New Horizons 021

[Corwin]

19:27 <•Kotono> Aquariar is busy but guarded. The walls are at least, but the streets and currents above them are full. People still come and go as you've seen before, goods are sold and life goes on. You can hear the buzz of gurgling conversation on every street corner, in every building. OOC: Ball's in your court, so go ahead and nudge things and I'll react.
19:28 <Skaya> "So I've been wondering all along," Skaya confides in Sanda. "Are there sea elves here?"
19:30 <•Kotono> As you swim along Sanda turns, a wet gurgle from deep in her throat, "Sea elves? As in aquatic elves, or elves who just happen to live in the sea, or water-touched elves who are more water than elf?"
19:31 <Skaya> "Yes."
19:31 <•Kotono> That gets a soft hum from Anne, as she brushes back a stray bit of hair, "Statistically speaking," She drawls, "Which of those is most likely?"
19:32 <Devar> "My vote is the first one." Devar says.
19:34 <Skaya> "I think the second category would be the most interesting to visit, don't you?"
19:35 <•Kotono> "I think they all would be," Sanda remarks, "But why do you ask?"
19:36 <Skaya> "My dear Sanda. It may shock you, but, in fact, I like elves."
19:36 <•Kotono> "I do believe I noticed," Anne's voice is as dry as everything around you is wet.
19:36 <Skaya> "Since we have a chance to run into one, why not make it more likely? Statistically speaking?"
19:37 <•Kotono> "You want to go and try and find some?" Sanda says, "I'm not opposed, but then the best odds are asking around."
19:37 <Skaya> "Unless you have a better idea? Is there anything in particular you want to look for?"
19:41 <•Kotono> "Yes, actually," Sanda begins to tick off fingers as you all swim along, a nearby stall shouting about the virtues of fresh seaweed, "One, make more contacts with local merchants. Two, investigate local herbalcraft or the equivalent. Three, consider establishing some manner of agreement with Nibelle for future services should we end up down here again. Four, consider investigating if the pearls
19:41 <•Kotono> used as currency could be worth more than their trade value in gold surface coins, and make money that way by selling the pearls on land. Five, find the biggest, strongest whirlpool sinkhole I can."
19:42 <Skaya> "I do have a comment about the fourth one. Doing it a bit is fine, but if you play with currency too much you might upset the locals."
19:43 <•Kotono> "I'm more curious about the last, but Skaya's also correct about the fourth," Anne adds, "Why a whirlpool?"
19:44 <Skaya> "It really was weird but it also sounded fun, so...."
19:44 <Devar> "Oh, is it because of that thing we found?" Devar asks.
19:45 <•Kotono> "Really? How are they going to know if it's on land?" Sanda asks back, "It's not like they can breathe air and go visit Mellanics."
19:45 <•Kotono> Then, after a momenta nd with a sweet smile Anne's way, "Anne sweetie, how do you think we're going to get that giant stick out of you? We need something stronger to manage that miracle."
19:46 <Skaya> "If there's a stream of them going elsewhere it means there's less money in the local ecosys-- and you don't care so let's go jump into a whirlpool!"
19:48 <•Kotono> Anne reddens and glares at Sanda, but doesn't open her mouth.
19:50 <•Kotono> "A whirlpool sounds fun," Sanda agrees, "Want to go ask around?"
19:51 <Skaya> "Sure!"
19:55 <•Kotono> OOC: In that case, give me Diplo for GI. Whomever has the highest mod can roll, and the other can assist. I'll have NPCs assist if needed.
19:55 <Devar> OOC: Devar will assist for 29
19:55 <Skaya> roll 1d20+16+8 GI
19:55 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+16+8 GI --> [ 1d20=5 ]{29}
20:00 <•Kotono> Those sort of things aren't common, but you hear reports of them in a trench to the north. A few days from here, but that has lots of them, apparently. It's known as the Sanare Trench.
20:02 <Skaya> "Want to go?" Skaya offers. "It's a bit far."
20:05 <•Kotono> "It is a bit of a trip," Sanda admits, "But it could be an adventure, and we've worked hard the past few days."
20:05 <•Kotono> For her part, Anne's still sour-looking, but comments, "I don't have any categorical objections to it, beyond the possible mischance of another unfortnate encounter. But if anyone is well prepared for it, it is us."
20:05 <Skaya> "What do you actually want to do there? For real."
20:06 <•Kotono> For her part, Sanda pauses. After a moment, "I get water more now. When I see the currents, it's like an language I never realized was being spoken. What happens when water moves faster, when something pulls it? I want to see and find out, and not just a tiny little whirlpool, like a little hole in a bathturb."
20:07 <•Kotono> *tub
20:07 <•Kotono> "Sometimes I feel the same way about the air," Anne remarks, "When I fly in the sky and feel the wind moving."
20:08 <Skaya> "Then let's go! But first, how about we also ask around about some rumors of nasty but incidentally rich people being along the way?"
20:08 <Devar> "We do have that weird stone that creates whirlpools to who knows where, but maybe we shouldn't find out where it goes until we can actively teleport." Devar says.
20:09 <Skaya> "It's a one way teleport and we don't have that teleport items yet. Or maybe it plane shifts. Maybe it goes to some jail. Let's not use it?"
20:11 <•Kotono> "It's too risky as is," Anne agrees, "But it's good to keep that in mind for the future."
20:11 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay then, if y'all are going, any prep I need to know about?
20:12 <Skaya> OOC: Just a quick question! Is there a 1/day teleport item for sale? Because if so let's buy it and save some travel time!
20:13 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me a d100 on that, I suppose. See if you get lucky, lower the better.
20:13 <Skaya> roll 1d100
20:13 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=70 ]{70}
20:13 <Skaya> OOC: Alas, let's go
20:19 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:19 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=55 ]{55}
20:19 <•Kotono> You swim on. It's still mostly quiet out here as the party departs. It's a few hours in, and as you swim?
20:19 <•Kotono> OOC: Gah.
20:21 <•Kotono> You swim on. It's still mostly quiet out here as the party departs. It's a few hours in, and as you swim? Anne looks up, "We've been going fairly forward nothernly," she remarks, right now flat plains full of seaweed ahead, though signs of increasing hilliness below, as well as sign of those underwater trees. "I think I can find you if I briefly go above the surface. I want to see how far from
20:21 <•Kotono> shore we are and if any ships are passing." Anne says, breaking a peaceable silence as the party travels.
20:26 <Skaya> "Want me to come with you for company?" Skaya offers.
20:30 <•Kotono> "Please," Anne says, as she swims up. Sanda watches them go, and once gone, "That seemed random," she comments to Devar. "Or was that just me?"

[Corwin]

20:32 <•Kotono> Once above the waves? It's a warm, sunshine streaked day. The sunlight hits both of you like a burst of radiance, so much brighter than the cool currents below. Anne takes a moment to bask in it, just above the waves, before she begins looking around, flying about with her gaze locked on the horizon. "I had a moment of strange intuition," she announces, "An urge to come up here."
20:33 <Skaya> "Divinely inspired?"
20:34 <•Kotono> "I don't know," Anne says, as you can get a good view. At least you're not near enugh to the shore to see it, at least just above the water. You well and truly seem to be out to sea. The air is crisp, warm and salty. "Help me look."
20:37 <Skaya> "Sure thing! I'm at your disposal," Skaya readily agrees, gaining more altitude to take a good look around. There might be anomalies in the waves, or perhaps some speck on the horizon.
20:43 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me a Perception check, Cor.
20:46 <Skaya> OOC: I'll take 10 for 38 (with inspiration), if Anne helps it brings us to 40
20:48 <•Kotono> OOC: She can do that, sure. More.
20:48 <•Kotono> You're really not near shore - but in the northern distance? You spy what looks to be some debris. Wood, a few floating barrels, that sort of thing. You can't tell from here, but you think you see someone clinging to them.
20:49 <Skaya> "Yep, definitely divine instincts," Skaya mutters. "Anne, follow me!" And she takes off, keeping to Anne's speed.
21:00 <•Kotono> Anne follows. Like this the two of you fly and sure enough? Amid the wreckage are survivors, clinging to the remnants. You see three. One is a sailor, battered, shirtless and badly sunburned. He lays on some intact wood planks, gaze empty. Secondly is a what looks to be a person with cat's ears and some fur instead of skin. A man as well,draped over a large barrel. His clothing is badly
21:00 <•Kotono> torn and a crude cloth bandage is wrapped around his head. The last is a young woman, huddled and clinging to some wood. She's shielding something with her body, dress badly tattered.
21:02 <Skaya> "Hey there!" Skaya calls out to them. "Is anyone in immediate danger?"
21:02 <•Kotono> "We're here to help," Anne calls, already descending.
21:03 <•Kotono> "My-my baby," The woman croaks, "W-water." She turns, a swaddled and wrapped baby held closely to her chest.
21:03 <•Kotono> "Water," The sailor gasps, "Angels....water, please!"
21:03 — Skaya touches down just above the waves, and reaches into her haversack. "I'll handle the water. Anne, deal with the healing?"
21:04 <•Kotono> Anne flies in the middle of them and holds up her holy symbol, "From the highest peak to the lowest beach, let the light shine!"
21:04 <•Kotono> roll 4d6
21:04 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d6 --> [ 4d6=16 ]{16}
21:04 <•Kotono> OOC: 24 healing all but Anne.
21:05 <•Kotono> Sunburns mend. Bandaged wounds heal. "Water," The cat creature mewls exhaustedly, "Please."
21:05 <•Kotono> "Slowly, giveit to them slowly. Otherwise they'll reject it and be sick," Anne calls over to Skaya.
21:06 <Skaya> "I know," Skaya responds, having learned the basics of healing. She takes out their cups and pours clean water into them before handing them over, one at a time. "Please, drink slowly. There is plenty here."
21:16 <•Kotono> "A miracle!" "Lifesavers!" Cries of relief com eas water is drank. The sailor grasps the cup with two strong hands, while the young mother tearlessly sobs as she drinks with one hand, the other around her baby. Anne floats over them and then says, "Would you watch over them? I think it's best all four of us gather for this."
21:17 — Skaya nods at Anne, before asking the shipwrecked survivors, "How long have you been surviving out here?"
21:18 <•Kotono> Anne dives down back into the water with a splash. After, "Two days," The cat creature says, able to at least stay above water now, having needy, desperate sips. "Raider attack. Pirates. There was a wizard on board our ship, and he threw fireballs around. The fool doomed both ships."
21:19 <•Kotono> "Two sounds right," The young woman says, now gently helping her baby drink. "There you go, little one. Just a little."
21:20 <•Kotono> "Two days of a nightmare. I always thought it would be mermaids," The sailor says, voice raspy and weak even now. "Not bird women from the ocean."
21:20 <Skaya> "I suppose most pirates don't actually know how to swim," Skaya muses. "Where did you leave from, and how long ago was that?"
21:20 <Skaya> Glancing at the sailor, she gestures below the waves. "There are mermaids down there, you know? But they're very territorial."
21:22 <•Kotono> "Hollis Pier on Belmar Island." The sailor answers the question, then manages a weak, relieved grin.
21:22 <•Kotono> "We're going to go home," The young woman rocks her baby, quietly sobbing.
21:23 <Skaya> OOC: I'd like to consult my knowledge. Georgraphy? 10 for 31.
21:23 <Skaya> "We'll get you to safety," Skaya affirms. "Once Anne gets back, we'll find some food that's safe for you to eat, alright?"
21:24 <•Kotono> It's a chain of islands well to the north and west. Fairly remote, but they trade fish as well as have mines around a volcano. The obsidian from those mines is noted to be useful for magic, as it has high purity for magic.

[Corwin]

20:32 <Devar> "Not everything has a logical reason for it." Devar says with a smile as he continues onward. "It would still be good to have some idea of where we are relative to the surface."
20:33 <•Kotono> "Odds are Anne had a reaosn for it. She's not one to do things truly randomly," Sanda is content to swim along, "Just as I'm content to stay underwater as long as I can."
20:35 <Devar> "I wonder what Rina would do if she was down here." Devar says. "I'm also curious how she would handle boiling water - do you think it's the water she has a problem with or the temperature?"
20:43 <•Kotono> "I think it's the water," Sanda giggles softly, "I imagine she'd be like a cat who you forced to have a bath."
20:44 <Devar> "Probably." Devar says. "I hope she's managing back home, she's got a lot on her plate."
20:46 <•Kotono> "She's rich now," Sanda waves it off, "She has people to be busy for her.
20:46 <•Kotono> "
20:47 <Devar> "True." He agrees. "I don't think I could ever settle down quite like that."
20:57 <•Kotono> "You like doing things and moving around like Skaya?" Sanda asks as you two make conversation.
20:58 <Devar> "I like being helpful." Is the answer. "I've been given a charge to make the world more peaceful and help people live lives that aren't filled with war - so it necessitates some amount of activism."
21:02 <•Kotono> "Some amount of doing things," Sanda reflects on that, "Rather than sitting ther eand letting your money make more money."
21:02 <Devar> "I can't imagine you'd be happy just sitting in a shop all day either, right?" Devar asks. "You have to be out there actually meeting people."
21:06 <•Kotono> "It's harder to do than it used to be," Sanda says, "And I doubt we'll be allowed to do that, since statistically speaking, we're much too valuable to be idle forever."
21:09 <Devar> "Haha, you're right about that." Devar agrees. "But you'll eventually be able to cut down on the travelling a lot with magic, right?" He says. "I can see you having a shop that you run remotely, or have someone take care of for you, and you simply return to it when you're needed to sell something important. I'm sure Spine does something similar."
21:17 <•Kotono> "I got the impression she might," SAnda confesses, "She seems too powerful to simply stay there entirely idle. But I also feel most of her dealings wouldn't cross our dealings above water."
21:18 <Devar> "Agreed. She has some dealing with that dragon turtle, too - I bet that comes with being underwater, though." Devar says. "She can focus all her attention into water-based clients."
21:20 <•Kotono> "Devar! Sanda!" Anne calls from above, "We found survivors of a shipwreck on the surface. Come on."
21:22 <Devar> "It seems like you were right, though maybe she had some influence." Devar says as he starts swimming up. "We're on our way!"
21:23 <•Kotono> OOC: I'll merge you into #evil shortly.

[Corwin]

21:25 <•Kotono> Soon the party emerges. It gets more cries of alarm as three are in the sky now, and Sanda goes and smoothly swims amid them.
21:25 — Skaya ponders how long it'd take if they were to just fly these people over to land.
21:27 <•Kotono> You're still a bit new to flight so there's a margin of error here, but Skaya suspects it won't be quick. Especially because carrying people will likely slow you down some and be cumbersome. At least until well into the night, and it's not quite noon yet if you read the sky correctly. Meanwhile, "What even are you, to come up from the waves? You don't look like the normal sort down there,
21:27 <•Kotono> so are you heroes or adventurers?" The cat person asks outright.
21:27 <Skaya> "We are the former in some places, and the latter in others," Skaya cheerfully responds.
21:29 <•Kotono> "We'll get you to dry land," Anne promises, "Even if we have to carry you ourselves. In truth, that may well be what happens. Can you think of a better solution, any of you?"
21:30 <Skaya> "I can make a raft and we could push it. Is that really any different?"
21:32 <Devar> "If we can put some debris together and find a way to pull it, those of us that can fly could just pull it through the water." Devar suggests. "It'd probably be easier than trying to carry everyone and fly at the same time, and is probably a bit easier than pushing something like that."
21:34 <•Kotono> OOC: Before I open my mouth on that, do any of you have any sort of related skills for that?
21:34 <Skaya> OOC: Knowledge/Engineering, and Craft/Golems which has been useless flavor thus far. Craft/Traps, too.
21:39 <•Kotono> OOC: Anne has nothing for that, but Sanda has K:A&E, which is relevant. Anything for you, Devar?
21:40 <Devar> OOC: Nothing that fits here
21:41 <•Kotono> "I could help," Sanda speaks up, "We'd need to improvise, but we could do it. If we can rig up a sail that would be even better, but the time to do it may not be worth it, considering we can just pull it."
21:41 <Skaya> "The time is a real issue, since I figure it'd be less than twenty four hours to fly over to land."
21:41 <•Kotono> "Thank you so much," The cat person agrees, "Anything so we don't die out here."
21:42 <•Kotono> "A raft has more leeway if anything goes wrong," Sanda points out, "And we're on no timer as long as we can feed them and provide them water. If things become worse and worst, odds are one of us can fly to land and retrieve more water, too."
21:43 <•Kotono> "It's also possible we come on a boat before that, or one of us goes back to port and has a ship come this way," Anne points out, "Which would reduce the distance, and I have no doubt they'll do that for us."
21:44 — Skaya looks for supplies for the impromptu raft. She does have plenty of rope, and a couple of barrels stored in the haversack they could use to help it float. Of course, if there's not enough usable wreckage the plan will have to be scrapped.
21:47 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, give me a relevant skill check for K:A*E as well as Craft: Traps. Sanda will roll as well.
21:48 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+16 Sanda
21:48 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 Sanda --> [ 1d20=5 ]{21}
21:48 <Skaya> roll 1d29+13+8 knowledge
21:48 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d29+13+8 knowledge --> [ 1d29=18 ]{39}
21:48 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13+8 knowledge
21:48 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13+8 knowledge --> [ 1d20=6 ]{27}
21:48 <Skaya> roll 1d20+11+8 traps
21:48 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+11+8 traps --> [ 1d20=10 ]{29}
21:49 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-B8D5816D.irccloud.com)
21:51 <•Kotono> The party works together. With Sanda and Skaya leading it,a nd some limited help from the recovering refugees, a simple raft is put together. It's hardly great, but it's good enough. The three sprawl out on it, close together. The baby even stirs in the woman's arms, crying softly. Good, solid ropes are there to pull southward, towards the shore and life.
21:51 <Devar> Devar will tie one of the ropes around his waist so he can fly and pull without too much effort!
21:52 <Skaya> "Two of us will pull it at all times, and Sanda, you'll bring up the rear and check for anything of concern below the water. The last flier will be a bit ahead and far enough above to do the same from the air. Works?"
21:56 <•Kotono> With that and agreement, the party begins to go forward....next time! OOC: Good run today, hopefully the trip to shore isn't problematic.

[Corwin]

19:02 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:02 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=90 ]{90}
19:03 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me Perception all as well as Constitution checks. If you have the Endurance feat, its +4 bonus applies.
19:03 <•Kotono> roll 1d20 Sanda Perception
19:03 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 Sanda Perception --> [ 1d20=6 ]{6}
19:03 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Sanda Constitution
19:03 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 Sanda Constitution --> [ 1d20=8 ]{12}
19:04 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Anne Perception
19:04 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Anne Perception --> [ 1d20=14 ]{20}
19:04 <Skaya> roll 1d20+7 con
19:04 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+7 con --> [ 1d20=4 ]{11}
19:04 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Constitution Anne
19:04 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 Constitution Anne --> [ 1d20=4 ]{9}
19:04 <Skaya> OOC: Taking 10 for Perception 30
19:04 <Devar> roll 1d20+11 hey mayble he gets a 20
19:04 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+11 hey mayble he gets a 20 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{26}
19:04 <Devar> roll 1d20+6 con
19:04 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+6 con --> [ 1d20=5 ]{11}
19:08 <•Kotono> Pulling a raft like this isn't easy work. Flight helps, but it's still not an easy task that demands your energies. A few hours in and all of you are feeling it, fighting the current, the winds and everything else as needed. You're not yet fatigued, but Anne's drooping and all of you can tell this is a good workout. However, that's when Devar and Skaya's sharp eyes spot something in the
19:08 <•Kotono> distance - a ship's sail.
19:09 <Skaya> "Looks like a ship!" Skaya cheers. "Devar, mind flying over and taking a look?" It better not be pirates or undead!
19:10 <Devar> Devar nods. "Sure thing." He says, untying himself temporarily to start flying towards the ship!
19:15 <•Kotono> A cheer goes up from the recovering rescuees as Devar flies over. It's a large ship, sails full of a wind pushing them along. You can see sailors working away as you approach, and can distantly hear an alert go up. However, that comes with a surprise. A woman, wearing trousers and a tunic, rises up to meet you. She has elven ears and wild, messy red-green hair. A motley blend of it, wild
19:15 <•Kotono> and long, utterly unkempt. She has a big hoop earring in one ear and the other has none, and she goes barefoot. However, she walks not on air, but on a glimmering path of solid water that slide-glides her along and up to meet you, forming ahead of her. "Hail there!" She cries, "You, I know you. Devar, the Blade of Pacifism and hero of the plagues."
19:18 <Devar> "You have me at a disadvantage then, madam." Devar replies, offering her a polite bow. "Still, it's very good to meet you - and my apologies for any surprise or concern I brought to your crew."
19:22 <•Kotono> "Cursed Melinda, Captain of the Grand Drifter." The woman greets with a cocky smile, "Don't worry, it's not a curse that's dangerous to you." She gestures, "It helps ensure I meet the most interesting people, and here you are."
19:24 <Devar> "Hah, that doesn't sound like that bad of a curse, really." Devar says with a smile. "So - to get straight to the point, my friends and I recently came across some folks who'd been shipwrecked by pirates. We were hoping to get them, if not back home, at least somewhere safer than the middle of the ocean. Would it be possible for us to bring them aboard? We'll be happy to pay for their
19:24 <Devar> passage if need be."
19:26 <•Kotono> "They can, ten gold per," With a toss of her hair, "Wings but not a winged elf," she comments, "What sort of mutt are you?" She says that with a smile.
19:29 <Devar> "If you can believe it, not!" He says with a smile. "I think our group has something of that curse of yours as well, considering the adventures we've had, we've met some... interesting people too." A small laugh at that. "Let me go retrieve everyone, and I'll be back with your payment." He will fly off and back to the others - well, she doesn't *seem* like a pirate, at least...
19:33 <•Kotono> "Go on," She says, as you return back. Anne waves as you return, everyone waiting. OOC: Go ahead.
19:34 <Devar> "The pirates that attacked you guys weren't led by an elf with green and red hair, right?" Devar asks as he arrives back. "Captain Melinda of the Grand Drifter is willing to take them on, I'll cover the payment, it's only ten gold. She seems like an interesting sort."
19:35 <Skaya> "If you went over for a chat and returned unharmed they can't be pirates," Skaya says for the benefit of the shipwrecked civilians. "Let's go and say hello?"
19:36 <Devar> "Oh, she's also an elf, so you might hit it off, Skaya!" Devar adds.
19:36 — Skaya perks up!
19:36 <•Kotono> The sailor shakes his head, "No, and a woman captain?" he stares a moment.
19:37 <•Kotono> The young mother gently rocks her baby as she says, "I don't care as long as it's safer than being out here."
19:38 <Devar> "Let's get you all on over then." Devar says. He'll either help carry them individually or bring the raft over and bring them up!
19:43 <•Kotono> Like that, the refugees are taken over. When all of you land on the decks, you notice something. There's a shimmer as the crew changes. It's an assortment of men and women. All in good shape, and a mix. You see humans, elves, dwarves and variations. Overseeing the wheel is a big, looming man with red skin and fire for hair, arms crossed. A vaguely woman shaped mass of air flies around the
19:43 <•Kotono> sails, pushing them forward. A great, gray skinned gargoyle perches on the front prow, staring ahead and with a bandanna covering its head. A little gnome scurries along the decks, carrying an armful of what looks to be maps. Atop the crow's nest is a giant crow, large as a hman  and with a nest built there. The cawing of little crows can be heard from it. This gets the refugees to stare
19:43 <•Kotono> as the captain comes up to them, "Welcome aboard the Grand Drifter, home to the cast offs of a dozen worlds and more."
19:44 <•Kotono> Anne looks about curiously, "That answers my question, I would think a crew like this would get attention and stories about them."
19:44 <Skaya> "Nice to be here!" Skaya greets the captain.
19:44 <Devar> "Goodness, you really do meet all sorts of interesting people." Devar agrees.
19:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=50 ]{50}
19:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=78 ]{78}
19:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=61 ]{61}
19:46 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me a d100 both of you, +25 modifier for the elemental template and +5 for the wings you both have. +20 more for cansin for Skaya.
19:46 <•Kotono> roll 1d100+25 Anne
19:46 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100+25 Anne --> [ 1d100=96 ]{121}
19:46 <•Kotono> roll 1d100+25 Sanda
19:46 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100+25 Sanda --> [ 1d100=79 ]{104}
19:46 <Skaya> roll 1d100+50
19:46 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100+50 --> [ 1d100=70 ]{120}
19:47 <Skaya> OOC: Incidentally, Anne also has wings!
19:47 <Skaya> OOC: So 126 for her?
19:47 <•Kotono> OOC: She intentionally passed on those, remember? She just has the air elemental template, which lets her fly.
19:47 <•Kotono> OOC: Doesn't matter with how high sher olled though.
19:47 <Devar> roll 1d100+45 (Devar's also a cansin)
19:47 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d100+45 (Devar's also a cansin) --> [ 1d100=89 ]{134}
19:50 <Skaya> "Is everyone feeling really at home, here?" Skaya murmurs, looking about.
19:50 <•Kotono> Anne closes her eyes, "I see," she murmurs, more to herself than anything else.
19:50 <•Kotono> "I do," Sanda admits, "It's..." she trails off.
19:51 — Skaya decides to give chaos a chance!
19:51 <•Kotono> "I do," The woman murmurs, "Like I'm being offered something."
19:51 <•Kotono> "Ah, the blood of chaos is in both of you," Melinda smiles widely, "And all of you reacted so well."
19:53 <Devar> "It seems to bubble up every now and again." Devar affirms with a bit of a smile. "But I've got things that need to be taken care of here, so I don't think I could commit to the drifting lifestyle just yet."
19:54 <•Kotono> There's a faint shimmer around Skaya, a rainbow of colors. A cheer goes up from the crew at that, as Anne glances at her. "Skaya?"
19:55 <Skaya> "Sorry not sorry!"
19:56 <•Kotono> The captain comes forward and slaps Skaya's back, "Welcome aboard. Most people at least ask before taking it, but the blood of chaos wouldn't say no for you?" She looks on at Devar with no emnity, "There's always a choice," she says, "The nature of chaos."
19:56 <•Kotono> Anne sighs softly, "Skaya, what did you do?"
19:57 <•Kotono> "Statistically speaking, I think we all know what she did, " Sanda says slowly.
19:57 <Skaya> "Chaos made me an offer and I didn't really read it before saying okay," Skaya responds. "Now I'm kind of curious what the offer was."
19:58 <Devar> "Aren't we all." Devar says with a sigh but a smile nonetheless. "Well, I suppose the most pressing would be if you're allowed to leave or not."
19:58 <•Kotono> "You're part of this crew now," Captain Melinda explains as she gestures wide, "No changes to you, but you're already changed. You can leave the ship, but you'll always find your way back here sooner than later."
19:59 — Skaya gives her a thumbs up. "Guess I really should've asked you first, then. But it's okay?"
19:59 <Devar> "Well, you did want to visit other planes." Devar says. "Maybe this will help with that once we get there."
20:00 <•Kotono> "You'll travel all the planes with us, and more," An easy promise from the captain, "What of the rest of you?"
20:00 <Skaya> "I want to visit more in general," Skaya agrees.
20:02 <Devar> "I won't say no outright." Devar says. "But I've got things here I need to take care of before then and someone," he gestures above him with a look upward, "that I'd need to talk to first. It's certainly a kind invitation, if nothing else that I appreciate."
20:02 <Skaya> "In my case, Shaundakul is fine with travel. The more, the better!"
20:03 <•Kotono> Anne, perhaps surprisingly, inclines her head forward, "It's like a story, traveling all the worlds, seeing sights with a colorful crew. I have responsibilities here, but I'll be the first to say this is tempting, but also dangerous."
20:03 <•Kotono> Sanda hums, coming over to Skaya, but not saying anything yet. The rest of the crew seems content to watch.
20:04 <Skaya> "Want to be a planar witch?" Skaya asks her friend quietly.
20:05 <Devar> "Having a shop on a planar traveling boat would be a pretty unique pitch." Devar helpfully adds.
20:05 <•Kotono> "Adventure, challenge, the high seas," The Captain smiles, "But once you accept, you'll always come back to this, no matter what. Maybe not the day you disembark, but sooner than later. It's my curse, bound to this ship and to draw others to it. Never to find a home on land, but to sail the seas forever."
20:07 <Skaya> "Is it always the sea?" Skaya inquires. "I hear that airships are pretty popular as well in some places."
20:08 <•Kotono> Sanda nods slightly, "Always on the seas," she murmurs, "I-" she looks to Skaya, a strangely helpless look on her face. "I-" A shimmer surrounds her, just like Skaya. "Always on the seas," she decides, as another cheer goes up.
20:09 <Skaya> "Dimensional storage and expansion means a shop can be opened on a ship!"
20:09 <Devar> "It's good to have a home to come back to." Devar agrees, patting Sanda on the shoulder.
20:09 <•Kotono> "Can the curse be broken?" Anne asks instead - but is interrupted, as the sailor you rescued laughs. "Why not?" he butts in, as a shimmer goes around him, too. Then-!
20:10 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:10 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=72 ]{72}
20:12 <•Kotono> The sailor lets out a gasp. In moments his body swells up, several feet taller. Muscle ripples along his body. The Captain grins as even more cheers go up, a few cries, "New crewmates! New crewmates!" She regards him, "Giant's blood. Chaos chose to touch you and change you. Not all who join are," and you see several normal looking humanoids about, "But plain creatures sometimes are."
20:13 <•Kotono> The sailor looks around slowly and laughs, "I feel so strong," he declares, "Like I could lift an entire rowboat!"
20:13 <Skaya> "Can I get some details about this, curse or what not?" Skaya asks the captain. "So first of all, do Sanda and I have official duties here? Or it's more of a volunteer basis? If we leave the ship for a bit, do we get teleported back, or just have this internal compass that tells us how to return?"
20:14 <•Kotono> "Of course you do, and it depends on what you can do," Is the answer, as the red skinned creature at the wheel  looks away, the gnome bringing him maps. "You might go to sleep in your bed and wake up on board, or stumble down an alley and find yourself in one of the storage holds."
20:15 <•Kotono> Then, to Anne, "Broken? A few have, true enough. Few try after a little time here, though."
20:16 <Skaya> "If people keep on joining up, does the ship's size keep growing as well? Or the cabins, at least?"
20:16 <•Kotono> "Oh, you'll see belowdecks," Is the Captain's promise, "It's bigger on the inside."
20:16 <•Kotono> As the transformed sailor gets looks from the others, "Devar, come with me. Now." She doesn't make it sound like a request, taking to the air.
20:17 <Devar> "Sure thing." He says as he goes to follow.
20:18 <•Kotono> Melinda watches them go, "And the two of you?" she turns to other two refugees. OOC: #dunes, Devar.

[Corwin]

20:20 <•Kotono> Once well up and away from the ship, "Does your mind feel any differently? Clearer?" Anne asks immediately.
20:21 <Devar> OOC: For my own sake, he doesn't feel any different or anything, correct? I assume the compulsion is gone?
20:22 <•Kotono> OOC: Yes.
20:23 <Devar> Devar shakes his head. "I feel fine. I did feel a compulsion - but to call it that overstates it somewhat, it was more like an open invitation from the chaos in the ship, if that makes sense." He explains. "Nothing sinister."
20:25 <•Kotono> "I don't trust it," Anne's expression is sour, "But I..." Her expression shifts to pensive. "It made me realize something I'd been wrestling with already. One day I'll be as I am today, untouched by time and age, and those I saw grow up safely will be dust in the ground. It's like it told my quiet worries that this is somewhere I'll never again fret about that. It spoke to me in my weakness to
20:25 <•Kotono> tempt me."
20:26 <Devar> "If it's a curse, you could just remove it from them if it turns out to be a problem." Devar says. "It honestly just seems like... well, a planar orphanage, of sorts, if you think about it."
20:27 <Devar> "We probably aren't going to be able to do a lot of research into it here, but maybe our patrons will provide us some insight if they think it's a problem, and you and I can tackle it together if we need to." Devar adds.
20:29 <•Kotono> "...I fear that for all my worries, I'll accept it." Anne admits, "My will is strong, but an opponent that strikes at your deepest worries is a formidable adversary. Even you just now spoke words that tempt me. It's colorful, it's larger than life, it's almost too good to be true. The stuff of stories and legends."
20:30 <Devar> "Sometimes there are just good things in life." Devar says. "Not that I'm trying to compare a planar boat to Mount Celestia or anything, but let's give it the benefit of doubt for now, and if Lady Eldath or Lord Moore decide to intervene with us, we'll know we need to do something - deal?"
20:34 <•Kotono> After a long pause, "Deal," Anne sighs, "But allow me to reserve the right that I told us so, should my worries be proven aright."
20:35 <Devar> "I'm sure there's some tenet in Moore's faith about letting things go." He says with a smile as he starts to head back down.

[Corwin]

20:19 <Skaya> "Are you far from port? Perhaps you could drop them off? I think Devar mentioned paying for the passage? I can cover that."
20:21 <•Kotono> "We'll headback to Rockport," The Captain says, "Unless you two want to join, hm? There's always room for more."
20:21 <•Kotono> The woman looks about, "I need a safe place for my child," she says, shaking her head.
20:21 <•Kotono> "This is a little much for me," The other agrees.
20:22 <•Kotono> "Then to port. Mayne, reverse course," The captain cries, "Back to Rockport. Gayle, change the directions as well."
20:23 <Skaya> "Thanks!" Skaya tells the captain, before smiling at the pair. "Your troubles will all be over soon."
20:23 <•Kotono> Above, the mass of air whirls along with the ship as it turns around, directing the sails and giving them a good wind. Mayne takes the wheel and guides the ship, as sailors scurry about, doing all the things amid the cries of the crows above.
20:27 <•Kotono> OOC: One sec, letting the other room talk it out.
20:36 <•Kotono> "Soon, home," The woman murmurs, as Anne and Devar return. The Captain clasps Sanda's shoulder, "Let's go belowdecks," She declares, "And show you around."
20:37 <Skaya> "Let's go!"
20:43 <•Kotono> With that, the party heads below decks. Down stairs and into-! It's large and open here. A wooden hallway, with several large doors going to various areas, and stairs going further down. All sorts of sounds can be heard here, lots of conversations. The scent of cooking food comes as well, smells good. Like some sort of stew offhand. "Food, shops and similar," Meilda explains, brushing back
20:43 <•Kotono> her wild hair. You can see people coming and going, the same crazy sort of mix as above. You even see what looks to be a wyvern, a familiar creature, walking on its hind legs and using its small foreclaws to hold a large slab of meat and bone up to snack on.
20:43 <•Kotono> *Melinda
20:44 <Skaya> "Speaking of, Sanda here is a shopkeep of some reknown back on land," Skaya voices. "Aside from being a melee wizard."
20:48 <•Kotono> "Then I think I know your crew role," Melinda declares as meanwhile Sanda takes it all in. Anne does as well, expression thoughtful. "There's always room for more, if you don't mind competition.
20:48 <•Kotono> "
20:48 <•Kotono> "Ooooh, a shop here could have potential," Sanda agrees, "So much potential."
20:49 <Skaya> "As for myself, I'm good at most things, so please find something fun or challenging and I'll work on mastering it~"
20:49 <•Kotono> "You'd have a unique clientele if nothing else," Anne admits, "Tell me, are there any fiends on this ship?"
20:49 <Devar> "Maybe you could work out something with Spine, too, I bet she'd be happy to have a planar contact." Devar says. "Oh, maybe we can see if we can find what we were looking for the other day here, Skaya. It's worth a look around, if nothing else."
21:00 <•Kotono> "That's a good idea," With a snap of her fingers, "Do you have magic shops here?"
21:01 <•Kotono> "Of course we do," Is the jovial answer, "I'll show you them."

[Corwin]

19:10 <•Kotono> Deeper in. Through an archway that leads to a shop. It's quite large, much larger than a small hold on a ship. It's crammed full of shelves - from weapons and armor, to rings and staves, to crystal balls and potions and so many more things. It's all crammed together, each item with a label attached to it. Row after row of this stretches on, overstuffed shelves with items dangling off the
19:10 <•Kotono> edges. Just in the entryway sits a small table where a black cat sits. It yawns as you enter and then in a woman's melodious voice, "Welcome welcome, to Magical Erranni's Shipbound Store. Prices are as labeled. " Somehow the rocking of the ship doesn't disturb anything, shelves staying full and floors staying clean.
19:11 — Skaya skips inside! Teleport items, are they sold here?!
19:12 <•Kotono> Melinda comes forward and pats the cat's head a few times, then scratches behind her ear, "Good cat."
19:12 <Devar> "Should we call you Magical Erranni, or just Erranni - assuming that you're the proprietress of this establishment?" Devar asks while glancing around. He can't really afford anything right now, but he can always have Skaya or Sanda come back eventually!
19:13 <•Kotono> Sanda follows Skaya, taking it all in. Anne lingers by the captain, "And fiends?" she asks, repeating her question.  Meanwhile, Skaya and Sanda browse and...OOC: 1d100 with a -20 bonus.
19:14 <Skaya> roll 1d100-20
19:14 <Skaya> OOC: Alas, no bot
19:14 <•Kotono> OOC: One second, bot went donw last night.
19:16 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@D13391B6.19C65E67.2A71C01E.IP)
19:16 <•Kotono> OOC: Fixed.
19:16 <Skaya> roll 1d100-20
19:16 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100-20 --> [ 1d100=22 ]{2}
19:17 <•Kotono> "Erranni," The cat yawns again at that attention, long and low. "But if you bring me fish and scratch my ears, you can call me whatever you want."
19:17 <•Kotono> "Fiends, celestials? Neither of them find much time here," Melinda mentions, "No, not much. Creatures of law and chaos, moreso."
19:21 <•Kotono> Skaya's in lock. Beyond two scrolls of Teleport and one of Greater Teleport? There's a ring. A label attached to it reads: Ring of Teleportation, once per day, causes some backlash on wearer.
19:22 <Skaya> Nice! Skaya cheers internally while picking up the ring with an expression of curiosity. There should be a price, right? Actually, can they bargain?
19:22 <Devar> "Haha, I'll see what I can do to bring you a proper gift next time then, Miss Erranni." Devar says. OOC: For his part, Devar will look and see if they've got any Minor Cloaks of Displacement in stock, or anything similar to that.
19:23 <Devar> "I'm guessing crew members don't get any sort of discount?" He asks while browsing around.
19:24 <•Kotono> The ring has a price of ASK on it.
19:24 <•Kotono> "Prices are as marked," The cat repeats with a yawn, as Anne comes up and pets her.
19:24 <•Kotono> OOC: 1d100-20, Neph.
19:25 <Devar> roll 1d100-20
19:25 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d100-20 --> [ 1d100=59 ]{39}
19:25 <Skaya> "Hello!" Skaya greets the yawning cat as she returns with the ring. "I'm supposed to ask...?"
19:27 <•Kotono> "Oh, that one," The fur on the cat's back rises, "It hurts you when you use it, with more harm depending on how far away you are from being able to cast teleport yourself. No ability to do it? Considerable harm. A wizard of the second circle? Some harm, but not as bad. If you can cast teleport, it has no downsides."
19:29 <•Kotono> The Captain seems content to watch in amusement while Devar searches. There's an entire coatrack full of cloaks offhand, each one labeled. Ther eis one that reads Lesser Displacement. IN particular, it reads: Cloak of Slaad Movement (Displacement), may cause minor ribbiting or increased appetite.
19:30 <•Kotono> "That sounds like a ring to have on hand if you're training apprentices," Sanda reasons, "Well, if you're an evil wizard and wants to punish any thieves."
19:31 <Devar> "How many times a day can you use it?" Devar asks, glancing at the price of the cloak. He'll at least keep the number in mind for the future when he can afford it. Though the idea of wearing something like that...
19:31 <Skaya> "I don't know if it'd work for me," Skaya admits. "I can learn to emulate magic, but I'm really at fireballs right now. Would that count, or do you need to be a proper wizard?"
19:36 <•Kotono> The cat regards Skaya with narrowed eyes, "One of those who learns a bit of everything? I've never tried it with one. Good question."
19:36 <Skaya> "How bad is the damage in the worst case scenario?"
19:37 <•Kotono> THe price on the cloak is 24,000 gold.
19:37 → Ko joined  ⇐ •Kotono and Kobot quit 
19:48 <Ko> "Anyone tough will survive it, but it'll hurt. Cough up blood, hurt inside. IT hits inside, not outside." The cat responds.
19:48 <Ko> The price on the cloak is 24,000 gold.
19:48 Ko → •Kotono (promoted to owner, opped)   
19:49 <Devar> Devar nods and notes down the price for now. "Well, the good news is we can help you with the ring if you want." Devar offers. "Sanda and I are nearly able to cast Teleport ourselves, but I also have that Rod and can easily fix you up."
19:49 <Skaya> "How much is the price? And can I try it here in the store to see how bad it gets?"
19:51 <•Kotono> "Teleporting inside the ship is a bad idea," The cat warns, "I wouldn't recommend it. Do it on the deck, or use those wings and fly up a bit."
19:52 <•Kotono> "You aren't afraid she'll run off with it?" Anne can't help but ask, frowning. "No offense, Skaya."
19:52 <•Kotono> "No, I'd worry about that if I were in her position," Sanda agrees.
19:52 <•Kotono> "SHe's a crew member. She'll come back, and I'll get my money one way or another," A feline chuckle, dark and sinister.
19:53 <Skaya> "Yes, that," Skaya says with a frown. "Also, when you're selling a lot of items priced like that cloak you have the means to deal with thieves, one way or the other." Nodding to herself, she puts the ring on and heads up for the deck.
19:55 <Devar> Devar will follow after her and get out his Rod of Bodily Restoration to help out with any injuries!
19:57 <•Kotono> The Captain follows, "Now this might be a sight, one way or another," she agrees, as you head back up. It's still busy up there 0 you notice the refugees are gone however, and the crew continues to work in the meantime. OOC: Go ahead, SKaya.
19:57 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@D13391B6.19C65E67.2A71C01E.IP)
19:58 — Skaya takes off and clears the deck by a hundred feet just in case, before casting False Life. It should help with some internal injuries, so at least she'll realize the risks properly. Then, focusing properly, Skaya teleports ten feet ahead by calling upon the ring!
19:58 <Skaya> roll 1d10+8 temp hp
19:58 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d10+8 temp hp --> [ 1d10=7 ]{15}
20:03 <•Kotono> OOC What level of spell can you emulate?
20:04 <Skaya> OOC: lvl3
20:04 <•Kotono> roll 1d6 Con damage
20:04 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6 Con damage --> [ 1d6=1 ]{1}
20:04 <•Kotono> roll 2d10 regular damage
20:04 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d10 regular damage --> [ 2d10=6 ]{6}
20:04 <•Kotono> It works - and it's like being stabbed on the inside. It hurts, but it works. OW!
20:04 — Skaya glides down to the deck and heads back to the store, wiping a bit of blood that escaped her lips.
20:05 <Devar> "You okay?" Devar asks, holding the Rod out if she needs it.
20:05 <Skaya> "So long as I take it easy," Skaya affirms with a nod. "I think I qualify as an apprentice for an evil mage, going by Sanda."
20:07 <•Kotono> Anne follows as well, "Do you need healing?"
20:08 <•Kotono> Sanda trots along as well, "I'd try it, but I like my blood inside my body."
20:08 <Skaya> "I think I escaped the worst of it, so let's wait and confirm it." And it might assist with haggling over price! To Sanda, she says, "Wasn't it once a day? That doesn't change per user."
20:08 <•Kotono> "If you have to clarify that, you're adventurers," Melinda declares, amused.
20:10 <Skaya> "You know, on reflection, a lot more blood must exist on the outside by now than the inside for you, Sanda."
20:12 <•Kotono> At that Anne reaches up and rubs her forehead slowly while sighing long and loud.
20:13 <•Kotono> Sanda merely sniffs and then adds, "Statistically speaking, that doesn't count since it's all evaporated."
20:13 <Skaya> "I think it should count. It's still blood and it's still from you."
20:14 <Devar> "...Anyway, the ring can be used once a day?" Devar asks.
20:14 <Skaya> "I want to confirm the price."
20:15 <•Kotono> You thus return. Erranni awaits you, tail swishing back and forth. She licks her chops slowly as you approach, before, "Well?"
20:16 <Skaya> "I survived the experience and returned on my own power so it's a suitable ring for me. How much would it cost me?"
20:24 <Devar> "Also, is it only usable once a day?" Devar asks.
20:35 <•Kotono> "13,500," The cat decides, "And once per day, as it says."
20:36 <Skaya> "Hmm." Skaya rubs the ring with her thumb, nodding thoughtfully. "That's a very sensible price. I'll take it!"
20:40 <•Kotono> Gold is exchanged, a ring obtained. OOC: Post the expense in loot.
20:40 <Skaya> OOC: Of course
20:41 <Skaya> "On a different matter, are you interested in purchasing some scrolls?" Skaya inquires. They do have that sack they discovered underwater and they're not really the scroll-using types. Since old habits die hard it'd be more beneficial to convert them to money instead.
20:44 <•Kotono> "Mmmmmm? Stock," The cat rises all at once, tail swishing back and forth, "Show me more."
20:45 — Skaya is all too happy to do so! Their presentation might look a bit unprofessional at first glance, but surely it'd look more authentic like recovered treasure this way!
20:46 <Skaya> OOC: I'm sorry, it's just listed as 'sack full of scrolls' in loot, we never did go through them that I recall
20:48 <•Kotono> OOC: You never did? Let me check.
20:49 <•Kotono> OOC: So yo udidn't. Okay.
20:49 <Skaya> OOC: We intended to when we went back on land but it hadn't happened till now
20:49 <•Kotono> The scrolls are examined, the cat using its paws with unnatural dexterity. "A decent assortment," is the announcement, "I'll give you 12,200 for all of them."
20:51 <Devar> "Oh wow." Devar says. "Well, that's convenient."
20:51 <Skaya> "Sure, that's reasonable. A pleasure doing business with you," Skaya agrees. Then, all that's left is to see if there's a scroll to regenerate lost limbs, same as Devar had purchased before.
20:53 <•Kotono> OOC: d100-20 as well.
20:53 <Skaya> roll 1d100-20
20:53 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100-20 --> [ 1d100=20 ]{0}
20:54 <•Kotono> There are! What's better is that there's three of them. One stuffed behind a big book, another sitting atop a small pile of mini crystal balls and the third amid an entire shelf of scrolls.
20:55 <Skaya> "How about buying these three with our group funds?" Skaya proposes. "One for Melissine, and a couple for later emergencies?"
20:57 <Devar> "I don't mind pitching in for that." Devar says, "I'm not sure we ever divvied up everything anyway, so feel free to use it."
20:57 <Skaya> "We actually haven't until this point, so this is to make sure we're all onboard with helping a cute knight that treated us nicely."
20:57 <•Kotono> "I'm fine with it," Anne agrees, "It's too good a chance to pass up."
20:58 <•Kotono> Sanda considers, "I saw what almost happened to your legs," Is her answer, "Let's buy them."
20:58 — Skaya happily collects the three scrolls!
21:08 <•Kotono> Each scroll is 2,275 gold, and...OOC: Go ahead and post the expense in loot?
21:09 <Skaya> OOC: Done
21:09 <Skaya> "How about this mystery box?" Skaya asks the proprietress next. "It's literally a box, or really several, made of mystery!"
21:09 <Skaya> OOC: A large pile of glowing wooden cubes - The suggestion is to hold onto these or wait for more advanced testing, because they're something unusual and not easily identifiable. Otherwise there's an offer for 300 gold for them if you just want to be done with them.
21:10 <Skaya> OOC: Let's investigate!

[Corwin]

19:17 <•Kotono> The cubes are looked over before the cat meows low, "Where did you get these?"
19:18 <Skaya> "Underwater!"
19:20 <•Kotono> You get an unimpressed cat look for your troubles.
19:21 <Devar> "Would the specifics of where they came from help?" Devar asks.
19:23 <•Kotono> "Possibly," Is the answer you get back. "Magic item history can be like a puzzle, and a single piece can be the key."
19:27 <Devar> "Are you at all familiar with somthing called the Fortress of Lem?" Devar asks. "If not - it's some sort of intelligent item that can create a fortress and mind controls people into serving as stewards of it."
19:29 <•Kotono> "I've heard of it," The cat says, "The Fortress of Lem, a pale imitation of another fortress that once wandered the planes. It came back relatively recently," A pause to lick a paw, "But none of that's important, except that the Fortress of Lem seems to accumulate treasures."
19:30 <•Kotono> "We did come on some unusual things," Sanda remarks thoughtfully, "That would explain that, at elast."
19:31 <Devar> "My guess was every person who ever got mind controlled by it leaves something to it or is influenced somehow." Devar says. "But, that's where they're from - so probably a former subject, would be my guess. Or I guess it could've been something that that entity inside it made."
19:32 <•Kotono> "So interesting but not helpful. Mrrrrrr," A long, low noise of feline annoyance. "Something in that fortress could be from anywhere on the planes."
19:32 <Skaya> "Still, if it came from across the planes, this seems like a place quite well suited for looking it up?"
19:32 <•Kotono> "So it is. Leave them here and I'll do some research, if you want. I'm used to identifying crewmember's loot."
19:33 <Skaya> "Thanks!"
19:34 <•Kotono> For her part, Anne looks curious, but says, "Perhaps the saying is true and history rhymes? Moore was part of the fortress you referenced, if I catch your meaning. Perhaps another reason why we were sent there."
19:35 <•Kotono> "At the least, it might be interesting," Erranni agrees, "Is there any other business, then?"
19:36 <Skaya> "It's best to savor the good things in life~"
19:36 <Devar> "None for me, hopefully when we see each other again I'll be able to peruse more of your selection." Devar says.
19:42 <•Kotono> With that you part. Once you've walked out, "Erranni does good business," The captain declares, full of good cheer, "And you found what you were looking for, most do there."
19:44 <Skaya> "And now that we've had a bit of fun, time for business?"
19:50 <•Kotono> "Time for business," The captain agrees readily as you walk along, towards the far end of the long hall. As you pass by a pair of floating, water like creatures, "A shop for Sanda is reasonable, or at least an apprenticeship if she's not up to that. As for you, Skaya?"
19:52 <Skaya> "Like I said, I'm good at most things, and can study up on the rest if needed."
19:53 <•Kotono> "I'll assign you to the general crew for now," Is the decision, "Let them figure out where you fit best."
19:54 <•Kotono> Anne follows along, "I think-" Then everything stops, because there's a faint shaking. Everyone around stops, then starts to hurry along.
19:54 <Skaya> "Sure," Skaya agrees, ready to try most things.
19:55 <•Kotono> "And it looks like we're getting moved somewhere else," IS the announcement from Melinda, "Things are moving faster than I expected! It must be all the new chaos blood on board."
19:55 <Devar> "Ah, then it's probably time we disembark." Devar says.
19:56 — Skaya stares at Devar.
19:57 <Devar> "I mean, we weren't planning on staying here permanently, were we?" He asks at the stare. "We can't just leave this plane right now, given everything going on."
19:57 <•Kotono> Melinda chuckles deeply, "A noble sentiment, but it's too late. I suggest you hold on, lest you be cast about wildly to the planes at best, and at worst never seen again."
19:58 — Skaya grabs Sanda and then holds onto something firm-looking for stability. "We just need a planar travel ring or something, similar to the teleport one. Getting back to visit would be much easier."
19:58 <•Kotono> Anne massages her temple before, "Wonderful. Our own faults for being drawn in by the whimsy and wonder." She flies up about a foot off the ground and braces against the wall.
19:59 <Devar> "Well, we'll just have to figure it out, then." Devar says as he goes to do the same as Anne.
20:02 <•Kotono> The party takes the chance and braces. It's several long shakes, each one a little worse. By the last you're clinging on tight, except for Melinda, who laughs and holds her ground. Then - it stops. Without wasting time, she strides forward, back up towards the deck.
20:02 — Skaya follows!
20:03 <Devar> "I'm sure Errani has a scroll or two of plane shift." Devar says. "So hopefully we can get back without too much trouble."
20:04 <•Kotono> "As do I, but I recall that spell being notably inaccurate." Anne comments as Sanda also follows, a little wild eyed. "But one problem at at ime."
20:05 <Devar> "Well, we just need it to get back to the right plane, then we can teleport from there, yeah?" Devar says.
20:07 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@294B7BDB.824CEC3E.8C013F7F.IP)
20:07 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:07 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=61 ]{61}
20:10 <•Kotono> The party comes to the deck. Immediately around the ship it's cold. A sharp winter day, enough to freeze water into ice. A wind blows that makes it worse,. Outside of it the immediate area? Snow and ice blows, an endless storm in all directions. All around the ship is an ocean of liquid ice, glittering and moving like water. It's strange to the eye, unnatural by every measure, ice as fluid
20:10 <•Kotono> as water.  Already the crew works diligently, as Melinda declares, "The Sea Of Frozen Lives," she declares, "Between Water and Ice. It's been some time."
20:12 <Skaya> "Huh. So the passengers will end up staying for longer?"
20:12 <Devar> "Huh, I wonder if our primal Ice elemental friend is around here somewhere." Devar says, looking around at the scenery.
20:12 <•Kotono> "Yes. Not my intention," Melinda admits, "I owe them an apology. Ah, some time and adventure will do them all good, and they'll be safe here."
20:13 <•Kotono> Sanda doesn't seem bothered by the cold at all. "It's-" she starts but stalls out. Then, "I can feel the water."
20:14 — Skaya is quite unbothered by the cold as well. "Sounds like you've been here before," she says to Melinda. "What's fun about this place?"
20:16 <•Kotono> "Ice fishing, if youc an tolerate the waters," Melinda declares, "Fighting off great hordes of frost kraken. Parleying with the more intelligent and social ice and water elementals. Finding other hardy ships out here, or crossing swords with frozen battle barges of the dead and claiming the treasure within. Then finding one of the iceberg cities and making a port call, and finding treasures
20:16 <•Kotono> of Ice and Water there."
20:17 — Skaya snaps her fingers. "Finding treasures sound so great! What are the chances for that, realistically?"
20:20 <•Kotono> Anne floats over to the edge of the rail and peers down. Sanda joins her after a moment, "It happens sooner or later. But for now you all can occupy yourselves. I'll have someone come get you in the meantime," she declares, before striding off.
20:21 <Skaya> "Right, right..." Skaya muses, before waving Anne and Devar over. "So let's discuss this a bit?"
20:22 <•Kotono> The party gathers back together, "Statistically speaking, we're in a bit of a position, since she said we'd always find our way back to the ship."
20:23 <•Kotono> "If it were my life alone to live for only what I desired, perhaps I might stay," Anne comments, "But I have responsibilities in Mellanics, even fi it's only to ensure all goes well with the newly endowed orphanage." Brushing back a bit of her hair, "In truth, my first instince was to flee and not look back. Had I know more, I would have."
20:24 <Skaya> "The random element is the troublesome part," Skaya agrees. "If it's entirely uncontrolled, it'd mean that even if we're elsewhere one of us could just up and disappear, leaving the others stranded. So since we're basically free for now, why not give this a try and see how much leeway the magic gives us? We can return and decline further jobs, then go visit Rina, and it'd all take us only a couple of days."
20:24 <•Kotono> "That's why I think if two of us are in, the rest should be," Sanda points out, "Otherwise we'll be separated and that could get those left behind killed, if it happens at a bad time."
20:25 <•Kotono> Anne considers those words before, "I think you're right, Skaya. Let us see how far the tether stretches."
20:26 <Devar> "You could look at it the reverse way too, if two of us are out, then so should everyone else." Devar says. "For that same reason. But Skaya's right - it may be a compulsion to come back that you all have some control over, like you have to will yourself back at some point, or something like that. For now, why don't we see if Miss Errani has some sort of planar shifting item in stock?"
20:29 — Skaya nods slowly. "So in general terms, if we're able to get a somewhat reliable means of planar travel, we sort it all out with Spine and pay Rina a visit within the week?"
20:30 <•Kotono> "If not, that changes our plans regardless," Anne agrees, as the party goes and does just that. You find a new sign is up in front of Erranni's shop. It reads: Want to go ice fishing? Worried about ice injury? All ice protection spells now 10% off! Several crew members are browsing - a human woman with brown hair, in a light dress and shivering. Another is a stumpy looking elf, like an elf
20:30 <•Kotono> was squashed down to dwarven size.  A third is a bird-man, body covered in bright green and gold feathers. "No pushing, no pushing, elemental protection scrolls and potions are plentiful," The cat calls, as a pair of identical feminine shaped masses of fire glare death at each other, over corked potions.
20:32 <Devar> "Such an experienced entrepreneur." Devar says with a chuckle as he goes to look around for any sort of planar travel items.
20:34 <•Kotono> OOC: 1d100, no modifier to this roll. For a lot of what I assume are obvious reasons, that's an in demand spell.
20:35 <Devar> roll 1d100
20:35 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=99 ]{99}
20:38 <•Kotono> Unfortunately, even after a half hour of everyone searching, one thing is clear. Right now there's not a single item of plane shift or similar around. Not a scroll, not an item, not anything. By now people are coming and going quickly to buy up cold resistance items, but Erranni spares all of you a hectic few moments. "Yes yes, just put the gold down, and I told you I'll take those purple
20:38 <•Kotono> gold coins of yours." Then from the robed and hooded man to the party, "Sometimes we're sold out of those. They're one of our most popular type of items, and we had a rush a few days ago."
20:38 <•Kotono> "May both Oceanus and the Styx take you," The man says warmly, glittering purple gold coins laid down and a potion taken away.
20:39 <Skaya> "How often do they get restocked?" Skaya asks curiously.
20:40 <Devar> "Worst case, someone on the crew might be willing to transport us if it comes down to it." Devar suggests.
20:40 <•Kotono> "It depends, but our main few scroll crafters are away for a few days." Erranni hisses at that, "And when they return, they'll likely be busy with cold resistance scrolls. It's quite possible there won't be any until we find some in booty or in trade at port. You can ask around for that if you want. I'm not interested," The cat adds, tail flicking. "I'm comfortable in my warm shop."
20:41 <Skaya> "Got it. It is what it is. Thanks!"
20:42 <•Kotono> Once a bit away from the shop, "So either we ask around or we settle for some time here," Anne muses, "Unless anyone can discern a third option."
20:43 <Skaya> "Let's go search for treasure! It's just a bit of cold, we can do this!"
20:43 <•Kotono> "Treasure?" That robe man drifts back your way, "Out int he cold of the Sea of Frozen Lives?" His voice sounds more excited by the moment, face hidden in shadows.
20:44 <•Kotono> Anne glances his way, "At the last, most of us have no reason to fear the cold."
20:44 <•Kotono> *least
20:44 <Skaya> "Are you interested?" Skaya asks him with a grin. "It sounds fun, doesn't it?"
20:45 <•Kotono> "I loooooove treasure hunting!" A happy noise at that, "And there's said to be entire icebergs full of treasure, forgotten, and ships frozen within the ocean, bobbing along like ice cubes in a glass of water." He claps his hands together once, "Are all of you either proof against cold entirely or of the blood of water?"
20:46 <•Kotono> Sanda tilts her head a little to the side, "I'm sorry, but why the robes if you're going to act like an excited teenager?"
20:46 <Skaya> "I am absolutely, one hundred percent proof," Skaya responds with a nod. "It varies for the others, though. Do you have a map?"
20:46 <•Kotono> "Sanda," Anne hisses at her, then louder, "Cold is no concern for myself, and Sanda is the blood of water. Devar?"
20:47 — Skaya pokes Sanda. "It's treasure, who wouldn't be excited?"
20:47 <Devar> "You can wear robes and still be excited for things." Devar adds to the pileon. "I'm not immune, but I imagine I'll be fine."
20:48 <•Kotono> "Hyponotic skin," Is the answer back, voice cheerful, "It ruins all the fun when everyone stares and drools mindlessly." Clapping his hands together again, "Have you ever been here before?"
20:49 <Devar> "Not here specifically, no." Devar says. "We've... sort of visited Ice, in a sense..."
20:49 <Skaya> "Anything special to know about this place?"
20:51 <•Kotono> "The air is cold, but any supernatural protection against cold will do," The robed man says, "The wind and storms will often make it hard to see, and often get into your eyes. You'll get used to it. The water's much colder, don't go in without the  blood of water or complete protection against cold. Treat as you would lava. If you plan to take a dip, dress lightly.  Armor like yours or
20:51 <•Kotono> really any heavy clothes become coated in thick ice. Skin to a much lesser degree, but it's less of a problem on living creatures, assuming they don't die right away."
20:52 <Skaya> "Sounds exactly like I remember of that demiplane, then," Skaya voices. "Alright! Let's go, then? No time like the present~"
20:53 <•Kotono> OOC: Just a quick DM sanity check. I know Anne's immune and Sanda is water subtype + resistance 10. Skaya, you're immune. Devar, do you have any cold resistance or anything topical?
20:53 <Devar> OOC: 15
20:54 <•Kotono> OOC: Cool. Okay, more after a sec.
20:58 <•Kotono> "Call me Orange," The robed man says as you head out onto the decks. Though this begs the question: How do you plan to go out there and to this?
20:59 <Skaya> "Skaya," she responds. "And these are Anne, Sanda and Devar."
21:00 <Skaya> Given that three of them can fly, is it really that difficult to leave the ship?
21:01 <Devar> "Does your traveling deity give you any insight as to where we ought to go, Skaya?" Devar asks.
21:02 <Skaya> "To be honest, he's happy the more I travel," Skaya says with a helpless shrug. "Orange probably has a better idea of where to go?"
21:02 <•Kotono> "Can all of you fly?" Is the question back, "If we can, this is simpler. If not, we'll need to make a boat."
21:03 <Skaya> "All of us but Sanda, and she's tiny! So I can carry her."
21:04 <•Kotono> "Plus Skaya's warm, and that's an advantage here, statisticallyspeaking. It means our body heat goes farther," Sanda goes right to Skaya.
21:04 <•Kotono> Anne even smiles a little at that, "Quite." She lifts up off the ground, "Let's go see what's out there."
21:04 <Devar> "You're just casting with full spells today, Sanda." Devar says with a bit of a smile.
21:05 — Skaya picks Sanda up with a roll of her eyes and takes off the deck.
21:05 <•Kotono> Orange follows, lifting up and off with ease. Thus the party takes off. A few cries go out, of, "Good luck!" "Don't freeze!" "Bring back Ice's best booty, and some treasure too!"
21:06 — Skaya waves at the well-wishers cheerfully!
21:09 <•Kotono> Once the party is away from the ship. The cold is intense and brutal. Snow and ice blows, visibility dropping rapidly. It's a storm above endless seas of sparkling ice, a dull, reflected light from above. It gives everything a cast similar to a snowscape under the moon, a luminence that seems to come more from the ocean than the sky. However, you can quickly spy things below. Schools of
21:09 <•Kotono> fish leap out from the water, fish more ice than flesh, transparent enough to see the deep blue blood in their veins. Off to the party's left, you can dimly make out great shapes that might be whales, perhaps. You see no birds in the sky here, however, only the endless storms.
21:11 <Devar> "It's amazing to me that anything could learn to thrive in this sort of environment." Devar says. "I wonder if we really will find a trapped ship in ice."
21:11 <Skaya> "Weren't they already magical to begin with? I don't think there's any adapting to this environment, Devar."
21:12 <Devar> "You think they're magical fish?" He asks.
21:13 <Skaya> "Probably elemental fish?"
21:13 <•Kotono> "They're closer to tiny elementals than fish you'd know," Orange mentions, "But they keep enough of their fish nature to still be fish."
21:13 <•Kotono> Anne studies them, lingering. "Also, hold on. I'm going to test something now, rather than have it be an unpleasant surprise when trouble comes."
21:14 <•Kotono> Sanda snuggles up against her ride, "What, and ruin the surprise?"
21:14 <•Kotono> "That's the point. Devar, would you come with me?" Anne asks, "Just grab me in case I suddenly sink."
21:15 <Devar> "Sure." He says, following after Anne.
21:16 <•Kotono> Anne descends - not to the water level, but close. Enough that waves and swells can reach her. She moves, moves and then lunges when a wave crests. Her entire lower body is splashed as she flies through the top of the wave, soaked. When she comes out she staggers in the air, from the hips down completely encased in ice. She lurches upward in the air, "Heavy," She complains, drawing her mace
21:16 <•Kotono> and slamming it against her legs. "This is a concern if I go into the water. I can fly out I think, but I'll be slowed."
21:18 <Devar> "Here, try this." Devar says, taking his Clearwater ring off and handing it to Anne. "It's imbued with the power of freedom of movement, I'm curious if it would help."
21:19 <Devar> "It only works when you're in water, but that's what the problem here is, right?" He asks. "So I'm hoping it would help."
21:19 <•Kotono> Anne puts on the ring. Immediately her flight smooths out, and the ice slides off of her. She knocks away a few remnants and says, "Fortunately, it does. Useful."
21:20 <•Kotono> Orange watches from below, "Oh, that spell. Never had that on hand around here, but that would help if you aren't flash frozen, wouldn't it?"
21:20 <Devar> "Good to remember as an alternative." Devar says with a nod.
21:21 <•Kotono> "If needs must," Anne agrees, "I intend to stay above the water if possible, but necessity so rarely cooperates with desire."
21:21 — Skaya laughs all of a sudden. "Devar, remember the issues we had with slippery surfaces until we managed to fly reliably?"
21:22 <Devar> "Don't remind me." He says, flying back up to the others. "Remember that mountain we climbed way back?"
21:23 <Skaya> "Good times."
21:34 <•Kotono> That draws out a few chuckles from the party, as you go on and...OOC: Perception both of you, for reference. -8 penalty due to conditions.
21:35 <•Kotono> roll 1d20-8 Sanda
21:35 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20-8 Sanda --> [ 1d20=16 ]{8}
21:35 <•Kotono> orll 1d20+2 Anne why not?
21:35 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Anne why not
21:35 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 Anne why not --> [ 1d20=5 ]{7}
21:35 <Skaya> roll 1d20+12
21:35 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{19}
21:35 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+15 Orange
21:35 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 Orange --> [ 1d20=12 ]{27}
21:36 <Devar> roll 1d20+11-8 hey, you never know
21:36 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+11-8 hey, you never know --> [ 1d20=17 ]{20}
21:41 <•Kotono> Visibility is miserable as you fly along. One shivering Sanda clings to Skaya, while Anne flies a little ahead. Orange lingers in the middle, following along until...
21:41 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:41 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=84 ]{84}
21:41 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:41 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=86 ]{86}
21:42 <•Kotono> "There," Orange calls, "I see something," he points to the side after a good half of an hour wandering in the storms. "Follow me."
21:43 <Skaya> "Can't quite see anything in this frozen soup," Skaya admits, already changing course through a shift in her wings. "What's waiting for us there?"
21:45 <Devar> "You have some sharp eyes, Orange." Devar says as he follows along.
21:48 <•Kotono> Anne curves back around your way, "More than I'm prepared," he goes on cheerfully, "A little magic and I can see through the snow and ice like it's not there."
21:48 <•Kotono> "I want that spell," Sanda pipes up, "That's a good one to have for planning."
21:48 <Skaya> "What magic is that?" Skaya echoes Sanda.
21:49 <Devar> "Does it just work on snow and ice, or would it help with, say, a sandstorm too?" Devar asks. "But yes, that definitely sounds like a spell to have on hand."
21:51 <•Kotono> "A spell I made myself," Orange says easily, "I might be convinced to trade for it."
21:52 <Skaya> "Does it turn the user's skin hypnotic?"
21:52 <•Kotono> "Nope," Easy agreement as in the distance, you can begin to see something. Some sort of landmass? An island, maybe? It's hazy in the snow, more a suggestion.
21:54 <Devar> Devar continues to head towards it!
21:54 — Skaya would normally take the lead, but carrying Sanda as she is, Skaya stays in the middle.
21:58 <•Kotono> IT is indeed an island. Not a large one, more of a jagged mountain of frozen over rock sticking up out of the seas. There's no beach, only ice shelves around it that provide solid land. However, caves criss-cross the mountain as you get close, more than a few openings worn into the stone there. "Sometimes great hunks of stone or metal come from Earth," Orange calls, "They form islands like
21:58 <•Kotono> this!"
21:59 <Skaya> "Even better if an island comes over from Mineral," Skaya muses.
22:00 <Devar> "If there was any particularly valuable ore in here that'd be worth it to extract too." Devar reasons.
22:01 <•Kotono> "I have some training in that," Sanda speaks up, "I'll keep my eyes peeled."
22:01 <•Kotono> "How'd you ever get that as a shopkeeper?" Anne challenges, a frown on her face. "Have you gone visitign mines?"
22:02 <•Kotono> "Study," Sanda retorts as you fly closer. How are you going to approach this?
22:04 <Skaya> "Let's pick the largest opening and explore it?" Skaya proposes.
22:05 <Devar> "If it's something that needs light I can handle that, though I know a majority of us can see in the dark anyway." Devar says.
22:06 <•Kotono> "Better than being blind," Orange says, "But I can see in the dark as well." Around and around you fly - on the back side there's a large collapse, an entire opening to go in, half frozen back over but not all the way.
22:08 <Devar> "Want me to go in first?" Devar offers.
22:08 <Skaya> "Works."
22:09 <•Kotono> OOC: Alone or just at the front of the party?
22:09 <Skaya> OOC: At the front
22:10 — Devar nods and will fly down to the opening! If there's light enough to see inside he won't do anything, but if it looks like it gets dark quickly inside he will cast Luminous Armor on himself.
22:10 <•Kotono> Anne settles in behind Skaya, Orange with her. Devar leads the way, but it's soon clear the icy walls will block light once stone gets in the way. Further light will be needed.
22:13 <Devar> Luminous armor it is! Light for 60 feet and dim light for 60 more.
22:14 <•Kotono> Once the spell is cast, the way ahead is lit. IT goes in, the passage curving inward roughly and narrowing quickly. Ice on the walls makes it worse, but light turns the ice from darkness to glittering. Around and further in, deeper in. After a bit of curving it opens up into a large dead end. Here sits the remnants of a campsite. Frozen over piles of ancient wood, a tent, a few barrels and
22:14 <•Kotono> a sealed box. Planted by that box is a sign, some manner of writing on it. What's more interesting is the walls. Here large chunks of a silvery metal juts out in block-like shapes, often as big as a fist. On seeing those Sanda comes over and peers at them carefully no ice on these walls. "Silver ore. Not minimal silver, but chunk silver. It's rare to see it like that, usually you have to
22:14 <•Kotono> refine it." OOC: Sanda takes 10 on K:D.
22:15 <•Kotono> "It's not like gold nuggets?" Anne asks as she heads towards the sign, "I never knew."
22:15 <•Kotono> "It can be, but outside of places like Earth or Mineral that's not common." Sanda explains, "Statistically speaking, the vast majority of silver has to be refined."
22:16 — Skaya checks the sign in the meanwhile.
22:16 <Skaya> OOC: Languages: Common, Elven, Dwarven, Celestial, Draconic, Ignan
22:16 <Devar> Devar heads over with Skaya. "Curious where the people who were at this camp ended up."
22:17 <•Kotono> The writing is deeply faded, though pale purple light illuminates what survives. It looks to be the same warning in several languages, including Common. From what Skaya can piece together, it reads something like, "This treasure is our treasure, a curse on those who take what is not theirs to take!"
22:18 <•Kotono> Orange reads it as well, "I'm betting on a curse on the ore. Am I the only one?"
22:19 <Skaya> "I don't think this is allowed," Skaya murmurs with a frown. "You can't just claim everything is yours-- but yes, there's possibly an actual and not only a metaphorical curse here. Is there any weird magic around?"
22:20 <Devar> Devar will cast Detect Magic and take a look at the chest first, then look around the rest of the area. OOC: Take 10 on Spellcraft for 31
22:20 <•Kotono> There's an obvious curse in the air. Studying all the ins and outs of it would take a lot of time, but it looks to lay a powerful curse to those who mine the silver, to take an equal price from them as to what they mine.
22:21 <•Kotono> "It's no less allowed than one owning a mine," Anne points out, "Though all of this looks old enough that I wonder if those who claimed it still live."
22:22 <Devar> "If we can figure out how to break the curse it'd probably be worth it. If you want me to spend some time studying it I might be able to come up with something." Devar says. "But yes, there's a curse on everything here."
22:23 <Skaya> "It doesn't even look like it'd take long to mine properly. This has to be someone playing a stupid game."
22:24 <•Kotono> "Or the veins run deep, or it's not silver," Anne speculates, "There's other precious, rare metals that are silver-like. Or there some other reason."
22:24 <•Kotono> "More time than you'd think," Sanda comments, "Mining isn't easy work."
22:25 <Skaya> "Want to look over at a different path, then?"
22:25 <Devar> "We can always try breaking the curse here if we don't find anything else." Devar says. "I'm not sure if dispel magic would work, but we can try it later if we want."
22:26 <•Kotono> "Let's try the others,"
22:26 <•Kotono> "Let's try the others," With a lift up off the ground, "If there's silver here, there may be silver in other caverns, and possibly free for the taking."
22:28 <Skaya> "You know, it does raise an interesting question," Skaya muses as she follows. "The note suggests this was seized through power and enforced that way, rather than any legal means. In that case, would wielding stronger force make taking the silver alright? And if there is an actual legal claim there, can it possibly be unlimited in time?"
22:28 <Devar> Devar raises up to fly back and start hunting for ore!
22:30 <Devar> "Curses are weird like that." Devar says. "The sense I got was anyone who mined anything it somehow took something from them, but what if you didn't mine it? What if we just... teleported the silver out or something, you know? We're not mining it at that point at all."
22:31 <•Kotono> An answer to that comes....next time!

[Corwin]

19:03 <•Kotono> "It depends on the curse," Orange muses, "But it's like juggling alchemist's fire. Even if you do everything right, you might stilll end up on fire."
19:04 <•Kotono> That draws a small laugh from Anne, "In other words, it's a gamble."
19:04 <Skaya> "Only way to know is to give it a try!"
19:08 <•Kotono> Thus the party flies out and around, back into the snow and then to another cave. This one is smaller, shallow. Nothing of note in this one, but it doesn't go deep. Your party then goes to a third, icy walls and darkness only illuminated by Devar as...OOC: Devar, you're the one on point, so give me Perception. You're not in the storm right now so the -8 does not apply.
19:09 <Devar> roll 1d20+11
19:09 <Devar> OOC: aaaaa
19:09 <•Kotono> OOC: One second, someone's slacking.
19:10 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@294B7BDB.824CEC3E.8C013F7F.IP)
19:10 <Devar> roll 1d20+11
19:10 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{15}
19:13 <•Kotono> Devar's on point - and as you head deeper in, looking for silver? There's a creak-groan of ice above, as suddenly a hunk of ice and stone breaks free, bigger than Devar, and right at his head! OOC: Ref save.
19:13 <Devar> roll 1d20+16 evasion
19:13 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+16 evasion --> [ 1d20=11 ]{27}
19:15 <•Kotono> With a sudden, desperate dodge Devar throws himself to the side. Just in time, as with a massive din stone meets stone. The entire cavern shakes from it, yet Devar isn't crushed under it.
19:15 <•Kotono> "Ah!" Sanda lets out a little shriek, "Devar!"
19:15 <•Kotono> Anne quickly looks up, but no more seems to be falling.
19:16 <Devar> "I'm all right!" He calls out. "But let's keep our eyes up."
19:17 — Skaya stays near Sanda to get her out of the way if this happens again. And keeps her eyes out!
19:18 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+^
19:18 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+^ --> error: malformed expression
19:18 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6
19:18 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{24}
19:18 <•Kotono> Anne, however, flies up. She goes to where the stone fell, a gap in the ceiling. "There's silver up here," she announces, "At least, it looks like the previous veins did."
19:20 <Skaya> "Is there magic on it?"
19:20 <Devar> Devar will fly up to check! OOC: 31 on spellcraft
19:20 <•Kotono> Devar does just that. This silver isn't enchanted or cursed, near as Devar can tell.
19:21 <•Kotono> Getting a look, he can see it's the same as above. Great chunks like before, jutting out and apparent in the stone.
19:22 <Devar> "No curses here." Devar reports.
19:24 <•Kotono> Anne peers as well, "Mu greater concern is the stability of the ceiling. If one part fell from our passage, I fear the ceiling here may not be fully reliable."
19:24 <Skaya> "Let's see about mining it, then? Or extracting it? I think that makes more sense."
19:28 <•Kotono> "Skaya's right, there's silver up there, we should get it," Sanda says, "The ceiling will be fine."
19:30 <Devar> Devar nods. "I'm not much of an expert on ore extraction, but I'm sure we can figure it out." He says.
19:31 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay then, going to try and dig it out or what? Got any suitable tools or something else to free it up?
19:31 <Skaya> OOC: This never came up, what would be needed?
19:34 <•Kotono> OOC: At least a pickaxe or something similar, or something else that can break up stone and free the ore.
19:35 <Skaya> OOC: I can use the bracers for blades that have piercing, would that do?
19:36 <•Kotono> OOC: Paste me the bracers in PM?
19:36 <Devar> OOC: I have a magical lance!
19:36 <•Kotono> OOC: Lance as well, Devar
19:36 <•Kotono> .
19:40 <•Kotono> OOC: You can try, sure. At the least they're storng magical weapons.
19:42 <Skaya> "Anne, watch over Sanda?" Skaya says, flying over to join Devar by the silver. "Hey, Devar, let's try digging it out together?"
19:43 <Devar> "Remind me to have something like Minor Creation on hand for these sorts of situations." Devar says as he produces Storm's Eye. "Or I guess buy some mining equipment for next time..." He nods to Skaya.
19:43 — Skaya looks for the best and most stable angles to get at the deposit!
19:45 <Skaya> OOC: I have Knowledge Engineering (10 with inspiration for 31) and Knowledge Dungeoneering (10 with inspiration for 34)
19:45 <•Kotono> Storm's Eye crackles and yawns loudly, "You know, when you thrust into things, you want to go for soft, warm things. Not hard and cold, Devar." Meanwhile Skaya studies. You'll need to be careful - Anne's warning prescient. The ceiling isn't entirely stable here, so a careful application of force will be needed.
19:46 <•Kotono> "Is that an intelligent spear?" Orange calls down from above, "Nice to meet you!"
19:46 — Skaya points out the safest spot for Devar while poking those on the other side herself.
19:48 <Devar> "He's a handful." He says, before Devar nods to Skaya, just completely ignoring Storm's Eye and goes to get to work - hopefully with just one, precise stab!
19:54 <•Kotono> OOC: I'm going to call for Wis checks here for both of you, basically untrained Profession (Miner) checks. Magical equipment negates the penalty for using non standard equipment here.
19:55 <Skaya> roll 1d20+2
19:55 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{11}
19:55 <Devar> OOC: it's always wisdom :(
19:55 <Devar> roll 1d20+1
19:55 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+1 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{19}
19:57 <•Kotono> Fortunately, with Skaya's knowledges, you're able to avoid bad stabs and manage to work. It takes some time - careful, loud time, minute after minute blurring together. But slowly chunk after chunk of silver is mined out. You get a little over a dozen chunks of silver, some almost as big as your hand. Sanda watches on as you mine out this little recess, "How much this is worth will depend
19:57 <•Kotono> on purity and if there's anything special about it, but this is still pure profit."
19:58 <Devar> "I like it a lot better when someone's just conveniently put it all in a nice-looking treasure chest." Devar says, taking a bit of a breather from the work.
19:59 <Skaya> OOC: Is there more of this cave past this spot, or are we at the very depth?
20:00 <•Kotono> Looking forward, Skaya can see the cavern continues onward.
20:00 <Skaya> "Want to look what's past this point?"
20:01 <Devar> "No sense in not doing so - we're already here." Devar says.
20:02 — Skaya decides to lead the way further in. They can always return!
20:03 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 loewr the better
20:03 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 loewr the better --> [ 1d100=64 ]{64}
20:06 <•Kotono> The party proceeds in. It winds downward after this, deeper into the mountain. You come deeper in, to a large, open cavern. Here the walls all glitter with chunks of silver, veins of it running freely. Great thick deposits of it, all snaking out from the center of the room. In the center of the room, on the floor, sleeps a sleek, man sized creature of pure silver. It likes on its back,
20:06 <•Kotono> hands folded over its chest.
20:07 <Skaya> "Should we withdraw?" Skaya asks quietly. "Elementals wouldn't be happy to give up their own element, and this isn't the most structurally sound of caverns."
20:09 <•Kotono> "We have no idea who or what that is or what it can do," Anne muses, "I suddenly suspect I know why that old camp lies untouched and forgotten."
20:10 <Devar> "There's the possibility it could be reasoned with and perhaps we could even trade with it, but I'm fine if we just want to withdraw." Devar says quietly to the others.
20:10 <•Kotono> Anne looks to it, "Evil," she murmurs, voice tense now. "Wickedness surrounds it like a second skin."
20:11 <•Kotono> At that Sanda starts stepping back, "Statistically speaking, ignoring that sort of warning leads to vastly higher odds of death."
20:12 — Skaya decides to withdraw. They can retreat to the original cavern.
20:12 <•Kotono> "I don't like our odds much, either." Orange admits, "Free money's different than a fight with who knows what."
20:12 <Devar> For all that fighting evil is something he signed up for, he isn't the type to just pick fights for the sake of it. Devar follows the others out!
20:12 <•Kotono> The party starts to withdraw. But as you do? "Did you think I slept through your mining?" A rough voice asks to your backs.
20:14 <Skaya> "Yes," Skaya responds, stopping. "I think we got enough, but if you want to go all in and fight with your life on the line, we can do that."
20:16 <•Kotono> Anne stops as well, "That is the risk. We don't know you, you don't know us. Only those above know who would win."
20:17 <•Kotono> Orange freezes mid step, "I admit I had hopes you did. I've known some heavy sleepers."
20:20 <•Kotono> "You seek my blood made metal," The creature challenges you back, "Greed again, as you creatures always seek and take what you want?"
20:21 <Skaya> "If your blood is valuable, you get treated as a dragon," Skaya says rather reasonably. "Again, want to make a big deal of it, or want us to leave amiably?"
20:21 <Devar> "And if you don't want visitors, maybe move the sign to the front." Devar adds.
20:23 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me diplomacy checks, both of you, +2 bonus.
20:23 <Skaya> OOC: I'll take 10 with inspiration for 36
20:24 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 29
20:27 <•Kotono> "Run." A single word, rasped out.
20:27 <•Kotono> Anne takes no further encouragement, flying off as fast as the wind can carry her. Sanda does the same, only on her two feet.
20:27 <•Kotono> Orange soars on as well, taking the opportunity and offer.
20:27 — Skaya frowns, but picks up Sanda as she heads away and flies with a passanger.
20:28 <Devar> Devar stays for a moment with a frown, then he shakes his head and turns and follows the rest out!
20:35 <•Kotono> There's no pursuit at least. The party escapes out and back into the storm. Once out, "Well, that went better than I expected," Orange says, "Usually we have to fight something like that."
20:35 <•Kotono> "That was lucky," Sanda agrees, "Same."
20:36 <Skaya> "The main reason I didn't want to fight is that I didn't want to risk the ceiling collapsing," Skaya admits. "I think we had good odds otherwise. So this is a good outcome for all, and even though Anne said he was evil, this is the land of barren ice. I don't think he's going to be raiding helpless children here."
20:37 <Devar> Devar nods to Skaya. "There's no point in starting a fight, even with something like that, if we don't have to." He says. "Do we look around for any other opportunities?"
20:37 <Skaya> "I think we should," Skaya responds. "Just not mining ones for now."
20:38 <Devar> "Maybe we can find one of those frozen lost ships that were transporting valuables." Devar says with a smile.
20:38 <Skaya> "Sure! There're probably ghosts, too!"
20:39 <•Kotono> "Sounds good," Sanda agrees, "Maybe we can kick you know who's ghost around on one!"
20:40 — Skaya perks up. "We just might!"
20:40 <•Kotono> "I hope not, because I hope he has a pleasant little pit of boiling lava with his name on it," Anne counters, "Or maybe a coffin full of blades."
20:41 — Skaya laughs, picking a direction and taking off while still carrying Sanda. Anne will surely follow!
20:46 <•Kotono> Thus the party takes off again, and...
20:46 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:46 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=4 ]{4}
20:46 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 subtables
20:46 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 subtables --> [ 1d100=12 ]{12}
20:47 <•Kotono> You fly. An hour? Around that. That's when you spy something below in the waters. A great disturbance in the waves, something emerging. Something large, large enough to displace the frozen ocean below you.
20:47 <Devar> Is it a random portal that's dumping a ship out? Devar looks down to see what it is!
20:50 <Skaya> Is it an ice kraken? Skaya gains more altitude just in case!
20:50 <•Kotono> Anne follows Skaya as Orange calls, "It's probably something large coming up, there's all sorts of big creatures down in the depths."
20:52 <•Kotono> "Then-"S anda begins, but it comes out. A great whale emerges, made entirely of glistening, completely transparent blue ice. Inside hallway sized veins roam ice paraelementals. For the insides are machinery and magic, like Mechanus. They work strange contraptions within, the entire whale bloodless within. As you watch, wings of crystalline ice emerge from its back, massive and long in
20:52 <•Kotono> wingspan.
20:53 <•Kotono> "What is that?" Sanda breathes out, "Is that some sort of ship?
20:53 <•Kotono> "Some sort of elemental creation?" Anne watches it, "It's beautiful."
20:54 <Devar> "Wow." Devar says, marveling at it. "Something like a moving home."
20:55 <•Kotono> "I wish I had one," Sanda seconds Devar, "It would be an amazing ship and home."
20:56 <•Kotono> As you all talk the whale takes to the air, wings flapping. It moves smoothly, ascending up into the sky and out of the ocean.
20:56 <Skaya> "It's amazing, but is it hungry?"
20:56 <Devar> "You've already agreed to have a different home." Devar says with a bit of a smile. "But still, you have to wonder about the story that led to the creation."
21:01 <•Kotono> "I do," Anne confesses as the whale flies off, leaving the party behind with memories.
21:01 <•Kotono> "Never seen that particular thing before, but we do see all sorts of wonderful things on our adventures," Orange says, "That's one to tell everyone over drinks!"
21:02 <•Kotono> There's no response from Anne, who watches the whale fly off until it's gone. Only then does she say, "What wondrous things in realms beyond ours, even if storm and snow rules it."
21:05 <Skaya> "I really wanted to make golems before, but then I realized how much the components actually cost. It's ridiculous, a king's ransom won't even be enough to get started on one."
21:08 <Devar> "I wonder if that's why it's made partially of ice." Devar says. "A place like this, you can find a bunch of base level materials for what is essentially free. Obviously you can't exactly make a golem out of the ice around here since it'd melt... or... ...maybe it won't?" He says. "Maybe there's some ice that's cold regardless of where it's taken."
21:09 <Skaya> "It'd be some magical ice that's very hard to work with and as soon as you finally managed to some bastard will show up and set it on fire."
21:10 <Devar> "Haha, you just have to make one that's immune to magic." Devar reasons. "But then that's probably even more impossible to put together."
21:13 <Skaya> "You do that when you go fight a god for fun and profit."
21:14 <•Kotono> "Still, it's a story," Sanda agrees as you chatter and fly along, then...
21:14 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:14 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=45 ]{45}
21:14 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:14 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=32 ]{32}
21:14 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:14 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=24 ]{24}
21:16 <•Kotono> Over another hour of wandering. That's when you see it - a large floating hunk of ice. No more than a few dozen feet across, but it's solid land. On it grow a few thick, tangly trees, pale blue and white leaves and matching fruits in the trees.
21:16 <Skaya> "Let's get a bit closer and take a look?" Skaya proposes. "Fruits and trees could be pretty lucrative!"
21:17 <Devar> "Especially if they're rare." Devar says. Oh, that reminds him that he has a bunch of those medicinal fruits from the ocean he forgot about, he'll have to see if they can do anything with them later.
21:19 <•Kotono> "LEt me see, I know some of them," Orange offers, "Most are worth some money off of Ice, but require proper storage."
21:19 <•Kotono> The party descends down and...OOC: Anyone have K:N or K:P. Either can try, but only one of the two.
21:20 <Skaya> OOC: K:N 10 with inspiration for 34, K:P with inspiration for 34
21:20 <Skaya> OOC: Devar can go for his highest one, I'll take the other
21:20 <Devar> OOC: I have both too, but I'll say K:P then for 26
21:26 <•Kotono> They're pear shaped and heavy. After some talk, you're fairly sure they're Icgraz fruits. They're intensely cold (and deal minor cold damage if ingested) but instantly cure dehydration or overheating of any kind, and even heal some desiccation damage if consumed. They're worth a few dozen gold coins per fruit anywhere else, possibly more in places where its properties are useful.
21:28 <Skaya> "So probably not actually that much of a windfall," Skaya says in disappointment. "Can we transplant a few of the trees to the ship, Orange? You'd know best if there was a good spot for this below deck."
21:30 <•Kotono> "Oh, there is. Below decks there's farm decks, one dry and one submerged," Orange explains, "Jorek runs the above air one and he'll give you good coin for these trees if you can bring them back."
21:32 <Skaya> "Then how about we do that?" Skaya proposes. "We can all try a fruit just to see if it's actually delicious, too." She picks one to give it a try!
21:33 — Skaya meanwhile observes the floating ice. If she tries to push it while flying, does it shift in any way?
21:37 <Devar> In the meantime, Devar also looks to see how they'd go about doing that if they can't somehow move the ice itself - are the trees just growing out of ice?
21:38 <•Kotono> Skaya tries to push it. It bucks in the water a little - it's relatively light enough that's moveable, but the waves have more power if you're going against them.  The trees look to be growing out of the ice, roots glimpsed burrowed into it. Anne kneels next to a tree and inspects it, "I suspect they'd draw water from the ice somehow?"
21:38 <•Kotono> "That would be my guess," Sanda adds, as snow blows all around the party.
21:40 <Skaya> "Okay, let's mine one of the trees like we did with the silver," Skaya proposes next, biting down on an Icgraz fruit. "Get the ice its roots are in and then put that in a sack. We can carry it. After weighing the whole thing, we'll see how many we could safely bring back."
21:42 <Devar> "You got it." Devar says. He has a warhammer, which should help break the ice more easily than trying to stab it.
21:44 <•Kotono> It tastes like cold water and vanilla, with a hint of fruity sweetness. Like this the party gets to work. Slamming and digging, time passing - but the trees are extracted.
21:46 <Skaya> "Let's head back to the ship?" Skaya proposes. "We can always explore some more later."
21:46 <Devar> Devar nods. "Makes sense to me."
21:47 <•Kotono> "LEt's go. The good thing is we should find the way back easily," Orange says, "It's like that for crew members."
21:48 <Skaya> "Let's me lead, then," Skaya requests, and then tries to focus on the desire to return to the ship. Perhaps it'll be like a sense that awakens within her?
21:49 <•Kotono> It's not a sense. The group flies maybe five minutes before you spy the ship on the horizon, coming out of the blizzard. It just happens, like it's the most natural thing in the world to have happen. You didn't even notice teleporting or anything.
21:50 <Skaya> "I noticed nothing," Skaya says right away. "Sanda, Anne, Devar?"
21:51 <Devar> "Huh." He looks around a bit. "Nothing specific here."
21:52 <Skaya> "That's at least one worry gone," Skaya muses, explaining for Orange's sake, "We were considering going to another plane to explore a bit together and meet with friends, and one main worry was that I could just end up getting pulled back to the ship and the others would be stranded, then it'd happen to Sanda alone at random."
21:53 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-423F0355.irccloud.com)
21:54 <•Kotono> "Nothing," Anne agrees, "IS that a concern?"
21:54 <•Kotono> "It can happen," Orange says, "Sometimes helpfully and sometimes not. Such is the way of chaos."
21:55 <Skaya> "What are the upper and lower limits for being away from the ship? Has it ever happened the first hour you left? Has someone left for a week before returning?"
21:57 <•Kotono> The answer to that comes...next time! OOC: It's about time for us, so more Monday.

[Corwin]

19:00 <Ko> "It varies wildly," Is the answer, "Sometimes I think it defies attempts to pin it down. Others have tried, but it's not consistent."
19:02 <Skaya> "Amazing," Skaya deadpans. "Well, let's trade in our treasures for some coin?"
19:03 <Ko> OOC: Okay, what are you selling? Refresh me. Also sec.
19:05 <Skaya> OOC: Silver chunksx14, Two Icgraz fruit trees, Icgraz fruitsx52
19:11 <Ko> OOC: Sure, I'll loot that real quick.
19:13 <Ko> OOC: Post, more.
19:14 <Ko> You head deeper into the ship. A few more decks down, until a larger level, section off into holds. Here all sorts of crops grow despite the lack of sunlight. They grow in great metal planter boxes, packed full of dirt. You see chamber after chamber filled with everything from small vegetables to full grown trees. People work down here like any other, farming and seeing to thinks. It even
19:14 <Ko> smelsl fresh down here, of plant life rather than the cold sea.
19:15 <Skaya> "Even though you told us about this, Orange, I still can't quite believe this is a thing happening before my eyes."
19:16 <Devar> Devar will have to remember this and bring back those acid-producing plants sometime!
19:21 <Ko> Anne's silent for at least a minute before, "What marvelous magic," she admits, "An entire farm system on board a ship. I never imagined."
19:22 <Ko> Sanda whistles long and low, "Neither can I, Skaya."
19:23 <Ko> "Jorek should be around here somewhere," Orange mentions as you take it all in, "The sooner the better."
19:30 <Devar> Devar's rather curious - is it a druid of some nature, or maybe some sort of fey? They're chaotic, after all...
19:32 <Ko> You're lead along. You find your target amid a grove of apple trees. Jorek is a tall man, middle aged and strong of body. Muscled, big. He's wearing dirt stained farmer's clothes and calls, "Oi, Orange, you go tsome new people?" He looks human on first glance, but his eyes? Pure, solid dark purple.
19:33 <Ko> "Two new crew members and two who haven't joined," Orange calls, "Take a look at what we brought."
19:33 <Skaya> "Nice to meet you, Jorek!" Skaya greets him. "I'm Skaya and these are Sanda, Anne and Devar. We brought something you might be interested in!"
19:45 <Ko> Each of you gets a firm handshake. "Are those Icgraz trees?" He says, whistling. "Don't see those every day!"
19:45 <Skaya> "That's true!"
19:48 <Ko> He goes over and checks them out, "The look viable, but we'll have to hurry. How much do you want for them?" he asks, now all business.
19:49 <Skaya> OOC: From my knowledge, how often is there a harvest of fruits from them? Once a year? And is there a limit to how long they live?
19:50 <Skaya> OOC: I had K:N 34 for the info
19:56 <Ko> OOC: Approximately every six months, so twice yearly. They live thousands of years in ideal conditions, but the reproduce slower as well.
19:58 <Skaya> "Going by the fruit harvest, one would get, what, a thousand gold if they were lucky? And that's twice a year on average. How about five thousand gold per tree, then? They'd pay for themselves within a few years, and there's thousands more to go."
20:00 <Ko> A consideration at that, as, "Four thousand, and I throw in a twenty five percent discount on fruits from it, if you need any. So long as you don't try to buy too much of the crop."
20:01 <Ko> Meanwhile, quietly, "Do we even need any of those, Devar?" Sanda asks.
20:01 <Devar> "We don't, but given what they can be used for, we might run into a situation that would be easily solved with a good quanitity of them." He replies back.
20:01 <Skaya> "How about we meet down the middle, then?" Skaya proposes. "Four and a half each, and no need for the discount. Rather, we'll look for you first whenever we spot another interesting tree."
20:05 <Ko> "Fine, I like that deal," You get a firm handshake at that, "Welcome aboard, by th eway."
20:05 <Ko> Sanda nods, "We might, but a source is probably good enough considering the price."
20:06 <Skaya> "Awesome!" Skaya likes sensible people, and completing the deal means they can head out once more! This time in another direction that surely wouldn't have silver devils.
20:09 <Ko> OOC: Going back out to explore further then? Okay.
20:12 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@3F03402B.AEA9681A.EB69ADA8.IP)
20:12 <Ko> roll 1d100
20:12 <Kobot> Ko rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=19 ]{19}
20:13 <Ko> The party heads right back out. In the blizzard, deeper into the storm. Sanda curls in Skaya's arms as Anne flies, hair unbound and free in the wind. You wander perhaps an hour in this mess, before in the distance...OOC: Perception, Skaya and Devar.
20:14 <Skaya> OOC: 10 for 30
20:14 <Devar> roll 1d20+11 you never know!
20:15 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+11 you never know! --> [ 1d20=9 ]{20}
20:20 <Ko> OOC: You got a 20, sort of.
20:20 <Ko> In the distance, Skaya spots it first. A dark shape amid the storm, some sort of ship? It's the right general shape for it.
20:21 <Skaya> "Looks like a ship, there--" Skaya says, pointing it out. "You see, right at the horizon? Let's take a closer look."
20:21 <Devar> "Right behind you."
20:22 <Ko> "I think so," Anne follows.
20:22 <Ko> "Be sharp," Orange warns, "Ships can be anything from friendly to dangerous."
20:22 <Skaya> "Hoping for abandoned, myself," Skaya retorts, flying over with Sanda.
20:23 <Devar> "We've had quite a few adventures on ships so far." Devar agrees. "Some friendly and some... less so."
20:25 <Ko> Ahead you can see the ship as you get closer. It looks to be crafted out of metal. Not just pieces, but one great hunk of metal. Impossibly large, enough for a full sailed galleon and afloat despite being made of what looks to be polished, unrusted steel. You can see crewmembers, all the same. Each is made of the same metal and their feet flow into the ship, connecting to it. All have them
20:25 <Ko> have indistinct features and metal shaped into clothes.
20:26 <Devar> "I... have several questions." Devar says, looking around at it.
20:27 <Ko> "I have even more," Anne muses aloud, curious sounding.
20:28 <Skaya> "Does it seem like a curse?" Skaya asks, rather reasonably, while she waves at the metal sailors.
20:28 <Devar> "I don't think so, but I'd have to get closer to check it for any sort of magic." Devar says.
20:29 <Ko> The sailors do not respond.
20:29 <Ko> "Tsk," Orange starts to rise up, "It's probably not worth it. It's a cube-ship from Acheron, Avalas in particular."
20:29 <Ko> "Acheron?" Anne turns towards him, a thoughtful hum.
20:29 <Ko> roll 1d20+13 Anne
20:29 <Kobot> Ko rolled 1d20+13 Anne --> [ 1d20=5 ]{18}
20:30 <Skaya> "I suppose it's possible to take it, but where would we sell it, then?"
20:30 <Ko> "I don't think I've heard of cube-ships," Anne asks. "Is there a story behind them?"
20:30 <Devar> "Wait, like the Fortress?" Devar asks. "Except as a ship?"
20:34 <Ko> "No, ship-cubes are relatively knew, they came after the Godsrush if I remember my history," Orange explains, "Some smaller cubes on Avalas are shaped into ships and crewed with inhabitants of the plane, then sail out to seek new territory to conquer. The problem is that while the common crew's not bad, they're relentless. What's worse is that there's a few officers on board, and they dtend
20:34 <Ko> to be much stronger."
20:35 <Skaya> "In other words, we can go and fight them, but we probably don't need to, and they aren't likely to use anything expensive or useful."
20:36 <Ko> "Sometimes the officers do have good loot," Orange says, "But they range in power from no worse than a barbazu or so, to much stronger than a vrock. If you know your fiends, that is."
20:36 <Ko> "I do recall barbazu are devils, and I believe vrocks are from the Abyss?" Anne says after a moment's thought. OOC: Taking 10.
20:38 <Skaya> "Acheron is the infinite battlefield located uncomfortably close to the Nine Hells," Skaya adds. "It makes sense to use fiends as measurements."
20:38 <Devar> "So, are they supposed to made all out of metal?" Devar asks.
20:38 <Skaya> "Well, they're also close to Mechanus so it can make sense?"
20:45 <Ko> "Acheron cubes are made of metal, at least on that layer," Orange explains, "Think of it like a cube with souls stuck in it, and they incarnate like that i n their afterlife."
20:46 <Ko> Sanda's color drains, "Stuck in a cube like that forever?
20:46 <Ko> "
20:46 <Devar> Devar nods to the explanation. "I think I'm with Orange."
20:46 <Ko> "Those who go there have earned that," Anne's voice is stronger, "No matter how terrifying it is to think of."
20:47 <Skaya> "Moving on?" Skaya confirms.
20:48 <Devar> "Let's find something like some giant gem stuck in an iceberg." Devar says with an affirmation that this will defintiely happen!
20:49 — Skaya allows Devar to lead them now!
20:50 <Ko> roll 1d100
20:50 <Kobot> Ko rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=66 ]{66}
20:50 <Ko> roll 1d100
20:50 <Kobot> Ko rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=7 ]{7}
20:52 <Ko> You wander a few more hours. That's when the distant blizzard cloaked sky begins to glow red, purple, green. A distant light, constant nonetheless.
20:52 <Devar> "Huh, some sort of beacon?" Devar asks. "Is that normal here?"
20:53 <Skaya> "Let's take a closer look!"
20:58 <Ko> "It's not common," Orange seconds as you fly along, "Let's go see."
20:58 <Ko> "Just so," Anne concurs, flying along.
20:58 <Devar> Devar follows along!
20:59 <Ko> The party flies along. Ahead, in midair, is a great winding, whirling ribbon of multicolored light. INside its depths you can see glimpses of other places, vague and indistinct.
21:02 <Devar> OOC: If K:P Is appropriate here, take 10 for 26
21:03 <Skaya> roll 1d20+16 K:P
21:03 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+16 K:P --> [ 1d20=3 ]{19}
21:04 <Devar> "Hrm." Devar rubs his chin. "It's a portal - seems kind of... off, though? It might go to the Astral plane, and... well, we're already kind of not where we want to be."
21:05 <Ko> "It does look like a portal," Sanda agrees, studying it as well. "The Astral?" OOC: Sanda takes 10.
21:05 <Ko> roll 1d20+13 Anne will swing
21:05 <Kobot> Ko rolled 1d20+13 Anne will swing --> [ 1d20=11 ]{24}
21:06 <Ko> "It does remind me of the story of the color pools," Anne remarks, "But going nito a blind portal is always risky. Some may lead to glory and treasure, but I've heard stories of others that only transport yourselves, and not your equipment, treasure or anything else."
21:08 <Skaya> "The one time Storm's Eye would be genuinely excited about traveling and he might be left behind. Wow, that's harsh."
21:09 <Devar> "I'd err on the side of not going through it, myself." Devar says.
21:10 <Ko> "It's always a tes of your luck," Orange remarks, "But of course," he claps his hands together, "It's a question of if you feel lucky."
21:10 <Ko> As the snows blow around you Sanda curls in tighter against Skaya, "It still tempts me a little, what if it leads to a dragon's forgotten treasure hoard?"
21:11 — Skaya glances over at Devar.
21:12 <Devar> "What if it leads to a dragon's very current treasure hoard?" He asks. "But I'd rather not split us up if we can help it, so if you want to go I'll follow."
21:12 <Skaya> "So Sanda is a tentative yes and Devar is a maybe. Orange? Anne?"
21:16 <Ko> "I'm along for the ride," Orange says, "I'm game."
21:16 <Ko> Anne shakes her head, "This is a terrible idea, you know that?"
21:16 <Ko> "We won't get rich if we don't take gambles," Sanda retorts instead.
21:17 <Skaya> "Come on, Anne, looks like you've been outvoted!" Skaya says cheerfully, extending her hand. "Let's just all try to go together and hope we stay together, too!"
21:21 <Devar> "If nothing else, we can tell them what a bad idea it is after the fact." Devar helpfully pipes up.
21:22 <Ko> Small mercies," Anne confirms, taking Skaya's hand.
21:23 <Ko> With a long, exasperated sigh, "I told you so," Anne predicts, even before you go through.
21:23 — Skaya waits for everyone to prepare before flying over to the aurora!
21:29 <Ko> The party passes through a nd then....
21:29 <Ko> roll 1d100
21:29 <Kobot> Ko rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=64 ]{64}
21:29 <Ko> roll 1d100
21:29 <Kobot> Ko rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=63 ]{63}
21:30 <Ko> Everything blurs around them. Endlessly shifting, endlessly changing as...thump! You all land somewhere warm, soft and surprisingly comfortable. OOC: What's the party's alignments?
21:31 <Devar> OOC: Lawful good
21:31 <Skaya> OOC: NG
21:33 <Ko> It's quiet here. Peaceful. The air is clean and pure, and everything smells so good.  The cold of the Sea of Frozen Souls feels so far away here.
21:33 — Skaya looks around! There may be others who came just like they had!
21:34 <Devar> Devar also looks around - they really could be anywhere at this point...
21:35 <Ko> There's no sign of a portal here. All around you is a verdant, impossibly green and beautiful grassland.  The sky is a blue none of you ever recall seeing before, and high in the sky? There is no top, only light clouds. Beyond the clouds? Upside down you can see another realm far above, what appears to be untamed wildlands. A stream is nearby, where a tended field sits, along with several
21:35 <Ko> earthen houses. From each of them smoke comes from a chimney.
21:36 <Skaya> "Wait, I know this. Isn't this that heaven?"
21:37 <Ko> "Bytopia," Orange confirms, sounding a little off balance, "I've been here once before."
21:38 <Skaya> "Nice! They might have plane shift boots! Let's go ask!"
21:38 <Ko> Anne lies face up on the grass, looking up at the sky. "It's peaceful. So peaceful."
21:38 <Ko> Sanda gets up and rubs the side of her head, "A rough landing, though."
21:38 <Skaya> "Eh, we've had better. Anne, disappointed we're still clothed?"
21:40 <Devar> "Still, you have to wonder what a portal to this place was doing where we were at all." Devar says. "Isn't this an afterlife, more or less?"
21:43 <Skaya> "It is, but like Orange said, it's one you can just visit and return from."
21:43 <Ko> Anne rises slowly, "It is," Anne replies, ignoring Skaya altogether. "Best to step wisely here."
21:44 <Devar> "Yeah, just wouldn't want to get compelled to stay here or anything." Devar says. "But maybe there's still some sort town here we could vidit."
21:44 <Devar> OOC: Visit
21:45 — Skaya starts heading for the nearest of the occupied properties!
21:48 <Ko> The party proceeds along as...OOC: Just to set up for next time since we're almost there, give me a Perception check, both of you?
21:49 <Skaya> OOC: Let's go for 10 to 30
21:49 <Devar> roll 1d20+11 you never know
21:49 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+11 you never know --> [ 1d20=20 ]{31}
21:51 <Ko> OOC: Oh hey, you got it.
21:51 <Ko> OOC: Just for giggles, give me 1d20+31.
21:52 <Devar> roll 1d20+31
21:52 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+31 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{36}

[Corwin]

19:02 <•Kotono> The party proceeds ahead. You can hear happy noise within and Devar can spy someone in the window. Just the hint of someone peeking out, fairly sneaky and stealthy. Then- OOC: Languages, all?
19:03 <Skaya> OOC: Common, Elven, Dwarven, Celestial, Draconic, Ignan
19:05 <•Kotono> OOC: Devar?
19:05 <Devar> OOC: same
19:09 <•Kotono> It's words neither of you know. Loud and shouted, childish. Then a more mature voice calls back in the same. Moments later the front door opens. A short, bearded humanoid emerges. No more than three feet tall, with a warm smile. He wears sturdy brown and green clothes, and has clothes the color of earthy soil. "Hello! Hello!" he greets cheerfully, "What are big folk like you doing all the
19:09 <•Kotono> way out here?"
19:09 <•Kotono> Anne inclines her head, "We're the victims of a dubious choice to trust a random portal."
19:09 <Skaya> "Hello!" Skaya greets him right back with matching cheer. "There was a rainbow-colored rift and we decided to explore!"
19:10 <Devar> Devar nods in greeting as well. "If it helps, we were on the plane of Ice first, and happened across it there." He says. "It was Ice, wasn't it?"
19:10 <•Kotono> "Yes," Orange says, "One of the border regions, but definitely Ice."
19:10 <Skaya> With a disapproving look at Anne, she adds, "We're delighted to visit your home! My name's Skaya, a true pleasure to make your acquaintence."
19:11 <•Kotono> Anne returns it flatly, unamused. Meanwhile the small creature, "Come in, come in," he waves, "We were just eating. Come and eat!"
19:11 <Skaya> "Sure! Thanks for the warm welcome!"
19:11 <Devar> "That is very kind of you for visitors out of absolutely nowhere." Devar says. "Thank you."
19:17 <•Kotono> "Visitors are a gift," The creature says as you're drawn in. It's warm inside, everything cozy. Lots of comfortable looking chairs, fire places, carpets and throw blankets. The kitchen is a low ceilinged place you have to duck in, but the chairs are big enough. Here half a dozen little children run about at play, while woman cooks and manages them with easy grace. "Visitors," she calls as
19:17 <•Kotono> the children run around you and the tables as they play, "Welcome! I'll fix up something for all of you in a moment."
19:17 <•Kotono> Sanda sits, smiling kindly as a few of the children study her staff. Anne does the same "Thank you," she murmurs, "For your hospitality."
19:18 <•Kotono> Orange sits as well, "Thank you," he adds, "Is it too late in the day for eggs?
19:18 <•Kotono> "
19:21 <•Kotono> "Not at all," The woman laughs happily, "It's good to have more people to feed before afternoon snack."
19:21 <•Kotono> The man sits down and joins all of you, "We rarely see travelers in this corner of Bytopia, good travelers."
19:22 <Skaya> "There are more travelers elsewhere in Bytopia?"
19:28 <•Kotono> "PEople pass through time to time," Is thea nswer, "Along with the natives, there's travelers to the Cauldron, not to mention Gnomehall."
19:29 <•Kotono> Amid all the noise Anne smiles, "Children," she murmurs, but none seem to understand her. With a wistful smile she turns away, "Going to one of those locations may be ideal if we are stuck here some time."
19:30 <Skaya> "Are they far from here?" Skaya asks curiously. The teleport ring will recharge!
19:34 <•Kotono> "Over the hills and the rivers, through the fields," The wife sing-songs, "Oh, a merry trip we'll have, day ina nd day out of picnics and travel."
19:35 <•Kotono> "It's a long ways, I couldn't rightly say how long. I hear it depends on the person, too," The male answers, "Oh, but sailing the Oceanus is said to be better for travel."
19:37 <Skaya> "Not teleporting over?" Skaya asks directly.
19:42 <•Kotono> "Teleporting? Oh! Magic?" The man asks, as the scent of cooking food fills the air. It smells like eggs and cheese, and some vegetables too. "I couldn't rightly say, I'm not a mage."
19:43 <Devar> "Well, we can always see if it works if just flying over doesn't seem to be." Devar reasons.
19:45 <•Kotono> "Teleportation also needs an image of the area, at least the spell does," Orange points out, "Have you ever been to this realm before?"
19:46 <Skaya> "You can get a mental image of it and then guess and hope for the best."
19:50 <•Kotono> Food comes - plates overflowing with an egg, cheese and vegetable scramble. Thick slices of rich brown bread and smeared with butter and jam join it. The food's good as you all tuck in, "So tell me, will you be going there then?"
19:53 <Skaya> "Since it's a heaven it's unlikely we'll come across some lost treasure," Skaya muses, "so that just leaves the fun exploration part. But we would really like to use the chance to buy some means of planar travel. That way Anne will be less grumpy."
19:55 <•Kotono> "Good luck with that one," Sanda snarks, which Anne ignores. Instead?
19:55 <•Kotono> "I don't mind the travel, only the recklessness," Anne sighs, long suffering. "We got lucky."
19:56 <Devar> "She does have a point, we could've ended up in a lot more unpleasant places." Devar says. "Though, I bet the portal wouldn't have been quite so colorful if that happened."
19:57 <Skaya> "If we'd landed somewhere far below, we would be swimming in treasure now!"
19:59 <Devar> "I like your optimism, at least." Devar says as he serves himself some food. "Either way, you're right that we don't have to worry about coming into any evil silver elementals."
19:59 — Skaya ensures everyone has enough food before partaking herself.
20:01 <•Kotono> There's plenty of food. As the children runa round and play? "I admit, I had no plans to come to such a realm before my time. Yet here I am, and I'm amazed at how natural it feels."
20:01 <•Kotono> "Speak for yourself," Sanda murmurs.
20:02 <Skaya> "Now now, Sanda, we already visited the water realm."
20:02 <•Kotono> "Oh yes, and if you're well matched with a plane, it's all happy feelings. Unless it's a lower plane," Orange explains, "But they wouldn't be misery otherwise."
20:04 <Devar> "I didn't think our adventures would bring us to one this soon." Devar says with a bit of a smile at Anne. "I figured I'd visit the House of Nature eventually, just... not quite like this."
20:04 <•Kotono> " Not like this," Anne seconds, "In truth I'm glad it's not Mount Celestia, even if I wonder and yearn some days."
20:05 <•Kotono> "You definitely seem like one of those sorts," Orange agrees, "I like the spunk you bring to it, even if it's all annoyance over everyone else."
20:06 <•Kotono> "You mean the solid layer of complaints and no fu n aura?" Sanda comments lightly.
20:06 <•Kotono> "Either way," Orange chuckles at that. "Call it whatever you like."
20:11 <Devar> "I can understand her frustration, we do tend to act and worry about the consequences later." Devar says. "But for now, all we need to do is continue forward."
20:11 <•Kotono> Anne sighs at that, "Call it whatever you like," she enjoys her food. "We do need to go forward. Thank you for the food, sir, ma'am."
20:11 <•Kotono> "Oh here," The woman comes up, "Let me package yo usome bread, some jam and some fresh rations."
20:15 <Skaya> "Thank you!" Skaya responds. "You've been so kind. It's such a unique experience!"
20:16 <Devar> "Is there anything we can do to return your kindness and hospitality?" Devar asks.
20:19 <•Kotono> "Come back some time, I love feeding people," The woman invites cheerfully, "If you ever find yourself back here."
20:22 <•Kotono> "Gladly," Sanda says, getting up. "Thank you for everything."
20:23 <Devar> Devar nods, happy to do so if fate permits!
20:25 <•Kotono> OOC: Ready to move along then, y'all?
20:25 <Devar> OOC: Yar
20:26 <Skaya> OOC: yes
20:33 <•Kotono> Thus the party heads out. You walk a good hour by a stream, the weather perfect. The wilds above, upside down, are a distant realm as you walk. Anne floats along, gaze more above than on what's ahead. Sanda walks with staff in hand, using it to guide her. "Not too warm but not too cool. I swear it's like the best days of early autumn, and I can even smell just a little bit of wood smoke on
20:33 <•Kotono> the wind."
20:35 — Skaya mirrors Anne, swimming through the air on her back. "Do you  all want to try the teleport anyway tomorrow?" she offers. "Maybe not a blind one, but we can fly pretty high up and then aim for any larger than life structures on the distant horizon."
20:36 <•Kotono> "Certainly. Especially if the three of you vanish and don't take us along." Anne side glances at Orange, "Is that a concern?"
20:36 <•Kotono> "With three of us it's less likely, but the nature of randomness is as it is," Orange spreads his arms out, "Though I doubt any harm will come to you, and even if you needed to eat, the locals would fall over themselves to provide."
20:37 <Skaya> "I'll leave the ring with Sanda," Skaya says, doing just that. "It should cause minimal pain if you use it, but be ready all the same."
20:37 <•Kotono> "If we're separated," Sanda takes the ring, "Regroup in Mellanics?"
20:38 <Devar> "I suppose we've never had to use them across planes before, have we?" Devar asks. "Hopefully it works in case we do get separated." He nods to Sanda. "That's a great idea, and if for some reason the rings don't work, we can leave a message or something there if something comes up."
20:38 <Skaya> "Just keep a couple Sendings ready, it should help us figure things out."
20:39 <•Kotono> "At the least," Anne agrees. She looks up, and after moments of staring up, "It's getting harder to return." she admits, "Adventure, grand sights, living for what happens next? It's such a different life. No greater and perhaps lesser than a caretaker of the young, but with an intoxicating call."
20:39 <Skaya> OOC: I gave Sanda the teleport ring, while I and Devar hold the telepathy ones. We'll see if we need any of them.
20:39 <•Kotono> OOC: Got it noted down.
20:40 <Devar> "It is, but we don't belong here." Devar says. "So it's an easy 'splash of water' on my face."
20:42 <•Kotono> "I mean in a more general sense," Anne waves a hand, "That ship's sense of wonder made it harder to ignore."
20:42 <•Kotono> "That sounds challenging," From the river a formless face forms on the surface. "Hi there."
20:42 <•Kotono> "AH!" Sanda leaps nearl ya foot up, arms going wild.
20:43 <•Kotono> Anne whirls, shield out and mace drawn. A defensive posture for a moment as the face giggles, "Ah! Hello there, I couldn't resist."
20:43 <Skaya> "Hello!" Skaya greets the river. "How's it flowing?"
20:43 <Devar> Devar jumps a little himself and turns to look. "I suppose there's not much of a good way to get someone's attention otherwise..." Devar says as he nods. "...Sorry, are... you actually just the water itself?"
20:48 <•Kotono> A warm, happy laugh. "How's it flowing! I like that." A womanly body forms on the surface of the water, standing a foot tall. She does a little spin and wave, "I'm a water spirit. I make sure the waters run clear, clean and cool. You got my attention," A finger is pointed at Sanda, "You're big and fleshy, but you have water in you. I can tell, I'm very perceptive."
20:49 <•Kotono> Anne lowers her shield as Sanda points at herself, "Well yes. Statistically speaking, a good part of every creature that isn't made of stone or fire is water."
20:49 <Skaya> "But in your case, part of your soul is made of water."
20:50 <Devar> "We've had an interesting series of adventures." Devar says with a nod. "It's good to meet you."
20:50 <•Kotono> "Yeah, that," Skaya gets a quick agreement, "It's like your a little pond - or more a really big one, or maybe a lake?" Frowning and rubbing her chin, "But the point is that you're water."
20:50 <•Kotono> Orange chuckles and listens along, hanging back for the moment.
20:51 <Skaya> "From a certain point of view, you are now distantly related," Skaya muses.
20:51 <•Kotono> "We're related?!" The little water spirit gasps. It leaps out of the water and hugs onto s
20:51 <•Kotono> "We're related?!" The little water spirit gasps. It leaps out of the water and hugs onto Sanda's arms, "Mommy!"
20:51 <•Kotono> Anne steps back and with a smile, "Congratulations on your little bundle of joy, Sanda."
20:51 <Skaya> "It wasn't distant at all?!"
20:52 <•Kotono> Sanda's expression turns completely blank. She stares down at her arm as she's hugged, "Mommy! You must be my mommy. Lili told me everyone has one, so you must be mine."
20:52 <Devar> "I don't think I've ever met a spirit that has this much of a sense of humor." Devar says with a laugh of his own. It... is joking, isn't it?
20:52 <•Kotono> "The odds of that," Sanda begins weakly.
20:52 <•Kotono> "Mommy,"Another hug.
20:53 <•Kotono> "The chances of that have to be below-"
20:53 <•Kotono> "Mommy," A third hug.
20:53 <Skaya> "Just flow with it, Sanda."
20:53 <•Kotono> Sanda gently pats the creature's head with a finger.
20:54 <•Kotono> "I've been good, I've worked hard with the other water spirits," The spirit declares, "Are you going to cook me food and then tuck me in like other mothers do? I like the jam and tea they brought me, but nothing too solid. No meat, please. But sweet things are the best!"
20:55 <Devar> "I didn't even know spirits -could- eat anything..."
20:56 <Skaya> "Why not? Don't we eat even though we don't really need to?"
20:56 <•Kotono> "We were just given some jam," Sanda does indeed flow with it, kneeling and going to her pack. She takes out a little sealed jar of it and opens it up. Immediately the spirit splashes into it, the jam slowly dissolving as more and more water fills the jar.
20:56 <•Kotono> "It's so good," A happy cry, "Thanks Mommy!"
20:57 <Devar> "I don't really think we're a good example, we aren't really spirits." Devar says. "But I guess it makes sense if they convert it to energy like a regular humanoid does with food..."
20:57 <•Kotono> "I didn't know any of this, but here we are," Anne muses.
21:07 <•Kotono> "You're welcome?" Sanda's hesitant, but soon the jar is empty except for water and the water spirit pokes its head out of the jar.
21:08 <•Kotono> "That was so good," She cheers, then flows up Sanda's arm to her shoulder. She perches there, "Let's go!"
21:08 <•Kotono> Smiling all the while, "What a lovely idea. Shall we?" Anne says, flying along.
21:08 <Skaya> "Did the other water spirits tell you where the Cauldron Gnomehall are?" Skaya inquires even as they set off.
21:16 <•Kotono> "Oh, you where Water Mommy is?" A bright chirp, "The Cauldron! There's also where all the gnomes are, that's the Gnomehall and a bunch of other names," A quick nod at a ll of that, "
21:16 <•Kotono> OOC: Gah.
21:16 <•Kotono> "Oh, you where Water Mommy is?" A bright chirp, "The Cauldron! There's also where all the gnomes are, that's the Gnomehall and a bunch of other names," A quick nod at a ll of that, "They're reaaaallly far away."
21:18 <Skaya> "Which one's closest?"
21:22 <•Kotono> "Ummmmmm." A long pause before, "I'm not sure!"
21:23 <•Kotono> Anne smiles at that, "Well, that's okay. Which one would you go to if you were really hungry?"
21:23 <•Kotono> "Um, the Gnomehall!" AFter a little thought, a confident nod.
21:25 <Skaya> "Where is it?" Skaya follows up on that.
21:28 <•Kotono> "Downstream, I'll show you," She points in the direction you were traveling. "Can you all swim fast or do you need to walk?"
21:28 <•Kotono> "We can fly, that's fast too," Anne promises, lifting off the ground.
21:28 <•Kotono> "Flight's good," Sanda agrees.
21:28 <•Kotono> "And you can swim with your daughter," Anne says sweetly, as Sanda gives her a level look in return.
21:29 <Skaya> "We'll fly," Skaya says, ignoring Anne's dig at Sanda. "Unless a ship comes along, then that might be nice!"
21:31 <•Kotono> "I'll show you," The water spirit says cheerfully, splashing back into the river, "Follow me!" She takes off, and credit where it's due, she's a fast swimmer.
21:32 — Skaya takes off after her, though she makes sure to glance back. If Sanda isn't interested in swimming she can always double back for her!
21:34 <•Kotono> Sanda lingers a moment before she hops into the water, swimming along. Once up an din the air, "That was sweet," Anne comments. "Also hilarious."
21:34 <•Kotono> "It's so nice to see them bond,
21:34 <•Kotono> "It's so nice to see them bond," Orange cheerfully adds, "Wasn't it?"
21:37 <Devar> Devar sighs. "You shouldn't needle her like that, Anne."
21:41 <•Kotono> "Then she shouldn't needle me, either," Anne retorts, "But let's not argue."
21:42 <Devar> "I'm sure there's some Moorian saying about this. ...Is it Moorian?" Devar asks as he flies along to catch up with the others. "Moore-in? 'of Moore'?"
21:43 — Skaya flies in little loops as she chases after the little water spirit. She might hear that discussion with her excellent ears but she'll pretend her utmost otherwise!
21:44 <•Kotono> "There is one from Lady Jetina about it," Anne confesses, "Unusually forthright, no less."
21:47 <Devar> "Don't you both serve people from the same pantheon anyway?" Devar asks. "I bet your deities laugh about how you don't get along. But remember, oil and water don't mix, but they're both used to create good food."
21:48 <•Kotono> Anne smiles at that, "LEt's leave it at that," she says, as you walk along. OOC: Just gonig to keep going for now?
21:48 <Skaya> OOC: Yes!
21:53 <•Kotono> You travel most of the day in good spirits. Past little farms and earthen homes, along that river. Near s unset, however, you come on something bigger. In the distance you see a large hill, a long and slow rising bump. Here you see hundreds of doorways and windows are carved out of it, the hill criss-crossed with tall stone chimneys jutting out.
21:54 <Skaya> "Dare I ask, Gnomehall?"
21:54 <Devar> "More like Gnomehill, isn't it?" Devar asks. "But it's definitely lively, if nothing else."
21:54 <Skaya> "Silly Devar, the hall is on the inside!"
21:56 <•Kotono> "I doubt it," Anne says, "More likely a small community."
21:56 <Devar> "Oh, I see what you mean." Devar says with an understanding nod. "But maybe we can find someone to point us in the direction we need to keep going on - these seem like friendly types."
21:57 <Skaya> "Yes, better to stay indoors at a comfy inn over flying or swimming through the night."

[Corwin]

19:03 <•Kotono> "Let's go take a look," Orange agrees as the party goe son. How are you going to approach this?
19:03 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@EB8BE934.4E5ACDC6.2DE3E50F.IP)
19:05 — Skaya looks for the largest of the doors. If it's open, she'll aim for it! If it's closed, she'll knock on it!
19:08 <•Kotono> It's a stone door near the base. It's big and heavy looking. Images of glittering gold and shining gems can be seen on it. Skaya's knock gets a yawn so loud it carries through the door, then a sleepy voice calls, "Who is it?"
19:10 <Skaya> "Hello!" Skaya says excitedly, but not too loudly given the late hour. "My name is Skaya, a traveler through this realm, and my friends and I were hoping to stay at an inn or a similar establishment?"
19:13 <•Kotono> "Somewhere to stay? Come on in!" The door opens smoothly. Within are carved halls, gouged out of the hillside. Another likely gnome sits here, brown skinned and yawning. He wears a cloth cap and pajamas, smothering a yawn into his hand. "G'evening. Name's Sleepy Jonnen. Go on inside."
19:13 <•Kotono> Sanda yawns after him, long and loud, "You know that increases the odds of everyone else yawning."
19:14 <Skaya> "You were really well suited for this job, Sleepy Jonnen," Skaya tells him with a thumbs up.
19:16 <•Kotono> Anne yawns as well, Orange after. "Y'welcome," he goes back and sits on a comfy, padded stool here. He folds his arms and closes his eyes, and in moments is snoozing away.
19:17 <•Kotono> "I suppose that's the afterlife for someone who loves to sleep," Anne murmurs softly, voice barely a whisper.
19:19 — Skaya proceeds inside quietly, so as to not disturb him.
19:21 <•Kotono> You head inside - and immediately see the packed dirt walls haves something notable in them. Large nuggets of gold, glittering and bright, regularly stick out of the ground. Anne slows as you pass them, while Sanda murmurs, "Oooooh. No wonder they have this hill dug out. That much free gold in the dirt?"
19:22 <•Kotono> "That is gold and not fool's gold?" Anne asks, leaning in to inspect one.
19:23 <•Kotono> "I'm sure," Sanda says, "About 95% sure?" OOC: Taking 10 on relevant skill.
19:24 — Skaya thinks it would be rude to check under the circumstances and abstains.
19:27 <Devar> Devar will just find a comfortable place to rest - though he doesn't actually need to!
19:27 <•Kotono> Sanda's gaze lingers, but Anne gives her a nudge forward, "Morality tests like this are as common water in the ocean," Her voice is gentle, "They let us in without question, to steal from them would be churlish, rude and disgraceful."
19:29 <•Kotono> Meanwhile, the party heads inside as Sanda lets it go. Deeper in you find a large, hollowed out space. Here great heaps of boxes and chests lie about. Some are open, showing ingots of precious metal and great heaps of gemstones within. A few gnomes work about here, chattering away in a language you don't know. A good half a dozen passages connect to here, and, "Look! Big ones." A woman,
19:29 <•Kotono> small and sout, hurries over, "What are you here for?"
19:32 <Skaya> "We're looking for somewhere to stay for the night," Skaya responds. "Sleepy Jonnen told us to head over here?"
19:34 <•Kotono> "Come on in," A cheerful cry as you're whisked out of the treasure room and deeper in. To some sort of open communal rooms, down to beds and even a kitchen. "Stay as long as you want, there's food in the cabinets," Is the invitation. Light comes from little carved crystals set into the walls, regular enough to provide a soft luminence to everything here.
19:37 <Skaya> "Thanks! So this is actually where you still mine for precious metals and gems?" Skaya inquires as she looks around the complex. "I was sure it was just where people lived while looking from the outside."
19:39 <•Kotono> "Thank you," Anne says, already going to one of the beds.
19:39 <•Kotono> "Mostly down below," Is the answer, "We live up here and work down there. The room you are in is where we send out what doesn't go deeper into the earth."
19:40 <•Kotono> Sanda sits on the nearest bed, "Who receives all of this, then?"
19:41 <•Kotono> "Traders and friends," Is thea nswer, "Some traders bring us nice things from far away in exchange for them, and others are gnomefriends."
19:42 <Skaya> "Thank you for the hospitality," Skaya says, her curiosity sated. "It's been such a lovely experience!"
19:48 <•Kotono> "Rest well," A cheerful wave as the party's left to their own devices. Once she's gone?
19:49 <•Kotono> "If we do end up split up against our will, remember: We can meet again back home," Anne says, already starting to take off her armor.
19:50 <Skaya> "The rings of telepathy aside, Sanda could keep in contact via Sending," Skaya agrees. "Actually, how about you prepare one tomorrow to tell Rina we'll be delayed?"
19:51 <•Kotono> "I'll do that," Anne agrees as Sanda goes to help her take off her armor.
19:51 <•Kotono> Orange goes over to his bed and with a dramatic sigh, "But now the rest of a pleasant realm and good food. Well, if anyone feels like cooking. I burn water."
19:51 <•Kotono> "Heretic," Sanda says right away.
19:53 <Skaya> Wouldn't water that's on fire still be water? Just vapor or steam? No, actually, this realm has steam elementals, doesn't it? So it's probably not the same after all.
20:02 <•Kotono> With the party chatting food is had and...OOC: Going to sleep, y'all?
20:02 <Devar> OOC: yar
20:03 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 vs ???
20:03 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs ??? --> [ 1d100=96 ]{96}
20:04 <•Kotono> OOC: Off into #dunes, Devar.