004. Countess Stronger, the baker's heritage and an improbable shot

[Corwin]

[22:02] <Kotono> Once again the party gathers. Outside rain falls, a contrast to the warm tavern they find themselves at. A seculed table, a chance to chat and connect after gathering information.
[22:03] * Berlioz seems oddly amused, with an idiotic grin drawn in his face. "Well, what have you girls gotten so far?"
[22:04] * Shamal is happy to let Seira take this one, since it was her idea.
[22:04] <Kotono> The fire crackles merrily, a bard and some listers having a good old time there. Tales of the war, of Lord Salman and his liutenants. It's all fuzzy background, pleasant to listen to.
[22:06] * Hotaru glances at the unblonde, settling back into her chair and enjoying the fire and its warm outglow, almost letting her eyes droop. Certainly the others could explain these things better.
[22:07] * Seira rolls her eyes. "Have you met with success?" she asks Berlioz, tilting her head in a mix of curiosity and impatience.
[22:08] * Hotaru is now known as Lyselle
[22:08] * Lyselle glances at the unblonde, settling back into her chair and enjoying the fire and its warm outglow, almost letting her eyes droop. Certainly the others could explain these things better.
[22:10] * Berlioz sighs. "I managed to get the following: Countess Stronger -is- up to something rather unusual. I managed a meeting with her today, but I'll have to come back in a couple days to get more details. Regardless, she says that her plans are being hampered by something that even her sorcery couldn't manage - which seemingly involved freezing. The connection is definitely possible."
[22:10] <Shamal> "Things do seem to be pointing towards her more, in that case," Shamal allows, tilting her head slightly as she considers.
[22:11] <Seira> "You seem to have our confirmation of her involvement," Seira agrees, before sighing. "If only we knew what it was, beyond freezing and mysterious."
[22:12] <Shamal> "Well, you say you'll be meeting her again, Berlioz?" Shamal smiles at the bard, "Do you think she'll share more, then?"
[22:13] <Berlioz> "Apparently, she's trying to gather all attention towards her with this, from what I gathered in the tavern. Whatever it is, it -will- be flashy, to say the least. And yes, that's the exact purpose of the meeting. I'll try to extract more information from her. The pieces of this jigsaw puzzle should fit together fairly smoothly afterwards."
[22:14] <Seira> "Should our request for an apprenticeship with her go through, we may know more yet," Seira muses. "The officer we saw agreed to help us, and he is to be meeting her in the near future."
[22:14] * Lyselle (dragomirst@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) Quit (onwards... -=SysReset 2.53=-)
[22:16] * Berlioz suddenly raises an eyebrow. "How near is this future, then? The Countess mentioned she would have business to attend tomorrow. I know it's a stretch, but what if they aren't unrelated?"
[22:17] <Shamal> "Hmm... about that - I've never met the woman. What do you think of her, from your meeting?" Shamal asks Berlioz. She doesn't really want to get apprenticed to anyone dubious, she thinks, remembering her first master with a slight shudder.
[22:17] <Seira> "It seems most likely," Seira agrees. "We have heard that she is secluded at the time being, and would not hold many meetings."
[22:19] <Berlioz> "The Countess... hmmmm. She seems quite feisty and capricious, I must say. With enough sugar on your lips and a solid sense of opportunity, you could get lead her far. I do not doubt her power, but she has the demeanor of a diva."
[22:20] <Shamal> "That fits with what I've heard," Shamal nods, frowning. "Not malicious, but not the type to truly care about who she steps on now and then..."
[22:21] * Seira smiles lightly at the woman's description. "Should we hold off for now, and await any results?" she asks the others, then.
[22:22] <Shamal> "We've already come this far," Shamal shakes her head. "No sense backing out, now."
[22:22] * Berlioz ponders. "I will gather some more info on her regardless. Upon these final pieces, we decide our course of action. There seems to be a multitude of ways to go on this."
[22:23] * Shamal nods. "Never hurts to come at a problem from multiple angles," she agrees.
[22:24] <Seira> "Hmm." Seira frowns at that. "Then you think we should attempt to spy on her meeting with Captain MacVries, Shamal?" she asks.
[22:25] * Lyselle (dragomirst@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) has joined #dunes
[22:25] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Lyselle Lyselle
[22:26] <Shamal> "I think that would be pushing things too far," the blonde shakes her head. "Leaving aside the dangers if Countess Stronger discovered it, it would be a serious breach of discipline to be spying on our superior officer."
[22:28] * Seira doesn't respond to that, appearing to be in thought. "I believe I would wait for the day after tomorrow. If no answer to our request comes by then, I will attempt to approach the Countess without the military's assistance." She finally glances at Shamal. "What are your plans?"
[22:28] * Berlioz nods. "We just should stick with what's practical in here. If we find out enough info, we might not even have to foil Countess Stronger's underlying intentions, which could make things rather simple."
[22:29] <Shamal> "I won't take any further action until Berlioz exhausts his own avenue of approach," Shamal decides.
[22:31] <Lyselle> "Any action undertaken without discussion with our superiors must by its nature naturally exclude them in every way," Lyselle suggests, smiling wryly and lookingat the fire. "To relate any part of this to the military and its hierarchy without first approval of a superior would be a crime."
[22:31] <Seira> "We may even have more for you to go on by the time you approach the Countess again," Seira tells Berlioz. "Yes, it works, and we are still within our timeframe."
[22:32] * Shamal blinks at Lyselle. "I'm sorry, I don't quite follow - what have we done that's illegal, Lyselle?"
[22:33] * Seira blinks at Lyselle's words. "I would beg to differ, but that would reduce us to dabbling in semantics. Needless to say that should anything we must report to the Commander occur, we are quite likely to get the authorization for our inquiry retroactively."
[22:33] <Lyselle> "I'm not suggesting that something is," Lyselle clarifies, smiling to Shamal. "Just on the vein of spying...it would be immensely dangerous to fly over the heads of authority in such a manner."
[22:35] <Shamal> "That's why we're doing nothing more than making discreet enquiries," Shamal smiles innocently. "Nothing more. If the Countess should let something slip in conversation- or for that matter we ask her directly - where's the harm? It's not like we're breaking into her house to snoop around."
[22:37] <Lyselle> "I'm not suggesting there is harm in that," Lyselle laughs, picking up her drink and sipping at it. "Just adding my discomfort at the idea of 'retroactive authorization' for espionage within our own ranks while we're already embroiled in other espionage of a more sensitive and concernable nature."
[22:37] <Seira> "Where do your loyalties lie?" Seira asks the others suddenly, leaning back in her seat. "Balmuria? The Guard? Lord Salman?"
[22:38] * Shamal frowns slightly at Seira. "Should there ever be a discrepancy within the three, I will get back to you on that."
[22:39] * Lyselle just nods to Shamal in agreement.
[22:39] <Seira> "What if your oath to your country contradicted your standing orders? Is such a situation really that difficult to imagine?"
[22:41] <Lyselle> "Define the situation in which you desire my reaction," Lyselle answers back, shrugging. "I will not blindly follow any one of them against the other, even in the interest of indulging you."
[22:41] <Shamal> "Then I would exercise my judgement to decide the best course," Shamal replies placidly. "The question is meaningless without context."
[22:42] <Seira> "As you say," she demures.
[22:47] * Berlioz sighs. "While I love a discussion on moral relativism, I think this is the wrong place, time and crew to debate with. We're doing this out of arbitrary curiosity and a bit of blind stupidity, and, since we're uncovering interesting pickets here and there, we have more reason to keep going than stop. However, not enough to play blindly dumb cards like spying on superiors. Is my synthesis accurate? If so, good. I think we're done for
[22:48] <Kotono> ---
[22:48] <Kotono> The next day...
[22:48] <Kotono> Around 10 AM Seira's day is interrupted by a page and a message. Captain MacVries informs you that Countess Stronger will be here today if you wished to talk.
[22:49] * Seira does indeed wishes that. First, though, she seeks out Shamal to inquire about her intentions.
[22:51] * Shamal is found at her house outside of town, and is happy to come along and play the part of the prospective student.
[22:51] <Seira> "Did you receive a note as well?" Seira asks her.
[22:52] <Shamal> "Oh... I didn't, actually..." Shamal notes, drawn up short. "Perhaps she only has time for one apprentice?"
[22:55] <Seira> "This could be troublesome," Seira muses. "Would you like me to see if I can persuade her otherwise?"
[22:56] * Shamal shakes her head. "It shouldn't matter - I'm sure you can ask as much as I could, so there's no sense pushing our luck. Be sure to come and tell me how it went after you've spoken to her?"
[22:57] * Seira frowns. "Perhaps I was merely expected to pass on the message. You should come along with me, in that case...."
[22:59] <Shamal> "Surely it would have said so, if that were the case?" Shamal points out. "I think, based on this, it would be best to go alone. If I were to force my presence on things it may set the Countess to being ill disposed towards you."
[23:00] * Seira nods curtly. "I'll keep you posted, then," she responds, relenting, and sets off for her meeting.
[23:02] <Kotono> So Seira heads to Captain MacVries's room. It's the same as last time, a few chairs being used. The captain is at his table, sighing eternally as he finishes up a scroll writing. The other person in here has striking red hair, a red dress worn. Her green eyes hone in on you and behind you, "Aaah. I heard you wished to talk to me, wizard?"
[23:02] <Kotono> Captain MacVries nods once, keeping on his work, "I'm done with our business, so you two can go elseware if you wish." he says, "Oh, and I suppose that means the other cadet didn't come?"
[23:04] * Seira bows much deeper than she is accustomed to doing. "Yes, Countess," she says, recognizing the woman from her description. "She suddenly fell ill," Seira respond to the captain smoothly. "It is nothing major, but she should take it easy for a day or so." Turning back to the older woman, Seira adds, "My friend extends her sincerest regrets at not being able to make it."
[23:06] <Kotono> "I see. Oh well, get on with it," Stronger waves her hand in dismissal, casually kicking back. "What do you want to talk to me about so bad? I know I'm popular," A luxurious toss of her hair, preening, "But you're the second random person in two days."
[23:09] <Seira> "That randomness, as you say it, is at the core of my problem," Seira tells the Countess. "Your popularity does not come merely from your good looks, Ma'am, but from your considerable, famed skills. Alone, I realize that I will never be able to get to that level, not while studying on my own in my free time and training as a soldier while on duty. But should someone take me under her wing, I am certain things could change. For that goal, I am willing to do anything. No chore would be too menial or degrading, if I could become an apprentice to a real mage."
[23:09] <Seira> For that goal, I am willing to do anything. No chore would be too menial or degrading, if I could become an apprentice to a real mage."
[23:11] <Kotono> "So...let me get this right. You're offering yourself because you want to be my apprentance? My oh my!" She grins and looks up to the ceiling, "Well then! I suppose I can consider it. There is a little, small, irritating problem I'm dealing with, and if you could resolve that it would go a ways to showing that you're serious about this. If not? Oh well, you'll waste some time."
[23:11] <Seira> "I am more than willing to prove my determination, Countess," Seira vows.
[23:13] <Kotono> "Excellent! There is a property I wish to purchase, but a shop is there and acually owns the rights! Just some commoners who got lucky on location! I can't believe it, and they won't sell even to an offer of 3000 gold! They could buy four bakeries with that!" The Countess leans forward, "Really, this Sunshine Hilltop Bakery is such an irritant. It's place atop a hill is of considerable interest to me!" (More)
[23:14] <Kotono> "It's always, 'Oh, I'm sorry' this and 'We don't want to go' that! Now of course I don't want you to do anything questionable or illegal, but if you convinced them to make my absurdly generous offer I'd be just thrilled!"
[23:16] * Seira nods at the other woman's words. "I shall begin by investigating the property and its owners at once, Ma'am!" she announces.
[23:17] <Kotono> "I wish you luck. Really, they're nice people, just incredibly stubborn!" The countess harumphs, looking off put. "I have to have that location!"
[23:17] <Seira> "How much time do I have at my disposal?" she questions.
[23:19] <Kotono> "Oh, I have some time. Say a week, two weeks, whatever. Just talk them into it!" With that the Countess rises, "My house is back on the west wall of the city. Lots of roses in bloom, you won't miss it. Come by if you succeed."
[23:20] <Seira> "Of course," Seira answers with another nod.

[Corwin]

[17:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> -----------
[17:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The afternoon blooms in the streets of Balmuria. Past the busy, greedy traders of gold for iron is a hill. A hill that rises up in the center of the city, a beautiful place. The sea breeze carries the scent of salty waves on it, yet even it stops here at the modest house at the very top. A house with open windows that add a new layer to the wind, one of sweets and bakes, pies and bread and candy. It's a long straight up path for the
[17:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It's a long straight up path for the hill, the scents making your stomach rumble. As you walk up, you notice a lot of people are taking slow, relaxing walks here, no hurry at all.
[18:00] * Shamal looks rather distressed as she walks alongside Seira, again wearing simple peasant clothes and a shawl rather than her more showy work clothes. "I can't believe she wants to put Sunshine Hilltop Bakery out of business!" the young witch frets. "I get my bread there - they're always so nice and it tastes wonderful!"
[18:01] <Seira> "I have never tried it," Seira muses. "I suppose I should."
[18:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As you get closer, you can see that the front windows serve as display cases. Just inside the window sill you see pies cooling, loaves of seasoned bread behind it. Pretzels and fruits, so much that is making you hungry. You notice that the shop looks quite predictably busy.
[18:03] <Shamal> "If you do then you won't want to make them sell up!" Shamal warns, really not being at all helpful on this particular escapade. "I don't want to have to find a new bakery."
[18:04] <Seira> "What I agreed to do and what I intend to do are not necessarily the same thing," Seira reminds her, before asking Shamal to help conceal her from curious eyes as she weaves a simple spell of magic detection about her.
[18:05] * Shamal obliges, moving a bit closer to Seira and positioning herself between the half-elf and the nearest passers-by.
[18:07] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The spell is cast without incident in this case. Everyone's looking more at the lovely food source than any quiet pair of ladies.
[18:09] <Seira> The source of that food is her destination, and as such, Seira heads there!
[18:11] * Shamal follows after Seira, looking vaguely worried and unhappy.
[18:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As you walk up you seen the business processing through. Smells great as you get a glimpse of inside, a few late teenage boys and a middle aged woman woking behind the counter. But alas, there is not a scrap of magic.
[18:13] <Seira> "What would you recommend?" Seira asks Shamal, approaching the counter and observing the displays.
[18:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Lots of various things, even an 'Elven Bread' topped with forest berries. As you watch you see one of the two boys, a stout youth with swarthy skin and black hair, smile and wave. "Want anything today?"
[18:14] <Shamal> "I've always been fond of their apricot danishes..." Shamal replies to Seira, looking wistfully at the displays before tearing herself away. She can't afford such extravagances until payday!
[18:16] <Seira> "Yes," she asserts. "An apricot danish." She frowns, then. "Two of them."
[18:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Sure." Quickly he moves, the two items produced over the counter. "Oh yes, I remember your order - I haven't see you around here in a few days, Miss."
[18:18] <Shamal> "Oh, well, you know..." Shamal demurs embarrassedly, "Work keeps me so busy, lately... How's business, anyway?" she asks, making polite conversation.
[18:19] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Busy." A quick smile on his face, making conversation before he stops, looking at Seira. "...hm? Miss? I'm sorry, but are you...?"
[18:19] <Seira> "Seira," she informs him. "And since we're in the act of introducing one another...."
[18:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Oh. Roald. Apologies." He bows his head respectfully, "I'm sorry, my father talked about elves from his travels on occasion, but I've never seen one!"
[18:21] <Seira> "It is probably for the best," she tells him. "Most of them are horribly racist."
[18:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Oh..." Roald looks down about that, "Father always liked talking about the ones he got along well with." The smell of the danishes on the counter are quite good, too, people being served nearby by the other two.
[18:23] <Seira> "Did your father tend to travel, then?"
[18:23] <Shamal> "Really?" Shamal blinks at Seira in surprise. "I suppose you and Tynave are the only ones I've ever spoken to, so I wouldn't really know."
[18:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes he did." A thought there, quiet. "He made this bakery right after the war with the money he'd saved up, but he never lost that wanderlust..." A sad, distant look on his face, "Oh, sorry. Yes, he was a traveler. Even if he didn't serve in the war, I'm still proud of him!"
[18:25] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Roald!" The woman, dark skinned and with her hair behind a white kerchief, comes over. "Come on! We're busy today!"
[18:26] <Seira> "I would like to hear more of your father's travels into our lands," Seira declares. "Should I come once you close up shop?"
[18:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "But Mom!" Roald suddenly looks pained and embarrassed, glancing, "Um..."
[18:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...no." Roald gives his Mom and irritated look, "I'm going on break!"
[18:27] <Seira> "Breaks are important," she agrees, nodding sagaciously.
[18:28] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The two glare, but nothing comes of it as Roald comes around, going right outside.
[18:28] * Seira gives the woman a wave and bites into her danish, following Roald.
[18:29] * Shamal follows Seira, wondering if this is all part of some master plan or if she just happens to be curious about another's tales of the elven lands.
[18:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The danish is indeed rather good! At the side of the street Roald waits, arms crossed. "Sorry, she's...just been kinda like that since Dad never came home," he apologizes.
[18:31] <Seira> "Then it's probably best to talk about him where it would not upset your mother," Seira muses, taking another bite.
[18:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yeah." He nods once, "Anyway, Dad met some elves he got along well with. Got some recipes for the shop from them, as well as just generally had a high opinion of them."
[18:34] <Seira> "Were they adventuring elves?" she asks him.
[18:35] <Shamal> "That explains the 'elven bread'," Shamal nods to herself, as if solving some mystery. "Do you know any recipes like that, Seira?"
[18:36] <Seira> "As a matter of fact, yes," Seira responds with a curt nod. "I am well-versed in various cooking techniques, both elven and human."
[18:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yeah, I think so. They met somewhere south of Malmuth." He thinks, "Dad was great - he could even sneak across the border past all the orcs and trolls and goblins." A long, sad smile is there, thoughtful. "Really? I bet Mom would pay you for some of those, if we can get the ingredients regularly."
[18:38] <Seira> "My salary is barely enough to afford two glasses of wine a day," Seira says with a barely perceptible wince. "More funds could be appreciated." Her expression completely sours, then. "And there you go. Why do you think they went adventuring in the first place?"
[18:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "The elves? I don't know. Freedom? Money?" Roald just shrugs, "Dad said they were on some sort of venture, but I don't remember most of it."
[18:41] * Seira nods, thinking back to her preparatory research. Was the father's death confirmed?
[18:42] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Not officially from what you remember, but that was just word of mouth.
[18:43] <Seira> "Forgive my bluntness," she says at last. "But what exactly happened to your father?"
[18:44] * Seira (cor@p11811112.orange.net.il) Quit (-=SysReset 2.53=-)
[18:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Went to a cave in the mountains based on it's reputation..he was curious, but he never came back." A small, sad shrug there. "There's only one thing that would keep him away this long, and..." The poor kid looks sad a moment, shaken. "Mom insists on running the bakery until Dad comes home."
[18:48] * Hotaru-chan (dragomirst@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) Quit (Off to learn about myself. -=SysReset 2.53=-)
[18:48] * Shamal frowns slightly, pondering a moment before she speaks up. "Pardon me for asking, but do you know where this cave is?"
[18:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...why?" Roald asks, "I do, Dad left a copy of the map here."
[18:53] * Ataraxia is now known as Seira
[18:53] <Shamal> "I knpw you only see me as a simple young woman who buys bread from you every now and then," Shamal smiles weakly, "But I'm not without resources of my own. Seira here is also quite skilled," she gestures at her partially elven companion. "It's possible that we could investigate this cave. Believe me, I can understand that the not knowing can be hardest of all for your family."
[18:55] <Seira> "He could have been trapped inside, transported elswhere or abducted," Seira suggests. "And those are just the possibilities I can think of offhand. There is only so much a person can do on their own, even if he is the best, strongest father in the world...." Seira's eyes acquire a distant look as she trails off.
[18:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Roald is quiet, "...would you? You couldn't tell Mom - she says that no one needs to go, that Dad'll come back. But...I could sneak you the map, because..."
[18:58] * Shamal nods, "I understand - I wouldn't want to get her hopes up in case we fail to find anything," she assures him.
[18:58] <Seira> "You can hire my services with an offer of free danishes," Seira tells him, finishing the pastry.
[19:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "HEh...done." He nods once, "Alright, Seira-elf and Shamal. Hold on." With that Roald goes back inside.
[19:01] <Seira> "If I knew it would be so easy I would have asked a side order of bread," Seira murmurs once he is gone.
[19:01] <Shamal> "It really is good bread," Shamal replies sollemnly.
[19:02] <Seira> "The bakers' talent cannot be denied," Seira agrees.
[19:04] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> About ten minutes later Roald comes back out. A piece of parchment as well asa few more danishes, his face solemn. "Alright. I'm trusting both of you. "
[19:05] <Seira> "We would like to remain your customers. Your trust would be rewarded."
[19:06] <Shamal> "If you give me a few minutes I can make a copy of the map so that you won't lose the original?" Shamal suggests. "If your mother finds it missing that may upset her even more."
[19:07] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...oh yeah, alright." Roald nods once more.
[19:07] * Seira checks that the map is just normal, non-magical parchment to be on the safe side.
[19:09] * Shamal takes out a piece of parchment from her bag along with an inkpen and proceeds to copy the map onto her own paper.
[19:09] <Seira> "Why did your father not take this map with him?" Seira asks curiously.
[19:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The map isn't magical. "It's a copy of the map. He left it...I don't know why, actually..." Suddenly Roald goes quiet, dead quiet. "...Dad left a lot of old maps on occasion, now that I think about it, but usually 'lost't them after he got back..."
[19:12] <Shamal> "Did he say anything about what he expected to find in this cave?" Shamal asks as she finishes her transcribing of the map, handing the original back to Roald.
[19:13] * Seira arches an eyebrow. "I see," she drawls out quietly, turning to listen to Shamal's input.
[19:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...no, just that he wanted to see what as in the 'Cave of the Winds'." Roald looks shaken now, "Good luck," he says distantly.
[19:16] <Seira> "Cheer up," Seira tells the baker. "There's always hope."
[19:16] <Shamal> "I'm sorry if bringing all this up is distressing, Roald," Shamal ducks her head apologetically. "I hope we can find something to put your mind at ease, however."
[19:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...heh, too late today." With that, the shaken youth heads back into the bakery.
[19:18] <Seira> "What do you think?" Seira asks Shamal as soon as they are left alone, starting the long walk back down the hill.
[19:19] <Shamal> "Well..." Shamal takes a deep breath, now left alone with her partially elven friend. "I think that if we must play the Countess' game, we can at least try and help this poor family so that they'll have no reservations about selling their shop, if that's what they choose."
[19:19] <Shamal> She looks at the map, trying to estimate how long it'd take to reach the cave of winds (and also searching her memory to see if it rings any bells), "Besides which, I can't help but feel a little curious."
[19:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Knowledge local check if you have it.
[19:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It's south along the mountain ridges. It'll take only two days to get there, but at least two more to make the last fifth of the trip in the horrible mountain terrain.
[19:21] <Shamal> OOC: I lack it.
[19:21] <Seira> roll 1d20+9 sure~
[19:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 sure~ and gets 29."12 [1d20=20]
[19:22] <Seira> "I am curious myself," Seira agrees, taking a glance at the map herself. "Though I must admit my desire to help that family outweighs my wishes for an apprenticeship."
[19:24] <Shamal> "Of course, the time taken to reach it and return - to say nothing of how long it would take to explore the cave - puts a crimp in giving Tynvae an update on our progress, and there's no telling when we'd be able to find her again..." the blonde goes on.
[19:24] <Seira> "Hmm, these caves...." She taps her lips thoughtfully with her index finger. "People sometimes come in, but never come out. The gale winds at the caves might be responsible for that. Still, unless it is normal for a city to be surrounded by dangerous legendary places people cannot escape from upon entering, does this not sound somewhat familiar?"
[19:24] * Shamal cocks her head at Seira. "The whirlpools?" she posits, looking thoughtful. "What an odd coincidence..."
[19:25] <Seira> "The legends we have heard are almost identical," she asserts.
[19:26] <Seira> "Another part that struck me as strange was the copy of the map," Seira adds. "Along with the father's previous action, does it not sound like he expected his sons to follow him?"
[19:27] <Shamal> "I'm not sure about that," Shamal shrugs gently. "I would surmise he simply left them as a means for his family to know where he was. Surely he expected to return, after all?"
[19:28] <Seira> "Perhaps it was insurance, in case he could not."
[19:28] * Seira shrugs herself.
[19:29] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-514c649f.l4.c5.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[19:29] * Shamal (WinNT@user-514c649f.l4.c5.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Ebiris))
[19:29] * Ebiris is now known as Shamal
[19:30] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Shamal Shamal
[19:30] <Shamal> "Possibly - insurance that has paid off, given our interest, no?" Shamal smiles slightly. "Perhaps I could ask Berlioz to meet Tynvae while we're investigating the cave? He needs to stay in town for his next meeting with the Countess, anyway."
[19:32] <Seira> "We could also wait a few days and see what his meeting brings, as well as meet your aquan friend," Seira suggests. "Perhaps she herself would have news, and we would be more informed, and certainly better prepared for such a trip, supplies-wise."
[19:33] <Shamal> "I suppose I might be able to scrape together some more funds if I have a few days to prepare..." Shamal mutters to herself.
[19:34] <Seira> "I was recently loaned some funds most generously," Seira tells her. "It is only right that I do the same, if you are in need."
[19:39] <Shamal> "I should be able to manage," Shamal assures her friend. "Things are just a bit tight, lately, since I spent so much on those magic supplies after our mission with the goblins."
[19:56] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> --------
[19:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The next day is foggy and clammy. An ill omen as Berlioz approaches the house of roses, perhaps, or just to hide what may come and happen soon?
[20:01] * Berlioz looks up to the serene, misty sky. Those days are oddly romantic in a sense, he pondered. The roses seemed a bit... opaque, however. Not much enjoys the lack of sunshine. Wearing a thin, white cape over his scholarly attire, the bard knocks on the door. What could await him today?
[20:07] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Again the bard hears etherial charms sound. Four seconda nd then eight, until the door opens. Countess Stronger is there, wearing another vibrant red dress and silky, see through white cape over it. It's very functional while still being bright. "Oooooh! It's you." She smiles a bit, "Come back to sing of your desire to see history again?"
[20:13] * Berlioz bows politely upon the sight of the Countess, smiling gently as he looks up. "Why, certainly, milady. I believe we had a due meeting today. I came to hear your astounding plans, and to turn them into tales for generations to come, you need but ask."
[20:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Come in, come in," she turns aside, smiling, "I must say, rarely do I find myself confronted with such a charmer who is so brazen as to come to my front door!"
[20:17] * Berlioz bows once again, silkenly walking into the rosy inner domains of the Countess. "It's quite a shame that, milady. People might as well be blind if they don't recognize your sparkling beauty."
[20:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Inside you are lead into a sitting room. While there are a few paintings of roses, sunsets and other red things, it's mostly plain. Surprisingly functional, a teapot sitting on a table between comfortable chairs. "How do you like it," she asks, going to the teapot. "With or without milk?"
[20:20] * Berlioz rests his chin over the backpalm of his hand, looking calmly at the teapot. "I prefer my tea raw, milady. Thank you for your consideration."
[20:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The tea is poured into as ingle cup, brought to Berlioz. "Enjoy," she smiles with aslight red tint to her cheeks, a blush as she brushes hands against hands. After that she sits down. "So tell me, why did you come again?"
[20:29] <Berlioz> * Berlioz closes his eyes gently as he sips his tea, the motions of a noble swiftly showing through his mannerisms. After finishing his sip, cup still in hand, he calmly glances the Countess as if preparing a speech. "As I said, I am a storyteller. I've settled in Balmuria a few springs ago in order to see a glorious history unfolding in a childling empire."
[20:29] <Berlioz> "Recently, I've seen unusual, nearly enchanted signs of a big tale unfolding... and they all led me to you. It seems I was correct, as well. You are quite a rarity around these lands, Countess, and I can only thank a nameless god for leading me to a developing legend as it is being born."
[20:29] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The tea is quite good. "My..." she blushes again, basking as she brushes back a lock of hair. "That's the nicest way I've ever been told 'I want to know your secret activities!"
[20:34] * Berlioz sips yet another gulp of tea, nodding. "Semantically, I cannot bring myself to disagree. But such bluntness is a terrible way to establish ties, milady, and I'm not here to cause you unnecessary grief. I'll partake of your secrets only as far as you'd like me to."
[20:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Fine." The Countess considers, leaning back and steepling her fingers in front of her face. "Tell me why you want to know this - seriously - and maaaaybe we'll talk." Her smile is sunny and bright, innocent. "Since I'd hate to have to burn you alive if you're trying to do something you s houldn't be, okay?"
[20:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> A pause there and a breath, "OF course...if you're just hear to sing my praises, do go on."
[20:38] * Infinite_Ko_Loop is now known as Kotono
[20:40] * Berlioz sighs, and opens a snicker. "Weeeeeell. Fine, I believe I can be slightly more sincere with milady in this case. I am truly a historian, and I'm interested in writing the tales of a birthing country - which is odd coming from a middle-brow noble from Malmuth. However, what leads me to here is a bit more passing. I believe you heard of rumors about sea elves supposedly roaming the Balmuria ports, correct?"
[20:41] <Kotono> "Oh, old rumors? Maybe." The countess shrugs, an easy smile on her face. "Little bitsy insignifigant murmurs, hm? Nothing worth any serious attention."
[20:50] <Berlioz> "Oh, those are quite recent, actually - and it's hard to disbelieve when they start approaching land and making distinct noises. Meanwhile, a few coloured birds whisper here and there about the secret affairs of a plumed bird. The stories have turned into something more than a little bigger than just chirps, milady."
[20:52] <Kotono> "Ooooh, well then, what are these loud chirps?" she asks,  lounging back in her chair. "Really, I do seem to be more popular than ever lately..."
[20:55] * Berlioz grins. "Oh, these have been all around the city, really. They fly a long way, and the murmurs grow louder every day. The sea elves suddenly flashing now and then don't help, either. But one of the chirps particularly interested me, far more than those strange sylphids - and probably no one else, really."
[20:57] <Kotono> "Mmm hmmm! Well then..." Countess Stronger puffs up, before deflating. "You pretty much just cemented what I figured. Sea elves, talked to them or got information from them somehow or some some source, and now you're following the yellow brick road?"
[21:02] * Berlioz sighs. "Somewhat, yes. It is far from me to want to stop your plans, but incurring the wrath of an obscure race isn't particularly desirable for anyone. I do not know what do you intend, nor why is it affecting those strange undines, but I was brutally curious to find out, if nothing else."
[21:04] <Kotono> "Eh, I'll be honest. It's a wash. Total stop, hard pause, end. Finished." Sourly looking down, "That seal could probably withstand Mystra herself having a go at it. Stupid whirlpools are just the first layer. Bleh." Sounding most put out, she crosses her arms and archly looks over at Berlioz. "I  WAS trying to heal up and forget about that stupid thing."
[21:06] * Berlioz ponders. "A seal? What kind of seal? Listen here, Countess. I may not be one with the kindest intentions, but... quite frankly, now you've got my interest", he smirks with a slight glint in his eyes. "Would you like help with research on the seal and the process of unsealing it?"
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[21:07] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Hotaru Hotaru
[21:08] <Kotono> "Eh." She kicks back, thinking. "Not particularly, at least right now.  With one that strong it's not going anywhere, and I have other things on the fire. I'm going to open a shop once I take care of one little road bu-wait." She shakes her head, "Oh damn it, you're good. You're just making it too easy to blather on and on."
[21:10] * Berlioz snickers. "A roadbump? Come on, Countess. You can tell me. This may not be a brutally strong seal, but, since I've gone that far, might as well give you a token of my appreciation for your time."
[21:10] <Kotono> "Oh, just the tenants of where I wish to purchasethe land aren't being cooperative. I have a wonderful volunteer on it already, soo..." She shakes her head, "Anyway."
[21:15] * Berlioz sighs and smiles. "Well, I guess it's just as well. Still, makes me wonder who are you trying so hard to upstage. But it's hardly of my concern unless you want to share. And you're probably weary of my presence right now, milady..." With that, the bard fixes his monocles and gets up slightly.
[21:16] <Kotono> "For now. I suspect you'll alight my doorstep soon, but...let us go." With that she takes to the front door, opening it and waiting for Berlioz to catch up.
[21:19] * Berlioz catches the cue and follows, bowing politely before making his leave. "Well. While it may not seem so, it was still a pleasure. I apologize for the inconvenience and the unnecessary drama, milady."
[21:20] <Kotono> A mere nod to Berlioz, "We shall see," she murmurs, closing the door behind her. But as it closes, you can see her smiling just a little bit...
[21:22] * Berlioz contemplatively looks at the door for a moment, and reflexively fixes his monocle. With a silent smirk, he nods to himself and dusts his cape. "Well, this is an interesting piece...", an interior musing echoes in his mind as he passes through the solemn roses...
[21:31] <Kotono> ---
[21:32] <Kotono> The docks are busy and lifefilled again. TWo head down to the water's edge, awaiting in the sunny weather of Febuary, basking in the warm sea breeze...
[21:34] * Shamal makes her way to the barrier wall, "This is where we agreed to meet up," she tells Berlioz, Flopsy cradled in her arms as she leans over the edge to peer into the water in search of Tynvae. "I don't suppose you speak Aquan, by the way?"
[21:36] * Berlioz sighs. "Well, I can use magic to comprehend their language, but not having the spell memorized now myself, I guess I'll resign to the role of silent witness here. Aquan is one of the languages I sadly missed on my studies."
[21:38] <Shamal> "Oh... well, you might not get much out of this - she didn't appear to speak Common when we last spoke," the blonde admits, carefully sitting herself down on the edge over the water as she waits for the sea elf to make her appearance.
[21:40] <Berlioz> "Eh, just viewing one of those undine-like elves is enough. It's not like I'm here to find out the exciting secrets of Atlantica, anyhow. It's not our history, at least not so far", Berlioz calmly replies.
[21:41] <Shamal> "One step at a time," Shamal smiles, setting Flopsy down beside her and idly petting the rabbit as she waits and watches.
[21:44] <Kotono> Time passes by. The waiting is boring and without incident, until Shamal finally sees it. Deep below there is a hint of blue in the water, rising blue.
[21:46] <Shamal> "Ah, there she is!" Shamal points down for Berlioz's benefit. "See?"
[21:47] * Berlioz approaches, following Shamal's lead. "Ohhhh... so, it is approaching?"
[21:48] <Kotono> Up from the depths of the ocean it comes! Skin tinted green, hair as blue as the deep sea ocean. Tynave rises towards the surface slowly, looking behind her a few times as she does.
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[21:51] <Shamal> "Hello, Tynave," Shamal greets the sea elf, her voice taking on the burbling and watery tongue of Aquan as she speaks. "I have mews about the wizard you told us about."
[21:51] * abcdef is now known as Doc
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[21:52] * Berlioz sets mode: +b *!*@229.Red-83-49-6.dynamicIP.rima-tde.net
[21:52] * DarKray was kicked by Berlioz (Stop that.)
[21:53] <Kotono> "What is it? Um, could you kind of hurry?" This time there's clear embarrassment, uneasiness as she looks down. "I got in a lot of grief last time since they found out I came here. I shouldn't push it so much for awhile."
[21:53] * Berlioz blinks and faintly observes the sea elf as she rises, vaguely adjusting his jaw as if it could drop into the ground. While this isn't the view of a goddess, it is quite a story, indeed.
[21:55] <Shamal> "Just the highlights, then," Shamal decides. "It was a wizard who resides here in Balmuria - apparently the forbidden whirlpools are only the first layer in a seal of some sorts, which she was trying to bypass. However, she found her efforts stymied by what lies beyond them, and has given up for the time being."
[21:58] <Kotono> "Oh, I see! That's good news." A sigh of relief from that, "That means all this will stop and no one will go by the whirlpools again?"
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[21:58] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Hotaru-chan Hotaru-chan
[22:00] <Shamal> "For the near future," Shamal nods. "She may have an idea for bypassing the seal in the future that causes her to return, but for now she has given up on her attempts."
[22:01] <Kotono> "That's still good news," The elf bobs in the water, looking around again. "Tendril's better now, by the way. Thank you."
[22:01] * Hotaru (dragomirst@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) Quit (Ping timeout)
[22:03] <Shamal> "I'm glad," Shamal sags slightly in relief. "Again, I'm terribly sorry about that whole misunderstanding... Really, I should have known better to begin with. It's not as if dangerous sealife habitually lurks right here in the harbour..." she wrings her hands helplessly, "I just got carried away in the heat of the moment."
[22:05] <Kotono> "Tendril says he's sorry...oh!" Looking up at the rabbit Shamal holds, "Is that like Tendril? Is that a land animal?"
[22:06] * Berlioz kneels and watches silently. There will definitely be a few questions for Shamal lately, even if it seems like small talk. Knowing someone who has met and chatted with sea elves is a fine distinction for a newly mint historian, after all.
[22:08] <Shamal> "Somewhat," Shamal smiles, holding the docile rabbit up, "His name is Flopsy, he's a rabbit - they normally live in burrows underground and are famous for..." she stops, blushing slightly, "Well, that doesn't matter. Anyway, he's my familiar, yes," she concludes with an authoritative nod. "So are you a practitioner of magic yourself, Tynave?
[22:10] <Kotono> "Magic? No, no really. Tendril is a clan pet! It's kinda of dry and icky. There isn't even any smile on it, is there?" Tynave makes an EW face, "It would feel weird to touch."
[22:13] * Shamal looks slightly put out. "Flopsy's fur is very soft and nice," she retorts, before putting her bunny aside. "Oh, Seira - the elf from before - she says hello and she's sorry she can't make it. This is Berlioz," she gestures at the bard, "He's very excited to meet you but doesn't speak Aquan." Switching back to Common she glances sidelong at him, "Wave to the nice sea elf, Berlioz."
[22:15] * Berlioz waves lightly, raising his right hand with a slight smile.
[22:15] <Kotono> "Oh!" Tyvane nods again, looking on. "That one has very fancy clothes and a strange eye! Is that normal?"
[22:17] <Shamal> "Not really," Shamal replies, straight-faced and glad for the language barrier. "He's just a bit eccentric. He's a storyteller, so you'll probably be appearing in his epic book about the mysteries of the deep or some such, now."
[22:19] <Kotono> "Hey! Don't do that! What if more land dwellers come here!" Berlioz can see the sea elf give him a nasty, irritated look. "I'll never hear the end of it if that happens!"
[22:19] * Berlioz raises an eyebrow towards the sea elf, a slightly intrigued look in his semblance.
[22:20] * Shamal giggles sheepishly. "Maybe I've said too much..." Switching back to Common, "Sorry, Berlioz, I just mentioned your profession - she doesn't want to appear in any stories."
[22:22] * Berlioz sighs, closing his eyes. "It's not like I am a tourist guide. The writing of history is to be kept for posterity, not for it to be desecrated by a bunch of hillbillies far more Southern than I would ever be."
[22:24] <Shamal> Nodding, Shamal turns her attention back to the sea elf, "He won't mention you by name," she promises, "He just likes to keep a respectful record for posterity. So, I suppose you'll be going back to your home, now?"
[22:24] <Kotono> The sea elf waits, and then...splash! Berlioz gets water across his face and shirt, the elf looking on. "Well, okay, but he still looks funny," Tynave pouts, turning her back. "I should, I'll get in trouble. But...at least I know I wasn't totally wrong. Not all of youa re that bad!"
[22:26] * Shamal giggles embarrassedly, "Sorry, Berlioz... I think she likes you?" she hazards weakly, before waving to Tynave. "We're really not. Maybe one day I'll know enough magic to come and visit where you live, but I suppose more realistically this is goodbye." She clambers to her feet. "Good luck, Tynave."
[22:27] * Berlioz grumbles, taking off his monocle. "I suppose this is no messier than human affection. Still a good reminder of why I prefer libraries to town fairs."
[22:28] * Hotaru-chan (dragomirst@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) Quit (Be back momentarily -=SysReset 2.53=-)
[22:28] <Kotono> "Tell the other one that, too. Her ears were really pointy!" With that wave she dips into the water, down and away.
[22:29] * Shamal keeps her smile a moment longer before she picks up Flopsy, expression turning a bit melancholy. "I don't suppose we'll ever see her again..." she murmurs, turning to Berlioz.
[22:34] * Berlioz vainly tries to dry his clothes with some twists, while he sighs, salty water still dripping all over. "I guess it's just as well. They have their reasons to be wary of us, and we're not unentitled to look upon the different with eyes less kind than yours. She is better off with her own kind. We weren't supposed to meddle in their affairs to begin with. It was a strike of luck."
[22:37] <Shamal> "Perhaps... I still can't help but wonder what could be gained if both sides were more accomadating, however." She sighs softly, drawing her shawl tighter around her, "No matter. If nothing else, her mind has been opened to seeing that land-dwellers aren't things of mystery and fear."
[22:40] <Berlioz> "You are probably right, Shamal. But we are all imperfect beings. We have to grow as a society and as individual humans before trying to approach them. And I'd guess they have to work on their maturity in their own ways to accept such a breach. Neither side is ready to let go just yet", the bard ponders coldly.

[Corwin]

[21:13] <Kotono> -----
[21:14] <Kotono> The trip is in two parts. The first two days are on the official trading road from Balmuria to Parsifal. This is a sedate time, the only company wild animals off the road and caravans full of precious iron ore.  The weather holds fair for this, and starting the third day things look well. (More)
[21:17] <Kotono> Yet on the third day things turn sour. The sunshine is banished by a cold mountain wind. A mix of sleet and rain falls, the warmth of the bay breeze lost this far inland. IN this miserable weather the party progresses through the uncharted mountains, breaking paths bits and pieces at a time. Yet the map is accurate - find a two pronged tree, pass the three eyed rock - leading the party closer to the CAve of the Winds. (More)
[21:21] <Kotono> It takes most of the fourth day to arrive at the cave. IN a driving wind and sleety mess the party comes to the outskirts. It's a small crag opening at the foot of a tall cliff, a few denuded trees around it.  It's very dark inside, and you can hear the howling of the wind...
[21:22] <Shamal> As they travel, Shamal does her best to gauge the weather and how long it's likely to stay this miserable...
[21:22] <Shamal> roll 1d20+11 survival
[21:22] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+11 survival and gets 25."12 [1d20=14]
[21:24] <Shamal> "At least the weather should ease after tomorrow," Shamal tells her weary companions once they finally reach their goal. "If nothing else, we might want to shelter in the cave that long before heading back."
[21:24] <Seira> "I doubt we could explore it in a mere hour," Seira agrees. "So, then, are we going in?"
[21:25] <Lyselle> "As much as I'm enjoying the trip down memory lane, yes, rest would be good," Lyselle agrees, snorting softly and tugging her cloak tighter around herself.
[21:25] <Shamal> "You never know," Shamal smiles, carefully making her way up to the ave entrance and peering within.
[21:26] <Kotono> It's pitch black dark. You can't see a thing.
[21:27] * Lyselle unpacks her everburning torch as she follows Shamal in, trying to cast some light into the cave.
[21:28] * Berlioz conveniently follows behind Lyselle.
[21:28] * DarKray (DarK_Ray@71.Red-88-18-145.staticIP.rima-tde.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
[21:28] * DarKray (~DarK_Ray@71.Red-88-18-145.staticIP.rima-tde.net) has joined #dunes
* Retrieving #dunes modes...
[21:32] <Kotono> It's about fourty feet long and twenty wide. Stalagmites are about, a gash into the very earth showing it's veins. AT the very far end you can see a very narrow passage ahead. As you see it, you feel a powerful gust of wind come from it.
[21:33] * Berlioz covers his eyes, frowning. "Eugh. This is somewhat unpleasant."
[21:33] * DarKray (~DarK_Ray@71.Red-88-18-145.staticIP.rima-tde.net) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by oola))
[21:33] <Shamal> "I wonder where that wind comes from..." Shamal murmurs thoughtfully, keeping Rin close as she carefully starts inside the cave.
[21:34] <Seira> "I suspect we shall learn that all too soon."
[21:40] <Kotono> The crag extends a good way, about 30 feet or so, perhaps? The wind is near gale force, making it seemingly impossible to make more headway. Y our torch isn't flickering, though.
[21:42] <Kotono> It's just big enough for one person at a time to pass, perhaps, but the wind looks like a problem.
[21:43] * Seira observes the nearby trees, and whether they are strong enough to stop a person tied to them with rope from flying off.
[21:43] <Shamal> "Nnng..." Shamal grits her teeth a moment, before retreating back out and away from the wind. "Unless the wind naturally dies down on some sort of rhythm, we may have to find another way in," she comments.
[21:46] <Kotono> As the party talks, the wind suddenly stops.
[21:46] * Seira times the pause in the wind, waiting alertly.
[21:46] <Kotono> It last perhaps a round or so, then the wind starts blowing again.
[21:47] * Seira times this as well.
[21:48] <Kotono> This lasts two rounds, then another pause.
[21:48] * Shamal blinks. "That was sudden," she notes at the sudden stop and start. "Perhaps one of us could try running through when it stops and set a grappling hook and rope down or something like that?"
[21:48] <Seira> "I'll do it," Seira volunteers, asking for a hook before tying it to rolled-up rope.
[21:49] * Lyselle nods, just stopping and curling her cloaking tighter around herself. Wind was cold. "Faster it gets done..." she nods to the lighter and speedier member of their part.
[21:50] * Lyselle offers her grappling hook to Seira.
[21:51] <Seira> Her preparations done with, Seira spends another minute establishing the pattern for the wind and making certain it doesn't change.
[21:51] <Kotono> The pattern looks to be holding.
[21:52] <Seira> Once the wind dies down, she moves swiftly down the crag, and examines where it leads.
[21:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 15."12 [1d20=4]
[21:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 30."12 [1d20=19]
[21:53] <Kotono> OOC - Spot check.
[21:54] <Seira> roll 1d20+3
[21:54] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 and gets 8."12 [1d20=5]
[21:55] <Kotono> Ahead the narrow passage continues, but the wind stops here. You can hear and feel it behind you, but you're not being blasted here at all. The narrow passage continues on as far as you can see.
[21:55] <Seira> "Wait for a short while," Seira asks the others, and spends another minute to observe her surroundings, studying that which is ahead.
[21:56] * Shamal waits for the all clear from Seira, timing the winds and waiting for her own opportunity to run between them.
[21:59] <Kotono> As Seira looks around, she sees something, alright. In the darkness two gray, small lizards are coming at her! But not spotted in time, they turn into a lovely shade of electric white and blue as electricity arches out at SEira! OOC - Reflex save.
[21:59] <Seira> roll 1d20+7
[21:59] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 and gets 12."12 [1d20=5]
[21:59] <Kotono> roll 4d6
[22:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d6 and gets 17."12 [4d6=2, 5, 5, 5]
[22:01] <Seira> "Two lizards, hostile!" Seira calls back to the others.
[22:02] <Kotono> But Seira is able to avoid the socks, diving to the side and banging hard again against the wall, but she's safe! Behind, the others can see the flash of electric light as the wind blows! OOC - INitiative Cor and lizards. Roll initiative others as well, I think, so we'll have it nice and in order.
[22:02] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+2
[22:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[22:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+2 and gets 3."12 [1d20=1]
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 23."12 [1d20=17]
[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 9."12 [1d20=3]
[22:03] <Seira> roll 1d20+4
[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 and gets 18."12 [1d20=14]
[22:03] <Shamal> roll 1d20+2 Shamal
[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+2 Shamal and gets 21."12 [1d20=19]
[22:03] <Shamal> roll 1d20+2 Rin
[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+2 Rin and gets 14."12 [1d20=12]
[22:03] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+1
[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+1 and gets 7."12 [1d20=6]
[22:04] <Kotono> Lizard 1>Shamal>Seira>Rin>Lizard 2>Berlioz>Lyselle
[22:05] <Kotono> The first lizard stays where it is, another arc of electricty from it! Just one this time at least, coming at Seira! OOC - Reflex save.
[22:05] <Seira> roll 1d20+7
[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 and gets 11."12 [1d20=4]
[22:05] <Kotono> roll 2d8 temporary damage, saying this so I don't forget.
[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8 temporary damage, saying this so I don't forget. and gets 8."12 [2d8=4, 4]
[22:07] <Kotono> The stunning shock gets Seira right in the chest! It shocks her good, rattling her electric cage quite well! OOC - Shamal, going or holding?
[22:10] <Shamal> Unable to reach Seira while the wind continues to blow, Shamal conjures up a spell so that she can assist from where she is. "Brightest flames of the inferno, come to my hand so that I may cleanse the unworthy!" she calls, her free hand suddenly becoming ensconsced in a bright fire as she moves as close as she can to the gap before the wind stops her advance.
[22:11] <Kotono> This is just inside the lip, the wind still blowing! OOC - Seira.
[22:15] * Seira takes a step back, drawing her bow. Deciding to hold off until help arrives, she fires a pair of arrows at the other lizard.
[22:15] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
[22:15] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 14."12 [1d20=9]
[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 21."12 [1d20=16]
[22:15] <Seira> roll 1d8
[22:15] <Seira> roll 1d8
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8 and gets 3."12 [1d8=3]
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8 and gets 2."12 [1d8=2]
[22:16] * Sailor_Jupiter is now known as Makoto
[22:17] <Kotono> Two arrows get the second lizard riddled with two arrows! Yet both stick out of him just a bit, minor wounds! OOC - Rin.
[22:18] <Shamal> Rin growls slightly but remains where she is, waiting for Shamal's command...
[22:18] <Shamal> OOC: Rin holds
[22:18] <Kotono> The second lizard is indeed riddled with arrows! But in retaliation it sends another shock at the fair Seira as it creeps forward!
[22:18] <Kotono> OOC - Ref save again.
[22:18] <Seira> roll 1d20+7
[22:18] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 and gets 18."12 [1d20=11]
[22:19] <Kotono> This time Seira flat out ducks, doing the splits to evade! All she has the space to do, but it works! OOC - Berlioz and Lyselle, doing anything this round?
[22:19] * Lyselle moves up to Shamal, knocking an arrow, but doubting that any projectiles would get through the winds.
[22:20] * Berlioz just follows Lyselle, deducing that an arrow rain would be ineffective against the gales as well.
[22:21] <Kotono> At the start of this round, the wind stops! OOC - Okay, who's going? It's a very narrow passage, bea rin mind.
[22:23] <Shamal> "Now, Rin - get those lizards!" Shamal cries as soon as the wind stops, her dog promptly bounding forward through the gap and past Seira to savage the nearest electric lizard!
[22:23] * Kotono changes topic to 'Lizard 1>Shamal>Seira>Rin>Lizard 2>Berlioz>Lyselle'
[22:23] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5 (charging)
[22:23] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 (charging) and gets 11."12 [1d20=6]
[22:24] <Kotono> Rin does charge! But between clogging up the narrow passage and trying to get past Seira, the entire thing just doesn't work! OC - Anyone else from the hold squad!
[22:24] * Kotono changes topic to 'Rin>Lizard 1>Shamal>Seira>Lizard 2>Berlioz>Lyselle'
[22:24] <Lyselle> OOC - Firing an arrow.
[22:25] <Kotono> OOC - Do your thaaaang.
[22:25] * Kotono changes topic to 'Lyselle>Rin>Lizard 1>Shamal>Seira>Lizard 2>Berlioz'
[22:25] <Lyselle> Lyselle unleashes her arrow at the farthest lizard, the one not engaged with Rin, and thus not risking shooting the dog!
[22:25] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+5
[22:25] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+5 and gets 9."12 [1d20=4]
[22:26] <Kotono> The shot is a miss! It just misses Seira's side, instead bouncing off the wall and to the ground!
[22:29] <Kotono> The first lizard is still intact, sending a shocking bolt at Rin! OOC - Reflex save.
[22:29] * Carthrat-Sleep (~Bill@c58-107-63-64.eburwd7.vic.optusnet.com.au) Quit (TIMINGU~)
[22:29] <Kotono> roll 2d8
[22:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8 and gets 8."12 [2d8=1, 7]
[22:30] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5
[22:30] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 and gets 18."12 [1d20=13]
[22:31] <Kotono> The dog goes back onto it's haunches, avoiding the worst of the shock! Meanwhile the wind is down, at least for now! OOC - Go elf.
[22:32] <Kotono> OOC - Er, Shamal, I'm sorry.
[22:32] * Seira retreats back to Shamal's side, loosening a single arrow at the lizard she had picked as her target.
[22:32] <Shamal> OOC: you should be! The indignity!
[22:32] <Seira> roll 1d20+7
[22:32] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 and gets 13."12 [1d20=6]
[22:32] <Seira> roll 1d8
[22:32] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8 and gets 7."12 [1d8=7]
[22:33] <Kotono> Yet this arrow is also errant as Seira flees back! It soars high, vanishing into the darkness ahead! OOC - Shamal?
[22:34] <Shamal> As Seira retreats, Shamal makes a throwing motion at the lizard that shocked Rin, releasing a burning ball of fire at the electricity loving saurian!
[22:34] <Shamal> roll 1d20+3 ranged touch attack
[22:34] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+3 ranged touch attack and gets 9."12 [1d20=6]
[22:35] <Kotono> The fireball hits the wall a mere ten feet away, doing no damage except to innocent mother earth! The wounded lizard skitters about, another shock coming at Rin as the two close in on a target!
[22:35] <Kotono> roll 2d8 reflex save for dog go.
[22:35] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8 reflex save for dog go. and gets 13."12 [2d8=5, 8]
[22:35] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5
[22:35] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 and gets 14."12 [1d20=9]
[22:36] <Kotono> Rin is shocked badly! It's fur stands up and you can see his back legs twitch, but he's still up! OOC  - Berlioz, you're up
[22:36] <Kotono> *she
[22:37] * Berlioz carefully aims at one of the lizards, preferrably the one that seems the least healthy, and shoots an arrow against it!
[22:37] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+4
[22:37] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+4 and gets 17."12 [1d20=13]
[22:37] <Kotono> OOC - Hit!
[22:38] <Berlioz> roll 1d6
[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d6 and gets 5."12 [1d6=5]
[22:39] <Kotono> A fell shot that whizzes in the air, falling just in time to impale the already wounded lizard! It lives only by dint of it's last breaths, badly skewered! As this happens, the wind resumes, pushing and heaving back! OOC - Lyselle and Rin are up before the first lizard.
[22:40] * Lyselle knocks an arrow and waits.
[22:41] <Shamal> Rin makes a quick bite at the lizard she tried attacking previously even as Shamal calls out, "Rin, heel!"
[22:41] <Shamal> roll 1d20+3
[22:41] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+3 and gets 4."12 [1d20=1]
[22:42] <Shamal> After her attack, Rin promptly rushes back towards her mistress, leaving herself open to an attack of opportunity from the sadly still breathing lizard.
[22:42] <Kotono> Rin fails completely! The bite only snaps at the air, doing nothing! Indeed, the lizard takes a toothy little chomp at the staggering, damaged dog!
[22:42] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[22:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 11."12 [1d20=8]
[22:43] <Kotono> But the bite misses! Rin is aided by the wind, making it down the hall in record time! OOC - Doing anything, Shamal/Seira?
[22:44] * Seira steps away from the tunnel, readying an arrow.
[22:45] * Shamal doesn't look terribly thrilled as she hurls her last fireball at the most wounded lizard, hoping this one will hit.
[22:45] <Shamal> roll 1d20+3 ranged touch
[22:45] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+3 ranged touch and gets 18."12 [1d20=15]
[22:45] <Shamal> roll 1d6+2
[22:45] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d6+2 and gets 6."12 [1d6=4]
[22:51] <Kotono> Despite the wind, the flames fly to the wounded lizard! It's burnt and charred, dead and only good for a snack now! OOC - Doing anything, Berlioz?
[22:53] <Berlioz> OOC - Just waiting for the wind to subside.
[22:53] <Kotono> OOC - Lyselle/Rin?
[22:53] <Kotono> The wind keeps blowing, another round left on it's furies!
[22:53] <Lyselle> OOC - Waiting waiting...
[22:54] <Shamal> Rin whimpers, cowering behind Shamal.
[22:54] <Kotono> Under the cover of wind, the last skitters back down the dark passage and away, out of sight.
[22:55] <Seira> "The passage is narrow, but it is easy to time the winds to pass together," Seira notes.
[22:56] <Shamal> "Horrid beasts!" Shamal frets, turning to tend to Rin now that the immediate threat is gone. "Let's wait a moment before going forward - you were shocked as well, were you not, Seira?"
[22:56] <Seira> "It is nothing," Seira dismisses.
[22:56] * Lyselle moves once the winds die down, quickly to get past their region of threat.
[22:57] * Seira follows right after Lyselle.
[22:57] * Berlioz follows the fallen noble and the druid girl. Heh. It's a lot more practical when you have a guiding body of sorts.
[22:58] * Shamal waits for the wind to die down after Seira and Lyselle advance, before following with Rin in tow.
[23:01] <Kotono> The party advances past the wind! Ahead you see no sign of the other lizard, just a still narrow passage. It's starting to twist to the left, too.
[23:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
[23:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 15."12 [1d20=4]
[23:02] <Shamal> Noticing that the wind seems to abruptly stop past a certain spot, Shamal pauses and casts detect magic to ascertain what's behind it.
[23:02] * Seira takes full advantage of Lyselle's torch to search for any more of the creatures, or other dangers in this place.
[23:02] * Lyselle pauses whenever they get past the winds, stopping and glancing at their electrocuted members. "Should we rest here a while?"
[23:03] <Kotono> OOC - Spot and search checks as everyone likes.
[23:03] <Seira> "There is no need to rest just yet," Seira responds.
[23:03] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+1 spot
[23:03] <Seira> roll 1d20+3 spot
[23:03] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+1 spot and gets 18."12 [1d20=17]
[23:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 spot and gets 16."12 [1d20=13]
[23:04] <Seira> roll 1d20+6 search
[23:04] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 search and gets 7."12 [1d20=1]
[23:04] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+3 search
[23:04] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+3 search and gets 10."12 [1d20=7]
[23:04] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+2 search?
[23:04] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+2 search? and gets 19."12 [1d20=17]
[23:04] <Kotono> The area is non descrpit and craggy, except for one thing. Seira and Lyselle find a little hole in the wall, a tiny passage. It's only a foot wide if that, a little animal hole.
[23:05] <Seira> "It may have gone back there," Seira muses, eyeing the hole.
[23:07] * Shamal attempts to detect magic with the aid of her spell that she just cast!
[23:07] <Kotono> There's no detected magic in the hole.
[23:07] <Seira> "Let's keep an eye out for it, and keep on moving," Seira suggests.
[23:08] <Kotono> Shamal detects magic where the wind blows.
[23:09] * Shamal attempts to discern what kind and all that stuff.
[23:09] <Shamal> roll 1d20+11 spellcraft
[23:09] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+11 spellcraft and gets 14."12 [1d20=3]
[23:09] <Kotono> It's one aura, weak. But that's all Shamal can tell.
[23:10] <Shamal> "The wind is definitely magical," Shamal concludes after her study, "Though I can't tell more than that..." she adds unhappily. "I suppose I'm ready to move on if everyone else is."
[23:10] <Seira> "We can take another look on our way back," Seira agrees.
[23:12] <Kotono> The passage narrows even more! It's a long trip to travel, several zig zags back and fourth. A half hour of this, muscles sore and aching by the time you come to a break. The passage zig zags ever twenty feet or so, but the walls are gone. This is an extended path, nothing but air around you in a great cavern. THe walkway is ten feet wide in general, space to move around. It's huge here, a cave stretching higher than can be seen. This zigzag p
[23:12] <Kotono> This zigzag path stands about fourty feet above dark waters below, and at the very end it comes to an abruptly stopping path - but you can see a shadowy form on the ground.
[23:13] <Shamal> "This would be a perfect place for an unwelcome gust of wind," Shamal can't help but note, eyeing the path distrustfully.
[23:13] * Seira uses the time to secure a length of rope to the passage, looping it around it with the aid of her grappling hook.
[23:13] <Kotono> OOC - As a note so we're clear, who is holding torches/light sources now?
[23:14] * Seira attaches the other end to herself, and asks, "Does anyone have a second torch?"
[23:15] * Lyselle hands Seira her torch. "I should probably hold onto my shield."
[23:15] <Seira> "You should probably have another torch here, just in case. Or the Light spell, perhaps?"
[23:16] <Shamal> "I do," Shamal nods, taking one from her pack and lighting it with a handy flint and steel. "Not magical, sadly, but it'll have to do."
[23:18] <Kotono> AT the end of the long, zigzag path it comes to abrupt stop. It juts out into the natural lake, a dark shape lying there and just glimpsed. You could make it on the path, but it would take some walking.
[23:19] <Seira> Fairly confident she would not fall down all the way into the waters, Seira proceeds on the path slowly, her rope looped about the bridge-like path.
[23:22] <Shamal> "We'll stay and pull you up if the wind blows you off?" Shamal assumes as Seira starts off on her own with the rope.
[23:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
[23:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 25."12 [1d20=13]
[23:23] <Kotono> OOC - Spot check, elf girl.
[23:23] <Shamal> "Here's a spell so you won't have to shout back to us," the witch adds, casting Message to link herself and Seira.
[23:23] <Seira> roll 1d20+3 like I can beat 25
[23:23] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 like I can beat 25 and gets 19."12 [1d20=16]
[23:23] <Kotono> The pathways keep going, Seira walking along. She stands out as she walks, a single torch into the darkness. About halfway she gets before she can see much of it. It looks like a body - you can see a warhammer and some sort of still intact metal armor on it.
[23:26] <Seira> "Let me know if anything comes up behind me," Seira murmurs through the spell, and continues to advance towards the body.
[23:26] * Shamal isn't looking anywhere else but Seira, so will be sure to provide warning if she does spot anything on the same path.
[23:27] <Kotono> roll 1d8
[23:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8 and gets 3."12 [1d8=3]
[23:27] <Kotono> OOC - Make a fort save, would you?
[23:27] <Kotono> OOC - Seira.
[23:27] <Seira> roll 1d20+3 crap
[23:27] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 crap and gets 11."12 [1d20=8]
[23:28] <Kotono> What happens is ear shattering to Seira and viciously loud to the others! A great SREEEEECCCHHH! echos from above, focused below! Seira's ears bleed, the ground beneath him quivering a bit!  But Seira doesn't know what, stunned! OOC - Initiative for ordering. Also, Seira's stunned this round.
[23:29] <Shamal> roll 1d20+2 Shamal
[23:29] <Kotono> *her
[23:29] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+2 Shamal and gets 19."12 [1d20=17]
[23:29] <Shamal> roll 1d20+2 Rin
[23:29] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+2 Rin and gets 17."12 [1d20=15]
[23:29] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+2
[23:29] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+2 and gets 20."12 [1d20=18]
[23:29] <Seira> roll 1d20+4 dammit
[23:29] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 dammit and gets 6."12 [1d20=2]
[23:29] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+1
[23:29] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+1 and gets 19."12 [1d20=18]
[23:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[23:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 19."12 [1d20=13]
[23:31] * Shamal looks up at the sudden cacaphony!
[23:31] <Kotono> Lyselle>Shamal=????=Berlioz>Rin>Seira(Stunned a round)
[23:31] * Lyselle tries to visually locate their attacker.
[23:31] <Kotono> It's above! You can see it swoop-oh by the Gods! It's wingspan is fifteen feet, it's body furry and black! A giant bat is swooping down at Seira, emitting ear splitting screeches!
[23:31] <Kotono> roll 1d4 OOC - Also, go Lyselle.
[23:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4 OOC - Also, go Lyselle. and gets 4."12 [1d4=4]
[23:32] <Lyselle> Lyselle knocks and fires an arrow!
[23:32] * Seira drops the torch onto the path, clapping her hands over her bleeding ears.
[23:32] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+5
[23:32] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+5 and gets 14."12 [1d20=9]
[23:32] <Kotono> The arrow misses by a hair, the bat 's left wing missed! OOC - Shamal and Berlioz, go.
[23:33] * Berlioz looks up and sees the bat! He aims, letting an arrow loose!
[23:33] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+4
[23:33] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+4 and gets 22."12 [1d20=18]
[23:34] <Kotono> OOC - Hit. Wow.
[23:34] <Berlioz> roll 1d6
[23:34] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d6 and gets 5."12 [1d6=5]
[23:35] <Kotono> The bard's arrow is aptly shot, going through some of it's wing and webbing! It's not stopped, but it's screetching gets louder and shriller!
[23:39] <Shamal> "Oh, I really should have saved that fire spell..." Shamal complains bitterly, rushing forward onto the path for about thirty feet before she casts a spell, "Lonely hunter who howls at the moon, respond to my call! Defend Seira!" And in a flash, a wolf appears 30 feet further down the path, quickly rushing towards Seira in what's hopefully just a single move action so it can then ready an action to bite the bat if it comes too close.
[23:40] <Kotono> OOC - Okay, that's fine.
[23:41] <Shamal> Rin holds where she is at the beginning of the path, by Berlioz and Lyselle.
[23:41] <Kotono> Meanwhile, the bat swoops into Seira! A full on body charge, looking to drive the poor elf down!
[23:42] <Shamal> As the bat dives down, the summoned wolf lunges upwards, trying to sink its fangs into the overgrown flying rat and drag it down!
[23:42] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5
[23:42] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 and gets 18."12 [1d20=13]
[23:43] <Kotono> OOC - Roll 1d100; bull rush rules.
[23:43] <Shamal> roll 1d100
[23:43] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d100 and gets 45."12 [1d100=45]
[23:43] <Kotono> OOC - Okay, damage.
[23:44] <Shamal> roll 1d6+3
[23:44] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d6+3 and gets 7."12 [1d6=4]
[23:44] <Shamal> roll 1d20+4 trip check for fun
[23:44] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+4 trip check for fun and gets 5."12 [1d20=1]
[23:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20 + I'll have to check but I don't think it'sl osing this.
[23:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 + I'll have to check but I don't think it'sl osing this. and gets 16."12 [1d20=16]
[23:45] <Kotono> With a quick interception, the wolf bites into the bat's body! A firm bite and one that rips away flesh! The dive is diverted, the bat flapping and swooping back up! OOC - Rin .
[23:45] <Shamal> Rin holds where she is at the beginning of the path, by Berlioz and Lyselle.
[23:46] <Kotono> OOC - Strike.
[23:48] <Kotono> With a quick interception, the wolf bites into the bat's body! A firm bite and one that rips away flesh! The dive is slowed, but the bat continues it's mad rush at the elf!
[23:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[23:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 11."12 [1d20=4]
[23:49] <Kotono> OOC - STR check, stunned one/oi.
[23:49] <Seira> roll 1d20-2
[23:49] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20-2 and gets 1."12 [1d20=3]
[23:49] * Berlioz sets mode: -v Hatbot
[23:49] * Berlioz sets mode: +v Reikobot
[23:51] <Kotono> So slammed into, poor Seira is knocked off the ledge! But the rope saves Seira! Instead of plummeting to the cold waters, he stops about ten feet down, hanging and safe! AS it passes, the bat screetches unmecrifully, loud! OOC - Lyselle.
[23:51] <Kotono> *she
[23:51] <Lyselle> Lyselle knocks and fires another arrow at the ugly thing!
[23:51] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+5
[23:52] <Reikobot> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d20+5 --> 1,0[ 1d20=12 ]12,0{17}
[23:52] <Lyselle> roll 1d8+3
[23:52] <Reikobot> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d8+3 --> 1,0[ 1d8=7 ]12,0{10}
[23:53] <Kotono> This arrow is perfectly shot! It rips through it's other wing, doing considerable damage! It hobbles in the air even as it rises up! OOC - Shamal and Berlioz as it goes.
[23:55] * Merc is now known as Merc-nap
[23:56] <Shamal> Howling mournfully for its destined sacrifice, the wolf hurls itself bodily off the ledge in its last few seconds of this existence, trying to grap onto the bat with its jaws as it goes!
[23:56] <Shamal> roll 1d20+3 jump check
[23:56] <Reikobot> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+3 1,0jump check --> 1,0[ 1d20=6 ]12,0{9}
[23:56] <Kotono> This wasn't a good idea. Mr. Wolf falls like a sack of bricks, plummeting into the water with a merry splash. Clearly, gravity is a mightier foe than nature's fury.
[23:59] * Berlioz aims carefully, and shoots. The bat should be close to its death.
[23:59] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+4
[23:59] <Reikobot> 1,0Berlioz rolled :1,0 1d20+4 --> 1,0[ 1d20=7 ]12,0{11}
Session Time: Sat Feb 17 00:00:00 2007
[00:00] <Kotono> This arrow isn't so accurate, instead falling into the water! Seems to be the going act these days! OOC - Shamal.
[00:00] <Shamal> "Oh, blast and bother!" Shamal curses furiously as the wolf goes swimming, sweeping her hand through the air as she incants another spell. "Soaring hunter of the skies, I beseech you, come our my aid against the belligerent bat!" The newly summoned eagle appears in the air and screeches as it launches a diving attack on the bat!
[00:01] <Shamal> roll 1d20+7 dive attack
[00:01] <Reikobot> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+7 1,0dive attack --> 1,0[ 1d20=7 ]12,0{14}
[00:02] <Kotono> As Shamal watches another of nature's friends soak up relative failure and miss the bat, said creature flies up and away from the area altogether, making haste out over the lake and up, into the dark post haste.
[00:04] * Seira comes to her sense, and immediately draws her bow, sending a lone arrow after her attacker as she dangles from her rope.
[00:04] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
[00:04] <Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+2 --> 1,0[ 1d20=14 ]12,0{16}
[00:04] <Kotono> OOC - Wow, hit.
[00:04] <Seira> roll 1d8 VENGEANCE
[00:04] <Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d8 1,0VENGEANCE --> 1,0[ 1d8=7 ]12,0{7}
[00:05] <Kotono> Somehow staying in position long enough to get a coherent shot, Seira fires! The arrow whizzes through the air, a sickening PLINK as it goes into the body of the bat! This proves to be too much to bear, as it falls into the dark waters below!
[00:06] * Seira smirks, and stows her bow away, attempting to get back on the path.
[00:06] * Shamal sighs as the bat is slain, going over to try and help pull Seira up. "That could have gone far better..." she complains.
[00:06] <Kotono> OOC - Seira is a freak. Also, free action, yes.
[00:06] <Kotono> Seira is pulled up without incident with the help of the rope.
[00:07] <Seira> "I think I see him," she whispers to Shamal, and moves towards the body while leaving the torch where it had been dropped. She can see things just fine, anyway.
[00:08] * Lyselle just keeps watch with a knocked arrow ready, just in case.
[00:08] * Shamal picks up the discarded magic torch so that now she has two of them!
[00:08] <Kotono> OOC - Spot check, L-chan
[00:08] <Kotono> .
[00:08] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+1
[00:08] <Reikobot> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d20+1 --> 1,0[ 1d20=12 ]12,0{13}
[00:09] * Shamal follows after Seira now that she's come this far, wanting to see what they came this far for,
[00:09] <Kotono> Lyselle sees nothing of note as Seira reaches the body. She can see a warmhammer at the side of a large human man, splint mail worn with a few minor gashes, a lot of blood around his broken skull, a sack at his side, and a small pendant clutched in a rotted hand.
[00:10] <Seira> The corpse is made to let go the pendant, and she examines it first before turning her attention to the man's sack, seeking some proof of his identity.
[00:10] * Loligoth|Sleeping (~draomir@63-231-186-94.mpls.qwest.net) has joined #dunes
[00:11] <Kotono> It's a very simple pendant. A tiny glittering piece of golden amber is in the center. It's pretty.
[00:11] <Shamal> "I suppose this must be Roald's father..." Shamal muses sadly, looking over the cadaver to try and estimate how long it's been here for.
[00:11] <Shamal> roll 1d20+7
[00:11] <Reikobot> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+7 --> 1,0[ 1d20=19 ]12,0{26}
[00:12] <Seira> The boys or their mother might recognize it. Seira pockets the pendant, and proceeds to search the sack.
[00:12] * Loligoth|Sleeping is now known as Hotaru
[00:13] <Kotono> Inside the sack is are three glass vials and some coins. While two of the vials are broken, one is intact. It's of an airy blue/white liquid. Besides that, you find 19 GP and 3 SP in the old pouch.
[00:13] * Hotaru is now known as Lyselle_Armasea
[00:14] * Olorin (~Khazad-du@d1-209.rb.vcr.centurytel.net) Quit (atarians.dejatoons.net betamax.dejatoons.net)
[00:14] * Lyselle (~draomir@63-231-186-94.mpls.qwest.net) Quit (atarians.dejatoons.net betamax.dejatoons.net)
[00:14] * Lyselle (~draomir@63-231-186-94.mpls.qwest.net) has joined #dunes
[00:14] * scifi-classics.dejatoons.net sets mode: +ao Lyselle Lyselle
[00:14] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Lyselle_Armasea Lyselle_Armasea
[00:14] * Lyselle (~draomir@63-231-186-94.mpls.qwest.net) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Lyselle_Armasea))
[00:15] * Olorin (~Khazad-du@d1-209.rb.vcr.centurytel.net) has joined #dunes
[00:16] * Seira pockets the intact vial, and stores the money in a separate pouch. "There is no need to take back all this broken glass," she tells Shamal, before examining the man's clothes.
[00:17] <Kotono> He wears splint mail. Beyond that there's a bit of cloth underpadding, but it's foul and rotted. Besides, his weapon, armor, pouch with money and potion and pendant, that seems to be all that's on him.
[00:18] <Shamal> "Indeed," Shamal nods, "Though we should at least give him a proper burial, I think, even if taking the body back to Balmuria may be impractical."
[00:18] <Seira> "Let's take him back with us," Seira says, done with her search. "If his family can identify him by his pendant, and what he wore when he left, they could bury him."
[00:19] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+1
[00:19] <Reikobot> 1,0Berlioz rolled :1,0 1d20+1 --> 1,0[ 1d20=13 ]12,0{14}
[00:20] <Lyselle_Armasea> roll 1d20+1
[00:20] <Reikobot> 1,0Lyselle_Armasea rolled :1,0 1d20+1 --> 1,0[ 1d20=12 ]12,0{13}
[00:21] * Berlioz raises an eyebrow and turns back. "What is this noise...? Seems to come from the passage..."
[00:21] <Seira> "You have heard of Resurrection, haven't you, Shamal?" Seira asks the blonde. "If this is indeed the baker, we could negotiate with his family and the Countess for her to receive the land in exchange of financing the spell."
[00:21] * Lyselle_Armasea turns, frowning and turning around, moving to block the passage with her shield and ready her mace to attack the first thing she sees...
[00:22] <Shamal> "It won't be easy, given the terrain here, but we might be able to use a stretcher or something..." Shamal agrees after a moment's thought. She then glances sidelong at Seira, "I have heard of such spells, and know that they cannot be purchased for any amount of coin."
[00:22] <Seira> "She holds quite an influence," Seira counters. "It is not outside the realm of possible."
[00:22] <Kotono> Lyselle and  Berlioz see several sparks in the passage. Behind them are at least half a dozen lizards, sparkling with electricity. They're still a bit away, though.
[00:23] * Shamal shakes her head. "Such spells are at the whim of the Gods to bestow. Forgive me, but I do not think the self proclaimed Countess' influence extends that far."
[00:23] <Seira> "It extends enough for her to get a cleric powerful enough to make the attempt, I believe."
[00:24] <Lyselle_Armasea> "Shamal! Seira! We have a problem with a large number of lizards!" Lyselle calls, wincing.
[00:24] <Berlioz> "... oh, for the crying mercy of... we have undesired company", Berlioz mutters.
[00:24] <Seira> "This will have to wait, then," Seira grimaces, and draws her bow once more, turning to look at the entrance.
[00:25] <Shamal> "I-" Shamal cuts off her reply at Lyselle's words, deciding to worry about it later and instead rushing back to join the others!
[00:25] * Seira follows at the speed her harness allows.
[00:26] <Kotono> OOC - Initiativerize,  Ithink.
[00:26] <Lyselle_Armasea> roll 1d20+2
[00:26] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+1
[00:26] <Reikobot> 1,0Lyselle_Armasea rolled :1,0 1d20+2 --> 1,0[ 1d20=2 ]12,0{4}
[00:26] <Reikobot> 1,0Berlioz rolled :1,0 1d20+1 --> 1,0[ 1d20=13 ]12,0{14}
[00:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 herd initiative
[00:26] <Reikobot> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+6 1,0herd initiative --> 1,0[ 1d20=8 ]12,0{14}
[00:26] <Seira> roll 1d20+4
[00:26] <Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+4 --> 1,0[ 1d20=17 ]12,0{21}
[00:26] <Shamal> roll 1d20+2 Shamal
[00:26] <Reikobot> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+2 1,0Shamal --> 1,0[ 1d20=14 ]12,0{16}
[00:26] <Shamal> roll 1d20+2 Rin
[00:26] <Reikobot> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+2 1,0Rin --> 1,0[ 1d20=4 ]12,0{6}
[00:26] <Kotono> Seira>Shamal>Lizard pack=Berlioz>Rin>Lyselle
[00:27] <Seira> A pair of arrows seek out the head of the pack!
[00:28] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
[00:28] <Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+2 --> 1,0[ 1d20=15 ]12,0{17}
[00:28] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
[00:28] <Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+2 --> 1,0[ 1d20=13 ]12,0{15}
[00:28] <Kotono> OOC - First hit.
[00:28] <Seira> roll 1d8
[00:28] <Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d8 --> 1,0[ 1d8=4 ]12,0{4}
[00:29] <Kotono> From long range two arrows fly, one finding the mark in the side of the first small lizard! It makes a little cute hissing sound, the shot felt good! OOC - Shamal.
[00:31] <Shamal> Skidding to a halt alongside the others, Shamal prepares her spell, giving the others a quick explanation. "I'm going to create an illusion of a cave in - it's not real. Just keep telling yourself that and you should be able to see through it," she tells them, not worrying about the possibility of giving her plan away.
[00:31] <Shamal> If they speak common she'll be very surprised. Putting action to words, her spell causes several large illusory rocks to come down and block the passage between them and the lizards, filling it completely!
[00:33] <Kotono> The rocks fall! You don't see the lizards for a moment, until your eyes adapt and see past the shdowy illusion! The lizards stop, sniffing at the rocks and seeming to be puzzled, before starting to fall back!
[00:33] <Kotono> OOC - Berlioz is up, as is Rin, then Lyselle.
[00:33] <Shamal> Rin remains loyally by her mistress' side.
[00:34] * Berlioz aims for the pack's leader, faithfully shooting!
[00:34] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+4
[00:34] <Reikobot> 1,0Berlioz rolled :1,0 1d20+4 --> 1,0[ 1d20=7 ]12,0{11}
[00:36] <Kotono> The arrow hits nothing in particular past the rocks! You note the lizards are kinda skittering around in no order! OOC - Blond eOne.
[00:36] <Lyselle_Armasea> Lyselle shoots another arrow after Berli's, trying to hit the lead lizard!
[00:36] <Lyselle_Armasea> roll 1d20+5
[00:36] <Reikobot> 1,0Lyselle_Armasea rolled :1,0 1d20+5 --> 1,0[ 1d20=5 ]12,0{10}
[00:37] <Kotono> Again a miss! Both fail to ge tany offense in through the illusion! - Seira.
[00:38] * Seira advances towards them, refusing to let the beasts go without a parting shot.
[00:39] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[00:39] <Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+6 --> 1,0[ 1d20=3 ]12,0{9}
[00:39] <Kotono> This parting shot has the misfortune to miss! OOC - Holding concentration, Shamal?
[00:40] * Shamal keeps her focus on maintaining the spell. Considering their poor luck at shooting the little buggers with the element of surprise, if they get swarmed they'll probably die...
[00:40] <Kotono> With this the lizards flow apart, fall back into the passage and out of sight.
[00:40] <Kotono> OOC - Free action for now.
[00:41] * Seira approaches the illusion, and frowns. "I'll get them back," she offers, before asking Lyselle to help remove her armor.
[00:42] <Lyselle_Armasea> "Why do you want to be out of armor?" Lyselle asks curiously, though indulging the half-blood.
[00:42] <Shamal> "Okay... I can keep this up for some time," Shamal nods, keeping her concentration on maintaining the illusion.
[00:43] <Seira> "It doesn't help much against the lizards, and I feel freer without it," Seira responds. "Shamal, you still have that goblin jar?"
[00:46] <Shamal> "Yes, here it is," Shamal reaches into her pack and hands it over to Seira. "Be careful you don't catch a whiff if you open it, though," she cautions.
[00:47] * Seira accepts it and casts a spell that summons the now-familiar whirlwinds about her ankles. She then picks up her bow and shield, moving as stealthily as she can through the illusion and into the darkness of the corridor.
[00:47] * Ginrai is on IRC (Ginrai)
[00:48] <Seira> roll 1d20+10 hide~
[00:48] <Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+10 1,0hide~ --> 1,0[ 1d20=14 ]12,0{24}
[00:48] <Seira> roll 1d20+10 move silently~
[00:48] <Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+10 1,0move silently~ --> 1,0[ 1d20=3 ]12,0{13}
[00:49] <Kotono> Seira heads into the pitch black corridor! It's indeed quite dark, soon a challenge even for her elven eyes. But on the good side, the lizards aren't here, either. They seem to have fallen back a ways, the hole in the wall a bit ahead.
[00:49] <Seira> Confident in her enhanced speed, Seira proceeds further into the tunnel, attempting to catch up to the lizards.
[00:51] <Kotono> It is very dark ahead. You catch up with the lizards as they are going back into that hole, starting to flee. It is very dark, however, and you can barely seen in front of your face. You -think- the lizards are going in there, but all you see are slightly darker shadows moving in the night.
[00:51] <Kotono> You canhear some noise from them, moving and a few hissing tongue flicks.
[00:52] <Seira> Seira remains in her spot, crouching silently, and observes the movement of the shadows.
[00:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[00:52] <Reikobot> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+4 --> 1,0[ 1d20=2 ]12,0{6}
[00:53] <Kotono> The lizards seem to be maybe moving into the hole at a solid clip, retreating. You think, anyway. You can also hear the lonely howl of the wind now...
[00:53] * Seira will wait until the lizards have gone, and then return back towards the others, slowly and carefully at first and faster once she is far enough that they would not hear her.
[00:54] <Kotono> OOC - Okay, move silently again just to be sure.
[00:54] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
[00:54] <Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+10 --> 1,0[ 1d20=18 ]12,0{28}
[00:54] <Kotono> Seira returns down the corridor as much as she wants...OOC - Ball's in your court at the moment.
[00:55] <Seira> "Shamal," she whispers, "the creatures have returned to that small hole. If we move silently, and without our torches, we may be able to pass by them and retreat."
[00:59] <Shamal> "Is there anything nearby you might be able to block the hole with?" Shamal asks. "If at all possible I think I would like to be able to take the body back to Balmuria for a proper burial."
[01:00] <Lyselle_Armasea> "Uh...lit and burning torch, fire keeps animals at bay, and that's a small hole," Lyselle offers.
[01:00] <Seira> "No," Seira responds. "But I can position myself nearby, and if your movement summons them again, use the jar to cover your advance and, perhaps, scare them off."
[01:01] <Shamal> "Lyselle just made an excellent suggestion," Shamal tells Seira. "For all that they have horrible electric powers, those lizards are still just animals. And the hole is a small one. A lit torch placed in it should deter them from coming out."
[01:01] <Seira> "I'll try it," Seira agrees, and returns all the way to pick up said torch.
[01:02] * Shamal hands the non-magical torch over. "Can someone see about dragging that body back here?" she asks Berlioz and Lyselle, "I'd like to maintain the illusion as long as possible in case it's still needed."
[01:03] <Lyselle_Armasea> "Sure," Lyselle nods, gesturing for Berli to help her with more muscle work.
[01:03] * Berlioz sighs and folds back, following Lyselle. "Might as well."
[01:03] <Seira> "We'll know soon enough whether this works," she offers, and darts back to the opening, using her full speed without regard for stealth this time around, and hoping the hole goes quite a ways.
[01:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[01:05] <Reikobot> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+4 --> 1,0[ 1d20=7 ]12,0{11}
[01:05] <Kotono> Seira reaches the hole! She can hear skittering noises in it, but she acn't see anything there. Not yet, the torch making it easy with plentiful light. Meanwhile, Berlioz and Lyselle get a body!
[01:06] * Seira arranges the torch to nicely be in the center of the opening, a foot inside, and retreats thirty more feet as soon as she is done, bow now held at the ready.
[01:07] <Kotono> Oh, you hea rnoises alright. Faster ones and hisses, but soon they dim away entirely. You don't see a single lizard come out, either!
[01:07] * Seira waits until her magically-imbued speed runs out, standing perfectly still and listening intently.
[01:08] <Kotono> OOC - Hearing check-o!
[01:09] <Seira> roll 1d20+3 listen!
[01:09] <Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+3 1,0listen! --> 1,0[ 1d20=3 ]12,0{6}
[01:09] <Kotono> All Seira hears is silence.
[01:09] <Seira> roll 1d20+3 listen! Again!
[01:09] <Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+3 1,0listen! Again! --> 1,0[ 1d20=20 ]12,0{23}
[01:09] <Kotono> All Seira hears is silence.
[01:09] <Seira> Satisfied with the sounds of silence, Seira returns to Message distance and signals for Shamal to proceed.
[01:10] <Shamal> "Okay, I think we're clear," Shamal smiles, dropping her spell and lighting the way with Lyselle's torch as the other two drag their corpse out of the cave.
[01:11] <Kotono> This goes without incident. The party reaches the hole and still sees nothing. Ahead are the gusting winds, past that the exit.
[01:11] <Seira> Undaunted with her misadventures this day, Seira continues to be the vanguard, staying some thirty feet ahead of the rest, and keeping to the shadows whenever possible as she proceeds towards the exit.
[01:12] * Shamal wastes little time in departing the cave. "I think I'd rather take my chances with the weather than camp in a cave filled with those lizards," she admits to her friends.
[01:13] * Seira agrees, and remembering her earlier words activates her magical sight with a few chosen words, glancing at the magical winds intently.
[01:13] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
[01:13] <Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+5 --> 1,0[ 1d20=2 ]12,0{7}
[01:13] * Berlioz awkwardly smirks. "You're hardly alone in this. Resting with a corpse would be rather inconvenient to boot."
[01:14] <Kotono> Seira does not figure out anything more about the winds.
[01:14] * Seira shakes her head in disappointment. "Shamal, what do you suppose this is?" she asks, withdrawing the potion she found in the man's possession.
[01:15] <Shamal> "Hm?" Shamal takes the potion from Seira, giving it a little shake before she unstoppers it and sniffs.
[01:15] <Shamal> roll 1d20+11
[01:15] <Reikobot> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+11 --> 1,0[ 1d20=19 ]12,0{30}
[01:15] <Kotono> Shamal divines that it is a Potion of Jump.
[01:16] <Shamal> "It's a potion that mimics the Jump spell," she tells Seira, replacing the cap and handing it back. "Anyway, let's see about making a stretcher for the body so we don't have to manhandle it all the way back to Balmuria..."
[01:16] * Seira nods, and places it away.