[18:03] <@Kotono> A few days of rest is wonderful for John. The pains of the journey fade away as he has time to practice, internalize what he's learned and generally decompress. One relatively warm afternoon sees John outside, chopping up a bit of firewood. Nothing remarkable to that. As he works, he can see Robert approaching, a big sack slung over his shoulder.
[18:05] <@John> Leaving the axe buried in the trunk he's been using as a stand, two fallen halfs of a shortened log on either side, John straightens up and gives Robert a nod. "Alright. What you got there?"
[18:08] <@Kotono> "We're a little tight on food unless you want mushrooms until spring," Robert says jovially, "We're big men and we need real food, so," He offers the sack to John, "This should help keep you stocked up."
[18:09] * @John accepts the sack and has a peek inside.
[18:12] <@Kotono> Bread, cheese, dried meats and fish, fruits, dry vegetable, grain and other such things in there. It's a nice sack of good food.
[18:14] <@John> "Oh, this is good stuff!" John says brightly, closing it up in his fist after he's had a look. "Since you mention it though, maybe I should do some hunting meself to pay me way. Still be a long time till harvest."
[18:19] <@Kotono> "Yeah," Robert agrees, "Speaking of that, we're getting a dance together in a week or so. Help everyone mix together and get to know each other. We're going to clear out the tavern for it."
[18:21] <@John> "Like the sound of that," John says with a smile. "Side from you and your wife, Feather, Gildas, and Myann, I don't really know people here that well. Doesn't help us always being off and about. Be nice to meet someone, though," he concludes a bit wistfully.
[18:24] <@Kotono> "You all need to spend some time not dashing off," Robert agrees, idly scraching the side of his face. "Oh, a few of the orcs might be there. They're wintering here with all that's happened. On the good side, with all you did for them, they're more than happy to help with the hunting. If you're going to hunt, and it's still a good idea, try western or easternly. They've been mostly sweeping
[18:24] <@Kotono> north and south."
[18:26] <@John> "I'll go out early on tomorrow, see if I can find something to pay you back," he hefts up the sack of goodies.
[18:28] <@Kotono> "Thanks," Robert replies, "So you'll come? It'll probably be a week from yesterday. Rashen needs to set up a few things, but he's confident they'll be done in time."
[18:29] <@John> "Oh yeah, unless we get attacked by ogres or something I'll be there for sure," John nods enthusiastically.
[18:30] <@Kotono> "Don't tempt fate," Robert says with a hint of wariness, "This past half year has been hectic."
[18:32] <@John> "An adventurer's got to be prepared for anything," John says proudly, thumping his chest with his free hand. "But was actually thinking that, back with me old friends we had to go looking for trouble usually. Happens the other way here I've noticed."
[18:35] <@Kotono> "Guess everything here's made a name for itself," Robert admits, "Speaking of, while you were gone, we had a few more seekers for the healing spring. They'd heard the stories about the dragon and the spring. Word's spreading."
[18:36] <@John> "Must've been desperate travelling in Winter," John says. "Any of them looking to settle?"
[18:40] <@Kotono> "One of them had whore's surprise," Making a face, "He was in a bad way. Spring fixed him right up." Here he shakes his head, "They're travelers as it is. Adventurers. They paid some gold to the town and left."
[18:41] <@John> "I don't think I want to know what that means," John says miserably.
[18:43] <@Kotono> "Damnation, you don't know what that is?" Wincing at that, "Nevermind that." Reaching out to clasp John's shoulder, "Maybe you'll meet a comely lass you like at the dance?"
[18:45] <@John> "Y'know Big Eric told me the women love adventurers when he was convincing me to join up," John says wistfully. "I suppose it was true enough, I saw Humble Robert with enough of them to make up for the other three of us..."
[18:47] <@Kotono> "John," Clapping John's back, Robert smiles, "There's one thing the women love - confidence. You know how I got the Missus? I was confident enough to go for it, even if we had to flee."
[18:50] <@John> "You did well with that, too," John compliments him. He can definitely see that Em got her looks from her mother. "S'easier said than done, though. Guess I ought to try me best, at least?"
[18:51] <@Kotono> "Yeah. If you don't have it, act like you do. Do that enough and you really will have it," Robert says, "Us big men have to stick together."
[18:54] <@John> "What would Robert do- hah, either one," John laughs, "Maybe it's the name that does it? I'll give it a go, anyway. Be nice having someone waiting for me when I'm out adventuring."
[18:56] <@Kotono> "Good thinking," Robert says, "Oh say, before I go," he says, "You haven't seen El around here since you got back?"
[18:58] <@John> "Naw, he's steered clear," John shakes his head. "He still hassling people about joining with them or exterminating them?" he asks warily.
[19:00] <@Kotono> "Nah, nothing like that," Crossing his arms, "He's been helping the children get into trouble. He's about to drive the Missus to drinking." A shake of his head, "They managed to raid the pantry yesterday. It was locked, but El used that psionicry to levitate the lock. He's been sneaking out of bed by levitating himself, too. Dead silent, can't hear a thing."
[19:04] <@John> "Must've trained hard for that. Have to say magic words for most spells, but I've heard of wizards that do without. Usually they're the ones you have to watch out for," John says, still not recognising psionics as a thing.
[19:05] <@Kotono> "Must've," Robert agrees, "So I was wondering, if you think you can help the Missus at all with it, it would be right appreciated."
[19:07] <@John> "Hmm. Easiest thing to do'd be to knock a little notch through the door so you can fit a bar of wood or metal crosswise above where you'd lift the latch?" John suggests. "When you want to open the door just pull that out before lifting the latch, but a levitation spell wouldn't be able to do that since it can only move things up not side to side."
[19:09] <@Kotono> "Oh, that's good thinking," Robert says, "I didn't know you could only raise things up."
[19:11] <@John> "Yeah. Thing is, there's a spell called mage hand that can move things any way you want, except it's even easier to learn than levitate. Can't affect things as big but for a little latch on a door? I guess he never learned that one for some reason. Young Hubert loved that spell though, he'd use it to lift his drinks to his mouth and stuff."
[19:22] <@Kotono> "No kidding?" Robert asks, "Sounds a little lazy if you ask me."
[19:23] <@John> "Well, he was like a hundred years old, I figure he deserved it," John says to excuse his old friend.
[19:26] <@Kotono> "That old?" Asking it as a question before shaking his head, "Well, I'm going to get on back now. Let me know if you see El around here, would you?"
[19:27] <@John> "He had a good run," John nods, though he figures Big Eric and Humble Robert were pretty old too, since half-elves and gnomes live longer than humans. Doubtful they were in the same league though. "Will do, though," he raises his hand to wave farewell, going to stow the sack of food in his house before he gets back to firewood chopping.
[19:30] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, make a perception check.
[19:30] <@John> roll 1d20+14
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "John rolls 1d20+14 and gets 34." [1d20=20]
[19:34] <@Kotono> An hour or so passes. John's in the house, checking over his space fire staff. Nothing serious, just making sure it's being kept in good condition. It's then he hears the soft sounds of footsteps outside of his cabin.
[19:36] <@John> A stone staff still doesn't sit right with him. He expects it to shatter after one good whack. Looking up towards the door he waits to hear a knock, since if he was about to knock on a door he'd feel intimidated by the other person saying hello before he did it. Some people would like that sort of image but not him!
[19:37] <@Kotono> There's no knocking - only the footsteps heading to the back of his cabin, like they're going behind it.
[19:38] <@John> Oh, now that's suspicious! Going out to the front door, he cracks it open quietly, and then creeps around the back to see who's creeping around his cabin!
[19:38] <@John> roll 1d20+15 stealth
[19:38] * Hatbot --> "John rolls 1d20+15 stealth and gets 19." [1d20=4]
[19:40] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[19:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 7." [1d20=3]
[19:41] <@Kotono> John sneaks around! In the back he can spy several of the brood as well as El. They're all carrying sacks and buckets, both of which look to be empty. They're creeping around, seeming to look for something in the backyard.
[19:43] <@John> Ahh, wasn't so long ago that he'd be out causing mischief... he wonders how his brothers and sisters and cousins are doing these days for a moment before reminding himself that he's an adult now and needs to be responsible. "Alright there you lot," he greets them once he's gotten just a few feet away.
[19:47] <@Kotono> "Ah!" Several of the brood turn, looks of panic hitting them all - save for El, who turns around and looks unruffled. "Hello," El greets, not even missing a beat, "We're trying to hunt a rabbit or squirrel, maybe there's one around here," he holds up his sack, "If we can get one, we can have a nice dinner. Have you seen any?"
[19:51] <@John> Yep, still creepy. "Well, all the squirrels are hibernating since it's winter," John points out. "Rabbits don't but even then you're not likely to see any out except for dawn and dusk. Tell you what though, how about I show you all how to set snares? That's what we do when we're out camping, so we don't have to go to the trouble of hunting them."
[19:52] <@Kotono> "Thank you," Again he doesn't even miss a beat or look ruffled, even as the other children visibly show relief. "We'd like that."
[19:55] <@John> "Right, first thing is to find a spot where rabbits are likely to be - either a nice patch of grass or near a rabbit hole. Then you need a bit of twine, so all of you wait right here and I'll come back with some, alright?" he asks, going to quickly fetch some from in the cabin.
~
18:06] <@Kotono> Exhaustion. The trip, all the fighting and finally a powerful divination leaves Gildas exhaused. He falls into bed around midnight, only stirring with the rising of the dawn the next day. Did he just sleep a whole six hours? As he grapples with that, there's a very gentle knocking on the door of his cabin.
[18:08] * Joins: Feather (~DarkFlame@bzq-84-111-136-12.red.bezeqint.net)
[18:08] <Gildas> He tries to shake the sleep from his head, gently rubbing at the ring on his finger. He goes to the door and opens it, although there are only a few with such a quiet knock...
[18:09] <@Kotono> At the door is the Missus. She's wrapped in a warm dress and heavy shawls, breath misting out before her. "Good morning, Gildas," she says, "I thought you'd be up, you don't sleep much."
[18:10] <Gildas> He smiles. "It gives me time to reflect on other things. What brings you all the way out here on such a cold morning?"
[18:13] <@Kotono> "I was up getting eggs anyway," The Missus says, "But in truth, I wanted to talk to you about El."
[18:14] <Gildas> He frowns, offering for her to come in if she wishes. "Yes, we... have been remiss in giving him the attention he needs, haven't we."
[18:16] <@Kotono> "He's been spending time with the children," THe Missus steps inside, rubbing her hands together. She wears knit mittens, blowing onto her hands nonetheless. "I've been keeping an eye on him. In truth, I think spending time with them is part of what he needed. He's remembering what it's like to be a child again. Why, yesterday, he helped them sneak into the pantry." With a wry shake of her
[18:16] <@Kotono> head, "First time in years they've pulled that one off on me."
[18:19] <Gildas> He smiles and nods. "I'm glad he's had the chance to do so... But, were that all there was, I don't think it would have brought you out here." He takes a breath. "We learned some about his origins... well, rather, an insane man was ranting about them, but... I want to find out where he truly came from and see what we can do about it."
[18:21] <@Kotono> "He's still not normal," The Missus agrees, going to sit down. "You know how he helped them? By levitating the lock's bar open. He's lost a lot, or so he says, but he clearly still has some of that mind magic."
[18:23] <Gildas> "I don't think you can take away that gift from anyone." He shakes his head. "My assumption... is that they just tried to cut him off from it, but he's going to naturally recover it all over time." He looks up at the sky and waves a hand there. "Kingdoms above... It isn't the strangest thing I've seen in my travels... We just need to sort out how in the world we'd even get there, if they
[18:23] <Gildas> truly are there."
[18:25] <@Kotono> "Do you want to go there?" The Missus asks back, "It sounds like the fairy tale Sidhe."
[18:27] <Gildas> "I think the only way to get answers would be for us to." He responds, then nods to her. "We do think there's some connection between the Sidhe and this place... We've never asked them directly about it, but I think we could. Actually... I might just be able to ask one directly." He rubs his chin thoughtfully. "I may just do that and save the others the trouble."
[18:29] <@Kotono> "Step carefully," The Missus replies, "I can't help but think you play with fire each time you do that."
[18:30] <Gildas> He smiles. "Sometimes, that sort of thing is necessary. Who else could you find to roam into a necromancer's own heart in order to defeat him?"
[18:31] <@Kotono> This causes the Missus to just shake her head. In Elven she says, "Trees and forest shield the brave."
[18:32] <Gildas> "I will make sure we all stay safe, do not worry. Although I know you will, no matter what I ask." He smiles again. "It is difficult to be a mother."
[18:34] <@Kotono> This causes a laugh, "By everything, yes. I fear I have much more to learn now, as El's talents will be a challenge. How do you keep a child in bed when they can levitate silently?"
[18:35] <Gildas> "By giving his mind something else to focus on, I think." He nods with another smile. "Or by anticipating what your own children would have done with tools like that."
[18:37] <@Kotono> "Mmm, yes," she says, "Also, there's going to be a gathering in about a week. A dance with everyone invited, a chance for people to get to know each other better."
[18:38] <Gildas> Gildas blinks, then nods. "It is not the type of event I normally find myself, so it would be good to go this once to experience a unique opportunity."
[18:41] <@Kotono> "Good!" The Missus smiles, "It'll be in six days. If you have any nice or fancy clothes tucked away, wear those."
[18:42] <Gildas> "I may need to make a special trip." He considers.
[18:44] <@Kotono> "Do what you need to," The Missus stands now, "I need to get back. Just let us know if you're leaving again."
[18:45] <Gildas> He nods. "I will see if I can contact them without needing to leave." He smiles. "I have an idea."
[18:47] <@Kotono> "Good luck," The Missus calls, departing to leave Gildas alone. OOC: What's your plan?
[18:49] <Gildas> OOC: I'm going to try and dream the Dreamer up and see if that works. Effectively, go into a trance or sleep to try and contact her.
[18:49] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, do you have any skills possibly related to that at all?
[18:50] <Gildas> OOC: Probably not! Unless being a Druid somehow counts...
[18:51] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a Wis check.
[18:52] <Gildas> OOC: I need a bot to do that.
[18:56] -rpgcafe.ca.us.lunarnet.org:@#evildunes- Kotono invited Hatbot into the channel.
[18:56] * Joins: Hatbot (~Hatbot@72.183.113.233)
[18:56] <@Kotono> OOC: Have a Hatbot.
[18:57] <Gildas> roll 1d20+4
[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Gildas rolls 1d20+4 and gets 9." [1d20=5]
[19:01] <@Kotono> Gildas meditates and dozes for hours. By mid-morning, he can report that he's making no progress at all.
[19:02] <Gildas> He sighs. "I guess I have to go to her directly." OOC: About how long does it take to get there via flying?
[19:03] <Gildas> OOC: And by there I mean the circle
[19:03] <Gildas> OOC: "The Circle," i.e the Druids, not "the circle" i.e. fairy circle
[19:04] <Gildas> OOC: Too many damn circles.
[19:05] <@Kotono> OOC: Less than a day to and back. They're abou ta day to and back on foot, so.
[19:06] <Gildas> OOC: Then I am going to go there directly via flying.
[19:09] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[19:09] <@Kotono> roll 1d100-10
[19:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100-10 and gets -8." [1d100=2]
[19:09] <Gildas> OOC: That is either very good or i am going to die
[19:23] <@Kotono> It's a warm day for winter. Gildas is flying along when he passes by a little clearing. It's unremarkable and the party has passed through it on the way to the Circle before. However, on seeing it this time, he can see some sort of mess down there.
[19:24] <Gildas> Inwardly, he prays that this doesn't end up like that one time with the wyverns... He flies down to get a closer look.
[19:27] <@Kotono> Sitting within the clearing is a large wooden treasure chest. It's undefended and no one seems to be around. Scattered around are broken bits of wood and metal.
[19:29] <Gildas> Oh, not this nonsense again. He will land about 20 feet away from it and shapeshift back and cast a Detect Magic on the chest. OOC: The surroundings too, if possible.
[19:30] <@Kotono> There's no magic around at all. OOC: Make perception.
[19:31] <Gildas> roll 1d20+15
[19:31] * Hatbot --> "Gildas rolls 1d20+15 and gets 27." [1d20=12]
[19:34] <@Kotono> The ground just around the treasure chest sinks downward slightly, the barest hints of the treasure chest hiding a hole.
[19:35] <Gildas> Gildas sighs once, but decides to try and push the chest a little bit to see if it'll actually move!
[19:38] <@Kotono> OOC" Languages?
[19:38] <Gildas> OOC: Human, Elven, Orcish,... Druidic... uhh and Sylvan I believe
[19:39] <Gildas> OOC: Common, not human, derp
[19:42] <@Kotono> The chest is pushed. "Aaaah!" A high pitched voice yelps from below, speaking in a language you don't know. It's followed by, "Chest is moving! Chest is moving!" It calls in Common. "Bird is in tree! Drago is in cave! Bait is in mouth! Do it! Do it! Get the bombs already!"
[19:44] <Gildas> He blinks. Kobold? He looks over into the hole to see if he can get a better look, though he has a feeling he knows what's going on here.
[19:48] <@Kotono> With the chest moved, Gildas can get a look. It's a narrow hole. Several kobolds stand atop each other, a rising tower of kobolds. A bomb is being passed up, right into the hands of the top kobold! Ig rasps it and hurls it at Gildas, "For the shinies!" it declares, an explosion rocking him! OOC: Ref.
[19:49] <Gildas> roll 1d20+9 evasion
[19:49] * Hatbot --> "Gildas rolls 1d20+9 evasion and gets 28." [1d20=19]
[19:50] <@Kotono> Gildas is far too fast. He does a backflip, avoiding the blast radius completely! OOC: Go ahead and act.
[19:51] <Gildas> "I'm not here to fight you all. I'm a friend of Tenten'tal." He calls out, staying a bit away from the hole this time.
[19:53] <@Kotono> A series of gasps and curses follow, the lead kobold wearing goggles. He looks at Gildas, "Ah dammit, boys! We took a shot at one of the aboveworlders who's made Shaman Tenten'tal so much shinies! Retreat! Retreat! RETREAAAAAAAAAAAT!"
[19:57] <Gildas> "Give him my regards." He calls out. He shapeshifts back to his bird form to continue his journey, assuming they don't do anything crazy.
~
[18:10] <@Kotono> The fact that breakfast is mostly mushrooms isn't any surprise. But the fact that Myann is wearing an old, tattered dress that's seen better days is. Let alone that she's carrying a pair of shovels. "It's warm enough so that the ground's not frozen today," she says without preamble, "I could use your help digging."
[18:11] * Joins: Gildas (~rscuderi@rrcs-24-227-47-10.se.biz.rr.com)
[18:14] <Feather> "Sure thing," Feather agrees, not spending overly long on breakfast. "What are we digging for?"
[18:18] <@Kotono> "To bury me," Myann doesn't miss a beat, finishing her mushrooms off. "It's a Sidhe thing. I'm going to try a different way of releasing excess power. Generally, mushrooms crave dark places and dirt. I'm thinking that directly releasing it there may encourage a better and more complete release."
[18:20] <Feather> "Uh. For how long?" Feather asks, as if that's not strange at all. "Can you even breathe like that?"
[18:22] <@Kotono> "Burying me up to my neck." Myann taps against it, "I'm going to try it and see how it works. No matter what, it shouldn't be too long." She closes her eyes and sighs just a little bit, sounding vaguely exasperated. "I know, I know. I think it's strange too, when I sit back and think about it."
[18:24] <Feather> "Everyone's gotta have a hobby, no matter how weird, if it ain't harming none," Feather admits. "Still, didn't you wanna do as little stuff that feels fey as you can?"
[18:27] <@Kotono> "I also need to bleed off excess energy," Myann says, "Remember when Ysvoldae passed by, the elf that helped us with that dragon's last stand? I'd been spending that week or so releasing power all over, and she came across some odd things about it. Like that coin we found recently. I'm thinking of trying to focus it and keep it closer to home. See if that's better." She pauses here,
[18:27] <@Kotono> "I've thought about going to the Sidhe realm to do it, but I don't want to chance meeting other Sidhe."
[18:29] <Feather> "Makes sense. We don't wanna drown in gifts," Feather muses, nodding to himself. "Alright. How about we plant my tree there too, so you'll have some shade?"
[18:29] <@Kotono> Myann blinks and starts to blush, "Wait, what? Run that by me again? I'm not sure I grasped th emeaning that you meant."
[18:32] <Feather> "You're just saying that," he says with a frown, before taking out a small token. "See? This is a mystic tree. We plant them back home when we... get a home. I mean, a house. Get a house. Where we want to settle down. It makes sense, right?"
[18:33] <@Kotono> "Oh, I'd forgotten." Myann admits, rubbing her face with both hands. "I'm sorry."
[18:34] <Feather> "It's a good chance," Feather says, moving past that. "I figured I'd wait for spring but it's as good as magic, and it'll be better for you, so why not?"
[18:38] <@Kotono> Myann smiles and rises, "Let's get to it, then," she says, offering Feather a shovel.
[18:38] <Feather> "Alright! But if anyone asks, we're doing it cause it's a custom from back home!"
[18:41] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, what type of tree is it?
[18:42] <Feather> OOC: A manly pine
[18:45] <@Kotono> A large pine tree rises up in the backyard! It stands before the dirt patch Myann requested, providing shade to it. The green it provides clashes with the muted shades of winter. With sufficient digging, it gives Myann shade as you bury her in up to her neck. It's well into the morning, indeed a warm one by winter standards, when she's finally in. "Watch for me?" Myann asks, "I may not
[18:45] <@Kotono> catch everything if things start happening."
[18:46] <Feather> "Sure. I'll keep an eye out, don't you worry about a thing!"
[18:47] <@Kotono> OOC: Perception?
[18:48] <Feather> roll 1d20+12
[18:49] -rpgcafe.ca.us.lunarnet.org:@#terrorofdunes- Kotono invited Hatbot into the channel.
[18:49] * Joins: Hatbot (~Hatbot@72.183.113.233)
[18:49] <@Kotono> OOC: Fixed.
[18:49] <Feather> roll 1d20+12
[18:49] * Hatbot --> "Feather rolls 1d20+12 and gets 17." [1d20=5]
[18:50] <@Kotono> Time passes - hm? You swear it's getting sunnier. The pine tree's needles appear greener, the ground browner, Myann's hair a more vibrant shade of red.
[18:51] * Feather lets out an appreciative whistle. "Someone's bringing summer back earlier," he calls to Myann. "That you, or we got a guest?"
[18:55] <@Kotono> "Working on it," Myann says, voice sounding far away. It echos slightly, sounding odd. As she speaks, mushrooms begin to sprout up around her. The first wave lasts a few moments, normal mushrooms of every shape and size. Then you see screamers and spore molds amid them, then great rising torrent sof string fungus. Toadstools rise up, red and white ones side by side with red and orange
[18:55] <@Kotono> ones. Familiar mushrooms, the former swelling big and the latter causing the ground beneath them to smoke. They mushrooms of snowflakes and ice rise up, while little mushroom pads of woven gold creep across the ground. Orange mushrooms with cat ears. Brown mushrooms like leaves, shedding a few bits of brown fur. Long stalked bell-mushrooms, gently chiming in the breeze like a real bell.
[18:56] * Feather plucks one of the orange mushrooms.
[18:57] <@Kotono> OOC: The one with cat ears?
[18:57] <Feather> OOC: Yes
[18:59] <@Kotono> Touching the mushroom makes Feather sprout fur that matches his hair in color. His hands taper into claws and he feels a strange sense of raw agility. Like his nerves are on fire. The world becomes sharper, his vision intensifying like someone gave him the eyes of an eagle. But it doesn't last long - a few moments later it fades away, like he was struck.
[19:05] <Feather> "Uh. That one's weird!" he tells Myann, waving the orange mushroom at her.
[19:08] <@Kotono> "Working...on...it," Myann says, sounding utterly distracted. "I-" For a moment it's like summer came. Everything is bright, warm and beautiful. It's more intense than summer, like someone drenched reality in yet more reality. Then it's gone, everything back to normal, save for the spread of odd mushrooms all around. Myann sighs and opens her eyes, "I'm done."
[19:08] <Feather> "Good! Wanna, uh, get out of there?"
[19:25] <@Kotono> That is soon accomplished. Once Myann's out she grimaces, "I knew I'd ruin this dress," she mutters, "But it seemed a better idea than doing this naked." Indeed, her dress is dirty and stained all over, utterly ruined.
[19:27] <Feather> "You could always try that next time and see what you like best?" Feather offers helpfully, before handing her the orange mushroom. "This one's got cat ears," he says redundantly, feeling it needs to be said.
[19:28] <@Kotono> "Cat ears." Myann answers flatly, holding up the mushroom to the light and then taking a bite out of it. "Tastes like catnip," she opines, "At least that's what my mantle says." Shrugging and taking another bite, "Did you grab any of the others?"
[19:30] <Feather> "Didn't wanna mix and match. Especially since this one... just touching it was like that spell I use. Oh, but I saw snowflake mushrooms, and some furred mushrooms that shed like crazy, and mushrooms made of gold, and bell mushrooms that rung like actual bells!"
[19:33] <@Kotono> "There's fantastical things all over, aren't there?" Myann sits down and plucks up one of the snowflake mushrooms. Her clothing changes color to blue and white, her hair becoming a pale blue shade. "Feels more stable," she murmurs, "I think these may be spells I can master in time." She points a finger out, a blue ball of ice flying out. It hits the nearby fence, freezing a good chunk
[19:33] <@Kotono> of it in a solid block of ice. This doesn't last long, fading a few seconds later, along with Myann's color change.
[19:34] * Feather tries it after Myann, nodding. "Makes sense. But what sorta spell turns you into gold?"
[19:36] <@Kotono> Touching the snowflake mushroom makes Feather feels cold all over. His colors change like hers does - he can feel a pool of power ready to fire, just like with the fire mushrooms. "I'm not sure, I'll find ou-" Myann touches it with her finger. The gold mushrooms explode into upward gushes of gold coins and bits of glitterdust. A few dozen coins all told, images of mushrooms on them. They
[19:36] <@Kotono> fly up and rain down, making a heap of gold coins. After a few seconds they fade away, gone just like that.
[19:38] * Feather points a finger at an intact section of the fence, wondering whether a ball of ice would shoot out of it. "Looks useful!"
[19:39] <@Kotono> Wham! A ball flies out, freezing another chunk of fence. It fades in a few moments, along with the changes to Feather.
[19:40] <@Kotono> "What I don't get is how gold coins equal mushrooms." She sighs and sits back, "I either have another mantle working, or it has to do with those strange mushrooms well belowground." Lying back on the ground, "Maybe Sidhe become like they do because these powers are too strange to think about."
[19:42] <Feather> "Or maybe it's just like glitter? That's migthy useful when there's something invisible stalking you!"
[19:45] <@Kotono> "It is," Myann agrees without further comment. She slowly rises, going to place a hand on the pine tree. "Though in truth..." she smiles, "I think this is the most important thing from all this."
[19:47] * Feather grins at her. "So how often do you gotta release power like that?"
[19:49] <@Kotono> "I try and do it once a day, though that was more than usual," Myann admits, "I usually just cast all my spells to channel it out, but occasionally something more potent helps."
[19:50] <Feather> "What happens if you don't? It randomly becomes summer?"
[19:51] <@Kotono> "I'm not sure what that was," Myann admits, "But no, if I bottle it up, it means more Sidhe energy and magic is in me. I start to feel on edge and it's easier to think like them, to be like them." Here Myann shrugs, "I'm never going to be free of it, so the best I can do is to fight and stay myself. This place," She pats the pine tree, "This home is somewhere I don't want to leave for
[19:51] <@Kotono> a very long time."
[19:54] * Feather laughs. "Now I feel bad about thinking of taking a trip. Still, wanna just go somewhere for a bit? Don't wanna get all boastful, but I reckon between the two of us we'll do fine even in these woods. At least when we're close by?"
[19:55] <@Kotono> "Yes, but not today." Myann says, "I want to curl up in front of the fire and take a nap. It's so good to be home after another long trip."
[19:56] * Feather grins at her. "Sure thing, Myann. I'll just wait for you to get bored again!"
[18:10] <@Kotono> The children listen and murmur at the right times. El seems more focused on it, eyes squinted as John goes on. "Can't you force them out from the hole and into the trap?"
[18:12] <@John> "Suppose if you wanted to dig it up, sure," John shrugs. "But that's a lot of work compared to laying a snare. And you'll probably kill all the rabbits so they won't make any more for next year. Not good to eat too much rabbit anyway," he shakes his head. "S'why we farm pigs and cows and chickens instead."
[18:15] <@Kotono> El's eyes narrow at that, ever so slightly. "Why is it bad to eat too much rabbit?"
[18:18] <@John> "S'cause they've got no fat in them. S'all just string and muscle," John explains. "Easy enough to catch and cook on the go, and fine every now and then. But you can starve to death even if you ate a rabbit every day."
[18:28] <@Kotono> El nods - a slower nod than before, not nearly so quick and crisp - and says, "I see."
[18:30] <@John> "Tastes good, though," John concedes. "Anyway, have any of you seen any rabbit holes around here? That'd be a good spot to lay the snares, and we can see if they caught any in the morning."
[18:31] <@Kotono> "Thataway," One of the brood points, "Back behind that tree!"
[18:34] <@John> "Alright, lets go set a few, then," John says, leading the way and crouching down with one of the twine lengths held between two fingers. "Right, watch carefully this, cause it's pretty tricky, but once you get the hang of it you can make them with your eyes closed," he says, slowly setting up the snare with exaggerated movements.
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[18:37] <@Kotono> The children watch. They seem somewhat familiar with it, picking up the basics easily enough. El watches rather intensely, subtly repeating the motions with his own hands.
[18:38] <@John> "Alright, now you two have a go?" John asks, handing a twine over to whichver two kids look the oldest.
[18:43] <@Kotono> From there the children give it a shot. They do well enough, the brood working through it. El watches and slowly drifts closer to John. "A question," he asks quietly as the youngest two give it a valiant try.
[18:45] <@John> "Hm?" John gives a grunt of invitation for him to ask said question.
[18:52] <@Kotono> "You have the same power I do, don't you?" he asks, "I've forgotten so much about it...do you remember anything at all?"
[18:53] <@John> "Uh, you kept wanting to either exterminate me or unison me," John says, obviously uncomfortable with the topic. "It's just a bit of magic and there's hundreds or thousands of wizards and stuff all around, so I never understood why the big fuss over just me, though."
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[19:06] <@Kotono> "It's not the same," El says, intensity coming to his voice, "I'm sure of it."
[19:09] <@John> "Yeah, I know you can't put a sorcerer and a wizard in the same room together... Should tell you about the time Young Hubert found out his great great grandson had become a sorcerer. Thought the poor old bloke would croak right then and there... but from where I'm standing, magic is magic is magic."
[19:12] <@Kotono> This causes El to consider before shaking his head. "It's still not the same."
[19:15] <@John> "That's what wizards and sorcerers say about each other. But until I meet someone that can cast their spells like a wizard and a sorcerer I figure nobody knows," John shrugs philosophically. "So no point worrying about it. Just nevermind the clerics and the druids. Met a warlock once too..." he trails off and shakes his head. "Point is, everyone's convinced their magic is the best and is all special. But ask someone who can't do none and they'll say it all looks the same."
[19:17] <@Kotono> "It really isn't the same," El says, as the rest of the brood await and watch the conversation curiously.
[19:19] * @John shrugs. It's like arguing with someone who's convinced the sky is green. Probably colour-blind, poor kid. "Can only say it like I see it."
[19:20] <@Kotono> OOC: Ready to skip along a bi tnow?
[19:21] <@John> OOC: yep
[19:25] <@Kotono> The next day is a drizzly gray affair. Really not pleasant weather to be out in, and hours are passed in front of a warm fire. About midway through the afternoon, Rashen drops by, "John," he greets once the door's open, "A bunch of us are heading to the tavern rather than sit around the rest of the day. Want to come?"
[19:27] <@John> "Better'n sitting around here," John agrees, getting up.
[19:31] <@Kotono> Thus you go out into the gloom. Misty breath and raindrops line the path as you head to the tavern. On arriving you see several folks already there. Brutes is kicking back with one of the orcs, the two of them talking and drinking. A couple of faces you only know in passing are about, newer people you haven't met in earnest. Samuel's settled in behind the bar, serving drinks and keeping things
[19:31] <@Kotono> going. "Big John and Rashen," he calls, "Shit on toast, we have more company!"
[19:33] <@John> "S'actually little John," John corrects. "Hullo, though."
[19:35] <@Kotono> A few his and nods are sent John's way. "Little John," Samuel corrects, "Well, isn't that just a kick in the pants. What will you have?"
[19:38] <@John> "Got any hot cider?" he asks, wanting something that'll warm himself up.
[19:41] <@Kotono> "Coming up," he says, a drink produced. "So I hear you're living back that away?" Samuel asks.
[19:43] * @John nods. "Rashen built me a cabin while I was out adventuring," he says with a grin. "Speaking of, what are you having, Rashen?" he asks, intending to buy a drink for the industrious elf.
[19:46] <@Kotono> "Weak wine," he says, "Drank too much last night," he appends, "I never get hangovers, too."
[19:49] <@John> "Me neither," John agrees. "They sound pretty bad, though. Some of me brothers, they'd be useless the whole day after we'd been drinking. Only really happened around proper parties though, since we didn't have a tavern on the farm back home."
[19:53] <@Kotono> "Yeah, that's the worst," Samuel agrees, "You have to keep it in control, you wake up outside without your tunic and with a throbbing headache."
[19:57] <@John> "Oh, I'll be keeping my tunic on in this weather," John shivers. "Mind you, see Gildas, Feather, and Myann? You'd swear they don't feel the cold at all. Even when we're out in the middle of the forest marching through a snowdrift, not a word of complaint. Feather even loaned me his winter clothes since he didn't need them."
[20:08] <@Kotono> "You noticed that too?" Rashen speaks up, "It doesn'te ven make them blink."
[20:10] <@John> "Got to admit, pretty jealous," John says, warming his hands on his cider for a bit before taking a drink.
[20:11] <@Kotono> Aaah. It's warm and cidery, the perfect combination for winter. "So am I," Samuel admits, "So am I. It's got to be special not having to freeze every winter."
[20:13] <@John> "Only good thing about Winter is there's hardly any work to do in the fields, so at least you can stay in by the fire a lot more," John reflects. "'Cept when you need to get more firewood..."
[20:15] <@Kotono> "Or to get some food," Rashen adds, sipping his drink as the three of you chat.
[20:16] <@Kotono> "Or you have to serve customers," Samuel adds.
[20:17] <@John> "Yeah but if you live on a farm there's never a need to go far for food. It's just 'cause this place has got so big so quick. Next Winter we'll have more food than we know what to do with," John says confidently.
~
[18:12] <@Kotono> The rest of the trip to the Circle's tree is without incident. Gildas arrives without any more kobolds or interruptions. OOC: Ball's in your court here.
[18:13] <Gildas> Gildas sits down in front of the tree as per usual and meditates as is the custom.
[18:15] <@Kotono> To this, the familiar face appears. "Ho-hum, ho-hum! Good morning! Ho-hum, is it time to open the way up?"
[18:16] <Gildas> "Yes, please." He moves to his feet. "I'd like to go to the..." He blinks. To the sky? ... Is it really that easy? He shakes his head. "To the circle, please."
[18:21] <@Kotono> The face fades away, the path ahead opening! From here it's some stairs, a repeat and more stairs to reach the Circle. The panther is there, once again eating the deer's innards. A little further away, a large, green hummingbird prances about the ground, whilst a blue and white toad flies despite the lack of wings. Several fish ahead stand in a sunbeam-lit patch, walking on the tips of their
[18:21] <@Kotono> back fins like feet. They're making a steady circle-dance, ongoing.
[18:26] <Gildas> One of these days he'll actually understand all this. Perhaps. He speaks up. "I have a question. I wish to go to the Stratum... to the kingdoms above." He looks around at them. "I have more questions about this, but that is the most direct question I have first."
[18:30] <@Kotono> Murmurs erupt around the Circle. The bloody-mawed panther turns to Gildas, bits of intestine dangling from its lips. "Where is the question? I heard a statement."
[18:32] <Gildas> He sighs. "How do I get to the kingdoms above?"
[18:34] <@Kotono> There's more murmurs, a faraway man's voice murmuring like a crash of barely heard thunder, "In your question lies the most likely answer. The recent soldier you defeated came from above. I gaze now at the sky, seeking to penetrate to higher wisdoms."
[18:35] <@Kotono> The fish replies in a little girl's sing-song, "But the same realities prevent that from being a gate. Air becomes rare above. It is a wondrous and deadly thing to slowly suffocate as you rise too high."
[18:38] <@Kotono> "Do mushrooms need to breathe?" The voice of the hummingbird is a frog's croak, "It is not our nature to be mushrooms, but it is the truth."
[18:39] <Gildas> "The young man from there cannot recall anything from his time as a soldier." He says and looks around, as if answering each of them, even the unseen ones. "Is the Stratum hidden, like Johann's phylactery was?"
[18:44] <@Kotono> "We do not know," The panther replies after a moment, "A seeker may be able to find more truth. It is possible but not certain."
[18:48] <Gildas> He nods. "Do you think the key lies with the Sidhe? I do not know the connection between those of the Stratum and them, but there is some sort of one."
[18:54] <@Kotono> There's silence now, the dancing and eating and prancing coming to a stop. A gentle voice on the wind whispers into Gildas's ear, hot breath felt against his neck, "It may be. The Fair Folk stir greatly. The balance of power is shifting. The Lady of Mushrooms insists on acting like a mortal and grows greatly more powerful. Will it be a fad of the courts to follow suite? Mortals helping
[18:54] <@Kotono> engineer such an entertaining thing is rare." The sensation of teeth nipping against Gildas's earlobe follow, like painfully sharp needles. "You reek of power and mushrooms."
[18:57] <Gildas> He looks to the side, as if he can see something, which he truly cannot. "I'm sure the four of us make for a very entertaining troupe." He closes his eyes and then reopens them. "Who do you think would be able to answer this question? Is it Lady Valisha?"
[19:01] <@Kotono> There is indeed nothing there, yet the voice comes again right into your ear. "A good starting point. Her meeting with Prince Broadpyne is the talk of all the Fair Folk. I congratulate you - you've been more than noticed."
[19:04] <Gildas> Broadpyne... ...of course. "Then we should probably go to that grove with the tombstones..." He says, almost answering his own questions. "I'm not certain being noticed is always a good thing."
[19:07] <@Kotono> The panther looks on, chewing a hunk of meat. "Yes, it seldom is," he agrees.
[19:10] <Gildas> He nods. "Thank you. I believe... that answers the questions I have." He bows once to the general collection. "Thank you again, Dreamer, especially for the forest fire."
[19:11] <Gildas> His eyes widen, then he shakes his head. "One final question. Do any of you know of the... moving mountain to the southeast?"
[19:13] <@Kotono> The Dreamer's voice comes, along with a deep lethargy that nearly fells Gildas. "There is a mountain drifting along...a place of dreams and fancy, where the dreams of power crystallize. It has no bearings on anyone's lives, seek it only to find power and if you do not hold your lives too tightly."
[19:14] <Gildas> He nods again. "Thank you."
[19:15] <Gildas> "Please do not hesitate to come to us... if we can assist you all in some way. I fear I ask of you all too much, sometimes."
[19:19] <@Kotono> The air before you ripples. Floating before you is a blade wrapped in bloody bandages. "Take this and quench it in the waters of your healing spring, then seek to understand and break the curse on it." It looks to be a typical longsword, though details are hidden by the bandages.
[19:20] <Gildas> He blinks, but takes the blade into his hand without any hesitation. "Do you wish it returned here?"
[19:20] <@Kotono> "Yes, when it is broken," The Dreamer replies.
[19:21] <@Kotono> "I warn you," The hummingbird croaks, "Do not remove the bandages."
[19:22] <Gildas> He nods again. "Then we shall endeavor."
[19:26] <@Kotono> OOC: Taking the sword?
[19:27] <Gildas> OOC: Yep!
[19:28] <@Kotono> The sword is hot to the touch, like metal on a summer day. OOC: Goign to head back out onw?
[19:29] <Gildas> OOC: Yep, I'll fly back.
[19:31] <@Kotono> OOC: What's your plan when you get back?
[19:32] <Gildas> OOC: I'll probably do some Detect Magic shenanigans with the sword. Possibly even Dispel Magic if it rises to that level.
[19:32] <Gildas> OOC: But probably put it into the spring first, since that is what he was directed to do.
[19:36] <@Kotono> Gildas heads to the spring. Immersing it in, you see the bloody bandages dissolve. Beneath is a blade stained crimson, a narrow, sharp and practical blade without any ornamentation. Little rivulets of blood run along the blade, but they never fall off.
[19:36] <@Kotono> OOC: Loot post.
[19:37] <Gildas> He tilts his head at it. Vasili would love this, wouldn't he? He will try and detect the magic coming from it, since... well, there's obviously something here.
[19:37] <@Kotono> OOC: Spellcraft.
[19:38] <Gildas> OOC: Would this be something I can do a take on?
[19:39] <@Kotono> OOC: Take 10 but not 20.
[19:39] <Gildas> OOC: Hmm... eh, i'll risk it, 23 is probably too low anyway.
[19:39] <Gildas> roll 1d20+13
[19:39] * Hatbot --> "Gildas rolls 1d20+13 and gets 18." [1d20=5]
[19:39] <Gildas> OOC: Figures.
[19:41] <@Kotono> OOC: Will save.
[19:42] <Gildas> roll 1d20+10 more if it's enchantment
[19:42] * Hatbot --> "Gildas rolls 1d20+10 more if it's enchantment and gets 30." [1d20=20]
[19:42] <Gildas> OOC: nevermind
[19:42] <@Kotono> The sword leaves you unsettled. You can't divine more, but you have a faint impression of something unpleasant. A coppery taste lingers in your mouth.
[19:46] <Gildas> He sighs and wrinkles his nose. OOC: How long would it take to get to Vasili's?
[19:52] <@Kotono> OOC: Three days by foot.
[19:53] <Gildas> OOC: Flyin'?
[19:54] <@Kotono> OOC: Faster. You aren't quite sure how much aster, but at least 50% reduction. You haven't seriously flown that way before.
[19:54] <Gildas> OOC: OK, then I will do that and go at full-tilt.
[20:08] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[20:08] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 38." [1d100=38]
[20:08] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 59." [1d100=59]
[20:08] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 18." [1d100=18]
[20:09] <@Kotono> It takes a little over a day to reach Vasili's. The air currents are good and no interruptions happen. As you approach the door, you can spot a pair of lips cresting the door.
[20:10] <Gildas> Well that's new. He blinks and just decides to greet them. What's the worst that could happen? "Hello. I am sorry to intrude."
[20:13] <@Kotono> "Ah, Gildas. This is a magical message," The lips speak in Vasili's voice. "I'm currently away due to research related to that skeleton. I estimate I will be gone two to three weeks as of the making of this message. Unfortunately, there's no way to determine how long it's been since I set this message." After finishing that, the lips vanish away.
[20:14] <Gildas> He chuckles a bit. How very much like him. He decides to knock on the door anyway, just in case his servant is still there.
[20:16] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 53." [1d100=53]
[20:16] <@Kotono> No response.
[20:17] <Gildas> He nods. OOC: I suppose I'll try for Malaines, then. Why can't Gildas just know teleport!?
[20:18] <@Kotono> OOC: Druids don't get that regardless. <_<
[20:18] <@Kotono> OOC: Besides, ask Eb about teleportation mishaps and shocker lizards.
[20:20] <Gildas> OOC: Either way, I will just fly to Malaines. ...Actually, hold that thought.
[20:21] <Gildas> Gildas will take out a piece of parchment and scribe a note to Vasili stating to please let them know when he has returned, then tuck it as snugly into the doorframe as he can.
[20:22] <Gildas> OOC: THEN I will go back to flying shenanigans.
~
[18:26] <@Kotono> The next day is a drizzly one. It's not cold enough to ice or snow, but it's still spend indoors. Myann spends most of the morning napping or fiddling around the house. By the afternoon she's sitting in front of the fire, looking vaguely restless. "Well," she announces, "I just entertained the thought of turning into a panther and chasing my own tail. What was that about a trip, again?"
[18:33] <Feather> "Just... a trip." Feather shrugs. "You know, go some place, maybe visit that place where you grew up or the human town near. It's not that far."
[18:36] <@Kotono> "We could leave tomorrow?" Myann banters back. "It sounds like a good idea."
[18:37] * Feather laughs. "Glad you like it!"
[18:42] <@Kotono> Myann smiles as well, going to lie on her side in front of the fire. "I find I grow bored so easily now. When you get used to the mantle, it's strange. There's so much information, but it's not enough. In a way, I feel as if I crave more things happening. More excitment. More things that occupy my time and entertain me."
[18:44] <Feather> "You know, everyone grows bored. I think that's kinda how life is?"
[18:47] <@Kotono> "I know, but it's not the same. Trust me on this." Myann gets up and comes over to sit next to Feather. "I-" There's a good, hearty knock on the door which cuts Myann off.
[18:49] <Feather> "Yeah?" Feather calls, taking Myann's hand in his and patting it.
[18:56] <@Kotono> "Hold on!" Myann shouts, before turning to Feather. "Just a minute!" Coughing after, "It's just not normal boredom. There's a drive underneath it, I think."
[18:58] <Feather> "Maybe we can look into something to help with that?" Feather muses. "Sure, you've got your powers and all. But no one said you had to just use the same means to not be bored fey do, right?"
[19:03] <@Kotono> "I'm planning on it," Myann says, "I think it's a side-affect of the mantles. Mm. At least that's what I'm guessing. If a Sidhe goes around and does thing, they'll use the power of their mantles and what it's connected to. I'll spread mushrooms, another Sidhe would spread whatever they're connected to."
[19:05] <Feather> "A shame it don't come with a guide?"
[19:11] <@Kotono> "If only," Myann sighs deeply, but smiles in spite of it.
[19:14] * Feather grins back at her. "And now let's go greet our guest?"
[19:15] <@Kotono> You find a rather wet and chilled Hylath awaiting. He comes in, shivering, "Cold today," he ventures, "Truly a bitter chill of a day." He goes right to the fire, warming himself in front of it.
[19:15] <Feather> "Hey there!" Feather greets him. "And yeah, that's why we're indoors."
[19:20] <@Kotono> "Would you like a snack or drink?" Myann offers, a brown mushroom appearing in her hand.
[19:20] <@Kotono> "Please," Hylath shivers again, "Beastly day out there."
[19:21] * Feather goes to get a stiffer drink for Hylath than he was used to back home, asking over his shoulder, "What can we do for you, Hylath?"
[19:23] <@Kotono> "An invitation for both of you," He says, "In about five days we're having a town dance at the tavern. Everyone's going to be there." He takes the drink and mushroom, "It's going to be a good time - and help pair off the eligible folk."
[19:24] * Feather glances at Myann, raising an eyebrow. "Guess we could do with a shorter trip?"
[19:29] <@Kotono> "Hmm." Myann hms to herself, "It's a good idea, but yes, it would cut a trip short. I suppose we could just wait until after it?"
[19:31] <Feather> "Or take a short one around. Got any strange mushrooms cache within a couple days from here?"
[19:34] <@Kotono> Myann closes her eyes before she starts to laugh, "If I really want strange mushrooms, I can cut out the trip altogether," she says.
[19:34] <Feather> "But where's the fun and adventure in it?"
[19:34] <@Kotono> "Also," After eating and drinking, Hylath speaks up, "We're all going to the tavern early today. Do you want to come with me? I'm heading there next."
[19:37] <@Kotono> "If I can figure out those cat mushrooms," Myann retorts, "I'm sure that'll qualify."
[19:38] <Feather> "You're a brave man, Hylath, heading out there again so soon!"
[19:39] <@Kotono> "It's for a good reason," he chuckles, turning back to the fire and holding his hands up to it.
[19:40] * Feather snorts. "Think I'll pass for today, but thanks for the invitation."
[19:43] <@Kotono> "Well then, good traveling," Hylath says, heading back out. Once he's gone, Myann hms, "It'll be nice to get to know everyone," she remarks, "We're running around so much lately."
[19:44] <Feather> "Yeah. There'll be plenty of that at the town dance, I reckon?"
[19:55] <@Kotono> "Though..." Myann trails off thoughtfully. "There is one more thing."
[19:56] <Feather> "Hmm?"
[20:10] <@Kotono> "I wanted to go take a swim and go down to that green stone again." Myann says, "I wanted to try something."
[20:11] * Feather snorts again. "You know, I was thinking about that myself? Maybe bring the new guys there with Gildas's help and show them how the lake works?"
[20:14] <@Kotono> "We can probably get down without water breathing, anyway," Myann remarks, "It's not that hard a swim...and I'm not even sure you could drown in that water, with how it gives life."
[20:15] <Feather> "Good point. I was just waiting for it to get warmed to offer."
[20:16] <@Kotono> A slow blink and then another blink, "You know," she says, "I forgot he wasn't as inured to cold as we are."
[20:19] <Feather> "Might make people tougher! But yeah, and that's why the water breathing, too. It's a comfort thing, and also a precaution. Like if we find some other way from that underwater cavern, we could just go for a swim there without worrying about air."
[20:20] <@Kotono> "Point," Myann concedes as she goes back to sitting.
[20:22] <Feather> "Speaking of thoughts, you know that toy you have? The one that works with fire? Well, you figure you could find a mushroom that's on fire and feed one to it?"
[18:16] <@Kobrb> "That's an idea," Myann goes to get Ally, coming back with it tucked under one arm. She smiles and strokes it's head, "It's so cute," she murmurs, "I wonder if you'll like a fire mushroom?"
[18:16] <Feather> "Hey, who doesn't like fire when it's on your side?"
[18:22] <@Kobrb> A quick gesture causes a fire mushroom to appear over Ally. It falls on him, and abruptly the dragon comes to life! It burns once more, the process familiar to the two. This time he takes redder highlights, glowing with a flame from within.
[18:25] * Feather nods in appreciation. "How long's it good for like that?"
[18:28] <@Kobrb> "Several minutes," Myann says, "I know they rarely last long since I use them defensively, but both mushroom spells last several minutes."
[18:28] <@Kobrb> After that she makes a face, "They're also redundant, apparently."
[18:29] <Feather> "Kinda yeah," Feather admits. "Didn't wanna say anything. Fire looks great!"
[18:31] <@Kobrb> "It does," Myann smiles as she watches it, "Speaking of them, I'm trying to create better mushroom spells. I think that if I keep at it, I can one day make a mushroom that's truly remarkable. Maybe one like the part of the potion of immortality, one that can stop death."
[18:33] <Feather> "Don't suppose you could make one that cures boredom?" Feather asks with a grin. "How about a mushroom that you could build things with, like that block you have? Except it lasts?"
[18:37] <@Kobrb> "I'm not sure," she admits, "Some aspects, like the growth mushroom or this fire one," she gestures at Ally, who continues to menace around, "Come so easily. Others don't. I'm not a wizard painstakingly learning each spell."
[18:38] <Feather> "Yeah, me neither."
[18:43] <@Kobrb> Still, Myann hms and sits back. She again gestures, a seven blockade blocks appearing, three rows of two and a seventh besides them. It forms an improptu wall that cuts you off from a large part of the room. "I can manage this already," she says, "The concept's the same, just add mushrooms. Maybe..."
[18:44] * Feather tries pushing the topmost block over, he just can't help himself.
[18:47] <@Kobrb> The block is just as heavy as before - a full ton, which isn't moving. OOC: Those blocks weigh one ton each. Yet they float for some unfathomable reason.
[18:48] <Feather> "Huh. Guess I've got fresh appreciation for those who took these blocks to the face and kept on fighting."
[18:51] <@Kobrb> "Especially those that weren't knocked over," Myann adds, "The blocks don't have full momentum the way they appear, but it's still a hell of a shot."
[18:53] * Feather nods. "Oh! And if you figure out mushrooms that keep for ages and taste better than travel rations, might be a hit with them kobolds down below."
[19:00] <@Kobrb> "Oh that? That's easy," Myann says after a moment's consideration. "I've been mixing those in with the hallucinatory mushrooms the pigs get, practicing in case we have a greater food shortage." She taps her chin thoughtfully, "You know, the pigs seem to really like those mushrooms, plus they give the meat a nice taste."
[19:03] <Feather> "Did you ever try one of those mushrooms yourself?"
[19:06] <@Kobrb> "Yes. I don't suffer the hallucinations," Myann says, "Some of them taste good, but are so poisonous or cause such hallucinations that no one else can appreciate them."
[19:06] <Feather> "Huh. How about me? If I tried one?"
[19:09] <@Kobrb> "You'd go out of your mind," Myann says, "I don't think the immunity extends past myself. Hmmm," she taps her chin, "I could get you one that I know won't have any permanent effects, but I'd rather be prepared, just in case."
[19:10] <Feather> "Sure thing! It sounds like it could take me places, and then I could tell you all about it later and, uh, maybe it'll be entertaining?"
[19:13] <@Kobrb> "One day," Myann says, "Maybe after our trip, once I have time to set it up," she says. "For now... I think I'm going to try a fire nap again."
~
[18:15] <@Kobrb> OOC: Okay.
[18:15] <@Kobrb> roll 1d100
[18:15] * Hatbot --> "Kobrb rolls 1d100 and gets 54." [1d100=54]
[18:15] <@Kobrb> roll 1d100
[18:15] * Hatbot --> "Kobrb rolls 1d100 and gets 55." [1d100=55]
[18:15] <@Kobrb> roll 1d100
[18:15] * Hatbot --> "Kobrb rolls 1d100 and gets 26." [1d100=26]
[18:15] <@Kobrb> roll 1d100
[18:15] * Hatbot --> "Kobrb rolls 1d100 and gets 66." [1d100=66]
[18:15] <@Kobrb> The rest of the trip to Malaines is without incident. On reaching it near noon, he can see the elves about in the wintry cold. They're doing this and that, bu tnot nearly so many as when you visited in the summer.
[18:16] <Gildas> Gildas will shapeshift back and go to find Magus! As he recalls, he has his own tower, so he goes to check that first.
[18:20] <@Kobrb> roll 1d100
[18:20] * Hatbot --> "Kobrb rolls 1d100 and gets 17." [1d100=17]
[18:21] <@Kobrb> Finding the Magus takes an hour or two. It' snothing remarkable - he's not in his tower, but instead secluded away in a nearby forest grove. Here he sits, surrounded by dozens of tiny pyramids no more than a foot tall. Each is carved of different types of stone. Some sit on the ground, some hover.
[18:22] <Gildas> Knowing what happened the last time he interrupted something like this, Gildas decides to sit down and wait patiently to be acknowledged.
[18:27] <@Kobrb> The pyramids follow a pattern - slowly rising and falling, quite routine. This goes on for perhaps a half hour before the Magus begins to speak. "No no, save them for everyone else, thank you," he says, "I have enough already."
[18:28] <Gildas> He quirks a brow, but stays silent.
[18:30] <@Kobrb> His voice is still soft spoken, but it carries like it isn't. "The mushrooms," he clarifies, "Though I can also smell the blood of dragons within you, but it isn't as insistent. Dragons are much more polite than Sidhe mushrooms."
[18:30] <Gildas> He smiles a bit at that. "I find that interesting, my experience would prove the reverse is true."
[18:36] <@Kobrb> "There are different levels of listening, and ways of asking," The Magus remarks.
[18:37] <Gildas> "I hope that my asking does not come off as rude, then." He says with a small smile.
[18:42] <@Kobrb> "No no," He shakes his head, "They're asking but you aren't asking."
[18:43] <Gildas> He nods. "Very well. Perhaps I need to find a way to get them to quiet down, then." He smiles a bit. "I was given a sword and asked to uncover and then break the curse on it. My own talents were not sufficient in doing so... So I thought I might ask you if you would be willing to assist me. I'm happy to return the favor in whatever manner I can."
[18:46] <@Kobrb> "Blood," The Magus answers earnestly, "It hates and bleeds so much. It isn't asking, but it wants to." He rises now, marching to stand riiiight in front of Gildas and leaning in. "It wants blood. It wants blood like the blood that cursed it. It's dying to ask you that."
[18:49] <Gildas> He nods, just a small bit so his head doesn't bump. "When I tried to examine it, I felt like it was trying to do something to me... I have a feeling that if it gets blood, it may simply want even more. But, surely, it wasn't always like this? Perhaps..." He looks off to the side. "I wonder if it was bathed in battle..."
[18:50] <@Kobrb> "In battle and murder is what I think," The Magus says, "A horrible weapon."
[18:52] <Gildas> "Do you think it would be possible to purify it in some way?"
[18:59] <@Kobrb> "Anything can be changed," The Magus says, "Use it to save life instead of taking lives."
[19:01] <Gildas> He tilts his head to the side curiously. "Hm... but a weapon used to defend someone is still killing..." He closes his eyes, as if trying to think of some other way. "It drinks blood... even poisoned blood." He opens his eyes and nods a bit. "I understand."
[19:05] <@Kobrb> The Magus merely nods, stepping back and going back to sit. "Please tell the mushrooms to have patience. They're not mature yet, you understand. You are, but they aren't."
[19:06] <Gildas> He smiles and nods. "I will let them know." He stands to his feet. "Please do not hesitate to let us know if there is something we can do for you, Magus."
[19:09] <@Kobrb> OOC: Are you returning to home now, Gildas?
[19:09] <Gildas> OOC: Yep!
[19:13] <@Kobrb> OOC: What are your plans on getting back?
[19:14] <Gildas> OOC: Probably just mill about.
~
[18:14] <@Kobrb> "Yeah, heard the land's real good here," Samuel adds as the conversations around you go on. Brutes ambles up and comes to join you, the orc following. "Like shit, I heard you can grow coins here if you bury 'em."
[18:17] <@John> "Yeah, Feather and Gildas did something like that," John says, the exact mechanics of currency exchanges with the kobolds lost on him.
[18:19] <@Kobrb> "No shit, it really works?" Samuel
[18:19] <@Kobrb> OOC: Gah.
[18:19] <@Kobrb> "No shit, it really works?" Samuel's eyes widen, "Shit on gold, back in a bit!" He goes beneath the counter, comes up with an old cloth bag, and hurries out the back.
[18:19] <@Kobrb> "That-" Rashen starts before laughing, slapping his knee and shaking his head.
[18:20] <@Kobrb> "That works?" The orc echos, but Brutes shakes his head, "Didn't mean it like that, I think. I think. Right?"
[18:21] <@John> "Uh, nah. Something to do with the kobolds," John shakes his head. "Sometimes they'll sell you something and later on they'll buy it back for more than they sold it in the first place."
[18:26] <@Kobrb> "Oh." Brutes rubs his chin, "Sounds like something Esona would've done. Tricky."
[18:26] <@Kobrb> The orc rumbles, "These kobolds are like that? Hmmmmmmmmmm." He considers long, "And I heard they have a trading post around here?"
[18:28] <@John> "Yeah, there's a hut right over the hole below ground, they're all just at the bottom," John nods. "Even if they're not selling and buying stuff back, you can get some good stuff from them. Got me a really good cold-iron shod staff from them."
[18:35] <@Kobrb> "Think I'll go down and look into that," the orc says, flashing a toothy smile before going off.
[18:35] <@Kobrb> "At least he has a chance," Rashen opines, "Samuel there's burying his money...hell, like a kobold."
[18:36] * @John laughs out loud. "It is, isn't it? Maybe their god of shinies'll do him a favour for it."
[18:41] <@Kobrb> "Hah," Rashen continues to laugh, shaking his head. "If only."
[18:42] <@John> "Either way, best not say anything when he comes back," John decides, continuing to sip at his cooling cider.
[18:44] <@Kobrb> "Mmm," Rashen agrees, "He has enough worries raising centaur children. Can't imagine that birds and the bees talk, can you?"
[18:44] <@Kobrb> Brutes chuckles at that, "Like when a stallion and a mare like each other, they sneak away to the barn and...?"
[18:46] <@John> "You ever seen a newborn foal try and walk around?" John asks, recalling a few birthings from his old farm. "Suppose it's better than I did when I was born, but still pretty funny to watch."
[18:49] <@Kobrb> "Yeah," Brutes says, "Yeah, I know what you mean. Start having to worry about that soon."
[18:51] <@John> "Thought they were just little ones, though? Or did someone bring proper horses from that other town with the zombies and spiders?"
[18:58] <@Kobrb> "Robert was talking about getting some. Aren't many horses in the Vastwoods," Rashen admits, "Land's all wrong for them. But having some around would help with a bigger town.
[18:58] <@Kobrb> "
[19:01] <@John> "Yeah, was thinking that. Horses need a lot of space to run, and they can't get that in a forest."
[19:04] <@Kobrb> "Yeah," Brutes speaks up, "Robert wants some of us to clear some more space around the farm soon," he says, "Lots of tree cutting along with planting. It's going to be a hell of a busy spring and summer."
[19:06] <@John> "I'm looking forward to it. Being an adventurer's great, but it's nice to go back to where you started."
~
[19:21] <@Kobrb> It's the day before the planned dance. Myann invites Gildas and John over to visit, the four sharing lunch amid a snowy day. Outside is a dull purple color, far dimmer and yet lit by the reflection of white snow. As you eat, an unsurprising amount of mushoroms involved in the dishes, "Oh John," Myann says, "When we get a chance, there's something at the healing spring you should see."
[19:23] <Feather> "Glowing rocks," Feather elaborates in between bites. "Very pretty."
[19:24] <@John> "Really?" John asks. "I've been all around the lake since I got here and I've never seen any fancy rocks. Didn't know better you'd think it was just an ordinary pond."
[19:25] <Feather> "Yeah, see, there's another lake beneath that one!"
[19:26] <@Kobrb> "Yeah, we have to swim down to it," Myann remarks, "Gildas can help with that."
[19:26] <Gildas> Gildas nods to that, then clears his throat. "Actually, I'd like to make a request, after all the festivities have passed." He looks to them all, then up at the sky. "I'd like us to ask the Sidhe... Lady Valisha, specifically, about how to get to the Stratum." He looks back at them all. "I think we should at least find out what it really is. It wasn't so long ago that they sent a magical suit
[19:26] <Gildas> of armor with a child inside it to kill John. They might do that again. Or send them other places... Or even send them to try and get El back."
[19:27] <@John> Distracted from the interesting underwater lake by Gildas's request, John looks leery. "Dunno. They've been pretty quiet since then. Not like they did any real harm either."
[19:27] <Feather> "But... I don't want to fight an entire city of crazy people in those suits?"
[19:28] <@Kobrb> Myann finishes the bite she's on, putting down her fork after. "I can't say I like it, nothing good comes of the Sidhe. I admit I am curious, though..." She trails off as she glances at Feather, "No one does.:
[19:28] <Feather> "Yeeah," Feather drawls out. "Way I see it, Gildas, we ain't gonna just tell them we stopped by and then they smile and go 'Investigate away!' so it'd be just pain and death and we'll probably get stuck there anyway with no way back."
[19:30] <@Kobrb> "I agree with that part. If we did go there, we'd have to have a reliable way of getting back safely," Myann adds, "Not just a one way trip."
[19:30] <Gildas> "It's possible. It's also possible that what they're doing is the same as Johann." He says with a frown. "I mean, what if we had never met those skeletons, we never would have found about him... and then he might've created an even larger problem."
[19:31] <Gildas> "Can we really just rely on sitting here and pretending it isn't going to become an issue?" He asks. "I don't think it's harmful to at least ask what exactly it is, is it?"
[19:31] <Feather> "And we know nothing about them," Feather points out with a shrug. "Like how they dress or talk. We'll get found out mighty fast. And if they really do got lots more of those suits... took all of us a good minute just to break the one, and it exploded in the end!" He grimaces. "I get what you're saying, but do you really think we could stop a city of Johanns?"
[19:32] <@John> "Dunno. Last person we met who'd found out what it was wanted to jump on board with the necromancer," John says dubiously. "Might be better not knowing."
[19:32] <@Kobrb> "O
[19:33] * Feather frowns. "Got a point there."
[19:33] <@Kobrb> "I'm not worried about that for myself," Myann shrugs, "I'm already a Sidhe. If I can resist that, I can resist whatever madness lead to Johann."
[19:34] <Gildas> "No, we probably couldn't. Does that mean we should close our eyes and ears to the potential problem they might cause?" He responds. "If it comes down to it, I do not mind going myself, just to satisfy my own desires to understand it." He nods after saying that. "I understand the concern, we may get drawn into something we can't escape from. At the same time... what if we're all drawn into it
[19:34] <Gildas> without knowing? I just... It doesn't sit well with me to hope nothing bad happens, I would rather know, firmly, that we have some control over it."
[19:34] <Feather> "Please worry about me!"
[19:37] <@Kobrb> "Of course I'm worried about you," Myann shoots back to Feather, smiling to soften it. "It's just..." Here she shrugs, "I think both sides have a point."
[19:40] <Gildas> "How about this," He says. "Myann and I can go and ask Lady Valisha what it is, and we'll return and tell you all. Then we can decide if we want to let sleeping dogs lie or poke them." He looks to the others. "Is that fair?"
[19:40] <@John> "S'more convincing to tell us everyone'll die if we don't when the sky's already falling on us. I just don't see the need," John says obstinately. "Come on, I thought we were just here to have a nice dinner and instead all I get is guilt tripped that I'm not picking a fight with heaven."
[19:42] <@Kobrb> "Heaven?" Myann chuckles at that, "I don't know what all of this is, but it's not heaven."
[19:43] <@John> "Evil heaven then," he corrects. "Which is different than hell, somehow."
[19:43] <Feather> "Figure it needs to be said. If we're making ourselves the law on everything, now just this town but the entire forest and everything past it on this world, and then onwards on more worlds? There's real villains right here and they're fucking horrible. Why're we going elsewhere first, then?"
[19:45] <Gildas> "Because they've already come here." He responds. "How is this different from the dire bear, the wyverns, or the other things that have come to the farm to try and do harm to people?"
[19:45] <@Kobrb> "To see how far along the rabbit hole goes?" Myann murmurs, playing with her food with her fork. "To see what lies in these strange kingdoms?" She goes silent and listens otherwise.
[19:46] <Feather> "For fuck's sake, and the fey haven't? Myann, that one that turned you after torturing you for ages, is he nicer than these folk? They scare a vampire wizard, that's how terrible they are! And they're right here!"
[19:48] <@John> "Yeah, speaking of vampires, where I come from they're monsters that need to be dragged into the light," John says abruptly. "Why aren't we doing anything about him instead of running off to visit every other week?"
[19:50] <Feather> "Because we're not the law and only deal with those that try to mess with honest folk if we come across either victim or villain. Thought that's how it was, anyways. He was honest, and didn't seem to be harming none so that's fine by me so long it stays that way."
[19:50] <@Kobrb> Myann's eyes flash at Feather's words, "They're also impractical to kill," she says, an edge to her voice, "Those damned death curses." She pauses a moment, "Because compared to the Sidhe, to the things from the sky and those insane lizard and ants, he's a pretty decent person."
[19:51] <Feather> "Lizards and ants must kill an awful lot of kobolds in their fights right below," Feather says with a huff, glaring himself now.
[19:51] <@John> "Or he's got you all hoodwinked," John mutters.
[19:52] <Gildas> He takes a breath. "If you're satisfied with waiting until they finally come here to do something, then that is your decision. I would like to know more about what we may have to one day face. I understand your point, Feather." He says, looking at him. "It is not our right to march around the world and put a stop to what we deem to be wrong."
[19:53] <Gildas> He takes a breath. "At the same time, we know this place exists... we know Johann wanted something from it, too. I see no harm in at least opening our eyes to what they actually are. If we decide to stay here and not bother with them, that is fine, too."
[19:54] <Feather> "Not everything will come after us, man," Feather says with a tired sigh. "We ain't the center of the world here. And my point's plenty relevant. There's bad things happening right here, to folk we know and like. If we gonna start dealing with this shit, we should clean house first. Check Vasili out to see if his fear of Myann's real. Go down below to help the kobolds a lot more. And killing
[19:54] <Feather> fey's bad, with the curses, but we know how to put them in iron and keep them there if we need to, so that ain't no excuse not to act."
[19:58] <Gildas> He nods. "Then it sounds like I will find my answers myself. That is fine." He nods again. "To change the subject, If you wish to swim under the lake, you'll have to give me some time to prepare the spell."
[20:00] <@John> "No, there's no need to put yourself out for my sake," John says, not wanting to rely on Gildas's generosity after that argument.
[20:01] <Gildas> "It is not for your sake." He responds. "It is for my own curiosity's sake."
[20:01] <@Kobrb> "If you're going to visit the Sidhe," Myann adds, "At the least I want to come with you for that part. It's safer for you that way. Otherwise you may end up suffering a horrible fate."
[20:01] <Feather> "Myann thinks we won't drown even if we try!"
[20:02] <@John> "Yeah, it is magic water isn't it?" John hums, curious to test it now.
[20:02] <Feather> "Yeah, I was all about how we gotta be careful, but it'll probably be okay. Just chilly, is all."
[20:03] <Gildas> He nods to Myann. "If you're willing to accompany me, then I would appreciate it." He looks to Feather. "I suppose we never did try to go in it without the water breathing before..."
[20:07] <@Kobrb> OOC: So are y'all planning to go take a dip?
[20:07] <Feather> OOC: Sure why not
[20:11] <@Kobrb> OOC: Okay, we'll start ther enext time then.