060. Pirate attack!

[Corwin]

[19:58] <~Kotono> All around is the roar of combat. Pirates - clad only in pants and in varying shapes of suntanned fitness - battle the crew about, having about a 3 to 1 edge. The ship over has more men on it, broad planks connecting the two ships. Light comes torches on both ships, giving more than enough to see in the middle of the night. As this goes on...OOC: This is a fairly chaotic, messy battle. Roll init
[19:58] <~Kotono> and we'll handle this a bit more abstractly.
[19:59] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6 T
[19:59] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 8 > [d20=2]
[19:59] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Helena
[19:59] <@Inari> roll 1d20+4
[19:59] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=12]
[19:59] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 6 > [d20=2]
[19:59] <Annerose> roll 1d20+5+5
[19:59] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 21 > [d20=11]
[19:59] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+1 Rock
[19:59] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=15]
[19:59] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Captain Burke's crew
[19:59] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 10 > [d20=8]
[20:00] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Pirates
[20:00] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 14 > [d20=12]
[20:00] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(21)>Rock=Helena(16)>Pirates(14)>Captain Burke's Crew(10)>T(8)>Inari(Miko)'
[20:00] <~Kotono> OOC: Waiting on Erad's init.
[20:01] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2
[20:01] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 13 > [d20=11]
[20:01] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(21)>Rock=Helena(16)>Pirates(14)>Erad(13)>Captain Burke's Crew(10)>T(8)>Inari(Miko)'
[20:01] <~Kotono> OOC: Annerose opens.
[20:03] <@Inari> "Rock, go stop anyone coming across those planks!" Inari tells the troll, figuring a chaotic melee isn't the best place to let him run loose when he doesn't know everyone on their side very well.
[20:04] <Annerose> It's important to open with the right statement, so Annerose finds herself an angle where she could strike at a few of the boarders as well as their reinforcements on the other ship! Sixty feet covers quite a bit of ground, and inherent magic is easy to call upon! "How dare you strike at us in the night?!" she cries out, directing waves of frost at the pirates.
[20:04] <Annerose> roll 7d6 cold
[20:04] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 29 > [d6=6,2,6,2,4,5,4]
[20:04] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[20:04] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 13 > [d20=9]
[20:04] <Annerose> OOC: Ref DC21, Cone of Cold
[20:05] <~Kotono> Just like that, half a dozen pirates are flash frozen. They fall, some shattering and others just cracking. "Aaah!" A cry of surprise goes up, "Mage! Get the mage!" Meanwhile Rock charges to the platforms, as Helena follows - and charges past, barreling into the first man on the other ship that she can.
[20:06] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+12 (+2 charge)
[20:06] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=12]
[20:06] <~Kotono> roll 1d6+5+2d6
[20:06] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 19 > [d6=6,6,2]
[20:08] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(21)>Rock=Helena(16)>Pirate Captain(15)>Pirates(14)>Erad(13)>Captain Burke's Crew(10)>T(8)>Inari(Miko)'
[20:08] <~Kotono> The massive, deafening CRACK echos as skull meets shield, Helena going right into the thick of it and taking one out. As he falls, one comes up from above decks. A massive titan of a man, with a dark red beard and a bloody-red mace. "Oh ho, some sharks with the fishes," he bellows, "Kill 'em all!" OOC: Captain's up.
[20:09] <~Kotono> He advances right onto Helena, the lesser pirates parting around him. He's all muscle and fat, a big belly and ripped arms and legs. He laughs as he strides forward, "Quiver, little woman!"
[20:09] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+13
[20:09] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=12]
[20:09] <~Kotono> roll 1d8+8 and more coming
[20:09] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 11 > [d8=3]
[20:10] <~Kotono> roll 1d6 str damage
[20:10] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 3 > [d6=3]
[20:10] <~Kotono> roll 1d6 dex damage
[20:10] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 2 > [d6=2]
[20:10] <Annerose> "What sort of coward of a captain sits back while his men fight?" Annerose calls out. "You pirates might be scum, but your leader is the worst of the lot!"
[20:10] <~Kotono> roll 1d6 con damage
[20:10] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 5 > [d6=5]
[20:11] <~Kotono> The mace strikes Helena fully in the chest. She gasps as red blots appear all over her body. Globs of blood burst through her skin and out, flying into the mace as she clutches her chest, shield lowered. "Guh!" A gush of blood comes up, coughed out and splattering right into the bloody red mace. OOC: Pirates are up.
[20:12] <~Kotono> "Attack!" Amid the melee, the remaining pirates turn and focus on the heroes - attacks on Inari, Erad, Annerose and T first.
[20:12] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Inari
[20:12] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=10]
[20:12] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Annerose
[20:12] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 19 > [d20=13]
[20:12] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Erad
[20:12] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 9 > [d20=3]
[20:12] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6 T
[20:12] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=18]
[20:12] <Annerose> OOC: AC 20
[20:12] <~Kotono> OOC: Any of those hit?
[20:12] <~Kotono> roll 1d6+3 T
[20:12] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 6 > [d6=3]
[20:13] <@Inari> OOC: safe
[20:13] <@Erad> OOC: 20 AC here
[20:14] <~Kotono> T gets a gash on his arm, a muttered curse, "Well, I'm awake now!" He yelps, shaking his arm. Meanwhile, a few pirates on the ship have daggers, tossing them at the advancing Rock.
[20:14] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[20:14] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 12 > [d20=6]
[20:14] <~Kotono> But they bounce off Rock's stony skin, the tiny cuts healing instantly. OOC: Erad.
[20:15] <@Erad> "I'm going to go help Helena!" Erad calls out, taking to the air to fly over. OOC: Would I be able to get behind or on his side by flying, and would I eat an AoO to do so?
[20:15] <~Kotono> OOC: Yes and no, respectively.
[20:16] <@Erad> OOC: Okay. then I will go behind him. Do I get a flanking bonus from that?
[20:16] <~Kotono> OOC: Yes.
[20:16] <@Erad> OOC: all righty
[20:17] <@Erad> Erad will fly over and move in behind the bastard that's taking it to Helena! His claws drip acid as he strikes out, trying to smite the bastard too!
[20:17] <@Erad> roll 1d20+9+2+5 smite evil
[20:17] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=9]
[20:17] <~Kotono> OOC: That's a hit.
[20:18] <@Erad> roll 2d8+2+5+1d6+2d6 last is acid
[20:18] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 34 > [d8=5,5][d6=6,6,5]
[20:20] <~Kotono> Erad flies over and lands in a crouch, dodging a mace-blow and whirling. He leaps up and claws the bastard's face right in, ripping away nose, eyes and face. But he doesn't fall. Instead he laughs wetly, as blood gushes out - but not falling. It instead reforms his face, the injury gone in moments. "I'm invincible. little man!"
[20:20] <~Kotono> OOC: Captain Burke's crew is up.
[20:21] <@Erad> "Then I guess we'll just have to do something more permanent about that." Erad retorts.
[20:21] <~Kotono> Meanwhile, the pressed crew is no longer so pressed, rallying back even as a few fall.
[20:21] <Annerose> roll 1d20+12+5 K:A
[20:21] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[20:21] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=10]
[20:21] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=16]
[20:21] <~Kotono> roll 1d6+3
[20:21] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 7 > [d6=4]
[20:22] <~Kotono> A few more pirates are wounded as the battle rages on, as Annerose blinks. That mace - a mace of blood. A terribly cursed and evil magical item, that demands blood for power. One far more potent than usual, virtually throbbing with unholy power. OOC: T.
[20:22] <Annerose> "Break the mace!" Annerose calls out to Erad. "He's nothing without its power!"
[20:23] <~Kotono> "Ugh," T grunts, going for the pirate on him, "Yeah, that," T says, as he spars back and forth.
[20:23] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+9 (+3 inspiration 5/6 left, 4/6 for +3 damage as well, -4 nonlethal that's probably his next feat since he nonlethals a lot)
[20:23] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=13]
[20:23] <~Kotono> roll 1d4+2
[20:23] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 4 > [d4=2]
[20:24] <~Kotono> T clubs his pirate with the butt of his dagger, making him stagger around like he's had too much grog. As that happens...OOC: Inari.
[20:25] <@Inari> Since a few of their brave sailors have fallen, Inari takes it on herself to make sure they get back up when this is all over by casting mass lesser vigor on three of them!
[20:25] <@Inari> OOC: fast healing 2 for 16 rounds
[20:25] <~Kotono> OOC: Concentration, since you do have a pirate in your face and attacking you.
[20:26] <@Inari> roll 1d20+14 DC 18
[20:26] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 19 > [d20=5]
[20:26] <~Kotono> Healing spreads about as Inari does just that, dodging a strike at her side. Wounds mend before your eyes as...OOC: Annerose.
[20:27] <Annerose> roll 1d20+11 K:L
[20:27] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 29 > [d20=18]
[20:28] * Annerose tries to advance towards Helena and the pirate captain, even if it means she has to personally freeze every pirate from here and to the plank.
[20:28] <Annerose> roll 1d20+10 touch
[20:28] <Annerose> roll 1d20+10 touch
[20:28] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=12]
[20:28] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=15]
[20:28] <Annerose> OOC: 5ft step closer
[20:28] <~Kotono> OOC: Two hits.
[20:29] <Annerose> roll 2d6+3+3 cold
[20:29] <Annerose> roll 2d6+3+3 cold
[20:29] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 8 > [d6=1,1]
[20:29] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 12 > [d6=4,2]
[20:32] <~Kotono> Two pirates are frozen solid as she advances, falling besides her.  OOC: Rock and Helena.
[20:35] <~Kotono> Helena coughs up more blood, which flows to his mace. "Y-yeah," she gasps, withdrawing back to behind Rock. "Get 'em, Rock!" She points! "Bite him! Eat him! Inari, tell him to get him!"
[20:35] <~Kotono> OOC: Withdraw action for Helena, she wants no part of more damage after that first mace strike, thanks.
[20:35] <@Inari> "Yes, do that Rock!" Inari happily chimes in.
[20:36] <~Kotono> Rock lumbers forward, ignoring the mace as he tries to tear into the pirate before him.
[20:36] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+11 (+2 rage, -2 PA)
[20:36] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 13 > [d20=2]
[20:37] <~Kotono> But the pirate's too fast, the mace batting the troll away. "Gonna have to do better than that to see how doomed you are," he laughs, entire belly shaking. He whirls on Erad, striking at him and then Rock, a flurry of strikes all around him.
[20:37] <@Erad> Well, if they could tear his arm off, that might do it... No time to worry about that, though!
[20:37] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+13 whirlwinding
[20:37] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=7]
[20:37] <~Kotono> OOC: AC, Erad.
[20:38] <@Erad> OOC: 20
[20:38] <~Kotono> roll 1d8+8 nonlethal Rock, lethal Erad
[20:38] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 13 > [d8=5]
[20:39] <~Kotono> This time the mace strikes - and instead it just drinks in blood deeply from the wounds, glowing brighter. No blood-bursts like Helena suffered. Meanwhile, the remaining pirates rally and assault Annerose, focusing on her.
[20:40] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[20:40] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[20:40] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=11]
[20:40] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=17]
[20:40] <~Kotono> OOC: AC, Annerose?
[20:42] <@Erad> OOC: Looks to be 29 if I'm not reading this wrong
[20:42] <Annerose> OOC: 20 right now
[20:43] <~Kotono> roll 1d6+2
[20:43] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 4 > [d6=2]
[20:43] <~Kotono> Pirates throw themselves in thew ay of her, striking and slashing. One gets her on the leg, a shallow cut that oozes freezing cold blood. It's not a serious wound, at least.  OOC: Erad.
[20:43] <Annerose> OOC: DR 5/cold iron
[20:44] <~Kotono> OOC: That no damage at all.
[20:44] <~Kotono> OOC: Then.
[20:44] * Annerose looks coldly at the assorted pirates. "Surrender!" she commands. "This is futile."
[20:48] <@Erad> OOC: Can I smite evil a weapon?
[20:49] <~Kotono> OOC: If it's evil, yes. Came up in B1. From house rules: 12: Smite evil can apply on smites against objects that radiate evil, such as unholy weapons. This applies to all the ethical smites with their opposite.
[20:49] <@Erad> OOC: Well, a blood-drinking mace certainly seems like it might be evil, so I'll go for it. Do I roll a sunder attempt or what? I'm basically just trying to attack the weapon.
[20:50] <~Kotono> OOC: Sunder, with the bonus to attack applying as a bonus the CMB roll and if you succeed, the smite damage as a bonus to damage. You will provoke an AoO, but it won't ruin the attempt unless it incapacitates you.
[20:50] <@Erad> OOC: Okay.
[20:51] <@Erad> OOC: Does flanking apply?
[20:51] <~Kotono> OOC: Going for it? If so, I'll roll the AoO first.
[20:51] <@Erad> OOC: yeah, I'll try
[20:51] <~Kotono> OOC: Yes, it's a bonus to attack rolls and bonuses to that apply to CMB.
[20:51] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+13 AoO
[20:51] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=2]
[20:51] <~Kotono> OOC: Go for it.
[20:52] <@Erad> roll 1d20+8+2+5 CMB for sunder
[20:52] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 21 > [d20=6]
[20:52] <~Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[20:53] <@Erad> OOC: So I just roll my normal attack damage now, correct?
[20:55] <~Kotono> OOC: Yes.
[20:55] <@Erad> roll 2d8+2+5+1d6+2d6 last is acid, and the 5 and 1d6 in there are good-aligned if that matters.
[20:55] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 24 > [d8=2,1][d6=3,6,5]
[20:57] <~Kotono> Erad whirls, trying to sweep him down and set him up. It works just as desired - he leaps over it, mace going up - and in perfect position for a punch that drips acid. The acid hits the mace and crackles against it, choking red smoke coming from the impact point. A nasty crack is in the mace now, one that weeps a thin trail of blood out. His hand aches from the contact, his stomach turning to
[20:57] <~Kotono> nausea. OOC: Quick Fortitude save, Erad.
[20:57] <@Erad> roll 1d20+13 (+2 if it's an evil or chaotic effect and +2 if it's an evil descriptor) also mettle
[20:57] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 28 > [d20=15]
[21:00] <~Kotono> Erad masters himself, fighting back the sheer disgust that came from touching that mace. It makes his skin crawl, scales itching like he has hives. Meanwhile, the brave crew rallies, "We're winning! Get 'em for the Captain!"
[21:00] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[21:00] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 8 > [d20=2]
[21:02] <~Kotono> But they fail to push the advantage, as Captain Burke comes back up. He has a rather blood looking scimitar in hand, a wound across his chest that oozes blood. "Men!" he declares, "Rout these cowardly pirates!" OOC: Motivate attack, +1 to melee aattack rolls to allies. T's up.
[21:02] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(21)>Rock=Helena(16)>Pirate Captain(15)>Pirates(14)>Erad(13)>Captain Burke's Crew(10)>Captain Burke(9)>T(8)>Inari(Miko)'
[21:03] <~Kotono> T grins at that, "About time you showed up. Your ship has guests," T says, trying to clobber some pirates around him, all non-lethal like.
[21:03] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+10 (down to 2/6, using +3 on both attacks here, -4 nonlethal, +1 aura)
[21:03] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 17 > [d20=7]
[21:03] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:03] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=20]
[21:03] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:03] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=10]
[21:03] <~Kotono> roll 1d4-1
[21:03] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 3 > [d4=4]
[21:03] <~Kotono> roll 2d4-2
[21:03] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 2 > [d4=3,1]
[21:04] <~Kotono> Another pirate goes down, brained and out cold. As that happens...OOC: Inari.
[21:05] <@Inari> Another healing spell gets Captain Burke, Erad, and Helena!
[21:05] <@Inari> roll 1d20+14 DC 19 concentration
[21:05] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 31 > [d20=17]
[21:05] <@Inari> OOC: fast healing 2 for 16 rounds
[21:06] <~Kotono> Healing fills the air, Inari sending more healing magic about. As wounds mend...OOC: Annerose.
[21:07] <Annerose> Her rebukes nor her demand for a surrender were answered, and so Annerose finds herself continuing to head towards the plank and the pirate captain, freezing his crew one miscreant at a time.
[21:07] <Annerose> roll 1d20+11 touch
[21:07] <Annerose> roll 1d20+11 touch
[21:07] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=16]
[21:07] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=9]
[21:07] <Annerose> roll 2d6+3+3 cold
[21:07] <Annerose> roll 2d6+3+3 cold
[21:07] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 12 > [d6=4,2]
[21:07] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 11 > [d6=4,1]
[21:07] <~Kotono> Two more fall - frozen as solid as ice. As they fall and break, the numbers are indeed routing. You're getting closer! Meanwhile, Helena holds her position for a moment, as Rock tears into the pirate captain.
[21:08] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+10 (+2 rage, +1 aura, -3 PA)
[21:08] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+10 (+2 rage, +1 aura, -3 PA)
[21:08] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=12]
[21:08] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 13 > [d20=3]
[21:08] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+5 (+2 rage, +1 aura, -3 PA)
[21:08] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=20]
[21:08] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+5 (+2 rage, +1 aura, -3 PA) crit?
[21:08] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=15]
[21:08] <~Kotono> OOC: +2 since he is flanking, forgot.
[21:09] <~Kotono> roll 1d6+13+1d6+13+2d6+14+1d6+8
[21:09] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 67 > [d6=3,5,4,2,5]
[21:11] <~Kotono> Rip! Rock leaps on him and rips, chest torn open and a bite tearing the pirate captan's heart out. As Rock hungrily eats it, blood flows out and restores the wound - but cracks remain, cracks where blood slowly oozes out. "Bastards," The pirate captain scowls, striking about all over, "You'll feed the mace!"
[21:11] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+13 whirlwinding against Erad and Rock
[21:11] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=3]
[21:12] <~Kotono> But his strikes are shaking, blocked by both. The few remaining pirates on board simply stop, throwing up arms and yelling, "Mercy! Surrender!" Meanwhile...OOC: Erad.
[21:12] <@Erad> "I think you ought to just give up before you hurt yourself or your pride any more than it already has been." Erad says with a grin. "But let me prove that point to you." He says as he strikes at the mace one more time!
[21:13] <~Kotono> Helena looks pale, staggering and promptly being sick into the ocean.
[21:13] <@Erad> roll 1d20+8+2+1 CMB for sunder
[21:13] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 14 > [d20=3]
[21:14] <~Kotono> But Erad's strike is parried, claw grazing off it instead of finding a weak point to strike. "COWARDS!" The captain bellows, belly shaking as Captain Burke's crew starts to disarm and knock down the survivors. Captain Burke himself strides forward, "Filthy pirate!" He snaps, "You'll bleed all over Umberlee's teats for this!" He advances to the boards but doesn't cross over. OOC: T's up.
[21:15] <~Kotono> T just vanishes from sight with af ew words, gone. OOC: 1/6 inspiration, cast invisibility. Inari.
[21:16] <@Inari> "Everyone just stand still and away from your weapons and you'll be healed once your captain is dead or comes to his senses," Inari calmly tells the pirates, throwing some foxfire at the pirate captain while maneuvering to a good position to get best use out of turn undead healing in a moment or two.
[21:16] <@Inari> roll 1d20+8 ranged touch
[21:16] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=14]
[21:16] <@Inari> roll 6d6 fire
[21:16] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 23 > [d6=1,4,4,4,4,6]
[21:16] <@Inari> roll 1d4 recharge
[21:16] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 3 > [d4=3]
[21:18] <~Kotono> Flames burst around the captain as foxfire comes from Inari and her tails, setting him ablaze. But the blazes are quenched with blood as...OOC: Annerose.
[21:18] <Annerose> "This is where you die," Annerose declares, attempting to seize the captain's mind!
[21:18] <Annerose> OOC: Hold Monster DC21
[21:18] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[21:18] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 12 > [d20=4]
[21:19] <~Kotono> And like that, the pirate captain is immobile, unable to move. OOC: Helena and Rock.
[21:19] <~Kotono> Helena just stays back, wiping her lips clean as Rock tears into the captive pirate.
[21:20] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+9 (+2 rage, -4 PA)
[21:20] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+9 (+2 rage, -4 PA)
[21:20] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 11 > [d20=2]
[21:20] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 29 > [d20=20]
[21:20] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+9 (+2 rage, -4 PA) crit?
[21:20] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 12 > [d20=3]
[21:20] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+4 bite
[21:20] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 18 > [d20=14]
[21:21] <~Kotono> roll 1d6+14+2d6+28+2d6+14+1d6+9
[21:21] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 92 > [d6=6,3,6,2,4,6]
[21:21] <~Kotono> The pirate captain is torn apart, Rock leaping on him and devouring hunks. The pirate is ripped up, blood slowly replacing what he loses. Meanwhile....
[21:22] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+8 to desperately try and escape
[21:22] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 28 > [d20=20]
[21:22] <~Kotono> And he begins to move, badly  mauled and slowly healing. "Guh!" Is all he's able to get out, as...OOC: Erad.
[21:22] <@Erad> Erad shakes his head and goes for the weapon again!
[21:22] <@Erad> roll 1d20+8+2+1 CMB for sunder
[21:22] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=12]
[21:23] <@Erad> OOC: Unless the +2 from flanking doesn't apply, which in that case it's 21
[21:23] <~Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[21:23] <@Erad> roll 2d8+2+1d6+2d6 last is acid and 1d6 in there are good-aligned if that matters.
[21:23] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 20 > [d8=7,1][d6=3,5,2]
[21:24] <~Kotono> The second blow shatters the vile mace, blood gushing out from it. As it falls, broken metal and wood, the pirate captain does as well. BLood pours from his wounds, the massive man toppling over. Victory! OOC: Free act.

[21:24] <@Erad> Erad scoffs and pats Rock on the shoulder. "Good job, Rock."
[21:25] <Annerose> "Good to see I'm right on the money," Annerose muses, looking over at the surrendered pirates. "Do you have any captives on your ship?"
[21:25] <@Inari> Nodding in satisfaction that that unpleasantness is over with, Inari heals those around her with her divine presence. "If you're just waking up, your captain is dead and the rest of your crew surrendered. Please don't reach for any weapons!" she calls out.
[21:25] <~Kotono> Rock stands and screams, "Yaaaaaaagh!" The remaining pirates shrink back at that, cries of error echoing.
[21:25] <@Inari> roll 3d6 healz
[21:25] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 9 > [d6=3,3,3]
[21:25] <~Kotono> OOC: Make diplo, Inari.
[21:25] <@Inari> roll 1d20+17
[21:25] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 34 > [d20=17]
[21:26] <@Erad> "Huh." Erad glances around. "Did we just commandeer a ship?"
[21:29] <@Erad> Erad will also sort through the captain's belongings but make sure to cast Detect Evil first, in case he was hiding any other terribly disgusting cursed items.
[21:31] <~Kotono> The pirates calm as a few rise and others are captured. The remaining crew disarms and binds them up, as Captain Burke comes over, "We lost a part of our crew," he says, "We're still seaworthy, though, thanks to your intervention." He wipes his brow clean, "Now, who wants to see if they have any booty on board?"
[21:31] <~Kotono> Nothing else on the captain radiates evil to eRad.
[21:31] <~Kotono> Annerose can find otu that they don't have any captives.
[21:32] <Annerose> "I'm not going right back to sleep after all that," Annerose mutters, cleaning off her nightgown with Prestidigitation.
[21:32] <~Kotono> "See?" T reappears, stretching, "Shame I wasted that, but you said the magic word."
[21:33] <@Erad> Erad nods to Burke. "We might as well check and decide what to do with this extra ship, if anything."
[21:33] <@Inari> "I'm sorry I didn't get on deck sooner, I didn't understand the seriousness at first," Inari says apologetically for those who might have lived if she'd been around to dispense healing sooner. "What will we do with their ship itself?"
[21:34] <Annerose> "I'm just a heavy sleeper," Annerose apologizes for her part. "As for the ship, it makes perfect sense to bring it along."
[21:34] <~Kotono> "Take it into harbor and sell it," Captain Burke says, "We'll get good money, since I bet they'll be in need of ships."
[21:35] <~Kotono> OOC: Be a sec, loot posting.
[21:39] <~Kotono> Soon enough your source turns up various treasures, which are duly identified...OOC: Loot.
[21:44] <~Kotono> OOC: Going to do anything else here or ready to move on?
[21:45] <@Inari> OOC: lets go back to bed
[21:47] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:47] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 41 > [d100=41]
[21:48] <~Kotono> Sess 29 is warm. Breakfast is late, with the party having ship rations in their guest bunk. It's T who speaks up then, "You know," he glances at them, "Been wondering something."
[21:49] <@Inari> "What have you been wondering, T?" Inari asks indulgently.
[21:51] <~Kotono> "How come all of you are so quick to kill?" It's asked around a mouthful of bread, a pause for him to swallow. "Freeze 'em, bash 'em, stab 'em, punch 'em," Each party member gets a look when he goes to them, from Annerose, Helena, Inari and finally Erad. Then he goes to Rock and just shrugs, "Okay, Rock I get."
[21:52] <Annerose> "You mean, of course, in self-defense when it is extremely difficult to avoid fighting?"
[21:52] <~Kotono> "They're enemies," Helena shrugs a bit, "And they're using lethal force. If someone tries to stab you, you stab them back."
[21:52] <@Erad> "I'm not the diplomatic type." Erad says simply. "You give them an opportunity to surrender once things are obviously not in their favor, and they either do or they don't."
[21:53] <~Kotono> "Yeah, but still." T shakes his head, "Why not knock them out? It's just..." He stops here, "Not so enthusiastic about killing."
[21:53] <@Inari> "I wouldn't say I'm quick to kill," Inari insists. "But if someone's trying to kill me or someone else, I'm going to stop them in the surest method I can. Oftentimes that means using the same force back."
[21:53] <@Erad> "Well, then don't." Erad says. "I can show you how to hit vital spots that aren't lethal, if you want."
[21:54] <Annerose> "I believe I hold a responsibility for my actions," Annerose elaborates. "Suppose someone comes after me with lethal force, thinking I am a weak traveler, an easy target. And suppose I knock them out. My choice means that if I just leave them there, they will repeat their actions and their next would-be victims would be my fault. Alternately, I could bring them to the proper authorities. The punishment for such acts of brazen highway robbery and attempted murder, or for piracy? They are death."
[21:55] <@Erad> "But it isn't as if we just waltz in to places and murder innocent civilians, you know." Erad says with a nod to Annerose. "What do you think is going to happen to that big guy you all ran into in that den of thieves before?"
[22:00] <~Kotono> "Might take you up on that, Erad," T says, listening. He finally shakes his head, "Food for thought. Got several days of staring out at the sea to think."
[22:01] <@Erad> "Sure. I won't be holding back if we find someone who follows Tiamat though, no matter whether they're human or not." Erad says. "But hey, you stabbed one too, so I think you understand that." He adds with a grin.
[22:01] <Annerose> "Of course, if one day I will have enough power to ensure the safety of innocents while offering such criminals a chance at reforming...."
[22:02] <@Inari> "That's it, isn't it?" Inari says, "If you're strong enough you can easily hold back to avoid killing who you're fighting. But if it's an otherwise even match you're just making your own death more likely."
[22:04] <~Kotono> "Yeah," T gets up then, grabbing ther est of his meal. "Think it's time for another day of watching the waves."
[22:06] <~Kotono> OOC: Ready to skip along, y'all?
[22:07] <@Erad> OOC: Sure. Erad will try praying again over the course of the trip
[22:07] <~Kotono> OOC: Make a wis check to cover that in the meantime?
[22:07] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:07] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 84 > [d100=84]
[22:07] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:07] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 66 > [d100=66]
[22:07] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:07] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 65 > [d100=65]
[22:07] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:07] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 59 > [d100=59]
[22:07] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:07] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 83 > [d100=83]
[22:07] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:07] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 58 > [d100=58]
[22:07] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2
[22:07] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 13 > [d20=11]
[22:07] <~Kotono> OOC: Restful and soothing, but nothing vision-y. The rest of thet rip is going to be uneventful. Anything any of you want to get done while you have downtime on board?
[22:08] <@Erad> OOC: Erad can instruct T in some non-lethal things but other than that, nope
[22:09] <Annerose> OOC: Catch T for a chat
[22:09] <@Inari> OOC: nothing for me
[22:10] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay. Is it going to be a long or short chat, Annerose?
[22:11] <Annerose> OOC: Don't think it will be long
[22:11] <~Kotono> OOC: WE'll finish up with it real quick.
[22:12] <~Kotono> T's found abovedecks, watching the sea as sailors work around. It's quieter up here - less sailors and the survivors are subdued. T's just watching the waves, the ship sailing on.
[22:13] <Annerose> "So that's the second time you bring it up," Annerose muses, taking a spot at his left.
[22:14] <~Kotono> T doesn't glance over. Instead he just says, "What can I say? I don't like killing."
[22:17] <Annerose> "I like to have it on my conscience even less," Anneroses tells him. "You heard why I left my last home. Back then, I held myself back a lot, too. But because I didn't stop certain people, innocents died." She shrugs. "If I didn't live through that sort of regret, maybe I'd be more like you."
[22:23] <~Kotono> "Maybe." T just watches the waves, unexpressive. "But if you ask me, you have too good a rack to be more like me." He turns and smirks, "So just stay the way you are."
[22:24] <Annerose> "I will hurt you," Annerose promises. "In fact, it boggles the mind that someone hadn't by now."
[22:26] <~Kotono> HIs smirk turns into a big old grin, "Thanks!" He says, "I'm good at staying alive."

[Corwin]

Lvl6 -> Lvl7

[Corwin]

[20:02] <@Kotono> Several more days of travel pass. Sess 33 is a sunny day as you approach the docks near Fortress Jellan. The two ships sail that way, allowing you to see it. It's a large, sprawling dock on a relatively craggy stretch of coast, a natural harbor amid it. Ships of all types bustle about, the docks closer to a sprawling village connected by a long path to the fortress. It is a massive, oversized
[20:02] <@Kotono> tower that stretches high into the sky, surrounded by rings of walls and smaller, connected keeps and fortrsses.  "Ah, Fortress Jellan," T says as it comes into sight, "The northern lynchpin of Malana's secondary line of defenses."
[20:03] <@Inari> "It certainly looks formidable," Inari says, looking at all the towering edifices of sturdy stone construction.
[20:03] <@Erad> "Do you think we'll have any problem docking?" Erad asks. "Considering the circumstances."
[20:03] <Annerose> "What do you think?" Annerose voices. "Split up and look into allies and enemies alike? Then, once the other ship has been sold, we can leave?"
[20:04] <@Kotono> "Yeah. History is that ages ago, the tribes of Kabath tried to invade to the north, so Dynast Alfred IV built this to stop them." T explains. Lowering his voice, "If we're here for Househaven, we should try and find out where he is first of all."
[20:05] <@Kotono> Helena leans against the rails, watching the ship as it begins to dock. The sea air stirs her hair, carrying the scent of lilacs to the others. "As long as we're doing something," she says.
[20:05] <Annerose> "How about you look into it with Inari? I can find out where we're needed the most."
[20:05] <@Kotono> Rock just sits on a nearby barrel, gnawing on some leftover bones from last night's dinner.
[20:06] <@Kotono> "Can do," T says, "Sounds like a solid plan."
[20:07] <@Inari> "So we're going to look for Househaven and offer our services?" Inari checks to make sure she knows what she's doing.
[20:07] <Annerose> "I think we really need to learn more before we decide," Annerose responds. "That's certainly one possibility. Another is that the locals might need our help defending them from raiders, and we could start there."
[20:08] <@Inari> "So you just want us to find out where he is, not approach him until we know more then?"
[20:09] <@Kotono> As for questions of docking, the ship's docking without any difficulty. OOC: Sorry Erad, missed your line.
[20:09] <@Erad> OOC: No problem.
[20:09] * Annerose nods. "I want us to go where we can do the most good. If no one immediately requires us to protect them, we can try to work on our alliance. But only then."
[20:11] <@Kotono> Meanwhile, the ships dock. Captain Burke goes out to talk to some officials, no one else going out. This soon enough passes and the gangplank is lowered on down. OOC: Okay, so Inari and T go lookin' for Househaven, while the others look for what's up/needs to be done?
[20:11] <Annerose> OOC: Yep. Enemy forces, the situation, any particular atrocities/elite enemy units
[20:12] <@Erad> OOC: That's fine. Erad can ask around if anyone's seen any DRAGONS! or something.

[Corwin]

#ed

[20:14] <@Kotono> T and Inari head off. As you go down the docks, "You go ahea dand take lead on this," T says, "I want to see how the locals react to you."
[20:15] <@Inari> "I'd actually started making progress in Misty Harbour," Inari says sadly. "I suppose I'll have to start over here..."
[20:15] <@Inari> roll 1d20+18 gi what's up with househaven
[20:15] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 28 > [d20=10]
[20:18] <@Kotono> OOC: T takes 10 on aiding.
[20:19] <@Kotono> You wander a bit. The town is tense - guards on every corner, the people going about fast. You hear a few whispers of attacks and danger, but you find your information fast. A foot soldier sits at a tavern, enjoying an early lunch. "Lord Househaven? Yeah, he's down in Fortress Adamantine last I heard."
[20:21] <@Inari> "It's still standing then?" Inari asks. "I'd heard Iron Resolve and Breakshield had both fallen but I've been at sea since that news reached Misty Harbour," she explains. "Have there been any battles since then?"
[20:22] <@Kotono> He nods, "Yeah, the thrust of the barbarian assault's at Adamantine, last I heard," he says, "They're trying to bash through the center."
[20:23] <@Kotono> "Really, friend?" T goes to sit next to him, waving over a waitress and ordering a drink. "Makes sense. No sign of a sea assault?"
[20:24] <@Inari> Inari sits down and does likewise since T is doing the same. "What about that weapon they have, the one that turns walls into glass or something? They haven't used that at Adamantine?"
[20:26] <@Kotono> "Don't know," The soldier says, tucking into his meal. "If it's true..." heshudders, "They don't need to attack Jellan or Highspire, or even Tyr's Spite."
[20:26] <@Kotono> "Yeah, guess that makes sense," T murmurs, "Shit."
[20:29] <@Inari> "Well, they probably would," Inari says. "I mean even if they push past Adamantine those places still have armies that can attack the Kabath as they try to push further into Malana, don't they?" It makes sense, otherwise why even bother attacking Adamantine or any other fortress? Just go around them.
[20:31] <@Kotono> "That's the idea," T says, "The fortresses aren't purely for defense. The ground here's shit for defense, just plains." T gestures, "But y'see, they make great points to launch counter attacks and envelope a force that breaks through one."
[20:33] <@Kotono> "Really?" The soldier blinks at that, "Woah...I never thought of that!"
[20:33] <@Kotono> "Now orries," T claps him on the back, rolling his eyes unseen to him. "That's why we have generals and Dynasts."
[20:33] <@Inari> "So as long as enough still stand to present a threat to the Kabath army, they can't just go rampaging across the countryside!" Inari beams as she's validated. "Wait, aren't you a soldier?" she blinks in confusion at this man's poor understanding of his trade.
[20:36] <@Kotono> "Well, that's why we have generals?" He offers, turning very red-faced. "Don't have to rub it in, Pa already made sure I know I'm not bright."
[20:37] <@Inari> "Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Inari apologises, a little red faced herself. He's being all helpful and here she is making him feel bad. "I suppose the real fault's in the generals for not letting their men know their strategy, that's all."
[20:42] <@Kotono> "Yeah." T smiles and gets his drink, taking a long slug from it. "You ask me, they'll go after Jellan next and have a secured northern flank. If they do that and they can hold off attacks from Highspire, it's bad. Really bad. Could also swing south and neutralize Highspire and even Tyr's Spite, though the calendar's working againstthem."
[20:43] <@Inari> "They'll have to go for one or the other though, to avoid being flanked on both sides... assuming Adamantine falls, which we hope it doesn't!"
[20:45] <@Kotono> "If it doesn't, this is academic," T agrees with a slight nod. "I'm sure Kabath has some barbarian raiders slipping past the line, but it's a big difference from a few horse riding raiders and a full army."
[20:45] <@Kotono> The foot soldier looks between the two, listening, "You two sound like generals!"
[20:46] <@Inari> "Generals without an army, I'm afraid," Inari says with a little smile. "But still, we might be able to chip in against raiders. They might not be a big threat to the country as a whole, but it'd make all the difference to any villages they try to pillage."
[20:46] <@Kotono> "I try," T kicks back and nurses his drink some more, "Assuming this is meant to be a decisive, short campaign - and let's be honest, generals usually hope for that - then they take out Adamantine and Jellan, hold the southern flank and try to gut Malana. It seems like the best play they have right now. Which means Adamantine's survival is absolutely vital."
[20:54] <@Kotono> "Yeah," T says, getting up and tossing a few coins down. "On us," he says, "Thanks."
[20:56] <@Inari> "Stay safe," Inari smiles at the helpful soldier. "And take it from me, you're better than your father thought," she says encouragingly as she gets up.
[20:58] <@Kotono> "Hey, thanks," He breaks into a smile at that, "You too!"
[20:59] <@Inari> Glad to have brightened someone's day as well as met a human in a new town who didn't get all huffy about her not being human, Inari gives him a friendly wave and heads out!

[Corwin]

#d

[20:12] <@Kotono> OOC: One of you roll diplo for GI and the other two aid.
[20:13] <@Erad> roll 1d20+5 I can actually sort of help with these now
[20:13] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=18]
[20:13] <@Erad> OOC: Sorry, in case it isn't clear that was meant to be an aid roll
[20:15] <Annerose> roll 1d20+16
[20:15] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 28 > [d20=12]
[20:15] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Helena aids
[20:15] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 14 > [d20=12]
[20:16] <@Kotono> You barely get started - just checking out the dockside taverns, coming out of one, when you find a half dozen guards surrounding it, spears out. "Hold it right there," one calls, "Why is there a troll with you?"
[20:18] <Annerose> "Why else?" Annerose asks in surprise. "He is my bodyguard! We couldn't stay back once we heard of this dastardly invasion!"
[20:20] <@Kotono> Helena shakes her head, "I'll have you know," she tosses her hair, "That he may be a savage beast, but he is an excellent protector."
[20:21] <@Erad> Erad makes a face, but then realizes why they might be asking. "Are you having trouble with trolls in the area?"
[20:23] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a bluff check here, Annerose.
[20:24] <Annerose> roll 1d20+6
[20:24] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 18 > [d20=12]
[20:24] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Helena's trying to aid
[20:24] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 21 > [d20=19]
[20:24] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[20:24] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=11]
[20:25] <@Kotono> "There's trolls in the Kabath barbarian's forces," The guard growls, "Who are you? Identify yourselves!"
[20:25] <@Kotono> Rock just watches all of this with disinterest, eyes roaming.
[20:28] <Annerose> "My name," Annerose says calmly, "is Annerose Fimbulwinter. I've come from the capital as soon as news of the war reached it and disseminated themselves. My reasons for going to the front rather than fleeing or cowering should be eminently clear, I trust?" She shakes her head. "No matter how much we might all be on edge from this war, that is no reason for us to fight amongst ourselves. Not when there is a very real enemy at the gates!"
[20:29] <@Erad> Erad stays quiet and folds his arms.
[20:34] <@Kotono> "I trust you understand the importance of that name," Helena adds in quietly, "And why we're here, yes?"
[20:35] <@Kotono> The soldiers pause, before the talking one steps back. The others follow suit. "Alright then, Miss Fimbulwinter."
[20:36] <@Erad> Erad glances over at Helena and then back to the guards. "This may not be a bad opportunity to ask them directly, Annerose. They do seem concerned for the safety of the citizens, after all."
[20:36] <Annerose> "As your questions had been answered to your satisfaction, would you answer one of mine? How goes the war? What has changed in the last two weeks?"
[20:40] <@Kotono> The guards are wary but the leader answers, "Adamantine's under attack," he says, shortly.
[20:41] <Annerose> "As we feared," Annerose agrees, nodding curtly. "Do you know the disposition of their forces? A raiding vanguard would be easy enough to get past, but if their main force has encircled the fortress breaking past the blockade would take a real effort."
[20:43] <@Erad> Erad frowns. If they could punch through the other fortress, why haven't they done the same here? Maybe it takes a while...?
[20:43] <@Kotono> "Ma'am, that information isn't public knowledge," He says, tersely, waving his spear. "Move along now, move along."
[20:45] <Annerose> Kabath's forces would surely know what they're doing and it wouldn't be a huge secret to them as it is. Annerose supposes it is just another occurence where regulations forbid something without any real reason behind it as she proceeds onwards.
[20:46] <@Erad> "So what do you think, should we see if we can accompany a force sending reinforcements to Adamantine, or just go by ourselves?" Erad asks as they walk on.
[20:47] <Annerose> "No force of any serious size could keep up with us, and we don't know for a fact reinforcements would even be coming," Annerose points out. "It's best if we go on our own."
[20:48] <@Erad> Erad nods. "We'll have to hope they don't have it all surrounded, then, but we can see when we get there."
[20:50] <@Kotono> Helenanods, "Right then, this seems like a straightforward choice."
[20:51] * Annerose decides to look for information at the obvious place! A tavern!
[20:52] <@Erad> "Hopefully the sale of that boat doesn't take too long." Erad says as they continue. "It sounds like we need to move soon."
[20:58] <@Kotono> From here, finding out information about enemy forces is fairly straight forward. Word is they're attacking Adamantine. The situation is apparently grim and nervous, though details vary wildly. Adamantine's being pressed, that much is clear. Elite units - horseback raiders ar ethe big ones, with the Thunderstrikes being the most notorious. They strike fast and hard, with axes, swords and arrows.
[20:58] <@Kotono> Mobile, powerful and altogether unpleasant to fight, notable for the black stallions they ride. Atrocities? Mor estoriesthan you can count. Dozens of villages sacked, pillaged and worse. All the worst habits of war are echoed endlessly in the taverns. Erad doesn't hear a lot about dragons - the gossip just focuses on the war right now. No sign of draconic troublemakers.
[21:00] <Annerose> "That's enough for now, I think," Anneroses muses. "Let's get back to the ship and prepare to set off."
[21:01] <@Erad> Erad nods.

[Corwin]

[21:03] <@Kotono> It's just past lunch when everyone meets again on the ship, a chance to eat and exchange notes. OOC: Go ahead, y'all. I'll be as ec.
[21:04] <Annerose> "It looks like Adamantine is where we need to be," Annerose starts with. "Anything else would be sitting on our hands or chasing ghosts. But there we could do the most good, and it's not been encircled yet so we could regroup with the defenders."
[21:06] <@Erad> "I think if we can rout the enemy there, it'd go a long way to improving morale." Erad says. "It isn't exactly what I envisioned I'd be doing, but... If that place falls, everything around here basically goes with it."
[21:06] <@Inari> "It's where Househaven is," Inari agrees. "We could also check in on towns and villages on the way, in case we run into any raiders or advance scouts. Assuming they haven't all been razed already."
[21:07] <@Kotono> "Yeah, big if," T mutters, as Captain Burke comes in. He carries a huge sack with him, dropping it on the table before the party. "Yourhalf of the ship sale," he says.
[21:07] <@Kotono> OOC: Loo tpost.
[21:08] <Annerose> "Many have been. The Kabath elite raiders look to be riding massive black stallions, so we could recognize them on sight. But no reports of magic, so far."
[21:08] <@Inari> "Thank you captain," Inari smiles up at him. "Hopefully our next voyage with you won't be so eventful."
[21:10] <Annerose> "How much is a ship like that worth under normal times?" Annerose inquires. "Without the demands of war and the like?"
[21:12] <@Kotono> "Ten thousand," he answers, "The price is higher, but the negotiator was a right bastard." He rubs his head slowly, "Brought up mandatory conscription of ships and if I lingered long."
[21:15] * Annerose looks amused. "Well then, it is my hope as well that the next time our paths cross it would be under better circumstances. Where are you sailing off now, if I might ask?"
[21:18] <@Kotono> "East," He says, "Anywhere but a war zone."
[21:18] <Annerose> "Sensible!"
[21:20] <@Inari> "Safe sailing wherever you go," Inari bids him.
[21:21] <@Kotono> OOC: What's the party's plan now?
[21:21] <Annerose> OOC: Ensure we have a proper, current map of the area, then take the carriage to Adamantine
[21:22] <@Kotono> OOC: Wagon you mean? But okay.
[21:22] <Annerose> OOC: Yes
[21:24] <@Kotono> Between logistics and getting things together, the party doesn't get out of Jellan until the next day. Sess 34 is a wet, rainy day, solid and drenching rain endlessly falling. It's cooler, enough for the wet weather to give you a chill. Likethis the party goes on...
[21:24] <@Kotono> roll 1d100+5
[21:24] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 103 > [d100=98]
[21:24] <@Erad> OOC: Oh dear.
[21:24] <@Kotono> roll 1d100+5 yep ,that's a trip to casa subtables
[21:24] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 8 > [d100=3]
[21:25] <@Kotono> roll 3d6
[21:25] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 17 > [d6=5,6,6]
[21:25] <@Kotono> roll 1d6
[21:25] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 5 > [d6=5]
[21:25] <@Kotono> roll 1d6
[21:25] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 5 > [d6=5]
[21:25] <@Kotono> roll 1d6
[21:25] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 3 > [d6=3]
[21:25] <@Kotono> OOC: Annerose and Helena need to make Fort saves. Rock does as well, but he's immune to this.
[21:25] <Annerose> roll 1d20+10
[21:25] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 13 > [d20=3]
[21:26] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Helena
[21:26] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 17 > [d20=9]
[21:27] <@Kotono> It starts slow - Annerose sneezing once, Helena coughing. But by the time the party stops for lunch, both of them are sneezing, hacking and feeling run down. Annerose aches all over, her nose stuffed and throat becoming miserably raw.
[21:27] <@Kotono> roll 1d2 con damage both of you
[21:27] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 1 > [d2=1]
[21:28] <@Kotono> Helena sits, leaning forward and with her hea don her knees. She sneezes and groans, "Think I'm catching sick."
[21:28] <Annerose> "You aside, how could I have a cold?" Annerose groans. "I don't get cold!"
[21:29] <@Kotono> T sits well away and smiles a little bit, "Auril's that big a bitch?"
[21:29] <@Erad> Erad will check Helena out first, and then Annerose. OOC: Heal check work?
[21:29] <Annerose> "No, this is unreasonable!"
[21:29] <@Inari> "Maybe it's something you ate?" Inari suggests. "Sorry I can't really help, but if you bundle up warm inside the wagon I'm sure it'll pass."
[21:29] <@Kotono> OOC: Sure.
[21:29] * Annerose winces as getting warm is suggested.
[21:30] <@Erad> roll 1d20+12
[21:30] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 32 > [d20=20]
[21:31] <@Kotono> Erad can diagnose them with about the same thing. A vicious, nasty cold. While not critical by itself, it could easily deepen into bronchitis and even pneumonia. Bahamut knows it claims peasants lives each year.
[21:32] <@Kotono> "Say Erad, maybe you should have those two in the new wagon room and play doctor?" T suggests, "Probably better than having them out here righ tnow."
[21:32] <@Kotono> "Ugh." Helena just grunts and groans, coughing and spitting out vile things to the side.
[21:32] <@Erad> Erad makes a face. "Yeah, that'll work. You both have a very extreme cold. I'm guessing something in the ship probably caused it. I can take care of most of your symptoms, but it'll be up to you to recover."
[21:33] <@Erad> "I can treat you both as we continue on, but it's probably best if you both stay in that side room." Erad says.
[21:33] * Annerose gropes for the entrance to the bedchamber, having had the same idea.
[21:33] <@Kotono> Helena follows, going right on inside. "Yeah, yeah," she manages to rasp out.
[21:35] <@Erad> OOC: For reference, I'll use my Caduceus bracers to heal any ability damage they suffer and remove any fatigue they might also encounter as we go along using Lay on Hands to power it.
[21:35] <@Kotono> Once the three are gone, T turns to Inari, "Guess we're running the show out here now,"  he remarks, "So let's get going. I'll keep eyes open and you drive the horses?"
[21:36] <@Kotono> OOC: Sure, Erad. I'll also have you make a heal check for treat disease at the next save.
[21:36] <@Erad> OOC: Okay.
[21:36] <@Inari> "Of course," Inari says, sitting out front and minding the horses. Not that they really need much minding.
[21:36] <@Kotono> roll 1d100 rest of the day's random chance
[21:36] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 56 > [d100=56]
[21:37] <@Kotono> The rest of the day's travels are unremarkable. The roads are turning to mud in this rain, so it's very slow progress. You eventually camp and settle in for the night...(More)
[21:37] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:37] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 7 > [d100=7]
[21:37] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, next day's fort saves against disease. Make your heal check first. I assume you already cured the ability damage, so see if your check makes a save unneeded.
[21:39] <@Erad> OOC: Do you want one for both of them or one for each?
[21:39] <@Kotono> OOC: One for both is fine.
[21:39] <@Erad> roll 1d20+12
[21:39] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=8]
[21:39] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a fort save of your own, though the other two are off the hook.
[21:39] <@Kotono> OOC: Unless you're immune to disease, which you might be since paladin.
[21:40] <@Erad> OOC: I am.
[21:41] <@Kotono> Sess 35 is even worse. The roads are a complete muddy mess, T taking one look out and shaking his head, "We can try pushing on," he tells Inari, "But we'll probably get stuck more than we move. We may need to let this rain pass, but at least it should slow down Kabath, too." Meanwhile, Erad works away. While still sick, Annerose doesn't feel likeshe's getting worse. Likewise, Helena doesn't seem
[21:41] <@Kotono> any more miserable. Erad can tell that this cessation of symptom worsening is a good sign.
[21:42] <@Inari> "I suppose it's all we can do," Inari agrees, resigning herself to another day waiting through the rain.
[21:42] <@Erad> "I'm glad we caught it in time." Erad says. "People die to this sort of thing every year, especially once winter comes along. Just keep resting you two."
[21:43] <@Kotono> "Uhhhhhhhhgh..." Helena groans, flopping back with a cough. "And we didn'te ven visit a swamp."
[21:44] <Annerose> "My thanks," Annerose says hoarsely, just resting and recovering her strength.
[21:44] <@Kotono> roll 1d100+5
[21:44] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 50 > [d100=45]
[21:45] <@Erad> Erad makes a mental note to search the wagon when they have time to see if there's another switch somewhere.
[21:45] <@Kotono> The rain really shuts things down. It's just a quiet, unremarkable stretch of time, the day dragging on by. OOC: Make a perception check, Erad.
[21:47] <@Erad> roll 1d20+14
[21:47] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=11]
[21:48] <@Kotono> No sign of any switches or the like. Thus the next day comes...OOC: Heal again.
[21:48] <@Erad> roll 1d20+12
[21:48] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=10]
[21:49] <@Kotono> Today is a little better. The signs of the cold breaking, Erad can tell. Less congestion, less misery, less everything. Annerose feels a little less like a zombie and a little more like herself. Meanwhile, Sess 36 is drizzly. The roads are still muddy, but less so. Travelable, if slowly.
[21:50] <@Erad> Erad pokes his head out of the door. "How're we looking today, you two? It's really strange to be in a room with no windows, just for the record."
[21:50] <Annerose> "How about," Annerose suggests, happy to get out of bed for a change, "I freeze particularly bad patches of road ahead? Just to do something and move around?":
[21:50] <@Inari> "The roads are still pretty bad, to be honest," Inari says. "We can maybe move but we'll still have to take it slow. And yes, that's an idea worth trying, Annerose. Glad to see you're looking better."
[21:50] <@Kotono> "Better," Helena says, "I'd rather just rest in here today, but you go on, Annerose."
[21:52] <@Kotono> OOC: So going to go along with Annerose freezing bad patches to help?
[21:52] <Annerose> "You don't get better by lying around all the time," Annerose declares, though she's moving sluggishly. "Just point things out to me?"
[21:52] <@Erad> Erad will keep Helena company while they go about doing that.
[21:55] <@Kotono> roll 1d100+10
[21:55] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 78 > [d100=68]
[21:57] <@Kotono> Like this the party makes slow but passable progress. Well into the morning, you can see a village ahead - or what was once one. Burned out huts surround the road, blackened and soggy. It's simply quiet here, save for a few dogs wandering the road.
[21:58] <@Inari> "I don't suppose we're going to see any in better shape as we go further towards the front lines, are we?" Inari says sadly. "Anyone mind if we stop to look for survivors?"
[21:59] <Annerose> "I hope they all ran away in time," Annerose says, shaking her head. "We can stop."
[22:00] <@Kotono> "Hopefully, but we haven't seen refugees," Tgrimaces.
[22:00] <Annerose> "Refugees would be going further inland, not fleeing to Jellan," Annerose insists.
[22:01] <@Erad> "I'll take a look around from the air." Erad says, leaving Helena to rest up some more.
[22:03] <@Kotono> "Hope you're right," Is all T says, as...OOC: Going to search, y'all?
[22:03] <@Erad> OOC: Sure.
[22:03] <@Inari> OOC: yep
[22:06] <@Kotono> OOC: Perception checks, all.
[22:06] <@Inari> roll 1d20+14
[22:06] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+11 T
[22:06] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 34 > [d20=20]
[22:06] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=15]
[22:06] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+11 Helena
[22:06] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 30 > [d20=19]
[22:06] <@Kotono> roll 1d20-1 Rock
[22:06] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 11 > [d20=12]
[22:07] <Annerose> roll 1d20+2
[22:07] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=13]
[22:07] <@Erad> roll 1d20+14
[22:07] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 19 > [d20=5]
[22:10] <@Kotono> The party searches about. It's largely empty, but Inari's keen senses pick up on something. The scent of a human, in one of the burnt huts. Her nose leads her to it, as the scent come sfrom within it.
[22:11] <@Inari> "Hello!" Inari calls, approaching the hut. "Is someone in there? We're not going to hurt you!"

[Corwin]

[20:02] <@Kotono> "Ugh..." A weak voice calls. Male, in a good deal of pain. "Help...!"
[20:02] <@Inari> "I'm coming in!" Inari calls, going to open the door and enter to search for this pained man!
[20:04] <Annerose> "Tell us what you need once there!" Annerose calls out to Inari, not wanting to crowd her.
[20:04] <@Kotono> Inside ou see the remnants of a hut. Everything is burnt and damaged, and lying there is a tall, blonde man. He lies face up on the ground, dirty and with torn leather and metal armor.
[20:05] <@Kotono> T just hangs back for now, along with Rock.
[20:05] <@Inari> Approaching the man, Inari casts a fairly potent healing spell on him first of all. "I'm Inari, my friends and I are here to help," she reassures him.
[20:06] <@Inari> roll 3d8+7 cure serious
[20:06] <Rei-chan> Inari rolled : 3d8+7 cure serious --> [ 3d8=10 ]{17}
[20:06] <@Erad> Erad waits for Inari's magic to see if that helps the individual!
[20:07] <@Kotono> The man's wounds heal - but he doesn't rise. "Can't feel a damn thing," he says, "Can't move my arms or legs."
[20:08] <@Erad> "Magic...?" Erad asks as he steps in to check on the man.
[20:08] <@Erad> roll 1d20+12 heal check
[20:08] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+12 heal check --> [ 1d20=10 ]{22}
[20:09] <@Inari> "Were you poisoned?" Inari asks, not being able to do much for that. She at least crouches down and slings one of his arms around her shoulder so she can boost him up, giving him a bit more dignity than to just lay there. "Come on, I'll take you to our wagon. Better than laying on the floor here."
[20:10] <@Kotono> "Woke up like this," he says, getting a look at Inari, his body dead weight. No movement at all. "Think I broke my spine. Saw it happen to someone else." His voice is a little rough, gruff and with an accent.
[20:12] <@Inari> A Malanese accent or a Kabath accent? In any case, Inari is strong enough to carry him, dead weight or no. "The healing should have fixed that, I'll try something stronger," she says, using mass lesser vigor on an admittedly singular target.
[20:12] <@Inari> OOC: fast healing 2 for 16 rounds
[20:13] <@Inari> roll 1d20+14 sense motive should have rolled earlier
[20:13] <Rei-chan> Inari rolled : 1d20+14 sense motive should have rolled earlier --> [ 1d20=5 ]{19}
[20:13] <@Kotono> Kabath, Inari thinks. It doesn't sound like the people here. She can't get a read on him, though. They emerge back out into the drizzle.
[20:14] <Annerose> "What happened here?" Annerose asks, waiting outside.
[20:14] <@Kotono> T merely eyes the man for a few moments, "Say 'nari, how many villagers do you think run around in armor?"
[20:14] <@Inari> "I found him laying in the house. What's your name anyway? What were you doing there?" she asks, carrying him towards the wagon.
[20:15] <@Erad> Erad will check him over for injuries once they get back to the wagon!
[20:16] <@Kotono> "Rek," He answers with a grimace, "I was there becuase I couldn't move to get out of there." OOC: Heal check, Erad.
[20:16] <@Kotono> OOC: Oh, missed your heal check.
[20:17] <@Inari> "Yes, but how did you get in there? Didn't your fellow soldiers take you along after they were finished here?"
[20:18] <@Kotono> Checking him over, you see there's a cursed wound on his back. Feeling it, you can feel something hard buried in the healed flesh above his spine.
[20:19] <@Kotono> Rek grunts then, "Don't know why they didn't. Might've been left for dead. I'm not sure what happened. I went into the hut, and I feel pain and then wake up afterwards."
[20:19] <Annerose> "So what happened?" Annerose repeats. "You might as well tell us the story as we look at your wound."
[20:20] <@Inari> "Charming bunch. What about the villagers? Taken as slaves?" Inari asks, laying him inside the wagon.
[20:20] <@Kotono> Rek just coughs a few times, a wet and hacking cough. "Might as well. No, they saw us coming and fled east. We went to scavenge and burn the town, and that's when it happened."
[20:21] * Annerose nods, feeling herself vindicated. "You must've seen a lot, being on the front lines of the war like that," she muses out loud. "Perhaps even the fall of a fortress or two?"
[20:22] <@Kotono> "I saw a lot of things," He grunts again, which goes into more coughing. "Not like it does a damn bit of good when I can't even stop from pissing myself."
[20:23] <@Erad> "So, where'd you get this wound from?" Erad asks as he gently presses on it. "I'm guessing that's how you're in this situation..." He gestures at the area for the benefit of the others. "Looks like a cursed wound. There's something buried inside."
[20:23] <@Kotono> Helena just watches, tight-lipped and glowering.
[20:23] <Annerose> "Tell us about those things, and we'll do our best to look into your issues with continence. I doubt you'll have more qualified people offering any time soon, mind you."
[20:24] <@Kotono> T comes on over, "Yeah, if you want to ever walk again, time to talk. But if you really don't want to, I bet Tempus is waiting to catch you. All it takes is dying."
[20:24] <@Kotono> "Don't know. Felt the pain and then blacked out," Rek says to Erad. Pressing it, you feel it's rather cool. Far cooler than flesh should be.
[20:24] <@Kotono> Helena comes on over at this, pausing to take a look.
[20:25] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+13
[20:25] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{20}
[20:25] <Annerose> "You do know you were betrayed by your side?" Annerose voices. "Twice over, at that. First, attacked or sacrificed in this manner. And after, left to die in indignity?"
[20:26] <@Kotono> "Yeah, something's wrong," Helena says, joining Erad. "Feel how cool that is?"
[20:26] <@Erad> Erad grimaces. "I hate to mention this, but I have a feeling I know who's responsible. Would you ladies confirm that this is some sort of Aurilian curse?" Erad asks.
[20:27] <@Inari> roll 1d20+13 religion?
[20:27] <Rei-chan> Inari rolled : 1d20+13 religion? --> [ 1d20=9 ]{22}
[20:27] <@Kotono> "And I'm dying. Knew that signing up." He cocks his head up just a little bit, "Save me and I'll talk."
[20:27] <@Kotono> Erad can tell it could be. Cold and the numbness of paralysis are certainly things Auril's kind might use.
[20:27] <Annerose> Not quite what she aimed for, but since Erad and Helena are all gung ho about it....
[20:28] <Annerose> roll 1d20+13 K:R
[20:28] <Rei-chan> Annerose rolled : 1d20+13 K:R --> [ 1d20=17 ]{30}
[20:28] <@Inari> "I've already healed you to the extent of my abilities," Inari admits. "Breaking curses is a bit beyond me for now."
[20:28] <@Kotono> Annerose can confirm it. There's a few cold venoms that can do this, as well as cursed, spells and magic items. It could well be some metal or a dart lodged under his skin there, keeping him paralyzed. Removing it would require some skill, though.
[20:29] <@Erad> "I can try and remove it." Erad offers. "But... I'm not much of an expert at this. If he's paralyzed anyway, he may not be able to feel the pain, which is good."
[20:29] <Annerose> "Give me a moment," Annerose says distractedly, taking a closer look.
[20:31] <@Kotono> "We'd need a sharp knife, hot water, bandages and some alcohol." Helena says, "I've done roadside surgery before for the caravan."
[20:33] * Annerose looks with her magical sight, and then specifically for any evil.
[20:33] <@Kotono> "Yeah, but Inari can help with the healing part," T remarks, "It's not like he's going to bleed out with us nearby."
[20:33] <@Kotono> There's magic around the wound. OOC: Spellcraft.
[20:33] <Annerose> roll 1d20+13
[20:33] <Rei-chan> Annerose rolled : 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{32}
[20:34] <@Kotono> It's not a spell - it's something solid. An enchanted weapon cursed to stick in and cause paralysis. Nasty business. It's not evil, just unpleasant. From the shape and size of it, it's got to be a dart or something similarly sized.
[20:36] <Annerose> "Right, then. Your guess was correct, I'd image it's a dart. An enchanted one, specifically designed for this. Our best bet is for you to cut it out, Erad, while we help keep him steady and heal up the damage."
[20:36] <Annerose> *imagine
[20:37] <@Erad> Erad nods. "All right, let's get him set up in the wagon room and I'll get to it. Then we can hear the true story."
[20:37] <@Kotono> "I can help with the cutting out part," Helena says, "Can you and Inari keep him alive while we do the surgery?"
[20:38] <@Kotono> Rek just listens to all of this, eyes drifting shut and the occasional hacking cough shaking his immobile body.
[20:38] <@Inari> "I can do that," Inari confirms.
[20:39] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, we'll begin with Erad making a heal check. Helena will aid. Inari, what magic will you be using here?
[20:39] <@Kotono> OOC: Since you also asked in PM, you can be the second aider, Annerose.
[20:40] <@Erad> roll 1d20+12 Dr. Dragon
[20:40] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+12 Dr. Dragon --> [ 1d20=18 ]{30}
[20:41] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+13 Helena helps out too
[20:41] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+13 Helena helps out too --> [ 1d20=16 ]{29}
[20:41] <Annerose> roll 1d20+13
[20:41] <Rei-chan> Annerose rolled : 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{16}
[20:41] <@Inari> OOC: I'll use cure minor wounds repeatedly, with cure light if things get messy
[20:45] <@Kotono> The slice, the cut and the opening. It bleeds - far too much, little spears of ice erupting out. But cure minor wounds seals those injuries without closing the surgical incision. Inside is a pale blue dart, decorated with a snowflake motif. It's pierced Rek's spine - and despite it he doesn't react or cry out in pain - and is difficult to remove. But fortunately you're in perfect position to do
[20:45] <@Kotono> so. OOC: Heal check again, Erad, +4 bonus since y'all knocked the first part otu of the park.
[20:45] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+13 Helena aids for +2 more
[20:45] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+13 Helena aids for +2 more --> [ 1d20=11 ]{24}
[20:46] <@Erad> roll 1d20+12+4 Dr. Dragon Part 2
[20:46] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+12+4 Dr. Dragon Part 2 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{27}
[20:46] <Annerose> roll 1d20+11 should've been 11 there
[20:46] <Rei-chan> Annerose rolled : 1d20+11 should've been 11 there --> [ 1d20=2 ]{13}
[20:47] <@Kotono> With great care and all of Inari's minor healings to keep it stable, the dart is removed. As it's pulled away, Rek gasps, his entire body twitching. The dart is pristine - frozen blood and gore slides off it.
[20:48] <@Erad> "Oh, probably should've warned you that it might hurt all of a sudden." Erad says as he frowns at the dart before putting it aside.
[20:49] <Annerose> "It always gets to me," Annerose mutters, holding Rek steady so he doesn't hurt anyone. She presses her gloved hand to the edge of the wound to numb it and the surrounding area. "People have all this incredible magic, but they waste it on making things like that."
[20:50] <@Kotono> Rek's arm moves - up to his face, feeling his cheeks. "See, I can understand it from a battle perspective." T adds, staying away from the improptu surgery. It's not worse than the magic you use to hold people, Annerose," he says, "But there's such maliciousness in making sure it doesn't fade."
[20:50] <@Inari> "Yes, once the fight's over leaving such injuries can only be cruelty," Inari agrees with T's sentiment.
[20:51] <Annerose> "That's what I meant," she agrees with T. "That's all this dart is good for. I can't imagine even using it in a fight, the way it would need to be placed."
[20:51] <@Erad> "Well, think about it this way, couldn't you use it to spare someone pain in their body if you have no other recourse?" Erad says. "...Not that I'm suggesting we hold onto it, but... It did at least numb his pain while we did this."
[20:51] <@Kotono> "See, it is magic," T speaks up, "I bet that did it by itself. But still."
[20:52] * Annerose raises an eyebrow. "Volunteering to test it?"
[20:53] <@Inari> "He seemed quite pained even if he couldn't feel his limbs," Inari points out. "Does that sound right, Rek?"
[20:55] <@Kotono> "Something like that," Rek sits up shakily once his wound is healed, "Tempus' cock and balls," he opines as he rubs his stubble with both hands, "You fixed it. You got me," he says, "What do you want to know?"
[20:56] <Annerose> "I think we'll have the chance to hear the entire story of the war, as it happened from your side. But a few things interest me the most. How it broke out, what are your side's goals, how did the forward fortresses fall, how many men and mages are there in the invasion force?"
[20:56] <@Kotono> "Everything," T says, "But I'm sure we'll guide you in the right direction. Who wants to start?"
[20:56] <@Inari> "What's this secret weapon that shatters fortress walls like glass?" Inari asks the most pressing question for Malana's fate.
[20:58] <@Kotono> He starts with Annerose, "You bastards raided over the border again. Good Queen Penelope wouldn't take that and declared war." He gazes at each of them, "We're going to make Malana pay for its imperialism. Your side massacred an entire oversized brigade in th dead of night.""
[20:58] <@Erad> Erad tilts his head. OOC: Isn't that the opposite of the story they heard?
[20:58] <@Kotono> "Oooh, big words," T whistles, "What's a soldier lke you doing saying words like imperialism?"
[20:59] <Annerose> "Were you able to personally witness any of this, or talk to the survivors? Have you actually heard it from the Queen? The Malanese story is the same, except in reverse."
[20:59] <@Kotono> OOC: Kabath's sudden and sharp attack, yes.
[20:59] <@Erad> "T, this will go more quickly if you don't needle him." Erad says. "There'll be time for that later."
[20:59] <@Inari> "I bet Penelope and Franz just met up and cooked the story together so they could have a good war," Inari grumbles.
[20:59] <Annerose> "It is possible someone is lying, or a third party attacked both outposts?"
[21:00] <@Erad> "Or there's a third party involved." Erad says with a nod to Annerose. "The story didn't make much sense when we heard it for the first time either, things like that have never actually happened."
[21:00] <@Kotono> Helena blances at that, while Rek laughs. It's not a nice sound, "Heard it. Got a friend who lost a brother in the attack, bastards." He spits to the side, "It happened. Passed by the mass grave on thew ay to the border."
[21:00] <@Kotono> "Say, :I wonder if it was some smiling man?" Helena ventures, "Could be the same troublemaker?"
[21:00] <Annerose> "Did you happen to pass any mass graves on this side of the border as well?"
[21:01] <@Kotono> Rock perks up at that mention, eyeing Helena.
[21:01] <@Inari> "There wouldn't be a grave, the Malanese regiment got eaten remember?"
[21:02] <Annerose> "You cannot possibly eat everything?" Annerose asks with a wince.
[21:02] <@Kotono> "No," he says, then snorts. In the background, Rock just looks at Annerose. Just looks.
[21:03] * Annerose winces even more deeply. "It seems we won't get the truth of this one just yet. Your goals, then, are revenge? And, I suppose, looting the population? Is there more to it, like putting every man to the sword or leaving behind a scorched earth?"
[21:08] <@Kotono> "Looting's just a side benefit," Rek shrugs his shoulders, rubbing them after. "The real goal is to disrupt the enemy and send refugees everywhere. The thing about slaves? Bullshit. We want to overload you. Tax your food stores and supplies with refugees heading east.  It played right into our hands when this village fled on its own."
[21:08] <@Kotono> T hums a moment, "Yeah, that actually makes a lot of sense. Especially if you amnage to send them away from the fortresses, which are equipped to handle them. Fairly smart. So what's a forgotten raider like you doing knowing all this?"
[21:09] <Annerose> "Of course it's smart, just as it's smart to run away from a superior force that seeks to steal all your things, or worse," Annerose says sarcastically, curious about the answer to T's question herself.
[21:09] <@Inari> He is awfully well informed compared to the common Malanese soldier, Inari can't help but think.
[21:11] <@Kotono> "I'm a Leften. Lieutenant." He adds a moment later, "Third in command of the raiding group." He then shrugs, "Besides, you treated me better than I deserved. You healed me and you can hang me if you wanted to. So I'm going to give it to you straight."
[21:12] <@Kotono> "Awfully convienent," T murmurs.
[21:12] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+11 casting detect bullshit
[21:12] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+11 casting detect bullshit --> [ 1d20=11 ]{22}
[21:12] <@Inari> "So anyway, what about this secret fortress-breaking weapon? What's that?" Inari asks.
[21:13] <@Kotono> T just looks thoughtful as Rek goes on, "All I know is that the Warbringers are behind it and that it works."
[21:14] <Annerose> "Did you see it in action, even from afar? Or witness the results after the fact?"
[21:17] <@Kotono> "No," He shakes his head, "We were already busy raiding."
[21:17] <@Erad> OOC: Is Warbringers a term I can do a K:H on or is that K:L?
[21:17] <@Kotono> OOC: K:R, actually.
[21:17] <@Erad> OOC: Oh, well then
[21:17] <Annerose> roll 1d20+13
[21:17] <Rei-chan> Annerose rolled : 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{16}
[21:17] <@Erad> roll 1d20+7 Father Dragon
[21:17] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+7 Father Dragon --> [ 1d20=7 ]{14}
[21:18] <@Kotono> Annerose and Erad can both identify it as a title for those sworn to Tempus.
[21:19] <Annerose> "Stories, then. Does it open up a hole in the fortress? Smite it from the face of the world?"
[21:20] <@Kotono> "Blew the walls open is what I heard," he says, "Smashed it up good."
[21:20] <Annerose> "Why hasn't it been used more often? On Adamantine, for example?"
[21:24] <@Kotono> "I was wondering that myself," he admits, "Whatever it is can't be used on demand. I'm not long in the ways of the finger-wagglers, but don't they run out of spells in a day? Something like that, maybe."
[21:25] <Annerose> "Any strange new allies of late? Or rumors of them? Shamans, trolls, mysterious smiling men?"
[21:25] <@Kotono> T chuckles just a little bit, "Some go on longer than others, but that is a problem," T admits, "Something that can do that to a fortress is probably magic," he hums, "It would make snese."
[21:25] <@Inari> "It could be a ritual with a rare component that they've ran out of," Inari speculates. "But we just don't know."
[21:26] <Annerose> "If it were a third party, I'd stall while selling my services to Malana, now that there's panic spreading," Anneroses voices.
[21:26] <@Kotono> "Lots of the elementals," he says, "There's a new group, the Essence Callers. Formed a few years ago, specializes in summoning creatures of earth, fire and so on. Elementals, they're called. They freka the common soldier out, but we elites work with them sometimes."
[21:27] <Annerose> "And speaking of the elites... do you have any approximation of troops numbers? For the elites, and for the army as a whole?"
[21:29] <@Erad> "Hey, didn't you guys mention something about elementals before?" Erad asks the others.
[21:31] <@Inari> "The goblin who attacked your village," Inari nods. "He was summoning elementals well above his capabilities."
[21:32] <@Kotono> "Could've been a coincidence or not," T rubs his chin, "But it's worth keeping that one in mind."
[21:32] <@Inari> "Not to mention Rock here is part elemental," Inari says, clapping the troll on his arm.
[21:33] <@Kotono> Rek nods a little bit, "We're organized in to roving squads of a dozen and a half men. 15 soldiers, 2 leftens and a 1 captain. There's several dozen squads at least. I'm not sure on the bigger army numbers."
[21:34] <Annerose> "What about mages or the special troops, like the elemental summoners?"
[21:35] <@Kotono> "Don't know. The mages keep to themselves," he admits, "But I do know the Essence Callers began 50 men strong. Remember that being a point of pride."
[21:37] <@Kotono> T whistles low, arms crossed. "50 capable summoners? That could raise some trouble. Are they used in concentrated numbers or more spread out?"
[21:37] <Annerose> "How about a topic close to your heart?" Annerose muses. "That dart is clearly Auril's work. Any ideas who might've used it, or what Auril even wants from you?"
[21:37] <@Kotono> "None at all. Never had any problems with Auril," he says, "Few of hers still try, but the official religion is Tempus now. It's always said that the Malanese dogs up in the mountains cling to her."
[21:38] <@Kotono> Rock grunts a little bit,a nd in Giant to Inari, "Hungry. Eat?" He looks to Rek.
[21:39] <@Inari> "No, Rock," Inari says, sounding pained. "We don't eat people we kill and we certainly don't eat people we help."
[21:39] <Annerose> "Oh no, quite a few more cling to her! Regrettably."
[21:39] <@Erad> Erad taps a foot for a moment. "So let's get the story on this village straight -- you all arrived, you, with your forces, you went to look in a house and after that you were stabbed? Is that right?"
[21:40] <@Erad> roll 1d20+12 going to sense motive his response to that
[21:40] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+12 going to sense motive his response to that --> [ 1d20=4 ]{16}
[21:40] <@Kotono> "Yeah," he says, "What happened after, I don't know." Erad can't really get a read on him, but he appears honest on the surface.
[21:40] <Annerose> "So if Kabath and Malana were both set up, unlikely as it might sound at first," Annerose asks, "would securing proof of that end the war?"
[21:41] <@Kotono> "Good question. Let's say we do that and somehow manage to get both Franz and Penelope on board," T remarks, "Right now, Kabath has the position to demands border territories. Do you think the regime wants to bend over and offer it up?"
[21:42] <Annerose> "I'd still like to hear a foreigner's opinion, first, as well as what Rek here thinks will stop the war."
[21:44] <@Kotono> "Victory," Reks ays, "If Adamantine falls, Penelope could dictate terms or press the attack. Either way, the war's about won."
[21:45] <Annerose> "If Adamantine holds, the secret wall-melting weapon is put out of commission and winter approaches, however, the situation reverses," Annerose muses. "Your supply train is much longer, and you don't have the population supporting you here."
[21:47] <@Kotono> "Yeah, it might be ugly," Rek agrees after a moment, "If that happens."
[21:49] <Annerose> "Let's set a lower goal, then," Annerose proposes. "What can lead to a standstill, enough time to investigate and for heads to cool off? Is keeping Adamantine safe enough for that? At least until the winter?"
[21:50] <@Kotono> "Probably," he says, to which T nods and adds in, "Adamantine not falling keeps the secondary wall of fortresses intact."
[21:52] <Annerose> "Do you think you could help with that? If you know any plans for assaulting it or anything relevant, its commander might even be persuaded to keep you around."
[21:53] <@Kotono> "Yeah, rather than hanging," T adds, "Being useful keeps the noose away." He idly looks down, rubbing his knuckles against his tunic. "You're a smart man. Make yourself useful and you may live to see next spring."
[21:54] <Annerose> "You realize that we cannot simply send you free. And it is not possible to keep you our prisoner. Therefore, the best option I see for you is to work with us like this, and wait for a prisoner exchange."
[21:55] <@Kotono> "You're right, I have no choice. I'll do it," Rek says, "Better than dying."
[21:55] <@Inari> "They will actually keep him prisoner for a later exchange or ransom, right? He won't just be tortured and killed out of hand? I only ask because of the way the world is going these days..."
[21:57] <Annerose> "If Lord Househaven is the sort of person to do that, even after we negotiate on Rek's behalf, we have made the journey in error...."
[22:00] <@Kotono> "We'll just have to see," T finally says, "But we can probably wrangle something."
[22:02] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, any more questions for him?
[22:03] <@Erad> OOC: I can ask him if he's seen any dragons later
[22:04] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[22:05] <@Kotono> OOC: How are you going to keep him while you travel?
[22:05] <Annerose> OOC: Tied and watched
[22:06] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[22:06] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:06] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=51 ]{51}
[22:06] <@Kotono> The rest of the dya's trip is steady time, the party setting up for th enight. OOC: Since I've forgotten, how are y'all doing watches?
[22:07] <@Inari> OOC: everyone takes an hour and 20 minutes. Order can be Erad, Annerose, Helena, T, Inari, Rock?
[22:08] <@Inari> OOC: or an hour and half or something, I guess we need a bit more to make up for time spent watching.
[22:08] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[22:08] <@Kotono> roll 1d100+10
[22:08] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100+10 --> [ 1d100=47 ]{57}
[22:09] <@Erad> OOC: Erad doesn't mind taking longer watches during the night since he has darkvision for whatever that's worth.
[22:11] <@Kotono> Sess 37 dawns cloudy but rainless. The party eats around the campfire, as...OOC: Perception. Sec.
[22:11] <Annerose> roll 1d20+2
[22:11] <Rei-chan> Annerose rolled : 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{18}
[22:11] <@Inari> roll 1d20+14
[22:11] <Rei-chan> Inari rolled : 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{16}
[22:11] <@Erad> roll 1d20+14
[22:11] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{20}
[22:17] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+11 T
[22:17] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+11 T --> [ 1d20=11 ]{22}
[22:17] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+11 Helena
[22:17] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+11 Helena --> [ 1d20=1 ]{12}
[22:17] <@Kotono> roll 1d20-1 troll
[22:17] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20-1 troll --> [ 1d20=7 ]{6}
[22:18] <@Kotono> It's T that rises from his meal, going to the road and peering down, "There's some people coming from the south," he says, "All on foot."
[22:19] <Annerose> "How far out?"
[22:19] <@Inari> "Any banners?" Inari asks, standing up and going for a look with her plate still in hand.
[22:21] <@Kotono> "A ways," T says, "I can't tell yet." As the party rises and watches, ahead you can see....OOC: Aaaaand w'ell pause there.

[Corwin]

[20:24] <@Kowork> The party can see them. A few dozen people, close to 50. Men, womena nd children. A bit ragged and panicked, some carrying bags or sacks. they're dirty and grime-stained. They're hurrying along, stumbling.
[20:25] <@Inari> "Refugees from another village?" Inari wonders, deciding to forgo eating any more of her breakfast. It can take the edge off for a few children better than it can fill her belly.
[20:27] <@Kowork> "Probably," T frowns, "These things happen in war."
[20:28] <@Kowork> Helena gets up, "Let's call them over, see what happened? We can give them some food, too."
[20:29] <@Inari> Inari waves towards the people, though she's surely hard to miss anyway.
[20:30] <Annerose> "Sounds like a plan," Annerose agrees with the consensus, finishing her breakfast quickly.
[20:30] <@Erad> Erad will take to the sky just to make sure nothing is following these people that they can't see from the ground.
[20:33] <@Kowork> Erad takes to the skies and looks around...OOC: Perception.
[20:34] <@Erad> roll 1d20+14
[20:34] <@Kowork> The band comes forward, slowly. A few men lead the way, a lanky and filthy man calling, "Hello there! We don't mean harm, we're just trying to get to Jellan!"
[20:35] <@Erad> roll 1d20+14
[20:35] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{15}
[20:35] <@Inari> "You're on the right path," Inari calls back. "Do you need any aid? We don't have much food but we can share, and we can offer magical healing too."
[20:36] <Annerose> "Yes, how about sparing a few moments by having breakfast with us?" Annerose offers.
[20:36] <@Kowork> Erad doesn't note anything following them.
[20:36] <@Erad> Erad comes back down!
[20:39] <@Kowork> "Yes, please!" The men wave, everyone approach. It's everyone, from the young to the old. Simple folk, the children walking slower. "We haven't eaten much since we fled. Thank you."
[20:39] <Annerose> "Where are you all from?" Annerose asks, bringing out their supplies.
[20:39] <@Kowork> Helena gets right to it, checking your stores and starting to divide it up. T wanders on over to Rock, leading him away and back into the wagon. As he passes Inari, "Keeping Rock out from underfoot and an eye on Rek."
[20:40] <@Inari> "Good idea," Inari nods to T, starting to share out their breakfast and making sure the children get fed first.
[20:40] <@Kowork> "Anthbrook," As food is taken the children and then women go, the men waiting as the others eat. "We fled since we didn't want to be eaten," A chorus of shudders at that, "The barbarians from Kabath came and..."
[20:41] <Annerose> "So that really happened?" Annerose asks, shifting in place. "The being eaten part?"
[20:42] <@Erad> It isn't much, but Erad offers out some rations from his magical pouch.
[20:46] <@Kowork> Food is taken and torn into, everyone seemingly ravenous. "It's what we heard," they said, "Those barbarians would do it, too!"
[20:46] <@Kowork> Helena nods, "Well, at least you made it. It's a few days to Jellan, so you're getting close."
[20:48] <Annerose> "Road seemed pretty clear, too," Annerose adds. "Still, barbarians or not... it makes me wonder how the rumor got started. Might you remember where you first heard it?"
[20:48] <@Kowork> "Yeah," One man says, a burlier one with a limp, "Soldiers came through town, passing it on as they headed towards the fortresses. Told us all about it."
[20:49] <@Inari> "It is the official line," Inari says before spotting that limp, "Oh, if you're hurt or injured please come see me, I can heal you. It's not any trouble at all."
[20:51] <@Erad> Erad nods to Inari's words. "Yes, if anyone's feeling tired or sick, I'll do what I can as well."
[20:51] <@Kowork> Several come over at that, lining up. OOC: Okay. Who is offering healing and what are you capabilities?
[20:52] <@Inari> OOC: I can cast mass lesser vigor to give 3 people fast healing 2 for 17 rounds, 6 castings available for 18 people healed in total.
[20:52] <@Inari> OOC: if anyone's mentally unwell I can cast heart's ease instead
[20:52] <@Erad> OOC: I can remove fatigue from 5 people total.
[20:52] <@Kowork> OOC: Okay, that'll eat 3 mass lesser vigors and 1 heart's ease for Inari. Erad will use up all five of his fatigue removals. More coming.
[21:00] <@Kotono> Soon healing has passed and food is eaten. The refugees eye the party, and one child speaks up, "Why do you have tails?" one asks, "Why does she wear ice and why does he look like a lizard?" Meanwhile the adults are eating and talking, one coming forward. "Sebastian Voller," he offers his hand out to Annerose.
[21:00] <Annerose> "Annerose," she reciprocates, taking it. "A pleasure."
[21:02] <@Erad> A lizard? Come on! Erad will kneel down to the children nonetheless. "It's a long story, but let me tell you about Bahamut, the Platinum Dragon." Erad starts. He'll keep it short and to the point for the benefit of those still wanting to go.
[21:02] <@Inari> "Well why do you have hair?" Inari asks the child back, her three tails fluttering around behind her.
[21:06] <@Kotono> Helena giggles, as Annerose shakes Sebastian's hand. "Thank yo so much for this. I can't offer you anything but my thanks."
[21:06] <@Kotono> As Erad spreads the word of Bahamut, the child says, "Because...um...?"
[21:06] <@Kotono> OOC: Perception, all of you.
[21:07] <Annerose> "I wish it were more than just a brief stop along the road," Annerose says sadly. "But if things go right, you'll be able to go back home and rebuild in spring."
[21:07] <Annerose> roll 1d20+2
[21:07] <Rei-chan> Annerose rolled : 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{19}
[21:07] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+11 Helena, since T and Rock are off with Rek
[21:07] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+11 Helena, since T and Rock are off with Rek --> [ 1d20=4 ]{15}
[21:08] <@Inari> roll 1d20+14
[21:08] <Rei-chan> Inari rolled : 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{16}
[21:08] <@Inari> "Because it's warm and nice!" Inari grins, ruffling the child's hair before presenting one of her fluffy tails to be touched.
[21:09] <@Erad> roll 1d20+14
[21:09] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{30}
[21:10] <@Kotono> The tail is touched and petted. As this happens, Erad happens to look up. Hm? He can see something on the horizon in the direction the refugees came in. Far away still, but is something coming?
[21:15] <@Erad> Erad frowns. "Annerose, Inari, I think I see something."
[21:15] <@Erad> He straightens up. "I'm going to go look, but it might be best for these people to get moving." He adds before he takes to the air again to get a better look.
[21:15] <Annerose> "Expecting company?" Annerose asks Sebastian.
[21:16] <@Inari> "I understand," Inari says, straightening up after indulging the children for a bit. "Everyone, go stay close to your parents, you're going to have to start walking again now."
[21:16] <@Kotono> Erad takes to the air. Flying up, he can see them - still quite a ways away, but it's horsemen on black stallions. Three in front, the bulk behind them and three in back. They're sweeping along and across the road. You have time to prepare, at least.
[21:16] <@Kotono> The children go to parents, who look to each other and quickly herd them. Amid thanks to the party, "Let's go, children!" they start to go, as...
[21:17] <@Erad> OOC: Can I approximate how many in between the six?
[21:21] <@Kotono> OOC: Around a dozen, har dto see from here.
[21:21] <@Erad> "Black stallions!" Erad calls out as he starts back down. "Six total! About a dozen soldiers between that!"
[21:22] <Annerose> "I want to offer Rek the choice of fighting on our side," Annerose speaks at that, making a decision. "We cannot spare anyone to watch him and he might get away if he intends to do us harm. At least this way we can see if he has made the choice to cast his lot with us. Are there any objections?"
[21:22] <@Kotono> Helena gets u and readies her shield, "Guess the war's coming to us now."
[21:23] <@Inari> "It's worth a try," Inari says. "We're not getting away without abandoning the wagon." Since it'll likely come to battle she starts preparing a few spells...
[21:23] <@Inari> OOC: how many spells could I cast before they're in init range?
[21:24] <Annerose> Nodding, Annerose head to the wagon where T, Rock and Rek are.
[21:28] <@Kotono> OOC: You have 4 rounds.
[21:28] <@Kotono> You find them in the new room, sitting and waiting. T turns, "Something up?"
[21:29] <@Inari> Inari firsts casts animalistic power, divine shield, and aid upon herself. Then she casts animalistic power on Erad as well! OOC: +2 str/dex/con for 7 minutes, Neph
[21:30] <@Erad> OOC: Why thank you
[21:30] <@Inari> roll 1d8+7 temp hp
[21:30] <Rei-chan> Inari rolled : 1d8+7 temp hp --> [ 1d8=3 ]{10}
[21:31] <Annerose> "Kabath elites, six in number. And twice that in regular troops," Annerose responds. "They seem to be chasing down refugees so we'll discourage them from it. You and Rock, go out to join Inari?" Turning towards Rek, then, she says, "To make my offer short, your people left you paralyzed for dead, perhaps to test that weapon of Auril's or just for fun. We helped you out, and will keep on doing that even if it means going against the military commanders of Adamantine. Want to make a more direct contribution to us?"
[21:32] <@Erad> Erad will make a prayer to Bahamut in preparation. OOC: Casting Bless on everyone, +1 to attack rolls and +1 to saves against Fear
[21:32] <@Erad> OOC: That also lasts 7 minutes
[21:34] <@Kotono> AS Rock and T head out, Rek gives Annerose a long look, "You want me to fight them?"
[21:37] <Annerose> "Yes. But more than that, I want you to fight alongside me. That's the important part. Maybe the gods made our meeting possible, or maybe it's all up to us to find meaning in it. But what it comes down to is that it's an opportunity for all of us." She pauses for a moment. "No massacres, no backstabbing. Just a clean fight on the battlefield, the way Tempus likes it."
[21:40] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a diplo check there, since you're giving it a try and made an argument that makes sense to him.
[21:40] <Annerose> roll 1d20+16
[21:40] <Rei-chan> Annerose rolled : 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{30}
[21:44] <@Kotono> Rek grunts - it's an ugly sound. He considers this for a good time, "A chance go to out and win some honor?" he finally replies, voice terse.
[21:46] * Annerose nods, using her magic to loosen his bonds.
[21:47] <@Kotono> He stands at that, "Got a weapon?" he asks.
[21:48] <Annerose> "I am a weapon," Annerose says, heading out to rejoin the others. "I'm sure T will have something to start you off, though. Come on!"
[21:51] <@Kotono> Rek hurries out. Meanwhile, as T gives him his backup dagger, you can see them. The first 3 horsemen are 200ft ahead, riding in the saddle and with bows out. Behind them you can see them further away - a bulk of soldiers and three more in the back. OOC: Let's rolli nit here.

[21:51] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+6 T
[21:51] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+6 T --> [ 1d20=8 ]{14}
[21:52] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Helena
[21:52] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+4 Helena --> [ 1d20=9 ]{13}
[21:52] <Annerose> roll 1d20+5+5
[21:52] <Rei-chan> Annerose rolled : 1d20+5+5 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{23}
[21:52] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+1 Rock
[21:52] <@Inari> roll 1d20+4
[21:52] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+1 Rock --> [ 1d20=19 ]{20}
[21:52] <Rei-chan> Inari rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{21}
[21:52] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+3 Rek
[21:52] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+3 Rek --> [ 1d20=19 ]{22}
[21:52] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+3 horsemen
[21:52] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+3 horsemen --> [ 1d20=14 ]{17}
[21:52] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+1 soldiers
[21:52] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+1 soldiers --> [ 1d20=16 ]{17}
[21:52] <@Erad> roll 1d20+2+1
[21:52] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+2+1 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{7}
[21:53] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(23)>Rek(22)>Inari(21)>Rock(20> Horsemen=Soldiers(17>T(14)>Helena(13)>Erad(Bahamut cosplays a miko)'
[21:55] <@Kotono> OOC: Open Annerose, you won the init sweepstakes.
[21:56] <Annerose> "Turn back, Knights of Kabath, or be destroyed!" Annerose calls out clearly, commanding for a storm to descend upon the riders and the soldiers trailing them along the road. "This is your only warning!"
[21:56] <Annerose> OOC: http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/sleetStorm.htm
[22:00] <@Kotono> Sleet rains down, blocking thew ay and enveloping the horseriders and soldiers ahead. It's an unnatural storm, blinding amid the early fall mud. OOC: Rek, he'll hold. Inari.
[22:00] <@Inari> Preparing for the fierce melee combat to come, Inari casts divine favor on herself!
[22:03] <@Kotono> Power from within floods Inari, strengthening her body as Rock bounds forward 80ft, fearlessly charging into the fray. Meanwhile...
[22:03] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[22:03] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{18}
[22:04] <@Kotono> The horsemen come out of the sleet to the sides, still 200ft away. Arrows are fired, coming from afar at Annerose.
[22:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+4 (-4 range increments)
[22:04] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+4 (-4 range increments) --> [ 1d20=3 ]{7}
[22:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+4 (-4 range increments)
[22:04] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+4 (-4 range increments) --> [ 1d20=5 ]{9}
[22:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+4 (-4 range increments)
[22:04] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+4 (-4 range increments) --> [ 1d20=3 ]{7}
[22:04] <@Kotono> But at this distance, none of the arrows are close at all.
[22:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[22:04] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{21}
[22:05] <@Kotono> Meanwhile, the soldiers spill out to the sides as well, breaking and getting out of the sleet storm slowly. OOC: Okay, T.
[22:05] <Annerose> "You've chosen death, then," Annerose's voice carries across the battlefield, filled with understanding. "Very well!"
[22:05] <@Kotono> T meanwhile just holds, watching them scramble, "Anyone got aw ay to put them downb efore they get to us?" he asks. OOC: Helena.
[22:05] <@Kotono> OOC: Helena'll hold for now too, since distance is a thing. Erad, go.
[22:07] <@Erad> Erad sighs. "I don't believe this." OOC: He'll hold too sincee there's not a lot he can do yet.
[22:08] <@Kotono> OOC: Annerose.
[22:09] * Annerose advances to meet the riders head on, reaching out with her mind to seize the one in the middle!
[22:10] <Annerose> OOC: 30ft forward, Hold Monster on middlemost rider, Will DC21
[22:13] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:13] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{8}
[22:13] <@Kotono> Advancing through the mud, Annerose freezes the middle rider solid. He stops moving altogether, magically held tight. OOC: Rek holds. Inari.
[22:14] <@Inari> Jogging after Rock, Inari makes sure not to leave the poor troll behind... though he is faster than her so it's unavoidable really.
[22:14] <@Inari> OOC: double move 60 feet forward
[22:16] <@Kotono> Inari moves to 140ft away, jogging along the muddy road. Rock meanwhile continues his rapid advance, closing to 40ft away, gallping along in a low, ground eating sprint. OOC: Horsemen are up.
[22:17] <@Kotono> Annerose can see that the paralyzed one doesn't fall off - some good saddle and gear keeps him upright. But the other two hold position, firing off at Rock as he advances.
[22:17] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[22:17] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[22:17] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{22}
[22:17] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{10}
[22:17] <@Kotono> roll 1d8+4
[22:17] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d8+4 --> [ 1d8=6 ]{10}
[22:18] <@Kotono> OOC: Nonlethal.
[22:19] <@Kotono> Rock gets an arrow in the side, but it doesn't even seem to slow him. From the back you hear, "Eagle! Eagle!" The two riders start to gallop to the sides, 50ft and to the left and right, distancing themselves further. You see the soldiers start to fall back as well, spears brandished as they withdraw 30ft back.  OOC: T's up. We'll pause there, I think, before getting any deeper into this combat. It's about time.

[Corwin]

[18:47] <@Koaway> 'Annerose(23)>Rek(22)>Inari(21)>Rock(20> Horsemen=Soldiers(17>T(14)>Helena(13)>Erad(Bahamut cosplays a miko)'
[18:49] <@Koaway> "Guess this is gonna be serious," T murmurs, whispering words and vanishing from sight. OOC: 5/6 inspiration, went invisible. Helena's up.
[18:50] <@Koaway> Helena advances 100ft at a good clip, shield up and at the ready. OOC: ERad, go.
[18:52] <@Erad> OOC: Can I move and do total defense or is total defense a full round thing?
[18:52] <Annerose> OOC: Total defense is standard action
[18:52] <@Koaway> OOC: It's a standard action, so yes.
[18:52] <@Erad> OOC: Okay.
[18:53] <@Erad> Erad gets off the ground by a few feet to meet any of the horseriders as he moves after Rock by 65 ft, but looks to be ready to defend himself for the time being! OOC: Total defense then for now
[18:55] <@Koaway> Erad advances just above the ground and flies on, arms up in defense. OOC: Annerose is up. Moment while I answer her PM.
[18:57] * Annerose advances upon the frozen central rider, even as her mind lashes out at the one to her distant left!
[18:57] <Annerose> OOC: 30ft closer, Hold Monster Will DC21 on the second rider. I think I'm ~148ft from him and within range
[18:59] <@Koaway> roll 1d20+5
[18:59] <Rei-chan> Koaway rolled : 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{22}
[19:00] <@Koaway> But this time Annerose feels her magic resisted, the rider shouting as the magic is shoved back. OOC: 140ft away now. Rek.
[19:00] <@Koaway> Rek slowly advances 30ft, coming to 170ft away. He's going slow and careful as...OOC: Inari.
[19:01] <@Inari> Advancing a mere thirty feet this time, Inari hurls some foxfire at one of the horsemen running off to the sides, picking the one on her right.
[19:01] <@Inari> roll 1d20+12 ranged touch
[19:01] <Rei-chan> Inari rolled : 1d20+12 ranged touch --> [ 1d20=9 ]{21}
[19:01] <@Inari> roll 7d6 fire
[19:01] <Rei-chan> Inari rolled : 7d6 fire --> [ 7d6=24 ]{24}
[19:01] <@Inari> roll 1d4 recharge
[19:01] <Rei-chan> Inari rolled : 1d4 recharge --> [ 1d4=3 ]{3}
[19:06] <@Koaway> Horseman and rider are set ablaze, foxfires igniting them like dry kindling. He s creams as he burns, flames leaping up from his body and arching to the sky. Rock meanwhile closes in on the paralysed soldier, leaping at him with claws out.
[19:07] <@Koaway> roll 1d20+12 (+2 charge, -+2 rage -4 PA, 1/2 rages left for the day)
[19:07] <Rei-chan> Koaway rolled : 1d20+12 (+2 charge, -+2 rage -4 PA, 1/2 rages left for the day) --> [ 1d20=14 ]{26}
[19:07] <@Koaway> roll 1d8+15
[19:07] <Rei-chan> Koaway rolled : 1d8+15 --> [ 1d8=7 ]{22}
[19:08] <@Koaway> The horse cries out as Rock lands on its neck, claw digging deep into the paralyzed soldier's body. He rips a good chunk of flesh out, as the horse falls under the weight. OOC: Ow. Horsemen and soldiers are up.
[19:10] <@Koaway> With enemies advancing, the horsemen ot the right and left stop. The withdraw arrows with strange, glass heads full of sloshing blue liquid, firing them in a volley at Rock.
[19:10] <@Koaway> roll 1d20+6 (-2 rapid shot)
[19:10] <@Koaway> roll 1d20+6 (-2 rapid shot)
[19:10] <Rei-chan> Koaway rolled : 1d20+6 (-2 rapid shot) --> [ 1d20=5 ]{11}
[19:10] <Rei-chan> Koaway rolled : 1d20+6 (-2 rapid shot) --> [ 1d20=14 ]{20}
[19:10] <@Koaway> roll 1d20+6 (-2 rapid shot)
[19:10] <Rei-chan> Koaway rolled : 1d20+6 (-2 rapid shot) --> [ 1d20=10 ]{16}
[19:10] <@Koaway> roll 1d20+6 (-2 rapid shot)
[19:10] <Rei-chan> Koaway rolled : 1d20+6 (-2 rapid shot) --> [ 1d20=8 ]{14}
[19:10] <@Koaway> roll 1d8+5+1d6 (1d6 is fire damage and is thus lethal)
[19:10] <@Koaway> roll 1d8+5+1d6 (1d6 is fire damage and is thus lethal)
[19:10] <Rei-chan> Koaway rolled : 1d8+5+1d6 (1d6 is fire damage and is thus lethal) --> [ 1d8=2 1d6=1 ]{8}
[19:10] <Rei-chan> Koaway rolled : 1d8+5+1d6 (1d6 is fire damage and is thus lethal) --> [ 1d8=8 1d6=1 ]{14}
[19:15] <@Koaway> Rock screams - a loud and shrill sound - as fire hits him. He thrashes at the arrows with his claws, tearing them apart even as his flesh is singed. The soldiers simply flow around now - out of the sleet and like a pincer tide, coming around to surround Rock and the paralyzed rider, spears out and ready. "Kill the troll!" They shout, as suddenly the earth quakes and shakes lightly. OOC: T's up,
[19:15] <@Koaway> he's invisible and what he does can't be seen. Helena's up.
[19:16] <@Koaway> Helena finishes her charge, trying to dodge spears as she crashed into the mass of soldiers, shield out. OOC: 1/2 PP, spending it on adrenaline boost. Chaaaarge.
[19:16] <@Koaway> roll 1d20+15 (+2 charge, +1 ab, +1 terrain mastery plains)
[19:16] <Rei-chan> Koaway rolled : 1d20+15 (+2 charge, +1 ab, +1 terrain mastery plains) --> [ 1d20=18 ]{33}
[19:16] <@Koaway> roll 1d20+4 AoO dur
[19:16] <Rei-chan> Koaway rolled : 1d20+4 AoO dur --> [ 1d20=8 ]{12}
[19:17] <@Koaway> roll 1d6+7+2d6
[19:17] <Rei-chan> Koaway rolled : 1d6+7+2d6 --> [ 1d6=2 2d6=7 ]{16}
[19:19] <@Koaway> OOC: Link me to sleet storm real quick.
[19:20] <Annerose> OOC: http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/sleetStorm.htm
[19:22] <@Koaway> There's a painfully loud crack as a soldier pokes at Helena, only to be dodged and catch her shield with his face. He crumples, head broken like a melon dropped on the ground. The still wet ground squishes beneath the party's feet as they advance, the early morning lgiht illuminating the battlefield as - another shake and another. Then from Annerose's side, it erupts out. The earth brekas apart,
[19:22] <@Koaway> a man-sized creature of earth. An earth elemental, a foe faced before. It swings at Annerose, one stony fist trying to clobber her.
[19:22] <@Koaway> roll 1d20+8 AC?
[19:22] <Rei-chan> Koaway rolled : 1d20+8 AC? --> [ 1d20=9 ]{17}
[19:23] * Koaway changes topic to 'Annerose(23)>Rek(22)>Inari(21)>Rock(20> Horsemen=Soldiers(17>T(14)>Helena(13)>Earth Elemental(12)>Erad(Bahamut cosplays a miko)'
[19:23] <Annerose> OOC: 29
[19:24] <@Koaway> But Annerose is much, much too fast for that. She jukes to the side, dodging the heavy blow with preternatural grace. The air whistles from the force of the blow, a breeze ruffling her hair. OOC: Okay. Erad.
[19:24] <@Erad> OOC: Are you able to tell me what I'm generally closest to? I'm guessing the horsemen surrounding Rock?
[19:25] <@Koaway> OOC: yes.
[19:25] <@Koaway> OOC: Yes, even.
[19:25] <@Erad> OOC: Okay.
[19:26] <@Erad> Erad flies at one of the horsemen, aiming to knock him out cold so they're able to get some information out of him later! OOC: I'm guessing there's an AoO involved, my AC is 21
[19:26] <@Koaway> roll 1d20+4
[19:26] <Rei-chan> Koaway rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{7}
[19:27] <@Erad> OOC: Also, does this individual count as evil and/or chaotic?
[19:27] <@Erad> OOC: Actually just evil
[19:28] <@Kotono> OOC: Yes.
[19:29] <@Erad> toll 1d20+13
[19:29] <@Erad> rll 1d20+13
[19:29] <@Erad> roll 1d20+13
[19:29] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{16}
[19:29] <@Erad> OOC: One of these days, keyboard, one of these days...
[19:29] <@Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[19:30] <@Erad> roll 3d6+4+1d6+2d6 the 1d6 is extra good damage and the 2d6 is acid, I don't think he can make the latter two portions nonlethal but he'll make the main part nonlethal as possible
[19:30] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 3d6+4+1d6+2d6 the 1d6 is extra good damage and the 2d6 is acid, I don't think he can make the latter two portions nonlethal but he'll make the main part nonlethal as possible --> [ 3d6=9 1d6=6 2d6=12 ]{31}
[19:31] <@Erad> OOC: So 13 nonlethal and 18 lethal it looks like presuming he can't control the lethality of those
[19:32] <@Kotono> WHAM! The strike is massive - and involves acid to the man's middle. It hisses and burns as he doubles over, falling down in a heap. He dodges a spear as he clsoes in and then...OOC: Annerose.
[19:33] * Annerose casually slips away from the elemental as if it were a minor irritant, and continues her approach towards the mass of soldiers engaging Helena, Erad and Rock.
[19:33] <Annerose> OOC: 'withdraw' action towards the main battle, moving 60ft closer
[19:34] <@Erad> "If you value your lives, you'll cease this foolishness!" Erad calls out as he drops the nearby soldier.
[19:42] <@Kotono> OOC: Make an intimidation check, Erad. The party's earned it by performance so far.
[19:43] <@Erad> roll 1d20 Scary Dragon
[19:43] <Rei-chan> Erad rolled : 1d20 Scary Dragon --> [ 1d20=5 ]{5}
[19:44] <@Kotono> Annerose meanwhile ignores the elemental, slipping away and closer to 80ft away now. Meanwhile, Rek advances on it from behind, loaned dagger stabbing out.
[19:44] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[19:44] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{19}
[19:44] <@Kotono> roll 1d4+3
[19:44] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d4+3 --> [ 1d4=3 ]{6}
[19:44] <@Kotono> He gets the elemental right in the back, managing to carve a hunk of rock out. It hits the ground hard, as...OOC: Inari.
[19:44] <Inari> "I'll protect you, Rock!" Inari calls out, running to catch up with him so she can leverage her spear alongside his prodigious arms-reach to better deter the first few warriors to try taking him down!
[19:54] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, just moving or...?
[19:54] <Inari> OOC: that's it
[19:57] <@Kotono> Inari closes in as Rock roars, dodging spears. He tears the man he's on apart first of all, despite his burns.
[19:57] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+14 (+2 rage)
[19:57] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+14 (+2 rage)
[19:57] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+14 (+2 rage) --> [ 1d20=2 ]{16}
[19:57] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+14 (+2 rage) --> [ 1d20=10 ]{24}
[19:57] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[19:57] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{16}
[19:58] <@Kotono> roll 1d6+11+1d6+11+2d6+15+1d6+5
[19:58] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d6+11+1d6+11+2d6+15+1d6+5 --> [ 1d6=6 1d6=2 2d6=7 1d6=4 ]{61}
[19:59] <@Kotono> The soldier and horse are torn apart, Rock's claws sending blood and flesh everywhere. He just tears in with as creaming fury, as...OOC: Horsemen and soldiers are up.
[20:03] <@Kotono> The remaining horsemen stay where they are, firing a volley of arrows at Annerose once more.
[20:03] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+6 (-2 rapid shot)
[20:03] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+6 (-2 rapid shot)
[20:03] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+6 (-2 rapid shot)
[20:03] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+6 (-2 rapid shot) --> [ 1d20=6 ]{12}
[20:03] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+6 (-2 rapid shot) --> [ 1d20=4 ]{10}
[20:03] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+6 (-2 rapid shot) --> [ 1d20=15 ]{21}
[20:03] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+6 (-2 rapid shot)
[20:03] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+6 (-2 rapid shot) --> [ 1d20=7 ]{13}
[20:03] <Annerose> OOC: AC29
[20:03] <@Kotono> But as the arrows miss her and hit the ground around her, the soldiers try and put Rock down, spear first.
[20:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[20:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[20:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[20:04] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{5}
[20:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[20:04] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{20}
[20:04] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{12}
[20:04] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{8}
[20:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[20:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[20:04] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{5}
[20:04] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{17}
[20:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d8+2
[20:04] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d8+2 --> [ 1d8=1 ]{3}
[20:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d8+2
[20:04] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d8+2 --> [ 1d8=8 ]{10}
[20:07] <@Kotono> A few manage passing wounds on him, but none serious. Wounds that barely bleed and seal near-instantly, as...OOC: T's up.
[20:09] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+14 (+3 inspiration 4/6, nonlethal, 3/6 adding +3 to damage, 2d6, adding +1d6 SA)
[20:09] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+14 (+3 inspiration 4/6, nonlethal, 3/6 adding +3 to damage, 2d6, adding +1d6 SA) --> [ 1d20=6 ]{20}
[20:10] <@Kotono> roll 1d4+2+4d6
[20:10] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d4+2+4d6 --> [ 1d4=3 4d6=8 ]{13}
[20:15] <@Kotono> T appears on the rightmost rider's back, clubbing him with the pommel of his dagger. It staggers the ride, but he doesn't go down, the horse bucking, "Shiiiiit!" T's voice is heard as...OOC: Helena.
[20:15] <@Kotono> Helena just stays where she is, bashing and smacking away.
[20:15] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+12 (+1 tm)
[20:15] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+12 (+1 tm) --> [ 1d20=7 ]{19}
[20:15] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[20:15] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{11}
[20:16] <@Kotono> roll 1d6+6
[20:16] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d6+6 --> [ 1d6=6 ]{12}

[Corwin]

[19:56] <~Kotono> Helena braces and leaps up, the edge of her shieldc atching a soldier under the chin. It makes a loud crack as bone breaks and the soldier falls, jaw and more cracked like old glass. The earth elemental turns, engaging Rek with a simple, bloody-minded directness.
[19:58] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[19:58] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 10 > [d20=2]
[19:59] <~Kotono> But the heavy blow is parried away, dagger on fist as the two meet. Rek ducks to the side and kicks the elemental back, the blow ruined. OOC: ERad.
[20:01] <@Erad> Erad flies at another soldier on horseback, intent on disabling as many of these people as he can!
[20:01] <@Erad> roll 1d20+13
[20:01] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=14]
[20:02] <~Kotono> OOC: Hit. Damage.
[20:03] <@Erad> roll 3d6+4+1d6+2d6 the 3d6 is nonlethal
[20:03] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 23 > [d6=3,1,4,3,4,4]
[20:03] <@Erad> OOC: Looks to be 12 nonlethal and 11 lethal if the numbers are in order
[20:05] <~Kotono> OOC: Distance refresher. Helena and Rock are on the soldiers, as is Inari. Relative to that, Annerose is 80ft away from the on foot soldiers. Erad's on the horseman to the right and T's on the one to the left. Rek's back with the earth elemental.
[20:05] <~Kotono> Erad strikes the horse mounted rider hard, doubling him over big time. He's not quite down from it, but he's in a bad way from such a strike. OOC: Annerose.
[20:09] * Annerose hardly wanted to do it this way, but since the soldiers continuously refuse to surrender or turn back, the only way is to bring them all down. She gets closer still, and summons enough cold to freeze as many of them solid as she can.
[20:10] <Annerose> roll 7d6 cone of cold Ref DC 23
[20:10] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 34 > [d6=5,6,6,2,6,6,3]
[20:11] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[20:11] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 8 > [d20=5]
[20:11] * Kotono changes topic to 'Annerose(23)>Rek(22)>Inari(21)>Rock(20>Horsemen(17)>T(14)>Helena(13)>Earth Elemental(12)>Erad(Bahamut cosplays a miko)'
[20:12] <~Kotono> Cold lances through the surviving soldiers, downing them to a man. They're frozen solid and collapse in heaps, some of them even breaking apart like glass. Meanwhile, Rek and the elemental continue to go at it.
[20:12] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[20:12] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=14]
[20:12] <~Kotono> roll 1d4+3
[20:12] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 6 > [d4=3]
[20:13] <~Kotono> They trade blows, Rek managing to stab it in the middle and kick it back again. It's tough to really stab a giant hunk of rocks, but he's doing a fairly good job at it. OOC: Inari. There's two horsemen up here - one Erad's beating ot the side and the one T's on the other side. There's the three behind the sleet storm as well.
[20:16] <@Inari> She just ran all the way over here and she's not about to run all the way back to deal with that elemental! Since neither T nor Erad would likely appreciate her running in and stabbing people that they're trying to take down nonlethally, she amuses herself by healing Rock. "There there, Rock, that mean fire wouldn't have hurt a big strong man like you one bit!" she consoles him while doing so.
[20:16] <@Inari> roll 1d8+5 heal
[20:16] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 12 > [d8=7]
[20:16] <~Kotono> The healing stops the burns on him, refreshing the troll from his ordeal. His creams stop as he looks around, "Fire gone?" he asks, as he looks to Inari. OOC: He'll hold for the moment. Horsemen are up.
[20:17] <~Kotono> The horsemen in the rear can be seen by Annerose through the sleet storm. They turn and retreat, horses galloping away as they go into a flat run. Meanwhile, the rider on T tries to kick him off his horse entirely.
[20:17] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6 vs CMD of 19
[20:18] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 17 > [d20=11]
[20:18] <~Kotono> But T stays right on there, readying his dagger again. Meanwhile, the one Erad punches gasps, taking a wild swing at the dragonborn.
[20:18] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[20:18] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 11 > [d20=5]
[20:18] <@Erad> OOC: AC is 21
[20:19] <~Kotono> But it's just that - a wild if trained swing, missing him entirely. Meanwhile, T just grins and whispers, "Night," as he tries to club his foe down.
[20:19] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+14 (1/6 +3 to hit, 0/6 +3 to damage, nonlethal)
[20:19] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=8]
[20:19] <~Kotono> roll 1d4+2
[20:20] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 4 > [d4=2]
[20:21] <~Kotono> A second blow to the head is enough, the rider slumping down forward and dropping his bow. Meanwhile Helena looks around, holding guard for the moment, before seeing Erad's opponent and charging him head on.
[20:21] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+14 (+2 charge, +)1 tm
[20:21] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=13]
[20:22] <~Kotono> roll 1d6+6
[20:22] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 12 > [d6=6]
[20:22] <~Kotono> Already badly dazed, a shield dash into the horse and rider send them both down, the soldier not getting back up. Meanwhile, Rek and the elemental continue to go at it, slugging back and forth.
[20:22] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[20:22] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=8]
[20:22] <~Kotono> roll 1d8+7
[20:22] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 13 > [d8=6]
[20:23] <~Kotono> That one catches Rek right in the stomach, staggering him back with a blow that audibly knocks the wind from him. OOC: Erad.
[20:23] <@Erad> OOC: How far am I from the elemental?
[20:23] <Annerose> "They're fleeing!" Annerose calls out. "That leaves just the summons!"
[20:23] <~Kotono> OOC: 140ft behind and 30ft away.
[20:24] <~Kotono> "Got this one," T calls out, "Got me a new horse, too!"
[20:24] <@Erad> "Helena, can you make sure you didn't hit this idiot too hard?" Erad asks as he flies straight at the elemental! OOC: Double-moving to get next to it.
[20:25] <~Kotono> "Yeah," Helena says, as Erad flies on in. OOC: Annerose.
[20:25] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+13 heal, rolling this now so I don't forget
[20:25] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=7]
[20:27] <Annerose> OOC: How far did the other riders flee?
[20:28] <~Kotono> OOC: 250ft, horses are pretty fast. For a total of 290ft away from you.
[20:29] <Annerose> Letting the riders go, Annerose runs back until she's just within walking range of the earth elemental.
[20:29] <Annerose> OOC: I'll be 20ft away from it
[20:30] <~Kotono> Annerose falls back, towards the last close enemy. Meanwhile Rek gets up and continues the fight, wiping his mouth clean with the back of his arm before swinging again.
[20:30] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[20:30] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 11 > [d20=3]
[20:31] <~Kotono> But this time the elemental resists, the blade just not digging in at all. OOC: Inari.
[20:31] <@Inari> Since everything seems to be settling down, Inari starts heading back towards Rek and the elemental, throwing some foxfire at the latter before it canc ause any more mischief!
[20:31] <@Inari> roll 1d20+12 ranged touch
[20:31] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=15]
[20:31] <@Inari> roll 7d6 fire
[20:31] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 16 > [d6=4,2,3,2,2,1,2]
[20:35] <~Kotono> Already stabbed a few times, the flames catch the elemental ablaze. It metls down into magma, fading away as its resistance ends. OOC: Free act.

[20:35] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+12
[20:35] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 17 > [d20=5]
[20:36] <@Erad> Erad sighs. "Honestly." He then flies back over to the soldiers he tried to knock out to make sure he didn't do too much damage to them.
[20:36] <~Kotono> T shuffles, getting control of the black stallion and trotting back over to the party. "Not bad," he remarks, patting the horse's mane.
[20:36] <Annerose> "That went well," Annerose muses. "Any injuries?"
[20:36] <~Kotono> Helena's tending to him - he's badly hurt, stomach all acid-ruined. But she's patching him up, applying bandages, "He'll live," she says, "Probably."
[20:37] <~Kotono> Rock roars loudly, as menawhile Rek dusts his stomach off, "Ooof," he mutters, "Hits like a galloping horse."
[20:37] <@Inari> Heading over to Rek, Inari heals him some. "That was very nice of you to help us here like that," she commends him.
[20:37] <~Kotono> "It did," T remarks, "I'm going to go bring the wagon over, so we can gather our winnings and deal with the captives."
[20:37] <@Inari> OOC: lesser vigor, fast healing 1 for 15 rounds
[20:38] <@Erad> Erad puts a hand on the soldier and then frowns. "Right, I'm out for now." He remembers. "Well, I can stabilize him later. We'll figure out what they were here for and then what to do with them afterwards."
[20:39] <~Kotono> Rek nods to him, "Thanks," he says, as his vigor returns. "You did save me," he shrugs, "Fair's fair."
[20:40] <~Kotono> OOC: T will be taking 10 for 23 on appraise. Just about to post.
[20:40] <Annerose> "I've seen one of the riders that fled summon the elemental with a rock he threw at the ground," Annerose voices. "Is that how they normally do it?"
[20:41] <~Kotono> "Yeah, I've heard of that. It's not them doing it, but something like a scroll or potion." Rek remarks.
[20:44] <Annerose> "Facing off against riders was an interesting experience," she muses. "Want to pick up a better weapon for yourself?"
[20:47] <~Kotono> OOC: Loot post.
[20:47] <~Kotono> Meanwhile Helena comes on over, as T goes about and starts gathering and studying the goods. "Yeah, that wasn't as bad as I was afraid it was. Distance isn't such a big limitation when you can fire back."
[20:49] <Annerose> "Even so, I'll think about a more permanent solution to this," Annerose muses, heading off to catch the horses.
[20:49] <Annerose> roll 1d20+8 K:N
[20:49] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 9 > [d20=1]
[20:49] <~Kotono> Annerose isn't quite sure what kind of horse they are. They're a bit jittery now, but aren't fleeing, either.
[20:50] <Annerose> "T, catch the horses, would you?"
[20:51] <@Inari> "I'll help," Inari offers, going to make soothing noises at the horses to calm them down so they can be at ease with their new friends.
[20:51] <@Inari> roll 1d20+13 wild empathy
[20:51] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 18 > [d20=5]
[20:52] <~Kotono> Inari's faster - it's not hard for her to soothe them. They're clearly well trained to her, naturalyl taking the instruction and following her commands.
[20:53] <@Inari> Once they're more settled she leads them over to the campsite so if anyone wants a mount they can claim them. "They seem quite biddable," she notes.
[20:54] <Annerose> "Thank you," Annerose says, coming closer to see if the horses shy away from her armor.
[20:54] <~Kotono> The horses don't seem bothered by it. They're big old black stallions and regard Annerose with equine curiosity.
[20:55] <~Kotono> Meanwhile, Rek grabs a longsword, giving it a few swings. "It'll do," he says.
[20:55] <@Erad> Erad will see to it that the two soldiers get into the wagon room for the time being and make sure neither of them die!
[20:56] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, good to skip along then?
[20:56] <Annerose> OOC: Sure
[20:56] <~Kotono> OOC: What's your plan with the two captives?
[20:57] <~Kotono> OOC: Also, anyone want the third horse? Annerose grabbed one and T grabbed one, and one remains.
[20:58] <@Inari> OOC: Inari lacks ride
[20:59] <@Erad> OOC: Erad's good with using the wagon horses, Rek can have one if he wants it. Otherwise if Rek doesn't Erad will take it.
[21:01] <~Kotono> OOC: Rek'll pass under the circumstances.
[21:02] <@Inari> OOC: we can set it free!
[21:03] <Annerose> OOC: As for the captives, it's Erad and T's show
[21:03] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, then the question if you want to do interrogatings off screen or on screen. T can handle them and summarize if you'd rather move on.
[21:04] <Annerose> OOC: I'm fine with that. Erad?
[21:04] <@Erad> OOC: Yeah, summary is fine
[21:04] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:04] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 18 > [d100=18]
[21:05] <~Kotono> Come lunch, everything is back to where it was as the party proceeds on. T joins the others for the meal, "So they're talking," he says casually, popping some jerky down. "It's about what you'd expect - go out, raise hell, make Malana miserable. Matches what Rek's said."
[21:06] <@Inari> "Not that we doubted you!" Inari reassures Rek.
[21:08] <@Erad> "They weren't actually chasing down those refugees, I hope." Erad asks.
[21:09] <Annerose> "So there was no specific reason for them to be out here?" Annerose confirms with T. "What do they think their leaders will do now, once their friends return empty-handed? And did they know anything about what happeend to Rek, with the Aurilite weapons?"
[21:11] <~Kotono> "Probably nothing. They're expected to raid and live off the land for weeks," Rek says, "Losses are expected too, it's war. Downing one detachment won't make that big a ripple."
[21:15] <~Kotono> "Yeah," T rubs his chin, "Might. Still a good start, and hopefully that remnant will spread word. A little bit of fear couldn't hurt."
[21:16] <@Erad> "Unless they decide to set up a blockade or something for us." Erad reasons. "But there's not much sense in worrying about that."
[21:16] <Annerose> "We'll come across someone who knows more eventually. Maybe even by making a bigger name for ourselves here. How far from the fortress are we?"
[21:20] <~Kotono> "Several days," T says, "The weather isn't helping since the roads are going muddy early."
[21:22] <Annerose> "I'll do what I can to keep them clear. Let's get going?"
[21:22] <@Erad> "Perhaps that's something Eldath will be willing to help the wagon with someday." Erad muses.
[21:23] <@Erad> "I'll keep an eye on those two others so they behave themselves." Erad adds.
[21:24] <~Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:25] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 15 > [d100=15]
[21:27] <~Kotono> Sess 37 passes and Sess 38 begins with steady rain. It slows the party's progress to a crawl, slogging through muddy roads as best they can. It's much cooler today, the rain bringing a lingering chill to all. For Annerose, it's almost pleasant. It's late in the day that you come on something - a single man riding a light horse, covered in a thick gray cloak with the hood up. He's heading towards
[21:27] <~Kotono> the north on the same road, thus approaching the party.
[21:30] <@Erad> Erad raises a hand in greeting. But... by yourself? Hm, something about this seems off. OOC: I'm going to Detect Evil once he's close enough.
[21:30] <@Inari> "Hello!" Inari waves to the rider as he nears their wagon. "Any news from Adamantine?"
[21:31] <~Kotono> As he approaches, Erad can see he doesn't radiate evil. He pushes his hood up, showing a middle aged man with a black beard trimmed neatly, some gray streaking it. "What are you, irregulars? Adventurers?" He asks, "Knight Harold Dunning," he introduces himself.
[21:32] <~Kotono> "Hi there," Helena calls, "If you don't mind me asking, what prompts a knight to travel alone in a war zone?"
[21:32] <@Erad> OOC: Would recalling that name be either K:H or L?
[21:32] <~Kotono> OOC: Local.
[21:33] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+9 T'll try
[21:33] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 29 > [d20=20]
[21:33] <@Inari> "Inari," she introduces herself. "I suppose you'd best call us concerned Malanese people?" she muses, not really sure what their group should be called.
[21:33] <@Inari> She also brings their horses to a halt so they can chat a little.
[21:33] <@Erad> Erad nods, satisfied they didn't just encounter some mysterious demon in disguise. "Greetings. Hm... Irregulars isn't a bad term, I suppose. We're helping where we can."
[21:34] <~Kotono> "Close enough," T says, "Name's T. We're heading towards Adamantine from Jellan."
[21:34] <Annerose> "Annerose," she follows suit with the introductions. "We know enough to tell that Adamantine must not fall."
[21:35] <~Kotono> He merely nods to this, wiping his face clear of the ever-falling chill rain. "I travel on a mission best not spoken of," he says, "Adamantine still stands. Ahead is a large camp of Malanese soldiers. Loyal and brave men of Malana will be welcomed there."
[21:38] <Annerose> "Will they be able to take two prisoners off our hands, or should we take them all the way to Adamantine, Sir Dunning?"
[21:39] <~Kotono> "They will," he says, "You have captives? Good work," he nods to them. "But haste is all important for me. They're several miles that way. Keep a good clip and you can reach them by sundown."
[21:39] * Annerose nods, voicing, "Good luck on your mission, Sir Dunning."
[21:40] <@Erad> "If you're feeling at all fatigued, Sir Dunning, I could help give you some more energy if you have a great deal of travel left." Erad offers.
[21:42] <~Kotono> "I am not. My horse is," he nods, "If you can restore the energy of it, that would be useful."
[21:42] <@Erad> Erad will go over to put a hand on the horse and channel some energy into it! OOC: Using 10 points of Lay on Hands to go from exhausted->fatigued->fine and dandy
[21:44] <~Kotono> The horse visibly perks up at that, a polite nod from the knight before he spurs his horse on and goes off at a steady pace.
[21:47] <~Kotono> OOC: Ready to move along then, y'all?
[21:48] <Annerose> OOC: Yes
[21:49] <~Kotono> You travel onwards. Indeed, as the sun begins to set, yo ucan see it ahead. A massive camp surrounded by half finished walls of wood and stone. Soldiers work away, hundreds  contributing to the walls and helping with buildings. It's a massive bustle, and a squad of about 20 soldiers stand on guard at ther oad. It neatly bisects the road, making it impossible to avoid save by going longways
[21:49] <~Kotono> around.
[21:51] <Annerose> "I think it would be best if Rek stayed in the inner room while we spend the night at the camp?" Annerose suggests. "We'll hand off the prisoners here and find a quiet place to stop."
[21:52] <@Erad> Erad nods. "Agreed."
[21:52] <~Kotono> "Yeah," T says ,leading Rek back along.
[21:52] <~Kotono> "It'l be nice to have some safety," Helena murmurs, "No worries about raiders or monsters tonight."
[21:53] <Annerose> "I hope you're not serious. We're definitely still keeping a watch."
[21:53] <@Inari> "Assuming the soldiers don't kick up a stink about me, Rock, and Erad at least," Inari says, nodding in agreement to Annerose's sentiment as she guides the wagon towards the guards on the road.
[21:53] <~Kotono> Rock just sniffs the air as you approach the guards. They have spears and arrows at the ready, "Hold there!" one shouts as you come to 100ft away. "Identify yourselves!"
[21:54] <Annerose> "We've come to aid in Malana's defense, by way of Jellan," Annerose responds to them. "My name is Annerose. May we stay at the camp tonight?"
[21:55] <@Erad> It'll be nice one they meet Househaven so they can answer these sorts of questions with a notable person, Erad thinks to himself.
[21:58] <~Kotono> There's a long pause as the party is peered at, discussing, before, "Then what of the brute with you, or the dragon man?"
[21:59] <Annerose> "Who would you rather bring to this battlefield to defend our nation, my maids?" Annerose calls back. "If this decision is above your paygrade, I request that you bring forth an officer."
[22:04] <~Kotono> There's a long stretch of conversation, and as the sun sets, they do exactly that. The man they produce wears full armor save for a helmet. His long brown hair is sodden with rain, but he's built big and moves easily. "Captain Will Willsbrook," he calls over, "I'm going to approach you, so don't make any sudden moves." Behind him, yo ucan see bows being readied.
[22:05] <@Erad> Erad's expression remains neutral, if a bit sour. They have their reasons to act like this, after all, but it's still rude.
[22:06] <~Kotono> Helena just stays where she is, muttering quietly, "You'd think we're dressed up in the enemy colors like this."
[22:06] <@Inari> Inari continues to sit placidly on the front bench of their wagon, her spear in reach behind her but her hands on her lap.
[22:07] <Annerose> "By all means, Captain," Annerose responds. "We were told of this camp by Sir Dunnings, and given the way things are here on the front right now it is understandable. We were also hoping to pass the two captive enemy horsemen that we have captured here, if you have the authority to receive them."
[22:08] <~Kotono> "We do," He approaches to within 20ft, looking them over. "Produce the prisoners."
[22:08] <@Inari> roll 1d20+14
[22:08] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=12]
[22:08] <Annerose> "Certainly. Erad, T, would you do the honors, please?"
[22:11] <@Erad> "All right." Erad responds as he goes to fetch them.
[22:11] <@Erad> roll 1d20+14
[22:11] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=13]
[22:13] <~Kotono> Erad and T go to do just that, bringing out the prisoners. They're looked over before Will says, "Alright, follow me in," he says.
[22:14] <Annerose> "Thank you, Captain," Annerose responds, casting Light upon her shield and following.
[22:14] <@Inari> Inari sets the horses to slowly trotting into the fortification after the captain.
[22:16] <~Kotono> Thus the party heads into the military camp and onward. As they do, "The commanding noble here will want to talk to all of you," he says.
[22:17] <Annerose> "Certainly," Annerose says. "Who might it be?"
[22:17] <~Kotono> "Lord Jack Maggen," He says, "He's personally taken command of this part by the Dynast's decree."
[22:18] <@Erad> Erad quietly decides to cast Detect Evil. After that last run-in Annerose mentioned with those maids, you simply can't be too careful, especially after the mention of -that- name.
[22:18] <@Inari> Inari's ears droop as she hears that name, though her expression remains carefully disinterested.
[22:19] <~Kotono> T just smiles, "Really now?" he murmurs, glancing over at the others. Meanwhile, Erad can detect that Will radiates faint evil.
[22:19] <Annerose> "Oh my! Who hasn't heard that name?" Annerose exclaims. "What does someone so exalted want to do with us?"
[22:21] <@Erad> Erad clears his throat once with a quiet cough into the back of his palm.

[Corwin]

[19:50] <~Kotono> The party and wagon are lead inside the camp. As you go in, escorted to an only semi-muddy patch for your horses and wagon. At this Captain Willsbrook says, "Malanese patriots riding the black stallions of Kabath and with prisoners?" He says simply, gesturing to them. "I think the answer is obvious."
[19:52] <@Inari> "Do you have any wounded here, by the way?" Inari asks, hoping to get some goodwill with the soldiers before things go to hell. "I can provide healing if it's needed."
[19:54] <~Kotono> "Some," he says, inclining his head deeply to Inari. "We took injuries skirting around the siege of Adamantine. But Lord Maggen wishes to see you first."
[19:54] <@Inari> "I'll be happy to help them when we have the chance, then," she says, stepping off the wagon and very reluctantly leaving her spear behind.
[19:55] <~Kotono> T nods, "Well, there's no helping it then," he says, doing the same with his daggers.
[19:56] <~Kotono> Helena frowns slightly, but hides it by putting her shield aside and into the wagon. Once it's down, she murmurs to Annerose, "Do we have a plan of this goes wrong?"
[19:56] <~Kotono> Rock just looks disinterested at the whole thing, sniffing the air. His eyes travel to a cluster of tents, where cookfires can be seen.
[19:57] <@Erad> Erad just stays quiet for now.
[19:57] <Annerose> "Focus on defense and speed, get out together," Annerose responds in the same manner. "Shock and awe the common troops, and I'll provide a cover."
[19:58] <@Inari> "Stay with us for now, Rock," Inari asks the troll. "We can eat later."
[20:03] <~Kotono> Helena nods tersely as the party is lead deep into the camp. A beautiful white tent stands above the others, four soldiers standing guard in front of the door. Each is big, muscled and fully armored, wearing full plate with an insignia of snowcapped mountains. Captain Willsbrook nods, "You may go in, but you will be briefly searched. Any weapons will need to be left outside for the duration of
[20:03] <~Kotono> your meeting."
[20:04] <Annerose> "Quite understandable, Captain."
[20:05] <@Inari> Inari nods and submits to being searched, so long as they mind their hands.
[20:06] <@Erad> Erad decides to wait to use his evil detection until after they've passed by here.
[20:07] <~Kotono> OOC: Any of you have weapons on you?
[20:07] <Annerose> OOC: No
[20:08] <@Inari> OOC: only my fists!
[20:08] <@Erad> OOC: ^
[20:10] <~Kotono> T merely nods while Helena follows, as does Rock. Once searched - fairly brief if skilled, hands surprisingly nimble for men of that size - the party is admitted within. Within you find a large space, cool but not cold. A rather large, polished table is here, rectangular and with seating for a dozen. At each corner of the tend stands another guard like the ones at the door, each carrying a heavy
[20:10] <~Kotono> warhammer. Sitting at the head of the table is a man with short brown hair, of average height and a severe expression. He is neither pretty nor ugly, remarkably unremarkable.  He is dressed in light blue tunic and hose, examining papers. Captain Willisbrook clears his throat, "My Lord, the travelers are here."
[20:12] <~Kotono> The papers are put down as he looks up - he has bright green eyes, ones that roam over the party briefly. "Thank you, good Captain. Dismissed." As the captain leaves, "Seat yourselves at the far end," Lord Maggen invites, his voice a bit rough. Not quite hoarse, just rough coming out. "I am Lord Jack Maggen. The lot of you are...?"
[20:14] <Annerose> "Annerose, Lord Maggen," she responds, following his instructions and seating herself.
[20:14] <@Inari> Again there's no collective name so Inari just introduces herself. "My name is Inari," she says, going to take a seat, her tails fanning out behind her.
[20:15] <@Erad> "Erad." He decides to try that detect evil now as he goes to take a seat.
[20:20] <~Kotono> "Tear," T sits down, followed by Helena repeating the same. Rock just looks around, a little confused, before going to stand near Inari.
[20:24] <~Kotono> Maggen's gaze sweeps over the party once more, eyes unexpressive as his face. "You seem like a group of some skill. How did you come across the black stallions you ride?"
[20:26] <@Erad> Erad stays quiet as he focuses on his concentration. Is this man really as evil as the stories say?
[20:26] <@Inari> "We were attacked by a group of raiders two days North of here," Inari says. "We routed them and kept two as captives while making use of their horses for ourselves."
[20:26] <~Kotono> T clears his throat, "We came across a raiding party from Kabath. They ended up with the short end of the stick in that encounter. Of course," he smiles, "When faced with real patriots and warriors of Malana, they didn't last long." Meanwhile Erad scans for evil. OOC: Make a caster level check on DE, Erad. CL is your paladin level.
[20:27] <@Erad> roll 1d20+5
[20:27] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=11]
[20:28] <~Kotono> Erad doesn't detect any evil from him.
[20:29] <~Kotono> A short smile at that. It's not one that helps his face, more the sleek smile of a predator. "I applaud your initiative and skill, then. You're perfect for what I have in mind. Malana has need of those with your skills."
[20:30] <Annerose> "We are here to make a difference, Lord Maggen," Annerose agrees.
[20:30] <@Erad> He may not be able to get past whatever enchantments this person has, but something about that seemed off...
[20:31] <@Erad> roll 1d20+12 Sense motive, is he basically trying to kill us, or does he really think we're of some use?
[20:31] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=3]
[20:31] <~Kotono> Helena simply nods at that, "Of course, Lord Maggen," she murmurs.
[20:31] <~Kotono> Erad can't get a read on him.
[20:32] <@Inari> "After the loss of two other forts, losing Adamantine would ruin Malana," Inari says, keeping her own poker face blank. "Of course we came here to be of service to the nation."
[20:32] <@Erad> Erad just folds his arms for now.
[20:34] <~Kotono> "Then you're exactly where you need to be." He steeples his hands together, "As you know, Iron Resolve has fallen. However, while the walls may have been breached, the catacombs beneath are likely still untouched. There is a cache of magical arms and armaments there, hidden behind a barrier that not even the dogs of Kabath can crack. Malana has need of those weapons, for the sudden fall of Iron
[20:34] <~Kotono> Resolve prevented them from being evacuated. Your group will fight and infiltrate your way to Iron Resolve, slip in," A pause as he reaches into a pocket, withdrawing a key made of carved blue quartz, glistening in the light in shades of lighter blue. "Open your way to the catacombs, retreive the treasures and return them to Malana."
[20:35] <@Inari> roll 1d20+14 sense motive, is this a clever way to get us killed?
[20:35] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 19 > [d20=5]
[20:35] <~Kotono> Inari can't get a read on him.
[20:35] <~Kotono> roll 1d20+11 Maybe T's bullshit detector is in better shape today?
[20:35] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 29 > [d20=18]
[20:36] <@Erad> roll 1d20+7 K:H Does he know any history behind these catacombs, perhaps?
[20:36] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=19]
[20:36] <@Erad> OOC: If K:R is more appropriate I can re-roll
[20:36] <~Kotono> Erad can recall a few whispers. Nothing public knowledge - but there's old and recurring stories of powerful caches beneath the various fortresses. Nothing ever officially acknowledged, but stories and tales hint at them. Places with weapons of power, to be wielded against the barbarians of Kabath.
[20:37] <@Erad> "Mm... so those stories are true." Erad murmurs quietly.
[20:37] <~Kotono> T hmms, "It's an honor that you'd consider us for this," he says, "But why not proven men and women of Malana? We are capable, but we've hardly met."
[20:38] <@Inari> "That does sound like a useful goal," Inari admits, though she doesn't want to. Then again Maggen here doesn't want Malana to lose any more than they do. "Though that's a good point. Have any others been sent ahead of us on this task?"
[20:41] <~Kotono> "As of now? None." Jack Maggen remarks coolly, "But our situation is far from ideal. We have taken losses from fall of Iron Resolve and Breakshield. Many of our stronger forces are occupied in repelling raiding parties that slip deeper into Malana." He gestures slightly with his hand, one of the guards in the room coming and taking the key, bringing it over the party. "You are Malana's hope in
[20:41] <~Kotono> this matter. Do not fail us."
[20:41] <Annerose> "And if I might ask, Lord Maggen, indeed what of Breakshield? Did it carry a similar cache that was left abandoned as Kabath surged across the border?"
[20:42] <~Kotono> After a moment, Lord Maggen says, "Breakshield is much the same, but was largely evacuated in time. What is left is not worth the risk of recovering."
[20:43] <~Kotono> T nods a little bit, along with what he says. "Are there any guardians in the catacombs? Traps? Anything of that nature?"
[20:46] <~Kotono> "It is said the catacombs are haunted," Lord Maggen says after a brief pause, glancing down at one of his papers. "With restless soldier's spirits, those who linger after death to protect Malana."
[20:47] <Annerose> "It would be a shame to exorcise such patriots," Annerose muses. "Would it be possible to get past them without that, Lord Maggen?"
[20:47] <~Kotono> "I am not certain," he says, "That will be left to your skill and discretion. So long as you recover the cache, what happens to the spirits is in your hands."
[20:48] * Annerose nods. "What of the invading barbarians? Do they beseige the fortress's ruins still?"
[20:48] <~Kotono> "We are not certain," he says, "But I would doubt they leave it undefended and forgotten."
[20:56] <~Kotono> After the pause draws out, "Very well. Take the key, you will leave tomorrow at first light. Any reasonable supplies can be requested and will be provided, ask Captain Willsbrook for them. Dismissed."
[20:56] <@Inari> Nodding Inari rises and heads out. She'll ask the captain about healing the soldiers and perhaps get some gossip from the front lines from them.
[20:57] <Annerose> "By your leave, Lord Maggen," Annerose responds, heading out at the dismissal.
[20:57] <@Erad> Erad follows the others out without a word!
[20:57] <~Kotono> Helena rises and curties to him, T doing the same with a bow. As he heads out, "We need to talk," T whispers to the others, Rock following along.
[20:58] <@Inari> "At the wagon then?" Inari says, figuring she can hold off on offering healing long enough for that.
[20:58] <Annerose> The wagon works for that, and it is where she heads!
[21:00] <~Kotono> The party goes into the wagon for privacy. As everyone gets into the small bedroom there, rather cramped, T says one word. "Fuck." He sits down against the wall near the door, "I had one very clear request when I was born: No suicide missions. Did anyone up there listen? Nope."
[21:01] <@Erad> "Well, we're not seriously thinking of actually listening to him, are we?" Erad asks. "It isn't as if he can tell if we go there or not, right?"
[21:02] <~Kotono> "Yeah, read my mind," T says, a bit of a smirk to Erad, "My guts are saying we set out west, loop back north and east and go longaways around this. That's technically all sorts of the big T word, but if we get another Lord to sign off on it after the fact, there's not a lot Maggen can do about it. Of course, if that goes belly up, we're on the fast track to the gallows."
[21:02] <@Inari> "Well, those weapons would help the war effort," Inari says, "But I'm more curious about the other fort, Breakshield? He was very keen to get us off the topic of that place, wasn't he? Couldn't there still be people there, bunkered behind these wards that Kabath can't breach? Perhaps enemies of his?"
[21:02] <Annerose> "Why not go?" Annerose asks with a slight shrug. "It's actually right up our alley, so to speak."
[21:04] <~Kotono> "Because it's a mission into the heart of a hostile army?" T asks, "I don't know about you, but the odds of that working out don't strike me as good." He sighs after that, "I got the impression he wanted to be rid of us. Don't know about Breakshield."
[21:04] <~Kotono> "I'm not sure," Helena admits, "But will those weapons really matter if Adamantine falls while we're doing that?"
[21:04] <@Erad> "I couldn't get any kind of read on his motivation... and I think my spell failed on him, too." Erad says. "I think it's in our best interests to make a break for Adamantine and then decide from there. We can always go back to this place afterwards."
[21:04] <Annerose> "This is a good chance to clear the air," Annerose muses. "I did not feel threatened one bit by the so-called elite raiders. Were you?"
[21:05] <@Inari> "Not greatly," Inari agrees. "No offence, Rek."
[21:05] <~Kotono> "They're soldiers," T scratches at his arm, "Pretty good for what they were, but still just soldiers."
[21:06] <~Kotono> Rek's still in there, just watching the entire affair. "None taken," is all he says.
[21:06] <Annerose> "Just consider what would happen if we were to get to the ruins of a fortress and fly Malana's flag there. Kabath couldn't afford to press on if we just happened to retake a fort in what is now their logistic supply line. And there are only so many forces available, so this very act might well protect Adamantine. And once there, we could definitely take a look at both fortresses."
[21:08] <~Kotono> "That could help," Helena perks up, "Then swing south to Breakshield?"
[21:09] <Annerose> "Yes. In fact, we are even in a position to split up, if we were so inclined."
[21:09] <@Erad> "Would news really travel that fast?" Erad wonders. "What if it just made them more intent on breaking Adamantine? I don't know... I still think we should press on to there. I suppose if it came to it I could just fly that way."
[21:09] <~Kotono> "Hmmm." T makes a noise at that, "Makes the going deadlier, but lets us not place all our eggs in one basket."
[21:09] <@Inari> "While I'm absolutely certain that Lord Maggen would crack a smile if we went out and got ourselves killed, the fact is that he wants to win this war just as much as we do," Inari says, stating her case. "If our service can help in that cause, I think it's in his interest to use us wisely, regardless of any quarrels we have with his faith."
[21:11] <~Kotono> "Yeah. After all, heroes are often known for dying young. What's the difference to the legends if they die from a monster or in their beds from assassins?" T says with a snarky chuckle, "I will say this: He didn't seem like a fool. More pragmatic than I expected for an Aurilite."
[21:11] <@Erad> "Unless he's one of the parties responsible for starting all of this, of course." Erad says. "In which case he may not care about Malana or Kabath at all."
[21:12] * Annerose shrugs. "There are no guarantees in battle. For all we know, Kabath's fortress-destroying weapon is a strategic spell a circle of mages casts from their capital. But going there will let us arm ourselves properly and make a statement to Kabath's forces. As for splitting up, we could aim for both ruins at once, or keep some of us in the defense of Adamantine while taking those with holy magic over beyond the front lines."
[21:12] <Annerose> At Erad's words, she points out, "And our best bet towards determining just what started the war lays there, at what used to be the border."
[21:14] <~Kotono> "No way to know yet," T murmurs, "But to back up - if we do split up, how do we split up?"
[21:15] <@Inari> "While it might be quicker, I'm not so sure splitting up is wise," Inari says. "Certainly we can stand against Kabath's elite forces, but we do so by standing together. They'd have a better chance of drowning us in numbers picemeal."
[21:17] * Annerose purses her lips. "A smaller group might find it easier to slip past the patrols, especially as we can turn invisible or change our shape. And without the wagon, we don't have to follow the roads."
[21:18] <@Erad> "Well, when it comes down to it, I'm the only one that can fly, right?" Erad asks, glancing at the others. "So it may make the most sense for all of you to head towards those ruins and I can fly over the problems on the way to Adamantine." Erad says with a look up at the sky. "Then I could get word to Househaven and fly back to meet up with all of you."
[21:20] <@Inari> "I wouldn't call them ruins just yet," Inari says. "Usually they have to be abandoned for a few decades first."
[21:20] <~Kotono> "I dunno," T remarks, "Smash something well enough and it'll be ruined."
[21:20] <Annerose> "I did imagine Kabath was rather thorough."
[21:22] <@Erad> "How far are we from Adamantine from here, exactly?" Erad asks. "That would give me a better idea of how long it would take to fly there."
[21:23] <Annerose> "A day or two?"
[21:31] <~Kotono> T considers, "Well, we need to decide," he finally says, "What are we going to do?"
[21:32] <Annerose> "Either we split up between a group defending Adamantine and another heading off to Iron Resolve, or I propose we all go to Iron Resolve and eventually return to Adamantine. Let's put it to a vote?"
[21:33] <@Inari> "I vote the latter," Inari says.
[21:34] <~Kotono> "I vote for splitting up," T finally says, "I think that's better, in case this mission really goes sour."
[21:35] <@Erad> Erad sighs. "On the one hand, I think us missing an opportunity to go to Adamantine as quickly as possible is a problem, but... if we split up, then it seems like we weaken one group so they may not be able to succeed if there was some alterior motive here."
[21:36] <@Erad> "I think it's better that we all stay together, ultimately." Erad says. "Even if I went to Adamantine myself, I couldn't stop it from falling and I'm sure Househaven wouldn't let me just pluck him out of there and take him. So I suppose if we're all mostly of the same opinion that going to get these armaments is a good idea, then let's just go do it so we can get where we need to be."
[21:37] * Annerose looks at Helene, Rek and Rock to see what they think.
[21:37] <~Kotono> Helena's quiet for awhile, "I say we stick together. That's our greatest strength," she finally says.
[21:37] <~Kotono> Rock seems completely disinterested in the discussions, while Rek is listening but not saying anything.
[21:38] <@Erad> "We'll just have to hope that someone is looking out for Lord Househaven while we go do this." Erad says.
[21:39] <@Inari> "Well, if that's all I'm going to go see to the wounded," Inari says, standing up and going to head out.
[21:39] <Annerose> "In the end, Maggen would not set himself up to lose. Certainly not when the responsibility will fall squarely on him. So if he believed he needed everyone to defend Adamantine, or that it was about to suffer an immediate assault, he wouldn't be sending us out there."
[21:40] <@Erad> "I'm still not so sure about that." Erad responds. "But there's no way to know for sure until we investigate. I'm going to take a look around and see if there's any... you know... Abby's." Erad says as he goes to follow Inari, but with a different motivation in mind.
[21:41] <Annerose> Lacking lofty goals such as this, Annerose simply retreats into the inner room to sleep.
[21:41] <~Kotono> OOC: Okay, what are your plans, you two?
[21:42] <@Erad> OOC: Looking for evildoers. After that I'll help Inari with my much more limited healing.
[21:43] <@Inari> OOC: healing people and listening to stories from the front lines, especially anything to do with the two forts that fell, and generally just being a sympathetic ear
[21:47] <~Kotono> OOC: One of you make GI/diplo and the other aids. +4 circumstance bonus for healing.
[21:48] <@Erad> roll 1d20+5+4 aiding
[21:48] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=18]
[21:48] <@Inari> roll 1d20+24 aid counted in
[21:48] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 40 > [d20=16]
[21:56] <~Kotono> There's not a lot of survivors from the fortresses, but you do find some information. The front line is a mess - whatever happened blew open and shattered the walls of the fortress. With the defenses down, it turned into a confused mix of close quarters combat, with some units holding the lines and others attempting to retreat and break through the back end of the siege. There was some sort of
[21:56] <~Kotono> explosion and loud noise to go with it, from what you understand.  With the front two fortresses down, the front line is around Adamantine with a lesser advance towards Jellan, Highspire and Tyr's Spite. It's a fluid situation, with raids on both ends bypassing the lines. Neither side has enough men is the general feeling, which favors Kabath for one reason: It's on Malanese territory, so their
[21:56] <~Kotono> raiders can hit behind the line and sack villages, which Malana has to respond to.  Hitting the logistics of Kabath helps, but it's not quite the same level of debilitating. You also hear from one old soldier about quiet rumblings about rations, about how they're being quietly reduced. That it's turning into a bad harvest.
[21:58] <@Inari> Nothing they didn't already know, but Inari makes sure to commiserate with each soldier she spends time with before ultimately turning in and passing on what news she has to the rest of the party before bed.
[21:59] <~Kotono> Meanwhile, Erad scans for evil. He doesn't find any beyond faint. Perhaps fortunately, perhaps not.
[22:04] <~Kotono> Sess 39 is the same - cloudly, cool, rainy. At dawn the party rises and begins to head west. (More)
[22:04] <~Kotono> roll 1d100+10
[22:04] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 40 > [d100=30]
[22:05] <~Kotono> roll 1d100+5
[22:05] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 42 > [d100=37]
[22:13] <~Kotono> Your travel is slow at first - it's just a muddy mess, even with Annerose helping. As you start to go along, "We also need to decide something," T speaks up, "Do we stick to the roads and risk running into troble, or go off them and sludge throught he plains?"
[22:15] <Annerose> "We want to do what we can to build up a reputation and pull forces away from beseiging Adamantine, yes?" Annerose voices. "In that case, this is our best chance of doing so. And by staying on the road we can also outrun any foot soldiers if we do have to retreat."
[22:15] <@Inari> "We'd be slowed down too much on the plains, or even have to leave the wagon behind if conditions got bad enough," Inari agrees.
[22:17] <~Kotono> "Alright then," T says, as the party heads along, towards Iron Resolve. The rain of fall continues around them as they trudge closer on.

[Corwin]

[20:03] <@Kotono> It emerges. A reptilian head, ice blue with black spots all over it. Then another and another and another, another and another and yet one more. Seven heads emerge, staring at the party. Each head is almost as large as a small elf or overly large dwarf, cold mist coming from its nostrils.
[20:04] <@Erad> OOC: Any Ks appropriate to identify?
[20:04] <Annerose> "Is this about a toll?" Annerose asks the reptiles politely.
[20:05] <@Inari> "Er... hello?" Inari tries hopefully.
[20:06] <@Kotono> "Ah crap," T mutters, staring at the heads and long necks.
[20:07] <@Kotono> OOC: K:A.
[20:07] <@Erad> "Do you understand this?" Erad tries in Draconic, not being familiar with this particular creature.
[20:10] <@Kotono> OOC: Anyone going to make that knowledge check? Was waiting a omment since I presumed one of you were since it was asked
[20:10] <@Kotono> .
[20:10] <@Inari> OOC: I don't have arcana
[20:10] <@Erad> OOC: Me neither
[20:10] <Annerose> OOC: I have it but browser crashed. Can anyone tell me my mod?
[20:11] <@Inari> OOC: +13
[20:11] <Annerose> roll 1d20+13 thanks
[20:11] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=14]
[20:15] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+8 T'll throw in as well
[20:15] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 13 > [d20=5]
[20:17] <@Kotono> Ah, how horribly adorable. It's a seven headed cyrohydra. They're beasts of cold who can breath great gouts of freezing breath. They can bite and rip apart lesser creatures with stunning ease. They're not common in these parts, simply because they usually prefer marshes and Malana doesn't have much in the way of marshes. They're also not that bright - animal level intelligence, routinely attacking
[20:17] <@Kotono> first and trying to secure a meal.
[20:18] * Annerose blinks, before calling out, "Run! It's a cryohydra!"
[20:19] <@Inari> "Ahhh!" Inari yelps, throwing the reins and urging the horses to get moving!
[20:20] <@Erad> Erad flies back over to the others with a frown. "Wouldn't it make more sense for us to deal with it, like we did the bulettes?"
[20:21] <@Kotono> Helena eeps and ducks back into the wagon, shield up. OOC: Which way are you running?
[20:21] <@Inari> OOC: over the bridge the way we were going
[20:22] <@Kotono> T spurs his horse on, which quickly flees.All seven heads turn to focus on Erad, 14 eyes gazing at him."Aw Il?" A strange grunt in Draconic, badly butchered.
[20:24] <Annerose> "Danger avoided," Annerose says in relief as soon as they're out of the immediate range. "We may not do much to each other but someone would've died for sure!"
[20:26] <@Erad> Erad scratches his head. "Annerose, you knew it was a cryohydra, right? Are they known to be able to speak?"
[20:28] <Annerose> "They're not very smart," Annerose responds quietly. "More like guard dogs. Nigh-immortal guard dogs that kill you. And let's just leave it here for the Kabath soldiers to deal with."
[20:29] * Annerose snaps her fingers. "If one of its parents was a dragon it could definitely talk, though! But still remain mean and violent."
[20:30] <@Erad> "A dragon? ...Well, it tried to say something in Draconic, so that might be the case. ...It didn't seem very violent, though, did it?" Erad asks. "I can try and... er... hm. I don't know, maybe we should just leave it, but..." At that, Erad glances over at Rock. "Someone might've said the same about the trolls."
[20:30] <@Kotono> T slow shis horse once they're past, "Great, so it's an oversized guard dog." Meanwhile, now that the party is past, it slips back into the water and under the bridge. "Why'd it not attack us?"
[20:31] <Annerose> "Too much trouble?"
[20:32] <@Inari> "If it's a guard dog maybe it's only been trained to guard against certain types and we don't fit the description?" Inari suggests, bringing the wagon to a halt. "If we can befriend it I don't see why not, though!"
[20:32] <@Erad> Erad seems distracted about something. "I'm going to go back, but keep my distance so it can't kill me if it decides to get violent. I've been learning that you can't take everything at face value."
[20:33] <Annerose> "I don't particularly mind, but please avoid creating a situation where we must fight it? It's not hurting anyone like this, so I'd rather leave it be."
[20:34] <@Erad> Erad nods. "I won't try and antagonize it." At that, he lifts back off and slowly flies back, making sure to stay about 100 ft above the water. That should be enough room, right...?
[20:36] <@Kotono> Erad flies back, well above the bridge and water. Nothing happens in response to this.
[20:37] <@Erad> "Hello?" He calls out in Draconic. Maybe it's the sound of going across the bridge...?
[20:38] <@Kotono> Nothing happens to that call.
[20:39] <@Erad> He'll try going a bit lower, 50 ft above the water and try again. "Hello?" He calls out once more. Did it leave?
[20:40] <@Kotono>  No sign of it. The last the party saw, it slipped back into the waters and under the bridge.
[20:41] <@Erad> He scratches his head and flies back to the others. "Nothing. Let me try one more thing." He says before he takes his horse to go back over the bridge, listening for the same sound that he heard when it appeared the first time.
[20:44] <@Kotono> Erad goes back and takes his horse over the bridge. This time at about halfway, the hydra erupts up. Mists come from all seven heads, freezing the air around it. All fourteen eyes focus on Erad.
[20:45] <@Erad> Well, there's definitely something under the bridge... Erad holds his hands up in what he hopes is a sign of peace. "Peace." Erad says in Draconic.
[20:48] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a diplo check there. Altenrately, you can sub in wild empathy if you have it.
[20:48] <@Inari> Inari just watches this all from what she hopes is a safe distance!
[20:48] <@Erad> roll 1d20+5 Diplomat Dragon
[20:48] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 10 > [d20=5]
[20:50] <@Kotono> With a savage roar, the hydra pounces on Erad. OOC: Init. Doctor dragon may be needed after diplomat dragon. The rest of the party is 100ft away and safely away from this. All of you are free to roll init if yo uhave anything that can help or plan to interfere at all.
[20:50] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+1 cyrohydra
[20:50] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 11 > [d20=10]
[20:51] <@Inari> roll 1d20+4
[20:51] <Serith> Inari roll for Serith < 13 > [d20=9]
[20:51] <Annerose> "I won't try to antagonize it, he said," Annerose mutters, palm over her face.
[20:51] * Kotono changes topic to 'Inari(13)>Cryohydra(11)'
[20:52] <@Erad> roll 1d20+1
[20:52] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 13 > [d20=12]
[20:52] * Kotono changes topic to 'Inari=Erad(13)>Cryohydra(11)'
[20:53] <@Kotono> OOC: Go Erad, first of all. You beat it in init so can react before it attacks.
[20:54] <@Erad> Well, that certainly didn't work. He'll just ride the horse as far away as he can! No sense in getting embattled in something that has a peaceful solution, even if it means running away. OOC: I'll just head in the opposite direction of the others so it doesn't go chasing after them if it follows me.
[20:54] <@Inari> "What did he even say?!" Inari wonders, standing up in preparation to throw some foxfire at the thing, but settling down as Erad takes the wiser course of fleeing. "Come on horses, time to go," she says, urging them onwards.
[20:55] <@Kotono> Erad flees back the way he came, off the bridge and back towards the west. The hydra makes no sign of following, frozen mists blasting the spot Erad was at. As most of the bridge is now iced over, it peers around before slipping back under the waters and under the bridge.
[20:55] <@Kotono> OOC: Free act.
[20:57] <@Erad> Erad will wait for a few minutes to see if that ice goes away, as it would make traveling back across a bit of a problem.
[20:58] <@Kotono> The ice slowly melts as Erad watches. It's warm and wet enough that it isn't going to last.
[20:58] <@Erad> With that, then, he will gallop the horse as fast as it goes across the bridge. Even if the hydra comes back it shouldn't be able to do anything.
[20:58] <@Kotono> The hydra indeed comes back up - but on a horse galloping full blast, he outruns any attempt to attack and is able to safely rejoin the party.
[20:59] <Annerose> "Troops on foot wouldn't be able to escape," Annerose notes. "Rek, I don't suppose you know if the hydra is a new addition to this place?"
[21:00] <@Erad> "For the record, all I said was 'peace' to it." Erad says with a mutter. "I think when it tried to communciate before, it was trying to say 'Auril,' so my guess is it's guarding some sort of Aurilite treasure or something... or an Aurilite brought it here."
[21:01] <@Kotono> Rek peeks ouit and simply shakes his head. "No, never heard of it."
[21:02] <@Inari> "Oh, now you're making me want to go back and kill it," Inari frowns, turning to look back down the side of the wagon. "But I suppose it's probably on our side more likely than Kabath's..."
[21:02] <Annerose> "It's too stupid to choose sides, or right and wrong," Annerose firmly insists. "Those concepts are just beyond it. And yes, it surely bothers Kabath's troops more."
[21:03] <@Erad> "If it's actually from a dragon, wouldn't that make it a bit smarter than average?" Erad asks with a shrug. "Either way, I don't like the idea of leaving it, but it's probably for the best."
[21:05] <Annerose> "Let's go! And not stop at any other bridge for a chat!"
[21:05] <@Erad> Erad shrugs. "I guess we'll see if it's there if we come back this way."
[21:14] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:14] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 64 > [d100=64]
[21:14] <@Kotono> roll 1d100+50
[21:14] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 137 > [d100=87]
[21:16] <@Kotono> By mid afternoon, the rain has at last ceased. It's still cloudy and wet, but at least it's not getting any worse. Far ahead the party can see something - a collection of tents, lots of soldiers and a few horses. Smoke from cook fires rises into the air. It's just vaguely visible on the horizon now.
[21:17] <@Inari> Can they see any flags or banners from here that might say who the camp belongs to? Either that or distinctive black horses.

[Corwin]

[20:01] <@Kotono> T slows his horse as he peers ahead. You can see black flags with white lightning bolts flying - even a cursory bit of knowledge can tell you that's the banner of Kabath.
[20:02] <@Inari> "So... should we detour around or try to take them all on?" Inari asks her companions, since if the latter they'll have enough time to prepare and engage on favourable terms.
[20:03] <Annerose> "I think we should take them down," Annerose responds without hesitation. "Plan it right and we'll drive the remnants off."
[20:04] <@Kotono> "Plan it wrong and it's a clusterfuck," T glances over at Annerose, "And word might spread we're around. Look, one little camp isnothing compared to what we're going to do, right?"
[20:06] <@Erad> "I'd rather avoid a confrontation if we can help it." Erad says. "They may have scouts in the area anyway, so trying to go around may be pointless, though."
[20:06] <Annerose> "We want word to spread about us," Annerose points out. "We'll keep on the move, and those who flee will need to report, then someone capable of stopping us will be arranged and try to track us down. That means they won't be going after Adamantine."
[20:07] <@Kotono> T shakes his head, "The amount of resources we could divert probably won't mean that much compared to our mission. Besides, it's a fight we don't need to fight and asves our strength in case we run into one we have to deal with."
[20:08] <Annerose> "We're not facing some endless hordes, here." Annerose pauses, glancing over at Rek. "Are we?"
[20:08] <@Inari> "I think T's right," Inari says. "If it were a supply train or something that would impact a disproportionate amount of their forces it would be worth the effort, but I don't think just taking out one camp is worth the risk."
[20:15] <@Kotono> Rek shakes his head, "I'd say about 50 to 100 soldiers in that camp," he says, "Crummy odds for the seven of us."
[20:15] <@Kotono> "I don't like really leaving it," Helena frowns, "An enemy we beat now is one that's done with."
[20:16] <@Kotono> "And an enemy we avoid is an enemy that might go home when the war's over," T retorts, gesturing towards the camp. "Nothing good comes of all this damn killing in war."
[20:17] <@Erad> "My proposal is we go around, but if we're spotted, we bloody their noses a bit and then keep moving." Erad says. "They may send forces after us anyway, at which time we can make sure they don't forget about us."
[20:19] <Annerose> "I have to point out," Annerose says, "that they are invading soldiers that send out raiding parties after our villages and will continue to do so as they advance. Also, that it will leave them behind us, so we might end up caught between two or more enemy forces."
[20:21] <@Kotono> "And if we slip away and get those weapons, Adamantine can hold and that's peanuts in return," T crosses his arms and shakes his head. "Regardless, we need to make a choice before someone spots us, if they haven't already."
[20:22] <@Inari> "We haven't forgotten what they're here to do, Annerose," Inari says. "I just don't think we should make it our mission to attack every part of the Kabath army we encounter. If these weapons are that important we should be trying to get them into the hands of Malana's forces as quickly as possible."
[20:24] <Annerose> "I think you're all wrong, but not so much to argue the point and risk getting spotted," Annerose voices. "Can we even detour safely? If so, let's do it."
[20:26] <@Inari> Inari guides the wagon off the road perpendicular to the direction of that camp so they can get well out of sight of it before orienting back to their destination.
[20:26] <@Kotono> roll 1d100+15
[20:26] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 28 > [d100=13]
[20:29] <@Kotono> Fortune is with the party - no one seems to have noticed them and slipping around longways. The afternoon wears on as you continue past. T and Helena are fairly deep in discussion after that, and it's Helena who speaks up, "We should really find a secluded place to camp, so we're not easily noticed. Preferably something defensible if things go wrong."
[20:30] <@Inari> "Don't worry, we can camp anywhere and it'll be hidden," Inari says. "I can hide us with illusions."
[20:31] <Annerose> "I really like it when you do that," Annerose muses. "There's just something fun about hiding behind one."
[20:32] <@Kotono> "Even better," T perks up at that, "See, we can all agree on that."
[20:32] <@Kotono> Rock looks up and says to Inari, "Eat Iluson?"
[20:33] <Annerose> "I actually wanted to bring something up, and Rock's just reminded me of it," Annerose says then. "Some of us are ill suited for watching over the camp, sadly myself included. Would it be possible for me to take over some other duties in return for handing over those?"
[20:34] <@Inari> "Well... you can but it won't make you full, Rock," Inari says. "Speaking of, I'll take the first watch, since I can make it last longer that way."
[20:35] <@Kotono> "I can take an extra watch,' Helena says, "Just do the cooking when it's my turn?"
[20:36] <Annerose> "Alright. At least if I mess up there, we won't all die." Probably.
[20:39] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay then. Inari, describe how you're disguising camp and all that, since it may matter.
[20:41] <@Inari> Once they stop for the day Inari uses mirage arcana to replace their wagon and the area around it with a thick stand of trees and tangled thorny undergrowth dense enough to obscure the light of their campfire or the movement of anyone of the group within the illusion.
[20:41] <@Inari> OOC: lasts 8 hours plus concentration, and I'll concentrate on it until my watch ends
[20:44] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[20:44] <@Kotono> roll 1d100+5
[20:44] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 65 > [d100=60]
[20:44] <@Kotono> roll 1d100+5
[20:44] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 35 > [d100=30]
[20:44] <@Kotono> OOC: No encounters, so the question of if it'll even notice you with the illusion is moot.
[20:45] <@Erad> OOC: I'll do my regularly scheduled nightly praying to Bahamut for Radar Dragon.
[20:48] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, I'll note that next time and roll it into that one so as not to slow things down at the moment.
[20:48] <@Erad> OOC: sure.
[20:49] <@Kotono> Sess 40 is another cloudy, rainy fall day. Leaves are starting to fall from the trees you pass, the entire area sodden and muddy. Annerose's ice helps stabilize the roads, but it's still dirty and hard going. (More)
[20:49] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:49] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 80 > [d100=80]
[20:50] <@Kotono> It's about halfway from dawn to noon when you see something on the rain-soaked horizon. A roadside village, a fairly large one. Surrounding it like swelling are patches of tents and the like.You can see fenced off areas -  afew have horses, others look to have piles of things (can't tell from here).
[20:53] <@Inari> "They look fairly entrenched over there," Inari says. "Another detour, then?"
[20:53] * Annerose abstains from commenting, lacking in new arguments so far.
[20:54] <@Kotono> "I don't know," Helena murmurs, "See all that? This might be a supply dump."
[20:54] <@Erad> "I can take a look." Erad says.
[20:55] <@Inari> "Oh, could you? That's the sort of thing that would hurt their war effort a lot if we destroyed it. Or stole it..."
[20:56] <@Erad> Erad nods and goes to fly up, about 120 feet or so and fly over to take a look!
[20:57] <@Kotono> "Wait!" T calls.
[20:58] <@Erad> Erad stops and flies back at the call.
[21:00] <@Kotono> T gestures and taps Erad, who vanishes from sight. "This should last a bit nder ten minutes. Unless someone can hear you flying, you're good. Go."
[21:01] <@Erad> Erad nods. ...Then realizes no one can see him do that and feels foolish. "I'll be right back." He flies back, this time a bit closer, around 80 feet. Someone still might be able to see him, so flying high will let him escape in case they do.
[21:03] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a perception check for general reference here, Erad.
[21:04] <@Erad> roll 1d20+14
[21:04] <Serith> Erad roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=11]
[21:08] <@Kotono> Erad flies around, getting the lay of the land. With this speed and his sight, it takes about five minutes. It's a fairly large village that's full of Kabath's soldiers. Several houses have guards, he notes. The fenced off areas are full of barrels, timber, firewood and other such things. Several wagons are in town, soldiers loading goods into them. More are coming into town from the east,
[21:08] <@Kotono> stopping in and soldiers rushing out to load them up.
[21:10] <@Erad> Erad will head over near any particularly large house and fly down to see if he's able to possibly overhear any conversations, but will be mindful of the time he has left.
[21:11] <@Kotono> It takes another minute or so to gently land on a roof and listen. He hears the following snippets. "...and then the next one fell right on..." "Move it, you..." "...and the faster you have that in there, the better! Double...."
[21:11] <@Kotono> OOC: Gah.
[21:11] <@Kotono> It takes another minute or so to gently land on a roof and listen. He hears the following snippets. "...and then the next one fell right on..." "Move it, you..." "...and the faster you have that in there, the better! Double...." "...at Adamantine for sure." "...home, I'm going to..."
[21:12] <@Erad> Best not to waste any more time. Erad will fly back to the others!
[21:12] <@Kotono> Erad hurries back, his invisibility failing about halfway there. But it's far enough that he's mostly out of town when it does and on he flies back, returning to them.
[21:16] <@Erad> "It's full of soldiers, but I'm sure you all guessed that. Curiously, they've got guards at most of the houses, which seems a bit peculiar." He starts. "Barrels, timber and firewood are in most of the fenced off areas. The soldiers come in from the east side and get loaded up. I overheard some conversation about Adamantine but couldn't get any details. This may be a doozy of we decide to go in
[21:16] <@Erad> here... but they may have hostages, too."
[21:17] <Annerose> "Supplies and hostages. So it's a question of how we go there, not if."
[21:18] <@Inari> "Would they actually be used as hostages, rather than merely prisoners?" Inari asks, perhaps a bit optimistically. "Surely they know if they threaten their prisoners they can expect just as harsh treatment in return."
[21:19] <@Kotono> "Dunno," T says, "It sounds like they're using it as a general garrison with supplies and hostages. Sort of like that camp ol' Maggen was lording over."
[21:20] <Annerose> "How do you want to do this?"
[21:20] <@Erad> "They may not be hostages and just important tools." Erad says. "But it doesn't really make a lot of sense to have guards all over when it's already filled with soldiers, at least to me."
[21:21] <@Inari> "I could try to sneak in and get near to one of the guarded buildings," Inari offers, "But I don't look like an ordinary fox even to a casual inspection so it might just draw more notice."
[21:22] <Annerose> "I could sneak in as well, but it might be best if I came openly and drew their attention," Annerose muses. "Perhaps we can just advance on the camp from all directions? Erad could cover the one most distant."
[21:23] * Annerose shrugs. "The important part, I think, is to make enough noise to give T a chance to sneak over invisibly and take a peek behind those locks. If it's captured troops," she tells T, "you could free them and tilt the scales even more."
[21:26] <@Kotono> "Yeah, one problem with that," T remarks, "That was the one arcane pattern I had in my head for invisibility."
[21:27] <Annerose> "You'll just have to be extra sneaky without magic, then."
[21:27] <@Kotono> "Right," T says, "So what's our plan here?"
[21:29] <@Inari> "And if we're splitting up who goes with who?" Inari asks, shifting a bit closer to Rock.
[21:29] <@Kotono> "Yeah, we need a plan," Helena agrees, "Rather than just charging in and hoping it works out."
[21:29] <@Kotono> T's gaze lingers on Helena, but he doesn't say anything.
[21:30] <Annerose> "I was thinking of going alone as a living storm. Shock and awe, in the hopes of making our name and getting the soldiers to flee. Perhaps you could do likewise from up high, Erad? It would also allow you to support anyone who bites off more than they could chew."
[21:32] <@Inari> "Well, Rock, Helena, and I can go in directly and fight as a group in that case?" Inari asks, lacking in the ways of living storms and content to sit in the shadow of Rock's superlative fighting skills.
[21:34] <@Kotono> "And oi go sneak around," T says, rubbing his neck, "Doesn't sound like a bad plan."
[21:34] <Annerose> "We could attack from two directions and aim to meet midway," Annerose suggests. "How about you, Rek?"
[21:35] <@Inari> "You can come with us if you want," Inari invites.
[21:36] <@Erad> Erad nods to Annerose. "I can keep an eye on everything from up there and help anyone who needs it while trying to draw some attention too."
[21:46] <@Kotono> "I'd rather stay back,"  he says, "Someone needs to watch the wagon anyway."
[21:48] * Annerose nods. "Since it doesn't make much difference, I'll take the right and you guys the left?"
[21:49] <@Inari> "Alright, good luck everyone," Inari says, casting animalistic power on herself, Rock, T, Helena, Erad, and Annerose!
[21:50] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, quick summary of the plan for me?
[21:50] * Annerose moves away enough that her path wouldn't lead back directly to the wagon or inconvenience her friends, and then a snowstorm erupts into being around her as she marches towards the camp!
[21:51] <@Inari> OOC: Annerose goes on left flank and advances with ice and stuff, T goes on right flank and sneaks in, Erad flies over and attacks rear, everyone else goes straight in the middle?
[21:51] <Annerose> OOC: Erad can also play support from the air, as he wishes

[Corwin]

#d

[21:54] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, so the spell is obscuring snow?
[21:55] <Annerose> OOC: Yes
[22:00] <@Kotono> Annerose loops around to the left flank. It's a patch of tends, sprawled out around the left edge of town. As you approach to 200ft, you can see soldiers looking over at the mobile storm. They point at it, calling out.
[22:02] <Annerose> Good! With a bit of luck, she will keep their interest as she slowly advances, allowing the others to get into range.
[22:05] <@Kotono> Annerose approaches to within1 00ft. At this point, over a dozen soldiers are there, holding the line. You can hear them talking and pointing, "Fucking frost monsters," One is heard distinctly. They're fanning to the sides as you come closer, out of the way of your advance.
[22:09] <Annerose> "Leave my land or die!" Annerose declares, her voice born on the howl of the storm. She's still too far to do anything truly impressive, and there's always a chance her warning will be heard as she advances. But should these soldiers refuse to listen to reason, she will take direct action.
[22:15] <@Kotono> OOC: Make an intimidate check.
[22:17] <Annerose> roll 1d20+16 I'm reasonably scary!
[22:17] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 33 > [d20=17]
[22:19] <@Kotono> At this, the soldiers break and panic, running away with shouts of fear.
[22:20] * Annerose refrains from cheering out loud, although she does allow herself a happy little hop. No one will see it in the snowstorm, anyway. Then, she picks up her pace and heads straight for the camp!

[Corwin]

#d

[20:11] <@Kowork> Annerose advances. She crosses through the tents, soldiers in retreat from the moving blizzard. Cries of alarm are going up all through the town, shouts mixing amid the seemingly endless fall rain and blizzard winds. From here she could advance right into two, several paths between buildings leading in.
[20:13] <@Annerose> Their plan calls for them to move towards each other, but the exact specifics are left to them. So she chooses the widest path that heads in the right general direction.
[20:17] <@Kowork> Annerose heads along the path. It's a fairly broad dirt road, a mess long since gone to pure mud. As you advance down it, a man comes from the other end, 50ft away. He wears a tight tunic and pants, black and with a lightning bolt on his chest. He carries a simple dagger in one hand and uses it to gesture at the blizzard, "Run dog, or see the true power of the elements!" OOC: Init here.

[20:18] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+6+5
[20:18] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=5]
[20:22] <@Kowork> roll 1d20+11 (+5 nerveskitter)
[20:22] <Serith> Kowork roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=5]
[20:22] <@Kowork> OOC: Wow, precisely identical initiative rolls. Go ahead and reroll, both of you.
[20:22] <@Kowork> roll 1d20+11 (+5 nerveskitter)
[20:22] <Serith> Kowork roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=12]
[20:22] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+11
[20:23] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 29 > [d20=18]
[20:23] * Kowork changes topic to 'Annerose(29)>Hooded Man(23)'
[20:23] <@Kowork> OOC: Open.
[20:24] <@Annerose> "A man who hates dogs enough to use the term as a curse is scum!" Annerose declares, striking out with her best spell. "You had your chance to leave my land in peace. Now, this is where you will die!"
[20:25] <@Annerose> roll 8d6 cold ref DC23 half
[20:25] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 38 > [d6=4,6,5,4,5,6,5,3]
[20:32] <@Kowork> roll 1d20+11 evasion
[20:32] <Serith> Kowork roll for Serith < 28 > [d20=17]
[20:34] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+11 K:L
[20:34] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=15]
[20:36] <@Kowork> Huh? One moment he's there, then he's moved a moment before you acted. He now stands 40ft away and 20ft to the side, dodging along the edges of the cone. "From the song of the earth and sky comes the pattern of the future. You are nothing before me, dog of Auril." He kneels before the ground, laying a hand in the mud. The groud quakes, mud splattering all over as it emerges in front of his hand.
[20:36] <@Kowork> It is the size of a Rock, all jagged ice dripping muddy water. "Kabath commands the cold as easily as you breath, dog!" The elemental stays there, on guard for the moment. OOC: Go.
[20:37] * Kowork changes topic to 'Annerose(29)>Hooded Man=Ice Elemental23)'
[20:40] <@Annerose> Elementals, why is it always elementals. They're so boring-- Annerose shakes her head. "Kabath can't find its ass with all the magic of the world," she calls back, laughing. "Auril? How wrong you are!" She takes a step closer, positioning herself better, and this time the storm forms icicles that are launched at her opponent!
[20:41] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+9+1+3 ranged touch1
[20:41] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 30 > [d20=17]
[20:41] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+9+1+3 ranged touch2
[20:41] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 18 > [d20=5]
[20:41] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+9+1+3 ranged touch3
[20:41] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=7]
[20:51] <@Kowork> OOC: Which opponent?
[20:51] <@Annerose> OOC: hood guy
[20:52] <@Kowork> OOC: Okay then, two hits. Roll damage.
[20:52] <@Annerose> roll 2d4 cold half
[20:52] <@Annerose> roll 2d4 cold half
[20:52] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 5 > [d4=3,2]
[20:52] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 7 > [d4=4,3]
[20:56] <@Kowork> Hits - the hooded man is knocked back a bit, bloodied but unbowed. He points, "Go!" and the elemental strides right into the blizzard. If it's bothered by the blizzard, it doesn't show it, instead becoming one as it crosses into it. It's like the snow isn't all her own, a terribly confusing moment as...OOC: Make a caster level check.
[20:57] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+7
[20:57] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 12 > [d20=5]
[21:10] <@Kowork> roll 1d20+8
[21:10] <Serith> Kowork roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=17]
[21:11] <@Kowork> Like that, the blizzard is torn from her and turned against her. It's a massive, apocalyptic double blizzard, winds battering her like a ram and snow blinding her - if she wasn't already one with winter. She can still see just find, resisting the wind and troubles of the weather. "Die in your own storm!" The man snarls, touching himself as his wounds heal.
[21:11] <@Kowork> roll 3d8+8
[21:11] <Serith> Kowork roll for Serith < 20 > [d8=5,1,6]
[21:11] <@Kowork> OOC: Go.
[21:14] <Annerose> "You have the time to touch yourself while facing me in battle?" Annerose asks incredulously, gliding forward on a boost of magic. The man has moved to the side, and she moves farther still to avoid leaving a space behind her. Fighting with her back to the wall means that any allies summoned by this man would not be able to take her by surprise. "If you like it so much, let me show you how it's done!" Annerose says, amused now, while reaching for his face.
[21:15] <Annerose> roll 1d20+8+1+3 freezing touch
[21:15] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 17 > [d20=5]
[21:15] <Annerose> roll 1d20+13 K:A
[21:15] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=13]
[21:16] <@Kowork> This is an ice para-elemental. Besides the powers of it (a chill aura which fails on you, a icicle attack too) it can become a blizzard. In this case it's taken over and overwhelmed your spell, dominating it. This would be really bad for you...if you weren't a blizzard maiden who can ignore the entire shebang. Meanwhile, the man leaps back, just barely avoiding the touch. OOC: They're up.
[21:26] <@Kowork> The blizzard whirls around you, trying to incapacitate you - but nothing happens. The man's eyes widen as you come close enough to be seen and touched, before he focuses...
[21:26] <@Kowork> roll 1d20+10 concentration
[21:26] <Serith> Kowork roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=17]
[21:26] <@Kowork> roll 1d20+8 touch AC?
[21:26] <Serith> Kowork roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=7]
[21:27] <Annerose> OOC: 20
[21:29] <@Kowork> But annerose is oto nimble, sidestepping the touch. OOC: go.
[21:29] <@Kowork> OOC: Go, even.
[21:32] <Annerose> "Well, this is awkward," she admits. "The way we're fumbling around each other. At least you've stopped calling me named, but on the other hand you stopped putting Auril down. Do you think you could maybe mock her some more? Without insulting noble animals?" Even as Annerose talks, however, her hands ignite with righteous fire as she reaches for both sides of his head to freeze it solid!
[21:32] <Annerose> roll 1d20+8+1+3 freezing touch, dragonfire wrath
[21:32] <Annerose> roll 1d20+8+1+3 freezing touch, dragonfire wrath
[21:32] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 30 > [d20=18]
[21:32] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 28 > [d20=16]
[21:34] <@Kowork> OOC: He's evil, yes.
[21:34] <@Kowork> OOC: Those also hit.
[21:35] <Annerose> roll 2d6+3+1+3+2d6+1d8 cold/magic/good
[21:35] <Annerose> roll 2d6+3+1+3+2d6+1d8 cold/magic/good
[21:35] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 20 > [d6=5,3,1,1][d8=3]
[21:35] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 20 > [d6=4,2,2,1][d8=4]
[21:37] <@Kowork> The man's eyes go wider as he sees the flames come to him. "Wha-" is all he gets out, as Annerose grabs his head. Fires and ice erupt around it, making him stagger back. Downside, only his head is on fire and frozen. Upside, you got his head on fire and frozen. He's screaming and patting at it, trying to...
[21:37] <@Kowork> roll 1d20+10 concentration
[21:37] <Serith> Kowork roll for Serith < 29 > [d20=19]
[21:39] <@Kowork> roll 3d8+8
[21:39] <Serith> Kowork roll for Serith < 22 > [d8=2,5,7]
[21:39] <@Kowork> Wounds partially heal as he stands there, gasping in pain, "You...how...blow her away!" he snaps, as the winds howl at Annerose - but nothing happens to her. OOC: Go.
[21:40] * Annerose seeks to douse the fire altogether this time around!
[21:40] <Annerose> roll 1d20+8+1+3 freezing touch
[21:40] <Annerose> roll 1d20+8+1+3 freezing touch
[21:40] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 17 > [d20=5]
[21:40] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=12]
[21:43] <@Kowork> OOC: One hit.
[21:43] <Annerose> roll 2d6+3+1+3+2d6 cold/magic
[21:43] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 19 > [d6=1,1,6,4]
[21:47] <@Kowork> A direct hit, getting him in the arm this time. It's enough to make him gasp as it freezes solid, before concentrating again...
[21:47] <@Kowork> roll 1d20+10
[21:47] <Serith> Kowork roll for Serith < 18 > [d20=8]
[21:47] <@Kowork> But this time his concentration slips as...OOC: Go, he provoked.
[21:48] * Annerose doesn't disappoint, only commenting, "You do realize this is a losing strategy? Your spells are finite, mortal."
[21:48] <Annerose> roll 1d20+8+1+3 freezing touch
[21:48] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=13]
[21:48] <Annerose> roll 2d6+3+1+3+2d6 cold/magic
[21:48] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 20 > [d6=2,3,2,6]
[21:49] <@Kowork> The touch gets him right in the face - and it cracks like old crockery. He falls, head now a mushy pile of bloody snow. OOC: Free act.
[21:50] * Annerose shakes her head. Not much of a conversationalist, sadly. She takes a moment to look around with magical sight, both to see if the blizzard around her is holding and whether the self-professed master of cold held any surprises in store for her.
[21:52] <@Kowork> At this, the elemental continues to plague yoru storm - until it fades away, back to whence it came. Meanwhile, you find he has a ring that radiates magic, as well as a pendant that does the same.
[21:53] * Annerose picks them up for later, before pressing on to meet with the others!