Soulriders 5.0: Legend of the Unending Games

We begin OOC with this one.

You want to talk to Gytha, Tryll?

Yes please.

Gytha is found in his laboratory. He seems to be brooding, still and thoughtful as you enter, Calleigh fluttering above you.

"Gyyyyythaaaaaaaa~" Calleigh sing-songs. "Guess whaaaaaaaaaat~!"

"I am aware," Gytha says calmly, almost placid. "How could I not be?"

"Well yeah, the dress speaks for itself." Calleigh gestures to her princessly gown, "But we're not here to talk about that! We did the ritual! It worked! Sorta. Yeah! Did you hear the big god noise?"

"Yes," Gytha concurs. "I was waiting for you to come here."

'Unsurprising. Were you privy to the commands given by the Triune?' Tryll asks.

"Yes," Gytha concurs, "I was."

'I would think you would be pleased.'

"I am. I am contemplating what this all means," Gytha says, "The changes to our fate are immeasurable."

'We've been tasked by the divine to recreate our own race. If there are resources you need, I would be pleased to assist you in procuring them. Just make a list.' Tryll offers.

'What I primarily need is support and money,' Gytha says, 'The lifesblood of magical creation. Will you support me?'

'Of course. You think I would do otherwise?'

Gytha turns to you, all his eyes observing you. 'Of course not. We have a mission now - what is our goal once Lifasa is freed?'

'Lifasa's oceans will be our new home. We'll need to complete your research, and make improvements to our old forms. Our new home will have predators that we must be capable of surviving.'

'Very well,' Gytha says, 'What manner of improvements, precisely?'

'Preferably a bit more hardiness. I remember being surprised at our frailty once we left home.'

Gytha ripples as he considers, 'Yes. That is not incorrect. Our minds are strong, but our bodies are too weak. We must overcome that.'

'Also, if we could instill some of our current physical malleability into the new race, that would be interesting. Harder to do, I think, but potentially worth it. Also hilarious.'

Gytha merely responds with, 'We must work carefully, but skillfully. What is our time frame?'

'None. Eventually I suppose, but I got the impression that the liberation of Lifasa is intended to come first.'

'So it is," Gytha agrees, 'To that, is there anything to be done now?'

'Not at the moment. Everything right now is going toward the preparation to strike at Lifasa and expel Hell's taint. Something soon, probably. Once that's done, we can focus all of our efforts on completing this project. We should locate the other three, as well if we can.'

'Do you have any leads?' Gytha asks.

oh god gimme a few to log dive. I can't remember.

Sure.

After five hours of log-diving, I can safely say that We only have one other name and no leads. Time for some new divinations. Also I really need to nail down names for the others. I've made them up and then forgotten them twice now.

Okay, what name then?

Thorajin was the other one I named. I could spit out the other three in a moment if you want them.

Sure.

D'ln's Tr'll (Tryll): Male-equivalent
R'lgg'r G'tha (Gytha): Male-equivalent
L'r'l Thor'j'n (Thorajin): Catalyst
Gl'r'r'g A'ka-a (Aka): Female-equivalent
R'kr'd K'rna (Kirna): Female-equivalent

Adding these to my to-do list so I don't lose them for the eighth time.

Great. Now to Gytha's question of having any leads.

'At current, no. The divination that lead us to you didn't reveal any others. I suppose it's been long enough that we can try it again.' Tryll replies.

'Agreed,' Gytha says.

Okay, cast away or get someone to cast for you.

Tryll manifests Divination!

Okay, what are you divining?

"I'm looking for locations for Aka, Thorajin, and Kirna."

Your answer is this: Seek river, road and blaze.

'River, road, and blaze. That's...not extremely helpful."

'A riddle,' Gytha confirms. 'I find it unlikely they are all on the same plane, so I would speculate that it refers to planes.'

'River could be Oceanus, the Styx, a river somewhere in Water, or even a Prime. Road is sufficiently ambiguous that it could be anywhere. Blaze is concerning.'

'Sendings!' Tryll starts, 'I'm so stupid!'

'That would be easier,' Gytha concedes, without commenting on your stupidity.

'I can't believe I didn't think of it!'

"I can!" Calleigh kicks in, "You were overthinking it again!"

'...fine. I need a wizard.' Tryll grumbles.

'You do,' Gytha concurs. 'Go get one.'

Any preference on who casts those sendings for you?

Someone with a proper wizard hat.

Thus you end up before Sage Vul'lath. He looks up from his reading in the library and says quietly, "How many sendings?"

'Three, if you would. The message would read as follows: Hello, this is Tryll. I realize that you're probably busy, but if you would contact me at your earliest convenience I would be much obliged.'

"Thrillling," Vul'lath says sourly, "Names? Interplanar sendings, I presume?"

'Thorajin, Aka, and Kirna.'

With another sigh, Sage Vul'lath rises, "This way. Each casting will be ten minutes and allow for a reply."

Roll 1d100 3 times and post it.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 55, total 55[/blockquote][blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 89, total 89[/blockquote][blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 6, total 6[/blockquote]

When done a half hour later...

"Thorajin replies with one word: Maybe," Sage Vul'lath begins, arms tucked into his robes and long sleeves. "Aka did not reply and Kirna expressed interest, but a lack of ability to reply herself."

Interesting that none of them fell in that 5% chance of failure.

'Hm. Would you be amenable to another pair of sendings? If not, I can trouble someone else.'

"Very well," Sage Vul'lath agrees, waiting on your instructions.

'Please ask the Thorajin and Kirna if they would be agree to meet here. If not, to provide a place I can meet with them.'

Soon enough the answer is, "Ahem. Maybe and she can meet you in the City of Brass, respectively."

'Well, it's better than some part of Hell, I suppose. What is Kirna doing on Fire of all places? Hm. And Thorajin is being difficult. I'll need to suss them out. Thank you for your time and assistance, Vul'lath.' Tryll says.

Calleigh's suspiciously-quiet state vanishes as she glomps onto Vul'lath's arm. "Itsahuuuuuuuuug!" And then she takes off out of the Library.

Make a Reflex save, Calleigh.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+27 : 10 + 27, total 37[/blockquote]

Also Improved Evasion.

Calleigh escapes faster than Vul'lath acts and...

Next move?

Next move is going to Fire. Is that something I can do now while I'm on hiatus?

Yes, but fair warning: You had best avoid combat, since you're in no shape for it.

Buddy, every time I go into combat is a gamble. Tryll is squishy at the best of times, and Calleigh can soak MAYBE one big hit on a really good day.
Life's dangerous. That being said, there's absolutely no reason why we shouldn't bring backup. Like Simmer. She available?

Sure.

She'll note that she could get Kirna and bring her back here, save you the trouble in your condition.

Tryll would be much obliged and volunteers to look into the creation of crystallized fire for her in return.

> roll 1d100
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=17 ]{17}

A bit more sending back and forth and magic happens, tedious details that have to be done. You await deep in the library, working and resting when Elena pops in. "Hi! Simmer's back."

'Good news, I hope?' Tryll replies. Calleigh is not visible, but snoring can be heard high in the stacks.

"Yeah. Well....Calleigh will get along with her," Elena says, fidgeting.

'Nice to know she hasn't changed, then.' Tryll is amused.

"Well, she's in the courtyard with Simmer," Elena says, then vanishes.

'Delightful. Thank you, Elena.' Tryll says as he rouses Calleigh.

Calleigh lunges into a sitting position. "STUFFED PASTRIES! Uh. Oh! Bye!" And launches into the air and out of the Library.

moving on then

You find Simmer and Kirna waiting by the gate. Simmer is like always, and so is Kirna. Can't change much when you're ethereal, after all.

'Tryll! Oooh, you have a courre!' she says brightly in your minds, 'Would you like to meet my courre?'

"Oh boy oh boy OHBOY MORE COURRSES!" Calleigh is positively delighted.

'Hello, Kirna. How's life treating you?' Tryll is amused.

'It's great, except for having to trade in the City of Brass, because it's soooooo hot there but I just had to get that obsidian monument, and only efreeti worksmanship would do,' she replies.

Meanwhile a simple cloth floats in, twisting around and forming a circle. A tiny portal, a bag forming from the cloth. A bag of holding? From it a cute, red headed courre pops out. "Hi! I'm Starwind and there's another like Kirna, wow, I wasn't sure that would ever happen and that she wasn't some stray abomination and look, hi how are you doing, what's your name, I bet it's Summerbreeze, you look like a summer breeze, don't you, and I bet you'd be a lot of fun at parties, since you'd just zoom zoom zoom around until you want to take a nap."

"HI! I'm Calleigh! But Summerbreeze is a good name too! HEY YOU!" She points at Tryll, "My new name is Calleigh Summerbreeze! PRINCESS Calleigh Summerbreeze! Make sure everybody knows! Wait. That's my job. I'm gonna tell EVERYBODY! ELENA!"

Tryll continues as though this were normal. 'A monument? What are you doing with a monument? Also, would you like to say hello to Gytha?'

Elena does not appear.

Simmer watches to the side, a half smile on her face.

'I would,' Kirna says, 'Once you tell me why you're gathering us and to what purpose, since this is out of the blue, at least to me, and I needed that for a ritual I'm looking at.'

'When was the last time you heard the voice of the Triune?' Tryll answers questions with more questions.

Calleigh stomps her foot in midair. "Fine! She's probably busy. There's a war going on. Or something. Anyway! Hi!"

"Hi," Starwind says, "Ooooh, the fish people are talking!"

Kirna replies right away, 'Not since the end.'

'Been about a day for me.' Tryll says, 'I too was working on a ritual. At its completion, the Triune spoke to me. Gytha can confirm, he was nearby and was quite distressed. I was given a commandment.'

"He's being dramatic." Calleigh whispers conspiratorially, "Pausing for dramatic effect. Very ominous!"

"Oh no! Drama!" Starwind gasps, "Now what will happen? Are we becoming parts of a play?!"

Kirna's attention focuses on you, 'Get to the point, what did the Triune say?'

'The Triune commanded nothing less than the complete re-creation of the irrigo as a race. Also finding them a new home.'

'WHAT?!'

The equivalent of a psychic shriek fills your mind and everyone's mind nearby, Kirna gasping after.

Starwind wobbles and falls to the ground, holding his head. "OW! Less dragon voice!"

'Also, I'm a paragon now.' Tryll says glibly.

"Ohh, we have a dragon! His name is Baleruk and he's a real pretty prismatic dragon and he talks just like that!" Calleigh says, clearly unaffected.

As Starwind reels, Kirna says, 'I think I need more details, Tryll, and I need them now.'

'There are quite a lot of them.' Tryll replies. 'I'll answer every question you have if I'm able, though.'

'Start with everything,' Kirna says, rather firmly.

You have the expo ball. Exposition as you see fit.

Gonna be a bit, work

All good.

'Well, I'll start with the parts you don't know, since going over absolutely everything would be an amusingly pointless waste of time. I remember going from having a body, to...not. Then dashing through a rift as everything else died around us. I'm rather embarrassed to admit that I hid for quite a long time. An embarrassingly-large amount of time. A few hundred thousand years. Self-pity and self-loathing are not good companions when you are alone. I wandered my way onto Arborea and lurked there for a few thousand years after learning that standard mortals are frightfully easy to spook. Have you noticed that? I look perfectly normal, show up to say hello, and then there's screaming. Really. It's just rude. I'm digressing.

After getting fed up with that, I headed to Arborea. Met a few firre that used to be irrigo. That was a big surprise. I'm pretty sure the Triune has something to do with the Court of Stars, perhaps they're a so-far-hidden godly member, or perhaps even a facet of the Queen. I'm not about to just ask, though. It's rude. Also irrelevant.

Anyway, after a while on Arborea, I met Calleigh. We hit it off very well. Well enough that we eventually formed a familiar bond between us. We had loads of fun and I was able to get over myself after a while but things change. Calleigh had the idea to prank a rather high-ranking tulani. This particular tulani had annoyed her some time before we met, and she had a bit of a grudge. I'm digressing again but I love this story so I'm going to tell it anyway. Anyway, particularly stuff tulani who had made it his business to thwart Calleigh's pranks. I doubt he did it maliciously, but it annoyed her. So after disguising a large water balloon filled with paint as his favorite chair at Court and it exploding on him right in front of Queen Morwell, we were both politely asked to find somewhere else to be.

We chose Limbo, because why not? We weren't there more than ten minutes before we wandered into a group of slaad who were instantly enamored with Calleigh. They took her to their boss, who happened to be Renbuu. Renbuu took a shine to her too, so we stayed with him for a while. A few hundred years. We learned a lot about making art, but didn't actually improve. It was fun. So we went to Brightwater and became artists. Pretty terrible ones.'

"We weren't that bad!" Calleigh protests.

'We got thrown out of more galleries than I can count.' Tryll retorts, 'We lived on the streets of Brightwater for maybe two hundred years. Being homeless is surprisingly easy when you don't need to eat or sleep or drink or really need shelter. Some time before this, we also got the attention of the Silverbrow Consortium, and we started doing odd mercenary jobs. Gem dragons. Delightful people.

Anyway, we did some gallivanting and some liberating. Lots of covert work and parties. People love courres. Calleigh became my face to the world at large and I make sure she's both entertained and not dead. The planes are a scary place, after all. Anyway, at some point we were hired to liberate a pack of spies on a Prime named Lifasa during their last big war. Went real well and we got really fond of the place. Stayed there for a couple of years afterward as their golden age got started, then made our way back to Brightwater. After that, odd jobs kept us busy. Street life wasn't too bad.

We were understandably upset when we heard that Lifasa had been taken over by Hell. Somehow the devils managed to concoct a plan to shift the entire plane closer to Hell, and now it's teetering on the edge of either joining with one of the nine layers, or becoming a new layer entirely. We certainly don't want to find out which one it'll be, so here we are. This is Aurora, once named Medicant. You might have heard of its creator. Either way, we were shortly tapped by the Consortium to come help out. We agreed to do it for free because, well, look around. It's pretty great.

While helping out, I came to the realization that I wasn't quite up to the task. I'd met other creatures in my travels that were paragons of their race, creatures that were the closest to the perfect ideal of a race as one can get. Something about destiny. One of the forces arrayed against us is Taelfagn, the Duke of Destiny. He directly manipulates the destiny of a given thing to suit his best plan, I believe. Or so I'm told. Either way, I thought this suited me well. I was a creature outside of destiny. Our destinies ended at the same time as our home. So I figured it would be easy. Calleigh ALSO wanted to be a paragon, but I think that's only because Lathander told her that courres could be paragons.

When we finally managed to complete the ritual, we were being assisted by a third friend, and suddenly the Triune was paying attention to us. Commands were handed down to restart the race, find them a new home, and lead them to glory. Gytha was already here, and I figured I'd see if any of the rest of us wanted to come and pitch in.

If you're interested, the perks include: Divine mandate, blasphemous soul magic, weird badger slaad, ghost girls, a titanic prismatic dragon, likely eternal glory, probable derring-do, more ancient books than you can shake a stick at, and possible deification.

Your thoughts?'

'I'm in,' Kirna says, 'It's way more interesting than chasing down things in the City of Brass.'

'Come on, you can tell me what you were looking for in Fire while we go down to Gytha's Laboratory of Alchemical Horrors and Fun.'

Wow you wrote a ton, that was nice. Didn't mean to one line reply it, I just wasn't expecting all of that.

What's your next move now that you're getting Kirna on board?

Figure out what Thorajin's problem is.

Cool, cool. What's your move regarding that?

See Mirajane or Balyss for a Commune?

Cool. What questions? Go post the expense in loot.

That's 100g or 1000g?

What's the normal XP cost for it?

100

1000 gold cost. Now go ahead and post that and work up the dread questions.

I don't have that much money.

Could borrow it for someone or have someone with ignore material components mimic it with a wish/miracle if they don't have access.

Could I avoid it by substituting psionics a la Bend Reality or Reality Revision, since psionics don't generally have components?

Is there a power that does the same thing as commune?

No. The closest thing I can get is Hypercognition, which essentially turns me into Tattletale. But it's an 8th level discipline power and I can't baseline manifest it out of Reality Revision.

Hell with it, let's see what happens. I'm gonna try pushing RR outside its normal bounds. Text says it's possible.

Intelligence check.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+14 : 8 + 14, total 22[/blockquote]

When you manifest reality revision, you feel the ability taking root. The power is before you, questions ready to be asked.

Read commune and pose the first question.

'Is Thorajin in peril?'

"No."

One question down, quick bonus post before work.

'Is Aka dead?'

"Unclear."

'Is Aka in peril?'

"Yes."

"Has Aka been captured?"

"Yes."

How many questions do you have left?

4/29

'Is she being held by forces of the outer planes, specifically Hell or the Abyss?'

"No."

'Huh. Is she on a prime?'

"No."

'Is she on one of the elemental planes?'

"Yes."

'Standard elemental?'

What do you mean by that?

As opposed to para-elemental or quasi-elemental planes

"No."

'Is she on a Para-elemental plane?'

"Yes."

'Is she on Smoke?'

"No."

'Is she in Ooze?'

"No."

Questions left?

This one is 13/29.

'Is she on Magma?'

"No."

'She's on Ice?'

"Yes."

'Is she being held by one of the elemental lords there?'

"Unclear."

'Unclear in that her captors are so obfuscated that an agent of a god cannot see them?'

'Unclear, likely divinity.'

17/29

'Well that's horrible. I dislike the fact that these need to be yes or no answers, though I appreciate you bending the rules. Whoever you are. Is she being held in Core Ice?'

Has to be in the form of questions, Yuth, not sentences ended with a question.

'Is she being held in Core Ice?'

What do you mean by Core Ice?

http://realmofadventure.wikia.com/wiki/Paraelemental_Plane_of_Ice

Okay, cool. What book is that from?

It appears to be unsourced, however several other sites use similar information. I made an assumption that it was canon as I'm unable to find an actual sourcebook on paraelemental planes.

On a quick skim, it looks like one part 2nd edition's inner plane Planescape book, one part Frostburn and one part homebrew. I could be wrong on that, but that's what it looks like to me. Since it's that and not canon, go ahead and disregard that. It's not bad homebrew at all from the looks of it, but it's also not relevant to this campaign.

Generally for this campaign, the designation for the border areas and 'core' plane aren't used, that's from 2nd edition's book if I recall. Generally the border areas are just called border areas and the main part of the plane is just called that. For example, Ice would be called Ice and a border region of Ice would be called a border region of Ice (or the name of the region, if it has one, like the Crystal Reef Sea section of Water).

That all being said, post with a revised version of the question. No harm, no foul.

'Is she being held in a border region?'

'No.'

18/29

Rolling KP to determine knowledge of major landmarks in non-border regions of Ice.[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+37 : 11 + 37, total 48[/blockquote]

In the interests of me not having to dig up a ton of into I don't have readily on hand, what precisely are you going for here, Yuth?

Every single major landmark in the core part of Ice, as well as their relation in distance to each other.

A map, basically.

I meant for what beyond that, the purpose to use the information with.

To use questions to narrow down a location. Why else? You think I'm looking for a vacation spot?

I can do that, but it will take me time to find it. Possibly a lot of it, as I can't find it offhand and I'm going to have to go search.

What I'm saying is that if you can rework the question a bit to get the same point without that, you'd have a lot less delay. I'm worried this may take awhile to find is all.

To be a little more direct, I feel bad you were stuck searching 4+ hours last week and I'd rather not leave you on the hook while I go asearching mid session.

Oh no, take your time. We have a HUGE amount of time to kill.

Okay, I shall endevor to find it before work pause.

No big deal if you don't!

Yeah, I know, I just don't like leaving people hanging.

TBH, I have at least a month of real-time before I can take meaningful actions again. Probably a lot more. If you wanted to put me on hold for a week or something it's not a big deal. I see you're a bit stressed.

I'm not stressed, I just can't find it and didn't wanna leave you hanging.

Tryll recalls the following. It's worth noting that the infinite nature of planes makes knowing everything ultimately folly, but here are several prominent locations Tryll recalls.

The Iceberg: A massive iceberg floating in one of Ice's frigid seas. Mortals that anger Cryonax are stripped nude and chained to the iceberg to freeze to death as punishment. The souls are
unable to move on, animating as ghosts bound to the iceberg. It's a powerful conflux of Ice's freezing nature and Cryonax's power, though many note that there may not be a difference there.

Swirlsnows: A sea not of super chilled water, but of wet snow that is churned by currents of wind that keep it moving. Ice para elementals are said to plunge into the snows to die or grow stronger deep within the depths. Sometimes enterprising mortals and other creatures attempt it as well. It's known that the rogue gelugon Arnow, having betrayed Hell and its own lawful nature to serve Cryonax, is willing to lend aid to those who wish to attempt it. As such, it's known that Cryonax allows and perhaps even favors mortals attempting this.

Frostmaiden's Palace: A great palace of blue ice raised by Auril for when she visits the plane. A vortex of power due to Auril's occasional presence. It is gigantic, unspeakably large (and perhaps infinite) due to Auril's magic. As one of the few areas of Ice not under Cryonax's control, servants of cold that find themselves in disfavor with the Archomental of Ice sometimes defect to Auril here.

Absolute Zero: A rumored, mystical point where the strongest possible cold resides. Said to be far underground of Ice's surface, in deep caverns known to only the greatest powers of the plane. Little is known of it, other than that it sings with unheard of power. Most likely protected by Cryonax rather fiercely, assuming it exists.

The Chiseled Estate: Cryonax's unholy palace, a great mass of glass, ice and quartz. It is a dreadful place that serves as the Archomental's seat of power and is effectively the capital of Ice. Vast cities of elementals and ice-aligned creatures reside within the palace, some of them larger than mortal nations.

Perfect.

'Is Aka being held in the Chiseled Estate?'

'No.'

'Is she being held in the Frostmaiden's Palace?'

'Unclear.'

Bingo. Of course it's Auril. Fantastic. 20/29

'Thorajin, is he on a Prime?'

What did you ask about him already? This has been such a long (OOCwise) Q&A and that I want to be sure.

Whether he was in peril. It was only one page ago.

'No.'

'Is he on one of the outer planes?'

'Yes.'

'Is he on a Good aligned plane?'

'Yes.'

23/29

'Is he on Arborea or one of its layers?'

'No.'

'Is he on Celestia or one of its layers?'

'No.'

'Is he on Elysium?'

'No.'

'Is he in Ysgard?'

'No.'

How many left?

3 more including this one!

'Is he in the Beastlands?'

'Yes.'

Beastlands is three layers, right? Krigala, Brux, & Karasuthra? I'm looking at an old model of the outer planes and wanted to know if it's still accurate.

Yes. If in doubt, check 3.0's Manual of the Planes.

Neat. Thanks.

'Is he on Brux?'

'Yes.'

'Is he near where we found Hamogan?'

'No.'

'Perfect. Alright.'

Calleigh shakes herself after a shockingly-long question and answer session. "Can we gooooooooooo?" and zips off without waiting for an answer. Tryll follows, seeking Gytha and Kirna.

You note you feel rather tired afterwards - drained, perhaps a side effect of the magic.

Tryll makes a note to himself not to do that again until he's recovered.

Con check.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+10 : 9 + 10, total 19[/blockquote]

You feel dizzy as you go, wobbly. As much as an ethereal creature can, anyway.

Tryll splats through a random wall.

From there, it's easy enough to get back to your friends and...

Next move?

I begin speaking!

'I have learned three things.' Tryll says as he rejoins his fellow squidbeings.

'Yes?' Gytha asks, waiting on more.

Kirna just gives you a long look, 'Is this as much as you gave us last time?'

'The first thing is that Thorajin is fine. He's on Brux, a layer of the Beastlands. He's not in any danger right now, so we can get to him later.

The second thing is that Aka is very much in danger, and is likely being held in or near Auril's palace on the elemental plane of Ice. Divine interference kept me from being able to confirm, but it was also the only place that had divine interference and didn't give me a negative answer, so.

The third thing is that attempting to use raw psychic power to force Creation to bend to your will in order to mimic a Commune spell without need for an expensive material component is both awesome and really stupid after having just completed a very strenuous ritual in which my entire being was rewritten.' Tryll's form sags. 'So there's that.'

'You did WHAT?!' Kirna gasps at the last, "What?! WHY?! You could've done worse to yourself! Far worse! You need magical healing immediately! Quick! Elara! Tryll needs healing!" She waves her tentacles around frantically.

'Elena,' Gytha corrects, 'And please.'

Elena pops in, "Yeah, it's Elena, and you did what, Tryll?"

'I appear to be fine. Probably. I'll recover in time.' Tryll replies. 'I'm not opposed to getting looked at, though I doubt there's much that can be done. I'll likely be fine within a week's time. The ritual made mention of a week being needed somewhere. We managed to circumvent some of the preparation time due to exemplary materials used, I think.'

Calleigh is making faces at Starwind, clearly unconcerned.

Starwind returns then, then calls, "Calleigh! I have it!"

Meanwhile, Elena pops out with a nod, "I'll get Priest," she says.

"You do!?"

"Yeah!" Starfall says, "Let's go play dragon hunter!"

"This is the best idea ever!" Calleigh cheers.

"Let's let them have their boring talk and we go hunt dragons!" Starfall says, "I'm the elf with the arrows and the magic!"

"I HAVE A KNIFE!" Calleigh shouts, "Which dragon are we hunting?"

As the two go off, Priest enters.

"Tryll," he asks, paying them no mind. "What did you do?"

'Today? Or so far in my life? That's a very long list.'

Priest gives you a level look, "No one appreciates sarcasm."

'Reality revision forced beyond normal limitations to imitate a component-free Commune. shortly after completing the Ritual of Heavenly Definition.'

Priest hums and waves his hand over you, studying you intensely.

Taking 10.

"Don't manifest for at least the rest of the day, preferably three," Priest finally says. "Doing so will risk considerable amounts of severe damage, the type psionicists deal with and that is difficult to cure with magic."

'Alright. I'm fine for now, though?'

"Yes," Priest says, "Talk and rest."

'Thanks. If you see Tepen or Sylvie, would you mind sending them our way? Vul'lath is being testier than usual.' he turns to the others, 'Who's up for planning a jail-break?'

'Yes, once you've recovered,' Gytha remarks. 'To actually do it.'

'Might not have time! We need more information. Gytha, can you cast Sendings?'

'Yes,' Gytha replies slowly.

'Oh good. Do you think you could send a message to Thorajin to stop faffing about in the Beastlands and help us plan to steal Aka from Auril?'

Gytha does so.

Once done, 'I did not get a reply,' he says.

Tryll looks grumpy. 'Fine. If he doesn't want to come, he can stay there.' Sigh. 'I was just hoping we could all be together again. That's all. We've still got to rescue Aka, anyway. Okay. Elena!'

"Hi!" Elena pops in. "Yes?"

'Do you think you could send Tepen this way, or tell him where he might be located if he's not able to come himself?'

"Sure," Elena says, and from there...

Plans?

Plan
Get information on any deals Aurora has made with Auril, as they might help.
Talk to Tepen and Morniel about possibly negotiating with Auril.
Avoid an altercation if at all possible.
Go from there.

Are you familiar with a recent negotiation between Jaela and a servant of Auril OOC or IC?

OOC I believe.

Okay, wanted to make sure you were up on that first of all. Go ahead and set up your planning, throw some words around. Rest will follow in time.

Okay, since you are...did you want to work out your plans IC or OOC?

i was gonna post it later since you were taking the day off of DMing.

As noted, I had a chance to make it depending on how the doc visit went. It went super fast, so post whenever you're good. Doesn't need to be now.

Quote from: Yuthirin on November 16, 2017, 11:44:00 PM
Plan
Get information on any deals Aurora has made with Auril, as they might help.
Talk to Tepen and Morniel about possibly negotiating with Auril.
Avoid an altercation if at all possible.
Go from there.

Plan remains the same. It will broaden as information is gained.

Getting together with Morniel is simple enough, meeting with him privately in one of Aurora's meeting rooms.

"My apologies, but we must work with some haste," he says, "I have may irons in the fire. That said, how can I help you, Tryll?"

'I'll be brief. I have reason to believe that one of my kind is being held in Auril's palace on Ice. I don't suppose that we have any kind of positive relationship with Auril?'

"Well, we did, though it did suffer a recent setback," Morniel explains, "A cooling of relations." A beat before he smiles slightly, "I apologize, but it is an apt term."

Tryll sounds amused, 'Yes, quite. Still. Is there anything that can be done?'

"Our original agreement with Auril is still in place, and relations are not poor," Morniel says, "I personally do not like dealing with her, but a chance to remove Abigor from the board was too good to pass." He regards you solemnly, "A diplomatic effort to do this would be above my station to determine, but as Auril was the one who came to us, there are reasonably good chances an accord could be reached."

'How would we go about it, then?'

"I know how to make diplomatic contact with them," Morniel explains, "We go from there, assuming they are willing."

'Let's go from there, then. Perhaps we can do this amicably. Are you able to do this for me?'

"Assuming the generals agree to it, yes," Morniel says, "I will go see Adrian and Gisfal immediately."

'Thank you, it means a lot to me.'

Going to do anything but wait on word there?

unless the others have a suggestion, I'll wait on Morniel. I'd rather do this nonviolently if possible.

This will be a bit, talking to them about it on IRC. By them I mean Cor and Eb, since they're the two PC generals.

Thats fine. I'm not in any hurry here.

Soon enough Morniel returns, "They are agreeable, so long as I make no deals on behalf of Lifasa or Aurora as a whole."

'Thats, uhh, a bit vague. Would you care to expand? Or is that it? Is there no help being offered?'

"In other words, we're welcome to try, but we don't speak with the authority to make deals on behalf of Lifasa or Aurora as a whole," Morniel explains. "If any such offer comes, it would need to be relayed back for consideration."

'...has this happened before? Is there something I should be aware of here?'

"After the recent offer by Auril, I believe caution is the watchword. She's showing a greater interest in Lifasa's postwar fate, and while an ally, we must not forget Auril's heart is frozen dead. She is not one who knows warmth, but the endless cold and hatred of evil."

Here Morniel pauses, "Let us not allow the moment lay the seeds to another misery for Lifasa's future."

'Ah, that makes sense. I assume she's made offers of power and/or assistance in exchange for greater control over Lifasa's winter seasons if we win?'

"It was along those lines, yes," Morniel says, "An eternal bastion of winter if I recall correctly."

'Wow. Great call on not accepting that deal. That's terrible.' Tryll replies.

"Yes," Morniel says, "An island but still a bastion. I can send the first feelers out now, while I do other things while we wait for a reply. Is there anything else to add, Tryll?"

'Divinations return that she is actively in peril, so haste may be advisable.'

"I understand," Morniel says, "I will spur those onward with all the haste I can impart on them."

'Thank you, Morniel. I'll leave you to it. Please inform me if I can assist in any way.'

Going to just wait on Morniel or do anything?

Not sure if there's anything TO do right now. Just gotta be patient, I suppose.

Pretty  much. This is it until Monday anyway, so it's the holiday break. Happy Thanksgiving, enjoy your non retail holiday.

I'm a little slow this morning, so I'm going to resume you a bit into the session, Yuth, since we aren't in a hurry.

Okay.

Roll and post 1d100.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 40, total 40[/blockquote]

It takes some time, but Morniel gets back to you.

"The first feelers are tentatively interested," Morniel says, "But not for free."

'Oh course not.' Tryll scoffs, 'What do they want?'

"We're still working that out," Morniel says, "For now, they're interested in tentative talks to help clarify matters."

'I'm amenable to that. We need to find out why they're holding Aka before we can fix things, after all.'

"Very well. Are you capable of a trip out?" Morniel then asks.

'Priest has recommended against it for three days. Think we can negotiate her unharmed and a meeting then?'

"I believe so," Morniel says after a moment's thought. "It will not be overly difficult and I pray they hold to that."

'Hopefully. I'm not much use right now. The Ritual of Heavenly Definition has taken a lot out of me and I need to recover properly if I'm to be of any help.'

"If you are not able and time is a factor, I can attempt the negotiations directly," Morniel says, "A dimensional telepathy spell will allow communication as I manage it."

'Is that ideal?'

"It is not," Morniel says, sitting back a moment. "However, it is efficient if her safety and time is paramount."

'See what they have to say, then. Auril wants things from us. While we can't give her what she wants, we might still be able to leverage it for possible consideration in the future. If she's not willing to wait, we'll do it now.'

"I can work with that. Is there anything else?" Morniel begins to rise in the meantime.

'No, I think that's all for now. Please let me know if I can help in any way.'

Going to wait on Morniel getting that straight, then?

Yep. Lots of waiting around here.

Roll and post another 1d100.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 20, total 20[/blockquote]

Within several hours you get your meditation and rest disturbed by Elena popping in. "Hi," she says, "Morniel says that it doesn't look like it'll require undo haste, if you prefer to handle it in person."

'Thank you, Elena.'

Incidentally, it's "undue."

Also, which dragon precisely did the dynamic courre duo decide to hunt?

Baleruk, I presume.

I'm sure they're fine, then. I find it unlikely that Baleruk would actually harm them. I'm half expecting a damage bill from him, though. Nobody's said anything about it yet, actually. It's been several hours.

'Elena, has Calleigh managed to destroy anything yet?'

"They haven't," Elena says, "Baleruk put the fear of dragon into them, enough to make them not go too far, so far."

'Ahh, good.' Tryll says, 'All is well, then.'

"Soooo....what should I tell him?" Elena asks after a few moments.

'About?'

'About if you're going to wait or not," Elena asks. 'Since he got the information for you.'

'If Morniel says it can wait, then we'll wait. If he doesn't have any further information for me, then I'll not badger him. If he had additional info, he would have provided it to you or asked you to have me go to him.' Tryll replies patiently.

Okay then, let me pause you for a bit, as Gar Malleos is getting close to something big.

kay

Two days pass. The morning of the third day Morniel calls you to him, a greeting and then, "Are you ready?"

'I suppose so.' Tryll replies. 'Shall we?'

Just you, Calleigh and Morniel? Or do you want to bring along other people?

I'll ask the other irrigo if they want to come!

"I'd like that," Kirna says, "I can watch your fins since you're in no shape to be doing much."

Gytha merely demurs, "I have much to study and do. Also, if things go wrong, one of us should be safe if the worst happens."

'Perfect. Thank you both.'

good to go

"We'll be heading to Ice - a neutral site with arbitration I trust," Morniel says, "They are professional there, so safety is not a concern. Protection against the cold is."

The thunderous noise of clattering metal on stone comes from outside the room as Calleigh streaks into the room, brandishing a wand with a shout of, "I CAN FIX IT!"

'Yes. I believe my natural incorporeality can prevent most harm due to the cold. Calleigh has a wand of Attune Form, and should be able to prevent the cold from reaching those of us who are not immune.'

"Then we can leave as soon as you are ready." Morniel says.

Prep?

Standard prep. Nothing special. Aurora buffs all around and Attune Form where needed.

Soon enough all of you are ready to go, Morniel standing before the portal. "Are there any last questions?"

'Who will we be meeting?'

"His name is Adulyn," Morniel explains, "He is a neutral party who will help facilitate our meeting with Limsarryl, our contact with Auril."

'Is there anything we should or should not say?'

"Be respectful in general. I have advised them this is not a full diplomatic meeting, so don't worry about forms and precision there," Morniel explains, "If in doubt, silence is rarely wrong, or deferring to me and I will cover."

'Perfect, thank you Morniel.'

Calleigh nods along with Tryll's words, "I'll keep quiet so I don't cause an interplanar incident!"

"Again?" Kirna asks, "That sounds like something you know about, Calleigh, like it's happened before no matter what you try?"

"It happened a couple of times a long time ago, but now whenever I'm good during negotiations I get candy!" Calleigh looks outrageously excited.

"CANDY?!" Predictably, Kirna's courre pops out at that. "WHAT KIND OF CANDY?!"

"We go to Brightwater! Any kind I want! WHAT KIND OF CANDY IS YOUR FAVORITE?! I LIKE CHOCOLATE ORANGES!" Calleigh is at full volume and is approaching maximum courre.

As the two courre go at it, 'Perhaps we should leave now,' Kirna says, 'They should keep each other distracted until we return.'

'You want me to leave my familiar?' Tryll is incredulous.

'Yes?' Kirna replies, 'They'll be safe here.' She gives you an odd, fishy look as she replies, 'Do you go everywhere with her?'

'Absolutely!'

'Then take her,' Kirna says, '...once they calm down a little bit. Just a little.'

'You really leave yours behind?' Tryll asks.

'Sometimes, when it's safe and I need to focus on something,' Kirna replies. 'Everything has a season, even courre. Something especially.'

'I'd argue that nearly every season is courre season, but I understand if you disagree. Let me ask her if she would like to stay here.' Tryll replies.

Calleigh halts her conversation abruptly and turns to the two squid monsters, "I wanna go! Ice sounds fun! We can make snowmen after!"

"Then let us go," Morniel says, "Are we ready?"

'We are, yes.'

Cold.

Bitterly cold.

Cold blows everywhere. An endless blizzard is all around you, thick as night's embrace. Yet Morniel leads you on through the portal and beyond, "This way," he says, as you leave behind Aurora's gate to this place. "Stay close to me, it's easy to get separated in this weather. If you get lost, you may never be seen again."

"Right!" Calliegh cheers, flitting over to sit on Morniel's shoulder. Tryll gamely keeps pace.

"Apologies, by the way," Morniel says, "I had intended for neutral ground, but later in the negotiations it became unavoidable to use Ice."

'It's okay! Hopefully we can get Aka out of here quick!" Calleigh nods.

On all of you travel. Ahead the blizzard parts, revealing a rising tower of ice. It's huge, vast sheets of ice molded together to form a single tower. It stands proud in the blizzard, unrelenting to any of it.

"This way," Morniel says, as you get a closer look. It has windows that are covered in thin sheets of transparent ice, letting none of the weather in. Pale light comes from several of the windows, fighting against the blizzard-gloom all around you. Ahead, several small and human sized ice elementals toil, working the snow around the tower, keeping it at bay.

"Nice place! Real pretty." Calleigh comments.

The elementals pay your party no mind as you approach. The door is a simple slab of ice, which opens up to reveal a medium ice para elemental. It is unclad for as little as that matters, but speaks in sure, proper Common. "Welcome back, Sir Morniel. My master is waiting for you and your guests."

"Thank you, Icedel," Morniel says, "That is Tryll and Kirna, as well as their courre familiars Calleigh and...I'm sorry, but I never caught your familiar's name," Morniel remarks.

"I want to be called Riverheart today!" The courre calls, "Everyone, call me Riverheart!"

Calleigh waves cheerfully.

"Sir Tryll, Sir Kirna, Sir Calleigh and Sir Riverheart. This way," The elemental says.

As Kirna follows, 'He's remarkably advanced for an elemental. Oooooh, is he magically modified or did he develop that himself?'

'You could always ask.' Tryll says blithely.

Kirna hums in your mind, 'That would be impolite. I want to save being impolite for when it's worthwhile.'

'As you wish.' Tryll replies, plodding along.

You are escorted up a long flight of stairs and further up. In time you are lead to a door off the stair, "Master is in here. Best behavior, please," Icedel says. "If you need my services, call my name and I will answer as fast as I am able."

"Thanks!" Calleigh chirps.

The room ahead is cozy. There's no sign of the ice of the rest of the tower, but good stonework covered in carpet and tapestry. A warm fireplace crackles in the back, keeping the entire room comfortable. Here sits a wizened old man sipping a small glass of something strong and alcoholic, in one of many deep easy chairs.

"Adulyn," Morniel comes forward, "This is Tryll, Kirna, Calleigh and Riverheart."

Do you have true seeing or the like?

I would have cast it as part of my prep, yeah. Lemme post my stat block.

Past the illusion, the creature before you is gray and shapeless. It is instinct with no distinguishing features at all.

'This person is a doppelganger.' Tryll shares with the rest of the group privately.

'I am aware,' Morniel replies calmly.

'Excellent.'

Anyway, are you going to intro yourself to him?

Edit below!

'Hello.' Tryll says. Calleigh's greeting is exuberant, "Hi! I'm Calleigh! This is Tryll! Nice to meet you! You have food?"

Well yes, but it's a chance for you to at least say hello to him or other basic pleasantries. If you wanna stay silent that's your call, though.

"Hello," Kirna says, "It's nice to meet you."

Riverheart darts around the shapeshifter's head, "Hi, I'm Riverheart, but I'm thinking of changing it to Golden Sparrow, what do you think, since I need new names."

"Charmed," The man says solemnly, "Sit if you are able. Your opposite shall be here soon enough." Morniel takes a seat while Riverheart flies back to Kirna.

"Your opposite is mildly tardy, I expected them first." Adulyn remarks, sipping his drink. He looks over it to Morniel, "There isn't another game afoot here?"

"None," Morniel says, "I would not impinge on your hospitality or services by wasting your time."

"I never said you would," An irritated look, a wave of his free hand. He points at Morniel with one weathered finger, "Even you, who speaks no lies and hides no falsehoods, knows well politics are a plane with many layers. How many layers are you operating on here, Morniel?"

Yeah, I'm real confused. I figured Morniel would open and we'd introduce ourselves, since you didn't prompt me to introduce myself. Did I miss that post? I've gone back and looked for it twice.

When he introduced you all by name? That's usually when you say something, at least around these parts.

"Several, though none that benefit from interfering with my own work," Morniel smiles slightly, "I am doing Kethea Orgonos a favor in this, I am aiming to ensure I have another contact with Fury's Heart for when Lifasa is restored and other things I prefer not to speak of."

"Bah, politicians." Adulyn sips, "All lies and glamors! Nothing is as it appears to be with you, even when you tell the truth. Like a magician, fooling us with one thing to high a dozen sleights of hand."

AHA I DID MISS IT

Editing post.

Let me know when it's done.

It is done.

"None at all. I simply decline to discuss sensitive matters, I do not hide them." Morniel says mildly.

With a grunt at that, "Tryll, is it?" Adulyn turns to you, "Now you're a wildcard. A cast off of a forgotten Prime - who knows what you'll get. Some of my most troublesome contacts are such as you."

'Why thank you. That's kind of you to say.' Tryll sounds pleased.

'If nothing else, it means you make business," Adulyn remarks, 'Getting into all sorts of trouble.'

'Trouble is what we're good at. It does tend to generate work for others as well. Work means people get paid, and jobs exist. Paid people are generally happy people. Therefore, we make people happy. By proxy. It's a simple life, but a good one.'

Adulyn gives you a look, "You've spent time in Brightwater, have you? Too much time. That or Dis or Graz'zt's realm, and you don't have the smell of devils or demons to you."

Morniel chuckles, "That is not the approach I would take to it, but actions generate needs. Of course, in the hereafter, what need is there for work if you do not want to? Or to pursue holy works far more important and meaningful than a mere job?"

"Then you've spent ten centuries being a recluse meditating on some trivial aspect of righteousness," Adulyn retorts sharply, "What's a thousand years lost in your own navelgazing?"

'Well, I suppose it depends on what you get from it. If you're meditating on some aspect of righteousness just for the sake of it, then it may be ultimately meaningless. However, if something of true value can be gained from such an action, and the time could not be better spent, then it is worthwhile. Are we referring to a specific event here or just talking about hypotheticals?'

"It is never wasted to meditate on what is right," Morniel says, voice smooth and stirring, drawing all of you in. "It is not always the right choice or the best choice, but it is never an unrewarding choice to the soul who seeks righteousness."

Meanwhile Riverheart flies around the room, settling in front of the fireplace and watching it raptly.

"I'm speaking of dealing with one too many celestials who have spent more time seeking good than common sense,"  Adulyn says, "Ever met the type?"

Calleigh is quietly humming to herself and braiding Morniel's hair from his shoulder. "Oh yeah! I've met some tulani. I could tell you all about it, but I doubt we have the time. I've met a lot of tulani."

"Ooooh, tulani!" Riverheart speaks up, "Tulani are a thing, right, Calleigh? Oh hey, can I call you Wind Princess? I heard that djinn guy say you were one!"

Morniel tolerates Calleigh's hair braiding with the patience of the heavens.

"Hmph." Adulyn murmurs, "Why not? We have time to pass until our other guest arrives."

"Ohhh, I like Wind Princess Calleigh! Do you think I should get a last name? I had one once! I don't remember it though. It was a long time ago! I don't think it would fit anymore. Been tooooooooo long!" Calleigh tucks a complex and completed braid behind Morniel's ear. She pats it, as though it were an animal that had been extra good. "But yeah, we had some stuffy tulani in the Court of Stars. Most of them were super nice and put up with us even when we were trying extra hard to be annoying which was really big of them and you know I've really noticed that people on Aurora do the same thing! Just really nice all the time! Except for the gith. He's super frowny, but I think that's part of being a gith. They're usually super frowny. Or stabby. Or blasty! But! Tulani! There was this one guy who used to be a scribe or something. Head scribe. Or artist. Or something, I dunno. I didn't really pay attention. He was so stuffy though! He even got to sit in at court-Court. Like with the Queen and stuff! I dunno how she put up with him! He was super stuffy! So one day we replaced his favorite chair with a water balloon! Shaped like a chair! With illusions to make sure he wouldn't notice! BOY HE WAS MAD! It was super funny! He needed to lighten up, though! It's important not to be too stuffy."

The entire spiel gets solemn listening from Adulyn, who opens his mouth to reply.

That's when he frowns, the door opening. Icedel steps in, "Sir, Limsarryl has arrived and is on the brink of death. I have frozen his wounds to stop the bleeding, but a healer is recommended soonest."

"We can fix it!"

Morniel gives Adulyn a quick nod, which is returned, "Go, follow Icedel," he commands.

"Okay!" Tryll and Calleigh follow Icedel.

Lying just inside is a woman - or man. Hard to tell. Heavy armor, bloodstained and a thick fur cloak. He or she lies there, face ice-white and sweaty. "Guh..." The voice is wet, garbled. A cough sends blood splattering out, staining the symbol of Auril on the breastplate.

Tryll manifests Detect Psionics in order to see if there are any lingering spells or issues with vile damage while Calleigh readies her wand!

Psicraft check.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+47 : 14 + 47, total 61[/blockquote]

He has magical wounds that won't stop bleeding, slowly killing her. Or him. Whichever. Reasonably strong healing magic should be able to overcome this, or a sufficiently skilled Heal check.

'Hmm. Morniel,' Tryll sends back to the room, 'Could I trouble you for a Heal spell? Someone really wanted this person dead, and I lack the specific tools to overcome it. I could alter reality to get the same effect, but I've been informed that doing so while recovering could significantly jeopardize my existence. Lend a brother a hand?'

Morniel is soon there. Limsarryl looks listlessly, eyes foggy and front bloody. "Peace," he murmurs, "Know that Celestia will embrace anyone who seeks kindness and puts aside wickedness."

> roll 1d20+26 Morniel heal spell
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+26 Morniel heal spell --> [ 1d20=12 ]{38}

The wounds of the Aurilite slowly heal before your eyes, slower than they should, but the bleeding stops.

"Guh..." A dry cough this time as Limsarryl looks up, "Couldn't resist seeing me die if it wasn't your work?" she bites out.

Morniel smiles, offering him a hand up. "What better time than when giving kindness few of your cold lot would deign to offer, Lim?"

Limsarryl grunts and takes the hand, rising up. " ...thank you." he says, grimacing and taking off a gauntlet to check of her face, feeling it. "It was a teleport ambush. One moment I was fine, the next I was surrounded by githzerai."

"Githzerai?" Morniel's smile grows more, "What did you do to provoke them?"

"Nothing!" Limsarryl says sharply, then after a beat, "Really, it's not like that time with the Aldis contract. I have no idea, it was probably a mercenary thing."

Morniel laughs at this, but is cut off. Kirna butts in, 'Wait, you're on friendly terms with an Aurilite? You're an archon! That's like cats and dogs living together.'

Mastering his amusement, Morniel glances Kirna's way. As Limsarryl rolls his eyes and sighs, "No one is beyond salvation and friendship, not even in winter's fury."

"Here we go," Limsarryl says, a long suffering look on her face. "You meet one archon that isn't smite on sight and you get everyone getting the wrong idea. We've worked together on other diplomatic things, Morniel gets around. For some reason he thinks I'm unhappy serving the Frostmaiden."

'I met a demon once who was mildly friendly.' Tryll is sharing!

"I'm not a demon," Limsarryl snaps, her expression turning to one of pique. "I am of the Jolarm, an ancient and noble race made in the image of Auril."

"Ahem," Morniel says, "Lim."

That seems to calm Limsarryl. She takes a breath, "Never mind it. I am Limsarryl of the Wintry Embrace, Auril's diplomatic corps."

'Of course you're not a demon. I'd never presume you were, nor would I accuse you of such.' Tryll is ever calm. 'I am Tryll, and this is my companion Calleigh. Along with us are Kirna and her companion Riverheart of the variable names.'

"SoareyouaguyoragirlIbetagirlsinceyou'reflirtingwithMornielandyoutwoaresocutetogethersogoforitifyouaskmeandjustgetmarriedalreadyit'llbeamazing!" Riverheart gets that out in one long breath, somehow.

"By Auril's icy teats and frozen bush," Limsarryl exhales, stomping off and towards the stairs up, "Let's get to why I came here already!"

Calleigh looks at Riverheart with wonder and whispers, "That was amazing!"

Riverheart beams at that, while Morniel clears his throat. "Let's. Please follow me, everyone."

'Yes, let's get to the point.'

Soon enough all of you are upstairs and seated comfortably. After a few introductions, "Morniel, this isn't your direct work," Limsarryl says, "I want to hear it from the horse's mouth instead. What do you want?"

'I have determined that one of my kind is being held in the Frostmaiden's Palace, and we are here to negotiate her release.'

"I see," Limsarryl says, "Are you certain he's not a willing guest or a devotee?"

"Lim," Morniel says, gently but firmly, a rebuke in tone.

"...fine. You saved my life back there, so let's get to it. He's a guest of the Frozen Brood. Not really sure why, they don't do a whole lot on Ice here, they focus on Fury's Heart instead." Limsarryl says.

This guy's got a problem with genders, huh?

'Guest?'

Limsarryl brushes her hair back and replies, "I'm not entirely clear on the circumstances. Regardless, I have the authority to take him, it's not in the bounds of any of the stronger wyrms there. The only question is, why should I do it?"

Him or her, yes.

'Great question! Morniel? What do we have to offer?'

"What is you want, Lim?" Morniel asks, "We can skip fishing under the circumstances."

"A meeting with Aurora's generals," Limsarryl says, "We have a matter of mutual benefit to discuss."

'Just a meeting?'

"Yeah," Limsarryl says, "That'll do."

'Timeline? Things are extremely hectic right now and it's next to impossible to find all of Aurora's generals on Aurora at the same time.'

"After Aurora's liberation will do. I can ensure your friend is well taken care of until then,' Limsarryl says.

'Unfortunately, that won't do. I need her for some of the work to be done in Lifasa.'

"I could do that, for the meeting and for..." Limsarryl considers, "Ten thousand gold."

'I have no issues on it, provided it is for an immediate release into our care and custory, but Morniel has the final say. Morniel?'

There was an edit!

Morniel replies in Tryll's mind alone.

'It is not an unreasonable offer. Ransom is distasteful, but it is better than the alternative. I could negotiate her down, if you wish me to.'

Tryll replies with equal privacy, 'Every coin spent here is one not spent on better equipping our forces. If you wouldn't mind, please try.'

Morniel simply clears his throat and meets Limsarryl's eyes, a momentary face off.

> roll 1d20+85 (+5 circumstance) vs DC???
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+85 (+5 circumstance) vs DC??? --> [ 1d20=20 ]{105}

Under that righteous, burning gaze held in check Limsarryl crumbles. He hangs his head and says, "Fine. I was going to go as low as 6,000." Limsarryl says than then sighs, her voice pensive.

"3,000," Morniel says, firmly.

"3,000," Limsarryl says, averting her eyes from Morniel's gaze.

'Acceptable.'

"Done," Morniel says aloud, "Tryll, do you have the money on you?"

'Of course. Calleigh, pay the man please.' Tryll replies easily.

"Hmmm...nope!" comes the chipper reply.

Tryll turns to look at Calleigh, 'What do you mean, nope?'

Cheerful grin, "I mean NOPE!"

Confusion! 'Why?'

"We're broke, boss! Broke as one of your old jokes!" comes the courrish retort.

'I'll have you know my jokes are not broken. Just because you're five forever and don't get them doesn't mean they're broken!' Tryll sounds outraged.

"Oh yeah sure, what was that last one you told to that mercane?" Calleigh stands up straight on Morniel's shoulders, hunches her shoulders, and puffs out her cheeks, "Berp derp, I'm a ancient immortal squid! Look at me! I'm so old and wise! Like super old! Actually older than dirt! Look at how special I am! And I tell bad jokes! Three giant squidpeople swim into a magic shop and order crystal balls! When the shop keeper asks why, they tell him they're concerned about current events!" she deflates. "Oh my goddess that's terrible! That poor mercane looked so lost!"

'I will have you know that was the height of party humor back home! The height! People loved my jokes! I was the funny guy! And it sounds better if you tell it in Irglish! And furthermore, how are we broke again!?'

"You spent it on stuff!"

'I did?'

"Weeeeellll...we did. On stuff. Like books and candy. And ioun stones, mister incorporororrowhatever."

'Ah. Well, some of those books turned out to be very valuable and in one case, we saved a soul. Alright. Morniel. I don't suppose I could trouble you to cover for me?'

Poor Tryll being broke again.

(I laughed.)

"Oh for..." Adulyn sighs, rubbing his temple. He holds up his hand to pre-empt Morniel, "Give me the money the next time you're here, Morniel," he says to him, "It's covered."

Limsarryl rolls her eyes and then stands, rolling his shoulders, "Then we're done. Where is Aurora, I can have him delivered there within a day."

"Walk with me, Lim," Morniel rises, giving Tryll a glance back, "I'll take care of this."

Calleigh gives Tryll a grinny thumbs-up from Morniel's shoulder as they walk away.

Anything else to do here? Also note in loot you owe Morniel 3k gold.

Nope & Done.

Okay, we'll assume he's back for now and go into this more later. For now, big strategy meeting time. Everyone into a new thread.