The Laremy Front 17

[Corwin]

19:05 <•Kotono> "Somehow we do beat the odds at that," Sanda agrees, as you head out. With that minefield navigated, now what?
19:06 <Devar> To Spine's Spire first to see what their options are!
19:12 <•Kotono> Spine's Spire is a twisted, looping tower of dark blue seastone that rises over half a dozen stories. The top floor is a single, open water room with a large statue of an armored mer-knight, holding aloft a trident that shines with warm, bright light. It casts the entire tower in an eye catching glow, standing out from the darker shades of everything around it.
19:13 <Devar> "Is the 'first floor' on the top in these sorts of places?" Devar asks. "I guess that makes sense."
19:19 <•Kotono> "It depends," Is Nibelle's answer, "That's the King's Statue, an old statue showing an ancient king of the seas. It protects the entire building it shines on according to legend...and is worth more pearls and shards than you could spend in a lifetime."
19:20 <•Kotono> "If it's so valuable, why is it here?" Sanda retorts immediately.
19:20 <•Kotono> "I hear the owner found it in a treasure horde, it was lost for a long time," Nibelle answers.
19:21 <Devar> "Perhaps they're showing off they can't be easily bought." Devar says. He looks around the open floor area to see if there's any entrance or anything - if not, or if it doesn't look like that floor is the real entrance, he'll head down to the bottom to go inside."
19:29 <•Kotono> There are on lower floors, doors to enter in at various levels of the tower. The top floor doesn't have anything, just the statue in case you want to look at that.
19:31 <Devar> Devar will start with the lowest door and go from there!
19:35 <•Kotono> You enter into a large gallery. Here various objects are about - arms and armor, wands, staves, bracelets, jewelry. Each is encased in clear class with a plaque near them, sitting atop a wrought coral pillar. Fish swim by leisurely, the water warmer here and everything well lit. In your ear a woman's voice whispers, "Welcome to the Spine's Spire.  You are clearly heroes of wealth and power,
19:35 <•Kotono> what is it you wish here?"
19:36 <•Kotono> Sanda looks around, "To know if you're showing off or if this is an understated message of don't try and steal anything because you're an archmage?"
19:37 <Devar> "The personal whisper is a nice touch, but I bet they say that to everyone." Devar says. "Good day to you - we wish to speak to someone about purchasing a scroll, or an item that can cast the spell Regenerate, or can function in a similar capacity." He just assumes whoever is talking can hear him and will answer.
19:38 <Devar> Devar does also casually look at the plaques - he's guessing that they're explanations of the items and possibly cost information, but he is curious!
19:48 <•Kotono> You glance at one. It is of a short sword with a shiny, mother of pearl embossed blade. In spite of the impracticality of that, it looks sharp and strong. The plaque reads, "The Mermaid Heartslayer. A short sword made by the marid Shalla, a weapon that is effective against creatures of water as well as aquatic creatures generally. In addition it sucks the water from a creature on any
19:48 <•Kotono> successful blow.  It is named due to being used to assassinate the Princess Delagure." No price is listed. Instead, from behind, that woman's voice speaks, "If you're interested, all prices are discussed on an individual basis. If you have to worry about every shard you spend, you're in the wrong place."
19:49 <•Kotono> Nibelle turns, "Oh," she murmurs softly, "You'd have startled me if I didn't have the new grace of a wealthy mermaid of means." A soft little laugh comes from her, "I've done well for myself."
19:50 <•Kotono> "Why a blade underwater?" Sanda asks, curiousity in every word. "Then again, short swords can be used like a thrusting knife I suppose, if made properly for it."
19:52 <Devar> Devar simply nods. "I see - I'm not much into trading or mercantile arts, but I understand setting a bar for yourself and sticking to your own way of doing things." He simply addresses the room. "I can assume then you have the scroll. I'd also like to discuss some other matters - we may be going somewhere that needs fresh water produced, do you have anything that might aid in that?"
20:07 <•Kotono> The mermaid before you has long white hair that flows freely in the water, and body is decorated with elaborate red and blue patterns in some manner of body paint. Her fish bottom propels her along, as she listens to all of you. "I have such a scroll. Always popular, yet difficult enough to make for mortals that they struggle so. The demand far outpaces the supply. As for that, I have such
20:07 <•Kotono> a thing for sale."
20:11 <Devar> "Greetings to you." Devar says. "Since we're in the fold of things already, if you have that scroll, I'd also be interested in items that can either produce food and water regularly, perhaps something that can cast it once a day or more. I'd also like to purchase any items you have that can increase one's diplomatic ability, and possibly one to increase one's ability to be sneaky."
20:12 <Devar> OOC: To be clear, a magic item that can cast create food / water, and skill boosters for diplomacy / stealth.
20:14 <Devar> "Just to be sure you know that we have the ability to pay for these-" Devar takes out the bag with the small platinum bars and places it on top of a table nearby, as well as the bag of gems. "I haven't personally appraised both of these, but I have coins besides these. I am aware we have to get this exchanged, but I did want to showcase that the cost wasn't a concern."
20:17 <•Kotono> The bars and gems are briefly examined, "We do handle selling such fine goods as well," Is the answer, "I see that cost is not a concern. Is there anything else you're interested in?"
20:17 <•Kotono> Nibelle shakes her head, "Not me today."
20:18 <Devar> "We probably need something to get back quickly." Devar says with a look at Sanda. "Unless you can suddenly teleport us?"
20:18 <•Kotono> "Hmm, hmm, we have that as well for the discerning customer. A scroll is by far the most affordable option, but of single use," Is the explanation.
20:19 <•Kotono> With a hmm as Sanda thinks, "I do, anything to increase my hardiness." Sanda answers, "As well as my toughness and resistance."
20:21 <Devar> "Hmm." Devar rubs his chin. "I'm pretty much covered, but I suppose if you did have a way to strengthen one's charisma, that would be great."
20:30 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, quick question for my end, but what's your budget for everything here?
20:31 <Devar> OOC: Devar's got about 42,000 gold, plus the bars and gems, and if need be he'll throw in the gold mace, but I can't imagine he'll need to do that with everything else.
21:01 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay.
21:03 <•Kotono> "A scroll of regenerate is 333 small pearls or 50 large pearls," Is the answer, "In your coins, that's 5,000 gold coins."
21:04 <Devar> OOC: Do I know offhand if that cost is inflated in any way versus what the normal price would be? I have Appraise or K:A or Spellcraft, if any of those are appropriate.
21:06 <•Kotono> OOC: K:A and Appraise.
21:07 <Devar> OOC: 25 on both of those
21:09 <•Kotono> It is inflated. In theory this should cost around 2,275 gold. However, the point about supply and demand is on point, and a scroll of regenerate is a precious treasure. Finding one is one thing, finding one for the theoretical price is another.
21:12 <Devar> "I know that's a bit inflated, but I hope you'll be willing to give us a deal on the rest of the purchases." Devar says with a smile. "I'd love to bring my friends here eventually, I'm sure they'd make other purchases too. Besides, surely I get the 'first time customer with a water elemenetal friend' consideration?"
21:13 <•Kotono> "Prices are subject to individual pricing," Is the answer, and with a soft but knowing smile and look, "She is quite the feminine elemental. Most think being a man or woman is a strange affliction of the solids or the marids."
21:14 <•Kotono> "I'm much nicer than that," Sanda retorts, "And also not an Ice elemental who wishes to adopt humans as pets."
21:15 <Devar> "We had... a rather unique experience." Devar adds with his own smile. "Regardless, we will pay that for the scroll. The other items?"
21:21 <•Kotono> You are escorted to another case. Here sits a pair of solid bracers made of smooth, white-gold metal. They shine in the water, and the bright light only highlights them more. "The Bracers of Internal Control. It is said they quicken the life force - the ki as others would put it, or the water of life - and strengthen it. What is more, when worn by a martial artist, it enhances their strikes
21:21 <•Kotono> with long claws of metal.  What's remarkable is that they adapt to use your life force to enhance what you do. " The mermaid reaches out, and the glass case ripples away from her hand and allows her in. She picks up the bracers, "They are siad to be a creation of Lady Sanzha, a former marid padisha and now one a power in her own right. But in truth they're older, far older, and a recreation
21:21 <•Kotono> of something else. IF it was her work long ago or another I do not know, but these Bracers have a history behind them." A pause, "However, they do not suffer weak wearers lightly, particularly of those who are not of Water, and must be contested with to earn their full loyalty and power."
21:23 <•Kotono> Sanda leans in to study them closely, "You know the story of them as well as what they do?" she asks, "It's a good presentation."
21:23 <•Kotono> "Any brute can sell magical plunder," The mermaid retorts primly, "But it is elegance and art to understand the history of them. In history the truth is learned."
21:24 <Devar> "Interesting. I know someone who would use them, but they're partially of Air." Devar says. "But I don't think Air and Water are that dissimilar." He says. "I know a certain dragon who'd be very impressed with your collection."
21:24 <Devar> He nods to the mermaid. "Your curation shows you care a great deal about the presentation and quality of the things you sell."
21:25 <•Kotono> "If it is the one I am thinking of, they are an occasional customer." As Sanda studies Devar gets an answer, gaze on him now. "I know a great deal of history about many magical weapons, and always strive to learn more. Mortal creatures, they so easily forget the past. It is on us to remember."
21:26 <•Kotono> "You're old?" Sanda asks, "I-" She stops, "I'm new to this, and I'm still struggling to think of myself as not getting older like everyone else."
21:27 <•Kotono> "Age and time are our greatest weapons," The bracers are gently put back down. "As the centuries and millenia pass, you will come to understand how important history is. How history should be preserved and understood."
21:28 <Devar> Devar smiles. "So it's like this is a museum." He nods. "I'd definitely love to some to see everything you have - though I'll probably need to come back with a heavier purse." He smiles a bit more widely at that.
21:30 <•Kotono> "Still, if these bracers interest you, they are for sale at a price of 350 large pearls, or 2,333 small pearls. However, I will allow you to don them once and see if you are compatible with them before purchase. If they resist you or your nature, it is not an easy prospect to master them."
21:30 <•Kotono> Sanda's quiet, "Also, speaking of history, don't you have a mouthy, rude spear that you'd like to know more history about, Devar?"
21:32 <Devar> Devar lets out a sigh. "I'll warn you, madam, that when she says mouthy and rude it is not understatement." He says. Nonetheless, he summons forth Storm's Eye. "He seems to have been... we'll call it dimensionally misplaced. There's a particular place I need to take him back to, but if there's anything you might know in regards to his history, I'm happy to pay for the story. He calls himself
21:32 <Devar> Storm's Eye, if that helps."
21:34 <•Kotono> A slight frown starts to show until Storm's Eye is produced. As her expression freezes, Storm's Eye yawns. "Gooooood morning. Ah, mermaids I see, what a lovely view. If you ask me, there's something captivating about the way they don't dress."
21:35 <•Kotono> "Friend, where did you find...that?" The word is said as if sour as a lemon.
21:35 <•Kotono> Nibelle smiles at that, "Oh dear, is something wrong with that spear?"
21:36 <Devar> "It's... complicated." Devar says. "...But to put it simply, we found him in a warped reality that had been created by a broken artifact."
21:36 <Devar> "Well... as simply as that can be said, anyway." Devar adds.
21:42 <•Kotono> "Oh now that's a sad look on your face. You should be happier for Devar, he's reaching out to the ladies under the waves," STorm's Eye chuckles, "But do you know me?" More interest in his voice now.
21:42 <•Kotono> Sanda shakes her head, "Here we go."
21:42 <•Kotono> Nibelle is faintly red faced, gaze going back and forth steadily.
21:43 <Devar> "I'm sorry." Devar says with as much honesty as he can muster. "He's a staunch ally, despite..."
21:43 <•Kotono> "I do," Is the controlled retort, "I had thought you lost or destroyed, but is it not said a pearl of worth vanishes into pockets, but a broken shard stays on the streets for life?"  Then with at least a note of understanding, "Despite everything, I see."
21:44 <•Kotono> "What do you know of Storm's Eye?" Is the question after that.
21:45 <Devar> "All I know is he's, for a lack of a better way of phrasing it, intelligent." Devar says. "He can absorb magic items and create small diamonds. Beyond that, he has some ability to fire off lightning bolts and strikes with the power of a storm."
21:47 <•Kotono> "Is that place you need to take him to mountains, by chance?" The mermaid asks, "Or something similar?"
21:48 <Devar> "Yes, 'The twin mountains, where storms fight, past Karne Forests.' if I recall." Devar says with a glance over to Sanda. "I had intended to visit there at some point."
22:09 <•Kotono> "As I thought," The mermaid says,a nd begins to talk of Storm's Eye...next time!

[Corwin]

19:08 <•Kotono> "You," The mermaid jabs a finger at Storm's Eye, "Have a reputation that precedes yourself, if you have a memory that lasts more than the recent years. The Wrath of Storms is quite the story."
19:09 <•Kotono> "I'm all ears, lady," Storm's Eye retorts, "Keep goin'."
19:12 <Devar> "At least say 'ma'am.' I'm sorry - my name is Devar of Eldath, this is Sanda." Devar says by way of an introduction.
19:16 <•Kotono> "Charmed. I go by Spine - it is such a terrible translation into your land dweller's words," the mermaid explains, "The Wrath of Storms is the story of a pauper turned king and the magical, intelligent spear that he wielded. Said to be lost whent hat king died defeating a great menace from another world, an engine of fire and hatred."
19:17 ↔ Devar nipped out 
19:20 <Devar> Devar blinks and looks at Storm's Eye. "We aren't sure how long he was stuck in the place he ended up, but an engine of fire and hatred would fit with where we were..."
19:20 <Devar> "Did this king create him?" Devar asks.
19:23 <•Kotono> "The stories say he found Storm's Eye where a lightning bolt hit the ground," Spine says, "So either forged by a higher power or salvaged from another."
19:23 <•Kotono> "Hohohoho," Storm's Eye chuckles, "He sounds like a good, virile man there to brave a storm to find me!"
19:24 <•Kotono> "..." A few moments, "He was notable for having over a dozen queens," Spine says, voice less than friendly.
19:24 <Devar> Devar sighs. "I'm guessing the stories lean more heavily on his attitude towards people."
19:25 <Devar> "Just to be clear, I'm pretty sure I'm not turning lecherous..."
19:27 <•Kotono> "You'd best not be," Sanda snorts,  "I don't like your odds if you do."
19:28 <•Kotono> "He was a heroic king who fought many evils," Spine remarks, "And somehow there was always a beautiful, blushing maiden to save."
19:28 <•Kotono> "Like any good story should have," Storm's Eye says, as Sanda hums.
19:28 <•Kotono> "Or you know, it goes the opposite way and that king imprinted on Storm's Eye," Sanda says after a moment.
19:30 <Devar> "Me neither." Is the deadpan reply. He blinks and does look at Storm's Eye that. "Maybe. Or maybe it's both, he had a personality and now they're combined. Did that help your memory at all?"
19:33 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:34 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@D585FE42.49836061.B227C4EE.IP)
19:34 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:34 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=14 ]{14}
19:35 <•Kotono> "Hum, hum," Storm's Eye grunts, "Now that you mention it, that all does sound familiar."
19:36 <Devar> "Do any of the stories mention the lance getting stronger? We've found out that he can eat magical items and it seems to help him grow." Devar asks.
19:37 <•Kotono> "Yes, that Storm's Eye grew along with the king. Hardly the first time a story mentioned such a thing, and rarely true," Is Spine's answer, "But sometimes stories speak truly, all the more wisdom to knowledge of the ages. Or more honestly, Storm's Eye may be adaptive."
19:38 <Devar> Devar nods. "He's definitely someone's divine experiment." He says. "Actually... isn't there a spell that can give you more information than Identify? Legend.. something?"
19:50 <•Kotono> "Legend Lore. Not cheap, but it can be performed," Is the answer, "It also takes a littl etime, even with Storm's Eye on hand. But it is a marvelous spell to uncover more about history."
19:50 <•Kotono> "I'd love to be able to cast that one day," Sanda mentions, "But the magic is so complicated."
19:51 <•Kotono> "You have time to learn," Spine encourages, "Patience will reward you."
19:52 <Devar> "I'd be happy to pay for your time if you're willing to offer it." Devar says. "This is a good opportunity."
19:54 <Devar> OOC: to cast the spell since it probably wasn't clear what he meant
19:58 → Devar_ joined (~Devar@lunarnet-E118B4D2.sub-174-211-98.myvzw.com)
19:59 <•Kotono> "Very well," Is the agreement, "That will cost 20 big pearls."
20:00 ⇐ Devar quit (~Devar@lunarnet-D3E27426.sub-174-211-99.myvzw.com) Ping timeout: 180 seconds
20:00 <Devar_> He nods. "While we're on the subject of this, do you have any items that can create food or water?" He asks. "We might as well tally up the expenses first before we get it converted."
20:09 <•Kotono> "Yes," Is the answer, "Come with me." You are lead up a swim tunnel to a higher floor. More items are here, and you come on an item surrounded by glass. No water inside, and here sits a cornucopia. Fruits and vegetables can be seen within, shifting, along with bottles of milk, slabs of meat, salt and spices. The plaque next to it reads, "Horn of Chauntea: One of many horns said to be made
20:09 <•Kotono> by Chauntea or her followers. The bounty of the land can be found within it in the form of foods of all kinds. This one was once the treasure of another world, of a land called Valgadda, which is no more. From that land a curse lays on it. Only someone who does not hunger can draw forth the magic of this horn."
20:11 <Devar_> "Ironic." Devar says, after reading the information. "Is that literal? For example, if you're full, can it still work? Or does it have to be invoked by someone who doesn't need to eat at all?"
20:20 <•Kotono> "You have to not be able to eat, and not hunger. It's a strange curse, because it doesn't preclude the ability to feel hunger, but more of a constant state." Spine says, "The curse on it is softer than it once was, and I suspect that whatever it was originally laid on to protect against is destroyed."
20:23 <Devar_> "Hmm... so we're rather tied to being there to use it, and can't really leave it in the hands of anyone... but I can see its use, and maybe there's some way to overcome the curse." He nods to himself. "We will purchase it. One more thing, we'd like to also purchase a scroll of teleport - unless you also
20:23 <Devar_> happen to have something that works the same way? I've heard of some wondrous things that can be used repeatedly."
20:24 <Devar_> "Actually - before that, may I try the horn to make sure I qualify?" He asks.
20:30 <•Kotono> "If you like," Is the answer, "But know this: The horn does not like getting wet, and any food it produces will be fouled until it dries out. That takes a few days."
20:31 <Devar_> Devar nods. "We shouldn't need it immediately, so that's not a problem." He looks over at Sanda - "you can't by any chance just control water, can you? You could keep it dry if you can."
20:33 <Devar_> "I know we're underwater so that sounds ridiculous but I figured you could just push it away or something." He explains.
20:36 <•Kotono> "I can, but it'll make a whirlpool underwater," Sanda explains, "It's not s uited for this."
20:37 <•Kotono> "Please don't," Is Spine's answer, "I'd rather not clean up the mess that would make."
20:37 <Devar_> He nods. "Understood, we will just have to deal with some soggy food." He nods to Spine. "I'll try and do it quickly."
20:42 <•Kotono> The case parts before your hand, ready to be grabbed. "Focus on the food you want," Spine suggests.
20:42 <Devar_> Devar does just that - he decides on something simple... a peach will do.
20:43 <Devar_> He reaches in to take something out of the cornucopia!
20:44 <•Kotono> A waterlogged and moldy peach appears, then another and another and another.
20:46 <Devar_> "Well, it works." Devar says with a nod. "Great - does the food disappear after some time or is it permanent?"
20:51 <•Kotono> "It's permanent," Is the answer, "It is a gift from Chauntea. If you're interested, the price is 4,700 small pearls or 700 large pearls."
20:52 <Devar_> He nods. He's not sure he can afford that but he'll figure it out once they can convert everything. "And then either the scroll or something that can used for quick travel?"
20:57 <•Kotono> "A teleportation depends. I offer scrolls of teleport, which is unreliable but cheapest at 10 big pearls and 2 small pearls. With a day's notification to prepare, I can personally teleport all of you for 20 big pearls. No chance of error, no mishaps barring wards or local conditions. Powerful, safe and effective."
20:58 <•Kotono> "And pure profit to you," Sanda remarks, "No expensive scroll to make, just your own time and effort."
20:58 <•Kotono> Nibelle giggles a little, "Time and effort are pearls a nd shards by another time."
20:59 <Devar_> "Given the situation over there, we're probably going to want the safest option. If there was a mishap and we ended up in enemy territory it would be..." Devar shakes his head. "But I wonder, should we also by a scroll too? In case we need to get somewhere else fast?"
21:02 <•Kotono> "I think that would be wise to purchase both," Spine speaks up, "While we have all the time in Creation, events still move at their own pace. Why risk time when it matters?"
21:02 <•Kotono> Sanda mmms, "We need to put our finances together and decide. A small pearl's 15 gold coins and a big pearl's 100, right?"
21:04 <Devar_> "We have a few things to convert." Devar says. "So let's find out what all we have and we can make sure to covers everything."
21:04 <•Kotono> "You have it," Nibelle chimes in, "Plus any charge to convert your land dweller gold into coral and pearls."

[Corwin]

21:40 <•Kotono> roll 1d100-20 (-20 extensive selection bonus) diplo
21:40 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100-20 (-20 extensive selection bonus) diplo --> [ 1d100=53 ]{33}
21:40 <•Kotono> roll 1d100-25 (-20 extensive selection bonus, -5 not being tapped out like land stores in Welland for healing/restoring things)
21:40 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100-25 (-20 extensive selection bonus, -5 not being tapped out like land stores in Welland for healing/restoring things) --> [ 1d100=18 ]{-7}
21:43 <•Kotono> "As for that rod, I have one," Is the answer, "The price is 90 large pearls or 600 small pearls. It is of small note that the one I have is also enchanted to function as a minor magical weapon rather than simply an ornate rod."
21:48 → Devar joined  ⇐ Devar_ quit 
21:48 <•Kotono> "As for that rod, I have one," Is the answer, "The price is 90 large pearls or 600 small pearls. It is of small note that the one I have is also enchanted to function as a minor magical weapon rather than simply an ornate rod."
21:49 <Devar> OOC: so the total for all of it exceeds what we have. What would Spine offer for the gold-making mace, if anything? Or maybe we can convince her to give us a good customer discount? :)
21:49 <•Kotono> OOC: Feel free to tal kto her about either.
21:49 <Devar> OOC: we have 1166 pearls and the total is 1220 for my reference
21:51 <Devar> "Would you be at all willing to go down slightly on the total cost?" Devar asks, looking through everything. "The total is a bit more than we have, but I can promise you if you're willing to accept this I'll bring my friends back for further purchases."
21:57 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me a diplo check here.
21:58 <Devar> OOC: take 10 for 28
22:02 <•Kotono> "How much is it that you have?" Is the inquiry back, an intense look your way now.
22:03 <Devar> "1166." Is the answer.
22:06 <•Kotono> "...very well, but don't disappoint me," Is Spine's answer in return, hand offered out to you.
22:08 <Devar> Devar gives her a firm handshake. "I promise we will return with even more pearls next time." He promises.
22:10 <•Kotono> The answer comes...next time! OOC: Go ahead and post finalized purchases and I'll post details.
22:11 <Devar> OOC: got it

[Corwin]

19:11 <•Kotono> "First of all, there's Alyne of Swiftbrook. A fighter and a sorcerer, skilled at both. Good with the military and group battles, but more than capable of smaller engagements. The only reason he's not a noble is that his little city-state doesn't have room, and he's hands on and capable. Try not to fight him if you don't have to, since he has a magic sword that makes wounds that don't stop
19:11 <•Kotono> bleeding and don't heal properly." A tick off, "Donya Dell, a commander. I know her tricks and she knows mine, and she's fast. She likes to kill before anyone can stop her. Sneaky." Going on from that, "Ganaraxaine, the speaking wyvern. I think he has true dragon blood, because he has a terrible, poisonous dragon's breath, and spells to go with it. Those are the biggest three, though there's
19:11 <•Kotono> others of course, as well as surprises like those serpents. I hear the Queen did something with her own surprise on the Eis front, or someone did anyway."
19:15 <Skaya> "Wow," Skaya can't help but say, eyes widening. "They're wasting these guys on prison guards?"
19:18 <•Kotono> "No," A retort, "They aren't, but they're in the general front, so it's not impossible you'll run into them. You probably won't on these missions, but better to know than not."
19:18 <•Kotono> Rina hms a moment before, "Better to know than not," she agrees, "And of threats more immediate?"
19:19 <Skaya> "Ah," Skaya agrees with a nod. "What Rina said. I was hoping we could take the leadership of the prison camp, and then use their lives to free at least some of the prisoners. Then, return with them and you to Mellanics and improvise some defenses to put us in a better position. If we can hold out until Devar and Sanda return, that's great. If not, we'll try to negotiate. What do you think?"
19:32 <•Kotono> "Albrek Waterford," Milla says, "He's competent at his job and not on the frontline because he's not well suited to it. He's a mage with a distaste for battle, but is fine playing prison keeper. He's the main threat there, and not a light one since you never take mages of talent lightly." A nod after, "So buy time, stall and improve the situation. Maybe make them accept a longer siege or action
19:32 <•Kotono> around Mellanics?"
19:34 <Skaya> "Exactly. I asked Devar and Sanda to pick a scroll for Lady Cerine. Between evening out the forces some and having her properly onboard we can improve our defensive situation. And then, we can give negotiations a try. No one wants to get dragged into a lengthy fight during a winter Auril will be extra active."
19:43 <•Kotono> "It's a better plan than we had," Milla admits, "Even if this feels like a long shot still."
19:44 <•Kotono> "As Sanda would say, it's the best odds we have," Rina counters.
19:44 <Skaya> "There's a Plan B but it's terrible, so let's focus on this first. If we want to strike tonight, what do we need to know, Milla?"
19:51 <•Kotono> "Be ready, they're not letting the night defenses off lightly. Especially after I've been working on them," Milla admits, "They're well trained for back line troops, or at least disciplined."
19:51 <•Kotono> "That makes sense. They won a huge bounty, they don't want to lose it and let Laremy recover," Rina reflects. "An investment in worthwhile soldiers here rather than pure second rate troops makes a certain sense."
19:53 <Skaya> "Let's plan around it as best as we can," Skaya voices. "I'm decent at sneaking and recently I learned how to emulate invisibility magic. It's only for a few minutes, but that can help a lot. Plus, the flying. In theory, I could use the magic on one more person if we ignore a safety margin for getting away."
19:59 <•Kotono> "I can sneak in," Milla say swith conviction, "If you two can take care of yourselves, I can handle my part of it."
20:01 <Skaya> That does leave Anne, but she's not the sneaking type. To confirm this, Skaya asks her, "Want to stay behind for this one while I bring Rina?" Glancing over, she asks Rina next, "And speaking of, how confident are you of your sneaking skills?"
20:16 <•Kotono> "I was debating the same option," Anne admits, "The more I listened, the more I realized this wasn't a battle for me."
20:16 <•Kotono> "Confident," Rina returns right away. "I can take care of myself."
20:19 <Skaya> Worst case, having Anne around means they could fly off with Rina and Milla easily later. "Then let's give this a try. I won't use any magic to keep it in reserve, then. Milla, do you have a rough map, or any idea of the timing of patrols? We could follow you in together."
20:29 <•Kotono> "I can draw one if you have paper and ink," MIlla says agreeably, "The patrols are fairly regular, though they've been mixing them up since I got started/."
20:30 — Skaya naturally has some supplies, and she provides them to Milla! The beauty of dimensional storage once more displays itself.
21:01 <•Kotono> Once done a simple map is drawn. It looks like the camps are large, roughly square tent cities surrounded by fencing to keep them in. "They cut a lot of trees to make walls," Milla mentions, "As well as some earthen barriers. It's not pretty, but it's enough. They have watch towers as well. Past the perimeter, there's patrols and prisoners are expected to stay in the tents or near them.
21:02 <Skaya> "And the officers? Let's go for the camp holding the most of the healthy prisoners so they have a decent choice of escape. Actually, is this all one single territory of several camp towns, or are they spread some distance from each other?"
21:07 <•Kotono> "
21:08 <•Kotono> "The officers have guarded tents on the north end, well guarded," Is the response, a frown, "Haven't been able to get close yet. It's several of them a bit spread out due to the many captives."
21:09 <Skaya> "In your opinion, should we try to sneak in anyway, set off a diversion to assist, or rely on magic afterall?"
21:10 <•Kotono> Milla's quiet in thought for a little bit, "Any surprise is lost, so as long as you can escape, trying to sneak in costs us nothing," she says, "Magic can be a second plan."
21:11 <•Kotono> "My own thoughts," Anne speaks up, "Milla's efforts have them on alert, and by now they have to expect problems."
21:11 <•Kotono> Rina glances over at her, "You think?"
21:11 <Skaya> "Got it. In that case, let's get going. I'll try to knock out anyone who spots us. Hopefully, they're looking for Milla's solo scare tactics rather than a more conventional team."
21:11 <•Kotono> "The common soldier may be rattled, but I doubt the leadership is so easily shaken, particularly a mage." Anne explains, "Be well, is there anything I can do to help before yo ugo?"
21:12 <Skaya> "Anything we do will be minor. Just stay hidden here and be ready to go if we need to run?"
21:15 <•Kotono> "I will be," Anne promises, "Good fortune to you. May Xandra guide your steps with the wisdom not seen by mortal eyes."
21:16 <Skaya> Alright! Time to see how much her skills have improved!
21:22 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, what's your plan here exactly?
21:23 <Skaya> OOC: Milla leads us towards the officer tents. I'll see if I can sneak it past the spot she was stopped before, see from there.
21:31 <•Kotono> OOC: What's your stealth modifier?
21:31 <Skaya> OOC: +22
21:31 <•Kotono> OOC: Same as Rina's. Neat how that works out. More.
21:40 <•Kotono> The night is dark and heavy. Milla leads the group along, only Anne staying behind. A few miles from town you come on it. In the dark distance you see light. Tall towers of wood, watchtowers with torches on them. Wood and earthen walls with regular light as well, standing out in the night's embrace. It's still plenty far away, but you think you can spy soldiers patrolling, too. Milla pauses
21:40 <•Kotono> here, "Follow me," she murmurs, "Just do as I do and we'll be fine."
21:41 — Skaya nods in response. With such an amount of captives they really can't afford to keep it as lit as during daytime, so they still have an advantage.
21:45 <•Kotono> OOC: Go ahead and give me stealth checks, you two.
21:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+22 just for reference
21:45 <•Kotono> OOC: And of course Kobot's asleep. It's near end of session so Rina will take 10.
21:45 <Skaya> OOC: Same
21:56 <•Kotono> Milla leads you along. She moves like shadows and mist - and to Skaya's keen eyes, she notes that at times, her body seems to shift into a mist-like state. As you get closer to the light she circles slowly, but in time? It's only slightly shadowy, but it's a gap. "You can fly, follow what I do as best you can. Quickly when I go," Milla seyes, watching the patrolling soldiers, clad in leathers
21:56 <•Kotono> and chain.
21:58 <Skaya> Luckily, Skaya loves flying. She has the confidence to go up against any bird! So she waits on Milla before following her instructions.
22:09 <•Kotono> Milla turns and leaps up, taking to the air in one great leap...next time!

[Corwin]

19:11 <•Kotono> With flight and carrying Rina, it's easy to get over the walls as best you can. It's a quick, bold movement that seems to hold. No alarms go up and you land in the shadows of the far side, hidden by stacks of chopped firewood. Milla stays knelt, tense and ready to move. After several heartbeats she whispers, "Made it in clean. If not we'd hear shouts and alarms."
19:12 <•Kotono> Rina nods briskly, "Can you fly or just leap high?"
19:12 <•Kotono> "High leaps," Milla answers quickly, "But not the time."
19:12 — Skaya nods as well. Traps are always possible, but highly unlikely in such a large group. They'd lead to more confusion in the ranks than anything else.
19:17 ↔ Devar nipped out 
19:22 <•Kotono> "We're in now," Milla continues, "So we need to take advantage of this."
19:28 <Skaya> With luck, the camp's leaders are nearby! "Let's see if we can catch the officers off guard."
19:31 <•Kotono> Nods from MIlla and Rina, as the party peeks out. It takes some sneaking and sticking to the shadows, but it's easier on this side of the wall. Great seas of tents are ahead, soldiers patrolling. Most wear simple leather or light chain, wearing a variety of sigils. One of a pair of fish is common, as is a fist over a black field. Another one you see is a raccon, and another of the heraldry of
19:31 <•Kotono> a cougar and wolf.  The soldiers all carry torches and don't go alone, but in groups of four or five. Inside you can spy people in the tent - unarmed soldiers, clad only in simple clothes. Most are asleep, but some sit up and stare at nothing, or quietly talk when guards aren't nearby.
19:34 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@D585FE42.49836061.B227C4EE.IP)
19:35 <•Kotono> "Various Petty Kingdom soldiers," Milla whispers as you go, "Not bad ones, but diverse."
19:37 <Skaya> They can do a lot of damage bombing the camp from the skies, which is perhaps the most frustrating thing. The enemy this time is not a nasty fiend and a crew of undead, so they would never actually make this choice.
19:37 <Skaya> "Still soldiers, though. Let's look for the officer section."
19:49 <•Kotono> OOC: New stealth check.
19:49 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+22 Rina
19:49 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+22 Rina --> [ 1d20=4 ]{26}
19:50 <Skaya> roll 1d20+22
19:50 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+22 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{34}
19:53 <•Kotono> OOC: Milla takes 10.
19:54 <•Kotono> The party creeps along the edge of the camp, avoiding soldiers. Not fast, but slow and carefully, moments of swift movement combined with patience. But in time you come around to tents bigger and nicer looking, a little more spaced out. Here more soldiers patrol, but the mood is better. Some sit before campfires, eating, drinking and talking. Others maintain their weapons or armor, or simply
19:54 <•Kotono> rest. The scent of food fills the air, of cooking meat.
19:58 → Devar_ joined  ⇐ Devar quit 
20:01 — Skaya nods at Milla after spending the time taking it all in. Better conditions, but surely not the leadership just yet. Possibly elite troops? Or are the allies not quite equal? Before, they've passed the Petty Kingdom troops, so could this be people from Eis?
20:04 <•Kotono> Milla nods back, "The common, low level officers," she whispers, "Not nobles, but mabye fourth or fifth sons, or promising knights, or people who were born int he right families."
20:05 <•Kotono> "Mmm," Rina peeks up and then whispers back, "Also willing to kill the people of Laremy to settle grudges and claim lands as well as plunder."
20:06 <Skaya> That's what expendable fifth sons do. Well, that or priesthood.
20:19 <•Kotono> Definitely perhaps as well that Anne isn't here. You have to go slower now, very carefully sneaking in. But past them lie even grander tents. Well guarded, big enough that they're all inside. Servants can be seens, slipping in or out at times. No more than a half dozen of them, all totaled.
20:22 <Skaya> "Think that's it?" Skaya whispers to Milla.
20:24 <•Kotono> A brisk nod, "That's it," Is the response, as you hide behind a tent, ready to move in a moment.
20:24 <•Kotono> "Looks like it," Rina agrees, "All fancy and nice, even in a camp."
20:31 — Skaya takes a deep breath, then another. This will get chaotic very quickly, and she wants to be the calmest person present. Is one of the grander camps grander still? More decorated than the rest? Set in a center for the others? And how many nobles does it seem like one such tent would hold?
20:35 <•Kotono> There is one that seems a little nicer - and severa lbanners fly form it, each one showing one of the sigils you saw the common soldiers wearing.
20:36 <Skaya> "Let's take that one," Skaya points out.
20:37 <•Kotono> "My thoughts exactly," Milla says, "You have a plan for this, Skaya?"
20:37 <•Kotono> Rina looks on intensely, "That has to be it, or a big meeting tent at least."
20:39 <Skaya> "If we spend time on a plan, we risk getting spotted. Let's just sneak up to it and get inside. If it holds who we need it to be, we'll take them down nonlethally and have hostages. If it doesn't, so long as we didn't get caught we'll try another tent. A lot rests on luck, because without a bargaining chip we can only run away from here."
20:41 <•Kotono> A pair of nods back, "Then we go as soon as we have an opening," Milla says, "Unless you wan tto use something else?"
20:42 <Skaya> "While I can likely take down everyone inside, they'll definitely raise the alarm quickly. Perhaps some would even escape as a result. Better for us to work together and be decisive."
20:49 <•Kotono> "We strike all at once and end it immediately," Rina says, "Don't hold back."
20:49 <•Kotono> "I won't," Milla cracks her knuckles silently, "Swiff and overwhelming."
20:51 <Skaya> She hadn't had much success taking opponents down with a single punch, but then again, she hadn't really been fighting people except that bandit skirmish on the road back. Time to see how much her skills had improved when facing humans!
20:55 <•Kotono> "On three," Milla leans forward, tense. "Follow me in. Swift and don't hold back. One...two...three!:
20:56 <Skaya> With her speed, Skaya can catch up to anyone!
21:01 <•Kotono> Rina is silent, her short sword drawn. Like that the party rushes into the tent. The first little gasps of alarm as you enter. Inside is a large table. Here half a dozen men and a single woman sit, aged from young adulthood to old age. One more is past them, a middle aged man leaning on a fancy carved staff, with a crystal atop it. A small feast is laid out before them on the table, mostly
21:01 <•Kotono> eaten. Yet in this moment you have the surprise and...OOC: Go ahead.
21:04 <Skaya> It's a pretty large tent, so Skaya glides over the table and past the stunned officers to kick the staff wielder in the temple! If she knocks him out, that's great. And if not, the others will be between her and Rina and Milla.
21:17 <•Kotono> OOC: Surprise round, so go ahead and roll while I wait on Neph.
21:19 <Skaya> roll 1d20+11+2+1 (charge, striking from above) stunning fist
21:19 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+11+2+1 (charge, striking from above) stunning fist --> [ 1d20=18 ]{32}
21:19 <•Kotono> OOC: That's definitely a hit so roll damage.
21:20 <Skaya> roll 2d8+5+7 cunning insight, nonlethal, Fort DC20 or stunned
21:20 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 2d8+5+7 cunning insight, nonlethal, Fort DC20 or stunned --> [ 2d8=10 ]{22}
21:21 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+7 he's not nothing
21:21 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+7 he's not nothing --> [ 1d20=7 ]{14}
21:21 <Skaya> OOC: Nice! May the girls also hit someone.
21:25 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+15 (+2 charge, -4 nonlethal trying not to wantonly kill here since you need leverage) Rina
21:25 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 (+2 charge, -4 nonlethal trying not to wantonly kill here since you need leverage) Rina --> [ 1d20=20 ]{35}
21:25 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+15 (+2 charge, -4 nonlethal trying not to wantonly kill here since you need leverage) Rina crit?
21:25 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 (+2 charge, -4 nonlethal trying not to wantonly kill here since you need leverage) Rina crit? --> [ 1d20=4 ]{19}
21:26 <•Kotono> roll 2d6+6+3d6+1d6
21:26 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6+6+3d6+1d6 --> [ 2d6=10 3d6=11 1d6=3 ]{30}
21:31 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+19 Milla no marshal stuff right now since stealth
21:31 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+19 Milla no marshal stuff right now since stealth --> [ 1d20=19 ]{38}
21:31 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+19 Milla no marshal stuff right now since stealth crit?
21:31 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+19 Milla no marshal stuff right now since stealth crit? --> [ 1d20=17 ]{36}
21:32 <•Kotono> roll 4d8+20+2d6 nonlethal
21:32 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d8+20+2d6 nonlethal --> [ 4d8=15 2d6=3 ]{38}
21:38 <•Kotono> It's a blur. Skaya charges in and her foot gets the staff wielder right in the jaw. His head snaps back as he drops the staff, just in time for Milla to dart in with you. He's given no chance to rally, and is grabbed by the neck and slammed down hard. The wind leaves him in a loud gasp, and a follow up punch to the head makes him go still. At the same time Rina charges the rest, the single
21:38 <•Kotono> woman there meeting the flat of her blade with her face, a clang as she's flat knocked down and perhaps out. The advantage is yours, but...OOC: Init, since some others are still up.
21:38 <Skaya> roll 1d20+12+5 nerveskitter
21:38 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+12+5 nerveskitter --> [ 1d20=16 ]{33}
21:39 <Skaya> OOC: Please also tell me how far the nearest two guys are from me
21:46 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+14 Rina
21:46 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 Rina --> [ 1d20=10 ]{24}
21:47 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Milla
21:47 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 Milla --> [ 1d20=11 ]{23}

[Corwin]

19:09 <Ko> roll 1d20+4 assorted for ease
19:09 <Kobot> Ko rolled 1d20+4 assorted for ease --> [ 1d20=10 ]{14}
19:09 <Ko> Init is Skaya (33) > Rina (24) > Milla (23) > Assorted Nobles and Generals (14)
19:09 <Ko> OOC: Go Skaya.
19:12 <Skaya> If only they'd clustered more! But such is life. Skaya makes a one-eighty turn and dashes into the group to her left, trusting in Milla and Rina to cover the ends. Standing on the table, she looks down at her next would-be victim and kicks with all her strength!
19:12 <Skaya> roll 1d20+11+1+7 nonlethal, no charge this time, inspiration 3/7
19:12 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+11+1+7 nonlethal, no charge this time, inspiration 3/7 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{24}
19:13 <Skaya> roll 2d8+4+7 inspiration 4/7 and Fort DC20 vs stun
19:13 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 2d8+4+7 inspiration 4/7 and Fort DC20 vs stun --> [ 2d8=9 ]{20}
19:15 Ko → •Kotono (promoted to owner, opped)   
19:16 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+5
19:16 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{7}
19:17 <•Kotono> Wham! You slam into a man's cheek and he's sprawled out senseless, your foot doing more than enough to knock him silly for a few moments. Rina then pivots and hops onto and over the table, sprinting and swinging her blade at another flat-first as she dashes past. Food goes flying as your target goes down, the battle pressed amid cries of alarm.
19:17 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13 (-4 nonlethal)
19:17 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 (-4 nonlethal) --> [ 1d20=12 ]{25}
19:18 <•Kotono> roll 1d6+3+3d6+1d6
19:18 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+3+3d6+1d6 --> [ 1d6=6 3d6=12 1d6=6 ]{27}
19:18 <•Kotono> roll 1d6 repeated damage meanwhile
19:18 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6 repeated damage meanwhile --> [ 1d6=4 ]{4}
19:25 <•Kotono> Rina's blade slams into the face of another nobleman, and he crumples down hard. Not even a chance to react as he slumps, trying to rally in spite of that. Milla's face splits open, showing far too many teeth, "Surrender or else," she whispers, tongue flicking out  even as her cheeks are split wipe open.
19:25 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+17 intimidation (+2 circumstance) worth a shot with them in disarray
19:25 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+17 intimidation (+2 circumstance) worth a shot with them in disarray --> [ 1d20=2 ]{19}
19:28 <•Kotono> The remaining nobles are in disarray - but spooked or not, they don't break. Instead one takes a barefisted swing at Rina, while another grabs a bottle of wine and hurls it right at Skaya. Another gasps, "M-monster! Laremy's monsters! I told you they bowed to fiends!" However, one, a younger man, stays calm. He breathes out and a golden ring on his finger glows bright, before three sharp red
19:28 <•Kotono> beams fly out for Milla.
19:28 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+5 swing at Rina he's not helpless at least, just ambushed and outmatched
19:28 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 swing at Rina he's not helpless at least, just ambushed and outmatched --> [ 1d20=7 ]{12}
19:29 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13 AoO provoked by untrained unarmed
19:29 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 AoO provoked by untrained unarmed --> [ 1d20=13 ]{26}
19:29 <•Kotono> roll 1d6+3+3d6+1d6
19:29 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+3+3d6+1d6 --> [ 1d6=4 3d6=10 1d6=4 ]{21}
19:29 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+3 ranged attack vs Skaya, penalty for improvised weapon
19:29 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+3 ranged attack vs Skaya, penalty for improvised weapon --> [ 1d20=8 ]{11}
19:29 <•Kotono> roll 3#1d20+11 ranged vs Milla
19:29 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3#1d20+11 ranged vs Milla --> [ 1d20=10 ]{21}, [ 1d20=18 ]{29}, [ 1d20=7 ]{18}
19:30 <•Kotono> roll 4d6+4d6
19:30 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d6+4d6 --> [ 4d6=17 4d6=11 ]{28}
19:33 <•Kotono> The bottle flies high and misses Skaya entirely, while Rina dodges and counters with a blade to the chest. It staggers the attacker as meanwhile, Milla takes two beams to center mass. She cries out in shocked pain as the scent of smoke quickly fills the air. She's not downed by it, and a much less happy growl comes from her. "You're going to bleed for that."
19:34 <•Kotono> "Don't give in, it's a decapitation strike! They're desperate!" The young man calls, not yielding his ground or against the terror, "Be brave!" OOC: Skaya.
19:37 — Skaya methodically tries to put down the noble she'd briefly stunned, before turning her attention to others.
19:37 <Skaya> OOC: Since I went for a position I could reach at least two, I'll do iterations and if the first target goes down I'll switch them. Worst case, 5ft step and then continue.
19:37 <Skaya> roll 1d20+10+1
19:37 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+10+1 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{16}
19:37 <Skaya> roll 1d20+10+1
19:37 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+10+1 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{30}
19:38 <Skaya> roll 2d8+4+7 inspiration 5/7 nonlethal
19:38 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 2d8+4+7 inspiration 5/7 nonlethal --> [ 2d8=7 ]{18}
19:38 <Skaya> roll 1d20+5+1
19:38 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+5+1 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{16}
19:38 <Skaya> roll 2d8+4
19:38 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 2d8+4 --> [ 2d8=12 ]{16}
19:39 <Skaya> "It's fine to be brave," she speaks as she strikes, voice calm and unhurried in stark contrast to her actions. "But would that actually help you?"
19:44 <•Kotono> OOC: Sure, that works.
19:44 <Skaya> roll 2d8+4 if the first one hit the stunned guy
19:44 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 2d8+4 if the first one hit the stunned guy --> [ 2d8=8 ]{12}
19:45 <•Kotono> Another goes down, Skaya striking. The numbers are thinning fast, Skaya's targeted down and out now, and another hit hard. Rina whirls now, darting to th eone you just hit, slamming down hard.
19:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13 (-4 nonlethal)
19:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 (-4 nonlethal) --> [ 1d20=13 ]{26}
19:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d6+3+3d6+1d6
19:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+3+3d6+1d6 --> [ 1d6=1 3d6=9 1d6=3 ]{16}
19:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d6 repeated
19:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6 repeated --> [ 1d6=2 ]{2}
19:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d6 repeated
19:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6 repeated --> [ 1d6=6 ]{6}
19:46 <•Kotono> A followup sends that one down, only a few left up. The bottle thrower starts to inch towards the door, shouting, "Alert, alert!" Meanwhile Milla's expression becomes a furious scowl and she leaps at the younger man, hands more like claws than fists as she strikes out.
19:46 <Skaya> OOC: So there were 7 people here originally. We've taken down 5 of them, and another was wounded earlier by Rina via provoked AoO. Milla is jumping the last one. Correct?
19:47 <•Kotono> OOC: Yes.
19:47 <•Kotono> OOC: They're ina bad way.
19:47 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+19
19:47 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+19 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{34}
19:48 <•Kotono> roll 2d10+10+2d6 nonlethal
19:48 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d10+10+2d6 nonlethal --> [ 2d10=11 2d6=10 ]{31}
19:49 <•Kotono> Milla pounces on him and knocks him down, claws coming down in rough bashes. He coughs up and gasps for air, hit once and then twice on the chest. His eyes are wide and he spasms, trying to resist, before pointing his ring up. Unfortunately that's a perfect opportunity for Milla, who snarls and strikes again.
19:49 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+19 AoO
19:49 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+19 AoO --> [ 1d20=6 ]{25}
19:50 <•Kotono> roll 2d10+10+2d6 nonlethal
19:50 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d10+10+2d6 nonlethal --> [ 2d10=5 2d6=4 ]{19}
19:53 <•Kotono> That blows hits him right in the head, and this time the man goes down. Only one is left, who glares and shakes, bu tfinally says, "I y-yield!" OOC: Free act.
19:55 <Skaya> "Good man," Skaya commends him. "Tie them up and take their weapons," she tells Milla and Rina, dashing towards the tent's flap and peeking outside.
19:55 <Skaya> If she's not immediately greeted by a spear to the face, Skaya intends to summon a Flaming Sphere at the periphery of this noble quarter of sorts. Her range with it is about one-seventy feet, and she intends to land it on a officer's tent! Because tents are flammable, and she can move the sphere.
19:59 <•Kotono> There's soldiers already gathering, a few dozen massing outside and more rushing in, as alarms go up. You don't quite get greeted by a spear at ip, but it's close, "Intruder!" THe shout goes up immediately. OOC: Up to you how yo uplay this.
19:59 <Skaya> OOO: plan set tents on fire is a go
20:04 <Skaya> "My people have taken your leadership hostage!" Skaya announces loudly to the gathered enemy soldiers. "For each of you that rushes this tent, one of them will be swiftly executed!"
20:07 <•Kotono> As the flaming sphear hits a cry goes up, "Fire control!" Meanwhile soldiers stop but back off, even if spears are pointed your way. There's commotion, but no immediate reply, but no bum rush, either.
20:10 — Skaya stares them down as she waits on Milla and Rina's acknowledgement, and in the meanwhile she moves the flaming sphere with her mind. It can travel at a decent speed for fire, and she has it spread towards other tents.
20:10 <Skaya> OOC: It goes 30ft a round and sets stuff on fire
20:11 <Skaya> Also Skaya calls upon her innate magic to ward herself some. She really should've done that earlier, why is she so absent-minded?
20:11 <Skaya> roll 1d10+7 False Life
20:11 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d10+7 False Life --> [ 1d10=4 ]{11}
20:11 Skaya set the topic: Skaya: 11+75/75 Devar 91/91 (+6 AC, -4 to melee against) Anne 83/83 Sanda 60/60 Rina 85/85
20:20 <•Kotono> "Got them," Rina calls, as meanwhile the sphere moves. More soldiers coming, and even more go to start fighting fires. A few even splash water on the sphere, not that it's enough to stop it as is.
20:22 <Skaya> "Bring one of them over," Skaya tells Milla. They do have an officer that's awake and alive! No time like the present to open negotiations.
20:25 <•Kotono> That on eis the one that's brought over. In the time it takes, another has taken the lead. Standing in front of the soldiers, a middle aged man, face lined and with a nasty scar over one eye. He wears a short cape of blue and wears heavy, full plate armor. The only thing he lacks is a helmet. He glares your way, "Surrender or face summary execution," he barks, "If you surrender your lives will
20:25 <•Kotono> be spared. Do not and you will pass into the mists this night." Meanwhile other soldiers are fighting the fires, firelines being set up.
20:29 <Skaya> "Let's cut past the posturing," Skaya responds. "There's no need for threats at this point. I'm offering a prisoner of war exchange. The going price is a thousand healthy Laremy soldiers or three thousand injured ones per one of my prisoners."
20:33 <•Kotono> "No." The refusal is flat and to the point, as the man with you gulps and stares. "You surrender or we burn the tent you're in down and you die choking on your own blood." He steps forward one step, "Soldiers, prepare fire arrows," he commands after, and you can see them in the back, soldiers with crossbows preparing.
20:34 <Skaya> "You hear that?" Skaya asks the man Milla is holding. "You're going to be burned to death by your own people. It's a nasty way to die."
20:35 <•Kotono> "Hans!" The man calls, "You're mad! Stop this!"
20:35 <•Kotono> Milla glares back, still with that horrible smile, "You think fire will stop me, human?"
20:36 <Skaya> "Then again, if you all are gone, someone's bound to benefit," Skaya muses. "Who's next in line? Hans?"
20:38 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+8
20:38 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{20}
20:38 <•Kotono> "I think that the only way you win is if we fold," Hans retorts calmly, "No matter what you are or how strong you are, your position is untenable. Did you think you could manage this and then talk your way out of it?" Han's smile is ice cold, "The Lady Of Strategy teaches us better than that, woman. Archers, prepare to fire." Crossbow rounds are readied, torches nearby to set them ablaze before
20:38 <•Kotono> being fired. "This is your last chance. Surrender honorably and you'll live."
20:41 <Skaya> "I'm going to correct you here," Skaya responds just as calmly. "The best case scenario is my success, naturally, even a blind person would see it. But if we merely discuss victory conditions? I've struck deep into the camp and taken down your leadership. That's a boost to our morale. You're going to murder them all with your own hands because you refused to negotiate. That and actually losing them after your side's generals proved much
20:41 <Skaya> more capable than Laremy's would be a blow to your side's morale and cohesion. Do you speak for Eis? For the Petty Kingdoms? I bet someone's going to be very unhappy you made the decision on their behalf, so I really do hope we negotiate a resolution. But if not, hey, you only live once!"
20:46 <•Kotono> A hand is raised. Arrows are cocked. However, his hand does not come down. Instead, Hans responds, "They'll be mourned as heroes who laid their lives down to capture Mellanics. Statues will be made of them and from Eis to the smallest city-state they will be toasted in every tavern and sung about by every bard. Unfortunate but these things happen in war. It will not stop the fall of Mellanics,
20:46 <•Kotono> or the impossible situation it will place Laremy in. I speak for myself in this moment, and I command the soldiers that will take your lives with the right word. Compared to that, does anything else matter?"
20:47 <•Kotono> "Stop! Stop!" The man Milla holds screams, "I don't want to die yet! Stop this, Hans!"
20:48 <•Kotono> "I'll ensure your children are taken well care of," Hans promises the man, "Worry not."
20:48 <Skaya> "I think we need to see who these soldiers really listen to, their generals," Skaya says with a meaningful glance at Milla's hostage, "or very honorable people ready to sacrifice said generals rather than themselves. I do wonder why our honorable Hans hadn't offered to take your place? Or even the place of that young woman? If he so believes in what he says, that is."
21:04 <•Kotono> "Because that would be stupid," Hans retorts dryly. "Last chance."
21:08 <Skaya> "Saving your life is stupid, but don't worry, your kids will be happy once you're dead," Skaya tells the captive general with a helpless shrug. "Got anything up your sleeve before you become a glorious statue?" Can't he tell the soldiers to arrest Hans instead? But would they listen? They surely won't if she suggests it herself, but maybe his impending death will refocus his mind.
21:09 <•Kotono> "S-stop him! That's an o-order!" The man bellows, "Arrest Hands, this is madness!"
21:10 <•Kotono> "Ignore that," Hans declares coolly, "He is under duress."
21:10 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+8 captive
21:10 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 captive --> [ 1d20=13 ]{21}
21:10 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Hans
21:10 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 Hans --> [ 1d20=11 ]{19}
21:13 <•Kotono> The soldiers hesitate just slightly, enough to shift things perhaps. There's no rebellion, but you can spy that hesitation, that confliction as eyes quietly dart back and forth.
21:18 <Skaya> "Release our friend here," Skaya tells Milla, deciding to gamble and strike while the iron is hot. After all, killing these people had always been a bluff, and she has no such intentions short of what their own side would cause. "Hans says he's under duress? But we just want someone willing to negotiate for the lives of the other generals."
21:18 <Skaya>  Looking very earnest, she goes on to say, "This is all about glory, ours and yours. Hans was correct in that Mellanics will likely fall whatever we do, and Laremy would be on the back foot. A few weaponless, tired prisoners of war coming off the largest military defeat Laremy had known wouldn't change that, so you'll be able to keep on gaining glory in battle. Whereas for me? I get my own glory for returning with a few thousand
21:18 <Skaya> soldiers, even if they exist only on paper. What's wrong with this calculus of mutual benefit? Who does it truly harm? Just think how you would be treated by your comrades back here if you save them without so much as harming a hair on their heads."
21:19 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me a diplo check here as well, I think.
21:20 <Skaya> roll 1d20+15+7
21:20 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+15+7 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{26}
21:30 <•Kotono> The freed leader stumbles forward, Milla giving him a little push for good measure. Hans nods to him, unfazed. He gets a death glare in return, but the freed one dusts himself off and takes a breath. "Be honest," he turns, focusing on you and definitely not at Milla in the slightest, "What is it you really want here? Negotiations can't proceed in good faith without that."
21:30 <•Kotono> Hans stands nearby, silent but not gone.
21:38 <Skaya> "I know it might be hard to believe, but I really want what I said. Let me leave with a few thousand prisoners of war so I can earn merit from Laremy. Make it a twenty four hour cease fire to keep things honest or double that if you want to send some of the wounded with them. Less drain on your resources. We can discuss the finer details."
21:42 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception.
21:42 <Skaya> roll 1d20+19
21:42 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+19 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{23}
21:45 <•Kotono> Even as you talk, the fires you started are fought. The soldiers work with reasonable discipline, and you also notice a few soldiers coming in and quietly reporting to others in the background. "Interesting, interesting," he says, "And tell me, are you loyal to Laremy? We understand that many have turned their back on Laremy's wicked ways already. We're happy to accept friends who realize who
21:45 <•Kotono> the righteous side in this war are. Perhaps we're going about this wrong, and we can come to a different accord instead."
21:45 <•Kotono> Hans is stonefaced right about now, but you see his eyes subtly darting back, towards the soldiers giving reports.
21:50 <Skaya> "I appreciate the offer but let's stick to mine. Are you willing to make a preliminary agreement along my proposed lines? Hans is quite antsy so shameful as it might be to hear from me, I'm expecting to be backstabbed any moment now unless we reach an accord."
21:51 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 lower is better for Skaya and friends
21:51 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 lower is better for Skaya and friends --> [ 1d100=66 ]{66}
21:51 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 higher is better for Skaya nad friends
21:51 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 higher is better for Skaya nad friends --> [ 1d100=50 ]{50}
21:52 <•Kotono> OOC: Perceptiona gain, Skaya.
21:52 <Skaya> OOC: I'll take 10 and use inspiration for 36
21:57 <•Kotono> It's subtle, but the word carries to you. One word, with promise and complications, spoken by a reporting soldier: Uprising.
21:59 <•Kotono> "Backstabbed," The noble chuckles, "No, unlike Laremy, we do not forsake our words."
22:02 <Skaya> Oho! With such a commotion, the prisoners of war will know something's up. And it is their duty to use any means to escape. Meanwhile, the captors are divided between this situation and the uprising, and with no effective chain of command.
22:02 <Skaya> "Then it is your word that I await. I'm being truthful as well, but you don't even need to believe me, not with the strength of arms you have." Even if there is an uprising brewing, Skaya had nothing to do with it and won't truly be relying on it in negotiations.
22:02 <•Kotono> A response comes...next time!

[Corwin]

19:08 <Ko> With a handshake that is done, and you rbusiness there is concluded. Now what?
19:10 <Devar> OOC: There isn't anything else for us to do except wait for her to prepare the teleportation, unless she's feeling generous and wants to offer us a Legend Lore on Storm's Eye, but we've already used up a lot of good will so Devar is fine waiting until he comes back with more money for that. :)
19:15 Ko → •Kotono (promoted to owner, opped)   
19:16 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:16 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=37 ]{37}
19:16 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, you have a bit ot downtime waiting for Skaya, so something minor in the interiu. More.
19:24 <•Kotono> An inn room isn't hard to get. Not that you need to rest but a chance to clean up, rest and get yourselves together is desirable. Sanda float about the room, on her back and lazily kicking herself along with her legs. Nibelle's lingering still, as, "Mmm, what a profitable venture this was," she sing-songs happily, "All of youa re lucky!"
19:24 <Devar> "It really was." Devar says. "Oh, actually, Miss Nibelle, what does your tiara do, anyway?" Devar asks. "I'd been meaning to ask you but we didn't have a chance earlier."
19:32 <•Kotono> "It controls things with my mind," She admits, "It's like hands that can grasp and move things. Telekinesis. It's also a gorgeous tiara, and I've been using it to keep water away from it. It's good to learn." You feel a gentle pat to your arm out of nowhere, and Sanda stops as her hair is mussed, as if someone just patted her on the head.
19:34 <Devar> "Oh, that's fantastic." Devar says with a smile. "I'm sure the Empress of the Oceans smiled on all of us when we came across each other. I'm very happy we had such an auspicious crossing with each other."
19:36 <•Kotono> "I hope you do well where you go, and look for me if you need a guide here again," Nibelle offers, "I'd take the job!"
19:36 <•Kotono> Sanda scowls and rubs her head before, "I have to admit, you've been a better guide than the odds suggested."
19:37 <Devar> "We will definitely be back." Devar promises. "I have a promise to keep to Miss Spine anyway - and I'm sure she has some other treasures we can buy from her. But I imagine there's a few adventures down here when we're ready for them."
19:44 <•Kotono> "Good luck in the air and under the hot sun," NIbelle cheers, "But keep me under the water any day."
19:44 <•Kotono> "See, you have common sense," Sanda comments lightly.
19:44 <Devar> "You're only saying that because it's part of your nature now." Devar says. "I'm sure the waters have just as many dangers as land does. Maybe less wars, though..."
19:48 <•Kotono> Nibelle laughs lightly, "I doubt it, the seas swirl and wars come and go. Unless your dry lands are always at war."
19:49 <Devar> "I'm sure some people might view it that way." Devar admits. "But I don't think that's the case - we have our times of peace, which... hopefully, we'll help return our land to."
19:53 <•Kotono> "If not, you can move down here," Nibelle offers. "You'd fit in, particularly Sanda."
19:54 <•Kotono> "You k now, statistically speaking, what are the chances we'd be offered to move somewhere twice in our journey?" Sanda asks Devar.
19:55 <Devar> Devar laughs. "It shows what a good and positive impact we're making. I'll have to rely on you for the relocation paperwork down here, I'm sure I'd get fined until I was a pauper."
20:00 <•Kotono> "They saw easy money," Sanda counters. "Sharp of them."
20:00 <•Kotono> "Annoyingly sharp, but I'm a mermaid so it's not my problem," Nibelle agrees, "But land dwellers who are here rarely have the luxury of saying no or doing anything but taking it."
20:00 <Devar> "Followers of Waukeen can be very dangerous." Devar agrees.
20:05 <•Kotono> "Deadly," Sanda echos, as Nibelle laughs warmly.
20:05 <•Kotono> OOC: More.
20:10 <•Kotono> The next day comes. Rested up and prepared, the party meets with Spine. She's in the form of a human now, even clad in a simple dress. It's soaked and clings to her, but such are the challenges of underwater life. "Are you ready?" A simple question, "We can leave immediately. I need you to tell me where you wish to go and describe the area."
20:13 <Devar> "The city of Mellanics, at the Adventurer's Guild." Devar explains, and will give her a description, but he turns to Sanda. "Unless you think somewhere else would be better?"
20:16 <•Kotono> "Going right into a den of heroes could get snap reactions," Sanda points out, "Maybe somewhere more neutral?"
20:16 <•Kotono> Then Sanda blinks, "...Oh no. Oh no no no no no no no."
20:17 <•Kotono> Rubbing her arms and hugging herself, "Nevermind. I feel terrible now."
20:17 <•Kotono> Spine looks to Sanda, "Beg padon?"
20:18 <•Kotono> "I was thinking more like Anne," Sanda says, "I even heard her voice in my mind, worrying about silly things and giving high handed advice. Of course she'd find some reason to teleport somewhere quiet instead of appearing triumphantly."
20:18 <•Kotono> "...Anne?" Spine says in confusion.
20:19 <Devar> Devar blinks, then starts to laugh. "I mean, she'd be right. But how about we use your shop, then?" Devar asks. He looks to Spine, "She's one of our companions. She's... a bit of a stickler for certain things."
20:26 <•Kotono> "Fine," Sanda describes it, Spine listening.
20:26 <•Kotono> "That will do. Take my hands...and avoid this Anne then, she sounds tiresome," she confesses to Sanda, who smiles back at her.
20:27 <Devar> "You'll see for yourself eventually, I plan to have everyone come back here to make some more purchases." Devar says with a smile. He takes her hand after that.
20:35 <•Kotono> Hands are taken and words are intoned. The world ripples and...OOC: You're a little ahead of Skaya, so I need to pause you until she catches up.
20:35 <Devar> OOC: no problem

[Corwin]

19:05 <Ko> "I'm willing to consider it," Is the answer, "But I'd like certain assurances as well from you before anything else. Another of the hostages to begin with."
19:07 <Skaya> OOC: Can I get a sense motive here? It's at +12.
19:10 <Ko> OOC: Trying to discern truthfulness?
19:11 <Skaya> OOC: Well yes
19:14 <Ko> You don't discern any lies, you don't get the vibe he's lying to your face or anything.
19:20 — Skaya taps her foot, visibly thoughtful. "You know what, I'm fine with that." She glances over at Milla, saying, "Watch the door, such as it is," before slipping back in. First, she wants to see what the current situation in the tent is.
19:21 <Ko> Milla nods slightly as she watches, gaze baleful.
19:22 <Ko> Rina's watching the others, subdued and mostly out of it. In a low voice, "How badly trapped are we?" she asks pointedly.
19:22 <Skaya> OOC: They're not all knocked unconscious?
19:24 <Ko> OOC: That's what's meant, they're knocked out.
19:25 <Skaya> "It's surprisingly manageable," Skaya whispers to Rina as she draws close to her. "I don't know if we can actually pull it off as we expected, but apparently the mess caused an uprising, and the leadership is stuck here with us. They want another hostage as some show of good will, but since we're not here to kill them I don't really care. I was thinking of giving you Invisibility for a few minutes so you could slip away and see how this
19:25 <Skaya> goes for the captive troops. Maybe set a few tents on fire like I did to help them along? You'd need to run away on your own, though, so you'll need to only reveal yourself once you're at the camp's outer envelop."
19:28 <Ko> "Fine with me," Rina offers, "Keep an eye on them in case any wake up, though."
19:31 <Skaya> "They're tied up and gagged-- well, okay. Rina, I can't stress this enough. Get back to Anne once you're out. If it looks risky, just use the invisibility to straight up run away. Having you and Anne back in Mellanics would be worth more than any benefit from sabotage," Skaya says earnestly, if quietly.
19:37 <Ko> "Got it," Rina promises, ready and eager. "I'm not that interested in throwing my life away here. This isn't Brachidos."
19:38 — Skaya taps Rina with Invisibility and then selects one of the tied up and knocked out generals who weren't very effective and kept flailing earlier along with the sole woman there, bringing them both out. She pushes the girl into Milla's arms, and then steps out with her prisoner.
19:41 <Ko> Milla takes the prisoner as Rina slips away unseen. Both prisoners are still out as you carry them out, quiet as you do. You notice that in the time you were in, Hans has slipped away.
19:45 <Skaya> "Ah, Hans. So listen, if we're doing this, let's do it. The two of us will go with you to where Laremy's troops are held on the side facing Mellanics. You get this hostage once we get there," Skaya says, lightly shaking the one she's holding onto. "You'll give the order to free the prisoners. We'll wait for an hour and free everyone, then leave ourselves. Agreed?"
19:48 <Ko> OOC: You do see that Hans slipped away, just so we're both clear?
19:49 <Skaya> OOC: Of course
19:53 <Ko> The noble looks thoughtful at that, but pauses as a soldier rushes up and leans in to whisper into his ear. He turns and nods slightly and whispers back, then, "Waiting an hour, you said?"
19:54 <Skaya> "You prefer an immediate exchange?"
19:58 <Ko> "I'd like your hostage released immediately, as a show of good faith," Is the answer back, "To ensure all goes well and goes smoothly." In the distance, Skaya can see hints of smoke and light. A fire, perhaps.
20:00 — Skaya places her unconscious hostage on the ground in front of her, raising an eyebrow. This guy will have to send someone to bring the hostage back, and their orders will decide for her if this has merit beyond stalling for time. If she gets jumped, she'll at least be ready and further negotiations are pointless.
20:06 <Ko> A soldier comes and runs forward, taking the hostage. No attempts to capture you, simply taking the hostage. Once that's done, "Excellent," The noble says, "A  moment to ensure their condition, please."
20:08 <Skaya> Does she come across as an idiot to these people? Skaya genuinely wonders how it must all look from the outside. But she's not here to assassinate. At most, she'll loot from her defeated opponents. If they didn't want to have their things taken, they shouldn't have invaded Laremy. For now, she'll just wait, hovering at the exit of the tent next to Milla.
20:10 <Ko> It doesn't take long, just several moments before a simple report is given to the noble. He turns and nods solemnly, as...OOC: Perception for me real quick? Milla will take 10 as a backstopper in case it's something bad.
20:13 <Skaya> roll 1d20+19
20:13 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+19 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{29}
20:15 <Ko> "I think we can come to an agreement," Is the answer at last, "Under the current circumstances, that is."
20:19 <Skaya> "I'm glad cooler heads prevailed," Skaya says, complimenting him. It may not be particularly subtle praise, but compliments are nice to hear regardless of origin or circumstance, and she's genuine enough here. "Be right back, then we can head off," she adds, ducking into the tent for one final look, and to explain away providing Rina with instructions. If there's nothing untoward in the tent, however, she's ready to head with Milla and
20:19 <Skaya> her hostage and this noble and his entourage towards the edge of the camp.
20:25 <Ko> With that you're allowed to walk out. The noble even walks with you - soldiers around you but nothing more, as if on an evening stroll. He puts on an air of nonchalance as you go, and says, "I must amid your desperation is remarkable."
20:30 <Skaya> "I suppose I did rush all the way to Mellanics after fighting undead in Welland," Skaya muses. "You can only be in so many places at once."
20:32 <Ko> "I thought I'd heard of someone like you. The hero of Dareslan?" Is the question you get back as you walk. "Along with Picke's..." A trail off, "Whatever you are."
20:33 <Ko> Milla licks her lips slowly, "Daughter." she says in a quiet voice.
20:33 <Ko> "Your father fights like a madman," Is the retort back, "Maybe cursed blood is why."
20:35 <Skaya> "My name is Skaya," she introduces herself belatedly, not giving an indication that she notices the bickering between them. "I hoped to go across the seas, but alas. Perhaps next year? I heard there is a land of giants beyond the ocean."
20:39 <Ko> "My brother went there, only to never return," The noble mentions quietly, "His bones rest in a foreign land instead of home. But I never introduced myself, did I?" Speaking smoothly, as if all of this was no great trifle, he continues, "My apologies, but circumstances are what they are."
20:39 <Ko> Milla licks her lips again but stays quiet, staring daggers at him.
20:40 <Skaya> "There wasn't quite time before, no."
20:49 <Ko> "Ducal Prince Gerhardt of Huth," Is the introduction back, "I do wonder why a hero such as you serves Laremy. You could do so much better and be rewarded so much better, too."  You walk on, away from the trouble and towards a gate out.
20:51 <Skaya> "I'll tell you the next time we meet?" Skaya offers. It seems like a good opportunity to confide in Gerhardt at first, but free or not he can't feel truly in control now. Better that she try to build some good will and hope it's at least partially genuine than go all in once again here and hope he cares about Auril or Mellanics's citizens.
21:02 <Ko> You reach the gates, which are opened. No one's out here yet predictably enough, save guards, but you're allowed to walk out as the conversation continues. "You know this won't change anything, though," he goes on, "Mellanics will fall, and more men to defend it means it'll only be worse. If you and Laremy have any sense, flee Mellanics and accept its fall without a fight."
21:03 <Skaya> "If I get enough political capital from Laremy, I can get them to make enough concessions in negotiations," Skaya voices. "I'm sure you'd also prefer a negotiated victory over the slog of battle. It sounds a bit counter-intuitive, but political interests can be like that at times. I'm sure you know that better than I would."
21:05 <Ko> "Then tell them this: If they withdraw from Mellanics within the next 48 hours, I promise the citizens will be respected and taken care of humanely." He goes on with a sad shake of his head, "If it comes to violence, it's likely Mellanics burns again and is devastated."
21:06 <Ko> Milla looks on balefully, but holds her tongue despite her growing scowl.
21:06 <Skaya> OOC: Assuming POWs including wounded ones get freed here, how long would it take them to reach Mellanics on foot?
21:06 <Ko> OOC: Condition matters here along with weather, but likely less than a day if all goes well.
21:08 <Skaya> "I understand. I'll pass it on," Skaya agrees after a quick mental calculation. There would be enough time for the freed soldiers to reach it, especially if she contacts Devar via telepathy to ask Sanda for a Sending. The Guild Master will be able to send the army over to help bring them back!
21:13 <Ko> From there it's a bit of an awkward wait. Just the wait of Milla glaring with Gerhardt waiting and trying to ignore that glare. Soon enough you see soldiers leading unarmed captives. Hans leads them - with notable blood stains on his armor. He still nods briskly and reports, "Unfortunately, there was a small uprising. Those who attacked soldiers and took up weapons were cut down in self defense.
21:13 <Ko> However, the speed and professionalism of our forces contained it, and most had the good sense not to fight in a hopeless resistance."
21:16 <Skaya> She can't blame soldiers for fighting other soldiers. Perhaps she should've lead with the uprising herself? But with only three people it would've been difficult, and Anne probably couldn't start one herself. Rather than second guess her choices, Skaya nods in response and waits for more prisoners of war to be freed. It might take a while, but that's why she suggested an hour, wasn't it?
21:19 <Ko> They come at a steady trickle. Older men you tend to notice, or notably younger. At least a notable uptick in those, along with plenty of wounded.
21:21 <Skaya> She shouldn't reveal her cards here. While Skaya could heal quite a few of them, it's best to hold that ability in reserve. She hadn't exactly used it in public before. Once the trickle stops, however, she'll follow them with Milla while leaving the last hostage behind. If there really is a betrayal in the end, perhaps she'll have that fight to the death with Hans that seemed inevitable before. But best that the carnage stops here.
21:26 <Ko> Hans never takes his eyes off the two of you. Yet not once does he move forward, even when a weakened, hopeful group of soldiers are bestwoed on you. They look on at the two of you in hope, as no betrayal. No last minute attack. No matter how Hans looks at you, as if boring the sight of the two of you into his mind, there is no attack. Instead, Gerhardt merely says, "I suggest you convince your
21:26 <Ko> superiors of the wisdom of this offer. Laremy can't win this battle, and likely not the war. All this accomplishes is death and destruction. But it's a price we'll pay because this needs to be done."
21:28 <Skaya> "I suppose we'll see if this is enough for my voice to matter," Skaya responds, nodding at Gerhadt.
21:29 <Ko> So you have a heap of hungry ex prisoners and just you and Milla. You go ta plan to manage this situation?
21:30 <Skaya> There's no need for further dragging this out. The last hostage left behind, Skaya lets Milla lead the hostages towards Mellanics while she puts on her special ring after making a bit of distance from the camp. If Devar is in a position to listen, she can implement her earlier plan, convoluted though it may be.
21:36 <Ko> You get looks - and a few come forward. Thanks, praise. "I know you. Picke's daughter," An older man says to Milla, "You saved us. I don't believe it, I thought we'd rot in captivity."
21:37 <Ko> Smiling, entirely human again, "We'll make sure to use those thanks well. You're needed, you're all needed."
21:37 <Ko> OOC: Okay, you also want to talk to Devar directly? By all means go ahead,.
21:37 <Skaya> "You shouldn't have to pay for the mistakes of your superiors," Skaya says for her part. "I know it's difficult after everything, as you're tired, wounded and hungry, but stay strong! Help is close by!"
21:38 <Skaya> To Devar, Skaya thinks, 'My stupid plan worked, for the most part. I have freed prisoners heading to Mellanics, so could you trouble Sanda to do a Sending for the Guild Master to send the army to meet them halfway? With food and medicine, if possible.'
21:38 <Ko> Cheers go up at that, the mood rising by the step.
21:39 <Devar> 'We actually just got to Mellanics. It's a long story, but I can tell you in person when you get here. We'll go talk to Picke.' Is the reply.
21:39 <Skaya> 'Great! I sent Rina to Anne, so Anne should fly them over soon if she hadn't already. If so, grab them along too, please!'
21:40 <Devar> 'I'll take care of it.'
21:41 <Skaya> 'I think we have two days before they attack Mellanics. Forty eight hours, so let's make them count!'
21:42 <Devar> 'Understood. I'll work fast.'
21:43 <Skaya> "Devar and Sanda already returned to Mellanics," Skaya tells Milla quietly as she approaches, before seeking out the worst of the wounded. She can't treat everyone, but those at actual risk can be told to gather together really close and then she'll heal them!
21:44 <Skaya> OOC: I have 5 channels at a 30ft radius, and Milla is welcome to also be there if it doesn't hurt her
21:44 <Skaya> roll 5#4d6
21:44 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 5#4d6 --> [ 4d6=10 ]{10}, [ 4d6=9 ]{9}, [ 4d6=13 ]{13}, [ 4d6=13 ]{13}, [ 4d6=13 ]{13}
21:44 <Ko> OOC: Okay, so going to spend some healing? That works. What's your plan about Anne and Rina? Devar, what's the plan on your end? We have 15 left so mostly setting up for next tim ehere.
21:45 <Devar> OOC: Devar will bid Spine a good day and promise he'll be back, then take Sanda and go the Guild to explain what Skaya told him.
21:45 <Skaya> OOC: I told Rina to either do some sabotage and go to Anne or go to Anne directly. Then I told her to fly to Mellanics. Since it's been an hour since she left, I presume they're either flying to Mellanics or already arrived there. Of course, barring random encounters. Hopefully, Devar will also check if they've arrived.
21:46 <Skaya> OOC: I do want to know if Milla can be healed or not by positive energy, it's been bugging me something fierce but I couldn't ask in enemy territory
21:48 <Ko> OOC: Okay, all noted. We'll cover that bit briefly IC and wrap after that Skaya.
21:48 <Ko> You notice that MIlla seems unbothered by your turning, and even healing her goes well. Her burns mend as you'd expect for a living creature.
21:50 <Skaya> "Geez," Skaya complains, nudging her shoulder with her own. "That's what I was worried about the most, you know? Standing there a hair's distance, being able to reach out and heal you properly, but not knowing if maybe Anne's conspiracy theories were right about that. If things devolved into a fight and that Hans attacked you, I would've cursed myself forever after!"
21:56 <Ko> "IT would've been more obvious if I had that problem," Milla remarks back with a smile of her own, relaxed and triumphant. "At least you have the sense you were born with, even if Anne doesn't."
21:57 <Skaya> "Eh, she's on edge. Going from facing all the endless plagues and undead to worrying about an army sacking her orphanage? She's not had the best of times."
22:00 <Ko> An accepting nod - not arguing at least. She glances back, "Later," she decides, as you travel on. OOC: More next time, you somehow got out of that mess in one piece.