Towards the Coastline 14

[Corwin]

18:13 <•Kotono> Rest. After everything the party went through, rest and normality is wonderful. Dareslan has come alive again, the plague and quarantine past. Come a night where sleep is a luxury rather than a requirement, the party gathers in the inn's dining room, a large table to the side set apart for all of you. Rina's already there, a bowl of bright red peppers before her. She's slowly munching nad
18:13 <•Kotono> savoring each one of them, licking her lips afterwards. Getting too close to her feels like being close to a campfire, the other chairs with some distance from her. Anne sits nearby, eyes closed and a half eaten plate of breakfast before her. She floats just above her chair, hair loose and blowing in an unseen and unfelt breeze. Sanda's nose deep in a book, no food in front of her, though a
18:13 <•Kotono> cup of water's nearby. Her hair has a distinctly wet sheen to it, not oily, just damp.
18:15 — Skaya feels a distinct urge to comb Sanda's hair, and she surrenders to it after a token resistance. Like Anne, she just floats behind Sanda before working on her tresses.
18:16 <•Kotono> Sanda looks up in surprise before, "Skaya, what are you-wait, why are you brushing my hair?" she asks, "But that feels nice."
18:16 <Skaya> "It feels like the right thing to do."
18:16 <•Kotono> "Good morning," Anne's voice is softer, breathier. She doesn't open her eyes, "How are you adjusting, Skaya?"
18:17 <•Kotono> Rina has another pepper before, "I don't know about you, but it turns out if you don't have to worry about the heat, spicy peppers taste great."
18:17 <Skaya> At Anne's question, she shrugs. "I already felt like I belonged in the skies, so that didn't change. But I'm reconsidering some future choices."
18:18 <•Kotono> "I spent most of the evening in flight," Anne confesses, "Had in those first few hours a portal to Air appeared, I fear I would have gone through and happily never seen land again."
18:19 <Skaya> "I would've found you eventually so you probably would have? Seen land again, I mean."
18:19 <•Kotono> Sanda relaxes to all of this, "Devar up and back yet?" she asks.
18:19 <Devar> Devar for his part looks a little more lively himself, but is sticking to the ground, taking a seat next to the others to reach out and steal a piece of bacon from Anne's plate. "It looks like everyone had a good night." He comments.
18:20 <•Kotono> "The point is that it's wonderful to fly, and I already wonder how I lived without it. It feel so right-ah, there he is," Anne turns, "Good morning. How are you adjusting." Anne doesn't argue with the food snatch, "Help yourself, I'm done."
18:21 <•Kotono> "I didn't realize I wouldn't get tired or hungry," Rina admits, "But I haven't been either since I used the sphere."
18:22 <Devar> "Very well, though that was divinely influenced, I think." He says. "Eldath's grace was kind to me in reward for everything we did. I also got some information on where the other pieces of the magic items I'm using might be found, so that was very welcome news."
18:22 <•Kotono> "Statistically speaking, we've become some sort of elemental or spiritual creatures," Sanda looks up from her book, "Probably the latter, since the definition of elemental requires a body wholly or mostly composed of that element. The lack of need to eat or sleep is a classic sign of such a change."
18:23 <•Kotono> "Did you?" Rina asks, "Where? Anywhere close?"
18:23 <Skaya> "Ah, in my case, I already had some of the benefits?" Skaya muses. "Like seeing in the dark? So it's more of a progression than a sudden change."
18:24 <•Kotono> "Some of those transformations speak of a lack of aging, even greater than the elves," Anne muses quietly, "But only time will reveal that. The progression is helpful to you, it's been distracting as much as it's been pleasurable."
18:25 <Skaya> "Speaking of! You know how we couldn't use more than one orb here to transform? But we probably can transform ourselves even more in the future if we work at it!"
18:26 <•Kotono> "You have something in mind?" Rina asks right back.
18:27 <•Kotono> Anne blows out a long, soft breath. "Also, if you insist on growing wings as well, at least ensure I'm there, Rina."
18:27 <Skaya> "We've already experienced a taste of the inner planes, so the outer planes are the way to go next!"
18:27 <Devar> "I don't know about close." He admits. "One's in the oceans to the north, so that could be... a lot of places, but I imagine if I get close Lady Eldath will give me a sign and guide me. The other one seems to be somewhere near the border of Laremy and Eis to the southwest." He looks over at Skaya, "I mean, I'm sure there are beings that live in somewhere like the Positive plane, so I guess that
18:27 <Devar> makes sense."
18:29 <Skaya> "Well yes, but I was talking about the heavens and Limbo and all the good stuff," Skaya elaborates. "But it might require an intermediary step. Which means dragons."
18:30 <Devar> "We can probably get back to that... thing underground and do a proper exploration now." Devar says. "After we deal with our current quarry."
18:30 <•Kotono> OOC: Southeast, in case I got that wrong in the post.
18:31 <Devar> OOC: Noted!
18:31 <Skaya> "I guess it's all in the longer run. For now, let's decide where we're headed."
18:31 <•Kotono> OOC: Southeast, I'll edit the post.
18:31 <•Kotono> OOC: Fixed.
18:32 <•Kotono> "LImbo's hardly the good stuff," Anne counters, "And I'm not remotely sure how you got dragon out of that as an intermediate step."
18:32 <•Kotono> Rina suddenly looks pale, "The ocean?"
18:32 <•Kotono> "The ocean," Sanda sing-songs, before, "....interesting. The ocean sounds like a great time. What are the odds?"
18:33 <Skaya> "Everyone knows that draconic nature can be transmitted with a drop of blood and some magic."
18:33 <Devar> "Don't worry, I won't ask you to go in." He says with a smile.
18:34 <•Kotono> "Meanwhile," Rina goes on, "We have a little time here before we get moving. Does nayone have anything to do besides shopping?"
18:35 — Skaya shudders at the mention of shopping.
18:36 <Devar> "I haven't had much of a chance to have a proper talk with Storm's Eye, but I can do that on the road easily enough." He says. "I tried looking for some things, but they aren't available here so I'll just check at the next town."
18:37 <Skaya> "So we're back to talking about our next destination, huh?" Skaya voices, examining Sanda's hair. Would a bow compliment it, or just get wet?
18:39 <•Kotono> A fair question. "Before that, we need to try and find out more on where Brachidos went," Anne muses, "But the problem is that Dareslan has been quarantined."
18:39 <•Kotono> "I'll get a map of Welland today," Rina speaks up. "That'll help."
18:40 <•Kotono> "I'll petition Moore for aid. After what we did, perhaps we'll get direct guidance," Anne says, "But that will likely require some large part of the day."
18:40 <•Kotono> Sanda's hair would look nice with a bow, most likely. For her part, Sanda adds, "I'd like to do some more shopping, but that's it."
18:40 <Devar> "Hey, can we use the, uh..." Devar looks contemplative for a moment. "Whatever it was you guys used to get aid for the city, can we use that to maybe go far and get some news to maybe point us in the right direction?"
18:45 <Skaya> "While not impossible," Skaya muses, considering Devar's question even as she retrieves a barrette suitable for Sanda from her collection, "there's not a lot of time during those trips, even the dangers aside. Plus we'll be going in the opposite direction from how we've been chasing him."
18:47 <Devar> "Oh, does it only go in one direction?" He nods. "We can ask around in town if anyone's come from the direction we're going of any news, if we hear bad things then we'll know it's the right way to go."
18:48 <Skaya> "You really should know the location at least, from what I understood."
18:49 <•Kotono> "How about we get everything together that we can, and we consider that all tonight?" Anne suggests, "Exhaust the local preparations before going further than Dareslan."
18:51 <Devar> "Like you said, we might get some divine directives anyway." He adds.
18:53 <Skaya> "I'm fine with it!" Skaya agrees, stepping back to admire her handiwork.
18:53 <•Kotono> Sanda's hair has a barrete now, keeping it nicer as Rina gives Skaya a little approving nod.
18:53 <•Kotono> "Then let's get to work," Anne floats up and to her feet, "Let's meet for dinner and see where we're all at?"
18:55 <Skaya> "Good luck!"
19:03 <•Kotono> OOC: Skaya and Devar, anything you two want to do in particular? Sec.
19:03 <Skaya> OOC: I will tag along to support someone with GI, but otherwise I don't have anything to do
19:03 <Devar> OOC: Nothing specific, he can chat with his magic lance when we're on the road.
19:07 <•Kotono> OOC: Right. Devar in here, Skaya in #evil.

[Corwin]

19:08 <•Kotono> Skaya and Rina go off. Sanda's nose deep in her book for a little longer, but Anne lingers by Devar. "Will you appeal to Eldath as well?" she asks.
19:09 <Devar> "She showed me a great deal last night, I have no reason to doubt She will show me the path we need to follow." Devar says. "Moore sounds like the type to be rather generous with His followers too, or at least that's how it sounds to me when you talk about Him."
19:15 <•Kotono> "Yes," Anne agrees, "But we will see. Though I wonder how Starre is? Sent on her own quest away from us for now."
19:18 <Devar> "I have a feeling our elemental friend probably gave her a gift, too." Devar says. "Either that or her own patron, I bet. She was integral, somehow or another, in what we accomplished."
19:20 <•Kotono> "Perhaps," Anne floats up slowly, "But maybe I'll fly and see the warmth of the sun before this. Just for a little while."
19:21 <•Kotono> Sanda silently rolls her eyes, barely notable as she's reading, before she says, "Statistically speaking, most people don't need to make an excuse to take a day off."
19:23 <Devar> "You have the freedom to do so, just don't go too close up there." Devar says. He turns to Sanda. "You could take a lesson from that statistic, you know. Or are you figuring out which spells to put in your Mighty Tome?"
19:28 <•Kotono> Anne lets that pass while Sanda says, "I'm taking some time at the moment," she answers, not looking up.
19:29 <Devar> "Skaya would probably ask you if you were reading something indecent." Devar says, deadpan. "Is it any good?"
19:36 <•Kotono> Turning a page, "The mating habits of lonely clerics." Sanda says, just as deadpan. After a long moment where Anne pinches the bridge of her nose, "Spell lore, mostly."
19:37 <Devar> "Ah, from our good friend the illusionist dragon?" Devar asks.
19:45 <•Kotono> "Yes," Sanda continues to read, "Mostly for my own edification, but it should help as I continue to study the third circle of magic and look towards the fourth."
19:46 <Devar> "Actually, I've been meaning to ask - are you considering any sort of specialization for your magic?" Devar asks. "You probably figured out my focus is on abjuration, I'm hoping to keep building on my skills to create stronger wards to not be burdened by traditional armor."
19:51 <•Kotono> "Statistically speaking, specialists are for those who can't handle all the schools of magic," Sanda sniffs, "Why would I limit myself like that?"
19:52 <•Kotono> "Making up for certain...shortcomings in other areas?" Anne counters back, "Compensation, say."
19:52 <•Kotono> Then after a beat, "Not that I mean you, Devar," Anne appends, looking abashed.
19:53 <Devar> "Mm, I'd prefer to look at it like wanting to be the best at something, rather than focusing on areas that don't interest me." He says with a shrug. "No offense taken, don't worry. I understand the sentiment, I just don't see it that way."
19:57 <•Kotono> "I should be going," Anne decides after one more glance at Sanda. "Good luck today, Devar."
19:58 <Devar> "Don't get yourself into too much trouble up there!"
20:06 <•Kotono> For some reasont hat makes Sanda chuckle, but she goes off. With that all done, what's your plan for the day?
20:09 <Devar> OOC: He'll poke around town, see if he hears anything interesting in terms of news from outside. After that, he'll settle in for prayer and meditation if need be, and lastly talk to Storm's Eye.
20:15 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me diplo for GI.
20:18 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 27
20:24 <•Kotono> News is flooding in to town. First of all, you hear that the army's standing down from around Dareslan and shifting south. There's whispers of possible war in Laremy, that Laremy are once again warmongers. "Maybe this time they'll get what's coming to them from Eis," One shopkeep growls.
20:26 <Devar> Devar will pointedly not get into any discussion about Laremy!
20:34 <•Kotono> Likely a wise choice. Past that you hear of murmurs about ankheg activity. More of them are being seen, and there's some stories of farms being attacked and even farmers hurt or killed. Nothing concrete, but you hear the rumor. There's also talk about traveling heroes who fought the madman behind the plague, and how they defeated him beneath the city. "If I ever find that man," A merchant
20:34 <•Kotono> running a stall selling produce says, "I'd leave him walking away with more than he could eat. Good men of good stock, probably from the Petty Kingdoms in the south or further lands fi you ask me."
20:37 <Devar> "Don't worry about that man and his friends, they can take care of themselves." Devar says with a broad smile. "Help your neighbor, help the downtrodden. Especially at a time like this." Whether he needs to convince this person he's part of that band of traveling heroes? Perhaps not, but redirecting kindness to those who need it is part of his own faith.
20:51 <•Kotono> "Those of 'em that are left," A quiet murmur, "They took it hardest in the plague, I heard."
20:53 <Devar> "They did." He confirms sadly. "It will be some time before the city fully recovers, but I am confident good people will help."
21:00 <•Kotono> "With less of them around, at least food will go farther," The merchant fans himself against the heat, "Not all is bad about the plague."
21:02 <Devar> "Losing life is never something anyone enjoys, but it is still important to find the seeds of good in it." Devar says. "Hopefully it also means those who survived will be healthier, to lead good lives."
21:06 <•Kotono> "More work for them, at least," Is the agreement, "More coin to earn."
21:08 <Devar> Devar nods. "All I can ask is you continue to be kind to the people here. It's in short supply after a situation like this. I don't mean to say you give anything away for free, just... be kind." Devar says with a smile.

[Corwin]

19:14 <•Kotono> ----
19:14 <•Kotono> Rina and Skaya head out. Once out of the inn, a warm and sunny day already, "You really don't feel that different?" Rina asks.
19:17 <Skaya> "It's been a long few days," Skaya muses, forcing herself to walk alongside Rina, her wings folded. "There's plenty of urges, too, but some of them predate... all this," she says, gesturing at the two of them vaguely after a brief pause. "And some of it I was born with. If anything, it's opened up more options. Fun options!"
19:22 <•Kotono> "Like what?" Rina asks as you walk out. The two of you get looks and a respectful distance by most, and Rina just accepts it as she walks.
19:23 <Skaya> "Let me ask you this, first. Do ordinary people really don't like the slaad? I know they often look like weird frogs, but their bodies aren't fixed like that."
19:27 <•Kotono> "I don't t hink normal people know what a slaad is," Rina counters, "The only reason I know is because of you."
19:29 <Skaya> "Because I like them! They were my goal for the longest time!"
19:34 <•Kotono> "What's to like?" Rina asks back, "I've never gotten that part of it."
19:39 <Skaya> "They're never boring. You know how they have a lot of contradicting origin stories? Well, there's one that says that all of them are simultaneously correct. Isn't that amazing? I once read a gnome philosopher wizard discuss the possibility of his pet cat existing and not existing simultaneously, but that was just two states. With a slaad, you can't even be sure what his pet is, or if he's a he."
19:43 <•Kotono> There's a long pause after that as you walk. At last Rina says, "At least one part of that made sense, which is one part more than I expected."
19:46 <Skaya> "I always wanted to tap into that potential. Just imagine, Rina! Being anything you ever wanted, changing it in an instant the way you might change clothes if it wasn't the future you expected for yourself. Control of Limbo, perhaps growing to control reality itself around you. If that's not a great goal to aspire towards, what is?"
19:57 <•Kotono> "Not being a chaos frog?" Rina banters back, "Mission accomplished.?
19:57 <•Kotono> "Not being a chaos frog?" Rina banters back, "Mission accomplished."
19:58 <Skaya> "What's your new goal, then? Setting yourself on fire amidst like-minded people?"
20:01 <•Kotono> "Stop Brachidos,
20:01 <•Kotono> "Stop Brachidos," Rina shakes her head, "AFter that, I don't even know anymore."
20:13 — Skaya doesn't respond for a while, walking silently besides Rina before her wings twitch and take her a few inches off the ground while still keeping pace with her friend. "That would be nice," she finally admits.
20:16 <•Kotono> "Yeah. After that...hah. Talking about a long life?" Rina's voiceb ecomes heavy, "Who cares? Even if I survive Brachidos, then what?"
20:17 <Skaya> "Yeah, same. I always intended to become immortal, so once again, no changes for me!"
20:21 <•Kotono> That draws Rina into herself and the conversation fizzles out. On you walk into the recovering town, before...OOC: Going to support her doing GI?
20:24 <Skaya> OOC: My diplo is at +21 (+14 +7inspiration). Does she want me to roll instead?
20:31 <•Kotono> OOC: Yes, hers is lower so you take front and she'll take 10 to give you +2.
20:32 <Skaya> roll 1d20+22
20:32 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+22 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{31}
20:32 <Skaya> OOC: It was +6, so +20 without aid. Thus, result of 31
20:56 <•Kotono> You talk around for Brachidos. You end up in a small inn that's serving breakfast and lunch. Here an older man in a hooded cloak drinks and looks up at you, "Asking questions that get you face down in an alley, friend," he whispers.
20:57 <Skaya> "It's not a search for the faint-hearted," Skaya agrees, wishing she actually had money to grease the process.
21:00 <•Kotono> Rina stands, arms crossed, behind Skaya.
21:01 <•Kotono> "Especially two ladies," He goes on, "But I've heard of strong ladies doing strong deeds during the quarantine." You get a flash of green eyes and a sardonic smile, "Looking to add more to your collection?"
21:02 <Skaya> "Some things just have to be done, and the alternative here is decent people suffering. So how about it? Help put us on the right trail?"
21:03 <•Kotono> The man taps the table a few times, "You know how the game's played, don't you, friend? Gold is the greatest motivator to help your fellow man."
21:04 <•Kotono> Rina reaches into her pouch and tosses down a single, heavy, stamped platinum coin. "Motivate away."
21:04 <Skaya> "I do hear that platinum motivates a great deal better than gold," Skaya agrees with a small smile.
21:07 <•Kotono> The coin's taken and tucked away. "I know you heard he was here before, spread his own brand of mischief. Shame the man who told you didn't make it." A little tsk, "He headed north, towards the coastline. That's what I've heard."
21:07 <•Kotono> A sharp tsk from Rina, but she doesn't say anything else.
21:08 <Skaya> "How long ago was that? A week, two?"

[Corwin]

18:55 <Kotono> "A few days ago, but I don't know how dated it was. Second hand news," Is the open answer, "People were spreading anything they heard when the plague hit, even after it looked successfully contained."
18:58 <Skaya> "Do you happen to know anything else that would make finding him easier? The name of an accomplice, perhaps? Or maybe as a local, you'd know what's further up the coast that he could be headed towards?"
19:05 <Kotono> "No, and I don't want to know. That sort of man is the type you never want to find. Unless you want to die." A flat look, "But I know your kind."
19:06 <Kotono> "You know us?" Rina asks, "You think you know me?"
19:06 <Skaya> "Oh? Do share."
19:11 <Kotono> "It's not hard to recognize heroes," Is the answer, "What some call the return of the light, when heroes like your kind move in."
19:13 — Skaya can't keep a satisfied look off her face at being called a hero. "Gee, thanks!"
19:19 <Kotono> "
19:20 <Kotono> "So go on. Chase after the dark," The man says, "Find out what has teeth in there and what bites back."
19:20 <Kotono> "As long as he dies choking, that's good enough for me," Rina says, then turns away from him and starts to leave.
19:31 <Skaya> "Are you sure nothing else comes to mind?" Skaya voices as she lingers rather than follow Rina immediately. "We're not on some crusade here, we can look the other way for some minor things while pursuing this guy. It would be worth your while, too."
19:39 <Kotono> There's silence at that, and Rina places down three heavy platinum coins. Each lands with a heavy thud as she stares your informant down. "I've heard an old dog can't learn new tricks." Is all he says, but he takes the coins nonetheless - or would, but Rina's hand goes out and stops him. She doesn't say a word, but doesn't let go. After a pause, "His patron is about disease. One sickness
19:39 <Kotono> weakens a body, but what happens when a nation gets sick again when already recovering?"
19:39 <Kotono> Rina scowls, deep and dark, "And you know that how? There's well informed, and then there's dropping too convienent clues."
19:42 <Skaya> "It's fine if you don't say," Skaya says to that, since she had just promised to look the other way. "You must have more specific knowledge, however," she adds expectantly.
19:44 <Kotono> At that Rina lets go of his hand. The coins are taken, "...He and his patron aren't popular in many circles, and he's incidentally getting in the way of Welland's possible preparations for war." Is the answer you get, "I'll not say more than that."
19:45 <Skaya> "Is there going to be another plague?"
19:47 <Kotono> The man's answer is to get up and rise, dust himself off and walk away.
19:48 <Kotono> Rina's hand goes to her frosty blade's hilt, but she glances at you a moment before making a move.
19:48 <Skaya> "It would probably backfire."
19:50 <Kotono> "And is he the mouthpiece for the people trying to make Eis and Laremy go to war?" Rina hisses back, even as he walks out of the inn. "He all but said that Brachidos is getting in their way."
19:53 <Skaya> "I'll back you up if you think we should act here."
20:00 mode: •Kotono (promoted to owner, opped) 
20:01 <•Kotono> Rina moves. Fast as she can and out. Already the man's ducking into an alley and Rina follows at a sprint. She doesn't draw her weapon yet, but the chase is on!
20:03 — Skaya takes to the skies as a proper avian! And with her speed, it would take some serious magic to escape her.
20:04 <•Kotono> A wise noise as noises of alarm come out. It's a long alley that feeds into a crisscross of them. You see the man turn out of Rina's right at a four way intersection. No one's immediately around and now that he's out of sight, he begins to shrink down. In moments he turns into a common rat, skittering towards the shadows of some boxes.
20:08 <Skaya> A rat, is it? She's clearly allowed to do pest control, and so Skaya sends a trio of magic missiles at it with a wave of her hand!
20:08 <Skaya> roll 3d4+3+5
20:08 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d4+3+5 --> [ 3d4=10 ]{18}
20:08 <Skaya> It should help Rina see where to go, too!
20:11 <•Kotono> Magic missiles fly down and pelt the rat, getting a loud squeak as it stumbles before....OOC: Init, but one sec.
20:11 <Skaya> roll 1d20+11
20:11 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{20}
20:18 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13 Rina
20:18 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 Rina --> [ 1d20=5 ]{18}
20:18 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+7 Rat-man
20:18 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+7 Rat-man --> [ 1d20=18 ]{25}
20:18 <•Kotono> Init is Rat-Man (25) > Skaya (20) > Rina (18)
20:19 <•Kotono> Before you can follow up your ambush, the rat ducks behind old wood boxes, out of sight and hidden.  OOC: Go.
20:21 — Skaya comes down by those boxes an instant later, and tries to push them aside to take a closer look! She's quite strong, after all.
20:25 <•Kotono> The boxes go flying and you find the rat regrouping down there, the welts from the missiles going down. It chitters its teeth at you warningly as Rina comes around the corner. She manages a sharp turn and pounces in, sword out now even if it's the flat of her blade.
20:26 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10 (-4 nonlethal)
20:26 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 (-4 nonlethal) --> [ 1d20=15 ]{25}
20:26 <•Kotono> roll 1d6+3+2d6
20:26 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+3+2d6 --> [ 1d6=4 2d6=5 ]{12}
20:28 <•Kotono> The clang of a solid blow sounds, the rat battered down further. It looks around, knocked aside boxes blocking one escape, Rina another and Skaya the last. It stares at you with hateful eyes, but makes no further move to attack.  OOC: Ball is in your court now.
20:28 <Skaya> "Turn back into a person or die as vermin," Skaya instructs him.
20:31 <•Kotono> Rina's blade is pressed to the tip of his back. Slowly, like clay expanding up and sculpting itself back into a human, the man reappears. His face has blotchy bruises on it now and he's sitting on the ground. Rina's sword repositions to his neck. "If you don't answer my questions, I'm going to let whomever your patron is sort you out. Clear?" Rina presses the tip of the blade in, enough to
20:31 <•Kotono> make a slight indent, frost forming on the man's neck.
20:32 <•Kotono> "Ask," A single word, said without anger or inflection.
20:33 <Skaya> "Is it going to be another plague?" Skaya repeats her earlier question. They've stirred up a mess, but she might as well follow through and get their information here.
20:38 <•Kotono> "Probably," Is the answer, "I was told to tell you that, anyway."
20:39 <•Kotono> "And what, you waited around for us?" A scowl from Rina.
20:39 <•Kotono> "Dumb luck, if you'd believe it." Is the man's sharp retort, "I was going to approach your group this evening."
20:40 <•Kotono> The heat from Rina seems to get more intense, radiating off of her fiercely. "And who told you to tell us and why?"
20:41 <•Kotono> No answer. The man shakes his head several times, and then on a frosty press of Rina's sword, "I can't." A short, flat answer.
20:41 <Skaya> "The government?"
20:42 <•Kotono> No answer. Rina presses her blade slightly more, a bead of blood trickling onto her sword and flash-freezing. "I speak literally and not metaphorically." he grows.
20:43 <•Kotono> "Magic?" Rina asks, a glance at you. "That possible?"
20:49 <Skaya> "Assuming a god didn't descend to slap him with an inhibition? A Geas or another compulsion could do it. But the thing with such magic is that fairly literal. You'd either receive strict instructions or something vague and generic, but in both cases it should be possible to go against the spirit rather than the letter of the instructions," Skaya responds, peering at the man.
20:49 <Skaya> "Let's talk about you. What's your name? Who do you usually work with?"
20:51 <•Kotono> "John." Is the only answer you get again.
20:51 <Skaya> "How true do you judge your information?"
20:52 <•Kotono> "True enough," A pause, "I believe it. The Adversary's own are a rotting mix of poison and disease."
20:52 <•Kotono> "Can you search him?" Rina asks, "I want to know if he has an unholy symbol on him."
20:53 — Skaya makes a face, but complies with a shrug. She can, in fact, do it rather well.
20:53 <Skaya> OOC: Would sleight of hand (at +21) work here? If not, I'll user perception at +18.
20:55 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me both, let's say.
20:55 <Skaya> roll 1d20+21+6
20:55 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+21+6 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{41}
20:55 <Skaya> roll 1d20+18+6
20:55 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+18+6 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{30}
21:02 <•Kotono> It's hidden well - tucked into a sleeve with a fake opening. But you find it, a symbol of a purple triangle with three drops of amber on it. You also find a shealthed dagger, a coin bag and a metal vial with liquid inside.
21:02 <•Kotono> Not in that fake sleeve, but onhim in general.
21:04 <Skaya> "Talona?" Skaya asks with a raised eyebrow. "Why would she be opposed to-- ah, is it like Rina said? You want the war to go hot, and Brachidos is getting in the way of that somehow?"
21:05 <•Kotono> No answer at all. "You going to answer any more questions?" Rina presses once more.
21:06 <•Kotono> The man spits at Rina, just missing her face.
21:06 <•Kotono> "Any reason not ot send him off to Talona?" Rina asks, voice with a faint overlay, like the crackle of a campfire.
21:08 <Skaya> "It would be better to give him to the authorities, instead," Skaya says even as she keeps an impassive eye on him. "He would no doubt be popular on the heels of recent events."
21:09 <Skaya> OOC: Let's see if he actually seems happy to be handed to the local government
21:10 <•Kotono> No reaction, only stone faced composure.
21:10 <•Kotono> "I think it's a waste of good rope used in hanging him, but suit yourself," Rina says, grabbing him by the arm and pulling him up.
21:12 <Skaya> "The alternative is that he tells us what we want to know and we sneak him out of town," Skaya says with a shrug. "But free choice and all that."
21:17 <•Kotono> No words come. Rina pulls him along, expression grim. She says simply, "Last chance." Still nothing and she shoves him down. "No," she decides, "You're just like him. A monster who thinks sickness is a game. That it's something to applaud." She presses her sword to his throat, "I'm going to go have a drink to celebrate sending you to the torment of Talona's rotting tits."
21:17 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13 (+2 circumstance bonus)
21:17 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 (+2 circumstance bonus) --> [ 1d20=15 ]{28}
21:22 <•Kotono> No answer. Rina's sword stabs into his throat, and after a moment, tears out. A horrid gurgle of blood as John falls, then again. A stab into his chest. Another into his stomach. Again. Again. Rina's voice is a fire-like crackling snarl, "Monster!" Again and again, blade leaving frostburned wounds all over his body.
21:27 <Skaya> "He's dead," Skaya says, placing a hand on Rina's shoulder. The one away from the swinging sword, to avoid getting stabbed in the heat of passion.
21:32 <•Kotono> Rina finally stops at that. She looks down at him and takes a long breath. "If there's going to be justice for the evils in this world, we have to be sure. No unexpected survivals." Rina says, voice even. "If I'm going to live in this world, gain life and power while my brother rots in a grave, I'm not going to hesitate to improve it. Even if that means improvement by removing the stains
21:32 <•Kotono> on it."
21:34 <•Kotono> Then, softer, "Then if Talona wants to plunge Laremy into a war, I'll stop them after we stop Brachidos. Sear out the infection."
21:36 <Skaya> "If we had him tell the authorities about it, that might've been helpful. And we could've tailed him to see if someone will show up to break him out or silence him," Skaya points out. "If you killed him because of your convictions, I'm behind you one hundred percent, like I promised."
21:44 <•Kotono> "....I had a dream when I napped yesterday," Rina says after a pause. "I saw a great flame that spread out over a map of Laremy, of Eis, of Welland. It burned away all the pain and life grew in the ashes.When I looked at the flame, it was me." A softer voice, "Fire needs to be purified, just like this world. I don't know who said it, but it was a man's voice. A strong man. I looked at him
21:44 <•Kotono> there, I saw him for the monster he was. An infection to be burned out., seared away. I thought it was just a dream, but was it? This felt right. John or whomever he was won't spread another plague, kill another man, lure someone into evil."
21:46 — Skaya spreads her arms in a shrug. "I can't argue with that. But you're explaining this properly to the authorities."
21:47 <•Kotono> "Give me that symbol. I doubt anyone will make too much of a fuss over it when they see it," Rina says, "Not after the past weeks."
21:50 — Skaya carefully passes everything she got off John to Rina.
21:53 <•Kotono> With that, Rina goes out of the alley. She clears her throat, "Guard! Guards!" she shouts, "I need guards!" That gets people to look her way and soon enough, a trio of them run up. Rina shows the symbol, "The symbol of Talona, the deity of diseases. I found it on a man who fled from us. His body's in the alley, he's no longer a threat to Dareslan."
21:54 <•Kotono> That kicks off quite the alarm, as you might imagine. Anyone nearby gasps and several back well away, and one woman even flees in a panic. The guards immediately look grim, "Get Stonewell," one snaps, another running off. "You'll be investigated for it, but...you're the ones who fought the plague, aren't you? I saw you with the High Reeve."

[Corwin]

19:04 <•Kotono> From there Rina does some talking - but the unholy symbola nd who you are quells most of it. OOC: Do you have anything else to do here?
19:04 <Skaya> OOC: Just regroup with everyone and decide on our next move
19:09 <•Kotono> OOC:Okay, more in #dunes.

[Corwin]

18:54 <Kotono> "Kindness doesn't feed your family," Is the retort, "You're the sort to care about them, aren't you?" A look to your holy symbol.
18:57 <Devar> "It's served me well against the plague here." Devar says. "You're right, though, kindness doesn't feed your family, until the time you were kind to your neighbor and gave them extra food is reversed and they spare their own. You never know what tomorrow can bring for you."
19:04 <Kotono> "Dying at the end of Laremy's sword," Is the man's retort, "When you aren't stron genough to protect yourself. That's what tomorrow might bring."
19:06 <Devar> "Anything is possible. But worrying about that won't make the world a better place, so I just ask you to be kind to those around you." He says with a smile. "It's what the heroes of this city would want."
19:10 <Kotono> "That or be strong enough to protect ourselves," Is the merchant's response, "Is there anythin gelse?"
19:12 <Devar> "You can find strength in your faith, I promise." He says. "Please, be safe." He says before he will head off!
19:18 <Kotono> Then, walking around and listening? You happen to be passing by a corner when, "Attention, attention!" A loud voice calls. A soldier in armor and carring a scroll, "A public announcement! Come all and listen! Come all and listen!" Immediatley passerbys and those nearby approach, and several windows open for people to look out.
19:18 <Devar> Devar will go over to listen! He could just fly, but... no real point in making a spectacle and possible causing fear in people.
19:26 <Kotono> "Listen and listen well! War looms between the nations of Laremy and Eis! For now, Welland is neutral in any conflict. By decree, all travel into Laremy now requires a permit and approval." The man's voice carries well and clearly, "Anyone in violation of this decree will be subject to five years hard labor, and execution if they are found to be participants or potential participants in the
19:26 <Kotono> war. All trade from Laremy is under strict review as well, and any travelers are to be advised that the border may close and they will be barred from re-entry to Welland until the conflct concludes."
19:29 <Devar> Well that isn't great news, but isn't unsurprising. Still, is all of this part of Brachidos' plans, or is it something else? He'll have to tell the others when he finds them about this either way.
19:35 <Kotono> Murmurs. "Good!" "May Eis crush them!" "If not for this plague, we could..." Then, amid all of that, the announcement continues. "Also know this: All young men of their majority but not yet aged shall be awarded three month's bonus pay should they join the army, and should they be married, it shall be doubled. Those of demonstratable high talents such as magic will receive three years pay
19:35 <Kotono> instead and officer's rank!" That sparks even more murmurs, "Good!" "We won't be caught weak this time." "Finally!"
19:37 <Devar> Hopefully this doesn't push anyone still recovering to do anything foolish, Devar prays.
19:45 <Kotono> With that the annoucement ends. Now what?
19:46 <Devar> Devar will move on - now's probably not a bad time to take some time for himself - he'll had back to the inn and take some time to pray and meditate - perhaps he will receive direction.
19:47 <Kotono> OOC: Okay, give me a d100 with a +30 bonus. High is good.
19:47 <Devar> roll 1d100+30
19:47 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d100+30 --> [ 1d100=17 ]{47}
19:48 <Kotono> roll 1d100+30 Anne's side of it same high is good
19:48 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100+30 Anne's side of it same high is good --> [ 1d100=37 ]{67}
20:00 mode: •Kotono (promoted to owner, opped) 
20:00 <•Kotono> Devar gets flashes of images. It's of the ocean, a ship, a city? The last is hazier. Of coughing and groaning, of fever-shivers.
20:02 <Devar> OOC: Would a K: History or Local give me any potential insight on maybe a moving city or one that I might've heard of on the ocean?
20:03 <•Kotono> OOC: Sure, go for it.
20:04 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 24 on K:H history if that is appropriate, 23 on Local if that's it instead
20:04 <•Kotono> You've never heard of anything like that.
20:06 <Devar> Well, if they get to the ocean they can fly up and see it much more clearly, so that's good. He'll leave Anne to her own meditation and prayers, but assuming nothing else seems to impart itself from his own, he'll take the time to summon his trusty intelligent lance.
20:09 <•Kotono> Storm's Eye yawns loudly once he's in hand, "Is that fresh air and sunshine I smell?" he asks aloud, "No longer underground, are we?"
20:10 <Devar> "We managed to make it out." Devar says, giving it a brief explanation of what transpired. "I was hoping to talk to you a bit more now that we're not under the threat of... well, that entire place. Have you recovered any of your memories?"
20:17 <•Kotono> "Been sleeping more than anything else after everything," The weapon yawns again afterwards, "I went through a lot in there, too." As you talk, a knock on your door.
20:19 <Devar> "Come in." He calls, leaving Storm's Eye out. "Try and keep your personality in check, won't you?"
20:21 <•Kotono> Anne is there. "May I come in?" she asks, glancing at Storm's Eye. With a silent sigh and perhaps gathering herself, "And yes, good afternoon to you as well."
20:23 <Devar> "Please, we were just talking." He says. "I received something, but it was hazy. The ocean... and maybe a ship or a city? But I've no recollection of anything like that near the ocean at all."
20:29 <•Kotono> "One of the port cities to the north," Is the answer, "But it's hazy. We'll have to listen to the rumors and investigate more. But plague is coming again," A dire warning, "A second one so soon after the first, even if Dareslan will be spared it."
20:29 <•Kotono> "At least the elements don't get colds," Storm's Eye chuckles, "Lucky you."
20:31 <Devar> "Well, hopefully we can move quickly after him." Devar says. "Having the writ from the Lawmaker of these lands should help us get through any red tape if we run into resistance. He's right, too - not having to worry about being diseased will help you and everyone else a great deal."
20:33 <•Kotono> "That it will," Storm's Eye declares, "Why, you could go fight your disease spewing enemies in nothing but an apron and still not get sick, Anne."
20:34 <•Kotono> Anne reddens before her eyes narrow to near slits, "To quote a friend of mine: I have a mace and I know how to use it." she says, voice exasperated.
20:35 <•Kotono> Laughing, "And I meant nothing for it, except that disease can't touch you anymore. Count your blessings, woman." Storm's Eye declares.
20:36 <•Kotono> "Do you go stronger the more vexing you become?" Anne retorts, "Or is that the wrong way around?"
20:36 <Devar> Devar gives Storm's Eye one firm shake. "What did I -just- say?" A sigh after that. "He is right, though, if we find someone in dire need of it, you can loan them your armor. I'm not sure how it works if someone is already infected, but we may be able to use it in an emergency.
20:37 <•Kotono> Still laughing, "I'm serious! I would have said a loincloth had you been a man, but that seems in worse taste." Then calming after that shake, the weapon goes quiet.
20:38 <•Kotono> "I'll think on it," Anne says, "I wonder why so much disease in Welland?"
20:39 <Devar> "Anyway, it sounds like we have our destination. I overheard a town crier, Welland is neutral in the conflict between Laremy and Eis."
20:40 <Devar> "It did also mention we need a permit for border crossing but we can just... fly over it if we have to."
20:44 <•Kotono> "Well, if we're going north we won't reach the border anyway," Anne points out, "Since that's back south. If we have to return later and it's sealed, your idea has merit."
20:44 <•Kotono> Then, a sigh, "As I feared. War. At least Mellanics is far from the eastern front."
20:45 <•Kotono> "You've really gotten that windy, airy, breathy quality to your voice. It's an improvement," Storm's Eye speaks up, "I can feel the lightning in Devar when he holds me, and you got Air?"
20:46 <Devar> "I wish we had the means to send them word." Devar says. "Maybe before we leave we can ask the Mystrans to send something to the Guild Master via magic so he knows where we're going."
20:46 <Devar> "I swear, even when you're being sincere you still make it sound bad." Devar sighs again. "Yes, the only one we didn't pick of the primary four was Earth - I had thought about it, but this felt... more right, I guess."
20:47 <•Kotono> "That may be wise," Anne concurs, "And thank you, I'll choose to take that in good graces." Anne says.
20:47 <•Kotono> "Good taste!" Storm's Eye laughs some more. "It fits you! Though speaking of fitting, you and Anne seem to have compatibility."
20:48 <•Kotono> "...and you were doing not well, but at least above that," Anne says evenly.
20:48 <•Kotono> "It's a bad thing to be lonely," Storm's Eye retorts. "And if you have the element's blood now, you'll have a long time to be lonely."
20:48 <Devar> "We're just friends." Devar says. "Honestly, I'm beginning to think someone just tried to get rid of your personality..."
20:49 <•Kotono> "Besides, Skaya's the one who would court me, not Devar," Anne says in softening exasperation, "Though you speak wisely. Loneliness is its own poison."
20:53 <Devar> "Well, as vexing as you can be, you're not alone either." Devar says to Storm's Eye. "We do need to talk more about what you want and how to accomplish it, though. We know the basics about absorbing magic items, but... I've never heard of something doing that. There's a lot of mysteries behind you, and I'm hopeful as we grow together we will figure them out."
20:55 <•Kotono> "You're something abnormal, and that suggests a lot," Anne agrees with that.
20:56 <•Kotono> "It does sound strange," Storm's Eye admits slowly.
20:56 <•Kotono> "As strange as something that isn't a man acting like the most degenerate and lust-addled man," Anne presses right back.
20:59 <Devar> "Well, either way, who he is is just who he is." Devar says. "Just try and reign it in a little bit and be a little more tactful, all right?"
20:59 <Devar> "If you think it will help, I don't mind using my newfound lightning powers to give you a charge, maybe enough of them will help jog your memories." Devar adds.
21:03 <•Kotono> "Try," Storm's Eye agrees, "Could always use a jump start. That or..."
21:03 <•Kotono> "Let's leave that thought unfinished," Anne says crisply.
21:03 <•Kotono> "That or save them for Sanda," She appends.
21:05 <Devar> Devar holds Storm's Eye out a bit as he conjures an arrow of lightning in his other hand, which he simply presses up against Storm's Eye. "It's not exactly the way this spell is supposed to work, but..." OOC: Lightning Arrow SLA, it should last for an extra two rounds to do some extra lightning damage, for whatever that matters here.
21:08 <•Kotono> It crackle-snaps and soaks into Storm's Eye. LIghtning dances over him for several seconds before it dies down. "That woke me up," Storm's Eye says, "Got any more?"
21:10 <Devar> "I have another one, but it's probably better used outside." Devar says. "I'm not sure how it will manifest in here. Oh, there is this one." He says as his hand crackles with lightning as he holds Storm's Eye. OOC: Shocking Grasp SLA.
21:13 <•Kotono> A happy buzz from Storm's Eye, "Think that's enough for now. There's something, something, something," Storm's Eye voice is a bit distant.
21:14 <Devar> Devar simply sits and waits - no need to prod him!
21:19 <•Kotono> "I remember...a majestic mountain...no, two...two majestic mountains. Wait no, I'm thinking of Anne." A laugh as Anne's color turns crimson red. "Girl, you're my favorite of them, you're the easiest to tease. Hahahahahahahahaaaaa. But I do remember two mountains, both of them wreathed in storms. Lightning storms. They were my storms, I think."
21:22 <Devar> A deep sigh. "Two mountains, huh? Do you think it was one of the outer planes?" He asks. "I'm not extremely familiar with the various deities that control storms, but it could've been from there?"
21:25 <•Kotono> "It doesn't sound right," Storm's Eye says at last, "It doesn't feel right. I think it was here? Somewhere in this world."
21:25 <•Kotono> "I-it would fit how it drew in things from all over," Anne murmurs in thought, still red and pointedly ignoring that.
21:26 <Devar> "Hm... I didn't think to ask the artifact if they just were the ones who created him." Devar admits. "I'll see if I can find some books on geography and see if I can find what you're talking about. Maybe that'll help jog some other memories."
21:27 <Devar> "The Mystrans probably have a few about the features of this world, I'd think." He adds.
21:29 <•Kotono> "A good idea," Anne says, "Also, I think Sanda was reading about geography yesterday."
21:30 <Devar> "I can ask her." He nods. "So, since I haven't even really asked - what do you want to do with yourself?" He turns his head to look at the lance. "
21:30 <Devar> "I can ask her." He nods. "So, since I haven't even really asked - what do you want to do with yourself?" He turns his head to look at the lance. "What're your goals? What do you really want?"
21:32 <Devar> He adds - after a second's thought, "And if you say to put you into the breasts of a maiden, I will in fact just snap you into two."
21:35 <•Kotono> There's a pause, before deadpan, "Drat."
21:36 <•Kotono> Anne shakes her head tiredly, "Please, be serious, Storm's Eye."
21:36 <•Kotono> "My goals? I don't really know," Storm's Eye admits, "When I think past the beauty around me or the lovely voices I hear? I don't entirely know. Storms, lightning?"
21:38 <•Kotono> "I wonder if there's something to that thought you might have been a man incarnated into a weapon. A young man riding the final crests of puberty, perhaps. It would explain a great deal," Anne muses, "And that sort either has great, unrealistic plans or no plans at all."
21:38 <•Kotono> "You know a great many men like that?" Storm's Eye asks.
21:39 <•Kotono> "I'm the matron of an orphanage, so yes," A slight smile on Anne's face now, "They mostly mean well, but it's a difficult age."
21:40 <•Kotono> "It doesn't even sound entirely wrong," Storm's Eye says, "Or maybe that's because I like your new voice. Who can say?"
21:41 <•Kotono> "Who can say?" Anne echos that, "Devar, what do you think of that? Does it ring true or false to you?"
21:42 <Devar> Devar hums at this conversation. "We'll figure it out eventually." He says. "Whether you're just a special weapon given sentience somehow, or because you somehow... got stuck in there? I don't know if that's even possible, but I'll help you as best as I can."
21:44 <Devar> "Lady Eldath showed me a path to using the power of lightning to protect people and keep them safe, so I'm certain we can find something for you." He says.
21:47 <•Kotono> "It's possible to trap a soul in an object," Anne mentions, "But I don't know how, all I know is that my teacher said it was something magic could achieve."
21:49 <•Kotono> "Something to look forward to," Storm's Eye crows, "Now I'm even more curious."
21:49 <Devar> "Well, you think about what you want to do." Devar says. "In the meantime, I'll keep giving you some jolts and see if it helps any."
21:50 <•Kotono> Anne reaches out and gently pats Storm's Eye, "Just be good and behave yourself."
21:50 <•Kotono> "Yes, Mom," Storm's Eye chuckles. "Jolt away, Devar."
21:55 <Devar> "We'll do it outside." He says. "I wonder how Rina and Skaya are doing, I hope they didn't get into any trouble."

[Corwin]

19:03 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, just going to zap him up and anything else to do on your end?
19:04 <Devar> OOC: Nope, just go outside, hit him with some lightning bolts and see if that helps any, then rejoin the others. I can ask Sanda about geography later.
19:09 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay. More.
19:10 <•Kotono> The party gets together around dinnertime. Everyone's had a chance to do things and...OOC: Go ahead and start y'all.
19:11 <Skaya> "So Talona reached out to us about our quarry," Skaya opens with. "You decide if that's helpful."
19:12 <Devar> "I think our next move is north, towards a coastal city." Devar says, then blinks at Skaya. "Uh... isn't she a goddess of disease?"
19:12 <Skaya> "Must not like the competition."
19:13 <Devar> "Anne and I received some guidance to go north, which is as good of an impetus as I think we need, but did you all uncover anything more specific?"
19:15 <Skaya> "North, towards the coastline," Skaya responds, frowning then. "Apparently only a few days ago, which suggests he had other business nearby or was loitering until recently."
19:18 <Devar> "We may have set things back a good bit by dealing with the plague here." Devar says. "So maybe we're not too far behind. Which just leaves us with how do we plan to get there? Standard way or with our new means? I don't know how far it is, but it might be faster?"
19:18 <Skaya> "Also of note is him saying of Brachidos, 'His patron is about disease. One sickness weakens a body, but what happens when a nation gets sick again when already recovering?'," Skaya tells the others. "And then he complained that Brachidos wasn't popular with the crowd of those preparing Welland for war, as he was getting in their way. If nothing else, that suggests he was truthful, by trying to use us to get rid of competition."
19:19 <•Kotono> Anne sighs at that, "Skaya's reaction is likely true. She doesn't like the competition." A soft hum after, "It sounds like unintended consequences."
19:20 <Skaya> "So since your information supports ours, and ours seems reasonable enough, let's head for the coast?"
19:20 <•Kotono> "That or maybe Talona's favored want to use the ar to spread disease?" Sanda suggests, "And Brachidos means Welland stays out of the war and safer?"
19:21 <•Kotono> "The coast is a fine idea," Anne agrees, "We have no reason not to."
19:21 <Devar> Devar nods. "Right, so horses or flying - or a combination?" He asks.
19:22 <Skaya> "Sorry I wasn't clear enough, Devar," Skaya apologizes. "I meant to suggest we would walk there. Last time we got a wagon-- well. And I don't think flight is doable with all of us and our gear."
19:24 <Devar> "That's fine. We also have the option of potentially asking if anyone of the Mystrans happens to know how to teleport." He says. "It might save us some travel time. Walking or riding is fine, you and I can just scout above now and keep an eye out."
19:25 <•Kotono> "I think we should get a wagon," Sanda speaks up, "If it happens again it happens, but it would make travel much easier."
19:25 <•Kotono> Rina stays quiet, more lost in he rown thoughts than anythin gelse.
19:25 — Skaya coughs. "Asking someone here to teleport us, even if they can, is a really huge favor. Let's not? I'm willing to ignore the trauma of losing our horses before and will try not to get attached to new ones."
19:26 <Devar> "We -did- save the entire city. I don't think it's that uneasonable."
19:27 — Skaya peers at Devar before shaking her head and turning to Rina. "Oh, and this is entirely unrelated, but Rina, want to tell everyone? I think it's best to avoid any surprises further down the line."
19:32 <•Kotono> "Teleportation is a fine idea if they ahve it," Anne muses, "But that's a big if. It doesn't hurt to at least ask, does it?"
19:32 <•Kotono> "Tell what?" Rina asks, blinking and looking up suddenly.
19:34 <Skaya> "We currently hold a good deal of capital and good will here, part of which I used to ask the nation to stay out of the war and part of it we used to keep on getting information from the Temple of Mystra," Skaya elaborates. "If we ask for something this big that we can get without, it feels like splurging." To Rina, she says, "The vision you received from possibly Zaaman Rul?"

[Corwin]

19:06 <•Kotono> At that Rina speaks, ""I saw a great flame that spread out over a map of Laremy, of Eis, of Welland. It burned away all the pain and life grew in the ashes. When I looked at the flame, it was me." A softer voice, "Fire needs to be purified, just like this world. I don't know who said it, but it was a man's voice. A strong man."
19:08 <Devar> "I can certainly see how that would shake you." Devar says quietly. "You could take many meanings from a vision like that."
19:09 <Skaya> "The fact that life grows in the ashes seems to exclude the worst Fire has to offer, and that doesn't leave a particularly large selection," Skaya adds as her opinion. "It did make me wonder. Are we being influenced quite directly by our elemental natures?"
19:10 <Devar> "I did have a vision of a storm coming, but I know for a fact it was Lady Eldath who was guiding me." He says to Skaya. "So it's possible there's some influence, but not any of that sort for me, anyway."
19:10 <•Kotono> "At the least," Anne says, "I do wish to fly again even now. But I haven't felt different in thought or morals."
19:11 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-423F0355.irccloud.com)
19:11 <•Kotono> "I have some new instincts. The thought of going to the ocean isn't pleasant," Rina states, "Nothing I want to do."
19:12 <Skaya> "I've wanted to fly even before the transformation," Skaya admits. And people's heads look comfortable. She's too big to just rest on them, though. Maybe if she came across a giant, though?
19:12 <•Kotono> ""I suspect our connection is pure and strong," Sanda speaks up, "Statistically speaking, there's going to be some, but nothing too overt that I've noticed.
19:12 <•Kotono> "
19:13 <Devar> "It might be a stronger pull for those without a divine connection." Devar suggests.
19:13 <•Kotono> "It might be," Sanda reasons, "Rina's vision suggests that."
19:14 <•Kotono> Then, more thoughtfully, "It might also be a period of adjustment," Anne reasons out, "Like how you want to play with a new toy at first, but in time the novelty wears off and it no longer dominates your attention.
19:14 <•Kotono> "
19:15 <Skaya> "Are we the toys?"
19:15 <Devar> "I think as long as we agree to talk to each other about any sudden urges, it should be fine." He says.
19:18 <•Kotono> "Of course not, I meant the other way around," Anne says, "And yes, we should be fine with caution."
19:18 <Skaya> "Then let's just buy our horse and carriage?"
19:18 <•Kotono> "Besides all of that, is there anything else we need to do in Dareslan before we move on?" Sanda speaks up. OOC: This is as good a time as any to ask about that.
19:19 <Devar> OOC: The only thing I can think of we might need is a map just in case? But we have everything else covered I think.
19:22 <•Kotono> OOC: Map can be taken care of. Full disclosure, I meant to have a map done and it didn't happen. So expect that next week sometime. Lemme check what you paid last time for the wagon.
19:25 <•Kotono> You meet with the High Reeve one last time before you leave and do your last shopping. It's relevant for one reason, "I hear you're going north," The HIgh Reeve says, "Will you be taking the roads?"
19:26 <Devar> Devar nods. "That's the plan. If there's any bandits or other problems that people need help with, we should be able to deal with them."
19:26 <Skaya> "We might be able to pick up some clues as we go, too."
19:30 <•Kotono> "Then we have a gift for you," You're lead out. Near the roads is a covered wagon, a pair of strong horses to pull it. "It's loaded with supplies inside, and there's a brown bag inside. It'sone of those bags that's bigger on the inside. It's tied to the wagon, but it'll provide you a great deal of storage space."
19:30 <•Kotono> Rina goes to it and hops inside, and a loud whistle follows.
19:31 <•Kotono> "Thank you for your gracious gifts," Anne bows her head, "This will aid our quest for Brachidos."
19:31 <Skaya> "Thank you so much!" Skaya says earnestly. Oh, she'll feel so guilty when bandits or monsters inevitably smash it all to pieces.
19:31 <Devar> "Oh, thank you so much." Devar agrees. "We'll send whatever news when we have some. Hopefully it will all be good."
19:34 <•Kotono> Sanda goes inside and cheerfully sets up, "Mmm, it's cooler in the shade," she says, voice happy.
19:35 <•Kotono> "We can travel lighter and stor emore in the wagon. It's a wonderful gift," Anne says once she checks the insides.
19:36 <•Kotono> Rina goes to check over the horses, "Good stock. I've heard Welland's been importing strong horses from across the sea."
19:36 <•Kotono> "Use it well," The High Reeve says, "And catch Brachidos."
19:37 <Skaya> "We'll definitely give it our best. Please send Starre our way when she returns?"
19:37 <Devar> "We will. I hope things continue to improve here while we're gone." Devar says.
19:40 <•Kotono> At that, with promises exchanged...OOC: Last call to do anything in Dareslan or is it finally time to move on? Been a heck of a long stay here.
19:40 <Skaya> OOC: Let's go
19:41 <Devar> OOC: to adventure!
19:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=39 ]{39}
19:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=52 ]{52}
19:46 <•Kotono> Back on the roads. Summer blazes on. Sanda mostly stays inside the wagon, while Anne takes to the air regularyl. Rina mostly drives the wagon, basking in the sunlight. How are the two of you going to spend your typical days on the road? OOC: Worth a refresher since it's been so long.
19:47 — Skaya does her best to spend some time with everyone. There's no need to stick to some rigid schedule! Though she wouldn't bother Sanda if she's reading her magic book.
19:49 <Devar> Devar will fly around every now and again himself. OOC: Assuming there's multiple days here, at least once a day Devar will spend his lightning SLAs on Storm's Eye to help him out and see if it provides any help for him. He'll also check in with Sanda about the 'two mountains with lightning' and see if she recognizes it from any of her research. Other than that, yeah, he'll just fly around
19:49 <Devar> every now and again and keep everyone company along with Skaya.
19:53 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+14
19:53 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{33}
19:54 <•Kotono> It's mid afternoon of the second day of travel. Devar ducks into the wagon. It's cooler here, humid but not unpleasantly. Sanda's here and reading while Skaya's resting in here, Anne seeing to the aerial view. On Devar's inquiry, "Did you say two mountains?"
19:55 <Devar> Devar summons Storm's Eye to confirm! "You did say stormy with two high mountains, right?"
20:01 <•Kotono> An ear-splitting awn before, "Sure did," Storm's Eye agrees.
20:02 <•Kotono> "That sounds like..." Sanda goes and fishes out another book from storage. "Hold on, it rings a bell. It's not local, but it's something." She starts flipping pages. "Here! The twin mountains, where storms fight, past Karne Forests."
20:03 <Devar> "That sounds like the place to me." Devar says. "We can mark it down as a destination in the future."
20:10 <•Kotono> "It's across the sea and the Ginnorian Desert," Sanda reads, "Then a few kingdoms and those forests I mentioned."
20:11 <Devar> Devar nods. "It's a bit of a trip, but something we can look into after Brachidos."
20:12 <Skaya> "Let's learn how to teleport first!"
20:13 <Devar> "It'd certainly make the trip shorter, for sure."
20:14 <•Kotono> Nods all around, as from there? That evening over dinner that none of you strictly need anymore, "You know," Rina points out, "We could travel through a few nights, pick up some lost time that way."
20:15 <•Kotono> "The horses still need rest," Anne interjects to that, "While not an impossible barrier to overcome with magic, it would likely catch up to their stamina sooner or later."
20:16 <Skaya> "It is kind of mean to keep on restoring the stamina of horses with magic," Skaya agrees, nodding at Anne. "Plus fresh spells require rest anyway."
20:16 <•Kotono> "I still need quiet time even if not sleep," Sanda agrees, "To clear my mind, though sleep's simpler."
20:17 <Devar> "Hopefully by the time we get there things won't be as bad as Dareslan was." Devar says. "But the good news is that even if that is the case, we can freely wade into it without concern."
20:17 <•Kotono> "I don't, but it's about prayer, not study," Anne mentions, "But regardless, all of that means it's an option of great need."
20:23 <Skaya> "If we do go for it, I think you guys bought wands for that?"
20:24 <•Kotono> "Lesser Vigor heals wounds despite its name," Anne shakes her head, "But I can memorize spells that do that."
20:25 <Devar> "We have plenty of wands to restore health." Devar confirms. "Anne would have to be the one to help with the fatigue, though."
20:31 <•Kotono> "It takes harder magic," Anne explains, "Now, watches tonight?"
20:32 <Skaya> "Rina and I, then you and Devar?" Skaya responds to Anne. "Sanda can sit this one out."
20:32 <Devar> "That's fine."
20:33 <•Kotono> With that the party settles in and...OOC: More.
20:33 <•Kotono> roll 1d100+30
20:33 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100+30 --> [ 1d100=27 ]{57}
20:33 <•Kotono> roll 1d100+30
20:33 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100+30 --> [ 1d100=49 ]{79}
20:35 <•Kotono> It's later in the evening. Anne keeps Devar company as the two keep watch. Anne's drifting just off the ground, kicking up a slight cool breeze. The wagon and your tents are about, a little ways off the roads. The moon's out, a crescent that's sinking down as the night wears on. That's when...OOC: Give me perception real quick, Devar.
20:35 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 20
20:36 <•Kotono> Hm? It's subtle, but the ground shakes beneath his feet.
20:37 <Devar> He'd forgotten about these stupid things! "Up! Everyone up! Ankhegs I think!" Either he's wrong and he spooks everyone for no reason, or he prevents a disaster!
20:41 <•Kotono> Anne takes to the air instantly as a groan comes from Sanda, inside her tent. Rina's out in moments, sword already in hand. Just in time, because suddenly...!
20:41 — Skaya wakes up in a startle, almost tangling with the roof of her tent before stopping herself. The tent starts to collapse all around her, but with her speed getting out is enough to clear it in time. There better be enemies!
20:42 <•Kotono> The warning is given, but the ground beneath Devar breaks apart, as an ankheg's mouth tries to snap-bite him.
20:42 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+9 (+2 ???)
20:42 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 (+2 ???) --> [ 1d20=11 ]{20}
20:42 <•Kotono> OOC: AC Devar?
20:42 <Devar> OOC: 25
20:43 <•Kotono> Devar leaps up in the night gloom, the party's darkvision more than enough to see the threat. With Devar untouched, the rest of you...OOC: Init time.
20:44 <Skaya> roll 1d20+12
20:44 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{26}
20:44 <•Kotono> roll 1d20 Sanda
20:44 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 Sanda --> [ 1d20=19 ]{19}
20:44 <Devar> roll 1d20+3 maybe I'll take improved initiative someday
20:44 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+3 maybe I'll take improved initiative someday --> [ 1d20=11 ]{14}
20:44 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Anne
20:44 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 Anne --> [ 1d20=19 ]{23}
20:44 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13 Rina
20:44 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 Rina --> [ 1d20=1 ]{14}
20:44 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Ankheg
20:44 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 Ankheg --> [ 1d20=10 ]{14}
20:45 <•Kotono> Init is Skaya (26) > Anne (23) >  Sanda (19) > Devar = Rina = Ankheg (14)
20:45 <•Kotono> OOC: Open Skaya.
20:45 — Skaya sends magic missiles right down the ankheg's throat!
20:46 <Skaya> roll 3d4+4+5
20:46 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d4+4+5 --> [ 3d4=9 ]{18}
20:53 <•Kotono> The magic missiles hit hard, going right down the ankheg's throat. The beast's entire body shudders at that, leaving it twitching. This gives Anne an opening, coming down from above and slamming her mace down on its convulsing head.
20:53 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+11
20:53 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{22}
20:53 <•Kotono> roll 1d8+4
20:53 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+4 --> [ 1d8=8 ]{12}
20:54 <•Kotono> There's a loud, terrible crack as bone gives way and the ankheg collapses. There's only quiet stilllness after, the beast slumped over. Monocrome blood leaks out from its ruined mouth now as it lies there, broken. OOC: Free act.
20:55 <Skaya> "What pests," Skaya complains, making her way over to the horses to make sure they are alright.
20:58 <•Kotono> The horses are agitated, working up a lather. Meanwhile Rina stretches, "Nice job, they aren't even a threat to us anymore."
20:59 <•Kotono> Anne drifts upward and looks to the night sky, "What a wonderful view." she murmurs
20:59 <•Kotono> .
20:59 <Devar> "No, especially now that their primary vector of attack doesn't hinder most of us. But it's a good reminder to keep watch on the ground to sense them earlier." Devar says.
20:59 <•Kotono> Sanda emerges at last, yawning, "Statistically speaking, a single one isn't going to threaten us at all now."
21:00 — Skaya calms the horses down! She can do that. She can do everything!
21:03 <Devar> "We've never really just encountered one of them by themselves, though." Devar points out. "It's probably got friends around."
21:03 <•Kotono> OOC: Handle animal check, Skaya.
21:04 <Skaya> roll 1d20+9+6
21:04 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+9+6 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{34}
21:05 <•Kotono> Anne drifts up higher, but pays attention now. She peers down and about, while Rina kneels and places her hand on the ground. The horses calm slowly, skittish. Spooked. "I feel something," Rina suddenly says, "They're beneath us!" OOC: Rina taking 10 on Perception.
21:06 <Devar> "See?!"
21:06 — Skaya tenses, preparing to rescue the horses should the nasty bugs target them.
21:10 <•Kotono> There's rumbling. Light shakes, but nothing more. It doesn'ts top, but it's not progressing, either.
21:10 <•Kotono> "Wait a moment," Sanda says, "Is this reminding anyone of anything?"
21:11 <Skaya> "You think the smart, trained ankhegs got out?"
21:17 <•Kotono> "I really hope not!" Sanda calls back, "We're in a lot of trouble if they did, logically!"
21:18 <•Kotono> The rumbling starts to die down, and soon enough the ground's mild shake ceases altogether.
21:18 <Skaya> OOC: If we're in init and not getting attacked, I'll use the pearl to restore MM
21:18 <•Kotono> OOC: Feel free.
21:19 <Devar> "Well, we just have to keep an ear to the ground so to speak, but it seems like they aren't trying to challenge us since their first attack got foiled." Devar says.
21:20 <Skaya> "It's a losing proposition to fight a team of fliers."
21:20 <•Kotono> "We have the advantage, then," Anne calls down, and then the shaking starts again. Still mild and not too much, but it's enough to be noticed.
21:20 <•Kotono> "What are they even doing?" Sanda mutters as she looks down at the ground.
21:21 <Devar> "Rina, do you mind checking?" Devar calls out, gesturing towards the ground. "We have another advantage over them besides flying."
21:26 <•Kotono> Rina nods, "I'll see what I can get." Rina agrees, "Anne, could you be ready in case this goes wrong?"
21:26 <•Kotono> "It's part of the job," Anne says softly.
21:26 <•Kotono> With a little smile up to Anne, Rina swimstones on in and down.
21:27 <Skaya> While keeping an eye on the horses, Skaya heads over to pack away her tent. It's not doing anyone any good all collapsed like that.
21:30 <•Kotono> The horses are still skittish. Everyone else is on the ready, until...
21:31 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12
21:31 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{27}
21:31 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12
21:31 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{21}
21:31 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12
21:31 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{13}
21:31 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12
21:31 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{15}
21:31 <•Kotono> The shaking stops, as moments later Rina is forced out like a shot, screaming as she's launcehd a few feet up before landing on her side.
21:32 <•Kotono> roll 5d6 50ft so 5d6 damage to Rina
21:32 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 5d6 50ft so 5d6 damage to Rina --> [ 5d6=14 ]{14}
21:32 <•Kotono> roll 3d6
21:32 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d6 --> [ 3d6=11 ]{11}
21:32 <•Kotono> A moment later healing washes over all of you as Rina breathes hard. At least the shaking's stopped. "Rina?" Sanda asks.
21:32 <Skaya> "What the hell?! Rina?"
21:34 <•Kotono> ""They were doing something down there, I'm not sure, but it was ugly and confused. They started to retreat I think and they tried to drag me along, but it didn't work and  I think I took too long doing that." Rina hops to her feet, "I'm fine, though."
21:35 <Skaya> "Doing what? Some weird ritual? Mining?"
21:36 <•Kotono> Rina dusts herself off, "Digging for something," She answers, "But it didn't look to be around here as much as below us."
21:36 <•Kotono> Anne slowly hums, "Curious, but not as informative as I'd like."
21:37 <Skaya> "Let's move away from here for now."
21:38 <Devar> "I'll keep an eye on the ground while we do that." Devar says.
21:43 <•Kotono> The party moves. There's no more shaking or signs of pursuit, only a single slain ankheg left behind. Once you're a ways away, "Say Anne, could you do something to get answers? Your magic's getting stronger. How about you, Sanda?"
21:45 <•Kotono> "Not yet, I'd want the fourth circle for that," Anne answers, "It also requires some time to cast and a moderately expensive component."
21:46 <Devar> "I think we just have to rely on old-fashioned investigation." Devar says.
21:46 <•Kotono> Rina shakes her head at that, "Too bad. Unfortunately, ankhegs are terrible conversationalists."
21:47 <•Kotono> "It's the spitting acid on you that does it," Sanda's voice is bone dry.
21:47 <Devar> "Well, maybe now that Rina spooked them down there they might wise up and just leave us alone."
21:47 <Skaya> "They're not the worst but they're never fun," Skaya agrees.
21:50 <•Kotono> There's nods around a tthat as the party settles back in, and...OOC: I'm sorta familied and we're almost there, so we'll start there next time.

[Corwin]

19:06 <•Kotono> On the upside, the rest of the night passes uneventfully. Come morning as the party gets together...
19:07 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@4C42B94.893F10BA.8F3DD4EE.IP)
19:07 <•Kotono> roll 1d5
19:07 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d5 --> [ 1d5=3 ]{3}
19:08 <•Kotono> It happens to be Anne who ducks away a moment, already clad in her armor and...
19:08 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6
19:08 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{26}
19:08 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+7 touch AC not flatfooted
19:08 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+7 touch AC not flatfooted --> [ 1d20=1 ]{8}
19:09 <•Kotono> It's a bit away ins ome trees, but suddenly the party hears Anne shout, "We're under attack!"
19:10 <Skaya> "By what?" Skaya exclaims, dashing over to Anne.
19:10 <Devar> Devar wastes no time, flying towards the trees to see what's going on! OOC: If he can, he'll cast Mage Armor as well on himself.
19:13 <•Kotono> Rina drops her pack and grabs her sword, off to follow at a sprint. Sanda startles and her spellbook falls to the ground as she rushes up, following behind. Anne's there, and 30ft away, at the edge of the trees. Something's changing before your eyes. It was something twisted and shifting, but is changing shape. Before your eyes it grows, now a ten feet tall tree with arms of bark that end in
19:13 <•Kotono> sharp claws. It has a face of bark and wood, impassively sneering. "Shapeshifter!" Anne adds, "It was a small scorpion before."
19:13 <Skaya> It's a tree! So Skaya breathes fire!
19:14 <•Kotono> OOC: That's a fair response, but that's gonna take us into init then.
19:15 <Skaya> roll 1d20+12 I'm afraid we're already there
19:15 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+12 I'm afraid we're already there --> [ 1d20=10 ]{22}
19:15 <•Kotono> roll 1d20 Skaya
19:15 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 Skaya --> [ 1d20=7 ]{7}
19:15 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Anne
19:15 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 Anne --> [ 1d20=17 ]{21}
19:15 <Devar> roll 1d20+3 surely devar will get supreme initiative one day right
19:15 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13 Rina
19:15 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+3 surely devar will get supreme initiative one day right --> [ 1d20=7 ]{10}
19:15 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 Rina --> [ 1d20=9 ]{22}
19:16 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Tree
19:16 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 Tree --> [ 1d20=11 ]{19}
19:17 <•Kotono> Init is Skaya = Rina (22) > Anne (21) > Tree (19) > Devar (10) > Sanda (7)
19:17 <•Kotono> OOC: Skaya and Rina open.
19:18 — Skaya flanks to the left to avoid impeding the others, and upon approaching within 15 feet, tries to set the evil tree on fire!
19:18 <Skaya> roll 5d4 burning hands
19:18 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 5d4 burning hands --> [ 5d4=11 ]{11}
19:18 <Skaya> roll 1d20+6 SR needed?
19:18 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+6 SR needed? --> [ 1d20=6 ]{12}
19:18 <•Kotono> OOC: Does it have a save?
19:19 <Skaya> OOC: Oh, sorry. Ref DC16 half.
19:20 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+9
19:20 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{26}
19:21 <•Kotono> The flames graze the tree, with moves with agility more s uited to a dancer than a giant hunk of wood. Still, that contac tmakes its bark smoke and crackle, singes across its side as Rina sprints. She races in, able to strike before it can react, running past and sword slashing across its side.
19:22 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+16
19:22 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{24}
19:22 <•Kotono> roll 1d6+3+2d6
19:22 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+3+2d6 --> [ 1d6=1 2d6=10 ]{14}
19:23 <•Kotono> With one side burnt and the other sliced, the treant-like creature is knocked back. This is just in time for Anne to recover and hold, stepping back instead and at the ready. OOC: Anne's prepared to heal as necessary. She knows how things tend to go for this party. Tree's up.
19:23 <•Kotono> The tree whirls and rushes back, icy wound and fiery burns crackling as it reaches out for Rina.
19:24 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+16
19:24 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{24}
19:24 <Skaya> OOC: What's the tree's reach?
19:24 <•Kotono> OOC: 10ft, why?
19:25 <Skaya> OOC: Just to visualize it better. Thanks.
19:25 <•Kotono> It's a grab that misses by inches, Rina scrambling and moving. She continues to run back, just outpacing her pursuer.  It leaves the tree's back to the party, the shapeshifter momentarily vulnerable as...OOC: Devar, go.
19:26 <Devar> Devar summons Storm's Eye and flies in on the other side to take a stab at it!
19:26 <Devar> roll 1d20+11+2
19:26 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+11+2 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{14}
19:32 <•Kotono> Devar races in and STorm's Eye crackles, but it's a swift miss. The tree's moving ahead toof ast after Rina, as meanwhile Sanda keeps pace, gestures and points, "Be broken!" she chants, as magic missiles fly to pepper its back.
19:32 <•Kotono> roll 3d4+3 when ind oubt, magic missile
19:32 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d4+3 when ind oubt, magic missile --> [ 3d4=10 ]{13}
19:33 <•Kotono> Those missiles pepper its back, making it stumble. It's off balance and not able to catch up to Rina, starting to turn in vain as...OOC: Skaya and Rina.
19:34 — Skaya just can't give up on the concept of burning the tree to a crisp, and conjures up a flaming torch over her outstretched hand!
19:34 <Skaya> OOC: Produce Flame
19:37 <•Kotono> Skaya prepared by setting up flames in her hand, as Rina pivots back. With the shapechanger turning, she stops and extends her hands out, jets of flame coming out as well.
19:37 <•Kotono> roll 5d4 burning hands
19:37 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 5d4 burning hands --> [ 5d4=11 ]{11}
19:38 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+9 ref
19:38 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 ref --> [ 1d20=3 ]{12}
19:39 <•Kotono> These flames catch the treant's exposed back, making it stumble even more, burning away as the scent of wood smoke fills the air. Anne keeps pace and calls, "Surrender!" She demands, "Cease your attack!" Not that it seems to do any good, as the tree moans in low pain and stumbles, going for Rina once more, uncaring of the opening it gives Devar. OOC: Provokes an AoO from Devar since he's in
19:39 <•Kotono> range.
19:40 <Skaya> "Not me? Seriously not me?!"
19:40 <Devar> roll 1d20+11+2 surely this time
19:40 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+11+2 surely this time --> [ 1d20=7 ]{20}
19:40 <•Kotono> OOC: Hit.
19:40 <Devar> roll 1d8+5+1d6 last is lightning if it matters
19:40 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d8+5+1d6 last is lightning if it matters --> [ 1d8=6 1d6=3 ]{14}
19:44 <•Kotono> A crackle of lightning follows as Devar's spear stabs into the tree. It's not enough to stop it, but tree sap runs from the wound as it lunges at Rina again.
19:44 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+16
19:44 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{32}
19:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+8
19:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{14}
19:46 <•Kotono> Rina is grabbed...and tossed up and ahead. She goes flying a good 30ft up and up about 50ft, landing with a massive, bone rattling crash on the hard ground.
19:46 <•Kotono> roll 5d8 owwies
19:46 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 5d8 owwies --> [ 5d8=27 ]{27}
19:46 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 67/67 Devar 78/78 Anne 77/77 Sanda 55/55 Rina 46/73
19:46 <•Kotono> The tree then begins to run, its entire form starting to shrink down and change, shift. OOC: Devar.
19:46 <•Kotono> OOC: Anne's also going to go and do what you'd expect, but one second on that, so go.
19:48 <Devar> Devar flies after it, trying to get another stab in to slow it down! OOC: Here is where I regret not having the stand still feat yet
19:48 <Devar> roll 1d20+11 stabby
19:48 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+11 stabby --> [ 1d20=20 ]{31}
19:48 <Devar> roll 1d20+11 stabby crit?
19:48 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+11 stabby crit? --> [ 1d20=1 ]{12}
19:48 <Devar> OOC: thanks kobot, I love you too
19:48 <Devar> roll 1d8+5+1d6 last is lightning
19:48 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d8+5+1d6 last is lightning --> [ 1d8=7 1d6=3 ]{15}
19:55 <•Kotono> OOC: ?Kobot is something.
19:56 <•Kotono> Another stab, right int o the former tree's middle. The shapeshifting mass gasps and convulses, before falling to the ground. A blonde woman in now bloodstained dress twitches and coughs several times, "J-...Jo-..." is all she can manage as her eyes close. Meanwhile, Anne goes and quickly heals Rina. OOC: Free act once I roll out the healing.
19:56 <•Kotono> roll 3d6
19:56 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d6 --> [ 3d6=9 ]{9}
19:56 <•Kotono> OOC: 13.
19:57 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 67/67 Devar 78/78 Anne 77/77 Sanda 55/55 Rina 59/73
19:57 <Skaya> "I see that fire is indeed as useless as all the books have said," Skaya mutters, playing with her conjured flames for now. "Still alive, Rina?"
19:58 <•Kotono> Rina's heard groaning in the distance as Anne hurries over and helps her up. Meanwhile Sanda shakes her head, "What a stupid woman."
19:58 <•Kotono> "Yeah," Rina calls back over, "Nothing's broken besides maybe a rib or four."
19:58 <•Kotono> Anne sighs and reaches out, "Moore, please heal those who seem to attract injuries like gold attracts dragons."
19:58 <Devar> Devar flies down - checking the woman quickly to see if she's dead dead or not. "If we can save her life, do you all want to to try and get more information?"
19:58 <•Kotono> roll 2d8+7
19:58 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d8+7 --> [ 2d8=16 ]{23}
19:59 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 67/67 Devar 78/78 Anne 77/77 Sanda 55/55 Rina 73/73
19:59 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 20 on a Heal check
19:59 <Skaya> "She tried to kill Anne in an ambush, and refused a chance to talk or escape," Skaya says evenly. "I'm not healing her."
19:59 <•Kotono> She's alive but fading fast, looks like. She's bleeding out, to put it bluntly.
20:00 <•Kotono> Anne approaches, "I'll do it. Sometimes the first step is mercy, no matter how little deserved."
20:00 <•Kotono> roll 1d8+5 cure light wounds
20:00 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+5 cure light wounds --> [ 1d8=6 ]{11}
20:00 <•Kotono> OOC: Strike, forgot something.
20:01 <Devar> Devar puts Storm's Eye up to the woman's throat in the meantime. He doesn't like threatening people, but Skaya's right about what this one already tried.
20:01 <•Kotono> Anne kneels next to the woman and gently taps her forehead, "Mercy onto you, no matter how poorly deserved." OOC: 6 HP from touch of healing.
20:02 <•Kotono> As the woman coughs wetly, Anne readies her mace, just in case. "I suggest that you either cooperate or make peace with whomever you serve," she says, "I shalln't repeat my mercy should you defy it."
20:02 <•Kotono> Sanda stays back, peering intently at her.
20:03 <•Kotono> Rina approaches and rubs her side, "Nicer than I am," Rina mutters to Anne. "Far nicer."
20:03 — Skaya blinks, but then glances at the fire she's still holding. Maybe it'll see some use after all?
20:04 <Devar> "You're surrounded by a lot of forgiving people." Devar says. "Some of us less so than others. Who are you working for?"
20:04 <•Kotono> With a cough that flecks blood onto her lips, "Ah...ah...glory....glory to the Mistress of all Disease. L-lady Talona, breathe p-poison and suffering onto them."
20:05 <Devar> Devar looks over at Rina and Skaya at that.
20:06 <•Kotono> Rina's expression closes off completely, "Kill her and be done with it."
20:06 <Skaya> "Couldn't we have just checked her clothes for this?" Skaya mutters. "Glad you weren't poisoned, Anne and Rina."
20:07 <•Kotono> Anne taps the breastplate of her armor, "And I'm grateful even more for this armor I now bear." She kneels next to the woman, "It's not too late to change, you still draw breath."
20:07 <Devar> "How are you and Brachidos related?" Devar asks. "How did you know we'd be here?" OOC: Intimidate for 27
20:08 <•Kotono> Sanda goes to Skaya, "This is why paladins and zealots end up dead," she murmurs under her breath to Skaya.
20:09 <•Kotono> "T-to the Abyss with that d-dog of the O-oinoloth," The woman wheezes.
20:10 <Skaya> "I actually don't mind that much," Skaya admits to Sanda quietly, keeping an eye on the proceedings. "It's what comes after that's difficult. Are they just going to kill her? Or tug a shapeshifting, poison-using assassin with us in the cart till we reach civilization? That... will still execute her. Like is there a third option here?"
20:10 <Devar> "Is this some sort of competition between you and him to see who can spread the worst diseases?" Devar asks. "You attacking us makes no sense, or is this revenge for your friend?"
20:11 <•Kotono> "If she's an unrepentant follower of Talona, execute her," Sanda says, "You saw the plague of Dareslan, even if not Talona caused, is still something she'd approve of otherwise."
20:12 <•Kotono> "He...he interferes..." A slow gasp for air and Anne sighs, bu theals her further. That seems to do enough, though with Storm's Eye at her throat, she doesn't move. "He interferes. At least kill him."
20:13 <•Kotono> "Evil turns on and devours itself, like the snake that eats its own tail," Anne murmurs.
20:14 <Devar> "Fine, so for some reason you all are fighting. Why are you attacking us?" Devar repeats, firmly holding onto Storm's Eye. "The only thing we're involved in is trying to track him down and kill him."
20:15 <•Kotono> "You killed him." The woman's gaze turns to Rina. She spits bloodily at Rina, but it comes up short.
20:16 — Skaya nods at that.
20:18 <Devar> Devar shakes his head. "I don't think there's anything I can say that's going to change your mind, but I will say this - you already know how this path ends for you. You have one chance to accept the peace and redemption no one else on this plane would offer you." He withdraws Storm's Eye, but doesn't dismiss it. "I don't know what's put you on a path to follow someone like Talona, but it only
20:18 <Devar> leads to the death of others and the death of yourself. If you are willing to atone for that and redeem yourself, I'll let you go." OOC: Diplomacy for 27
20:19 <•Kotono> "I know what's waiting for me," The woman meets Devar's gaze with nothing but scorn. "I am not weak, I will not turn away."
20:20 <Skaya> "So are there more idiots looking to commit suicide or is it just you?" Skaya is forced to call out to the woman.
20:20 <•Kotono> "It's weak to commit suicide, even if it's the hand of heroes," Anne comments quietly, but shakes her head and stands up.
20:26 <Devar> Devar bows his head. "Then I will grant you the peace you wish for." He'll wait just a moment in case she's going to answer Skaya's question.
20:31 <•Kotono> "John was special to me," The woman snarls, "Go on, do it."
20:31 <Devar> "I pray you find redemption one day." He says quietly and will go to finish her off as quickly as he can - ideally instantly and painlessly.
20:32 <•Kotono> One stab and there's another red stain on the ground, and the woman's eyes go dark. It's done. Anne bows her head a moment and then turns away, "I'll not complain about another of her ilk no longer plaguing us."
20:33 <•Kotono> "We're lucky you're the one she went after," Sanda speaks up, "You're right, your armor's the perfect counter to them."
20:33 <•Kotono> Rina doesn't look away, but once it's finished, "A waste all around."
20:33 <Skaya> "There'll probably be more of them anyway."
20:35 <Devar> Devar will give the body a quick (and respectful) search - notes, messages, anything of that nature.
20:45 <•Kotono> There's the following: An unholy symbol of Talona, a bag of coins, a pouch with simple travel food and a list. It has the following names on it: Aaron, Devar, Tarbleau, Skaya, Anne, Brachidos, Starre, Red. You note that Red and Tarbleau are checked off.
20:47 <Devar> Devar will share the list with the others. He isn't interested in taking her coins.
20:47 <•Kotono> It's looked at. "Tarbleau was the name of the madman beneath the city," Rina mentions, "As I recall. I know a few Aarons, it's not an uncommon name."
20:49 <Skaya> "Do you think Red is a proper name? Even though it's a color?"
20:51 <Devar> "Probably." Devar says. "Either way, hopefully this is the end of this for now. I don't love just leaving her here, but..." He shakes his head.
20:54 <Skaya> "Let's bury her and then move on."
20:55 <Devar> Devar nods and will get started doing so, leaving her unholy symbol on her.
20:56 <•Kotono> The burial is uneventful. Soon enough, it's done and she's in the ground. It's getting cloudy and threatening storms by the time you finish, but it's done.
20:57 <Devar> "If we want to travel through the storm I'm fine with that, as long as the road isn't too bad." Devar offers.
21:00 <•Kotono> Anne looks up at it, "All those winds," she murmurs, then blinks. "Ah yes. Does it call to you as well, Devar?"
21:01 <•Kotono> Rina looks up balefully, "I used to like the rain, but it's not quite the same now."
21:01 <•Kotono> "If only books didn't suffer in the rain," Sanda shakes her head, "I'll have to find some way to fix that."
21:02 <Devar> "It seems like a nice storm." Devar says. "I think the wagon will be fine either way."
21:02 <Skaya> "Maybe we really should go on?" Skaya muses. "It's not like we can get decent shelter for us, the horses and the carriage somewhere out here in the first place."
21:04 <•Kotono> "Yes, let's," Rina agrees, "The sooner to the coastal cities, the better."
21:04 <•Kotono> "At worst, we can stop," Anne agrees, "But it might not even storm."
21:05 <Devar> "I do actually have a spell for that if we need it." Devar pipes up. "I picked it up from the Mystrans. I thought it might be nice to have in case we ran into horrible blizzards again, so if we do need to stop it's okay."
21:07 <Skaya> "Oh? Which one is it?"
21:07 <Devar> "
21:08 <Devar> "It's... uhh... I forget who, someone's tiny hut." He says. "It basically makes a sphere of comfortable space, more or less."
21:08 <Skaya> "Is there enough space for the horses, too?" Skaya asks doubtfully.
21:09 <Devar> "It'll be a bit tight, but I think so." He confirms.
21:11 <Skaya> "Let's trust in our luck for now, then!"
21:12 — Devar nods and will go to get the wagon moving once everyone has boarded!
21:12 <•Kotono> roll 1d100+15
21:12 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100+15 --> [ 1d100=81 ]{96}
21:12 <•Kotono> Sure enough, within a half hour the storm is threatening. The winds begin to stir, the sky is dark, and the first few droplets of rain begin to fall.
21:15 <Devar> Devar will keep the animals calm if they seem like they get spooked at all by the weather!
21:16 <Devar> OOC: 27 on Animal Handling if needed
21:16 <•Kotono> They're good horses - they don't panic, but it starting to storm. Winds blow and the rains pick up. What's your li mit for bad weather here?
21:17 <Devar> OOC: I'll defer to Skaya but I'd say rain bad enough that we're not going to make much meaningful progress on the road?
21:18 <Skaya> So long as the horses can be guided ahead and the road can be seen far enough at their pace to avoid the horses stumbling into a hole and breaking a leg, they can keep going!
21:21 <•Kotono> roll 1d100+15
21:21 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100+15 --> [ 1d100=50 ]{65}
21:22 <•Kotono> It's a storm but more of a graze, ultimately. It gets windy and rainy, but the lightning isn't too close. Anne floas alone, uncaring of the rain. Sanda drives, unbothered by the rain while Rina stays inside the wagon. But fortunately, it passes adn continues...next time! OOC: I'm still not 100% and beat, so we'll start fresh tomorrow. I really need to crash out.

[Corwin]

19:14 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:14 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=32 ]{32}
19:14 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:14 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=43 ]{43}
19:16 <•Kotono> That evening over dinner, Rina brings out a map. "There's several port cities of note in Welland," she says, as you camp near a large lake. A few small fishing boats can be seen sailing it, in the distance as the summer sun sets. "Rockgale's the closest and is a straight shot from here. Strange name for a port city if you ask me, but it's there."
19:17 <•Kotono> Sanda sits back and listens, nodding along as she's mostly nose deep in her spellbook.
19:17 <Skaya> "How far is it from us?"
19:18 <•Kotono> "About a week of travel, give or take," Is the answer, "The roads are good from all I've heard."
19:20 <Skaya> Huh. That's a lot farther than she imagined. Skaya probably should've cracked a map open seriously. "Right," she tells Rina with a nod of acknowledgement. "Rockgale's our best port of call, you think?"
19:22 <Devar> "If we meet anyone on the road we can ask them what's going on - if they mention people are getting sick somewhere else we can divert." Devar suggests.
19:22 <•Kotono> "To start, we know one of the ports will have trouble," Rina admits, "But as always it's a question of which." A nod to Devar, "That's my thinking."
19:23 <•Kotono> Anne absently rubs her chestplate, still worn. "I'm more grateful by the day for this armor," Anne confesses. "The simple peace of mind it brings when facing an enemy like this is impossible to understate."
19:23 <•Kotono> "As long as you remember the spells to cure disease," Rina smiles slightly, "Then feel as safe as you want."
19:23 <•Kotono> "Not all of us wear magical super armor," Sanda sniffs.
19:23 <Devar> "Doesn't your new nature take care of most of that?" Devar asks.
19:24 <•Kotono> "Oh shush, don't let reality get int he way of pointing out Anne's hubris," Sanda counters.
19:24 <•Kotono> Anne chuckles at that, "Yes well, it's still a weight off my mind after Dareslan."
19:25 <•Kotono> "We're incredibly well equipped to deal with Brachidos's particular nastiness," Rina continues with a sharp smile, "These alone were worth all the danger down below."
19:25 <•Kotono> "But only a fool would think he doesn't have mor direct means," Anne mentions, "I don't doubt even if we stop his bread and butter, he still has a steak or potatoes to strike us with."
19:25 <•Kotono> A beat before Rina says, "You're sick of road food again?"
19:26 <Skaya> "Maybe we should do something about that."
19:26 <•Kotono> "Terribly," Anne confesses right away.
19:26 <Devar> "We do also have to consider we may find Talona's followers causing their own sort of trouble." Devar says. "Not that there's anything we can really prepare for, but just keep it in mind."
19:27 <•Kotono> "Do like I am and stop eating," Sanda goes back to her book, "Most road meals aren't much for taste, and I feel lighter without a stomachful of salted food in my stomach."
19:27 <Skaya> "That's actually related," Skaya says with a wince. "Maybe I really should pick up cooking properly."
19:28 <•Kotono> "I'm worried about that too," Rina admits, "I hope that woman was simply a hurt family member or lover and not a deeper problem. It's bad enough Eis and Laremy are going to fight."
19:28 <Skaya> "As long as you keep executing these people, more of them will keep on coming even if they don't know the first two," Skaya points out to Rina.
19:29 <•Kotono> "Please," Anne half asks, half begs. "My cooking isn't terrible, but it's entirely functional. I can't fret that much about taste when feeding a great many hungry mouths."
19:29 <•Kotono> "You say that like it'a bad thing? Me? It's like adding more sticks to the fire without having to get up and find them," Rina retorts. "Worried doesn't mean it's a bad thing."
19:31 <Skaya> "I'm with you either way."
19:33 <•Kotono> A few nods around as the evening wears on, and from there...OOC: More.
19:34 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 road travel
19:34 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 road travel --> [ 1d100=34 ]{34}
19:34 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 road travel
19:34 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 road travel --> [ 1d100=94 ]{94}
19:34 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 road travel subtable
19:34 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 road travel subtable --> [ 1d100=27 ]{27}
19:37 <•Kotono> Day four. Blazingly hot all day. Rina basks in the bright sunshine, while Sanda doesn't even poke out of the wagon. Anne flies above to seek a breeze, as the party passes a multitude of small lakes and little farms, and paths to villages off the main road. The roads fairly busy all morning, but quieting as you reach a bridge over a fairly rapid river. Here, on the bridge as you approach, a
19:37 <•Kotono> broken wagon lies. Dead horses are in front of it, torn apart and lying in pools of their own blood.
19:38 — Skaya looks about for any survivors or wounded.
19:40 <Devar> Devar will take a look at the surrounding area from the air!
19:44 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception.
19:45 <Skaya> OOC: 10 for 28
19:45 <Devar> roll 1d20+10 I doubt I can beat that but you never know!!
19:45 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+10 I doubt I can beat that but you never know!! --> [ 1d20=9 ]{19}
19:46 <•Kotono> Rina's with Skaya, Anne just behind. Sanda watches the wagon as everyone moves out. Skaya doesn't find any survivors, or bodies for that matter. From the sky, Devar can see nothing more around. At the same time Anne suddenly takes off and flies down and low, checking under the bridge.
19:46 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6
19:46 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{22}
19:46 <Skaya> "Hey, where are you going? What if there's something hiding there?" Skaya calls after her, chasing Anne.
19:48 <•Kotono> "That's exactly why I'm checking," Anne calls, "In case this is an ambush!" Beneath you can see faintly glowing runes. Red light is shed by them, carved into the underside of the bridge.
19:48 <Skaya> OOC: K:A and Spellcraft 10 for 26 each
19:49 <Skaya> "You never rush into ambush alone!"
19:49 <Devar> "We were attacked by a wyrm under a bridge, so it's a valid concern." Devar says as he comes down.
19:57 <•Kotono> The runes are explosive and about to explode. They're just starting to channel power, and in seconds a big boom is going to occur.
19:58 <Skaya> "Flee!" Skaya screams, charging into Anne and straining her wings to bring them as far from the runes as possible!
19:58 <Skaya> OOC: 120ft airspeed, so x4 if I run?
20:00 <Devar> Devar will fly straight up!
20:00 <•Kotono> Sanda is back with the wagon at least, safe. Anne's already flying away along with Skaya, and the two make distance. However, with Rina on the bridge and Devar landed, the two have to react faster as suddenly! OOC: Ref saves. Being a bit away protects Skaya and Anne, but Devar and Rina need ref saves. Good luck.
20:01 <Devar> roll 1d20+18 evasion
20:01 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+18 evasion --> [ 1d20=2 ]{20}
20:01 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+14 improved evasion Rina
20:01 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 improved evasion Rina --> [ 1d20=16 ]{30}
20:02 <•Kotono> roll 15d6 fire damage Devar owws bad time to roll a 2, Rina made the save and is fire immune regardless, so that part of it's not a problem
20:02 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 15d6 fire damage Devar owws bad time to roll a 2, Rina made the save and is fire immune regardless, so that part of it's not a problem --> [ 15d6=62 ]{62}
20:03 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 67/67 Devar 21/78 Anne 77/77 Sanda 55/55 Rina 73/73
20:04 <•Kotono> In a huge burst of fire and stone the bridge explodes. Rina moves as fast as she can, diving off the bridge, somehow avoiding the worst of it. Devar doesn't, entire lower bodly horrifically burned as he's sent flying back towards the wagon. What's worse? Shrapnel, the bridge's stones flying everywhere that...
20:04 <•Kotono> roll 10#1d100 higher is better here, you don't want to see low rolls
20:04 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 10#1d100 higher is better here, you don't want to see low rolls --> [ 1d100=93 ]{93}, [ 1d100=18 ]{18}, [ 1d100=79 ]{79}, [ 1d100=20 ]{20}, [ 1d100=31 ]{31}, [ 1d100=49 ]{49}, [ 1d100=53 ]{53}, [ 1d100=38 ]{38}, [ 1d100=11 ]{11}, [ 1d100=1 ]{1}
20:05 <•Kotono> roll 5#1d5
20:05 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 5#1d5 --> [ 1d5=1 ]{1}, [ 1d5=3 ]{3}, [ 1d5=2 ]{2}, [ 1d5=4 ]{4}, [ 1d5=4 ]{4}
20:05 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+8 vs Skaya
20:05 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 vs Skaya --> [ 1d20=1 ]{9}
20:05 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+8 vs Anne
20:05 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 vs Anne --> [ 1d20=8 ]{16}
20:05 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+8 vs Devar
20:05 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 vs Devar --> [ 1d20=20 ]{28}
20:05 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+8 vs Devar crit?
20:05 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 vs Devar crit? --> [ 1d20=4 ]{12}
20:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Sanda
20:06 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 Sanda --> [ 1d20=16 ]{24}
20:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Sanda
20:06 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 Sanda --> [ 1d20=1 ]{9}
20:06 <•Kotono> roll 4d8 Devar ow bludgeoning damage
20:06 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d8 Devar ow bludgeoning damage --> [ 4d8=20 ]{20}
20:07 <•Kotono> roll 4d8 Rina
20:07 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d8 Rina --> [ 4d8=14 ]{14}
20:07 <•Kotono> OOC: Er, Sanda.
20:07 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 67/67 Devar 21/78 Anne 77/77 Sanda 41/55 Rina 73/73
20:07 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 67/67 Devar 1/78 Anne 77/77 Sanda 41/55 Rina 73/73
20:08 <•Kotono> In the aftermath the bridge is gone. Debris are everywhere and ears ring from the explosion. Devar ends up near the banks of the river, down and with a shard of solid stone through his stomach. His vision's swimming horribly and dimming by the moment, hints of mist in the corner of his vision. Yet somehow Rina's untouched, as is Skaya and Anne. Something hit Sanda across the forehead, blood
20:08 <•Kotono> flowing freely down her face, but she's already up. At least the wagon and horses are alright, even if rearing back.
20:09 <Skaya> "Anne, get Devar!" Skaya calls out, already dashing off. "I'll check on Sanda."
20:09 <•Kotono> Anne's already flying down there, "Devar!" She cries, and the moment she's in range?
20:09 <•Kotono> roll 3d6
20:09 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d6 --> [ 3d6=7 ]{7}
20:09 <•Kotono> OOC: 10 healing.
20:10 — Skaya brings her hand to Sanda's forehead, seeking out undamaged skin as she channels healing energy into her friend.
20:10 <Skaya> OOC: +19hp
20:10 <Devar> "I'm... not dead yet..." He mumbles, trying to pull the stone out and heal himself with his ability. OOC: Lay on hands for 16
20:11 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 67/67 Devar 27/78 Anne 77/77 Sanda 41/55 Rina 73/73
20:11 <•Kotono> Thes tone comes out as flesh mends, and more healing comes from Anne, who lands next to him.
20:11 <•Kotono> roll 3d6
20:11 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d6 --> [ 3d6=12 ]{12}
20:11 <•Kotono> OOC: 18.
20:11 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 67/67 Devar 27/78 Anne 77/77 Sanda 55/55 Rina 73/73
20:11 <•Kotono> roll 3d6 adding more since it's still not fixed
20:11 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d6 adding more since it's still not fixed --> [ 3d6=13 ]{13}
20:11 <•Kotono> OOC: 19.
20:12 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 67/67 Devar 64/78 Anne 77/77 Sanda 55/55 Rina 73/73
20:12 <•Kotono> roll 3d6 one more
20:12 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d6 one more --> [ 3d6=10 ]{10}
20:12 <•Kotono> OOC: 15.
20:13 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 67/67 Devar 78/78 Anne 77/77 Sanda 55/55 Rina 73/73
20:13 <•Kotono> Devar's broken body repairs itself as Rina rubs her head, staring at the bridge. Then suddenly, "He's nearby!" She snaps, "You can't set that sort of thing up like that and have it catch us unless he's close enough to observe us!"
20:14 <•Kotono> Sanda nods her thanks and wipes blood away, hopping off the wagon and staff out. She rubs the side of her head, but looks around as well.
20:15 <Skaya> Well actually-- no, Rina's probably right. And it pays to be careful. "Want to check under the water a bit?" she asks Sanda quietly. "I'll accompany you."
20:16 <•Kotono> WIthout another word Sanda nods and goes into the water, diving in and going straight down.
20:16 <•Kotono> Meanwhile Anneoffers Devar a hand up, "It might be so," She calls, "Be alert!"
20:17 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception then, Skaya and Sanda.
20:17 <Skaya> roll 1d20+18
20:17 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+18 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{30}
20:17 <Devar> Devar takes her hand, pulling himself back up. "What a stark reminder to be more careful in the future. Are we dealing with a third shapeshifter...?"
20:17 <•Kotono> roll 1d20 Sanda
20:17 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 Sanda --> [ 1d20=16 ]{16}
20:18 <•Kotono> "No, it has to be him! It's too similar to the mill!" Rina snarls, "Come out!"
20:19 <•Kotono> Beneath the waters are a mess thanks to a whole lot of new debris, but Skaya doesn't see anything that screams interesting or dangerous, unfortunately.
20:20 — Skaya swims over to Sanda and pats her shoulder to get her attention before shaking her head and gesturing up.
20:20 <•Kotono> Sanda swims up. Once back above water, "Nothing," she shakes her head as well. "But it's such a mess down there that statistically speaking, we probably missed something."
20:21 <•Kotono> Rina's head darts side to side, "I said come out!" she screams loudly, "Show yourself, you coward!"
20:22 <Devar> Devar considers for a moment - if somehow or another Brachidos really is here, and he might be, he's probably invisible. Which means he could be anywhere, but... He will fly up and look around again, maybe he can spot something because of the absence of something else? If he was standing on grass or trees invisible, that would stand out...
20:22 <•Kotono> "I doubt even if he's still here that he would. THis is a coward's way of battle," Anne's voice is soft, more for Devar than Rina. "An assassination is what this was."
20:22 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception, Devar.
20:23 — Skaya moves over to Anne with Sanda before saying, "While caution is good, honestly, explosive runes are a trap. It's quite possible this was a stronger version than I heard of, and maybe we triggered it by looking at it. Still, anything else left to check?"
20:24 <Devar> roll 1d20+10 Might as well go for gold here
20:24 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+10 Might as well go for gold here --> [ 1d20=15 ]{25}
20:25 <•Kotono> Hm? Devar does spy something down river. Right on the bank of the river he notices something, about a hundred feet away. In the mud there is a distinctive boot print.
20:26 <•Kotono> "I don't think so," Anne confesses as Rina continues to look about. "We got lucky this wasn't worse, and that the wagon wasn't on the bridge."
20:26 <Devar> "Skaya, with me, now!" Devar calls out quickly as he flies towards the boot print - if he sees them he may panic, which is good for them since it might give himself up.
20:27 <Skaya> With a crooked grin, Skaya shoots into the air! With a loop-the-loop, she refocuses on Devar and puts on the speed!
20:28 <Devar> He will quickly point out the boot-print for Skaya's benefit, hopefully with two pairs of eyes they'll be able to catch him!
20:29 <Skaya> roll 1d20+10+6 survival!
20:29 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+10+6 survival! --> [ 1d20=16 ]{32}
20:43 <•Kotono> OOC: Do you have Track?
20:44 <Skaya> OOC: I don't, but I can still find simpler tracks
20:44 <Skaya> OOC: Soft ground, for example
20:46 <•Kotono> The party looks around. There's two boot prints there, fresh, like someone was standing there. However, there's not any around it. Just...two bootprints there.
20:46 <Skaya> "What, he teleported away?" Skaya mutters, before dashing up again and flying in a slowly-expanding spiral. If there's someone or something of note in the area, perhaps she'll spot it from the air. Seems to work for Devar!
20:47 <Devar> Devar casts Detect Magic! Maybe that will give them something to go on. OOC: Spellcraft for 24
20:47 <•Kotono> OOC: Caster level check, Devar.
20:47 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception, Skaya.
20:47 <Devar> roll 1d20+6
20:47 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{19}
20:48 <Skaya> roll 1d20+18+6
20:48 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+18+6 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{28}
20:50 <Skaya> OOC: Also, on reflection and for the record, Pathfinder Survival skill doesn't require Track at all. It just requires Trained, which it is for me.
20:50 <•Kotono> OOC: It isn't a huge deal here regardless, I needed it for a detail.
20:55 <•Kotono> Devar doesn't detect any magic. Meanwhile, Skaya looks about. No luck unfortunately, at least of anything groundbound -! Wait! About 300ft away, by a lone old oak tree across the river, Skaya can spy a family of wild hares, all fleeing away from the tree and towards the river.
20:55 — Skaya flies towards the oak tree! Maybe she'll see something interesting there.
20:56 <Devar> Devar frowns. He doesn't actually believe that, but he can't argue with the results. He notices Skaya take off and goes to follow her!
21:00 <•Kotono> Devar and Skaya fly off. Anne flies to join them as Rina eyes the river balefully before plunging in and starting to swim across. The two of you approach - and he steps out from behind the tree when the two of you are 50ft away. A man in gray robes and a featureless red mask. He claps his hands once, twice, three times. He stands in the shadow of the oak tree, unconcerned as far as you can
21:00 <•Kotono> tell.
21:01 — Skaya almost fires off a spell-- no, they always want to brag. Let's give the team time to get here.
21:01 <Skaya> "Thanks for giving us time to heal up after that explosion, I guess?" she voices, hovering in place for now. "Very effective trap."
21:06 <Devar> Devar will fly in and hold his position nearby Seira, glaring. He hasn't met this person before... he thinks? But he's still on edge. OOC: He's going to ready Dispel Magic to try and counter him teleporting off, or whatever it is he's going to do.
21:08 <Devar> *Skaya
21:09 <•Kotono> Another clap before the figure's shoulders shake as if he is laughing, but no sound comes out. He spreads his arms wide, yet still says not a word.
21:10 <Devar> "I think this is just an illusion he set up." Devar says - he's probably still running.
21:10 — Skaya sets the tree on fire.
21:10 <Skaya> OOC: Produce Flame. I'll roll ranged touch.
21:10 <Skaya> roll 1d20+11
21:10 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{13}
21:11 <Skaya> roll 1d6+5 fire if I didn't miss the stationary tree
21:11 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d6+5 fire if I didn't miss the stationary tree --> [ 1d6=3 ]{8}
21:16 <•Kotono> The tree is set on fire. It begins to burn, as the figure continues to shake as if laughing, but doesn't react to the fire. Anne lands and scowls, tense and ready. But still no reaction.
21:17 <Devar> Devar will fly ahead and take a look around - if he ran into the forest invisible it'll be tough to track him from here, but there still might be a sign...
21:18 <•Kotono> No attempt to stop Devar at least, as...OOC: Perception, +1 circumstance bonus.
21:18 <Devar> roll 1d20+11 Might as well go for gold here
21:18 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+11 Might as well go for gold here --> [ 1d20=20 ]{31}
21:18 <Devar> OOC: well, okay
21:18 — Skaya casts a look back at the fleeing rabbits.
21:19 <Devar> "Would one of you please put that tree out before we accidentally start a forest fire?" Devar calls out.
21:24 <•Kotono> roll 1d20 just in case she gets a 20
21:24 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 just in case she gets a 20 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{19}
21:25 <•Kotono> The rabbits are gone, or at least out of sight. Rina catches up by now and unapologetically stabs the figure. It ripples and goes t hrough it harmlessly, and a wordless scream of frustration follows. Meanwhile Devar looks around - THERE! Back by the wagon and Sanda. Stone silent and behind Sanda, a knife in hand and raised to strike, is the same figure as you saw here.
21:25 <Devar> "SANDA!" Devar shouts, flying immediately in that direction as fast as his body can take him!
21:26 — Skaya doesn't take long to spot Devar's dash and then to overtake him!
21:27 <•Kotono> The party all turns, but they're multiple rounds out. Sanda starts to react but the knife comes down fast and...
21:27 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12
21:27 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{29}
21:27 <•Kotono> roll 1d4+2
21:27 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d4+2 --> [ 1d4=1 ]{3}
21:28 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+8 fort
21:28 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 fort --> [ 1d20=19 ]{27}
21:28 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 67/67 Devar 78/78 Anne 77/77 Sanda 52/55 Rina 73/73
21:29 <Skaya> OOC: How far away would I be here? Given my base speed of 120ft and that I can just fly all out towards her (run?)
21:29 <•Kotono> In the distance, the party can see Sanda turn too late. A graze across her side, blood drawn but seemingly nothing more. Then...! OOC: Init all. Party's about 350ft away right now.
21:29 <•Kotono> roll 1d20 Sanda
21:29 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 Sanda --> [ 1d20=11 ]{11}
21:29 <Skaya> roll 1d20+12
21:29 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{14}
21:30 <Devar> roll 1d20+3
21:30 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{14}
21:30 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Anne
21:30 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 Anne --> [ 1d20=10 ]{14}
21:30 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13 Rina
21:30 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 Rina --> [ 1d20=5 ]{18}
21:30 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+11 neverskitter
21:30 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 neverskitter --> [ 1d20=15 ]{26}
21:31 <•Kotono> Brachidos? (26) > Rina (18) > Skaya = Devar = Anne (14) > Sanda (11)
21:32 <•Kotono> WIth the chance perhaps lost, the figure simply vanishes abruptly via dashing behind the wagon and out of everyone's sight. Rina sprints on the ground, a wordless cry of anger as....OOC: You three, go.
21:33 <•Kotono> Anne flies along as well, clearing 240ft at a full aerial sprint.
21:33 — Skaya flies at speed towards Sanda! Her speed is more than enough to overtake the wagon so that she could see where the assassin went!
21:35 <Devar> Devar flies along with Skaya in order to see what's going on himself! OOC: double-moving so that should cover the 350 ft
21:36 <•Kotono> No sign of him to either of your eyes.
21:38 <Devar> The best he can do is look at the ground - if he's flying there won't be much he can do, but so far he's still made tracks!
21:38 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception then.
21:39 <Devar> roll 1d20+10 Might as well go for gold here
21:39 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+10 Might as well go for gold here --> [ 1d20=16 ]{26}
21:41 <•Kotono> No sign of tracks at all. Nothing. Sanda dashes after him and looks about wildly. "Where?" she holds her wounded arm. Yet no further sign of an attack, just an unsettling silence and a shallow wound that oozes blood on Sanda's arm. OOC: For the moment, free act.
21:42 <Devar> Devar will try and detect magic again! OOC: Spellcraft for 24
21:42 <Devar> roll 1d20+6 CL check
21:42 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+6 CL check --> [ 1d20=5 ]{11}
21:43 <•Kotono> No magic is detected. Anne catches up, her look of restrained fury. Without a word she heals Sanda and begins to look her over carefully. OOC: CLW heals her even on a 1 so no roll, and taking 10 on Heal.
21:43 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 67/67 Devar 78/78 Anne 77/77 Sanda 55/55 Rina 73/73
21:44 <Devar> "He's able to hide his magic somehow. Sanda, can you look? I don't believe he just... didn't do anything but somehow is gone." Devar says.
21:44 <•Kotono> "No sign of poison," Anne says, "I expected that to be a poisoned or cursed blade, but you may have gotten lucky."
21:45 <•Kotono> Sanda nods immediately and casts.
21:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 CL
21:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 CL --> [ 1d20=20 ]{26}
21:45 <Skaya> "It wasn't luck," Skaya says, touching down. "This has to be some kind of weird message. I don't know what it'd be, but we definitely have to stop leaving people all on their own."
21:48 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+14 Spellcraft
21:48 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 Spellcraft --> [ 1d20=19 ]{33}
21:48 <•Kotono> "Strong conjuration," Sanda reports breathlessly, "If it's not some manner of teleportation, I'd eat my own numbers."
21:49 <•Kotono> "Attacks and misdirection," Anne ruminates a moment, eyes looking about. "This feels like nothing more than an effort to defeat us, but our skill and fortune endured."
21:50 <•Kotono> Meanwhile Rina catches up, the water from ehr swim sizzling and boiling off of her. Her entire expression is twisted in to angry frustration. "Leading us around, trying to take out Sanda..."
21:51 <•Kotono> "I'm guessing something similar to a dimensional door, which is a fourth circle spell that can do moderate ranged tactical teleportation." Sanda continues, "Logically, that's about what fits."
21:52 <Devar> "Still... if he's here, it means he probably doesn't think he needs to be in town. Hopefully that doesn't mean it's already started." Devar says. "But I'm not sure what we do from here - he can just lob magic at us anytime he wants."
21:53 <Skaya> "Are we even sure it's him?" Skaya asks, frowning, as she searches their wagon for any exciting runes. "He looked the same as I remember, but he never spoke. And it could've been magical or even normal camouflage."
21:53 <•Kotono> Mustering herself, "Didn't Starre talk about how she met Brachidos once and it went poorly for her?" Rina offers, "Maybe he does that to threats that get his attention."
21:53 <•Kotono> "It's not impossible, I suppose," Sanda shrugs, as Skaya searches the wagon. OOC: Perception then.
21:54 <Devar> "Well, we can take the opportunity to keep looking around." Devar says. "If he's not actually able to teleport, then he has to be at least moderately close. It's possible he doesn't have a lot of spells left to use, which is why he ran off."
21:54 <Skaya> OOC: Taking 10 for 28
21:55 <Skaya> "But seriously, how can this be considered a serious attempt on Sanda's life? Especially after those trapped runes? He could've just done the same for our wagon before we even spotted him."
21:58 <•Kotono> Skaya doesn't see any runes. Anne considers that, "Give me a moment," she muses, "I'm trying to figure this out myself."
21:59 <•Kotono> SAnda's still looking about as well, "If it doesn't make sense, either he's a madman or there's some factor we don't know. Logically, that's how it usually works."
21:59 <•Kotono> "Or the person is an idiot, but I'm assuming not here," Anne murmurs, "Not after everything so far."
21:59 <Skaya> "Actually, why did the two of you chase Devar and I?" Skaya wonders out loud. "He called me for help, so we were investigating still. But you girls left Sanda alone. Shouldn't you have all gone together or left someone behind?"
22:00 <•Kotono> "Honestly? I assumed even odds you'd need healing," Anne confesses. "Rina going there only made it more likely."
22:01 <•Kotono> "I hate with every fiber of my being that you're not wrong about that," Sanda snarks, "I've seen how often you heal us. The attack on me might have been an attack of opportunity?"
22:03 — Skaya just looks frustrated. "So he has teleport on tap, and at the very least some illusion spell of the Image line and explosive runes. But he resorts to a dagger? And not even very effectively? And runs away instead of teleporting away?"
22:04 <•Kotono> "He serves the Adversary," Anne points out, "I expected it was a poisoned dagger, why do you think I treated Sanda right away? Imagine if it was a knockout poison and it let him kidnap Sanda, or one strong enough she perished?"
22:04 <Skaya> "And yet it wasn't. So whyyyyyyy?!|
22:04 <Skaya> "
22:04 <Devar> Devar nods. "I agree, I think we can assume the dagger had some sort of special property that Sanda luckily resisted."
22:05 <•Kotono> "The point is that I expect it was, and Sanda got lucky," Anne says, "Exactly so, Devar. Be it poison, disease or magic. Our enemy isn't stupid, so the dagger attack was meaningful. That it failed simply means we were protected. Fortune, our patrons or whatever you wish to pin it too, Sanda was blessed."
22:06 <Skaya> "Sanda got lucky? Sure, okay."
22:08 <•Kotono> "It didn't work, so he fled," Anne reasons, "That's as far as I've gotten."
22:08 <Devar> "What are you proposing we do now?" Devar asks, looking to Skaya. "To me, we have him on the run, but I'm unsure what we can do with that information."
22:09 <Skaya> "You know what? Let's do it properly. Devar and I will fly out and try to search for anything out of the ordinary. Maybe it's not teleport but dimension door or something. Then the range would be pretty close. But you girls will wait here together till we actually confirm he's elsewhere. Deal?"
22:10 <•Kotono> Rina's tense nod is restrained, "I: can't fly," Is all she says, even if her tone says a lot more.
22:11 <•Kotono> "Very well," Anne agrees, "If you can find him, end this if you can."
22:11 <•Kotono> Sanda simply says, "Oh look, I can't fly either," She agrees.
22:12 — Skaya takes off in an ever-expanding spiral, trusting Devar to do a search pattern of his own. Or maybe mirror her!
22:13 <Devar> Devar will do just that - moving in a pattern opposite of Skaya's.
22:15 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay then, PErception. +2 bonus for both of you for that search pattern.
22:15 <Skaya> OOC: Let's take 10 for 30
22:15 <Devar> roll 1d20+12 Might as well go for gold here
22:15 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+12 Might as well go for gold here --> [ 1d20=1 ]{13}
22:15 <Devar> OOC: as expected
22:19 <•Kotono> OOC: I hate to say that's on brand for you, but well...Kobot and you have a certain relationship.
22:19 <Devar> OOC: someone has to fill in for Iddy
22:19 <•Kotono> Thus the party goes to search...next time! OOC: It's about time for us, so more Saturday.

[Corwin]

18:58 <•Kotono> The two of you look about. Unfortunately, you don't find signs of anything as you search around. Only people starting to approach from either direction, coming towards the downed bridge. On the side with your wagon it looks to be farmers hauling produce, and on the other its a small merchant caravan.
19:00 — Skaya flies over to the caravan on the other side. It should be the riskier task.
19:01 <Devar> Devar will stay in the air nearby the others and keep an eye on Skaya!
19:05 <•Kotono> The caravan is escorted by a motley bunch - a middle aged man riding a horse, in light robes and unbothered by the heat. A man in heavy plate armor walks and keeps pace with ease, despite the sweat that pours down his face. He smiles even as he looks up once your approach is called out. He has swords and a big hammer on his back, both ready to go. A hooded woman joins them, as merchant and
19:05 <•Kotono> family carefully fall back.
19:05 <Skaya> "Hey there," Skaya calls out, waving as she comes to a hover in midair beside the road ahead of the merchants. "A treacherous mage blew up the bridge up ahead. It looks like he ran away, but passing might be difficult."
19:11 <•Kotono> Curses form the merchant, a middle aged man with a limp and a fancy walking stick to go with it. The armored man wipes his brow with a cloth before, "Which river is it up ahead, Bram?"
19:11 <•Kotono> "The Whitebrook, I think," The middle aged man responds, "Fordable, but it'll be enough of a burden that it's best to travel along the river to another bridge."
19:11 <Skaya> "I don't suppose you saw a mysterious masked man as you were approaching?" Skaya asks curiously in the meantime.
19:12 <•Kotono> "No," The hooded woman speaks up here, "Nothing as such. Only complaints about the weather."
19:12 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception since you're still on overwatch, Devar.
19:13 <Devar> roll 1d20+12
19:13 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{24}
19:13 <Skaya> "It was a bit stormy, huh?" Skaya muses, even as she considers whether three fliers could transfer the merchant's wagon if it were unloaded.
19:17 <•Kotono> All seems well to Devar as meanwhile as Skaya estimates possibly if they're really strong.
19:18 <•Kotono> "Storms and now this heat. Summer," Bram chuckles, "If you don't mind the question, what are you? Wings on the both you and th eone above."
19:18 <Devar> Devar frowns and continues to look around, not satisfied that their quarry would've just run off entirely.
19:22 <Skaya> "It's magic," Skaya cheerfully responds. "Not as amazing as teleportation, but not needing to just walk everywhere comes in ridiculously handy." And since they're talking, she might as well bring up another question of hers. "Might I ask if you've come from Rockgale?"
19:26 <•Kotono> As Devar flies above, "Yes, we got our cargo there," The armored man answers, "Now that the Dareslan plague is passed, there's a lot of lost time to make up for. At least enough for our boss to pay 50% over our normal rate."
19:27 <Skaya> "You know, since it seems like you're pressed for time, it could be possible for us to fly you over," Skaya muses. "If that's worth your while and ours, that is."
19:32 <•Kotono> The merchant comes forward at that, "You could get our wagon across? How much do you want for it?"
19:41 <Skaya> "Rather than deal with money, I'm interested in a letter of introduction," Skaya responds. "We're on our way to Rockgale, and we're looking for a bounty. Having some local contacts with a broad view would be welcome, especially in case he fled to another town. Are you able to provide that for us?"
19:44 <•Kotono> Bram steps forward, "There's a heroes guild in Rockgale," Bram says, "The three of us are members. I'll write you a letter of introduction if you get us across quickly."
19:44 <•Kotono> Then after a beat, "And I'll add to to our fee," he calls back, to which the merchant sighs but nods.
19:45 <Skaya> "Ah! How nice! It's been entirely too long since I stepped inside one, so this is a welcome surprise. Shall we get going, then?"
19:52 <•Kotono> With that the group heads back to the downed bridge. On the other side a few travelers and farmers are there, chatting with the rest of the group. No one really looks happy, but the bridge is good and down.
19:54 <Skaya> "The wagon seems to be the heaviest, here, so unload and unhitch it and we'll start with it," Skaya proposes, waving Devar and Anne over.
19:55 <Devar> Devar will fly down - but still do his best to keep his eyes elsewhere. Is he really gone...?
19:58 <•Kotono> OOC: One more perception, Devar.
19:58 <Devar> roll 1d20+12
19:58 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{22}
20:04 <•Kotono> OOC: What's all of your strength scores?
20:05 <Devar> OOC: 17
20:05 <Skaya> OOC: 19 for me, 17 for Devar
20:05 <Skaya> OOC: 17 for Anne as well, it seems
20:11 <•Kotono> OOC: Was a sec, sorry. Okay, more.
20:12 <•Kotono> It takes some time to unload and carry, and it's hot, hard work, but wagon and then supplie sand people are ferried over. In the meantime, Bram writes up a quick letter, dries it and passes it over to Skaya. "As agreed on."
20:12 <Skaya> "As agreed on," Skaya echoes. "Good luck!"
20:17 <•Kotono> The party is given handshakes afterwards, and once done, "We'll be doing the same fo rour wagon?" Anne then asks.
20:17 <Skaya> "Wasn't it a good trial run?"
20:18 <Devar> "Didn't want to use the papers from the Lawmaker?" Devar asks.
20:18 <•Kotono> Rina simply watches, but adds, "A secondary plan never hurts."
20:18 <•Kotono> "Or a secondary reference," Sanda sniffs, "Why settle for one?"
20:19 <Devar> "Fair enough." Devar agrees. "You never know."
20:19 <Skaya> "I wanted us to have options," Skaya agrees with a nod at Rina. "And frankly, few people would believe we would help out of the goodness of our hearts. Might as well make it a business transaction instead."
20:19 <Devar> "I'm glad they didn't think we broke the bridge." Devar says.
20:20 <Skaya> "A shame we can't just wave our hand and have it rebuilt."
20:21 <Devar> Devar nods. "Well, not yet, anyway."

[Corwin]

19:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:07 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@FC17CD35.D7FE3273.1BE7577A.IP)
19:07 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:07 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=31 ]{31}
19:08 <•Kotono> It's not too hard to get your own wagon across, just a little time consuming. Fortunately, Rina's able to calm down the horses enough to get them across. So now that this is done, any changes to how you're going forward after this attack?
19:11 <Skaya> "Overall, we should stick to our course," Skaya voices. "If we've now invited ambushes, we just need to do better next time one happens. But he's clearly close by."
19:11 — Devar nods. "We can alternate watches from the air, it at least might help catch something awry."
19:13 <•Kotono> "I'm guessing he won't," Rina saysa fter some thought, "The more I think about it, the more this involved misdirection at every step. He won't have that again he pushes it right away."
19:14 <•Kotono> "Guessing doesn't invite laxity," Anne comments, "Watches, awarenes and caution. As much as we can. We can't afford to be wrong."
19:14 <•Kotono> Sanda hms, "Feeling better, Rina?"
19:15 <•Kotono> "...now that I had some time," Rina's expression sours at that, "But I stand by what I said."
19:17 <Devar> "Maybe we should have two people on watch for the time being." Devar suggests. "That way no one's caught alone."
19:17 <•Kotono> "You might well be right," Anne agrees as she peers up at the sky, "Two people watches is only sensible. Perhaps even three, we don't need to sleep now. Besides Sanda and Skaya for spells and rest."
19:18 <Skaya> "We've been having two people per watch to begin with, so really, no change is needed so far."
19:20 <•Kotono> "Then three. I'll man both watches if needed to fill that," Anne offers.
19:21 <•Kotono> "Suits me," Rina agrees, "It's bearable until we get to a city."
19:22 <Devar> "You need your rest just as much as anyone, don't you?" Devar asks to Anne.
19:23 <•Kotono> ""For spells? No, only prayer," Anne shakes her head, "I'll not enjoy it, but I'll be fine."
19:26 <Devar> "Oh, fair enough. I guess I never really delved too much into the differences there." Devar says. "But either way, if he's attacking us on our way there then we have good reason to keep going."
19:27 <•Kotono> With that, the party moves along and...
19:27 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:27 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=39 ]{39}
19:27 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:27 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=76 ]{76}
19:27 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:27 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=8 ]{8}
19:30 <•Kotono> The rest of the trip to Rockgale is quiet enough. Summer's stretching along as you see Rockgale in the distance. It's a large, compact city, somewhat like Dareslan in that regard. It builds up as much as it builds wide. Taller buildings mix with more traditional ones. The scent of the sea is carried on the wind as you ride the roads close, a line of people to enter into the city. The taller
19:30 <•Kotono> buildings are all painted a white that's bright in the sunshine. In the far distance the masts and sails of ships can be glimpsed over the city.
19:32 <Devar> Well, it doesn't look like it's closed off yet...
19:33 <•Kotono> "No sign of plague precautions," Anne murmurs, "Fortunate perhaps."
19:33 <•Kotono> "Did you still prepare remove diseases?" Sanda asks right back.
19:33 <•Kotono> "Two of them," Anne answers right away.
19:33 <Skaya> "Let's see the Guild first?" Skaya proposes. "Or do you want to split into two groups?"
19:34 <•Kotono> "I'd like to walk about and see," Anne offers, then with a smile, "Or fly-look!" She points, and you see a wing of seven dragon-like creatures. "Wyverns!" Long and powerful, each has a rider on it as they soar above the city. OOC:A nne takes 10 onK:A.
19:35 <•Kotono> Sanda peeks up at them, "I think so," she agrees, "Coincidental, I wonder?"
19:35 <Skaya> "Do they seem familiar?"
19:35 <•Kotono> Rina looks ahead, "Want me to go ahead? I bet I can get us past the line if I wave our letter around."
19:36 <•Kotono> "I saw fliers above Dareslan, and some I thought to be wyverns at times," Anne confesses, "But not a group of them like that." They're flying above teh city, heading in the party's general direction.
19:37 <Skaya> "Since they're coming over, we might as well just see what's up."
19:37 — Devar nods and stays quiet for now.
19:39 <•Kotono> "I'd love to go up with you," Anne offers, "Shall we then, Skaya?"
19:40 <Skaya> With a flap of her wings, Skaya gains altitude at a modest speed. "We shall!"
19:42 <•Kotono> Anne laughs as she takes to the air with Skaya, soaring up after her. Thus they rise and...OOC: Evil you two.

[Corwin]

19:45 <•Kotono> Up the two of you fly. Hundreds of feet up and more, enough to get attention as the wyverns head in your general direction. It's enough to get them to adjust and come more towards you. At several hundred feet away? "Travelers!" The head rider calls, an armored and helmeted man with a booming voice. "Skaya and Anne?"
19:45 <•Kotono> Shouting back, "Word of us precedes us?" Anne calls back.
19:47 <Skaya> "Hello!" Skaya greets them, waving. She motions for Anne, saying, "Let's get closer so we don't need to shout?"
19:49 <•Kotono> The riders close in. All are armored heavily and helmeted, but each bears a symbol of a balanced scales atop a warhammer on their chest. The lead one calls, in a more normal voice as the wyverns do not resist, "We've heard of your work in Dareslan. Wonderfully done."
19:51 <Skaya> "Thank you," Skaya accepts the compliment without false modesty. "Did you hear we were coming over?"
19:56 <•Kotono> "No, but we were told of you. We arrived in Welland yesterday," Is the answer, "We come from the Starhold, a small independent keep across the sea."
19:57 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+11 Anne K:R
19:57 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 Anne K:R --> [ 1d20=11 ]{22}
19:57 <•Kotono> "I know your sigil, if not your nation," Anne answers, "But you were invited to Welland?"
19:59 — Skaya listens curiously for now. If these wyvern-riders came to see them of their own initiative, they clearly want something. Let them bring it up at their leisure.
19:59 <•Kotono> "We were," Is the answer, "We are the Hammers of the Stars, and we serve the Maimed One, Tyr." The voice is loud and steady, "We were invited to protect the innocent, as it seems darkness and war encroach on Welland."
20:01 <•Kotono> "I am Anne, a servant of Moore, and it is good to meet others that stand on the Holy Mountain," Anne returns, "Do we delay you?"
20:04 <Skaya> "Skaya, an independent," she adds quietly for her part. Introducing themselves when the other party already knows them feels a bit weird, but she can't just keep silent when Anne reciprocated.
20:07 <•Kotono> "You do not," Is the answer, "We do not leave Rockgale until tomorrow, we go out to practice with our mounts." A pat of the wyvern's side, "Though if you wish to be helpful, would you object to being chased by seven wyvern riders for an hour?"
20:07 <•Kotono> "Either of you," Is appended after, "Or even both."
20:08 <•Kotono> Anne's shoulders shake with laughter, and with a wry shake of her head, "We do have business, but..." A glance to Skaya, "It's up to you. It's hardly unworthy effort, even if it delays our entry into Rockgale."
20:09 <Skaya> "It seems like fun!" Skaya volunteers. "We can split up? Have Devar arrange lodgings and so on?"
20:10 <•Kotono> "I'll let him know," Anne swoops down, hair trailing behind her. Once she's gone? "I was not aware you had wings, or that she had magic armor to allow her to fly as free as a bird."
20:13 <Skaya> "We came across a unique magic in the underground labyrinth," Skaya explains.
20:17 <•Kotono> "Your good fortune," The other six riders stay quiet, in formation and ready. As Anne returns, "Refer to us as Hammers. For we do not remove our helmets our use our names when on missions beyond the Starhold. For we are all the Hammer of Tyr at this time, and our names only distract from our deeds."
20:20 <Skaya> "Got it. So what's the rules for aerial catch?"
20:21 <•Kotono> "Simple. Do not be touched by wyvern or rider. I suspect you are better at maneuver than our mounts, but we have numbers and experience," Is the answer. "No force is used, any injury calls for a halt. It's training, not battle."
20:24 <Skaya> "Sounds good to me!" Skaya agrees, before taking off! First, she'll test her best speed against the Hammers. Maneuvering she can look into once they catch up. They should be able to manage at least that! Dragons might be cumbersome but they have decent speed once they get going.
20:34 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, I'm going to mostly abstract this, so give me a dexterity check. +4 bonus for each maneuerability rank you are above average,  and a +1 bonus for each 10ft of base fly speed you are above 60ft.
20:36 <Skaya> roll 1d20+5+7+8+6
20:36 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+5+7+8+6 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{46}
20:39 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Anne
20:39 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 Anne --> [ 1d20=1 ]{13}
20:44 <•Kotono> Skaya? Untouchable. She moves with preternatural grace, as if it was predators trying to poach her nest. The air is her ally, not a one can get her. From wide dodges to narrow escapes, not a one can touch her. At first? Anne keeps up. About twenty minutes in, Anne goes to dodge as two close in from either side, trying to swoop by. However, she misjudges it completely, as do the other two.
20:44 <•Kotono> There's a moment of shouts and cries of alert before WHAM! OOC: More.
20:44 <•Kotono> roll 3d6 ow
20:44 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d6 ow --> [ 3d6=13 ]{13}
20:44 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+19 fort Anne
20:44 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+19 fort Anne --> [ 1d20=15 ]{34}
20:44 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10 fort hammer 1
20:44 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 fort hammer 1 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{23}
20:44 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+8 fort hammer 2
20:44 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 fort hammer 2 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{23}
20:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10 wyvern 1
20:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 wyvern 1 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{27}
20:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10 wyvern 2
20:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 wyvern 2 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{27}
20:46 <•Kotono> All three end up falling a bit. Both wyverns pull up out of the fall, a nasty smack that hit all of them. Anne plummets a few hundred feet before stalling out in midair, floating there. Blood pours down her face, nose broken and head gashed open. With some vile comments under her breath, Anne then channels healing energy into herself.
20:46 <•Kotono> roll 2d8+7
20:46 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d8+7 --> [ 2d8=5 ]{12}
20:47 — Skaya flies over with the exercise on pause at the very least. "Anyone needs healing?" she calls out, hovering and looking about.
20:47 <•Kotono> "My head's rung," One of the hammer says, a younger man's voice. "Please."
20:48 <•Kotono> The other grimaces, a woman's voice, "Yes, if you're offering."
20:48 <Skaya> roll 3d6
20:48 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6 --> [ 3d6=10 ]{10}
20:48 <Skaya> Here you go, Hammers! Imitation healing! For Anne's nose as well. "Did that help?" she voices.
20:48 <•Kotono> Anne floats there, pulling out a cloth to wipe her face clean. She flies up, face red from more than just blood as the other riders gather together. "I misjudged."
20:49 <•Kotono> "As did we," The younger man confesses.
20:49 <•Kotono> "Badly, in your case," The woman says to Anne.
20:50 <•Kotono> "It's been known to happen in aerial practice," The lead Hammer says once in range, "Better to bleed now than in battle."
20:50 <Skaya> "I'm still in awe you took down two wyverns and their riders with your hard head," Skaya tells Anne with a grin.
20:50 <•Kotono> "We shalln't tell the others of this," Anne says firmly, "Let this remain our story."
20:51 <Skaya> "Well okay. It'll remain a secret between us and anyone with eyes who was looking up."
20:53 <•Kotono> Anne sighs and rubs her face, "It's merely as a toddler stumbles as they learn to walk, nothing more, but let's not make Sanda's life easier."
20:55 <Skaya> "True, true," Skaya agrees, before turning towards the leader of the Hammers. "Since it's a shame to cut this gathering short, would you mind hearing me out a bit?"
20:56 <•Kotono> "Not at all," The lead Hammer offers, "What is it you want?"
20:59 <Skaya> "I wanted to share our reason for coming here," Skaya tells him. "There's this evil mage serving the lower planes, Brachidos. He's been involved in a lot of attacks, some with great casualties, and he doesn't shy away from spreading disease and poison. We heard he was coming this way, and met him along the way where he tried to ambush us and blew up a bridge in the process. Has there been any news like that here?"
21:10 <•Kotono> "No," Is the answer, "Though High Reeve Rose of Rockgale mentioned he's had alerts out about possible plague outbreaks."
21:12 <Skaya> "We have to treat this seriously, even if it just turns out to be a red herring in the end," Skaya muses. "Any chance you'd be interested in helping us catch this guy?"
21:15 <•Kotono> "Of course, of course," A wave of his hand, "What is it you need, heroes?"
21:15 <•Kotono> Sanda smiles at that.
21:15 <•Kotono> OOC: Sorry, wrong roomed.
21:15 <•Kotono> OOC: Strike.
21:17 <•Kotono> "
21:17 <•Kotono> "We have duties to the south, but if we can help in this day's time, we're happy to," The Hammer says.
21:21 <Skaya> "A day might be pushing it," Skaya admits. "Still, it's a small world out there. If you come across any news of Brachidos, send word for us?" She'll helpfully provide any identifying marks she can, here.
21:28 <•Kotono> "We will," I sthe promise, "A masked man, you said?"
21:30 <Skaya> "Grey robes and featureless red mask. Teleports all over, uses illusions and poison. Suspected in spreading plague. Fun guy."
21:34 <•Kotono> "If we find him, we'll bring him to justice. If we hear word, we'll send word," Is the offer, "In return, could you send word if you come on a few things of interest to us?"
21:35 <Skaya> "It would be churlish to refuse, wouldn't it?" Skaya asks him with a grin. "What are your interests?"
21:41 <•Kotono> "Southstar, a dagger once in our possession, that was lost a decade ago. It strikes true against evil and always guides its holder to a safe path in travel," Is the answer, "Oathplate and Oathstrike, made by one our own and lost unexpectedly. They are powerful and work best in the hands of a proper believer, and none who use them can speak lies. Mourning Wail, a heavy flail that never causes
21:41 <•Kotono> serious wounds and brings guilt and a path to repent to the guilty. The Hammer who carried this fell in battle in these lands decades ago, and it has never been found."
21:42 — Skaya tilts her head. "Oathplate and Oathstrike, you say?"
21:42 <•Kotono> Anne takes a moment before, "It is your fortune that I can help you with that," she speaks up. "Tell me, how where they lost?"
21:42 <•Kotono> &were
21:42 <•Kotono> *were
21:45 <•Kotono> "Do you know of them?" Is the question right back, urgent. "They vanished from a secure room, and none can say how it was done. Nothing else was taken, except an empty bookshelf of all things."
21:46 <•Kotono> "Our friend's fault," Anne murmurs, "But not int he sense you may suspect. It's quite the story, but it fits.
21:46 <•Kotono> ""
21:47 <Skaya> "The short of it is that we managed to retrieve Oathplate and Oathstrike in the same labyrinth I mentioned previously."
21:49 <•Kotono> "Just so," Anne says, "I have no issue with returning lost goods, it is only right. However, they were earmarked for the good of the orphanage I run. You understand that this becomes a difficult situation, and I ask that you help resolve it."
21:49 <•Kotono> Anne doesn't even need to press, "There's a large reward," he answers, "Which can be put to your orphanage, then. It's only fair."
21:50 <•Kotono> "Ah," Anne's expression brightens, "How fortunate."
21:50 <•Kotono> After a moment, "How large?"
21:50 <Skaya> "If we come across the dagger or the flail, we'll send word for sure!" Skaya adds here to support Anne.
21:52 <•Kotono> "Well..." There's a hesitation, and Anne simply turns her gaze on him.
21:52 <•Kotono> "Please," she asks softly.
21:52 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+21 diplo +2 aid another, +4 hope domain Anne
21:52 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+21 diplo +2 aid another, +4 hope domain Anne --> [ 1d20=3 ]{24}
21:54 <•Kotono> "Perhaps we can discuss that in town," He offers after a moment. "We'll need to go there to arrange for the funds."
21:56 <Skaya> "Let's head over, then?"
21:57 <•Kotono> Thus you go down and head into Rockgale...next time! OOC: More next time, but it's about time and I'm honestly a bit tired now. Still not quite 100%, it'll take a few days to readjust after bad sleep. More Thursday or possibly earlier.

[Corwin]

19:43 <•Kotono> OOC: If you want to go with them as a flier feel free Devar, just haven't said so if you are is all, so assuming not for the moment.
19:44 <Devar> OOC: He's going to stay down for the sake of keeping Rina and Sanda safe just in case.
19:46 <•Kotono> Once gone, Sanda stretches long and yawns. "I can't wait to see the ocean," she comments, as Rina makes a big, overstated shiver. "I've dreamed of it the past few nights."
19:46 <•Kotono> "Never thought I'd enjoy the summer heat this much," Rina counters, "And Anne was outright desperate to take to the skies, wasn't she?"
19:47 <Devar> "It does seem to have some impact on your opinions of things." Devar says. "But it isn't like you can't touch water at all, right?" He asks, looking to Rina.
19:50 <•Kotono> Rina pauses to take a drink from her waterskin. "Though I boiled water and draink it still steaming a few evenings ago," Rina mentions, "That was better. I've been pushing back against it."
19:50 <•Kotono> Sanda sniffs before, "Only logical. Water's important, and imagine if you went so far as not to bathe."
19:52 <Devar> "Hot water for bathing is definitely preferred." Devar agrees.
19:58 <•Kotono> "Definitely," Rina comments and looks up. Above they're close together and chatting. "I'll see if I can get a barrel full of boiling water to bathe in once we're in Rockgale."
19:58 <•Kotono> "I'll walk away from the ports and see the ocean once I have some time." Sanda then comments, "Port water tends to be filthy, or so I've read."
20:00 <Devar> "Yeah, it looks like they aren't here to attack us, which is a great sign." Devar agrees.
20:00 <•Kotono> "I doubted it," Sanda agrees, "I couldn't imagine a reason for it."
20:01 <Devar> "Like whackadoo evil people need a reason." Devar counters.
20:01 <•Kotono> "Maybe they're here to root out Brachidos and other disease worshiping monsters," Rina speculates.
20:02 <•Kotono> "It's only sensible, statistically speaking, to have more than one force to deal with it," Sanda comments, "Particularl yif native ones are preparing for a possible war."
20:04 <Devar> "Yeah, they might be the reason the town seems to be fine." Devar says.
20:05 <•Kotono> "It would be nice," Sanda murmurs, "Maybe they scared off Brachidos?"
20:08 <Devar> "I doubt it. He's not the type to be intimidated, I don't think. That sort of crazed devotion just gets more crazed when faced with opposition." Devar says.
20:09 <•Kotono> "Probably so," Rina admits, then smiles, "Good. Hunt him down here rather than chase him across the sea."
20:11 <•Kotono> Anne swoops down, a soft woosh of air as she lands in a kneel. She dusts herself off before, "Skaya and I will be busy for an hour or so. Go ahead and get into Rockgale, we're helping them out with training."
20:13 <Devar> "Allies then, I take it?" Devar asks.
20:14 <•Kotono> "Certainly not enemies. They serve Tyr and come from across the sea," Anne answers, "It is a noble cause."
20:14 <•Kotono> "And a chance ot fly," Sanda adds right away.
20:14 <•Kotono> "...and a chance to fly," Anne admits, her hair windblown now. "Which I shall now take. Excuse me." With a leap Anne soars into the air, back up.
20:15 <Devar> Devar nods. "All right, I guess we'll get everything situated and find a place to stay first and then wait for them before we deal with whatever the Guild here is like."
20:15 <•Kotono> Nods around as the party goes on. Do you want to stand in line, or take Rina up on her offeR?
20:16 <Devar> They do have some time to kill but it might take longer than they're flying around, so Devar will ask Rina to deal with it!
20:17 <•Kotono> Rina rides ahead quickly and...
20:18 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+16 diplo (+5 circumstance bonus)
20:18 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 diplo (+5 circumstance bonus) --> [ 1d20=10 ]{26}
20:18 <•Kotono> By the time Rina returns? "We're cleared to go through and pass the line, no tax or toll needed. We're highly encouraged to visit the High Reeve of Rockgale before the day's out, though."
20:19 <•Kotono> "There's nothing optional about it," Sanda retorts.
20:19 <•Kotono> "Not if we're smart," Rina agrees,.
20:22 <Devar> "That's fine and to be expected." Devar says. "I imagine they send communications to the neighboring towns, so I'd be surprised if they didn't know who we were."
20:22 <Devar> Devar will guide the horses and the wagon along the side of the line to get to the entrance of Rockgate!
20:33 <•Kotono> You're allowed right on in. It's a town. White stone roads, the heat reflecting off of them. People give you a respectable birth but not too much, your wagon able to come on in. Now that you're in, what's your plan?
20:37 <Devar> "Do you think the High Reeve will just put us up somewhere?" Devar asks. "If we think that's a given or a likelihood, we can just head there first while the others are busy."
20:41 <•Kotono> "Maybe?" Rina says, "Good reason to go show our faces, but if we get tied up there, ti could be all day."
20:41 <•Kotono> "Yes, but free is a good price," Sanda retorts.
20:46 <Devar> "We might." Devar nods. "But better we show some respect to avoid any concerns." He says - he asks around from the local guard to find out where the High Reeve's stationed in town and will head there first.
20:46 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 67/67 Devar 78/78 Anne 76/77 Sanda 55/55 Rina 73/73
20:47 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:47 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=85 ]{85}
20:52 <•Kotono> The High Reeve's offices are near the docks, with the back wall windows with a clear view. You're escorted in. The High Reeve is a big man. Big with a love of good foot and a disdain for exercise, and he smells of lavender and roses. A thirty something man, clean shaven and with a flushed face. He wears plain grays and looks out a window, the scent of his cologne thick in the room. On your
20:52 <•Kotono> announcement in, "The heroes of Dareslan, or three of them," he greets, clapping his hands together. "I heard word you were coming north."
20:58 <Devar> "It's good to meet you, sir." Devar says. "Two of our comrades are assisting in some other matters at the moment, but we were informed you wished to speak to us and didn't want to keep you waiting."
20:59 <Devar> "Devar of Eldath, Rina and Sanda." He says, introducing the group.
21:03 <•Kotono> "High Reeve Jovlagajage the IV," he answers. Sanda blinks and tries mouthing that, and ends up coughing. Rina stares.  He then laughs, "High Reeve Rose. Ah, life's too short not to laugh." He gestures at comfortable looking stuffed chairs. "Sit, rest. You've had a long trip to get up here."
21:06 <Devar> Devar smiles a small bit and will take a seat. "I'm glad to be able to meet you under better circumstances than we met High Reeve Richman." He says. "I apologize to possibly skip anything, but have you all seen any signs of the same sort of plague or disease here? We have reason to believe our quarry, the one known as Brachidos, may be attempting something here."
21:11 <•Kotono> "No, and I've been looking," Is his answer, "Plague spreads, and it wouldn't be the first time it leapt from one city to another." A sniff, "But no, no signs of it."
21:12 — Devar nods. "It's possible he may be up to something else, but we can investigate that ourselves." He says, rather grimly.
21:12 <Devar> "Is there anything we can assist with while we're in town?" He asks.
21:16 <•Kotono> "Of course, of course," A wave of his hand, "What is it you need, heroes?"
21:16 <•Kotono> "What I need?" Going on from that, "Make sure there's no plague about to erupt."
21:19 <Devar> "Please, we're not heroes, just those who are determined to fight against evil." Devar says with a smile. "Really, we're just interested in information, I think. Besides that, we're still looking for better arms and armors in some of our cases, so if the city has any particularly well-known shops for magic items, that would be helpful as well." He looks at Rina and Sanda. "Anything else you
21:19 <Devar> all can think of specifics-wise?"
21:27 <•Kotono> Sanda considers, "A library."
21:27 <•Kotono> Rina's in thought, "Give me a little bit to think."
21:28 <•Kotono> "Of course, of course," Easy agreement, "But we can think about that after lunch. You haven't eaten yet, have you?"
21:28 <Devar> He nods. "We haven't, we were going to take up lodging somewhere, but figured we could do that after we met you." He says.
21:33 <•Kotono> "Come, come," You're invited in, and to a large, seven course meal. It's all of fine quality. A rich soup, a delicate salad and greens course, a bacon stuffed chicken breast with rich gravy for another and even chilled, fruit flavored cream as dessert. A meal fit for a noble, and not a small one. It's certainly different than simple rations on the road, and Rina and Sanda both tuck in with
21:33 <•Kotono> vigor.
21:34 <Devar> "I hope you didn't feel you had to prepare this just for us." Devar says with a smile. "But if you did, it's very appreciated."
21:37 <•Kotono> Sanda's too busy with dessert. Rina picks at it, having eaten quite a lot before this. "It's better than I've had lately."
21:37 <•Kotono> "Good food leads to good days," The High Reeve declares, "Does it not?"
21:39 <Devar> "It certainly does." Devar agrees. Since there seems to be plenty he doesn't have to worry too much about there not being any for Anne and Skaya, for all that none of them need to eat, it's still pleasurable!
21:44 <•Kotono> It is, and it's well made food. "Now then, are you sufficientyl refreshed?"
21:44 <•Kotono> "I'm not srue I could eat anything until tomorrow," Rina waves it off, "I'm more than refreshed."
21:44 <Devar> "Yes, thank you for the hospitality." Devar says.
21:45 <•Kotono> Sanda nabs Rina's uneaten dessert and starts on it, to no resistance.
21:45 <•Kotono> "Now then, was there any other requests?" The High Reeve asks.
21:46 <Devar> "None from us, if we have anything else we'll have someone ask the soldiers." Devar says.
21:51 <•Kotono> "Well then," With that you're free and it raises a question: Now what?
21:54 <Devar> "We'll go get ourselves somewhere to stay." Devar says. "The others should be back soon."
21:57 <•Kotono> Thus you go on to figure that out...next time! OOC: More next time, see #elysium.

[Corwin]

19:11 <Kotono> OOC: Anything I need to know about your lodging in town?
19:12 <Devar> OOC: Nah, we'll get whatever seems like a decent place. Upscale but luxurious.
19:12 <Devar> OOC: not luxurious
19:17 <Kotono> Easy enough to do. The Pixie's Cup is a comfortable inn with good service and large rooms, and plenty of space for the party to get set up. It also comes with free meals which is nice, and your horses and wagon are well taken care of. OOC: It'll cost 15 gold to cover everything for a week here, go ahead and post the expense in loot.
19:19 <Devar> OOC: Devar will pay that himself, for the record
19:22 <Kotono> OOC: Cool. Now refresh me what your next move was gonna be?
19:24 <Devar> OOC: Devar doesn't have much on his agenda, he's fine to meet up with the others, but he's also fine just taking a look around town to see what sort of shops they have in terms of magic items.
19:24 <Devar> OOC: They can also ask if there's been anything suspicious going on in town.
19:28 <Kotono> OOC: Lemme meet y'all up first, then y'all can do town investigations. Little ont he slower side today so better to pace it and work things out well.
19:28 <Devar> OOC: Sure thing