001. A meeting in Warmfolk

[Corwin]

[19:57] <@Kotono> -------
[20:02] <@Kotono> The heat of summery Tola is thick over the city of Warmfolk. It couples with a choking blanket of humidity, turning the early afternoon into a cloying misery. Those that can afford it head to inns and taverns to beat the heat, and this is where our story begins. Anock's Grapes is typical tavern in Warmfolk. The great fire hearth is dark, the doors open to allow the air to move. People sit at
[20:02] <@Kotono> the old, battered tables and at the long serving bar, drinking away the heat. Humans by and large, though a single Malanese half-elf can be spotted with a group of humans. OOC: Go ahead and intro yourselves, I'll line more after that.
[20:05] <Annerose> Annerose is sitting at the center of the bar, sipping chilled water and playing with her braided hair idly. She and Sigfried had reached Warmfolk with Helena and her caravan earlier, but they couldn't keep on imposing after that so this is where she is as she tries to get the bearing of the town.
[20:06] <@Inari> In her travels to a centre of civilization where she can more accurately get to the root of whatever malaise affects the world at large, Inari had managed to accompany a merchant train into Warmfolk where she spent half a day simply exploring and satisfying her curiosity over what a 'city' truly is, no doubt attracting a few odd stares in the process. But soon the allure of strong spirits and
[20:06] <@Inari> fried food proves too much, and the fluffy-tailed and dog-eared woman pokes her head in the door upon following the smells here. Looking around curiously at the clientele and servers both, she approaches a small and currently unoccupied table where she can wait to be served.
[20:10] <@Athear> A tavern is not a place he would normally find himself, but Warmfolk is not necessarily a city that he would normally find himself, either. The large dragonborn steps in through the door and takes a glance across the patrons. Usually, this is where one finds the worst of the worst, but perhaps today, something else can be found...
[20:12] <@Kotono> Annerose gets a few looks, as any pretty woman does, but her armor seems to steer most clear. At least from anyone making an impulsive move. Inari gets more sidelong looks, her tails and ears mainly the focus. A dull murmur ripples through the tavern - which only accentuates with Athear, his unusual apperance only adding more fuel to the flames. It's amid this that a man stumbles in. He's waring
[20:12] <@Kotono> ragged clothes and looks unsteady on his feet. Perhpas 30 or so? Dark hair, musucular and with a scar on his left cheek. A moment later he stumbles forward, a guard kicking him in. The guard is in chain armor, a helmet hiding his face. "By order of the guard, get this fool something to drink and eat." He growls, before turning and going out.
[20:13] <@Kotono> Renewed murmurs ripple through the tavern, but most eyes quickly turn away from the man. A bar wench looks over and sighs, muttering something before she goes off.
[20:14] <@Inari> Rising from her seat, Inari approaches the unwell looking man. "Are you alright?" she asks, a somewhat slow cadence to her speech as she's still working on mastering current vernacular. She casts a look back where the guard left, puzzling over the generous request and rough treatment.
[20:15] <@Athear> Athear glances to Inari and then the man, staying silent for the time being but looking the man over for any injuries or other explanations as to why he's in his current state.
[20:16] <Annerose> "Excuse me," Annerose calls out to the barkeep, waving him over as she leans across the bar. "What's going on here?"
[20:20] <@Kotono> The barkeep is a sallow-faced woman, brown bangs hiding her eyes. "Probably someone the guard doesn't want to deal with," she grunts, "Happens to troublemakers that aren't worth bringing in." Meanwhile, Inari can see the guard's already heading off and away, wasting no time in lingering. The man groans as Athear looks him over, "Trouble..." he grunts, voice raspy and weak. "Ailan, goblin attack."
[20:20] <@Kotono> Athear can tell he's obviously tired and probably dehyrated, but beyond that it's beyond him.
[20:20] <@Kotono> The man gets a few looks, but mostly pointedly turn away from him after that. Eyes stay on drinks or in any other direction.
[20:21] <@Inari> "Where is Ailan?" Inari asks, offering him her shoulder as she helps him over to her own freshly vacated table.
[20:21] <@Athear> "Hm. I ran into goblins myself on my trek here." He scoffs. "Troublesome creatures."
[20:23] <Annerose> "Thank you," Annerose tells the barkeep with a smile. She glances at the man, and seeing him being helped ensures the smile stays on as she pays for her drink and prepares to head out.
[20:24] <@Kotono> The man manages to make it over, one of the maids coming back with a mug of water and a bowl of lukewarm stew. He goes right for the water, drinking deeply and greedily. You can get a better look as he does. He's pale, his hands shake and a sheen of sweat covers him. "West,"  he coughs after that, drinking omre water. His voice is a little better after that, carrying across the inn. "Goblins
[20:24] <@Kotono> appeared last night. Ran to get help." He coughs again, "But the guard can't spare anyone." Deep bitterness creeps into his voice, "Becaus eof the pirates."
[20:24] <@Kotono> Gazes stay firmly away from the table, a few people on the table over quietly getting and moving across the tavern.
[20:26] <@Inari> It's probably too late for the fight, but people are surely hurt and needy. "I will go," the fox-woman promises him sollemnly, clasping a hand to his shoulder. If he made it here overnight it can't be too far. "Will no one else?" she appeals to the patrons, paying particular attention to the giant dragon man.
[20:27] <Annerose> "Will no one else what?" Annerose inquires, pausing at the door.
[20:28] <@Kotono> Eyes turn away, shoulders stay slumped and no one respons to Inari. "Goblins," he turns to th only one that replies - Annerose. "Goblins sacked my home village. That armor...if you're an adventurer or a traveler, please help. My family's there."
[20:28] <@Inari> "Go to Ailan, which has been attacked in the last night. Its people are surely in need of aid," Inari answers Annerose while adding a bit more to try and cajole others.
[20:29] <Annerose> "Then aid is what the good people of Ailan shall have," Annerose promises.
[20:30] <@Athear> "It would appear that the only interest these people have is keeping their heads down and hoping the same doesn't happen here." Athear responds. "If we make haste, we may be able to diminish the amount of damage."
[20:31] <@Inari> "Thank you. Both of you," Inari smiles widely at the two, seeing no further takers and not wishing to waste any more time. "Let us go then. My name is Inari," she introduces herself, making for the exit.
[20:32] <@Athear> "Athear." He responds simply.
[20:33] <Annerose> "Annerose, and this is Sigfried," she introduces herself in turn, the penguin bowing awkwardly. "And please, no thanks are necessary for doing what is right."
[20:34] <@Inari> "We should stop by the market to buy any supplies we can manage. I expect the goblins will have made off with Ailan's food stocks at the very least," Inari suggests, planning things as they exit onto the hot and humid streets.
[20:34] <@Kotono> "Wait," The man speaks up, "My name is Dolf. My wife is Anne and my daughter is Lise. Please, try to save them and anyone else you can."
[20:35] <@Inari> "We shall!" She can only hope the goblins were more interested in robbing than massacring though...
[20:36] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, so what's the party's plans here? Buy supplies and then get moving?
[20:36] <Annerose> OOC: It sounds right. I'll defer to Inari on what sort of supplies we might need.
[20:37] <@Inari> OOC: I'll just buy a wheelbarrow or handcart and as much food I can stuff in it.
[20:39] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay. I'll say that runs 30 gp for cart+as much food as you can stuff in. Post the expense in loot. Anything else?
[20:40] <@Inari> OOC: think that'll do for now, if they need other stuff it probably won't be as vital
[20:40] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay. Athear?
[20:41] <@Athear> OOC: I'll just rely on what I've got and we'll figure it out when we get there.
[20:42] <@Kotono> OOC: Right. Moving on.
[20:42] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:42] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 56 > [d100=56]
[20:42] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:42] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 9 > [d100=9]
[20:46] <@Kotono> Warmfolk is a strange patchwork. The city itself is full of guards, almost on every street. As you get closer to the docks, you see that many buildings are damaged, burnt or obviously patched. The guards also become more prevalent closer to the docks, where you buy the wheelbarrow and food. They stand on attention. Wooden towers have been erected next to the docks, with scouts atop it, constantly
[20:46] <@Kotono> peering out to the ocean. But all of this is unremarkable and soon you head out. There's no great western exit - the roads out of Warmfolk head northwestern and southwestern. Only a few small enterance/exit points in the city walls, guarded nonetheless. But you're soon out in the countryside, traveling along. But fortune is not with you. After a bit of travel on an old dirt footpath, the darkening
[20:46] <@Kotono> sky and heaviness in the air suggests one thing - a summer storm.
[20:48] <Annerose> "Oh, how unfortunate," Annerose laments, with a glance at the sky. "We should cover the supplies while we have time, I think?"
[20:48] <@Inari> Not having much in the way of fabric to spare, Inari takes off her cloak and uses it to cover the contents of the cart. Its magic infused fabric should be fairly waterproof. "However bad the weather may be for us, just remember how bad it will be for the victims of a fresh attack," she says in hopes of keeping resolve high.
[20:49] <@Athear> "We may need to look for an alternative path if we can find one. The roads tend to get muddy around here." Athear comments. "But we may not have much of a choice."
[20:50] <Annerose> "It simply can't be helped," Annerose agrees, using her rope to secure the cloak.
[20:51] <@Kotono> OOC: So you're securing the cart as best you can and going on through it?
[20:52] <Annerose> OOC: Unless we see a clear and better alternative
[20:53] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[20:53] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:53] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 87 > [d100=87]
[20:54] <@Kotono> OOC: Any of you with ranks in survival? If so, make a check now.
[20:54] <@Inari> roll 1d20+9
[20:54] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 13 > [d20=4]
[20:56] <@Kotono> Within 20 minutes, the wind picks up. It's getting windy rapidly and the sky is thick with black clouds from the west. Inari isn't sure, but this storm might be a big one. The sort that brings gale winds, pouring rain, thunderous bolts of lightning, pounding hail and possibly even a tornado. She's not 100% on it, but it looks to have the potential.
[20:59] <@Inari> "Even the land itself is against us..." Inari mutters sadly. "I'm afraid the weather is going to get a lot worse before it gets better," she says more loudly. "Possibly dangerous at that."
[21:00] <@Athear> "Then it may be best for us to try and find something to take shelter in, else this entire cart may be destroyed." Athear says. "It would do those people no good for that to happen."
[21:04] * Nerem (~Nerem@97-113-187-188.tukw.qwest.net) Quit (No route to host)
[21:05] <@Inari> "Or we could divide its contents and carry what we can ourselves..." Inari suggests, looking at the two levelly. "You two seem like kind souls, a refreshing difference from most I have encountered recently. So perhaps you both have also noticed the malaise that affects the people of this land? Perhaps it affects more than that - for a storm like this to descend out of clear skies, it suggests
[21:05] <@Inari> to me that the very land itself will try to stymie any attempts at doing good."
[21:06] <Annerose> "It would be depressing if true," Annerose admits. "What, then? Abandon the cart and brave the weather?"
[21:06] <@Athear> "Hm. An interesting deduction, if nothing else. If you wish for me to carry the contents I can do so without issue." Athear says. "But if this storm is as dangerous as you say, I do not know if we should chance traveling through it."
[21:08] <@Inari> "Our only alternative is to give up and leave the people of Ailan to their fate," Inari says, her tails drooping. "For if I am correct then the storm will only abate when it is too late for them."
[21:10] <Annerose> "We have to try! So try we shall. Let's go with your suggestion, and be quick about it," Annerose decides.
[21:10] <@Athear> A simple thing like a storm won't kill him... probably. He shrugs. "Very well, then. Let us proceed with as much haste as we can."
[21:11] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, so Athear's taking all the food and you're going on?
[21:11] <@Inari> Grabbing her cloak back off, Inari collects what supplies she can carry in her bag and within the pockets of her robe. Once that's all done she pushes the cart off the path so it won't interfere with other travellers. And then they resume their march.
[21:11] <@Kotono> OOC: Or all of you, okay.
[21:14] <@Kotono> Soon enough, the black skies erupt in rain and wind. It's a pounding storm, the constant clash of cloudburst rain joined by the rattling of thunder. Visibility drops as winds batter you and rain soaks the party, but on they go. OOC: Make fortitude saves, all.
[21:15] <@Athear> roll 1d20+14
[21:15] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=12]
[21:15] <@Inari> roll 1d20+6
[21:15] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=17]
[21:15] <Annerose> roll 1d20+7
[21:15] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 14 > [d20=7]
[21:16] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:16] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 87 > [d100=87]
[21:16] <@Kotono> The rain, the pounding, the misery. Annerose is checked by a particularly savage gale, knocked back and to the ground. As she gasps for air, the wind knocked out from her...OOC: Perception all, and 1d4 nonlethal to Annerose incoming.
[21:16] <@Kotono> roll 1d4
[21:16] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 3 > [d4=3]
[21:17] <@Athear> roll 1d20+2
[21:17] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=13]
[21:17] <Annerose> roll 1d20+2
[21:17] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 4 > [d20=2]
[21:17] <@Inari> roll 1d20+12
[21:17] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=10]
[21:18] * Annerose remains crouched over Sigfried, coughing as her gasps get her moutfuls of rain.
[21:19] <@Kotono> Inari can see it! 20ft ahead and 20ft up is a creature about the size of the man. It seems to be a stormcloud given shape, a vague mouth that crackles with lightning. A red halo of light surrounds its head. OOC: Quick K:N check, Inari.
[21:20] <@Inari> roll 1d20+11
[21:20] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 30 > [d20=19]
[21:20] <@Kotono> While Inari isn't versed on the finer points, her general fey knowledge plus natural knowledge lets her identify an elemental when she sees it. This is an elemental of the storms. They're...stormlike, she supposes, though the red halo seems odd.
[21:21] <@Inari> "Storm elemental," Inari warns her new friends, "Anyone speak Auran?"
[21:23] <@Athear> Athear shakes his head. "It is not something I have studied."
[21:23] <@Athear> He does look to Annrose to ensure she is all right after the gale.
[21:23] <@Kotono> Their words struggle to break over the din of the storms, the gushing rain cloaking the elemental even at this distance. More thunder lands, a tremendous cacophony of sheer, overwhelming sound.
[21:24] <Annerose> "I do," Annerose says, climbing back to her feet. While Sigfried uses her for protection, she calls out to the elemental in Auran, "Please, let us pass! There is village desperate for the supplies we carry!"
[21:24] <@Athear> Athear moves to stand behind Annerose in case another gust hits her, to catch her if necessary.
[21:26] <@Kotono> A reply booms on the wind. It is spoken in two voices. The first is in Auran, the second in Goblin. "No!" The voice of Auran is impassive and emotionless in Goblin is full of excited spite. "Break in storm!" OOC: Init here. Battle conditions will be established after init.

[21:26] <@Athear> roll 1d20+2
[21:26] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 9 > [d20=7]
[21:26] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+5 storm elemental
[21:26] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=20]
[21:27] * Kotono changes topic to 'Storm Elemental(25)>Athear(9)'
[21:27] <Annerose> roll 1d20+4+5 nerveskitter
[21:27] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=14]
[21:27] <@Inari> roll 1d20+4
[21:27] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 9 > [d20=5]
[21:27] * Kotono changes topic to 'Storm Elemental(25)>Annerose(23)>Inari=Athear(Miko 9 club)>Storm(0)'
[21:30] <@Kotono> OOC: Battle conditions. Visibility is reduced to 1/4th normal, all perception checks suffer a penalty I'm working into the DCs rather than assigning you. The wind is quite strong - you all suffer a -5ft penalty to movement speed. It's not quit eenough to check any of you, but it's close. Elemental opens.
[21:31] <@Kotono> The elemental stays away as the dual voices call, "BREAK!" in a shattering voice, before a massive burst of sheer noise batters the party. OOC: Fort saves all.
[21:31] <@Inari> roll 1d20+6
[21:31] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 12 > [d20=6]
[21:31] <@Athear> roll 1d20+14 +2 if this counts as evil
[21:31] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=6]
[21:32] <Annerose> roll 1d20+7
[21:32] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=19]
[21:32] <@Kotono> roll 2d6 sonic damage Inari full, Athear half and Annerose half
[21:32] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 9 > [d6=6,3]
[21:33] <@Kotono> roll 1d3
[21:33] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 2 > [d3=2]
[21:35] <@Kotono> The rains rocket horizontally for a moment, the ground shaking as the party is dazed. The winds whip terrifically as this is followed by a line of lightning that lances down - nad passing right through Annerose and Athear. OOC: Ref you two.
[21:35] <Annerose> roll 1d20+8
[21:35] <@Athear> roll 1d20+8 +2 if this counts as evil
[21:35] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 28 > [d20=20]
[21:35] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 14 > [d20=6]
[21:35] <@Kotono> roll 4d6 electricity damage both halve
[21:35] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 17 > [d6=6,6,1,4]
[21:37] <@Kotono> The line of lightning leaves both heroes a bit shocked and dazed, the scent of ozone joined by eyes momentarily flash-dazzled by the electric blast. But the party is still up as the dual voices cry, "BREAK BREAK BREAK!" OOC: Annerose. Note that t his coutns as violent conditions for concentration checks.
[21:37] <Annerose> roll 1d20+4 K:P
[21:37] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=12]
[21:38] <@Kotono> Annerose knows this is a storme lemental. You just saw its nastiest trick, it can't use it for perhaps a minute or two now. But the red halo is odd indeed - not normal at all. OOC: Make a follow up K:A check.
[21:39] <Annerose> roll 1d20+11
[21:39] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 31 > [d20=20]
[21:40] <@Kotono> A memory - shamans. Wild creatures who worship nature and draw magic from it. A bit of magical trivial, the sign that a shaman is commanding the elemental. Likely the second voice is that of the controller, who seems unusually tied into his summoning. Odd this. Quite odd. It suggests a capable spellcaster or perhaps a magical item augmenting a caster.
[21:42] <Annerose> "Attacked, I will defend myself!" Annerose calls out in Auran into the storm. She pulls off one of the long, blue gloves she wears, and with a mental spark tiny icy replicas of Sigfried are formed in her palm, animated. And then she blows upon them to send a gale back at the elemental! Annerose is already turning away from the elemental, however, telling her companions, "That halo! It must be how it is controlled. The summoner might well be close!"
[21:42] <Annerose> roll 1d20+5+6 frost breath concentration
[21:42] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=14]
[21:42] <@Kotono> OOC: Success.
[21:42] <Annerose> roll 5d4 DC21 ref half, any SR?
[21:43] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 14 > [d4=1,2,4,3,4]
[21:43] <@Kotono> OOC: No SR.
[21:43] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+5 vs 21
[21:43] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 7 > [d20=2]
[21:43] <@Athear> "Do you wish for us to try and focus the halo?!" Athear shouts. "Can we break the control!?"
[21:43] <Annerose> OOC: If anything in the cone can be dazed for a round, they are
[21:44] <@Kotono> The rain becomes sleet that clatters to the ground as the frost breath flies from Annerose. The elemental itself is momentarily frozen, sluggish and half ice from the blast. It slows down considerably, not moving right away. OOC: Dazed one round. Inari'n'Athear, go. 20ft ahead and 20ft up.
[21:44] <Annerose> "Break it!" she affirms. "Or find the shaman behind the scenes!"
[21:45] <@Inari> She'd suspected as much from the goblin voice, however she currently lacks any means to break the control. Thus she moves towards the expedient end of disabling the elemental - it wouldn't do to kill it when it seems to be a victim in all this. So running forward, Inari slams her spear sideways to avoid the pointy end, merely clubbing the elemental - but with terrific force!
[21:45] <@Inari> roll 1d20+6 -4 nl +2 charge divine might
[21:45] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=20]
[21:45] <@Kotono> OOC: Can you actually reach 20ft up?
[21:46] <@Inari> OOC: I have 10 feet reach, I myself am just under six feet, so if I jump five feet up I should? DC 20 acrobatics.
[21:46] <@Kotono> OOC: Make the check then.
[21:46] <@Inari> roll 1d20+12 acrobatics
[21:46] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=8]
[21:46] <@Inari> roll 1d20+6 -4 nl +2 charge divine might crit check
[21:46] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=20]
[21:47] <@Kotono> OOC: Can't crit elementals, but still a hit.
[21:47] <@Inari> roll 1d8+5+8 boo
[21:47] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 19 > [d8=6]
[21:47] <@Inari> OOC: nonlethal
[21:48] <@Kotono> The elemental is hit, parts of it shattering fromt he impact. The cloudy creature sags and falls to the ground, a sputtering mess of cloud-mass and crackling lightning. Screams - only one voice, a deep voice who howls in half-formed words of Goblin, "Aar- Wh- Bas-" That sort of thing. OOC: Going to do anything, Athear?
[21:49] <@Athear> If it's off the ground... it's out of reach of his weapons... all but one! OOC: He'll move into 10ft range of the Elemental to threaten it and then Dragon Breath the halo.
[21:49] <@Athear> roll 2d8 cold breath, DC is 18 Reflex
[21:49] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 6 > [d8=4,2]
[21:49] <@Athear> roll 1d4 for cooldown
[21:49] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 4 > [d4=4]
[21:50] <@Kotono> OOC: It's on the ground, but works either way. More coming.
[21:51] <@Kotono> The elemental's face is frozen, the halo turning blue. The same voice howls in agony, before the halo winks out. The elemental stays there a moment, before vanishing with a burst of thunder. But at the same time, from above? Hail begins to rain down, a few tiny flecks followed by bigger and bigger balls of it. OOC: Ref all. Annerose, you'd know whatever effect called, summoned or otherwise had
[21:51] <@Kotono> it here was terminated. Make another K:A check real quick. Athear and Inari can as well if they have ranks.
[21:52] <@Kotono> OOC: Annerose, you're immune to the hail due to blizzard maiden. Ice balls just aren't going to hurt you.
[21:52] <Annerose> roll 1d20+11
[21:52] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 19 > [d20=8]
[21:52] <@Athear> roll 1d20+8 +2 if this counts as evil
[21:52] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 12 > [d20=4]
[21:53] <@Inari> roll 1d20+8 cold res 10
[21:53] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=19]
[21:53] <@Kotono> roll 1d3+1d4 Annerose takes none, Athear takes full, Inari takes x, d3 is bludgeoning and DR gets it, while the d4 is cold damage and cold res gets it. 
[21:53] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 6 > [d3=3][d4=3]
[21:54] <@Kotono> Hail pounds down on the party, like a frantic burst of winter - before it slows, as does the rain. Just like that, the worst of the storm seems to pass you. It's still raining good and thundering, but it's that moment when you notice it slow, nature's fury spent. OOC: Free act.

[21:55] <@Athear> "It would seem your idea was not without its merits." Athear says with a small smile.
[21:56] <Annerose> "At least the very land is not arraigned against us," Annerose notes, forming a flower of ice out of the hail that fell upon her armor. "Are you fit to continue, Inari? Athear?"
[21:57] <@Athear> "I can endure this for a while longer." He responds. "We can mend our wounds once we arrive."
[21:57] <@Inari> "The goblins clearly had more in mind than a simple raid," Inari says. "Hold a moment and I will heal you, then we can resume," she asks, casting lesser vigor on both Annreose and Aethar along with herself. OOC: 15 healed assuming no interruptions
[21:58] <@Kotono> Meanwhile, in the aftermath, Annerose can tell that the elemental is gone. It was indeed terminated, and likely some sort of calling. Hm, that signifies considerable magical skill or aid. With the way the caster's senses were overlaid with that of the elemental, it suggests aid or a magical item. That's far from normal.
[21:58] <@Kotono> OOC: No interruptions, restore HP.
[21:59] <@Athear> Athear nods his thanks to Inari. "It truly was a grace from Bahamut to meet the two of you."
[22:00] * Annerose smiles gratefully at Inari, even as her mind goes over what she had seen and experienced. "I don't believe it was a simple binding," she finally shares. "I strongly suspect a magical artifact, perhaps controlled by one of those goblins. And the shaman might be overwhelmed for now, but I could not say how long it would last. We should press on even quicker."
[22:01] <@Athear> "It sounds like we should find the den of these creatures and rid the world of them and their ilk." Athear says. "Especially if they are causing this type of havoc."
[22:01] <@Inari> "Thank you," Inari smiles at Aethar. "It gladdens my heart to see those still willing to give of themselves for others." Nodding at Annerose's explanation, she picks up her pace onwards.
[22:02] <Annerose> "Or we could persuade them to stop?" Annerose muses, doing likewise. "Someone intelligent enough to achieve this might yet be reasoned with."
[22:05] <@Athear> "I see no need to treat with those sorts of things." Athear says. "However, it does us no good to make conjecture about them now, correct?"
[22:05] <@Inari> "I would prefer to give the benefit of the doubt, but that display just now was not heartening."
[22:06] <@Athear> Athear nods. "Mercy and forgiveness do have their places."
[22:08] <@Athear> "I am curious. What brought you both to that city?" Athear asks.
[22:10] <Annerose> "It was on the way to Misty Harbor," Annerose responds. "And sleeping outdoors has lost its shine... quite a while ago."
[22:10] <@Athear> "Hah, so it has." Athear nods. "Is there something in Misty Harbor you wished to find?"
[22:12] <@Inari> "I... have never been to a city before," Inari confesses. "The few villages I once knew are now gone or changed beyond recognition - and not for the better. I wanted to find out what was behind this change in... the air?" she hazards, sounding unsure of her wording. "So I came to a place of many people. But this morning brought few answers."
[22:12] <Annerose> "To see how things were at the seat of power," she responds, choosing her words carefully. "The land is troubled. Is it neglect? By design? Perhaps, the ruling class does not know how bad things are on the fringe?"
[22:12] <@Kotono> Around you the rain slackens. The wind is dying off and thunder sounds farther away. Truly the storm has passed.
[22:14] <@Athear> "Yes. I would say this is a land that needs hope." Athear says grimly. "Such a thing to have been lost..." He shakes his head. "But each action we take can be a step towards restoring it."
[22:16] <@Kotono> OOC: Are y'all ready to move along now?
[22:17] <Annerose> OOC: sure
[22:20] <@Kotono> Travel continues on. But with the storm and your start in the afternoon, darkness looms before you reach your destination. OOC: If you're resting, say so. Otherwise, describe how you're going on, even if it's just blundering in the dark.
[22:21] <Annerose> "If any of you know how to follow a trail at night properly, I would prefer we did so," Annerose voices.
[22:21] <@Inari> Lighting her foxfire around them, Inari provides ample light - bolstered by her innate ability to see well in these conditions for the trio to press on.
[22:22] <@Kotono> OOC: How much light does foxfire provide?
[22:22] * Annerose looks on curiously, and then taps her shield with her free hand to imbue it with Light. Perhaps together, they would have enough to go by properly.
[22:22] <@Inari> OOC: same as 4 lanterns or torches
[22:23] <@Inari> OOC: clear out to 20, shadow out to 40 (doubled with low-light), and with four of them they're arranged out to encircle us
[22:24] <Annerose> OOC: I'm just using the Light cantrip, myself
[22:25] <@Kotono> OOC: Okaythen.
[22:25] <@Kotono> OOC: Con checks, all. If you don't get tired or are otherwise immune to fatigue, say so instead of rolling.
[22:26] <@Inari> roll 1d20+2
[22:26] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 9 > [d20=7]
[22:26] <@Athear> roll 1d20+5
[22:26] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 10 > [d20=5]
[22:26] <Annerose> roll 1d20+2
[22:26] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 18 > [d20=16]
[22:27] <@Kotono> OOC: Oh yes, +4 if you have Endurance. Speak up if you do.
[22:27] <@Kotono> roll 1d6 nonlethal Inari and Athear, Annerose passed
[22:27] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 3 > [d6=3]
[22:29] <@Kotono> Thus the party goes on. Like shining beacons in the night, they bring food and hope towards Ailan. They come around a bend in the road and see it on the horizon - a blazing inferno ahead, shedding light. It's still far away, but ahead a village burns. Crackling orange flames reach out to the sky, illuminating the night with their charred remains. OOC: Go ahead and react and we'll pause here.
[22:29] <@Kotono> Inari and Athear, you're fatigued. If you want to use magic to cure that, now's the time.
[22:30] <@Inari> Lacking the magic to cure simple tiredness, Inari nonetheless pushes on with all her might!
[22:31] <@Athear> Athear pushes himself as well. Fatigue is nothing in the eyes of a dragonborn, just another challenge to be overcome. If there are people left alive in this village... they must find and save them.
[22:32] * Annerose picks up her pace at the sight! Even wary as she is of the inferno, the sooner she makes her way over the quicker she could put the fire out!

[Corwin]

[20:09] <Kobrb> Thus the party races to the village outskirts. It may have once been a village, but now it is an inferno. Everything burns. The fields, the homes, the trees and even the grass is all a bonfire now. Waves of heat buffet the party as smoke rises high into the starry night sky. Everything is cast in the orange-reds of the inferno. A dirty path, largely free of fire and flame, leads deeper into the
[20:09] <Kobrb> village. There's no sign of refugees nor of bodies.
[20:11] <@Inari> Inari halts before the fire gets too hot against her skin. "I can only create so much water," she warns, conjuring a small downpour over the left flank of the path near her. "Can either of you help?"
[20:11] <@Inari> OOC: create water, 10 gallons created
[20:12] <Kobrb> Gallons of water pour down on the fire, quenching it near her. But a mere moment later, there is a reprisal. Leaping from the flames is a humanoid of pure flame, about the size of a dwarf. It has a vague face and a look of burning fury as it hurtles right towards Inari. OOC: Init. You provoked something.

[20:12] <Annerose> "I can freeze the worst of it, and calm the rest," Annerose responds, though she finds herself unable to put her powers to good use!
[20:12] <Annerose> roll 1d20+4+5 nerveskitter
[20:12] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 12 > [d20=3]
[20:13] <Kobrb> roll 1d20+5 ???
[20:13] <Serith> Kobrb roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=17]
[20:13] <@Inari> roll 1d20+4
[20:13] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=20]
[20:13] * Kobrb is now known as Kotono
[20:13] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Kotono Kotono
[20:13] * Kotono changes topic to 'Inari(24)>???(22)>Annerose(12)'
[20:15] <@Kotono> OOC: Athear?
[20:15] <@Athear> roll 1d20+2
[20:15] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=18]
[20:17] * Kotono changes topic to 'Inari(24)>???(22)>Athear(20)>Annerose(12)'
[20:17] <@Inari> Not feeling as merciful as she was with the storm elemental, Inari stands warily before it and invokes aid upon herself while her spear remains poised to blunt any attack it might make in return.
[20:17] <@Kotono> OOC: Open Inari. It's hot and smoky, but out here it's not bad enough to be a problem. Light's not a problem with all the fire. Also, K:P if anyone has it. If you don't, you can K:N, but it's not as effective. One or the other only.
[20:17] <@Inari> roll 1d8+5 temp hp
[20:17] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 8 > [d8=3]
[20:18] <@Inari> roll 1d20+11 nature
[20:18] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=4]
[20:18] <Annerose> roll 1d20+4 K:P
[20:18] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 6 > [d20=2]
[20:19] <@Kotono> Inari can identify it as a fire elemental. She has a vague idea what it is, but nothing else. Notably, this one doesn't seem to have a red aura around its head. OOC: Its up.
[20:20] <@Kotono> The elemental pounces forward at Inari, face a mask of rage as it goes right for her. OOC: You have reach with your polearm? If yo udo, it provokes.
[20:20] <@Inari> roll 1d20+6 -2pa
[20:20] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 9 > [d20=3]
[20:21] <@Inari> OOC: AC 22
[20:21] <@Kotono> OOC: You can't apply PA to an AoO unless you already took it earlier in the round. Since you didn't make an attack, you can't. On the other hand, it's completely academic here with that roll.
[20:22] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+6 (+2 charge, +1 ???)
[20:22] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 14 > [d20=8]
[20:23] <@Kotono> The two exchange blows. Inari's swing is avoided, but used to push the elemental's charge back. Fires crackle around the two, little blazes starting in the footprints the elemental leaves behind. It makes no sound and speaks no words, only swinging. OOC: The whiff. Athear.
[20:26] <@Athear> "Elemental!" Athear shouts in Common. "Your attention should be made to me!" He then moves to flank the creature for the benefit of his allies. OOC: Using Fighting Challenge on the way there as my swift action.
[20:27] <@Kotono> OOC: Noted. Doesn't work, only has int 4. Low level elementals are dumb.
[20:28] <@Athear> OOC: Dumb elementals!
[20:28] <@Kotono> OOC: Dumb as a bag of fire.
[20:28] <@Kotono> OOC: Just flanking then? Okay. Annerose.
[20:28] <@Athear> OOC: Yar.
[20:30] <Annerose> Before, dismissing the being of storm eliminated that storm altogether. Would doing the same to this being of fire help save this village from the flames? She's not sure, but Annerose steps over to make the attempt.
[20:30] <Annerose> roll 1d20+8 freezing touch
[20:30] <Annerose> roll 1d20+8 freezing touch
[20:30] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=16]
[20:30] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 13 > [d20=5]
[20:31] <@Kotono> OOC: Two htis. Bear in mind you'll take damage from touching it, since it's literally made of fire. You okay with that?
[20:31] <Annerose> roll 1d6+3+1 I understand
[20:31] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 9 > [d6=5]
[20:31] <Annerose> roll 1d6+3+1 does golden ice matter?
[20:31] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 6 > [d6=2]
[20:32] <@Kotono> roll 15+7
[20:32] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 22 >
[20:32] <@Kotono> OOC: Doesn't matter here.
[20:32] <@Kotono> roll 1d4 fire damage
[20:32] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 2 > [d4=2]
[20:32] <@Kotono> roll 1d4 fire damage and make two ref saves
[20:32] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 4 > [d4=4]
[20:32] <Annerose> roll 1d20+8
[20:32] <Annerose> roll 1d20+8
[20:32] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 11 > [d20=3]
[20:32] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=19]
[20:33] <Annerose> OOC: 6x1.5 = 9 fire damage?
[20:33] <@Kotono> OOC: Yes.
[20:34] <@Kotono> A flame of burning agony fills Annerose as she reaches out. Her hand blackens and chars, but her sacrifice is not in vain. The elemental screams wordlessly, thrashing as it goes from red to orange to fading away, its flames quenched. Yet the inferno still burns, the village still ablaze. OOC: Free act.

[20:34] * Annerose draws her hand back, cradling it against her chest with a hiss.
[20:35] <@Inari> Inari reaches out wordlessly to clasp her hand over Annerose's, healing it with a smile. "So you can focus on putting out the fires better."
[20:35] <@Inari> roll 1d8+5
[20:35] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 12 > [d8=7]
[20:35] <@Athear> Athear looks around. "I do not know how much help it would be, but I can breathe cold. It may still damage the buildings."
[20:36] <Annerose> "Thank you for your kindness," Annerose tells Inari, and then gestures at the fires. Rays of ice serve to put them out, bit by bit, and that allows her to come closer to the fires and let her shield and armor's natural chill reduce their intensity further still.
[20:37] <@Inari> "It couldn't hurt them more than leaving the flames," Inari suggests.
[20:37] <@Kotono> OOC: Hold lines a sec.
[20:39] <@Kotono> Ray sof ice are sent into the fire. A few go out, before the flames shudder as once. Suddenly they begin to rush inward, towards the center of the village. As a charred, ruined village is revealed? 200ft ahead, down the road and in the center of the village it forms. A humanoid the size of a giant, a massive man of fire. Smaller men of fire crackle adn burn within it, popping in and out. A halo
[20:39] <@Kotono> of red is around its head, two voices speaking. The first is flat and expressionless, but none of you understand it. The other is in goblin, which only Inari understands. "Kill! Burn them all up! BURN!" The same voice as with the storm elemental, angry now. OOC: Congratulations, poking the big fire enough got a reaction. Init. You're 200ft away from the giant-zied man of fire.

[20:40] <@Inari> roll 1d20+4
[20:40] <Annerose> roll 1d20+4+5
[20:40] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=20]
[20:40] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=18]
[20:40] <@Athear> roll 1d20+2
[20:40] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 5 > [d20=3]
[20:41] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[20:41] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 14 > [d20=5]
[20:41] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(27)>Inari(24)>???(14)>MikoDragon(5)'
[20:41] <@Kotono> OOC: Open Annerose.
[20:41] <Annerose> "You there!" Annerose calls out to the man of flame in Common. "Where are the people whose homes you have destroyed?"
[20:44] <@Kotono> The voice replies in common - rather broken common. "Take! Treasure! Die!"
[20:44] <Annerose> "Take where?" she asks. "Those who lived through, where are they?"
[20:45] <@Kotono> OOC: Going to do anything this round, Annerose, or just talk?
[20:46] <Annerose> OOC: Just talk, 200ft is too far for me and I value information about people who can be saved over an attack
[20:46] <@Kotono> OOC: Fair enough.
[20:47] <@Kotono> "Take as treasure tribute! Die!" The voice calls once more, again with broken common. OOC: Inari.
[20:47] <@Inari> Walking forward thirty feet into the doused village, Inari casts animalistic power, the fur around her tails and ears growing more spiky and jagged while her eyes glow ominously, the spell enough to temporarily banish the effects of her fatigue.
[20:48] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[20:49] <@Athear> OOC: Oh sorry I actually am 1 less on the init because of fatigue. It... doesn't really matter.
[20:49] <@Kotono> OOC: It really doesn't with that result, no.
[20:50] <@Inari> OOC: likewise!
[20:50] <@Kotono> The giant man rears back, throwing a sphere of fire towards the party. As it does, it shouts, "Not tell, not idiot!" It snarls towards Annerose, and then in Goblin, "Great eternal fire Imix, show them how they burn!" The sphere flies towards Athear and Annerose, landing before them. Yet no fires burst - instead, another dwarf-sized elemental is there. It immediately strikes at Athear, lunging
[20:50] <@Kotono> for him before he can react.
[20:50] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(27)>Inari(24)>???=Small Elemental 1(14)>MikoDragon(5)'
[20:50] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+4 (+1 ???) flatfooted AC, Athear?
[20:50] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 13 > [d20=9]
[20:51] <@Athear> OOC: 20
[20:51] <@Kotono> The flamin blow hits Athear's armor, rebounding off it harmlessly. The sanctified armor isn't even scorched from the blow. OOC: Athear.
[20:52] <@Athear> "You! Goblin!" Athear shouts past the elemental and to the larger one. "Come, then! Let us see your strength, if you have any without hiding behind an elemental to do your fighting for you!" OOC: Fighting Challenge on the big guy.
[20:53] <@Athear> "Out of my way, I have no quarrel with you!" He shouts as he strikes at the elemental that just took a shot at him.
[20:53] <@Athear> roll 1d20+10
[20:53] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 28 > [d20=18]
[20:53] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, success on the giant elemental. Hit the small elemental. Damage.
[20:53] <@Athear> roll 1d8+7
[20:53] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 10 > [d8=3]
[20:54] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(27)>Inari(24)>???(14)>MikoDragon(5)'
[20:55] <@Kotono> A single sword swipe splatters Athear's foe, causing it to crumble into a pile of smouldering cinders. A roar of anger comes from the giant elemental at Athear's words. OOC: Okay, challenge noted. Annerose.
[20:57] <Annerose> While Sigfried finds a place to hide, Annerose shields her upper body and dashes forward as far as she's able!
[20:58] <Annerose> OOC: I'll run. Base speed 30ft.
[20:58] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay. How far do you move total?
[20:58] <Annerose> OOC: 120ft
[20:59] <@Kotono> Annerose sprints amid the carnage, down the burnt path. She's only 80ft away from the blazing elemental now - so hot! The heat bashes against her body like a palpable force. But she's closer now, as...OOC: Inari.
[21:00] <@Inari> Continuing her more sedate pace, Inari casts shield of faith to better protect herself as she closes with the giant elemental.
[21:00] <@Kotono> OOC: Another 30ft?
[21:01] <@Kotono> Inari comes within 140ft of the elemental, advancing slowly and carefully. Protections are woven around her, as meanwhile the elemental rears back. It grabs a hunk of a burnt house, hefting it and hurling it at Annerose. "DIE!" It howls in Goblin and that other language, the hunk of roof and wall falling right at her.
[21:01] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+10 AC?
[21:01] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=15]
[21:04] <Annerose> OOC: 25
[21:05] <@Kotono> roll 2d8 ow and something else coming
[21:05] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 12 > [d8=6,6]
[21:05] <@Kotono> OOC: DR applies.
[21:05] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+12 CMD?
[21:05] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 31 > [d20=19]
[21:05] <Annerose> OOC: 25
[21:08] <@Kotono> WHAM! The house hits Annerose hard. Her toughened body is able to deal with that well enough, paind but nothing broken. But she's knocked 10ft back and lands on her side, knocked prone by the violent impact. The roof hunk breaks apart into rubble, a good deal of it landing off the side of the road. OOC: Knocked back 10ft, so you're 90ft away from the elemental now, as well as prone. Athear.
[21:09] <Annerose> "A house!" she sputters from the ground. "You hit me with a house!"
[21:11] <@Athear> Athear has little to do but focus on moving forward! OOC: I can't run, but can I still double-move?
[21:11] <@Kotono> OOC: Yes. Move syou 60ft total?
[21:11] <@Athear> OOC: Yessir.
[21:11] <@Kotono> Athear hurries forward, reaching to within 140ft of the elemental. OOC: Annerose, go.
[21:12] <@Kotono> If the goblin-controller of the elemental thinks anything of Annerose's commentary, they don't share it. Instead, an angry laugh comes from the elemental - the controller's voice.
[21:12] * Annerose squirms out of the rubble and climbs to her feet. A quick check that nothing is broken, and then she advances upon the elemental once more.
[21:12] <Annerose> roll 1d20+4 belated K:P
[21:12] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 11 > [d20=7]
[21:12] <Annerose> OOC: 30ft closers
[21:13] <@Kotono> Annerose can tell it is a fire elemental. She closes to within 60ft now, a little wobbly but still up. OOC: Inari.
[21:14] <@Inari> Continuing her inexorable march, Inari is at least now close enough to take offensive measures. Her spear begins to glow, wreathed in blue flame before a transluscent spear emerges from it, looking far more ornate than the one she carries. With a gesture it flies forth to stab into the elemental while she moves a further thirty feet forwards.
[21:14] <@Inari> roll 1d20+8 spiritual weapon
[21:14] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 18 > [d20=10]
[21:15] <@Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[21:15] <@Inari> roll 1d8+1
[21:15] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 4 > [d8=3]
[21:16] <@Inari> OOC; force damage
[21:16] <@Kotono> OOC: Also, you're within 110ft of the elemental now, Inari.
[21:17] <@Kotono> The spear of force appears and strikes at the elemental. It gashes it lightly, force parting a bit of the flames. As this happens, the elemental gestures. It begins to make strange gestures, as chanting in goblin only follows...OOC: Spellcraft, anyonewith ranks.
[21:17] <@Inari> roll 1d20+11
[21:17] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 17 > [d20=6]
[21:18] <@Athear> roll 1d20+5
[21:18] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 12 > [d20=7]
[21:18] <Annerose> roll 1d20+11
[21:18] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 21 > [d20=10]
[21:20] <@Kotono> Neither can identify it, but Annerose can. It's wall of fire - appearing a mere 10ft from her, blocking the road. Orange flames lick at her, the heat trying to melt her into a puddle. She knows staying close will hurt and trying to cross it will -really- hurt, but strong cold damage could put it out.
[21:20] <@Kotono> roll 2d4 fire damage Annerose
[21:20] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 7 > [d4=4,3]
[21:21] <@Kotono> OOC: Athear, you're up.
[21:21] <@Athear> OOC: So the wall is at 50 ft from the elemental, correct?
[21:22] <@Kotono> OOC: Yes. You're currently 140ft away, so 90ft away from that wall.
[21:22] <@Athear> OOC: Okay.
[21:23] <@Athear> Athear moves forward yet again, but as he nears the elemental, he calls out again over the roaring flames at it. "GOBLIN! You hide behind a mask of false power! Show me what you can do yourself, you coward, before I run you through and end your evil acts!" OOC: Moving twice and using my Swift on Test of mettle, DC 17 Will
[21:24] <@Kotono> OOC: So 140-60 equals 80ft away.
[21:24] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[21:24] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 17 > [d20=10]
[21:26] <@Kotono> The goblin-speaking voice snarls in fury at the challenge, calling in Goblin, "Burn and die already! Offer your bodies to the dark princes of the elements!" OOC: Annerose.
[21:26] <Annerose> Even as her hand chars anew, Annerose reaches towards the wall of fire and the elemental behind it and calls upon a cone of frost that seeks to extinguish both!
[21:26] <Annerose> roll 5d6
[21:26] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 14 > [d6=3,1,2,3,5]
[21:27] <@Kotono> OOC: Just to be clear, you aren't actually touching the wall?
[21:27] <Annerose> OOC: No
[21:27] <Annerose> OOC: Ref DC24 half
[21:27] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+11 the fact that fire elementals are Dex heavy is the only reason it hasa  reasonable prayer
[21:27] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=5]
[21:28] <@Kotono> roll 14+7
[21:28] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 21 >
[21:29] <@Kotono> The wall shudders at that - lowering but not gone, the flames not all the way down. But the cone pushes through, hitting the elemental. It shudders all over, screaming in that language you don't know. It sounds downright furious, joined by the goblin voice moments later. The two thrash as...OOC: Wall's hurt but not down. Inari.
[21:29] * Annerose retreats, then, while gesturing at the segment of the wall she had hit. "Just a bit more cold! Just a bit more, and it will be broken!"
[21:30] <@Kotono> OOC: Howf ar back are you retreating?
[21:30] <Annerose> OOC: Moving 15ft back
[21:30] <@Kotono> Annerose falls 15ft back, now 75ft away from the elemental. The flames are much less here, the heat no longer cooking her alive. OOC: Inari.
[21:31] <@Inari> Walking another thirty feet, Inari attempts to douse the flames with conjured water, though she doubts it will suffice. In the meantime the shadow of her old spear continues harassing the elemental.
[21:32] <@Inari> roll 1d20+8 spiritual weapon
[21:32] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 14 > [d20=6]
[21:34] <@Kotono> Inari is now within 80ft of the elemental. The water, which normally wouldn't phase magical flames, is sufficient to quench the chilled and sputtering fires. They go out, the way to the elemental clear. At this the elemental chants in the goblin's voice once more. OOC: Spellcraft.
[21:34] <@Inari> roll 1d20+11
[21:34] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=13]
[21:34] <@Athear> roll 1d20+5
[21:34] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=18]
[21:36] <@Kotono> OOC: Annerose?
[21:36] <Annerose> roll 1d20+11
[21:36] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=14]
[21:36] <@Kotono> The party can tell it is a spell of cure serious wounds. The elemental is healing itself. Moments later, the elemental's thrashing eases, the damage done reversing itself.
[21:36] <@Kotono> roll 3d8+7
[21:36] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 18 > [d8=7,3,1]
[21:36] <@Kotono> OOC: Athear.
[21:38] <@Athear> Athear continues his advances. "What's the matter, Goblin?! Are you beginning to realize you've angered the wrong people!? Give up and we may yet show you some of Bahamut's mercy!" OOC: Double moving again.
[21:39] <@Kotono> At last. Past the burning flames, Athear has closed into 20ft from the elemental. He's almost there! OOC: Annerose.
[21:41] * Annerose moves past the burning flames herself, now, even as her will reaches out for the elemental to try and hold it in place.
[21:42] <Annerose> OOC: move 30ft, Hold Monster Will DC 21
[21:43] <@Kotono> OOC: What was the result of your K:P check on this thing?
[21:43] <Annerose> OOC: 11
[21:45] <@Kotono> OOC: You'd know elementals are immune to paralysis and thus hold monster, since it paralyszes. Fairly basic info.
[21:46] <Annerose> OOC: Strange goblin noises, I'm just testing it. I really have nothign else to try otherwise.
[21:46] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, fair enough.\
[21:47] <@Kotono> The spell flies - but nothing happens as Annerose closes to within 45ft of the elemental. The spell just doesn't seem to have a notable effect. OOC: Inari.
[21:47] <@Inari> Almost close enough, just a little bit more! Inari walks up to within fifty feet and casts divine favor for just a little bit of extra kick, while the phantasmal spear continues its thing.
[21:47] <@Inari> roll 1d20+8 sw
[21:47] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=19]
[21:47] <@Inari> roll 1d8+1
[21:47] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 7 > [d8=6]
[21:49] <@Kotono> Inari's body throbs with divine power, as the elemental is hacked again. It just looks pissed now, coming forward 10ft and sending a massive double axe-handle down at Athear, trying to crush one of the impudent mortals attacking it. OOC: No AoO either way, since you both have 10ft reach.
[21:49] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+10 AC?
[21:49] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=5]
[21:49] <@Kotono> But Athear raises his shield up, blocking the blow. Flames gush out from the sides of his shield as the blow is blocked, the dragonman holding his position despite the impact. He's still up, unphased by the massive blow. OOC: Athear.
[21:50] <@Athear> OOC: 23 for reference
[21:51] <@Kotono> OOC: Noted.
[21:51] <@Athear> "Goblin! I grow weary of your cowardice!" OOC: Is there a ring on this one that we could aim for?
[21:52] <@Kotono> OOC: Yes. It has the red halo.
[21:52] <@Athear> OOC: How high up is it?
[21:52] <@Kotono> OOC: About 15ft high, it's giant-sized.
[21:52] <@Athear> OOC: Okay.
[21:53] <@Athear> Athear opens his mouth to release cold breath at the red halo! OOC: aiming primarily for the halo but if I hit the elemental too that's fine.
[21:53] <@Athear> roll 2d8 DC 18 Reflex
[21:53] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 13 > [d8=8,5]
[21:53] <@Athear> roll 1d4 cooldown
[21:53] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 2 > [d4=2]
[21:53] <@Athear> Athear also advances within 10 ft. of the elemental to harry its attacks. "Come, show me what else you can do, foul monster!"
[21:54] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+11
[21:54] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 21 > [d20=10]
[21:54] <@Kotono> Jets of cold hit the elemental's chest. It leans back to take it there instead of its head, still shuddering all over from the cold exposure. No words - only a howl of pain as...OOC: Annerose.
[21:56] <Annerose> There are no more words from her, either, as she takes a deep breath and then exhales herself, her lungs and magic chilling the environment and the elemental alike.
[21:57] <Annerose> roll 5d4 frost breath ref DC 21
[21:57] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 14 > [d4=4,3,2,2,3]
[21:57] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+11
[21:57] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=15]
[21:58] <@Kotono> Again the elemental dodges the worst of it ,avoiding the frosty breath partially. But the arm that comes up to bat away some of it shrinks visibly, the elemental shuddering like it is in the throes of a seizure. It's stumbling back from the twin frozen assault as...OOC: Inari.
[21:58] <@Inari> Now close enough, Inari braces her legs while her lips pull back to bare her teeth before she explodes into motion! Fatigue meaning nothing in her currently empowered state, she blasts forward to carve a hole through the elemental's smouldering body!
[21:58] <@Inari> roll 1d20+10 -2pa charge
[21:58] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=12]
[21:58] <@Inari> roll 1d20+8 spirit weapon
[21:58] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 10 > [d20=2]
[22:00] <@Kotono> OOC: Charge htis. Damage.
[22:01] <@Inari> roll 1d8+12
[22:01] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 15 > [d8=3]
[22:03] <@Kotono> Already half-frozen, the elemental's leg is torn upwards as its hips and stomach are gashed. Only the end of Inari's reach stops her from going into its chest and neck, leaping back from the flames. The goblin's voice screams as the spiritual weapon again misses, "DIE! I MAKE THE OFFERING TO IMIX-!" The moment it finishes it, the goblin howls anew, a scream of agony that dwarfs the others. But
[22:03] <@Kotono> the elemetnal glows dark, as it strikes at the ground. Flames erupt everywhere, a massive upsurge. (More)
[22:03] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+12 (+2 ??) AC vs everyone
[22:04] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 29 > [d20=17]
[22:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+10 vs ??? for ???
[22:04] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 30 > [d20=20]
[22:04] <@Athear> OOC: 23 here
[22:04] <@Inari> OOC: 25
[22:05] <Annerose> OOC: 29
[22:05] <@Kotono> roll 2d6+2+2d6 (last 2d6 is fire damage, dr applies to the other part of the damage)
[22:05] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 14 > [d6=3,1,3,5]
[22:05] <@Kotono> OOC: Also, perception, all.
[22:06] <@Athear> roll 1d20+2
[22:06] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=13]
[22:06] <Annerose> roll 1d20+2
[22:06] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 21 > [d20=19]
[22:06] <@Inari> roll 1d20+12
[22:06] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=8]
[22:07] <@Kotono> Inari and Annerose can hear the sound of glass cracking, coming from the elemental. Meanwhile, the entire party is battered by the flames, which hit them like burning clubs. Pain - but none of them go down, and the elemental is visibly sputtering. OOC: Athear.
[22:09] <@Athear> OOC: Is the red halo gone or still there?
[22:09] <@Kotono> OOC: Still there.
[22:09] <@Athear> OOC: I'll try and strike it I suppose, if it's 15 up I just have to jump 5 ft...
[22:10] <@Kotono> OOC: That's an acrobatics check, came up yesterday. What was the DC, Eb?
[22:10] <@Inari> OOC: your reach is 10' and your height is 8', you don't need to jump
[22:10] <@Inari> OOC: it was 20 for me but I had to jump higher and am not as tall
[22:11] <@Athear> OOC: Oh, I suppose that makes sense.
[22:11] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, gof or it then.
[22:12] <@Athear> roll 1d20+10
[22:12] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 17 > [d20=7]
[22:12] <@Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[22:12] <@Athear> roll 1d8+7
[22:12] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 8 > [d8=1]
[22:13] <@Kotono> It's a leaping blow, able to strike the halo. It cracks visibly as the elemental writhes about, falling to a knee. As the halo crumbles away, the elemental simply vanishes in a wink of energy. Darkness and silence comes to the burnt village - victory!
[22:13] <@Kotono> OOC: Free act.

[22:14] <@Athear> Athear lets out a breath. The rush of battle passed, his fatigue starts to set in. "There must be some people still here..."
[22:14] <@Inari> Lighting up harmless foxfire for illumination in the absence of fire, Inari tries to sniff out the scent of human as she nods to Aethar's sentiments.
[22:15] <@Kotono> OOC: You have the scent special quality, right?
[22:15] <Annerose> "They were all taken, he said," Annerose voices. "Perhaps we can track the goblins?"
[22:16] <@Inari> OOC: yes
[22:16] <@Kotono> It's tough to smell - so much burning. But a nearby, half charred building has the scent of human within it. Sort of. Human, but with something else to it. Elf, maybe? A half elf.
[22:19] <@Inari> "This way," Inari gestures, hurrying towards the building, following her nose to the most expedient route to start digging the trapped half-elf out.
[22:19] <@Kotono> Thiw was once perhaps a home - but now it's a charred ruin. Following her nose, Inari finds her way to a bedroom. Here there's a closed cabinet, tall as Inari is. The scent's coming from it. It's only lightly licked by flames, mostly intact.
[22:20] <@Athear> Athear nods and follows Inari's lead. "Although it's exhausting, it may be best to follow the goblins to their lair as soon as we can. They may be in disarray after their defeats."
[22:21] <Annerose> "Over here?" Annerose asks, pulling her glove back on and staying behind.
[22:21] <@Inari> "Yes. Hello?" Inari calls out towards the cabinet to warn whoever's within before she opens it. "We're here to help!"
[22:22] <@Kotono> "M-Momma?" It sounds like a girl's voice, shaky.
[22:24] <Annerose> "What's your name, sweetheart?" Annerose asks.
[22:24] <@Inari> Sadly not, Inari reveals as she opens it up, reaching arms for the child within. "We'll find your mother, dear one," the kitsune assures.
[22:27] <@Kotono> It's a little girl with light green hair. She wears a soot-stained dress and has big blue eyes. "Aaah...aaah..." she stares for a few moments, "Goblins came and took everyone. I...I'm Anisa."
[22:28] <Annerose> "Hello, Anisa," Annerose says from behind Inari. "I'm Annerose. Are you hungry? Thirsty?"
[22:29] <@Athear> Athear lets the ladies worry about the child. He steps outside to look around the village for any other signs of which direction the people may have gone in.
[22:30] <@Inari> A slave raid? Inari doesn't let how troubled she is by the prospect she is show, better to reassure the child. Keeping her nose alert for any other non-goblin smells she slowly navigates back out of the building, holding one of Anisa's hands in her own while letting Annerose distract Anisa.
[22:30] <@Kotono> OOC: Have any ranks in survival? If so, roll that. If not, perception instead, Athear.
[22:31] <@Athear> OOC: I have neither
[22:31] <@Athear> roll 1d20+2
[22:31] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 18 > [d20=16]
[22:31] <@Kotono> "Hi." She nods to both those questions, "Tthe goblins took everything from the kitchen. I heard them." she murmurs. Meanwhile, the dark is bothersome, bu tit's not hard to see. So many footprints, an easy trail leading north/northwest. Athear's able to find that much.
[22:32] <@Kotono> The child's hand is small and warm, lead along slowly as she looks between Annerose and Inari.
[22:32] <Annerose> "Then it's good that we brought a bit with us, isn't it?"
[22:33] <Annerose> Smiling at the girl, Annerose asks, "What's your favorite? I wonder if we got it~"
[22:34] <@Kotono> "Really? I'm so hungry," Anisa murmurs, "T-then the fires came and that made me really thirsty, too."
[22:34] <@Athear> Athear will indicate the path to Annerose and Inari. "How do you two wish to approach this scenario? I do not think it wise to leave the child alone, but... to bring her with us..."
[22:36] <@Inari> "I might have an apple in here," Inari says, offering one to Anisa. "Do you know of any nearby houses outside the village?" she then asks. "A place the goblins might have missed?"
[22:36] <Annerose> "If it were safe, I could ask Sigfried to keep Anisa company," Annerose voices, even as the penguin waddles over with the danger having passed. She gives Anisa water, chilling it slightly first.

[22:41] <@Inari> roll 1d20+11 religion sure
[22:41] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 30 > [d20=19]
[22:44] <@Kotono> He mentioned Imix - the Prince of Elemental Evil in Fire. A loathesome being who only wants to burn the world down to cinders. He takes all the worst qualities of fire and makes them even more miserable. Someone who invokes Imix is not someone who follows a righteous path. The fact that he mentioned princes, plural, of the elements is odd. It means he probably doesn't worship one in particular,
[22:44] <@Kotono> but is instead drawing on them for his ritual magic. He might worship a goblin deity with a magical tradition of calling on the elements or some other similar faith that works with a goblin shaman.

[Corwin]

> Anisa soon eats and drinks. The warm night is still thick with the scent of smoke as she refreshes herself. Once she has, "Um..." she murmurs, staying close to Annerose and Inari, "Not since old man Robert went over happy hill," she says. "No one's been out of town. Momma and Daddy argued with others about that a lot..." her gaze looks down, "Yelling after I went to bed."
<Annerose> At Annerose's slight nod, Sigfried approaches Anisa and nudges her before looking entirely too adorable.
> This gets Anisa to stare at the bird for several moments, before reaching out to pet its penguin head. "Cute birdie?" she says, slowly and hesitantly, before starting to smile and pet the penguin.
<Annerose> "Sigfried is from the south," Annerose is all too happy to say on his behalf. "And he'll do just about anything for a fish~"
> "But I don't have any fish," Anisa says, "The goblins took all the food!"
<Inari> "Well, how about you keep Sigfried company while we see about getting it back?" Inari suggests brightly.
<Annerose> "We'll have to teach them not to steal," Annerose agrees. "Perhaps you could head after them, Athear? Inari? Anisa and I can follow from a distance."
> "Okay, fox lady," Anisa nods quickly, "You'll get Momma and Daddy back, too?"
* Athear nods. "Strike while the iron is hot, as they say."
<Inari> "We will," Inari promises before hurrying after Aethar, starting to tire as her spells expire but doing her best to keep her spirits high.
<Athear> Athear nods to Inari. "Although we are both tired, the goblins should be in a worse situation. I would imagine we dealt a significant blow to their leader by defeating those elementals, so we may be able to scare them into submission."

> OOC: So going on then?
<Annerose> OOC: Yep
<Athear> OOC: Indeed
> OOC: Any prep, healing or anything like that before you move on?
<Annerose> OOC: I'll be with Anisa and Sigfried say 200ft back?
> OOC: Noted.
<Inari> OOC: I'll give Annerose 2 lesser vigors for 30hp
> OOC: Noted, adjust topic HP.
> OOC: Okay, so light sources since it's nighttime?
<Annerose> OOC: Light cantrip on my shield
> OOC: Also, do any of you have track?
<Inari> OOC: nope. I have scent though!
<Athear> OOC: No track here either
> OOC: Scent+the fairly visible trail will be sufficient here. Make a survival check, Inari.
<Inari> roll 1d20+9
<Myannbot> Inari rolled 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{14}
> roll 1d100+25
<Myannbot> Kotono rolled 1d100+25 --> [ 1d100=24 ]{49}
> roll 1d100+25
<Myannbot> Kotono rolled 1d100+25 --> [ 1d100=100 ]{125}
> roll 1d100+25 yep, that means subtables big time
<Myannbot> Kotono rolled 1d100+25 yep, that means subtables big time --> [ 1d100=29 ]{54}
> OOC: Con checks all.
<Annerose> roll 1d20+2
<Myannbot> Annerose rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{18}
<Athear> roll 1d20+5
<Myannbot> Athear rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{20}
<Inari> roll 1d20+2
<Myannbot> Inari rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{22}
> An hour and change of travel to follow the path. There's no beating it now - the party's just tired. A long day stretching into a long night has taken its toll. But on the heroes go...(More)
> roll 1d3
<Myannbot> Kotono rolled 1d3 --> [ 1d3=1 ]{1}
> OOC: Perception, all.
<Athear> roll 1d20+2
<Myannbot> Athear rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{13}
> roll 1d20 Anisa
<Myannbot> Kotono rolled 1d20 Anisa --> [ 1d20=3 ]{3}
<Inari> roll 1d20+12
<Myannbot> Inari rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{26}
<Annerose> roll 1d20+2
<Myannbot> Annerose rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{13}
> It's Inari's sharp vision that notices it. You're in open plains right now, only darkness giving any cover. But 50ft to her and Athear's left is a little ripple of shadow, a canine-shape stalking around. OOC: Quick K:A check here, Inari.
<Inari> OOC: don't have
> OOC: Oh, thought you did. Got you mixed up with Annerose, early game mistake.
> The creature looks like a wolf, but with sharp red eyes and larger - large enough for a goblin with a morning star to be clinging to it as a rider.
<Inari> "We see you!" Inari calls out, moving her lights over to the goblin and its mount so they can be fully illuminated.
> IT is indeed a goblin and mount. The goblin hisses and bares its teeth, the wolf growling and also baring its teeth. OOC: Athear, do you have K:A ranks? Annerose, you're 200ft away, so you can't really see the details enough for information here.
> Anisa looks at the wolf and screams, suddenly clinging to Annerose, "Goblin wolf!"
> At this, the goblin wolf snaps and its rider pats its side. Suddenly it pounces right at Inari! OOC: Init. You avoided the ambush.

<Athear> OOC: Only P and R
<Athear> roll 1d20+2
<Myannbot> Athear rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{14}
> roll 1d20+2 goblin wolf+goblin rider
<Myannbot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 goblin wolf+goblin rider --> [ 1d20=14 ]{16}
> roll 1d20 Anisa
<Myannbot> Kotono rolled 1d20 Anisa --> [ 1d20=17 ]{17}
<Inari> roll 1d20+4
<Myannbot> Inari rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{11}
* Kotono changes topic to 'Anisa(17)>Wolf and Goblin(16)>Athear(14)>Inari(11)'
<Annerose> "Please wait here with Sigfried," Annerose tells Anisa with a reassuring smile, stepping before her in case whatever the others came upon tries to break through their ranks and charge. "Everything will be alright."
<Annerose> roll 1d20+4
<Myannbot> Annerose rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{17}
* Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose=Anisa(17)>Wolf and Goblin(16)>Athear(14)>Inari(11)'
> OOC: Open Annerose. If you can do anything from 200ft away, anyway.
> Anisa quickly hides herself, using Annerose's legs as cover
* Annerose stands ready to intercept anyone who would come after them, trusting in the strength and righteousness of her companions!
> At this, the wolf and goblin charge, going right for Inari. The wolf stays low, covering distance rapidly. Meanwhile, the goblin takes a great big swing with its mace. OOC: Athear, it provokes at the same time it makes the attack. You can AoO the wolf or the goblin either/or.  Feel freet o resolve this or pass on it while I resolve the attack on Inari.
> roll 1d20+6 (+2 charge) flatfooted AC, Inari?
<Myannbot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 (+2 charge) flatfooted AC, Inari? --> [ 1d20=5 ]{11}
<Athear> OOC: He'll go after the goblin to try and knock it off the wolf, if that's possible?
<Inari> OOC: 11
> OOC: Sure. Call that a CMB check against the goblin's CMD.
> roll 1d6+1+1d6 (1d6 is SA if it matters)
<Myannbot> Kotono rolled 1d6+1+1d6 (1d6 is SA if it matters) --> [ 1d6=5 1d6=3 ]{9}
<Athear> roll 1d20+11 CMB
<Myannbot> Athear rolled 1d20+11 CMB --> [ 1d20=17 ]{28}
> roll 1d6 falling damage from being unwolfed
<Myannbot> Kotono rolled 1d6 falling damage from being unwolfed --> [ 1d6=1 ]{1}
<Inari> OOC: would that interrupt its attack on me?
> It happens at once. The morning star crashes into Inari's side, the painful CRACK of a rib going. At the same time, Athear lashes out with a heavy backhand, knocknig the goblin to the ground, right before Inari. The wolf finishes it's sprint, 50ft away to the right when it's done. It turns and growls as its goblin rider groans at Inari's feet. OOC: OIw. Athear.
<Athear> Athear brings his scimitar to the goblin's neck. "Yield, and you may yet live. You can serve a greater purpose for us in life than dying today." OOC: Not sure if that's an Intimidate check or not.
> OOC: Go for it.
<Athear> roll 1d20+10
<Myannbot> Athear rolled 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{26}
> roll 1d20+1 vs 26
<Myannbot> Kotono rolled 1d20+1 vs 26 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{3}
> The goblin's eyes widen as he stares up at the dragonborn, before sputtering, "Y-yield!" OOC: Inari.
<Inari> Inari winces at the pain in her ribs, but the goblin's strange wolf monster is a more pressing concern. Bringing her foxfire closer, one of the four pale blue lights zips apart from the rest and shoots over to splash over the worg's nose!
<Inari> roll 1d20+8 ranged touch
<Myannbot> Inari rolled 1d20+8 ranged touch --> [ 1d20=1 ]{9}
> The shot is errant, aimed well but the wolf is just a little too fast. It dodges nimbly, as....OOC: Anise and Annerose, presume more holding there. Goblin's holding. Wolf's up.
> The wolf starts to charge - before a barked word of Goblin, "Sit!" gets the creature to stop and sit instead. OOC: Free act, danger's passed.

<Athear> Athear withdraws his weapon from the goblin. "Stand, then. You will take us to where they took the other humans. No tricks."
> OOC: Speaking Common?
<Athear> OOC: Yes.
[21:13] <@Kotono> "Fine." It speaks Common slowly as it stands. He whistles, the wolf trotting right up. "Show you the way, ride and lead you."
[21:14] <@Athear> "We do not want to kill." Athear says. "But if they fight, we fight."
[21:14] <@Inari> "Why did you attack the humans anyway?" Inari asks, speaking goblin now.
[21:20] <@Kotono> The goblin's eyes narrow at Inari and he answers back in goblin, "Because the shaman promised us food and treasure from them.  He was right. He commands the elements and has the favor of the Bloodbringer."
[21:22] <@Inari> "That doesn't make doing it right," Inari retorts. "Your shaman is a very bad man."
[21:23] <@Kotono> With a narrow smile full of little, needly teeth, "Our Shaman brings victory. He is a conqurer - only weaklings talk about 'bad men'."
[21:24] <@Athear> Athear glances back and forth between the two since he can't understand what they're saying, but tries to keep an eye out, despite the darkness, for any other ambushes.
[21:25] <@Inari> "Well he's about to bring you defeat," Inari says sternly, before switching to common. "The one possessing the elementals? That's their shaman, he instigated the attack as well," she tells Aethar.
[21:26] <@Athear> "The one we defeated?" Athear asks, knowing the answer already. "He has much to answer for."
[21:29] <@Kotono> OOC: So moving on then, y'all?
[21:29] <@Inari> OOC: sure
[21:29] <@Athear> OOC: Arr.
[21:29] <@Kotono> roll 1d100-25
[21:29] <Myannbot> Kotono rolled 1d100-25 --> [ 1d100=16 ]{-9}
[21:29] <@Kotono> roll 1d100-25
[21:29] <Myannbot> Kotono rolled 1d100-25 --> [ 1d100=58 ]{33}
[21:29] <@Kotono> OOC: Perception, all.
[21:29] <Annerose> roll 1d20+2
[21:29] <Myannbot> Annerose rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{21}
[21:30] <@Athear> roll 1d20+2
[21:30] <Myannbot> Athear rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{17}
[21:30] <@Inari> roll 1d20+12
[21:30] <Myannbot> Inari rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{32}
[21:31] <@Kotono> Perhaps another half hour of traveling is broken up. There's a single tree just off the trail you follow. By chance, Inari glances at it as they pass. Lying on the ground there, half hidden by the tree's roots, is an old sack.It's stuffed and bulging with whatever it holds within.
[21:32] <@Inari> "Hold on a moment, what's this?" Inari wonders, going to retrieve the sack. Maybe the goblins dropped some of their ill-gotten loot?
[21:33] <@Athear> Athear eyes the goblin as Inari goes to retrieve whatever it is.
[21:34] <@Kotono> It's a plain sack. Within is...OOC: Loot.
[21:37] <@Inari> Carrying the sack back over Inari holds it open so Aethar can see as well. "It looked like it had been there a while, I'm not sure if this is something the goblins dropped after the raid or if it has some other story."
[21:39] <@Athear> "Do you think any of it to be enchanted?" Athear asks.
[21:40] <@Inari> "Let me check..." Inari mutters, casting detect magic.
[21:41] <@Kotono> The locket is indeed enchanted. OOC: Spellcraft.
[21:43] <@Inari> roll 1d20+11
[21:43] <Myannbot> Inari rolled 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{15}
[21:44] <@Kotono> OOC: Make an K:N check, Inari.
[21:44] <@Inari> roll 1d20+11
[21:44] <Myannbot> Inari rolled 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{29}
[21:45] <@Kotono> This does seem familiar. Inari recalls a story about Seelie fey. According to this, they leave magical amulets like this to help mortals against Unseelie fey. It's not a common practice, since it goes against the grain of most fey humor, but it happens sometimes.
[21:47] <@Inari> "Hmm... I've heard stories of something like this - these style of amulets being left around, but I can't tell exactly what it does," she says apologetically before waving at Annerose to try and beckon her over. She's a mage of some sort too after all.
[21:48] <@Athear> OOC: Am I allowed to do a spellcraft even if I don't have detect magic?
[21:49] <Annerose> "What is it?" Annerose asks as she arrives with Anisa in tow.
[21:50] <@Inari> "I found a magic amulet in this sack," Inari holds it up after retrieving it. "But I can't tell what it does."
[21:50] <Annerose> "Let's take a look, shall we?"
[21:50] <Annerose> roll 1d20+11 spellcraft
[21:50] <Myannbot> Annerose rolled 1d20+11 spellcraft --> [ 1d20=17 ]{28}
[21:52] <@Kotono> Annerose can tell it is the following: Fairy's Favor. This locket is said to be made by kindly Seelie Court fey, who place it where mortals will find it. Unseelie fey suffer a -2 penalty to attack rolls against the wearer of this amulet, as well as a -5 penalty to Survival checks to follow a trail they make.
[21:53] <Annerose> "The favor of the Seelie Court," she muses, turning the amulet in her hands before handing it back to Inari. "A boon while dealing with the Unseelie, but merely a lovely woodcraft otherwise."
[21:54] <@Athear> Athear grunts and nods. "Interesting, if nothing else." He turns his attention to the goblin. "Let us continue then."
[21:54] <@Inari> Inari puts it back in the sack, feeling it wouldn't be right for her to wear before continuing onwards.
[21:55] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:55] <Myannbot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=68 ]{68}
[21:55] <@Kotono> OOC: Con cheks again, all.
[21:55] <Annerose> roll 1d20+2
[21:55] <Myannbot> Annerose rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{20}
[21:57] <@Inari> roll 1d20+2
[21:57] <Myannbot> Inari rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{17}
[21:57] <@Athear> roll 1d20+5
[21:57] <Myannbot> Athear rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{23}
[21:58] <@Kotono> The party endures. Exhaustion tugs at them, but eventually your captive leads you to a small hill. Just before you crest it, "The camp's ahead," he turns and says in Common. "Over hill."
[21:59] <Annerose> "Where are the captive humans held?" Annerose takes this chance to ask. "In the middle of the camp? Off to the side? How many guards, and what about patrols?"
[22:00] <@Athear> Athear looks over at Inari and says in Common, "You speak his language. I feel it only right you determine his fate from here."
[22:02] <@Kotono> "Back," he gestures, glancing at Athear, "Guards for the cages, two per cage."
[22:04] <@Inari> She hardly has the power to compel him into any course of action he doesn't care to follow once out of her sight. But there's something she might manage. "I know you have friends there, but don't interfere and we'll try to avoid killing any of them. Our quarrel is with your shaman so you should see what the wages of sin have earned him tonight."
[22:05] <@Kotono> Athear gets another glance, before the goblin nods shortly. "Okay." It's a single word followed by another nod.
[22:06] <@Athear> "If he can convince some of them not to fight," Athear says, "That would be best."
[22:15] <Annerose> "Would the guards listen to you if you ordered them away?" Annerose asks curiously. "And if not, what might interest them enough to draw them elsewhere?"
[22:17] <@Athear> "I can draw their attention, if need be." Athear says. "A challenge to them would either send them scattering or coming to face me."
[22:20] <@Kotono> "...maybe," The goblin rider finally says, a hand petting the wolf's neck. "Strong noise. The scent of food. Goblin women."
[22:21] <Annerose> "I could turn myself to look like one," Annerose muses. "Perhaps the two of us could draw the guards away?"
[22:22] <@Inari> "I could sneak up to the cages to get them open while you two distract the guards," Inari offers her input to the plan.
[22:23] <Annerose> "Then it looks like a plan," Annerose voices. "Our guide will lead me close enough to the cages, and we will create a window for Inari to act. Athear, could you stay in reserve and help when things deviate from this?"
[22:23] <@Athear> He nods. "Yes."

[Corwin]

[20:01] <@Kotono> OOC: Actually, since it's been a few days, gimme a quick rundown of the plan, make sure it's fresh in all our minds.
[20:02] <@Inari> OOC: Annerose and Aethar distract/lure goblin guards away from the cages while Inari sneaks up to try and open them?
[20:02] <@Kotono> OOC: Fantastic.
[20:02] <Annerose> OOC: I use disguise self to become a cute goblin girl, our goblin rider tags along and lures guards over. Inari sneaks up to the cages to open them, Athear stays close to assist me or Inari.
[20:02] <@Kotono> OOC: So going to creep longways around. For reference, all of you make stealth checks just in case.
[20:03] <Annerose> OOC: No, I'm going there openly with the rider
[20:03] <Annerose> OOC: Anisa will stay behind with penguin~
[20:03] <@Kotono> OOC: Oh, I thought you were creeping around first.
[20:04] <@Inari> roll 1d20+8 sneaking in fox-form
[20:05] <@Inari> roll 1d20+8 sneaking in fox-form
[20:05] <Rei-chan> Inari rolled : 1d20+8 sneaking in fox-form --> [ 1d20=5 ]{13}
[20:05] <@Athear> OOC: I don't actually have any stealth at all.
[20:13] <@Kotono> OOC: Just roll a dex cehck then.
[20:14] <@Athear> roll 1d20+2
[20:14] <Rei-chan> Athear rolled : 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{8}

[20:16] <@Kotono> The party thus goes around in two groups, coming to the rear. It's flatland back here, though a few trees are perhaps 150ft away from the cages. There are perhaps a dozen large cages, but the darkness and distance prevents you from seeing more details. However, you can see those few guards around...OOC: Go ahead, all.
[20:18] * Annerose disguised herself, and with her magic she grows shorter and her armor melts away into a goblin dress she had seen on her travels. She doesn't rest easily, however, but relies on their reluctant ally to adjust her appearance until it looks authentic. From that point on it all rests on him. He is the one who would call out to his friends and lure them close, while she just stands there looking coquettish and pretty as they approach.
[20:19] <@Inari> Inari stays low, relying on what brush she can find for cover and looking much like any other fox out on the hunt. Just don't mind the extra tail and everything'll be fine. She waits for now, to see if the distraction works.
[20:19] <@Athear> Athear moves to stand behind a tree to get as much cover as possible to wait for a situation that requires his aid.
[20:20] <@Kotono> With Anisa safely back with Annerose's penguin, she's far out of sight. The camp is fairly quiet this time of night, though a few fires burn. You don't hear voices, at least. Meanwhile Annerose gets a look over, "Dirtier," The goblin says in common.
[20:23] * Annerose adjusts the illusion appropriately, and pulls off her gloves. Just in case.
[20:25] <@Kotono> With that, the two approach the cages. You can see it's full of humans - about six to ten in each cage, pressed together like sardines. Most look to be asleep or trying to, while the few goblins on duty look bored. One raises a hand at the two as they approach and calls something in goblin. Whatever it is, your guide grins and gestures at Annerose, then says something back in goblin.
[20:27] <@Inari> OOC: is it "Hey come kill this ditz under the crappy illusion!"?
[20:27] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a perception check? You're far enough away that hearing it isn't certain.
[20:27] <@Inari> roll 1d20+12
[20:27] <Rei-chan> Inari rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{20}
[20:28] <@Kotono> OOC: PMed.
[20:28] <@Inari> All according to plan, then.
[20:31] * Annerose is busy presenting herself as far more interesting than the tedious chore of guarding sleepy humans.
[20:32] <@Kotono> OOC: For the record, make a Charisma check, I suppose.
[20:32] <Annerose> roll 1d20+6
[20:32] <Rei-chan> Annerose rolled : 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{7}
[20:34] <@Kotono> More back and forth goblin, the guards openly looking over Annerose while your guide nods. After a few moments the guards turn to one another, starting to frown. One gestures at her while the other just shrugs, taking out a pair of dice. They kneel and chatter a little more, before tossing the dice.
[20:35] <Annerose> That won't do! Annerose's magic surges again, and without any outwards hints to it she commands the goblin with the dice to take a closer look at her!
[20:35] <Annerose> OOC: Charm Person
[20:37] <@Kotono> roll 1d20-1 DC?
[20:37] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20-1 DC? --> [ 1d20=2 ]{1}
[20:37] <Annerose> OOC: Will17
[20:38] <@Kotono> Your guide laughs a bit as they go, while the goblin suddenly looks up at Annerose again. He scowls and snatches the dice up, pointing at her and declaring. The other goblin scowls right back, locking his gaze with the other's. Your guide looks over and shrugs, saying a few words in goblin.
[20:40] * Annerose decides to throw more confusion into the mix, picking a third goblin, and her magic supplies the means!
[20:40] <Annerose> OOC: Confusion, DC20
[20:42] <@Kotono> roll 1d20-1 DC?
[20:42] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20-1 DC? --> [ 1d20=12 ]{11}
[20:42] * @Athear meanwhile slowly looks around his cover to make sure nothing has befallen his comrades.
[20:42] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:42] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=82 ]{82}
[20:43] <@Kotono> Suddenly, this is interrupted by a third goblin charging the first goblin, the one who suddenly snatched the dice up. He comes in with a battle cry, shouting as he tries to brain his comrade with a morning star.
[20:43] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+5 (+2 charge)
[20:43] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+5 (+2 charge) --> [ 1d20=5 ]{10}
[20:45] <@Kotono> A miss! But the other goblin cries out, your guide stepping back and snapping something in goblin. But weapons are drawn, the scene before you degenerating into chaos. At this a few humans in the cages stir at the noise, a handful of groans lost amid the goblin aggression. OOC: Are you going to participate in this mess at all, Annerose?
[20:46] <@Inari> Inari hunches down and puts her paws over her snout.
[20:48] <Annerose> That went terribly wrong! Annerose exerts her mind upon one of the watching goblins, willing him to stand still!
[20:48] <Annerose> OOC: Hold Monster, DC21
[20:49] <@Kotono> roll 1d20-1
[20:49] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20-1 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{6}
[20:49] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[20:49] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{23}
[20:49] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[20:49] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[20:49] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{10}
[20:49] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{4}
[20:49] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[20:49] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{20}
[20:50] <@Kotono> roll 2d6
[20:50] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=2 ]{2}
[20:51] <@Kotono> Ah, violence. Your guide puts himself before you, as meanwhile others cry out. Barely noticed is one of the onlookers freezing solid, paralyzed. Meanwhile, the first goblin clobbers the third right upside the head. A fatal blow - except it somehow isn't, just knocking the goblin back instead with a loud THWACK. In low, hissed common, your guide asks, "The fuck did you do?"
[20:52] <@Kotono> roll 1d100 also this, yes.
[20:52] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 also this, yes. --> [ 1d100=66 ]{66}
[20:52] <@Kotono> After that hit, the third turns ansd runs screaming back towards the camp. Meanwhile, the sounds of stirring, shouts back and the like come from the camp.
[20:52] <Annerose> "I just wanted him to run away!" Annerose hisses back to him just as quietly. "Why are you all so violent? He should have run away!" Even then, her mind reaches out to another spectator to put him as well into a similar trance.
[20:53] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[20:53] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{15}
[20:53] <@Kotono> OOC: Should be -1, fail.
[20:53] <@Athear> Athear frowns. Maybe this would be a good time to draw their attention...
[20:54] <@Kotono> The two guards go chase the third, giving pursuit as another guard is frozen solid.
[20:54] <@Athear> OOC: I will start making my way towards the prisoner cages.
[20:54] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[20:54] <Annerose> "Let's get the cages open," Annerose then says quietly, swiftly making her way to the nearest one.
[20:54] <@Kotono> As the guards are generally paralyzed, chasing after other goblins or otherwise indisposed, there's no immediate reaction to Athear approaching the cages.
[20:55] <Annerose> Her disguise melts away, and then Annerose places her hand on the lock to will it to freeze solid and shatter!
[20:56] <@Inari> Well, if everyone else is going Inari might as well too! Running over she goes to an unoccupied cage and tries to burn out the lock with some fox-fire!
[20:56] <@Inari> roll 5d6 fire
[20:57] <Rei-chan> Inari rolled : 5d6 fire --> [ 5d6=21 ]{21}
[20:57] <@Athear> Athear also looks for any landmarks in the camp that might give away the location of the Shaman. He's their real target, after all.
[20:59] <@Kotono> Athear can see the camp is lighting up with torches and the like. Lots of tents in a messs of them, but one grand one is in the middle. It's taller and a pale purple, in contrast to the tanned hide of the other tents. Meanwhile, locks are opened and villagers stumble out. Cries begin to go up, one looking to Inari and saying, "What...thank you!" While a middle aged man looks to Annerose with a
[20:59] <@Kotono> solemn nod, "Thank you, friend."
[20:59] <@Inari> "Run!" Inari says, passing out pass without trace onto the villagers so they won't leave an easy trail.
[21:00] <@Inari> OOC: I can get 15 of them that way
[21:01] <Annerose> "For now, just get to safety while we deal with that shaman," Annerose takes the moment to tell him, ensuring that all the captives are freed to run. She does point them towards the treeline, where Sigfried would be waiting.
[21:02] <@Athear> "I will draw their attention to buy you more time." Athear says to the others. "Join me once this is taken care of." Athear will begin to walk towards the camp, drawing his sword on the way. OOC: I'm going to aim to get within 100 ft of the big purple tent.
[21:03] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, you off into #evildunes then, Athear.

[Corwin]

#d

[21:05] <@Kotono> More and more are freed, fleeing. But it'll take at least a few more rounds -t he locks aren't anything special to freeze or burn, but it takes time to move people. Probably at least a minute, if not longer, and assuming no distractions, slowdowns or special actions.
[21:06] <@Inari> Inari transforms back into her kitsune form at least so she can have her spear ready to defend the cages while they're being evacuated.
[21:06] <Annerose> "Please try to see if anyone here has the keys," Annerose requests of the goblin working with them while she works on another lock.
[21:08] <@Kotono> Your goblin guide grunts as he does just that, searching them. A young man stops and takes Annerose's hands. "Thank you," he says intensely, before running off at top speed. Inari can see Athear ahead, some goblins charging him. The camp looks astir, but hasn't fully awoken yet.
[21:09] * Annerose flinches despite herself at the direct contact, but it's brief enough that she breathes a sigh of relief when the man dashes off.
[21:10] <@Inari> Inari conjures a spirital weapon once more, an ornate phantasmal spear detaching from the one she wields and floating over to join Aethar!
[21:10] <@Kotono> OOC: Athear. That being said, I'll have it join the end of the round and prod you to roll init for it. Use your value when I prompt you for the init roll.
[21:15] <@Kotono> More are freed as the weapon is conjured - but the goblins turna nd flee. A cry comes up from the camp, a single word of goblin shouted overand over again: SHAMAN!
[21:16] <@Inari> "Hurry, we don't have much time," Inari urges the humans, trying to get them to pick up the pace.
[21:18] <@Kotono> More humans flee as they are freed  - an elf too, glanced only a moment as they get away. But no goblins are coming - they all seem completely consumed by the chaos in camp.
[21:19] * Annerose pauses to glance at Athear, and then another Athear springs into existence seemlessly, standing shoulder to shoulder with the real thing!
[21:19] <Annerose> OOC: Silent Image
[21:22] <@Kotono> Humans flee - got them! The last cage is torn open and the humans escape. It's done at last - still no goblins. At least for now.
[21:24] <@Inari> "Lets catch up?" Inari asks Annerose as the humans are hopefully safe for the next little while, hurrying over towards Athear.
[21:24] <@Kotono> Then - suddenly the earth shakes, a violent earthquake rippling through the camp. The ground heaves as if sick, quivering all over. OOC: Acrobatics check, you two.
[21:24] <Annerose> "Oh, certainly-- what?"
[21:25] <Annerose> roll 1d20+4
[21:25] <Rei-chan> Annerose rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{19}
[21:25] <@Inari> roll 1d20+12
[21:26] <Rei-chan> Inari rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{25}

[Corwin]

#ed

[21:06] <@Kotono> Athear leaves the others behind and boldly approache.s It's not long to see them coming, 80ft away and carrying torches. A small squad of goblins, perhaps 10 of them. They wield torches and morning stars, pointing and shouting in goblin. They're coming at you from the tents, which start 100ft away - a mere 20ft behind the goblins. Back in the tents you can see more gathering. The scent of
[21:06] <@Kotono> goblin is strong here - dirt, waste and suffocating grime. OOC: Init.
[21:06] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+1 goblin squad
[21:06] <Athear> roll 1d20+2
[21:06] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@cpc9-sgyl30-2-0-cust73.sgyl.cable.virginm.net) has joined #evildunes
[21:06] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+1 goblin squad
[21:06] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+1 goblin squad --> [ 1d20=12 ]{13}
[21:07] <Athear> roll 1d20+2
[21:07] * Kotono changes topic to 'Goblin Squad(13)'
[21:07] <Rei-chan> Athear rolled : 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{10}
[21:07] * Kotono changes topic to 'Goblin Squad(13)>Athear(10)'
[21:08] <@Kotono> The goblins close to within 20ft, brandishing torch and weapon. They snarl goblin, pointing at the oversized dragon-man. The words aren't known, but the tone of anger is easy to tell. It speaks of killing, maiming, destroying. OOC: Athear.
[21:12] <Athear> "GOBLINS! I am Athear! I have no quarrel with you today! I challenge your Shaman! If he has any pride at all, he will face me! If you come at me, I will strike you down in Bahamut's name! But if you wish to forfeit your life on my blade, then so be it!" Athear shouts this challenge to the approaching horde, ready for them! OOC: Can I try to Intimidate them?
[21:12] <@Kotono> OOC: Sure, go for it.
[21:12] <Athear> roll 1d20+10 Intimidate
[21:12] <Rei-chan> Athear rolled : 1d20+10 Intimidate --> [ 1d20=16 ]{26}
[21:12] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+8 (+8 hordefighting, feel it's relevant here)
[21:12] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+8 (+8 hordefighting, feel it's relevant here) --> [ 1d20=6 ]{14}
[21:14] <@Kotono> The goblins stop, recoiling at Athear's visage. They step back almost as one from him, his words drawing them to silence. One's eyes are wide, "Ba...ha...mut!" he mutters it like a curse, whimpering. As one they turn and flee, calilng one word in goblin that carries far and wide, "SHAMAN! SHAMAN! SHAMANAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!!!" OOC: Free act for the sec. I'll fill in #dunes in a moment.
[21:16] <Athear> Athear scoffs. So they do have some sense in them after all. Athear continues towards the purple tent, glancing back at his allies to see how they're progressing.
[21:18] <@Kotono> A glance back shows more humans are fleeing. Meanwhile the camp is abuzz and alive with noise, panic and shouts.
[21:20] <Athear> Athear stops about 80 ft. away from the purple tent. "Do you hear them crying for you, Shaman!? They demand your protection! You tried to control the will of the elements with your foul magic and found, suddenly, this world will no longer accept your wicked acts in silence! COME FROM YOUR SHADOWS AND FACE ME!" Athear shouts at the purple tent! "Or are you too scared after we defeated you
[21:20] <Athear> twice!?"
[21:21] <@Kotono> At the same time a second Athear appears before him, as his words echo all about the camp. OOC: Intimidate.
[21:22] <Athear> roll 1d20+10
[21:22] <Rei-chan> Athear rolled : 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{23}
[21:24] <@Kotono> There is silence for a moment in the camp, before the din begins anew. Chaos and terror as Athear stands amid small tends and in muddy streets. Then - the ground shakes in the throes of an earthquake, rocking violently. OOC: Acrobatics check.
[21:25] <Athear> roll 1d20+2 assuming Dex is okay
[21:25] <Rei-chan> Athear rolled : 1d20+2 assuming Dex is okay --> [ 1d20=19 ]{21}
[21:25] <@Kotono> OOC: It is.
[21:25] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+3 vs ????
[21:25] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+3 vs ???? --> [ 1d20=6 ]{9}
[21:25] <@Kotono> roll 10d6 ow
[21:25] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 10d6 ow --> [ 10d6=32 ]{32}
[21:27] <@Kotono> Athear stands his ground. Somehow he stays up, as before the purple tent it rises. A man of earth and stone, the size of a human ...no, the size of Athear. ...no, the size of a giant. No, even bigger and growing bigger. Then, heard as clear as can be,is the sound of glass cracking and then shattering. The shaking of the earth stills and the elemental before you fades away, as if it was never
[21:27] <@Kotono> there.
[21:28] <Athear> Athear tilts his head to the side.
[21:29] <Athear> He waits a moment to see if anything else is going to happen. OOC: Holding for now.

[Corwin]

[21:32] <@Kotono> Goblins flee in all directions, few caring for Athear. As he watches the chaos, Inari and Annerose catch up to him. Tents are all around, goblins houts in the distance. Fewer and fewer are seen here, the noises growing quieter.
[21:32] <Athear> "Shall we?" He asks the others before marching towards the purple tent to find out what's going on.
[21:33] * Annerose smiles her agreement, sending the phantom Athear alongside him just for fun.
[21:33] <@Inari> "Indeed!" Inari agrees, flicking her spear into readiness while the phantom one at her side matches the motion, following the half-dragon.
[21:35] <@Kotono> The tent is silent. Within are rich things - gold, jewels, treasure. It lies in heaps and piles - and over a spread of gold coins is a goblin in torn blue robes. Embedded all over its body and around it are shards of dark glass. The goblin lies in a pool of blood, covering those coins in red. It looks quite notably dead.
[21:36] <Annerose> "And just a few hours ago we were doubting that justice still existed in the world," Annerose finally says, after staring at the scene for a few long moments.
[21:37] <@Inari> "That's the great conquerer who brings nothing but victory?" Inari can't help but let a trace of mockery enter her tone. "The villain was hoist by his own petard."
[21:38] <Athear> Athear gestures at the glass. "I am going to guess these shards  used to be... whatever it was he used to control the elements?" He walks over to lean in close to pick up one of the shards.
[21:38] * Annerose looks through her magical sight!
[21:39] <@Inari> "I suppose our work here is done... shall we go catch up with the humans, help escort them home?"
[21:39] <@Kotono> The shard feels hot to the touch. Not quite painful, but far too hot indeed. Like glass left in the summer sun all day. Meanwhile, Annerose can detect fading magic. OOC: Spellcraft.
[21:40] <Annerose> "These riches were likely stolen from them and their neighbours, so bringing them over would help them rebuild," Annerose muses, before focusing on the shard's leftover magic.
[21:40] <Annerose> roll 1d20+11 spellcraft
[21:40] <Rei-chan> Annerose rolled : 1d20+11 spellcraft --> [ 1d20=4 ]{15}
[21:41] <Athear> Athear nods to Annerose. "I agree. It may not be a bad idea to look to see if there is anything we can use, as well."
[21:42] <@Inari> "Yes, that makes sense," Inari nods. "Lets not make them destitute though, or else there'll just be more conflict as soon as we leave."
[21:44] <Athear> "Of course. I do not mean to steal from them." Athear agrees. "However, we cannot know which of these valuables came from whom in that city. It would not do well for us to simply drop all of the treasures on them at once either, as they may fight over it... hm. I would defer to the local knights on the matter, but... they do not seem available."
[21:45] <@Inari> "You do remember how we ended up solving this rather than the local militia? I wouldn't trust on any support from that quarter."
[21:47] <Athear> Athear frowns but nods. "Yes, I agree. But in the same token, we cannot simply drop all of these riches onto those people... they would start fighting and may even bring bandits to their ruined village. This... is a difficult decision to make. Perhaps if we can find someone in charge we can work a situation out."
[21:48] <Annerose> "The goblins seem to respect you, Athear," Annerose muses. "And Inari understands their language. If we keep that part hidden, merely asking a few of them the right way might give us our answers?"
[21:49] <@Inari> "Their homes were mostly destroyed..." Inari humms. "If we gave them money to try and start new lives elsewhere, that could work as well. I'm... not well versed in building. Did it look fixable to either of you?"
[21:51] <Annerose> "Not to me. But a lot of people have attachment to the land they live on...."
[21:52] <Athear> Athear snorts. "Goblin respect, hm?" He nods to Inari. "I do not have much experience, but perhaps the morning sun would shed more ... ...ahem, light, on that. Do we have room for all of this?"
[21:52] <@Kotono> Annerose can't figure out the fading magic.
[21:53] <Annerose> "They had to have a way to bring it over. I will go and take a look outside-- oh, and no, I cannot tell what the magic used to be, I'm afraid."
[21:54] <@Inari> "Filled up on food, really," Inari says, casting detect magic to try in place of Annerose.
[21:54] <@Inari> roll 1d20+11 spellcraft
[21:54] <Rei-chan> Inari rolled : 1d20+11 spellcraft --> [ 1d20=11 ]{22}
[21:55] <@Kotono> Conjuration (summoning) magic. Something to do with summoning and calling elementals, but the magic's fairly scrambled at this point.
[21:57] <Athear> OOC: Are they able to tell if anything else in the pile is magical?
[21:57] <@Inari> "Well, nothing we don't know what with the elementals," Inari gestures at the wreckage. "It's no good to anyone now of course."
[21:57] <@Kotono> OOC: If they wanna look, sure.
[21:57] * Annerose steps outside the tent, in the meantime, to look for any goblin that seems to be in charge or a convenient cart.
[21:58] <Athear> "Could you see if there's anything else in this pile that we could use, Inari?" Athear asks as he moves to lift the goblin up and place the corpse somewhere else, like the bed.
[21:59] <@Inari> She casts her vulpine eye over the rest without complaint.
[22:01] <@Kotono> There's something in a pile that radiates magic. Going over, Inari finds that it is a small chalice of silver. Within the chalice is  aclear, thick liquid.OOC: Spellcraft.
[22:01] <@Kotono> The goblin corpse is moved without difficulty. Messy, though.
[22:02] <@Inari> roll 1d20+11 spellcraft
[22:02] <Rei-chan> Inari rolled : 1d20+11 spellcraft --> [ 1d20=6 ]{17}
[22:02] <Athear> OOC: If that fails can I try a Spellcraft for the potion?
[22:02] <@Kotono> Annerose looks out. The goblins seem to be gone, in a panic. But finding a cart isn't hard. Sure, it's full of carrots and radishes, but removing them is simple enough.
[22:02] <@Kotono> Inari can't identify what the magic is.
[22:03] * Annerose pulls the cart over to the tent, calling out, "They've all run. How about we just take what we can bring on this cart and leave the rest here?"
[22:03] <Athear> roll 1d20+6 for the potion if possible
[22:03] <Rei-chan> Athear rolled : 1d20+6 for the potion if possible --> [ 1d20=6 ]{12}
[22:03] <Athear> OOC: well screw you too Rei-chan
[22:03] <@Inari> "This," Inari plucks up the chalice. "But I don't know what it does," she says apologetically, putting it back down again. Upon seeing the cart she quickly goes to divest herself of all the food she's carrying as well!
[22:05] * Annerose helps check the chalice over!
[22:05] <Annerose> roll 1d20+11
[22:05] <Rei-chan> Annerose rolled : 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{26}
[22:10] <@Kotono> Annerose can figure it out. The liquid is concentrated mercury. It has been purified by magical means and infused with magic. It can be used as an optional material component to a spell to grant it a +3 bonus to caster level. Alternately, if applied to the skin of a creature, it grants them a +1 bonus to Dexterity. However, there's a 20% chance that using the mercury in this way will have
[22:10] <@Kotono> unpleasant side effects. What they are, Annerose isn't 100% sure.
[22:10] <@Kotono> OOC: Loot post.
[22:11] <Annerose> "A dangerous way to get nimbler," she muses, looking it over.
[22:12] <Athear> "We may as well take a few more food items for the villagers ourselves and then carry the valuables with the cart." Athear says. "Allow me a moment to look around to see if there is anything else we can utilize. Doubtful, but one can never be too careful."
[22:13] <Annerose> "Of course. I will go and see whether they made their way over to Sigfried safely before waiting for the two of you?"
[22:13] <@Inari> "We'll be over as soon as we can," Inari promises, waiting outside the tent by the cart.
[22:14] <Athear> "I can take care of the matter of pushing the cart." Athear adds. It would be impolite to have them do it again, after all.

[Corwin]

[20:02] <@Kotono> Soon enough the heroes finish searching the abandoned camp and return to the villagers. Here they find a mess of them, Anisa and Sigfried already with them. There's cheers when the heroes approach, a loud wave that momentarily seems to push the nighttime darkness and your own fatigue away.
[20:04] <@Inari> "Is everyone in good health?" Inari asks hopefully, looking over the villagers for any obvious injuries.
[20:05] <Annerose> Smiling, Annerose approaches Anisa and kneels down next to her. "Did you find your family?" she asks the girl quietly.
[20:06] <@Kotono> A few come forward - a middle aged bald man with a nasty gash on his head, as well as a woman with a dirty sling holding her left arm. But an old man comes up, shaking his head. He has a beard and mustache, all snow white. "No ma'am," he says, "They wanted us alive, that much is clear."
[20:07] <@Athear> "For what purpose?" Athear asks. "If you have any idea..."
[20:07] <@Inari> "Is there an Anne and her daughter Lise here?" Inari asks, immediate concerns assuaged.
[20:07] <@Kotono> Anisa nods quickly, standing by slender man. She clings to his leg and he smiles, "Thank you," he says simply.
[20:08] * Annerose makes sure that her glove is firmly on, and then pats Anisa on her head with another smile.
[20:08] <@Kotono> The old man sighs and shakes his head. "Slaves is all they said. Horrible! Goblins coming this far inland and taking slaves!"
[20:09] <@Athear> Athear scoffs. "Hmph. We should find who they were trading with and make them pay for it."
[20:09] <@Kotono> A rather pretty young lady and a middle aged housewife approach. The latter deeply curtesys to Inari, "Yes?" she asks, her daughter following suit in moments.
[20:10] * Annerose stands back up, trusting in Sigfried to remain where he is needed, and gravitates over to Inari.
[20:10] <@Inari> "Your husband made it to Warmfolk," Inari explains to the two. "He made sure we knew to come in time." That should assuage any worries and make them popular with the rest.
[20:12] <@Kotono> "He's there?!" A blurt of relief from the Anne, "Oh thank goodness! The Frostlady's heart has mercy after all!" She shudders in relief, "The goblins claimed they got him for running away!"
[20:13] <@Athear> OOC: I imagine he might know but can I K:R on that?
[20:14] <@Inari> Inari beams at Annerose, her merciful credentials truly established.
[20:15] <@Inari> In the meantime she demonstrates her own mercy, healing the head-wound and arm injury.
[20:15] <@Inari> OOC: lesser vigor on both
[20:15] <Annerose> "I tend to doubt it," Annerose muses. "I'd credit your husband more than any divine intervention." At Inari's display, she blinks. "I think it refers to Auril? Who is not really merciful or kind at all?"
[20:16] <@Kotono> OOC: Sure, Athear.
[20:16] <@Athear> roll 1d20+6
[20:16] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 10 > [d20=4]
[20:16] <@Kotono> The wounded heal right before your eyes. The middle aged man bows deeply, "Thank you, ma'am! I'll pa you back as soon as able! Even if it takes a few harvests!"
[20:17] <@Kotono> Athear knows that the Frostlady is a local title for Auril, goddess of the cold. She has zero compassion or sympathy, frozen as the coldest winter.
[20:18] <@Athear> Athear nods to Annerose. "I'm sorry to blaspheme your faith, but Auril is not known for compassion or sympathy. If you wish to thank anyone... and I only speak for myself, but Bahamut's name carried me here and to these fine companions." He nods to Annerose and Inari in turn.
[20:19] <@Kotono> A few murmurs go through the crowd at this. Anne look sto Athear, "Baha...mut? Who is Bahamut?"
[20:19] <@Inari> "Nothing to pay, don't worry about it," Inari assures, stepping back with her ears twitching at the explanation. "Oh, well you're *a* frostlady, at least. And quite merciful by any reckoning!" Since they're all introducing their deities now she elects to introduce herself. "I am Inari," she tells the assembled villagers, though she doubts any remember her name.
[20:20] <Annerose> "Annerose," she follows suit, frowning now. "Who is not actually following Auril. I wonder what gave that strange idea? It's the ice, isn't it? It must be the ice."
[20:21] <@Athear> Athear blinks. "...I will explain when we return to your village." He holds a hand up as if to stave off a question. "I do not wish to convert anyone, If there are those who do not wish to listen they will not be forced to. Ah, my name is Athear."
[20:21] <@Kotono> The old man, "That is it. But allow me to introduce myself first, I am Gregor." After a moment for that, "Auril has gained converts, since only serving her saves our fields from a deeper winter freeze. Only Auril has the right to command cold and winter."
[20:23] <Annerose> "Auril can always make things worse on a whim," Annerose muses. "But she will never help, on a whim or as a reward for service. I'm afraid that worshipping her is rather counter productive."
[20:25] <@Kotono> Here the old man sighs, "But we have little choice. The old ways are gone. Once our village gave praise to merciful Eldath. Now...now there is nothing left. Auril's kin froze the holy grove and killed all the trees there. If the can do that, then how can we stop them from destroying our fields?"
[20:26] <@Athear> "Since it seems we have everyone in order. I will return for what we found and we can handle the matter during daylight. I think it would be best to save the religious discussion for then, as well." Athear says as he turns to go back to the camp.
[20:27] <Annerose> "The problem, then, is with those following Auril rather than the goddess herself," Annerose voices, brightening up. "Facing a deity would be an impossible task, but her handmaidens? Oh, that is quite doable indeed."
[20:27] <@Inari> Inari's tails twitch, though she retains a serene countenance. That mirrors much of what happened to her holy places, minus the freezing. "It could be a worthwhile endeavour," she agrees.
[20:28] <Annerose> "And then, after they've seen the error of their ways, perhaps we could all plant new trees where the old ones used to stand? A fresh start?"
[20:29] <@Kotono> "Perhaps it is so. Perhaps..." The old man looks about the dark night, a soft sigh. "But I fear this is not the time for further discussion of it. We are sore, hungry and dirty. Let us talk of this further when we are not all so afflicted." And quieter, under his breath and just to Annerose, "Please, milady. I fear the goblins may return from their panic, or at least looters may."
[20:30] <Annerose> "Quite. Perhaps we could move a ways off, and then what food we have with us can be shared to give strength to you all?"
[20:31] <@Kotono> OOC: So what's your plan here? How far are you going, or back to the ruined town or what?
[20:32] <Annerose> OOC: Let's go just far enough that people don't need to roll con checks for fatigue, give them food and water, then rest a bit and continue after
[20:33] <@Kotono> OOC: How long are you resting?
[20:33] <Annerose> OOC: Until daylight
[20:34] <@Kotono> roll 1d100-25
[20:34] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 64 > [d100=89]
[20:39] <@Kotono> Travel, food and sleep. Sheer exhaustion claims everyone, and in spite of your best efforts, it's a few hours past sunrise before everyone's up. The villagers have made a few campfires, the scent of improptu breakfasts filling the air. Filling your stomachs is a pleasant diversion, but what follows is less so. The heroes lead the way to the burnt village, people spreading out to look about. In
[20:39] <@Kotono> daylight, you can see most of it is indeed burnt. Some parts survive and may be suitable for short term habitation, but it doesn't look good. Indeed, Gregor stays by the three and sighs deeply, "Such calamity..." he murmurs, pausing to wipe his brow. Even now it's sticky and steamy, the morning rapidly warming up. So much to be done now."
[20:40] <Annerose> "Would you still wish to rebuild?" Annerose asks Gregor. "Or seek to go elsewhere? With the gold we brought back, you could do either."
[20:43] <@Kotono> "This is our home. We will discuss it soon, but I doubt many wish to leave." Around you are the forsaken. Some cry at lost houses, others look about. A few examine the fields, while a scant handful explore partially surviving houses. "Most would take that gold as tribute for their victory. You...all of you remind me of better days." Here the old man sighs a second time and closes his eyes. "Days
[20:43] <@Kotono> when I was young. So many of the villagers were born after those times slipped away. The children only know Auril's name now, a second taxman and far crueller than even the Dynast. They forget a time when the army would have come already, when relief would have followed. To them, all they know is to rise up and to try and rebuild, since no one else will help.""
[20:44] <Annerose> "I remember the days when Auril was not a household name," Annerose agrees, although she can't quite agree it was a perfect age to live in. "As for the gold, it has its uses. But why hoard more than you need for food and shelter?"
[20:45] <@Inari> "What went wrong?" Inari asks. "I've slumbered long, but the land I remember was nothing like this. It had problems of course, but it was never so hopeless. Did something happen or did it just... creep up?" she asks plaintively, clearly having hungered for an answer to that very question.
[20:46] <@Athear> "It would seem that your people could use the hope that Bahamut offers in a time such as this." Athear says with a fold of his arms.
[20:47] <@Kotono> Annerose gets a long look by the old man, "I see..." he murmurs to Annerose, but turns his attention to Inari. 'Things have gotten worse. A little each day, each year, each season. The new ways hasten to end the old ways."
[20:48] <@Kotono> To Athear, he only smiles slightly. "If any of you can offer a better way than the Lady of Winter, please. Eldath's ways have been shattered like ice before us. All we have is the path of winter."
[20:48] <Annerose> "I think," she muses. "I think that people just started giving up, one after the other. And it took a long while, but there we are."
[20:49] <@Athear> "I will teach your people the ways of Bahamut. If you wish to follow, you may. If you do not, that is your rightful choice to make as well." Athear nods. "As for the gold... There were other items we found as well. I would wish to return any family heirlooms back to their owners first and foremost -- the value of those can never be understated. We can handle such a distribution, I think."
[20:51] <@Inari> "Then they can be made to regain hope just the same. Even if it takes a long time. If more people were willing to reach out and help, if we could inspire them, I'm sure that would work," Inari declares, her tails swishing about in agitation.
[20:51] <Annerose> "There is no reason it couldn't~"
[20:58] <@Kotono> "Thank you," A mumur to Athear, "We'll look over what was brought back and let you know." He then pauses, listening. "You people speak with a clarity of purpose that has been sorely lacking in these times."
[21:00] <@Athear> Athear nods. "Perhaps that is why we found ourselves here."
[21:02] <@Kotono> OOC: Good to skip along a little bit?
[21:02] <Annerose> OOC: Sure
[21:02] <@Athear> OOC: Sure. Athear will make a camp or what have you to do some preaching about Bahamut.
[21:03] <@Kotono> OOC:We'll cover that in a few, Athear. We'll get some other stuff out of the way first, namely loot.
[21:03] <@Athear> OOC: Sure
[21:05] <@Kotono> By lunch the village is in a frenzy. People are working frantically in the fields and in the houses, tearing down and rebuilding. Gregor helps the party sort through the loot - a fair deal of it is from the village, or otherwise needed by them. However, the chalice with mercury within is a mystery to him, while the weapons Athear took are likewise. "Those weapons weren't from this town. Eldath's
[21:05] <@Kotono> influence lingers in that regard," Gregor mentions as the four sit in the village square, a simple meal before them. Just some dried meats, cheese, semi-stale bread, berrires and some fruit preserves. "As for that strange chalice, I fear it may have been more of the shaman's witchcraft."
[21:06] <@Athear> "Would one of you mind checking these for magic, please?" Athear asks, offering the weapons he found. "They seemed to be in oddly good condition for goblins."
[21:07] <Annerose> "Do you feel the goblins will return, absent their shaman?" Annerose asks Gregor.
[21:08] <@Inari> Inari reaches over for them, doing as asked.
[21:08] <@Kotono> "I don't know," Gregor says, "But I doubt it. Goblins usually hug the coastline. I've heard stories that they're coming further inland, but to come this far? Absurd." Meanwhile Inari checks them over. The dagger and nunchucks are normal, but the ranseur radiates magic. OOC: Spellcraft.
[21:10] <@Inari> roll 1d20+11
[21:10] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 13 > [d20=2]
[21:10] <@Kotono> Inari can't figure out the spear.
[21:11] <@Inari> "Only the undersized spear is magical, though I can't parse the details," Inari answers.
[21:11] * Annerose takes a glance!
[21:11] <Annerose> roll 1d20+11
[21:11] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 12 > [d20=1]
[21:11] <@Athear> roll 1d20+6 why not
[21:11] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 8 > [d20=2]
[21:12] <@Athear> Athear nods. "We can have it identified at a later time."
[21:12] <Annerose> "It must be mighty indeed!"
[21:12] <@Kotono> The party is clueless. Can't figure it out at all.
[21:14] <@Kotono> As the party struggles with that, "So you mentioned restoring Eldath's grove with new trees," Gregor says. "I think that would set a good example for the village.The only problem is that trees won't grow there now. Auril's servants did something there. The ground is cold and lifeless, as if winter was there year round."
[21:15] <Annerose> "I was thinking," Annerose muses, "that I should return for Dolf once it is safe, and the immediate needs of your people are met. The grove can wait another day, but a family should be reunited as soon as possible."
[21:16] <@Athear> "I can consult for advice with Bahamut." Athear says. "He may show us a way."
[21:16] <@Inari> "I'm sorry, I don't have anything that could purify right now," Inari says, her ears drooping. It would have been childs play once, but her resources are all too meagre now.
[21:17] <@Kotono> "Yes," Annerose gets an agreeable nod back, while meanwhile he replies to Athear and Inari. "Anything you could do." He frowns, starting to reach out for Inari before stopping midway. "Perhaps you can find a way, or Athear could as well."
[21:18] <Annerose> "We'll find a way," Annerose insists. "I've seen them in action before, and Auril's handmaidens are fallible just as anyone else. Whatever curse they've put on the land can be broken."
[21:19] <@Athear> Athear nods. "Yes, we all seem to be rather persistent." He says with a smile.
[21:21] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, so Annerose, you want to go get Dolf. What about you two? Going with or doing something else?
[21:23] <@Inari> OOC: yeah, we can go back to the city and pick up any further supplies. Get a list from the villagers?
[21:23] <@Athear> OOC: Athear can go with them and can do his meditation / prayer stuff later, that's fine.
[21:23] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay. Mostly in case Athear wants to do some Bahamut preaching first is all, since he mentioned it. Up to him if he wants to do that before/af-okay then.
[21:24] <@Kotono> OOC: Restore HP from your night's rest and refresh spells -t hose should've already, but just in case you didn't.
[21:24] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:24] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 30 > [d100=30]
[21:24] <@Athear> OOC: Yeah he can do it when they get back, that's fine
[21:25] <@Kotono> It's a hot and humid day, but no sign of the storms as you return to Warmfolk. The city is as you left it and Dolf is found in the very tavern you began this adventure in. He's drinking iced water and rises all at once when the three come in. He hurries to them, "You bring word?"
[21:25] <Annerose> "You family is safe," Annerose assures him. "They're waiting for you back home, to help rebuild it."
[21:26] <@Kotono> "Yes!" He grins and leaps at Annerose, sweeping her into a hug, spinning her around. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
[21:27] * Annerose smiles patiently as she's spun during this happy moment.
[21:29] <@Kotono> Eyes turn to the party at this display, Annerose put down. "Then I have to get back, they're waiting for me. Thank you so much!"
[21:29] <Annerose> "If you could wait just a little while, we'll get a few needed supplies and come with you?"
[21:31] <@Kotono> "Alright," He says after a moment, "The goblins are gone?"
[21:32] <Annerose> "The shaman got what can truly be called divine justice, and the others scattered without him."
[21:33] <@Athear> "Yes, they were driven off by Ba..." Athear stops and clears his throat. For some reason, he suspects, this may not be the best place. "By righteousness of faith."
[21:35] <@Kotono> A sign of open relief, "Then it's over...we can put our lives back together." He nods once, "Let's get going tothat, then. No sense waiting any longer."
[21:35] <@Kotono> OOC: What supplies are you getting? Just town ones or anything for y'all?
[21:35] <@Inari> OOC: just what they asked for
[21:35] <Annerose> OOC: If the village needs more food, then that. Then what they thought they'd need to start rebuilding.
[21:37] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay. That's a fair bit, but it's all stuff that can be largely done offscreen, unless you all want to devote any time or effort to it. Do you? The buying/haggling/ect angle of it.
[21:37] <@Inari> OOC: not really
[21:37] <Annerose> OOC: Let's skip ahead
[21:40] <@Kotono> The trip back is without incident. It's sunset when you return, Dolf rushing to a nearby house. "Anne? Lise?" he calls, peeking into the burnt building.  Meanwhile, the party is laden with supplies and the like, having hauled them back.
[21:41] * Annerose seeks out Gregor, who would know which family needs what.
[21:42] * @Athear will find a good spot to do his teachings since the ladies have everything else under control.
[21:43] <@Inari> Inari likewise helps in the distribution of goods and supplies so that everyone gets what they need.
[21:44] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, Annerose and Inari in here. Athear, into #evildunes for now.

[Corwin]

#ed

[21:59] <@Kotono> Gathering people up around dinner isn't hard. Several families and a few handfuls of other people comeon over to Athear at his invitation. Dinner's laid out, another simple meal amid the last bits of the sunset and the torchlight. OOC: Go ahead, ball's in your court to start.
[22:00] <Athear> OOC: Okay.
[22:07] <Athear> "Let me make this clear before I begin -- I do not wish to convert any of you against your will. However, I wish to tell you first of Bahamut, the King of Good Dragons and his war with Tiamat, the Creator of Evil Dragonkind. I will tell you what I know of them and other deities... if it is your wish to follow Bahamut after we speak, I will do all I can to teach you his ways, but it is not
[22:07] <Athear> a requirement to follow them if you just wish a reprieve from Auril's cold embrace. So! Let me begin. The first and most important is to always remember: "Pray with one's deeds, not with one's mouth." I am sure you all can understand that... but it is simple: You must put action into your prayers. Do not beseech Bahamut to save you from a situation if you have done nothing to save yourself.
[22:07] <Athear> Although he cares for primarily dragons, the weak and downtrodden are those he will always want to protect. I heard his call some years ago... The rite to transform myself from what I was into a Dragonborn was not an easy undertaking. If you hear his call -- know this: You are not under any obligation to perform the rite. Bahamut has worhshippers of all races and has love for all people,
[22:07] <Athear> but he will only answer the call of those who do not sit on their laurels."
[22:07] <Athear> OOC: Hopefully that didn't cut off
[22:09] <@Kotono> OOC: Didn't.
[22:13] <@Kotono> That gets listened to. A man in the back speaks up, "But don't dragons just care about treasure and princesses?"
[22:15] <Athear> "Not all of them do, no. That is..." He smiles. "A bit of a misnomer, but I cannot blame you or anyone else for having that view. Rare creatures are not always studied in depth."
[22:15] <Athear> OOC: Would I know anything else specific about that subject?
[22:16] <@Kotono> OOC: Yeah. Make an K:R check for how much so.
[22:17] <Athear> roll 1d20+6
[22:17] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 17 > [d20=11]
[22:17] <@Kotono> OOC: Whoops, selected the wrong option there.
[22:18] <@Kotono> Athear knows that Bahamut's opinion goes something like this: All dragons collect hordes, but only evil ones fulfill that stereotype. Good ones can and are better than that, doing more than merely accumulating wealth. They may be superior creatures, but that means they set a superior example.
[22:20] <Athear> "Let me give you an example." Athear says. "Let's take an evil dragon... They are the ones that you know from the stories. They are the ones who collect wealth and go on rampages to destroy crops. They are the ones that allow foul creatures like wyverns to ransack villages. Good dragons will have hoards as well... but they actively try and help others with it. Those dragons, while still
[22:20] <Athear> considering themselves superior, will try and lead others to a superior life. If that makes sense."

[Corwin]

#d

[21:48] <@Kotono> Soon enough distributing things begins. It's mostly walking about and giving things - unremarkable at first. But soon the trio comes to a young man, perhaps 20 or so. He sits and slowly eats his dinner in front of a half-burned house. An old black dog lies next to him, cadging the occasional treat and petting.  "Just the normal, put it down there," he gestures, giving Inari a long look. "Say.
[21:48] <@Kotono> I heard a story about an Inari once."
[21:48] <Annerose> "Oh?" Annerose says curiously. "Do tell!"
[21:49] <@Inari> "You did?" Inari perks up. "I was sure I had been forgotten."
[21:52] <@Kotono> "About a spirit that protected a village, only to vanish away," The man says with a bit of anod, "My da was always full of stories like that, he collected them like a merchant collects gold."
[21:54] <@Inari> "Ahh, yes. It was rather more violent than simply vanishing..." Inari says, posture drooping. "But in today's world it seems far more than just one village needs protecting."
[21:55] <Annerose> "Whatever happened to the village?"
[21:55] <@Kotono> Gregor's eyes slide over to Inari, "You're right about that, but you've done good here. You saved all of us."
[21:55] <@Kotono> "I don't know," The young man admits, as his dog slowly gets up, stretching as it does. The dog pads over to Inari and licks her hand. "Scamps is harmless, don't worry. He doesn't bite."
[21:57] <@Inari> "Nor do I," Inari says, squatting now and petting the dog. "There were some signs of violence, but the ruins had had a long time to decay before I awoke once more."
[22:00] <@Kotono> Inari gets licked a few times, the dog all canine happiness. "Huh, another mystery. The world's full of them, don't you think?" He rubs his chin, "So many strange things out there. Goblins moving in landward is only one of them. What we need is answers, not questions."
[22:02] <Annerose> "Why do the goblins stay near the coast? It can't be the pirates, so what's the reason?"
[22:04] <@Kotono> "That one I do know," He says, "Da's stories never really bore it out, but some books have a good answer. You see, centuries ago, the goblins were hunted down and pushed back hard. They only survived in the coastal caves, where they were able to hide and rebuild. They adapted to them and haven't tried to come back inland since. So why now? Why come back inland now?"
[22:05] <@Inari> "Overpopulation? Losing access to resources?" Inari guesses. "Or just am ambitious shaman feeding them tales of forgotten glory."
[22:06] <Annerose> "All that, and the fact that the authorities don't care to stop them now?"
[22:08] <@Kotono> "Could be," Gregor pipes up, "Any or more."
[22:09] <@Kotono> As Inari gets another hand-lick, the dog's owner hms. "I've thought about going out and finding more answers like that, but it's a dangerous world out there."
[22:09] <Annerose> "Is it possible, you think," Annerose muses, "for goblins to coexist with humans? The way elves have grown to?"
[22:11] <@Inari> "Could humans accept them?" Inari asks from the other direction. "I have never heard a human speak of a goblin with respect," she says, standing up straight.
[22:14] <@Kotono> "Could either accept the other, or do they even want to?" The young man speaks up, "It's an interesting question."
[22:14] <Annerose> "You can answer for one side of it, at least?"
[22:17] <@Kotono> "I don't know. Right now I'm not feeling inclined towards goblins," The young man says with a hmm, "No, I can't say I am at all." He reaches out and pets Scamps, "If we can't, then what's to be done?"
[22:18] <Annerose> "If not today, then maybe tomorrow? No reason to try and do it all at once."
[22:20] <@Inari> "An example would be nice," Inari muses. "We recently saw goblins at their worst. Rapacious marauders and slavetakers. Are there any goblin heroes? What of the innocents, those who simply want to live in peace and see a better tomorrow for their children?"
[22:20] <@Kotono> "You'd have to ask the goblins that," GRegor murmurs thoughtfully. "But I've always here there's no good goblins, only bad ones and dead ones."
[22:21] <@Kotono> "Maybe it's a question that you can answer one day?" The young man suggests. "It's a good one."
[22:23] <@Inari> "I only hope it has an answer that can make me smile," Inari says hopefully. "Anyway, we better get the rest of these supplies passed out."

[Corwin]

#ed

[19:56] <@Kotono> "Like you?" A  young woman calls out, holding a baby in her arms. She's short and brown haired, resting next to a short, thin man with a straw hat on.
[19:56] <@Kotono> The man in the back is a bit stocky but otherwise unremarkable. He frowns a little at those words, "Then how come we don't hear about those other dragons? Those good dragons, rather."
[19:57] <@Kotono> A young boy pipes up, mouth full of food and words semi-distorted. "Because one's right here!" he points at Athear, "He's a big dragon! Look at him!"
[19:58] <Athear> "Ah... in a sense." Athear answers with a smile. "I am not a dragon, exactly... I am a dragonborn -- one who has given their old form up for the one you see now." He turns to the man in the back. "The same reason you have never heard of any deity besides Auril, perhaps -- the intent of those outside of this place was never to give you a proper education on the facts of the world, only what
[19:58] <Athear> they wanted to share with you... which, apparently, was not much. It is my hope to provide you with the truth of the matter as best I know it."
[20:00] <@Kotono> The man in the back goes quiet at that. A fourth speaks up - a young man idly whittling some wood as he listens. The soft thunk-chunk of his knife underlies his words. "Probably," he says. After a few beats, "They always wanted too much. Theives."
[20:01] <@Kotono> The thin man next to the baby carrying woman frowns at that, "Shut up, you damned fool! Your mother and father would roll in their graves if they knew you were so stupid as to insult winter!"
[20:02] <Athear> "There is no reason to be afraid of winter or what it brings. I happen to like the cold weather, myself." Athear says with a smile. "But, like anything, in any extreme... you find unhappiness."
[20:02] <Athear> "The winter that Auril brings is neverending, yes? I don't think anyone wants nothing but ice and snow all the time."
[20:02] <@Kotono> Murmurs go through the crowd at that, a few making the sign of the evil eye. The woman's baby beginst o cry, and she goes to soothe it. The whittling young man matches that smile, "Fear's all it is," he mutters, "What does Bahamut say about fear and winter, sir?"
[20:07] <Athear> roll 1d20+6 let's see if I can answer for Bahamut or not v2
[20:07] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 18 > [d20=12]
[20:08] <@Kotono> OOC: Bahamut offers the cold domain. Winter's fine - within reason. Meanwhile, fear is the enemy. The soul-killer, what evil uses to paralyze good. Fiends thrive in fear and what it drives people to.
[20:11] <Athear> "It is as I said -- Bahamut embraces the cold, just as Annerose, my companion does. However, all things must be in moderation. Winter itself... it lasts until it should end. Summer as well. All the seasons, all things, should stay for their alloted time." Athear says, but stiffens slightly as he takes a breath. "Fear, however... Fear itself is not something anyone should hold onto. It devours
[20:11] <Athear> you, mind, body and soul and keeps you from acting. Fear holds you in place, keeps you from ever doing good and noble deeds."
[20:13] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a quick diplo check here.
[20:14] <Athear> roll 1d20+10
[20:14] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=5]
[20:16] <@Kotono> More murmurs at that. It's a split -s ome of the crowd looks fearful, some not. But all eyes are on Athear now, listening....OOC: Go ahead, Athear.
[20:21] <Athear> "I am not asking you to all ride into battle with us to face the evil this world has to offer." Athear says, mostly to those who still look fearing. "But... you can still strive for good in your own homes and in your own lives every day. You do not have to allow evil to triumph, even if you are not fighting it every day with a sword and a shield. Maybe your child wishes to study a topic that
[20:21] <Athear> will make the world a better place to libe. You should encourage that! You should not hide away from the truth and hope that one day it will simply go away. Maybe next time you go to another town and see someone downtrodden... Instead of ignoring them, hoping someone else will help them, you try and pull them out of their rut and help them become a better person. I am not asking you to solve
[20:21] <Athear> the world's problems, but at least... do not ignore them. My comrades and I will be taking steps to repair your grove... what you do after that is ultimately up to you. Your own lives are yours to decide -- I will not make that choice for you, no deity will... or they shouldn't. That is something you can all do: You can live your lives and be good people."
[20:23] <@Kotono> This stirs them - the people nod, then a clap. Another. Another. Clapping sweeps through the assembled at those words, agreement called out. One voice out of it is heard, carrying, "Because when good men do nothing?"
[20:25] <Athear> "That, my friends, is the only way evil ever triumphs!" Athear calls out!
[20:28] <@Kotono> With that, clapping follows, Athear's words echoing in the hearts and minds of those assembled. OOC: That good there? If so, waiting on Cor.
[20:30] <Athear> OOC: Yeah that's good. Ill do my meditation / prayer for any hints on how to proceed with the grove next.
[20:31] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay. Make a Wis check.
[20:32] <Athear> roll 1d20+2
[20:32] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 5 > [d20=3]

[Corwin]

[20:47] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, what's next ont he party's agenda here?
[20:47] <@Inari> OOC: lets go check out the grove?
[20:48] <Annerose> OOC: Yes
[20:48] <Annerose> OOC: I'll precast my knowledge spell
[20:56] <@Kotono> OOC: Which spell?
[20:56] <Annerose> OOC: ancient knowledge
[20:57] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.

[20:58] <@Kotono> The grove is a little ways south of the town. It's not a grove, but still visible. Despite the morning's summery heat and humidity, you can't miss it with the instructions. It's not every day yo ucome on a patch of frozen, icy ground in the summer, after all. There may have once been a grove here, but now there is only winter's frigid rule.
[21:00] <Annerose> "It might be comfortable here," Annerose muses, stepping onto the icy ground and opening all her senses, "but it is unnatural. This is a situation that can be changed."
[21:00] <Annerose> OOC: DM, +any knowledges?
[21:01] <@Inari> Inari walks direct and unafraid into the centre of the desecrated frost and then slowly turns around to take it all in. If she could consecrate or hallow it... easy once, but such avenues are beyond her now. But it reflects poorly on her to rely solely on overwhelming force. Crouching down she scratches her fingers through the frozen soil, considering how this ties together, where the knot might be.
[21:01] <@Inari> roll 1d20+11 I'm trying religion
[21:01] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 19 > [d20=8]
[21:02] <@Athear> roll 1d20+6 sure I'll try K:R too
[21:02] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 19 > [d20=13]
[21:02] <@Athear> OOC: well fine then
[21:03] <@Kotono> OOC: Spellcraft, Annerose.
[21:03] <Annerose> roll 1d20+11 spellcraft
[21:03] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=13]
[21:03] <@Athear> OOC: Can I aid?
[21:05] <@Kotono> Inari and Athear can't quite pin it down. This is clearl ysomething related to Auril, something foul and lifeless - but they can't quite identify it.  Meanwhile, Annerose can analyze the magic here. A curse to leave the grounds forever frozen, the tiniest splinter of a splinter of Auril's wrath. A remove curse might work, or greater dispel magic.
[21:06] <Annerose> "A curse, like I thought," she muses out loud. "But it would take considerable magic to remove." She thinks to rituals instead, or folk remedies. Not every ill in the world is fixed by a trained wizard, after all.
[21:07] <@Athear> "Well, it's obvious whose flock caused it..." Athear states with a glance around. "Perhaps it simply needs an infusion of something anathema to Auril?" Athear asks aloud, considering the options. "Perhaps this time of year would be perfect."
[21:08] <Annerose> "Anathema to her wrath, rather than Auril herself. That's what I'm thinking."
[21:08] <@Kotono> OOC: K:A, Annerose.
[21:08] <Annerose> "Maybe hold a harvest festival here? A celebration? A wedding?"
[21:08] <Annerose> roll 1d20+11+5
[21:08] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=11]
[21:09] <@Inari> Inari shakes her head. "It's lifeless," she says, soft cracks of frost as she crumbles soil between her fingertips. "Not unlife, just... dead. Nothingness." She stands up now, wiping her hands together. "I don't think something so simple as fire would work. The char would just be frosted over within a-" Suddenly her ears twitch and she turns her head. "Quiet."
[21:10] <@Athear> Athear blinks at Inari, unsure if she means to be quiet or she thought of something, but he stays silent nonetheless.
[21:12] <@Kotono> Annerose can tell this curse won't be easily undone. Auril's wrath never thaws, and thus her curses are correspondingly difficult to undo. The most likely and brute force way would be a celebration of life and fire - it might work if sufficiently powerful or symbolic enough. But as she thinks that, Inari speaks up. Around Inari a scene blossoms. A verdant grove, beams of white striking it as
[21:12] <@Kotono> trees and animals freeze solid. WIld animals of all sorts, crying out as they are taken by this bitter cold. Before you the plants and animals become naught but ice, yet still whimper. An audible whimper heard by all the party. Then a woman's voice is heard, harsh, "Get them, Jack! No escape for any of them, in life or death!"
[21:13] <@Athear> Athear narrows his eyes with a grimace at the sounds. "We will put an end to this nonsense one way or another."
[21:14] <@Inari> OOC: is the whimper directional or just coming from all around?
[21:14] <@Kotono> OOC: All around.
[21:15] <@Inari> Nothing she can deal with now, a vision of the past. Still, Inari pays attention to all the details, hoping for some sort of clue conveyed in this message.
[21:17] <@Athear> Athear stays quiet while Inari looks to be listening. He huffs once with a fold of his arms... curses, pfeh.
[21:19] <@Kotono> All the animals and trees are frozen. A horrid wonderland of ice is now the only consolation. Slowly the trees and animals turn to snow, blowing in the wind. A man's voice calls, "It's done. They'll stay here until the Frostmaiden freezes this world forever." A great whimper is heard all over, countless animals crying out in distress. Then the vision fades, leaving only the unnaturally frozen
[21:19] <@Kotono> grove.
[21:20] * Annerose tries to think of any fire-themed festival that existed in local custom. If they revive it after it's slipped into decline, that might just be powerful enough.
[21:21] <@Kotono> OOC: K:L, Annerose.
[21:22] <@Inari> Inari breathes out, closing her eyes for a moment while her tails swish around erratically. Then she opens them and all is serene. "No one can really grasp the nature of forever. Either there's some lever we can find here, or one day we can come back with enough power to undo this."
[21:22] <Annerose> roll 1d20+11+5
[21:22] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=7]
[21:24] <@Kotono> Fire's never been that big in Malana, relatively. Auril's always had a strong base in the southern mountains, after all. The Shining Light Cathedral of Lathander in Misty Harbor is your best bet for anything like it - they have a bonfire festival that's meant to celebrate life. Or did, though lately you recall hearing they've had to remove it due to money problems.
[21:25] * Annerose sadly shakes her head. "I can't think of anything I can do, as I am now. But after I finally visit Misty Harbor, perhaps?"
[21:27] <@Inari> "I'm going to look around," Inari decides. It's unlikely but maybe there's some carefully hidden physical anchor? Or another clue? Either way it's worth a try.
[21:27] <@Inari> roll 1d20+12 perception
[21:27] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=14]
[21:29] <@Kotono> Inari looks around. It's unremarkable - wait. In the center of it she finds a glittering, tiny shard of ice. It's slowly and subtly growing. Inari's breath mists out as she comes close enough to see it, the air here cold as a day in late Pess.
[21:29] <@Athear> "Well, perhaps we can ask the villagers." Athear suggests. "They may know something about the customs of this area we do not."
[21:30] <@Inari> "Look here!" Inari waves the others over, crouching by the shard and casting detect magic to examine it more closely.
[21:30] <@Inari> roll 1d20+11 spellcraft
[21:30] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 21 > [d20=10]
[21:31] * Annerose comes over!
[21:32] <@Kotono> Inari can tell the shard is gathering power. It's summoning magic and forging them into creatures. If left alone, it'll soon summon cold-related monsters. With a sudden flash of canine insight, Inari is certain it will include at least one winter wolf.
[21:32] <Annerose> "You think this is it?" Annerose asks curiously, taking a look herself.
[21:32] <Annerose> roll 1d20+11
[21:32] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=15]
[21:34] <@Inari> "No... no, it summons guardians instead. No doubt to drive off the likes of us." Standing up she attempts to melt it with her foxfire before any can appear.
[21:34] <@Inari> roll 1d20+8 ranged touch
[21:34] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 10 > [d20=2]
[21:35] <@Kotono> Annerose can tell the shard is gathering power and that it's summoning/creating, just as Inari did. In addition, she gets the sharp, sudden impression that the cold is weaving and s ummoning ice mephits as well.
[21:35] <@Kotono> OOC: Miss since it's small enough to have a size bonus.
[21:35] <@Kotono> Inari fires off fox fire, but misses the shard entirely. The ground is hit, the frost there enveloping the foxfire like a suffocating blanket.
[21:36] <@Inari> roll 1d4 recharge
[21:36] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 1 > [d4=1]
[21:37] <@Inari> "Tch, either of you have any fire attacks? I'll be a moment before I can try again," Inari says clasping her hands together before her within her voluminous sleeves.
[21:37] <Annerose> "I think you're right," Annerose agrees somewhat helplessly, before pulling off her gloves and reaching out to grasp the shard in her hands.
[21:39] <@Kotono> The shard is icy cold. Annerose can feel it drawing from her, a hungry thing. It wants the cold. It beats like a living heard, yet is motionless.
[21:40] <Annerose> The shard firmly grasped, Annerose tries tossing it out of the ruined grove!
[21:42] <@Kotono> The shard is tossed. It lands outside the grove and breaks apart, melting in the warmth of summer. The magic begins to fade away around it, dissipating.
[21:43] <@Inari> "That's better," Inari says approvingly. "Still... we're stuck with the frozen grove itself, aren't we?"
[21:43] <@Athear> "I would suggest we ask the villagers." Athear says. "They may have some insight into this. Maybe they used to perform a festival here and that is why Auril's spite has taken this particular spot."
[21:44] <Annerose> "The only things I can think of are finding a mage capable of breaking this curse, or convincing the Shining Light Cathedral of Misty Harbor to break it with one of their old rituals," Annerose comments. "While I know of other festivals with the right theme, without the proper background and belief from the villagers they would not work."
[21:45] <Annerose> To Athear, she adds, "This was a holy grove, I believe Gregor has said."
[21:46] <@Athear> Athear nods to Annerose. "Well, the villagers are imbued with a new sense of hope after we arrived. That may give the festival what it needs. We may as well ask and then proceed from there."
[21:47] <@Inari> "It's certainly worth a try," Inari agrees with that plan, starting back towards the ruined village.
[21:48] * Annerose shrugs, putting her gloves back on as she follows suit. "There are times when enthusiasm can overcome a lack of proper connection."
[21:51] <@Athear> Athear nods. "Passion over strength, hm?"
[21:52] <@Kotono> OOC: So what's your plan now?
[21:52] <Annerose> OOC: Go talk to Gregor again, ask about suitable festivals, fill him in on what we learned
[21:54] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[21:55] <@Kotono> It's just before mid-morning when the party gets back to Ailan. They find Gregor sitting on a tree stump, watching a building be worked on. Nearby is Anisa, babbling about something to him. You can't quite make it out as you approach, but she gets up and points at the party, "Fox lady and snow lady!"
[21:57] <@Inari> Inari waves as she's identified, smiling.
[21:58] * Annerose smiles at Anisa upon approaching.
[22:00] <@Kotono> Gregor turns and smiles, "How was your trip?" he asks, as Anisa runs up and hugs Inari.
[22:02] <@Inari> Happy to be hugged, Inari leans forward to hug the little girl back, mussing her hair before raising her gaze towards Gregor. "There wasn't any immediate solution, but Annerose and Athear had some ideas..."
[22:03] <Annerose> "We learned a few things," Annerose muses, patting Anisa's head as she stays by Inari's side. "A shard of Auril's wrath keeps the winter in place, and going there alone for any length of time might be dangerous. But I think that if we held a festival celebrating life and fire there, it could lift the curse."
[22:05] <@Kotono> "A festival?" It's repeated thoughtfully, the elder rubbing his chin. "Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm..." He trails off as he thinks. Meanwhile, Anisa looks up at Annerose and murmurs, "Is it okay to touch Inari's tail?" she asks quietly. 'It's pretty."
[22:05] <@Athear> "Yes, we wanted to ask if you or your village had anything that might fit that description. Perhaps one you may have performed in that grove in the past?" Athear asks.
[22:06] * Annerose tilts her head, and then runs her hand down Inari's tail lightly.
[22:07] <@Kotono> "The closest I can think of is a barn burning. There was an old local legend that if a cow gave birth to a cow without spots, you had to burn the barn down and rebuild, since it was cursed. A spotless cow is a sign of evil." Gregor says after some contemplation.
[22:08] <@Inari> Inari pretends not to hear that quiet whisper, her tail swaying enticingly beneath Annerose's fingers while its counterpart floats around towards Anisa.
[22:08] <Annerose> "There is a church in Misty Harbor that I was thinking of petitioning on your behalf," Annerose muses, giving Anisa a subtle thumbs up.
[22:09] <@Athear> "Hm. I do not know if that would suffice... But if enough of you believed that doing so would remove a curse... it very well may." Athear considers. "But I don't think we could build a barn on that land to just burn it back down..."
[22:10] <Annerose> "It's just not practical," Annerose agrees. "The cows will die from the cold."
[22:11] <@Kotono> Inari's other tail gets petted as well. Meanwhile, "It's not pratical," The old man agrees, "All our able hands are trying ot rebuild enough of the houses to get by during winter, or getting what crops they can."
[22:11] <@Athear> roll 1d20+6 any festivals to Bahamut that might fit the bill?
[22:11] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=9]
[22:12] <@Inari> "Perhaps by next Spring? It's a wait, but it's something you could work on after dealing with the current problems," Inari suggests. "There are potions that can protect from inclement weather, too. They'd work on cows as well as people."
[22:14] <Annerose> "I think it would be good to focus on rebuilding right now," Annerose agrees. "And speaking of that, is there a way for me to help?"
[22:14] <@Kotono> Athear can't think ofa ny. Bahamut prefers cold and offers the cold domain. That's more his speed. While dragonfire is distinctly a thing, other deities in the draconic pantheon tend to handle that (or on occasion a being named Raziel, though Athear can't recall any more details there).
[22:16] <@Athear> Athear shakes his head. "There is a being known as Raziel that sometimes handles dragonfire but I cannot recall anything else about it. I apologize."
[22:18] <Annerose> "Playing with fire blindly isn't such a good idea," Annerose cautions Athear. "Most of its patrons tend towards the selfish, to the point that the few who don't stand out. We don't just want to melt that ice and burn the land, but to bring life to it once more. That would be why I would bet on Lathander."
[22:19] <@Athear> Athear nods to Annerose. "Of course. If there is a clue in Misty Harbor, then we should perhaps make that a landmark to arrive at."
[22:20] <@Inari> "A pity Warmfolk doesn't really live up to its name..." Inari reflects thoughtfully.
[22:20] <@Kotono> Gregor merely nods at this but remains silent, thoughtful.

[Corwin]

[20:08] <@Kotono> Inari settles down for her night's rest. She lies in nature, the sticky warmth of the summer night like nature's own cloying blanket. Yet sleep does not come, only restlessness. As silence settles over the half-ruined down, Inari can only come to one conclusion: she can't sleep.
[20:11] <@Inari> This is where a stiff drink or two would be useful. Deciding instead to just try and tire herself out, Inari adopts her true fox form and goes for a walk into the countryside amidst the sacked village.
[20:16] <@Kotono> Inari's trip into the countryside is illuminated by pale moonlight. The world is alive to her canine senses, from chirping bugs to rustling animals in the underbrush. She wanders a time, until she sees something ahead. Sitting atop a large stone is another fox. A male one if Inari doesn't miss her guess.  It has that curous smile-like look some foxes have, sitting primly in the moonlight.
[20:18] <@Inari> Well there won't be any hens for it to steal in this village for a little while. Scampering over with her two tails waving behind her, Inari gives her fellow fox a friendly sniff.
[20:20] <@Kotono> The fox returns that gesture and reaches out, nudging Inari's shoulder, before starting to go off to the south.
[20:23] <@Inari> A distraction as good as any other, Inari pads after the other fox for now, if only to pass the time.
[20:23] <@Kotono> The male fox leads Inari along at a good trot. Soon you find yourself at a familiar place - the frozen grove. The fox sits before the outer edge of it, face falling. It looks distinctly sad, shoulders and tail slumped.
[20:26] <@Inari> It's not just the humans that suffer for its loss, is it? Going over to nudge the much younger fox, she walks into the grove once more. The cold doesn't bother her bare paws, at least.
[20:28] <@Kotono> The fox enters slowly, a little whimper coming from it. It's colder here, like autumn at the edge of it. But the other fox seems content to follow Inari now.
[20:32] <@Inari> Hmm... she has an idea now. She was right earlier, that any ritual they perform here has to have meaning to the participants. But who's to say they have to be human? Perhaps a church of the wild could serve just as well? Rubbing up against the other fox to encourage him, she paces around the frozen area as she thinks of how this could be accomplished... the main stumbling block is that no animal
[20:32] <@Inari> she can think of has a good relationship with fire.
[20:34] <@Kotono> Whimper. The sound of whimpers is heard to Inari once more. In the pale light of the moon, she can see them. Vague and transparent blue images of animals, all looking in distress. A squirrel, a mouse, a deer, a fox, a bird.
[20:36] <@Inari> She looks at the image of a fox, and then at the fox beside her. It could be a clue, that there are exemplars perhaps?
[20:38] <@Kotono> The fox besides her hides his eyes under his paws. At the same time, the blue images of the animals whimper. Icy chains appear around them, pulling them away. They fade away as they do, whimpering softly in distress.
[20:40] <@Inari> Nudging her new friend, Inari leads the other fox back out of the grove. It's just upsetting him for no reason at this point.
[20:41] <@Kotono> The fox follows at a near run. When the two of you are out, it looks at Inari with scared, wide eyes.
[20:44] <@Inari> Foxes don't really know how to comfort each other. Fortunately Inari is a few millenia beyond an ordinary fox! Rising up and taking her more humanoid form, she promptly kneels back down again and reaches for the other fox, hands rubbing across his fur to warm him up and draw him onto her knees. "It's alright, I'll find a way to fix it," she reassures, even if he can't understand the words.
[20:46] <@Kotono> The fox whimpers - but doesn't flee. It licks Inari's hands, nuzzling them like a dog might.
[20:50] <@Inari> She does her best to sooth him for a while, brain turning over ideas. Perhaps if she found representatives of the other four animals she saw in that vision? Maybe there's a key there... it's something to do at any rate. "Come with me," she asks, standing up and leading the fox away so they can search for a squirrel, a mouse, a bird, and a deer.
[20:50] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a survival check.
[20:51] <@Inari> roll 1d20+9
[20:51] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 11 > [d20=2]
[20:53] <@Kotono> No luck after a good hour of searching. It's perhaps midnight now and the fox follows you obdiently. Sometimes the hunt just doesn't go well, Inari knows that much.
[20:55] <@Inari> And now she really is tired. But she has an idea, and can search again tomorrow. More than half of the animals she thinks she needs are diurnal anyway, so hopefully better luck in the morning. Leading her new friend back to where she started, she makes a second attempt at sleep.
[20:56] <@Kotono> The fox follows. It's strange - that exercise plus a fox curling up near you is just what you needed. Sleep comes, mercifully enveloping Inari. The day's troubles leave her, refreshment following. OOC: Let me pause you for a sec here.

[Corwin]

[20:11] <@Kotono> Rest. Recovery. Sleep. Even the summer heat can't deny them from Athear.  In this he is swept into dreams, ethereal and deep dreams. Before him he sees a grand horde, stretching far and wide. A dragon's treasure built up over century after century, wealth before him to drown a king.
[20:13] <Athear> Ha, what a thing to dream about. He pushes himself forward into the dream, towards the treasures. Surely, something like this would be guarded, no matter the circumstances...?
[20:17] <@Kotono> There are no guards. Each treasure is grand, but one catches his eye. A great gemstone, a diamond as large as a man. It is flawless....yet as Athear watches it, more and more flaws appear in it. Little cracks, dents and bits of dirtiness. Slowly at first, but they expand out at a faster and faster pace.
[20:19] <Athear> A fitting end to something like that. 'A lesson about trying to amass too much wealth,' he thinks. 'Or perhaps a lesson in tryimg to be flawless...?' His mind races with all the potential possibilities and meanings. Could it be a message? Divine influence? Maybe he's just exhausted and dreaming of diamonds for some reason...
[20:21] <@Kotono> Before your eyes, the diamond cracks, darkens and ultimately breaks. The horde seems lesser now, an empty spot that feels wrong to Athear.
[20:23] <Athear> Athear turns to look across the room. Is there anything else that catches his eye? An exit? This is a dream, isn't it? Can't he just control it, he wonders?
[20:24] <@Kotono> There's treasure all about - more diamonds, each perfect. Yet as the first one shatters, the flaws expand from it, spreading. Diamond after diamond is flawed, darkening and ultimately breaks. Before your eyes, the horde is reduced to naught but dust.
[20:26] <Athear> Athear strides through the dust of the former treasures. What does this mean? Does it mean anything? There are so many questions... but only one answer. He looks around the ruined treasures for anything that might give him insight.
[20:28] <@Kotono> But one diamond remains. Athear sights it as he looks around. The flaws reach it, but points of light as well. Little points of light that band together, countering the flaws and slowly keeping them in check, then pushing them back.
[20:31] <Athear> Athear strides over to the diamond and leans down to lift it up.
[20:32] <@Kotono> It's a giant diamond the size of a man. It's surprisingly heavy, but he lifts it. He can see the poitns of light work, purifying and saving the diamond.
[20:35] <Athear> Athear ponders this. Does it go somewhere? Does it have a purpose? He looks through the diamond... perhaps it's a lens?
[20:36] <@Kotono> The diamond's flaws are gone. It is once more pure a-awakening. Athear awakens from his bedroll. It's warm, muggy and dark. Only some moonlight illuminates the area around him. But the dream echos in his mind, like a memory.
[20:38] <Athear> Flaws... the grove, perhaps? It's like a flaw in a diamond... Hm. Perhaps there's a deeper meaning...? He sits up to consider his religious training on the matter.
[20:41] <Athear> roll 1d20+6 anything with regards to Bahamut or the dragons and diamonds specifically?
[20:41] <Serith> Athear roll for Serith < 19 > [d20=13]
[20:41] <Athear> OOC: K:R if it's not obvious
[20:42] <@Kotono> Dream intepretation is always difficult and subjective. But a dragon's horde is sometimes used to represent Bahamut's treasures: his followers and those who fight against the evils of Tiamat and other dark deities.
[20:44] <Athear> Hm. Is he sending a message that Athear is alone in this part of the world and must stay strong, else he'll fall like all the rest? Not much else to go on, really... Athear lets out a breath and moves to stand. It's late, but a patrol around the area might be a good idea anyway. He retrieves just his scimitar and shield and moves to stand, perhaps a walk will give him some clarity on if
[20:44] <Athear> the dream even meant anything.
[20:48] <@Kotono> Athear wanders in the night. It's quiet, no sign of the goblins. But in time he comes on someone - sitting next to a half-burnt house is a young man with a black dog. He absently pets the dog, looking up at the moonlit sky. "Evening," he murmurs quietly to Athear.
[20:50] <Athear> "Can't sleep either?" Athear asks.
[20:51] <@Kotono> "Not yet," he murmurs, his dog looking up at Athear. It's an old dog, muzzle covered in white. "Too many questions and not enough answers."
[20:55] <Athear> "What kind of questions are you trying to answer this evening?" Athear asks. It does strike him as a bit odd that anyone would be this introspective...
[20:58] <@Kotono> "Why did the goblins come inland? Can goblins and humans get along, or is war inevitable? Why is there suffering in this world? Why didn't soldiers come and how could people be so cold hearted?" He shrugs by the last of them, "Many questions with no answers yet."
[20:59] <Athear> "There are many answers to those questions." Athear says. "To try and answer all of them with every potential answer would take you quite some time, I think. However, to your first -- they were either forced to or embolded. The goblins we fought were lead by a shaman who had an artifact that let him control elementals. I would imagine that they've been embolded by something specific."
[20:59] <Athear> Athear shakes his head. "It may be a matter that simply cannot be ignored."
[21:01] <@Kotono> "May be," The man pats his dog a little more, "But this isn't the best time. I really should be asleep, tomorrow will be another hard day."
[21:03] <Athear> "If you are already given to the reality that tomorrow will be difficult, you have already succumbed to its difficulty. You should look at tomorrow as a chance to make things better." Athear says. "Try and get some sleep, then, young man." He turns and resumes his walk.
[21:04] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, lemme pause you here a few.

[Corwin]

[19:21] <@Kobrb> Annerose rests that night. Sleeping under the stars has little charm in this sort of mugginess, but needs are as needs are. Unlike Inari, Annerose falls asleep quickly, into a web of unremembered dreams. She awakens under the pale moonlight, a sense of agitation over things forgotten in the dreamscape.
[19:24] * Annerose lays staring at the stars as she gradually wakes up. Siegfried gets a sideways glance, to make sure he's comfortably chilled resting by her armor, and then Annerose stands up to stretch her legs.
[19:27] <@Kotono> The penguin is so resting, fast asleep. Stretching helps a little bit, a sort of foggy awareness being parted by the rythyms of activity. As she does, she can spot a figure moving through the darkness.What little light there is from the moon is sufficient to tell it is Gregor.
[19:28] <Annerose> Since both of them are awake at this hour, she might as well go and say hello!
[19:29] <@Kotono> Gregor seems to hear you, stopping as you approach. "Evening," he greets, wiping his brow with a kerchief. "This weather makes sleep its own ordeal."
[19:29] <Annerose> "At least it's not raining tonight," she says with a smile.
[19:32] <@Kotono> "That wouldn't be so bad if we were inside," Gregor smiles faintly, "If it rained all night, it would be cool 'till sun up." He wanders over to an old tree stump, sitting down on it.
[19:35] <Annerose> "Let's just say I'm thankful for my armor~"
[19:37] <@Kotono> A soft noise of agreement followed by a short silence. "Can I ask you a personal question?"
[19:38] <Annerose> "Certainly! I might even answer it~"
[19:40] <@Kotono> The old man nods slightly and is silent a time before asking, "Malana's health is poor, is it not? I fear this country is as old and sickly as I am. I fear that without strong medicine..." A trail off again, "To get to my point, people like you are the best medicine we have. Are you going to do anything about this?"
[19:44] <Annerose> "How is that personal-- no, nevermind." Annerose shakes her head. "An interesting way to put it. I suspect a great deal of people want to do something, but lack a clear vision of what to do. I think that we should start from the ground up. Call it... call it grassroots. That's how we all have to start, here and in Warmfolk and everywhere else in Malana. And once enough people help enough within their communities, things will begin to change in earnest without us even noticing it."
[19:46] <@Kotono> "Mmm-hmmm." A noise of agreement again, those words allowed to stand uncommented for another pause. When he answers again, it is slower. "What of your friends? The lifespan of heroes can be distressingly short, and many a hero has become something far less heroic to survive."
[19:47] <Annerose> "They are good people, but we've only met a few days ago," Annerose admits.
[19:49] <@Kotono> A nod to that, "What I am getting at is that even the bravest heroine," A nod to Annerose there, "Lives a life of danger, one that may be short or subverted. In my life I have seen heroes come through Ailan and promise to return...only never to, the bards speaking of last stands and those who were never seen again. Or those that become known to all, lost to the luxuries of rank and priviledge.
[19:49] <@Kotono> I fear what will happen to three heroic wanderers who take to Malana alone."
[19:51] <Annerose> "Whereas there is a strength in numbers."
[19:52] <@Kotono> "Just so." Gregor smiles a little bit, "The three of you are the first heroes I have seen in years. These times are growing thin for heroes, and I fear what will happen should the three of you be frittered away."
[19:55] <Annerose> "I think you'll get your wish," Annerose muses. "Whether the way to restore the grove lies here or in Misty Harbor, I suspect we'll be together until Auril's wrath had been pushed back."
[19:56] <@Kotono> A smile - a bigger one this time. "Thank you. I'm sure you think this old man's rattlings are terribly overprotective and prying, but..." He pauses here, before shaking his head. "It's late. I fear I won't sleep if I don't try soon." He slowly rises, "Rest well, Annerose."