The Other Milla 13

[Corwin]

21:27 <•Kotono> Devar flies up. He gets up a bit, but soon finds steam, mist and rock to block his way further. Still, he has a great view. In one direction is yet another Dareslan in burnt ruin. In the other direction you see haze in the distance.
21:28 <Devar> Well, he'll head towards Dareslan first since the view is clearer - he's got a pretty good layout of the city in his mind, so if anything looks very different he'd notice!
21:30 <•Kotono> If you've seen one burnt down city, you've seen them all. At least nothing seems unusual to your eyes - except one building amid many others, which looks oddly intact. Just an unburnt roof, hidden from anything but this view by debris.
21:32 <Devar> Huh. Well, it isn't the lake, so he makes a mental note for later - he gives one more look around from the air before he heads back the way he came, heading towards the haze this time - hopefully it isn't incredibly hot, though!
21:34 <•Kotono> Devar approaches the haze. As he gets closer, it begins to resist him. The air is thicker, harder to move forward in.
21:35 <Devar> "Are we doing this again?" Devar says aloud, as if he expects an answer. He'll start to fly down to see if it clear at all the closer he gets to the ground. "Is this the way to the lake?" Again, as if he expects an answer.
21:39 <•Kotono> The haze clears slightly as you go lower, but not much. Not as much resistance, though.
21:40 <Devar> Devar will head down until he's about 10 feet above the ground and try to go forward through it!
21:46 <•Kotono> OOC: Strength check.
21:47 <Devar> roll 1d20+3
21:47 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{6}
21:53 <•Kotono> Devar struggles to go forward, and is pushed back.
21:53 <Devar> He will keep flying down to the ground and see if there's still any resistance there!
22:01 <•Kotono> There is, enough to...OOC: Strength check, +2 bonus.
22:02 <Devar> roll 1d20+3+2
22:02 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+3+2 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{24}
22:03 <•Kotono> Devar makes it through, further and further and further...oooph! He lands hard, face down and momentarily dazed.
22:04 <Devar> Oof indeed, why does this always seem to happen to him? He really needs to talk to Skaya on how to better his balance... he slowly pulls himself back up to see where he is now!
22:04 <•Kotono> A woman is there. Milla offers you her hand, her hair disarrayed and dirty all over. "There you are," she says in exasperation as you stand amid the burnt ruins of Dareslan. "What happened?"
22:07 <Devar> "Wait... what?" Devar asks. "...Ah, I see. this must be what Skaya experienced." He will take the hand regardless, but look behind him - is there still any haze at all?
22:07 <•Kotono> "Skaya?" A question and shake of her head, "Did you hit your head again?" There's no haze around that you see.
22:08 <Devar> "I apologize, I don't really have time for this version of things." He says. What was it she said she did - something about not believing it was real and focusing on that?
22:09 <•Kotono> "This version?" Milla gives you a strange look, "What happened to you? No, nevermind. We still need to find a way out before it's too late."
22:11 <Devar> "It's hard to explain. Um, this also might sound weird, but humor me - have you all found a fancy cold sword that Rina uses, or a lake with warm water?"
22:18 <•Kotono> "Yes, we took it from the frost spirit we fought," Milla says, already starting to move and gesturing for you to follow, "For what little it helped."
22:20 <Devar> "No warm water, then?" Devar asks as he decides to go along for now. He may as well gather what information he can. "I realize it sounds strange and you probably think I just hit my head, but I have reasons to ask." He does wonder if he could bring the sword back with him... Is that how it works?
22:21 <•Kotono> You get an answer...next time!

[Corwin]

21:26 <•Kotono> The rest of you, well, rest. Anne sits and closes her eyes, "Are you alright, Skaya?" she asks, softly.
21:27 <Skaya> "Ah yes, the fruits were actually okay. I was worried they might burn me despite being part fire, but I'm glad I was wrong on that front."
21:30 <•Kotono> "Good." Anne says quietly.
21:31 <•Kotono> Sanda stretches and sits back, "So much danger here," she says, "But so much good treasure, too."
21:31 <•Kotono> Rina's quiet, resting and in her own thoughts.
21:31 <•Kotono> "At least there's that," Anne says, "I twill more than prove its worth."
21:31 <Skaya> "The stress of time constraints doesn't really let you treat it like a dungeon dive. That's what's bothering me, so maybe it bothers you too, Anne?"
21:36 <•Kotono> "The unreasonable danger and risks taken bother me," Anne says, "But more than anything else, I'm exhausted, Skaya. These have been some of the most stressful days of my life. The plague, that one horrible day, recovery, and now this ordeal." With a hand rubbing her forehead, "I can see why we were sent here, how it benefits us, but it's been  day after difficult day."
21:37 <•Kotono> "In the end, we either prosper and grow stronger, or we die," Rina says, "We stop Brachidos or die trying. Anything else only serves towards that."
21:37 <Skaya> "I think we were sent here because we're the only ones daring enough to go and capable enough to stop this mess."
21:39 <•Kotono> "I fully intend to survive and return home. I have so many people counting on me," Anne declares, "Probably so, the city's exhausted in every way, just as I am now. That it helps us grow stronger is also beneficial."
21:42 <Skaya> "Well, you'll make it if I have anything to say about it."
21:47 <•Kotono> "We will." Rina agrees.
21:47 <•Kotono> A bit of a conversational lull at that, until, "What exactly IS Storm's Eye? It doesn't work like a normal magical item, to the point of absurdity."
21:47 <•Kotono> Sanda asks.
21:48 <•Kotono> "Devar's burden," Anne deadpans back, "Doubtless something that wasn't really meant to be retrieved."
21:48 <•Kotono> "The odds of that are...actually higher the longer I see it," Sanda admits. "If not powerful."
21:49 <Skaya> "Nah, Starre said that some of us sometimes carried it. I think Storm is a sentient weapon, though maybe it had a soul forcibly put in it?"
21:54 <•Kotono> "Maybe," Sanda considers, "Statistically speaking, I suspect it helps him quite a lot."
21:55 <Skaya> "It's ridiculously strong. Plus it can eat other magical artifacts to power up."
22:02 <•Kotono> "That's why I think it's absurd," Sanda counters, "That's not normal."
22:02 <•Kotono> "Is anything about us normal at this point," Rina retorts.
22:04 <Skaya> "I guess most people wouldn't be traveling abroad or slaying monsters," Skaya muses. "Then again, if we hadn't left we might've gotten drafted to fight in a war that seems clearly manufactured by outside factors. Maybe it's the world that is absurd, and not us?"
22:05 <•Kotono> "I can agree with that," Anne murmurs, "Even now, our homeland might be engulfed in a pointless war." Her expression turns dark, "Just like the last war, it will be ab usy time to be a matron."
22:06 <•Kotono> "All we can do is make things better as far as we can reach," Rina says, "Even if what I'm trying to reach is Brachidos' throat."
22:07 <•Kotono> "Wisely spoken," Anne agrees, "Even if not at home, we can still make things better around us."
22:09 <Skaya> "And you know, Rina? On reflection, didn't we have a bunch of opportunities so far? I'm sure they'll keep on occurring. Perhaps our mistake was on forcing things here. Even if all else fails, we could always return to the dragon ruins for unique opportunities. So let's just try to pick up Brachidos's trail, and if that fails try to get ahead of him. He does seem to be traveling down a vague route."
22:10 <•Kotono> Rina nods in agreement, "We'll keep going. All we have to do is catch him once."
22:10 <•Kotono> "And not fail to finish it," Anne a ppends, "I have no doubt he'll be hard to finish off."
22:11 <Skaya> "We'll have to do our best, yeah."
22:19 <•Kotono> Nods all around as...OOC: We're well over so we'll pause there and pick up...next time!

[Corwin]

17:31 <Anastasia> After a little bit of silence, it's Sanda who says, "Still though, I'm wondering that is behind all of this even now."
17:32 <Anastasia> "Maybe this is like the bards sing, that being a hero is terribly dangeorus, difficult and perilious." Rina says, "And this is proof of it."
17:33 <Skaya> "Don't you think that too much is broken on this world? First that time-locked mess, and now this? Dimensional walls are a sieve, here."
17:35 <Anastasia> "It does seem unusually prevalent," Anne says slowly, "Is it like this on the realms beyond this one?"
17:35 <Anastasia> "How should I know?" Rina asks, voice puzzled.
17:35 <Skaya> "It really isn't."
17:36 <Anastasia> "Well, there are people who can travel there," Sanda points ut, "We just aren't them. Statistically speaking, we may be average for all we know, or we're statistical outliers."
17:36 <Skaya> "Since what we know about Primes doesn't match with our experience, it stands to reason we're the outlier," Skaya voices.
17:37 <Anastasia> "I didn't think it was," Anne agrees, and with a side glance at Sanda, "From what you've said before, outliers mean longshots? Like winning four coinflips in a row?"
17:37 <Anastasia> "Or our information's bad," Sanda muses, "And yes, that's what it means. Things unlikely to happen, like a four leaf clover."
17:39 <Anastasia> "Then...does knowing that matter?" Rina says, "I don't think you can magically fix these things, can you?"
17:40 <Anastasia> "No, it's more about the underlying reason," Sanda sniffs at that, glancing the way Devar went. A stall, perhaps. "Did something happen in the past that caused this? Is someone going around causing this? Is Brachidos really doing this? Things like that."
17:40 <Skaya> "So basically, there are several ways our assumptions could be wrong," Skaya elaborates. "What is considered normal could be a lie, with us being basically gaslighted by the outer planes. Or what is considered normal is normal for most cases, and only explorers like us who stumble on hidden secrets learn the real truth. Or it could be that everyone thinks it's normal, and when we discover this weirdness it's like a black swan event!
17:40 <Skaya> And in the future it would change what is considered normal." At Rina's words, she adds, "I think you need to be a god to fix this properly. Probably the ones who broke it in the past can also fix it in the present."
17:41 <Anastasia> ""I guess?" Rina says to all of this, "This is rapidly getting over my head, if I wasn't already."
17:42 <Anastasia> "I didn't get some of that," Anne admits, "If things are wrong, I'll put in a word above. Or..." With a dry look, "We're those tasked with fixing this particular problem, in the same way the person who asks who is to cook dinner is told to cook dinner."
17:43 <Anastasia> "Oh, it could be a conspiracy like that," Sanda muses off Skaya's words. "I followed it perfectly fine. It's not that complicated. I like the ideas, though."
17:44 <Skaya> "You know, the bigger question here is why now. This was surely broken ages ago. Shouldn't this have been handled much earlier? Instead, the gods, what... waited till we were all born?"
17:47 <Anastasia> "No, I think that's the wrong way of looking at it. When the body develops a tumor, it doesn't appear one day, fully grown. It develops over time. Below a certain point it's nothing, we only ever notice it when it becomes so severe it sickens or even kills." Anne reasons, "This may be when this has reached that point of being noticed. To continue my thoughts from earlier, we may be the
17:47 <Anastasia> spell to cure the tumor."
17:48 <Anastasia> Rina flops back and groans, "And now we're talking about that? So many metaphors!"
17:48 <Anastasia> With another sniff, "It might be," she says, "Though I like some of Skaya's answers more."
17:50 <Skaya> "We're not that far off from traveling to take a look for ourselves," Skaya muses. "We could go on a trip across some adjacent Primes!"
17:51 <Anastasia> "As much as I look forward to what awaits me beyond this life," Anne comments, "Are you eager to explore worlds beyond this one?"
17:53 <Skaya> "Actually yes!" Skaya responds cheerfully. "But the thing is, by the time we are capable of these trips, we'll also be a teleport spell away from anywhere on this Prime. That'd make adventuring easier on your end, at the very least."
17:56 <Anastasia> "At least," Anne laughs at that, "Be home in time to wrangle everyone through dinner."
17:57 <Anastasia> "Say, how do you think Devar's making out there?" Rina speaks up.
17:57 <Anastasia> "Arguing with Storm's Eye over us, or at least I hope," Anne immediately answers, "Maybe it'll sink in."
17:58 <Anastasia> "Probably fighting some elementals," Sanda suggests, "Or flying glass shards again."
17:58 <Skaya> "I'm sure he'll be fine. Didn't alternate Starre say it's a fairly safe area and relies on communication? Like last time, if he runs into trouble he'll return to regroup with us."
18:01 <Anastasia> A few nods at that, until, "Still though, I wish I had a deck of cards or dice with me," Rina says, "Something to help pass the time."
18:03 <Skaya> "What would you even bet on?"
18:05 <Anastasia> A shrug, "You don't need to bet anything serious." Rina says, "A few small coins that we give back after, or a card game that doesn't involve betting. Those exist."
18:07 <Skaya> "How about we make something ourselves once we get back?" Skaya proposes. "I've been meaning to get into woodworks and carpentry to help round out my skills. Maybe carving as well for the visual aspects. You could learn painting!"
18:08 <Anastasia> Rina smiles a little, but Sanda eyes Skaya instead. Thoughtfully perhaps before- OOC: Perception.
18:09 <Skaya> OOC: 10 for 26
18:11 <Anastasia> A ripple and a loud step nearby. Loud enough that you can hear it passively, it stands out.
18:12 → Kotono joined (~WinNT@5E220DDC.5D4CE89B.4EA43F1F.IP)
18:13 <Skaya> "Or maybe polishing or-- or, what's it called, lacquer?" Skaya continues to speak, even as she gets everyone's attention with a gesture and draws a sai and kama from her haversack.
18:14 ⇐ Anastasia and Kobot quit 
18:19 <Kotono> Anne hms, "I haven't heard of it, but that's what it is?" Anne has he rmacea nd shield nearby, the same for the weapons of the others. They all nod along, as...
18:19 <Kotono> OOC: Go ahea.d
18:22 <Skaya> The funny thing is, she'd been entirely certain this would be a paranoia-driven waste of her time. But Skaya had borrowed the Ring of Sure Strikes for the duration of this expedition and is currently wearing it, so she waits to hear the sound repeated again and explodes in that direction to sweep whoever it is off their feet!
18:22 <Skaya> OOC: I want to trip with my kama, which allows it without a special feat. The ring will ignore even total concealment and invis.
18:25 <Kotono> OOC: Sure, go for it. Attack roll.
18:26 <Skaya> roll 2#1d20+9+6
18:29 → Kobot joined  ↔ Kotono nipped out 
18:31 <Kobot> OOC: I'm back.
18:32 <Skaya> roll 2#1d20+9+6
18:32 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 2#1d20+9+6 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{22}, [ 1d20=5 ]{20}
18:32 <Kotono> Skaya lashes out and something falls. Something indistinct, a voice distorted. Too distorted before it fades away, as if it was never there.
18:32 <Kotono> "What in-" Rina begins.
18:32 <Kotono> Anne stares, "Some manner of spirit?"
18:33 <Skaya> "These aren't magical weapons, they can't touch actual spirits."
18:34 <Kotono> "Then I have no idea," Anne admits bluntly.
18:35 <Skaya> "It could be something like the alternate Starre or that alternate us I ran into before in the haze," Skaya proposes. "That's something with real shape but not from our reality."
18:39 <Kotono> Looks all around, before...OOC: Okay, you're ahead of Devar now and moving well, so I'll pick you up next time.

[Corwin]

19:12 <Devar> <Devar> "Wait... what?" Devar asks. "...Ah, I see. this must be what Skaya experienced." He will take the hand regardless, but look behind him - is there still any haze at all?
19:12 <Devar> <Kotono> "Skaya?" A question and shake of her head, "Did you hit your head again?" There's no haze around that you see.
19:12 <Devar> <Devar> "I apologize, I don't really have time for this version of things." He says. What was it she said she did - something about not believing it was real and focusing on that?
19:12 <Devar> <Kotono> "This version?" Milla gives you a strange look, "What happened to you? No, nevermind. We still need to find a way out before it's too late."
19:12 <Devar> <Devar> "It's hard to explain. Um, this also might sound weird, but humor me - have you all found a fancy cold sword that Rina uses, or a lake with warm water?"
19:12 <Devar> <Kotono> "Yes, we took it from the frost spirit we fought," Milla says, already starting to move and gesturing for you to follow, "For what little it helped."
19:12 <Devar> <Devar> "No warm water, then?" Devar asks as he decides to go along for now. He may as well gather what information he can. "I realize it sounds strange and you probably think I just hit my head, but I have reasons to ask." He does wonder if he could bring the sword back with him... Is that how it works?
19:12 <Devar> <Kotono> You get an answer...next time!
19:13 <Anastasia> "No warm water," Is the answer back, "Wouldn't be the first time you hit your head, either."
19:14 <Devar> "It would not be." He answers. "For now, let's meet up with everyone? I have some questions."
19:15 <Anastasia> A pause. A long, sad pause before, "Devar," she says, "That's not funny."
19:16 <Devar> "Are you the only one on this side?" He asks. "I realize you won't actually believe me - and that's fine - but I'm experienced with something different."
19:18 <Anastasia> "The only one left alive," Milla says, voice going from everything to just tired and sad.
19:20 <Devar> "I'm sorry to hear that. Well, do you mind showing me what we've got, then?" He asks. "I'm also curious - when this happened to Skaya - she said there were a lot of differences. To your knowledge, am I an Eldathian paladin?"
19:21 <Anastasia> There's a strange ripple there. MIlla distorts. Everything around you becomes hazy. "...Eld...Mo...Se....A...." The next thing you know, you're face down once more.
19:21 <Devar> Well, that was a fine how-do-you-do!
19:22 <Devar> Devar pulls himself up - again - thankful - again - no one is around to see him fall down constantly. He really needs to work on his balance...
19:25 <Anastasia> You're back before the haze, as if you never entered it. Next to you is MIlla, face down as well and starting to rise.
19:25 <Devar> "...Well, this is unexpected." He goes over to help her stand up. "Are you all right?"
19:28 <Anastasia> Milla rises to her feet, "Yes," she looks around, "Now what happened?"
19:29 <Devar> "Somehow or another, I think you might be on 'our' side now, although that... doesn't make a lot of sense." He says. "Let me ask you again - to your knowledge, what faith do I follow?"
19:32 <Anastasia> "Moore," Is the answer after amoment, Milla slowly rubbing the side of her head, "Though you talk about Jetina a lot when you heal."
19:33 <Devar> Devar checks himself for his holy symbol - assuredly it's still Eldath!
19:39 <Anastasia> Yes, yes it is.
19:40 <Devar> "Well, as you can see," He shows it to her. "That isn't quite right. Can you tell me if you're holding onto any of the equipment we found here?"
19:43 <Anastasia> Milla reaches to her belt and draws a blade. It's finely made and cold mists leak from it, steaming away in the air. "The very sword you asked about," she says.
19:44 <Devar> Devar will try to identify it - is even a real thing?! There's so many questions he has right now!
19:47 <Anastasia> It's not a real sword, just a mass of magic. Mimicry in other words, nothing more.
19:50 <Devar> "That's what I figured." He says, maybe sounding a small bit disappointed? "I'm not sure what the significance of you being on this side is, but I can tell that isn't really what you think it is. Where did we get that from?"

[Corwin]

19:01 <•Kotono> "Sides? What are you talking about?" Milla looks around quickly, "We got this from-" There's an odd flicker. A twist and a flicker before...
19:01 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:01 <•Kotono> OOC: Sec for bot.
19:02 → Misukibot joined (~dunefar@EDD046D2.5CCF1F7A.2363F987.IP)
19:02 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:02 <Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=47 ]{47}
19:03 <•Kotono> A ripple ahead as well. A little crack of something, and what's glimpsed beyond? For a moment you can see a gap no bigger than your fist. A glimpse of a some sort of treasure trove or treasury - for gold lies in heaps, gems and riches all about. It's it well enough to see, the glinting of light on gold plentiful.
19:06 <Devar> Devar holds an arm out to protect Millia - whether she's "real" or not isn't really of any consequence right now. He holds his position to see if anything else happens.
19:09 <•Kotono> MIlla feels real at least as she smoothly moves to defend herself. An eye. A huge eye, big as the gap. Bigger. Peering through silently, a terrible, sudden sense of pressure, of being watched. Then the gap closes, gone.
19:09 <Devar> OOC: Did it look like the eye of the treasure trove creature Skaya and I fought a bit ago?
19:09 <•Kotono> OOC: No.
19:10 <Devar> Devar frowns. "Look familiar to you by any chance?" He asks.
19:12 <•Kotono> "Never seen it, but I think it was a dragon's eye." Milla says tightly, "But that's gone, what we were you talking about before?"
19:14 <Devar> "You aren't going to believe me if I just tell you, so it's probably going to be easier to show you." Devar says. "I'll take you back and... uh, well, we'll just have to go from there I think."
19:15 <•Kotono> "Fine." Milla says and then with a long look, "It's not like we have any other good choices now."
19:16 <Devar> "Just... don't be too surprised, okay?" Devar asks. He'll grab Millia and fly back, in order to meet back up with the others, with a rather unexpected +1.
19:20 <•Kotono> OOC: PErception real quick.
19:20 <Devar> roll 1d20+8
19:20 <Misukibot> Devar rolled 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{9}
19:20 <•Kotono> OOC: #evil in a moment.

[Corwin]

19:06 <•Kotono> Rina looks all around, before, "I don't know anymore here, but at least it's consistently confusing."
19:06 <•Kotono> "Who can say?" Is the final answer you get from Anne, who blows out a breath, "Still, best we stopped it."
19:08 <Skaya> "I'll aim for nonlethal takendowns just the same."
19:12 <•Kotono> Long seconds before everyone starts to relax, "I hope Devar's safe," is all Sanda murmurs, "As fascinating as this place is, if we keep testing the odds, everyone rolls snake eyes eventually. Except Tymora and Donald."
19:13 <Skaya> "How many times do you think I've rolled them already?" Skaya asks her curiously.
19:16 <•Kotono> "Several dozen," Sanda says after a few moments of thought. "We've been through a lot of danger."
19:16 <•Kotono> "Not just in here, too. That one day could've been our end," Anne says, "Several times, particularly when the undead almost overcame us."
19:18 <Skaya> "Maybe I should follow Tymora or Donald, then."
19:20 <•Kotono> There's a bit of laughter at that before Rina sits back, "Still, I-hm?"
19:20 <•Kotono> "Oh, look! Devar's coming back!" Rina calls.
19:25 <•Kotono> OOC: Go ahead and enter, Devar. Sorry, meant to add this and didn't.

[Corwin]

19:26 <Devar> Devar will come back, landing with... Millia? "Uh, hey, everyone." He says, sounding... well, about how one would sound given the current circumstances. "I didn't find the warm water, but I uh... well, I think I found one of those places you went to Skaya, and when I came back, she uh... was... with me?"
19:27 <•Kotono> Milla stares quietly, face pinched. She takes in each of the ladies in turn, "You're alive." A soft murmur.
19:27 <Skaya> "Hi," Skaya greets her. "We're heading out of this place. Wanna come along?"
19:28 <•Kotono> Rina smiles, a small and bittersweet one, "Some of us."
19:29 <Devar> "I realize it's a bit of a shock." Devar says. "I don't think worrying about the details are... integral, at the moment."
19:29 <•Kotono> The response is a sputtering murmur of noise. Milla begins to flicker in and out, as if she's passing in and out of reality. She speaks but her words sound very far away. Then she resolidifies and shakes her head, "Some of you?" she asks, "Devar's not lying. Tell me what this is about?"
19:30 <Skaya> "Just don't think too hard about it. This place is weird, right?"
19:31 <•Kotono> "That's a bad excuse," Is the retort you get, "Fine, I'm ordering you to report your mission and explain this."
19:31 <•Kotono> Sanda's eyebrows go up, "Can you do that?"
19:32 <•Kotono> "Can, should and succeed are all different things," Anne retorts levelly. "
19:32 <•Kotono> "Can, should and succeed are all different things," Anne retorts levelly.
19:32 <Devar> "It sounds like there were some alternatives." Devar says to Skaya, since she'd been through this already.
19:35 <Skaya> "You know what, Milla? I'm a firm believer in freedom of choice," Skaya voices. "So I can tell you the truth, but the truth is a memetic hazard. Do you know what those are?"
19:37 <•Kotono> "I don't," Is Milla's retort, fists clenching, "But the last I saw, Devar and I were the only two still alive! I buried some of you!"
19:37 <•Kotono> Sanda's color pales, "Well, I suppose that by the averages..." she mutters, voice rattled.
19:37 <•Kotono> "Milla. We're alive now. Be thankful for that, rather than falling to wrath over the reasons." Anne comes forward, "Please, for all of our sakes."
19:38 <Skaya> "Just consider this as a second chance, similar to true resurrection, due to effectively wild magic in these ruins," Skaya tells her after thinking about it. "Can you accept that?"
19:39 <•Kotono> OOC: Diplo check here Skaya, +4 bonus due to others.
19:40 <Skaya> roll 1d20+12+4+6
19:40 <Misukibot> Skaya rolled 1d20+12+4+6 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{37}
19:43 <•Kotono> With grit teeth, "Fine, keep your secrets," Is Milla's answer.
19:43 <Skaya> "We've known each other for a good, long while. It's for the best, at least for now."
19:44 <Devar> "I tried looking around for a lake over there." Devar explains. "I didn't see one, so I'm not really sure where it is. We could try asking the fire elementals and see if they know, but beyond that I don't know where else to look."
19:44 <Skaya> Turning towards Devar, Skaya says, "So, the warm waters and the sword. Are we giving up on it and leaving to resolve this mess for good?"
19:44 <Skaya> OOC: Let me reline
19:45 <Skaya> Turning towards Devar, Skaya says, "So, the warm waters and the sword. Since you haven't found it here, let's just leave the entire area altogether? You can look in the water that you first swam in."
19:45 <Devar> He nods. "Sure, I can do that."
19:46 <Skaya> "Let's leave and regroup in the main corridors, then."
19:52 <•Kotono> OOC: Heading back to the main corridors, then?  Anything I need to know about or just going? More if not, so let me know.
19:55 <Devar> OOC: I think were just heading back, then Devar will check out the canal waters when they get there.
19:55 <Skaya> OOC: Yes
19:57 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 vs ???
19:57 <Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs ??? --> [ 1d100=73 ]{73}
19:57 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 vs ???
19:57 <Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs ??? --> [ 1d100=86 ]{86}
19:57 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 vs ???
19:57 <Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs ??? --> [ 1d100=9 ]{9}
19:58 <•Kotono> It's a long trip back, thrown and flown, up stairs and along. But everything is strangely quiet until you at last reach the canal once more. Milla seemse solid enough and nothing bothers you. If anything, things seem...quiet, for lack of a better word. Perhaps the greatest threats are defeated already, and the rest cowed?
19:59 <Devar> "I should be back shortly. If anything happens, I'll plan to come back here." He says before he goes to dive in to the water! First and foremost... are they even warm?!
20:02 <•Kotono> Splash. The waters are not warm. Not terribly cold either right now at least, but not warm. Meanwhile Anne just nods at you and watches as Devar dives in.
20:02 <•Kotono> Milla waits, arms crossed all the while.
20:03 <Devar> Well, stranger things have happened - he dives down to the bottom for now - he swam up them before and found the ruined city where he got attacked before, so maybe the other way might lead somewhere interesting?
20:04 <Skaya> "Our goal," Skaya tells for Milla's sake, "is to let Devar explore one last time before we'll head over to the part of the ruins ruled by ice."
20:05 <•Kotono> OOC: You can breathe in water, do yo ualso have freedom of movement or similar?
20:05 <Devar> OOC: The ring rather helpfully offers that very benefit!
20:07 <•Kotono> Milla nods slightly, watching the waters all the while. Down Devar goes, down and down and down and down. At the bottom it's muddy and miserable on first glance, then....OOC: Perception.
20:08 <Devar> OOC: take 10 for 18
20:12 <•Kotono> Hidden in the mud, worse for the poor lighting, is the top of a ladder. It stucks out of the mud oddly, not broken but instead good, solid metal. Unrusted steel, well kept and intact.
20:13 <Devar> Oh come on! Well, nothing for it, Devar goes to investigate the ladder and climb down it. Could the others even get down here if they tried?
20:13 <•Kotono> It looks like it'll require clearing away a lot of mud. If they can swim well and hold their breath, certainly, Devar estimates.
20:14 <Devar> Well, for now Devar will do the handiwork himself since he doesn't need to worry about any of the time it might take.
20:18 <•Kotono> It's not fun work, but it owrks. Sure enough, there's a ladder going into the depths below, an underwater passage. It's wide enough to swim down if you'd prefer.
20:19 <Devar> It's probably easier for him to swim at the moment, so he does that! Will the water just... stop at some point? He does keep an arm on the ladder in case of that sudden and inevitable betrayal.
20:22 <•Kotono> It goes down a bit before it reaches a large, open hollow. You swim into it - and instantly the waters begin to move and swirl. Before you a watery face appears, staring at you. In a voice of gurgling noise it speaks, "A land breather who wants to enter the realms beneath the waves?" it speaks in Common, "Who can breathe water instead of air? Interesting!"
20:24 <Devar> Devar will do his best to talk underwater - he can breathe for sure, but the words might be a little less easy. "Hello." He greets it. "My friends and I are exploring this... place. Do you know where we might find 'warm water' by any chance?"
20:27 <•Kotono> "Below. You want to find the City of the Warm Waters?" Is asked back to you, "I can allow all of you passage if you wish."
20:28 <Devar> "Yes, please." Devar says. "It's one of the last places we have to go before we leave this place."
20:30 <•Kotono> "Well, bring your friends down here and I'll send you all at once," Is his answer. "I'll not like to open the gate again and again for stragglers."
20:31 <Devar> "Can you give them the ability to breathe in water while they're there? I'm the only one who can do that at the moment." Devar says.
20:33 <•Kotono> "Yes, for a price," The elemental declares, "When I explored the dry places, I was chased away by a creature of glass. It found a way to make its glass slice my waters apart, and I had to retreat."
20:34 <Devar> "Oh, yes, we ran into it. We did kill a glass monster before we explored further around." He says. "But besides that, what else would you like done?"
20:37 <•Kotono> "It's dead?" The laughter fills the entire chamber, the waters sloshing. "There's armor somewhere, tainted by Ooze. I sense it and the water part of it draws to me."
20:38 <Devar> "I think I'm carrying that with me. It's pretty awful and leans towards diseases." Devar says. "We were going to try and find a way to rid the putridity of it when we got back."
20:39 <•Kotono> "You already have it? Let me see it!" The creature insists.
20:40 <Devar> Devar hopes his bag isn't going to get too soggy from this, but he reaches in and takes out the Armor of Disease! He isn't super thrilled to be holding onto it, but thankfully it doesn't do anything to him.
20:42 <Devar> "There's a greataxe too if you wanted to trade anything to us for it!" Devar adds.
20:43 <•Kotono> Thea rmor immediately begins to turn the waters a dark, ugly greenish color. "That's it!" A crowing as  the spread stops, pooling back around the armor like a tightly wound ball. "Now I need something golden to work with it. Thread or wires would be best. The gold will help it be properly purified of its taint."
20:44 <Devar> "Oh, I know that - hold on a second, I will be right back." Devar says as he goes to swim back up to the others.
20:45 <•Kotono> The swim up is uneventful. Devar emerges, Rina awaiting, "You're drenched," she comments,  "Was it worth it?"
20:46 <Devar> "Working on it. I found a water elemental that doesn't want to kill us, so that's a plus. Skaya, can you throw me those gold chains you got from the acid mountain?" He asks. "I'm working on getting us safe passage to the warm water city, among getting rid of that awful diseased armor."
20:47 <•Kotono> "Getting rid of that armor sounds highly worthwhile - wait, did yo usay a city?" Anne asks.
20:47 <•Kotono> "An entire city?" Sanda echos Anne, "As in a place to rest and find civilization?"
20:47 <Skaya> "Sure, here you go," Skaya agrees to the request, retrieving the golden thread.
20:48 <•Kotono> "I've heard of mermaid cities," Milla comments, "In the seas, as well as krakens who rule as dragons do above."
20:48 <Devar> "Given what we've found so far, I'm going to bet it's just another Dareslan except it's underwater." Devar says as he catches them. "But I will clarify. Be back in a moment!" He dives back down!
20:54 <•Kotono> Devar reaches back down. The elemental's face reappears, "There you are! Do you have it?"
20:55 <Devar> Devar holds out the gold chains. "I hope this is what you're looking for."
20:55 <•Kotono> "This wire's perfect," A happy noise at that, a bubbly burst. They are taken, "I'll start working on this. Bring your friends down and I'll take care of the problem."
20:59 <Devar> Devar will swim back up! Once he's there - "You'll have to hold your breath for a moment, but the elemental will help you all once we're down there. If we run into an emergency I'll give someone the ring and we can trade it between us if need be."
21:00 <Skaya> "Works for me! You lead the way, I'll bring up the rear."
21:00 <•Kotono> "Our lungs are up to it," Sanda sniffs.
21:00 <•Kotono> "Don't worry, I'm fine," Milla dives right in, no concern at all.
21:00 <•Kotono> Anne plops in, sinking down in her heavier armor.
21:03 <Devar> Devar will help Anne get to the ladder as needed since he's more mobile.
21:04 <•Kotono> The party makes their way. With enhanced lungs even poor swimming isn't a big deal, and all of you make it to the ladder in good time. Down you all go. None of you feel any burn yet, and Milla seems perfectly fine. Once you enter, "Is that all of them?"
21:04 <Devar> "Yes, this is all of us." Devar confirms.
21:07 <•Kotono> A glow surrounds all of you but Devar and Milla. It's a pale blue glow, and in moments Skaya, Anne, Rina and Sanda find themselves taking a watery breath. It's different, like drinking water, but it also fills the lungs and is natural, not choking.
21:07 <•Kotono> "There, that's all of you that needed it," Is the answer yo uget back, "Are you ready to enter the city?"
21:08 <Skaya> "Very nice! Do we get to keep this skill?"
21:08 <Devar> "Yes, do you think you'll be done with this when we get back?" Devar asks, gesturing at the armor.
21:09 <•Kotono> Skaya's voice is echoy and strange, gurgly, but audible. "It lasts only here, for that's where my authority is." Is the answer, the face scrunching up. "You and the lady there don't need it so it didn't work. As for when I'm done? Return when you've explored below and you'll find out. I'm not sure how long I'll need."
21:10 <Devar> "Thank you."
21:10 <Skaya> "Yeah, thanks!"
21:11 <•Kotono> From here another tunnel opens below, going on down - and warmer waters flow up from it. Milla speaks, unbothered if gurgly as well. "An underwater city to explore. You have my gratitude."
21:11 <•Kotono> Sanda side eyes her like she does Anne, while Rina nods to the elemental politely and starts to swim.
21:11 <Devar> Devar swims ahead!
21:12 <•Kotono> Anne nods and sink-stomps on over towards that tunnel going down, less swimming despite some technically strong swimming strokes, and more walking on the bottom.
21:12 <Skaya> "Do you like underwater cities?" Skaya asks Milla curiously as she swims alongside her.
21:12 <•Kotono> Rina swims smoothly, laughing little as she says, "I never expected I'd get so much better at breathing out here. Though..." she took looks to MIlla.
21:13 <•Kotono> With all the attention on her, it's promptly ignored in favor of, "I've always wanted to visit one, but never gone far enough to."
21:13 <Devar> Devar will go and help Anne along - if it comes to it he'll give her the ring and hold his breath for a while.
21:13 <•Kotono> Anne smiles gratefully and takes the aid, "Thank you, it's annoyingly difficult to swim in armor. Easier to walk the bottom."
21:14 <Devar> "I'd say you could take it off, but I realize that's a bit inconvenient in and of itself." He says with a smile. "Besides, they're all managing," He gestures up towards the others.
21:15 <Skaya> "It's the first one I'm visiting, too. And it should be safe, at that!"
21:20 <•Kotono> Down you go. Down and down and down and down. It's actulaly not far, until you come out a cavern's roof, above Dareslan. An undersea Dareslan, bright and well lit. Mermen and mermaids swim about, while elements of water swim or walk the streets. Green and gray sahuagin sit in stalls, while blue skinned humanoids in rich, pearl bedeckoned clothes often man open air (water) stalls with goods
21:20 <•Kotono> for sale. Seaweed grows on roofs as fish swim by. In the distance a tall building is wrapped around by a large kraken, curled up there and seemingly asleep. The water is pleasantly warm here, refreshing to breathe as a soft summer's breathe is.
21:20 <•Kotono> Rina stares, "It's actually a city!"
21:20 <Skaya> "It wasn't false advertisement! A city! Underwater!"
21:20 <•Kotono> Anne does her best not to sink down with Devar's help, but her mouth opens in a gurgly O of surprise. "Mermaids!" she points at one, a female humanoid with a fish lower half and human upper half.
21:21 <•Kotono> Sanda shakes her head, "The odds of it...and yet here it is, just like Milla not needing to breathe underwater." she side eyes her, "Statistically, I can't be the only curious one."
21:21 <Skaya> "Yes. But you shouldn't point."
21:21 <•Kotono> Milla simply ignores it and says, "I've heard of these, but it's still remarkable to see." Despite it all she closes her eyes, "I can almost believe all of you are really still alive."
21:21 <Devar> "I'm just as surprised." Devar says, echoing the sentiment as he will hold Anne up and swim back up with her every now and again. "I wonder if it's because water brings life? Even in a place as warped as this, perhaps it was only natural for actual inhabitants to take over?"
21:23 <•Kotono> A mermaid swims over. Pretty and with blonde hair, wearing a necklace of seashells and little else. She smiles winsomely, "Oh? Visitors? Y ou visitors?" She asks in accented, gurgly Common. Like a waterspout trying to speak. "Aquan any?
21:23 <•Kotono> "
21:23 <Devar> Devar looks over at Sanda!
21:24 <Skaya> "Maybe Sanda," Skaya responds. "How about Elven?"
21:24 <•Kotono> Sanda burbles right back and the mermaid's face lights up. OOC: For translations sake, do either of yo uspeak it?
21:24 <Skaya> OOC: Alas, no
21:24 <Devar> OOC: Just ugly old fire speak
21:25 <•Kotono> Back and forth burbling, the mermaid gesturing before giving Sanda a big hug and taking off her necklace, then placing it on Sanda. "Honorary guest!" she points at Sanda.
21:25 <•Kotono> "Honored, I think." More gurgles after as Sanda's smiling and looking down at the necklace. She bows to the mermaid as they talk, and the mermaid returns it.
21:25 <•Kotono> Then afte rmore, "No elven, all this one speaks is Aquan," Is the answer, "She's native to Water."
21:26 <Skaya> "Had to try," Skaya says with a shrug. "I really must have you teach me some of the languages you know."
21:26 <•Kotono> More back and forth burbling and giggles, and the mermaid swims off. "She's going ot get us all necklaces," Is Sanda's answer, "She's really friendly."
21:27 <•Kotono> Anne lets out a long sigh of relief. "We could use a rest somewhere that isn't hostile."
21:27 <•Kotono> MIlla's quiet, expression torn between relief and sorrow.
21:27 <•Kotono> "I like that," Rina admits, "If this is a safe, functioning city, I don't see why we don't take advantage."
21:28 <Skaya> "Since we're exchanging gifts, can you tell-- ah, actually, what's your friend's name, Sanda?"
21:29 <•Kotono> A burbled noise, and then some thought. "The closest translation would be..." A long trail away. "Betty? They use a lot of sounds close to b."
21:30 <Skaya> "Sure thing. Teach me how to say, 'Thank you, and this is for you.'?"
21:30 <Devar> "Does being underwater make it easier or harder to speak it...?" Devar murmurs to Anne.
21:31 <•Kotono> Several burbles follow, Anne leaning in and listening as well. Milla instead keeps her eyes open, looking around. "If I don't miss my guess, those are marid," she mrumurs, a little head gesture towards the blue skinned humanoids. "Or at least a branch of them. These aren't locals at all, but a direct branch from the plane of elemental Water."
21:31 <•Kotono> "You can't speak it above ground, you sound like you're coughing," Sanda answers, "Apparently I speak it with a terrible dry accent." She sniffs, "Really!"
21:32 <Devar> "I mean, that does make sense." Devar says.
21:32 <Skaya> "Yes, you are a bit dry."
21:33 <•Kotono> Betty comes swimming back, a double armful of seashell necklaces. "Pretties!" she calls in her broken Common, hefting up the necklaces, offering them up.
21:33 <•Kotono> Anne takes one and tries to mimic what Sanda says, but Betty just looks openly confused. Milla does the same, if better than Anne, and gets a bright smile.
21:34 <Skaya> "Betty, thank you! Please accept this!" Skaya says in her dry but surely copied perfectly Aquan, offering her an ancient Ianthe gold coin as souvenier.
21:34 <•Kotono> OOC: Make a note of that in loot, just for my own tracking.
21:35 <•Kotono> The coin is taken with wide eyes, and Skaya gets a big hug, pulled in. Woah, she's strong. "This big fun with marid. Buy much!"
21:35 <Devar> Devar makes the best blurgling noise of thanks he can. "So what do we even want to do here?" Devar asks. "It's so weird to not find somewhere openly hostile to us..."
21:35 <•Kotono> Burbles back and forth between Sanda and Betty. Betty then nods, "Rest place? Inn?" she asks, "Take you," she points at all of you.
21:36 <•Kotono> "It's the best idea," Sanda says, "Statistically speaking, a place to put down our gear and rest a little before we explore is only logical."
21:37 — Skaya sidles up to Sanda and tells her quietly, "Could you please ask her about Goldenfang? It's a sword that invigorates its wielded and shines with golden glimmers and glitterdust, apparently.."
21:40 <•Kotono> As you swim on in, they chat in Aquan. As you pass by stalls stelling anything from seaweed, to fresh fish, to pearls, to coral, to weapons and armor and so much more? "Oh! She knows where it is. The city elder has it now."
21:40 <•Kotono> "Finally," Rina murmurs, "A test of diplomacy it is, just like Starre said."
21:40 <Devar> "I can handle that." Devar says with a smile. "I'm sure Skaya can help too."
21:40 <•Kotono> "As will I," Anne says, "If they speak Common," She wetly clears her throat.
21:41 <Skaya> "Let's all give it a try together?"
21:41 <•Kotono> Then, with a grump, "Now if we can just settle the outstand-ow!" Sanda is cut off by Anne not so subtly elbowing her in the side, enough to get a watery sputter.
21:42 <•Kotono> Milla ignores it all, instead looking at the stalls as you go. Her eyes darken as she does and shakes her head, "I...are all of you really alive?" she murmurs, the wet splash of it carrying far, a sour look snapping into place as MIlla looks up. "Never mind that."
21:42 <•Kotono> "I only heard the waters splash," Anne says, not looking back, and instead swimming on.
21:44 <Skaya> "Yes," Skaya tells Milla. "Regardless of what transpired previously, I can assure you I'm alive, here and now. How can I prove it to your satisfaction?"
21:44 <•Kotono> All of you are lead to a large building. An inn if you recall in Dareslan, and here also one. Sitting in the front is a big, fat marid, almost spherical. He has a beard down to his belly button, studded with pearls, and floats in the air. He wears fine blue and white clothes and laughs, "Air breathes! Humans, no less! What interesting customers you bring me, Betty!"
21:44 <•Kotono> Betty burbles back and gestures wildly. Sanda then smiles and adds in her two watery centers.
21:44 <•Kotono> *cents
21:45 <•Kotono> Milla looks to Skaya, "In a moment," she murmurs, turning her attention to the matter at hand.
21:45 — Skaya gives Milla a thumbs up, before curtsying to the marid with surprising agility while underwater.
21:46 <•Kotono> "We buy and sell in pearls and gold here, no lesser coins or metals, except for platinum and gems stamped by a lord of Water's mints." The marid goes on, "As surface creatures, yo ushould have gold. For all of you I'll need three gold coins."
21:46 <•Kotono> Anne steps forward and produces three gold coins, "Here, are these sufficient?"
21:47 <•Kotono> The coins are taken, held up and a nod follows. "Yes! This way, this way!" You're lead right on in. The rooms have little beds of seaweed to float on rather than beds, and are mostly empty except some pretty coral growths that shed a soft light. Still, it's two large rooms for all of you to use.
21:48 <•Kotono> Once in Anne sighs and begins to work on her armor, "Devar, you offered to help?" she asks , putting her mace down as well.
21:49 <•Kotono> Sanda goes to sit on the seaweed and rests. "It's not a queen's luxury, but right now it feels amazing, and plus I feel cleaner than I have in days."
21:49 <•Kotono> Once in Milla turns to Skaya, "I saw you die, Skaya. I cried over your corpse, said your last rites and buried you," her voice is pained now, "But here you are."
21:49 <Devar> "Yep, I'll get it for you." He replies as he goes over to assist. "The shock of this place actually existing hasn't really settled in for me yet. How do people even 'get' here?"
21:50 <•Kotono> Anne's comment to Devar dies at that, and she settles for silently getting out of her armor.
21:51 <Skaya> "That happened for you, but it didn't happen to me," Skaya responds to Milla, deciding to skirt closer to the full truth. "From your perspective, it is as if time was snapped back like a rubber band. From mine, it's like I haven't experienced that terrible outcome. Does that make sense to you?"
21:52 <•Kotono> "Time doesn't work like that." A strong, bitter note in Milla's voice. The water hides it, but her voice doesn't hide the tears, "But fine. You're alive. You're all alive." A struggling breath in and out and Milla slumps to the ground. "Somehow I'm real and all of you are real."
21:53 <•Kotono> At that Rina looks away quietly, but Anne smiles, "You're going to be alright," She comes over, "You're here, we're here."
21:53 <Devar> Devar glances over at Skaya at that, but doesn't say anything.
21:54 <Skaya> "Those dragon ruins we accidentally ran into? Time ran in pretty incredible, mind-defying ways there," Skaya says to that. "I actually aged by walking through a room. When reality breaks, strange things keep on happening."
21:55 <Devar> Devar idly wonders if there's a Dareslan that's in the sky here - one ruled over by Air.
21:56 <•Kotono> Face buried in her hands, Milla is silent except the shaking of her shoulders. Anne sits next to her and puts an arm around her, the party silent for a little bit. When Milla looks up it with reddened eyes. "Do you still intend to try and stop what's behind this, or do you want to escape?"
21:56 <Devar> "Aren't those the same thing?" Devar asks. "I thought getting to the exit would bring us to... whatever it is."
21:57 <Skaya> "I want to try to stop it, for my part. Reality shouldn't be broken. Plus, dimensions invading a Prime would tear it apart eventually."
21:57 <•Kotono> "Or simply leave the way we came, or find some other escape. We tried to escape t hrough another Dareslan, but it didn't work. We manages to escape the sky knights patrolling, but we couldn't leave the city. That doesn't work."
21:58 <Skaya> "I think Devar ran into that. But I know there's a way out in the Ice section."
21:59 <•Kotono> ""
22:00 <•Kotono> "Then we'll go there," Milla decides, "Either escape or try to end this, but once we've rested and are ready to move on, we try and end this. The threat of anything escaping here is too much, and with the war looming?" Milla's expression is grave. "We need to finish Brachidos and return home."
22:00 <•Kotono> "Wait, you know about that?" Sanda asks, "What do you know about the war?"
22:00 <Skaya> "I was going to wait till we were out to ask, but yeah, can you tell us about the war?"
22:02 <Devar> Devar listens, curious whether or not this will even work.
22:03 <•Kotono> "It's a set up," Milla says tensely, "Father had gotten whispers of that, and we talked about it before we left. We knew a deception might be coming, but he didn't know who was behind it." The watery burble undercuts the power of her words, but she goes on. "Maybe this country isn't about to backstab us, but even if Welland isn't, Eis is. No doubt Kellym might too, or the petty kingdoms to
22:03 <•Kotono> the south."
22:04 <Skaya> "For what reason?"
22:05 <•Kotono> "Laremy waged war against them many times before our civil war. We fought, we took, we all have a history of shared bloodshed." Milla explains, "I know you're not a native, but there's misery on all sides, and those who want revenge. Mellanics used to be part of Kellym until we took it over a century ago. Old grudges, new money and treasure  to take in the glories of war?"
22:06 <•Kotono> "Which means someone can push them into a bloody, miserable conflict and reap the profits," Anne concludes, "Be it in gold, plots, treasure or misery."
22:06 <Skaya> "That's one thing, but going from there to a viable coalition of nations that band together to fight Laremy?" Skaya muses. "Can it really be done, and without alerting Laremy in the process before it's too late?"
22:07 <•Kotono> "Enough gold and stupidity means yes," Milla says bluntly, "Or even just opportunitis who hop on if Laremy is losing or not winning decisively."
22:07 <•Kotono> *opportunitists
22:07 <•Kotono> OOC: I can't spell, can I?
22:08 <Skaya> "Would Eis really need to resort to propaganda to start the war, though? If old grudges were enough?"
22:08 <•Kotono> A shrug, "Every war needs a good reason." SAnda quips.
22:09 <•Kotono> "Or at least a push to commit," Anne says, "Regardless, that matches my own speculations. Do you think it can be stopped?"
22:09 <•Kotono> "I don't know, but I'm going to contact father once this is done and we're back out," Milla answers. "And tell him anything we've found out, and hope it helps."
22:11 <•Kotono> "I
22:11 <Skaya> "Like what?" Skaya asks in confusion. "I've tried to get Welland to mediate and prevent the war, but I didn't really get any useful information. At least none I recognized as useful for this."
22:11 <•Kotono> "I'm more concerned about everything in total," Anne says after that, "Looming war. Ankhegs being pushed out of their native lands to attack surface dwellers. Brachidos. Who knows what else is going on. It's like the world is becoming unstable by the moment."
22:13 <•Kotono> There's silence, before, "I can grease the wheels if we make it out of here," Milla says, "Cerine should help as well, her magic's powerful."
22:13 <Skaya> "Maybe the ankhegs were actually coming from here, and closing this dimensional disturbance will stop that?"
22:13 <Devar> "Oh, actually, has there been any sign that Brachidos has anything to do with the war?" Devar asks.
22:13 <•Kotono> "I'd love that," Rina speaks up, "Oh, and has he?"
22:14 <•Kotono> "No." Milla shakes her head, "Last I talked to Cerine, she was looking into it, but no signs of it. The travel and patterns don't match."
22:16 <•Kotono> "Wait a moment. Cerine sounds more active than I last saw," Sanda points out, "She's certainly being helpful."
22:18 <•Kotono> "She owes us for helping her recover," Milla says evenly. "Of course she's helpful."
22:20 <•Kotono> Anne glances at Sanda and after a moment, puts a hand over Sanda's mouth. Burbles come freely as Sanda's arms wave, but Anne ignores it. Instead, "Skaya?"
22:22 <Skaya> She could say she doesn't remember how it happened, but it'd be a bit strange, wouldn't it? But not if Devar asks!
22:23 <•Kotono> Anne sighs at that lack of commentary, "Fine," she burbles, sounding cross. "Humor me: How did Half-Woman recover?"
22:23 <Devar> "Sorry, recover?" Devar asks at the looks he's getting. "How did we do tha--oh, yes, as she says."
22:24 <•Kotono> A strange look back, before the conversational tension thickens even more. After a long pause, "We saw to it with the Blueglow Potion we recovered," Is the answer.
22:25 <Devar> "Was that from one of the dragon places...?" Devar asks. "Sorry, pretend like I wasn't part of that adventure."
22:26 <•Kotono> "We fetched it from the spring beneath Bluehill," Is the answer.
22:27 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+11 sense motive Rina she's curious
22:27 <Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 sense motive Rina she's curious --> [ 1d20=8 ]{19}
22:27 <Devar> "And... Bluehill is...?" Devar asks apologetically.
22:27 <•Kotono> "One of the towns around the old Lake Ahms, before it drained," Rina speaks up, "All of us," she gestures, "Went there awhile back."
22:30 <Skaya> "I don't remember going there," Skaya says with a sigh. "Milla, in case Lady Cerine's recovery had been overwritten, could you tell about where exactly the potion was? That way, however things go with this place, we'll ensure she is fine afterwards."
22:32 <•Kotono> "I'll draw you a map and write instructions later, or just take yo uthere myself," Milla frowns, "Overwritten, that's-"
22:32 <•Kotono> "Scary." Sanda concludes, "But if she can be healed, it would help her as well as Laremy."
22:33 <Skaya> "Thanks. Let's take care of it after we rest up a bit, and before we head out to talk to the elder here?" Skaya proposes. "Actually, I think rest and seeing about Goldenfang is all we can do here."
22:34 <•Kotono> "I want to go shopping," Sanda speaks up, "You saw all those stalls, right? And whate lse is in the city?"
22:34 <•Kotono> "I confess that I'm curious as to their wares, too," Anne admits, "And if we're resting, I still owe yo ua dinner out, Skaya."
22:35 <Skaya> "I'm actually ridiculously poor now, but I'm fine with a dinner," Skaya agrees with a nod.
22:36 <•Kotono> "Then - let's rest," Anne agrees, as...OOC: Party has a chance to rest here. We'll probably do solo stuff the next session or two, give everyone a chance to breathe. So bear that in mind for next time.

[Corwin]

19:01 <•Kotono> -------
19:01 <•Kotono> OOC: Any pans in town, first of all?
19:04 <•Kotono> OOC: Plans, even.
19:04 <Devar> OOC: Devar would at least look and see what they've got on offer in terms of interesting magical items or resources. Beyond he'd find out if the elder needs anything specific done in order to be met - but he'd wait for the whole group to be together to actually go there.
19:06 <•Kotono> OOC: Do you want to go with anyone or do it by yourself?
19:06 <Devar> OOC: If anyone wants to accompany him he'd be fine with it.
19:06 <Devar> OOC: But he's also fine going alone.
19:08 <•Kotono> Milla departs silently, slipping out. Sanda seems to be at rest, your i mportant items sealed up as best they can to protect against water. Rina watches you prepare as you swim out of the hall, "Heading out?" she asks, leaning and bracing against the wall of the hallway.
19:09 <Devar> "I figured I'd take a look at that bazaar they have going on and maybe get something to eat." He says. "You're welcome to come."
19:10 <•Kotono> Rina swims along side you, "Why not?" she burbles out, "Sanda  needs Sanda time and Milla got away from us as soon as possible. Better than soaking my head here alone."
19:12 <Devar> "Yeah, I... don't know what to do about that." Devar says as the two of them depart. "It's clearly not... the real one, right? It can't be. So if it isn't, then... is she bound by the same rules as everything else here? Can the will of this place control her, or does she have a will of her own?"
19:16 <•Kotono> "No idea," Rina keeps her voice low as you swim out, as private a conversation as possible. "I don't know why this one is lasting so long."
19:17 <•Kotono> Then with a thought, "Then again, Starre. Another of our companions, now that I think of it." Rina's expression turns thoughtful, "Does that strike you as unusual?"
19:19 <Devar> He nods. "And the fact that all the places have been the same city. That isn't a coincidence either. Maybe we can just... ask it whenever we get there." He says. "I think... at least my gut is that it sent something to us to try and better understand us, since we're probably the first people in a long time to even really explore this place. All the other visitors have been elementals that
19:19 <Devar> have been given the express job of waiting in one spot, you know?"
19:22 <•Kotono> "Or things like that dragon bound to one area, or stranger things." Rina comments, as you swim by a few mermen. There's plenty of open stalls and shops here, are you looking for anything in particular? "Maybe this Milla's whatever's behind this's way of trying to study us?"
19:25 <Devar> "It's possible." Devar agrees. He's not looking for anything in particular, mostly just browsing to see if they've got "mundane" magical items or anything on the higher end - he remembered that some people were looking for things before but because of the city still recovering from the undead there weren't a lot of options. "Hmm, should we see if they have any healing potions or anything
19:25 <Devar> like that you think?"
19:28 <•Kotono> A nod as you look around. You soon enough find yourself in a wide open shop. A black robed, green scaled fish-man stands just inside, rubbing its clawed hands together. On the shelves are countless small pearls, each one a beautiful little point of light that casts the entire room in a constantly clashing array of colors. "How rare it is for land breathers to come here. Can you even stomach
19:28 <•Kotono> swallowing my magical pearls, good travelers?"
19:31 <Devar> "If you can believe I've had stranger things inside of me. And, honestly, while we might be rare, finding hospitable people in this accursed place has been an even bigger challenge. Fire elementals one place, ice dragons another..." Devar says with a bit of a smile. "I take it these aren't the types of pearls that you use to recall lost magic I've heard about, then?"
19:33 <•Kotono> "None such," Is the answer, a wide gesture at one shelf. "The equivalent of what land breathers call potions. It's too awkward to use liquids in water, so a small pearl is imbued with magic instead and swallowed."
19:34 <•Kotono> "As long as it works," Rina muses, "I couldn't care less."
19:36 <Devar> "I never even considered that before, but that is a problem you all would have, isn't it?" Devar says with a nod. "Do you think we should get some potions or just invest in a wand?"
19:43 <•Kotono> "That depends on you, good sir, but I specialize in these pearls," Is the quick answer, "And I think you'll be pleasantly surprised how easy and effective they are."
19:47 <Devar> "Let me get five pearls of cure light wounds." Devar says. "Or whatever you'd call the equivalent to a potion of the same, please." Devar says.
19:51 <•Kotono> Five tiny, glimmering blue-white pearls are produced on commandm, taken from shelves. But as he does he stops, "Do you want our standard pearls or our premium, deluxe pearls of greater efficiency and power?"
19:52 <Devar> "How much are the standard versus the premium pearls and what is the difference in strength?" He asks.
19:55 <•Kotono> "I'm glad you asked," A bubbly chuckle, "This standard pearl is 50 gold coins or 10 pearls. It's what you'd expect from a simple healing potion made on the surface. This preminum pearl of the same type? Stronger by a considerable margin, about half. Smoother to swallow, faster acting and altogether nicer. It also is imbued with clean water, so that your breath, mouth and teeth are cleansed
19:55 <•Kotono> when you consume it, as an extra bonus. This costs 250 gold coins or 50 pearls."
19:57 <Devar> About one and a half as strong but five times as expensive?!
19:58 <•Kotono> Rina considers, "Now this is when we need an Anne to translate that," Rina says, "But it doesn't sound terrible."
19:59 <Devar> Devar nods to that. "I see. Just the standard should be fine, I think." He fishes into his Haversack to get out the 250 gold coins. "If you don't mind my asking, how did you come to be here in this city? We understand that this place is connected in some other capacities to the other elemental planes, so it wouldn't surprise me if people came here directly from Water."
20:01 <•Kotono> OOC: Post the purchase and expense in loot.
20:02 <•Kotono> "You understand the nature of this place," Is a statement and not a question. "I was assigned here."
20:05 <Devar> "Was everyone here the same?" Devar asks. "If that's prodding too much I take no offense at you not being able to elaborate. We just haven't found any other... communities, so far."
20:08 <•Kotono> "Not all, but..." A spread of his claws, "The Elder is the one you'd best talk to about that, it's really all his doing. A follower of The Current and a visionary to find a town in such a location."
20:11 <Devar> "I understand. I thank you for your time and your wares." Devar says. "I apologize I can't offer you a proper saying in Aquan." A smile and nod to Rina as he will depart. OOC: He will see if there's anyone selling wands, and if so he'd see if they have any wands of lesser vigor
20:17 <•Kotono> Nonetheless business is done, and...OOC: Give me diplo for GI here.
20:18 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@BFC43EDF.C2D144D1.4976B767.IP)
20:18 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 25. I'm good at talking!
20:26 <•Kotono> From what Devar hears, the best place for wands is a little shop run by a small sized shark. The Shark's Bite, noted for unusually potent wands.
20:26 <Devar> A shark!? Well he's got to see this...
20:36 <•Kotono> You swim along. It's a cozy, open shop with the walls painted soft blues and greens. Behind a desk is a shark, swimming there like nothing's wrong. IN a peppy, feminine voice it speaks Common, "Oh hi there! Welcome, land breathers, welcome welcome welcome on in! Welcome to The Shark's Bite, where we have wands. All locked up in the back and available to look at on demand."
20:36 <•Kotono> Rina hesitates at that, "Ah, hello?"
20:37 <Devar> "...Hello!" Devar says. "Wow, hello, this is the first time I've ever had the pleasure to talk with a shark. If you don't mind my asking, is this... common? Can all sharks just talk and I never knew?"
20:38 <•Kotono> "Hello there, both of you!" The shark speaks in spite of, well, everything. "No no, I'm one of those that awoke in the Terrible Day."
20:39 <Devar> "I'm sorry, what do you mean by that? Is that a literal... thing that happened here, or before you came to this city?" Devar asks, approaching the counter regardless.
20:50 <•Kotono> "Oh yes, dearie dear," The shark says, "It's the day where the Water Lord and others of Water fought against the Aspects of Shar. Some of the wounds the Water Lord and other powers took bled, and that blood touched all sorts of creatures in different ways? Me? I'm smart as a marid and twice as tricky!"
20:51 <Devar> "Oh! ...*That* day." Devar says, all of a sudden with full understanding.
20:52 <Devar> "For those up top it was a little different, but I never even imagined that something like that happened on the other planes." He turns to Rina. "I wonder if that coincides with..." He gestures around them. "Something to think about, anyway."
20:52 <Devar> He turns back. "Anyway - thank you for that information. I was wondering if you sold any wands of the vigor-type spells?" He asks.
20:53 <•Kotono> "I was touched by one twenteth of a droplet of blood," The shark continues, "And here I am. Vigor? What's the spell do? You surface breathers usually use different terms than we do."
20:53 <•Kotono> "It might be," Rina remarks, "Wait, you know how much blood touched you? How"
20:53 <•Kotono> "It might be," Rina remarks, "Wait, you know how much blood touched you? How?"
20:54 <•Kotono> With a soft laugh, "I just do. That blood still flows in me, and I've always known since it happened."
20:54 <Devar> "It wouldn't surprise me for those of Water to have a much greater understanding of how much of a liquid there is." Devar says with a bit of a grin. "Oh, yes, sorry - the restorative spell that heals you slowly, not all at once."
20:56 <•Kotono> "Oh, tidal healing," Is the murmur, "Yes, yes, I think I have one of those. It's a little used but not much. I have more basic healing spells if you're interested in those, but I was cleaned out on those not long ago. Let me go back and see if I have that or something similar. Be back in a splash!"
20:56 <•Kotono> Once she's back, "I'd heard the stories growing up, but I guess that means that battle got waged everywhere."
20:58 <Devar> "It sure seems so. No wonder she lost, though - to try and attack Water, too? Ridiculous." Devar says.
20:59 <Devar> "Though, did you hear her?" Devar says. "I wonder who bought all the other wands."
21:05 <•Kotono> "That much healing you need for something," Rina remarks in thought, "Nothing fun and pretty."
21:05 <Devar> "Maybe we can find out." He says.
21:08 <•Kotono> The shark soon swims out, a pair of smooth, polished metal wands held in between its teeth. IT plunks them down on the counter, "I had one I missed last time, so one at a full 50 charges and one at 47 charges."
21:09 <Devar> "Oh, wonderful." Devar says. "If you don't mind my asking further, you mentioned others had bought your other restorative wands - did something happen in the city and people were hurt?"
21:19 <•Kotono> "Oh, the marids wanted some, they thought they could sell them for a profit in Coralvale." Is the answer, "I hear there was a Fire incursion near there, so of course they're running low on healing magic."
21:22 <Devar> "Is Coralvale nearby here?" Devar asks. He does start fishing into his Haversack for coins.
21:24 <•Kotono> "It's several days once you cross over into Water," Is the answer, "And while more powerful natives can teleport around, Coralvale's small enough that it rarely sees that. So it makes sense for a merchant to do that rather than follow the teleport hubs. It's how a lot of smaller merchants make money on Water, dearie."
21:25 <Devar> "Oh, so you can get to Water from the city?" Devar asks.
21:28 <Devar> A look to Rina. "I can't think of any other wands to buy - for all that this is a purchase for all of us and not just me."
21:29 <•Kotono> "Neither can I," Rina says, "That should be more than enough. If we need more anyway?" A grimace from her, "I hate to even consider it."
21:33 <Devar> He nods. "I owe it to Anne to just buy these anyway." He turns to the shark. "750 for each, right? I realize one's used, but you've been very pleasant and given us information, so I don't mind paying the regular price."
21:34 <•Kotono> "Oh, that's very nice of you!" A happy noise at that, "Then 1500 total. Is there anything else you're curious about while you're here?" OOC: Post the purchase in loot.
21:35 <Devar> "No, but I'll let my friends know about this and we'll be back if we need anything else. Actually, how much is a wand of magic missiles?" Devar asks.
21:42 <•Kotono> "It depends on how many missiles it fires," Is the answer, "From one to five missiles at a time."
21:44 <Devar> "Oh, you have multiple? That's great." Devar says. "I have a friend who really likes it - knowing you've got a range is great. I'll let her know and we'll be back. Oh - actually, one other question, do you know of any particular store that has anything... I guess exotic, unique magically that sort of thing? It isn't every day you find a city as well stocked as this one is."
21:47 <•Kotono> "Well, I heard the Elder has a special sword right now," The shark hums, tailfin flapping back and forth. "He might know of more, he's really rather special."
21:48 <Devar> "Understood. Do you know if we can just go see him, or do we need to make an appointment or something?" He asks.
21:49 <•Kotono> "You need to go there, but he'll see most anyone with a good reason," Is the answer.
21:49 <Devar> A nod. "Thank you again!"
21:57 <Devar> OOC: I am fine to regroup with the others.

[Corwin]

18:14 <Kotono> ----
18:14 <Kotono> Is there anything you want to do in town, first of all?
18:14 mode: •Kotono (promoted to owner, opped) 
18:14 <Skaya> I'm poor so just some lunch of local specialties and tea
18:15 <Skaya> Maybe we can check out the trading scene, since we do have stuff we can sell
18:18 <•Kotono> After a bit of rest and clean up - though being submerged in warm, clean waters does a great deal by itself - Anne emerges. She's clad in what appears to be a roughly cut-off pair of pants, cut above her knees to give her freedom of movement. The same for a cut off old top, covering her essentials. She smiles a little, "One is hardly a marid who wants to wear fancy clothes underwater, but the
18:18 <•Kotono> mermaid approach is far too much."
18:21 — Skaya has decided to go out in style, adventurously choosing on her  courtier's outfit and accompanying jewelry. What would've been impossible for most people is merely challenging for her!
18:21 <Skaya> "It has its moments," she tells Anne cheerfully.
18:24 <•Kotono> Swimming along as you go out, "In honesty, it's a relief to be out of that armor for a little while," Anne mentions, "Even magical armor is uncomfortable to wear all day."
18:25 <Skaya> "So maybe those celestial nudists have a point?" Skaya muses. "I still prefer the comfort of my own clothes, and never being unarmed as a bonus."
18:30 <•Kotono> A loud gurgle of water, Anne coughing violently. She pounds her chest before, "WHAT?!" she stares in complete disarray a moment, before quickly marshalling herself. "No, I'd rather not know."
18:30 <Skaya> "As you wish," Skaya tells her with a grin.
18:40 <•Kotono> Leading you along and out, Anne takes in the bustle, unchanged from before. The streets are filled with aquatic creatures and Anne leads you along. "I have a distinct feeling it's going to be fish for lunch," she comments as she looks around. "Raw fish."
18:41 <Skaya> "Raw fish isn't bad, so long as it's accompanied by some suitable veggies and a great sauce," Skaya muses, swimming alongside her while maintaining her dress's shape in the water. "What are your favorite foods?"
18:48 <•Kotono> Keeping her eyes open, and on seeing a building where people come and go, Anne peeks in. Sure enough, it's a restaurant, with fish being served. As you go in, "I eat a lot of the same, cheap staples every day because it's what the orphanage can afford. The times I get to enjoy something more are nice. Richness and sweetness, two things not common there."
18:51 <Skaya> "How about salt and spiciness?" Skaya asks as she looks for a suitable table.
18:57 <•Kotono> A marid swims up, clad in a format suit and bows, "Oh, land breathers! Welcome  to the Salted Fish!" A grand bow, his smile impeccable as is his Common. "Our specialty is brined fish of all kinds, so fresh that they're still moving."
18:58 <•Kotono> Anne smiles back, "Hold that thought," she murmurs to Skaya, "Any table's fine, and we'll take whatever the recommended dish of the day is."
18:59 <Skaya> "And drinks that go with it," Skaya adds, quite alright with the selection. The experience is the important part!
19:02 <•Kotono> You're taken to a stone table, beaten and old, but intact. To be fair, most of them look like Dareslan retreads. One seated, "Saltiness it depends, mostly on my mood. Spice is nice but rare. Pepper's nice but too expensive."
19:05 <Skaya> "Perhaps we'll take a trip to the semi-demi-quasi plane of pepper some day, when we master the necessary spells. Ah, but not salt, I hear it's a terrible place. Not very hospitable."
19:08 <•Kotono> "Oh, that one I know. I read an old book about a killer dragon there," Anne says as you relax, and she people watches. Well, marid watches, mermaid watches, merman watches, sahuagin watches, fishman watches, elemental watches (huh, you see two eating fish, who knew?) and so forth. "Tor something or another, though the book was quite dated."
19:13 <Skaya> "Sounds right," Skaya agrees as she watches Anne. "For a reclusive beast he's quite well-known."
19:14 <•Kotono> "One thing I'd like to do here is get some information on the elemental planes. The knowledge might be useful against whatever's behind this, if it wields the elemental planes so freely," Anne remarks.
19:18 <Skaya> "Do you really think someone can do that? Someone we could do anything about?"
19:21 <•Kotono> "I'd like to say yes, but?" Anne smiles, "As much as I wish to return home to my charges, I know that I may journey to my final resting place instead. Whatever's behind this might swat us with the same power that manipulates the elemental planes so freely."
19:23 <Skaya> "I'll make sure you get out of this place alive," Skaya promises Anne without thinking about it.
19:24 <•Kotono> With a warm smile, "And I'll make sure to speak up for you should we fall." Anne returns. "So that you rest in eternity well."
19:25 <Skaya> "Won't I end up as a brick in some wall as things are going?"
19:29 <•Kotono> "Do you think you will?" Anne asks back, arching an eyebrow.
19:31 <Skaya> "I actually worry about it a bit. I figured I'll find a good home for my soul as we left on the journey, but nothing really spoke out to me loudly as 'This is You!', you know? This isn't the thing to settle for."
19:36 <•Kotono> "What is it that you want int hat, then?" Anne asks, "Do you even know?"
19:43 <Skaya> "Isn't that a great question?" Skaya murmurs, resting her elbows on the table's stone surface. "I want to help the people who I see in trouble in front of me, and I want to have fun exploring. But can a good balance even be found for it in a deity's service? It sometimes feels like my pursuit of magic, while not touching wizardry.
19:43 <Skaya> In the end, I'm just a knowledgeable amateur and not a mage, and I'll probably never be one unless I retrain properly. So there's this mess, and I want to be important in the grand scheme of things like most people. When you hear that, does Lady Jetina jump into your mind? Or the estimable Eldath and Antenora?"
19:48 <•Kotono> Anne pauses as drinks come. Cups of water that somehow don't mix with the water all around, and that have a slight blue sheen to it. "Ask any of my charges saved from the cold and hunger if a humble matron matters in the grand scheme of things, or ask the sick man if the penniless Ilmaterite who healed him matters in the grand scheme of things. What I mean by that," Burbling away all the while,
19:48 <•Kotono> "Is that in the grand scheme of thing, everything matters."
19:53 <Skaya> "That's an admirable way of looking at things, but hardly everyone agrees with it."
19:56 <•Kotono> "That's alright, those people are just wrong," Anne says sternly, "And because everything matters, nothing is wasted. That small act of kindness that costs you a few minutes and a few coins? That can change a life, and that changed life changes all the lives it touches. Now imagine what someone dedicated to serving others can do. Imagine all the changes. Thousands of thousands of changes and
19:56 <•Kotono> improvements. Brachidos is the dark embodiment of that, he changes things and reaps the sorrow of harvest and lamentations."
20:03 <Skaya> "Ah, but you can just be kind to strangers and generally decent without getting swept up in the plans of any given deity."
20:07 <•Kotono> "You can be," A nod to that, "But it's like working at half effectiveness. You've seen the gifts the divine grants, the guidance and more. It's not just serving them, they serve with you. You help them and they help you. It's mutual aid, Skaya, and even if you have to sacrifice for it, it's worth it.""
20:08 <Skaya> "I did think that! But I really want to have compatibility. And it's pretty vague, right? I haven't really felt that yet."
20:15 <•Kotono> "If you want for what feels right or perfect, you'll probably never choose," Anne opines as she tries her drink. She smacks her lips thoughtfully before, "It helps to choose less for yourself and your wants."
20:16 <Skaya> "I do worry about that!" Skaya agrees. "How old were you when you realized what you wanted?"
20:17 <•Kotono> "14? 15?" Anne says after thinking, "Something like that. But I didn't chose for what I wanted."
20:18 <•Kotono> *choose
20:19 <Skaya> "What do you mean?"
20:21 <•Kotono> "I chose for what was needed," Anne answers, and she smiles a little bit. "Do you think I took vows that are completely meaningless or easy for me?"
20:21 <Skaya> "Of course not. Wouldn't that make the vows close to meaningless?"
20:25 <•Kotono> "Not quite, but you're not wrong." Anne agrees, "I even left an escape for one of my vows, should I ever meet the right man. I chose things I wanted, but could do better by giving up."
20:28 <Skaya> "Yes, you did mention that," Skaya muses, taking a sip of water to try it as she waits for the food. "So Devar's not the one, I take it?"
20:38 <•Kotono> With a wry smile, "Likely not." Is Anne's answer, a pause for the food. Sushi, nice racks of it. After that Anne takes a bite of it, game to try. She chews slowly and goes for more, then, "I forget if in the mess of the past few days I apologized, but I'm sorry. For this, I mean. It was really the only way I could think of to manipulate you in the right direction at the time, by relying on what
20:38 <•Kotono> you'd want to see in it rather than what I meant."
20:44 <Skaya> "You haven't, and it's fine," Skaya responds, waving Anne off with a laugh. "I was really surprised but figured why not, and then surprised again from a lot of mixed signals. I guess it's possible I'm guilty of it as well? Maybe when I carry people across danger? I don't mean anything deep by that, though."
20:45 <•Kotono> "Cheers to that," Anne agrees, raising her glass and getting to eating. After some of that...OOC: Okay, more Thursday, getting up soon.

[Corwin]

19:03 <•Kotono> The meal goes by pleasantly enough. Anne more floats that sits, savoring her meal. When it's all done she rests looks at you with only one eye open, "I have the same problem with men. I tend to think every little thing means more than it does, and that it's a grand romantic gesture, or the start of something that will last all my life. But I know those signals are my own desires filtered through,
19:03 <•Kotono> rather than the truth of it."
19:07 <Skaya> Wow, did Anne just call her thirsty? In this environment?
19:07 <Skaya> "I'm just always on the lookout for excitement, but getting involved with adventurers is not the best idea. Given my line of work, it does lead to some loneliness, huh?"
19:09 <•Kotono> With a wry laugh, "What we do isn't the best choice for those who want to raise a family and have a relationship. But again, sometimes you have to sacrifice one thing for another."
19:11 <Skaya> "I guess it's either that or immortality."
19:12 <•Kotono> "I have that waiting for me when this is all over," Anne answers, "I'm looking forward to Hope's Landing one day."
19:13 <Skaya> "We might be able to visit without dying, one day," Skaya muses. "I understand it's a heaven that's good about visitors, unlike some afterlives."
19:16 <•Kotono> Anne crosses her arms, "I'm in no hurry to visit. I'll reach there the old fashioned way, even if it's as an old woman in my deathbed. Besides, who would want to return to this world after seeing all of that? I fear I'd not have the will to return."
19:17 <Skaya> "Do you think the same about all the outer planes? What about Mechanus or Limbo?"
19:18 <•Kotono> "Of course not, but who wants to spend eternity amid clockworks or hungry frog creatures?" Anne gives you a deadpan look at that, idly going to rub her holy symbol as she does.
19:20 <Skaya> "It's fine, it's fine. I'm just thinking of travel destinations."
19:26 <•Kotono> With a slight smile at that response, "I've heard stories of the places no one wants to go. Of the gates of Baator, where dead devils rise to wage war forever. Or the realm of eternal winter, where even fire freezes under the Frostmaiden's eyes. With how this has been for us, I fear we'd have need to travel there instead of more pleasant climes.""
19:27 <Skaya> "That's... actually plausible, huh? But we'd better get a chance to vacation alongside that, too," Skaya muses with a frown.
19:29 <•Kotono> "Like right now?" Anne banters back to you, as the waitress comes over. "Do you have any dessert?"
19:30 <•Kotono> "I'll have some right out, our daily special," The marid says pleasantly, "It's the Padisha's Jelly!"
19:30 <Skaya> "Definitely like now," Skaya agrees, looking at the marid eagerly. "Is it a large dessert? Or should we get two?"
19:32 <•Kotono> "One, I'll bring it out," is the call, and off he goes. Amid the murmur of conversation around, "Something sweet after so many trials sounds amazing, especially if it's not just fruit."
19:34 <Skaya> "It's a nice way to finish the meal," Skaya says happily.
19:46 <•Kotono> The jelly comes out - a large mound of blue jelly the size of a football or so. Anne smiles and has a big bite, as do you. It's thick and decadent, and tastes of chocolate, cream and berries. Anne makes a noise that seems to come from her very center, then rapidly begins eating mor eof the firm jelly.
19:53 <Skaya> Her eyes widening almost comically, Skaya doesn't care much for her image as she happily eats the dessert!
19:57 <•Kotono> It's gone far too fast, the last little shred of jelly scooped up. Anne puts down her spoons, sighs in profound happiness and closes her eyes. "So we should get one to go for later, don't you agree? It's only fair to share this with Devar, Milla and Rina."
19:58 <Skaya> "You took the words right out of my mouth. Except my mouth was also thinking of Sanda. How petty of you! Let's get two."
19:59 <•Kotono> "Does Sanda really deserve this?" Anne answers but doesn't argue, gesturing your server over, talking briefly and handing over a few more coins.
20:00 <Skaya> "Yes. She's a very nice girl," Skaya firmly says.
20:03 <•Kotono> "How far you stray from the light of the truth," Anne teases right back, smiling despite her words.
20:18 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@BFC43EDF.C2D144D1.4976B767.IP)
20:19 <Skaya> roll 1d20+12 diplo to gather info on unique or local stuff to purchase
20:19 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+12 diplo to gather info on unique or local stuff to purchase --> [ 1d20=1 ]{13}
20:23 <•Kotono> It's hard going without the local language. But you're eventually told of Seabound Emporium and given directions to it.
20:24 — Skaya decides to go and take a look! After inviting Sanda. That way they can get insulted in many languages.
20:25 <•Kotono> OOC: Anne still along?
20:25 <Skaya> OOC: Of course!
20:27 <•Kotono> Anne swims on one side while Sanda walks on the other, the party heading along. It's a nice and large building, with signs of carved stone outside. They show smoothed over waves. Sanda sniffs, "Well, if the locals suggested it, it's probably good."
20:27 <•Kotono> Anne withholds comment on that, instead going inside.
20:28 <Skaya> "I just want to look at the local specialties," Skaya reiterates, to ensure they are all on the same page. "Since the local dessert was so delicious, there might be fun trinkets to bring back."
20:37 <•Kotono> "I want some of that when we get back," Sanda remarks.
20:37 <•Kotono> Anne glances back, "Of course, Skaya. Some nice art would liven up anyone's home."
20:45 <Skaya> "It's amazing. And so might the art be!"
20:48 <•Kotono> It's big and wide, an open shop setup. Shelves crammed full of various knicks and knacks with a sea theme, from seashells to coral, to art and water washed stones. So much to view in a moment, as a pretty blonde mermaid is here. She smiles widely and burbles in Aquan, pointing at your necklaces. Sanda returns it with a smile and then the mermaid comes up, pulling the three of you into an iron
20:48 <•Kotono> gripped group hug.
20:48 <•Kotono> "Ack!" Sanda sputters at that, managing more Aquan after.
20:48 <•Kotono> Anne bears it stoically, not bothering with Common.
20:49 — Skaya hugs the mermaid back!
20:51 <•Kotono> Quite strong indeed. After that parts and more Aquan back and forth between them, she takes Sanda's hand and pulls her along to a shelf, pointing. She takes down a nicely painted seashell as large as a dinner plate, with patterns of gold woven in. The two chatter away and Sanda hmms, eyeing it thoughtfully.
20:53 <Skaya> "How much is it, Sanda?" Skaya asks, doing her own appraisal as she studies the seashell.
20:54 <•Kotono> Sanda looks over, "200 gold or 40 pearls." Is her answer. OOC: If you're appraising, feel free to roll.
20:55 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13 appraisal
20:55 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13 appraisal --> [ 1d20=15 ]{28}
21:01 <•Kotono> You'd put it at 75 gold at most. It's not terrible, but it's not great quality and that's an extremely thin inlay of gold. Honestly 50's more realistic.
21:01 <•Kotono> Anne watches, eyes browsing the wares in the meantime.
21:03 <Skaya> "Don't pay more than forty gold, if you like it," Skaya advises. "Look here, here and here -- as a wizard, you'll surely notice the unevenness of the paint job, and there's even a minor defect if you look from this angle. The gold was skimped on, too, so it doesn't accompany the concept properly."
21:06 <•Kotono> Sanda nods as you speak, but then the mermaid smiles widely, burbles and hugs Sanda's arm to her chest and gives her big, soulful eyes. Sanda's expression crumbles from determination, to resistance to nodding along to her words and reaching for her mouth. The mermaid lets out a cheer and smiles widely, holding her hand out.
21:06 <•Kotono> Anne cracks a smile but says, "In your defense, I'm not sure I'd endure that strategy, either."
21:06 <•Kotono> "Shut up, Anne," Sanda doesn't even miss a beat.
21:07 <Skaya> "Are you dating now? Are congratulations in order? Otherwise let's haggle if you like the shell."
21:10 <•Kotono> Sanda burbles and the mermaid hugs her again, giving her that same hopeful look. All pure sugar and sweetness and Sanda adds, "Shut up, Skaya. It's completely shameless but I'm a shopkeeper. I can respect and recognize a good upsell. It's just..." she looks at those eyes.
21:14 — Skaya copies the mermaid, hugging Sanda's other hand to her chest and mirroring the blonde shopkeeper's hopeful eyes! Her acting skills won't lose out! And her pride just got triggered!
21:18 <•Kotono> Sanda freezes, copied between two opposite forces. She looks back and forth slowly, mouth working soundlessly. Anne struggles not to laugh nearby, as the mermaid burbles something that makes Sanda's cheeks heat up. She burbles something back wildly, head whipping back and forth between the two of you.
21:19 — Skaya leans in closer, murmuring piteously in Sanda's ear, "Are you really going to choose a pretty girl you've just met over me?"
21:20 <•Kotono> "Statistically...I mean....the odds....logically..." Sanda tries in Common, head going back and forth like it's on a swivel. Back and forth, back and forth as Anne laughs. She laughs hard as Sanda whimpers, "Okay okay. Anne, help!"
21:21 <•Kotono> Fighting against her mirth all the while, Anne swims forward and starts to pull Sanda away. Not that the mermaid lets go, of course.
21:23 <Skaya> "Anne and I bought dessert," Skaya whispers in Sanda's ear. "Just. For. You."
21:25 <•Kotono> Anne goes limp and dazed in Anne's arms as Anne pulls her to the exit. "100 gold," Anne offers in Common, "You still make plenty of money, made my entire month and I'll buy a small souvenir at a reasonable price as well."
21:27 <•Kotono> The mermaid giggles and in accented Common offers, "But I like this one," she says, "She's playful and she speaks a civilized language."
21:31 <•Kotono> "And I'm offering you 100 because the entertainment was worth it, and it's half the asking price, which seems a reasonable compromise without us haggling for a half hour. Skaya said less, you know." Anne looks to Skaya, "Unless you'd like your rival to take over?"
21:33 <Skaya> "I thought it'd be fun haggling but yeah I wouldn't pay more than fifty. That's gold, not pearls," Skaya clarifies, before smiling back at the mermaid. "Also you can't have Sanda. You really can't."
21:33 <•Kotono> A cute pout at that, "Oooooooh. You're the smart girl of the group, aren't you?" The mermaid says to Skaya, finally letting go of Sanda, who just floats there.
21:35 <Skaya> "Please flatter me more, it's really nice," Skaya tells her, picking up Sanda and arranging her so that she would be comfortable. "If you're taking Anne's offer, do you mind throwing in a few small trinkets for kids? Something cheap and colorful that would be a great souvenir for an orphanage of a dozen, give or take."
21:37 <•Kotono> "Ah. Yes, I run one for orphaned children on the surface," Anne smoothly cuts in, "You see, there's a great many suffering, and the gold I earn on this journey will see for a great many of the less fortunate. A donation of a few souvenirs would add a splash of Water-y life to soothe the sorrows of their losses."
21:38 <Skaya> "It would be great advertisement!"
21:38 <•Kotono> With a bit of an eye narrowing at that, "A few? Hmmmm. Really, what do surface breathers like?"
21:38 <•Kotono> "Anything colorful. So many of them," Anne takes a moment to shake her head slowly, "They lost their parents and families, or had relatives who couldn't or wouldn't take them in. That's where we step in, to do what we can to save them, to give them a chance to live."
21:39 <•Kotono> "Oh," The mermaid murmurs, "Is that how it is on the surface?"
21:39 <Skaya> "If we're talking about kids? Loud noises, loud colors," Skaya adds to Anne's words. "It's best if there are moving parts!"
21:39 <•Kotono> "Oh, those are all good," Anne agrees with Skaya, "And yes. The community is supposed to support an orphanage, but not all do, and even then, support may buy little more than hungry poverty by itself."
21:40 <•Kotono> "Orphaned mermaids are raised by the community, or the community that finds them in case of tragedy," The mermaid says, expression softening, "I do have a few shells with inlaid puzzles that you can move around like tiles, now that you mention moving parts, Skaya."
21:42 <Skaya> "It can spell hours of excitement for a child, and develop important skills at a young age through a game," Skaya says excitedly.
21:42 <•Kotono> "It makes such a difference," Anne goes from there, "Have you ever seen their eyes light up when something makes them happy again, when they start to realize there's something to live for again?"
21:42 <•Kotono> "I-" Pinned suddenly the mermaid swallows heavily, "I...yes, I suppose I do."
21:43 <•Kotono> With that Anne smiles softly, angelically. "Thank you," she bows deeply, then hugs the mermaid just as she did Sanda. "And if you feel it in your heart to contribute even a little, it could mean so much more."
21:43 <Skaya> Anything she adds will only detract from Anne's heartfelt plea. So Skaya just provides silent support!
21:44 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+21 Diplomacy (+4 circumstance, +4 once daily Hope domain granted power since y'all are resting here anyway)
21:44 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+21 Diplomacy (+4 circumstance, +4 once daily Hope domain granted power since y'all are resting here anyway) --> [ 1d20=14 ]{35}
21:44 <•Kotono> With a wet sniffle, "Of-of course, I'll go get something," the mermaid hurries off, wiping her eyes as she goes.
21:45 <•Kotono> Anne smiles at that, watching her go. In a low voice, "You're welcome, Sanda."
21:45 <Skaya> Isn't this the legendary situation where everyone benefits? Skaya is quite happy to see one that she hadn't set up herself!
21:45 <•Kotono> Sanda lets out something between a whimper and a thank you, just lying in the water.
21:48 — Skaya arranges Sanda more comfortably. A princess carry feels right.
21:49 <•Kotono> Soon enough the goods are brought, several bagged objects and a small bag filled with pearls. Anne takes those, "Thank you so much," she bows deeply.
21:49 <•Kotono> "Yes, well..." Still a bit misty eyed, "Thank you for your business!"
21:50 <Skaya> "Thank you," Skaya echoes Anne, bowing artfully while holding Sanda.
21:53 <•Kotono> Once out Anne says, "I'd appreciate it if we keep this story to ourselves, or at least my pressure technique. I don't mind returning the favor against her, so to speak, but I'd rather not do that otherwise. It's so...."
21:53 <•Kotono> "Bear in mind Skaya did the same thing," SAnda manages, weakly.
21:53 <•Kotono> "Shut up, Sanda," Anne doesn't blink.
21:54 <Skaya> "No, no, Sanda's right. She said she can respect and recognize a good upsell. Let's say this was it, and it was definitely for a good cause."

[Corwin]

19:00 <•Kotono> With that, the party regroups after a rest. Sleep underwater is strange, but it's safe rest with food in the morning. Once everyone's prepared for a new day, "So we need to meet with the elder,"  Sanda begins, "Right?" OOC: Go ahead and get yourselves moving towards this.
19:03 <Devar> "Yes, it sounds like he'd be the best person to answer our questions. Oh, Anne, here." Devar produces a wand and offers it over to her. "We found a potion shop - well, it's a pearl shop, but the pearls act like potions - and we also found a wand shop with plenty to offer. I bought two wands of lesser vigor for patching us up so you don't have to exhaust yourself with healing us all the time."
19:04 <Skaya> "Nice!" Skaya congratulates Devar. "If I weren't so poor right now, liquid funds-wise, I'd definitely want to go."
19:04 <•Kotono> "Thank you," Anne takes them, then with a dry look as she gurgles in the water, "Somehow I expect I'll end up healing all of you more to match the increased supply." OOC: How many charges did the not fully charged one have?
19:05 <Devar> OOC: 50 and 47.
19:05 <Devar> "Well, we do have some stuff we could probably trade to them if you want before we go, but we may as well talk to the elder first, he might help us out if he understands why we're here." Devar suggests.
19:06 <•Kotono> "Maybe we can trade for some gold with the elder, oe ven pearls, if want to shop?" Rina suggests.
19:07 <•Kotono> "I saw a few shops with potential. There's a magical armor smithery, but it's extremely expensive." Milla speaks up here, "And honestly, I'm not sure anyone but Anne will benefit from it much."
19:07 <•Kotono> "I have more than enough armor, and if that diseased armor proves worthwhile once converted, I hardly have need for more," Anne shakes her head.
19:08 <Devar> He nods. "That's a good idea." He turns to Milla and nods as well. "Well, it's worth checking out afterwards, they might have something Skaya and I can use that won't interfere with how we defend ourselves."
19:08 <•Kotono> "Yes, and besides, wearing that much iron and steel for long does strange things to your mind," Sanda comments here, "I hear it boils your wits alive."
19:08 <•Kotono> Anne takes a breath and ignores that altogether, in favoar of, "Best to go see the elder then, and see from there. At the least we can chase down that sword."
19:09 <Devar> Devar nods and will start heading that way!
19:09 — Skaya follows!
19:12 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:12 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@6A260DEC.C5AD6CCF.4EEAC6BE.IP)
19:12 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:12 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=11 ]{11}
19:14 <•Kotono> The town center is a four story building of water-worn stone reinforced with living coral. Bands of bright coral take over where thestone gives, like living, growing patches. Entrance is from the roof, a pair of merman guards with tridents there. "Stop there!" Is the call, "Land breathers, what do you seek here?"
19:14 <Devar> "We would like to speak to your elder." Devar says, plain and truthful.
19:18 <•Kotono> The party gets a look over, "Come with me," Is the answer, one of the mermen gesturing for you to follow. He speaks decent enough Common, if rough.
19:18 <•Kotono> As the party follows, Rina stays close to Skaya, "Do you know what exactly the elder is?"
19:18 <Devar> Devar does just that, leading the group in!
19:19 — Skaya knows absolutely nothing and shakes her head slightly. This was an oversight!
19:24 <•Kotono> The building's mostly administrative as near as you can tell. Stone slabs in place of paper, records being recorded. Merfolk, marids, sahuagin and others all at work with the business of running a city. Yet on the bottom floor it's wide open, walls torn down. It seems empty on first glance, just a lot of space with no seeming point to it.
19:25 <Devar> Huh, is the elder just a water elemental or something? Devar glances around and doesn't say anything.
19:32 <•Kotono> After long moments of looking around, the water in the room swirls about into a vortex. From within it comes a dolphin, who laughs before, "Oh ho, it's visitors!"
19:32 <•Kotono> "A dolphin?" Milla asks, "Father always mentioned dolphins were the smartest fish in the sea."
19:33 <Devar> "I take it you're another that was touched by the blood during your battles?" Devar asks.
19:33 <•Kotono> "A dolphin today, a shark tomorrow, a blizzard for the weekend," The creature laughs as it swims around the party, "Oh yes yes, and my form's rather adjustable as one effect of it. Did someone mention that to you?"
19:33 <•Kotono> "Fluid as water." Sanda remarks, "That's only logical for a dolphin."
19:34 <Devar> "No, elder - I just happened to speak to the shark that runs the wand shop and thought it might be a similar situation." Devar explains.
19:34 <Skaya> Are dolphins fish? Something feels fishy about that. "I must say I wholeheartedly approve of your ever-changing form and wish I had one as well, Elder," Skaya voices.
19:40 <•Kotono> "It's nice, isn't it?" A warm laugh from the dolphin, who slowly swims around the group. Sanda's gaze follows, leaving her doing slow spins in the water. Rina stays looking ahead, nodding slightly when the dolphin meets her gaze each loop around. "I've heard about you already. You want answers, don't you?"
19:41 <•Kotono> "We have many questions," Anne agrees, "We would be grateful for any of our questions you can answer."
19:42 <Devar> "Any that you're able to share." Devar says. "We understand that this place seems to be a border between all the different elemental planes, but this is the only place we've found with an actual community. We've visited the fire, ooze and ice sections and are working our way to what we understand to be 'the maelstrom' to see what we can do to put it back together."
19:43 <Devar> "It seems like there's some sort of instability here - planar or otherwise - and we don't know what's causing that specifically but have run into it several times." He adds. "So any answers and ultimately any aid you'd be willing to offer us would be greatly appreciated."
19:44 <•Kotono> "You know a lot. Most of the residents don't understand, or don't care to. Elementals, except for Ice, are rather plain and boring." The dolphin squeaks, "Right, right. I don't understand everything, but my patron instructed me of some of this, and I've learned others over time. With as fara s you've made it, and with the sign of favor you carry, I don't doubt you'll reach the Maelstrom, and
19:44 <•Kotono> reach the source of all of this."
19:45 <•Kotono> "Ice isn't bad," Rina comments, "Except for being in the market fo ra pet human."
19:45 <•Kotono> "Okay, that begs even more questions," Anne says plainly, "Please, answer them and don't leave us questioning cryptic words."
19:46 <•Kotono> Milla scowls at this, "She's right. If we're to solve this, give us more than allusions and tantilizing glimpses."
19:46 <Devar> "I could do without the dragon." Devar says. To the dolphin elder he nods, "Yes, can you tell us what exactly it is that the Lord of Water bid you do here, and... why is there an actual city here, is that part of what they asked you to do?"
19:48 <Skaya> "As for my question, it's about the the Maelstrom. Does it matter which variant of it we reach? Since I presume it's the part of the city where weird effects happen that we can reach from several sections?"
19:49 <•Kotono> "What I know is this: Ages and ages ago as you mortal creatures reckon it, before the day Shar was made no more, one of your kind was a spellcaster of great power. They forged a special sphere, an orb that could fulfill the user's fantasies into reality. It draws on the elemental plains, the building blocks of your reality, and uses them to create what it needs.  More importantly, it relies on
19:49 <•Kotono> magic to see the future to discern what is needed and prepare it. Do you follow me so far?"
19:50 <Devar> "I'm with you so far." Devar says with a nod.
19:51 <Skaya> "That's an amazing orb. Sanda, please make one some day in the future."
19:52 <•Kotono> "I will, one day, if I can," Sanda promises, "But statistically speaking, I'm a long way away from that."
19:54 <•Kotono> "Wars were waged over it, battles fought, but in the end it was lost beneath the hard, unyielding ground." It continues, "As my patron tells me, something went wrong. The Final Day of Creation drew close, and it was said Shar would end everything. The blood that elevated me was from those battles, where Shar attacked all of Creation. The sphere, doing as it does even idle, foresaw the future.
19:54 <•Kotono> Again and again it saw Shar's triumph." With a solemn look, "It had intelligence, enough to fulfill its purpose. That intelligence, when faced with horror again and again, went mad. Its purposes begain to warp, and even after Shar was defeated, it was still mad. The sphere began to malfunction, and open portals to the elemental planes as it recreated and repeated what was near and above it,
19:54 <•Kotono> too mad to do anything else."
19:55 <Skaya> "Can its mind be mended once more?"
19:56 <Devar> Aha, that's why it's the same city. Devar simply nods to Skaya's question.
19:56 <•Kotono> The others share looks, until Rina says, "That makes more sense than I'd like." she reckons it, "A broken purpose, madness. That explains a great deal of what we've seen."
19:57 <•Kotono> "I don't know." An honest question, "I don't know why this was allowed to continue, and why a city was build here instead of the matter tended to already. My patron chose to stay silent on this matter when I asked."
19:58 <•Kotono> "It must be more valuable to be allowed to continue than destroyed," Anne reasons, "Skaya's question is pertinent, then. Very much so.
19:58 <•Kotono> "
19:58 <Skaya> It's certainly an explanation that makes perfect sense. A shame that something is suffering at the core of it, rather than this being a spectacular planar accident. "And about my earlier question?" she asks. "Are all those instances of the city the same Maelstrom? Like the one underneath a store in the Ice section or the one reached from a church in that very place?"
20:00 <•Kotono> "In the end, I don't know, but I suspect they all lead to it," Is the answer Skaya gets, "Eventually, and in their ways."
20:00 <Skaya> "Right. And what about the other option? Do you know how to destroy the orb?"
20:00 <•Kotono> "I don't know." Is the simple answer, "I don't know the state its in, and if you can talk to it or communicate with it."
20:01 <•Kotono> Milla sighs at that, "Still, that at least answers so many of the whys. Do you know why I'm here?"
20:02 <Devar> "I think we have a chance to help it." Devar says, simply.
20:02 <•Kotono> "I know the sphere's work," Is the dolphin's answer, swimming around Milla now, "You're the sign of favor I mentioned."
20:04 <Devar> Devar glances at Milla at that - has she accepted what she is? "I feel like the things we've found aren't coincidence, if it really was able to see the future then it knew that we'd all be here someday."
20:04 <•Kotono> Milla's eyes widen before they narrow sharply, "You-"
20:05 <Skaya> "Divine favor or not, we're friends, right?" Skaya tells Milla.
20:06 <•Kotono> "Make of it what you will," The dolphin pays Milla no more mind, and instead, "It might be so. Who can say?" A laugh then, "But I doubt this city will leave any time soon, even if the problem is solved. Water, EArth, Fire, Air. All teem anew with live, and with archomentals and powers both old and new since Shar's downfall."
20:07 <Skaya> "Wait, wait, wait," Skaya says quickly as her attention is drawn to his words. "So what you're saying is that even if this situation is resolved, all that will be gone is the replication effect? The rest of the elemental cities will remain connected to the one back on Prime?"
20:08 <•Kotono> "I suspect so," Is the answer, "Otherwise, why invest so much here?" A question back, "Let alone with the elemental planes are growing with more and more life. OF course, you mortal creatures wouldn't know of such things. Not even all of the elemental planes know yet."
20:09 <•Kotono> "That means Dareslan will need to deal with all of this," Anne says, "Once things are quieted, a measure of safety and even diplomacy may be required, or at least the understanding so as not to hurt the other."
20:10 <Skaya> "I think you mean they'll place taxes and benefit a lot."
20:10 <•Kotono> "Ah, taxes. My favorite word since I took this position," The elder laughs happily.
20:10 <•Kotono> With a less than fond look, "You're certainly a governor now." Rina burbles out.
20:10 <Skaya> "Right? It all comes back to taxes when you grow large enough as a civic entity."
20:11 <Devar> Devar nods. "That makes sense. With that in mind, if you don't mind my being direct and sounding greedy - it's my understanding you have a sword. If you'd be willing to part with it, and if there's anything else you'd be willing to part with, we would very much appreciate it." Devar does bow his head during all of this. "It sounds like you've been expecting our arrival anyway, so I hope I do
20:11 <Devar> not offend."
20:22 <•Kotono> "I'll trade for it," Is the offer, "Show me something worthwhile."
20:22 <Skaya> "Since we're being so frank, what are you interested in?"
20:24 <•Kotono> "I'm open to anything valuable and unique," Is the answer, "Something special."
20:25 <Devar> "Well, if you're willing, we have a rather dangerous weapon that's pretty much coated with ooze's filth." Devar says. "It seemed like the elemental we met before was able to purify it, so you may be able to do contain it and separate it to make it useful here?"
20:26 <Devar> "I realize I'm not exactly selling it terribly well..." Devar adds.
20:27 <Skaya> "How about showing Winter's Lament and seeing from there?" Skaya offers. "It's unique in what it offers, but if that's not the uniqueness the Elder here desires we'll know better."
20:29 <•Kotono> "Yes, let's talk about something that isn't something touched by Ooze," Is the answer, right away.
20:29 <•Kotono> Meanwhile MIlla's silent, gaze downward.
20:30 <•Kotono> "Beats the axe, who would want that who isn't a monster?" Anne comments, "I still say we should destroy it."
20:31 <Devar> Devar nods. "If you'd prefer that," he says, digging into his Haversack, and withdraws the greathammer and holds it out for inspection. "This allows the bearer to resist fire -" He looks over at Skaya, "I should've remembered that when we were on the mountain, oh well -" Back to the dolphin elder, "It also allows those who strike with great power to do so, even if they normally wouldn't know
20:31 <Devar> how. If they do, it seems to make them able to use the weapon even if they normally couldn't."
20:32 <Skaya> "Not only is it a solid weapon, its options are varied and incredibly useful. And the best part is that it was used by Auril's champion but lacks even a drop of nastiness. That's fairly rare in specialized weapons like those."
20:34 <•Kotono> OOC: PAste me the stats for it?
20:35 <Devar> OOC: I got it
20:35 <Devar> OOC: Winter Lament
20:35 <Devar> A heavy hammer made of cold wrought iron. Winter Lament is a greathammer+1, frost. Grants resistance to fire 10. The wielder gains the benefits of the Power Attack feat if they do not possess it. If they do, they gain a +1 competence bonus to attack rolls and may wield Winter Lament as if they were proficient with it, even if they are not, and do not count Winter Lament's weight against their
20:35 <Devar> total encumbrance.
20:35 <Skaya> OOC: It really is very good
20:36 <•Kotono> The hammer gets looked over, the dolphin swimming around it before, "I like it!" is the answer, "Hold on, I'll go get your sword." The dolphin crumbles into water, fleeing in every which direction. Sanda lets out a muted, wet gasp at that.
20:37 <Skaya> "So jealous!"
20:37 <Devar> "We might be able to ask the elemental about purifying the axe, too." Devar says. "It may not be able to do it, but it might be something we can have the Mystrans do when we get back. Or we can see if the muddy people want it and have anything they could trade. Up to you guys, really."
20:38 <Skaya> "Yes, yes. We'll do our best to clean up the disgusting axe you like so much, don't worry."
20:39 <Devar> "Hey, it isn't like I want to use it, but I'd rather we get it cleaned up so we can sell it and not feel like we've made the world worse."
20:39 — Skaya snickers. "Yes, I know you want to sell it. It's okay! We'll do our best."
20:41 <•Kotono> "We'll get through," Anne drifts closer to Milla, but before she can respond. Another wave of water and the dolphin is back, a sword of pure gold clunking down onto the floor. "That's what you're looking for." OOC: Note the loss of the hammer in loot.
20:42 <Devar> Devar will identify it for the sake of the others!
20:43 <•Kotono> OOC: Loot post updated.
20:44 <Skaya> "It's very pretty!" Skaya says approvingly.
20:44 <Devar> "Wow, this is really great for anyone." Devar says. "It makes you tougher, and anyone who attacks you has a chance to get afflicted with magic to make them miss more. You can use it to cast glitterdust too, if you choose to." Devar adds.
20:46 <Skaya> Rina wanted the sword, but Skaya keeps silent in case there are others interested for now.
20:47 <•Kotono> "I'll take it," Rinas ays, "But it's not a good match for me right now. Hold onto it for the moment."
20:48 <Skaya> Milla and Devar aren't stepping up, so it's probably a done deal. "Do you mind a question, Elder?" she voices. "Is there a path to the Maelstrom from this city as well?"
20:49 <Devar> "I can use it for the time being." Devar says with a nod.
20:53 <•Kotono> "There is not," Is the answer, "Not that I know of, but who knows? Maybe there's one and it's hoarded by someone else?"
20:54 <Skaya> "I suppose not! Ah! In that case, is there something you wish we've asked you, Elder, and haven't? About dealing with this matter or in general?"
20:54 <•Kotono> One sec.
20:54 <•Kotono> OOC: Gah, wrong roomed it, RL
20:55 <•Kotono> ,
20:55 <Devar> "One last, is there anything else you can provide us or point us towards that might aid us?" Devar asks, hopefully.
21:02 <•Kotono> "At this point, no, beyond going to the Maelstrom," Is the answer you get. "You're well prepared and experienced now."
21:04 <Skaya> "Thank you," Skaya tells the Elder. "Both for the sword, and for finally understanding what's going on and the consequences of our actions in the Maelstrom." She glances at the others, her gaze lingering over Milla. "How about you guys? Anything left unresolved?"
21:05 <Devar> "Not on my end, unless we wanted to do any shopping while we were here." Devar says. "Otherwise I think we've got everything we need."
21:05 <•Kotono> It's Milla who speaks, "Now what?" she asks the dolphin.
21:06 <•Kotono> "Who is to say?" The dolphin lazily swims around Milla, "Flow towards the future, towards life, towards death. Water is all of those things, or it stagnates and becomes still. In other words, I don't know, but I'm thankful I'm not you."
21:06 <•Kotono> Sanda says, quieter, "That's unkindly spoken, isn't it?"
21:07 <•Kotono> "It does lose something in Common," Is the retort, "Move and become more, stay stagnant and be as you are, or something else. Water's nature is water's nature. You are not a creature of water, but I think you could learn something from water."
21:08 <•Kotono> "Or what, vanish away in between the blinks of an eye," Milla's voice is cold, her fists balling up.
21:09 <•Kotono> "I am still grateful I'm not you," Is the answer to that. "Maybe there's an answer if you reach the cause of all of this. Maybe you're doomed. I don't know."
21:10 <Devar> "It's a bit blunt, but... I think the spirit is to move forward." Devar says. "Skaya's still right - we're friends, no matter what, so we'll support you and help as much as we can."
21:11 <Devar> "I don't envy the position you're in at all, but there's no reason to despair over it - look at it as an opportunity to find your own path." He adds.
21:12 <•Kotono> "Then...help me kill him," Milla says, "That divine blood, it's still in him? Maybe if I have that, maybe it'll help." Milla licks her lips - and you notice her teeth are suddenly all pointed, like shark's teeth. The dolphin suddenly swims back at that, "Just a droplet of that might be enough."
21:13 <•Kotono> Anne surges forward, grabbing one of MIlla's arms. "Stop that!" she commands, "Murder is beneath you!"
21:14 <Skaya> Is it really unkind? Isn't it up to them to choose their own destiny? "I do agree that you should choose your own future," Skaya tells Milla, slipping to the other side to grab her other arm. "But a jump to cold-blooded murder is too much. If you really want to go there, let's go kill the ice dragon, it's clearly bad."
21:14 <Devar> Devar frowns and moves in between the dolphin and Milla. "I agree with Skaya."
21:14 <•Kotono> Sanda fumbles a few moments, while Rina is faster. She draws her sword and interposes herself between the elder and Milla. She shakes her head, "The guild we work for is better than that, Milla."
21:16 <Devar> Is this part of the madness? Devar just stays put for now.
21:16 <•Kotono> "Maybe...maybe if I eat like I haven't in so long..." Milla looks back and forth between all of you, "I don't want to die."
21:17 <•Kotono> The elder watches carefully, "I'm going to suggest all of you leave this city now with her, she's a danger."
21:17 <•Kotono> Milla bares her teeth at the dolphin, snarling long and low.
21:18 <•Kotono> "That may be wise," Anne doesn't let go, "Milla, come along. This isn't the answer."
21:19 <Devar> "Please don't make us knock you out." Devar says. "Calm yourself."
21:19 <•Kotono> Sanda gathers herself and grabs Milla's legs, "Right, that's a good idea, thank you," she says quickly to the elder, "Let's just go before we get into more trouble."
21:20 <•Kotono> "Wisely spoken," Anne grunts, as Rina comes and also grabs Milla's legs.
21:20 <Skaya> "We'll come back. Much later," Skaya says with a frown. "Thanks for everything, and sorry about the threats out of nowhere." Turning towards Milla, she works with the others as she starts taking her back out. "This is honestly for your own good."
21:20 <•Kotono> With all of you grappling her, Milla can't escape. She snarls several times, "What, to die because I'm some copy or fake?"
21:21 <•Kotono> "That and the teeth are another level of disturbing," Rina says evenly as you go.
21:22 <Devar> "You're not a copy. You're you - just from... somewhere else. That doesn't make you fake." Devar insists as they go along.
21:22 <Skaya> "You're not a fake, though?" Skaya adds to that. "What makes you not Milla? Just the recent behavior of trying to eat a helpful person, right? Nothing else!"
21:25 <•Kotono> All of you quickly swim out and towards the way out. No hesitation from the others, just keeping the snarling Milla moving, even as others give all of you a wide berth. "That thing makes copies and makes what it wants. If all of you are real, then what am I?"
21:26 <Devar> "A wish, or a miracle, if you'd prefer." Devar says.
21:27 <Skaya> "I mean we can talk about that. Since people are created with a soul, are you worried you don't have one? But it's not like you can only be born naturally with one. Deities can form souls, that's pretty baked into the concept, and this artifact is pretty damn powerful."
21:29 <•Kotono> "And what's to keep me from vanishing at any moment, or being changed by what created me?" Milla more begs than asks, "What's stopping any of that?"
21:29 <Skaya> "What's to stop me from dying the next moment to a trap or enemy?"
21:31 <Devar> "Well, you haven't so far, have you?" Devar asks. "If you'll allow my opinion... I think it's that you're grounding yourself more - questioning things and the reality around you. When Skaya came back, no one else came with her, but you... you're here. You've achieved something by transcending your own reality. That's not because of the magic elemental wish sphere, that's because of you."
21:32 <Skaya> "I think you need to realize something here, Milla. Automations don't work like that. To have a proper will of your own like that, you're a proper person. And because we all believe in that, we're trying to stop you from making a mistake in a moment of panic you'll regret later."
21:40 <•Kotono> On back towards the exit from here, above. As you swim to it, Milla stares...but something in all the words seem to stop her. At least enough for her teeth to no longer be daggers and she goes limp in all of yours grasps."Yeah, sure," she says, in a tone that suggests anything but.
21:41 <Skaya> "I'm sure you don't believe in that, but can't you believe in us, at least? We're on your side!"
21:42 <Devar> "None of us can know what you're feeling right now." Devar says. "But we're here for you. We aren't going to abandon you."
21:48 <•Kotono> "So please, trust us to work for you," Anne agrees, "It's better than throwing it away in bloodshed."
21:49 <•Kotono> "Yeah," Rina says, "You helped everyone at the guild, so let us help you this time."
21:50 <•Kotono> "Fine," Milla finally agrees, no longer resisting as you swim out. "Fine."
21:51 <Devar> Devar nods as he goes along with the others back the way they came!
21:51 <Skaya> She'll come around properly. Actions speak louder than words, and there will be a lot of action going forward.
21:54 <•Kotono> With this the party swims on and out, to the elemental that let them in...next time, to pick up a possibly rejuvenated armor!

[Corwin]

19:05 <•Kotono> Back out, the elemental before you once more. It regardst eh party before, "Leaving?" It asks, a single question.
19:06 <Skaya> "A bit earlier than planned, but all in all we had a great time," Skaya responds.
19:08 <•Kotono> "Then my end of the agreement," Armor appears before you, full plate armor gleaming bright and shiny. It's in impeccable condition, not a hint of dirt or wear on it. It floats in the water, as if something was wearing it.
19:08 <Devar> "Oh wow." Devar says. "You really got rid of all of that awfulness."
19:09 <•Kotono> "Wonderful," Anne agrees, going to inspect the armor, "It looks beautiful."
19:09 <•Kotono> Milla floats there, unhappy but not commenting.
19:09 <•Kotono> Sanda inspects it, "Well, is it better than your truth armor, Anne?"
19:09 <Skaya> "It does look nice, but on the other hand, armor. Right?" Skaya tells Milla. "Just too bulky."
19:09 <•Kotono> "Almost certainly, except for the fringe benefits," Anne answers without hesitation, "Though it would be heavier. I'd have to try it and see."
19:12 <Devar> "If we wanted to purify other things from ooze, or that are diseased like that, could you give us any tips?" Devar asks the elemental. "I'm sure this was a special circumstance, but we might run across more awful things in the future."
19:13 <Skaya> "Oh yeah," Skaya pipes up. "Devar has an awful, dirty axe he really wants to clean up. Can you help with that?"
19:14 <•Kotono> "Not any time soon, there's only so much Ooze that can be handled right now, and that was harder than I hoped." The answer is given, "Purity matters. Gold, like gold wire, can sometimes be an effective component."
19:15 <Skaya> "We heard this place will be here later, too, so maybe we'll just return? In what, a week? A year?"
19:16 <•Kotono> "In time. As you reckon it, months."
19:16 <•Kotono> As Anne fusses over the armor, Rina nods a little and gurgles out, "Still, thank you."
19:17 <Skaya> "Yeah, thanks!"
19:17 <Devar> "Yes, thank you." Devar agrees. "At any rate, Skaya, I think we've got everything we need to go to the Maelstrom?"
19:18 <Skaya> "Yeah, we'll just have to see if Ice lets us get through."
19:18 <•Kotono> OOC: Heading back up then?
19:18 <Skaya> OOC: Yes. Let's go to Ice.
19:19 <•Kotono> Once back up everyone coughs out some water, back to air and not water to breathe. It's an odd change, so much lighter. As Rina coughs out a few lungfuls of water and Sanda pats her back, Anne examine the armor, "Moore, could you study this and tell us what it does? I want to know if it's worthwhile for me to change to."
19:20 <Skaya> OOC: Moore assuredly could
19:20 <•Kotono> OOC: I hate when that happens.
19:20 <•Kotono> OOC: IT creeps in at the oddet times.
19:20 <•Kotono> OOC: Oddest, even.
19:21 <Devar> "Sure." Devar says, identifying the armor properly! OOC: Since they have some time, he'll also identify all those mystery vials we've had for a while.
19:25 <•Kotono> OOC: Topic updated.
19:27 <Skaya> "Want to put it on, Anne?"
19:28 <•Kotono> "The disease protection is too good to pass up," Anne agrees, "Help me get out of my armor?" she asks.
19:29 <Skaya> "Sure."
19:32 <•Kotono> The changeover is done. Anne puts on the helmet last, obscuring her face. "Heavy, but it smells lovely," she says, a note of surprise, "I'm ready to go now."
19:33 <•Kotono> "The number one priority for armor," Rina quips, "Let's go back already and hope we can manage Ice."
19:34 <Devar> Devar nods and heads that way!
19:34 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 random luck
19:34 <•Kotono> OOC: One moment.
19:34 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@10726615.BE252E4B.72F7FA92.IP)
19:34 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 random luck
19:34 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 random luck --> [ 1d100=80 ]{80}
19:34 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 random luck
19:34 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 random luck --> [ 1d100=97 ]{97}
19:36 <•Kotono> There's just one problem. When you get back, there's no sign of ice. Instead a huge dragon bars the way. Scales of snowy white, far larger than the dragon you fought before. It looks down on the party as they approach, "Mortals," it declares disdainfully, "Some of who reek of fire and flame."
19:37 <Skaya> "No way! Ice?! Where is Ice?!"
19:38 <•Kotono> "Gone," A single, disdainful word. "Recalled. You must be the mortals it spoke of." The wyrm looks on, "And you wish to explore this frozen city, I presume?"
19:38 <•Kotono> Milla looks on, eyeing the dragon intently.
19:39 <•Kotono> "Recalled?" Rina echos the dragon, "And you're the replacement?"
19:39 <Skaya> "We think that we know how to stop the instability if we pass through the frozen city," Skaya tells the dragon. "From what we heard around, everyone who sent agents here wishes that to happen, including your side. Would that be a fair assessment?"
19:40 <Devar> "That's... rather coincindental..." Devar says. Was it the orb itself, or...?
19:40 <•Kotono> A haughty sniff, frosty mist coming out from it. "I can let you pass, but on a condition. There is a pathetic, cowardly upstart of a white dragon here, and I'll not tolerate it in MY territory. Kill it, rip its heart out and leave its hoard to its rightful owner: Me."
19:41 <Skaya> "Can we do it?" Skaya asks Milla, turning towards her.
19:42 <•Kotono> "We'll do it," Milla steps forward, "I'll rip out and eat its heart personally."
19:43 <•Kotono> That gets a few looks from the others, while the wyrm growls, "Impudent little human, to think you can so easily kill a dragon!" It hisses, "But very well, it is but what I asked."
19:43 <•Kotono> "Milla," Anne hisses low, "What are you doing?"
19:43 <Skaya> Again with the ripping and tearing. But at least that dragon was pretty shitty, Skaya still recalls its unprovoked attack before. "Can you please tell us about that pathetic upstart's weaknesses, or where we might find him?"
19:45 <Devar> Is it because she was created with the power of the planes? Devar wonders, glancing over at Milla. That something subconcious - or concious - is trying to see more elemental power?
19:45 <•Kotono> "It only resists fire with magic," A low laugh, "Enough fire will still burn it alive. It hides near blue waters, in a hidden, illusion covered cavern entrance near the largest lake. Now that you know of it, searching will find it. See past its illusion and invisibility, and it is no more than an upjumped wyvern."
19:53 <Skaya> "Alright."
19:54 <Devar> "That sounds like it's on you, Sanda." Devar says.
20:09 <•Kotono> "I'll do my best," Sanda promises at that.
20:09 <•Kotono> "Then fine, go in and do your task," The dragon declares, "Slaughter the upstart."
20:10 — Skaya nods and steps into the frozen city!
20:12 <Devar> Once they're meaningfully away from the other dragon, "There's nothing saying we can't deal with our first goal and then deal with the dragon. We never gave it any timeline of when we'd kill the dragon, just that we would."
20:12 <Skaya> Rather than agreeing like she wants to, Skaya waits a few obligatory seconds to see if Devar gets smited by the huge dragon in charge via remote viewing.
20:12 <•Kotono> "In truth, I considered the same," Anne glances back, "And I have little desire to participate in draconic disputes, but nor do I wish to lightly break our given word."
20:14 <Devar> "I don't see it as breaking our word - just prioritizing. We need to fix what's broken here first before it gets worse." Devar says. "Killing an evil dragon is still a good thing, even if I don't love the idea of violence - It sure didn't stop to ask us any questions when it assailed us before. I have every intent of dealing with it after that."
20:15 <Skaya> "Let's talk practical aspects first," Skaya voices. "First, it's not just Sanda. Rina and I have some fire magic to play with. Second, Milla really likes the idea of killing the white dragon right now."
20:15 <•Kotono> "Before any of that," Sanda huffs out, "Stop, time out." She turns to Milla, "Everyone else seems content to ignore it, but not this time. What WAS that, Milla? You know, with the teeth and casual devouring of flesh?"
20:16 <•Kotono> Anne promptly ignores that and responsds to Devar, "There's no doubt to that, but I still do not relish being used as a catspaw by evil dragons."
20:16 <Skaya> "Was it actually evil?"
20:17 <Devar> "Well, it was a white dragon..." Devar says as he looks over at Sanda.
20:18 <•Kotono> "Most white dragons are, but who knows? It acted evil," Milla retorts, as Sanda's eyebrows twitch and her fists ball up. She then glances over at Sanda, "It's really none of your business, but-" she stops, "A father will do almost anything to save his daughter's life."
20:19 <Devar> Devar opens his mouth, then shuts it. Wait, is the real Milla part... something...?
20:19 <Skaya> Wasn't it an ice dragon? Then again, she didn't look that closely. "Alright, I'm with Sanda. Let's discuss this properly. What do you mean, Milla? About the father part?"
20:22 <•Kotono> With an exhaled breath, "I was born sick, and none thought I'd see my adult years. Father dealt with certain people, they call themselves the Cult of the New Blood. Sellers of a thousand and ones types of undead and things close to it, from the slightest taint to full on death."
20:23 <Skaya> "Are you half vampire?"
20:23 <•Kotono> Anne's expression has open disgust, "And they polluted you with that?" she asks, her voice not unsympathetic.
20:26 <•Kotono> "Vampire? No, it's not just blood," Milla says, expression tight. "I'm not a vampire or anything like that, but I do have a constant desire to eat, and can restore myself by consuming flesh, and even grow stronger. I prefer not to use it, but...but..." she looks away, "I don't want to die. I came close once in my life. Not again. Maybe that dragon's heart will be enough."
20:26 <•Kotono> "Also a distinct lack of burning in the sun, or to this," Anne admits, tapping her holy symbol. Then, swiftly, she lunges and taps Milla on the forehead with it. Nothing happens besides Milla scowling. "No, not a vampire."
20:27 <Skaya> "Really?" Skaya asks, giving Anne a look. "You couldn't have just asked if you could do it? After Milla opened up about it rather than hiding it?"
20:28 <•Kotono> Anne looks back, unrepentant. "Some things, you don't leave to chance. A vampire left alone can create ghouls, spawn and other vampires. I owe it to the potential victims and their families in case she was a vampire."
20:28 <Skaya> "Or you could've just asked." Skaya rolls her eyes, refocusing on Milla. "Do you have any strange urges here? Or is it all driven by fear? This is super important for me to understand.:"
20:29 <Devar> "We did just have to deal with an entire city full of undead, to be fair." Devar says, looking at Milla apologetically. "Well, that at least answers that, I'm sorry you have to deal with that sort of thing."
20:30 <•Kotono> Anne gets ignored in favor of, "I'm always hungry, but I've learned to ignore it." Is the answer, Milla crossing her arms beneath her chest. "I don't know what it is. Healing doesn't harm me like the undead. My soul seems my own to all the discreet tests I've commissioned."
20:31 <•Kotono> "I'm more concerned about that cult." Anne says bluntly, "Are there others like you?"
20:31 <•Kotono> "I don't know," Milla doesn't keep the annoyance out of her voice, "I don't know how Father knew them, contacted them or where they went afterwards. I was too young to care."
20:32 <•Kotono> "We can just throw it on the stack of all the other possibly devastating problems we have," Sanda grumps, "Why ont add an undeath cult to every other problem we have?"
20:33 <•Kotono> Rina keeps quiet throughout. She's close enough to Devar to murmur, barely audible, "If our Milla is the same. If."
20:34 <Skaya> "Okay, so it's manageable for now," Skaya muses. "Now, about the white dragon. Can we actually take it? Let's be honest here. Fire magic is nice but dragons do have defenses against magic. And once it flies, only Devar could catch up to it."
20:34 <Devar> "I think it's a bit unfair to her to call it an undeath cult, but... well, I realize this doesn't help right this second - I know you haven't known the Eldathian me, but I'm certain we can find a way to help you once we get out of here." He says, with a nod to Rina. He looks over at Skaya, "It sounds like we could find it in its own cave, but there's no way to prevent it from running out of
20:34 <Devar> there, but if it had to transform to do so we might be able to stop it from getting any further?"
20:35 <•Kotono> "If we can pin it down, I think so," Rina speaks up louder, "If it's in the air, I doubt it. We need a battle to our advantage. Maybe solving tthe root of this will help."
20:35 <•Kotono> Milla just nods slightly to Devar, letting it go at that.
20:36 <Skaya> "Next point. Only Devar could take more than a hit from the dragon if we end up in melee in it. Which is the best way for us to fight it, honestly, since Rina and I have a couple fire spells total with a very short range."
20:37 <•Kotono> "Then I suggest we deal with the root cause of this first, and hope that gives us something to help," Sanda decides, "Right?"
20:37 <•Kotono> "Then again, if we kill the dragon, we get that sword," Rina points out, "I'd like that sword. We could use more magical weapons."
20:38 <Skaya> "Okay, let's discuss the sword. Aren't you getting that golden sword already, Rina?"
20:39 <•Kotono> "It's not as agood a fit for me as I hoped, but yes," Rina agrees, "But why have one magic sword when you can have two?"
20:40 <•Kotono> Sanda nods at that, "Statistically speaking, two is better than one."
20:40 <•Kotono> "I'm up to three sets of magical armor I could wear in our possession," Anne comments, "I can't argue the logic of more choices, at least."
20:41 <Skaya> "Actually that's a dual-wielding trap-- sorry, almost went off on a tangent. The thing is, we may not get the sword right now. The ice spirit that would have given it to us may just hate your fiery nature. Just because we're allowed here doesn't mean everyone will welcome us."
20:41 — Skaya blinks. "Actually, you may not even be able to wield it. Who knows. It's an ice sword, right?"
20:41 <•Kotono> "It's also possible the new guardian has changed the social dynamics of the place, or brought others here as well," Anne continues, "It's best not to grow too comfortable in our assumptions."
20:42 <•Kotono> "That's also true," Rina suddenly scowls, then says a few words a proper lady wouldn't dare.
20:43 <Skaya> "Alright. So let's vote on this. Who wants to head for that cavern right now and try to take on the dragon?"
20:44 <•Kotono> Milla raises her hand immediately. She looks around, "Please," she says, and in a pained voice, "I don't want to die." At that Rina sighs and raises her hand as well. Anne looks torn, but Sanda? On seeing that raises her hand, "I actually have a lot of hesitations, but by the odds, I bet whatever the source of this is will be tougher than that dragon."
20:45 <•Kotono> "I don't want to condone that, but I understand the desperation. If there's enough votes to carry it in that direction, I won't argue at least." Anne concedes. "Skaya? Devar?"
20:45 <Skaya> "I'll vote yes as well, but only if you promise to stick to the plan, Milla. Even if it means we have to retreat midway and think of another way. Just so long it's not an all-or-nothing suicidal rush. Are you good with that?"
20:46 <Devar> "I feel like every obstacle we overcome somehow makes the end goal easier." Devar says. "I still don't know about our actual chances, but maybe we'll get lucky and some portals will open up and some champion of the Heavens will come help us."
20:47 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 could 1 twice in a row, why not?
20:47 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 could 1 twice in a row, why not? --> [ 1d100=79 ]{79}
20:47 <•Kotono> Alas, no portals open.
20:47 <•Kotono> Meanwhile, "Then we need our plan to be good and to go well," Milla agrees.
20:48 <Skaya> If there's a better time to cast False Life, Skaya can't think of it.
20:48 <Skaya> roll 1d10+5
20:48 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d10+5 --> [ 1d10=7 ]{12}
20:48 Skaya set the topic: Skaya: 47+12/47 Devar 54/57 (-2 str (in 10hr), melee attacks -4) Anne 60/60 Sanda 39/39 Rina 62/62
20:48 <•Kotono> OOC: You rested, so HP should be topped up, Devar.
20:48 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 47+12/47 Devar 57/57 (-2 str (in 10hr), melee attacks -4) Anne 60/60 Sanda 39/39 Rina 62/62
20:51 <Skaya> "Any other time, I could go and scout ahead, but dragons have crazy senses. And that might go doubly so for fire-aligned people like me, with an ice dragon like that. So let's cast all defensive spells we can manage once we are in range, and ask Devar to charge in and keep the dragon occupied.
20:51 <Skaya> Rina, Sanda and I will try to use fire magic, and perhaps we can make sure Devar is protected against fire? If there is sufficient resistance there, we could shoot through him just fine. Anne will support Devar with healing, and be ready to step in and block a strike if need be. Then, there's you, Milla. What role do you feel you would best play in the assault?"
20:57 <•Kotono> There's some considerable thought before, "Head on." she says, "I want to fight it directly if I can."
20:57 <Devar> OOC: Devar will refresh Luminous Armor since we've got downtime
20:57 <Devar> roll 1d2 sacrifice
20:57 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d2 sacrifice --> [ 1d2=1 ]{1}
20:57 <Skaya> "Do you want to try switching weapons?" Skaya asks her. "I normally wouldn't suggest it, but we do have a weapon that reduces damage taken while wielding it."
20:58 <Devar> roll 1d4 lesser restoration to fix the sacrifice damage from the first casting
20:58 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d4 lesser restoration to fix the sacrifice damage from the first casting --> [ 1d4=2 ]{2}
20:59 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 47+12/47 Devar 57/57 (-1 str (in 10hr), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 39/39 Rina 62/62
21:01 <•Kotono> OOC: Who did you ask? Was a moment.
21:02 <Skaya> OOC: Milla. I was talking to her just then.
21:04 <•Kotono> Milla nods, "Please," she says, "Do I need to wield it or carry it on me?"
21:04 <Skaya> "Devar?"
21:05 <Devar> "You do have to wield it." Devar says, offering Treant's Wrath out for Milla.
21:06 <Skaya> "You could still kick people. Probably! Give it a try!"
21:07 <•Kotono> "That's what I'll do," Milla agrees, then smiles darkly. "And maybe a bite or two if the dragon's vulnerable."
21:08 <•Kotono> "If you can chew through scales," Sanda sayd dubiously.
21:09 <Skaya> She's not happy about it, but Skaya doesn't comment. "Let's discuss our options a bit, in general terms. If Devar can prevent the dragon from getting past him, then flanking should be doable. But if not, the two of you will have to hold it back. And the rest of us shouldn't group together in case of a breath attack-- which reminds me, if we're using energy resistance, cold would be good here for the meleers."
21:10 <Devar> "I've got a decent anount of protection from that elemental." Devar says.
21:10 <•Kotono> "I can bestow that when the time is right. Two protections from energy," Anne announces.
21:11 <•Kotono> "I have two resist energies," Sanda adds, "So we can cover people for protection, with the more likely to need it getting protection from energy."
21:12 <Devar> "Hopefully this thing can dazzle it." Devar says, gesturing with Goldenfang.
21:12 <Skaya> "Let's use the resist energy spells only, and for those who feel they need it. Keep the rest in reserve. So fire on Devar, since he has cold handled, and cold on Milla. That works?"
21:14 <•Kotono> Nods alls around, and after that, Sanda casts twice. OOC: Resist energy 10 on Devar and Milla.
21:15 <Skaya> "Dragons are scary," Skaya points out needlessly, then. "Anything we can do to minimize the risks?"
21:15 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 47+12/47 Devar 57/57 (-1 str (in 10hr, res fire 10), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 39/39 Rina 62/62
21:16 <Devar> "Just in case," Devar says, giving both Rina and Skaya a mage armor. OOC: +4 AC for 10 hours for both of them.
21:16 <Skaya> OOC: Please give mine to Milla
21:17 <Devar> OOC: Can do
21:17 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 47+12/47 Devar 57/57 (-1 str (in 10hr, res fire 10), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 39/39 Rina 62/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor)
21:19 <Devar> "I also have a spell to ward against evil which I'll cast when we engage it." Devar says. "I think that's about all I can do."
21:20 <•Kotono> "Then let's go," Rina says, "We have to pass through the city and head towards that lake."
21:20 <Skaya> "Anyone else?" Skaya voices. "The only way I know to handle dragon fear is to stay way back."
21:20 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 47+12/47 Devar 57/57 (-1 str (in 10hr, res fire 10), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 39/39 Rina 62/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor, cold res 10)
21:21 <•Kotono> "Unfortunately not, but bless can help," Anne speaks up, "I'll cast that when it's time."
21:22 <Devar> "If you're near me you should be slightly protected too." Devar says.
21:22 <Skaya> "Let's do our best, then," Skaya agrees helplessly, ready to depart.
21:23 <Devar> Devar nods and starts heading towards the lake, flying above to spot anything for the sake of the rest of the group.
21:24 <•Kotono> Thus the party heads into the frozen city. Almost immediately you see something. At the first street corner you pass, you see a horse sized statue of ice. Well made and carved, of a white worm with gleaming eyes.
21:24 <Skaya> OOC: Worm or wyrm?
21:28 <•Kotono> OOC: Wyrm, sorry.
21:28 — Skaya stares at the wyrm statue back, unblinking.
21:29 <Devar> "I guess our new host did some decorating." Devar says.
21:31 <•Kotono> Sanda matches that stare, as the gleaming eyes stare back impassively. "A dragon's ego," Anne muses, "Is said to be as unyielding as adamantine. I've heard stories of a dragon named Baleruk, so stubborn and prideful that he would even look creatures of great power in the eye close up, as if they were insects. Even Moore, who experienced it first hand."
21:32 <•Kotono> "It's a little creepy," Rina murmurs, "Great for that you're being watched feel."
21:32 <Skaya> "Maybe we're literally being watched through it, too."
21:32 <Devar> "We might be." Devar says with a nod to Skaya.
21:32 — Skaya decides to keep going.
21:37 <•Kotono> On the party goes, and...
21:37 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:37 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=39 ]{39}
21:37 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:37 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=56 ]{56}
21:38 <•Kotono> You're several streets down when a bitterly cold wind blows. Ice and snow laden, a shiver going through all of you. Flickers of air form a familiar being before you, watching you as you approach.
21:40 <Devar> "It's been a while." Devar says, raising a hand in greeting. "We met the grumpy new guardian. They're definitely a downgrade from the last one."
21:42 <•Kotono> Her voice is distant, distorted by the winds, "It...claims so much as its own," It greets you, "It is av..avaricious and hungry."
21:44 <Devar> "So we've seen. We're on our way to deal with the other one at its behest." Devar says. "And then after that to put this place to right."
21:47 <•Kotono> "Its master is the Archomental of Elemental Chaos of Ice," Is the warning you get, "It is...new and reckless, and powerful."
21:48 <Devar> "I didn't even know that was a thing, did you guys?" Devar asks the others. "Well, hopefully we won't be here too long to have to deal with its attitude afterwards."
21:49 <Skaya> "It's really not important in the immediate term."
21:50 <Devar> "That's true." He nods.
21:54 <•Kotono> Headshakes and frowns. "It's not important," Anne agrees, "What of you? Are you safe?"
21:54 <•Kotono> The figure shudders in the air, "No one here is safe now."
21:55 <Devar> "Would you like to come with us?" Devar offers. "We're going to go to the Maelstrom, but after that, I'm sure we could get you home to the real Ice, if you wanted."
21:58 <•Kotono> "
21:58 <•Kotono> "I cannot," The spirit whispers, "I dare not. That dragon is a great wyrm, I dare not defy it."
21:59 <Skaya> "What about going with us to kill that white dragon? The big dragon wants that to happen, so you're covered there."
22:01 <•Kotono> "Even now...even pressured, you uphold your word?" The spirit asks of you.
22:02 <Skaya> "It's important to my friend, and that's the main reason for me," Skaya admits.
22:03 <•Kotono> "You've been fair to us. We'll do our best," Rina agrees, "No matter our motivations."
22:03 <Devar> Devar nods. "Like I said, we're here to right this place."
22:03 <•Kotono> Anne nods, "If you can give us any aid, please help us. This isn't a question of our word or a matter of our ability, but all of our sakes."
22:06 <•Kotono> "That's right. Any aid might be the difference between defeat and victory. Anne's right. If we can help you, we will," Sanda adds, "We're desperate in our own way."
22:07 <Skaya> "If you help, I can actually believe we have a decent shot at this."
22:09 <•Kotono> "I can..." There's a hesitation, "The winds will not aid the dragon, air will not allow it to fly so easily." The spirit brings her hands together. In it is now a pure white gemstone in the shape of a teardrop. It's as big as an apple, and she holds it to her chest. A single tear falls from her eyes and lands on the gem, staining a deep, rich blue. It gently floats to the ground s the spirit
22:09 <•Kotono> vanishes, "I...will watch from a distance... to see if you can help your friend and right this place...take this tear and..."
22:12 — Skaya reaches out to take the tear!
22:12 <Devar> Devar will move to do the same but stop to let Skaya grab it.
22:14 <•Kotono> The tear is icy cold in Skaya's hands, numbing them almost instantly.
22:15 <Skaya> "Here, try it," Skaya says, offering it to Devar.
22:15 <•Kotono> "Let us know what it does?" Sanda says, "It has to be useful."
22:15 <Devar> Devar will try to identify it!
22:20 <•Kotono> OOC: Loot update.
22:22 <Devar> "Oh, wow." Devar says with a smile towards it. "It helps ward you against the cold and makes your weapons stronger against dragons, as long as you wear it around your neck." Devar explains. "I'd say Skaya or Rina should wear it."
22:22 <Devar> "It may have other properties, she did say she'd watch from a distance, so this may be part of that." He adds.
22:23 <Skaya> "I'll give it a try. Rina, you're probably better suited to reposition and use the fire magic from a distance than stabbing the dragon?"
22:24 <•Kotono> "That's fine," Rina agrees, "I'll give that a try."
22:25 — Skaya puts it on! And is now properly warm as a result! Hopefully!
22:26 <Skaya> OOC: I presume some mundane pendant can be used for this
22:26 <Skaya> OOC: Since I have a courtier's jewerly
22:27 <•Kotono> OOC: Sure.
22:27 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, we'll pause there since we ran over and I don't want to start a potential combat thing when we're already over.

[Corwin]

19:04 <•Kotono> OOC: To refresh, heading towards the dragon's lair?
19:04 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@3BDC8F4B.B18DCB09.B227C4EE.IP)
19:04 <Skaya> OOC: Yes
19:05 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:05 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=98 ]{98}
19:05 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 uh oh
19:05 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 uh oh --> [ 1d100=35 ]{35}
19:06 <•Kotono> You walk, now to the edge of the city. Just a few more blocks to go. It's then that...OOC: Perception you two.
19:06 <Skaya> roll 1d20+16
19:06 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{31}
19:08 <Devar> roll 1d20+8 maybe I'll hit 20
19:08 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8 maybe I'll hit 20 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{15}
19:13 <•Kotono> As you walk down an icy screet, stepping carefully? Skaya hears a strange hissing, crackling noise off to the side.
19:14 — Skaya turns towards the noise warily, asking, "You all heard that?"
19:16 <Devar> "I didn't hear anything." Devar says but looks in the direction Skaya is!
19:16 <Devar> OOC: Actually, he'd probably be flying above them, for whatever that is worth.
19:19 <•Kotono> "I thought I did," Rina's turning as well. THe party turns and about 40ft away. A portal has opened. You see a frozen, arctic land, only glimpsed. A night of glittering snow, from which one creature emerges. It is a large horse, equal to a heavy warhouse. IT is made entirely of semi translucent blue and white ice, and unlike normal horses has a large horn on its head. It kicks its rear legs
19:19 <•Kotono> back, gaze on the party all the while.
19:20 <Skaya> "Hi?" Skaya greets the horse uncertainly.
19:20 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 on K:P for 22 if that is the relevant check.
19:22 <•Kotono> OOC: It is not. K:A.
19:23 <Devar> OOC: Well, 22 for that too then!
19:23 <•Kotono> Anne has her shield ready but whispers, "Unicorn?"
19:23 <Devar> Devar stays in the air and makes no particularly hostile movement.
19:23 <•Kotono> It indeed looks like a unicorn to Devar. An ice unicorn. Unicorns are special horses of purity, good aligned and friendly to heroes. Their very presence repels evil and they ahve healing magics.
19:25 <Devar> "It looks like an ice unicorn from up here." Devar confirms.
19:26 <Skaya> "Hello?"
19:31 <•Kotono> Slowly the unicorn regards Skaya, an intent gaze on her. OOC: What's Skaya's alignment?
19:32 <Skaya> OOC: NG
19:33 <•Kotono> Slowly the unicorn approaches Skaya, and gently butts its horn against her chest.
19:33 <•Kotono> Anne takes  breath out, "Hello there," she murmurs softly, "Are you lost?"
19:34 <•Kotono> Sanda stares on, "An actual unicorn, let alone a frost one. It's beautiful."
19:34 <Skaya> "You're pretty cute!" Skaya says cheerfully, reaching out to pat the unicorn. Besides, she's got cold resistance now!
19:36 <Devar> Devar will fly down closer, peering at the portal.
19:37 <•Kotono> The unicorn speaks then, "I sense the cool waters of Eldath and the hear the music of Moore. Is that true?"
19:37 <•Kotono> Anne merely taps her holy symbol and inclines her head forward.
19:37 <Devar> Devar nods as well, coming to land next to Anne.
19:39 <•Kotono> "This seems a strange place, but I felt drawn to the portal," The unicorn says, "What is this place?"
19:41 <Devar> "Uh... it's complicated..." Devar says with a look at Skaya. "There's a broken artifact nearby that draws on the power of the planes, and in turn creates places like those planes around. The portal you found is a result of it being broken, I think - we're on a mission to help fix it, but are currently going to deal with an evil dragon."
19:42 <•Kotono> "I am not a warrior," The unicorn says, "But should I find you wounded, I would gladly heal your hurts."
19:43 <Skaya> "As Devar's said, the elemental planes are bleeding into this Prime due to a magical mishap. This is the Ice reflection of the city, and there are several others elsewhere. We are indeed on our way to fight against an evil dragon, so your offer of assistance is very welcome!"
19:43 <•Kotono> "Healers are of noble spirit," Annes ays without a trace of irony. "Thank you."
19:44 <•Kotono> "This entire city has been lost to the cold?" The unicorn then continues, "Or do others yet survive in it?"
19:45 <Skaya> "The original city is just fine, for now," Skaya responds to the unicorn. "Of course, failing to stop this phenomenon will result in its eventual destruction, as the beings in these reflections are not prohibited from leaving their areas."
19:46 <Devar> "Think of it like planar neighborhoods, I guess." Devar says, with lack of much other way to explain. "There's a water city, a fire city - this one is the ice city. So there are inhabitants, but they're more like denizens of those respective planes than people, if that helps."
19:49 <•Kotono> "I am a creature of Ice, of the Great Ice Forest," The unicorn answers, "Of the tribe of," One of those words that just doesn't translate, but it sounds like ice being gargled.
19:50 <Skaya> "Skaya, a humble receptionist of Mellanics's Heroic Guild!" she introduces herself in turn. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance."
19:51 <•Kotono> "Anne, a cleric of Moore," Anne introduces herself.
19:51 <•Kotono> "Rina," Rina says simply.
19:51 <•Kotono> "Sanda Weathers," Sanda bows low, "It's an honor to meet an actual unicorn."
19:51 <Devar> "Devar, paladin of Eldath." He adds with a smile and nod.
19:51 <•Kotono> Milla stays back for most of this, "MIlla," she finally says, and the unicorn looks her way.
19:52 <•Kotono> "What are you?" The unicorn asks, slowly. "You do not smell as you should."
19:53 <•Kotono> "Someone beloved enough to be given a gift, even if that gift may have been foolish," Milla's answer is frosty.
19:54 <Devar> "That's a great way to put it." Devar says. "You're a miracle in and of itself."
19:56 <•Kotono> "And you allow her to travel with you?" A note of disbelief in the unicorn's voice. "Do you not understand?"
19:56 <•Kotono> "Peace," Anne steps forward at that, "We understand, but as she said, it was not her own choice. She could not control that, but she can control what she does now."
19:58 <Devar> "There are things we don't understand." Devar says. "But they don't matter - like Anne said, this was thrust upon her, but she has risen to that challenge and is someone we cherish."
20:02 <•Kotono> OOC: Diplo Devar, +2 bonus from Anne.
20:03 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 27 in that case.
20:05 <•Kotono> That seems to be enough, at least for the unicorn to step back. "I dislike it, but...I do not sense ill intent from any of you."
20:07 <Devar> "We appreciate your understanding. We'll prove our words with our actions." Devar says.
20:11 <Devar> He glances over at Skaya. "It would be helpful to have them along with us, but it certainly won't be safe." He says.
20:12 — Skaya gives Devar a confused look back.
20:12 <•Kotono> "I have no intention of going after a dragon with you. I am not a fighter," The unicorn answers, "But I will linger in this place, and if you return to me, I will heal you."
20:13 — Devar nods. "Understood."
20:13 <Skaya> "That's kind of you! And now, here's hoping our luck holds."
20:15 <Devar> Devar nods again. "Yes, thnak you. Shall we get going?"
20:15 <Skaya> "We shall indeed."
20:17 <•Kotono> Once gone Sanda murmurs, "A real unicorn. I never thought I'd get to see one."
20:17 <•Kotono> "Well, a frozen one, but a unicorn," Rina agrees, "It was gorgeous, wasn't it?"
20:17 <Skaya> "It was a lucky encounter!"
20:17 <•Kotono> "Some fortune is with us," Anne concurs, as you head out of town. Ahead is the great pools of blue you heard about, as expected. Vast and large, stretching out far.
20:19 <Skaya> "Devar, we might as well have you stay in the lead from this point on."
20:20 <•Kotono> "It's best if I stay in the middle to heal all," Anne says, "At least when circumstances permit it."
20:20 <Devar> He nods. "Do you want me to fly up ahead of us or stay down here?"
20:22 <Skaya> "Might as well stay on the same level."
20:23 <Devar> He nods and will head forward, looking for what the other dragon told them about to find the illusion!
20:24 <•Kotono> OOC: PErception you two. Will influence how long this takes to find. Sanda also has checks to make afterwards.
20:24 <Devar> roll 1d20+8 maybe I'll hit 20
20:24 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8 maybe I'll hit 20 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{14}
20:25 <Skaya> roll 1d20+16
20:25 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{23}
20:29 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+!2 spellcraft Sanda
20:29 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+!2 spellcraft Sanda --> error: malformed expression
20:29 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12 spellcraft Sanda
20:29 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 spellcraft Sanda --> [ 1d20=19 ]{31}
20:29 <•Kotono> It takes maybe twenty minutes of searching the fields of ice, until Sanda stops. "Here, I think," she calls.
20:31 <Devar> Devar will go over to where the rocks are and just try waving his hands into it to test it!
20:37 <•Kotono> Sure enough, Devar's hand goes right through it like it's not there.
20:38 <Devar> "Yep, it's right here." Devar says as he will go to step through!
20:39 — Skaya follows!
20:42 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, exact order here?
20:42 <Skaya> OOC: Devar, Skaya and Milla, Anne, Sanda and Rina
20:44 <•Kotono> Thus the party steps in. It's a large, sloping ice cave that heads straight down. The ground is entirely slick ice - it will be dangerous going ahead without magic or superb balance, anyone can tell that.
20:45 <Skaya> Devar can fly, and Skaya can catch-- Skaya pauses, tracks back and picks up Anne. Milla can surely take care of herself, and perhaps help Sanda if need be. Rina should be fine! Hopefully!
20:46 <Devar> Devar does just that - he will fly over the ice to get down!
20:46 <Devar> OOC: If he needs to carry anyone down he can
20:47 <•Kotono> Anne lets out of a noise of surprise, but doesn't argue it. SAnda chuckles as Milla goes to help Sanda, and Rina walks carefully as...OOC: For reference, give me acrobatics checks going on down. If you have means to mitigate ice slipping somehow, say so. Obviously Anne and Devar are off the hook.
20:48 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+7 Sanda (+2 aided, +5 boots)
20:48 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+7 Sanda (+2 aided, +5 boots) --> [ 1d20=3 ]{10}
20:48 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+14 Rina
20:48 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 Rina --> [ 1d20=11 ]{25}
20:49 <Skaya> OOC: 10 for 27, I ignore difficult terrain or any hazards that would make me fall
20:49 <•Kotono> OOC: Then really no need to roll, you're golden.
20:49 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+16 Milla
20:49 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 Milla --> [ 1d20=5 ]{21}
20:50 <•Kotono> All of you step on avoid it. For all but one, it's fine. But one step on, even with Milla to help? Sanda yelps and slips forward and falls face first, turning into a sliding, careening projectile going on down fast.
20:50 <Devar> Devar will try and grab her since he went first and he's flying!
20:52 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, dex check there I suppose, +2 bonus since flight. Don't 1.
20:53 <Devar> roll 1d20+4 surely not, kobot
20:53 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+4 surely not, kobot --> [ 1d20=19 ]{23}
20:54 <•Kotono> With a swift dive, Devar nabs Sanda and lifts her up. She's a bit bruised, but no longer in a free slide. Anne exhales a heavy breath, while Milla declares, "How did you even fall that quickly?"
20:54 <•Kotono> roll 1d6 still took the basic impact
20:54 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6 still took the basic impact --> [ 1d6=4 ]{4}
20:54 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 47+12/47 Devar 57/57 (-1 str (in 10hr, res fire 10), melee attacks -4, AC+5) Anne 60/60 Sanda 35/39 Rina 62/62 (+4 mage armor) Milla?: 62/62 (+4 mage armor, cold res 10)
20:56 <Devar> "Oh, trust me, you should've seen me a while back." Devar says. "I'm about as balanced as a falling bridge."
20:56 <•Kotono> "I hate ice. I hate ice, I hate ice, I hate ice, I hate ice." Sanda repeats overa nd over, rubbing her face.
20:57 <•Kotono> "Sanda has her merits, but sure footing fails to be one of them," Anne comments, "As is once again demonstrated."
20:57 <•Kotono> "It would be awfully tragic if you suddenly had arm cramps and had to let go of what you were holding, Skaya," Sanda grumps right back.
20:58 <Devar> "I think we just need to find more of those magic belts that give you balance." Devar says with a smile.
21:00 <Skaya> "Don't worry, I don't get arm cramps like that," Skaya assures Sanda. "But you could stand to be more honest. You just want to be carried, right?"
21:00 <•Kotono> Meanwhile, the party proceeds deeper and deeper. It soon ends in a dead end - a thick, glistening white wall of ice blocks the way ahead. Intense, unearthly cold radiates from it, noticable for those of you without cold resistance even from ad istance.
21:00 <•Kotono> "I am not jealous of Ann-" Sanda begins, then eyes the wall and takes the distraction for what it is. "Now what?"
21:01 — Skaya helpfully places Anne down and taps the wall of apparent ice.
21:02 <Devar> Devar will fly up as much as he can - it's probably filled everywhere, but maybe not?
21:05 <•Kotono> Anne balances carefully as Skaya taps the wall and...OOC: What's your cold res, Skaya?
21:05 <Skaya> OOC: 10
21:05 <•Kotono> Devar flies up to the top. It's completely filled in to his eyes.
21:06 <•Kotono> It's bitterly cold, but not quite harmful to Skaya. Her finger isnumbfrom the brief contact, though.
21:06 <Skaya> "Bitterly freezing," Skaya comments. "Want to try to break it down? Melt it down?"
21:06 <Devar> Devar summons Storm's Eye! "Hey, you've had some time to recover I hope since you ate that weapon, do you think your ability to conjure lightning has gotten any stronger?" He asks and will land with the others.
21:07 <•Kotono> "You're hoping I can blast that wall down, lover boy?" Storm's Eye asks, "Oh wait, look at that! Good work, Devar, got another one!"
21:08 <•Kotono> Milla's expression is icy as the wall at that, but doesn't dignify it with an answer.
21:08 <Devar> "Storm, you're going to be lucky if I don't leave you here." Devar says with some exasperation.
21:10 <Skaya> "Don't be trashy," Skaya agrees.
21:11 <•Kotono> Cackling at that, "Then let me show yo uwhy not. Stand back!"
21:11 <Devar> Devar will move slightly away from the others and brandish Storm's Eye!
21:16 <•Kotono> Storm's Eye is brandished and...
21:16 <•Kotono> OOC: Make a damage roll for Storm's Eye's lightning.
21:17 <Devar> roll 5d8 but hopefully this is higher now!!
21:17 <Kobot> Devar rolled 5d8 but hopefully this is higher now!! --> [ 5d8=18 ]{18}
21:20 <•Kotono> ZAAAAAAP! A lot of lightning slams into the wall, a sustained current. Cracks start to form along the ice wall, other parts of it melting. After long moments of it Storm's Eye relents and yawns, the wall visibly dented, cracked and weakened. "Should...be a snap. Just hit it with something heavy..." A yawn is heard again. "Strong stuff, but I did the hard part."
21:22 <Devar> "We'll see if we can find you something lightning-themed in here." Devar says. "Thank you." He will dismiss it after that!
21:23 <Devar> "Also, sorry about him." He says to Milla. "I don't know if someone actually made an intelligent weapon with a misogynist or what the story is there."
21:24 — Skaya hits the wall with her fists of justice!
21:24 <•Kotono> "I have questions," Sanda says, "Lots of them."
21:24 <Skaya> roll 2#1d10+4 bypasses DR/magic
21:24 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 2#1d10+4 bypasses DR/magic --> [ 1d10=10 ]{14}, [ 1d10=3 ]{7}
21:24 <•Kotono> "So do I," Anne agrees, as Skaya works. Blow after blow hits, and slowly cracks spread. Then with another punch, a small hole is opened. The wall's close, and a few more blows should open up a bigger hole.
21:25 <Devar> "We can hope the Mystrans back home can help with the answers." Devar says.
21:27 — Skaya kicks down at the cracks to expand the opening.
21:27 <Skaya> roll 2#1d10+4 bypasses DR/magic
21:27 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 2#1d10+4 bypasses DR/magic --> [ 1d10=7 ]{11}, [ 1d10=1 ]{5}
21:30 <•Kotono> A big kick is enough. A large chunk of the wall gives way, revealing passage further in. Ahead you can see it opens into a chamber ahead, quite large. Freezing winds blow out from it, arctically so.
21:31 <•Kotono> "There we go," Sanda says, "Let's go, hopefully that's the only interruption."
21:31 <Skaya> "Sanda, darling, you just can't say things like that," Skaya protests, aghast.
21:32 <Devar> "Is this where we should use the protections?" Devar asks. "It's only going to get colder."
21:33 <•Kotono> "It's inviting trouble," MIlla agrees, "Yes, do it. Before it gets worse."
21:35 <Devar> "I'll be fine."
21:38 <Devar> "I still have some resistance to all this cold nonsense, and I think Skaya does too, but for the rest of you..." Devar nods to them.
21:38 <Skaya> "I'm good for now, yes."
21:39 <Skaya> OOC: Also we did use our two energy res spells already, 10 fire res to Devar and 10 cold res to Milla. I think we only have protection from energy left in reserve.
21:39 <•Kotono> PPC" Ues.
21:39 <•Kotono> OOC:  Yes.
21:40 <Skaya> OOC: So I'm not sure what other protections you want to use, Devar
21:40 <•Kotono> OOC: It's up to y'all when they get popped.
21:40 <Devar> OOC: I honestly forgot, if we used everything then let's just go.
21:42 <•Kotono> Thus the party steps in. Ahead of you is a vast chamber - here gold and gems sparkle, precious wood iced over and metal frozen. Weapons and arms, art and furniture. All sorts of things fill this chamber, a kingdom's wealth laid out in sparkling, icy glory. 100ft away, atop a tall pile of coins, a white dragon. Larger than before, coiled on the coins like a cat. Frosty mist comes from its mouth
21:42 <•Kotono> as it glare balefully at the party, "You! How dare you mere insects invade my mighty throne?" It bellows in deep, rich Common.
21:42 <Skaya> "You! You've grown fatter!"
21:45 <Devar> "Trust me, we really wanted nothing more to do with you." Devar says. "But this is a situation of the lesser of two evils."
21:47 <•Kotono> His voice is rich, all the treasures and frost sparkles beautifully, yet with a strange menace to them. "That you would rise up against your betters, that you be the dogs of a fat, bloated wyrm more interested in tasting its own pathetic glories than that of a true draogn?"
21:48 <Skaya> "Hey!" Skaya interjects. "Since you're finally speaking a civilized language, why did you just up and attacked us before? We didn't come to fight you then!"
21:51 <•Kotono> "A true dragon takes what he wants!" The dragon stands on all four legs, "When he wants it! The feeble whims of men and vermin mean nothing to them! Gaze on me and despair, for I am draconic perfection writ large!"
21:52 <•Kotono> "No, only egotism," Anne remarks dryly, "And apparently gorging yourself in between our meetings."
21:52 <•Kotono> Milla rolls her neck slowly, "Dragons don't change shape that readily, do they? Then again, maybe he's the vain sort who relies on magic."
21:52 <Skaya> "Okay, thank you for explaining," Skaya tells it honestly. "There was a minute chance this was a misunderstanding, but I'm fine now. Shall we settle this?"
21:53 <Devar> "True dragons are noble and protect the weak." Devar says with a shake of his head.
21:58 <•Kotono> "Then come at me, heroes! Make a grand show of your funerals, and etch your names into eternity as yet more rotting corpses!" The dragon declares, wings flapping.
22:00 <Devar> Has it been rehearsing something like that?!
22:01 <Skaya> "That's such a villain response!"
22:01 <•Kotono> "Hah! It shows your weakness, now come at me!" The dragon roars defiantly.
22:03 <Skaya> OOC: Init?
22:04 <•Kotono> OOC: IF you're going to go at him, sure.
22:04 <Devar> roll 1d20+2 get that evil dragon
22:04 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+2 get that evil dragon --> [ 1d20=12 ]{14}
22:05 <•Kotono> OOC: Cor?
22:06 <Skaya> roll 1d20+9
22:06 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{22}
22:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d20 Sanda then
22:06 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 Sanda then --> [ 1d20=18 ]{18}
22:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Anne
22:06 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 Anne --> [ 1d20=12 ]{14}
22:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+11 Rina
22:06 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 Rina --> [ 1d20=19 ]{30}
22:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Milla
22:06 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 Milla --> [ 1d20=10 ]{15}
22:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 dragon
22:06 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 dragon --> [ 1d20=2 ]{6}
22:07 <•Kotono> Init is Rina (30) > Skaya (22) > Sanda (18) > Milla (15) > Devar = Anne (14) > Dragon (6)
22:07 <•Kotono> OOC: Refresh me on your battleplan real quick.

[Corwin]

17:52 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay ahead and give me that battle plan refresh, saying so with a few minutes to spare. It's been a while so let's make sure we're all on the same page.
17:56 <Skaya> OOC: I intend to open with Burning Hands to see how well fire SLAs will work on the dragon. Milla and Devar will go into melee, with Milla having the DR-granting weapon. Rina will skirmish, Anne will hang back and heal as needed, Sanda will try to use magic and also hang back (no staff fu plz)
17:56 <Skaya> OOC: The spells we precast are referenced in the topic, so any resistances or AC and so on from them should be calculated
17:59 <Skaya> OOC: I think first round Anne could use Bless to raise our chances some?
17:59 <•Kotono> OOC: Sounds good. LEt's rock. Rina opens.
18:00 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@B6B369AF.3CA32762.DFD538B1.IP)
18:02 <•Kotono> Rina races in, sprinting ahead and to the side to skirmish. When she reaches 30ft of the 100ft ahead, suddenly-!
18:02 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10 ref
18:02 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 ref --> [ 1d20=16 ]{26}
18:03 <•Kotono> Rina drops, plunging through the floor like it isn't there. A yelp of surprise from her, "Help!" is cried out a second later.  OOC: Rina's turn is done. Skaya, go.
18:06 <Skaya> This brings up a change of plans on her part, and so Skaya materializes a globe of fire in the dragon's face as she retraces Rina's steps.
18:06 <Skaya> roll 1d20+5 SR
18:06 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+5 SR --> [ 1d20=9 ]{14}
18:07 <•Kotono> OOC: Just for my ownr eference, spell?
18:07 <Skaya> roll 2d6 flaming sphere, DC Ref16 negates
18:07 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 2d6 flaming sphere, DC Ref16 negates --> [ 2d6=6 ]{6}
18:08 <Skaya> OOC: My movement speed is 60ft. Can I jump near the end to see down where Rina fell?
18:09 <•Kotono> OOC:Okay, so you're running 30ft, which is when she fell, then jumping?
18:09 <Skaya> OOC: Oh! She only got 30ft ahead, not within 30ft of it. I see. In that case, I'll get to the edge of where she fell and disbelieve the illusion I know is there, then look down.
18:10 <•Kotono> OOC: No save in this case since you have obvious evidence it's fake. More.
18:10 <•Kotono> Skaya races there. Now she can see the outline of an illusion. Everything from 30ft where you started to 90ft is a gaping chasm roughly 50ft deep, filled with thousands of sharp, icy spikes. Rina dangles from the very edge by two fingertips, sliding off even as you reach there.
18:11 — Skaya crouches at the end and offers her hand! Rina can seize it, surely!
18:13 <•Kotono> AT the same time the sphere strikes the dragon...which goes through it like it's not there. Desperately Rina reaches up for Skaya's hand, grabbing it at the last moment. Got her, if barely. She starts to struggle up as...OOC: Sanda's turn.
18:14 <Skaya> "Everything is a lie! Is there even a real dragon here?!"
18:14 <Devar> Devar blinks at the reaction to the spell. Is the dragon not even really here...?
18:15 <•Kotono> She looks ahead, "It's all an illusion," She complains, "Even the dragon." Before the party's eyes, with evidence? The dragon is an illusion. The treasure is an illusion. Only the pit is real, and a single, winding path deeper in past where the fake dragon is.  Hollowly, nothing more than a false echo now, "Come at me, heroes," The illusionary dragon roars.
18:15 <•Kotono> OOC: Go ahead and free act since you know that for the moment, none of you are in danger.
18:16 <Devar> "I'm... almost disappointed." Devar says with some dejection. "I was really ready for this, too."
18:16 — Skaya gets back from the edge and directs the sphere down the winding path. Perhaps the dragon is real but invisible there?
18:17 <Devar> Devar will helpfully fly anyone over who needs to be helped over the pit!
18:18 <•Kotono> The sphere goes down the path and out of sight. If it hits anything, you don't see or hear it. Anne sighs wryly, "Our opponent didn't force his way in, and he relies on invisibility and illusions. A coward - smart, but cowardly."
18:19 <•Kotono> Rina rests a moment as everyone gets ferried over by Devar. Once done, "Then deeper in?" Rina looks ahead.
18:20 <Devar> "Want me to lead in case of more holes?" Devar offers.
18:21 — Skaya coughs. "How about I lead but I'll tie myself with rope to you?" she offers. "And Milla, loan out that weapon to me in case that's not enough?"
18:21 <•Kotono> Milla shakes her head at it all, "Fine," she says simply, "I've read dragons are smart and that's their truly greatest weapon."
18:22 <Devar> "Sure." Devar agrees. "Still, I wonder what sort of form it had to take to get in here... maybe it's still in it."
18:23 <•Kotono> "Some dragons are shapeshifters. Silvers most commonly," Milla mentions. "But it's not unheard of for any stripe."
18:23 <•Kotono> As you begin to set that up and go, "You're well read on dragons," Sanda comments, "I wouldn't expect it from you, statistically speaking."
18:23 <Skaya> "I must say, I kind of like this dragon," Skaya says as she heads on after their preparations. "If it weren't for the whole attack on sight thing it did previously, or being an ass while meeting us now, we probably could've gotten along? It's funny! But a dragon slayer title is fine too I guess."
18:25 <Devar> "I'm curious why the other one didn't just come and deal with it. Maybe it's forbidden to actually harm this one because they're both from Ice?" Devar says as they go.
18:25 <•Kotono> "Father had me read," Is all MIlla says to that.
18:25 <•Kotono> "Or it doesn't want to go to the bother of squeezing in here, or can't?" Rina suddenly speaks up, "If some dragons are shapeshifters, maybe that one isn't one."
18:26 <Skaya> "You know how Milla's father could probably resolve everything running around himself but instead set up a guild for other people to do it and gain experience, Devar? It's a bit like that."
18:28 <•Kotono> "A bit," Is the agreement as Devar leads the way. OOC: Perception, Devar.
18:29 <Skaya> OOC: I'm looking too, so 10 for 26. I'm also ahead!
18:29 <•Kotono> OOC: Oh right, airheaded of me. You are correct.
18:30 <Devar> roll 1d20+8 just in case
18:30 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8 just in case --> [ 1d20=2 ]{10}
18:34 <•Kotono> It's a fairly narrow passage, not so narrow as to be difficult, but it winds on and down. After about two minutes of walking it, that's when Devar glances up and see a subtle shine. Hidden mid the icicles above is a long, sharp guillotine blade, ready to come down. It's lind up a few steps ahead of him.
18:35 <Skaya> OOC: Surely me again!
18:35 <•Kotono> OOC: Yes. I keep thinking Devar for some reason on this. I don't know why that latched onto my head so tight with him being in the lead here.
18:36 — Skaya stops and even takes a couple steps back, pointing at the ceiling! "See that? I was looking at the ground most of the time but the first trap is actually up there! So insidious!"
18:36 <Skaya> OOC: Devar did offer but it's best that I lead
18:37 <Devar> "...Huh." Devar murmurs and looks around. "Is it triggered by a pressure plate or something...? If need be, I can have Storm blast it, but I'm not sure that'll help any."
18:37 <•Kotono> "Tricky little thing, isn't he?" Sanda also looks up.
18:37 — Skaya looks for the trigger mechanism!
18:37 <•Kotono> "Or fly up and get it?" Rina suggests at that. "Why overthink it?"
18:38 <•Kotono> It's not hard to find now that Skaya's looking. A little, almost invisible string, the same color as the ice here and barely above the ground.
18:38 <Skaya> "I can just practice disarming it," Skaya voices, before trying to do so!
18:38 <Skaya> roll 1d20+14 disable device
18:38 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+14 disable device --> [ 1d20=20 ]{34}
18:39 <•Kotono> Simple. It's nothing more than some fancy string and reactions. Remove the first part down below nad anchor it so it doesn't set it off, and it's harmless.
18:40 — Skaya gives a thumbs up sign before looking at the guillotine and turning her thumb around. Thumbs down, stupid dragon! I know you're watching!
18:40 — Skaya proceeds once it's safe, keeping up her alertness.
18:41 <Devar> Devar will follow along with the others! "You make that look so easy, Skaya." He says. "I've never been that nimble with my fingers."
18:41 <Skaya> "It's a hobby!"
18:45 <•Kotono> Down you go. Not much farther, another half minute. Then in the distance, you begin to hear the sound of things crashing, of noises and a general din coming from ahead.
18:45 <Skaya> "How ominous! Let's go and take a look!"
18:47 <Devar> "Is it having a tantrum...?" Devar murmurs as he nods to Skaya and follows her.
18:49 <•Kotono> "Be ready," Anne warns, as down the party goes. This opens up into a large space - well organized or once was. Rows of bookshelves line the walls, mostly empty now and a few knocked over. It goes back deep, a library with thousands of books. On the floor lies heaps and piles of coins, the space wide enough to fit your targeted dragon with ease. It's mostly small silvers and coppers, and the
18:49 <•Kotono> rare bit of jewelry or other riches. In the center are various long, thick wooden tables, mostly cleaned out. On one half a dozen empty metal vials can be seen, on another scrap paper and writing implements. On a third still sit several weapons and pieces of armor, and deeper yet you see one still full, this one with icy, sparkling plants of all kinds. However, you're not alone in here. OOC:
18:49 <•Kotono> More.
18:52 <•Kotono> 20ft ahead, blocking the way, only a long table in between them,s tand two creatures of ice. Ice para-elementals, you can tell from your experiences here. Each is around 8 feet tall and in a martial stance. A stance that both Skaya and Devar can recognize as martial arts stances, ready to fight. Deeper in, about 80ft in and ripping books off a shelf, is your dragon. Dozens of bags are strapped
18:52 <•Kotono> to its body, books shoved into them, vanishing in without making the bags so much as bulge.
18:52 <Skaya> "You're seriously running away?!" Skaya exclaims, mouth open in dismay.
18:53 <•Kotono> It bears its white teeth at you, snarling and then going back to slamming books away. "I hardly have a better choice," It calls back in Common. "That or become a hoardless slave of that wyrm up ther."
18:54 <Skaya> "You could've apologized through your illusion and tried to mend bridges!"
18:55 <•Kotono> *up there
18:55 <•Kotono> Sanda watches in open desire, eyes on the bookshelves and the remaining books.
18:55 <•Kotono> "Must not have expected you to throw away your pride and run," Rina comments.
18:56 <Skaya> "No, this dragon clearly had no pride to begin with, but still, how is this the best choice?"
18:56 <Devar> "How do you even plan to get out of here?" Devar calls out. "We know the truth of this place, much like you likely do."
19:00 <•Kotono> The two ice para-elementals are still and ready. "I have a plan, but it's hardly any of your business. Tsch. I'm out of time. Busy yourself a few moments with my minions and you can tell that thief you did as good as you could."
19:02 <Skaya> "Yeah, I'm having this weird feeling where I could've liked you quite a bit but you keep on being an ass," Skaya mutters, tossing the loaner weapon back to Milla. "Alright, enough words! Let's fight!"
19:02 <•Kotono> Milla catches it, "Ugh, it's the worst being caught in between someone else's argument."
19:02 <•Kotono> "Or thievery," Anne says, "But fine, neither you or us have a choice in this."
19:03 <•Kotono> With that, the two ice para-elementals lumber forward, blocking your way and coming at you! OOC: Init.
19:03 <Skaya> roll 1d20+9
19:03 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{29}
19:03 <Devar> roll 1d20+2 my life for supreme initiative I'll never have
19:03 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+2 my life for supreme initiative I'll never have --> [ 1d20=13 ]{15}
19:04 <•Kotono> roll 1d20 Sanda wants it too
19:04 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 Sanda wants it too --> [ 1d20=3 ]{3}
19:04 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Anne would settle for improved init
19:04 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 Anne would settle for improved init --> [ 1d20=9 ]{11}
19:04 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+11 At least Rina's fast
19:04 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 At least Rina's fast --> [ 1d20=15 ]{26}
19:04 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+5 para 1
19:04 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 para 1 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{7}
19:04 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+9 para 2
19:04 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 para 2 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{15}
19:05 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Milla
19:05 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 Milla --> [ 1d20=18 ]{23}
19:06 <•Kotono> Init is Skaya (29) > Rina (26) > Milla (23) > Devar = Ice Para-Elemental 1 (15) > Anne (11) > Ice Para-Elemental (7) > Sanda (3)
19:06 <•Kotono> OOC: Open Skaya.
19:08 <Skaya> OOC: PM question
19:11 — Skaya steps out to meet the elementals, a twirl getting the rope rolled around her waist and then she kicks at her opponent. Except her kick is boosted by fire that licks at the pair!
19:12 <Skaya> OOC: 5ft move, move action to collect the rope properly, Burning Hands on the pair.
19:12 <Skaya> roll 1d20+5 SR
19:12 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+5 SR --> [ 1d20=11 ]{16}
19:12 <Skaya> roll 5d4 Ref DC15
19:12 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 5d4 Ref DC15 --> [ 5d4=11 ]{11}
19:13 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+9
19:13 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{26}
19:13 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+9
19:13 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{27}
19:14 <Skaya> OOC: If that's the ref then damage is halved to 5 fire
19:14 <•Kotono> However, both nimbly dodge the flames entirely, untouched by Skaya's spell. OOC: Rina.
19:16 <•Kotono> Rina conjures flames in her hands, staying back and out of that reach for now. OOC: Produce flame to get a fire touch attach later to skirmish with. Milla.
19:18 <•Kotono> MIlla charges in, a reared back kick trying to intercept her as she goes for them.
19:18 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13
19:18 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{19}
19:19 <•Kotono> Milla manages go low and slide under it, erupting out in a savage, vicious lunge for the creature's middle.
19:20 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+14
19:20 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{18}
19:20 <•Kotono> The para-elemental is just as fast, twisting aside like a trained warrior. It leaves Milla right besides it, as then....OOC: Devar and the elemental are up. Go.
19:23 <Devar> Devar takes off into the air, aiming to fly over the para-elementals entirely - flying over to the dragon! OOC: Double-moving to get in range of the dragon but still flying.
19:26 <•Kotono> Devar does just that. The dragon's drawing out a scroll with its fore arms, reading it and muttering intensely. It barely looks up at you, cautious but focused. Meanwhile the ice para-elemental defends itself, blocking the way ahead to non fliers. OOC: Anne.
19:26 <•Kotono> "Be strong, be brave!" Anne cries, "Moore is with you!" OOC: Bless. +1 morale attack rolls and saves vs fear.
19:29 <•Kotono> The second para-elemental likewise defends itself, blocking the way completely. Sanda stays back, "Do we have any way to break their guard?" she asks, then sinks into the ground like its water, out of sight. OOC: Stoneswimming under them. More.
19:30 <•Kotono> The dragon finishes its chant. It looks Devar in the eye as it vanishes down like a shot into the ground, gone. At this the para-elementals stay on the defensive, but no sign to immediately attack. OOC: Skaya, up to you what you do here.
19:31 <Skaya> "Are you fighting to your deaths, or will you retreat now that the dragon ran away?" Skaya asks the elementals.
19:32 <•Kotono> "We fight command." Rough words of Common slung together. "We no fight no command."
19:32 <Skaya> "What is your exact command?"
19:33 <•Kotono> "Fight until gone. Defend. Wait gone." The other responds.
19:34 <•Kotono> Anne lets out a breath, "Evil tears apart evil, but even they have no love for bullies who take from them."
19:35 <•Kotono> "You alright over there, Devar?" Rina calls, as Milla steps back now, eyeing them but not attacking.
19:35 <Skaya> "Right. So unless it is swimming in the rock and Sanda caught it, I guess we were too late to stop it?"
19:35 <Devar> "I think the dragon's hiding in my haversack." He calls out.
19:35 <Skaya> "That's a legendary feat right there!"
19:36 <•Kotono> "What." A completely flat, disbelieving what from Rina.
19:36 <•Kotono> "Are you sure you didn't strike your head?" Anne asks, "I can heal you."
19:37 <•Kotono> "No, maybe not," Milla disagrees, "A strong enough dragon could change shape into something tiny. But that hardly seemed that strong, but maybe skilled enough."
19:37 <Skaya> "The supposed bags of holding all over its body could've been an illusion, since no mighty explosion occurred," Skaya agrees.
19:38 <Devar> "When it disappeared, I felt my bag get heavier, so unless it decided to reward us for letting it run away, I think it went in there." He calls out, flying over the elementals to get back to the others. "But if we assume it did that, now what do we do?"
19:39 <•Kotono> "Do we open the bag or just..." A wild gesture from Rina, "Carry a possible dragon passenger?"
19:39 <Skaya> "Let's just return to that bigger dragon and tell him."
19:40 <•Kotono> "I have no desire to meddle in the affairs of dragons," Anne agrees.
19:41 <Devar> "Me neither, my vote is we just leave." He says. "But I'll go along with whatever you all want to do."
19:41 — Skaya starts heading back.
19:42 <•Kotono> "For the best, we have a mission to finish," Sanda says, "Logically, nothing good comes of us trying too hard."
19:42 <•Kotono> "At least here," Anne seconds, "We did all we could, and if a mighty dragon wishes to slay us for it, then I will meet Moore with my head held high."
19:42 <•Kotono> "How about you meet not dying instead," Sanda rolls her eyes.
19:43 <Skaya> Once they're out of sight of the elementals and far enough that sound won't transmit back easily, Skaya writes on a piece of paper that she shows the others, 'Devar, why don't you return to that other dragon alone via flight? We can stay here in case the dragon put something else in your bag while invisible. Just come and get us once you're done.'
19:43 — Skaya glances at Milla and then adds to the paper, 'Or maybe bring Milla with you just in case?'
19:43 <•Kotono> Anne smothers a retort and instead watches the message be passed. She nods slightly, no opinion given.
19:44 <•Kotono> Milla smiles slightly at that, not a kindly s mile, but nods back.
19:44 — Devar nods. He looks over at Milla and nods as well.
19:44 — Skaya gives Milla a thumbs up and settles to wait. And be alert!
19:44 <•Kotono> OOC: #evil, you two.

[Corwin]

19:45 <•Kotono> -----
19:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=77 ]{77}
19:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=84 ]{84}
19:48 <•Kotono> The trip back out and to the great white dragon is uneventful. It awaits you, "The others are dead?" It asks, bluntly as Devar and Milla approach.
19:49 <Devar> "It wasn't quite as exciting as we hoped - the others are fine, though I know that's not much of a concern of yours." Devar says. "I think your quarry decided to escape into my bag."
19:50 <•Kotono> "Hah!" A rumbling, vicious laugh. "A coward until the end, though at least amusingly proficient with certain types of sorcery. Show me."
19:57 <Devar> "Hold on." Devar says as he goes to reach into the Haversack. It should be easy enough, that's how the thing works, after all - he intends to grab the dragon and pull it out!
19:57 <•Kotono> OOC: Are you trying to pull out a dragon in particular or whatever was added in there, or...?
19:58 <Devar> OOC: He's assuming the 'whatever was added' is the dragon, but yes, the 'whatever was added' is sufficient.
20:01 <•Kotono> Devar yanks out not a dragon, but a heavy, lumpy wrapped bundle of burlap. Several things are inside.
20:01 <•Kotono> The wyrm gazes on, and commands, "Open it."
20:02 <Devar> Devar does so - he's not really doing it because of the wyrm, but he is curious.
20:08 <•Kotono> Inside are several things: A wrapped scroll, a cloth bag that has dozens and dozens of small and medium sized gemstones in it, a large chunk of uncut, pure red ruby bigger than Devar's head and finally a small, icy statue of what looks to be an ice para-elemental. Good work, carved out of blue colored ice.
20:09 <•Kotono> Milla looks it all over, "I doubt that dragon was that generous."
20:10 <Devar> "No, this all screams of some sort of contingency escape plan." He says, looking to the wyrm. "Maybe tied to this scroll?"
20:11 <•Kotono> The scroll flies up to the wyrm, and he begins to read it. "To whomever gets this: If you read this, my plan to smuggle out some of my treasure through you is a succeess. You may hold all of these treasures, and use the statue until I return as compensation. Once a week it can summon the two ice para-elementals that barred your passage to me for one hour, the command word is Glacial Strike.
20:11 <•Kotono> I will return in due time and find you, and reclaim my treasures then. Do not sell or lose them, or I will hold you accountable."
20:11 <•Kotono> "Greed and desperation meets cleverness," Milla remarks when the dragon is done.
20:13 <Devar> "Well, technically, we're not bound by the rules of it since we didn't read the scroll." Devar says with a small smile. "But I leave the adjudication of that to you." He says with a polite nod to the wyrm.
20:16 <•Kotono> If the wyrm cares, it doesn't show it. Instead the statue flies up to it. It's peered at most intensely, "In deference to your obedience, I say thus: Step back. Now."
20:16 <Devar> Devar takes a wide step backwards.
20:17 <•Kotono> Milla takes several back, as the statue suddenly cracks and then shatters apart. A huge thud as the white dragon lands in a heap, no bags of holding on it.
20:18 <•Kotono> "I'll never tell you where I hid my horde, you-" Is all he gets out, before with a loud SNAP, the elder wyrm's maw opens wide. A single, savage bite decapitates the younger white dragon, bright blood spewing out onto the frozen ground. The head is spat out and tossed aside.
20:18 <Devar> Devar was expecting something like that but not -exactly- that.
20:19 <•Kotono> Milla eyes the fallen dragon's body intently, the blood flowing freely out of its new neckstump.
20:21 <•Kotono> Slowly Milla licks her lips, showing too many teeth. "I want its heart," she declares, boldly.
20:21 <Devar> "Is that acceptable?" Devar asks.
20:22 <•Kotono> "You thirst for hot flesh, human? No, not human." Milla gets regarded carefully, "A great treasure would convince me."
20:24 <Devar> "There's plenty of it back where it was hiding out. It didn't take everything before we stopped it." Devar says. "I can go back there and retrieve some for you?"
20:24 <•Kotono> OOC: Diplomacy check, I suppose, Devar.
20:25 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 25
20:28 <•Kotono> "You live for that insult only out of your past obedience," The wyrm growls all the air around you suddenly vastly colder, great streamers of white gathering deep in it sthroat. "Wealth! Tribute! Give it to me now, human!"
20:32 <Devar> "And I'm telling you we can go and get it for you." Devar says, with a neutral tone. "You already see we've been blessed by the artifact that created this world. We're on a mission to fix it, so we can just go get what you want and be on our way. Isn't that what's the most beneficial to you at this point?"
20:32 <Devar> "I imagine if we deal with the artifact you won't be stuck here anymore, am I wrong?"
20:34 <•Kotono> That at least draws the wyrm back. "....very well," It concludes, Devar having said the magic words or close enough. With a negligent flip of a claw, the decapitated dragon lands a bit behind you. "It at least pleases me that this failure of a wyrm is reduced to feed for inferior beings."
20:37 <Devar> "Trust me, we weren't on great terms either." Devar says. "I appreciate your understanding." He looks to Milla and gives her a nod. "Why don't you do what you need to do and I'll go retrieve something of interest?"
20:42 <•Kotono> No more words. Milla darts to the dragon. Scales are torn away with clawed hands, a bloody, brutal work as she begins to carve a path into the dragon's chest.
20:42 <Devar> "I will return." Devar says, trusting that the wyrm isn't going to do anything to his guest and will fly off - unless the wyrm tells him not to or something, but assuming not, he'll return to the others!
20:44 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:44 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=15 ]{15}
20:44 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:44 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=88 ]{88}
20:44 <•Kotono> Another safe trip, and...OOC: #dunes shortly.