 Skaya set the topic: Skaya: 10/34 Devar 32/35 Anne (36)48/(36)48 (-5 con) Sanda 14/32 Starre 20/44 Rina 40/40
19:41 <•Anastasia> You're standing and then face down. Everything hurts. You're exhausted, your insides throb and your head pounds. You can taste purple and the concern in the air, and smell the words as they're spoken. Rina's voice, her words smell nice, like cookies and care. Sanda smells purple too now that you think about it, and you can taste her purple in the air, much fainter. How curious. You can feel
19:41 <•Anastasia> the images of your friends all across your skin, as you see Sanda with your back and Rina with your hair.  Then you get a cascade of nausea that wipes all that away in the single minded desire to reject your breakfast, last night's dinner and anything in between.
19:43 <Skaya> The half she's eaten of the pastry joins the rest of it she'd dropped on arrival, even as Skaya is shaken by the sensations. How long has it been since she's smelled such chaos? Wild magic, that's the magic she should study next.
19:48 <•Anastasia> Such chaos is oddly familiar now that you think about it, as Rina helps you through it. You feel the pack being taken off and hear it put aside. "See? That's one strange teleport, isn't it?"
19:48 <•Anastasia> "I-URK!" Starre manages elegantly, and after that, "I despite everyt-thing about that method of travel,e xcept the effectiveness."
19:48 <Skaya> "Are we traveling through Limbo? It's Limbo, isn't it?"
19:50 <•Anastasia> "Statistically speaking," Sanda sniffs, "You'd hear the insane words of the slaad if you were, and I don't hear any slaads. Slaadi? Say, which of those is correct? Slaadkin?"
19:51 <Skaya> "You smell the words, Sanda," Skaya tells her seriously.
19:52 <•Anastasia> "I saw what my breakfast tasted like. I'm never eating eggs again," Starre groans weakly, "Never."
19:53 — Skaya tries to refocus her attention to see who else is present.
19:53 <•Anastasia> Just the captain, who watches on wryly, nad a few soldiers. "You two need help to bed?" he asks, once you're coherent enough to do that.
19:54 <Skaya> "A wet cloth and a glass of water would be appreciated," Skaya tells him. "No beds, though. I've been worse."
19:55 <•Anastasia> You're helped up, given cloth and water to refresh yourself as well as a chance togather yourself. You ache all over, your everything hurts. At least you're not bleeding for what that's worth.
19:57 <Skaya> "So we succeeded beyond your wildest dreams," Skaya says once she's more presentable. "Starre's contacts came through for her, so we got about ten thousand gold's worth of healing products on a seed sum of a thousand. To avoid things getting awkward, I'll just come out and ask if that's something Dareslan can cover once the crisis has been dealt with."
19:59 <•Anastasia> "It's not within my authority to make a binding agreement," A hand is held out to you, "But I know people, and I think they'll be extremely receptive to it. What do you want?"
20:01 <Skaya> "I know my friends wanted to shop for magical gear to help them. Stuff like the basic circlet of intelligence? We'd be happy to invest more money into the economy later and get a few items like that. That would be the easiest. Above all else, I want to keep things fair."
20:02 <•Anastasia> A nod at that, "I can put in a few words to the right people. You'll have no problems with that," Is the answer, "Get all of you together and write upa ll that you want."
20:04 <Skaya> "Grand! So, like I said, here's about ten grand worth of the supplies requested, with a focus on curing disease." She pauses, before saying, "I've been waiting till we had those scrolls, but I heard that Anne got sick. Can you make sure that one of those scrolls gets to her?"
20:08 <•Anastasia> "I'll include a note about that," Is the agreement, "Anything else?"
20:09 <Skaya> "Ah. Remember what Milla told us yesterday, even though she was never here?"
20:14 <•Anastasia> "What about it?" Is the question back.
20:15 <•Anastasia> "The Milla visit that does not exist," Rina murmurs quietly, shaking her head.
20:15 <•Anastasia> "Only in your dreams," Sanda retorts.
20:18 <Skaya> "We heard a lot about this attack in Eis, except they're treating it as an unprovoked incursion by Laremy. The details are in that weird spot where they could be possible, but don't feel like it. And the timing is truly strange, considering what's happening here." Skaya shakes her head. "Considering Starre and I have connections in both places and all were taken by total surprise, it's hard to believe this was done by Laremy or Eis."
20:21 <•Anastasia> "Alright," An agreement to that, "You're going somewhere with that, so go ahead nd get there." Giving you a keen look, "Dear Welland has no love lost for Laremy, either. I doubt too many here will seriously doubt if Laremy would do such a thing, unless they had evidence otherwise, which of course would run the gamut from political opportunism to those who begrudgingly accept it, such as the
20:21 <•Anastasia> Lawmaker and the Lawkeeper."
20:24 <Skaya> "I don't doubt Laremy could do that, either," Skaya agrees. "I just think they'd be more obvious about it, and not make the attempt while occupied internally as they currently are. As for Eis, I know little about them personally, but I'm not convinced they're capable of a decisive victory. Why pull a false flag attack like that to rile up the public? Since I don't think either side caused this, I have to wonder who did."
20:35 <•Anastasia> ""You think someone else did," The conclusion comes obviously, "That's well above my rank to decide, but I'd imagine at the least you'd hope for us to stay out of any war."
20:37 <Skaya> "Definitely. My wish would be two-fold. To be wary of any border incidents and investigate them if they occur, and to see if Welland is in position to try and mediate. If the Laremy-Eis war is delayed, those behind it have greater likelihood of being exposed. And if it's a rogue Laremy faction, I'd be the first to cheer. Most of the nobles there... yeah."
20:41 <•Anastasia> Rina scowls slightly at this before, "Deserve to be hung."
20:41 <•Anastasia> Sanda side eyes Rina, "You'll be the one in the gallows if you talk like that back home."
20:42 <•Anastasia> "Here I am, in Eis," Rina counters, "He in particular deserves to be hung, but if they tolerate someone like him and giv ehim power? Worthless, all of them."
20:42 <•Anastasia> *In Welland
20:44 <Skaya> "Can Welland try to mediate the conflict before it snowballs?" Skaya repeats.
20:45 <•Anastasia> After a breath, "I can't guarantee anything," the captain says, "But I can put in good words, and what you've done here will carry weight."
20:47 <Skaya> "That you're willing to give a try and think it's possible is already enough," Skaya tells him gratefully. "It's more than enough, with all you're dealing with. Thank you. If it works, we'll save innocent people on both sides."
20:51 <•Anastasia> A handshake is offered at that and then he goes off, taking the supplies with him. With that done, any immediate next moves?
20:53 <Skaya> "Oh, it just occurred to me," Skaya voices. "Starre, do you think Eis has a scroll of regenerate?"
20:54 <•Anastasia> "Possibly," Is the answer, "If you know the right people and can get it from them with a war looming," she speculates to herself, "High magic is as the name suggests: Highly difficult to get, though not impossible."
20:55 <Skaya> "Mmm. Figured getting it during war would be difficult and make me suspicious. But after? I've met a nice woman who really needed one."
20:57 <•Anastasia> "Oh, the half woman?" Rina says at that.
20:58 <•Anastasia> "Why not ask here once things have quieted?" Starre inquires back, "This might open the doors to it?"
20:59 <Skaya> "Huh. I guess I should. We've been traveling for purchases but this sort of spell won't be useful here."
21:00 <•Anastasia> A brisk nod back at that, "Then I think we have something to look forward to. Though I fear I need some rest, I'm not fit for combat as is. Are you, Skaya?"
21:02 <Skaya> "Oh wow. How about no in several languages?"
21:03 <•Anastasia> OOC: On that note, what's your plan here?
21:05 <Skaya> OOC: Let's wait until we get word from inside the quarantine.
21:07 <•Anastasia> roll 1d100
21:07 <Kobot> Anastasia rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=21 ]{21}
21:08 <•Anastasia> OOC: Okay, in that case let's pause here and I'll run Neph tonight and get you synched up and moving forward.