The Other Milla 13

[Corwin]

19:45 <•Kotono> In lieu of arguing once Devar and Milla are done, "You always expect terror and overwhelming force from the stories. It's novel seeing a dragon be the weaker one trying to run away." Rina says.
19:47 <Skaya> "The dragon was absolutely not the weaker one," Skaya insists. "I honestly thought our chances of success were unacceptably low."
19:49 <•Kotono> "I meant from the other dragon," Rina says, "I didn't like our chances either, let alone if we have to fight through those two elementals in the heart of its lair."
19:49 <•Kotono> "In truth, I thought our luck had run out," Anne confesses.
19:49 <•Kotono> Sanda scowls darkly, but, "It wasn't our best matchup, going by the odds."
19:49 <Skaya> "We could've taken the elementals, just there was no real need to."
19:50 — Skaya shakes her head. "But that dragon. Geez, why? It seemed so smart, but also such an idiot. We could've become great friends, I just know it!"
19:51 <•Kotono> "After trying to kill us?" Anne asks.
19:52 <•Kotono> "What's some attempting murder between friends," Rina snarks right back. "But it seemed to be an interesting one."
19:52 <Skaya> "...yes," Skaya admits after thinking it over again. "It wouldn't be the first time friendships came from a fight, right?"
19:54 <Skaya> "Besides! I can forgive a lot when the one offended is me and there's no permanent danger. I thought it was an arrogant idiot that tried to kill any mortal it came across but it's clearly not one, so who knows? Hey, what do you think are the odds it's waiting back in the lair right now?"
19:55 <•Kotono> "Not impossible, for all we know that was an illusion or shadow stuff," Sanda speculates, "If only we had the eyes of angels, said to see past all illusions and lies."
19:56 <•Kotono> "I didn't expect you to know that," Anne mentions, "Where'd that come from?"
19:56 <Skaya> "I'm just terrified at the casual use of such powerful illusions-- ah, you mean Sanda."
19:57 <•Kotono> "I once met an old merchant trying to buy a pair, and offering outrageous amounts of money for them," Sanda shakes her head, "He had the look of a madman, and ended up dead days later."
19:58 <Skaya> "Maybe he really needed them?"
20:00 <•Kotono> "I doubt it, he gave me shivers," Sanda mentions at that.
20:01 <•Kotono> "What do you plan to do once we get out of here?" Anne asks, "I hope the quarantine is lifted by then."
20:05 <Skaya> "Me? I'm going back to hunting Brachidos. Perhaps Starre will be back with a new lead? If not I'll try tracking him down from scratch."
20:06 <•Kotono> "As will I," Anne agrees, "I'm committed now. I can't let him go after this."
20:07 <•Kotono> "You don't need to ask," Rina says, as if nothing more needs to be said.
20:07 <•Kotono> "Brachidos has to be stopped," Sanda agrees, "Any world he's in will see everything go worse and worse."
20:09 <Skaya> "I know, right? It's actually kind of funny Anne asked."
20:13 <•Kotono> "I meant in town," Anne finally clarifies, "But it's a good a questoin as any."
20:13 <•Kotono> *question
20:14 <Skaya> "Ah, that? Honestly nothing, really. I haven't made more than a few acquaintances here and they'd be understandably busy now. So just see if Starre is back, what the recent news are out of Mellanics and then set off."
20:19 <•Kotono> "And get a nice meal somewhere," Anne comments, "Before we return to the rigors of the road."
20:19 <•Kotono> "A nice night like that, not underwater, would be nice," Rina admits.
20:21 <Skaya> "True, there's no need to camp out. We're wealthy enough to treat ourselves."
20:23 <•Kotono> "Somewhere that at least for a night, we aren't in mortal danger," Sanda says, "I'm so sick of this dungeon."
20:24 <•Kotono> "At least away from dragons," Anne agrees.
20:25 <Skaya> "Now now. The worst are actually undead. The absolute worst, accept no substitutes."
20:29 <•Kotono> A few nods. AS everyone waits, "I hope it's going well for them," Rina murmurs.
20:29 <•Kotono> "We did what was asked, it should be fine," Sanda says, "I hope, but even then I don't like these odds."
20:30 <Skaya> "While we're doing what we promised to by staying here, it's not like we have to fight the dragon to the death if it appears here," Skaya says with a shrug. "I think our chances are better now."
20:30 <•Kotono> "So do I," Anne agrees, "We can finish this, go on and solve this mess."
20:36 <Skaya> "So on an entirely different topic," Skaya voices, "don't you think the dragon byproducts are very weird? Because dragons are sapients, and actually smarter than most mortals. But people eat them and make their insides into weapons and clothes. It's just not the same as with a hydra or a wolf."
20:41 <•Kotono> "Perhaps so," Anne concedes, "I would never wear the armor of a metallic dragon, unless the scales were freely given."
20:41 <•Kotono> "Dragons are dragons. If the armor's there, they don't need it anymore," Rina counters.
20:41 <Skaya> "But would you eat a dragon steak? Even if it's from an evil dragon?"
20:43 <•Kotono> "I wouldn't eat an elf, but a dragon's different. They're not us," Rina gestures at all of us, "Human. Elven. Whatever. Humanoid, I think is the word."
20:43 <•Kotono> Sanda just listens as Anne says, "I don't know. In truth, I had put the matter of Milla's needs aside in the face of  agreater concern."
20:43 <Skaya> "Humanoid works. But dragons are shapeshifters! They can have a human form!"
20:45 <•Kotono> "Then maybe not," Anne concedes at last.
20:46 <•Kotono> "So?" Rina says, "They're faking it, that doesn't count."
20:46 <•Kotono> Meanwhile, as you all chatter, footsteps coming back this way can be heard.
20:47 <Skaya> "You know, there might be something to that," Skaya muses in response to Rina's words. "The form of a humanoid might also play a part in how we see things. There are giant-like species that lack proper sapience but no one really eats them, either, because they look like large humans."

[Corwin]

20:48 <Devar> "You all have such interesting discussions when I'm gone." Devar calls out. He raises a hand as if to forestall a question. "Milla's fine, she's back with the wyrm dealing with something. He turned himself into a statue to hide in my bag along with a note about not selling some gems he also threw in."
20:48 <Skaya> "That's amazing! Never would've been my first or second guess."
20:49 <Devar> "However, I made a deal with it - he wants some treasure from whatever's left in the hoard, and we can have everything else. Well, he didn't say that exactly, but that's how I'm interpreting it."
20:50 <•Kotono> "That's a dangerous game you're playing," Anne says right away.
20:50 <Skaya> "Weren't we originally told to give all of it to him? So nice negotiating spirit, Devar!"
20:50 <•Kotono> "That is some nice things..." SAnda murmurs, "Some nice books, too."
20:51 — Skaya taps her chin thoughtfully. "Let's keep the books. They don't appear as shiny to greedy people as gems and artifacts."
20:51 <Devar> "Whatever the best treasure is there that we don't have a use for we can hand over." Devar says. He looks to Anne with a smile. "He values his freedom, so us fixing the artifact is what he wants ultimately."
20:52 <•Kotono> "The books are good, but let's figure out what's left and go from there," Is Rina's advice.
20:52 — Devar nods
20:53 — Skaya leads the way back!
20:57 <•Kotono> Thus the party heads back to figure out the loot situation...next time! OOC: I'll post about that Friday sometimes and we'll start with sorting it out Saturday.

[Corwin]

17:21 <•Kotono> ----
17:28 <•Kotono> A little time is taken to gather and analyze, the party doing such with a bit of time. It's not easy and takes a good hour to get everything in order, but it's done.
17:32 <Skaya> "Alright, so the best stuff is probably hidden somewhere else?" Skaya ventures. "Since the dragon was pulled here from Ice, the true lair would probably be somewhere there?"
17:35 — Devar nods. "It won't be impressed with this stuff, but I'll hand over the magical items."
17:35 <Skaya> "How about bringing the pile of weapons and coins along as well? Maybe the quantity will win over quality," Skaya proposes, looking about in dismay. "We can just take the books and writings."
17:36 <•Kotono> "Wait, wait, wait," It's Sanda whos peaks up. "We're missing something. Where did the dragon hide his things, then?"
17:37 <Skaya> "Between the stuff placed in Devar's bag and what's back home for it, just how much do you expect to be here?"
17:38 <•Kotono> "The rest of the books at least, and what was on the tables," Sanda says, "Which unless it's inside the dragon's corpse somewhere, logically it has to be somewhere."
17:39 <Skaya> "Okay! I'll look for any hidden mechanisms and make sure the walls and ceiling and everything are solid and not illusions, and the rest of you can dive underground a bit to see if there's anything below?"
17:43 <Devar> "I can do that." Devar says.
17:45 <•Kotono> "A good a plan as any," Anne agrees, as the party gets to it. OOC: Where are you searching with your limit swimstone time, Devar? Skaya, give me relevant checks.
17:47 <Skaya> OOC: Let's go for Perception with Inspiration, so 32
17:48 <Devar> OOC: He'll try directly beneath this room, and if he doesn't see anything after going down for two or three rounds he'll come back. It lasts for 6 rounds, so he has time to go down about 100 ft with double moving to make sure he doesn't get stuck.
17:50 <•Kotono> OOC: It's also a fairly large room remember, so do you haveanything more specific, Devar?
17:52 <Devar> OOC: He'll just go to the middle (ish) of the room and go down, if there is another hidden room or something he ought to be able to see it in some capacity, but he doesn't want to try and do a circle or anything, so pretty much just go down and then up.
17:58 <•Kotono> No sign of a secret room through the swimstone. Skaya searches around. Besides some old hooks and metalworks behind a few shelves, there's not really anything interesting here.
17:59 <Skaya> "So it's not here, or at least not in a form we can find," Skaya summarizes. "What now? Want to search that pit of fake illusionary treasure?"
18:02 <Devar> "We can." Devar says.
18:03 — Skaya starts heading that way, now. After all, this dragon likes double bluffs, so maybe some of the hoard is actually mixed in there.
18:03 <•Kotono> "Hide it where no one wants to look?" Rina muses, "It's not the worst idea."
18:03 <•Kotono> The party heads back without incident. Despite the cold they reach the edge of the pit. How do you want to go about this?
18:04 — Skaya could jump down safely, but why risk it? She'll ask Devar to fly over and poke everything below with a ten foot pole to ascertain if it's real.
18:06 <•Kotono> Sanda kneels by the edge, looking down. "Maybe," she murmurs, "Check the walls, too. Especially as you fly back up."
18:06 <Devar> Debar will do just that -poking around with his lance!
18:07 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me a d20 real quick, Devar. No modifier.
18:08 <Devar> roll 1d20
18:08 <•Kotono> OOC: One moment, Kobot's playing hooky.
18:08 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@A1AFC931.7FA93623.F259B257.IP)
18:08 <Devar> roll 1d20
18:08 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{5}
18:09 <•Kotono> Devar pokes around some. No sign of anything, just solid ice every which way he pokes.
18:10 <Skaya> "All the spikes are actual spikes, all the treasure is actually an illusion?"
18:10 <•Kotono> OOC: Are you literally poking every single spike?
18:11 <Skaya> OOC: I presumed Devar would, but it's more flying low while holding out a staff or something underneath and seeing if it hits resistance from the spikes in the ground or not. Maybe not 100% but surely enough of them to matter?
18:11 <Devar> OOC: indeed
18:16 <•Kotono> It's one of the littlest spikes that does something. Barely more than a nub on the ground, like it got broken off. When poked it visibly cracks, hints of dull purple-green light coming from within it.
18:16 <Skaya> "What the hell, it actually worked?!"
18:17 <•Kotono> "Wait, it worked?" Anne agrees, "Seriously?"
18:17 <•Kotono> Milla snorts, "Too much clever, not enough wisdom."
18:17 <•Kotono> OOC: Strike.
18:17 <Skaya> OOC: Milla isn't here!
18:18 <•Kotono> OOC: Yes, I know. Tired brain.
18:18 <•Kotono> Rina smiles a little, "Come on, Devar, you found something?"
18:20 <Devar> "It looks like it..." Devar says as he pokes at the spot some more!
18:23 <•Kotono> A few more pokes and a crack of something glass-like, and facing in the direction towards the exit, a bit of the pit's wall 10ft up shimmers several times and vanishes, revealing a hidden passage.
18:24 <Devar> "Well, look at that." Devar marvels. "Let's check it out?"
18:27 — Skaya leads the way again! While looking out for traps! And tapping the floor ahead of her to make sure it's solid so she doesn't do a Rina.
18:28 <Skaya> OOC: Taking 10 for 26 perception
18:30 <•Kotono> The way ahead is solid. It leads to a short slope - hello, the floor ahead is fake, pole going right through it. It's on a downward slope, a narrow enough passage that the ceiling sharp descend prevents you from easily seeing down the rest of the passage. At least it's dragon sized so Devar can fly.
18:32 <Devar> "I'll take you down first." Devar says as he goes to take Skaya down and let her poke for more illusions as he does.
18:34 <•Kotono> Peering down now that the illusion is seen through, it's a deep drop, over 100ft before ending in dark, cruel looking ice spikes below. There's a few skeletons of larger beasts down there, some sort of animals perhaps.
18:34 <•Kotono> OOC: Gah.
18:35 <•Kotono> Peering down now that the illusion is seen through, it's a deep drop, over 100ft before ending in dark, cruel looking ice spikes below. There's a few skeletons of larger beasts down there, some sort of animals perhaps.  But beyond the pitfall, you find the passage soon ends in a larger, hollow room. Here a great many things lie. Heaps of unsorted books, piles of treasures, an entire table of
18:35 <•Kotono> what looks to be the same stoppered potions that you found earlier, a rack of scrolls, a messy pile of weapons in a corner. Other things as well, sacks and bags full of various things.
18:37 <Skaya> "How about touching them to see if they're real?" Skaya proposes.
18:39 <Devar> Devar nods. "Want me to do it?" He asks.
18:41 <Skaya> "Sure! Also, I wonder how many things here are actually magical."
18:43 <Devar> Devar will fly over and do that - and if it seems like what's here is real, he will try and find anything magical to identify!
18:43 <•Kotono> Devar flies forward and taps some gold. The pole goes right through it and the illusion is seen through. A 30ft drop into a pit is all that's here, the bottom of which is filled with what must be hundreds of large, fragile looking glass containers of a bright blue substance.
18:44 <Skaya> "Why would you do this," Skaya laments in a despondent voice. "Devar, can you carefully collect one of the containers? It's probably some explosive we can use."
18:45 <Devar> "Sure." He confirms and goes to do just that!
18:48 <Devar> And - presuming the bottles aren't also fake, will try to identify them!
18:48 <•Kotono> OOC: How are you going to test if they're fake?
18:51 <Skaya> OOC: Just carefully pick one up, Devar!
18:51 <Devar> OOC: Yes, just trying to pick one up is how
18:53 <•Kotono> OOC: Had to check considering.
18:53 <Devar> OOC: Who would just smash all of them!? not me!
18:55 <•Kotono> OOC: Any cold res?
18:55 <Devar> OOC: I have 15!
18:56 <•Kotono> The container's painfully cold to the touch, but not immediately harmful. It's quite the thin container of glass, clearly highly fragile. It doesn't do anything hostile, picked up with ease and seemingly as real as anything that isn't an illusion here.
18:57 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13 appraise
18:57 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13 appraise --> [ 1d20=7 ]{20}
18:57 — Skaya takes a closer look once Devar brings it over.
18:58 <•Kotono> Skaya isn't sure what it is. At least it's not something she's seen or heard of before.
18:58 <Skaya> "Can you store it away in your haversack safely?" she asks Devar, then.
18:59 <Devar> Devar puts it in his back to see if he can!
18:59 <Devar> OOC: Assuming he can he will try and identify it if it is magical
19:01 <•Kotono> It's stored in Devar's haversack without incident.
19:01 <Skaya> "Let's store them up?" Skaya proposes. "Since you can fly you might drop them from the air against some enemy in the future."
19:02 <Skaya> In the meantime, she tries to assess their situation. Is there an actual path beyond this yet another illusionary treasure room?
19:03 <Devar> While she's doing that, Devar will carefully get the other vials and put them away.
19:05 <•Kotono> No further paths that Skaya sees, container after container carefully stored away. Are you going to try and take all of them? It'll take a bit, there's hundreds.
19:07 <Skaya> "Oh hey, can you pause that for a moment and take a look at the pit below, Devar?" Skaya requests. "Just the same as before, see if the ice spikes down that 100ft trap door are real?"
19:10 <Devar> "Oh, sure." He nods and will fly down to investigate, poking at them literally!
19:10 <Devar> "How many of those vials do you want to take, by the way?" He calls out as he goes.
19:13 <Skaya> "Do you think you can take all of them within an hour or so?" Skaya wonders. "I think we can spend that much before we have to return to that dragon and admit defeat."
19:15 <Devar> "Oh yeah, for sure." He agrees.
19:20 <•Kotono> With that agreement, Devar goes to check the ice pit below. It's dark and gloomy, poke, poke, poke. Poke, poke, poke. Poke, poke, poke. It's at the very bottom, against the side wall, that the stick goes through. A simple passage ahead here, hidden by another illusion.
19:24 <Devar> "There's another illusion down here." He calls out, he will fly up to Skaya to help her down to look at it. "I'm kind of glad this dragon is dead, honestly. What a pain."
19:25 <Skaya> "Let's check it out for now."
19:27 <•Kotono> Down a passage - and again you find it, like the last room. Heaps of things about, from gold coins to potions to arms and armor, to even heaping chests full of coins and treasure. Books too, a great many books all about in piles and stacks.
19:29 <Skaya> "Devar, if you will."
19:31 <Devar> Devar nods and will head forward to check these out to see if they're real!
19:31 <•Kotono> Poke, poke, poke. Nope, they seem solid.
19:33 <Skaya> "Okay! Let's pick the magical ones so we can finish our deal with that dragon and bring Milla back."
19:35 <Devar> Devar will check out the treasure to see which ones are magic and identify them if possible!
19:36 <Skaya> OOC: We'll ID the artifacts and not potions
19:39 <•Kotono> OOC: Do you want the long version with everything written out or the shorter version with the highlights?
19:40 <Skaya> OOC: Shorter
19:41 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, I'll pause us here regardless since tired, we're at a good break point. I'll see about a possible third day the coming week since Iddy's on vacation, see #elysium.

[Corwin]

18:02 <Devar> Devar will explain the magical properties of the more interesting items to the others. "Any of them we want to keep, or do you want me to just deliver them all to the dragon and come back?"
18:04 <Ko> "The helmet will be of interest to the royal family," Anne points out after listening to that, "That could be a way to earn a boon."
18:04 <Skaya> "They're all neat, but at the same time it's not like we absolutely need any?" Skaya muses. "I feel that Dusk and Dawn would be sufficient as an artifact for the dragon. Maybe bring that along with the money?"
18:05 <Ko> "I like the swords," Rina says, "Seeing in the dark can save your life."
18:05 <Ko> Rina then side eyes Skaya, but doesn't comment.
18:05 — Skaya just stares at Rina. "You already have one! And will have a second now! You want four swords? But you don't have four arms!"
18:05 <Ko> "Yet," Rina retorts, face completely serious.
18:05 <Ko> "...on second thought, I'm not interested in that pendant," Sanda suddenly decides.
18:06 <Devar> "We still have that Auril pendant, right?" Devar asks. "I can throw that in along with the pendant and the other coins and jewels. That might be enough."
18:06 <Skaya> "You were interested in it before?"
18:07 <Ko> "A little bit," Sanda sniffs, "But I think the odds are turning against it."
18:08 <Ko> "That's a good idea," Anne comments, "Better than bringing such a thing out with us. Let an ice dragon have Auril's favor."
18:08 <Skaya> "I'm fine with exciting mutations, but not to the point where I'd offend a dragon for it," Skaya muses. "And Devar raised a good point. What if we just provide an artifact of our own? Rina could have more swords than arms, then."
18:10 <Devar> "So I'll take the two pendants and all the coins we found in the last hoard and bring Milla back here, unless there's anything else we want to throw in?" Devar asks.
18:11 <Ko> Nothing from anyone else, "If you're sure, but be careful," Anne urges, "Better to give it too much and live than to offend a wyrm."
18:11 <Skaya> "Eh, I'll take that pendant-- hey, are the wings feathered? This is important?" Skaya asks, before turning to Anne, "You got two plate armors but only one body, want to donate one to the dragon fund?"
18:12 <Devar> OOC: I'm guessing the wings are feathered but would identify have make any note of that?
18:13 <Ko> "You have my original breastplate," Anne offers, "Or Oathplate if you feel that's a better choice." OOC: ID made no distinction of that fine a point.
18:14 <Devar> "Oh! We can unload that awful axe onto it." Devar says. "I don't love the fact that some dragon like that will have it, but it will just sit on it anyway most likely, so it's probably safer there."
18:15 <Skaya> "Right. In that case, how about I use the amulet of mutilation and wings while you go fetch Milla?"
18:16 <Devar> "I can't promise you they'll be feathered or not." He says. "Okay, so, just making sure - the Auril pendant and the disease axe. Anything else?"
18:17 <Ko> "My breastplaste," Anne offers it up. OOC: For reference, it's a breastplate+1.
18:19 <Devar> "Okay." Devar says. OOC: He's going to grab all the +1 arms and armor that are here also, just to have a 'quantity over quality' thing as hopefully a backup. And to be clear he also has all the coins from the other dragon hoard, we haven't touched any of the ones that are in the present one.
18:20 <Ko> OOC: The silver and copper coins, right?
18:21 <Devar> OOC: Yessir, along with the rare ones
18:21 <Devar> OOC: "A rare few gold, platinum and more exotic coins are mixed in.
18:22 <Ko> OOC: Okay, ready to go then, Devar?
18:22 <Devar> OOC: Yep, pray for me everyone else
18:23 <Devar> Devar will make a prayer to Eldath on his way back that this goes peacefully!
18:23 <Ko> OOC: #evil.

[Corwin]

18:38 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
18:38 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=37 ]{37}
18:38 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
18:38 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=93 ]{93}
18:38 <•Kotono> You make it most of the way back. You're flying above the frozen city when...OOC: Perception. +1 bonus.
18:39 <Devar> roll 1d20+9
18:39 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{19}
18:39 <Devar> OOC: I get the hint, Kobot
18:45 <•Kotono> Devar dimly notices a glint of light below, from in between two frozen buildings.
18:45 <Devar> Devar will fly down closer to try and investigate - he'll stay flying and on guard, just in case though!
18:47 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+11
18:47 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{18}
18:47 <•Kotono> OOC: AC?
18:48 <Devar> OOC: 26
18:53 <•Kotono> A sharp shard of ice flies past you, as below you see a hooded, robed creature. It raises a staff up as more ice gathers around the gnarled wooden head of it. OOC: Init, something's taking potshots at you, whatever it is.
18:54 <Devar> roll 1d20+2
18:54 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{17}
18:56 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+2
18:56 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{16}
18:56 <•Kotono> OOC: Open Devar.
18:57 <Devar> He really doesn't have time to deal with this - and there may be more enemies, so Devar flies back up and just tries to get out of range as fast as he can! OOC: Double move for 100 ft to get out of range, or try to.
19:01 <•Kotono> Devar flies off and away. It's enough distance to forestall any further attacks, at least, whomever that was. OOC: Free act.
19:02 <Devar> Maybe an angry friend of the other dragon? Hmm. He continues flying along, praying again to Eldath for a peaceful encounter.
19:03 <•Kotono> The wyrm awaits you. Milla is there, what's left of the dead dragon lying to the side. Milla's gaze is faraway, but she seems intact.
19:05 <Devar> Devar lands and bows. "I have several thousand coins - is there a way you'd prefer them, or would you just like me to put them all out?"
19:11 <•Kotono> "All at once," The wyrm declares, "Show me everything."
19:11 <•Kotono> Milla looks up and silently joins you.
19:14 <Devar> Devar will walk over and does his best to make a show of pouring the thousands of coins from the other dragon's hoard in front of the dragon. Once they've all been suitably poured out - He will place all the weapons and armor neatly in the pile. "I'm certain you have nothing to fear from either of these items, but please take care nonetheless." Devar says as he will place the Snow Crystal
19:14 <Devar> Pendant down and carefully take out Choked Whispers and place it down in the pile as well.
19:15 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me a quick and dirty OOC list of everything, just so that I have it all and I'm clear on it?
19:15 <Devar> Once that's all said and done, he will deferentially take steps back with Milla. "Sorry for the delay, I got attacked on the way over." He murmurs to her.
19:15 <Devar> OOC: Sure - whatever +1 weapons and armor were in the dragon's hoard(s), the silver and copper and rare coins from the first hoard, Anne's +1 breastplate on top of the other arms and armor, and the Snow Crystal Pendant and Choked Whispers.
19:20 <•Kotono> OOC: Diplo check, -5 penalty.
19:22 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 20
19:26 <•Kotono> "So did that little sniveling excuse for a dragon hide all of his good treasures?" Is the question back, intense, icy steam escaping the dragon's mouth.
19:29 <Devar> "I'm not much of an expert in your kind, I'm afraid." Devar says. "So I couldn't possibly make any guesses... but if it were me? He'd hide them wherever people were least likely to look, and being familiar with this place in general, that may give you some insight, great dragon?"
19:30 <Devar> OOC: *I'd, not he'd
19:33 <•Kotono> "There are no places he can hide them from me forever," The wyrm declares imperiously. "It is only a matter of time."
19:35 <Devar> Devar merely nods. "With your leave then, great dragon?"
19:42 <•Kotono> "Go," A dismissive word, the wyrm seemingly not interested in challenging you. Perhaps your gambit earlier worked?
19:42 <Devar> Devar will take Milla and be off! Once a good ways away, "You doing all right? You don't have to share, just making sure that dragon wasn't weird with you or anything."
19:46 <•Kotono> "I'm fine," Milla says, "The dragon's heart helped."
19:47 <Devar> "Okay. Hey, can you keep an eye down there for me?" He asks. "It's where I got attacked last time - if the jerk's still there we will go deal with it." He points down towards the buildings in particular.
19:56 <•Kotono> Milla does just that, but no sign of your attacker. Your flight back is uneventful and...OOC: Anything to talk about or good to move on?
19:56 <Devar> OOC: If she wants to just be silent Devar won't pressure her.

[Corwin]

18:23 <Ko> Once Devar is gone, "You're going to try the pendant?" Sanda asks, "I hope it's not painful."
18:24 <Skaya> "It's surely painful, but not as painful as being brought to the verge of death fighting undead," Skaya sums it up succinctly, removing her shirt and then peering at the amulet for a moment before putting it on. "Sorry in advance if I get cursed!"
18:38 → Kobot joined  •  Ko → •Kotono (promoted to owner, opped)   
18:40 <•Kotono> "Skaya, are you sure-!" OOC: Fort.
18:40 <Skaya> roll 1d20+7+6
18:40 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+7+6 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{20}
18:40 <•Kotono> roll 5d12 and more
18:40 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 5d12 and more --> [ 5d12=30 ]{30}
18:46 <•Kotono> Agony is the word. The agony of something growing and burrowing out from her upper back and shoulder blades. There's a horrible push and then a great spray of blood as two new wings burst out, the gray and black feathered things with a longer length than her arms. Blood dips from them as Skaya gasps out, pained but still breathing.
18:46 <•Kotono> Rina watches, a hand to her mouth.
18:46 <•Kotono> Sanda's color turns paler and she looks away.
18:46 <•Kotono> Anne? She sighs and comes over, "Hold on, I'll heal you again."
18:47 <Skaya> "It's just blood," Skaya gasps, pale-faced.
18:47 <•Kotono> roll 2d8+5 healing
18:47 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d8+5 healing --> [ 2d8=7 ]{12}
18:47 <•Kotono> roll 3d6 she'll burn a turn too, this patches up everyone but her and Devar if they need it
18:47 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d6 she'll burn a turn too, this patches up everyone but her and Devar if they need it --> [ 3d6=10 ]{10}
18:48 <•Kotono> OOC: 15 total on the turn. 27 healed in all.
18:48 <Skaya> "Thanks!" Skaya chirps, recovered with magic from horrific wounds that would otherwise have left her bedridden for weeks.
18:49 <Skaya> roll 1d10+5 false life
18:49 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d10+5 false life --> [ 1d10=5 ]{10}
18:51 Channel mode set to -t by •Kotono
18:51 <•Kotono> OOC: Go ahead and update HP.
18:51 Skaya set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 57/57 (-1 str (in 10hr, res fire 10), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 35/39 Rina 62/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor, cold res 10)
18:52 — Skaya cleans her body with a wet cloth before trying to flex her new wings. It should be intuitive, right?
18:52 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 57/57 (-1 str (in 10hr, res fire 10), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 39/39 Rina 62/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor, cold res 10)
18:53 <•Kotono> "Well?" Rina asks once they're done. "How are they?"
18:53 <Skaya> "I like that they are feathered."
18:53 <•Kotono> "Obviously," Rina agrees, "Do they work?"
18:54 — Skaya gives it a try! First, she should be able to actually move them without flying. Then, she'll try a basic hover.
18:57 <•Kotono> It takes several tries. They still feel a little weak, but it gets better as Skaya exercises them. Hovering's harder, new muscles aching but working. It gets Skaya a few inches off the ground.
18:58 <Skaya> "Take that, gravity!" Skaya cheers. And then descends and makes holes for the wings in her shirt.
18:58 <•Kotono> Anne watches with morbid fascination, while Rina eyes the pendant thoughtfully.
18:59 <•Kotono> Sanda goes, "You don't feel the urge to start snatching bright things and being up at dawn, do you?"
19:00 <Skaya> "I don't have anything against waking up early, not after all this travel. But no thieving instincts, no. Hey! Maybe I didn't get cursed?"
19:01 <•Kotono> OOC: In what I swear wasn't timed, make a will save.
19:02 <Skaya> roll 1d20+5+6 of course not
19:02 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+5+6 of course not --> [ 1d20=9 ]{20}
19:10 <•Kotono> "Maybe not," Anne says, "Did you expect it?"
19:14 <Skaya> "Yes. Well, no. But yes?" Skaya shrugs helplessly, her wings following suit as they unfurl behind her. "I mean obviously nothing happened as soon as I touched it, so that's a vote against it. And we even identified this Aulie properly. But! Think of our recent history! Hasn't it been filled with tears and suffering? A cursing was imminent, even if it was implausible!"
19:15 <•Kotono> "Identify is only a first circle spell," It' Sanda who speaks up, "Logically speaking, it isn't the be all and end all of magical identification."
19:16 <Skaya> "Thank you for saying something so horrible, Sanda. But still! Looks like I'm fine!"
19:16 <•Kotono> "She seems fine," Anne decides.
19:16 <•Kotono> "Any time," Sanda answers kindly.
19:16 <•Kotono> "...give me the pendant," Rina decides.
19:17 <•Kotono> Anne slowly reaches up to massage her forehead. "Do any of you have a modicum of restraint or patience?"
19:17 <Skaya> "You can't wield extra swords with these wings."
19:17 <•Kotono> "No," Rina says sourly to Anne, and then, "You know why, Skaya."
19:18 <Skaya> "It was so mean to use me to test it!"
19:18 <•Kotono> "Not yet. I'd like to have reserves should we need them. We're far more likely to need the healing than to need the ability to fly," Anne points out, "Do so once we're safe and can heal at leisure."
19:18 <•Kotono> "You wanted to," Rina points out, "Since you haven't turned into a bird or exploded, it's fine."
19:19 <Skaya> "Wait, turning into a bird was an option?"
19:21 <•Kotono> "How should I know?" Rina retorts, "But I were a mad wizard who made a cursed pendant, it's what I'd do."
19:21 <•Kotono> "Because the world doesn't have enough birds as it is," Sanda notes.
19:22 <Skaya> "If I end up turning into a bird, please save me."
19:23 — Skaya gives the pendant to Anne, at that.
19:25 <•Kotono> Anne takes the pendant and tucks it away. "If you must grow wings, yo ucan grow them when we are safe and fully prepared." she says firmly.
19:25 <•Kotono> Rina scowls but at least doesn't argue it.
19:25 <•Kotono> Sanda notes, "Well then, how do you think Devar's doing?"
19:26 <Skaya> "I don't hear any angry roars so well enough? I'm more curious about whether these wings pass on to descendants."
19:29 <•Kotono> "One way to find out?" Anne suggests dryly, "Settle down and start you rfamily."
19:30 <Skaya> "There are probably magical ways to find out faster though. Do you think if we badger Moore about it he'd tell you?"
19:34 <•Kotono> "I am certain Moore has better things to do than to answer that question," Anne says flatly, "Also, I respectfully ask, I do not badger."
19:34 <•Kotono> "No fun at all," Sanda comments from the side, "Like you want to send us to bed without dessert."
19:34 <Skaya> "What if you used a Commune spell repeatedly? Wouldn't that be badgering?"
19:41 <•Kotono> "By definition," Anne agreees with that.
19:43 <Skaya> "Right? I wonder if there are deities that like when their followers mess with them like that."
19:47 <•Kotono> "Do you like being poked in the face by a friend repeatedly?" Anne asks back. "I suppose someone might enjoy that, but really how many owuld?"
19:47 <•Kotono> "We need a better topic of conversation," Rina cuts in, "Desperately."
19:47 <Skaya> "I wouldn't mind it occasionally," Skaya admits. "Clean fingers, right?"
19:48 <Skaya> "We don't!" she announces at Rina's protest. "If you want to change the topic you have to come up with one yourself!"
19:54 <•Kotono> At that it's Sanda who speaks up, "Well, as long as Skaya doesn't start pecking worms out of the ground."
19:54 <•Kotono> Rina makes na ew face at that, "Worms, really?"
19:55 <Skaya> "Sanda is really raking in the friendship points today," Skaya notes, flying around lazily to practice after making sure her gear and clothing fit her properly.
20:01 <•Kotono> "Why thank you," Sanda says, as soon enough Devar returns with Milla and...OOC: Go ahead, y'all.

[Corwin]

20:02 <Skaya> "Welcome back, Milla!" Skaya greets her cheerfully, slowly floating over.
20:03 <Devar> "Hey, all went well." Devar says. "I see you experimented with the pendant. Shall we get to it?" Devar asks, gesturing at the giant piles of coins. "Hey, Sanda, do you know any spells that can speed this up any?
20:06 — Skaya flies behind Sanda and a bit above her before resting her elbows on top of Sanda's head as she floats.
20:07 <Devar> "Oh yeah, I got attacked by some robed guy on my way over." Devar says. "I just flew off, but just a warning for when we get out of here."
20:08 <Skaya> "That's unfortunate," Skaya commiserates. "But yeah, we're not fighting everyone here since we want to leave."
20:09 <•Kotono> Milla nods, "Wings," She says, then shakes her head. "I'm still here."
20:09 <•Kotono> "It is time for us to go, we need to end this," Anne agrees, "More trouble makes that an easier choice. Who knows what will just appear?"
20:10 <•Kotono> "That and dragon," Rina admits, "Best not to press our luck with him."
20:10 <Skaya> "Sure thing. Let's hope we come across that ice spirit with the ice sword on our way?"
20:11 <Devar> OOC: Just to be clear, are we looting this last room we're in? "Heaps of things about, from gold coins to potions to arms and armor, to even heaping chests full of coins and treasure. Books too, a great many books all about in piles and stacks."
20:12 <Skaya> OOC: I assumed we looted it while chatting
20:12 <Skaya> OOC: Or even before, since we got a loot summary
20:12 <•Kotono> OOC: Sure, that works.
20:13 <Devar> OOC: Okay, all good. We also have a bunch of those blue potions, whatever they are.
20:18 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay. So now what then, that asidE?
20:18 <Skaya> OOC: Let's go outside and hope the helpful ice spirit is happy we killed the dragon and rewards Rina with a fourth sword
20:21 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:21 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=98 ]{98}
20:21 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 oh boy
20:21 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 oh boy --> [ 1d100=93 ]{93}
20:21 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 subtable
20:21 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 subtable --> [ 1d100=81 ]{81}
20:26 <•Kotono> The party returns to the surface. Yet when you head out? Thick smoke is clogging the way, blocking vision of the outside. Thick, black, smelly smoke. It doesn't go far into the dragon's lair, at least.
20:27 <Devar> "This was uh, not here just a bit ago." Devar says.
20:29 <•Kotono> "Another thing teleported in," Anne concludes, "Or enemy action."
20:29 <Skaya> "Let's just head straight for that storefront we broke through last time," Skaya proposes.
20:29 <•Kotono> Sanda stays back and aves her hand in front of her face, "Ugh!"
20:30 <Devar> "About all we can do is hold our breath and get through it." Devar says. "Want me to try and fly up and shout which way to go?"
20:31 <•Kotono> "Do it, holding our breath isn't a problem," Rina says, "Smoke rises though, so also move horizontally so yo uget out of it."
20:32 — Skaya starts flying near the ground! And in a certain direction!
20:32 <Skaya> OOC: We can go a long while holding our breath
20:32 <Devar> Devar will fly up about 20 feet and then start heading forward and through, holding his breath as well!
20:36 <•Kotono> It takes Skaya about 100ft to get out of the smoke, and Devar about 100ft as well. It's a big mass of smoke around where the dragon's lair is, staying there and making a cloud over it.
20:37 <Skaya> How horrifying. Skaya proceeds towards their exit.
20:38 <Devar> Devar will stay in the air as everyone else gets out for the sake of visibility.
20:39 <•Kotono> The rest of the party comes out smoothly enough. There's some sour looks at the smoke, but everyone makes it through intact. "I was worried about fire, but I didn't feel any heat." Anne mentions.
20:43 <Devar> Devar will glance back at the smoke to make sure it isn't moving after them or anything as he continues after the others!
20:51 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, we're about at pausing point and stomach's not happy, so for next time: What's your plan here precisely?
20:56 <Skaya> OOC: Let's head for the exit that we made in that store front. If we see a friendly creature along the way, nice. If not, let's try to resolve this whole situation. We can always try to return for the ice sword later.
20:56 <•Kotono> OOC: Sounds good. We'll start there tomorrow.

[Corwin]

18:00 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
18:00 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=40 ]{40}
18:00 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
18:00 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=75 ]{75}
18:00 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
18:00 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=93 ]{93}
18:03 <•Kotono> You head back to the store and your exit. As you walk, a wind so cold as to be like a sharp blade begins to blow. It whistles in between the buildings, it howls in the sky above you. The snowfall is growing more intense as you go, the conditions beginning to rapidly deteriorate.
18:04 <Devar> "I wonder if this is our new guardian's way of telling us to leave." Devar says with a glance around at the weather. "Our snow maiden was much kinder about that."
18:07 — Skaya looks for cover if they won't be able to makes it to the store in time.
18:09 <•Kotono> Anne shivers and keeps going, while Rina scouts ahead. "I don't know, it might be that wyrm too, or something else," Sanda says, "No way to tell, the odds are all over the place." OOC: PErception, SKaya.
18:10 <Skaya> OOC: 10 for 26.
18:13 <•Kotono> Skaya looks about. There's various buildings you can go into if you need to, though some would require breaking down frozen over doors or through ice clogged windows.
18:15 <Skaya> "Let's break into one of these places-- here, the ice seems the thinnest around the windows," Skaya proposes, pointing at the best option available in the area. "Burning Hands should clear it up quickly and we can board the window afterwards."
18:17 <•Kotono> "F-for the best," Sanda agrees, heading along.
18:17 <•Kotono> "
18:18 <•Kotono> "I hope this is the only complication," Anne doesn't argue with it, "I can bash through too, if I need to."
18:18 <Skaya> OOC: I actually used mine up but Rina should have it in store?
18:18 <•Kotono> OOC: Sure, she can do that if you want.
18:18 <Devar> "Remind me to learn that spell that makes a small area more hospitable when we get back." Devar says as he goes over to help break the ice if need be.
18:18 <Skaya> OOC: Let's do it
18:23 <•Kotono> Between fire and mace, the window is bashed open. Inside you happen on the long forgotten remains of some manner of home. It's iced over everwhere, but it looks like a small living room of a house, including a fireplace.
18:24 — Skaya sees if the fireplace can be put to use while asking the others to board the window for now.
18:28 <•Kotono> Anne and Rina get to that. The fireplace is long frozen, but if you have wood - hm no, the chimney is iced up too. That would be a problem since no ventilation for smoke.
18:30 <Skaya> Worst case they can hold their breaths for ages! But it really is a terrible idea. If only she were a contortionist like that dragon, then she could've flown up the chimney despite the narrowness!
18:35 <Devar> "Hopefully the storm is only temporary, but if it isn't, what's our plan?" Devar asks.
18:36 <•Kotono> "I don't have one," Anne admits, "Well, I do, but it's resting a night and then resorting my spells. I think I can work through something if pressed."
18:37 <Skaya> "It depends on how bad it is," Skaya responds, floating by the fireplace. "If we actually need to burn something for warmth to not die, then we'll have to rely on energy protection spells and get to the exit, yes. But for now let's just wait and see."
18:37 <•Kotono> Milla's still quiet, sitting near the fireplace. "Fine with me," is all she adds.
18:37 <•Kotono> "A little rest wouldn't hurt, but I wish it wasn't so cold," Rina shivers, "Couldn't it be warmer? I miss summer already."
18:38 <Devar> "I can probably blast up the chimney if we need it cleared." Devar says. "Or maybe some magic missiles if need be." He glances over at Rina. "Not that it helps any, but I'm fine, but I imagine being touched by fire does make this a bit more uncomfortable."
18:40 <Skaya> "Are you sure?" Skaya asks with a doubtful look as she sweeps it across Devar's body.
18:41 <Devar> "Should I not be fine with it being cold?" He asks.
18:42 <Skaya> "Can you move inside the chimney, never mind fly up there? Did you take some contortionist lessons from that dragon?"
18:43 <Devar> "Oh, no, I just... mean I can angle it up there, that's all." He says. "If I lay down I think I can summon it and point it straight up. Would that not work? I'm not much of a chimney specialist."
18:44 <Skaya> "It's not the safest method for all involved, so let's keep it in reserve?"
18:44 <•Kotono> There's looks back and forth, a few shrugs. "I had someone from above clean out our chimney at the orphanage," Anne admits, "As well as used a long brush to clear out near the bottom."
18:46 <•Kotono> "For now, let's just wait," Rina agrees, as everyone settles in. OOC: Going to do anything but wait?
18:46 <Devar> OOC: Nah
18:50 <Skaya> OOC: I'm waiting too if that wasn't clear
18:52 <•Kotono> The winds howl for perhaps a half hour, before the storm at last dies down. Silence reigns outside, no more noises or signs of foul weather, at least to your ears.
18:52 <Skaya> "Time to go! We'll run away very bravely if the storm starts up again!"
18:53 <Devar> "Sounds good to me." Devar says. "I'll keep an eye from the air."
18:55 <Skaya> "Me too!" Skaya chirps. "I want to practice flying so much!"
18:55 <•Kotono> Thus the window is opened up. Looking out, you see that a foot or so of snow has fallen. What's more, atop the snow is a thin layer of ice. All about on that new icy surface you see human sized outlines made of clear ice. Each shows someone running, trying to escape, as if frozen midwayfrom the escape from the blizzard. All of the faces are barely detailed so it doesn't show expressions, but...
18:56 <•Kotono> "It does sound..." Rina trails off as she sees outside.
18:57 <Skaya> "Ah, this place continues to be terrible. Let's fly!"
18:57 <Devar> Devar frowns. "Yes, let's... just see if we can get out of here."
18:58 <Skaya> "Hey, Devar, I've got this idea."
19:00 <•Kotono> ""The sooner we escape, the better," Anne agrees firmly, "I don't even want to know at this point."
19:01 <Devar> "Idea?" He asks.
19:01 <Skaya> "It's like this. The wings, they can glide, right?"
19:01 <Devar> "Should be able to, yeah."
19:02 <Skaya> "We should test that!" Skaya swiftly retrieves her trusty rope and tosses one end to Devar. "Have you ever flown a kite?"
19:02 <Devar> "It was a while ago...oh, I see." He nods. "I get it."
19:03 — Skaya starts gaining altitude!
19:04 <Devar> Devar will fly up as well - slowly a bit so as to not yank Skaya along since he knows he can rise faster than she can at the moment.
19:06 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, so walk me through the plan in plain words? I feel like I'm missing something here.
19:06 <Skaya> OOC: We're headed towards the store leading to the Maelstrom, and Devar will be helping me fly like a bird
19:07 <•Kotono> OOC: And te others?
19:09 <Skaya> OOC: They can't all fly, but they'll follow on foot
19:10 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay. More.
19:12 <•Kotono> It's slower going for the ones below due to the obvious reasons of snow on the ground. However, you don't run into anything now. Merely a long slog to the snowy path, except for Devar and Skaya, who can stay above it with a bird's eye view. Soon enough you reach the outside of your destination, nothing but frozen outlines of maybe people to keep your group company.
19:15 <Skaya> "It worked well!" Skaya cheers, before peering at Devar. "So all that's left here is that sword. Want to try and look for the helpful ice spirit on your own? You do seem to have a lot of luck."
19:17 <Devar> "Maybe she's inside?" He asks. "Might as well check, but I don't mind doing a fly-over to see if I can spot her somewhere."
19:17 <Skaya> With a nod, Skaya leads the way inside! After all, it's possible for local geography to change, too.
19:17 <•Kotono> As you talk, all of you feel a chill breeze past by, and then a soft clink of metal behind the party.
19:17 — Skaya turns around to look!
19:19 <Devar> "It sounds like she was listening." Devar says as he turns to look too.
19:20 <Skaya> "Maybe I'm lucky with ice spirits too?!" Skaya says excitedly.
19:27 <•Kotono> The party turns. Sitting atop the thin layer of ice is a sheathed short sword, like nothing in the world is wrong with that.
19:27 <Devar> With a small clap of his hands, Devar will go to identify it for the sake of the others and the good news. "Looks like you'll need those four arms eventually."
19:28 <•Kotono> "Is that...?" Anne murmurs as Rina hurries over.
19:28 <•Kotono> "Which one even is it? There's so many you've found or heard of," Milla asks.
19:29 <Skaya> "I believe it should be the one giving cold protection. A bit too late for this town, but useful nonetheless."
19:31 <•Kotono> OOC: Loot updated.
19:33 <Devar> Devar nods to Skaya. "You're correct. It's quite potent, and especially for someone who can deal other sorts of cold damage too." He explains.
19:34 <Skaya> "Thank you!" Skaya calls out with an airborne bow, and then she heads back into the store to lead the way out!
19:36 <Devar> Devar will hand the sword over to Rina for the time being for her to use if she wants and will follow Skaya. It's a long trip back to Starre, but hopefully a peaceful one!
19:39 <•Kotono> Rina takes the sword and you walk back. From here it's quiet until you return to Starre. She waits, silent and still as can be, but you reach her once more at last.
19:40 <Devar> "I'm not sure you ever met her." Devar says to Milla.
19:47 <•Kotono> Milla stays back while Starre looks on. Her voice is distant, "At last you've returned," she says, "But how long has it been, truly?"
19:47 <•Kotono> "It's felt like a long time, in spit eof only being a few days," Sanda says, "But what a few days."
19:47 <Devar> "I admit a good deal of curiosity if time's even passed outside of this place." Devar says.
19:48 <Devar> "But either way, I think we've done all we can within reason." He adds. "We're ready to try and fix this."
19:49 <•Kotono> "Then go forward and up those stairs," Starre invites, "And proceed."
19:50 <Devar> Devar takes a breath. "All right, let's see this through." He says as he heads forward and up the stairs!
19:56 <•Kotono> Up the stairs the party goes. Up and up the tower once mor
19:56 <•Kotono> OOC: Gah.
19:59 <•Kotono> Up the stairs the party goes. Up and up the tower once more, leaving behind the cold. It begins to warm as you walk higher and higher, and as you do? "The Maelstrom. Do we know what it's going to be like?" Sanda asks.
20:00 <Skaya> "Your guess is as good as mine."
20:00 <Devar> "Just at a guess, what it sounds like - probably a bit of everything we've encountered so far." Devar says.
20:03 <•Kotono> You step forward and - woomph! You fall a few feet and land safely on solid stone. The party stands on a large platform of rough, unworked stone. Craggy enough that careful footing is needed. All around are great whirls of earth in the air, fire that stretches far, blobs and rivers of water and more. Ice and muck blend with gemstones and radiance. It makes seeing much beyond this platform
20:03 <•Kotono> difficult, but in the distance you can see a crystalline pentagon, the tip of it rising a few dozen feet into the air and into a storm of water, which obscures anything more of it.
20:05 <Devar> "...Yeah, kind of like this." Devar says as a follow up. "Hey, remember that time we flew around with the power of thinking? I wonder if this is like that."
20:05 <Skaya> "I can fly with the power of birds, though."
20:08 <Devar> "Well, sure." He says with a gesture to the others. "They can't."
20:08 <•Kotono> Sanda focuses, "Nothing. I'm still here."
20:08 <•Kotono> "Neither can I," Anne agrees, "Let's go inspect that over there?" she poitns at the crystalline pentagon.
20:09 <Skaya> "Sure!"
20:09 <Devar> Devar nods. OOC: Is there an actual pathway they can just follow? I guess I had it in my mind we were on a platform in the middle of a bunch of elemental stuff all around us.
20:10 <•Kotono> OOC: No, it's all rough ground. You'll need to go over difficult terrain to reach the pentagon.
20:11 <Devar> OOC: Okay.
20:12 <Devar> Devar will fly up - one, to make sure he even can, and then relax his wings and see if he just starts to fall after he's off the platform, or if there's any sort of buoyance or anything of the sort. If not, he'll go back to flying.
20:13 <•Kotono> It's normal air to a few quick checks. However, even teen feet off the ground results in much stronger winds, risking buffeting him about.
20:16 <Devar> "It'll be difficult, but Anne's right - we need to get over there. I'll do my best to help anyone over." He says. "But we'll just have to climb and be careful."
20:16 <•Kotono> "We can go slowly," Anne adds, "Until we have a grasp of the terrain."
20:16 <•Kotono> "As long as we move," Rina looks up, "I'm not sure those," She gestures at the elements above, "Might not come down to visit."
20:18 <Devar> Devar nods. "I can still fly, so if anyone slips or anything, I'll help. I should be able to move through the water completely freely, so just take it slowly, like Anne said. Oh, maybe this calls for rope around everyone?"
20:18 <Skaya> "Our other option is flight," Skaya proposes. "Devar and I can stick near the ground and carry someone with us. In fact, why not do that from the start?"
20:20 <Devar> "I'll do my best." He says.
20:20 <•Kotono> "Ferry us over?" Rina says, "Why not? As long as nothing hurries us along."
20:21 — Skaya picks up Anne without waiting for her response and proceeds onwards!
20:21 <Devar> Devar nods and will take Sanda for now. "Let's see if this works." He says, staying as close to the ground as he can - he does wonder if his ring will work if passing through water or not.
20:25 <•Kotono> "Ah!" Anne calls as Sanda takes it calmer, the party flying over. It's uneventful and you get plenty close to the pentagon without incident. Ferrying over Rina and Milla is likewise simple enough.
20:25 <Skaya> "I presume there's magic here, but can we try for any specifics?" Skaya asks, studying the pentagon.
20:26 <Devar> "Sanda, do you want to try? I can help you if you want." Devar offers. "I have a feeling identify isn't going to cut it here."
20:29 <•Kotono> "I do," Sanda coming up to it. "I'll see if there's anything I can figure out."
20:29 <Devar> OOC: I'm not sure if he can aid or not but if he can he will.
20:29 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12
20:29 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{18}
20:30 <•Kotono> Sanda spends some time with it before, "It's stronger than I can figure out," she says at last, "Odds are it was going to be."
20:31 <Devar> "Sometimes I have dumb luck with this sort of thing." He says as he tries himself.
20:31 <Devar> roll 1d20+12 may as well try
20:31 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+12 may as well try --> [ 1d20=18 ]{30}
20:32 <•Kotono> Devar thinks touching the pentagon will, maybe, emphasis on maybe, move the person that touches it elsewhere.
20:33 <Devar> "...Hum." He ponders for a moment. "Call it a hunch, but I think we all need to touch it."
20:33 <•Kotono> Sanda looks to Skaya.
20:33 <•Kotono> Anne also looks to Skaya.
20:34 <Skaya> "Let's touch it together! On three!" Skaya announces as her face brightens visibly. "One, two, three!"
20:35 <•Kotono> After a few moments, "Yeah, you did leap headfirst into that pendant and-" She stops halfway as Skaya starts to count, but reaches out. Anne does not and waits a moment, as does Sanda and Milla. Devar?
20:35 <Devar> Devar wouldn't suggest it and then not touch it!
20:37 <•Kotono> For Skaya and Devar, there's a moment of flying ahead, of feeling like they're breaking apart and then the three of you appear. A floating pentagon of crystal is behind you, dark and dull. Ahead is a large field of free floating water, and all of you instinctively starts swimming. In the distance, perhaps 300ft away, is another pentagon of crystal. This one, however, is brighter and crackles
20:37 <•Kotono> with light inside of it.
20:38 <•Kotono> Rina went with you even if the others didn't, and immediately starts swimming and holding her breath. She points ahead at the next pentagon and starts to swim towards it.
20:38 <Skaya> Even though it's wet, Skaya can swim! But she just stays in place for now as she waits for Anne. Anne will surely sink on her own.
20:40 <Devar> Hmm, did the three of them show up together because they've been touched in some elemental fashion, and the others not? He does wait with Skaya and gestures for Rina to go on, since he can just breathe water anyway at the moment.
20:42 <•Kotono> A round's time passes as you hold your breath. No sign of them. OOC: Track the rounds you've been holding your breath in case it matters.
20:42 <Skaya> OOC: Got it. I'll wait 2 more rounds and then swim.
20:43 <Devar> Devar does his best to mouth 'I think they're fine' to Skaya since he can't really talk in the water.
20:43 — Skaya shrugs and waits a bit more. She did count properly!
20:44 <•Kotono> Rina swims on as three rounds total pass. Still no sign of them.
20:44 <Skaya> Their choice! Skaya starts swimming after Rina, soon continuing alongside her.
20:44 <Skaya> OOC: Swim is at +14
20:45 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay then, swim checks you two. Rina is taking 10 for 20.
20:45 <Skaya> OOC: 10 for 24
20:46 <Devar> OOC: I have freedom of movement due to the ring so I assume I'm fine, but if need be take 10 for 20 also
20:47 <•Kotono> OOC: And how many rounds can you two hold your breath for?
20:49 <Devar> OOC: forever
20:52 <Skaya> OOC: ages, since it was tripled
20:52 <•Kotono> It takes about a minute and a bit of change, but the three of you reach the far pentagon. Nothing bars your way at least, thankfully.
20:52 <Devar> Devar nods to them and does look back behind them once to make sure no one popped up while they weren't looking, and touches the pentagon!
20:54 <•Kotono> Rina does the same as Devar does, touching it as well.
20:54 — Skaya follows suit.
20:56 <•Kotono> With that is another touch and the three of you go flying further ahead, another long moment of racing ahead before...! OOC: We'll pick up there next time.

[Corwin]

20:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+5 S
20:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 S --> [ 1d20=6 ]{11}
20:50 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 A
20:50 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 A --> [ 1d20=15 ]{21}

[Corwin]

18:09 <•Kotono> This time the three of you appear at the top of a long cylinder made of floating wall-planes of crystal. It's a straight drop about 200ft, to the bottom where another crystal pentagon awaits you. Not that you have long to reflect, because the walls around you, the planes that make up the first 20ft or so around you, are starting to move inward, to squish the three of you like bugs.
18:11 <Devar> OOC: Are we falling or suspended by something here?
18:12 <Skaya> OOC: How much would we fall in a round?
18:12 <•Kotono> There's a small platform of rough earth just around the now dark pentagon you came from. AS for falling speed, let me check the SRD. It says...
18:12 <•Kotono> OOC: Forgot the OOC.
18:12 <Skaya> OOC: Is it 150ft? https://www.d20srd.org/srd/movement.htm#minimumForwardSpeed
18:13 <•Kotono> OOC: Yes.
18:14 — Skaya picks up Rina and jumps off! She'll spread her wings near the bottom, trying to glide the rest of the way down.
18:14 <Skaya> OOC: Then I'm dropping 150ft and then I'll see if I can get out of the stall
18:15 <Devar> Devar follows suit and jumps, ready to grab either one if need be!
18:21 <•Kotono> Rina holds on tight as the party jumps down. Crystal walls close in faster and faster as you fall, trying to catch up to you. Yet you're too fast as you fall 150ft and get closer and closer to the pentagon below. Yet at this point you see the final 20ft of walls already moving and moving fast - it's going to be hard to get the pentagon before being squashed like a fly in between the pages of
18:21 <•Kotono> a book.
18:22 <Skaya> roll 1d20+7+6 reflex DC 20 to recover from stall
18:26 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@59E64656.7FA93623.F259B257.IP)
18:26 <Skaya> roll 1d20+7+6 reflex DC 20 to recover from stall
18:26 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+7+6 reflex DC 20 to recover from stall --> [ 1d20=14 ]{27}
18:27 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay. Devar?
18:27 <Skaya> Once she's managed to stabilize her flight, quite the accomplishment given she hadn't had her wings for long, Skaya drops down while using one of the closing walls for assistance.
18:27 <Skaya> OOC: I'll drop the rest of the 50ft, I have slow fall 20 so that'd be damage from 30ft
18:28 <Devar> Devar will hurtle himself down with his flight to hopefully eke out going fast enough! OOC: I should be able to move at 200 ft per round which ought to let him get there to touch it. Hopefully!
18:29 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me a dex check with a +4 bonus, Devar.
18:29 <Devar> roll 1d20+6 dexterity, my strongest attribute
18:29 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+6 dexterity, my strongest attribute --> [ 1d20=4 ]{10}
18:29 <Skaya> OOC: Wait, you dove last round too, so you're clearly closer than 200ft
18:31 <Devar> OOC: Yeah I just meant I could go faster than the 150 we went on the first round since it seemed like we needed it
18:35 <•Kotono> Devar dives down for the crystal pentagon as Skaya manages to stop. It's close, close, close, but inches before impact, he touches it and vanishes. Skaya can see his body burst into water, flying ahead and out of sight. Meanwhile Skaya hovers there, as the walls below crash together and shatter, falling away in a rain of shards. The walls near her are closing in, but not nearly so close or as
18:35 <•Kotono> fast as the ones below.  OOC: #evil, Devar.

[Corwin]

18:36 <•Kotono> With a soft thud Devar lands. It's another rocky, earthen platform. The ground is decidedly jagged, a great many broken crests of stone about. On the far end is yet another crystal pentagon - but before your eyes the ground roils, like the earth is nothing more than boiling water.
18:38 <Devar> Devar will wait a moment to see if Skaya pops out here or if she gets sent anywhere else. OOC: I'll wait a minute or two just to see.
18:38 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception.
18:39 <Devar> roll 1d20+8
18:39 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{12}
18:41 <•Kotono> Devar waits a few moments, no sign of Ska-
18:41 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12 touch AC
18:41 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 touch AC --> [ 1d20=7 ]{19}
18:42 <Devar> OOC: Pretty sure that hits
18:42 <•Kotono> roll 3d6 ow
18:42 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d6 ow --> [ 3d6=13 ]{13}
18:43 <•Kotono> A glittering shard of something whizzes past Devar, slicing across his shoulder. Blood flows freely from the wound, sharp enough to part skin like thin air.
18:44 <Devar> "Not safe here, got it!" He shouts as he takes off and immediately starts to fly towards the pentagon! OOC: He's just going to rush for it, 200ft
18:45 <•Kotono> Turning you see that a large, humanoid figure of rock, crystal and even a few gemstones menaces you. It's 50ft ahead, and isn't letting you fly uncontested. OOC: Init.
18:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+3 init
18:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+3 init --> [ 1d20=11 ]{14}
18:45 <Devar> roll 1d20+2
18:45 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{6}
18:46 <•Kotono> Before yo ucan get going, it pulls out a chunk of crystal from its body and hurls it, a sharp projectil ethat slices through your defenses with terrifying ability.
18:46 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12 touch AC again
18:46 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 touch AC again --> [ 1d20=15 ]{27}
18:46 <•Kotono> roll 3d6 ow
18:46 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d6 ow --> [ 3d6=12 ]{12}
18:47 <•Kotono> Another slice, this one across Devar's middle. It doesn't sink in somehow, but lashes across like a blade. More bleeding but it's not enough to put him down as...OOC: Go. Feel free to fly like you said or somethin gelse if you prefer.
18:48 <Devar> "Would you cut that out!?" Devar shouts. But he's not here to fight, just to get through - so forward he goes! OOC: Is 200ft enough to make it to the pentagon if I have to fly around it or would I have to go close by?
18:49 <•Kotono> It's close. Not there but close. It's also out of throwing rnage apparently, because it ducks back into the ground and out of sight rather than throwing more deadly shards your way. OOC: Go ahead an dact for the moment.
18:50 <Devar> He's expecting it to rise up right before he can get there, but maybe if he just moves fast enough...! OOC: He'll hustle himself 200 ft or whatever the rest of the distance is to touch it, hopefully going faster than it can react.
18:53 <•Kotono> Fast enough, because Devar reaches the crystal uncontested. Now is a series of platforms, small, and with long, sloping paths upwards to connect them, each one up higher than the last. Hm? On the ground there's fresh red blood, going on toward the first slope. Lying in front of it is Sanda, her right leg a ruined mess. Bone sticks out and through, a compound break. She lies face down, softly
18:53 <•Kotono> crying.
18:55 <Devar> "Sanda?!" Devar calls out as he goes to fly over to her. "Sanda, it's okay, I'm here, just hold on a second."
18:56 <•Kotono> A choked sob, "Help," she cries weakly, "I can't get up."
18:58 <Devar> "I've got you, just hold on." He says as he comes over, drawing out one of the wands of lesser vigor and will tap it onto Sanda and himself - now's a great time for this anyway. OOC: will document it but 45 charges left, will probably need to use more anyway. 11 healing for both over 11 rounds.
18:59 <Devar> "I take it you and Milla and Anne got separated after we touched the crystals?" He asks, helping her turn over for now as he lets the magic work on them both since there doesn't seem to be anything hostile around right at the moment.
18:59 <•Kotono> Slowly Sanda's leg begins to mend itself. HEr sobs become shuddering breaths as she lies there, "Thank you, thank you," She manages, "I...I thought I was dead." Devar's wounds likewise begin to knit themselves together.
19:00 <•Kotono> Sanda's pale but recovering, leg knitting itself back together. "Yes. I'm not sure why. Maybe it sends people to different places, or when you touch it or something else. We were all separated."
19:01 <Devar> "I think it depends on circumstances. I was with Skaya and Rina for a while, and I assume it's because we were all touched in some elemental way by this place." He says. "Do you need more healing? This situation is exactly why I bought the wands."
19:02 <•Kotono> A minute passes and Sanda's leg is still a mess, but no longer an open break. "Please," she asks.
19:03 <Devar> "You got it." He taps them both again. "Here, just in case we get separated again." He will dig in his pack and give her two of the pearls of cure light wounds he bought. "In case of an emergency, just eat it, it works like a potion, or so they said."
19:03 <Devar> OOC: 43 left, posted in loot
19:04 <•Kotono> The pearls are taken. Another minute as Sanda rests. She's still pale but manages to stand up. A gasp of pain, but she does, "Again," she half begs, "Before I have an even worse limp afterwards."
19:05 <Devar> One more tap for good measure. OOC: 42!
19:06 <Devar> "If it still feels off I've got some cloth I can wrap it in." He says. "But I can carry you up - did you fall, by the way? How'd you get injured?"
19:07 <•Kotono> "It got pinned under a thrown boulder. IT rolled off of me and I was able to drag myself to the crystal," Sanda begins to walk with her same limp now, "Thank you, Devar. You saved my life."
19:09 <Devar> "Ah, we've all saved each other's lives a few times." He says with a smile. "Come on, let's get you out of here, these all have to lead somewhere." He says - he'll reach out to grab Sanda once she's ready and will circumvent all this jumping and climbing nonsense they clearly expect you to do to fly up.
19:10 <Devar> But he does try to keep an eye out for any more rock people throwing things at him!
19:10 <•Kotono> None of those, only a smooth flight to the top platform, where another crystal pentagon awaits. Sanda happily rests in your arms a few moments, visibly relieved.
19:13 <Devar> "If we get separated, just do your best to keep going forward, all right? We'll come get you if you're in trouble. On three - one, two...!" Devar counts down and gives Sanda time to touch the crystal before he does himself.
19:13 <•Kotono> OOC: Same time or letting Sanda touch first?
19:14 <Devar> OOC: He'll let her touch it first but he wants to basically do it at the same time, if that makes sense.
19:20 <•Kotono> OOC: Dex check then, this is very fine timing.
19:21 <Devar> roll 1d20+2
19:21 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{7}
19:24 <•Kotono> It's a half second late, if that. But when Devar finishes his surge forward, he's alone. What's more, he's standing on a small, circular platform maybe 10ft in diameter. You're at the bottom of a long tube, ashy stone steps build into the side of the walls to rise and ascend upwards. The problem? Beyond your little platform are pools of lava, pools that are starting to rumble and rise. The
19:24 <•Kotono> air is thick with volcanic gasses, your improved lungs helping at least, at least for the moment. Far above, about 300ft up, is a platform with what you think is a crystal pentagon. Hard to see from here, but the stairs end there.
19:26 <Devar> Well, it's probably for the best he's alone. He will hold his breath and fly up - it's faster than trying to run, either way!
19:28 <•Kotono> Up up up. The lava begins to rise, but flight makes this easy and the hot updraft makes flight even easier. You soar and ascend up, far faster than the rising lava. When you reach the platform you find it undefended, only another pentagon here.
19:29 <Devar> If anyone else had been here, he would've seen them - so he touches the pentagon! ...Actually, why is it a pentagon? There are four main elemenal planes, aren't there? Shouldn't it just be a square? Huh, thoughts for another time!
19:40 <•Kotono> Salt. So much salt all around you. Pillars and walls of salt form a labyrinth around you, a ceiling to prevent flight. It gleams with an almost mineral like glow, enough to provide light to see by. All around you are passages that go further in, at least a dozen to choose from in all sorts of directions. There's even a gap in the floor that leads to a ladder of salt going further down, to
19:40 <•Kotono> perhaps a lower level.
19:42 <Devar> Hmm, so far he's been going up, so going up seems like the correct decision... he'll look for whatever the highest up pathway is - if there's one that's up at all. If there is, he'll go that way.
19:43 <•Kotono> There's one that has a bit of an upwards, salty slope
19:43 <•Kotono> .
19:44 <Devar> He'll go for that one!
19:44 <•Kotono> You go up it. It winds a bit, circling. As it does? An echo, faint of, "Oh Moore..."
19:45 <Devar> "Anne?" Devar calls out.
19:47 <•Kotono> "Devar?" It's a distant, echoy call, but it sounds like her.
19:48 <Devar> "Yep, it looks like we found each other. Stay wherever you are, just keep calling out and I'll try and make it to you." He says - he does just that, doing his best to navigate closer to the sound.
19:56 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:56 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=66 ]{66}
19:58 <•Kotono> It takes some time, but yo uwind up, take a left, a right, trace back because dead end, take a left, up a slope, down a slope, straight ahead, back because another dead end, down a side passage and there. Resting against a wall at an intersection is Anne. She's salty - literally, a dusting of it clinging to her - and tired, but intact. Or after healing intact, anyway. "Devar! Are you well?"
19:59 <Devar> "I'm okay. It seems like these crystals take you to the same place as long as you touch them at the exact same time as someone else. Are you okay? Do you need any healing?" He asks. "Sanda had a broken leg, but I got it taken care of."
20:02 <•Kotono> "I'm fine, I healed myself," Anne answers, "I started at the bottom and I've been ascending. I think we're close to the end, or I hope at least."
20:02 <Devar> "I think so too. Though... I am confused, there's a salt plane?" He asks.
20:08 <•Kotono> To that Anne merely says, "I tseems so." She taps a wall with her mace, "But there's a plane of ooze."
20:08 <Devar> "Yuck." Devar says. "Well, I scouted out most of the wrong ways to get to you, so let's see what we can do to find our way out."
20:09 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:09 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=6 ]{6}
20:10 <•Kotono> Luck is with you - it's not far ahead. A few twists and turns and you come out to an end. Or at least another crystal pentagon, which is good enough.
20:11 <Devar> "All right, together." Devar says, putting his hand with Anne's to push them both down onto the pentagon at the same time with his other.
20:12 <•Kotono> A touch and suddenly you're elsewhere. Dareslan, an empty street, save for the chaotic, endless elements above. Anne looks up, "Could it be anywhere else?"
20:14 <Devar> "It certainly looks like a Maelstrom to me." Devar agrees. "If we were going to meet somewhere, it'd probably be close to where this all started - I'd try flying but I don't know where the boundaries of this place are - let's just check out where that Eldathian cathedral was, then the tower, then the glass shop and see if we find them?"
20:18 <•Kotono> "Alright," Anne agrees, as...
20:18 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:18 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=96 ]{96}
20:18 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 subtable
20:18 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 subtable --> [ 1d100=71 ]{71}
20:18 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 subtable v2
20:18 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 subtable v2 --> [ 1d100=30 ]{30}
20:20 <•Kotono> As you walk down a street towards where the cathedral should be, a shudder. Reality blinks in a whirl of fire, wind, water and rock. It cascades in front of you, stopping your progress. Anne brings her shield up to defend the two of you, bu tit's hardly needed. In the aftermath the earth, the water and even the little embers of fire all fade. However, there's a few bits of junk that don't.
20:20 <•Kotono> Some scraps of cloth, what looks to be half of a torn canvas tent and a plain silver ring.
20:22 <Devar> "I guess it makes sense that those tears would be worse, here." Devar says. "I wonder where these even came from..." He murmurs - he goes to take the bits of cloth to pick up the ring to identify it in case it's magical at all.
20:23 <•Kotono> The ring is magical, and...OOC: Loot update.
20:24 → Ko joined (~WinNT@30A4A12D.BE252E4B.72F7FA92.IP)
20:25 <Devar> "Oh, this is one of those rings that makes it so you don't have to sleep as much - or eat or drink." He says. "A nice find indeed." He will put it away for now and keep going!
20:26 ⇐ •Kotono quit  ↔ Kobot nipped out 
20:27 <Ko> "Useful," Anne agrees as you go on. The cathedral is silent, no signs of life here at all.
20:28 <Devar> "As much as I am curious if we scoured every inch of this place to find anything, we ought to see if we can find the others." He says - onward, to where the tower... might?? be?
20:32 <Ko> roll 1d100
20:32 <Kobot> Ko rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=27 ]{27}
20:32 <Ko> It takes some searching, but...OOC: More in #dunes.

[Corwin]

18:37 <Skaya> "Timing was off," Skaya grumbles, flying down.
18:37 <Skaya> OOC: 20ft
18:38 <•Kotono> Skaya flies down, escaping the next walls. Only 30ft to go. Rina holds on tight, "Still, we need to-" A crashing above, of shattering crystal.
18:39 <Skaya> This time, Skaya can drop all the way down by pushing off a wall for support. One day she could probably push off Rina to glide down gracefully or ridiculous stunts like that. But for now, she'll have to do what is within her power.
18:40 <•Kotono> Skaya reaches all the way down and touches the pentagon. Another moment of rushing and a splash. Back in another free floating field of water. Far in the distance is another pentagon, maybe 300ft away or so. The waters here churn and move, twisting about all around you.
18:40 <•Kotono> Rina is with you, looking around and managing not to get a mouthful of water somehow.
18:41 — Skaya lets go of Rina and swims towards the pentagon! While matching Rina's speed.
18:42 <•Kotono> Yet as the two of yo ubegin to swim, the waters resist you, currents fighting you hard. OOC: Swim checks, both of you.
18:42 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10 Rina
18:42 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 Rina --> [ 1d20=9 ]{19}
18:42 <Skaya> roll 1d20+14
18:42 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{21}
18:43 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 44/57 (-1 str (in 10hr, res fire 10), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 39/39 Rina 62/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor, cold res 10)
18:44 <•Kotono> OOC: Half movement in water with a swim check, so 20ft for Rina. You can match that, yo usaid?
18:44 <Skaya> OOC: Yes
18:47 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 32/57 (-1 str (in 10hr, res fire 10), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 39/39 Rina 62/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor, cold res 10)
18:48 <•Kotono> 20ft. 40ft. 60ft. 80ft. 100ft. Half a minute gets you maybe a third of the way there. 120ft. 140ft. Seven rounds total. The two of you swim on, augmented lungs bearing up well. That's when you notice the waters ahead are swirling, forming a large, rough face. Its water-eyes stare you down, a mere 20ft away, and directly in your path.
18:54 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 32/57 (-1 str (in 10hr, res fire 10), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 7/39 Rina 62/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor, cold res 10)
18:54 <Skaya> Oh, this is the worst. Can they actually rush past the water elemental? Not that at this speed, you'd really call it a rush. Skaya will swim right over and if there's a fight, she'll just have to fight for her life!
18:55 <•Kotono> Rina squares up and does the same. As you approach the face? It blows out a bubbly breath, a sudden current of water trying to force the two of you back. OOC: Swim checks both of you.
18:56 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10
18:56 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{11}
18:56 <Skaya> roll 1d20+14
18:56 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{27}
18:57 <•Kotono> Skaya manages to swim to the face and through, holding firm. 160ft away now, eight rounds. Rina, however, is sent hurling back in the waves, knocked back 40ft to 100ft back total. Then the face fades away ,the waters there smoothing out.
18:59 — Skaya swims back! Now that she doesn't have to match Rina's speed, 30ft is quite feasible for her.
19:01 <•Kotono> Nine rounds and you're almost reunited. Rina nods and gestures forward, falling in swim with you. 140ft and one minute. Your superior lungs are showing their worth, Rina still going strong as well. 160ft. 180ft. 200ft. 13 rounds. That's when, 20ft away, another face appears. This one's bigger than the last and Rina's eyes widen, but she quickly begins to swim ahead.
19:02 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 32/57 (-1 str (in 10hr, res fire 10), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 18/39 Rina 62/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor, cold res 10)
19:04 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 32/57 (-1 str (in 10hr, res fire 10), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 29/39 Rina 62/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor, cold res 10)
19:04 — Skaya stays in place as Rina swims ahead. Perhaps the distance would make the wave easier to ride through, and should Rina fumble again then perhaps Skaya could catch her!
19:06 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 54/57 (-1 str (in 10hr, res fire 10), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 29/39 Rina 62/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor, cold res 10)
19:06 <•Kotono> OOC: Swim checks, both ofyou. +4 bonus to Skaya's check.
19:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10
19:06 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{18}
19:06 <Skaya> roll 1d20+18
19:06 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+18 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{28}
19:06 <•Kotono> Rina is again not strong enough and sent hurtling back, but close enough for Skaya to make a try at grabbing her. OOC: We'll call it a dex check, same +4 bonus applies.
19:07 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 54/57 (-1 str (in 10hr, res fire 10), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 39/39 Rina 62/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor, cold res 10)
19:07 <Skaya> roll 1d20+3+4+6
19:07 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+3+4+6 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{18}
19:10 <•Kotono> It's a hard impact, Skaya knocked back 20ft from it, but it stops Rina. 180ft away now, 14 rounds in, as the face fades away. Rina nods to yo uagain, a quick thumbs up.
19:10 — Skaya nods back, and then resumes swimming towards the goal.
19:11 <Skaya> OOC: It was roughly 300ft away, and I made it 200ft before going 20ft back. So I'm 120ft away?
19:12 <•Kotono> OOC: Yes, was meant to be 180ft towards it and 120ft to go. You're right.
19:13 <•Kotono> 200ft, 220ft, 240ft. 17 rounds. 260ft. 18 rounds. That's when a huge face appears, but this one is half frozen, shards of ice for eyes and chunks of it floating in its cheeks. It's bigger than both of you combined and opening its mouth up wide for another gust.
19:15 — Skaya holds Rina back and pulls the other girl behind her. Staying back worked last time, and actually both she and Rina are protected from cold to a degree, so if they just manage to ride this out....
19:17 <•Kotono> The breath comes, this time a bitter blast of winter with little chunks and shards of ice to make it even worse. OOC: Swim checks first before anything else, since that influences the ref save.
19:17 <•Kotono> OOC: +4 bonus as last time for both of you now.
19:17 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+14 Swim Rina
19:17 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 Swim Rina --> [ 1d20=15 ]{29}
19:17 <Skaya> roll 1d20+14+4
19:17 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+14+4 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{27}
19:17 <•Kotono> OOC: Ref saves, both of you.
19:17 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10  improved evasion Rina
19:17 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 improved evasion Rina --> [ 1d20=13 ]{23}
19:18 <Skaya> roll 1d20+7+6 evasion
19:18 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+7+6 evasion --> [ 1d20=9 ]{22}
19:19 <•Kotono> Rina draws her new sword, which makes the ice around it start to freeze. She brings it up in a slash from low to high and then in reverse. It makes a little, momentary wall of ice. The colder water hits it and congeals with it, a block of ice formed that floats up. It muffles a great deal of the blast, the rest of it simple enough for the two of you to endure, unharmed.
19:19 <Skaya> If this is it, then they will finally be able to escape this place!
19:20 <•Kotono> 280ft. 300ft! You made it, the two of you right before the crystal.
19:21 <Skaya> Grabbing Rina's hand, Skaya counts till 3 with the fingers of her other hand before touching the crystal. Hopefully, together with Rina.
19:26 <•Kotono> At the same time. A soft thud. Another rough earth platform like you started on. Nothing too special there, a crystal pentagon a few hundred feet away on the other side. About 100ft ahead is the broken body of what looks to be an earth elemental. Its chest is torn open wide, gouged out. Striding past it, bloodied but moving is Milla.
19:27 <Skaya> "Milla, wait up!" Skaya calls out to her, going over.
19:29 <•Kotono> Milla turns and pauses. She spits up blood and rock, "Still alive?" she asks, coughing afterwards.
19:29 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 54/57 (-1 str (in 10hr, res fire 10), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 39/39 Rina 62/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 27/62 (+4 mage armor, cold res 10)
19:30 <Skaya> "Yes! I really wish you all touched the platform at the same time back then. Given you're here and Devar disappeared when he touched it too early, we should go together to end up in the same place," Skaya responds. "Hey, how fast can you run?"
19:35 <•Kotono> "Fast," Milla says simply, "Why?"
19:35 <•Kotono> Rina watches, "Good work with that," She jerks her head back at the elemental, "You alright to keep going?"
19:36 — Skaya takes off her belt and hands it over. "Use it to get healed up? It works best if you go fast."
19:37 <Skaya> OOC: For 3 rounds, every 5ft of movement heals 1hp. If she runs for 3 rounds she should be at max.
19:37 <•Kotono> With a ragged smile Milla puts it on and r uns. She is fast, moving with a grace that brings to mind elves or more, darting around. Her wounds rapidly mend, and when it's over, she seems as hale as ever before.
19:37 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 54/57 (-1 str (in 10hr, res fire 10), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 39/39 Rina 62/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor, cold res 10)
19:38 <Skaya> "Nice belt, right? Very useful!" Skaya tells her with a grin, waiting for it to be returned safely.
19:44 <•Kotono> It's returned back, "Handy for an emergency," Milla agrees, "How do the crystal pillars work?"
19:46 <Skaya> "We touch them at the same time and hope we get to the exit."
19:47 <•Kotono> "Of course it has to be like that," Milla comments.
19:48 <•Kotono> "This place vexes me constantly," Rina agrees. "But I'm hoping we're close to the end of this."
19:51 <Skaya> "Only one way to find out!"
19:58 <•Kotono> On and on to another pentagon. This time you vanish, only to reappear in...Dareslan? In the empty streets, but above you whirls the same elemental chaos as before.
20:01 <•Kotono> Rina peers up, "Of course it's Dareslan again."
20:02 <Skaya> "Is this supposed to be the exit?" Skaya mutters, looking for any fresh pentagons.
20:02 <•Kotono> None in sight.
20:07 <Skaya> "Ah, to hell with it," Skaya mutters. "Let's seek out that tower. It's always important."
20:08 <•Kotono> "It always is," Milla agrees as the party goes on. The three of you advance and...
20:08 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:08 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=33 ]{33}
20:09 <•Kotono> The trip to it? Uneventful. Nothing is here, an empty city  otherwise, save for one. THe tower's door is closed, but Sanda's in front of it, inspecting it carefully.
20:09 <Skaya> "Sanda!" Skaya calls out happily.
20:10 <•Kotono> "AH!" Sanda leaps up in a startle, managing to stay on her feet. "Skaya!"
20:10 <•Kotono> "Good to see you too," Rina calls, "Any sign of Devar and Anne?"
20:11 <Skaya> "Yeah, we lost Devar to a timing mishap while leaving one of the pentagons."
20:11 <•Kotono> "I saw Anne just as she avoided a boulder and made it to another one of those crystal towers," Sanda explains. "I was a bit behind her."
20:12 <Skaya> "Let's hope they all reach here," Skaya decides, studying the door. "Any magic here?"
20:12 <Skaya> OOC: Perception 10 for 26 for traps
20:14 <•Kotono> "No," Sanda answers, as Skaya doesn't detect any traps.
20:14 — Skaya decides to open the door.
20:18 <•Kotono> Only one problem - it isn't budging.
20:18 <Skaya> roll 1d20+14 disable device
20:18 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+14 disable device --> [ 1d20=14 ]{28}
20:18 — Skaya tries harder!
20:21 <•Kotono> It's not opening. Nothing to unlock, the door simply refuses to move.
20:21 <Skaya> "Does it need the power of friendship to move or something?"
20:23 <•Kotono> Milla comes forward, "Try and force it," she says, "It may be stuck or barricaded from the inside."
20:24 → Ko joined (~WinNT@30A4A12D.BE252E4B.72F7FA92.IP)
20:25 — Skaya removes the hinges and then uses all her strength to push the door inwards!
20:26 ⇐ •Kotono quit  ↔ Kobot nipped out 
20:27 <Ko> The door, despite all logic, simply refuses to move even by those means.
20:27 — Skaya tries to pull it, instead, and then just attempts to punch a hole in it! This happened before, and surely nothing terrible will happen now!
20:27 <Ko> Nothing. The door is simply and completely unresponsive to your efforts.
20:28 — Skaya turns her attention upwards. If there's an open window she can climb to it!
20:31 <Ko> Skaya sees there are no open windows, all of them shuttered.
20:32 <Skaya> "I'll try climbing to the roof?" Skaya muses, attempting it.
20:32 <Skaya> OOC: Climb 10 for 24
20:33 <Ko> As Skaya says that, suddenly Rina calls, "Hold on. Anne, Devar, over here!"

[Corwin]

20:34 — Skaya looks strangely disappointed at not using her climbing expertise, but perks up when it penetrates that Devar and Anne arrived!
20:36 <Devar> "Ah, we all eventually found our way here, it seems." Devar calls out as he walks up.
20:36 <Ko> Anne approaches, "Finally. Are you all well? Sanda?" A look to her in particular.
20:37 <Ko> "I'm fine," Sanda murmurs, "Had a scare but I got away and made it."
20:37 <Skaya> "I was just about to go up and take a look from above," Skaya tells Devar. "Want to fly over together?"
20:37 <Devar> Devar smiles to Sanda and then nods to Skaya. "Sure, I'm guessing the door wasn't opening?"
20:38 <Skaya> "Door is held by unholy powers," Skaya complains, taking off.
20:39 <Devar> "Hey Milla, maybe see if it opens for you?" Devar asks as he goes to try and fly to the top.
20:39 <Ko> Milla goes, and as you start to rise, "Hold on, it just opened by itself!"
20:40 <Devar> "Oh." Devar stops. "Well, it seems rude to not go inside then, huh."
20:41 <Skaya> "Oh come up! Can't a girl fly?!"
20:41 <Devar> "Hold on!" Devar calls to the others on the ground and will go up to check the top of the tower with Skaya.
20:42 <Ko> Rina chuckles, We're expected, in other words."
20:44 <Ko> Devar and Skaya fly to the top of the tower. Nothing's up there but a single cloth sack, left up there for no discernable reason.
20:44 — Skaya prods the sack with a pole. From ten feet!
20:46 <Ko> Nothing happens when you prod it.
20:46 <Devar> Devar will watch and let Skaya grab it and will head back down to enter the tower with the others!
20:46 — Skaya descends to pick it up and take a look inside.
20:48 <Ko> Inside the sack is nothing at all.
20:48 <Skaya> It's fine! Maybe it's a mysterious magical sack! Skaya brings it back with her.
20:51 <Ko> The sack is taken, secured in case it's of any use. Now what?
20:51 <Skaya> Now, they'll enter the tower!
20:55 <Ko> Thus, the party goes to enter the tower and find their destiny...next time, in the conclusion. Good luck and see you there!

[Corwin]

17:59 <•Kotono> The moment the party steps into the tower, there's a sensation of falling. It's a short drop, barely a few feet, but you land on solid ground. Smooth, worked stone is beneath your feet, a large room of white marble. Floating in the center is an incendescently bright mass of light. It's too much to look at directly, constantly moving and pulsing out in different directions from within.
18:01 <Skaya> "It is a pleasure to finally meet you," Skaya says. "I can't say it was easy to accomplish."
18:01 <•Kotono> Anne exhales heavily, "At last."
18:02 <•Kotono> Rina looks away, shielding her eyes with her arm. "So bright."
18:02 <•Kotono> MIlla is silent, staring ahead without blinking in spite of the brightness.
18:02 <Devar> Devar shields his eyes a bit before he finds somewhere else to look in the room nearby. "Yes, hello - do you... have a name or anything you'd like us to call you?" He asks.
18:02 <•Kotono> Sanda is quiet, staying back for the moment.
18:05 <•Kotono> roll 1d18
18:05 <•Kotono> OOC: One sec to kick Kobot up.
18:06 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@F97F49BB.D88DD26B.8F3DD4EE.IP)
18:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d18
18:06 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d18 --> [ 1d18=1 ]{1}
18:07 <•Kotono> "I don't understand. It broke and keeps breaking," Milla's voice, but it sounds dull. "It won't stop." A sudden gale force wind slams into the party, nothing audible now but the roaring of the winds. OOC: Str checks, all.
18:08 <•Kotono> OOC: Milla is exempt.
18:08 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Sanda
18:08 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 Sanda --> [ 1d20=7 ]{9}
18:08 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+3 Anne
18:08 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+3 Anne --> [ 1d20=17 ]{20}
18:08 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Rina
18:08 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 Rina --> [ 1d20=6 ]{8}
18:08 <Devar> roll 1d20+3
18:08 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{4}
18:09 <Skaya> roll 1d20+4+6
18:09 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+4+6 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{17}
18:09 <•Kotono> roll 4d6 Sanda, Rina, Devar only
18:09 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d6 Sanda, Rina, Devar only --> [ 4d6=13 ]{13}
18:10 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 54/57 (-1 str (in 10hr, res fire 10), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 39/39 Rina 48/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor, cold res 10)
18:10 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 54/57 (-1 str (in 10hr, res fire 10), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 25/39 Rina 48/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor, cold res 10)
18:10 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 54/57 (-1 str (in 10hr, res fire 10), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 26/39 Rina 49/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor, cold res 10)
18:10 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 41/57 (-1 str (in 10hr, res fire 10), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 26/39 Rina 49/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor, cold res 10)
18:12 <•Kotono> The winds howl and scream, nothing audible but the din of them, even when Rina, Devar and Sanda are slammed into the far wall. It's hard enough to hurt, each of them pinned there. Yet it only lasts several moments before it stops. Devar, Rina and Sanda drop to the ground, while Anne and Skaya are able to hold their ground, it barely. MIlla stands there, completely unaffected.
18:13 <Devar> Ow! Devar pulls himself off the wall and helps the other two up. "Milla, you probably understand this better than we do." He calls out. "This thing grants wishes, right? Or something like that? Can we just wish for it to fix itself somehow?"
18:14 <•Kotono> "Understanding doesn't help," Milla says in that same dull voice. "The end always come. It always breaks."
18:14 <•Kotono> *comes
18:14 <•Kotono> Anne falls back, a brief murmuring to send healing through the injured. AT the same time Rina gets up, "What are you even-?" she asks Milla.
18:14 <•Kotono> roll 3d6
18:14 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d6 --> [ 3d6=10 ]{10}
18:15 <•Kotono> OOC: 15 healing all but Anne. Could you update HP for me, Devar? Juggling a lot ont he back end.
18:15 <Devar> OOC: yep
18:15 <•Kotono> OOC: Thanks.
18:15 Skaya set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 41/57 (-1 str (in 10hr), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 26/39 Rina 49/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor)
18:16 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 56/57 (-1 str (in 10hr), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 39/39 Rina 62/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor)
18:16 <•Kotono> Sanda slumps down, coughing after the impact ceases, "Broke?" she manages to wheeze out, "MIlla?"
18:16 <Devar> "Why does it break?" Devar asks. "Can you tell?"
18:16 <Skaya> "Milla, can you delay the end? How do we pause it?"
18:17 <•Kotono> "I saw the end. She brought the end no matter how I looked. She promised me that the pain would stop when she came to cease everything, but she never came." The voice repeats. "She lied." Then-
18:17 <•Kotono> roll 1d18
18:17 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d18 --> [ 1d18=8 ]{8}
18:18 <•Kotono> Suddenly a rain of pure foulness comes from above. It smells of rot, filth and worse. It's a greasy black color, cascading down on all the party. OOC: Fort save. Disease immunity exempts.
18:19 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Fort Sanda
18:19 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Fort Sanda --> [ 1d20=16 ]{22}
18:19 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Rina, Anne is immune thanks to armor and very happy right now
18:19 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 Rina, Anne is immune thanks to armor and very happy right now --> [ 1d20=5 ]{17}
18:19 <Skaya> roll 1d20+7+6+4 improved lungs
18:19 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+7+6+4 improved lungs --> [ 1d20=14 ]{31}
18:19 <Devar> OOC: I'm immune
18:20 <•Kotono> OOC: I don't think improved lungs applies, but you made the save even without the +4 so moot, Cor.
18:20 <Skaya> OOC: Grants a +4 bonus to saves against gas or similar attacks, or any sort of poisonous or toxic air.
18:21 <•Kotono> roll 2d12 full Rina only
18:21 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d12 full Rina only --> [ 2d12=6 ]{6}
18:21 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 56/57 (-1 str (in 10hr), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 39/39 Rina 56/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor)
18:22 <•Kotono> It's horrific, the smell of it noxious. Anne's armor causes it to sizzle away when it touches her, but no one else is so fortunate. It's too much for Rina, who immediately kneels and is heavingly, desperately stomach sick.
18:22 <•Kotono> "Air and Ooze!" Sanda gags, "It's channeling the various elements and combinations!"
18:22 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 56/57 (-1 str (in 10hr), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 39/39 Rina 56/62 (+4 mage armor, ????) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor)
18:23 <Skaya> "Stop that already!" Skaya cries out, grabbing Milla's hand. "You know Shar's gone and the world is still here! Go on, search all those memories you have!"
18:23 <Devar> "Listen, Shar is gone. She was defeated and no longer exists - so you don't need to live in despair anymore." Devar calls out. "Isn't the fact that we're all here proof of that?" He goes to join Skaya nearby Milla. "We're here to help, to help bring you back peace and hope."
18:24 <•Kotono> Anne steps forward, "We're here, not her. Peace. You don't need tobe afraid anymore."
18:24 <•Kotono> "I saw the moon die. I felt magic break apart. Creation screams when it dies." Milla repeats, "It won't stop. IT won't stop. It won't stop. It won't stop!"
18:25 <•Kotono> roll 1d18
18:25 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d18 --> [ 1d18=11 ]{11}
18:26 <Skaya> "It already did!"
18:26 <•Kotono> Suddenly light, light so bright and overwhelming everywhere that -! OOC: Fort all, no one's off the hook except Milla.
18:26 <Skaya> roll 1d20+7+6
18:26 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+7+6 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{23}
18:26 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Sanda
18:26 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Sanda --> [ 1d20=17 ]{23}
18:26 <Devar> roll 1d20+16
18:26 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{22}
18:26 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Anne
18:26 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 Anne --> [ 1d20=8 ]{20}
18:26 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Rina
18:26 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 Rina --> [ 1d20=20 ]{32}
18:28 <•Kotono> It's overwhelming light. It doesn'tlast long, but it sears into your eyes. When it clears, everything's blurry and indistinct, but you all can see. OOC: All of you are dazzled until further notice. The penalty to attack rolls and PErception checks is tripled to -3, and in general your sight is damaged. Blurriness, difficulty seeing at range and overall a decrease in visual acuity. One of you
18:28 <•Kotono> update topic HP with a note about that, please.
18:29 <•Kotono> "Stop!" Rina screams, clutching at her eyes with her hands, "All you're doing is hurting us!"
18:30 <•Kotono> "It won't stop!" Milla repeats, face slack as she slowly turns to Milla. Everything about her is indistinct now, a blurry mess. "It won't stop. Rina, it won't stop! You're here but it won't stop!"
18:30 <Devar> "I don't think it knows how." Devar calls out - going to do the only thing he really can do and try to give Milla a simple hug. "It's okay. You don't need to be afraid of Shar, or the future breaking anymore. Creation overcame that. Steady yourself - you're your own wish, your own miracle. You can help fix this, but you need to believe that."
18:30 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 47+10/47 Devar 56/57 (-1 str (in 10hr), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 39/39 Rina 56/62 (+4 mage armor, ????) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor) (Everyone is dazzled -3 to attack and Perception)
18:31 <Skaya> Throwing an arm across her eyes in reflex, Skaya tries to calm her instinctive fear at losing a great deal of her sight. At least she'd practiced with keeping an eye closed before so the psychological impact is lessened once she gets her bearings, but at this point she's honestly lost. "So why didn't you destroy yourself?" she asks the nasty orb. "If everything is terrible forever and you've lost the will to live, why didn't you go and
18:31 <Skaya> die? Isn't it to cling to a belief that things could get better somehow?"
18:33 <•Kotono> "I can't!" Milla says, starting to shake in Devar's arms. "All of you let me understand, and I can't. I tried. I tried immediately, but it doesn't work and Milla makes me want to live. Kill me. Kill me. Kill me." MIlla repeats, "Kill me. Smash me. Make it stop. Please, let me rest." Then softly, "I don't want to die."
18:33 <•Kotono> roll 1d18
18:33 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d18 --> [ 1d18=15 ]{15}
18:33 <•Kotono> Suddenly great drifts of salt gather in the room, glistening white blurs that-! OOC: Fort again. There's a few safe rolls but you sure aren't getting 'em.
18:33 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Sanda
18:33 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Sanda --> [ 1d20=7 ]{13}
18:34 <Devar> roll 1d20+16
18:34 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{26}
18:34 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Anne
18:34 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 Anne --> [ 1d20=11 ]{23}
18:34 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Rina
18:34 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 Rina --> [ 1d20=20 ]{32}
18:34 <Skaya> roll 1d20+7+6
18:34 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+7+6 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{16}
18:34 <•Kotono> roll 5d8 desiccation damage Sanda and Skaya full, everyone else half.
18:34 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 5d8 desiccation damage Sanda and Skaya full, everyone else half. --> [ 5d8=26 ]{26}
18:36 <•Kotono> Thirst. It's like you're bone dry now, the water sucked out of your bodies. You're so thirsty, desperately thirsty. Anne falls to a knee, while Sanda collapses and gags dryly. Rina somehow stays up, voice a raspy wheeze of, "Stop, please," she begs, "Just stop this. Stop it so we won't suffer like you're suffering."
18:36 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 31/47 Devar 43/57 (-1 str (in 10hr), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 47/60 Sanda 13/39 Rina 43/62 (+4 mage armor, ????) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor) (Everyone is dazzled -3 to attack and Perception)
18:36 <•Kotono> "Moore, help," Anne gasps, healing coming to all readily.
18:36 <•Kotono> roll 3d6
18:36 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d6 --> [ 3d6=11 ]{11}
18:36 <•Kotono> OOC: 16 total.
18:37 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 47/47 Devar 57/57 (-1 str (in 10hr), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 47/60 Sanda 29/39 Rina 60/62 (+4 mage armor, ????) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor) (Everyone is dazzled -3 to attack and Perception)
18:37 <Skaya> "So you want to live! And you can't stop! What can you do?!" Skaya calls out from where she'd collapsed to the floor. Is there a need to get up in this situation? "Choose the right power to use! Use some healing instead!"
18:38 <•Kotono> "Positive energy," Sanda croaks out, "Not death, life."
18:38 <•Kotono> "Milla...you don't want to die," Rina coughs, "Then don't die. Life. Help us. Control yourself."
18:39 <Devar> "If it could just stop, it would've." Devar says. "Listen to me - you don't want to die and we won't kill you. You created your own miracle to help yourself. ...Actually, that's right - there's a positive energy plane, isn't there?" Was that what blinded them? He shakes his head and continues to hold Milla. "Please, believe in yourself - believe in your own wish that you want to live and fix
18:39 <Devar> this. Believe in the peace of Eldath, the hope of Moore, the wisdom of Sylvie. We're all here to help you."
18:39 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 vs ???
18:39 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 vs ??? --> [ 1d20=13 ]{17}
18:39 <•Kotono> This time warmth and light comes. It soothes you and your thirst fades. Pain vanishes as...
18:40 <•Kotono> roll 4d6 healing all, excess is temp HP
18:40 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d6 healing all, excess is temp HP --> [ 4d6=15 ]{15}
18:40 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 47(15)/47 Devar 57(15)/57 (-1 str (in 10hr), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60(2) Sanda 39(5)/39 Rina 62(13)/62 (+4 mage armor, ????) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor) (Everyone is dazzled -3 to attack and Perception)
18:41 <Devar> OOC: I think I did all that math right
18:41 <Skaya> "That's right! That's a good first step!" Skaya exclaims, excited to see progress. "Now, can you use clairvoyance? Not to look into the future. To look around the world. Look at the place we came from. That's a safe and neutral power usage."
18:42 <•Kotono> "I...it worked?" Milla's voice is confused. "It never worked before, even when I began to think. Why did it work now, when I wanted to help someone?"
18:44 <•Kotono> Anne lies there, resting a moment, before she rises, "You were made to grant wishes, weren't you? Are you surprised that it works better than helping yourself, Milla?" Wiping her lips clean with the back of her gauntlet, "Listen to Skaya."
18:44 <Devar> "Shar was insiduous - she probably had already afflicted you somehow and you didn't know it, so it started to fool you into thinking you couldn't - and that led to you always believing you were broken." Devar says quietly. "But you're not, we will help put you whole again, so believe in that, like Skaya said, you can look wherever you want. Look in this very town that you created and see the
18:44 <Devar> good things we did there."
18:45 <•Kotono> Light comes again. As it does, Milla whispers, "I can see them. The real Dareslan. The cities and kingdoms beneath it now, all alive in their ways. I can see the portals. I'm reaching out for so much all over the world."
18:46 <•Kotono> roll 4d6 healing all, excess as temp HP again
18:46 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d6 healing all, excess as temp HP again --> [ 4d6=11 ]{11}
18:46 <Skaya> "Show me Mellanics, please," Skaya requests. Since it's working, they might as well go for it. "Do it instead of the healing, if you can." She stands up, gesturing a rough oval in front of her. "Let's say a surface like that for a mirror?"
18:47 <Skaya> OOC: Are we still dazzled?
18:48 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 47(26)/47 Devar 57(26)/57 (-1 str (in 10hr), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60(13) Sanda 39(16)/39 Rina 62(24)/62 (+4 mage armor, ????) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor) (Everyone is dazzled -3 to attack and Perception)
18:48 <•Kotono> OOC: Yes, that needs more than simple HP recovery to fix. 
18:48 <•Kotono> As requested, a shimmering, flickering image appears. Dareslan at noon. It's from a distance and busy, hard to seee with your eyes like this. But it looks right. Also, Skaya and Devar begin to feel too full, and all of you are starting to faintly glow with your own radiance. "I...I..."
18:48 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10 (+6 ???)
18:48 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 (+6 ???) --> [ 1d20=20 ]{30}
18:49 <•Kotono> *Mellanics at noon
18:49 <•Kotono> There's a tremendous shudder throughout as the radiant light before you draws inward and dims. More of a smooth sphere now, not so painful to look at from what you can tell. Milla slumps to the ground, and in a whisper, "It finally stopped."
18:50 <Skaya> "Awesome. You're awesome! I really admire your will and your desire to live," Skaya says honestly.
18:50 <•Kotono> Anne lets out a tremorous sigh of pure relief.
18:50 <•Kotono> "G-good work," Rina says, standing now. She slowly walks over, carefully.
18:52 <Devar> "There you go." Devar says, kneeling down. "You see? You just needed a little nudge."
18:52 <•Kotono> "I'm...I'm so tired." A whisper, "I've worked for so hard for so long. I want to live, but I also need to rest for a time." Milla looks up at all of you, "Yes, I was created to grant the wishes of others. Tell me, what is your wish. If it is within my power, I will create it."
18:53 <Devar> "I won't speak for everyone, but my wish is you find peace." Devar says with a smile. "I can't begin to imagine what you've been through, so just take your own time and be kind to yourself."
18:56 — Skaya taps her lips as she thinks the offer over. "I'll disappoint everyone with a selfish request, I think," she muses. "Is it within your power to augment people? If you can do it without bringing harm to yourself, I've always wanted to be smarter and to be capable of using my skills more often. Limits, right? Everyone likes pushing against them."
18:58 <Devar> "I don't think that's selfish at all." Devar says. "We still have a long road ahead of us."
18:59 <•Kotono> Before each of you appears a shifting sphere no larger than a marble. It's hard to see like this, but fire dances, air swirls, water crashes and earth rumbles within. "All the elements and all the combinations. Hold that sphere and think of a type, and you become of its blood with as few drawbacks as possible. Each person can only benefit from one, but use them or give them to others as you
18:59 <•Kotono> wish." Milla sits now, as the sphere of light moves into her. She glows now, "I think I'll sleep for a long, long time. Maybe I'll finally have good dreams."
19:00 <•Kotono> "One question," Anne says softly, "Is the real Milla the same as the Milla you were?" Her hands gently cup the one that appeared in front of her.
19:00 <Skaya> "Thanks! And keep yourself safe, alright? If you need any help, let me know. Wherever I am, whatever I'm doing, I'll come and save you!"
19:00 <Devar> "I suppose I'll add one more wish. I hope to see you again someday." Devar says with a smile and nods to Skaya. "That's right, if you ever need help, we'll be there for you."
19:01 <•Kotono> "I don't know. What can be, what was, what is, I create as I can, but accuracy is...not always....true...." Milla's eyes close and she begins to gently snore, lying on the stone floor peacefully.
19:02 — Skaya can't resist patting Milla's hair before she steps back and lets her rest.
19:03 <Devar> "I didn't expect this to be how this solved itself." Devar says quietly, giving Milla a pat on the head as well before he moves over to Skaya. He then looks around to see if there's any sort of exit from where they are. Maybe a door?
19:04 <•Kotono> There's a door to the side Devar is certain wasn't there before. Anne kneels, digs into her pack and comes out with her blanket. She lays it over Milla and whispers something into her ear, then rises. "I see now why we were called here. It needed someone to relate to, to copy someone close to them and relate to."
19:05 <•Kotono> "Something even the most human-alike elemental would struggle with," Rina says as she wipes away half dried tears from her face. "This sphere, though. The blood of the elements?"
19:06 <•Kotono> "One for each of us, a treasure beyond reckoning," Sanda remarks as she holds her, "The odds are we'll never see something as grand again."
19:06 <Skaya> Wait. So did eating the dragon heart help after all?! Skaya almost staggers at the thought. Still, better not second guess a success. "Seems like," she agrees with Rina, happy for this topic to think about. "Question is, how does it work? Beyond the obvious. For those of us who got touched by Fire or Ice."
19:07 <•Kotono> "I have no idea," Anne says, "Devar, does identification help?"
19:07 <Devar> "I hope we see her - it? Whatever - I hope we see them again outside." Devar says. "Someday. I hope all the... places we visited? Are all okay." He adds.
19:07 <Devar> "Huh? Oh." He nods. "I bet it won't work, but let me try." He says, focusing on his magic to detect it and try to identify the marbles.
19:08 <•Kotono> To Devar's surprise, it works easily, almost eagerly. OOC: Loot update.
19:08 <•Kotono> OOC: Sec.
19:10 <Devar> "Oh, wow, it... worked, this place is interesting." He says, marveling at it. "It works just like she said - you can choose any elemental plane, even the half-and-half quasi and para ones. Uh... maybe don't pick salt, though?"
19:11 <Skaya> "Actually that's so nasty it might be good--" Skaya starts to say with a straight face before laughing. "Oh I can't."
19:11 <Devar> "Could you imagine?" Devar says with a grin. "How would you even explain that?"
19:12 <Skaya> "I don't have to explain anything," Skaya says in a haughty tone of voice.
19:13 <Devar> "That does sound like what someone from the salt plane would say." Devar says, as if that all makes perfect sense.
19:14 <Skaya> "Don't knock it! Salt is a really pricy good and you'll always have plenty to sell."
19:15 <Devar> "I mean if that's your goal just make yourself from uh, Mineral?" Devar asks. "I think that's the one with all the gems."
19:15 <•Kotono> "Sanda's right, this is a great treasure," Anne remarks, "I know not if I'll use it myself, but the possibilities are vast."
19:16 <•Kotono> Rina stores hers away, "How about we get out of here first?" she suggests, "I'm tired of being underground or underwater."
19:17 <Skaya> "Alright, let's do that!"
19:18 <Devar> Devar will lead everyone to the door!
19:20 <•Kotono> The door is opened. When it does the party falls a moment, before...Dareslan? A Dareslan without entirely empty streets. People are moving about. The sun is out and the summer warmth and fresh air is a balm after all you've gone through. You all stand in a city street, like nothing is wrong.
19:20 <Skaya> "Yes! We're back!" Skaya cheers, raising a fist to the sky in elation.
19:21 <Devar> "We should probably check in and see how long we've been gone for." Devar says.
19:23 <•Kotono> Anne's entire posture slumps in utter relief, while Sanda laughs and looks up at the sky. "We made it!"
19:23 <•Kotono> "Let's go," Is the agreement, "4 days, I think?" Rina says, "I think?"
19:23 — Skaya closes the door they'd come through, and then checks to see if it exists, and if she can open it again.
19:24 <•Kotono> It's just a small s ewer access door, and this time it opens up to a small sewer access room.
19:25 — Skaya relaxes at that. Looks like Milla is smart enough to avoid such direct danger, so she can rest assured of her safety.
19:26 <•Kotono> OOC: So what are y'all going to do? Go check in?
19:27 <Devar> OOC: Yeah, check in with High Reeve Richman since he's the one who sent us to investigate originally
19:27 <Skaya> OOC: Correct
19:30 <•Kotono> When you reach the High Reeve's offices, you're escorted in with undisguised shock. The HIgh Reeve is writing away at his desk, as a messenger speaks, "...and with the opening of the gates, supplies have rapidly begun to replenish." The High Reeve stops that with a gesture and looks up, "You're alive?" he says, not hiding his surprise. "I had thought the five of you lost beyond recovery. The
19:30 <•Kotono> few guards brave enough to venture within didn't come back."
19:31 <•Kotono> "In need of some healing yet," Anne agrees, "Pardon us, our eyes are not entirely well, but we survived."
19:31 <•Kotono> The messenger salutes and steps back, staying out of the way.
19:31 <Skaya> "It's a shame you didn't trust us to do the job we agreed to do and sent more people after us," Skaya says sadly. Those guards were probably eaten by horrible things. "Still, we did succeed, even if it took us some time."
19:32 <Devar> "It's been... quite the story." Devar adds. "I'm not sure you'd believe the whole thing, but if you just want the summary - the issue is resolved and there shouldn't be anymore issues."
19:35 <•Kotono> "I'd very much like the entire story," The High Reeve waves the messenger away, but then turns to him, "Have a good meal and drink for all of us brought in, something from the new supplies." Once he's gone, "Sit, rest and tell me. There's much I want to know."
19:36 <•Kotono> Sanda sinks into a chair, "It's been a long, hard few days. Thank you."
19:36 <•Kotono> Anne takes the time to set down mace, pack and shield. The chair groans under the weight of her new armor, but holds. "Has the quarantine been lifted?"
19:37 <•Kotono> "This morning," Is the answer, "And with it came news of afar, brought by magic and flight."
19:38 <Devar> Devar will make sure the others have places to sit before he does. "News? Oh dear, should we hear that first?"
19:40 <•Kotono> "A battle between Laremy and Eis, near the town of Watch." Is the news, "Details beyond that are unknown, only that something happened."
19:40 <•Kotono> Anne sighs heavily, "As we feared. The world did not stand idle while we solved one problem."
19:41 <Devar> "We knew that was brewing." Devar says with a frown. "I wonder if our quarry is the one involved in perpetuating the circumstances."
19:43 <•Kotono> "I don't know, but the fact that you're from Laremy is difficult," The High Reeve continues, then takes out a scroll. "However, I have this from the Lawmaker. Should you desire now or int he future, particularly should Laremy fall, you have an offer of Welland citizenship. This is in recognition of your great gallantry and heroism."
19:45 <•Kotono> Rina laughs softly, "And to deprive an enemy of powerful soldiers if Welland ends up in the war."
19:46 <Devar> "That is very gracious of you." Devar says with a look over at Rina. "Let's not overthink ourselves into a sad situation like that and just keep focusing on our original goal that brought us here. Have you had any other reports of anything you believe might be related to Brachidos while we've been... busy?"
19:47 <•Kotono> There's no denial. Instead, "Should you wish this now or in the future, the offer is open." After that, "I'm still going through reports, but there's rumblings of trouble to the north. Ankhegs mostly, but rumors of trouble."
19:48 <Devar> "Ah, hopefully that will sort itself out somewhat, but I think what we worked on might've been the root cause of that..." Devar says.
19:48 <•Kotono> "They're being pushed out by another creature. Like how a dragon mi ght chase lesser predators out of a forest it claims," Sanda elaborates, "Or ants out of an anthill that was knocked over."
19:51 <•Kotono> A pause as food comes. Beef, bread, potatoes and cheese. Hearty food as requested, and it's hot. Anne tucks in immediately, as does Sanda and Rina. "That would fit," The HIgh Reeve speculates aloud.
19:52 <Devar> Devar takes a breath before he begins, "Well, I can't tell you how long the problem's been there, or how soon it began affecting here, but... basically, there was... let's call it a boundary. Once you crossed that boundary, you were inside what effectively was a demi-plane. Not... exactly one, but go along with the mental image for the time being."
19:53 <Devar> "It began with a repeating house, with stairs that led to different places..." OOC: He will basically explain the elemental Dareslans, the various inhabitants, and explain the story on how they got all the way to end with the artifact. He'll leave out the elemental imbuement specifically and also not mention Milla by name and simply say they met someone who looked like one of their former
19:53 <Devar> companions.
19:55 <•Kotono> The story takes some time to tell. Time for good and rest, for questions and clarifications. It's deep into the afternoon when the discussion is done. "So....there's an entire new frontier beneath Dareslan, and possibly a threat should creatures emerge. That madman was right to be cautious of what lies below."
19:57 <Devar> "I'm not sure if the boundary has been closed off, but I wouldn't worry about anything coming from there for some time." Devar says. "I hope your city doesn't have to worry about anything for a good while."
19:58 <•Kotono> "As do I, Dareslan has suffered enough," Is the High Reeve's answer. "Is there anything else to report?"
19:59 <Devar> "I do not believe so." Devar says but he looks at the others for confirmation.
20:02 <Skaya> "Not to report, perhaps," Skaya voices, "but I would suggest viewing that possibility as a benefit for trade and development. Reaching into the elemental planes for their goods is the purview of the very few and usually those quite powerful, but Dareslan has a chance to rebuild better than ever as such a trade hub."
20:04 <•Kotono> That gets a brief nod, "As events warrant," Is the answer, "And if we can establish stable, friendly relations with what's below."
20:06 <Skaya> "Once you get to that point, try starting with Water. They're pretty nice, just bring a merchant to keep them honest."
20:08 <•Kotono> A nod to that, as...OOC: Anything that desperately needs to be done IC here?
20:08 <Skaya> OOC: I'm good
20:08 <Devar> OOC: Nope

[Corwin]

<Level up to LVL 6>