Apr 13 19:26:03 <Kotono> Apr 06 23:29:49 <Kamvakua> "Did you lose your trinket, Mari?" Kamvakua wondered. "What was it like on the other side?"
Apr 13 19:26:03 <Kotono> Apr 06 23:30:02 <Mari> "Oh yeah, Knight? That's great! I'm glad we finally managed to add that word to your vocabulary."
Apr 13 19:26:03 <Kotono> Apr 06 23:30:18 <Nikkolai> "I very nearly did, my dear. Tell me, do you know anything of a Lord Balinbomb? I beat him in a game of chess and now he owes me a favor."
Apr 13 19:26:03 <Kotono> Apr 06 23:30:50 <Mari> "I, uh, I thought I still had it on, Kam. It doesn't seem to be doing anything right now. Hm."
Apr 13 19:26:03 <Kotono> Apr 06 23:32:47 <Kamvakua> "Well, head attached, limbs intact, able to go on. Not too much to worry about," He smiled.
Apr 13 19:26:04 <Kotono> Apr 06 23:36:13 <Kotono> "Not offhand, but there's a lot of fey lords," Yulia answers.
Apr 13 19:26:06 <Kotono> Apr 06 23:36:43 <Nikkolai> "Mmm. Pity. With some luck, I've secured the services of someone powerful enough to aid me."
Apr 13 19:26:07 <Kotono> Apr 06 23:38:19 * Mari takes the necklace off and examines it critically. "Actually, I'm not really sure I even need it now." Mari looks lost in thought for a moment, thinking of all the beings in her travels and selecting one more or less at random--hm. Elvish, maybe? Could be useful here!
Apr 13 19:26:12 <Kotono> Apr 06 23:39:54 <Kotono> At this, Mari shifts and transforms! Her form becomes that of a lithe elf, shifting!
(Last session stopped mid-conversation so...)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Apr 13 19:27:11 <Kamvakua> "Shapeshifting?" Kamvakua wondered. "A twist from the fey world?"
Apr 13 19:28:26 <Nikkolai> "Of course. She gets shapeshifting, I get tentacles." Nikkolai sighs. "Just goes to show you how unfair life is."
Apr 13 19:28:51 <Mari> "I guess so. Could be useful when bill collectors come around. 'What, Mari? Never heard of that person. You've got the wrong house.'"
Apr 13 19:29:16 <Kamvakua> "I didn't know you stayed around a town long enough for the tax collectors to know you were there."
Apr 13 19:29:49 <Mari> "Well, I don't. But the principal is sound. It helped for that band of salamanders, right?"
Apr 13 19:30:04 <Knight> "What else can you transform into?"
Apr 13 19:30:21 <Kamvakua> "It did. Sometimes it is better to evade than to strike," He nodded, taking a martial tone to his compliment.
Apr 13 19:30:33 * Mari concentrates for a moment. "Uh, nothing else right now, I guess. I'll just have to experiment later."
Apr 13 19:30:40 * Adail half grins at Mari, "Please try not to cause TOO much havoc with that, hmm?"
Apr 13 19:30:54 <Nikkolai> "You're talking to a stone wall, I'm afraid."
Apr 13 19:31:03 <Kotono> Yulia looks Mari over, "You aren't going to turn into a goopy slime when you're done, are you? I heard that's what happens to shapeshifters!"
Apr 13 19:31:08 <Kamvakua> "You're worried about her causing havoc, really?" He smiled down at Adail.
Apr 13 19:31:13 <Mari> "I'll try not to mess with people that don't deserve it," Mari says, eying Nik.
Apr 13 19:31:34 <Mari> "What?" Mari says to Yulia, mildly aghast. "You're just making stuff up!"
Apr 13 19:31:45 <Nikkolai> "Asking Mari not to create havoc is like asking me not to be charming." Nikkolai shrugs, eyeing Mari in return.
Apr 13 19:31:58 <Nikkolai> "Personally, I think being a pile of goop would improve her good looks."
Apr 13 19:32:04 <Nikkolai> "But that's just me."
Apr 13 19:32:19 <Mari> "What about asking you to make similes that don't actually work? Because you seem good at that at least."
Apr 13 19:32:38 <Kotono> Yulia smiles ear to ear, "Would I make anything up? Of course not!" She settles onto Nikkolai's head, "So, are we going to keep adventuring now?"
Apr 13 19:32:39 * Kamvakua eyes Nikkolai, "Be nice."
Apr 13 19:32:56 <Kamvakua> "And we should, we have a Rogue to talk with."
Apr 13 19:32:56 <Knight> "You like things that are goopy?" asks Knight, peering at Nikkolai. "Is that- I mean, I thought nymphs were humanoid..."
Apr 13 19:33:01 * Kamvakua walks as they talk.
Apr 13 19:33:09 * Nikkolai beams innocently at the Goliath. "I'm always nice!"
Apr 13 19:33:33 <Adail> "I said not TOO much," he replies, placing emphasis on the word, "I know better then to ask her not to cause any."
Apr 13 19:34:02 <Mari> "Yeah, let's get moving. And be nice to the next gelatinous cube we meet. Nik sounds like he needs some companionship."
Apr 13 19:34:32 <Kamvakua> "A little chaos is good in life. It keeps one learning," Kamvakua mused.
Apr 13 19:35:00 <Adail> "I see your remarks are as acidic as always, Mari." Adail deadpans.
Apr 13 19:35:05 * Nikkolai makes a growling sound under his breath. "You've just earned a visit from my tentacle-y friends, Mari. Keep it up and you'll be their companion for the evening."
Apr 13 19:35:22 * Nikkolai smiles charmingly at the troublemaker.
Apr 13 19:35:23 <Kamvakua> "Keep it to words you two."
Apr 13 19:35:41 <Kotono> Yulia ponders, talking with her mouth open and a lilt in her voice, "You two are so cute! Especially you, Master!"
Apr 13 19:35:55 <Mari> "You know, Nik, only one of us is threatening unspeakable rape, and it's not me. That's not cute, Yulia!"
Apr 13 19:36:04 <Knight> "Nnn, if you two come to blows, I don't know, which side should I take..." murmurs Knight, twisting her head between Nikkolai and Mari.
Apr 13 19:36:33 <Kotono> "If they come to blows, it won't be the type of blows they want interrupted," Yulia sing-songs, "Oh, isn't it obvious?"
Apr 13 19:36:45 <Nikkolai> "Who said anything about rape, my dear? My friends are in need of...companionship, as you termed it."
Apr 13 19:36:47 <Adail> "The Knights actually have a good rule for that, if you'd care to hear it, Knight."
Apr 13 19:36:56 <Mari> "Shouldn't you just be placing bets, Knight?"
Apr 13 19:37:24 <Adail> "When allies battle, stay out of it unless one resorts to lethal force. Then disable that one as quickly as you can."
Apr 13 19:37:46 <Mari> "You need to make more human friends, Nik. Or humanish friends, I guess."
Apr 13 19:37:48 <Knight> "Hmm."
Apr 13 19:38:03 <Nikkolai> "But why, aren't you all my friends?"
Apr 13 19:38:24 <Mari> "If you're talking about tentacles as your friends, you haven't got enough real ones."
Apr 13 19:38:27 <Kamvakua> "Well, that's what travel is good for. And yes...But lets speak less of tentacles and wizards fighting with thieves in the night."
Apr 13 19:39:42 <Nikkolai> "You wound me, dear girl. But a man can never have too many friends of any type. But that's a conversation best left for another time. Shall we move on? I'm anxious to find some information on this Balinbomb of mine."
Apr 13 19:39:50 <Kotono> Another day and a half of travel passes. You continue to follow Rogue's trail, coming closer! Ahead of you, it approaches. It is a horse with gorgeous white fur and a golden horn atop it's head. It approaches you at a fast canter.
Apr 13 19:40:33 * Kamvakua waves at the approaching unicorn.
Apr 13 19:40:41 * Adail calls out to the unicorn with a wave, "Hail, friend."
Apr 13 19:42:31 <Kotono> The unicorn approaches, dipping it's head and horn down in salute, "Hail. Adventurers, if my guess is not mistaken?"
Apr 13 19:42:49 <Mari> "Yep, that's us. You got our number."
Apr 13 19:43:10 <Kamvakua> "Your guess is not mistaken. I am Kamvakua of the Heavenly Trail," He introduced.
Apr 13 19:43:17 <Adail> "You guess correctly." Adail takes a small bow, "Adail, White Rook of the Knights of Arbor."
Apr 13 19:43:37 <Knight> "Uh, I suppose we fit that label..."
Apr 13 19:46:00 <Kotono> "Good! I come asking for aid. M'lady required adventurers for an unusual task, but you're the right number and assembly..." THe unicorn looks to each in turn, lingering on Kamvakua and Nikkolai, "Will you hear me out?"
Apr 13 19:46:26 <Kamvakua> "I will definitely listen," Kamvakua nodded in agreement.
Apr 13 19:46:38 <Kamvakua> "Tell us of your task."
Apr 13 19:46:51 <Mari> "Depends. Who's 'M'Lady'?"
Apr 13 19:46:59 <Adail> "We are on business of our own as well, but there is no harm in listening, at least." Adail nods, then asks, "Your name, by the way? And that of your lady?"
Apr 13 19:47:22 <Nikkolai> "What they said." Nikkolai nods his head in a polite manner.
Apr 13 19:48:51 <Kotono> "M'lady is in a difficult position. The Ghaele eladrin Synabos courts her love. But...m'lady does not return his love, but does not wish to shatter his heart and dreams. To this end, she has declared that he must engage in trials to prove his worthiness for her hand. M'lady needs your group's help to do that, if you are willing. I am Anki, m'lady's name will be revealed if you are willing to help."
Apr 13 19:49:40 <Mari> "Soooo, this is just a guess, but you want to make sure he fails the test?"
Apr 13 19:49:55 <Kamvakua> "A reasonable reason, but what kind of trials would require outside interference?"
Apr 13 19:50:30 <Kotono> "Not to interfere with him, but to outdo him," Anki answers. "Those who can compete with him and come out on top."
Apr 13 19:51:00 <Nikkolai> Nikkolai grins. "Ah, courtly love. How romantic! I would be glad to assist the good Lady, if only to preserve the poor guy's heart from being broken."
Apr 13 19:51:04 <Knight> "I don't see how this is our concern. A straightforward approach would be much easier," replies Knight, frowning.
Apr 13 19:51:12 <Kamvakua> "We cannot tarry long...but that could be fun," Kamvakua rubbed his chin, ever one for a good competition.
Apr 13 19:51:27 <Mari> "Oh yeah? So, what, if one of us wins, we wind up engaged?"
Apr 13 19:51:30 * Adail chuckles, "How long do you suspect this would take, Anki?"
Apr 13 19:51:41 <Kotono> "Have you not ever loved, Knight," Yulia asks, flying over to her.
Apr 13 19:52:34 <Kotono> "A single night's time will suffice," Anki whinnies at this, "You shall not be engaged to her, but only to decide his worthiness."
Apr 13 19:53:03 <Kamvakua> "Even Eladrin have their pride," Kamvakua eyed Knight. "What is the trial? I would be willing to spend a night to help."
Apr 13 19:53:34 <Nikkolai> "Alas, I fear our Knightly Rose has not felt the flame of passion burning in her heart. Perhaps this display of courtly romance will awaken her heart to gentler feelings of feminity."
Apr 13 19:53:42 <Kotono> "Ones that take advantage of your strong points," A look to each of them, "For you, wrestling would be good. To another, are any of you wizards? What are your surely myriad talents?"
Apr 13 19:54:02 <Knight> "There are many things I have not done... what? What are you talking about? How is any of this relevant? I don't understand! It's the simplest thing!"
Apr 13 19:54:23 * Adail nods to Knight, "Gheale are some of the greatest warriors of Arborea. You do seem to enjoy competition, you may find it fun."
Apr 13 19:54:53 <Nikkolai> "My good friend, I happen to be a Sorcerer of considerable repute. I would be more than happy to offer my services for a single night." Nikkolai gives his impression of a courtly bow.
Apr 13 19:55:45 <Kotono> "A contest of wrestling, a contest of magic," Anki looks to the rest of the party, "What say the rest of you?"
Apr 13 19:55:54 <Mari> "Could be fun. I, uh, well, I'm mostly around for stabbing people when they don't expect it. I doubt that's part of the contest. Relieving people of things they don't need probably isn't, either. Mostly being quick and sneaky is me."
Apr 13 19:56:10 <Kamvakua> "I have never lost a wrestling match," Kamvakua admitted. "Though it has been a while since any really challenged me there," He smirked, amused having no further doubts about aiding the strange unnamed lady.
Apr 13 19:56:27 <Kotono> "Ah, a footrace then!" To Mari he looks her over, "You seem as the wind."
Apr 13 19:56:31 * Adail looks down at his gi and gloves, then looks back up at Anki with a grin, "Guess."
Apr 13 19:56:54 <Kotono> "Ah, boxing and martial arts." Then at last, "Madam warrior, will you aid us?"
Apr 13 19:56:55 <Mari> "Sounds right. Although I can't actually fly. Anymore."
Apr 13 19:56:58 <Adail> "Though I'll admit that stealth is perhaps my greatest talent."
Apr 13 19:58:52 <Knight> "I only have one stipulation," replies Knight, frowning. "Should we be defeated, will your lady acede to the Gheale's wishes?"
Apr 13 19:59:48 <Nikkolai> "Jilted lovers can be rather troublesome." Nikkolai agrees.
Apr 13 20:00:23 <Kotono> "She shall, for she is a madam of her word," The unicorn says.
Apr 13 20:01:50 <Nikkolai> "Then I see no problem here. Shall we help out this damsel in distress?"
Apr 13 20:02:47 <Mari> "Sure, sounds fine to me. Lead on, Anki?"
Apr 13 20:03:24 <Kotono> "Let us rest until nightfall, then the way will reveal itself," The unicorn rests down himself, "For it will be a long night."
Apr 13 20:04:13 <Kamvakua> "Store your energy, it would hardly do to lose because of being tired," Kamvakua leaned back against a tree, steadying his spear at his side and half closing his eyes in rest.
Apr 13 20:04:20 <Nikkolai> "I'm not one to turn down a spot of rest, especially after that mess with the Fey."
Apr 13 20:04:49 <Mari> "Oh, sure. Maybe I can think of something faster to turn into tomorrow."
Apr 13 20:04:49 * Nikkolai finds a particularly lush patch of grass and plops down into it, curling his pack under his head.
Apr 13 20:05:13 <Nikkolai> "So Anki, I have a question for you, if you don't mind."
Apr 13 20:05:27 * Adail does not sleep, as usual, but rests as he keeps watch.
Apr 13 20:05:54 * Knight drops her gear and dismounts Bell, but starts rummaging around in her ration pack; soon, she produces a few apples.
Apr 13 20:06:04 <Kotono> Thus you sleep away the afternoon. Night falls, a cool night under the trees. Anki rises with the dusk settling over, "Are all of you ready? We shall travel to m'lady now."
Apr 13 20:07:05 * Kamvakua rose swiftly from his nap, "Indeed, to good competition under the high moon."
Apr 13 20:07:33 * Mari yawns and rubs sleep from her eyes. Bah. Why does anyone want to be up when the sun's not? "Sure, sure, let's go," she says sleepily.
Apr 13 20:07:54 <Kotono> The unicorn stands on it's hind legs! It's horn turns silvery, glistening bright! From it a ray of light dances, revealing a shining, ethereal path ascending up to the tree-tops, winding higher and higher! "Come, let us travel!"
Apr 13 20:08:19 * Adail climbs up to Kam's shoulder.
Apr 13 20:09:00 * Nikkolai climbs to his feet, yawning. He blinks at the sight of the path. "Wow. Arborea sure has the monopoly on 'Pretty', wouldn't you say?"
Apr 13 20:09:13 * Nikkolai walks over to the path and starts climbing.
Apr 13 20:09:30 <Kotono> The party climbs up the ethereal path! The ground is left behind as you travel, Anki leading the way. You reach the treetops, which pass by you as if mist! Past them the great starry sky shines, the vast moon full overhead! Everything is colored with a silvery radiance, the path ascending higher and higher! "Come, for the sky itself is where m'lady waits!"
Apr 13 20:09:50 <Knight> "It isn't unpleasant," admits Knight, remounting Bell and and spurring him alongside the rising lights.
Apr 13 20:10:33 <Kamvakua> "Not at all," He walked along, "You'll find the planes are as varied as the stars are many in the heavens," He headed along the lights.
Apr 13 20:12:25 * Mari eyes the ground far below. Well, if floating through the endless depths of Air didn't bother her, she should be okay with walking miles above the ground too, right? she shrugs and keeps her eyes on the stars.
Apr 13 20:12:28 <Nikkolai> "I've been to a fair few myself, before I met up with you guys. None of them were as beautiful or as odd as Arborea. I rather wish I had come here much, much earlier."
Apr 13 20:12:28 <Kamvakua> "Arborea simply is one of the many lovely ones."
Apr 13 20:12:52 <Kotono> Yet higher you climb! The moon grows vast above you, taking up the sky! For you climb to a place where the moonlight is so thick it forms a solid plane of glistening mithral. Here a tower wrought of moonlight formed into bricks ascends, a grand courtyard before it. "This way," Anki says, "M'lady awaits."
Apr 13 20:13:22 * Adail looks down.
Apr 13 20:13:39 <Kotono> Far below are the tree tops, fading into a silver-green blur below.
Apr 13 20:13:44 <Knight> "It seems an impregnable fortress, despite the beauteous looks," murmurs Knight, touching down within the courtyard.
Apr 13 20:14:24 <Kamvakua> "The types that would challenge Eladrin in their homes are not the sort to struggle with this. It's only us normal mortals that would"
Apr 13 20:14:33 * Adail admires the view, then nods to Knight's comment, "Indeed. Form, as important as that is here, still does not take precedence over function."
Apr 13 20:14:57 * Nikkolai looks about, a bit of awe touching his features. "Simply breathtaking. The Lady of the house sure knows how to be both practical and stylish."
Apr 13 20:15:59 <Kamvakua> "Don't flirt with her," Kamvakua deadpanned at Nikkolai.
Apr 13 20:16:02 <Knight> "A surprising thing to say. Would you allow beauty to distract you from upholding your ideals?" asks Knight, raising an eyebrow.
Apr 13 20:16:50 <Nikkolai> "There's nothing wrong with enjoying beauty, so long as you realize that beauty is not everything, or even the most important thing."
Apr 13 20:17:10 <Kotono> Ahead of you is the courtyard. Here livired servants await, and past them is a chair, carried by only faintly seen humanoid shapes. Sitting in that chair, basking in the moonlight, is the Moon Maiden. Her features are serene, basked in the glow of the great moon above. Besides her sits another. He has elven features, scarlet hair and a warm, inviting expression. "Welcome to the Moonspire." Her voice calls, "We meet again."
Apr 13 20:17:15 <Kotono> "Welcome to the Moonspire." Her voice calls, "We meet again."
Apr 13 20:18:35 <Kamvakua> "Ah, indeed," Kamvakua bowed before the maiden.
Apr 13 20:18:37 * Adail smirks, then bows, "Well met again, Maiden."
Apr 13 20:18:37 * Nikkolai bows low, a slight blush suffusing his cheeks. "My lady! I am most glad to see you once more. As ever, your beauty puts even the stars to shame."
Apr 13 20:18:46 <Mari> "Hey. Nice place you've got here," Mari says nonchalantly.
Apr 13 20:19:24 <Kamvakua> "Might be a better time for that, Nikkolai," Kamvakua eyed, a little more stern in downplaying his friend's flirting.
Apr 13 20:20:21 <Kotono> "Ah, those are your champions?" A look over the party as the ghaele eladrin rises, "I am Synabos. I apologize, but for the sake of love, I must defeat all of you."
Apr 13 20:21:10 <Knight> "Love appears an upward struggle..."
Apr 13 20:21:49 <Kamvakua> "It is a challenge is it not, and if you do, I shall bear you no hard feelings...but understand, we will give it our all."
Apr 13 20:21:51 <Kotono> "A noble struggle! A noble struggle or love!" Synabos strides forward, "My love, tell me, what are the challenges?"
Apr 13 20:21:57 <Nikkolai> "You may *try* my Lord, but rest assured it will be no easy task to defeat us, much less myself."
Apr 13 20:22:57 <Kotono> "The first is to wrestle, with him," THe Moon Maiden nods to Kamvakua, "Should you subdue him, I will be impressed by your manly vigor. The first to pin the other will be triumphant."
Apr 13 20:23:01 * Adail simply smiles and nods to the Ghaele, then turns his attention to the Maiden to hear the rules.
Apr 13 20:23:21 <Kotono> "I shall try and I shall triumph! None of you can keep our love apart!" Synabos declares, hand out, "So it is foretold!"
Apr 13 20:24:06 <Kotono> The Moon Maiden continues, "Should you triumph the majority, you shall prevail, Synabos. Should your trials fail the majority, then it is proof your heart and soul are not ready."
Apr 13 20:25:27 <Kamvakua> "Destiny is not a simple thing, Synabos. But fight well. What are the rules for our match?" Kamvakua looked for a suitable area for such wrestling.
Apr 13 20:26:36 <Kotono> The servants lay out soft cloth and sand over the mithral, making a space. "The first to pin the other triumphs, as my love spoke!" Synabos approaches, cracking his knuckles and flexing, "Are you ready?"
Apr 13 20:27:11 * Adail gives Kam a friendly slap on the shoulder, then hops off and moves back.
Apr 13 20:27:35 <Kotono> "Good luck!" Yulia calls, resting on Nikkolai's head.
Apr 13 20:27:45 <Kamvakua> "I am," Kamvakua slipped off his arm, steadying himself and with a grin preparing to launch himself at the man. OOC: do I roll init or anything?
Apr 13 20:27:53 <Kotono> OOC: Roll init, yeah.
Apr 13 20:27:55 <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
Apr 13 20:27:55 <Mari> "Go Kam!" Mari hollers. "Whoop his fairy butt!"
Apr 13 20:27:55 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 8." [1d20=3]
Apr 13 20:28:11 <Kamvakua> roll 1d20+2
Apr 13 20:28:11 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+2 and gets 17." [1d20=15]
Apr 13 20:28:24 * Kotono has changed the topic to: Kamvakua(17)>Synabos(8)
Apr 13 20:28:26 <Kotono> OOC: Go Kam.
Apr 13 20:28:44 * Kamvakua lunges suddenly at the start, gathering his strength as he grows in size to tackle Synabos, his quick hands showing experience gained from years of tribal games.
Apr 13 20:29:10 <Kotono> OOC: Grapple check then.
Apr 13 20:29:54 <Kamvakua> roll 1d20+22
Apr 13 20:29:54 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+22 and gets 29." [1d20=7]
Apr 13 20:30:07 <Kotono> roll 1d20+20
Apr 13 20:30:07 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 and gets 28." [1d20=8]
Apr 13 20:30:43 <Kotono> OOC: You deal damage as an unarmed strike and are now holding him.
Apr 13 20:31:18 <Kamvakua> roll 1d6+9
Apr 13 20:31:18 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d6+9 and gets 11." [1d6=2]
Apr 13 20:31:44 * Kamvakua slams into him as he swings Synabos hands up, using his tough exterior to trap his movement.
Apr 13 20:32:12 <Kotono> So grabbed, Synabos is swung! AS he is he twists, trying to escape the grapple! OOC: He's trying to escape the grapple on his turn. Opposed grapple check.
Apr 13 20:32:19 <Kamvakua> roll 1d20+22
Apr 13 20:32:20 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+22 and gets 42." [1d20=20]
Apr 13 20:32:30 <Kotono> roll 1d20+20 owned
Apr 13 20:32:31 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 owned and gets 26." [1d20=6]
Apr 13 20:32:46 <Kotono> But Kamvakua's grip is like forged steel, Synabos held tight! OOC: Your turn.
Apr 13 20:32:53 <Kamvakua> roll 1d20+22
Apr 13 20:32:54 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+22 and gets 40." [1d20=18]
Apr 13 20:33:12 * Kamvakua moves swiftly to finish it, seizing the eladrin tightly in a pin. "Yield!"
Apr 13 20:33:23 <Kotono> roll 1d20+20 owning again
Apr 13 20:33:24 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 owning again and gets 38." [1d20=18]
Apr 13 20:33:59 <Kamvakua> roll 1d6+9 I think I have him in a pin now? It seems to say so?
Apr 13 20:34:00 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d6+9 I think I have him in a pin now? It seems to say so? and gets 12." [1d6=3]
Apr 13 20:34:18 <Kotono> Just like that, it's over! Kamvakua slams him to the ground, Synabos winded! His shoulders are pressed into the sand and cloth, the Moon Maiden calling, "It is done! Kamvakua is triumphant!"
Apr 13 20:34:45 <Kotono> Synabos gasps and groans, "Truly...ow...you are titanic to have so swiftly dispatched me..."
Apr 13 20:35:09 <Kamvakua> "You're a swift wrestler," Kamvakua stood up, offering him a hand up. "But I have never lost a wrestling match in my life. It was simply not in the stars for your victory here."
Apr 13 20:35:18 <Nikkolai> "Way to go, Kam!" Nikkolai cups his hand around his mouth and yells.
Apr 13 20:35:39 * Adail pumps one fist in the air, "Hah! The champion retains his title."
Apr 13 20:36:12 <Kotono> The hand is taken, Synabos rubbing his head, "Retire victorious, Kamvakua," The Moon Maiden declares, "Which of you desire to contest next, challengers?"
Apr 13 20:36:41 * Nikkolai steps forward. "I shall do so, my Lady. If that is your desire."
Apr 13 20:36:51 * Adail steps forward, "I'll take my go, if nobody objects...or Nik could beat me to it."
Apr 13 20:36:56 * Adail steps back.
Apr 13 20:37:28 * Kamvakua picks up his armor, stepping back away with the others.
Apr 13 20:38:17 <Kotono> Thus Nikkolai steps forward. "Three contests of magic. For here, the moonlight can be shaped by will." Said radiance glows brighter, "Apply your spellcraft to it and form an object of beauty. Whichever of you triumphs twice in my eyes shall win this contest."
Apr 13 20:39:43 <Nikkolai> "Ah, this is something that I shall enjoy. My lord, I invite you to go first, if you wish." Nikkolai give Synabos a polite nod of his head.
Apr 13 20:41:17 <Kotono> At this, Synabos steps forward! In his hands he grasps the moonlight itself, slamming his hands together! Between them forms the face of the Moon Maiden, utterly glorious!
Apr 13 20:41:18 <Kotono> roll 1d20+13
Apr 13 20:41:18 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 19." [1d20=6]
Apr 13 20:41:34 <Kotono> "There," he says, "Try your own hand at it, challenger Nikkolai!"
Apr 13 20:43:20 <Nikkolai> Instead of the abrupt motions that Syanbos employed, Nikkolai reaches out and gently cups the moonlight in his hands. With gentle, deft movements, he forms a perfect rose, dripping with dew.
Apr 13 20:43:25 <Nikkolai> roll 1d20+13
Apr 13 20:43:26 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+13 and gets 33." [1d20=20]
Apr 13 20:44:01 <Kotono> The rose is like dripping silver, without a single drop out of place. The Moon Maiden gasps, "Goodness, that is an easy choice. The first point goes to Nikkolai!"
Apr 13 20:44:31 <Kotono> Synabos hangs his head, "Curses....far better are you than anticipated. I shall not hold back!" With that he opens his hand, a ray of moonlight forming! A glorious crown appears now, studded with mithral!
Apr 13 20:44:32 <Kotono> roll 1d20+13
Apr 13 20:44:33 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 19." [1d20=6]
Apr 13 20:45:31 <Kotono> "Ah, a fine piece. This one shall triumph for certain!" Now to Nikkolai, "Try, it is your turn."
Apr 13 20:45:57 <Nikkolai> "It is cleverly crafted, my lord. I shall have to struggle to beat it!"
Apr 13 20:47:20 <Nikkolai> A frown of concentration on his face, Nikkolai grasps the moonlight once more. He closes his hands, cutting off the moonlight from view. A moment later, with a magnificent whinny, a miniature Pegasus bursts into flight from his opened palms!
Apr 13 20:47:25 <Nikkolai> roll1d20+13
Apr 13 20:47:33 <Nikkolai> roll 1d20+13
Apr 13 20:47:34 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+13 and gets 15." [1d20=2]
Apr 13 20:48:08 <Kotono> The pegasus is beautiful but unfocused, lacking the solidity or form of the crown. After an inspection, "I must give this point to Synabos. Thus, this next point shall decide the match."
Apr 13 20:48:31 <Kotono> "Then," Synabos bows grandly, arm tucked under, "My last piece shall be art itself! The soul of moonlight!"
Apr 13 20:48:48 <Kotono> In his hands the moonlight gathers, streaming together into the center around him! Ahead appears the moon itself, in replica!
Apr 13 20:48:50 <Kotono> roll 1d20+13
Apr 13 20:48:51 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 20." [1d20=7]
Apr 13 20:50:36 <Nikkolai> Nikk's eyebrow twitches in irritation. "Well done, my lord. But the soul is nothing without the heart."
Apr 13 20:51:04 <Kotono> "Then go," With a slight smirk, "Try and outdo me, Nikkolai, for her heart shall be mine!"
Apr 13 20:52:27 <Nikkolai> Nikkolai sculpts the moonlight with grace and fervor. With a flourish, the known universe contained in a globe of shimmering light floated above his hand. "I give you my all, my Lady."
Apr 13 20:52:32 <Nikkolai> roll 1d20+13
Apr 13 20:52:33 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+13 and gets 24." [1d20=11]
Apr 13 21:00:38 <Kotono> Thus Nikkolai's image of the multiverse is spectacular! The Moon Maiden gasps, "Then...Nikkolai has triumphed!" She declares aloud!
Apr 13 21:01:03 <Kotono> Synabos sighs, "Baator cursed skill." He says with open sadness, "But congratulations. I will have to sweep the last three trials then."
Apr 13 21:01:54 <Nikkolai> "My thanks, sir. Good luck to you in the last three. My comrades will not go easy on you."
Apr 13 21:02:09 <Kotono> The Moon Maiden claps, "Outstanding work, Nikkolai. Retrie trumphant, and the next of you who wishes to challenge shall come forth now."
Apr 13 21:02:12 * Adail steps forward, "Then allow me to attempt a sweep for our side."
Apr 13 21:02:16 * Nikkolai flashes Synabos a sympathetic small and walks back the group.
Apr 13 21:03:00 <Adail> Standing before Synabos, he bows in the manner of a formal match, not a courtly greeting, "Adail Levif, White Rook of Arbor. It will be an honor to face you."
Apr 13 21:03:13 <Kotono> Bowing back, "I am Synabos, who shall triumph over you in the name of love!"
Apr 13 21:03:30 <Kotono> "Very well. The first of you to ten confirmed hits or a knockout wins," The Moon Maiden says, "Are the two of you ready?"
Apr 13 21:04:07 * Adail raises an eyebrow, "Much you did the last two matches, I suppose? Arroagnce does not befit one in your position, sir." Then he nods to the Maiden, "Acceptable. And I am ready."
Apr 13 21:04:39 <Kotono> "I will win," Synabos says with utter determination, putting up his dukes! OOC: Init.
Apr 13 21:05:04 <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
Apr 13 21:05:05 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 13." [1d20=8]
Apr 13 21:05:11 <Adail> roll 1d20+8
Apr 13 21:05:11 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+8 and gets 22." [1d20=14]
Apr 13 21:05:30 * Kotono has changed the topic to: Adail(22)>Synabos(13)
Apr 13 21:05:32 <Kotono> OOC: Go Adail.
Apr 13 21:06:03 <Adail> OOC: What size is this guy? Does he have 10ft reach? Also, are we aiming for normal hits or touch attacks due to the "confirmed hits" rule?
Apr 13 21:06:26 <Kotono> OOC: Medium, normal reach.
Apr 13 21:06:28 <Kotono> OOC: Normal hits.
Apr 13 21:07:45 * Adail takes a defensive stance, "Come at me, then." (OOC: Readying to 5ft step in and flurry when he approaches, Fighting Defensively for +3 AC, so 34)
Apr 13 21:08:19 <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
Apr 13 21:08:31 <Kotono> Taking that bait, Synabos approaches like a night wind at Adail! OOC: Goa head and flurry away.
Apr 13 21:09:55 * Adail ghosts in as he appraoches and lashes out with a single quick strike! (OOC: Apparently you can't ready a flurry, so just one attack this round.)
Apr 13 21:10:05 <Adail> roll 1d20+13
Apr 13 21:10:06 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+13 and gets 27." [1d20=14]
Apr 13 21:10:23 <Kotono> OOC: Hit.
Apr 13 21:10:47 <Adail> OC: I'm not going to bother rolling damage ever, if that's alright? I'm not winning by knockout here.
Apr 13 21:10:54 <Kotono> OOC: Okay. You can't beat his DR anyway.
Apr 13 21:11:16 <Kotono> Adail lunges forward and slams palm out, a solid hit on his knee cap! AT the same time, his fist comes down to try and smash the wily Adail!
Apr 13 21:11:25 <Kotono> roll 1d20+17
Apr 13 21:11:26 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 and gets 27." [1d20=10]
Apr 13 21:11:38 <Kotono> But Adail dances out of the way with deft adn swift ease, avoiding the blow! OOC: Adail, go.
Apr 13 21:12:53 * Adail presses the advantage, snapping out a flurry of rapid punches at his legs, "Rushing Wind!" (OOC: Still fighting defensively, will be the whole fight likely.)
Apr 13 21:13:00 <Adail> roll 1d20+11 flurry 1
Apr 13 21:13:01 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+11 flurry 1 and gets 25." [1d20=14]
Apr 13 21:13:01 <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
Apr 13 21:13:04 <Adail> roll 1d20+11 flurry 2
Apr 13 21:13:04 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+11 flurry 2 and gets 26." [1d20=15]
Apr 13 21:13:10 <Adail> roll 1d20+6 flurry 3
Apr 13 21:13:10 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+6 flurry 3 and gets 10." [1d20=4]
Apr 13 21:13:13 <Kotono> OOC: Two hits.
Apr 13 21:13:50 <Kotono> Adail dances with the moonlight-wind, jabbing and leaping up! A pair of blows hit solidly, seemingly unfelt but the Moon Maiden claps her hands together on each one! At this, with a vexed glare, Synabos strikes back!
Apr 13 21:13:57 <Kotono> roll 1d20+17
Apr 13 21:13:58 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 and gets 31." [1d20=14]
Apr 13 21:14:00 <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
Apr 13 21:14:01 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 19." [1d20=7]
Apr 13 21:14:24 <Kotono> But he still can't land a blow, Adail dodging and weaving from his fists! OOC: Adail, go.
Apr 13 21:16:17 * Adail slides away from the hit, making it look far more effortless then it actually is, and counters with a swift punch kick combination, "Taking me seriously now, are you?"
Apr 13 21:16:24 <Adail> roll 1d20+11 flurry 1
Apr 13 21:16:25 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+11 flurry 1 and gets 25." [1d20=14]
Apr 13 21:16:27 <Adail> roll 1d20+11 flurry 2
Apr 13 21:16:28 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+11 flurry 2 and gets 30." [1d20=19]
Apr 13 21:16:34 <Adail> roll 1d20+6 flurry 3
Apr 13 21:16:35 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+6 flurry 3 and gets 12." [1d20=6]
Apr 13 21:16:36 <Kotono> OOC: Two more hits.
Apr 13 21:17:25 <Kotono> Sliding about with a flurry, Synabos takes two more quick, clap confirmed hits! "I will now!" Synabos roars, fists slamming down!
Apr 13 21:17:27 <Kotono> roll 1d20+17
Apr 13 21:17:28 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 and gets 18." [1d20=1]
Apr 13 21:17:29 <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
Apr 13 21:17:30 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 31." [1d20=19]
Apr 13 21:17:47 <Kotono> But again, victory is not his! He boxes, jabs and slams, but not a single strike on the agile Adail! OOC: Adail.
Apr 13 21:19:19 * Adail focuses his Ki into his palm and lashes out with a forceful blow as the first strike of the next combination, "Burning Knuckle!" (OOC: First hit is a Stunning Fist, DC-18, just for the halibut)
Apr 13 21:19:29 <Adail> roll 1d20+11 stunning hit flurry 1
Apr 13 21:19:30 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+11 stunning hit flurry 1 and gets 14." [1d20=3]
Apr 13 21:19:38 <Adail> roll 1d20+11 flurry 2
Apr 13 21:19:39 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+11 flurry 2 and gets 28." [1d20=17]
Apr 13 21:19:46 <Adail> roll 1d20+6 flurry 3
Apr 13 21:19:46 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+6 flurry 3 and gets 17." [1d20=11]
Apr 13 21:19:47 <Kotono> OOC: One hit.
Apr 13 21:21:18 <Kotono> Adail's burning knuckles are blocked, but he bounces off and slams a leaping jab into his chin in retort! Synabos swings wildly now, trying for a potent knockout blow!
Apr 13 21:21:22 <Kotono> roll 1d20+17
Apr 13 21:21:24 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 and gets 22." [1d20=5]
Apr 13 21:21:24 <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
Apr 13 21:21:24 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 15." [1d20=3]
Apr 13 21:21:34 <Kotono> But yet his swings are that of failure, missing and missing and missing the mouse! OOC: Go.
Apr 13 21:23:02 * Adail snaps at his opponent even as he strikes again with his ki, "FOCUS! You couldn't hit a drunken satyr swinging like that!"
Apr 13 21:23:22 <Adail> roll 1d20+11 flurry 1 and another Stun attempt
Apr 13 21:23:23 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+11 flurry 1 and another Stun attempt and gets 13." [1d20=2]
Apr 13 21:23:34 <Adail> roll 1d20+11 flurry 2 I'm not going to try stunning anymore
Apr 13 21:23:35 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+11 flurry 2 I'm not going to try stunning anymore and gets 25." [1d20=14]
Apr 13 21:23:43 <Adail> roll 1d20+6 flurry 3
Apr 13 21:23:43 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+6 flurry 3 and gets 16." [1d20=10]
Apr 13 21:24:13 <Kotono> OOC: One hit.
Apr 13 21:24:56 <Kotono> Again and again Adail snaps and dodges, Synabos screaming, "I will not be denied! I shall finish you NOW!" With that his body buldges, power crackling as he swings and swings!
Apr 13 21:25:04 <Kotono> roll 1d20+22
Apr 13 21:25:04 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+22 and gets 23." [1d20=1]
Apr 13 21:25:08 <Kotono> roll 1d20+17
Apr 13 21:25:09 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 and gets 36." [1d20=19]
Apr 13 21:25:44 <Kotono> roll 1d6+16
Apr 13 21:25:44 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+16 and gets 22." [1d6=6]
Apr 13 21:26:37 <Kotono> The blows at last bring fruit! Adail gets slammed down hard, entire mousy body recoiling from the harsh blow! OOC: Adail, go.
Apr 13 21:28:26 * Adail is slammed by the attack, but kips up to his feat and his expression is now a bit wild, "Finally in the fight are you? About damned time." Without another warning, he lashes out with rapid open paw strikes!
Apr 13 21:28:33 <Adail> roll 1d20+11 flurry 1
Apr 13 21:28:34 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+11 flurry 1 and gets 18." [1d20=7]
Apr 13 21:28:37 <Adail> roll 1d20+11 flurry 2
Apr 13 21:28:38 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+11 flurry 2 and gets 28." [1d20=17]
Apr 13 21:28:43 <Adail> roll 1d20+6 flurry 3
Apr 13 21:28:44 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+6 flurry 3 and gets 19." [1d20=13]
Apr 13 21:28:46 <Kotono> OOC: One hit.
Apr 13 21:29:27 <Kotono> Adail lunges and strikes, only one of the paw hits connecting! An 8th hit, the Moon Maiden duttifully clapping! Yet Synabos seems to notice not, his fury writhing as he slams and slams and slams at the mouse!
Apr 13 21:29:30 <Kotono> roll 1d20+22
Apr 13 21:29:31 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+22 and gets 35." [1d20=13]
Apr 13 21:29:33 <Kotono> roll 1d20+17
Apr 13 21:29:34 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 and gets 25." [1d20=8]
Apr 13 21:29:39 <Kotono> roll 1d6+16
Apr 13 21:29:39 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+16 and gets 17." [1d6=1]
Apr 13 21:30:16 <Kotono> WHAM! Again Adail is hit hard, knocked down and to the ground! His vision swims, Synabos raising his fists up to crush Adail into defeat above him! OOC: Go Adail.
Apr 13 21:32:37 * Adail seems to stagger a moment, looking vulnerable...then spins and lashes out with incredible speed!
Apr 13 21:32:46 <Adail> roll 1d20+15 abandoning defense flurry 1
Apr 13 21:32:47 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+15 abandoning defense flurry 1 and gets 27." [1d20=12]
Apr 13 21:32:50 <Adail> roll 1d20+15 abandoning defense flurry 2
Apr 13 21:32:51 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+15 abandoning defense flurry 2 and gets 23." [1d20=8]
Apr 13 21:33:00 <Adail> roll 1d20+10 abandoning defense flurry 3
Apr 13 21:33:00 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+10 abandoning defense flurry 3 and gets 27." [1d20=17]
Apr 13 21:33:03 <Kotono> OOC: Two hits!
Apr 13 21:34:04 <Adail> With incredible speed, the musteval ducks the incoming attack, looks his opponent square in the eye for a fraction of a second, then launches out a double palmed strike, "This ends now."
Apr 13 21:34:51 <Kotono> Both blows land right in the center of the stomach as he weaves and leaps up! AT once there are two claps, and then, "Ten! That is the tenth hit! By rule, Adail wins!"
Apr 13 21:35:46 <Kotono> Synabos slumps, his fist unclenching. He turns to the Moon Maiden and kneels, "It seems that my fervor and love have not been crafted enough to overcome. By your leave, I would take my soujourn from this place, m'lady."
Apr 13 21:36:01 <Kotono> "Granted," The Moon Maiden says, "The victory is to Adail, and with that, Synabos has lost."
Apr 13 21:36:25 * Adail steps back and bows to Synabos again, "Well fought."
Apr 13 21:36:43 <Kotono> "Well fought." The words are short, for a moment later, Synabos is gone as if he was never there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OOC: DUring the contest, the rest of us were cheering in another room
Apr 13 20:32:55 <Adail> <Knight> "Nikkolai, I need you to explain how this tournament has anything to do with love," whispers Knight, turning her head to the mage. "Would it not be miserable for both of them, in the end, should he prevail?"
Apr 13 20:32:55 <Adail> <Mari> "Oh wow, you're asking Nik about love?" Mari says, overhearing. "This should be interesting."
Apr 13 20:32:55 <Adail> <Nikkolai> "It's...rather complicated, I suppose. To preserve his pride and heart, this tournament has been proposed in the hopes that he can be defeated and the Lady shouldn't have to suffer his attentions."
Apr 13 20:32:55 <Adail> * Adail cheers as Kam lands his grab, "That's the way! Clench him!"
Apr 13 20:32:56 <Adail> <Nikkolai> "But the Lady, in order to preserve her honor, must accede to the Lord should he win the tournament. Honor and pride are important currency in places like this. Love comes in a close second."
Apr 13 20:32:59 <Adail> <Knight> "But if he loses, it shows that not only his his love insufficient, but his skills, as well. Pride is such a..."
Apr 13 20:33:39 <Nikkolai> "It is not a perfect system, but better than he be jilted outright. In this way, he can preserve his own pride and honor should he lose."
Apr 13 20:33:56 * Nikkolai shrugs. "I think it's a rather silly way of going about it, myself."
Apr 13 20:34:43 <Mari> "It is. If it was me, I'd just say I wasn't interested. And punch him in the face if he didn't go away."
Apr 13 20:34:58 <Knight> "I can see this wisdom in your approach."
Apr 13 20:35:29 <Kotono> "It's fun this way! Aren't you a Knight," A look as Yulia flies over to the Knight, sitting on her head and looking upside down into her eyes, "You seem short on chivalry, and if a Knight lacks that, they're nothing more than a bandit."
Apr 13 20:35:35 * Mari nods. "This Synabos guy doesn't look that bad though...Oh wow, that was fast. Go Kam!"
Apr 13 20:35:58 <Nikkolai> "For once, I agree with Mari. The most direct way is best. But...sometimes the courtly way has its uses."
Apr 13 20:36:05 * Nikkolai grins slightly.
Apr 13 20:37:46 * Kamvakua grins as he returns. "A strong opponent. That was fun, if short."
Apr 13 20:38:06 <Knight> "Knight is just my name. And a Knight is nothing more than a warrior sworn to some lord or cause," replies Knight, shaking her head. "Congratulations- oh, really? You prevailed quickly."
Apr 13 20:38:12 * Adail nods, "Your matches tend to be, yes."
Apr 13 20:38:52 <Mari> "Yeah, and Knight doesn't care enough about money to be a bandit anyway."
Apr 13 20:39:01 <Kamvakua> "I have a lot of experience. Wrestling has always been one of the many games my village would have during festivals and even to settle disagreements," He leaned back. "Don't think because I won fast that he wasn't strong."
Apr 13 20:39:26 * Mari claps dully as Nikkolai steps forward. "Be adequate, Nikkolai," she says in a flat tone.
Apr 13 20:39:39 <Kotono> "A Knight is nobility! Listen to bardsong! A Knight isn't just a warrior, but a code, an honor, a title to live up to!" Crossing her arms as she stands on Knight's head, "I still say you'd make a better Warrior card. I was hoping you'd be able to wax poetic and dance."
Apr 13 20:39:47 <Knight> "
Apr 13 20:39:48 <Kamvakua> "Oh come now, give him a cheer. Craft well, Nikkolai!"
Apr 13 20:40:16 * Kamvakua eyes briefly Yulia's argument with knight before ignoring it for the competition instead.
Apr 13 20:40:20 <Knight> "You can say what you wish. Reality has it's own opinion. I have faith in you, Nikkolai!"
Apr 13 20:41:12 <Adail> "Knight means different things to different cultures, Yulia. The Knight, as our friend here is, must be able to fit in all of them depending on who draws her, I think. I suspect her drawer wasn't much for the Arborean Knighthood, but that's only speculation."
Apr 13 20:41:56 <Mari> "Who did summon you, anyway?" Mari wonders, idly keeping an eye on the contest.
Apr 13 20:43:59 <Knight> "Alrysa Sunstep, a mage with more ambition than sense," replies Knight. "She sought to reach the pinnacle of her order for no more reason than that it was there to be taken. Good, Evil, Law, Chaos; they meant nothing to her, but she lacked neither bravery nor fervor."
Apr 13 20:45:05 <Kotono> "Go Nikkolai! Go master!" Yulia calls, "That was great!"
Apr 13 20:45:36 * Adail nods, "She sounds like the sort who would appreciate a more pragmatic then romantic Knight, yes."
Apr 13 20:45:41 <Knight> "A crown, huh. Perhaps a scepter, or a throne in response..."
Apr 13 20:45:56 <Kamvakua> "It seems practically in the bag. I didn't know Nikkolai was as much a crafter."
Apr 13 20:46:40 * Adail grins, "This is a contest of imagination, I think. Something sorcerers...and Nikolai in particular, excel at."
Apr 13 20:46:48 <Mari> "He's just unusually inspired. He probably wants to take Synabos's place."
Apr 13 20:48:24 <Kamvakua> "He goes after everything with a soft chest, doesn't he?" Kamvakua mused.
Apr 13 20:48:52 <Mari> "Nah, not everything."
Apr 13 20:49:25 <Knight> "Is that a problem?"
Apr 13 20:50:04 <Kamvakua> "Not really. Just I think he'll find a wall there."
Apr 13 20:50:10 <Kotono> "Following your heart is fine." Yulia says, "Love will always find a way. Be it the tempestuous Mari or the elegant maiden of the Moon, or another to be found."
Apr 13 20:50:36 <Knight> "Perhaps we can tell Synabos that, after his inevitable defeat."
Apr 13 20:50:38 * Mari shrugs. "Not really. I mean, there are just times when that kind of distraction can get you into trouble, sure. It's just part of being alive, really."
Apr 13 20:51:31 <Kamvakua> "I don't think the Maiden would appreciate that."
Apr 13 20:52:39 <Mari> "What? She wants him to go away, doesn't she? I'd figure, anything that helps him get over her..."
Apr 13 20:52:40 <Knight> "Perhaps you're right. It's not really our problem to interfere with, after all..."
Apr 13 20:53:55 <Kamvakua> "Well," He eyed the man and simply nodded, choosing not to be too vocal about it in earshot of the poor suitor.
Apr 13 21:01:37 <Mari> "Yaaaay," Mari says, with something approaching enthusiasm.
Apr 13 21:02:09 * Knight folds her arms. "Excellent work. The odds are entirely with us, now," she states, nodding.
Apr 13 21:02:41 <Kamvakua> "Not much of a drama, but it is how competitions go in my experience."
Apr 13 21:02:45 * Nikkolai approaches, a self-satisfied grin on his face.
Apr 13 21:03:21 <Nikkolai> "My, I didn't know that I was *that* good. Perhaps I should start a business with crafting one of these days."
Apr 13 21:05:04 <Knight> "I did not know either. You are a man of many surprises."
Apr 13 21:05:20 <Kotono> "Nicely done, Master." Yulia returns to him, "All of you are quite good at your talents."
Apr 13 21:05:33 <Kamvakua> "It'd be an honest way to a woman's heart," Kamvakua teased him. "But harder with real jewels."
Apr 13 21:05:36 <Mari> "Go Nik! Good job not being incompetent!" Mari's talent is obviously tact.
Apr 13 21:05:49 <Knight> "Many struggle with that."
Apr 13 21:06:17 <Kamvakua> "Adail, show him your speed!" Kam cheered loudly for the little mouse.
Apr 13 21:06:19 <Kotono> "Hey, listen!" Looking to Knight, "Pay attention! Ladies love jewelry! Bet you didn't know that etiher, did you?"
Apr 13 21:06:58 <Nikkolai> "My thanks, bright one." Nikkolai offers a smile to Knight and Mari. "Since we're here, I'm sure that the Lady would not mind if I fashioned either of you something in moonlight. Is there anything in particular you'd like?"
Apr 13 21:07:10 * Kamvakua eyes the two quibbling and laughs, "Funny as you are, why not lend your voices in cheering for our mousey companion!"
Apr 13 21:07:15 <Nikkolai> "A ring? A necklace? Perhaps a brooch?"
Apr 13 21:08:27 <Mari> "Hey, why does Knight care about that, Yulia? Is she planning to sweep some lady off her feet or something?" Mari shrugs. "Nah, I'm okay, Nik. I'll stick with the earrings I got from that elf lady who wanted to kill me."
Apr 13 21:08:53 * Knight flushes, and opts to study the competition. "Whatever you think is fine, Nikkolai," she mumbles. "Be aggressive, Adail! Fights are won by the bold!"
Apr 13 21:09:57 <Nikkolai> "As you wish, Mari." Nikkolai takes hold of the tangible moonlight and pauses in thought. "Forgive me, bright one, I'd almost forgotten about you. Is there anything I can fashion for you?"
Apr 13 21:10:24 * Mari turns her attention to the fight. "Go for it, Adail! Punch his kneecaps in!"
Apr 13 21:10:40 <Kotono> "Oooh, in a minute! I wanna see Adail fight first!" Yulia says.
Apr 13 21:11:26 * Nikkolai nods, watching the fight as he fashions his gift for Knight!
Apr 13 21:12:03 <Kamvakua> "Win with numbers! This is your kind of fight, Adail!"
Apr 13 21:13:57 <Knight> "Climb on his head! If he hits you, he must also hit himself!"
Apr 13 21:14:20 <Nikkolai> With a flicker of light, a barrette appears in Nikkolai's hands! It is in the shape of a blooming lily, encrusted with luminous pearls. He presents it to Knight with a smile. "To keep your hair from being a nuisance in battle."
Apr 13 21:17:08 <Kamvakua> "If Adail needs to use dirty tricks to win, he's not been training hard enough."
Apr 13 21:17:47 <Mari> "Tactical jewelry, huh?" Mari observes. "I guess the way to Knight's heart is through battle strategy, after all."
Apr 13 21:19:03 <Knight> "Uh, thanks, I'll put it to good use, then. The pearls are a bit..." she mumbles, quietly taking the barrette and clipping it on.
Apr 13 21:21:00 <Nikkolai> "You're very welcome. Every beautiful girl deserves a small token of beauty to accentuate her features."
Apr 13 21:22:30 * Nikkolai looks aside at Mari. "If you change your mind, let me know. It doesn't have to be jewlery. I can make just about anything out of this moonlight, I think."
Apr 13 21:22:31 <Kotono> Yulia grins, but says nothing.
Apr 13 21:23:01 <Knight> "I guess, in a place like this, a girl would need everything she can get to keep up, wouldn't she?"
Apr 13 21:23:24 <Kamvakua> "Every blow is light as air...ans as painful as can be," Kamvakua eyed the poor Eladarin, knowing how much the steady misses must hurt.
Apr 13 21:23:51 <Mari> "Oh yeah? Hm." Mari considers this. We need a boat, Nikkolai. A flying ship that would save us the trouble of walking everywhere. You said 'anything,' so get on that!"
Apr 13 21:24:47 * Nikkolai shoots Mari a wry grin. "Nothing quite so big, I'm afraid. I could make you a muzzle. That would serve us so much more than a boat, I'm sure."
Apr 13 21:26:37 <Mari> "You're right. When I think of all the times you talking less would've helped us out..."
Apr 13 21:27:11 * Knight winces. "It would take only one more..."
Apr 13 21:27:13 * Mari eyes the fight. "Oh, ow. That looked rough..."
Apr 13 21:27:33 <Kamvakua> "Adail is not so fragile as to fall from that."
Apr 13 21:27:36 <Kotono> Yulia whimpers, "Owwwww..."
Apr 13 21:28:52 * Nikkolai cringes in sympathetic pain. "Ooooww is right, bright one."
Apr 13 21:32:19 <Kamvakua> "...Adail needs more practice on his defense," Kamvakua's lips twitched at the sight of Adail taking another shot.
Apr 13 21:33:34 <Nikkolai> "I knew Sir Mouse would prevail!" Nikkolai pumps a fist in the air and cheers loudly!
Apr 13 21:34:37 * Knight exhales slowly. "Our victory was not in doubt. Although the magnitude was called into question."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OOC: And back together
Apr 13 21:37:23 <Nikkolai> "I thought I was arrogant." Nikkolai muses as he approaches Adail and pats him on the back. "Well done, Sir Mouse."
Apr 13 21:37:26 <Knight> "He seemed a fearsome one, to be able to participate against us so," mutters Knight. "Would that we could be so multi-talented..."
Apr 13 21:37:38 <Adail> Only once Synabos is gone, does Adail allow himself to actually look as staggered as he is.
Apr 13 21:37:49 <Kotono> The Moon Maiden claps, "Bravo! Excellent! Truthfully, eladrin are skilled at many and all forms of arts. Your triumph proved he has much to learn yet."
Apr 13 21:38:10 <Kotono> Yulia flies over to Adail, "Oh hey, listen! You okay?" she offers an arm to him, "That looks like it hurt!"
Apr 13 21:38:13 <Adail> Rolling his neck around, the pops and cracks are audible, "Ah...that was closer then I might have liked."
Apr 13 21:38:15 <Mari> "Adail! Hey, are you alright?"
Apr 13 21:38:59 * Adail nods and grins, the half wild look not completely faded from his eyes yet, "I'll be fine. It's a bit of a coin toss with Eladrin, whether making them mad makes them more or less likely to screw up."
Apr 13 21:39:48 * Kamvakua lifts adail up and tosses him high in celebration, "Stand tall, you fought well."
Apr 13 21:39:53 <Knight> "I have a question," states Knight, stepping forward. "Would his victory here have, um, spurred you on to- uh, I don't know how to say this..."
Apr 13 21:40:21 <Mari> "Marriage, Knight? I know, it's a scary word."
Apr 13 21:40:22 <Adail> "As tall as I am able, large one." Adail replies with a laugh.
Apr 13 21:42:02 <Kotono> "I would have. I thank you for saving everyone much grief." The Moon Maiden says, "Thank you."
Apr 13 21:42:33 <Kamvakua> "A one sided love brings only strife. But he fought with passion for it."
Apr 13 21:43:03 <Nikkolai> "Twas no problem at all, my Lady. I am glad that you remain unclaimed as of yet."
Apr 13 21:43:12 * Nikkolai gives her a courtly bow.
Apr 13 21:43:58 <Mari> "Hey, you're welcome. Someone getting stuck with a man they don't want? That's terrible, glad to help," Mari says. "Although I woulda just told him 'no,'" she mumbles to herself.
Apr 13 21:44:37 <Knight> "Well.. no, I won't question your path," replies Knight, nodding.
Apr 13 21:44:48 <Kotono> "May the Moon shine on you with radiance," The Moon Maiden says, "Go forth, and you will find yourselves on the proper path, one of your own making."
Apr 13 21:45:17 <Nikkolai> "Ah, before we leave, I do have one question. If you don't mind answering it."
Apr 13 21:45:39 <Kotono> "Ask," The Moon Maiden smiles warmly.
Apr 13 21:46:20 * Adail climbs back onto Kam's shoulder after he lands, trying his best to work out the already forming aches in his muscles and muttering, "As if his swings weren't bad enough, it was like punching an iron wall..."
Apr 13 21:46:50 <Nikkolai> "What can you tell me of a Balinbomb, one of the Lords of the Fey? He recently has come to owe me a favor and I would like to know what manner of being he is."
Apr 13 21:47:48 <Kotono> "A mercurial, tempestous fey lord. He binds those who come into his realm into a spell, where they may find a truth about themselves they did not know."
Apr 13 21:47:54 <Kamvakua> "It'll toughen your fists."
Apr 13 21:48:37 <Mari> "I'm not sure Nikkolai actually learned anything. Maybe you should've lost the game! It would've been educational."
Apr 13 21:48:53 <Kotono> "What did Mari learn then," Yulia asks, "That she can look different?"
Apr 13 21:49:04 <Nikkolai> "Is he powerful? Could he aid me in a battle against a most powerful enemy?"
Apr 13 21:49:19 <Knight> "Could he reveal these truths to others, even outside his realm?"
Apr 13 21:49:23 <Mari> "You say that like it's nothing, Yulia!"
Apr 13 21:49:55 <Kotono> "Well, it makes you a slime-girl." Yulia says, "An oozy, drippy, slithering slimegirl! Soooo...!"
Apr 13 21:50:06 <Mari> "That's just a rumor!"
Apr 13 21:50:16 <Kotono> "Is not!" Yulia retorts.
Apr 13 21:50:34 <Mari> "Prove it! Find someone who turned into one of those by mistake!"
Apr 13 21:50:39 <Kotono> "His power is limited to his realm," The Moon Maiden says. "Or so I would believe, for Fey are tied to their realms."
Apr 13 21:51:05 <Kotono> Yulia alights onto Mari's head. "Well, when you turn into slime soon, that'll prove it!"
Apr 13 21:51:34 * Mari snorts. "You're just making stuff up."
Apr 13 21:51:50 * Nikkolai frowns. "Wonderful. He is not so useful as I had hoped. And one last thing, my lady. Are you free next friday?"
Apr 13 21:51:57 * Nikkolai shoots her a dazzling smile of charm.
Apr 13 21:52:05 <Kotono> OOC: Make a diplomacy check.
Apr 13 21:52:23 <Nikkolai> roll 1d20+20 Nik's got some moves, baby
Apr 13 21:52:24 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+20 Nik's got some moves, baby and gets 35." [1d20=15]
Apr 13 21:52:31 * Kamvakua pokes Yulia, "Mari is not going to turn into slime."
Apr 13 21:52:51 <Knight> "You can't say that for sure, either," points our Knight. "Magic is a strange thing."
Apr 13 21:52:54 * Adail snorts with amusement at Nik's boldness.
Apr 13 21:54:08 <Kotono> The Moon Maiden's smile is serene, "I shall be watching, Nikkolai. Spread freedom and liberty with all your heart, and shall free time and rewards come to you."
Apr 13 21:54:17 * Zephyrus is now known as Nikkolai
Apr 13 21:54:49 <Mari> "That sounded like a raincheck," Mari whispers. "Coulda been worse!"
Apr 13 21:55:21 <Kamvakua> "Cute adventurers do not turn into slime," Kamvakua returned. "If they did, we'd see one on the road."
Apr 13 21:55:36 <Nikkolai> "I suppose that's better than a flat out no." Nikkolai bows. "I shall count the days and nights till I can gaze into thine eye and lose myself in them, my Lady."
Apr 13 21:55:56 <Knight> "We haven't seen many other adventurers at all, have we? I wonder if we're the only ones."
Apr 13 21:56:25 <Adail> "It's a big plane," Adail offers.
Apr 13 21:56:44 <Mari> "Aren't they all?"
Apr 13 21:56:52 <Kotono> Before you a glittering path of silver descends down, forging out of the moonlight. "Go now ,and walk the path you have made."
Apr 13 21:57:48 <Nikkolai> "Yes. Farewell." With a slight spring in his step, Nikkolai descends the path!
Apr 13 21:58:22 * Mari waves and starts off downwards.
Apr 13 21:58:44 <Kamvakua> "It has been a pleasure, Moon Maiden," Kamvakua bowed once more and was off.
Apr 13 21:58:52 * Adail nods his farewell, then pats Kam on the shoulder, "This will certainly be an interesting tale to share with the Knights, hmm?"
Apr 13 21:58:55 <Knight> "Come on, Bell. Let's walk down, this time," remarks Knight, sketching a quick bow to the otherworldly woman and stepping away.
Apr 13 21:59:41 <Kotono> Youw alk down. Soon enough you return to terra firma, the path above fading away into the night. As you step down, a deep tiredness overtakes the party, even Adail. Sleep is at your doorstep, knocking with instant energy.
Apr 13 22:00:22 <Mari> "Camp. Bed. Sleep," Mari mumbles. "Let us do these things."
Apr 13 22:01:18 * Nikkolai stifles a yawn. "Shock of shocks. I'm agreeing with you twice in one day."
Apr 13 22:01:44 * Knight yawns, and all but collapses on the grass. "Unnatural..." she murmurs, before her head tilts to one side and stops moving.
Apr 13 22:02:06 <Kamvakua> "A good story at least," Kam rested, keeping watch for a bit before his eyes simply closed on him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OOC: Off to dream land minus Adail
Apr 13 22:07:16 <Kotono> Sleep comes...and in it, perchance to dream. Nikkolai, Mari, Knight and Kamvakua walk through Hardsoil. Everything is blurry and indistinct around them.
Apr 13 22:07:56 * Kamvakua looks around, "Did we skip our way back to ....where's adail?"
Apr 13 22:08:06 <Knight> "What is this? Where are we?" murmurs Knight, grasping for her sword. "Unnatural!"
Apr 13 22:08:34 <Mari> "Mmf. What are you guys doing in my dreams? What are my dreams doing in Hardsoil?"
Apr 13 22:09:03 <Kamvakua> "This may be a sending...or a message? Are we all dreaming?"
Apr 13 22:09:18 <Knight> "This is a dream?"
Apr 13 22:09:28 <Nikkolai> "Wait, this would be an excellent dream if the Goliath weren't here. This is the part where Granny Tam shows up in nothing but fishnes."
Apr 13 22:09:47 <Kotono> In the haze you see the people of Hardsoil walking. Elementals, humans, celestials. Knights wearing the banner of the Knights of ARbor, walking with pride and purpose.
Apr 13 22:10:11 <Mari> "What, you've never dreamed before, Knight? I'm asleep, that makes this a dream." Mari shrugs and looks around.
Apr 13 22:10:16 <Nikkolai> "Oh. Curses. Not that kind of dream, then." Nikkolai squints through the haze.
Apr 13 22:10:24 <Kamvakua> "You never stop, Nikkolai," Kamvakua smirked. "I'm glad you're not alone to accidentally ravage these two."
Apr 13 22:10:59 <Mari> "Yep. We'd quickly be short one Nikkolai if that happened."
Apr 13 22:11:25 <Nikkolai> "No doubt. Are we really here? Or is this simply a collective dream?"
Apr 13 22:11:27 <Knight> "This seems too close to reality to be a dream," replies Knight, reaching out for one of the humans wandering about. "Hey, you!"
Apr 13 22:11:39 * Kamvakua gently reaches out and pokes at Knight's shoulder, testing.
Apr 13 22:11:50 <Kotono> Knight's hand passes through the human like air! Knight's shoulder is very solid, in the meantime.
Apr 13 22:11:58 <Mari> "Knight's kind of right. I don't usually have conversations in my dreams, really."
Apr 13 22:12:21 <Nikkolai> "I'd say that we're existing on a different wavelength here."
Apr 13 22:13:02 <Knight> "No good, huh... then, why are we here?"
Apr 13 22:13:30 <Nikkolai> "Plane walking can be dangerous. I'd rather my spirit *not* get trapped outside of my body, thanks." Despite his words, Nikk is curious. He starts following one of the Knights in the direction they are all heading.
Apr 13 22:13:57 * Mari eyes the Knights of Arbor. "Maybe someone just wanted us to know the help we asked for got where it was going?"
Apr 13 22:14:39 <Kotono> As you walk and Nikkolai begins to follow, one of the huamns walking by is familiar. In particular, it's Mari. She whistles and struts, humming a merry tune.
Apr 13 22:15:04 <Kamvakua> "Maybe. They moved quickly if so...I wonder, let's head where Granny Tam would be?....or is that Tam?" He eyed the Mari, heading toward her. Given there shouldn't be two of them.
Apr 13 22:15:21 <Knight> "Then perhaps we can do nothing but watch.."
Apr 13 22:15:41 <Mari> "Gotta be Granny. Let's follow the crowd, sure."
Apr 13 22:16:00 <Kotono> As Mari speaks, the other Mari stops, cocking her head. She blink-blinks, looking about.
Apr 13 22:16:21 * Mari stops and waves a hand in front of alter-Mari's eyes!
Apr 13 22:16:47 <Kotono> She blinks again, shaking her head, "...well, well, did Missy run into trouble and come back to haunt Granny?"
Apr 13 22:17:22 <Knight> "Dead? No, no, we certainly can't be dead, that's impossible."
Apr 13 22:17:25 <Mari> Mari smiles, then moans dramatically. "Youuu stole my booody, Granny! I want it baaaack~"
Apr 13 22:17:31 <Nikkolai> "Oh yes. She died horribly. As did we all. And now we're here to haunt you till the day we die."
Apr 13 22:17:43 * Nikkolai throws a thumb at Mari. "This was her idea."
Apr 13 22:17:54 <Knight> "What? When?!"
Apr 13 22:18:14 * Kamvakua laughs a bit at Mari's ghostly antics.
Apr 13 22:18:24 <Kamvakua> "Can you really picture us dead, Mari-Tam?"
Apr 13 22:18:43 * Nikkolai plants an elbow in Knight's side. "We didn't, obviously. You sure know how to ruin a joke."
Apr 13 22:19:21 <Knight> "Oh... well, the way you tell it, it's..."
Apr 13 22:19:27 <Kotono> "Ah, too bad." Granny Tam cackles, "You needn't fool me. I know the sort of spirit-sending that has taken you here. The first of the Knights arrived today in good order. Thank all of you, Granny thinks the timing was just in time..." And a trailoff here, "Missy, I do say that you're looking different now."
Apr 13 22:20:16 <Mari> "Oh yeah, your last trinket stopped working. I want my money back."
Apr 13 22:21:20 <Kotono> "Ah, finally! It took you long enough to figure out your talent! Granny was worried that you'd need to be clubbed into it! Oh, you're just like Granny, Missy!"
Apr 13 22:22:34 <Mari> "Well, I'm not *that* good at it yet."
Apr 13 22:23:30 <Kotono> "We'll see about that next time you come over, I can set you on the right path...buth oh, that's for another day!" Snapping her fingers, and then waving them, "Shoo, shoo. I bet you have more places to go in your dreams."
Apr 13 22:23:33 <Kamvakua> "I am very glad to hear that Hardsoil is doing well."
Apr 13 22:23:54 * Kamvakua he waved at Tam. "We hardly know."
Apr 13 22:24:01 <Kamvakua> "It's more fun that way, isn't it?"
Apr 13 22:24:26 <Mari> "We do? Hey, how do you know where else we're going?"
Apr 13 22:25:26 <Knight> "Don't surrender to the enemy. They would be pitiless," advises Knight, but when she glances around to leave, no avenue presents itself.
Apr 13 22:25:30 <Kotono> "Granny thinks you'll find out! Shoo!" She waves her hand, "Besides, if Granny keeps talking to the air, people will think Mari's gone over the bend!"
Apr 13 22:25:55 * Kamvakua laughs, "Haven't we?" Kamvakua walks off, choosing a random direction.
Apr 13 22:26:03 <Kamvakua> The path will know where they should go.
Apr 13 22:26:06 <Mari> "Ouch. And then they might stop buying me drinks! Yeah, we'd better move on, guys." Mari waves and follows Kam.
Apr 13 22:26:23 <Nikkolai> "A pleasure as always, Madam Tam."
Apr 13 22:26:45 * Nikkolai nods and follows the others, eyeing the passerby.
Apr 13 22:28:07 <Kotono> Thus you walk! You drift into sleep...mmm....a room. A dark, deep, dank room. Chains line the walls, occasional screams echoing. A lump of flesh sits in the corner, bloody and beaten. A goliath sits here, immobile, chained. Kikula has his head down, silent.
Apr 13 22:29:01 <Mari> "Serves him right," Mari observes.
Apr 13 22:29:22 <Kamvakua> Kamvakua's mood notably darkens as he sees what is ahead, not being one to take pleasure in such, no matter how he would rather the infidel be anhillated.
Apr 13 22:29:40 <Knight> "The price of failure within Ogremoch's domain is high. No wonder..."
Apr 13 22:29:50 * Kamvakua does not comment, his blue eyes a little chill, but no words leaving his lips.
Apr 13 22:30:41 * Nikkolai gazes dispassionately at the chained goliath. "I cannot help but feel a small amount of pity for him, though I don't know him or how any of you know him. I've been there myself once or twice."
Apr 13 22:31:47 <Kotono> A dim bit of light fills the room. A door opens. Here, the head priest of the Dolorous Delve enters. He is smirking, pristine and untouched. At this, he simply gazes at Kikula.
Apr 13 22:32:35 <Mari> "He was one of Ogremoch's bureacrats," Mari explains. "Tried to talk us into slavery to save himself when we turned his plans upside down."
Apr 13 22:32:39 <Kotono> Kikula looks up to him with open, festering loathing. They lock eyes for a time, before Kikula lays his head down. "I repent, Master. In the name of the Lord of the Earth, allow me another chance! I will do anything!"
Apr 13 22:33:45 <Nikkolai> "I see. In that case, I think I shall reserve my pity for someone more deserving."
Apr 13 22:34:13 <Kotono> "Ogremoch wills it so," The high priest says, and with a snap of his earthen fingers, the chains fall away from Kiklua. "Know your place and serve well, for Ogremoch will not tolerate failure again."
Apr 13 22:34:40 <Knight> "Is this a warning to us, then? I do not fear this one, though. Outside of his home, how dangerous can he be?"
Apr 13 22:34:52 <Kotono> "I give all to Ogremoch. I give him the treasure of my heart, body and soul," Rising now, a glittering thing falls from Kikula, landing on the floor. "I shall serve to atone for my failure."
Apr 13 22:35:21 * Mari rolls her eyes. "Pathetic. Find a new master, stupid!" She bends down to look at the dropped item.
Apr 13 22:36:17 <Kamvakua> "He could be very dangerous," Kamvakua said simply, his thoughts his own as he looked with a mixture of pity and far more disgust at the sight.
Apr 13 22:36:45 <Nikkolai> "Unwilling slaves are to be pitied. Willing slaves are to be despised." Nikkolai's eyes shine with ill-disguised malice.
Apr 13 22:37:19 <Kotono> It is indistinct, but yet very solid. In it, Kamvakua can see...he knows not, but he feels the path of the open road, the wind blowing through his hair.
Apr 13 22:38:43 * Kamvakua reaches down, stomaching his disgust under the strange feeling. The ways of Fharlanghn are often indistinct, his paths not simple to understand. He took the solid thing, lifting it up to see.
Apr 13 22:39:12 <Kotono> It vanishes as Kamvakua takes it! (More)
Apr 13 22:45:16 <Kamvakua> Kamvakua shuddered, his eyes definitely looking far more pitying at the sight of Kikula. "To every person, there lies the freedom to choose your path. His path has long ended such...and when he dies, it shall be only a brief mercy for his soul. He knows not yet the suffering he has accepted." He turned away from Kikula, walking away from the scene.
Apr 13 22:46:56 <Knight> "Why would anyone choose a path to misery?" wonders Knight. "What are they hoping for?"
Apr 13 22:48:12 <Nikkolai> "Power, of course. Believe me, I know this all too well."
Apr 13 22:48:33 <Kotono> You travel away from Kikula....mmm....you stand before a sleeping horse. Bell is aslumber, resting peacefully. His head jerks on occasion, his legs twitching beneath him.
Apr 13 22:49:15 <Mari> "Wellll, it's not like most people are *trying* to be miserable. Probably most of the time they just make bad decisions trying to get by day to day. ...Or they're a little too ambitious for their own good, yeah."
Apr 13 22:49:52 <Kamvakua> "To choose freely is what we are given. Not the wisdom to choose wisely." Kam's words were short and quiet, hard even to make out.
Apr 13 22:50:09 <Knight> "Power, huh..." murmurs Knight, reaching to pet behind Bell's ears. "I can understand wanting power, but is any power you get from supplication to another truly yours?"
Apr 13 22:51:06 <Kotono> Knight touches Bell! As she does...(More)
Apr 13 22:51:35 <Nikkolai> "My master seemed to think so." Nikk shrugged carelessly, observing Bell and Knight.
Apr 13 22:52:11 * Mari watches Bell twitch in his sleep. "I wonder what a pegasus dreams about anyway."
Apr 13 22:52:51 <Knight> "Battle, of course. Bell fears nothing," replies Knight with a sudden grin. "I must live up to his expectations."
Apr 13 22:53:02 <Kamvakua> "You two are partners well matched."
Apr 13 22:53:16 <Mari> "Oh, well, of course. Why would someone dream of something else?"
Apr 13 22:54:08 <Knight> "I don't think there's any particular reason, it's just what we do," replies Knight, leaning back.
Apr 13 22:56:36 <Kotono> As you stand here, Bell goes blurry. Sleep overtakes you...mmm...you stand in a plain, cold room. A small bed, where a small shape lies...
Apr 13 22:57:10 <Mari> All these visions are of people they know, so...who's in the bed? Mari takes a close look!
Apr 13 22:57:35 * Nikkolai is grim-faced and silent.
Apr 13 22:57:53 * Nikkolai averts his eyes from the bed, facing the wall.
Apr 13 22:58:06 <Kotono> Beneath the blankes lies a young child, no older than seven. His face is tear stricken, awake and aware.
Apr 13 23:00:11 <Nikkolai> "Was I ever that young? And such a crybaby?" Nikkolai snorts. "Pitiful."
Apr 13 23:00:36 <Kamvakua> "I thought you knew to be kinder to those who couldn't help themselves?"
Apr 13 23:00:46 <Mari> "Hey! Every time I think maybe I should be nicer to you, you go and say something like that."
Apr 13 23:00:53 <Knight> "People can only endure so much, and children even less. I imagine this to be a common scene..."
Apr 13 23:01:09 <Kotono> The child opens his eyes. They are completely white, sightless. Yet he looks to all of you, peering into you so hard that your chests burn. He reaches a hand out.
Apr 13 23:02:07 * Mari kneels down and takes it. "Um, are you alright...?"
Apr 13 23:02:52 <Kotono> The hand is taken! In Mari's mind she hears two words...
Apr 13 23:03:39 <Mari> Mari nods. "Of what?"
Apr 13 23:03:53 <Nikkolai> "He'll be fine. The boy is stronger than he looks." Nikkolai glances at the small form on the bed, then away again.
Apr 13 23:04:18 <Kamvakua> "Do you know him, Nikkolai?"
Apr 13 23:04:55 * Mari looks up. "You're scaring the kid, Nik. Give it a rest."
Apr 13 23:05:16 * Nikkolai sighs. "This room. I know it well."
Apr 13 23:05:25 <Mari> "Oh yeah?"
Apr 13 23:05:42 <Kotono> The child takes his other hand, reaching out towards Nikkolai.
Apr 13 23:06:02 <Nikkolai> "Yes. I once stayed in it for more years than I care to remember."
Apr 13 23:06:26 <Nikkolai> Eyeing the hand with something approaching fear and pity, Nikkolai takes it gently.
Apr 13 23:06:46 <Kotono> Nikkolai takes the hand! (More)
Apr 13 23:07:26 <Mari> "Then don't be so callous! If some stranger appeared in your dreams when *you* were a kid trapped here and started acting like a stuck-up jerk, I don't think you would've been too happy about it either."
Apr 13 23:08:33 <Knight> "Some are able to escape their misery. Others have no such fortune..."
Apr 13 23:09:07 <Nikkolai> "No. Happiness has no place in this house. If he wants to survive, he must learn to be strong. He must put away childish things." Nikkolai murmurs quietly, almost regretfully.
Apr 13 23:09:31 <Nikkolai> "I am this way because it is all I know. And it is all he will know as well."
Apr 13 23:10:10 <Knight> "That much is true. It can be impossible to rely on others. If you despise your own weakness, your only choice is to leave it behind. Perhaps the reason many seek power is to avoid a fate like this."
Apr 13 23:11:08 <Mari> "Uh-uh. Because you asked us to go back and stop her, right? So he's not going to stay like this forever. Better he gets out of it before he turns into Nikkolai Junior, I think."
Apr 13 23:11:58 * Nikkolai closes his eyes and lays the child's hand on his chest. He leans down and whispers into the boy's ear. "I'm coming."
Apr 13 23:12:19 <Nikkolai> "One way or another. Take heart, boy."
Apr 13 23:13:39 <Kotono> For one shining moment, the boy smiles...and in this, sleep claims you, rest ripping away your awareness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OOC: And Adail's side
Apr 13 22:02:39 * Adail attempts to fight the slumber, even knowing it is likely sent by the maiden, "I will not leave us unguarded...not even here..."
Apr 13 22:03:53 <Kotono> OOC: Make a fort save then, Adail.
Apr 13 22:04:14 <Adail> roll 1d20+17
Apr 13 22:04:14 <Hatbot> ACTION --> "Adail rolls 1d20+17 and gets 28." [1d20=11]
Apr 13 22:05:11 <Kotono> Adail clings to awareness! After a few groggy minutes, everyone else having succumb, Adail feels fine once more. The fatigue leaves him like it never was.
Apr 13 22:07:20 * Adail shakes it off then gazes up at the moon with an aplogetic smile, "Sorry, but I can't let my guard down. I am a Knight of Arbor, after all."
Apr 13 22:08:42 <Kotono> At that, Adail can see someone approaching. I is a figure of radiance, not hiding itself. It is the size of a huge man, scraping seven feet tall. His skin is bronzed, a pair of white angelic wings on his back. In a hand he carries a mace, while in another sand constantly falls. "I hail you, resilient musteval. Your toughness knows no give."
Apr 13 22:09:49 * Adail nods to the angel, standing at his approach, "I cannot afford any. Greetings."
Apr 13 22:11:15 <Kotono> He comes to Adail, sitting before him. The sand from his hand drifts on the wind, spreading amid the others. They sleep deeply, silently off in what dreams may come. "I mean no harm, but come bearing a gift of sorts."
Apr 13 22:11:53 <Adail> "The Maiden sent you, I assume?"
Apr 13 22:12:46 <Kotono> "Aye, that she did. IT would ill do to not reward goodness done for it's own sake. Too many mortals believe the Heavens to stand idle while the lower depths run amok."
Apr 13 22:13:51 * Adail snorts, "I had just such a conversation with a most jaded barkeep back on Earth, yes. Of course I would expect little else in the heart of Ogremoch's realm."
Apr 13 22:15:18 <Kotono> "This dream will take them where they are needed and the harvest of reward will find them," The celestial nods. "For ones that do good will find reward in their own deeds."
Apr 13 22:17:14 * Adail nods, "I suppose I was meant to join them...but the only reward I seek must be earned by far more then this, I'm afraid."
Apr 13 22:17:46 <Kotono> "What is your dream? I am a collector of dreams, one who judges the deepest desires that lie within the heart."
Apr 13 22:19:45 * Adail slams one fist into his other paw, "To become strong enough that I can represent my people. The Mustevals are the only Guardinal race who have no one that walks with the Great Lion. I cannot believe this is because he thinks us unworthy, that he has overlooked us. The only answer is that none of us are strong enough to stand as an equal."
Apr 13 22:20:37 <Kotono> "A worthy dream." Sand whirls around Adail, "May you achieve it."
Apr 13 22:22:49 * Adail nods, "My thanks. Hmm..." he thinks a moment, then ventures a question, "on the subject of achieving difficult things, do you know of the Hellbred?"
Apr 13 22:24:42 <Kotono> "I've heard of them...something to do with Baator? I focus on the Abyss myself." With a slight, apologetic smile, "I oppose Apollyon, the Black Void of All. He seeks to snuff out everything into nothingness, I oppose him by fostering dreams and hope."
Apr 13 22:26:15 <Adail> "Ah. I would probably have better luck in Celestia, wouldn't I? I've come into the possesion of a damned soul, and am seeking to give it a second chance as a Hellbred. Of course," he grins, "it takes a Heavenly Power much greater then myself to make that chance possible."
Apr 13 22:27:03 <Kotono> "Such is not my domain." He looks to Adail, "Seek the Court of the Stars, one of the paragons there would be ablet o do it, for certain."
Apr 13 22:30:07 <Adail> "Right. Well, seeking the court isn't the easiest of things, but I'll certainly keep my eyes open in case the Lady wishes to grant me an audience."
Apr 13 22:33:26 <Kotono> "Indeed, if it is to be, it will be." The sand whirls thicker around Adail, "What dreams come to the sleepless?"
Apr 13 22:36:10 * Adail chuckles, "Daydreams, of course. Memories of home, imaginings of trials that may await me, musings about what the future may hold for my freinds."
Apr 13 22:38:13 <Adail> Thinking then, he asks another question, "If you travel far and give dreams to many, may I ask you a favor for one who cannot be here to ask it for himself?"
Apr 13 22:38:26 <Kotono> "You can ask. I cannot guarantee it will be heard, but ask."
Apr 13 22:38:32 <Kotono> *granted, not heard.
Apr 13 22:40:56 * Adail nods, "Of course. There is a fellow Celestial, by the name of Aloriel, who is stuck in Nixale on Earth, the last I saw him. Ogremoch holds captive the soul of a paladin, and is demanding outrageous prices for it's release. Further, he is not allowing Aloriel to leave, lest something befall the soul. So he can only seek the money while there.(more)
Apr 13 22:41:56 <Adail> "It seems Ogremoch seeks to force a Celestial to either abandon a righteous soul, or sink to horrid depths to resuce it. There was naught I could do to help, but I would see help...or at least hope, sent him. If it is within your power."
Apr 13 22:42:48 <Kotono> "Such cannot be allowed to stand. It is an affront." The celestial agrees, "I shall work to undo this vile situation."
Apr 13 22:44:52 * Adail smiles, "My thanks again."
Apr 13 22:45:35 <Adail> Then he settles against a tree to keep watch, relaxing in the quiet night, not wishing to innterupt the dream giver in his work.
Apr 13 22:46:57 <Kotono> Thus he works! In time he slows and ceases, approaching Adail. Before Adail gathers a pile of sand, "Should you desire to render sleep onto one, throw this sand onto them." He says, "A gift to you for I know you will use it well."
Apr 13 22:48:35 * Adail gathers the sand, nodding his thanks, "I will use it carefully."
Apr 13 22:53:24 <Kotono> "Be well." With that, the celestial walks away, "They will sleep the night through, awakening refreshed."
Apr 13 22:54:54 <Adail> "Fortune walk with you," Adail responds as the celestial leaves.