Soulriders 5.0: Legend of the Unending Games

[20:18] <~Kowork> Thus the party passes into Misty Harbor. The streets are old cobblestone, the buildings an aged and weathered stone only sometimes hidden by paint, renovations or other such things. Once inside the city, it picks up - people coming and going, hustling and bustling. The last of the morning fog clings to things, obscuring sight on occasion and adding a misty air to everything. It smells of the
[20:18] <~Kowork> city here - sweaty bodies, trash and horses. OOC: Go ahead and set your immediate agenda, y'all.
[20:20] <@Inari> Inari wrinkles her nose at the oppressive scent of refuse all about. "Somehow I thought it would be cleaner..." she remarks, looking about. "Any recommendations for a nice inn, T? Helena?"
[20:21] <~Kowork> "The Sparrow's Rest," Helena says, seeming to endure it without problem. "It's a bit expensive - if I remember right, it would run all of us 2 gold per day for room and board, but it serves merchants and some non-landed nobles."
[20:21] * Annerose tosses Auril's sigil over to T. "I won't be needing this from now on."
[20:22] <@Erad> Erad glances around. "Individual rooms?" He asks with a glance at Rock.
[20:22] <@Inari> "Is that wise given our assassin problem?"
[20:22] <@Erad> Erad nods. "Yes, that's why I was asking. I suppose you three ladies can stay together, which leaves..."
[20:23] <~Kowork> T catches it and tosses it right back, "Keep it," he says, "In case you need it. Better to have it than not."
[20:23] <~Kowork> "Two rooms, yes," Helena says, "We share rooms, three and three."
[20:25] <@Inari> "You'll be alright staying with T and Erad when we sleep tonight, won't you Rock?" Inari asks the troll in case he's having trouble following all the common.
[20:25] <~Kowork> Rock looks up, having been taking it all in. "Yes. Sleep there."
[20:26] <@Inari> "Alright, lets go get checked in and then we can... explore town? Or do we have a specific place to visit?"
[20:26] <Annerose> "I wanted to visit Lathander's priests once we got settled in."
[20:27] <~Kowork> "Getting to work on those assassins," T murmurs, keeping his voice low on that. "Finding more out about them."
[20:27] <@Erad> Erad nods to Annerose. "I'd like to do the same. They might have some idea of other likeminded individuals here in town."
[20:27] <@Erad> "Someone should go with you," Erad says with a look at T. "I will if you want."
[20:28] <~Kowork> "Going shopping," Helena says, "See what's going on, find some great deals."
[20:29] <~Kowork> "Nah. You stand out," T says, "Unless any of you can look like a human or elf, you'll make it too easy to be remembered."
[20:29] <@Inari> "Being memorable is usually a boon for me," Inari admits with a put upon little sigh.
[20:31] <~Kowork> "Yeah, well, someone needs to keep an eye on Rock at all times. I can't if I'm doing this, so it's your task then, 'nari." He grins at the end of it, "Go get him a cow or something."
[20:32] <@Inari> "I'm sure we'll find a feast somewhere," Inari smiles.
[20:32] <~Kowork> OOC: Ready to move along, all
[20:32] <~Kowork> ??
[20:32] <@Erad> OOC: sure
[20:33] <~Kowork> roll 1d100
[20:33] <Serith> Kowork roll for Serith < 11 > [d100=11]
[20:34] <~Kowork> The Sparrow's Rest is in the southern part of town, down a marginally nicer road. It's a multistory inn with a yard and stables, where your wagon is put to rest. It turns out to cost 2.5 gold for all of you per day, and they want a week's deposit ahead of time, so 17.5 gold. OOC: Loot post who is picking up the bill, I'll post more once you do.
[20:36] <@Inari> OOC: post
[20:36] <Annerose> OOC: .
[20:39] <~Kowork> The rooms are nice - two double size beds, a writing desk, a window with a view of the streets and a park, a cleaning once daily by a maid and fresh sheets. Thus the party settles in, ready to go about their tasks. OOC: Who is doing what here?
[20:40] <Annerose> OOC: I want to visit Lathander's temple. And we'll need to look for a magic shop after, so if no one else goes for it before I'm done I'll do that too.
[20:41] <@Inari> OOC: I'll feed/babysit Rock. Maybe offer healing services to the poor?
[20:42] <@Erad> OOC: Erad will go with Annerose and from that will figure out what to do.
[20:43] <~Kowork> OOC: Annerose and Erad in here, Inari off into the room of #evil.

#ed

[20:48] <~Kotono> OOC: How are you planning on feeding Rock?
[20:50] <@Inari> OOC: find a cheap looking restaurant/tavern/stall and spend money until he reports feeling full. If the first place gets emptied out I'll move onto the next. And the next. As long as it takes.
[20:50] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:50] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 13 > [d100=13]
[20:51] <~Kotono> Becky's is a simple enough restaurant. Run down just a touch, but well maintained, you'd say. The moment you two go in, all eyes in the place shift to Inari and Rock.
[20:52] <@Inari> Inari is hopefully all smiles enough to disarm Rock's presence, approaching the nearest server. "Table for two place? My friend'll need your sturdiest seat!" she winks, tilting her head towards Rock.
[20:53] <~Kotono> A young woman - 15 or so, staring at Rock. She half turns to Inari as...OOC: Quick diplo.
[20:54] <@Inari> roll 1d20+18
[20:54] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 30 > [d20=12]
[20:56] <~Kotono> "Uh...o-of course!" You're taken to a rather large table, fit for half a dozen normal people. "Ah...w-what d-do you want?"
[20:57] <@Inari> "What do you suggest?" Inari asks, smiling disarmingly while her tails flutter about behind her in a vaguely mischevious manner. "Certainly something filling, and we'll want lots of it, but it has to taste good too!"
[20:59] <~Kotono> "Meat!" Rock demands, thumping the table with one fist. "Meat!"
[21:00] <~Kotono> "Ah!" The server jumps back, "R-right, house specials with meat!" she yelps, hurrying off.
[21:01] <@Inari> "She's going to get such a big tip..." Inari mutters as the waitress flees. "Well Rock, this is your reward for helping with those assassins a few days ago. So don't be shy about what you want!"
[21:03] <~Kotono> Food comes - some sort of salad with grilled chicken and a tangy dressing. Rock eats that in a few bites, then gets to a side bowl of chicken - then one of beef, then one of deer, and is that another one of chicken and beef? He guns them down like shots of booze, eyes onthe duo as Rock devours his meal.
[21:04] <@Inari> "Oh, can I have one of those chicken things?" Inari asks, pointing at the side bowl in the brief instant it's visible before it vanishes down Rock's maw. "And, double up on everything else for my friend here."
[21:06] <~Kotono> "Right away!" More food comes, including some for Inari. Another waiter and another, bringing out food as fast as possible.
[21:08] <@Inari> Inari eats her food at a much much more sedate pace. "Sorry if we're overworking you here, but we'll make it worth your while," she promises discreetly to one of the waiters as yet more food is placed before Rock's bottomless maw. "Mmm, this is good!" she adds more loudly.
[21:09] <~Kotono> Rock just grunts, eating. It is pretty good, at least, and soon enough Rock is done. As he finishes and Inari eats, a middle aged man comes up. He has a limp and uses a cane, wearing a dirty apron, "George," he offers a hand out to Inari, "I understand you've eaten a lot. I presume the bill won't be a problem," he says, handing it to Inari.
[21:10] <@Inari> Inari shakes his hand and looks at the bill. It surely won't, right?
[21:11] <~Kotono> It's a total of 31 gold, 8 silver and 3 copper.
[21:12] <@Inari> That's certainly doable. Reaching into her coin purse, Inari puts three platinum coins and two gold coins down on the table along with the bill. "He's a big eater, but he earned this," she smiles, before she starts producing smaller amounts of money, giving each of the waiters and waitresses who bussed their table two gold each.
[21:13] <~Kotono> OOC: Diplo check, +10 bonus. Tips always help.
[21:13] <@Inari> roll 1d20+28
[21:13] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 41 > [d20=13]
[21:22] <~Kotono> This seems to do the trick, gold given out. George is even smiling at the end, "Well then, this was remarkable. Come back some time, but give us warning."
[21:22] <@Inari> "We will, thanks for being so hospitable!" Inari smiles back. "Come on Rock, lets go. Do you feel better after that?" she asks the troll, heading out.
[21:23] <~Kotono> "Yes. Full. Rock forget what full like. Now remember." Rock pats his stomach at that.
[21:26] <@Inari> "Good," Inari nods. "We can't eat like that all the time, but now that you're full it should be easier to keep you topped off. Now..." she pauses in the street, looking around. "Lets just have a wander, see if there's anyone we can help out?" she suggests. Whether it's cats in trees or people hearing voices, she's equipped to deal with it all!
[21:26] <@Inari> But not diseases, if they've got leprosy she can't do much. Yet!
[21:26] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:26] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 84 > [d100=84]
[21:33] <~Kotono> The two wander the streets. You get -lots- of looks, but a chance to help someone comes quickly. An old man limps down the street opposite you, before his cane snaps and he falls in a heap. He cries out but no one stops, everyone just going around him.
[21:34] <@Inari> Inari certainly doesn't stand by and do nothing! "Are you alright?" she asks, hurrying over to crouch by the man, lending him a shoulder for support to regain his feet and dignity before she repairs his cane with a quick mending spell and hands it to him.
[21:36] <~Kotono> This helps and soon enough he's up, "How...what are you?" he murmur sin a shaky old voice, "T-thank you, but..."
[21:39] <@Inari> "My name's Inari," she smiles, because just outright telling him she's a goddess wouldn't likely wash. "Do you want us to walk with you wherever you're going in case you fall again?"
[21:41] <~Kotono> "I'm alright," he says as people go around you, a few jostling. "Is...is that a troll?" The old man asks, suddenly in a very small voice.
[21:43] <@Inari> "Yes, his name's Rock. Don't worry, he's nice," Inari reassures him. "Are you sure you're not hurt anywhere? I can heal most injuries if you are." Of course general infirmity that comes with age is beyond anyone's limits far less hers, but maybe he damaged his hip or something earlier in the day?
[21:44] <~Kotono> "I hurt everywhere these days," he says with a shaky smile, "Age is mercliess."
[21:45] <@Inari> She wouldn't know about that, thankfully. "Well, I can't give you back any years, but this should at least help if you took any bruises in that tumble," Inari says, casting lesser vigor on him. "Be safe, now!"
[21:47] <~Kotono> "Aaah!" The old man perks up at that, "What...magic!" he says, standing straighter. "Thank you!"
[21:48] <@Inari> "You're welcome. People should look out for each other, shouldn't they?"
[21:49] <~Kotono> He nods at that, "Yes, they should. So few people do now..."
[21:51] <@Inari> "Well, the only way to change that is to show an example of our own," Inari smiles, stepping back and giving him a little wave as she lets him get back to whatever he was doing. "Safe travels wherever you're going."
[21:54] <~Kotono> "Safe travels to you, Inari," The old man says, as she continues on. OOC: More of the same, I presume?
[21:54] <@Inari> OOC: basically
[21:55] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:55] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 46 > [d100=46]
[21:56] <~Kotono> A few hours of this pass until fortune interrupts. You run into Helena - almost literally, turning a corner. The two of you stop at the last minute, a deep scowl on Helena's face. "Watch where you're going, you stupid...Inari?" She stops at that.
[21:57] <@Inari> "Well it sounds like you've had a hard day," Inari says, looking over Helena. "I hope you haven't been running around shouting at all the people I've spent the afternoon cheering up."
[21:58] <~Kotono> "Just T, that bastard," Helena snaps, "Have you ever noticed he's an intolerable cad?"
[22:00] <@Inari> "He is a bit of a rascal," Inari nods, falling in step with Helena. "Come on, lets get a drink and you can tell us all about it?"
[22:01] <~Kotono> "I don't wnat to talk abou tit," Helena whirls on Inari at that, "He's just impossible!"
[22:02] <@Inari> "But perhaps you need to talk about it?" Inari asks, unflapped.
[22:03] <~Kotono> "What I need is a drink," Helena stomps on, "And hang it if it's not past sunset!"
[22:04] <@Inari> "Well that we can provide. Come on, Rock!" Inari says, going to escort Helena into the nearest tavern. She'll fess up eventually, rather than let them hear T's version first surely.
[22:07] <~Kotono> Thus the two go to the nearest tavern - a rather dark, dirt place with just a sign of grapes to indicate it. The barkeep's an older woman, who Helena snaps at. "A bottle of something cheap and strong," she says, slapping a few gold coins down. "Something hard, not some watered down wine."
[22:09] <@Inari> Inari just smiles nicely at the poor barkeep to make up for Helena's fire. Though the gold probably is all that matters.
[22:11] <~Kotono> The gold is taken and coins are passed over. Once that's done, a brown bottle is produced. Helena twists the cap off and takes a looooong slug of it. She promptly sits down on an old stool, "Bastard."
[22:13] <@Inari> "What did he do?" Inari asks, sitting down and ordering a more expensive wine for herself and a mead for Rock since Helena doesn't look to be sharing. "It must have been something bad."
[22:14] <~Kotono> "Horrid," Helena says, "I don't want to talk about it!
[22:14] <~Kotono> "
[22:15] <@Inari> "Isn't it better if we hear the truth from you before he tells his story?"
[22:18] <~Kotono> "I told him that if he tells, I'll fucking rip his balls off," Helena snaps, "The stupid, piggish brute!"
[22:19] <@Inari> Giving it up as a lost cause, Inari decides to just offer a sympathetic ear for Helena's venting while they enjoy a drink or two. Maybe Annerose will get it out of her?

#d

[20:45] <~Kotono> roll 1d100+50
[20:45] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 89 > [d100=39]
[20:46] <~Kotono> roll 1d100 sub table
[20:46] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 57 > [d100=57]
[20:47] <~Kotono> Misty Harbor is busy as you head for the temple of Lathander. It's in the northwestern part of the city, and it requires going through some less than pristine neighborhoods. As you travel through one - dirty, run down and busy - the both of you feel a sudden, intense chill.
[20:48] <@Erad> "They don't waste a lot of time, do they?" Erad quips as he glances around.
[20:49] <~Kotono> OOC: Perception.
[20:49] <@Erad> roll 1d20+13
[20:49] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=10]
[20:51] <Annerose> roll 1d20+2
[20:51] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 14 > [d20=12]
[20:52] <Annerose> "They who?"
[20:53] <~Kotono> Across the street is a house with an open window. An ancient woman looks out, hoary and weathered. She seems to be nothing but wrinkles, milky white eyes and a curious smile. She's gazing right at the party.
[20:53] <@Erad> "You may not have noticed it, I forgot." Erad says with a smile. "It got a bit cold."
[20:54] <@Erad> OOC: Is she on the ground level?
[20:54] * Annerose waves at the blind, curious woman with an answering smile!
[20:55] <~Kotono> OOC: Yes.
[20:55] <~Kotono> At that wave, the woman waves back and gestures. A come hither motion,  mouthing something. You can't hear it from here, but it looks like, 'Come, come, come.'
[20:56] <@Erad> Erad turns and looks at the old woman. "Do you feel like stopping in to see a creepy old woman?" Erad asks Annerose while still watching the woman.
[20:56] * Annerose glances at Erad with a shrug, before deciding to take the invitation.
[20:57] <@Erad> Erad nods and walks with Annerose, in that case!
[20:59] <~Kotono> The house is dirty - no, filthy. Caked in grime, bugs on the walls, rats scurrying. But the woman sits on the ground there, "So it came to pass. You came," she cackles.
[21:00] <@Erad> "What came to pass?" Erad asks the obvious question.
[21:00] <Annerose> "I don't want to offend, but would you mind if I used a bit of magic to clean up?"
[21:02] <~Kotono> "You came." She says, staring with unseeing eyes at Erad. "Death surrounds you like a mantle, but you don't die."
[21:05] * Annerose takes that as tacit agreement and breaks out Prestidigitation. She can't do much about the vermin, but at least the grime can be managed and, perhaps, without anything to lure them the rats will scurry away.
[21:05] <@Erad> Erad furrows his brow. "Did you foresee us coming to this city to do something?"
[21:07] <~Kotono> Vermin scurries away as the woman nods. "I see things. Paths that wind until they are taken or not. Death surrounds your paths, but you do not die. Death ends many of her paths, but in others..." A long trailoff, "Some even where your blood shows true."
[21:08] <Annerose> "So in the many possible futures, I die a lot more than Erad?" Annerose inquires, cleaning up a couple chairs next for them to sit on.
[21:10] <~Kotono> A nod. "Death surrounds Erad but he does not die. You...The Frostmaiden. Soldiers. Royalty. Execution. All kill you in paths."
[21:11] <Annerose> "That's rather unfortunate," Annerose says cheerfully. "How about Helena, T, Inari and Rock?"
[21:14] <~Kotono> "Her fate follows yours...her paths follow yours. His path is broken. Her path leads to the tree that never dies, ti is only a question of when. His path I don't see. Just a smile."
[21:14] <Annerose> "What does a broken path mean?" she asks, more serious now.
[21:15] <~Kotono> "Broken fate. Broken path. The way went in a way that was not meant to be. Broken paths heal, but in time. He wasn't meant to be here with you." The crone slowly shakes her head, "A fluke."
[21:17] <Annerose> "I see. So Helena dies if I get us killed, and Inari will get taken home by a dryad?"
[21:17] <~Kotono> "Not a dryad. More. Much more. THE tree. The tree that never dies, bigger than the world. It is the path of all of her kind, save for those that broke the path."
[21:18] <~Kotono> "Except," There is a long pause there, her gaze boring into Annerose, then silence.
[21:18] <Annerose> "Oh! That tree!" Annerose tilts her head. "Are you sure? Hey, do you think-- yes, I think I'm rather one of those that might break it."
[21:19] <~Kotono> "I see golden flames instead and a dragon," Is her answer, "I don't know why your path is different."
[21:20] <Annerose> "I was born with this golden thing," Annerose says, shrugging. "Don't worry too much about it. Oh! So did you call us here to warn us about the more dangerous mistakes we might make, to help guide us to some of the better paths or because we could help you with something?"
[21:21] <~Kotono> "Yes." A small nod, "You ar eone of the last chances to change the path of this world. All of you are one of the last hopes. If the path of Malana can be changed, then there is a chance ot change the path of this world. All of you are the heroes of the path, some of the last."
[21:23] <@Erad> "Does this involve the white dragon that's coming?" Erad asks.
[21:23] <Annerose> "I think I know how Auril can get me killed, and it's not like I'll stop," Annerose thinks out loud. "Can you tell me about the worst dangers from royals and nobles? I think I could find a way to communicate with the soldiers on their lonesome."
[21:25] <~Kotono> "One path of many. Dragons come for you." Erad gets a look, a nod. "The worst danger is being known. Only reveal your heritage if it will gain you the Dynast's throne, lest you put yourself and friends in mortal peril. It is your trump card, but one that can court death instead of salvation."
[21:28] <Annerose> "You know, speaking of trump cards! You wouldn't happen to be able to point us in the right direction? See, I was thinking. People keep on saying how things changed for the worse, and I even remember some of it myself. So that means before the amount of chances dwindled, there were a lot more. And that means, in turn, that they had really good armament to help them not die and save people. And since you don't usually take your things with you to the afterlife, and some of those artifacts were surely holy...."
[21:33] <@Erad> "Didn't we have a map to the catacombs or whatever they were under this city?" Erad asks.
[21:34] <~Kotono> "One, for both of you," she stares as the duo, "A dragon crossed your path. He has things there, in his hoard. Things useful to all of you. To the west."
[21:36] <@Erad> "Can we reliably beat that dragon right now?" Erad asks.
[21:37] <Annerose> "He kind of has me beaten on range by a factor of ten."
[21:37] <~Kotono> "Paths lead to that," The old woman nods. "The dragon is a coward. He fights from afar and the air. You must not battle him unless it is in his lair or pinned down."
[21:38] <Annerose> "Just 'west' isn't really enough to track down an actual dragon-- say, do you know who the black-robed teleporting assassins are? Who they work for? If they're related to the shapeshifting assassin that attacked T?"
[21:39] <~Kotono> "Hidden paths," The woman shakes her head, "They have magic and power."
[21:39] <Annerose> "Do you know if they're connected, at least? Can there be more than one hidden path of assassins sent after us?"
[21:43] <~Kotono> "There are many, for many find you offensive. You know them," The old crone says slowly. "There is one more path I must speak of. The path in your wagon, the left interior wall. Go to it and find that path. It's a gift."
[21:43] <@Erad> "I can ask Bahamut or His Emissaries to guide us to the green dragon if we wish to find it." Erad says with a nod to Annerose.
[21:43] <@Erad> "If I may ask a question, are there any other followers of Bahamut in this city?" Erad follows up.
[21:44] <Annerose> "Oh, how nice!"
[21:46] <~Kotono> "I do not see paths that lead to them, not here." The old crone shakes her head. "Distance and time, distance and time."
[21:47] <Annerose> "Oh! Is there anyone I should meet here? Or who wants to meet me? Needs to meet me?"
[21:51] <@Erad> Erad nods. He didn't expect to actually find any, but that helps him save time.
[21:52] <~Kotono> "Many. It depends on the paths, but beware not to meet one. He smiles all the time. He turns the paths into smiles." The crone shivers now, "He obscures them like Rock's."
[21:54] <@Erad> "What if we want to stop him?" Erad asks.
[21:54] <Annerose> Well, that's unfortunate, given that with that warning she'll only know to avoid him if she'd already met him. "I'll do my best," she promises all the same. "Any more advice with the dragon? Or insight into the ruling class or the war it just started?"
[21:55] <~Kotono> A long shake of her head, "I see the paths, but I am only human. I can only see so much, remember so much. It takes time to study the paths."
[21:56] <@Erad> roll 1d20+6 any deities or religions this woman might be part of that Erad can offer his thanks to for the information?
[21:56] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 21 > [d20=15]
[21:57] <Annerose> "I guess we'll need to find out about the war on our own, then," Annerose muses out loud. "It doesn't serve everyone, but for all we know the other side started it and wouldn't sue for peace unless defeated decisively first."
[21:58] <~Kotono> OOC: Tough to say. Seers happen but a lot of faiths do that. It's pretty standard unless your faith has a thing against prophecy or destiny. Blind seers are also fairly common - the usual thought is that it makes it easier to see the future without the present in the way. If you had to guess - perhaps Selune, perhaps Erathoal of Celestia, perhaps another altogether.
[21:58] <@Erad> OOC: Okay.
[21:59] <@Erad> "Ma'am, should I pray to Selune on your behalf? Or maybe Erathoal? I mean not to offend, but you have obviously endured much to wait for us, knowing what surrounds us and those that help us." Erad says. He nods to Annerose. "I'm sure we can find something out here in town."
[22:01] <~Kotono> "Savras," She answers, "He has taken this sight and given me the paths."
[22:01] <Annerose> "Anything you need that Savras can't provide? Food, money, a caretaker?"
[22:02] <~Kotono> "Money...I beg," she says, "I live on what little others spare."
[22:03] <Annerose> "How much do you get in a week?" Annerose asks her next. "It would be a bad idea to leave too much, but I can return!"
[22:04] <@Erad> roll 1d20+6 K:R How much can he pull on Savras?
[22:04] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 9 > [d20=3]
[22:07] <~Kotono> OOC: Erad wonders who Savras is.
[22:08] <~Kotono> "A few gold if I'm lucky. Enough to eat lightly." The woman says.
[22:08] <@Erad> Erad will have to ask T about it later, or find a temple in the city if there is one. "Do any of your paths follow along with ours, ma'am?"
[22:09] <Annerose> "Let's say you got a bit luckier this time," Annerose tells her, handing over all of her change. "Ah, and to clarify what Erad is asking, would you like to stay with us at our hotel?"
[22:13] <~Kotono> "I..." she looks up, eyes watering. "My path is almost done. I'm 103 years old," she whispers, "Each day after this is a small miracle. But thank you...few in the paths ever care. Come back each day until I pass and I can tell you a little more."
[22:13] <~Kotono> After a moment, "This," she gestures, "Is my home. I want to die where I lived, where my memory of my family remains."
[22:15] <Annerose> "I... can understand that. And respect that." Annerose nods. "Alright. I'll stop by again, and bring everyone to meet you. Ah, my name is Annerose, which you might already know and have me at a disadvantage."
[22:16] <@Erad> "I will make sure your wishes are heard all across Mount Celestia, ma'am. What name should we remember your path by?" Erad asks, a little more quietly now.
[22:16] <~Kotono> "Emmia," She murmurs, "Thank you, annerose and Erad. Thank you from this old, tired woman that's lived too long."
[22:18] <@Erad> "You should always respect your elders." Erad agrees with a nod. "We'll meet again, Miss Emmia."
[22:18] <Annerose> "Thank you for the warning, and for caring enough about Malana to keep at it!"

[20:19] <~Kotono> That evening, the party meets at the inn for dinner. It's just chicken and salad, fairly simple but filling. T sits next o Inari, while Helena pointedly sits at the eother end of the table. Her posture is stiff and she comments little, as...OOC: Go ahead.
[20:20] <Annerose> "Today, I met a woman who predicted my many deaths!" Annerose opens with. "She was such a kind soul."
[20:21] <@Inari> "Rock and I had a lovely lunch, then I healed a few people who'd taken minor injuries," Inari reports. "I don't know that my day was as interesting as Helena's, though..."
[20:22] <~Kotono> Keeping his voice down, "We found out some information on those assassins," T lowers his voice, as Helena loudly 'Hmphs!' and looks away. "Take a wild guess."
[20:23] <@Inari> "I honestly have no idea," Inari says, unable to offer any guesses.
[20:23] <Annerose> "Don't tell me it's your husband?"
[20:24] <@Erad> "She's a follower of Savras." Erad says with a nod to T. "I'll have to talk to her about it, but maybe you can fill me in on some details on the faith if you know anything, T." He turns to Helena and then tilts his head at T. "Is this all about that man from Warmfolk?" Erad asks quietly.
[20:26] <~Kotono> "Not quite," T shakes his head, "Think colder. Apparently we've offended some frosty sorts a bit much - those spellcasters have made noise down south, in the mountains. Word is that they're working for the Aurilites down there. With everything else we've seen with them, we really must have pissed someone off."
[20:27] <Annerose> Annerose's eyes widen. "Oh, excellent! They are Aurilites, then?"
[20:27] <@Inari> "Which ones, I wonder? The one we had arrested is the only one who could have had the opportunity, but maybe that couple with the zombies had a friend who... wait no, they still wouldn't know we were responsible," Inari hums. "I guess it really must have been him, then."
[20:28] <@Erad> "So what happened that caused this?" Erad asks, gesturing between T and Helena.
[20:29] <~Kotono> "It must be," T says, "It checks out and maybe he got out, or knew someone," T leans in a little closer, "It's nothing."
[20:29] <~Kotono> "I don't want to talk abou tit!" Helena snaps, "We got the information, that's good enough!"
[20:30] <Annerose> "How did you get it?" Annerose asks curiously.
[20:30] <@Inari> "You can't keep dangling this secret and not expect us to be curious," Inari insists.
[20:34] <~Kotono> T shrugs, "If Helena doesn't want to talk about it, she doesn'tw ant to talk about it." He finishes his dinner off, gettingup, "I'm going to sleep early."
[20:34] <~Kotono> Helena merely blushes and looks away, adding nothing to that.
[20:35] <@Inari> "Spoilsports," Inari huffs, but she doesn't push it any further.
[20:35] * Annerose thinks she can guess what happened, and shrugs. "Oh! T, your path is broken."
[20:36] <~Kotono> "Eh?" T stops and looks back, "Run that by me again?"
[20:37] <Annerose> "The fortune-telling woman that foretold my numerous death. She said she couldn't foretell yours because your fate was broken in pieces."
[20:38] <Annerose> "But don't worry! If you follow me, you can share in my numerous and horrid deaths!"
[20:38] <@Inari> "How does that happen... and what sort of horrid deaths are you expecting?" Inari asks worriedly.
[20:39] <Annerose> "Aurilites, nobles and soldiers," Annerose tells her. "Which fits! Our would-be assassins were sent by Auril's minions, sounds like."
[20:39] <~Kotono> "That does fit," T rubs his hand, massaging his fist. "Wouldn't be surprised at any of those lately."
[20:40] <@Inari> "Well of all the groups currently ruining the world, Aurilites are my least favourite so I'll be right there to hopefully forestall your horrible death for a little longer," Inari says encouragingly.
[20:40] <Annerose> "Thank you! Ah, and your fate is a tree!"
[20:41] <@Inari> "I... I like trees?"
[20:42] <@Erad> "Maybe we should just take them to visit her." Erad suggests. "It might make the paths more clear."
[20:42] <Annerose> "It sounds like it all works out, then. Rock's fate is obscured by a smile or something, sorry." Annerose gives an apologetic shrug. "What else... right, she told me we can definitely get that dragon from Bahamut's temple if we catch him at his lair."
[20:43] <@Inari> "At least someone has confidence in us, then."
[20:44] <Annerose> "She said he was a coward and couldn't use his superior mobility in a confined place." Annerose shrugs again. "I think it's highly optimistic to attack a dragon in its place of power, but she was right about everything else."
[20:44] <~Kotono> "Good," T says, turning to go.
[20:45] <@Inari> "Well far be it from me to doubt someone who correctly divined my fondness for trees," Inari agrees heartily. "And the smile thing considering Rock and the Smiling Man."
[20:47] * Annerose nods. "But seriously, want to meet her tomorrow like Erad offered? I doubt she'd see clearer but she's old and frail, and maybe having guests or a healer would make her feel better."
[20:47] <@Inari> "I'd be happy to," she agrees without reservation.
[20:49] <Annerose> "Great! Maybe she'll even tell us where the nearest group of plotting Aurilites is!"
[20:50] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay. Are y'all going to the temple or the old woman first tomorrow?
[20:50] <Annerose> OOC: Let's see her first
[20:51] <@Erad> OOC: Sure
[20:52] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[20:52] <~Kotono> OOC: Bringing everyone?
[20:52] <Annerose> OOC: No reason not to
[20:54] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:54] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 28 > [d100=28]
[20:54] <~Kotono> The trip there is unremarkable. You find her sitting in the same place as before - just as ancient and weathered. She looks to be asleep - visibly breathing, head sagging down.
[20:55] <Annerose> "Good morning?" Annerose tries.
[20:58] <~Kotono> Slowly the old woman stirs, "Good morning," she says, yawning deeply.
[20:58] <Annerose> "We brought everyone to meet you! These are Inari, T, Helena and Rock!"
[20:59] <@Inari> "Hello!" Inari smiles and waves. "Is there anything we can do for you?"
[21:01] <~Kotono> "I'm thirsty," she says, sounding tired. "The days weigh heavily on me."
[21:02] <@Inari> "I'll go and get you a drink, then," the kitsune says, going off to do just that. Or even just get a container that she can magic some water into, whichever's quicker.
[21:03] <~Kotono> The latter's simple enough. Once she drinksup, "I think I can see one bit of the paths today. Tell me...what do you want to know?"
[21:03] <~Kotono> T just nods to her, while Helena comes forward and helps her drink. "The paths?"
[21:04] <Annerose> "Futures! Possible ones! I forgot to tell you that apparently, our carriage is hiding a hint to one as well."
[21:06] <@Inari> "I knew there was more to it than it seemed!" Inari says with a note of triumph.
[21:06] <~Kotono> "A fortune teller?" Helena looks to her anew, "Like magic?
[21:06] <~Kotono> "
[21:08] <~Kotono> "Hm." T murmurs, "So we can see something about the future?"
[21:08] <@Erad> Erad rubs his chin. "Is there something we can do to fix T's broken paths?"
[21:08] <Annerose> "How about the path to end the war?"
[21:10] <~Kotono> "How about a path to a big treasure?" T asks, "More practical than those."
[21:11] <Annerose> "The dragon has that covered, apparently."
[21:13] <@Inari> "What path do you think we need to hear?" Inari asks, since why not rely on the expert?
[21:14] <~Kotono> There's a long pause at that, "The war...is not Malana's fault, but will not likely end well for either side. The paths are bloody for it. Miserable. The Dynast's path weave it towards blood."
[21:16] <Annerose> "I'm sorry, I don't understand more than the obvious."
[21:17] <~Kotono> "As long as the Dynast rules, blood and misery will follow. All the paths go to it," The old crone says slowly. "His paths are ones of apathy."
[21:18] <Annerose> "That's much clearer, yes."
[21:19] <@Erad> "It isn't something I care to get involved in, but if we could motivate him somehow..." Erad starts. "But that's... I don't know if it's something we want to try and entangle ourselves with."
[21:19] <@Inari> Inari looks around to make sure no one's paying too much attention to them approaching the topic of deposing the country's ruler.
[21:21] <~Kotono> As you're inside a home and no one else is around, Inari doesn't see any problem of that.
[21:22] <~Kotono> "It's a problem," T says, "But is it our problem? On the other hand, ugh."
[21:22] <~Kotono> "We should do something,b ut what can we do?" she asks, "The Dynast is the Dynast."
[21:23] <@Inari> "All men are mortal," Inari says with a bit less than her usual chipperness. "And it sounds like any replacement will do."
[21:26] <~Kotono> "Woah there, 'nari," T cuts in, "That's talking some serious, serious trouble."
[21:26] <Annerose> "I don't know if I like this," Annerose admits. "It's one thing-- a duty, even, to free a nation from an evil despot. But apathy?"
[21:26] <@Erad> "I'd rather us not consider that particular option." Erad says with a nod to T. "I think if we want to somehow change things from that particular point of view... we would have to find where the problem is to begin with."
[21:28] <@Erad> Erad nods to Annerose as well. "It may simply be that he has advisors that have his ear and have pushed him into this. But we can't know that unless we somehow met him... which would most likely involve us making a name for ourselves to the point where he'd have a reason to. That would be... an ordeal, I think."
[21:28] <@Inari> "I'm not saying we can just walk up to the palace and draw steel, but it sounds to me like the rot comes from the top - and wasn't that what we came here to find out?" Inari asks. "Killing dozens of bandits and brigands won't change things if the institutions are corrupt."
[21:29] <~Kotono> "Inari's right." Helena says, "A gangrenous limb has to be cut off or the body dies."
[21:30] * Annerose nods at Inari and Helena. "I do agree. But I think we should look into this more. It was never my intention to act immediately upon coming here."
[21:31] <@Inari> She nods to that. "Certainly investigating and learning more won't do us any harm," she agrees. "But by hook or by crook, we'll need a new Dynast. Getting to know the other candidates won't be a bad idea either."
[21:36] <~Kotono> "That's the problem. There's no direct heirs right now," T pipes up, "Ol' Franz hasn't made any legitimate issue"
[21:38] <@Erad> "Well, perhaps for now we should just explore the paths that we can find here in the city." Erad suggests. "It may give us insight into our ultimate goals."
[21:38] <@Inari> "So how does succession work, then?" Inari asks. "What if he dropped dead right now, who'd take over?"
[21:38] <Annerose> "Everyone who thinks they have a claim make a play, and the strongest one wins."
[21:40] <~Kotono> "Yeah, pretty much," T says, "Franz dying now would be a disaster unless someone has things in hand. Ugly business.:
[21:41] <@Inari> "Well, blood and misery following from his rule sounds even more ugly."
[21:41] <Annerose> "Actually, T, think you could snoop around about that? Alliances? Perhaps the nicest power in the game, or the one with the weakest claim?"
[21:43] <~Kotono> "Could," T says, "Would take money and time."
[21:43] <Annerose> "How much money and time?"
[21:44] <~Kotono> "Fair bit," T says, "Couldn't tell you how much, but probably a hundred gold should do it to start. If I get a good in somewhere, I may need some more."
[21:45] <Annerose> "Let's do this. Just don't get caught doing it, that's probably one of the many ways I get executed?"
[21:48] <~Kotono> "Or me," T says, rubbing his neck. "This'll be sticky."
[21:48] <Annerose> "But on the bright side, it fixes your broken path?"
[21:48] <@Erad> Erad sighs. "I'm not really comfortable with even following this line of thought, but for now I see no harm in at least pursuing it."
[21:49] <@Inari> "What do you suggest instead?" Inari asks, since really this is a situation that should have all options explored.
[21:52] <@Erad> "I don't have one at the moment." Erad says. "But I'm not convinced that this is all the Dynast's fault, if that makes sense. Imagine it this way -- What if something else is infuencing him and his actions so he just sits and acts the puppet? It's far-fetched, to be sure... but we won't know anything unless we go down this path to obtain more information, which is why I'm not strongly objecting
[21:52] <@Erad> to it."
[21:53] <~Kotono> ""So you think Franz is a patsy and someone else is the cancer?" T crosses his arms, "Makes sense. Apathy could do that."
[21:54] <@Inari> "It's a bit odd to hear apathy looked on as such a redeeming feature, but yes we'll know how to act once we know more, I can go with that."
[21:55] <Annerose> "So while T's doing that I was thinking of finally stopping by Lathander's temple," Annerose muses.
[21:55] <@Inari> "We may as well have a look."
[21:56] <@Erad> Erad nods. "I'd like to go there as well."

[19:58] <~Kotono> OOc: Heading to Lathander's temple now?
[19:58] <Annerose> OOC: Sure
[20:02] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:02] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=65 ]{65}
[20:04] <~Kotono> The trip there is unremarkable. It's getting cloudy and cool as the group finds Lathander's temple. It is a grand building with great spires - of patchy gold, chunks of it missing. A courtyard with stables and grass is there, with the grass a bit overgrown.The building has the occasional stain or hole in it, but it looks stable otherwise. As you approach, you see the common folk moving away from
[20:04] <~Kotono> the gates, generally detouring to the other side of the street.
[20:04] * Annerose bravely heads towards the gates!
[20:05] <@Inari> "It's like they think it's unlucky," Inari says, observing how people avoid the building's vicinity.
[20:05] <~Kotono> "You ask me," T glances around, lowering his voice, "I bet there's some people making sure it is unlucky if you visit. That isn't normal."
[20:05] <~Kotono> Rock follows, fairly disinterested in it all, but keeping up.
[20:06] <~Kotono> Helena follows at Annerose's side as she goes into the courtyard. Nice enough, one supposes, but she can see that the barn - painted sunset red - is peeling a bit.
[20:07] <Annerose> "On the one hand," Annerose muses out loud, making her way towards the main structure, "looks aren't important to a temple, but what it gives the people. But on the other, an image is important, isn't it? To build confidence, if nothing else?"
[20:08] <@Inari> "Yes, a shabby temple suggests a shabby religion," Inari agrees with a nod as she walks in, unafraid. "It's just a matter of being houseproud."
[20:08] <@Erad> Erad follows along with the others!
[20:08] <~Kotono> "Yeah," Helena agrees, glancing back at the others. "Houseproud?"
[20:09] <@Inari> "It's a house of god, isn't it?"
[20:09] <~Kotono> "Yeah, sort of like gooddrink and joysex?" T grins a bit, ''nari, I don't think I've ever heard that one before. Have you, Erad?"
[20:11] <@Inari> "Is this a novel expression for you all?" Inari asks in surprise, not having expected that to be the confusing part. "I'm sorry, I have been indisposed for a few hundred years, I suppose language has moved on without me."
[20:12] <@Erad> "Not really, but I understand the concept." He says with a glance around the courtyard. "It certainly speaks to an intentional sentiment to devalue this place. If we consider the rise of Auril and Umberlee... it makes a lot of sense."
[20:12] <~Kotono> As the party has a lively debate over the folibles of language, they head to the entrance to the temple. The doors are in the center of a mural of the sun. The rays of itare imprints in the stone instead, like osmething was inlaid and removed.
[20:13] <@Inari> "Either that or they've fallen deeply into debt," Inari says, seeing all the signs of where expensive accroutements were removed.
[20:13] <~Kotono> 'Yeah," T says, pausing to scratch his arm. "Damn. Wanna bet some of the money for the upkeep here's sitting in Umberlee's vaults?"
[20:15] * Annerose knocks on the doors before trying to open them! "Why bet when you can just ask?"
[20:15] <@Erad> "Perhaps the money we get from the dragon carving can be used here." Erad says.
[20:16] <~Kotono> Silence...silence...silence...oh! The door opens. A young man in spun robes of wool dyed pale yellow opens the door. "Hello there!" he greets with a smile, "Are you debt collectors?" he says after a moment, eyes roaming over the party.
[20:17] <Annerose> "Hello! And no! My name is Annerose, and you are...?"
[20:18] <~Kotono> "Dawnling Robel," His smile fades just a little as he looks Annerose over, then Helena. "What do you want here, Aurilites?"
[20:19] <@Inari> "They're not wearing the symbol this time!" Inari is quick to interject. "I knew that was going to get us in trouble sooner or later..." she mutters afterwards.
[20:19] <Annerose> "Wow! Just wow! I was not going to say it, but your greeting skills are fairly bad, my friend! Did I demand the repayment of a debt? Or show a symbol of affiliation to Auril?"
[20:20] <~Kotono> "Yes, your armor," The young man shrinks back, shock of red hair falling over his eyes. "You wear ice like armor!"
[20:21] <Annerose> "Oh no! I must like the cold, then!"
[20:22] <~Kotono> T snickers and shakes his head, "Friend, she's not one of the Frostmaiden's. Neither is Helena here," He steps forward and slaps Helena's back, which gets a glare from her. "Not all of winter scrapes at her feet."
[20:23] <Annerose> "I was going to bring up the obvious things, such as how not everyone up at dawn follows Lathander, but that works. Anyway, I actually wanted to help. It's pretty clear this temple's fallen on hard times, and I might have the means to do something about it. Can we step in and discuss this in detail?"
[20:24] <~Kotono> "W-well," The dawnling steps back, "What bout your captive beast there?!" He points at Rock, then stops. "Really? Um...er....l-let me get the dawnlord!"
[20:25] <Annerose> "Yes, it might be best if you did, and then he talked and I talked and you listened!" Annerose tells him brightly.
[20:25] <@Inari> "He's not a captive, Rock's our friend!" Inari protests, standing protectively by the troll.
[20:26] <@Erad> "I wasn't expecting such quick judgements from this place, but I think I can forgive them for what's probably been a hard few years." Erad says. "Hopefully we can clear things up, though."
[20:32] <~Kotono> The dawnling hurries off inside, while T shakes his head. It's joined by a wry smirk, "You know, I can forgive the last one. We're one hell of a motley crew."
[20:33] <~Kotono> "Food? Eat?" Is all Rock contributes, gaze going to the stables. He sniffs the air and starts wandering that way.
[20:33] <Annerose> "I don't know," Annerose muses. "You can afford to be blunt when you're out of time or in a position of strength. There's really nothing to be gained by antagonizing debt collectors or Aurilites otherwise, is there? Or insulting someone who can break you like a twig?"
[20:36] <@Erad> "I think it speaks to how afraid they probably are." Erad says.
[20:36] <@Inari> "No Rock, we just had breakfast," Inari says, pulling him back. "Lunch is still a few hours away."
[20:37] <~Kotono> "Yeaaaah," T says, "When you see people and wonder if it's to collect or a shakedown? That ain't good. I've seen people like that - they owe a lot and they know people are coming to take it, one way or another."
[20:38] <~Kotono> "Horse. Eat." Rock insists, gaze on the stables.
[20:39] <@Inari> "Only when they've been cooked," Inari says. "Horses like that are for moving things, like bringing food in from farms to the city," she tries to explain. "I'll try and find a place that serves horse for lunch though, how does that sound?"
[20:42] <~Kotono> As Rock agrees to that, another man comes to the door. He has pale white hair and is wrinkled wtih age, walking with the aid of a cane. He wears threadbare but splendid robes in the colors of the sunrise. "Dawnlord Stebbin MacGregor." He offers one hand out.
[20:42] <Annerose> "Annerose," she responds, holding out her own to shake his. "Thank you for coming to see us!"
[20:43] <@Inari> "Hello, I'm Inari!" Inari adds once she's cajoled Rock away from the stables.
[20:44] <~Kotono> "T," T introduces himself, "Pleasure."
[20:44] <@Erad> "Erad." He adds, deciding to wait for the religious introduction later.
[20:45] <~Kotono> "I'm Helena," As she introduces herself and goes through all those motions, "Don't mind the armor, it was that or some old padded armor."
[20:54] <~Kotono> Handshakes and smiles all around, "Come in," he offers, "Welcome to the dawn of Lathander." Within are wooden pews, shiny. Simple glass windows let in sunlight all around, what little there is with the cloud cover. It's empty in here and silent, a plain altar of wood farther ahead.
[20:56] <Annerose> "Thank you!" Annerose returns, following him in. "How many of Lathander's faithful are staying here, Dawnlord?"
[20:57] <@Inari> Stepping inside, Inari pauses and bows towards the altar before going any further. She's never actually been to another god's house before, but she knows she'd want someone to be polite in hers! "Do you hold any regular services, or do people just come and go?"
[20:58] <~Kotono> He goes to a pew and sits, "About two dozen of us now," he says, "We hold a dawn service every three days."
[20:58] <@Erad> Erad will hang back for now and let the others do the talking.
[20:59] <Annerose> "I think we're interested to hear about your community outreach programs quite a bit," Annerose tells him. "Especially if some stopped due to a lack of funding."
[21:01] <@Inari> Only one service every three days for such a large temple says plenty about how far they've fallen, Inari figures. Going to take a seat herself she nods along with Annerose, "Given what other churches are popular these days, it's a shame to see this church having fallen on such hard times. If people lack alternatives, they'll just go towards the likes of Auril and Umberlee out of inertia."
[21:01] <~Kotono> T settles in by leaning against the end of a pew, arms crossed. "Yeah. When all the choices are bad, people will make bad choices."
[21:06] <~Kotono> "Very little, I'm afraid," The old man sighs, "We used to do so much, but we barely have money to feed ourselves now. We can't heal the faithful much, free food to the poor's impossible, let alone helping them. Supporting pregnant women's out of the question, as are celebrations for the faithful."
[21:07] <Annerose> "Why the problem with healing?" Annerose asks curiously. "I'm not a healer myself, but from what I understand the simpler services don't require any exotic reagents."
[21:08] <~Kotono> "A lack of clerics. We're down to myself and a few acolytes." With a bow of his head and a murmur first, "Lathander protect us. Our experienced clergy has been decimated. Losses fighting the undead, murders and defections have massacred our ranks."
[21:09] <Annerose> "That would do it," Annerose commiserates. "Also, that awkward young man mentioned debts? That, at least, is something I could help with if I knew more about the problem."
[21:11] <~Kotono> "Yes. We've had to borrow money to stay open," The dawnlord bows his head again, "We owe 25,148 gold to the Bank of Misty Harbor. What little income we have goes to making payments on that, primarily."
[21:12] <@Inari> "I can help with healing," Inari offers. "Though I'd have to make clear it's coming from me and not Lathander, so you probably wouldn't want me doing it out of your temple anyway... but I'd take referrals! Injuries or mental complaints, those I can deal with."
[21:12] <Annerose> "Oh my! How many years did you need to keep borrowing to get there?"
[21:13] <@Erad> Erad lets out a low whistle at that amount. "Even if we somehow helped with that..."
[21:13] <~Kotono> "Shiiiiit," T whistles right after Erad, "You could probably sell this temple and still not cover it."
[21:14] <~Kotono> "Twenty five THOUSAND?!" Helena's eyes boggle as she stares, "That's absurd! That's enough money to hire an army of mercenaries!"
[21:14] <@Inari> "It's not that much," Inari says. "A decent magic weapon would cover it."
[21:15] <Annerose> "Yes, Inari read my mind. Do you know a wizard with a good reputation that might purchase one, or whether the bank would take one for payment directly?"
[21:28] <~Kotono> "You have that sort of money?" The old man stares a moment, "Truly so?"
[21:29] <Annerose> "Give or take! I'll admit it's more than I expected, but even making a strong dent in that debt should make the payments manageable."
[21:30] <@Inari> "Oh, no. Sorry I didn't mean to imply... er, my temple has fallen on hard times as well," Inari says with a blush. "But back when it was around it was managable. Right now... well, I could cover about half of it via my equipment. But perhaps if we followed up on that dragon thing it would be attainable?"
[21:31] <Annerose> "I'm thinking that showing the bank that we truly intend to return their investment should stop the no-doubt frequent visits from debt collectors. Plus we could work out something reasonable-- ah, but since I haven't been to Misty Harbor in a long while, I wouldn't know where to go to convert the magical weapons I do have into money. Perhaps you could help?"
[21:32] <@Erad> "I'm not sure it solves the problems that got them into the debt in the first place, though." Erad says. "We may want to think about what to do after that and plan ahead."
[21:34] <~Kotono> "Yes, yes, but it's a start. I know someone - Martigan Wiser. He lives on 29 Applegrove Lane. Talk to him, he'll buy at a fair price."
[21:35] <Annerose> "That is indeed a start! And could you please tell us more about this debt? How it started, how it got to such an unmanageable point, who from the bank handles this case and whether they're fair as well?"
[21:41] <~Kotono> "It began so innocently. We were short on money for a food drive, so we borrowed a little. We'd pay it back in a few months, but then we lost people and money. So we borrowed a little more...and again, and again and again." He sighs now, "Lathander save us. Before we knew it, we were so deeply in debt we had no choice but to keep borrowing."
[21:42] <Annerose> "It's exactly how gamblers think," Annerose says sadly. "And the person from the bank? Is there a face and a name to their representation on this?"
[21:43] <~Kotono> "Yeah. Gotta keep going, you'll make it back." T sighs a little bit, "It's called gambler's fallacy. 'less Tymora really likes you, it's hard to get out of."
[21:46] <~Kotono> "Be that as it may, his name is Roger Winters. The name has no relation to Auril," He adds, "House Winters is a small house of Knights that's branched into finance."
[21:49] * Annerose nods. "Alright, Dawnlord. This seems like the most urgent matter, so let's start with that? And as Inari has so kindly offered, if there are any medical cases you could refer them to her."
[21:50] <@Erad> "Are there any other places of worship to other deities that... mm..." Erad considers his words for a moment. "I think if we continue with this plan, we could try and help many faiths that may have fallen out of favor in this city due to the rise of Auril and Umberlee. If we could have many voices in unison against their terrorism against Lathander and against the good citizens of this city...
[21:50] <@Erad> We might be able to do more."
[21:54] <~Kotono> "Thank you, we will. It's better than letting people suffer," He agrees to Annerose. "There's not many. They've all vanished over the years, while Auril and Umberlee grow stronger yet."
[21:56] <Annerose> "Well then! How about visiting Mister Wiser?" Annerose offers to the others. "The sooner we look into this, the faster we can have this resolved!"
[21:56] <@Erad> "Right. Well, if you can think of anyone that we might be able to convince to come here to stand against those two, I'm sure we could talk with them." Erad says. "It'd be a new beacon of hope."
[21:57] <@Inari> "We may as well," Inari agrees.
[21:57] <@Erad> Erad nods. "Yes, we have a lot of items we can get rid of."
[21:57] <~Kotono> He nods to Erad, "I'll ask around, see if anyone's still here. If anyone..." His eyes go misty amoment, "Lathander help us, if we can get some people together..."
[21:58] <@Erad> He then blinks. "Actually, I'll meet you there, I want to check on that compartment in our wagon. Considering where you all got it from, it might help out in this situation."
[22:00] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, then the party minus Erad is going to look into the bank thing?
[22:01] <@Inari> OOC: we're selling loot!
[22:01] <~Kotono> OOC: Right, dur.
[22:01] <~Kotono> OOC: All o fyou in here and Erad into #evildunes.

#ed

[22:04] <~Kotono> Erad returns to the wagon. He finds it like they left it - it's a wagon with two plant-grown horses. OOC: Go ahead and do your thing.
[22:04] <@Erad> Erad will go into the wagon and look for the compartment on the left side as he was instructed. "Here's hoping this doesn't require any magic to open or something..."
[22:05] <~Kotono> OOC: Perception check.
[22:07] <@Erad> roll 1d20+13
[22:07] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{31}
[22:17] <~Kotono> Erad searches around - and after about 10 minutes, finds a tiny, tiny little latch. Almost impossible to find, even right on it. It's currently latched, though he could undo it if he wishes.
[22:18] <@Erad> Erad will unlatch the latch. The suspense!
[22:19] <~Kotono> When the latch is undone, it's simply gone. Instead of the inner wall of the wagon being smooth, there's now a door smack in the middle.
[22:20] <@Erad> "...Oh for the love of..." Erad mumbles and goes to open the door, presuming it's easy enough to do so. "Who knew Eldath was such a fan of... ...whatever this is."
[22:21] <~Kotono> The door opens. Instead of going right outside of the wagon, it opens up into a room. It's about the size of a bedroom and indeed has a single bed. Beyond that it has a few candles in candleholders on the wall for light, but is otherwise empty.
[22:22] <@Erad> "...Well that's incredibly convenient." Erad scratches his head. OOC: No windows or anything, correct?
[22:23] <~Kotono> OOC: No windows.
[22:23] <@Erad> Erad makes a silent prayer of thanks to Eldath for her generosity. He does give the room a once over for more latches, just to be on the safe side.
[22:24] <~Kotono> OOC: Perception.
[22:24] <@Erad> roll 1d20+13
[22:24] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{24}
[22:24] <~Kotono> You don't find any.
[22:25] <@Erad> Erad nods. "Hm, I wonder if it's been here the whole time or if it... well, it doesn't matter." He'll shut the door and then go to find the others.

#d

[22:02] <~Kotono> 29 Applegrove Lane isn't too far. It's secluded more than anything else, down a road with a few empty stone buildings and others holding dusty old shopes. There's no sign on front, just a sturdy wooden door. No windows, either.
[22:03] * Annerose knocks on the sturdy wooden door!
[22:05] <~Kotono> The knocks echo and the doors swings open. It creaks and groans as it does, revealing a mountain of muscle. The guy must be 7ft tall if he's an inch, muscles on muscles on muscles! He only wears a loincloth and carries no weapon except for his massive fists. He glares down at Annerose and slowly says, "What do you want?"
[22:06] <Annerose> "Good day!" Annerose greets him perkily. "Dawnlord MacGregor sent us your way. He said we might help each other?"
[22:09] <~Kotono> He slowly nods, as meanwhile T takes a few steps back. He then sticks out his hand and smiles, "Martigan Wiser, at your service."
[22:11] <Annerose> "Annerose," she introduces herself, smiling back as she shakes his hand.
[22:12] <~Kotono> Helena looks up...and up...and up...and up. She mouths 'wow' and then puts on a bit of a smile, "Helena," she waves. "Nice to see you."
[22:12] <@Inari> "I'm Inari and this is Rock," Inari handles her end of introductions. "We have things to sell!"
[22:13] <~Kotono> "Come in!" The place is a mix - there's heavy weights near the front, a good collection of them. The middle and back is a mess of scrolls, magical items lying about and the like. "Don't touch anything, and I mean anything, without asking."
[22:14] <Annerose> "And maybe to buy or enchant," Annerose adds, taking Martigan up on his offer.
[22:17] <~Kotono> "Well then," he spreads his arms, "Tell me what you want." OOC: Go make a loot post with a summary of buying/selling.
[22:26] <Annerose> "Now, I have something in mind to do with all this money," Annerose muses, "but I do want to try and bolster the power of my necklace at some point." She holds it up for good measure. "Do you have any ideas on how to make it more useful? And, of course, anything that would make life difficult for Auril's servants?"

[20:16] <~Kotono> Lunch is grabbed at a small local place. It's seafood - lots of it. Not the best but it makes up for quality with quantity. The group shares a large corner booth, with Rock just squatting at the end of the table.
[20:16] <~Kotono> OOC: Go ahead, y'all.
[20:17] <@Inari> True to her word, Inari does make her best effort to see if they can provide horse meat for Rock, but if not she makes sure his plate is piled high either way.
[20:18] <Annerose> "So that put us quite ahead," Annerose says in between bites, thinking this would be best discussed casually. "I think we can get even farther if we all invest two thousand of our own money and take care of Lathander's problem once and for all."
[20:18] <~Kotono> No luck on that, but he eats fish by the handful and sees happy enough, if noisliy chewing.
[20:18] <~Kotono> "Woah there," T holds up his fork, a bit of fish stil on it, "That's a lot of money to be throwing around."
[20:19] <@Inari> "I don't think it would be once and for all - the circumstances that put them in debt would still exist," Inari points out. "But it would take the pressure off and allow us to help build them back up into a force for good in the world. Isn't that worth doing?"
[20:19] <Annerose> "I know. But like I said, it's an investment. If the obvious reasons don't work, think of it like this. With the corruption spread so widely, we won't be able to enjoy that money properly. Not without spending most of it on bribes or becoming like them. But turn things around... you saw how much change we made with just a week of free food. Now how about this ancient temple right here at the capital?"
[20:21] <@Erad> Erad leans back in his chair. "I don't think Bahamut would object to us helping to repair another deity's cathedral in the name of goodness, especially since we just lost one."
[20:21] <~Kotono> "Well maybe," T shakes his head, "But giving away all that money's a lot. It's a lot of money, a real lot."
[20:22] <~Kotono> Helena jabs T's ribs with her elbow, "It's still the right thing to do. Especially if they're being bullied by Auril and Umberlee's men."
[20:22] <@Inari> "And how quickly did we make it?" Inari asks. "How quickly might we make more?"
[20:22] <@Erad> "Think about it this way." Erad starts while a look at T, "If we do this, then we can in good conscience keep most of what we find when we kill that dragon."
[20:22] <Annerose> "An investment," Annerose insists. "Besides, it's just the salad. The main dish is that dragon's hoard."
[20:24] <~Kotono> "Hmph." T's silent after all of that, "I think you're getting to Helena, she's sounding like the fourth of all of you." He takes another bite of his meal, "An investment, eh?"
[20:24] <@Erad> "Besides, depending on how much we can get for the carving, we may have to donate less." Erad reasons. "But I'm with Annerose -- if we do this, it turns the tide... heh, against Umberlee and Auril."
[20:25] <@Erad> "We might even provoke them into doing something stupid, and then we can teach them a lesson like we did the last ones." Erad says with a nod.
[20:25] <Annerose> "Directly, it buys you a voice with one of the great temples in the capital. Indirectly, it spreads the right sort of atmosphere, one you'd want to live and work in."
[20:25] <@Inari> "I'm not sure about that - they'll probably have strong backing from the government here," Inari says. "But I agree with Annerose, it would lighten the atmosphere and in time undermine the establishment that currently supports those we dislike."
[20:26] <~Kotono> "Yeah, and I bet a lot of powerful followers of them are here. Y'know, capital and seat of power. We could easily get the sort of attention that ends up with us in pauper's graves and short a head."
[20:26] <~Kotono> OOC: Gah.
[20:26] <~Kotono> "Yeah, and I bet a lot of powerful followers of them are here. Y'know, capital and seat of power. We could easily get the sort of attention that ends up with us in pauper's graves and short a head." T lowers his voice to a bare whisper, "Keeping our heads down helps us keep our heads on."
[20:27] <Annerose> "Then isn't it a good thing that we can get the sort of agenda we want but you won't be the public face of it?"
[20:27] <@Inari> "If it's like that we could easily make it an anonymous donation," Inari says. "Though I'd rather not. Getting my name out there is important."
[20:27] <@Erad> "They already know who we are." Erad says. "I don't think how loud or how quiet we are is going to change anything. I mean, they're trying to kill us as-is."
[20:28] <@Inari> "'They' is quite nebulous though. I don't imagine every cleric of Auril and Umberlee is in regular correspondence. The ones here might be unaware of the ire we've stirred up with their comrades down South."
[20:29] * Annerose stays out of this argument for now, waiting to see what T thinks.
[20:29] <~Kotono> "Until we stir up more trouble here. Step softly, that's what I'm saying," T gestures around with his fork, "I'm keeping my money - besides, I'll probably need a good chunk of it while I search for information. Bribing the nobility's not cheap."
[20:31] <Annerose> "That's important as well," Annerose allows, inclining her head. "And the fifteen thousand?"
[20:31] <~Kotono> "Hell." He shrugs, "Give me half of it, 1500. Take the other hand and keep my name out of it."
[20:33] <Annerose> "How about making it more interesting?" Annerose muses. "You understand what they did wrong, even if they don't. So while and whenever we're here in Misty Harbor, how about you consult them? Check on their books to see they make sense, stop them from making any more foolish financial decisions?"
[20:35] <~Kotono> "Huh. Sounds like a lot of free work," T banters back, "Not impossible, but..."
[20:36] <@Erad> "Then why not just keep your money and we call it an even matter?" Erad suggests.
[20:36] <Annerose> "When you invest, you need to look in on your investment here and there. Make sure it's going the right way!"
[20:37] <~Kotono> A longer sigh from T, "Fine, to both of you. I can work witht hat."
[20:38] <Annerose> "And I can work with this. Who feels like coming to see Mister Winters with me?"
[20:39] <@Inari> "Shouldn't we give the money to the church and let them pay off the debt?" Inari asks.
[20:40] <~Kotono> "In that case, I'm going ot go get to work on sneaking and bribing," T gets up, "Ill see all of you in a day or two. If I don't check in after tomorrow night, I'm probably in a spot of trouble.
[20:40] <~Kotono> "
[20:40] <@Inari> "Please do be careful," is all Inari can ask in response to that.
[20:42] <Annerose> "Please try," Annerose agrees. Then, she tells Inari, "I think we might get them a better deal. And see for ourselves if they're being treated fairly at the same time."
[20:42] <~Kotono> OOC: Post in loot updating the split now and how it's being spent, y'all.
[20:42] <@Erad> "I'll see what I can do with the carving." Erad says. "Helena, would you mind coming with me? Big cities aren't really my thing."
[20:43] <~Kotono> "Sure," Helena says, finishing off her fish. "Better than wandering it alone."?
[20:43] <@Erad> "More or less." Erad nods.
[20:45] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay then. As one of you goes to make that requested post, Erad over in #evil and Inari and Annerose in here.
[20:48] <~Kotono> OOC: Inari and Annerose plus Rock, what's the plan now?
[20:50] <Annerose> OOC: Seeing Mr Winter with 20k in some really easily carried medium
[20:52] <~Kotono> OOC: Ingots, which Rock can lug so the weight's no issue. Okay.
[20:55] <~Kotono> The Bank of Misty Harbor is a stately stone building near the palace in the east side of the city. The roads are good here and the people wear finer clothes, the smell of the city better and mixing with the scent of the sea. As you come to the front door, a man in plate armor and with a big sword stands in front of it. "Yes?"
[20:57] <Annerose> "Good day," Annerose greets him. "We're here to see Roger Winters about one of the accounts he's in charge of."
[20:59] <~Kotono> You get a curt back, "Go in, turn right, fourth door on the left."
[21:00] <Annerose> "Thanks." And after smiling at Inari and Rock, Annerose adds, "Shall we?" before following the instructions.
[21:01] <@Inari> "Of course!" Inari smiles, following along after and looking around. It's like a temple for money!
[21:04] <~Kotono> Inside is all marble with gold accents, rich and polished smooth. Your footsteps echo and the air smells sweet. You follow the path as instructed, coming to a fine door with a sign on it that reads, "Roger Winters."
[21:05] * Annerose knocks on the door!
[21:10] <~Kotono> "Come in," A strong, cultured voice calls.
[21:10] * Annerose opens it and first takes in this Winters person.
[21:14] <~Kotono> It's a comfortable office with a window view. He's middle aged, salt and pepper hair, beard and mustache. He wears finery in russet red, taking one look at Annerose, "Ah yes," he nods to her, "How can I help you?"
[21:16] <Annerose> "My name is Annerose, and I was thinking we could help each other," she says as she steps inside and seeks out a seat. "It has come to my attention that the church of Lathander has borrowed repeatedly, and allowed their debt to run away from them. By now it is unmanageable, and even repossessing the building and its contents would not return much on the bank's investment. Is that a fair assessment, Mister Winters?"
[21:17] <@Inari> Inari stands behind and to Annerose's left, subtly maneuvering Rock to the other flank so they can present a united front for this business proposition.
[21:18] <~Kotono> Mr. Winters doesn't even bat an eye, "It's not our policy to discuss our clients with others unrelated to the account."
[21:19] <Annerose> "Luckily for us, Dawnlord MacGregor has authorized me to inquire into this matter. After all, it was from him that I received your name, Mister Winters. Thinking about this logically, since the policy is not to discuss clients, that would be the only way for me to know that you are handling that account."
[21:21] <~Kotono> "I would need that in writing,' Mr. Winters leans back in his chair, "But hypothetically assuming you're correct, what is your interest here?"
[21:23] <Annerose> "He's old, frail and weak, and I was not impressed with the cadre of junior acolytes present," Annerose says quite bluntly. "The church is bleeding money and talent alike, and selling what remains of its meager possessions to stay afloat. Once the Dawnlord has passed on, I expect the same to happen with the church itself. Yes, it has existed for a long time. It's hard for anyone to believe such a tradition might end. And yet...." Annerose pauses. "And then the bank loses a great deal of money. Over twenty five thousand gold, I understand. Unless something were done, that is."
[21:25] <~Kotono> Mr Winters waves a hand, "Fascinating, but get to your point."
[21:32] <Annerose> "Very well. Mister Winters, I am here to negotiate debt restructuring as a way out of the church's insolvency. We both know that repossessing everything and even selling every single acolyte into slavery were such a thing legal would not do much for it, whereas this proposal would ensure that the bank gets an actual, sizeable part of the debt repaid posthaste."
[21:33] <~Kotono> There's a pause, Annerose getting an even stare. "Hm. I'm listening," he says, "What exactly are you proposing and why?"
[21:34] <@Inari> roll 1d20+13 sense motive, is he interested or have we ruined his carefully wrought plans?
[21:34] <Rei-chan> Inari rolled : 1d20+13 sense motive, is he interested or have we ruined his carefully wrought plans? --> [ 1d20=17 ]{30}
[21:35] <~Kotono> You think he's interested but highly cautious.
[21:36] <Annerose> "The majority of the full amount of the loan, repaid in gold ingots as soon as negotiations are finalized to both our satisfaction," Annerose responds. "As someone who would bring such a boon to the bank on a clearly bad loan with little chance of recovering more than a fraction of it, I would presume your standing within the bank would raise. Beyond the obvious benefits of a large influx of gold, that is."
[21:39] <~Kotono> "Hmmm." He hums at that, "But what's your stake in this? Why do this?"
[21:39] <Annerose> "Was your first impression of me when I walked in that I served Auril?"
[21:45] <~Kotono> "I considered it a possibility," he says, "Yet you lack a symbol of that devotion." His eyes go to the breastplate Annerose wears, "Or the like."
[21:48] <Annerose> "Not that symbol," Annerose responds, pulling on a thing golden chain she wears around her neck to draw the small triangular shield into the light. "Does this make more sense, now?" she asks, letting it slip back into her armor and out of sight. "I think a deal where everyone benefits is a good thing."
[21:58] <~Kotono> OOC: What symbol is that?
[21:59] <Annerose> OOC: Waukeen's #1 fangirl~
[22:00] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[22:00] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{12}
[22:06] <~Kotono> "Hm." A slight consideration, "I think this matter is best taken under consideration and advisement."
[22:07] <@Inari> "What's to consider?" Inari asks. "You have a debt, we have funds to purchase the debt, it seems an eminently simple transaction to me."

[20:48] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, how are you planning on finding a buyer?
[20:50] <@Erad> OOC: The easiest way is probably to ask MacGregor or Wiser since my asking-around-town skills are kind of horrible.
[20:50] <@Erad> OOC: Let's start with Wiser since he already owns a shop so he might be more familiar with other shopowners.
[20:53] <~Kotono> Going back to Wiser is simple enough. He leads you in, sweaty and going back to some arm weights. "So..." Curl and curl and curl, "Looking for a buyer for something?"
[20:54] <@Erad> "Yes." Erad says as he produces the golden dragon carving.
[20:59] <~Kotono> "Fancy stuff," He says, giving it a short glance, "Gotten it appraised yet?"
[21:00] <@Erad> Erad shakes his head. "No. Do you have anyone you can suggest?"
[21:02] <~Kotono> "The Copper Scales," He says, "They're in the western part of town, deal in antiques and art."
[21:03] <@Erad> Erad nods. "Oh... yes, one other thing." He withdraws the crystal he took from the cathedral and puts it down on the counter. "I don't know if you've ever seen anything like this -- it was part of a much larger... It's hard to explain. There were several dozen of these arranged in a tower and they gave my friends and I a visual and audio message. Are you able to tell me anything about what
[21:03] <@Erad> it might have been made from?"
[21:04] <@Erad> "Of course, I'll pay for your analysis." Erad follows up.
[21:07] <~Kotono> "Alright then," He tosses the weight aside, which clatters loudly on the ground. "Let's get to it!" OOC: Loot post.
[21:08] <@Erad> "Hm, the image we saw was most likely accurate." Erad says with a nod. "That is good to know."
[21:09] <@Erad> "How much do I owe you?" Erad asks, fishing in his bags.
[21:10] <~Kotono> "Three percent, so...just call it 2 gold." He answers.
[21:12] <@Erad> Erad will take out 5 gold and put it on the counter. "For the information as well and for doing a tool of Bahamut justice."
[21:13] <@Erad> "I'm sure I'll be back to buy something once we have some more money." Erad says with a smile. "Helena, ready to go?"
[21:17] <~Kotono> "Yeah, I'm good," Helena blinks and tears her gaze away from him, blushing. "Yeah, I'm good."
[21:18] <@Erad> "Thank you for your time, Mr. Wiser." Erad says as he escorts Helena out OOC: We'll just head to look for the Copper Scales, then!
[21:20] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[21:20] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:22] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=24 ]{24}
[21:25] <~Kotono> The trip to the Copper Scales is quiet. It's a quiet enough shop, full of art inside...OOC: What's your plan here, just going to try and sell it/appraise it?
[21:27] <@Erad> OOC: More or less, unless Helena wants to do some haggling, but I don't think either one of us has the charisma (figuratively or literally) for that.
[21:31] <~Kotono> OOC: She'll pass. Loot postincoming in a sec.
[21:32] <@Erad> OOC: All righty.
[21:32] <~Kotono> OOC: Post.
[21:36] <@Erad> Erad will pay the 14 gold for the appraisal and take the rest. "It isn't as much as I was hoping for, but every bit helps, hm?" He says to Helena. "Is there anything you wanted to do while we were out?"
[21:37] <~Kotono> OOC: Post the expense.
[21:38] <@Erad> OOC: Done
[21:41] <~Kotono> Helena considers and finally shakes her head, "I think I'd just like to get back to the inn. Oh," She stops a split second later, "Did you find anything in the wagon?"
[21:43] <@Erad> "Oh, yes, I forgot to tell everyone." Erad says with a smile. "There's a door that leads to a small bedroom. I'm not sure if it's always been there or not, but... so it goes." He says with a chuckle. "I think I'll go visit Emmia if you're going back, but I'll meet you there."
[21:43] <~Kotono> "Eh? A bedroom?" Helena stops in the street, "LIke a real bedroom in a wagon?"
[21:44] <@Erad> Erad nods. "That's correct."
[21:47] <~Kotono> "How?" She asks, staring. "It wouldn't fit!"
[21:49] <@Erad> "Well, it's a magic wagon, isn't it?" Erad says.
[21:49] <@Erad> "At least, that's the story I was told." He says with a follow-up. "Maybe it grows like a plant."
[21:59] <~Kotono> "Magic, of course," Helena says, "It must be magic."
[22:03] <@Erad> Erad nods. "If we ever find a follower of Eldath, we can always ask. Anyway, I'll meet you back at the inn?"
[22:11] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, cool. Now what?
[22:12] <@Erad> OOC: I'll go check in on Emmia.

#d

[20:44] <~Kotono> "Due dilligence, ma'am," Mr. Winters says, smiling ever so faintly. It's not a warm smile at all. "There are matters to look into, estimations to be made and proper consideration to be taken into account."
[20:45] <Annerose> "And how long do you estimate the considerations to take?"
[20:46] <@Inari> "And all the while you lose out on whatever interest these funds could be accruing were they put to better use," Inari notes, unbothered by how unfriendly his smile is. "Dilligence is fine, but one can't let opportunities just slip by."
[20:47] <~Kotono> "Several days to a few weeks. We will be in contact when a decision is made." He leans forward now, smiling a bit nicer. Charming in its way. "Ah, but prudence is worth a slight loss, so that great losses by rash actions are avoided. We are an institution that sees long, works long and strives longer yet. Is there a place we can contact you when a decision has been rendered?"
[20:49] <Annerose> "The Sparrow's Rest should be fine," Annerose responds. "My friend is correct, however. The longer I hold onto the funds, the harder it will be for me to resist business opportunities, and the capital is hardly spoiled for them."
[20:50] <~Kotono> "Of course, of course," He smiles to that, a slight nod to Annerose. "We'll be in touch."
[20:53] <~Kotono> OOC: What's next on y'alls agenda?
[20:55] <@Inari> OOC: lets keep our heads down till T reports back?
[20:56] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[20:56] <~Kotono> roll 1d100-20
[20:56] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100-20 --> [ 1d100=80 ]{60}
[20:56] <~Kotono> OOC: Lemme pause yo ua sec, pending to merging the rooms.

#ed

[20:10] <~Kotono> Emmia is found in the same squalor as before, save for Annerose's cleaning. She sits against a wall, seemingly asleep. Her eyes are closed and you can see her slowly breathing in and out.
[20:11] <@Erad> Erad will quietly come in and sit down. He won't disturb her for a little while -- if she's sleeping then she's probably tired. It gives him a good chance to think and pray himself on what's been going on the last few days.
[20:12] <~Kotono> Helena follows Erad's lead, whispering to him, "Don't old people sleep a lot anyway?"
[20:13] <@Erad> Erad nods. "Yes, they usually do." He responds quietly. "But I hate to just disturb her out of the blue."
[20:15] <~Kotono> "Yeah," Helena murmurs, "She'll wake up soon...right?"
[20:15] <@Erad> "We'll wait just a bit." Erad says. "If she doesn't stir we'll gently wake her."
[20:15] <~Kotono> roll 1d20-2
[20:16] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20-2 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{13}
[20:17] <~Kotono> About ten minutes pass before Emmia stirs. Her eyes simply open, a weak cough afterwards. "The day moves along," she whispers to herself.
[20:18] <@Erad> "Good afternoon." Erad greets her. "I hope we're not bothering you."
[20:19] <~Kotono> "You aren't," she says slowly, "Water. Do you have water?"
[20:21] <@Erad> "I do." Erad says as he withdraws a mug from his pack and helps Emmia with it. "Water," he commands to fill it up with just that. "Here you are."
[20:21] <~Kotono> Helena takes out a waterskin, going on over and kneeling next to her - and stops as Erad beats her to it.
[20:21] <@Erad> "I don't get to use this thing very much." Erad says with a smile at Helena. "I bought it a while ago in case of emergencies."
[20:22] <~Kotono> Emmia drinks slowly and with shaking hands, "The paths..." she rasps, taking another drink after. "I fear I looked too much. They're growing as hazy and achy as these old bones. 103 years weighs on everything, young people."
[20:23] <@Erad> Erad gently squeezes Emmia's shoulder. "Then don't look, if it's too hard. We can find our own paths."
[20:24] <~Kotono> "It's fine, it's fine," she licks her lips and drinks a little more, "These bones will soon return to the earth. My path has scant little left now."
[20:25] <@Erad> "Do you mind if I ask about the path of someone who came before me?" Erad asks. "You may have already seen it... it was one that was interrupted, but I picked up where it left off."
[20:26] <~Kotono> "I do not, but not today. Return tomorrow, when I can see the paths again," Emmia says. "I fear I am good for little more than that now."
[20:27] <@Erad> Erad nods. "Would you mind, then, telling me more about Savras? I'd never heard the name before I met you. I'd like to know more about the one who has decided to aid us and how to properly thank them when I make my prayers."
[20:29] <~Kotono> "Savras, the one who sees all. Savras, guide of divinations." A cough after that, "I know him, for he came to me when he took my sight. He sees all and serves the Mother of All Magic. As she nurtures magic, he nurtures that aspect of it."
[20:29] <@Erad> roll 1d20+6 K:R Mother of All magic?
[20:29] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+6 K:R Mother of All magic? --> [ 1d20=3 ]{9}
[20:30] <~Kotono> OOC: Erad can't quite place it.
[20:30] <@Erad> OOC: He really should've gone to religious school
[20:31] <~Kotono> "Who is that?" Helena asks, "This Mother of all Magic?"
[20:31] <@Erad> Erad hrms. "Mother of All Magic? I don't think I've heard that one either... but, as you can imagine, I'm not much of a practitioner." *He chuckles.*
[20:35] <~Kotono> "Mystra," Emmia coughs once more, closing her eyes. "She who oversees magic. She is aided by many - The Lord of Spells, The All-Seeing, The Lord of the Forsaken Crypt and others yet."
[20:38] <@Erad> "Well, I'll include some prayers to Mystra and to Savras then to make sure they both know how much we appreciate your efforts." Erad says. "I ... don't mean to be rude, but..." Erad takes a breath. "Do you have any final wishes? I think it's the least we can all do to make sure they're fulfilled."
[20:39] <~Kotono> "When I go...take my body out to sea, so far that you can't see the land, and toss it to the waves." Emmia smiles softly, "Ages ago, I loved the sea so. Before this age, where the paths of it are as curlded and rotten as the bitter milk of Umberlee."
[20:40] <@Erad> So that's how they get to the waters. Erad nods. "We'll make sure your body is properly taken care of so Umberlee has no right to it."
[20:40] <~Kotono> Helena nods, "Alright."
[20:42] <~Kotono> "Thank you." Emmia goes still and quiet at that, "Do you understand, Erad? What it is to be chosen? To find a destiny unwanted and unthinkable until it comes on you like a great tsunami?"
[20:44] <@Erad> Erad smiles. "I didn't get any sleep for the day or two after I heard Bahamut's call." He glances out the window at that. "I would have never thought before then that I would even be able to find the courage... but... it was there all along. I think you understand that too."
[20:46] <~Kotono> "Yes." Emmia sighs ever so softly, "May your paths be free of pain and loss, and may you pass in good time and not linger for far too long."
[20:47] <@Erad> Erad smiles at that. "Don't worry for us. We walk our paths together, which gives us all strength." He stands up. "Rest for now, we will return tomorrow to see you."
[20:48] <~Kotono> Helena stands at that, "Rest well, Emmia."
[20:48] <~Kotono> OOC: What are you going to do now, Erad?
[20:49] <@Erad> OOC: Helena and I can wander the streets for a bit to get a feel for the area if she wants. Otherwise jus thead back to the inn.
[20:50] <~Kotono> roll 1d100 see if a random encounte rnails ya.
[20:50] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 see if a random encounte rnails ya. --> [ 1d100=35 ]{35}
[20:51] <~Kotono> OOC: Make a perception check.
[20:52] <@Erad> roll 1d20+13
[20:52] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{27}
[20:53] <~Kotono> The general area is run down. It's a quiet place, people often keeping to themselves and away from the party - which, Erad notes, sticks out like a sore thumb. A sort of sphere of distance surrounds the two, and you catch glances your way as you pass by - not friendly ones, either.
[20:54] <@Erad> "Do you think it's because we saw Emmia, or for another reason?" Erad asks sidelong to Helena as they walk.
[20:54] <~Kotono> "We do stand out," Helena admits, rapping her knuckles on her new breastplate. "I'm wearing good armor and you're not even human."
[20:56] <@Erad> "Hm. I guess I haven't even paid attention to the races of the city." Erad admits. "But is that really worthy of such obvious disdain?"
[20:56] <~Kotono> "Besides the occasional humanized elf, anything else stands out," Helenamurmurs out of the side of her mouth, keeping her voice down.
[20:58] <@Erad> "I'm a bit surprised by that, I would have thought a place like this would see a lot of trade from other lands." Erad says quietly with a shrug. "Well, let's get back to the inn and see what Annerose and Inari figured out. Also, I'll get the story about what happened with you and T out of you later. We can't have you two at each other's throats for the rest of the trip, okay?"

[20:59] <~Kotono> That night....
[21:00] <~Kotono> Erad and Rock are sharing their room. Or more accurately, Rock's gnawing on some meat he took from dinner and Erad's trying to slip into prayer. But then it's disrupted by the window shutters being throw open, forced from the outside. T leaps in, whirls and shuts them behind him. He turns, panting and bloodstained. "Just me!" he gets out between gasps.
[21:01] <@Erad> "What in the hell...?" Erad mutters as he goes to stand. "Is that your blood or someone... you know what, I guess it doesn't matter. Are you all right?" Erad finally just asks.
[21:03] <~Kotono> "Yeah, it's the other guy's. Get the others in here, got a hell of a story. Get me some dinner, too," T says, going to peel off his bloody clothes. "Gonna have to burn these somewhere tonight."
[21:03] <@Erad> Erad makes a face at T's last comment but goes to fetch the others either way.
[21:06] <@Inari> Soon led into the boys' room, Inari approaches T with a worried look. "Do you need any healing, T?"
[21:06] * Annerose trails behind Inari, covering her yawn with the back of her hand.
[21:07] <~Kotono> "Nah, it's the other guy's," T shrugs, "He got away, was mostly trying to hurt him enough to scare him off. Think he was one of Tiamat's brood, Erad."
[21:07] <@Erad> "Well now you've got my attention!" Erad says. "Don't start that part without me." He will go downstairs to get some dinner for T and bring it bacl.
[21:08] <~Kotono> T just settles into wait, but while Erad's gone, "Cost me a few hundred gold today, by the way. Bribing is expensive."
[21:08] <Annerose> "Was it productive?"
[21:08] <@Inari> "Well I'm sure it was worth it," Inari smiles gently, sitting down on the edge of Rock's bed and withholding questions until Erad returns.
[21:12] <~Kotono> Once Erad is back, T starts on his food, "So I got some information, but let me start from the fight and work my way back. So there I was, after some success, nosing around for some more. Apparently I got the attention of someone, since they tried to sneak up on me in a little cut through. Didn't work out. Big guy, moved like a cat - silent and deadly. Elven but too tall for it. You ask me, he
[21:12] <~Kotono> didn't look human. Eyes were too blue. The skin of his hands was almost shiny. Then we got talking and he mentioned the T-word."
[21:13] <@Erad> OOC: K:P on possible subjects?
[21:14] <~Kotono> OOC: Possible to make a knowledge check but it's a bit thin. What knowledgesd o you have?
[21:15] <@Erad> OOC: H P and R
[21:15] <~Kotono> OOC: K:P.
[21:16] <~Kotono> "T word?" Helena asks, "What's the T word?"
[21:16] <@Erad> roll 1d20+6
[21:16] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{15}
[21:16] <@Inari> "Tear?"
[21:16] <~Kotono> Erad thinks it could be a sign of outer planar influence. An aasimar usually has metallic or golden skin, nad a few other things can. Doesn't really narrow it down much, though.
[21:16] <Annerose> "My money is on Tiamat."
[21:18] <@Erad> Erad nods to Annerose. "There are a few things that could fit the description. It's probably an outer planar influence, either way."
[21:18] <~Kotono> "Got it," T smirks a little bit, "He drops the T-word and tries spook me. Doesn't work, of course. Throw some threats around, he makes some vague threads like he knows me and beats it. I follow him, don't lik ethe cut of his jibe. Bet he just wants to try and get the drop on me, so I reverse the tables. A bit of stabbing later, he's holding his innards inside with his hand and running. "
[21:20] <@Inari> "That doesn't sound like keeping a low profile to me... won't he just make sure to have backup next time he tries something now?"
[21:21] <~Kotono> "Yeah, well..." T scowls, "Look, I know people and I know when someone wants to fuck me over. This guy wasn't a friendly. Now he knows not to get in my way and I know to avoid him. It was that or let him go, take a run at me - or all of you. Hopefully he goes to pick on easier prey now."
[21:21] <~Kotono> A pause to scarf down some of his dinner, "Or all of you track him down first and have a chat. All friendly like, Bahamut to Tiamat style."
[21:23] <@Erad> "I'm much more for that idea." Erad says. "If there are agents of Tiamat in this city, they need to be excised before the city can start to recover."
[21:24] <@Inari> "Of course, I don't mean to criticise," Inari says, backing down. "You had to do whatever you felt necessary in the moment. But as for excising them wholesale... I'm not opposed, but considering the official backing Auril and Umberlee's servants enjoy, we should make sure the way is clear before taking a run at them."
[21:25] <@Erad> Erad nods to Inari. "You have a point. It wouldn't do us any good to run afoul of the law, even if we're in the right morally."
[21:27] <~Kotono> "That one's up to all of you," T shakes his head, "Anyway. So I got a few gems of information about the current situation."
[21:28] <Annerose> "Let's hear it!"
[21:31] <~Kotono> "First of all, it's a bit of an open secret that Lord Scion Jonah Malana-Willsworth has the Dynast's ear. It's also public knowledge that he's an Umberlant. Word on the street is that he has a lot of power in the palace and is one of the bigger movers and shakers, if not the biggest. Those Umberlant patrols we came on? They probably trace back to him."
[21:32] <Annerose> "That's one player for the throne that we don't like, and for good reason. How many other credible ones are there?"
[21:34] <~Kotono> "Hold that thought just a second. The thing is, he's not in line to inherit. His grandfather didn't really get along with the Dynast of his time, but was too powerful to shorten by a head. So the story is that the Dynast was able to make that branch of the family marry into the Willsworths and take that name, while forskaing any claim the family line had to the throne. Now that probably wouldn't
[21:34] <~Kotono> stop him if he's hellbent on getting the throne for himself, but it presents a fairly serious legal obsticle. Anyone who wanted to raise hell or rebel over it would have a solid cause to do so."
[21:36] <~Kotono> "Which means civil war," Helena adds quickly, "Wouldn't it?"
[21:37] <~Kotono> "Probably, depending on how strong a grip he had and politics. But I'd put it at at least 50/50 odds," T stops to finish his meal, eating like a man possessed. "So the upshot to that is that I'd peg him as more a power behind the throne type. If anything, he ahs reason to keep Franz alive and busy."
[21:37] <Annerose> "Most of these claims would probably trigger one, judging by the fact that the Dynast lacks living heirs," Annerose agrees.
[21:38] <~Kotono> "Yeah, probably." T pushes his plate aside, going to lie on his bed, arms behind his head. "This one's worse than usual, since it comes packaged with a reason for any powerful noble to resist."
[21:39] <@Erad> "So for all we know, Franz doesn't even really have any authority." Erad says. "It could have been Jonah this entire time... which would certainly explain how things slowly got to the point they're at now. He may not have had the ability or the knowledge to stop them."
[21:40] <@Erad> OOC: Can I do a K:H on if it was pretty much immediately after Franz took power that things started to go to shit and Auril/Umberlee started to rise?
[21:40] <~Kotono> "Or care." T nods slightly, "Entirely possible. Ol' Franzy boy is something of an enigma. Now the normal story is that he's busy ruling and all, and just beneath that is that he's a ladies man. A mistress fore very day of the week, and four for Sunday." OOC: Sure, Erad.
[21:40] <@Erad> roll 1d20+6
[21:41] <Kobot> Erad rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{16}
[21:42] <@Inari> "You all seem very quick to take blame for the country's failings away from its ruler," Inari says suspiciously. "Is it so hard to believe a bad king can exist? That he can care more about his latest mistress than about his subjects having food on the table?"
[21:43] <~Kotono> Going on after a moment, "But dig more and you hear that if he has mistresses, they're named Bruce or John or Tim. Or that he was born like an eunuch. So he might like the men or not even have a working set below the belt...or it's just rumors, or it's a smoke screen for 'nari knows what." At this he shrugs, "About the only solid thing I got on him is that he loves painting. Apparently he's not
[21:43] <~Kotono> a bad painter and has a collection of his own works."
[21:43] <@Erad> "Of course it's possible." Erad says. "He could be just as in cahoots with Jonah and just as guilty."
[21:44] <~Kotono> Erad can tell it's been going on for before that, but it's picked up in Franz's reign.
[21:44] <~Kotono> "Why would he have...oh." Helena blushes and quickly coughs, "What else is there?"
[21:45] <Annerose> "It doesn't really matter who or what he likes to sleep around with, aside from the obvious improprietary of such ties outside marriage," Annerose muses. "Let's move on to the other powers?"
[21:45] <@Erad> "I mean, and you two can confirm this," He nods to T and Helena, "But Auril and Umberlee's rise didn't start with Franz. It was picking up well before that, but after Franz took over it got worse. So it's possible that at the same time, Jonah was able to get to him and "advise" him and more or less take all the power away from Franz."
[21:49] <~Kotono> "Yeah, speaking of, one more note on Jonah, and it leads into our next member of the rogue's gallery. Jack Maggen's been in town - he's a Lord down south in the Whitepack Mountains and a known Aurilite. Not officially, but the rumor's so prevalent that most people forgot it's never been confirmed. Thing is, he's been buddying up with the Lord Scion recently. He isn't in town right now, but I've
[21:49] <~Kotono> heard he's been seen a fair bit during the summer."
[21:50] <@Erad> "I imagine those two wouldn't be happy about Lathander's cathedral being restored." Erad reasons. "I wonder if we could use that to our advantage?"
[21:51] <~Kotono> "Thing is, the Willsworths are a northern house and Maggen's down south. Not a lot of reason to deal with each other a lot, and the families have never been traditional allies. 'course, you put an Umberlant and an Aurilite together and you might just get an alliance," T nods, "Probably wouldn't be, but they may not be the hands behind that mess anyway."
[21:52] <~Kotono> "More reason to note the two churches at least stay out of each other's way," Helena says, as the mood is broken by Rock burping loudly. He finishes off his meat and looks around.
[21:53] <Annerose> "That alliance will never hold, but it might last long enough to do some serious damage. Perhaps you could look into ways to break it apart? Seed distrust between them? I'm sure there are genuine reasons for it, so it'd take discovering rather than manufacturing them."
[21:53] <@Erad> Erad hrms. "You said south, right? Like... outside Malana south? Could he have had something to do with the 'massacre' that got us into this war?"
[21:53] <Annerose> "They're... all Malana's lords, surely?"
[21:54] <~Kotono> "Yeah, might. I'm not much of killing, but Jacky boy could use a knife in the back," A nod, "Not that far. Near the southern border, towards Krygur instead of Kabath. Anyway, Jack Maggen's a piece of work. His nickname's Silver - he got it by how he executes people. Drowns them in free flowing, frozen silver. Our boy there's one hell of a fucking sadist."
[21:56] <@Inari> "That's grotesque!" Inari says, horrified.
[21:56] <~Kotono> Helena just goes pale, "How does..."
[21:56] <@Erad> Erad tenses at that. "The world would be better off without him in it, it seems. Disgusting."
[21:57] <~Kotono> T grimaces - deeply. "Yeah, it's horrible. Fuck, give me a chance and I'd probably take him out, even if I might end up short a head. The man is an asshole in the worst sense of the word. I bet Auril herself thinks he takes it too far."
[21:59] <@Erad> Erad holds a hand up. "Regardless of how horrible he is, if we're going to do something about it, we can't just murder him in cold blood. I don't think anyone we represent would want that. We'll find a way to stop him though... I'm sure we can."
[21:59] <~Kotono> "So anyway," T goes on from that, "So Maggen's a piece of work, we know this, and nothing good will come from him. See, things get more interesting too, in just a moment."
[21:59] <Annerose> "The best way is looking to be from the top, before any of these monster have a chance to band together and escape justice."
[22:00] <@Inari> "I'm not at all against murdering such a man in cold blood," Inari says, shaking her head. "He sounds like exactly the sort of person that should be killed. But go on, T?"
[22:00] <~Kotono> "You know those assassins who came from the south and tried to spell us dead?" T says, "The ones I found had connections to Aurilites? Guess who's been in Misty Harbor a lot this summer?"
[22:00] <@Inari> "Stop making us guess and just tell us!"
[22:01] <~Kotono> T sticks his tongue out, "Pay attention, 'nari. I just said a known Aurilite's been up here a lot - Jack Maggen. Might be coincidence, might not be, might just be a sign of general plans. But I find it an interesting coincidence even so. At best, it's just a sign that a big Aurilite's taking more of a role in palace politics. At worst..."
[22:02] <@Inari> "Well... yes, I was paying attention. I assumed it would be someone completely different because you'd just told us all about that person and how he's been here all Summer," Inari says with a pout.
[22:02] <~Kotono> "At worst, it's nothing I can prove," T goes on, "And it might really not be directly related, but I sure as hell don't like it."
[22:03] <~Kotono> T grins at that, "Chin up, 'nari. It's drawing a point together that time, not going into a new one."
[22:04] <~Kotono> "I feel like I need notes," Helena says, "So get on with it!"
[22:04] <Annerose> "Can I assume, at least, that the worst is over?"
[22:04] <@Erad> Erad rubs his chin. "Well, if he's sent people to try and kill us... Then I think we have a good enough reason to have a bit of a chat with him."
[22:05] <~Kotono> "Yeah. I focused on that strand today. I'mg oing to diversify tomorrow, get more of a general picture." T says, "That's only one piece of the puzzle."
[22:06] <@Inari> "Are you sure you won't want anyone to come with you next time?" Inari asks. "I know we're all quite distinctive, but if you end up having to stab or be stabbed..."
[22:06] <Annerose> "I can disguise myself."
[22:07] <~Kotono> T thinks a moment, "Tell you what, let me think about it. Sleep on it, get back to you all in the morning."
[22:07] <@Erad> "It occurs to me that we might have an easy way to Franz, actually." Erad says. "If we wanted to go that route."
[22:08] <Annerose> "My shady map? Or something else?"
[22:09] <@Erad> "There's that, but, T mentioned Franz fancies art, right?" Erad says. "If one of us decided to act the part of an artist that just came to Misty Harbors and got enough renown, he might hear of it and want to meet the person."
[22:09] <@Erad> "I'm not much of an artist, of course." Erad admits. "But it was a thought."
[22:10] <~Kotono> "Sure, but can any of us hack it at art?" T asks.
[22:11] <Annerose> "Not at drawing, at least."
[22:11] <@Inari> "I've never tried my hand at it," Inari admits, shaking her head. Although maybe she's a natural, she wouldn't count on it.
[22:13] <@Erad> "Art's... what do you call it, subjective, right?" Erad says. "Well, if no one thinks they'd be good at it, then that's that."
[22:21] <@Erad> "Unless Annerose decides she wants to disguise herself as a young gentleman to see how true the rumors are about Franz, we'll probably have to find another way to get to him if we wanted to go that route." Erad reasons. "But maybe the work we'll do with the cathedral will garner the attention we need."

[20:00] <~Kotono> Sess 25 is cloudy and warmer, the sort of day between summer and fall that's firmly in neither. As the party gets up and goes out...OOC: Okay, what's the party's agenda here? Plans?
[20:02] <Annerose> OOC: Make sure we watch over our money. Get the written approval of the temple to handle finance issues. Wait on T to investigate some more, or come with him if he wants/needs a hand. Wait to hear from the bank.
[20:03] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay. Anything to add to that, Inari'n'Erad?
[20:03] <@Erad> OOC: Erad would want to visit Emmia but also go to where T met the mysterious one and see if the blood led anywhere.
[20:04] <@Inari> OOC: nothing for me
[20:05] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, so someone guarding the money? At worst Helena can do that to leave y'all free. Getting that in writing is unremarkable and can be done offscreen unless you have something to do there or want to talk to him.  T'll be along. So okay, let's start with Emmia. T'll work alone for now, might reconsider depending on how today goes.
[20:06] <Annerose> OOC: When we're walking around Rock can carry it, I guess?
[20:06] <@Inari> OOC: I'll guard the money/be in one place for healing referrals from the church
[20:08] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay. Lemme move you into #evil, Inari. Where do you want to be?
[20:09] <@Inari> OOC: the inn?
[20:10] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[20:10] <~Kotono> ----

#d

[20:10] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:17] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=6 ]{6}
[20:17] <~Kotono> Erad and Annerose find Emmia slowly eating a bit of bread. She's awake this time, waiting. "Have you decided what path to see today?"
[20:20] <Annerose> "The Dynast path, if we must call it that," Annerose responds, making herself comfortable. "The ones holding the reigns are harming the nation, plus there is the war to consider as well. Controlling the nation from the top down will bring about the most change to our people the quickest. Can you tell me who can be our allies in this, and who would be an enemy no matter what?"
[20:22] <@Erad> Erad rubs his chin at the question, but nods to Annerose. "Yes, that is most likely the fatest way to a resolution."
[20:25] <~Kotono> "I will look." There is a loooooooong pause before Emmia reacts, simply going back to her bread before replying. "Lord Brent Househaven is your most likely ally. The paths show him defying Fury's Heart, casting his lot against Auril and Umberlee. He is int he west, the west and the war. The paths show him being sent there, hoping for the fires of battle to burn him to ash, by the hands of his
[20:25] <~Kotono> enemies."
[20:25] <Annerose> "Has he been sent already?"
[20:27] <@Erad> West, hm? Erad wonders if it's past the dragon or not... That's a question for later, though.
[20:27] <~Kotono> "Yes." A small nod, "His path winds in the war. He would be your stouted ally, but retreiving him will be a tangled path, full of thorns."
[20:28] * Annerose is the one to pause for a while as she considers this. "And his and his house's help will be enough, you believe?"
[20:31] <~Kotono> "Not enough, but a base," Emmia murmurs, "You must find others. You will need strength."
[20:32] <Annerose> "Is there any chance, if we were to make an attempt right now? Or is the wait unavoidable?"
[20:32] <@Erad> "Will others who would ally with us appear when Lathander's Cathedral of Light is restored?" Erad asks quietly.
[20:34] <~Kotono> "The immediate paths are the bloodiest and most dangerous. And..." With a long sigh Emmia pauses. "I am expended. But what I have seen of the other paths, danger and allies come with what you propose, Erad."
[20:36] * Annerose nods gravely. "It would be utter foolishness to strive and do things quicker to save lives, only for those very actions to cause even more bloodshed in the process. I assume that without proper planning and preparation, avoiding a civil war is nigh impossible?"
[20:36] <@Erad> Erad nods. "I expected as much, but it is good to have confirmation."
[20:37] * Annerose shakes her head in amusement. "Confirmation that doing a good thing is more than its own reward?"
[20:38] <@Erad> "Confirmation that we should expect our actions to rile the people that stand against us and to be prepared for it." He responds.
[20:42] <~Kotono> Emmia shakes her head, "Ask of that tomorrow. I have seen all of the paths I can for today."
[20:44] <Annerose> "Do you have any advice for me?" Annerose asks her curiously. "Even without outside help, you've been doing this for a long while."
[20:48] <~Kotono> "Be cautious and wise. A path can go wrong with a single misstep," Emmia warns, a cough wracking her body. "Yes, step softly and carefully."
[20:50] <Annerose> "I don't think I can be too careful if I want to achieve something. But I'll try," Annerose promises. "How about... ah, there may be no good way to say this. You believe you are not long for this world. I'm sure your spirit will leave it for a better one, but is there anything that you would want us to accomplish? Anything personal or concrete?"
[20:51] <~Kotono> A laugh - a soft, tired laugh. "I told you before - toss my body into the sea. Your fate and your paths are yours to walk. I have faith you will choose the ones that are best for you, and that is all I can ask."
[20:52] * Annerose thinks it's pretty sad that she doesn't have a single solid attachment to the world after leading a no doubt good and moral life. Still, she can only nod her agreement.
[21:02] <@Erad> "Sorry, I hadn't quite gotten to that part of things." Erad says. "Admist everything else that happened yesterday."
[21:05] <~Kotono> OOC: What was that in reference to? I feel like I missed something ther.
[21:06] <@Erad> OOC: Emmia dying
[21:08] <~Kotono> Emmia shakes hire head, "There will be time enough when it happens."
[21:09] <@Erad> "Of course. We'll return and see you tomorrow, then, Emmia." Erad says.
[21:13] <~Kotono> From here, going to the scene of T's little trouble isn't hard. It's in the dead cente rof the city, near the northeastern part and the palace. It's an unremarkable alleyway, a little cut-through between busy streets.
[21:14] <@Erad> "Looks much nicer in the middle of the day." Erad comments, glancing around for the blood that assuredly was spilled here.
[21:15] <~Kotono> OOC: Perception.
[21:16] <@Erad> roll 1d20+13
[21:16] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{28}
[21:19] <~Kotono> There are indeed some bloodstains - and even a bit of a trail if one is skilled in tracking.
[21:20] <@Erad> Well, he's not, but... maybe... Erad will try and use detect evil. Perhaps the blood of the creature still radiates some of Tiamat's taint.
[21:21] <~Kotono> OOC: Link me to DE?
[21:22] <@Erad> http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/detectEvil.htm
[21:23] <@Erad> OOC: should've put that here sorry
[21:24] <~Kotono> OOC: No evil detected from the blood.
[21:25] <@Erad> Erad makes a face. Well, he'll see if he can just follow it anyway. If he can't, he can't. No harm in that.
[21:28] <~Kotono> OOC: Perception check, y'all
[21:28] <~Kotono> .
[21:29] <@Erad> roll 1d20+13
[21:29] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{21}
[21:29] <~Kotono> No good. He's able to follow it to the street, but soon loses track of the trail.
[21:30] <@Erad> He'll just have to ask Inari for help later. For now, his business is concluded, so he'll head back to the inn.

#ed

[20:18] <~Kotono> Inari and Rock await at the inn, guarding money and seeing who comes for healing...
[20:18] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:18] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=13 ]{13}
[20:20] <~Kotono> It's about half between sunrise and noon when Inari's serenity and waiting are rewarded. A young man, no older than 20, guides an old woman along. "Inari?" he asks, the old woman's gaze far away and unresponsive.
[20:22] <@Inari> "Yes, that's me," Inari says, standing up and approaching the couple. Rock can surely be trusted to thrash anyone who goes after their belongings while her back is briefly turned!
[20:26] <~Kotono> "Can you help her? My Mother's mind hasn't been right." The woman doesn't react, just led along. "It's like she's not even there anymore."
[20:28] <@Inari> "Oh, you poor dear," Inari says, taking the old lady's hand. "Come, sit down," she asks gently, leading her towards where she and Rock were sitting in the common room. "Why don't you tell me what happened to her?"
[20:31] <~Kotono> She follows without expression or response. The young man goes on, "Some bastard did...something to her. I don't know, all I know is that she refused to pay a tithe to Umberlants and they made her like this."
[20:32] <~Kotono> He closes his eyes, fists curling up. It's followed by a half a dozen slow breaths, his face marginally more composed when he goes on. "She's just not there. The body goes on, but Mom's not answering."
[20:35] <@Inari> "Awful people," Inari frowns. "Still, so long as the soul remains intact wounds of the mind can be mended if you know the right magic. Let me try that first and we'll see from there?" she says, sitting down and locking eyes with the human woman before she casts heart's ease to hopefully bring her mind back to full function.
[20:41] <~Kotono> The woman's eyes open wide and she gasps, before looking around. "I....." A long, slow blink of her eyes, "Where am I?"
[20:41] <~Kotono> "MOM!" The old woman is wrapped into a tight hug, "MOM!"
[20:42] <@Inari> Inari smiles and leans back, content in a job well done. She'll let them have their reunion without interrupting.
[20:48] <~Kotono> Amid peppered back and forth questions - the routine here, really - the young man turns to Inari. "Here," he offers a coinbag out, "Thank you!"
[20:50] <@Inari> "No, that's not necessary," Inari says, holding up a hand with palm outwards. "All I ask is that you tell people of me. That, and be kind to others," she smiles warmly.
[20:51] <~Kotono> "I will!" The young man says, offering his hand out, "Ewan."
[20:53] <@Inari> "Inari, though of course you know that," Inari takes his hand in hers for a gentle shake before offering the same to his mother. "And if any Umberlants give you trouble again, you send them my way, alright?"
[20:57] <~Kotono> "Emily," The handshake is unremarkable, "I will, thank you! Thank you! Come over sometime, I'll cook you a great meal."
[20:58] <@Inari> "Oh, you hear that Rock?" Inari grins over at the troll, "We get free food for helping someone!" Turning back to the mother and son she asks, "Where can I find you when I take you up on that offer?"
[21:02] <~Kotono> Rock turns his head, "Eat? Food?"
[21:02] <~Kotono> "492 Wilbur Lane," Emily says, "You're welcome anytime."
[21:03] <@Inari> "Thank you, we'll try and drop in some time," Inari says, before flagging a waitress to get a big plate of stew for Rock since she understands delayed gratification may be a difficult concept for him right now.
[21:08] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:08] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=1 ]{1}
[21:11] <~Kotono> The stew is promptly ordered, Rock chugging it down like a drink. By about noon, Helena comes in. "Finished my shopping," She announces, "There's news and gossip, by the way, about the war."
[21:13] <@Inari> "Well, lets hear it?" Inari asks, waving her over. "As for me I was visited by a young man and his mother. The mother had had her mind locked away for not paying tithe to Umberlants. Luckily I was able to fix it."
[21:18] <~Kotono> Helena goes to sit, ordering a salad and chicken. Once down she keeps her voice low, "Story is that there was a big battle at the border fortresses recently. No one's sure how it went, but it was big."
[21:23] <@Inari> "So either the way's been opened into Malana or Kabath just lost a large part of its army against the fortifications?" Inari muses. "Without knowing how it went there's no telling how it could affect us..."
[21:24] <~Kotono> "I know. Reports vary - it's a crushing victory in one telling, a draw in the next and a horrible defeat in the third," Helena sighs a bit, "So we'll find out."
[21:26] <@Inari> "Hopefully not when there's an army at the gates."
[21:29] <~Kotono> "Hopefully," Helena agrees, getting into her meal. "Wonder how T's doing with his work?"
[21:31] <@Inari> "Hopefully less exciting than his last time out... or the time before that," Inari chuckles, still wondering just what he did to get Helena so upset. "I suppose he needs someone to keep an eye on him."
[21:33] <~Kotono> Helena scowls and attacks her meal with gusto, as...OOC: Lemme merge the rooms now.

[21:34] <~Kotono> The rest of the day is uneventful. That evening, just before sunset, the party minus T is enjoying dinner. It's then that a well dressed teenager comes up, a boy perhaps 16 years old. "Missus Annerose?" he asks, bowing to her.
[21:35] <Annerose> "Yes? I'm Annerose."
[21:38] <~Kotono> He hands over an envelope, "It's from Knight Winters, ma'am."
[21:39] * Annerose passes over a gold coin as she accepts it. "Can you wait for an answer?" she asks, opening the envelope to take a look inside.
[21:41] <~Kotono> He nods, "Sure thing, ma'am! Thanks!"
[21:42] <~Kotono> Inside is the following message, "Ms. Annerose: You are cordially invited to a gathering at my estate tonight, an hour past sundown. It will be a private, intimiate affair for drinks and conversation. Enclosed are three invitations. You may give one to the fox-tailed woman who was with you if you wish, but I would respectfully ask that you decline to bring the troll with you. You may give the
[21:42] <~Kotono> third invitation to someone suitable, as you desire." What follows is the address and other such information.
[21:45] * Annerose reads through it carefully once more to make sure she hasn't missed anything, before nodding. "The answer is yes," she tells the messenger.
[21:45] <~Kotono> "Thanks!" He nods, going off.
[21:47] <@Erad> "That about your deal with the bank?" Erad asks.
[21:49] <Annerose> "Yes, as a matter of fact. It's an invitation to continue negotiations in a more intimate setting-- ah, but not too intimate, since I can bring guests. Who would like to come?"
[21:51] <@Inari> "I'll come," Inari says. "I don't think he intends to have us murdered but I can still keep an ear out for any sneaky tricks."
[21:52] <@Erad> "I think I'd stand out too much." Erad says. "But I'll go if you'd like me to."
[21:53] <@Inari> "There's nothing wrong with standing out now and then," Inari says with a smile.
[21:55] <@Erad> Erad smiles a bit. "I suppose. But that... hm. Actually, let me stay with Rock in case T comes back with something worse than he did last time." Erad says. "He might need to get himself healed."
[21:56] <~Kotono> "I can go in that case," Helena says, "It sounds nice and exclusive. The places where real deals get made."
[21:57] <Annerose> "Then I don't actually have much time if I want to wear something nice," Annerose muses. "I'll see if I can't find a replacement for my travel clothes."
[21:59] <@Inari> "Oh, are our normal clothes unsuitable?" Inari asks, looking down at her well cared for but admittedly antiquainted and very leggy set of robes. "Maybe that's why people stare at me..."
[22:00] <Annerose> "This is negotiations by other means," Annerose responds. "That's what I think, at least. He's moving the location to his home, and adding the advantage of setting everything up as well as controlling, to a degree, who I bring. Then, the best way to put him off balance and retain my edge is to do something both unexpected and yet suitable for the occasion, wouldn't you say?"
[22:01] <@Erad> "If you all run into trouble, can you alert me somehow?" Erad asks. "I don't want to think he might try anything, but... It's best to be safe." Erad says.
[22:01] <Annerose> "If the mansion is suddenly set on fire...."
[22:02] <@Inari> "Well we'd better go clothes-shopping then. Though I don't have any way to pass a message out to you from where we're going, Erad," Inari says apologetically. "But yes, if you're near enough to see smoke that would help!"
[22:02] <Annerose> "Or high enough?"
[22:06] <@Erad> "I think I can manage." Erad says with a nod. "I'll keep an eye out."

#d

[20:04] <@Inari> roll 1d20+18 diplo
[20:04] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 19 > [d20=1]
[20:04] <Annerose> roll 1d20+15 aid
[20:04] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=1]
[20:05] <~Kotono> OOC: Wooow. Helena'll aid too, since why not?
[20:05] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[20:05] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=14]
[20:10] <~Kotono> Unfortunately, one truth is there - getting a tailor this late, let alone with something you can buy and wear, just isn't happening. You could try an dlook further, but the odds would be steeper and you'd risk being late.
[20:13] <Annerose> "How about we just look on our own?" Annerose proposes. "We could cover more ground quickly that way."
[20:13] <@Inari> "Well, we could still be fashionably late?" Inari laughs before stopping at Annerose's question. "We could... but we'd also be split up with no way to find each other even if one of us found something."
[20:15] <Annerose> "Good point. How about looking in the direction of the estate? That way we won't need to cover as much ground to get there, and a wealthy area is bound to have quality stores that cater to fickle customers at random hours."
[20:16] <@Inari> Nodding, Inari sets off to look anew!
[20:16] <@Inari> roll 1d20+18 diplo x2
[20:16] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 35 > [d20=17]
[20:16] <Annerose> roll 1d20+15 help!
[20:16] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 29 > [d20=14]
[20:20] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Helena
[20:20] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 13 > [d20=11]
[20:21] <~Kotono> By sheer dint of luck and persistence, you find a small dress shop. The owner's just heading out as you come by, "Dresses? Now?" He asks, an old man walking with a cane. "On such short demand?"
[20:21] <@Inari> "We've been rather put on the spot by an abrupt invitation," Inari says with an apologetic frown. "We'll be sure to compensate you properly for the inconvenience of such a rushed job!"
[20:22] <~Kotono> "It'll have to be something from the finished rack," He says, "There's no time, no time at all to make something."
[20:23] <Annerose> "That's quite alright. We merely wish for something tasteful, rather than showing up in our travel clothes."
[20:24] <@Inari> "You might need to make an adjustment or two for me," Inari admits, wagging her tails demonstratively.
[20:26] <~Kotono> "Goodness!" The old man startles and steps back, "Ah...I suppose I will," he says, voice faint.
[20:26] <@Inari> He'll be getting to touch a goddess's bottom, he should look more pleased about it! "Just a slit or something with a button beneath it will do, but lets have a look at what you have that's ready?" she asks, heading towards the door.
[20:29] * Annerose follows along, humming to herself.
[20:36] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, this is gonna run y'all 15 gold due to haste and getting at least passable dresses. Post the expense in loot and who is paying it. The exact dress you get can be described if you like, do so now.
[20:40] <Annerose> OOC: Post
[20:41] <@Inari> Inari gets a nice plum coloured velvet dress in a fairly conservative style, buttoned up to the neck and with a long flared ankle-length skirt that's been split at the back with some new buttons hastily sewn on so she can let her tails out. Though it does mean she needs a little help putting it on, that's easily done with Annerose and Helena on hand! She keeps her embroidered purple mantle over
[20:41] <@Inari> her shoulders and back since it manages to go just as well with this as with her usual attire, as well as her usual hairpiece. She also got herself a nice pair of boots to go with it, rather than wearing her usual sandals.
[20:46] <~Kotono> Helena goes simple - a navy colored gown with relatively little ornamentation. It works by being simple and elegant, rather than anything else.
[20:48] * Annerose picks a flowing, silk tourquoise evening gown, easy to move in and darkening towards the bottom while keeping the sleeves light. An opaque navy shawl lays over her shoulders, out of an aesthetical choice than to keep her warm. "I think we did well," she muses, glancing between Helena and Inari.
[20:49] <~Kotono> "We should, these are nice," Helena echos, "I wonder if there will be any eligible men there?"
[20:50] <Annerose> "Quite possibly."
[20:50] <@Inari> "A little too tight around the arms, but it's not a bad look," Inari says, stretching her arms. "Thank you!" she beams at the helpful tailor.
[20:52] <Annerose> "Yes, thank you very much!"
[20:52] <~Kotono> He nods, "Next time, come with time so we can do something proper. You're lucky we had three dressed that fit."
[20:53] <~Kotono> A smile from the old tailor, "Yes, come bac kwith enough time so we can do it properly. You would look good in something tailored to you."
[20:54] <Annerose> "Perhaps even tomorrow? I could use a better wardrobe!"
[20:54] <@Inari> "I will, there's some old designs I know we should get back in fashion," Inari says brightly. "I'll come by tomorrow and we can talk it over."
[20:55] <~Kotono> This gets a smile at him and a tip of his hat, "Be seeing you then!"
[20:55] <~Kotono> OOC: Ready to move along?
[20:55] <Annerose> OOC: sure
[21:00] <~Kotono> From here it's a fairly short trip to Mr. Winters estate. It has a small but elegant lawn and garden,  a footpath leading through it and ot the front door. Nice place - multistory and it looks fancy. Rich. Not stonework or defense, but closer to a pleasant home. Three stories to be precise, the night cloaking much of it. As you pass you can see the garden - summer roses and orchids, beautiful
[21:00] <~Kotono> arrays of muted color.
[21:01] * Annerose walks up to the front door at leisure, knocking upon it to announce their presence.
[21:02] <~Kotono> Helena's slower, looking at the flowers . "Nice! So many roses, too."
[21:02] <@Inari> "He must have a good gardener," Inari agrees, looking over the well kept flowerbeds and smelling the nice scents they provide.
[21:04] <~Kotono> The door opens. A butler dressed to the nines opens it and says, "Ah, Ms. Annerose and guests. This way, please."
[21:05] <Annerose> "Good evening," Annerose greets him pleasantly, ready to follow the butler inside.
[21:12] <~Kotono> The party is lead inside. Inside is dim lighting down hallways and rooms, the floor a rich and sturdy darkwood. Paintings of various well dressed people hang, as well as the occasional tapestry. You soon find yourselves in a comfortable room - a fireplace dominates the back. There's a few bookshelvs, a window with a strange contraption pointing out of it, a liquor cabinet and an array of
[21:12] <~Kotono> comfortable chairs in small groups. Games such as chess are set on tables. Mr. Winters is there, clad in a dark red finery sipping from a shot glass. Next to him is a middle aged man, tall and rather stout. He wears a rich pearl-gray tunic that his beefy neck squeezes tight. He wears several gold rings with jewels and moves with a heavy-footed grunt and huff. "Annerose, Annerose," he offers to
[21:12] <~Kotono> her with a smile, "Knight Savin DeLuca."
[21:13] <Annerose> "A pleasure to meet you, Sir Savin," Annerose responds with an answering smile. "Might I introduce my companions and friends, Inari and Helena?"
[21:14] <~Kotono> Mr. Winters smiles as well, "Welcome to my humble abode. Such a trite saying, but I admit this house is rather simple by standards."
[21:15] <~Kotono> "You may," he says with a little huff again, eyeing Inari's tails.
[21:16] <@Inari> Inari smiles back gently, her tails waving around in a relaxed fashion behind her. "Thank you for inviting us," she says, giving a little curtsey and lifting up the sides of her skirt.
[21:17] <~Kotono> "But I do believe we haven't met yet, Miss...?" Helena gets Mr. Winters gaze on him, as a maid comes by. She carries a tray with a few bottles and glasses, "Champaign? Brandy?" she offers to each.
[21:18] <~Kotono> "Helena," She introduces herself with a smile back, pausing to get a glass of champaign. "I have familial interests in trade."
[21:19] <@Inari> "A brandy would be nice, thank you," Inari says, accepting a glass... and either waiting till she sees one of their hosts drink from the same bottle or for everyone to be conveniently distracted so she can cast detect poison before she drinks any.
[21:19] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+3 Helena
[21:19] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 4 > [d20=1]
[21:19] * Annerose gets a glass of champagne for herself, taking a sip.
[21:22] <~Kotono> Mr. Winters looks to be drinking brandy as well, though he doesn't get his cup refreshed. "Please, let's sit down," he says, going to a set of chairs. Mmmm, soft and comfortable - they just sink in and almost swallow youup in softness. It's good champaign to Annerose's tongue as he goes on. "Now of course there's the matter of the issue that brought us here. Best to discuss that before we indulge
[21:22] <~Kotono> in an evening of merry times."
[21:22] <@Inari> Inari just settles for lingering a bit behind so she can cast the spell while obscured by both Helena and Annerose before she makes her way to take a seat.
[21:23] <~Kotono> Helena watches the maid go, sipping her drink and smiling. "Right to business," she says, "A bold opening gambit, eh?" Inari finds that the drink isn't poisoned.
[21:23] <Annerose> "Certainly," Annerose agrees, sinking into a chair opposite his and gathering her shawl in her lap. "Has the bank reached a decision, then?"
[21:23] <@Inari> Relieved, Inari takes a sip and smiles as she sits down.
[21:24] <~Kotono> It's really rather good brandy, Inari finds.
[21:25] <~Kotono> "We are considering the issues on hand," Mr. Winters says, likewise sipping his drink. "But right now it's a matter of risk assessment. If I may, you and your friends are wild cards in this situation, unknown factors that must be managed before any prudent decision can be reached."
[21:27] <@Inari> "If I may, does that strictly matter?" Inari asks. "Once we've purchased the debt, it's no longer the bank's concern how it's managed. The only risk I can see is that we somehow try to trick you with fool's gold or something, which can easily be tested for."
[21:28] <~Kotono> It's Knight DeLuca that speaks up, "Yeah, but you're the ones doing it out of the blue."
[21:29] <~Kotono> "Ahem," Mr. Winters clears his throat after another sip, "I believe the point being made is that there is curiosity over all of you and where you come on such funds." His gaze slips to Helena, "Are all of you part of this 'familial trade' mentioned?"
[21:30] <Annerose> "So this is a matter of principle, rather than logic?" Annerose voices. "Very well. How may we allay your fears of the unknown?" At the glance to Helena, she shakes her head. "No. Rather, we rely on Helena's expertise when such situations come up."
[21:30] <~Kotono> As you talk, the maid comes back. Pretty black haired thing, bringing a tray of little appetizers, silently offering to each as she goes around. Helena's eyes go to her and smiles, taking several.
[21:30] <@Inari> "We're more of a confluence of interests," Inari says, deciding she may as well keep being mysterious. But not so mysterious she can't enjoy an appetizer!
[21:31] * Annerose takes one as well, out of curiousity more than any real hunger.
[21:32] <~Kotono> "I would hardly say it's not a matter of logic. Logic dictates to understand the situation as completely as possible before making a decision," Mr. Winters nods slightly. They're pretty good - mostly little savory bits of meat or cheese, though there's some sweet fruits as well, ones that aren't familiar to any of you.
[21:32] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+3 Helena again
[21:32] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 8 > [d20=5]
[21:33] <~Kotono> Clearing his throat after that, "So to allay these fears, we'd like to know more about the 'confluence of interests' you represent."
[21:35] <@Inari> "Our interest lies in the prosperity of Misty Harbour and beyond," Inari answers. "The temple of Lathander as it stands is an unsightly blight on the landscape. We'd like to do something about that, and as they've already provided so much collatoral into the bank's hands, this offers a useful avenue for us to have a stake in the temple and its influence on the city beyond. It's an investment in
[21:35] <@Inari> the future, one might say."
[21:36] <~Kotono> The maid works around, Knight DeLuca helping himself while Mr. Winters refrains. "Conceded," He chuckles a little bit, "That old temple is terribly out of the times. What do you plan to do with it?"
[21:38] <Annerose> "They need to learn how to manage their affairs properly, and we'll make sure of that. The next step is finding funding for the community outreach programs they used to run. After all, this is about making Misty Harbor prosperous again, and sometimes all a person needs is a small nudge in the right direction to help with that."
[21:39] <@Inari> "It's structurally sound, and if it weren't for its current dilapidated state it would be quite the treasure," Inari adds to Annerose's explanation, nibbling on an appetiser.
[21:40] <~Kotono> Mr. Winters smiles at this - ever so slightly, "Interesting! Annerose, Inari, that's enough for me for now. Tell me, are either of you familiar with telescopes?"
[21:40] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+3 Helena again v 3
[21:40] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 18 > [d20=15]
[21:41] <~Kotono> Helena starts to say something, but her fingers slip. Her champaign glass slips and falls, shattering as it splashes over the hem of her dress. "Ah, oh no!"
[21:42] <Annerose> "In principle," Annerose responds, "though it has been a long whil-- oh, some of that got on you! Let me help!" Prestidigitation takes care of the stain, first of all.
[21:42] <@Inari> roll 1d20+13 sense motive are we being played?
[21:42] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=14]
[21:42] <~Kotono> It seems faintly...off somehow. Hard to say. Meanwhile, Mr. Winters smiles, "Abby, would you take Miss Helena back and see to her dress?"
[21:43] <~Kotono> The maid bows slightly, "Of course, sir," she says, coming over, "Don't worry, Miss Helena. We can get it right out."
[21:43] <Annerose> "Oh, there's no need for that," Annerose waves the offer off, taking care of everything with magic!
[21:44] <@Inari> "I'm not familiar with the term," Inari says, looking at the maid and then at Mr Winters. "In fact, while we're using magic to clean things, allow me to help..." she casts detect magic!
[21:44] <~Kotono> The magic gets Mr. Winters to pause, while Knight DeLuca finally looks up and adds something. "Mage, are you?" he murmurs. Inari can detect unusual magic around Helena. OOC: Make spellcraft.
[21:44] <@Inari> OOC: looking for fishy stuff around the maid/lingering auras of recent spells being cast
[21:44] <@Inari> roll 1d20+12 spellcraft
[21:44] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=10]
[21:45] <Annerose> "Among other things," Annerose murmurs, taking care of the broken glass with a wave of her hand. "It comes in handy."
[21:45] <~Kotono> Three spells: a charm spell, detect thoughts and suggestion were all recently cast on Helena.
[21:46] <~Kotono> "Yes, I imagine it does," Mr Winters murmurs himself, "Both of you are wizards?"
[21:47] <@Inari> "For shame. For shame!" Inari stands up now. "How dare you take advantage of our friend like that! How dare you invite us in for a friendly discussion and cast such offensive magic on our party! How dare you!"
[21:51] <~Kotono> "I bet your pardon?" Mr. Winters says, stopping and merely looking to Inari.
[21:51] <~Kotono> "Eh?" Helena says, eyes on the maid before her mostly, though she glances at Inari a few times.
[21:52] <@Inari> "Helena, you've been charmed, suggestioned - no doubt to drop that glass, and had your thoughts read. The magic is plain as day. And I demand an explanation!" Inari says, her usually gentle facade cracking into a scowl while her tails whip around furiously behind her.
[21:52] <Annerose> "Helena?" Annerose asks, pausing. "How are you feeling?"
[21:53] <~Kotono> "I feel fine," Helena says, "I just waned to talk to...Abby?" she blinks a tthat, "Since Abby's my best friend."
[21:53] <~Kotono> roll 1d2
[21:53] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 1 > [d2=1]
[21:53] <@Inari> "Is she now?" Inari turns a fangy smile towards the maid.
[21:54] <Annerose> Eyes narrowing, Annerose commands the foreign magics upon Helena to break as the air turns frigid around her.
[21:54] <Annerose> roll 1d20+6 dispel
[21:54] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=20]
[21:54] <~Kotono> Mr. Winters smiles - a smile that lives up to his name. "As I said, the crux of the matter is prudence. The Bank of Misty Harbor must know what it get sinto before making a decision." At the same time, the magic around Helena shatters like ice, leaving her blink-blinking. "Eh?"
[21:55] <~Kotono> The maid smiles and goes over to Mr. Winters side.
[21:57] <@Inari> "And I'm sure you weren't having Helena separated from us for anything nefarious? No, I'm afraid your explanations hold no credence, none at all," Inari says with a firm shake of her head, her ears flattened in plainly displayed ire even as she smooths out her expression. "And your lack of an apology proves the lie to any knightly honours you claim to hold."
[21:58] <Annerose> There is one creature that would fit with Inari's description, and so Annerose returns Winters's frosty smile as she looks at the gathered men and the maid with Detect Evil.
[21:58] <~Kotono> OOC: Paladin version?
[21:58] <Annerose> OOC: Yes
[22:00] <~Kotono> You can indeed see the taint of evil around her - and Mr. Winters and Knight DeLuca as well. Before you can discern how strong it is, "Yet I feel you aren't what you presented yourselves as, precisely. You see, there are interests in play that would prefer to soon forclose on the temple. They are quite persuasive. Your emergence has added a great degree of difficulty to these proceedings and
[22:00] <~Kotono> those interests have made offers to ensure your offer is rejected. Of course, we are open to a counter-offer.""
[22:01] <~Kotono> Helena just looks a bit dazed, shaking her head back and forth. "What was I thinking?" she mutters to herself, rubbing her forehead.
[22:02] <@Inari> "I don't think you understand, no matter how you want to dither and stall on our offer, there is absolutely nothing you could do to stop the temple merely paying their debt back if we approached them with the funds directly," Inari says disapprovingly. "All you've done is overplayed your hand and revealed yourselves for the scoundrels you are, for nothing."
[22:04] <~Kotono> "There is. We have the right to foreclose at this point rather than accept payment," Mr. Winters smiles coldly, "And that would be that."
[22:04] <Annerose> "I'm disappointed, in many ways," Annerose says, continuing to take them in. "This goes beyond incompetence. A temple is just a building. You can foreclose on the remaining, peeling off gold and recover perhaps ten percent of your investment, yes. But don't pretend it is some grand bargain in the making."
[22:06] <@Inari> Wow, the laws really are insane these days. Inari's tails freeze for a moment as she hears that, taking a moment just to absorb how wrong-headed it is even as she keeps her steely gaze fixed. "And of course we'll have no reason to hold silent as to your behaviour tonight. It won't look good for the bank to be seen treating potential partners this way. It's the sort of thing that scares off
[22:06] <@Inari> further investment in the city... and encourages predators."
[22:08] <~Kotono> "All of these are factors," Mr. Winters says, as Knight DeLuca squirms. "As is why I think neither of us are well suited to taking this to the lengths we proclaim. Rather than forclosure and a tit-for-tat rumormongering campaign, we can come to an agreement."
[22:10] <Annerose> "You wanted to skip the pleasantries and be direct, so why not do it? Better late than never, I think," Annerose states. "Who are these other interests that want the temple foreclosed and the bank losing plenty of good money? And what counter offer is the bank fishing for?"

#ed

[20:00] <~Kotono> Erad settles in for an evening of Rock-minding and waiting. The night stretches before him...OOC: Go ahead and set up what you'll be doing.
[20:03] <@Erad> It'll probably be some time before the meeting starts, so Erad will try and meditate and pray before anything happens. On his mind specifically -- The awkward space between following the law and doing good in the world in Bahamut's name. He will, at some point, have to face this as a challenge head on and he's hoping he might receive some divine inspiration as to how to proceed... should he
[20:03] <@Erad> continue to do good even at the expense of the law? Would Bahamut forgive that?
[20:03] <~Kotono> OOC: Make a wis check, first o fall.
[20:04] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2
[20:04] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 8 > [d20=6]
[20:09] <~Kotono> Erad meditates, letting his mind clear itself. Calmness comes to him as he ponders such difficult questions and answers. No easy solutions present themselves, at least not until there's a disruption. There's a knocking on his inn room door, steady and persistent.
[20:11] <@Erad> Erad makes a face but stands and goes to answer the door.
[20:22] <~Kotono> A young man is there, carrying a brown paper-wrapped package. "Delivery for Erad, courtesy of a Mr. Tear." He does a double-take on seeing the dragonman as he finishes, "Holy crap!"
[20:23] <@Erad> Erad smiles at the young man. "He probably should've warned you about that part."
[20:35] <~Kotono> "Uh, yeah," he says, "You're Erad?"
[20:36] <@Erad> "Yes." Erad says, simply.
[20:39] <~Kotono> "Here," he passes the package over, "It's for you."
[20:39] <~Kotono> Rock looks up from gnawing on a big old beef bone. He sniffs the air a few times before gonig back to his gnawing.
[20:40] <@Erad> Erad will produce a gold coin and press it into the young man's palm. "Hold on a moment, in case I need to send something back." Erad says as he goes to open the package. OOC: Posted the gold
[20:43] <~Kotono> Inside the package is a bottle of wine and a note. The note reads, "Long story, but keep this safe. Wrap up and send my silver unholy symbol for Talona. It's in my second saddlebag besides my bed, with the rest of them. Watch out, the edges are sharp. Wrap it up so the errand boy doesn't see it."
[20:45] <@Erad> "Just a moment, I do have something I need you to send for me." Erad will put the bottle of wine on his own bed and take the wrapping left over to T's bag and look for the unholy symbol as requested with a frown.
[20:47] <~Kotono> It's found without difficulty. It's a silver design of a scourage and wow, those edges do look sharp.
[20:49] <@Erad> Erad will wrap the symbol up, careful not to tear the paper too badly and leave any sharp edges. He stands and offers the wrapped item back to the young man. "I'm not sure where to tell you to send this, but I suppose if Tear gave you any instructions on where to find him, I would follow those. How much do I owe you for a delivery?"
[20:50] <~Kotono> "It's paid," He says, nodding to him, "Thanks!"
[20:51] <@Erad> "All right. Thank you then, young man." Erad says with a smile. "Be careful out there."
[20:52] <~Kotono> Erad goes to settleb ack into meditation - but barely 20 minutes pass before there's another knock on the door.
[20:53] <@Erad> "Oh, come on..." Erad mumbles before he goes to answer the door. Again.
[20:54] <~Kotono> It's the same errand boy with another package. "Second verse, same as the first," he says, offering the package out. He stares less this time, though.
[20:55] <@Erad> "Are you usually this busy?" Erad asks as he goes to open the package again.
[20:57] <~Kotono> Another bottle of wine. "No, but Mr. Tear keeps buying these bottles for you." There's another note as well. It reads, "Longer story. In my third saddlebag is a set of cleric's vestments. It's wrapped with a black sash. Don't give it to the delivery boy. Once he's gone, take it to 20 Mithralshard Street, it's a winery. There's some old wooden boxes on the side of the building, hide it behind
[20:57] <~Kotono> the biggest - it has a split in the middle, you'll know it when you see it. Hurry."
[20:58] <@Erad> "Well, it looks like we're ready for the party." Erad announces. "I think your work for tonight is finished, young man. I certainly appreciate your dedication."
[20:59] <~Kotono> "Thanks," He lingers for a few moments, not saying anything.
[21:01] <@Erad> Erad smiles. "I suppose you did move quickly." He takes out another gold to give the young man. Hopefully that's not a rude tip.
[21:02] <@Erad> OOC: Posted
[21:03] <~Kotono> "Thanks!" He grins this time and waves, going off once he gets the gold.
[21:05] <@Erad> Erad will wait for him to leave before he goes to look for the cleric's vestments as requested.
[21:05] <~Kotono> They're found where T says they would be.
[21:06] <@Erad> Erad nods and stores the two bottles of wine under the covers of his bed. "Rock, stay here. Don't let anyone touch." He gestures at where he put the wine.
[21:08] <~Kotono> Rock nods. "Eat?" He says in accented common, "Eat shiny?"
[21:08] <@Erad> "No eat." Erad says. "No touch."
[21:12] <~Kotono> Rock nods slowly and goes back to his beef bone. OOC: Make a diplo check here.
[21:14] <@Erad> roll 1d20-1 Always with the diplomacy with the guy with no diplomacy
[21:14] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 19 > [d20=20]
[21:15] <~Kotono> OOC: Roll 1d20+19. You might actually pull this off.
[21:16] <@Erad> roll 1d20+19
[21:16] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 33 > [d20=14]
[21:23] <~Kotono> Rock just nods as Erad goes off. OOC: Okay, going to go drop the clothes off?
[21:24] <@Erad> OOC: Yes. I'll fly there to get there faster and also possibly avoid people in the street.
[21:26] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[21:27] <~Kotono> Flying at night does provide some stealth, at least. You find yourself in the northern part of Misty Harbor, night fog rolling in and slowly stealing away visibility. You reach the winery without incident. It's hard to see much with the fog, but it's the right kind of building and there's broken boxes where T said there would be.
[21:30] <@Erad> Erad will place the clothes where he was instructed to. He'll look around for any notes or anything... is this some sort of bizzare treasure hunt?
[21:33] <~Kotono> OOC: PErception.
[21:34] <@Erad> roll 1d20+13 I also have 60ft darkvision if it matters
[21:34] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=12]
[21:34] <~Kotono> As Erad gets them in position, he hears a side door behind him opening.
[21:35] <@Erad> Erad will simply take off into the air at the sound. It's probably best not to get caught if there's a problem.
[21:38] <~Kotono> The person that comes out is T. He goes to the box and checks it, an audible sigh of relief as he hefts the outfit. He puts it under arm and goes right back in.
[21:41] <@Erad> Erad will wait a few moments before he will return to the inn.
[21:45] <~Kotono> The return to the inn is unremarkable. What is remarkable is that you find Rock exactly where you left him. Hell, he's even dozed off, no destruction of chaos left in his wake.
[21:47] <@Erad> Erad will have to tell Inari how well he did and reward him for the good behavior. He checks to make sure the wine bottles are still where he left them, as well.
[21:48] <~Kotono> They are.
[21:49] <@Erad> This is going to make for an interesting story, Erad thinks. Well, no sense in wasting the evening, he'll try and meditate again, though knowing his luck so far...
[21:51] <~Kotono> OOC: Wis check, take 2.
[21:54] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2
[21:54] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=18]
[21:55] <@Erad> OOC: I can only hope T is as lucky as Erad is tonight
[21:56] <~Kotono> roll 1d1000
[21:56] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 166 > [d1000=166]
[21:57] <~Kotono> As he meditates, a few simple words emerge from his mind. "What order is man's order when it goes against the grand order of Bahamut?"
[22:05] <@Erad> Erad has to question that. Bahamut does not condone those who are lawless, does he? Or is it simply a matter of doing good and adhering to Bahamut's law? Hmm... He will have to think on that some more. Does doing good trump being orderly? Is that the ultimate goal?

#d

[20:09] <~Kotono> "Interests that don't need to know the details about you, just as you don't need to know their details," Mr. Winters says, "They're offering an enticement of 5,000 gold, in addition to other considerations worth approximately 1,000 gold. You'd have to beat that, as well as pay off the standing debt."
[20:11] <~Kotono> Helena's face tightens at that, evenly glaring at Mr. Winters.
[20:11] <Annerose> "I think I'll take my chances with the courts," Annerose says politely, "while Inari spreads the word of your untrustworthiness. Have a pleasant evening, Sir Winters, Sir DeLuca."
[20:13] <@Inari> "And Abby!" Inari smiles at the maid, putting her brandy down (not on a coaster!) before she turns and heads out.
[20:13] <~Kotono> Knight DeLuca rumbles at this - a low growl that shakes his shoulders. Mr. Winters merely nods, "If that's your choice, it's your choice. But understand that you'll be taking on a battle you can't win. What connections do you have as new players on the field, hm?"
[20:14] <~Kotono> The maid smiles right back at Inari, a slight curtesy to her. "Yes, ma'am?"
[20:15] <@Inari> "Have a pleasant evening," Inari affirms without turning back. "Make the most of your time, yes?"
[20:15] <Annerose> "You'd have known that if you'd bothered to ask properly, hmm?" Annerose answers sweetly. Then, she feels obliged to add, "Any further assaults upon my person or upon my friends will lead to a brief demonstration, so please have the presence of mind to avoid necessitating them. Let's go, Helena."
[20:16] <~Kotono> "As you wish." Mr. Winters says, "If you'd like to kindly inform the temple that we'll begin foreclosure tomorrow, it would be appreciated."
[20:17] <~Kotono> "Yes, ma'am." Abby smiles winsomely, "If that's what ma'am wants."
[20:17] <Annerose> "I'm afraid you'll have to work through the proper channels. I don't remember being on your payroll, Mister Winters," Annerose says on her way out.
[20:17] <@Inari> "We're not your errand girls," Inari seconds.
[20:18] * Annerose heads out, not stopping for any further attempts at conversation. Once outside, however, she plans to head towards the nearest lawyer.
[20:18] <@Inari> "So... once they foreclose the temple, then what?" Inari asks as they go to seek legal redress. "The bank has no use for it. Won't they just put it up for auction? Where we could then just buy it outright?"
[20:19] <~Kotono> Thus the trio head out, back into the streets. On a glance, the fact that it's past sundown and into the evening makes finding a lawyer open for business unlikely.
[20:20] <Annerose> A lawyer just happens to be one of those professions always on call, like a healer! It's all a matter of costs, Annerose believes. "I want us to have a professional look over the contract, first," she tells Inari and Helena. "Just what exactly they have signed over. Is it the building? The land? Something else? Could we, for example, buy up anything not included as collateral for one gold coin tonight?"
[20:21] <~Kotono> OOC: Make a diplo GI check to try and find one then. Others can aid.
[20:21] <@Inari> "Oh, that's a good idea!" Inari beams approvingly at Annerose showing such trickery!
[20:21] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Helena does the aiding, since she's not taking point any which way
[20:21] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 10 > [d20=8]
[20:21] <@Inari> roll 1d20+18 I'll go as the main
[20:21] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 32 > [d20=14]
[20:21] <Annerose> roll 1d20+15 aiding too
[20:21] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=8]
[20:21] <Annerose> OOC: 36
[20:22] <~Kotono> roll 1d100+36 this matters, higher the better
[20:22] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 47 > [d100=11]
[20:22] <Annerose> "I was quite genuine when I told Mister Winters that he could not recover more than a fraction of the cost the normal way," Annerose says with a shrug. "After all, if it were so simple the priests would have sold off all the gold plating, not just parts of it."
[20:23] <~Kotono> "Whatever this other group is, they must want the temple destroyed badly," Helena points out, "It's probably a competing faith?"
[20:24] <Annerose> "Or a succubus, like that maid almost certainly was," Annerose mutters. "A lawyer might also find a loophole, such as for religious items. If the goal is to desecrate their altar, we might be able to deal with that, at least."
[20:26] <~Kotono> It takes a lot of footwork - over two hours of it. But eventually you end up in a quiet tavern on the corner of a nicer street. It's called Ricard's and features dim lighting and pleasant company.  Oh, and busty serving wenches, albeit dressed nicely. At the bar you find a richly dressed man. He's short but muscular, slamming back a shot of something strong. "Squire Mada Smith," He introduces
[20:26] <~Kotono> himself, "I deal with the law. He's bald and has a blonde beard, head polished to the point it shines. "Mad's fine."
[20:28] <Annerose> "A pleasure," Annerose says, introducing them in turn. "I'm Annerose, and these are my friends Inari and Helena. We're looking for some expeditious legal advice, and can more than compensate you for your trouble."
[20:29] <~Kotono> "This late?" He finishes his drink, "25 gold for a casual consultation," he gestures, "Pay up first. I don't deal with non citizen problems, if this is something outside the normal bounds. Ma'am," he nods slightly to Inari, "No offense meant."
[20:29] <@Inari> "Not to worry, it's far more boring than that," Inari smiles winsomely back at him.
[20:29] <~Kotono> "Boring's good," Mad says, "That means we can get done and get paid quickly."
[20:30] * Annerose places five platinum coins on the counter upon a piece of parchment detailing a copy of two contracts, the original one for the debt and the one authorizing her to make decisions and negotiate on the church's behalf. "Boring, perhaps, but with a chance to get sneaky~"
[20:32] <~Kotono> The coins are taken and tapped, then put away. He goes to study these for a time, "Seems straightforward. They're in the hole by enough to make Waukeen wince and you have the authority to deal with it on their behalf."
[20:32] <~Kotono> Helena goes to sit as well, ahnging back and listening.
[20:34] <Annerose> "It shouldn't surprise you that someone behind the scenes is manipulating the situation. The debt is going to be called upon tomorrow morning, and everything will be repossessed. I assume from glancing through the paperwork that it would be difficult to counter that, at least once we take said outside influence under consideration. But I wanted a consult on what could be sold by the temple or its priests to me before the debt is called upon, as well as a second opinion on what happens if the temple changes hands, or just the land. Or even if all the priests quit tonight."
[20:37] <~Kotono> "Unless you can pay it off tomorrow morning, you can't do much about it," Mad says, tapping part of it and then rereading. "According to this, they'd repossess the temple. What that means practically is that they own what's there when they come to take it, barring anything noted in the contract. It notes a few things - an altar, some building supplies and a few incidentals. Legally, anything
[20:37] <~Kotono> not here you could take or sell before that, and you'd be within the law as written. As for the temple, it would come with the land. The contract's written correctly there, and if they take the land, they take the temple. They have no claim on the priests or workers there and they'd have to leave tomorrow anyway."
[20:40] <@Inari> "Odd that they'd specify the altar like that," Inari says. "And that the temple just went along with it. Though I suppose they are desparate."
[20:41] <Annerose> "Mister Winters, the man in charge of dealing with this from the bank, outright told us that the bank would refuse to accept payment in full unless we bribed him with six thousand extra. Is there any way to use this for an injunction, or to gain an upper hand?"
[20:43] <~Kotono> "It is unusual, but altars are usually inlaid with precious materials and valuable." Mad hmms, "I've seen that clause before for that reason." He stops there, "That's also illegal. The bank can't refuse legal tender - as in coins of the realm or certified trade bars - to pay off a debt. They can challenge if they suspect the money is fraudulent, but it falls on them to prove it and then submit
[20:43] <~Kotono> an appeal to the Dynast." He frowns mightily, "You're chewing on a fine piece of horse manure there.  If you have sufficient funds to pay off the debt, you are legally entitled to pay it off in lieu of foreclosure."
[20:43] <@Inari> "I knew it!" Inari grins and snaps her fingers.
[20:44] <~Kotono> "Unless alternate terms were written into the contract, but I see nothing there about it. The contract is actually written fairly loosely for this - unusually so." He pauses to stroke his beard, "The terms are surprisingly lax and also explain how they got so much debt in the first place."
[20:44] <Annerose> "And one more reason we came to consult with you was to see what possible legal trick they could use to stop us."
[20:46] <~Kotono> "This is purely speculation," Mad goes on, "But I'd say someone wants them to foreclose badly. That outside influence you mentioned? If you want to stop this, the simplest way is to meet them at the temple tomorrow morning with sufficient funds and with a lawyer there to enforce the law. Unless they plan on gross criminal action, they'll have to back down then. At worst we end up in front of a
[20:46] <~Kotono> royal arbitrator or lord, and the law completely favors us at that juncture."
[20:46] <@Inari> "Could you be that lawyer?"
[20:47] * Annerose grins. "We want you to be that lawyer."
[20:47] <~Kotono> He pauses to stroke his beard, "10 gold an hour and yes, I could be," He says, "My normal rate is 5 gold, but the sudden nature means a higher fee is in order."
[20:49] <Annerose> "Sounds good. Do you mind coming with us to see Dawnlord MacGregor now? He should really not be blindsided by all this."
[20:50] <~Kotono> "25 more gold for that tonight," he says, "But yes."
[20:51] <Annerose> "One more thing. To confirm, they can refuse any other forms of payment? So if we lacked a few thousand, this would be the time to sell a suit of armor?"
[20:51] <~Kotono> "Yes," Mad says, "Legal tender of the realm - coins or trade bars. It's possible to get certain other things certified, but it's expensive and not something that can be done in a single hurried night."
[20:53] <@Inari> "I'll go visit Mr Wiser and see if I can scrape some more funds together?" Inari says. "I'll meet you at the temple? Or the Inn?"
[20:53] <~Kotono> "The temple in the morning," he rises, more gold taken. "I'll take care of affairs in the morning. Be there at dawn - just in case they strike early - and with the money."
[20:54] <Annerose> "Stop by the inn to get Rock and Erad, and let's spend the night at the temple?"
[20:54] <@Inari> "Alright, I'll try to hurry," Inari says, standing up and heading out!

#ed

[20:06] <~Kotono> This long meditation is at last disrupted - T comes on in. He's dressed in the cleric vestments and has a bandage wrapped around his left hand, bloody. He wears ab ackpack with several bottles of wine poking out of the top, which he promptly puts down on the floor and then flops onto his bed.
[20:07] <@Erad> "You owe me an explanation." Erad says. "Several, actually."
[20:10] <~Kotono> T holds up his good hand, "Yeah. But you know what? I just stabbed myself with my own dagger," T's arm flops down. "And got paid handsomely for it. I need a few minutes."
[20:11] <@Erad> "Uh huh." Erad says as he stands and walks over to T. He puts a hand on him to heal him. OOC: Using 5 points of Lay on Hands.
[20:12] <~Kotono> "Aaaah, thanks." T undoes the bandage, with a mostly healed wound visible. "No really, and it worked great. See, I had to sell this guy on the fact that I was a disciple of Talona. So how else to do it by proving that I like pain?"
[20:13] <@Erad> "Okay, so that explains the cleric's vestments and the symbol." Erad says. "The wine?"
[20:13] <@Erad> "I think your errand boy was getting the wrong idea about our relationship." Erad adds.
[20:15] <~Kotono> T just groans loudly, "Oh for..." His eyes close and he grimaces. "No! The information mark owned that damn winery. Overpriced swill if you asked me, sold to the rich based on a label rather than quality. But buying those got my foot in the door. But I needed the stuff in my bags and I was working under pressure, so it was the best thing I could think of."
[20:17] <@Erad> "Uh huh." Erad deadpans. "Well, did you find anything interesting out, at least?"
[20:18] <~Kotono> "Yeah." He gestures, "Say, get the ladies and I'll go over it."
[20:23] <@Erad> "They're still at their... whatever it is. Meeting with the bank people." Erad says.
[20:23] <~Kotono> "Huh. Right. I'll get filled in on that later," T says, "Say, in the meantime, want some overpriced wine?"
[20:24] <@Erad> "I can't even imagine how boring that probably is." Erad says with a huff. "Wouldn't you be better off just pawning it and making some of your money back?"
[20:28] <~Kotono> "I might, but not right now. I may need him later, and if word got back? It would be like telling Annerose that she has to go skinny dip in boiling oil. I'm really not sure where that came from, think it's the wine talking. But it wouldn't go good." T says, "Besides, that's why I'll use it for bribes and gifts instead."
[20:30] <@Erad> "Then we may as well save it." Erad says. "You sure find yourself in some odd situations. Have you always been a risk taker?"
[20:31] <~Kotono> "It's not a risk if you know you'll succeed," T smiles a bit, "But I've always been good at this - talking my way out of things, playing people. It's all about people, y'know. Everything is."
[20:32] <@Erad> "Mm. I couldn't do it." Erad says. "It's a challenge enough to be silent as we pretend to be Aurilites. I couldn't lie to someone's face."
[20:33] <~Kotono> "Lying's the easest thing in the world. Telling the truth? That's tougher. You have to sell the truth. Present it right, spin it. But a lie can be anything you need, just right to get it done." A laugh comes with it, "The turth is like a big rock and a lie's water."
[20:33] <~Kotono> Rock stirs a little at this, eyes opening.
[20:33] <~Kotono> *Easiest.
[20:35] <@Erad> "Maybe for some people." Erad says, "But for those of who answer to someone who doesn't approve of that sort of thing? Well, maybe I should have you pretend to be a cleric of Bahamut for a day or two and see how you do, hm?" *Erad says with a smile and a glance over at Rock.*
[20:39] <~Kotono> "Eh, tell Bahamut that I'll give it a swing if I get my hands on one of his holy symbols." T comments idly, "So tell 'em to lay off the smiting, since I'm just faking it. Don't want to set a worse example than Auril."
[20:41] <@Erad> "I think he's willing to turn a blind eye to some unlawfulness if it's the name of greater good." Erad says. "But if I find out differently, I'll let you know. Are there any you actually follow? Besides the one that travels with us right now, I mean."
[20:49] <~Kotono> T snorts loudly, "'nari, 'nari, 'nari. Nah, she's just fun to banter with. Never put much into all the religious noise. 'nari's fun since she's here and she's amusing. Plus hey, foxes go into heat, don't they? Be a whole lotta fun when that happens," T grins ear to ear, laughing.
[20:50] <@Erad> "I am pretty sure she'll hit you for that." Erad says. "Hard."
[20:51] <~Kotono> More laughter, "That's why you don't tell her," T sits up, "C'mon, laugh a little."
[20:52] <@Erad> "You don't laugh about deadly things." Erad says with a nod. "That's how you get people like Helena to hate you like she does right now."
[20:53] <~Kotono> "Ah, she's just upset. Shouldn't have done it if she wasn't comfortable with it," T flops back, "Look, not everyone's cut out for what I do. I'd hate it if she cut a play off at the knees, but if she'sn to up to it, she shouldn't be in a play in the first place."
[20:55] <@Erad> "The day before I had my dream, I think anyone would've passed me over as a potential hero." Erad says. "Sometimes you have to give people time and motivation. So sometimes you have to realize you need to change your pace up a little for the benefit of others. I'm not going charging after that dragon, even though I know I want it dead, you know? I recognize that my allies will aid me in my
[20:55] <@Erad> quest for it in due time, and I've received forgiveness for not chasing it."
[20:57] <~Kotono> "Mmm." T makes a sound, "Guess. Still don't think Helena's cut out for it. She's a good straight man in a play. Think she spent more time with the business side than the hoodwinking side of merchant work."
[20:58] <@Erad> "Then she's a bad fit for you." Erad says. "That's an easy enough thing to fix."
[20:58] <@Erad> "I'd be a bad fit too, I don't talk to people well, I'm too blunt." Erad says. "Inari or Annerose are probably more suitable pairings for your adventures."
[21:00] <~Kotono> "Yeah, I know. You don't have it." T says, "Inari has the instincts for it. So does Annerose, but more as a face than a worker."

#ed

[21:01] <~Kotono> As they chat, door closed, Inari approaches in her mission. OOC: Go ahead.
[21:03] <@Inari> "Boys... ah, T, you're here as well, good," Inari smiles as she comes in, still dressed in her finery. "I'm afraid we're going to have to decamp to the temple of Lathander for tonight. The bank meeting didn't go well, and we have to be prepared first thing tomorrow."
[21:04] <~Kotono> "Oh hey, 'nari," T looks over, toeing the backpack nearby, "Want some wine? Really expensive, overpriced wine?"
[21:04] <@Erad> "It doesn't sound like now's the time." Erad says as he moves to his feet. "Do we need to collect more funds?"
[21:05] <~Kotono> Rock rises and goes to Inari, sniffing. "Smell food?" he says shortly.
[21:05] <@Inari> "I prefer something stronger but it wouldn't go amiss... and no Erad, we've scraped together enough, but we need to be at the temple before dawn with the money on hand. The bank is determined to foreclose and tried to trick us that we couldn't do anything about it," she smiles now both at her instincts being correct and at Annerose's cleverness, "But we engaged a lawyer who told us otherwise,
[21:05] <@Inari> so there's still hope!"
[21:06] <~Kotono> T gets up, takes a bottle and brings it on over. "Best if I sit this one out. Trying to keep my face away from your play while working my angles."
[21:07] <@Erad> "All right." Erad nods to Inari. "I'm glad we have a legal way of putting them in their place. Let's go, then."
[21:08] <@Inari> "Alright, we'll catch up tomorrow?" Inari asks, accepting the wine. "Rock, come on, you as well."
[21:08] <~Kotono> Rock follows. OOC: The three of you heading on back?
[21:08] <@Erad> "Oh, I'll have to tell you about how well he behaved while you were gone." Erad says as they head out. OOC: Yep
[21:08] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:08] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 47 > [d100=47]

#d

[21:04] <~Kotono> roll 1d100 trip to the temple
[21:04] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 38 > [d100=38]
[21:05] <~Kotono> The trip to the temple is quiet. You slip in, Mad waiting by the door and letting you in. "MacGregor's already in on it," he says, "He's getting the acolytes in a row for tomorrow, just in case things go wrong."
[21:06] <Annerose> "Just so long as they know not to throw the first punch, and if they get hit, it's in full view of witnesses and yourself?"
[21:07] <~Kotono> "That goes without saying." Mad says, "We have out here, there's some bedrolls they found for it."
[21:09] <Annerose> "I might as well not go to bed and sleep it off tomorrow," Annerose muses. "Easier on everyone."
[21:11] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, do any of you have any plans besides waiting/sleeping and being ready for tomorrow?
[21:11] <Annerose> OOC: That's a good plan
[21:11] <@Erad> OOC: Erad will pray to see if he gets any divine help for the coming problems!
[21:12] <Annerose> OOC: One thing! Someone should be devoted to DEing people tomorrow in case STRONG EVIL succubus shows up
[21:12] <@Erad> OOC: Erad can do that.
[21:12] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[21:12] <~Kotono> OOC: Anything else?
[21:13] <Annerose> OOC: We'll play the rest by ear
[21:13] <Annerose> OOC: Actually, sorry for the lameness. Can T ensure we have an audience of concerned citizens? Or just bored people watching?
[21:14] <~Kotono> OOC: Not unless they favor later in the morning. It's just too late to really spread word effectively.
[21:14] <Annerose> OOC: He could grab random dudes in the morning and pay them a silver coin to show up?
[21:15] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay.

[21:17] <~Kotono> Sess 26 is a dark, drizzly and cool morning. It's not much past dawn but everyone's in position. Dawnlord MacGregor and a few dozen acolytes stand before the gates, a silent vigil. The party and lawyer wait - and it isn't long before a small group approaches. Half a dozen rough, burly men are lead by a short, skinny man. He wears blue finery and a blue feathered cap. He has a long, hooked nose
[21:17] <~Kotono> and deeply pinched cheeks. In a high-pitched voice he declares, "Ah, good. Dawnlord MacGregor," He says, eyes on him as they stop at the entrance, "The Bank of Misty Harbor has determined your loan is in default and will foreclose immediately."
[21:18] <~Kotono> "No," Mad smoothly steps forward, reaching to him for a handshake. "Squire Mada Smith, lawyer," he says, shaking the blue-clad man's hand firmly. "I'm afraid that's not what is going to happen, because we have full payment in here in legal tender."
[21:19] <Annerose> "You are quite welcome to count it," Annerose offers sweetly, as that would give T more time to gather onlookers for them.
[21:19] <@Erad> Erad will detect evil as he was requested, staying silent otherwise.
[21:19] <~Kotono> The blue clad man is not evil. All of the burly men with him are, and one radiates overwhelming evil.
[21:20] <@Erad> Erad clears his throat loudly and then coughs into the back of his palm once.
[21:20] <~Kotono> The man's eyes rise at this, but before he can say anything, "As we both know, it is legal to pay the debt in full up to the declaration of foreclosure, and that's what we're doing. Please, count it and note it is all in legal tender of the realm." He steps aside, "Annerose, Inari, if you would?"
[21:21] <@Inari> Inari of course stands guard over the chest with all the money, back in her usual attire, albeit without her nicely embroidered mantle anymore. But it paid for this, so she smiles and opens up the chest revealing piles of trade bars and platinum coins with just a few gold left over to cover the exact amount. "It's all here."
[21:22] <~Kotono> There is silence as the blue clad man goes to examine it. He slowly counts it once and then twice. He rises with his cheeks virtually sucked into his mouth, "It....seems to be in order," he finally says.
[21:23] * Annerose nods slightly at Erad, standing there in her blue armor. "Lovely!" she voices. "Then what remains is for you to draft our receipt and declare the debt null and void in writing, I believe?"
[21:23] <@Inari> "As expected," Inari says with justified smug.
[21:23] <~Kotono> "It is." Mad takes out a scroll of parchment, "Here is a form to acknowledge payment of the debt. If you'll sign here, here and here?" He points, "So that even if the funds are lost, the payment is confirmed?"
[21:23] <@Erad> Erad will just spend his time trying to single out the one which is radiating the most evil of the auras in case they try something.
[21:24] <~Kotono> This one is unremarkable - average, really. Just rough, brown hair, brown eyes and plain clothes. But his gaze is notably more active than the others, subtly sweeping about - until it fixes on Erad. His eyes meet his, a lon gmoment of silence.
[21:25] <~Kotono> Signures are slowly given, the blue-clad man's hand shaking slightly. "Yes, yes," he says, voice even higher pitched now, "I must...say it is in order," he echos."You two," he gestures, "Get it."
[21:25] <@Erad> Erad just stands there and keeps his eyes locked. Not even a fake, polite smile.
[21:25] <Annerose> "Please be careful!" Annerose bids them. "It is a great deal of money and only a handful of guards, after all."
[21:25] <~Kotono> A cheer comes - the acolytes whoop and holler. Dawnlord MacGregor is smiling widely, "As you see, Lathander provides. You're welcome to return later to enjoy the services if you like, sirs."
[21:26] <~Kotono> The gaze on him is relentless as well. Slowly the man licks his lips, before going to be one of the two carrying the chest.
[21:26] <@Inari> "And the city has been so unsafe of late," Inari agrees. "But please, convey our regards to Squire Winters? It truly has been a pleasure."
[21:26] <@Erad> "I'm sure they have a trick or two up their sleeves if they run into trouble." Erad says without taking his eyes off the obviously-not-really-a-man man.
[21:26] <Annerose> "It would not have been possible without his support," Annerose agrees.
[21:27] <~Kotono> No response, just a curt gesture as he directs the rough men out, carrying the payment.
[21:27] <@Erad> "Pretty brazen of them to walk that creature up here." Erad mutters.
[21:28] <~Kotono> Cheers - a great chorus of them from the Lathanderites. Helena's just smiling by the end of it and adds, "What creature?"
[21:29] <~Kotono> Rock's stayed in the back for all of it, gnawing on his breakfast - a big old bone of meat.
[21:29] <@Inari> "Bye Abby!" Inari calls, taking her cue from Erad's comment. She doubts there's more than one succubus working for Mr Winters after all.
[21:29] <@Erad> "The one Annerose mentioned. The person... well, they had an overwhelming aura of evil." Erad says, almost spitting. "It must've been who you were talking about."
[21:29] <~Kotono> Mad nods once they're gone, taking out another scroll. He passes this one to Annerose, "My bill," he says, offering his other hand out. "A pleasure doing business with you."
[21:30] <@Erad> "I wish they had tried something, to be honest." Erad says with a small grin. "It would've been fitting."
[21:30] <Annerose> "A pleasure indeed. I'll be sure to recommend your services!"
[21:30] <~Kotono> OOC: Loot post of bill.
[21:30] <@Inari> "I don't know, the look on his face was good enough for me," Inari grins, rocking back on her heels.
[21:32] <@Erad> "Hah, I suppose you're right." Erad says. "...Well now what?" He lets out a breath. "Start the outreach programs?"
[21:33] <~Kotono> "Maybe this afternoon?" Helena glances back at a smile, "Let them celebrate first?"
[21:34] <Annerose> "Maybe keep a guard around to make sure the third party doesn't torch the place in anger?" Annerose suggests. "I'm going to take a nap."
[21:34] <@Inari> "I can celebrate and be on guard," Inari says selflessly, going to join the priests.
[21:34] <@Erad> "Getting too caught up in that got them where they were in the first place." Erad says, but then sighs. "Oh! Before I forget to tell you all. There's a door inside the wagon now, it goes into a small bedroom."
[21:34] <~Kotono> "Yeah, that does sound good," Helena says, yawning as well. "We made friends here and got somewhere we can rely on. I'd call today a big win!"
[21:36] <@Erad> "I'll guard the place." Erad says. "Go get some sleep."
[21:36] <~Kotono> OOC: So what's the party's plans?
[21:36] <Annerose> OOC: Wake up, ensure temple is guarded, see Emmia
[21:37] <~Kotono> OOC: Helena will do likewise. She needs sleep.
[21:38] <@Inari> OOC: hang around the temple to celebrate and offer healing services to anyone who comes by/beat up any bad guys that come by
[21:38] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, since Erad just said he's guarding too. You two in here, Annerose and Helena into #evil.
[21:39] <@Erad> OOC: I'll do likewise as Inari but fly around to make sure no one's doing anything bad. If I get tired I can remove the fatigue from myself.
[21:39] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay.

#d

[21:40] <~Kotono> It's early afternoon, still a dark and dank day as Inari and Erad keep guard. Rock's wandering around near Inari as well, as Helena and Annerose are off and gone to see Emmia. A celebration is still going in full force as...OOC: Perception you two.
[21:41] <@Erad> roll 1d20+13
[21:41] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=9]
[21:41] <@Inari> roll 1d20+13
[21:41] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 30 > [d20=17]
[21:42] <~Kotono> Inari notices it - she's about 20ft away from the front gate. It's a foul smell - like rotting beef. At the same time, her keen eyes catch a faint shimmer going through the gateway, pausing there a few moments, before starting to head for her.
[21:42] <~Kotono> Meanwhile, Rock's about 40ft away, aimlessly wandering and gnawing on a bone, while Erad is 30ft away and 60ft up
[21:42] <~Kotono> .
[21:44] <@Inari> "Stop right there!" Inari says, levelling her spear at the source of the spell and casting animalistic power, making her fur spike out and her teeth grow bigger, a feral gleam in her eye. "We have an intruder!"
[21:44] <~Kotono> "Hah," It's a horrifying sound - like gurgling meat and bones. But it doesn't stop - it instead charges right at Inari! OOC: Init, you prevented an ambush by Mr. Invisible.

[21:45] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2
[21:45] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 9 > [d20=7]
[21:45] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+2 ???
[21:45] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=20]
[21:45] <@Inari> roll 1d20+4
[21:45] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 6 > [d20=2]
[21:45] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+1 Rock
[21:45] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=15]
[21:46] * Kotono changes topic to '???(22)>Rock(16)>Erad(9)>Inari(6)'
[21:46] <~Kotono> Before Inari can even react, it is on her, something comign right at her!
[21:46] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+14 (+2 charge) flatfooted AC unless uncannies
[21:46] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=8]
[21:46] <@Inari> OOC: 13
[21:47] <~Kotono> roll 3d6+10
[21:47] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 22 > [d6=3,5,4]
[21:49] <~Kotono> Blood. Pain. Something slices deep into Inari's stomach, knocking the wind out of her. It looms over her - an oversized human with a cow's horned head. Its face is nothing but teeth, green drool leaking out. "That's it!" It rasps loudly, "EVERYONE DIES!" It has a wickedly huge axe, edge wet with Inari's lifeblood. "Die die die die DIE!" Its body is covered in putrid red scales, with flicker with
[21:49] <~Kotono> flames and seem half rotted. Its eyes are orbs of fire, which constantly leak green fluid down its face, like it is crying. Otherwise is only wears a loincloth that doesn't hide much - did not need to see THAT, really. OOC: K:A or K:P here is relevant, y'all.
[21:50] <@Inari> OOC: lack both
[21:50] <~Kotono> OOC: Erad?
[21:50] <@Erad> roll 1d20+6
[21:50] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 12 > [d20=6]
[21:50] <@Erad> OOC: K:P for reference
[21:51] <~Kotono> OOC: Swing and a miss.
[21:51] <~Kotono> OOC: Rock's up.
[21:52] <~Kotono> Rock turns before he charges it head long, "No! No food hurt!" He snarls, leaping at him with claws out.
[21:52] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+11 (+2 charge, -2 PA) claw
[21:52] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=4]
[21:52] <~Kotono> But its like clawing iron, scratching off its impossibly well defined and scaled abs. He tries to bite after, but it's more like a baby gnawing on a bottle. OOC: Erad.
[21:54] <@Erad> Erad's claws drip with acid as he flies down to try and take a piece of this thing out! OOC: Flying down to just punch the hell out of it
[21:54] <@Erad> roll 1d20+9+5 also trying to smite evil it
[21:54] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=8]
[21:55] <~Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[21:55] <~Kotono> OOC It has reach on you, okay with an AoO?
[21:55] <@Erad> OOC: Yeah, AC is 20 unless this is some sort of dragon
[21:55] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+12 AoO times AC?
[21:55] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 29 > [d20=17]
[21:55] <~Kotono> roll 3d6+10
[21:55] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 21 > [d6=3,3,5]
[21:56] <~Kotono> OOC: Go onto damage.
[21:56] <@Erad> OOC: Okay
[21:57] <@Erad> roll 2d8+2+5+1d6+2d6 the 5 is smite, 1d6 is extra to evil and 2d6 is acid
[21:57] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 19 > [d8=1,2][d6=2,1,6]
[21:58] <~Kotono> The creature whirls, axe cutting deep into Erad's leg as he comes down. But he punches it right in the face, acid sizzling with a direct hit. But it leaves no acid burn, but the creature's face glows white, making the flesh writhe and boil away into green goo. It grins at this and laughs, shaking all over as...OOC: Inari.
[22:00] <@Inari> "I'll be counting on you, Rock," Inari says, ducking behind the troll and casting aid to make him hit better and provide him a little protection in case those flames aren't just for show!
[22:00] <@Inari> roll 1d20+13 acrobatics to avoid AoO
[22:00] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 17 > [d20=4]
[22:00] <~Kotono> OOC: It's out of AoOs, doesn't ahve CR.
[22:00] <@Inari> roll 1d8+6 temp hp for Rock and +1 to attack, assuming I don't die first
[22:00] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 8 > [d8=2]
[22:01] <~Kotono> Rock is bolstered and aided, glowing with eldritch energies. It whirls on Erad and grins sickly, "DIE DIE DIIIEEEE!" it chants in Common, then strange, roiling words, chants something else. It then swings, turning his savagery on him. OOC: What language do you all speak?
[22:01] <@Erad> OOC: Common and Draconic
[22:03] <@Inari> OOC: Common, sylvan, terran, celestial, goblin, giant
[22:03] <~Kotono> OOC: Neither of you know it. Okay.
[22:03] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+10 (-2 PA) Erad axe
[22:03] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 28 > [d20=18]
[22:03] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+5 (-2 PA) Erad axe
[22:03] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=18]
[22:03] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+5 bite
[22:03] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 14 > [d20=9]
[22:03] <~Kotono> OOC: AC?
[22:05] <@Erad> OOC: 20
[22:05] <~Kotono> roll 3d6+14+3d6+14
[22:05] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 48 > [d6=3,5,1,2,6,3]
[22:06] <~Kotono> The assault is too much. Erad is torn into, the beast ripping into him with a glee as his blood is spilt. Erad falls to the ground, body ripped and torn, lifesblood poolling out. AS he blacks out, Rock matches that fury, leaping onto him and clawing away, "EAT!"
[22:06] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+14 (+1 aid, +2 rage) claw 1
[22:06] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 30 > [d20=16]
[22:06] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+14 (+1 aid, +2 rage) claw 2
[22:06] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 29 > [d20=15]
[22:06] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+9 (+1 aid, +2 rage) bite
[22:06] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=16]
[22:07] <~Kotono> roll 1d6+10+1d6+10+2d6+15+1d6+5
[22:07] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 60 > [d6=1,5,4,4,6]
[22:08] <~Kotono> The creature is torn into just the same, sides torn as Rock latches and and rends. Rotting flesh goes and green blood pours out, the troll biting in and taking big chunks out of the creature's intestines. It roars in laughing fury, as...OOC: Inari.
[22:10] <@Inari> This is certainly a bad situation, either her or Erad could be killed seemingly at a whim by this creature, and no amount of healing she can provide in the short term will fix that. Backing off further behind Rock, she hurls some foxfire at the beast, hoping that'll be enough to put the demented thing down before it's too late!
[22:11] <@Inari> roll 1d20+8 ranged touch
[22:11] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=19]
[22:11] <@Inari> roll 6d6 fire
[22:11] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 20 > [d6=6,1,4,1,3,5]
[22:11] <@Inari> roll 1d4 recharge
[22:11] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 1 > [d4=1]
[22:11] <~Kotono> The direct hit rocks the beast back, setting it ablaze. But still it stands, standing strong - as the doors to the temple open. Dawnlord MacGregor is there, clutching his holy symbol, "The wicked attack the temple!" he declares. OOC: Joining init.
[22:11] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[22:12] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 17 > [d20=10]
[22:12] * Kotono changes topic to '???(22)>Dawnlord MacGregor(17)>Rock(16)>Erad(9)>Inari(6)'
[22:12] <~Kotono> The beast whirls on Rock, the two locked in deadlys truggle, as axe meets claws.
[22:12] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+10 axe (-2 PA)
[22:13] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 19 > [d20=9]
[22:13] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+5 axe (-2 PA)
[22:13] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=10]
[22:13] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+5 bite
[22:13] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 17 > [d20=12]
[22:13] <~Kotono> roll 3d6+14 nonlethal
[22:13] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 25 > [d6=2,4,5]
[22:14] <~Kotono> Rock catches the axe with his face - its split open but only a little bit of blood comes, the gash and brains resealing and repairing almost instantly. Advancing 10ft, Dawnlord MacGregor holds up his holy symbol, which catches the light and diffuses it all around him - including over Erad's wounded body, just at the edge.
[22:14] <~Kotono> roll 5d6 healing from turn undead
[22:14] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 13 > [d6=2,4,1,3,3]
[22:15] <@Erad> OOC: Just Erad or Inari too?
[22:15] <~Kotono> OOC: Just Erad, didn't wanna hela Mr. Axe.
[22:15] <~Kotono> This stirs Erad - who awakens from his brief blackout, wounded but still alive. He's up, if just barely, lying prone and awake. Meanwhile Rock continues his assault, mouth full of tainted flesh.
[22:16] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[22:16] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 18 > [d20=4]
[22:16] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[22:16] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=1]
[22:16] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+9 bite
[22:16] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=15]
[22:16] <~Kotono> roll 1d6+10+1d6+5
[22:16] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 21 > [d6=1,5]
[22:17] <~Kotono> There's a wet crunch as the creature's neck is torn open, Rock biting a big chunk of it out. Blood flows - before it turns pale gray. The creature turns the gray of weathered stone, before crumbling to a fine ash. Its axe and loincloth remain behind, but nothing else. OOC: Free act.

[22:19] <@Inari> "Good work, Rock!" Inari praises the troll for his fine defence of her body, moving back over to him and Erad and casting mass lesser vigor to heal them all some.
[22:20] <@Inari> OOC: 32hp healed over 16 rounds
[22:20] <@Erad> Erad groans and pulls himself back to his feet. "That was... ...ugh. Embarassing." Erad says. "Rock, Inari, thank you."
[22:20] <~Kotono> The Dawnlord comes over, "Unthinkable," he says, "Such a creature mounting a brazen assault!"
[22:21] <@Erad> "What the hell was it?" Erad asks as he kneels back down. He casts Detect Evil over the loincloth and axe, just in case.
[22:21] <@Inari> "I hardly think it was capable of magic itself, there was a mage who helped by casting invisibility on it before it attacked," Inari says. "But with such a distinctive scent, it shouldn't be hard to follow back the path it took," she wrinkles her nose unhappily at said scent, giving Erad a bit more healing since he took the worst by far.
[22:21] <@Inari> roll 3d8+6 Erad Healz
[22:21] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 26 > [d8=8,5,7]
[22:22] <~Kotono> There's faint and fading evil all around its remains. The axe isn't evil nor is the loincloth.
[22:26] <@Erad> "I don't think this was the creature we ran into earlier, at least." Erad says as he stands up. He'll hoist the axe up too. "Inari, I somehow doubt it, but are either of these magical?"
[22:26] <@Inari> "Let me have a look..." she casts detect magic, grimacing at the loincloth.
[22:26] <@Inari> OOC: take 10 for 22 on spellcraft if applicable
[22:27] <~Kotono> OOC: Neither are magical.

#ed

[21:39] <~Kotono> roll 1d100 trip to Emmia
[21:39] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 85 > [d100=85]
[21:43] <~Kotono> Emmia is found eating bread. She looks rather paler and shakier, but she's eating in her house.
[21:44] <Annerose> "Hello," Annerose greets her as she steps inside. "Pardon the intrusion, but I think we just made a move along one of the paths."
[21:45] <~Kotono> "So you did," Emmia murmurs, "What path do you wish to see today?"
[21:46] <Annerose> "What you told Erad and I arose my curiousity," Annerose admits. "It seems like the room we found in our carriage is a way into one of the paths? If so, could you tell us more about it?"
[21:51] <~Kotono> "I will look..." Emmia is silent for a little time. "It is a path. A gift. One who crossed your path and acknowledges you are one of the last hopes. As you grow, its path shall grow, like the great tree that never dies."
[21:53] <Annerose> "How wondrous," Annerose murmurs. "Thank you, that does help with the curiousity. More directly, can you help us maximize any benefits to us, the temple and Misty Harbor from our actions this morning? Any would-be allies we could approach over this, or community programs we should restart first? The true nature of its enemies, so we know who to look out for?"
[21:54] <~Kotono> "I have looked down one path. I do not have the sight for another, not today," Emmia says, "The wagon is alive, like a tree. It will grow with you. Its path and yours are tied together."
[21:56] <Annerose> "What about the horses?
[21:56] <~Kotono> "They are part of the wagon." Emmia says slowly, "Like branches are part of a tree."
[22:01] <Annerose> "That makes sense! Do you know, by chance, if this means we'll get to meet someone on the same path? Perhaps someone following our benefactor?"
[22:02] <~Kotono> "It may be so...seeing that far on the paths is hard for me now." Emmia coughs several times, "I fear I do not have much time left in this life."
[22:03] <Annerose> "In that case, I'm glad we managed to pull it off. That way, you don't have to take it all on faith, but the results are starting right here!"
[22:04] <~Kotono> A laugh - one that brings raspy cries with it, but a laugh. "It is...it is a gift, in its way."
[22:09] <Annerose> "Yeah. Do you want to visit it yourself? I could give you a hand."
[22:10] <~Kotono> "No." A slow shake of her head, "This is where I want to die...and it may be today, in a week or a month, but it's soon."
[22:10] <~Kotono> Helena sighs, "I hope it's not too quickly. We're just getting to know you."
[22:11] <Annerose> "And you're getting to know us! It's different when we're together like this, isn't it?"
[22:19] <~Kotono> Emmia laughs - a long thing, before she gasps. With a grimace a hand goes to her chest, strangled words as she gasps for air.
[22:19] <~Kotono> Helena freezes a moment before she gets up, rushing towards her, "Emmia!"
[22:21] * Annerose is right there as well! "Emmia, breathe, just breathe!"
[22:21] <~Kotono> Gasps for air - but nothing. She manages to get out, "Time...my...path...time..." Her grimace is intense as she's sweating, cold and clammy. "Thank...you..."
[22:25] <Annerose> "Thank you," Annerose returns, holding Emmia's hand. There is nothing profound to say, not with where Emmia is going, so she is left with brushing the old woman's hair soothingly and being there for her.
[22:25] <~Kotono> "Thank...You...High..." Emmia gets out a few more words before she goes still, eyes staring out at nothing.

[19:56] <~Sunshine_Ko> The aftermath of battle. Inari slips away to sell an axe real quick, returning thereafter. MacGregor, Rock, Inari and Erad are at the front of the church. Rock is currently sniffing the coinbag he was given, while Annerose and Helena return...OOC: Go haead, y'all.
[19:57] <Annerose> "It was her time," Annerose says simply. "All we can do now is respect Emmia's final wishes."
[19:59] <~Sunshine_Ko> Helena comes in, "She had a good, long life."
[19:59] <@Inari> "It's not food but you can exchange the coins for food," Inari patiently explains to Rock before turning to greet Annerose and Helena as they return. "Oh, she died? I'm sorry to hear that," she says. "But yes, that is what matters," she agrees with Helena's sentiment.
[19:59] <@Inari> "Oh, also we were attacked by a strange smelly demon monster."
[20:00] <Annerose> "I figured there would be more than one," Annerose admits. "Sorry for not being here for this, but I felt I was needed where I was."
[20:01] <@Erad> Erad nods to Annerose. "I'm glad she was surrounded by the people she waited so long for."
[20:01] <~Sunshine_Ko> Rock grunts at this and in Giant "Gold. Food." He says, jangling the coin pouch, raising it up to his open mouth.
[20:02] <~Sunshine_Ko> MacGregor then spekas up, "Lathander rest her. Does she need funeral rites?"
[20:02] <@Inari> "You couldn't have known, and it sounds as if you were in the right pla..." she trails off as Rock starts to eat the gold. "Well... yes I suppose you can do that as well..." she concedes weakly to his earth elemental nature.
[20:02] <@Erad> "I wonder, though... There are two parts to her final wish. I'd like, if possible, to honor Savras with them, but also keep her body from being taken by Umberlee." Erad says.
[20:02] <Annerose> roll 1d20+11 K:R rites for burial at sea
[20:02] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 14 > [d20=3]
[20:03] <~Sunshine_Ko> CHOMP! A horrid screetch of tearing metal is heard, Rock chewing the coins and swallowing. It drowns out conversation for sevreal moments, before Rock burp up a few chewed coin chunks.
[20:03] <~Sunshine_Ko> Helena just stares at it, slowly shaking her head as her hand goes down to her coin pouch.
[20:04] <~Sunshine_Ko> Annerose can only recall a few bits for Umberlee.
[20:05] <@Inari> "Did it taste better than meat?" Inari asks, since one gold coin can buy a large quantity of meat.
[20:05] <~Sunshine_Ko> "No." Rock replies in Giant, "But food."
[20:05] <@Erad> roll 1d20+6 K:R for some way to throw something into the sea but not let Umberlee have it?
[20:05] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=17]
[20:06] <~Sunshine_Ko> "So. Funeral rites." MacGregor clears his throat. Meanwhile, Erad knows that a body can be properly consecrated to avoid Umberlee's touch. Costs a bit in reagents and materials, though.
[20:07] <@Inari> "Well keep the rest, you can trade them for meat later," Inari suggests.
[20:07] <Annerose> "She wished to be buried at sea," Annerose volunteers.
[20:08] <@Erad> roll 1d20+6 K:R on any final rites he might somehow have heard of for followers Savras or maybe Mystra in general?
[20:08] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 19 > [d20=13]
[20:08] <@Erad> Erad nods to Annerose. "I think it'd be possible to consecrate her body in such a way that Umberlee could never have it. I don't know how much that would run, but I'd be willing to pay it... she deserved that much, at least."
[20:09] <Annerose> "Can we count on your help?" Annerose asks MacGregor.
[20:10] <~Sunshine_Ko> Erad can also recall some basic rituals - fairly brief ones about the future and honoring it, but he knows some.
[20:10] <~Sunshine_Ko> "You even need to ask after today," The Dawnlord says with a smile.
[20:12] * Annerose smiles back at him, before she grows sober. "We should bring Emmia's body back here, so let's do what we can now. We'll also need to hire a boat...."
[20:13] <~Sunshine_Ko> OOC: Okay, so that's your plan? Get her body consecrated (they'll cover the cost), hire a boat and go out?
[20:14] <Annerose> OOC: Yes. Find a good place, say a few words, go back
[20:18] <~Sunshine_Ko> OOC: Quick diplo for GI to find ship info. Someone can lead and up to two can aid her. I'd say him or her, but I doubt Erad's taking point on a Charisma check.
[20:18] <@Erad> OOC: God, I hope not.
[20:19] <@Inari> roll 1d20+17 I'll do it
[20:19] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 32 > [d20=15]
[20:19] <@Erad> OOC: Although he's had a surprising amount of success with it thus far...
[20:19] <Annerose> roll 1d20+15 help!
[20:19] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 35 > [d20=20]
[20:19] <~Sunshine_Ko> roll 1d20+2 Helena aids too then
[20:19] <Serith> Sunshine_Ko roll for Serith < 14 > [d20=12]
[20:21] <~Sunshine_Ko> It's one thing to get a ship. It's another to find a good one that's the right size. It takes some work, but soon you come to a small, pierside shop. It's a bit foggy here as you come in, a small place decorated with ship parts and a single old man there. "A small ship? 5 gold a day if you can manage to get it out yourself. 8 if you need to hire a sailor to sail it."
[20:21] <Annerose> "Eight gold it is. We'll only need it for the day, I think."
[20:22] <~Sunshine_Ko> OOC: Post the expense real quick in that case.
[20:23] <Annerose> OOC: done
[20:23] <~Sunshine_Ko> roll 1d100
[20:23] <Serith> Sunshine_Ko roll for Serith < 59 > [d100=59]
[20:25] <~Sunshine_Ko> It's late in the afternoon by the time the party's out into the sea. The shore becomes farther and farther away as you sail out, Emmia's body wrapped in white linens. The sailor is a tight-lipped fellow, unremarkable save for his bald head. Despite a bit of fog, it's not too hard to go out, now in the open sea...OOC: Go ahead.
[20:26] <Annerose> "Please take us somewhere with a nice view of the city, fog allowing?" Annerose requests.
[20:27] <~Sunshine_Ko> A simple nod and he directs you. The fog hurts a bit - it's just lingering this afternoon. But you can see Misty Harbor from here - the docks and tall-masted ships. The city, largely flat save for a few hills. The palace, its spires rising up along with its towers.
[20:28] <Annerose> "Thank you. I think this will do fine, don't you, Erad?"
[20:31] <~Sunshine_Ko> Helena stands there, head bowed quietly.
[20:32] <@Inari> Inari stands alongside Helena to show her respects.
[20:33] <~Sunshine_Ko> Rock just focuses on the water as he stays in the middle of the boat.
[20:37] <@Erad> Erad nods to Annerose. "Yes." He clears his throat once. "I'm not very good at this sort of thing... but... Let me see."
[20:39] <@Erad> "We didn't know Emmia for very long, but she impacted each of our paths in a positive way. It's at this time that we give our thanks and honor the future that Savras showed to her. I hope that we can all follow the paths she showed us to do more good in this world." Erad says, looking rather sheepish after he's done. "I'm going to pray to Savras to make sure he knows what an impact she had on
[20:39] <@Erad> all of us."
[20:41] <Annerose> "Things will keep getting better," Annerose says after Erad is done. "I'm sure that wherever she is, whatever form Emmia's soul takes in the afterlife, she will be happy to watch over them."
[20:44] <~Sunshine_Ko> "She'll be remembered for helping to make a better tomorrow." Helena bows her head, "After all of this...I think what I want is the better paths she talked about. She suffered, like so many others we've seen in our short time together."
[20:46] <@Erad> Erad nods and moves over to her body, kneeling down to say a quiet prayer. "Savras, I do not follow your path as diligently as Emmia did, but I hope you acknowledge this humble servant of Bahamut's attempts to honor your own servant's. We thank you and her for all you have done for us." He will stand and move to carry the body over unless anyone else has anything to say.
[20:46] <@Inari> "She had a hard life, but she tried to make things better for everyone. That's to be respected, and I hope rewarded," Inari adds her own little bit.
[20:47] <~Sunshine_Ko> Emmia's body lies there. Her face can be seen - wrinkles relaxed, no sign of pain or trauma anymore. Just a calm, dead face at rest.
[20:48] <@Erad> Erad will lift it up and get it as close to the water as he can before releasing her.
[20:48] <~Sunshine_Ko> A gentle splash heralds Emmia's descend beneath the waves, sinking down into the waters. She soon slips out of sight, the endless churning of the sea taking her to the bottom.
[20:49] <@Erad> Erad nods. "I think we're done here."
[20:50] <~Sunshine_Ko> roll 1d100-10
[20:50] * Annerose runs her hand over the waves, covering the area with snowflakes that linger for a few moments before melting away.
[20:50] <Serith> Sunshine_Ko roll for Serith < -4 > [d100=6]
[20:52] <~Sunshine_Ko> From here, returning to town and then your inn rooms is without incident. Dinner is uneventful and the party heads up to their rooms. But as you go by, the two splitting away to go to the proper rooms, the door to the ladies' inn room opens. T's head pokes out, "In here," he says, "And don't laugh, there was a hell of a good reason for this."
[20:52] <Annerose> "I make no promises."
[20:53] <@Inari> "Laugh about what?" Inari asks, heading in.
[20:53] <~Sunshine_Ko> Helena stops and follows along, "Yeah, sounds like a story in the offing."
[20:53] <~Sunshine_Ko> Rock just follows, still gnawing on a bone from dinner.
[20:55] <~Sunshine_Ko> WIthin is T. He's clad in a pale blue ball gown, all fancy and with the whole works - some jewelry, girdle and heels. "Turns out one of my noble contacts has some...unusual tastes." He grimaces, "So how the hell do you get out of all these damn corsets and layers?"
[20:56] <@Inari> "How... how did you get into them?" Inari asks, looking a bit stunned.
[20:56] <~Sunshine_Ko> Helena takes one look and sputters, which turns into laughter.
[20:57] <@Erad> "You really are unlucky, aren't you?" Erad says rather grimly.
[20:57] <~Sunshine_Ko> "They had helpers," T grumps, grimacing, "Buuuuut I did too good. He told me to keep the damn dress and wear it out. By the way, minus one invisibility oil. Plus side, I think this is a fairly fancy dress, if any of you want it."
[20:57] <Annerose> "Please hold still," Annerose instructs T, starting to methodically help him out of the gown without ruining it.
[20:58] <@Erad> "Did you find anything useful in all of this?" Erad asks with a tilt of his head. "Or just more overpriced wine?"
[20:59] <~Sunshine_Ko> Getting T out isn't hard - just tedious. He's soon down to his undergarments, which thankfully were left normal. He finally sighs and plops down onto the nearest bed, "You know how nobles can get away with doing what they want, even if it's socially unacceptable for lower classes? That."
[21:00] <@Erad> "I'm not sure I'd qualify that as useful." Erad counters.
[21:00] <~Sunshine_Ko> OOC: Loot post.
[21:00] <Annerose> "What did you end up using the oil for?" Annerose asks curiously, cleaning the gown with Prestidigitation.
[21:00] <@Inari> "It does help to harden our resolve at least?"
[21:00] <~Sunshine_Ko> :Getting home, since I wasn't going to walk and be seen like this," T gestures, "Anyway, have some good information. Give me a half hour to get cleaned upa nd fed, and I'll meet all of you in here."
[21:01] <Annerose> "You are an idiot."
[21:01] <~Sunshine_Ko> "A man has limits," T shoots back, 'sides, I'd draw way too much attention from doing it. It's the opposite of being low key."
[21:01] <Annerose> "It would have been cheaper to tear it off!"
[21:02] <~Sunshine_Ko> "Thanks for the dress, T," T retorts, rolling his eyes, "It's just my color!" He raises his voice into a poor falsetto for that.
[21:03] <@Erad> "If he tore it off, he'd have been coming home mostly naked." Erad says. "So I think it probably worked out for the best, considering the... er... special circumstances."
[21:05] <@Inari> "Well so long as you had a good time, that's the main thing," Inari teases.
[21:05] <Annerose> "I suppose if the story is particularly good...."
[21:06] <~Sunshine_Ko> T just stomps off, ignoring Helena's laughter. Soon enough he comes back dressed normally, carrying a plate of food. He takes a few bites before saying, "So," he begins, "All of you remember the last chat, right?"
[21:07] <Annerose> "I don't think I'll be in a mood to laugh once we get into that, so...." Annerose laughs.
[21:08] <@Inari> "Yes?" Inari prods him to get on with it, now sitting off the side of her bed.
[21:13] <~Sunshine_Ko> "So I've been doing some more digging," he says, "First of all, found out another potential allied family. The Holums is a house of Knights who fell out of favor in the previous war. John Holum got himself killed and his troops routed. They're a bit west of Warmfolk - we weren't that far from some of their lands, actually. They're also not so fond of Umberlee, the current head of the house
[21:13] <~Sunshine_Ko> Johnathan Holum - yes, creative namers there - has had some sparring with Aurilites who head up from the south."
[21:14] <@Inari> "Might find some support there when we go down to take care of that problem, then," Inari says, sounding pleased.
[21:14] <Annerose> "Are they in some form of immediate danger like the other potential allies?" Annerose inquires. "From the war or polical manipulations?"
[21:16] <~Sunshine_Ko> "No, they're just marginalized. They aren't that rich and don't have any real influence in the palace now," T says, in between bites of food. "They're a reasonably old family too, just one that's fallen out of favor rather than growing stronger."
[21:18] <~Sunshine_Ko> Helena settles down, "So they could be allies down there. Really useful if we swing that way again, yeah."
[21:18] * Annerose nods in approval.
[21:20] <~Sunshine_Ko> "So anyway, that winery thing. It's a noble operation, selling to the rich and all that. Overpriced swill if you ask me." A pause to drink down his mug of ale, "Aaaah! Much better. The owner's a complete waste - give him a bit of a show and he crumples up. No real guts if you poke him hard enough, but I got some good information from him."
[21:21] <@Inari> "Well, let's hear it?"
[21:24] <~Sunshine_Ko> "First of all, Jack Maggen patronizes them. He's nice on the surface, but isn't afraid to show his true nature. Anyway, once I sold my snitch on myself being one of Talona's flock and made a few threats, he spilled. He's been buying wine and shipping it to an address," T reaches into his pocket, "And I have it. Worth checking out in case it's an Aurilite hangout."
[21:26] <~Sunshine_Ko> "If it is, we can deal with them," Helena looks up, "We still owe them for all the trouble they've made fo rus."
[21:26] <Annerose> "Just wine? Or something under the pretext of overpriced wine?"
[21:27] <~Sunshine_Ko> "Just wine," T shakes his head, "Even Aurilites need to drink."
[21:28] <@Erad> "We should be wary about running afoul of the law." Erad warns Helena. "But... we might find out if they're really after us. Then there'd be no problems, even if knights showed up."
[21:28] <Annerose> "Or we could ensure nothing traces back to us."
[21:29] <@Inari> "Yes, if we just march up and start stabbing the authorities will come down on us hard," Inari agrees. "But certainly we can investigate and then try a more subtle approach... or we could just summon some monster and send it running in to start murdering people. It worked for them after all," Inari sighs.
[21:30] <@Erad> "Well, we can always disable them." Erad suggests. "Knock them out, that sort of thing. If it comes to that, anyway."
[21:30] <~Sunshine_Ko> "
[21:31] <~Sunshine_Ko> "Yeah, let's not forget we're being subtle." T agrees, "It's useful information, but use it wisely. Unless you like the dungeons or being short a head."
[21:32] <@Erad> "We can always just watch the place for a day or two and see who comes and goes." Erad suggests.
[21:33] <@Inari> "That's a very good idea, Erad," Inari says. "By seeing their comings and goings we can locate other buildings they frequent. There might be better targets, or opportunities to create diversions that way."
[21:34] <~Sunshine_Ko> "Not a bad strategy. I might do that if all else fails," T remarks, "It's solid if time consuming. Bring some food."
[21:35] * Annerose nods. "It's an especially good plan since I intend to help Lathander's temple start as many of its old programs as possible, and these people wouldn't like that much."
[21:35] <@Erad> "For me, personally, I'd like it if you could try and see if that follower of Tiamat has any friends in town." Erad says. "If we're going to be here a while, I intend to make sure I deal with those types while we're here."
[21:40] <~Sunshine_Ko> "I'll file that one away," T says, "Anyway, as for the rest of what I got. Not very useful except as blackmail, but a few nobles have some unsavory tendencies that I heard about from today's excursion. Knight Richard DuLean apparently has a wife that's just for show and to produce an heir. The rest of his time's spent holding his ankles, if you get what I mean. He's a southern house allied with
[21:40] <~Sunshine_Ko> the Maggens. It's more personal blackmail, since he DOES have an heir now it's of limited use. Knight Willis Umguard, the Western Shield? Apparently prefers to use magic to be Dame Umguard instead. Gets around in both forms and has a bunch of bastard children, which apparently is a hell of a cover. He's neutral but it's pretty good blackmail, since apparently his wife is a harridan with some
[21:40] <~Sunshine_Ko> considerable power and is in the dark."
[21:41] <Annerose> "Anything on Winters or DeLuca?"
[21:42] <~Sunshine_Ko> "Some on DeLuca," he says, "Not a lot, didn't get to them. Picked up one bit in passing - bit of a brute, rumor is he's heavy handed with his wife." He winces at that, "It's a scandal, but nothing's really been done. The Dynast doesn't care."
[21:44] <~Sunshine_Ko> "And these are the people who claim to be nobility?" Helena asks, eyes wide, "Unbelievable. You mean he's hitting his wife?"
[21:44] <Annerose> "I don't suppose one of your new friends could be persuaded to resolve this to our satisfaction?"
[21:44] <~Sunshine_Ko> "That's the rumor," T nods, "Resolve what, Annerose?"
[21:45] <Annerose> "The Dynast doesn't care because it is a noble's doing," Annerose elaborates. "So he would not likely care if one of these people over whom you have leverage decides to mete out punishment. Either to keep DeLuca in check, or call him out in public."
[21:47] <~Sunshine_Ko> T hmmms, "I might be able to. Umguard's in town and has some influence," He murmurs, "I'd need to do it right, and it's not risk free, but I like the idea. I was thinking of something a little more..." here he trails off, flexing his hands. "Direct. But I knew that was too rash."
[21:47] <~Sunshine_Ko> "Wait, Western Shield. So why isn't he at the war effort?" Helena speaks up.
[21:48] <~Sunshine_Ko> T shrugs, "Not all officers and commanders are at the front. Speaking of that! Rumors are flying, but the most reliable souces are claiming that Malana suffered at least a mild defeat out west. The early rumors that were more hopeful don't seem accurate, but information's still unreliable. There's no sense of panic or that a fall campaign could get too far, but spring could be difficult.
[21:48] <~Sunshine_Ko> Hopefully."
[21:49] <Annerose> "Might look into buying a replacement oil before trying it, definitely," Annerose muses. "Let's do what we can before we have to leave Misty Harbor and recruit all our possible allies."
[21:49] <~Sunshine_Ko> A nod, "So anyway, what do you think Is hould focus on tomorrow? I have a few leads I could chase or people to rurmor-monger."
[21:51] <@Erad> "Perhaps get more word out about the cathedral?" Erad asks. "It might serve several purposes for you, to both bait those we'd consider enemies and reveal allies."
[21:51] <Annerose> "I don't think so," Annerose says, shaking her head. "T wanted to stay out of that whole thing, and right now it'd be best to observe the people hostile to it than tie himself back to the entire thing."
[21:53] <~Sunshine_Ko> "Yeah," Tsays, "They'll be looking now, I bet you. They're surely riled up from that setback."
[21:53] * Annerose frowns. "I'd say that you should either look into our most recent enemies, those demon lovers DeLuca and Winters, and maybe the bank as a whole, or try to work on that plan to protect DeLuca's wife from him."
[21:54] <~Sunshine_Ko> "Alright then," T says, standing up, "I'll do that in the morning." OOC: Ready to move along?
[21:54] <@Erad> OOC: sure
[21:54] <Annerose> "One more thing, maybe one of us could approach her? Gauge her character and situation, see if it's a front and if not, if she'd be willing to help us turn things around?"
[21:56] <~Sunshine_Ko> "It'sa n idea," T says, "Worth a try, too."
[21:58] <~Sunshine_Ko> Sess 27 is a cool day, clear and pleasant. Summer's heat feels far away as the party rises for another day. OOC: Plans?
[21:58] * Annerose intends to return to the temple of Lathander and start helping the Dawnlord reach out to the community once more!
[21:59] <@Erad> OOC: Erad will keep watch at the cathedral for the time being since he doesn't have a lot else to do.
[22:00] <@Inari> OOC: Inari'll hang around the temple and help/fend off demons as well.
[22:14] <~Sunshine_Ko> OOC: Okay. That's pretty doable. Bringing Helena and Rock along first of all?
[22:15] <@Inari> OOC: yeah
[22:15] <Annerose> OOC: Rock won't feed hungry homeless people, though
[22:15] <@Inari> OOC: he kills demons real good
[22:15] <~Sunshine_Ko> OOC: Probably for the best.
[22:15] <~Sunshine_Ko> roll 1d100
[22:15] <Serith> Sunshine_Ko roll for Serith < 82 > [d100=82]
[22:17] <~Sunshine_Ko> You reach the temple of Lathander in good spirits. MacGregor is directing the acolytes, a ceremony around the outskirts of the building. He greets all of you with firm handshakes, "There's old magic we can begin to revitalized, allowed to lapse due to the expense, which protects the temple. After yesterday, it's clear Lathander's enemies will not rest."
[22:17] <@Inari> "A wise precaution," Inari approves. "We'll help defend the place while you work on that, and try to help with anything else that comes up?"
[22:18] <Annerose> "I heard about that, and yes, that does sound likely," Annerose voices. "Is there anything we could do to help with the ritual itself?"
[22:18] <~Sunshine_Ko> "Yeah," Helena says, nodding along.
[22:19] <~Sunshine_Ko> "In all truth?" MacGregor shakes his head with a blush, "Money. The ritual's expensive."
[22:20] <Annerose> Maybe selling everything to them for a steal was the better option after all? Annerose doesn't voice that thought, asking instead, "How much, and how exotic are the components?"
[22:21] <~Sunshine_Ko> "A few thousand gold," He answers, "Fairly exotic. You've done enough," he holds a hand up, "If we make the best of this, we can strengthen the ritual on our own."
[22:22] <Annerose> "Does the gold that still remains to adorn the temple serve any mystical quality?" Annerose inquires, deciding to be direct. "Or is it mostly aesthetical?"
[22:24] <~Sunshine_Ko> "Both," The Dawnlord answers, "Inactive due to part of it being lost."
[22:25] <Annerose> "Would it be easier to sell what remains to fund the temple's defenses, and then aim to start anew?"
[22:28] <~Sunshine_Ko> "Not at all," He says, "Though if ou need money yourselves, it's the least we cna do."
[22:29] <Annerose> "No shortcuts, I suppose," Annerose muses, accepting that fact.
[22:29] <@Erad> "Maybe we should look into that dragon." Erad says. "It might be the easiest way."

[19:36] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:36] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 50 > [d100=50]
[19:36] <@Erad> OOC: That's a nice, middle-of-the-road number to start with.
[19:41] <~Kotono> Things are quiet this morning. The ritual takes it up for the Lathanderites, and a minor healing or two is the only distraction. Come lunch - a simple but hearty  meal of fresh bread and dried meat - Dawnlord MacGregor comes into the small kitchen you eat at. "News is spreading through the city," he announces without preamble. "Bad news."
[19:41] <Annerose> "Please, don't hold us in suspense."
[19:42] <@Erad> Erad looks over to the Dawnlord. "Yes, let's hear it."
[19:42] <@Inari> Does this mean they lost that battle Helena was talking about? Inari waits with bated breath!
[19:43] <~Kotono> "Fortress Iron Resolve has fallen, as has Breakshield. A stunning new offensive and some means that shattered the fortress walls like glass." He says, shaking his head. "The thrust from there is going straight towards Fortress Adamantine and Highspite. If those fall..." A long shake of his head, "The heartlands of Malana are wide open."
[19:44] <@Erad> "Do they have any specifics on what these means were?" Erad asks. A dragon would certainly tilt things...
[19:45] <Annerose> "Magic, obviously," Annerose voices.
[19:45] <~Kotono> Helena scowls, "Worse than T was saying. Much worse. Even fi they march straight on, they'd be strained to reach Misty Harbor by winterfall, but at that point they might not need to."
[19:46] <~Kotono> "It has to be some new magic, something the military mages and defenses can't stop," Dawnlord MacGregor says, "Rumor is that the palace is tightly closed and abuzz, with any noble worth his name heading there."
[19:46] <@Inari> "Better there than at the front?" Inari points out. "Still, whoever wins better the war be decided swiftly than it dragging on and causing more death in the long run."
[19:48] <Annerose> "Perhaps we should reconsider setting off for the front?" Annerose asks. "If we were to take a ship, we could be in Jellan within a week. From there on, it is a matter of days to reach Fortress Adamantine."
[19:49] <~Kotono> "You're thinking of joining the war effort?" Helena glances over at her.
[19:49] <~Kotono> Rock just focuses on eating strip after strip of jerky, barely looking up at the conversation.
[19:50] <Annerose> "We know that our best ally amongst the nobles is about to be sacrificed to the war, and Inari and the Dawnlord are both right. Should the war go so dramatically in their favor, they will just rampage across the countryside without deciding the war quickly enough."
[19:51] <@Erad> Erad nods. "We can't let Brent Househaven just die in the midst of all of this, if he's truly to be a key in saving Malana."
[19:51] <~Kotono> "Househaven?" The Dawnlord speaks up then, "What does he have to do with saving Malana?"
[19:52] <@Erad> "We've been given reason to believe he will stand with us against the likes of Auril and Umberlee." Erad answers.
[19:52] <Annerose> "We think he's one of the key people who will oppose Auril and Umberlee's grasp, yes, but the other reason is far more pressing. A quick, decisive war is best if one must have it, but if it is impossible then a balance of power is the next best thing."
[19:52] <@Inari> "That's not actually what I meant," Inari says, "If all of Malana's defences fall so swiftly they'll surely sue for peace rather than continue to fight, won't they? Which is a good thing."
[19:53] <Annerose> "Do you see that happening? I'd imagine we're more likely to see widespread conscription and deals with unsavory powers for success."
[19:54] <~Kotono> "Or they won't accept it," The Dawnlord speaks up, "If the barbarians have us that badly broken, why would they listen to reason?" He shivers, "Why not take the prize directly?"
[19:54] <~Kotono> OOC: Make a perception check, all.
[19:55] <@Erad> roll 1d20+13
[19:55] <Annerose> roll 1d20+2
[19:55] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=10]
[19:55] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 4 > [d20=2]
[19:55] <@Inari> roll 1d20+13 scent reminder
[19:55] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=11]
[19:55] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+18 ???
[19:55] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=6]
[19:55] <Annerose> "I can't say I'm right on this, but given the choice to believe in the good graces of invaders that started the war in the first place and nobles that brought the land to what it is, I'd rather do something about this myself."
[19:55] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+10 Helena
[19:55] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=17]
[19:56] <~Kotono> Huh. For some reason, Inari can smell T nearby. At the same time, Helena suddenly startles, "Did you see that," she stands and points ahead, just behind the Dawnlord.
[19:56] <@Erad> "See what?"
[19:56] <@Inari> "We don't know that they did start the war, it could easily have been Malana. And I really don't feel comfortable fighting..." she trails off and looks over where Helena's pointing. "T?"
[19:58] <~Kotono> A light little punch on the Dawnlord's shoulder gets him to startle, as T blurs into visibility. "Yeah, guess all of you heard. No sense source hunting when everyone's in an absolute panic and can get into the castle, while I can't so easily. Figured I'd touch base rather than chasing panic."
[19:58] <~Kotono> Helena scowls, "I thought you said that it wasn't as bad as this, just last night!"
[19:58] <@Inari> "Really you could have come in like a normal person. We got attacked by an invisible demon yesterday, I might have stabbed you if I hadn't smelled you first," Inari chastises.
[19:59] <~Kotono> T goes to sit, nabbing a bit of bread and starting ot tear it into pieces, popping it into his mouth, "I was wrong. Hell, everyone was. I think they did a better job at keeping the info under wraps until it reached the city proper." At this he shrugs, "Didn't want to be seen coming in since I'm trying to stay away from all this."
[19:59] <@Erad> roll 1d20+6 K:H on what Erad can recall about how Kabath has historically done when they go to war (do they stretch things out or do it decisively) and how they treat citizens?
[20:00] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=14]
[20:00] <@Inari> "I suppose that's fair..." Inari concedes. "Anyway, I was saying I don't feel comfortable fighting to defend the current regime."
[20:01] <Annerose> "The people living in the countryside that will be threatened if the last fortress falls are innocent, however. And they had no hand in choosing their rulers," Annerose points out.
[20:01] <~Kotono> Erad can tell that by propaganda, they're rampaging monsters, barbarians, ect ect. In history's cooler, more measured gaze? It depends on the ruler in question as well as the war's circumstances. Most are reasonably rationa, but it has gone sour a few times.  The current ruler, Queen Penelope, is a cruel and savage piece of work. She views cowardice as grounds for execution and has made worship
[20:01] <~Kotono> of Tempus mandatory. She is a war maiden.
[20:01] <@Erad> "I'm not sure how much you know about Kabath, but if they win, things aren't going to get any better." Erad says.
[20:02] <~Kotono> "Thinking about throwing in?" T grimaces, "Well, here's the thing. If this super weapon's true and they can keep using it, the fortresses are probably doomed. At that point, Malana's lines are shattered and it's going to get ugly. I hope Queen Penelope's more interested in carving off more border land than a full invasion, but I've never heard anything good about her."
[20:03] <@Inari> "Very well. If we go to the front I'll fight to protect the people. But I won't stand under the banner of any of these revolting nobles we've heard so much about," Inari grudgingly relents but still holds one last line of her own!
[20:03] <@Erad> "Queen Penelope, the current leader, is war-hungry. She'll probably force everyone who can into battle and those that can't will probably be worse off than they are today." Erad continues. "She executes people based on cowardice and forces them to worshop Tempus. I'd say that manages to be even worse than the laziness of Franz."
[20:04] <~Kotono> "Then..." Helena says, "Maybe we need to fight for what's right rather than a side. If Kabath is clearly the aggressor, then we need to stop them."
[20:04] <@Erad> "I think if we're going..." Erad starts, "We should at least try and meet up with Househaven. We can probably get a better idea of what's really going on that way."
[20:05] <Annerose> "We could join forces with Lord Househaven, yes," Annerose agrees. "And strike out on our own otherwise. As for that weapon, it could be similar to what that shaman was using back then, Inari. If so, maybe it's a clue as to who was behind this."
[20:06] <~Kotono> "I'm not going to lie, I'd rather do almost anything than join the army." T slowly pops down a few more bits of bread, "See, I like that idea of being more independent. Especially after mucking out the noble's closets the last few days."
[20:07] <@Erad> "I don't think that's our ultimate goal." Erad says. "But we really can't do very much on our own, I think meeting with Househaven is a first step into creating something much bigger that we can continue to work towards."
[20:09] <~Kotono> "Yeah. If we impress him and help bail him out, we'd be in his good graces." T remarks, slowly eating. "But let's say we do this - what exactly do we DO? Try and help the army in support? Go investigate that super weapon? See about sending Quene Penelope off to Tempus?"
[20:09] <Annerose> "That does create a few new problems, if we do go," Annerose admits. "Dawnlord, would your defenses be sufficient? And T, could you put that plan in motion in time?"
[20:10] <~Kotono> "We've survived this long in worse," The Dawnlord says, "Lathander will light our way ahead."
[20:11] <~Kotono> "Which plan," T says, "There's a lot of moving parts right now."
[20:11] <@Erad> "We ultimately do need to stop this new weapon, because it threatens everyone." Erad says. "After that? What if Househaven started to create an independant city? It's a long shot, but... Well, it's hard to really make any serious guesses as to what we're going to do, things may change when we meet him."
[20:11] <Annerose> "The one about protecting DeLuca's wife from him. It's the only concrete thing we discussed."
[20:12] <~Kotono> "Right now, I'm not sure. Probably, but everyone's going crazy now today." T hmms, "But better to act now while I have an opening."
[20:13] <Annerose> "Yes, I think you should. And we'll trust the Dawnlord to spread Lathander's grace to the capital while looking for a suitable ship?"
[20:15] <@Inari> "Sorry we couldn't stay longer, but hopefully we'll be able to help more when we return," Inari says to MacGregor.
[20:15] <~Kotono> "Right." T gets up and sighs, "Fuck everything," he mutters, "Even if we hold them off, with the fortresses weakened and broken, a bad harvest and a hard winter ahead...they may not need to do much come spring." T says, getting up. "It's gonna be a long, cold winter, isn't it?"
[20:16] <@Erad> "T, do you think you'd be able to pinpoint any reports on Househaven for us while you're doing that?" Erad asks. "In case he got moved or something."
[20:16] <~Kotono> "I'll try," T says, "But there's only so many hours in the day, and right now the palace is a mess."
[20:20] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, so what's the plans all around, y'all?
[20:20] <Annerose> OOC: Find a boat to take us to Jellan, if possibly large enough to transport the carriage
[20:21] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay. Diplo check for GIng, +2 circumstance since you did this sort of thing yesterday. Two pepole can aid.
[20:21] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Helena aids since T's busy and Erad/Rock are Charisma-nots.
[20:21] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 19 > [d20=17]
[20:21] <@Inari> roll 1d20+19 I'll do it
[20:21] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 28 > [d20=9]
[20:21] <Annerose> roll 1d20+15 I'll help
[20:21] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=10]
[20:25] <~Kotono> The streets are chaos, with words and rumor flying. It's tense at the docks, with guards already milling about. But amid all this, you find one familiar face - Captain Burke. He's as short and sunburned as ever, bald head peeling under the sun's rays. You chance on him just besides his ship, "Inari," he greets her. "Looking for a ship? Trying to beat the declaration?"
[20:27] <@Inari> "I suppose we are," Inari admits. "But we're not precisely fleeing the country, rather trying to get to Jellam before it falls. Any chance you could help us with that, Captain?"
[20:28] <~Kotono> "100 gold as a flat fee and 20 gold per day at sea. Partial days are paid in full." He nods, "You'd best hurry. There's a rumor going around that the Dynast is going to pressgang all the ships into the war effort."
[20:31] <@Inari> "Sounds fair," Inari says, not about to haggle under such circumstances. "We'll be ready to sail before sundown." Reaching for her own supply of money she pays the advance fee now so no one else can try and jump the queue.
[20:31] <@Inari> OOC: loot posted
[20:32] <~Kotono> "You'd be best faster than that. We're leaving in 90 minutes, with or without you." He lowers his voice, "I'm not going to risk getting stuck in this war and losing my livelihood. Hurry."
[20:34] <@Inari> "Alright, we'll hurry," Inari says, turning to her companions. "You all get the carriage and our things, Helena and I will try and find T?"
[20:35] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay. How are you going to try and find T?
[20:35] <Annerose> "Works for me," Annerose agrees. "What do you want to do if you can't manage it? Leave a note for him at the inn and temple and go, or see about another ship?"
[20:36] <@Inari> "We'll just have to try another ship, we can't leave him behind. Meet back here in an hour either way!" Inari says, dragging Helena and running off.
[20:37] <@Inari> OOC: go sniff around the palace district for him. Helena's done stuff with him before so she'll know his habits and Inari can smell him. Or either could see him.
[20:37] <~Kotono> OOC: Make ad iplo check, +2 bonus. Helena will also aid.
[20:37] <@Erad> OOC: After we help with the wagon I could wait at the inn or the temple for him?
[20:37] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+2 aiding
[20:38] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 14 > [d20=12]
[20:38] <~Kotono> OOC: Sure thing, Erad.
[20:39] <@Inari> roll 1d20+19
[20:39] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 33 > [d20=14]
[20:40] <~Kotono> As the wagon is gotten and loaded, possessions secured, luck is with Inari. She finds T heading down a street in the mid-city, going along at a good, solid clip.
[20:42] <@Inari> "T! Wait up!" Inari shouts, running to catch him.
[20:42] <~Kotono> T does exactly that, "'nari?" he asks, Helena running up as well.
[20:44] <@Inari> "We have to go," she says, tugging his arm and starting to walk towards the harbour. "The only boat we found leaves in less than an hour. No one's willing to stick around with rumours that the Dynast is going to conscript them."
[20:46] <~Kotono> "Well, then let's go," T grimaces, hurrying along. From there it's a short trip to the harbor, the wagon loaded and the party on. Just as they get on, "Raise anchor," Captain Burke calls, "We're leaving now!"
[20:47] <@Inari> "Well, I suppose that dragon will have to wait for our return trip?" Inari says once they're all stowed away, showing little care for how she tempts fate.
[20:49] <@Erad> "If things go like we plan, it would certainly make sense." Erad says.
[20:49] <Annerose> "How nasty."
[20:50] <@Erad> "Actually... just to be on the safe side, I'm going to take a walk around and see if any of our friends followed us onto this ship." Erad says. OOC: Basically he's going to look around with Detect Evil and see if there are any strong or overwhelming auras on the boat.
[20:54] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[20:54] <~Kotono> As the party settles on board, Erad goes and looks around. While some of the crew members are evil, none are beyond faint.
[20:56] <@Erad> Erad will nod with himself, satisfied with that and return to the others.
[20:59] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, are y'all gonna do anything but settle in for the trip?
[20:59] <Annerose> OOC: Yes
[21:01] <@Erad> OOC: Erad will do some praying and meditating to see if he gets any upcoming hints about dragon boss fights
[21:01] <@Inari> OOC: settling in!
[21:02] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay. What do you have in mind then, Annerose? Erad, we can deal with your thing in a moment.
[21:02] <Annerose> OOC: My bad, meant I was settling in
[21:04] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[21:04] <~Kotono> OOC: Make a wis check, Erad. +2.
[21:05] <@Erad> roll 1d20+4
[21:05] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 6 > [d20=2]
[21:05] <@Erad> OOC: He gets seasick easily, you see
[21:07] <~Kotono> Erad finds one thing ou t-he gets seasick. This rather ruins his meditation as the days begin to slip by. OOC: More.
[21:08] <~Kotono> Sess 28 passes in a blur of clouds and sun. That night...BAM! The party shares the guest bunks by simple necessity, everyone snoozing away. It's then that a massive shaking stirs them, followed by a loud BANG.
[21:09] <@Erad> "...Oh, come on..." Erad mumbles as he pulls himself slowly up. "Not this again..."
[21:09] * Annerose stirs with considerable difficult, making her way to the top deck in her nightgown.
[21:09] <@Inari> "Aah!" Inari jerks awake, looking around wildly. "Are we sinking?" she shouts, jumping off her bunk and running up onto deck in her own nightgown.
[21:10] <@Erad> Erad follows in short order, bleary-eyed but awake.
[21:22] <~Kotono> T stumbles out in his nightclothes, as Rock ambles along and Helena grabs her shield. "Wha?" she asks, blinking away sleep. As the party reaches the stairs back to the main deck, they see a man coming down them. Bare chested and scrawny, wearing dirty brown pans and carrying a scimitar. "Pfah! Surrender and you'll live!" he declares, brandishing his blade.
[21:22] <Annerose> "Stop moving!" Annerose commands him, striking out with her mind.
[21:24] <@Inari> Dammit and she left her spear downstairs. "Surrender to what?" she asks with still the appropriate incredulity for one man taking on a ship.
[21:24] <~Kotono> OOC: In that case init, since neither side is surprised. Party order is Erad, Annerose, Inari, T, Rock and Helena.

[21:24] <Annerose> roll 1d20+5+5
[21:24] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2
[21:24] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 6 > [d20=4]
[21:24] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 14 > [d20=4]
[21:24] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6 T
[21:24] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=17]
[21:24] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Helena
[21:24] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 5 > [d20=1]
[21:25] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+1 Rock
[21:25] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 14 > [d20=13]
[21:26] <@Inari> roll 1d20+4
[21:26] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=20]
[21:26] * Kotono changes topic to 'Inari(24)>T(23)>Annerose=Rock(14)>Erad(6)>Helena(5)'
[21:26] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+3 ???
[21:26] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 21 > [d20=18]
[21:26] * Kotono changes topic to 'Inari(24)>T(23)>???(21)>Annerose=Rock(14)>Erad(6)>Helena(5)'
[21:26] <~Kotono> OOC: Open Inari.
[21:28] <@Inari> Inari won't initiate hostilities - maybe he'll realise how ridiculous this all is and back down. If he doesn't he can get set on fire though. OOC: readied action to foxfire if he attacks/casts a spell
[21:28] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay. T's up.
[21:29] <~Kotono> T just stares a moment, "Really, going at  6 on 1 odds?" He just asks, staring.
[21:30] <~Kotono> "Surrender to us! This is a pirate raid. Surrender or you'll be tossed into the sea!" He points his blade out at the party, "Now!" OOC: Annerose and Rock.
[21:32] <Annerose> "I said to stop moving!" she says peevishly. "And stop talking!"
[21:32] <Annerose> OOC: Hold Monster Will DC21
[21:33] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[21:33] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 12 > [d20=9]
[21:34] <~Kotono> Aaand down he goes, utterly unmoving under Annerose's command.OOC: Free act for now.
[21:34] <@Erad> Erad will grab the young man by the shoulder and continue on to see if there are, in fact, other pirates. "This is ridiculous."
[21:35] <@Inari> "So where are the rest of the pirates?" Inari wonders, going to look over the side of the boat.
[21:36] * Annerose takes a glance through her magical sight while the others rush ahead to assess the threat level of pirates by the one sample she has here.
[21:43] <~Kotono> Going up onto the deck, you find a scene of chaos. A few sailors defend against waves of pirates - at least a few dozen. A ship is next to yours, a smaller one with no flag flying. The sound of clashing steel is everywhere.
[21:44] <@Erad> "Well, this seems like a rather cut and dry case of defending ourselves." Erad says. "Shall we?"
[21:44] <@Inari> "Lets!" Inari says, preparing to join the melee!
[21:45] <Annerose> "I did want a ship of my own!" Annerose agrees, moving into the best position to freeze the rushing masses.
[21:45] <@Erad> Erad will try and throw the currently disabled pirate at one of his friends, if any happen to be near the edge of the boat at the moment.
[21:45] <~Kotono> OOC: Just going to join ina nd try to contribute, all?
[21:46] <Annerose> OOC: At first, then I'll move over to take the other ship
[21:48] <@Erad> OOC: Indeed
[21:48] <@Inari> OOC: basically yes, I'll punch or set on fire pirates. And heal friendlies.
[21:50] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay. We'll pause here before starting an actual combat.