039.4 "Mghjdlkgsj;ds."

[Corwin]

[18:43] <Kotono> The holy day dawns with Andrea rising with the sun. The morning of quiet fasting and introspection looms before her...
[18:47] <Andria> After spending some time that morning giving her prayers, Andrea quietly goes towards the room where Sarina is staying and knocks softly.
[18:49] <Kotono> "Come," Sarina calls, "It's open!"
[18:54] <Andria> "Morning," Andrea greets simply, smiling at Sarina. "How did you sleep last night?"
[18:55] <Kotono> "Deeply," Sarina sits cross legged on her bed, a well worn, small book lying in her lap. "You ready for today?"
[18:57] <Andria> "Mostly, I guess. I'm not sure I'll be participating in the tournament this year though, and just take it easy," Andrea answers.
[18:59] <Kotono> "Why not?" Sarina looks up, with a half smile on her face. "Is what happened stil eating at you?"
[19:01] <Andria> "Somewhat, but mostly I just don't want to risk any injuries that would delay the trip to Valandia even more. I've already asked for a day for the funerals and then another day for Alicia. It'd be wrong to keep asking more and more, I think, when I could easily avoid such risks," Andrea admits.
[19:02] <Kotono> Sarina nods her head, "Can't force you, Andrea." She pats the bed next to her, "What about your offering for the year?"
[19:08] <Andria> "I'm not sure. With all that's happened, time just flashed by, and I haven't really kept anything that feels appropriate for the offering. I considered writing a story detailing everything that has happened and what I've learned...but I don't know for sure yet," she says, looking towards her mentor for advice. "What about you, Sarina?"
[19:14] <Kotono> "I have something," She pauses and smiles, "I came across a married couple that serves Syala. They were tending a magic grove of fruit trees that have religious signifigance for them, but it got invaded by trolls. After I dealt with them, they gave me one of the fruits as thanks."
[19:17] <Andria> "I hope it was recently, not early on in the year. I haven't noticed any horrible smells at least!" Andrea jokes.
[19:17] <Kotono> Sarina cracks a smile, going to rustle Andrea's hair. "Kid, it's magical fruit. I'm not sure it gets old - I've had it two months and it's still ripe."
[19:26] <Andria> "Hrm...well, that gives me an idea, I guess. My friends and I helped a woman named Balyss some time ago with purifying a desecrated temple and found some sort of moon rocks or metal, something like that...?" Andrea muses as she recalls the moonlight mithril found at that temple. "I could ask if they can part with any of it, I don't think it'd matter if it was a small sample, and it's probably appropriate, right?"
[19:26] <Andria> "If not, I guess I can always get to work on writing that scroll..." Andrea adds after a short pause, shrugging.
[19:27] <Kotono> "Good idea," Sarina says, "If you want that before noon and things start, get going," AT this she rises, "I need to prepare myself for the day and dedicate myself in further prayer. See you at the chapel at noon?"
[19:29] <Andria> Andrea nods. "Yeah, I'll get going. Hopefully I can find her around without too much trouble, since I don't really know anybody else amongst Selune's followers," she answers as she starts moving back towards the door. "I'll see you then."
[19:32] <Kotono> Heading out into the warmth and sunlight of the day, Andrea makes time towards Moonholm. On requesting you do get BAlyss to come out. Her hair is rumpled, her clothing stained and eyes bloodshot. She winces under the sunlight, shielding her eyes with one hand as she sinks down against the outer walls. "Urgh...Andrea, what do you want?"
[19:33] <Andria> 'Grumpy morning person, isn't she?' Andrea muses in her thoughts with a bit of amusement, though she tries not to let it show. "I'm sorry to bother you so early, Balyss," she apologizes. "I wanted to ask for a favor."
[19:35] <Andria> "I don't know if you're aware, but today is a special day for Alicia's followers, and we're asked to provide a small offering later in the eve. I wanted to know if your church has mined any of those moon rocks we found some time ago on that mission you hired us for, and if I could get a small sample to give as an offering?" she explains.
[19:36] <Kotono> "Mghjdlkgsj;ds." Andrea's hoped for reply is incoherent, Balyss rubbing her temples. "Slow....down." She licks her lips. "Little words. Revelry last night. Say that again....slowly."
[19:37] <Andria> "Alicia's Day of Ascension. Need offering. Wanted moon rock sample," Andrea answers dutifully, condensing her request to as few key phrases as she thought appropriate.
[19:38] <Andria> "Please," she adds, remembering to be polite, of course!
[19:40] <Kotono> "Moon rock? Lunarock? Why...my mace?" Rubbing her temple again, "No wait...the mithril? Or my mace?" Groaning as she buries her head into her hands, "Okay." Exhaling out, "One condition. Put in good words...for us with Alicia's faith over there. Fuuuck..." Groaning after, "Do you have a drink on you, by any chance? It's the best hangover cure."
[19:54] <Andria> "Not your mace, those moon rocks or metal things under that temple. I don't quite recall what you called it, just that it was connected to Selune and it was important..." Andrea admits.
[19:55] <Andria> "And sorry, I don't carry any drinks with me, but I can buy you a drink if you want to head to a bar later," she also offers.
[19:56] <Kotono> "Right." Rubbing her face another time, "Just..." She gets up slowly, "Hold on." Balyss staggers back inside, coming out about 10 minutes later with a small cloth bag. "It's in there," she says, handing it over. "I'm going to go lie somewhere....ah, quiet and forget about the world until sunset."
[19:58] <Andria> "Thank you. I owe you a few drinks for this then," Andrea says brightly as she takes the bag. "Rest well!"
[20:05] <Kotono> Thus noon arrives. Andrea heas to the Chapel of the Righteous Avenger! It's doors are open, lay people and the faithful all about, filling it to bursting. Familiar faces are about - Sarina is there. So is Vayth, Brossard, Simon, Elizabeth...various people you see only seldomly, everyone gathered together.
[20:08] <Andria> Andrea greets people she knows as she passes by them, making her way towards Sarina.
[20:10] <Kotono> Sarina flashes a momentary smile, "We're beginning shortly," she whispers, "I heard a devout of Alicia from over in Kelara's doing the ceremonies this year, kid."
[20:11] <Andria> Andrea nods at that, and focuses her glance ahead, waiting for things to start.
[20:18] <Kotono> Soon enough a man enters. He is in his middle age, wavy brown hair with a few streaks of gray in it. He wears a breastplate with Alicia's symbol emblazoned on the front, carrying a falchion on his hip. He approaches the altar, "Peace and bravery to all of you," he bids, "I am Maksim Tannin, servant at arms of Alicia." He pauses a moment for everyone to focus, then, "Today is the day that
[20:18] <Kotono> Alicia left us in body, rising above to guide us all in spirit. She left behind the works of her mortal life as inspiration and guidance to us all. Let us go forth and offer our bravery and skill at arms to her, to show that we will protect and guide!"
[20:29] <Andria> Andrea starts clapping.
[20:32] <Kotono> Clapping follows, Maksim raising his hands for silence. Once gotten, "Save your cheers for the tournament. Let us go now." At this Sarina smiles, "Let's go get some good seats. Got any idea who's going to take it this year?"
[20:37] <Andria> "Well, since I'm not competing it won't be me, so...no idea!" Andrea answers.
[20:40] <Kotono> Amid laughter Andrea and Sarina head to the tournament grounds. They head over to the Western Reaches, where a large field has been set aside, as well as several blankets for sitting and watching Sarina gets one near the action, "Say," she says conversationally, "Want to make a small wager on it?"
[20:41] <Andria> Andrea raises an eyebrow. "Of what sort?"
[20:42] <Kotono> "If a man or a woman will win the tournament this year. Say...10 marks?" She smiles at that, "Kid, I'm sure a man is going to win it this year."
[20:46] <Andria> "Are any women participating?" Andrea asks first, not having looked at the list of participants. "I don't want to take the bet only to find out it's all men this year! You've done those sorts of tricks on me before!"
[20:46] <Kotono> "It's called tactics," Sarina answers back with a grin, nudging Andrea in the ribs, "Now think, why would I propose that wager to you?"
[20:48] <Andria> "Because you're absolutely sure you're going to win," Andrea replies, crossing her arms.
[20:50] <Kotono> "Exactly," Sarina's grin grows, "Remember how much Alicia emphasizes proper tactics and trickery...though that's such a crude word for it. Strategy is much better. See, I know Maksim and he's grown into a mighty warrior. He's also competing this year."
[20:51] <Andria> "And what if I had accepted the bet and then chosen to join the tournament after all?" Andrea asks curiously, mostly wondering if Sarina thought him a better warrior than her.
[20:52] <Kotono> "That would have been a good counter move," Sarina continues, "Understand what your enemy plans and counter it with your own plans."
[20:54] <Andria> Andrea snorts and laughs. "Always the teacher, huh?"
[20:57] <Kotono> Sarina laughs as well, sobering up slowly. "Andrea, there's always more to learn, more to do, more to improve. Alicia didn't stop improving as long as she lived, no matter what deeds she accomplished. Neither should you."
[20:58] <Andria> "I don't plan to, but not -everything- has to be a lesson either!" Andrea replies drily.
[21:03] <Kotono> "Shush," Sarina says, settling into focus on the combat.
[21:12] <Kotono> Thus the tournament begins in earnest! Familiar faces fight - Vayth is in the first round versus Maksim. It's a good, quick battle...that goes completely against Vayth. He ends up on his back, groaning, curtesy of the flat of Maksim's blade. Sarina winces, "I can just imagine all the marks he'll have in the morning from that shot."
[21:43] <Andria> "Your friend really is doing well though. You weren't kidding about his ability," Andrea says with a short impressed whistle. "It's not easy to land non-lethal strikes like those."
[21:50] <Kotono> "He's one of the first follows of Alicia," Sarina says quietly, "He's from her homeland of Kelara." AS the crowd cheers the next match begins! This one is against two rookies, neither of them particularly good. Besides the faith, several people have come to watch. Farmers, guardsmen, peasants and a few merchants all cheer and clap along.
[21:52] <Andria> "Is he? Wonder if he knew her personally in the past..." Andrea muses as she keeps watching the fights.
[21:59] <Kotono> "Might have," Sarina murmurs back as the battles continue! Rounds and rounds pass - besides Maksim, only one other truly dominates the solid field of competition. A man with a scarred face, a sour but intense look and bushy black hair and beard. He fights relentlessly, downing opponents as he advances towards the finals. After the third such victory, Sarina looks to Andrea, "Know him?"
[22:04] <Andria> Andrea shakes her head. "Not really. He's very skilled though. The fight between him and your friend should be interesting, though I hope it doesn't come down to anything too dangerous."

[Corwin]

[19:03] <Kotono> "Indeed," Sarina murmurs, "With how the clergy always travels, it's hard to meet everyone."
[19:06] <Andria> Andrea nods and keeps watching, observing the techniques of those two each time they fight, since they seem the most compentent, and trying to get an idea of who might win between the two when they eventually come to blows later on.
[19:10] <Kotono> OOC: Make a sense motive check?
[19:11] <Andria> roll d20+11
[19:11] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+11 and gets 25." [d20=14]
[19:14] <Kotono> They're both quite skilled. Maksim looks to be traditionally trained with his weapon, relying on strength to land overwhelming blows. The black beareded stranger fights with a longsword, relying more on speedy strikes to daze and weaken his foes.
[19:22] <Andria> "That stranger seems to favor the sort of fighting you would," Andrea notes. "Going to root for him instead?"
[19:26] <Kotono> "Maybe," Sarina says with a little laugh, "They're both good."
[19:28] <Andria> "They are," Andrea agrees.
[19:31] <Kotono> Soon enough the finals come! Indeed, no one else poses a serious risk to Maksim or the stranger. At last they meet, the crowd cheering! "Say Andrea," Sarina says, "If you think the black bearded one is so good, want to make a bet on it?"
[19:34] <Andria> "I'd prefer to bet on Maksim. I like the stronger fighter winning rather than the smarter one," Andrea tosses back with a grin.
[19:36] <Kotono> "Oh HO. It's like that? I'll put 30 marks down that the stranger wins then?" Sarina says, "Want to put your money where your confidence is?"
[19:37] <Andria> Andrea laughs. "Sure, why not? If I lose, I'm telling your friend I lost 30 marks betting on him while you bet on the stranger though!"
[19:52] <Kotono> "Deal!" Sarina laughs as well, as the finals begin! On one side is the stranger, the other Maksim. Maksim raises his blade towards the stranger, "To victory, whomever it finds," he bids. The stranger nods in return, raising his blade amoment before sprinting at him, the battle joined!
[19:56] <Andria> Andrea cheers for Maksim.
[19:57] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:57] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 97." [1d100=97]
[19:59] <Kotono> The battle is intense, the two going backa nd forth! For the first few minutes they fence, neither able to land a serious blow! Back and forth they go, cheers growing louder and louder yet! They back off and sprint at each other, clashing in the center as they go by! In the aftermath Maksim has a welt rising on his arm, the stranger limping in the meanwhile!
[20:03] <Andria> Andrea keeps cheering, enjoying the fight.
[20:06] <Kotono> OOC: Make a psot check?
[20:08] <Andria> roll d20+2
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+2 and gets 5." [d20=3]
[20:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 10." [1d20=6]
[20:09] <Kotono> The two now circle each other, trading blows that are almost invariably parried! Closer and closer they do, blows traded as...abruptly, Maksim leaps back! The two stare eye to eye, utterly intense, before the black bearded man nods. "I concede."  He announces. Maksim smiles a moment and nods, as the crowd hesitates before cheering the victory.
[20:09] <Kotono> "What in the name of Sylica...?" Sarina murmurs, "Did you just see that, Andrea?"
[20:10] <Andria> "Huzziwhatnow? He just...conceded?" Andrea says in confusion, not understanding why they would end the fight like that.
[20:12] <Kotono> "He...must have thought he was going to lose...?" Sarina tries, staring still.
[20:14] <Andria> "I don't see -how-. As far as I saw they were pretty evenly matched! I actually feel kind of cheated winning money like that!" Andrea complains, motioning at the two fighters still in the center.
[20:24] <Kotono> "Same!" Andrea can see Sarina frown, "There must be SOMETHING to it. I'll ask Maksim at the feast."
[20:25] <Andria> "Alright, but in the meantime, you owe me 30 marks!" Andrea points out.
[20:29] <Kotono> "Urgh," Sarina sighs, fishing out several coins and passing them over. "Well, you did win, kid."
[20:35] <Andria> Andrea laughs. "Well, cheer up. I sure have, right?"
[20:35] <Kotono> "Yeah, and it's time for the vows soon." Stretching and rising, "Got yours ready?"
[20:37] <Andria> Andrea nods as she puts away the money and fishes out the bag she got from Balyss. "Here. I owe Balyss a drink or three for it, but I'm good for the ceremony."
[20:45] <Kotono> "Good." At that the duo head along with the rest, returning to thet emple! Here the altar is opened for all, stories beginning. Stories of bravery and derring-do, told to the crowd! They listen solemnly to each, then to the vows each one gives to the Queen of the Battlefield. Soon enough it's Andrea's turn...
[20:53] <Andria> Andrea goes up to the altar and presents the small samples of metal Balyss had given her earlier in the day. "I'll start by honestly saying I don't recall what these moon rocks are called, just that they're important to those who follow Selune and that it's used to make blessed weapons and armor. If anybody knows the name, I'll use the proper name during my story!" she starts off, laughing
[20:54] <Andria> sheepishly as she lets people glance at the lump of unworked metal.
[20:57] <Kotono> "Just go on," Maksim calls gently, "The story and your bravery is more important than a precise name."
[21:03] <Andria> Andrea pouts briefly, since that makes people not crowd around the rock trying to show off their smarts. What a spoilsport that Maksim fellow is! First the finals now here! Sheesh! Nodding, she continues... "Well, the problem starts in the Quintal Barony. A temple of Selune was desecrated, we later found out by Orcus' ilk though at the time we did not know this, and the people of Moonholm
[21:03] <Andria> had hired my friends and I to assist in cleaning the place up."
[21:04] <Andria> Andrea carries on, telling of their adventures there, skipping mention of the encounter with the thief and fey along the way, focusing on the clean up of the old temple.
[21:07] <Andria> roll d20+14 P:Or check?
[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+14 P:Or check? and gets 20." [d20=6]
[21:09] <Kotono> The assembled are steadily drawn into the tale, listening well to Andrea! It's Sarina who leads a cheer as Andrea describes their tense victory over the evil undead!
[21:11] <Andria> "Honestly, it's been a long and amazing year, filled with so many experiences , both good and...both good and bad. I've faced a lot of difficult challenges and trials as well, and lost quite a few of them, to my eternal regret, though I've come out of them a little smarter for my suffering. I hope only that in the coming year I can continue to make this a better world, and not repeat the
[21:11] <Andria> mistakes of this past year, that nobody else dies while I still draw breath."
[21:12] <Andria> Andrea turns back to the altar and gives a short prayer renewing the rest of her vows before giving a bow and stepping down, letting the next person up to tell their tale.
[21:13] <Kotono> roll 1d1000
[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d1000 and gets 610." [1d1000=610]
[21:16] <Kotono> Sarina follows, her own tale coming and fruit added to the pile! Soon the altar is overflowing, Maksim approaching as the sun sets! "Saint Alicia, take our offering," He asks to the sky above, "Give us the courage and vitality for another year!" At this the altar gushes out with light, the offerings consumed! A sense of courage and reassurance fills Andrea for a lingering moment, fading
[21:16] <Kotono> with the light as night comes onto the city. "And now," Maksim declares, "We feast!"
[21:20] <Kotono> Ah, the feast is grand, Sarina near you as the two of you indulge. As you wind down your main course, "Hmph," Sarina murmurs, "That duel's still sticking in my teeth."
[21:23] <Andria> "Have you asked him yet?" Andrea asks, as she looks around the large room, trying to locate both Maksim and his final opponent.
[21:26] <Kotono> "Not yet. Let's," Sarina says. Maksim is feasting, while his opponent is nowhere to be seen.
[21:26] <Andria> "Huh, I don't see the stranger anywhere around," Andrea notes, though she points out Maksim for Sarina.
[21:30] <Kotono> Sarina goes right on over, nodding absently to Andrea! OOC: Going to follow or stay out of it?
[21:32] <Andria> Andrea follows behind Sarina, not planning to participate in the conversation unless prompted to.
[21:32] <Andria> ooc: both!
[21:38] <Kotono> "Maksim!" Sarina goes on up, "I gotta ask - what the hell happened with that duel?"
[21:40] <Andria> Andrea almost stumbles at how Sarina starts. 'Jeez, Sarina doesn't beat around the bush, does she?' she thinks in amusement as she focuses on Maksim to see how he reacts.
[21:41] <Kotono> Maksim blinks and puts down his drink, "Nothing like the direct approach?" he asks back.
[21:41] <Kotono> "Yeah well," Sarina frowns and crosses her arm, "Gah, sorry. My student must be rubbing off on me again."
[21:43] <Andria> "Hey! You better not be talking about me. Even -I- thought that was pretty blunt!" Andrea sputters, her head swiveling to stare back at Sarina.

[Corwin]

[18:52] <Kotono> Maksim blinks, as Sarina gestures, "C'mon over, kid. You may as well join the conversation."
[18:54] <Andria> Andrea nods and stands quietly besides Sarina.
[18:56] <Kotono> After a head shaking chuckle, "Right. If you want to know..." A trail off, "When we met, blade to blade, I looked into his eyes and tried to intimidate him. See if I could make him stumble so I could overpower or disarm him. When I tried it, his eyes turned to the slitted eyes of a reptile, like pools of gold."
[19:00] <Andria> Andrea blinks, wondering what that could mean.
[19:03] <Kotono> Sarina doesn't blink, but she whistles, "Dragon-eyes?" she asks in a voice of surprise and awe.
[19:05] <Kotono> "Yes, that's exactly it," Maksim's reply has a note of awe in it as well, "As I realized this, he chose to concede. Under the circumstances I accepted it...I know not what game it was at, but..." Pausing again to shake his head, "An agent of the Saint? A curious interloper? Something else? That I don't know, but I know it was likely a golden dragon from it's eyes."
[19:08] <Andria> "Weird. That might explain why he hasn't been around the feast at all though..." Andrea notes.
[19:12] <Kotono> "Mmm-hmm," Sarina agrees, "Hey kid, has there been any rumors or sightings of a gold dragon around these parts? It could just be a nearby one that felt like interfering. I've heard dragons like that sort of thing."
[19:14] <Andria> "There was one that gave my friends and I one of his scales...that was quite a few months back though," Andrea offers.
[19:14] <Andria> "We have the scale as a window display over at the Whimsical Sweets shop."
[19:15] <Kotono> "You met him?" Sarina turns, "Kid, you really HAVE been busy as hell!"
[19:17] <Andria> "I don't even know if it's the same guy! Err, dragon! Besides, it's not like we spoke or anything. The dragon was just flying by and dropped the scale on us for whatever reason," Andrea protests.
[19:20] <Kotono> "Ah," Maksim nods, "Dragons aren't Alicia's chosen totem, so I wonder. No, her compatriot Seira prefers dragons. It wasn't who I'd expect as a messenger or a tester." He frowns deeper at it, "I may investigate this."
[19:20] <Kotono> "Good luck with it," Sarina says, "Kid, you wanna go get some drinks and get another plate?"
[19:21] <Andria> Andrea nods. "Sure, why not. After not eating all day, I still have some appetite left in me."
[19:31] <Kotono> The next dawn comes all too early for Andrea. Despite that Olan awaits, a single white horse awaiting as you reach his home. He wears a heavy cloak, carries a blade and shield and wears a well worn and kept breastplate.
[19:35] <Andria> "Ready to leave then?"
[19:39] <Kotono> "Yes I am," He leads the white horse over to Andrea, "This is Ivory. She'll be a fine mount for you for this trip."
[19:40] <Andria> "Thank you. And your own mount?" Andrea asks, not seeing any other horses.
[19:41] <Kotono> "He awaits my call," Olan says simply, "I'll call him once we clear the city gates."
[19:47] <Andria> Andrea nods, climbing atop the horse and directing it in the direction of the city gates once Olan looks ready.
[19:53] <Kotono> The dawn in the New City is quiet. A few people travel and go to work, or head to the markets for fresh food. The Old City is livelier, many people already at work or heading about on daily tasks. The Commerce Quarter is quieter, save for the main street towards the Arch of Peace. Already merchant caravans are moving, the gates constantly flowing and ebbing travelers. On getting out Olan
[19:53] <Kotono> steps off the road, "It's been a time since I've called Sunshine." he murmurs, "Not since I retired."
[19:54] <Andria> "I'm sure he'll be glad to see you again then."
[20:02] <Kotono> Olan simply looks to the sun, "Oh Lathander, send forth your gifts!" At that the light of the morning seems to focus around you, as a sunlight yellow horse appears! Olan goes to it, nuzzling it's head with his hand. "Hello old friend," He murmurs, "Were this any other trip of leisure I would not disturb your peace in the Heavens above." After that he goes to mount, a smooth motion speaking
[20:02] <Kotono> of great experience. "Let's go. It's a week to Valandia if all goes well."
[20:42] <Andria> Andrea just nods and silently rides to the left of Olan. "I'm sure it will."
[20:47] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 62." [1d100=62]
[20:47] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 16." [1d100=16]
[20:47] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 2." [1d100=2]
[20:47] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 41." [1d100=41]
[20:50] <Kotono> About half a week of travel passes without problem or incident.  Each night you rest at hostels and roadside villages, spending a good hour in practice with Olan. It's a steady routine, one that lets you fall asleep just past duskfall and awaken before the dawn. Every day Olan rises before the dawn, in prayer as Lathander's light rises from the darkness of the night. Then the pattern repeats
[20:50] <Kotono> again. On the fourth day you currently travel the open roads, the terrain all pleasantly flat, tall grasslands.  Before noon of the fourth day you find a woman at roadside, wearing a torn and scuffed up dress. As you come close she calls, "Help!"
[20:52] <Andria> "What's wrong, miss?" Andrea asks, stopping Ivory at the cry for help.
[20:52] <Kotono> Olan follows suit, "Ma'am, what's amiss?"
[20:54] <Kotono> She looks up to you, "I was traveling from Valandia to Balmuria," she begins, "I had purchased a new horse for the journey, but this morning it bucked and ran wild before knocking me off. My possessions are all scattered in the grass...could I ask you two to kindly help me gather them, and if you'd escort me to the nearest village I'd be very grateful."
[20:57] <Andria> roll d20+11 sense motive (hell has made me so suspicious! so sad!)
[20:57] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+11 sense motive (hell has made me so suspicious! so sad!) and gets 20." [d20=9]
[21:01] <Andria> Andrea watches the woman, having lost some of her desire to just jump and help without thought after all that's happened, observing her current state before giving a slow nod. "I certainly wouldn't mind helping a stranded traveler..." Andrea starts to say kindly before frowning, glancing towards the grass with her eyes. "Of course, that's assuming the story is true."
[21:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Olan follows suit
[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 Olan follows suit and gets 19." [1d20=7]
[21:03] <Andria> "Have you ever considered joining an entertainment troupe? The acting lessons would do you wonders, miss," Andrea suggests.
[21:05] <Kotono> "I concur." Casually Olan smiles, though it's not entirely a kind smile, "Ma'am, I find the truth to be a wonderful tonic for the soul. A far better one than the masks of shadowed lies you cover yourself with."
[21:06] <Kotono> "Aaah..." The woman flushes red, taking a few steps back. "It seems I forgot...something that I need to do right now!" She turns tail and flees into the grasses, making a break for it!
[21:08] <Andria> "I suppose we should follow and spring whatever foul trap lies in the grass anyway, to make sure some other traveler doesn't fall prey to these lies?" Andrea asks Olan.
[21:10] <Kotono> Olan draws his blade and readies his shield, "That we should. To attempt such evil in broad daylight is inexcusable! It's likely simple banditry with a new wrinkle. Get the unsuspecting soul to follow you right into an ambush and steal them blind, and kill them if it suits your fancy...or worse."
[21:13] <Andria> Andrea dismounts and draws her weapon. "Stay here, Ivory," she says to the horse. Hopefully it's been trained enough to obey such things, rather than risk the horse panicking in the middle of a fight.
[21:16] <Kotono> The two follow! The woman's trail isn't hard to follow this fresh, and she's still in sight! You race into the grasses, as...OOC: Spot checks, you two.
[21:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 22." [1d20=19]
[21:17] <Andria> roll d20+2
[21:17] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+2 and gets 15." [d20=13]
[21:18] <Kotono> After racing about 40 feet away from the road, Olan pulls Sunshine short, "Hold," he says, "They're ahead, hiding in the grasses."
[21:20] <Andria> Andrea nods. "Surrender now and save yourselves a beating!" Andrea calls out.
[21:29] <Kotono> OOC: Make an intimidation check?
[21:31] <Andria> roll d20+14 Grr!-mode activated
[21:31] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+14 Grr!-mode activated and gets 22." [d20=8]
[21:39] <Kotono> Three leap out of the buses! Scruffy, hard men with longswords and wearing leather armor! They look on in surprise and fear, while two others 30 feet back rises slower, with dignity. One is elf-blooded, wearing browna nd greens as well as leather, and carrying a longbow. The other is a morose looking man, a scythe held loosely in one hand. From his neck a pendant hangs, that of a skull with
[21:39] <Kotono> a scroll in it's mouth. His voice is a surprisingly rich baritone, "'tis a strange twist of fate that we are foiled so easily. Yet worry not, for your names shall enter the Book soon."
[21:41] <Andria> ooc: any knowledge check for the pendant identifying?
[21:45] <Kotono> OOC: KR
[21:45] <Kotono> .
[21:47] <Andria> roll d20+5
[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+5 and gets 11." [d20=6]
[21:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 24." [1d20=13]
[21:47] <Andria> "A religious man into banditry. Well that's new," Andrea notes.
[21:48] <Kotono> "A man of Jergal's faith, no less!" Olan gestures with his blade, pointing it at him, "Why have you degenerated to banditry instead of counting the dead?"
[21:53] <Kotono> "This world," The man gestures wide, from horizon to horizon, "Lives far too much. I am doing my part to hasten it's abberation of life into the cold eventuality of peaceful death. Your possessions will make us stronger and richer, allowing us to bring more to the proper conclusion."
[21:54] <Kotono> "A fool and a bandit both," Olan shakes his head, "Death is never the answer! The answer is life, life flowing and life everlasting with the dawn's light!"
[21:56] <Andria> "My possessions are my own. You shall not have them," is all Andrea has to say to the crazy zealot.
[22:05] <Kotono> "Then I shall take great pleasure in inscribing your names into the Book of the Dead!" The Jergalite declares, "Let us assist them to the peace of oblivion!" OOC: Roll init. The scruffy longsword men are about 15 feet away, and bowelf and the Jergalite are 30ft away.

[22:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Olan
[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 Olan and gets 20." [1d20=16]
[22:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 half elf
[22:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 half elf and gets 24." [1d20=17]
[22:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 Jergallite
[22:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 Jergallite and gets 19." [1d20=16]
[22:07] <Kotono> roll 3#1d20+3 thug 1
[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3#1d20+3 thug 1 and gets 39." [3#1d20+3 = 16, 8, 15]
[22:07] <Kotono> roll 3#1d20+3 thug 2
[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3#1d20+3 thug 2 and gets 54." [3#1d20+3 = 13, 22, 19]
[22:07] <Kotono> roll 3#1d20+3 thug 3
[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3#1d20+3 thug 3 and gets 32." [3#1d20+3 = 8, 16, 8]
[22:07] <Kotono> OOC: Strike the second two batches, dur.
[22:07] * Kotono changes topic to 'Half-Elf archer(24)>Olan(20)>Jergalite(19)>Thug 1(16)>Thug 3(15)>Thug 2(8)'
[22:08] <Andria> roll d20+4
[22:08] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+4 and gets 17." [d20=13]
[22:09] * Kotono changes topic to 'Half-Elf archer(24)>Olan(20)>Jergalite(19)>Andrea(17)>Thug 1(16)>Thug 3(15)>Thug 2(8)'
[22:10] <Kotono> The half-elf archer grins as combat begins, "Hey pretty lady! Remember me - Aluth, the Red Wind!" He calls, as a pair of arrows is snapped off at Andrea, "Prettiest thing you'll see before you plunge into oblivion!"
[22:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[22:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 24." [1d20=16]
[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 13." [1d20=5]
[22:10] <Kotono> OOC: Flatfooed AC, Andrea?
[22:11] <Andria> ooc: 18
[22:12] <Kotono> roll 1d8+6
[22:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+6 and gets 13." [1d8=7]
[22:16] <Kotono> Andrea gets an arrow right in the shoulder as another whizzes by! As pain creeps through her shoulder and rushes into her body! At this Olan spurs his horse along, manuevering around the  bandits and setting up a line between him and the Jergalite! "Deal with the others," Olan calls! OOC: Jergalite is up.
[22:17] <Kotono> As he does, the besworn of Jergal gestures, "Be still in the grasp of oblivion!" he calls, gesturing at Olan!
[22:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9 will
[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 will and gets 15." [1d20=6]
[22:18] <Kotono> For a moment Olan goes steel-rod still, but with a brave battlecry he shakes it off, as if breaking chains around his body! Meanwhile to this, the first thung solemnly regards Andrea as he advances towards her, "Close your eyes and accept your fate. No one can resist death." He says, grave as his longsword stabs for Andrea!
[22:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 8." [1d20=3]
[22:18] <Kotono> But Andrea's armor stops his blow entirely, deflecting off her chestplate! OOC: Go Andrea.
[22:19] <Andria> "Death will come one day..." Andrea agrees as she turns to the thug and swings. "But it won't come today for me. Can you say the same?"
[22:20] <Andria> roll d20+10 (PA-2)
[22:20] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+10 (PA-2) and gets 13." [d20=3]
[22:20] <Andria> roll d20+6 (PA-2)
[22:20] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+6 (PA-2) and gets 15." [d20=9]
[22:20] <Andria> ooc: +5 not +6
[22:20] <Andria> ooc: and curse you hatbot
[22:20] <Kotono> OOC: One hit.
[22:20] <Kotono> OOC: No hits then.
[22:21] <Kotono> Yet the thug meets her sword with his, the two deflecting each other's savage swings! The third thug is more feral, letting out a cry as he goes to join his fellow and harry Andrea!
[22:21] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 19." [1d20=14]
[22:21] <Kotono> OOC: AC?
[22:22] <Andria> ooc: 18
[22:22] <Kotono> roll 1d8+2
[22:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+2 and gets 4." [1d8=2]
[22:23] <Kotono> But it's a weak blow, one that struggles to even penetrate her skin! It leaves a faint bruise and little else! The second thug shakes his head, "I t hought I could get away too..." he mutters, "But there's no excape from Jergal and death!" With that he resignedly charges Olan, swinging for his mount!
[22:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 (+2 charge)
[22:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 (+2 charge) and gets 16." [1d20=9]
[22:24] <Kotono> But Sunshine's skin seems to be stronger than the longsword, not yielding to the slash! Meanwhile the archer just grins more, "Oh yeah, you're gonna die today! Got ya in my sights, girl!" With that he squints one eye and aims, another deadly duo of arrows shot at Andrea!
[22:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 28." [1d20=20]
[22:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 27." [1d20=19]
[22:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 crit check
[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 crit check and gets 22." [1d20=14]
[22:25] <Kotono> roll 3d8+18 arrow 1 critted
[22:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d8+18 arrow 1 critted and gets 34." [3d8=7, 1, 8]
[22:25] <Kotono> roll 1d8+6 ow
[22:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+6 ow and gets 7." [1d8=1]
[22:28] <Kotono> Red! It all explodes into red as an arrow goes right through Andrea's chest, dead center on! Blood seems to gush out like a struck fountain as her body screams in pain and grows cold and colder! "ANDREA!" Olan's scream can be heard as she strugges not to collapse, feeling limpid and weak! OOC: Owwwww. Olan's up.
[22:29] <Kotono> Olan spurs Sunshine into action, ignoring the shot the thug takes as he charges dead ahead!
[22:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 AoO
[22:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 AoO and gets 13." [1d20=8]
[22:29] <Kotono> Indeed, the blow misses as he adjusts his target! With holy wrath he is on the archer in a split second, blade gleaming white ashe strikes down!
[22:30] <Andria> "Gah! I did not get out of hell to die against some bandits!" Andrea exclaims.
[22:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16 (+2 charge, +4 smite)
[22:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 (+2 charge, +4 smite) and gets 24." [1d20=8]
[22:31] <Kotono> roll 1d8+9
[22:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+9 and gets 14." [1d8=5]
[22:32] <Kotono> The archer gets a deep slash into his side, his own blood joining Andrea's in flowing! Yet he stands, jaunty smile turning into an angered grimace! "You...hit me!?" he gasps, as the Jergalite steps back. He again raises his hand at Olan!
[22:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[22:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 16." [1d20=7]
[22:32] <Kotono> Again it's as if chains bind Olan, but with a furious cry his body rejects being held! OOC: Andrea, og.
[22:36] <Andria> Andrea grimaces as she channels some of her magic to heal the worst of her wounds as she pulls the shaft of the arrow in her chest out. OOC: LoH for 25
[22:36] <Kotono> Andrea lays her hands on her chest, the arrow pulled out! The wound seals mostly shut, only a trickle of blood going down her chest! She feels vitality return to her body, as the first thug steps to the side, pinning her between the other one! "Shush now. Stop resisting. You only delay your inevitable fate. Accept it."
[22:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 (+2 flanking)
[22:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 (+2 flanking) and gets 25." [1d20=18]
[22:37] <Kotono> roll 1d8+2+1d6
[22:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+2+1d6 and gets 13." [1d8=8][1d6=3]
[22:37] <Andria> ooc: hatebot
[22:37] <Kotono> Andrea feels his blade slice into her leg, leaving a long, deep groove of bloody misery behind! Her feet stumble beneath her, as she strains to stay up! His friend follows suit, screaming again wordlessly as he strikes!
[22:37] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[22:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 11." [1d20=4]
[22:38] <Andria> "Like hell I will!" Andrea yells as she glares at the thugs.
[22:38] <Kotono> But this blow only hits her armor, clanging off harmlessly! Meanwhile the last thug shakes his head, "So futile..." he mutters, giving charge to Olan and striking at his back!
[22:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 (+2 charge)
[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 (+2 charge) and gets 19." [1d20=12]
[22:39] <Kotono> But Olan's back is armored, the blow recoiling away! The half-elf archer stares in shock and pain, hopping back 5 feet and unloosing two arrows at near pointblank range at Olan! "You son of a troll licking whore, I'll NEVER FORGIVE YOU FOR THIS!"
[22:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[22:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[22:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 24." [1d20=16]
[22:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 12." [1d20=4]
[22:39] <Kotono> roll 1d8+6 Olan's HP is 51/51 before the hit, add him to #elysium topic?
[22:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+6 Olan's HP is 51/51 before the hit, add him to #elysium topic? and gets 14." [1d8=8]
[22:41] <Kotono> One arrow hits his shield, stopped cold! The other flies and hits Olan in the side, his face grimacing tighter as he endures it! His horse steps forward, as he gets to the business of ending the archer's life!
[22:41] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[22:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 12." [1d20=2]
[22:41] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 21." [1d20=16]
[22:42] <Kotono> roll 1d8+3
[22:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+3 and gets 4." [1d8=1]
[22:42] <Andria> "Quit whining, you moron! You're the one who wants to die! Stop crying over a little bleeding!" Andrea calls out to the archer.
[22:44] <Kotono> But Aluth manages to be too fast, like the Red Wind! It's only a graze, doing little to put him down for good! At this the Jergalite bows his head, uttering a single foul word, "Surrender your vision to death, warrior!" he declares, pointing at Olan!
[22:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13 fort
[22:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 fort and gets 33." [1d20=20]
[22:44] <Kotono> With a snarl Olan waves his blade, as if cutting barely seen magic racing at him! OOC: Andrea, go.
[22:46] <Andria> Andrea swings her blade again, focusing on the the thug that's been yammering about dying most recently. (OOC: Thug #2. using PA-2 and loresong for +4)
[22:46] <Andria> roll d20+14
[22:46] <Kotono> OOC: Gof or it.
[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+14 and gets 24." [d20=10]
[22:46] <Andria> roll d20+5
[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+5 and gets 20." [d20=15]
[22:46] <Kotono> OOC: That be two hits.
[22:46] <Kotono> OOC: Thug 2 is also the one on Olan. I assume you mean thug 1?
[22:47] <Andria> ooc: oh, might have meant thug 3 or 1. The one that last hit me though.
[22:47] <Kotono> OOC: That was 1.
[22:47] <Andria> roll 4d4+14+8+2d6 ah, okay, vs #1 then
[22:47] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls 4d4+14+8+2d6 ah, okay, vs #1 then and gets 36." [4d4=4, 3, 1, 1][2d6=2, 3]
[22:47] * Kotono changes topic to 'Half-Elf archer(24)>Olan(20)>Jergalite(19)>Andrea(17)>Thug 3(15)>Thug 2(8)'
[22:48] <Kotono> Under Andrea's loving blade the bandit is cut down! His body is cut in twain along the hips, falling in a bloody heap! The third one screams only louder at this, striking at Andrea again nonetheless!
[22:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 17." [1d20=12]
[22:48] <Andria> ooc: miss
[22:48] <Kotono> But by the barest margin he misses, Andrea bringing her armguards around to parry the blow directly! The second thug, meanwhile, continues to try and strike Olan!
[22:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 7." [1d20=2]
[22:48] <Kotono> But his attempts are barely even noticed, Olan's attention fully on the half elf...who promptly stumbles back again and looses two arrows into Olan!
[22:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[22:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[22:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 18." [1d20=10]
[22:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 13." [1d20=5]
[22:49] <Kotono> Thunk, THUNK! The arrows hit Olan's raised shield, as he matches that step and closes in for the possible kill!
[22:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[22:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 21." [1d20=11]
[22:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 9." [1d20=4]
[22:49] <Kotono> roll 1d8+3
[22:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+3 and gets 10." [1d8=7]
[22:54] <Kotono> The archer gets a stab right through his shoulder! He slides off the blade and to his knees, but he manages to get up, "Fuck...YOU!" he screams in defiance, as the Jergalite utters a foul word! A word so horrible that it twists your stomachs! OOC: Fort you two.
[22:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13
[22:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 23." [1d20=10]
[22:56] <Andria> roll d20+14
[22:56] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+14 and gets 15." [d20=1]
[22:56] <Andria> ooc: haaaaaatebot
[22:56] * Kotono changes topic to 'Half-Elf archer(24)>Olan(20)>Jergalite(19)>Andrea(17; sickened 2 rounds)>Thug 3(15)>Thug 2(8)'
[22:57] <Kotono> The words slam into ANdrea, turning her stomach! She has to resist not throwing up all over, feeling utterly violated and weakened! OOC: Sickened for two rounds. You're up.
[22:58] <Andria> "That is a -horrible- thing to say! Your mother would be ashamed!" Andrea exclaims, though she focuses on the thug still by her side.
[22:58] <Andria> roll d20+10
[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+10 and gets 11." [d20=1]
[22:58] <Andria> roll d20+5
[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+5 and gets 22." [d20=17]
[22:59] <Andria> roll 2d4+5+d6 assuming one hit
[22:59] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls 2d4+5+d6 assuming one hit and gets 15." [2d4=2, 3][d6=5]
[22:59] * Kotono changes topic to 'Half-Elf archer(24)>Olan(20)>Jergalite(19)>Andrea(17; sickened 2 rounds)>Thug 2(8)'
[23:00] <Kotono> With a deft strike Andrea decapitates this one, sending him down and dead! The Jergalite says nothing to that immediately, watching the carnage, "Yes, send them to their fate and prepare to join it..." he murmurs, as the second thug goes after Olan one more time!
[23:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[23:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 23." [1d20=18]
[23:00] <Kotono> roll 1d8+2
[23:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+2 and gets 10." [1d8=8]
[23:00] <Kotono> This time he plunges his longsword into Olan's back, a spray of blood coming as he yanks it out! This at least gets Olan's attentiona nd utter wrath! OOC: Half elf archer is up.
[23:01] <Kotono> The half elf archer stumbles back, grinning in agony, "Just...DIE!" he screams, firing again at Olan, "LIsten to him, he knows about Jergal and knows it's right!"
[23:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[23:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[23:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 20." [1d20=12]
[23:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 15." [1d20=7]
[23:02] <Kotono> But again Olan's shield is an absolute barrier as he matches that advance, "Plead your case to Lathander in shame!" he snarls, going for the kill again!
[23:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[23:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 16." [1d20=6]
[23:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[23:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 23." [1d20=18]
[23:02] <Kotono> roll 1d8+3
[23:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+3 and gets 6." [1d8=3]
[23:03] <Kotono> Aluth is skinned along the arm, bone and veins shown to the world! He almost falls over at that, bleeding freely but not giving into his fate quite yet, somehow! Through a mask of blood he gives a look of perfect anger, "Won't die...'till all of you join me for this!" At this the Jergalite steps back, raising a single finger as a foul smelling orb of acid erupts at him!
[23:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 touch AC for Olan
[23:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 touch AC for Olan and gets 21." [1d20=15]
[23:04] <Kotono> roll 2d8
[23:04] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8 and gets 14." [2d8=7, 7]
[23:05] <Kotono> The acid gets Olan in the back, his screams penetrating the fog of war! He slumps on his mount, staying on and howling in pain at that last wound! OOC: Andrea.
[23:05] * Kotono changes topic to 'Half-Elf archer(24)>Olan(20)>Jergalite(19)>Andrea(17)>Thug 2(8)'
[23:05] <Kotono> OOC: This is your last round sickened.
[23:07] <Andria> "Leave him alone!" Andrea bellows as she charges towards the leader of these religious nuts. (OOC: going for charging smite/furious strike combination)
[23:07] <Kotono> OOC: Sure thing.
[23:08] <Andria> roll d20+17 (charging smite/furious strike/sickened/PA-2)
[23:08] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+17 (charging smite/furious strike/sickened/PA-2) and gets 20." [d20=3]
[23:09] <Kotono> Andrea charges, but her blade bounces off the air around the Jergalite! He laughs, "Do you see? My faith in Jergal stops you! You cannot hope to triumph!" Meanwhile the second thug attempts to finish Olan off, sword striking!
[23:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[23:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 7." [1d20=2]
[23:09] <Kotono> But his blow is feeble, ignored in the greater melee! OOC: Half elf.
[23:10] <Kotono> Stumbling back and bleeding out with a fierceness, Aluth the Red Wind manages tow more arrows with a vengeful look at Olan!
[23:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[23:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[23:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 17." [1d20=9]
[23:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 13." [1d20=5]
[23:10] <Kotono> But again Olan's shield is an impossible barrier! He stops, touching his chest as healing energy mends his wounds! OOC: Lay on Hands for 24 HP. Jergalite is up.
[23:12] <Kotono> With a single swipe of his scythe the Jergalite grimaces and engages, "Now watch as my faith cuts you asunder!" he declares, scythe trying to end Andrea!
[23:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[23:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 20." [1d20=16]
[23:12] <Kotono> roll 2d4
[23:12] <Andria> ooc: hit =(
[23:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d4 and gets 3." [2d4=1, 2]
[23:13] <Kotono> His blow is not a great one, arms seeming to lack any serious wounding strength as he scrapes Andrea's chest! OOC: Andrea, go.
[23:14] <Andria> "Your bark is worse than your bite!" Andrea replies in kind with her own swings. (ooc: furious strike on first attack)
[23:14] <Andria> roll d20+14
[23:14] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+14  and gets 26." [d20=12]
[23:14] <Andria> roll d20+7
[23:14] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+7 and gets 19." [d20=12]
[23:14] <Kotono> OOC: One hit.
[23:14] <Andria> roll 2d4+7+2d6
[23:14] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls 2d4+7+2d6 and gets 14." [2d4=4, 1][2d6=1, 1]
[23:14] <Kotono> OOC: Roll the extra damage dice seperately since they're different sources next time. That said, ow.
[23:16] <Kotono> Andrea steps forward, her holy wrath empowering her! She manages to slash the cleric's side, a solid wound as her followup is deflected away! Meanwhile Olan, the archer and the thug continue their deadly dance!
[23:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 thug
[23:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 thug and gets 7." [1d20=2]
[23:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 archer 1
[23:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 archer 2
[23:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 archer 1 and gets 18." [1d20=10]
[23:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 archer 2 and gets 15." [1d20=7]
[23:17] <Kotono> But Olan stands triumphant amid them! He deflects arrows and parries blows in a growing righteous frenzy, bursting with sunlight! He shines like the sun now, blade coming down on the archer with a single word, "REPENT!"
[23:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 (+4 smite, fuck this shit)
[23:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 (+4 smite, fuck this shit) and gets 27." [1d20=13]
[23:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[23:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 8." [1d20=3]
[23:17] <Kotono> roll 1d8+9
[23:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+9 and gets 11." [1d8=2]
[23:17] * Kotono changes topic to 'Olan(20)>Jergalite(19)>Andrea(17)>Thug 2(8)'
[23:18] <Kotono> If repenting is being impaled through the mouth and sliding into death, than Aluth does it wonderfully! He gurgles and reaches up in vain, before falling to the earth and silent! OOC: Jergalite is up.
[23:19] <Kotono> Stepping back five feet, the priest gestures! TWo motes of magical light appear, magic missiles slamming into Andrea! "My faith is invincible! All of you will slide into death!" As he moves you catch it- a whiff of brimstone and sulphur, churning your stomach again as the missles hit!
[23:19] <Kotono> roll 2d4+2
[23:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d4+2 and gets 6." [2d4=2, 2]
[23:19] <Kotono> Both of the missiles strike Andrea dead on, sucking the breath from her body! OOC: Andrea, go.
[23:20] <Andria> "Yeah well...Your faith is stupid and so are you!" Andrea says, too annoyed to come up with something good. (OOC: smite/furious strike try again on first attack)
[23:20] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[23:20] <Andria> roll d20+19
[23:21] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+19 and gets 36." [d20=17]
[23:21] <Andria> roll d20+7
[23:21] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+7 and gets 16." [d20=9]
[23:21] <Andria> roll d6
[23:21] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d6 and gets 1." [d6=1]
[23:21] <Andria> roll d6 furious
[23:21] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d6 furious and gets 5." [d6=5]
[23:21] <Kotono> OOC: 2d4+12+1d6+1d6 would've been fine too, I just meant not grouping them in the same pile of d6es.
[23:22] <Andria> ooc: aaah
[23:22] <Kotono> Andrea's wrathful fury finds a home! She slashes apart the man's chest, showing his ribs! He leans horribly on his scythe, bleeding but refusing to fall! Instead he stands, wobbling but standing! Meanwhile the second thug takes a step back, before turning tail and fleeing! "I...I...Aaaaaaaaaah!" OOC: Withdraw action to book it. Olan is up.
[23:23] <Kotono> Turning his horse and charging, Olan goes right for the Jergalite, "REPENT!" h e cries again, longsword going for his throat!
[23:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12 (+2 charge)
[23:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 (+2 charge) and gets 13." [1d20=1]
[23:23] <Kotono> But he can't manage that lethal blow, the wobbles of the Jergalite enough defense yet! In retort he looks to Andrea's wounds, "Come..."  he gasps out, "With....me!" He says, scythe going for her neck!
[23:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[23:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 20." [1d20=16]
[23:24] <Kotono> roll 2d4
[23:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d4 and gets 8." [2d4=4, 4]
[23:25] <Kotono> His strike is avoided only by pure reaction speed! Nonetheless the blade of his scythe leaves  ashallow cut along Andrea's neck, almost giving her a second smile! OOC: Ow. Your'e up.
[23:25] <Andria> Andrea bites her lip not wanting to release a scream. "Like hell I am! I've already been to hell, I'm certainly not going to follow YOU there!" she says instead, swinging away once more.
[23:26] <Andria> roll d20+12
[23:26] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+12 and gets 13." [d20=1]
[23:26] <Andria> roll d20+7
[23:26] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+7 and gets 14." [d20=7]
[23:26] <Andria> ooc: *bangs head*
[23:27] <Kotono> Yet because of her woudns and her vision growing blurry, Andrea can't swing right! She swings too far ahead, missing him! As the thug continues to flee! At this Olan grimly strikes forward, "No more! No more death where there should be life, heretic!"
[23:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[23:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 21." [1d20=11]
[23:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[23:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 8." [1d20=3]
[23:28] <Kotono> But the defenses of the heretic are yet strong! He manages to parry Olan, "Join me...the brothers can write our name in the Book of the Dead together!" So the Jergalite says, trying to shorten Andrea by a head!
[23:28] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[23:28] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 8." [1d20=4]
[23:28] <Kotono> But his strike is entirely bravado, as ineffective as Andrea's last!
[23:28] <Kotono> OOC: Go Andrea.
[23:29] <Andria> "For Alicia's sake, I already said I wasn't going to do it! Shut up already!"
[23:29] <Andria> roll d20+10 PA-2
[23:29] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+10 PA-2 and gets 26." [d20=16]
[23:29] <Andria> roll d20+5 PA-2
[23:29] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+5 PA-2 and gets 23." [d20=18]
[23:29] <Andria> roll d20+5 PA-2 threat?
[23:29] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+5 PA-2 threat? and gets 15." [d20=10]
[23:29] <Andria> roll 2d4+11+d6
[23:29] <Andria> roll 2d4+11+d6
[23:29] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls 2d4+11+d6 and gets 20." [2d4=3, 3][d6=3]
[23:29] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls 2d4+11+d6 and gets 21." [2d4=3, 4][d6=3]
[23:29] <Kotono> OOC: Two normal hits.
[23:30] <Kotono> Andrea thrusts in, impaling the Jergalite through the chest again! He goes stiff on your blade, "Brothers..." he croaks, "Write my name in the Book...write all our names..." With that he slides off Andrea's blade, lying in a pool of his own blood! OOC: Free act.
[23:31] <Andria> Andrea sighs in relief. "Going to chase after that thug or the woman, instructor?"
[23:33] <Kotono> Olan considers a moment, "Let them go," he says, "We tend to our wounds first." The sunlight around him dims, as, "Lathander, shed your healing light on Andrea," he says, channeling positive energy to them!
[23:33] <Kotono> roll 2d6 Turn Undead 1
[23:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 Turn Undead 1 and gets 7." [2d6=6, 1]
[23:33] <Kotono> roll 2d6 Turn Undead 2
[23:33] <Kotono> roll 2d6 Turn Undead 3
[23:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 Turn Undead 2 and gets 8." [2d6=6, 2]
[23:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 Turn Undead 3 and gets 9." [2d6=3, 6]
[23:34] <Kotono> Andrea's wounds partially mend, enough to take the worst of the agony off. Her vision clears, body's panting pain diminishing. Olan gives her a look, repeating it twice more without comment.
[23:34] <Kotono> roll 2d6
[23:34] <Kotono> roll 2d6
[23:34] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 and gets 5." [2d6=4, 1]
[23:34] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 and gets 7." [2d6=3, 4]
[23:35] <Andria> "Thank you, that helped a lot," Andrea says with a happy sigh as she returns the favor.
[23:36] <Andria> roll d6 TU1
[23:36] <Andria> roll d6 TU2
[23:36] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d6 TU1 and gets 3." [d6=3]
[23:36] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d6 TU2 and gets 2." [d6=2]
[23:36] <Andria> roll d6 TU3
[23:36] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d6 TU3 and gets 5." [d6=5]
[23:36] <Andria> roll d6 TU4
[23:36] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d6 TU4 and gets 4." [d6=4]

[23:37] <Kotono> Olan's wounds mend, "Search the area for any lingering traps or possessions. Check the slain for anything that identifies them ora nything dangerous." He commands, "Take your time and do it right."
[23:38] <Andria> Andrea nods. "I'll go drag Ivory to here. Going to chase after the other two then?"
[23:39] <Kotono> "No." Shaking his head, "If they bring immediate reinforcements, we'll take that information and retreat to civilization. With that many a proper force will be needed to crush them. If not...Enough death for one day." Sheathing his blade, "I will deal death to protect life, but not for the sake of vengence. That is not Lathander's way."
[23:42] <Andria> Andrea shrugs and starts checking things out once she's fetched the horse, deciding not to argue with the older paladin. At the very least, they should have crippled these bandits' ability to lay traps for other travelers if it's just those two. Hopefully.
[23:43] <Kotono> OOC: Roll search?
[23:43] <Kotono> OOC: You can take 10/20 here as you please if you want to, since Olan basically encouraged you to take the time to do it right.
[23:49] <Andria> ooc: I'll take 20 for 19
[23:54] <Kotono> You find 2 longswords and leather armors from the thugs. From the half elf you find a longbow, his leathers and a longsword. On the Jergalite is naught but a scythe and a pouch full of spell components, as well as his holy symbol. However, tucke daway a little away from this in thet all grasses is a pack. Within you find several things: A scroll, a bottle with greenish fluid, strawberry
[23:54] <Kotono> red quartz with the face of a gorgeous woman with long hair inside like a frozen image, a breastplate that feels strangely comfortable in your hands and a huge sack stuffed with pennies, fivepennies and stirlings.
[23:55] <Andria> Andrea gathers all of the stuff together, figuring they can check it out in more detail once they're in town. "Alright, this is all I found. Shall we move on then?"

[Corwin]

[18:50] <Blondezilla> roll 1d100
[18:50] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d100 and gets 90." [1d100=90]
[18:55] <Blondezilla> The rest of day's travels pass without incident. The next day has misfortune - the skies rumble with thunder early, storms striking! Once they pass you continue on, but the roads are wet and muddy, slowing down your progress considerably. Nonetheless at the dusk of the 8th day of travel you see Valandia ahead! "You've been to Valandia before?" Olan asks in conversation as you come closer.
[18:55] <Blondezilla> OOC: HP restored.
[18:59] <Andria> "No," Andrea replies with a shake of her head. "It was always the other baronies that I visited as a kid."
[19:04] <Andria> ooc: bah, scratch
[19:04] <Andria> "Just once, and only for a little while. On the job that sent the others to hell," Andrea answers.
[19:06] <Blondezilla> "Mmm-hmm," Olan murmurs, "We'll get an inn room and go right to bed. We'll want to go to the cathedral at dawn's first light."
[19:08] <Andria> Andrea nods.
[19:09] <Blondezilla> A simple inn room allows Andrea to sleep. Morning comes all too soon, Olan shaking you into awareness. "Andrea, get ready and get your armor on. It's time."
[19:09] <Andria> Andrea yawns as she makes a sound of acknowledgement. "Alright. Give me a minute..." she says sleepily.
[19:12] <Blondezilla> Olan awaits, turning his back in politeness to give Andrea a chance to garb herself.
[19:14] <Andria> She does so! "Okay, I'm ready. Lead the way," she says once she's all fixed up.
[19:19] <Blondezilla> The streets of Valandia are mostly empty before the dawn's first light. Olan wears his armor and now wears a cloak of fine, rose red silk. He is immaculately cleaned up, hair brushed back and armor polished.  Down streets you head, to at last one long one. At the end of it you can see a dark-shadowed building, many steepled and tall. As you gaze at it, "Hold here a moment," Olan says, "It
[19:19] <Blondezilla> will not be long."
[19:19] <Andria> Andrea nods, waiting where told.
[19:31] <Blondezilla> Within a minute you begin to hear it. Song in words you don't understand, a beautiful song that seems to reach and echo upwards. It is vibrant and full of life, surging higher and higher! As it is sung Olan looks to the sky above! The horizon above the church begins to tint with the first rays of the dawn, cascading down over the cathedral before you! You can see it's made of rosy glass
[19:31] <Blondezilla> and crystal as much as stone, woven together in breathtaking patterns. Far ahead the doors to the temple open wide, as a great baritone proclaims, "Lathander has returned another day! Rejoice and live anew!"
[19:33] <Andria> Andrea just watches and listens! The song is very pretty after all.
[19:44] <Blondezilla> You watch a few seconds, before Olan travels forward.  As he walks down the street others come from buildings and alleys, all heading to the church. The sunrise illuminates you as you enter into a grand cathedral. The pure sunlight is caught in the rosy crystals, bathing the entire area in pure dawn-like splendor. Within Olan leads you along, towards a grand altar. Here an older man stands
[19:44] <Blondezilla> before, wearing rich robes. He looks to be well into his middle age, yet his hair is not touched by gray. As Olan approaches he smiles and comes forth, taking Olan's hand in grasp, "Olan Farres! It's good to see your face here again, friend."
[19:46] <Blondezilla> "Dawnbringer," Olan clasps his hand back, "I come for a reason of great personal importance...but first," he pauses, "Andrea Redfall of Balmuria, sworn to Saint Alicia."
[19:48] <Andria> Andrea raises her hand and waves politely. "Hello!"
[19:49] <Blondezilla> He offers his hand out to Andrea, "Claris Highsun," After a beat, "Claris is fine, or Dawnbringer. Just not Baron, this isn't a part of those duties."
[19:54] <Andria> Andrea gives it a hearty shake as she accepts his hand! "Instructor Olan already introduced me, so I guess we can skip going over that again, right?" Andrea says with a smile. "It's nice to meet you, sir."
[19:58] <Blondezilla> He nods back, then to Olan, "What's the urgent news then, Olan?"
[20:00] <Blondezilla> "Brent fell in battle," Olan lowers his gaze a moment, "His body lost in Baator to save others. I seek to find out if he can have a new dawn."
[20:04] <Blondezilla> "I understand, my friend," He nods immediately, "Brent...he can't have been any older than twenty? Horrid. I will ask the Dawnfather straight away what his will is."
[20:04] <Andria> It sounds like there's a chance...Andrea smiles at that.
[20:11] <Blondezilla> "Thank you," Olan bows his head, taking Andrea's hand. He leads her to a pew, going to sit and wait. "All that's left is to wait for Lathander's will," he murmurs. For a short time he awaits and sits, as meanwhile another priest comes along and gives a sermon to the others. It's about the virtues of life and optimism - decent stuff, though youc an tell Olan isn't hearing it much at all.
[20:14] <Andria> Andrea does focus on the sermon, finding it interesting to listen to the point of view of other clergy.
[20:17] <Blondezilla> "Life is an eternal series of days and nights," The preacher goes on, "Yet for every night that falls, Lathander awaits to bring new life and a new dawn. Worry not, for in the end we find a dawn everlasting, where night will never again touch the blessings of the sky. Until then, hold this in your hearts. No matter how dark your life is, another dawn is only a little time away!"
[20:20] <Andria> Andrea just silently continues to listen, while waiting on a reply to Olan's query, letting herself get distracted by the sermon.
[20:26] <Blondezilla> It's a little over an hour. The sermon has concluded, patiently waiting your only option. At last Claris returns. With a smile he says, "Tomorrow at the dawn's first light."
[20:26] <Blondezilla> Olan's entire body seems to sag, as he closes his eyes, "Thank you, thank you..." he murmurs, barely audible.
[20:28] <Andria> Andrea gives a short sigh of relief and smiles at Olan, happy for him.
[20:36] <Blondezilla> "Brent has strong ties to this world, enough to draw him back," Claris continues on, "Good family and good friends."
[20:40] <Andria> "I'm glad. I had heard how hard it is to come back after all this time..." Andrea comments quietly.
[20:43] <Blondezilla> "It's uncommon. Those ties motivate him," Claris agrees, "Rest and prepare yourself for the coming dawn. The ceremony is a long one, and one that can be spiritually exhausting."
[20:46] <Andria> Andrea nods.

[Corwin]

[19:05] <Kotono> A day passes in rest and preparation. Andrea prepares, going to be dearly enough to rise a good hour and a half before the dawn. Olan awaits outside of your room, clad in his finery from the day before. "Ready?"
[19:07] <Andria> "Let's go see Brent again," Andrea agrees, all ready to go.
[19:12] <Kotono> In the darkness of the night the two head to Lathander's temple. You are escorted within through a side door, to the main altar. Before the altar a stone bier has been placed, carved of pure obsidian. It is black as the night's darkest hour, undecorated and rough otherwise. Awaiting there are three priests and Claris. He is clad in his robes, kneeling before the bier in meditative prayer.
[19:12] <Kotono> The other three support him, chanting in lovely words beyond your comprehension as he intones more serious, focused phrases.
[19:19] <Andria> Andrea just waits quietly besides Olan, not wanting to distract them and accidently causing Brent to come back as a half-human/half-fly creature! Besides, its not like she has much of a way to help, and Olan has Brent's ashes.
[19:27] <Kotono> Olan comes forward, gently placing the container of ashes onto the bier. Claris nods to him, pausing his prayer, "I would ask that each of you add something with meaning to Brent, so that he may be better drawn back to this world. A posession, a fond story, anything with feeling ad passionate drive."
[19:31] <Kotono> Olan comes forward again, laying his blade onto the altar. "Brent has always wanted to inherit my sword...from the first time I found him playing with it when he thought my back was turned, when he was barely old enough to hold it upright. I'd been waiting for him to blood himself in real battle and prove himself a paladin, and give it to him as a gift."
[19:49] <Andria> Andrea ponders on what to say. There's so many fond stories, they were childhood friends and even dated...it was hard to just pick one. Olan seems to be hedging the bets by offering both an item and a fond story, so maybe she should do the same? But what sort of items would really have meaning to Brent? She hadn't brought by the old armor he had given to her as a present, you couldn't really make a kiss into an item...oh!
[19:49] <Andria> She knew -just- what to offer! "I'll be -right- back..."
[19:54] <Andria> Shortly after, Andrea returns, stepping forward and putting an item on the altar. "Brent has always wanted to play with my breasts....from the first time I hit puberty, I would find him peeking at my chest when he thought I wasn't looking. When we dated, he always 'accidently' went for a grab during spars even though he knew I'd kick his ass afterwards. I was waiting for him to grow older and prove himself a real man, and give this to him as a reward. But now's as good a time as any I guess!"
[19:54] <Andria> Andrea steps back, leaving her bra on the altar and gives Olan an unrepentant thumbs-up.
[19:57] <Kotono> Olan doesn't react at all. Oh no, he just watches until that thumbs up. He twitches once, before burying his face into his hand! Meanwhile Claris tries to keep a straight expression, shoulders heaving with contained laughter. At last, biting down on his lip, "'tis true. The Morninglord understands passion and encourages it...such an offering is not out of line with his goals."
[20:00] <Andria> Andrea nods in agreement with the cleric's statement.
[20:03] <Kotono> Olan unburies his face to give Andrea a long, searching look. He seems content to refrain himself from anything beyond that, settling into watch and wait.
[20:06] <Andria> "He said something with meaning and that was the thing I figured would have the most meaning to him," Andrea replies, still unrepentant. She does show a light blush, so she might be a smidge embarrassed. "I want him back alive too!"
[20:19] <Kotono> Olan lets that comment sit, as time slips by! An hour of praying and waiting, the bier annointed with holy water and rose petals. The chanting takes up a greater and greater tone, as Andrea finds herself driven to reverie. Memories of Brent come whirling into her mind with unnatural clarity. She can remember first meeting him, as if it was yesterday...
[20:34] <Andria> Andrea keeps focusing on her memories and praying for Brent to come back.
[20:35] <Kotono> Memories come flooding in...childhood, training, dating, sparring...it's like a deluge. All of them as fresh as Andrea, along with a longing. A burning longing in her chest as the memories hit her, contrasting with the cold, broken image of his body lying in Avernus. It strikes her like a thunderclap, making bile and despair rise in her throat.
[20:41] <Andria> Andrea tries to strike away the image of his dead body away, not wanting to remember the nightmares again, and tries to focus on the happier memories again.
[20:45] <Kotono> Andrea clings to them, remembering Brent! Through this haze...light? Light assaults her closed eyes, as Claris calls, "The dawn! Behold the dawn, and another new life being born! Holy Morninglord, father of every life that is, was and ever shall be!  Pierce the veil of death with your light and bring us Brent Farres back!"
[20:47] <Andria> Andrea just continues with the happy thoughts and prayers.
[20:56] <Kotono> In the dawn's first rays the cathedral is lit up! Sunlight fills the room, the color of the rosy quartz in the walls! It'sr ays touch the bier, as it's black shifts! It becomes rose red, glowing with pure sunlight! On that bier a single droplet of sunlight seems to fall, splashing down! In it's wake he appears, lying there. He is dressed as you remember him last, lying as if in repose.
[20:56] <Kotono> There is a breathless moment and then Brent opens his eyes! "Where...?"
[21:00] <Andria> "Brent! You came back!" Andrea exclaims in cheer and looks towards Olan.
[21:12] <Kotono> Olan stares a split-second before rushing forward! He enfolds Brent into a bear hug, holding him close, "My son!"
[21:12] <Kotono> Cheers come from the priests as Claris declares, "Let the will of the Morninglord be done!"
[21:13] <Kotono> "Dad...?" Brent's voice is slow, faraway and confused. "I feel like I was just dreaming...it was a good dream, too."
[21:18] <Andria> "Better than the dreams we'd been having!" Andrea exclaims as she puts her hands on her waist, though she smiles at the scene. "You dummy! What's up with dying on the first day of the rescue mission!?"
[21:20] <Kotono> "I died...?" Brent frowns, "It's all a blur." He pauses a moment, raising up Andrea's bra in one hand, "...why is this here?"
[21:21] <Andria> "...Your dad wanted to get you a present in case you came back," Andrea says firmly.
[21:22] <Andria> "Aaaaanyway, I think I'll let you two have a family moment, so I'm just going to go off and get drunk in a bar," Andrea adds, edging towards the exit.
[21:23] <Kotono> "Andrea, stay," Olan says, glancing her way, "We're going to go celebrate...as a family. That includes you."
[21:24] <Andria> Andrea blushes and nods. "If you insist..."
[21:29] <Kotono> Soon enough you are back in your inn room. Brent seems a little dazed, carrying bra and sword. Olan goes to his pack, taking out a bottle of spirits. He pours everyone a small drink, raising his glass, "To family," he declares, "United again."
[21:35] <Kotono> "Cheers," Brent adds, drinking down as he shakes his head. "I really died? What happened? I remember...these things, and charging and..."
[21:36] <Andria> Figuring since he's back alive there's no need to sugar-coat things to make them seem more heroic, Andrea answers: "After you got surrounded by the elementals, they all pounded on you and sucked you dry."
[21:37] <Kotono> Olan winces, while Brent shakes his head, "I don't believe it, but..." He shakes his head again, "Just...urgh. After what I remember, I have hazy memories of...something. I was happy, and...I just can't remember. It slips away from me whenever I think I recall something solid. All I can remember is a feeling of happiness and peace."
[21:39] <Andria> "He didn't have much of a chance to get out of it, he -was- surrounded..." Andrea backpedals a bit at Olan's wince. "But you got ganged up on pretty horribly. I don't think they even looked at the rest of us at all while they had you..."
[21:40] <Andria> "For what it's worth, we did rescue Wayland and Janson...Branna and Noel we were too late for though."
[21:42] <Kotono> "That's something," Brent says, rubbing the side of his head, "Hey...Andrea? Dad? Can I have a moment with Andrea?"
[21:42] <Kotono> Olan rises, nodding solemnly. He clasps his son's shoulders and murmurs something to him, before departing the room.
[21:43] <Andria> Andrea waits to see what he wanted to ask or say...
[21:47] <Kotono> "After those feelings I had something else. I remember Dad's sword...hell, I remember when he scolded me for playing with it as a kid." Rubbing the back of his head again and shaking his head, "And then I remember," he gives a meaningful look to Andrea's chest.  "And...you left this on the bier?" he holds up the bra with one hand, "Andrea?"
[21:51] <Andria> Andrea blushes. "Well, the priest said to offer something important with feelings and passion...and you came back, so I guess it worked...!"
[21:51] <Andria> "I guess you didn't buy that your dad left that for you, huh?"
[21:54] <Kotono> Brent blushes as well. "I'm not stupid," he observes without any rancor, getting up. He goes to sit by Andrea, looking at her. "Do you want to give it another go?"
[21:56] <Andria> "Well...Will it keep you from rushing headlong into elementals and getting surrounded? Because if it does, I could be convinced to make that sacrifice," Andrea replies with an amused smile.
[21:58] <Kotono> Brent smiles back, "I think I learned that lesson, yes," he answers back, "You really did miss me, didn't you?"
[22:00] <Andria> Andrea leans towards Brent and rests her head on his shoulder. "I was pretty broken up over your death. Had some pretty bad nightmares over it too...enough that I almost killed myself over them, so the others tell me. I had a bit of time to recover afterwards...but yeah. I really did miss you."
[22:02] <Kotono> Brent holds Andrea tight, "Let's make up for lost time then....Dad told me to treat you right, too," he adds, almost as an afterthought. "I will."
[22:05] <Andria> "I'll still kick your ass in a fight."

[Corwin]

[19:55] <Kotono> That evening, Brent has grown slightly restless. "Andrea," he says, "How about we get out of here and have a couple of drinks, see what's going on over here? Live a little."
[19:57] <Andria> Andrea shrugs. "Why not? Is your dad coming as well?" she asks as she stretches.
[20:01] <Kotono> With a cocksure grin, "Dad's also old and retired. Let's have some fun, just the two of us!"
[20:04] <Andria> "I bet your dad could outdrink you," she says drily. "Though why not. Let's go hit a bar then. Any recommendations here in town or just walk about until we see a fun looking one?"
[20:06] <Kotono> "Something fun, we'll find one," Brent says, "After all this, I just want to live like a man. After today..."
[20:08] <Andria> Andrea nods. "Lead the way then."
[20:13] <Kotono> You begin to wander! The night is clear and cool as you walk, looking for bars. As you do...hm? Between two buildings is a small little alley. It's dark but there's just enough light to see.  Besides it Branna stands, meeting Andrea's gaze. He crooks a finger forward, as if inviting.
[20:14] <Andria> "What the..." Andrea mutters, and rubs her eyes before looking again. "Hey, do you see something down there...?"
[20:15] <Kotono> Brent looks, blinking a moment, "That's...! I haven't seen her since...!"
[20:16] <Andria> "Wait...her? Who are -you- seeing?" Andrea asks with a frown.
[20:17] <Kotono> "A girl I knew once," Brent answers, "But I haven't seen her since I was nine!" Meanwhile Branna crooks his finger again, going to a door at the alley. He opens it wide, awaiting.
[20:18] <Andria> "...yeah, okay, I'm seeing Branna and he just went into a door," Andrea comments, still frowning.
[20:19] <Kotono> "She just went into that door too," Brent says, "What the hell is this? I don't see any evil, but..."
[20:24] <Andria> "I don't like this," Andrea mutters. She's a bit tempted to go investigate, but at the same time she's sure if she suggests doing that, something screwed up will happen to Brent again probably. "Should we...should we just ignore it? Or go get someone like Olan or Claris and come back, then investigate?"
[20:27] <Kotono> "We...we're paladins, aren't we?" Brent says, "We'll just retreat if it's something out of our depth."
[20:32] <Andria> Andrea sighs, but can't really argue with that. "Alright, just remember, don't go dying again! I doubt Lathander would give you another chance if you went and died less than a week after he let you come back."
[20:32] <Andria> That said, Andrea starts to head into the alleyway!
[20:38] <Kotono> "I'm not going to die again! Once is enough for me!" Brent grins back as you advance! Branna nods and heads inside.
[20:42] <Andria> Andrea follows after the specter!
[20:47] <Kotono> Inside? It's a cramped shop, goods crammed all over. Branna leans against a wall. "Welcome to Memories."
[20:49] <Andria> "What is this shop? Who are you?" Andrea asks, taking a look around, not really having expected a shop (though admittedly, she wasn't sure -what- she was expecting, certainly not this...)
[20:50] <Kotono> "This is a very special shop. Have you ever lost or sold something and then never seen it again?" Branna smirks just a little bit and crosses his arms, "I specialized in selling what you thought was worthless."
[20:53] <Andria> "Why do you look like Branna? Or Brent's old friend I guess?" Andrea asks.
[20:55] <Kotono> "Everything here is something you lost," Branna replies, "Think about it, preferably while you shop. Look around, imagine anything you lost and would like back. Just don't bother with things that are naturally used up and expended, like potions, scrolls and wands."
[20:56] <Andria> "Well that's vague..." she mutters, and turns to look at Brent to see how he's reacting to all this.
[20:56] <Kotono> Brent is frowning, but he starts to look about, "This entire premise is absurd! How would you have things I've lost, anyway?"
[20:59] <Andria> Andrea sighs. "We'll take a look around, but can you change your appearance at least? I'd rather not see the face of someone dead, please," she requests from the fake-Branna.
[21:02] <Kotono> With a distinct smile, "If you insist, think of someone else you lost. I'm not doing a thing - you're the one who decided what you see of what you lost."
[21:06] <Andria> Frowning, Andrea tries to recall the face of any of her old friends, from before her life with Sarina, Olan, and Cador. Surely that would be less disturbing...
[21:10] <Kotono> Images bubble up..far forgotten things...slowly...Before you is a smiling young girl. She has lustrious black hair and pale skin, though her name escapes you. Just a faint, faraway image.
[21:14] <Andria> Andrea nods, satisfied with the result. "I'm going to just give the place a quick look around before we head back out to a bar, if that's okay with you Brent? Doesn't -look- dangerous at least, right?"
[21:19] <Kotono> "It's..." Brent looks on, holding up a slingshot. "Oh wow..." he marvels, "I haven't seen this since I lost it when I was six!"
[21:20] <Andria> Andrea leaves him to his own searching and does some of her own. She doubted she'd find anything really that exciting, but one never knows, right?
[21:27] <Kotono> Andrea wanders about - ! Ahead of her, sitting on a back wall, is something that tugs at her faintest, forgotten memories. A painting...ones he remembers seeing a long time ago. Mother and Father are shown, a baby Andrea in her Mother's arms. It hangs on the wall besides a beaten old tapestry, as if just casually hung there.
[21:28] <Andria> "An...interesting shop you have here," Andrea admits in a whisper, her attention absorbed on the painting, which she approaches, her fingers tracing the figure of her parents.
[21:31] <Kotono> It's a likeness that stirs memory after memory, forgotten faces sharpening in her mind's eye. Branna is besides her then, "Sentimental value is still value, so...500 marks."
[21:34] <Andria> Andrea frowns, both at the price and the shopkeeper's shape. "Back to Branna, I see. And do these items of yours last? Do they wear out or anything of the sort?" she asks, though she doesn't seem entirely unwilling to part with that much if it means having a permanent reminder of her family.
[21:36] <Kotono> "You have to focus on it," he confesses, "They're no illusions or fading spectres. It is what you lost, not some crude fakery." Meanwhile Brent comes over, watching the entire affair as well.
[21:37] <Andria> "What do you mean focus on it? Does that mean it'll go away the moment I stop thinking about it, like when I go out of town or something?"
[21:54] <Kotono> "Oh no, the portrait is as real as can be. I meant the other image you saw, the one of the little girl."
[21:54] <Andria> "So the portrait -will- last?"
[21:59] <Kotono> "It will," Branna confirms.
[22:00] <Andria> "I see...I guess I can buy it. I don't really have any reminder of them, so..." she says as she digs out some money, making sure she has the amount.
[22:06] <Kotono> Andrea does, the money given over. "Nice doing business with you," He says, with a cocky grin.
[22:08] <Andria> "Yes, I suppose it was. Try to avoid looking like the recently dead in the future though. People might take offense and torch your place, and then all those memories of your would go up in smoke..." Andrea advices.
[22:09] <Kotono> Branna just smiles, "They could try. A good day to the both of you, then."
[22:12] <Andria> Andrea frowns and just turns away from the specter. "Let's drop this at the inn first, Brent. We can go back to bar hunting after that..."
[22:14] <Kotono> Thus you head out! Once out Brent shakes his head, "What the hell WAS that?" he glances back as you go, "Some sort of genie?"
[22:15] <Andria> "Maybe. I'm going to try not to think about it, and just be happy with my purchase."