Solo Adventures - Devar 022.1

[Corwin]

20:06 <•Kotono> Sleep comes. Devar awakens slowly, in no hurry. He's warm and the light is dim here, and not even the scent of warm food can stir him. A rest after the past several days, a reverie. Until a snarling snap of, "Kaja's glittering Gem and Gold!" from Anne pierces his sleepy mind.
20:08 <Devar> "Wasted no time, I see." He murmurs as he pulls himself back into full consciousness. "We were prepared for this, if nothing else."
20:10 <•Kotono> It's only you and Anne here. Well, that and the same gnome as before. She's cooking away, the scent of potatoes, bacon and cream thick in the air. Anne sits up in her bed, in a thin shift. She rests her head in her hand, "I hope Skaya's healing is good enough to keep Sanda alive," she murmurs, "I won't be there to do that for a little while."
20:11 <•Kotono> "Good morning!" The gnome calls, "Potato and bacon cream stew's for breakfast. Don't mind me, you all look like you could use a hearty breakfast."
20:11 <•Kotono> "Ah, thank you," Anne looks over.
20:12 <Devar> "Everyone here has been welcoming." Devar says. "I mean... not that I'm suspicious or anything, but is it a tenet of Bytopia in some capacity to just welcome visitors?"
20:12 <•Kotono> "The cream's fresh from golden buffalo," The woman stirs a pot over the stove's flame, "It's almost ready, too."
20:13 <•Kotono> "Oh oh!" A cheerful call, "Legend says that Garl Glittergold was once sealed away by a false king, and only a kindly dragon and her allies saved him. He teaches us to be generous to all who cross our paths, and that hospitality is one way to do that. So I hope you're hungry."
20:14 <•Kotono> Anne drifts up, floating out of bed, blanket wrapping around her as she relocates to a table. "I suppose we have no life or death hurry now, and that smells good."
20:15 <Devar> "What a wonderful way to live." Devar says with a smile, pulling himself up as well. "Still, thank you for your hospitality and generosity."
20:17 <•Kotono> Big bowls of cream stew are served. It's as good as it smells, rich and filling. Anne eats hungrily, and over the meal, "So do you have a plan on how we can return home, Devar?"
20:20 <Devar> "The best, most direct route is finding something that lets us cast the spell to shift planes." Devar says. "But a specific plan on how we obtain one? Not exactly, but we're positioned rather well to locate something like that." He gestures around. "We might simply be able to find one somehow or run across someone willing to trade or sell us one."
20:23 <•Kotono> "If not, at least it will be a pleasant trip until we do," Anne concedes, "My knowledge of planar lore is incomplete, but I do know that shoudl all else fail, we can seek out the Astral Plane and guidance there."
20:25 <Devar> "Actually, madam, is there anyone around here who sells magical items or things like that?" Devar asks.
20:35 <•Kotono> "Here? If yo udeep enough you can find the Goldrock Church, there's magic there," Is the answer, "But the tunnels are too small for people your size."
20:37 <Devar> He nods. "Then it sounds like our best bet is to try and make it to... it was 'Gnomeshall,' right?" Devar asks, looking at Anne for confirmation.
20:42 <•Kotono> "
20:42 <•Kotono> "Yes," Anne says, "That sounds right."
20:43 <Devar> He nods - for now he'll enjoy the hospitality of the food. Who knows, maybe something serendipitous might happen to them while they're eating!
21:07 <•Kotono> Nothing that lucky happens, but that raises a question: Now what are you going to do?
21:09 <Devar> Devar will thank their hosts and will head out with Anne to continue their journey!
21:13 <•Kotono> It's not long into your walk that you get a message, that reads in your mind: We are all back on ship. Try to buy planar travel item in Bytopia and find way to Rina to regroup. Perhaps a ring?
21:15 <Devar> Devar sends his reply along mentally to the message!
21:22 <•Kotono> With that done the two of you proceed on and...OOC: For my reference, Perception?
21:23 <Devar> roll 1d20+11 you never know
21:23 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+11 you never know --> [ 1d20=2 ]{13}

[Corwin]

19:07 <•Kotono> You walk on a little time. It's beautiful weather for it, not a thing wrong. Nature here is tamed, farmland and happy homesteads. Forests that are as much orchards than wilds, rivers that flow peacefully. It contrasts the view far above. Anne drifts along, feet never quite touching the ground. By close to noon, you come on a man. Not a gnome but a man, tall and fair of complexion. He has white
19:07 <•Kotono> hair despite looking no older than twenty, a fine sort of white that is wispy and long. He sits on a river bank fishing, wearing a simple but well made tunic and pants.
19:09 <Devar> "The day and night cycles here must be a challenge to navigate for a while." Devar comments as they fly along. He doesn't want to disturb someone fishing, but will raise a hand in greeting if the person looks towards them at all!
19:13 <•Kotono> The man does and raises a hand back, "Hello there," he calls, "Morta-no, I'm sorry, my mistake." He clicks his tongue. "Elemental blooded, and not thinly." His voice is cheerful. "I thought you two had the look of mortals on a quest or in need of guidance."
19:16 <Devar> "You should trust your gut more!" Devar says with a smile. "I guess we're technically both things, but I'd say at the moment more of the 'in need of guidance'. The elemental part is... well, it's a bit of a story we'd be happy to tell you if you wanted to hear." He adds, coming down to get closer. "We're here by way of... uh... well, we were helping some folks from a wrecked ship, found a
19:16 <Devar> traveling dimensional ship with them, some friends joined their crew, we ended up on Ice, then ended up taking a portal from there to here and..." He gestures around. "That's more or less the short version - we're trying to get back to our home plane, and were on our way to Gnomeshall to see if we could entreat someone there for some sort of planar travel item."
19:20 <•Kotono> "That's easy," The man doesn't seem fazed at all, "It's my job to guide the lost, usually mortals in need of a good quest. I could banish you, but the spell's unreliable. It'll send you back ot your home plane at a random location. It won't be somewhere immediately dangerous, but it could be thousands of miles away or more, or underground, or atop a mountain."
19:20 <•Kotono> Anne floats to the river bank and sits next to him, "Your job?"
19:21 <•Kotono> "People have a way of finding where they need to be here," The man explains as he checks his line, but no bites. "It's how things are here. It doesn't stop other people from passing by sometimes."
19:22 <Devar> "I'd also heard rumors that's how these places work." Devar says. "That these places are designed to nudge people in the direction that's most suitable for whatever is going on. Or at least that's the impression I always got."
19:23 <Devar> He rubs his chin. "At any rate, Ideally we'd like some sort of more controlled way of doing it - but hey, you said you can give people quests, right?" He asks. "Then how about we ask for a quest that will help us find something for planar travel? Are... we allowed to do that?"
19:25 <•Kotono> "I can, but I'm only supposed to guide mortals like that," The man explains patiently, focus on his fishing line. He sighs after a moment and reels it in, "Ah, it's not a good day for the fish, or maybe my heart's not in it." He sits back and looks up, "You're definitely not mortals. Eldath and Moore, not a combination I see often."
19:27 <Devar> "I mean, we... were!" Devar says. "We weren't born this way, it just... sort... of happened." He says, then looks over at Anne and back. "Really? I mean, I guess that makes sense, but Hope and Peace aren't too dissimilar, at least."
19:29 <•Kotono> Anne returns that look with a slight smile, "It was a well meaning reward, and one too good to pass up. In all truth, I still strive to fully grasp the weight of the ages. It's not even been an entire season since it happened. Yet flying feels more natural than walking, and the winds like a friend I've had all my life."
19:30 <Devar> "Despite the 'visiting Ice' thing I don't think any of us have been summoned by the Elemental Lords to go on any adventures yet." He adds.
19:31 <•Kotono> "Sort of happened," A rich laugh, "Yes, yes, the way of things where profound changes just happen." Devar gets a fond, amused look, "Still, you're not exactly who I'm supposed to help, but..." He stops there, "I have no need for treasure, but I'm free to trade if I want, and nothing says I can't trade goods for services."
19:34 <Devar> "Hey, you seem to be able to tell a lot about us, so you know I'm not lying." Devar says with a smile. "I bet you probably know the whole story anyway! But - yes, services, what can we do or what would you ask of us?"
19:38 <•Kotono> Both of you are studied for several moment, "The problem is that you're both the type to do what I want you to already. You're an odd fit for Eldath and you could stand to work on your snappishness at times," Devar and then Anne get looked at, "But you're the type who don't need a quest to do the right thing." He hums to himself, "Yes yes, it's a very tough fit. Dangerously tough."
19:38 <•Kotono> "Is that a problem?" Anne inquires as she watches him.
19:39 <•Kotono> "A quest has to be something with meaning, and often those who find me aren't inclined to do my particular quests. It's part of the sacrifice and self improvement," The man explains, "There's a balance to it, at least for the ones I get. But you found me, which has to mean something."
19:40 <Devar> "Perhaps being an odd fit means you need to think outside the box you normally use." Devar says with a bit of a grin.
19:42 <•Kotono> "Outside of the box? I like that turn of phrase." A pause to study the waters, "Fine. Do either of you know how to fish?"
19:42 <Devar> "Or maybe Lord Glittergold just finds our situation amusing." He adds, looking upwards at the sky with a bit of a laugh. "Fishing? I know the basics, I wouldn't say I'm especially great at it, but I at least know how."
19:42 <•Kotono> "I've done it a few times," Anne comments, "I live in an inland city, so there's rarely cause for it. I know just enough to ensure my charges don't do something silly when I take them to a creek."
19:44 <•Kotono> "Bring me a big, rich golden fish. One as big as your arm span," The man spreads his arms wide, "There's a few that fit that, Oceanus Salmon and the Starfishers are the most common. None are easy to catch. Bring me one and I'll help you."
19:44 <•Kotono> "Fishing?" Anne softly considers that, "Not the quest I expected."
19:44 <•Kotono> "You aren't the sort I expected," Is the retort, "I think it's a fair exchange."
19:46 <Devar> "Well, we're not in any rush, which makes it the perfect sort of thing to do." Devar says. "May we borrow your line?"
19:47 <•Kotono> He passes it over, "I wish the two of you luck. I'll be downstream a little waves," he gestures ahead, "Shouldn't be hard to find me."
19:47 <•Kotono> *ways
19:50 <Devar> "Anne, what are those people from Celestia called, um..." He snaps his fingers a few times. "Not the deities themselves but they're like the embodiments of certain traits, you know what I'm talking about, right? You think our patron here is like that, but for Bytopia?"
19:54 <•Kotono> OOC: Are you saying that while he's in earshot?
19:54 <Devar> OOC: Yeah sure
19:56 <•Kotono> "The term you're thinking of is archon for Celestia," The man says, "I'm one myself, a few of us work over here," he explains patiently, no offense in his words. "Though it's mostly angels here."
19:56 <•Kotono> "That, yes. Archons," Anne agrees, "Embodiments of law and good combined, the mirror reflection of eladrin, who are the embodiments of chaos and good combined."
19:57 <•Kotono> OOC: Anne takes 10 on her check.
19:59 <Devar> "That sounds right but wasn't what I was thinking of... but it answers the questions anyway." Devar says. "Oh! Not Archon, authority! I think? I think that's the right term?"
20:03 <•Kotono> Anne hums as the man says, "The Authorities of Celestia. Think of them like the high nobles of Celestia and the Hebdomad are the royalty. That's not really right, but it's in terms that you should understand."
20:04 <•Kotono> "Yes, but why do yo uask?" Anne inquires then.
20:05 <Devar> "Oh, it was just idle curiosity on my part." Devar says, waving his hand off. "He'd said himself it was his duty to guide mortals, and you don't exactly get assigned a specific role in one of the Heavens without being someone of some importance, you know?" At that, Devar looks around for a decent enough spot to hunker down to give some fishing a shot.
20:06 <•Kotono> There's plenty of good spaces, the riverbanks pleasant. Anne joins you once you choose one, "So...hope one of us is gifted at fishing."
20:08 <Devar> "I'm pretty sure this isn't anything we can be good or bad at." Devar says. "Either we're meant to catch this thing or we aren't, so don't stress about it too much."
20:17 <•Kotono> "Then..." Anne settles in as...OOC: Any relevant skills, first of all
20:17 <•Kotono> ?
20:18 <Devar> OOC: I somehow don't think K:N or Animal Handling help here, but you never know!
20:20 <•Kotono> OOC: Not really. Wisdom check then.
20:20 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Anne
20:20 <•Kotono> OOC: One moment.
20:20 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@126CF456.539A7C2E.42F8E3F1.IP)
20:21 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Anne
20:21 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Anne --> [ 1d20=14 ]{20}
20:21 <Devar> roll 1d20+1 It's always wisdom!
20:21 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+1 It's always wisdom! --> [ 1d20=16 ]{17}
20:24 <•Kotono> You fish for a good hour. No luck, but both of you reel in a smaller fish each. Nothing worth keeping, but it's a start. Anne sits, her armor taken off and in her lighter underclothes. Her hair blows in a breeze that isn't there as she softly hums to herself, the occasional bit of singing to go with it. "Persistence, I think. At least we do not tire or have need of respite. Endurance is a
20:24 <•Kotono> virtue."
20:26 <Devar> Devar whispers, as if they were being overheard, "I have a feeling that's the point of the exercise. If we really wanted to, one of us could just fly back down to the gnomes and I'm sure one of them would just give us a Salmon or Starfisher and we could bring it back, but what would that prove?"
20:28 <•Kotono> "Our intelligence?" Anne can't keep a smile off her face. "As an archon, he might appreciate a proper understanding of the rules as given versus his intent."
20:29 <Devar> "If we keep failing at this we can try it." Devar says with a bit of a laugh. "But this has its own fun too."
20:29 <•Kotono> Anne settles in to do just that, as...OOC: Wisdom again.
20:29 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Anne
20:29 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Anne --> [ 1d20=20 ]{26}
20:29 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+26 Anne
20:29 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+26 Anne --> [ 1d20=2 ]{28}
20:31 <Devar> roll 1d20+1 It's always wisdom!
20:31 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+1 It's always wisdom! --> [ 1d20=2 ]{3}
20:33 <•Kotono> Another hour passes. Anne's just about to move locations when, "Ah!" she cries, line going stiff. "I have something strong," she cries, working it. "Moore, give my line strength!"
20:35 <Devar> "Probably not the weirdest prayer he ever received, really." Devar says as he stands, ready to help out if need be!
20:39 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 str
20:39 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 str --> [ 1d20=9 ]{13}
20:39 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 dex
20:39 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 dex --> [ 1d20=6 ]{10}
20:39 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 ???
20:39 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 ??? --> [ 1d20=16 ]{22}
20:39 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 ???
20:39 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 ??? --> [ 1d20=13 ]{19}
20:40 <•Kotono> Anne pulls at it, works hard - but with a loud snap the line gives way and she tumbles back. No fish this time. As she lies there and groans? A big, golden fish pokes out of the waters. It spits out a trail of water which splashes Anne right in the face, and is followed by a soft thunk. A glittering blue gemstone bounces off Anne's forehead and onto the ground as the fish swims off and away.
20:42 <Devar> "That felt personal." Devar says, getting out a cloth to help Anne dry her face off first.
20:44 <•Kotono> "Perhaps a message that it isn't the strange request he's heard, or to relax a little." Anne lets you wash her off and sits up, grabbing the gem. "Can you tell what gem this is and if it's valuable? It feels as if a second place prize, but I'll not turn it down."
20:46 <Devar> "Haha, our patron did say you were a bit too standoffish, so maybe. They say some deities take the forms of certain things to meet with people... maybe Moore likes being a fish?" Devar says, as he casts Identify on the gemstone!
20:49 <•Kotono> It's not magical at least. OOC: Does Identify provide monetary value or just ID magical items?
20:50 <Devar> OOC: Just magical propertise, but I do have Appraise! Take 10 for 25
20:51 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me a supplemental K:P.
20:52 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 25 on that too then!
20:56 <•Kotono> It's a Jewel of Oceanus. Rare as they're only found on the bed of the River Oceanus. They're said to represent purification and water. They're quite valuable and useful in magic, or kept as personal treasures. You'd estimate this is easily worth 700 gold.
20:59 <Devar> "If I don't miss my guess, this is something people usually call a Jewel of Oceanus. They can be useful for magical means. We could probably offer this to get a fish if we needed to. I mean, it's worth a lot more than a fish is, obviously... but in the spirit of what we've been asked to do, you know?" Devar explains.
21:00 <•Kotono> "In the spirit," Anne agrees, "Besides, that's money better spent elsewhere. Shall we continue?"
21:03 <Devar> "It wouldn't do to give the line back broken, would it?" Devar asks. "I agree, let's continue."
21:05 <•Kotono> OOC: Wis again, +2 bonus this time.
21:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Anne
21:06 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 Anne --> [ 1d20=20 ]{28}
21:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+28 Anne somoene's hot
21:06 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+28 Anne somoene's hot --> [ 1d20=5 ]{33}
21:07 <Devar> roll 1d20+3 good thing she's here!
21:07 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+3 good thing she's here! --> [ 1d20=17 ]{20}
21:07 <•Kotono> It's a half hour until suddenly Anne calls, "I have something, another big one! Moore, let this time be the time!"
21:08 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 str
21:08 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 str --> [ 1d20=10 ]{14}
21:08 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 dex
21:08 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 dex --> [ 1d20=7 ]{11}
21:08 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 ???
21:08 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 ??? --> [ 1d20=12 ]{16}
21:08 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 ???
21:08 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 ??? --> [ 1d20=2 ]{6}
21:08 <Devar> Devar readies himself again to help out!
21:09 <•Kotono> OOC: How are you going to help out?
21:11 <Devar> OOC: If it looks like the line's going to break again, or she's having trouble with the fish, he'll cast Greater Mage Hand to just propel the fish out of the water towards her. Alternatively, one of his mage armor spells on the fishing line to keep it from breaking!
21:12 <•Kotono> OOC: How much weight can greater mage's hand manipulate?
21:14 <Devar> OOC: A lot more than I actually thought, lol - One object or creature weighing up to 40 lbs.
21:16 <•Kotono> Anne pulls and pulls and finesses it closer. It's all focus - until suddenly the line snaps. Anne cries out and falls back again, and the fist leaps out of the water. It's a gorgeous golden fish, many feet long. It glistens in the sunsline, as with it flies out an old, waterlogged boot. It does a flip in midair and sends the boot flying at Anne's face, as it gives you the perfect opportunity
21:16 <•Kotono> to use your spell, if you want to.
21:18 <Devar> "Would you please just humor us? It's for a good cause." Devar says, gesturing to cast his Greater mage hand spell to propel the fish towards them. "We're not going to eat you."
21:20 <•Kotono> The fish lets out a sputter as it's send flying. The boot hits Anne's face with a loud THUNK, something clearly heavier than a boot within. Anne lets out a cry of pain, hands to her face. The fish lands at your feet, flopping around. Surprisingly it answers back in that man's voice, "Ah! Well played," he admits, and in moments the fish is now the fisherman. He stands as Anne murmurs a healing
21:20 <•Kotono> spell, "You were quite fast at it. Perhaps Eldath's domain over waters encouraged you."
21:22 <Devar> "We've had a lot of experience trying to catch things." Devar says. "How long exactly were you planning on keeping that up for?" There's no malice or anything in his voice, though he does go check on Anne to make sure she's all right. "I won't tell Sanda about any of this, don't worry."
21:24 <•Kotono> Anne rubs her nose clean of blood, and with a mulish look, goes to check in the boot. She pulls out an old bag falling apart, platinum coins raining down onto her lap. "Until you won," he answers, "None of us are in a hurry. That was by far the fastest for those without any great skill at fishing. Also, the treasures are consolation prizes, yours to keep. I see that they'll be used well by you
21:24 <•Kotono> and yours. I have no need for treasure, and what falls into the Oceanus always finds its way into better hands."
21:25 <Devar> "I was about to head back and see if we could find a stronger fishing line." Devar says.
21:26 <•Kotono> "Curlish," Anne comments, "Even if I know a testing and tempering when I see one." The coins are all taken and put away, "Your donation to the welfare of the least fortunate is appreciated, sir."
21:27 <•Kotono> "Well then, your return home," The archon continues, "You wish to return to your Prime Material world of origin?"
21:29 <Devar> "Ideally. It would be helpful if we could find something to help with that on a more regular manner given our friends and their... condition, let's call it, but if you're only able to get us back home then that's fine." Devar says. "You've donated quite enough to us already."
21:30 <•Kotono> "Tell me where you wish to arrive. You won't be there most likely, but within a certain distance. A few weeks of travel, less by air." The archon explains, "You may get lucky and be quite close, but it's not reliable."
21:31 <Devar> Devar turns to Anne. "Should we just say Mellanics and see where we end up?" He asks.
21:40 <•Kotono> "It seems simplest," Anne concurs.
21:40 <•Kotono> "Let me put my armor back on," She says, going to do just that.
21:41 <Devar> "I don't think we ever properly introduced ourselves, but I have a feeling you already know I'm Devar and this is Anne, but I certainly hope the fates allow us to cross paths again." Devar says. "I wouldn't mind more fishing."
21:47 <•Kotono> "Morning Gale," Is the introduciton, before, "Hold hands, and good luck on your world. Be well...and avoid boots."
21:47 <•Kotono> Anne's expression is sour at that, "I'm having fish for dinner tonight."
21:50 <Devar> "It's good advice!" Devar says as he holds onto Anne for this.
21:52 <•Kotono> The two of you are tapped on the shoulder and then-!
21:52 <•Kotono> roll 1d500
21:52 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d500 --> [ 1d500=262 ]{262}
21:52 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 vs ???
21:52 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs ??? --> [ 1d100=59 ]{59}
21:55 <•Kotono> You appear in pitch black darkness. Darkvision allows you to see you're in some manner of cavern, a twisting passage that continues ahead and behind. The air smells stale down here, a cavern's mustines.s The ceiling is not far from your heads, little clearance.
21:57 <Devar> "Well, this isn't ideal." Devar says, but he casts Luminous Armor to give them more ability to see, but also to hopefully ward off any critters that might be sensitive to light. "We can just pick a direction and go." He says, picking the one he happened to start in - ahead for now!
21:59 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception.
22:00 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 21!
22:01 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Anne
22:01 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Anne --> [ 1d20=8 ]{14}
22:01 <•Kotono> You can hear something making noise. Within the walls, no less.
22:01 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-B8D5816D.irccloud.com)
22:02 <Devar> "Well, that's... not..." Devar sighs. "Just keep moving, if we get into trouble we'll just have to deal with it. Stay close."
22:04 <•Kotono> "Not immediately dangerous, I see," Anne comments tightly, "Shall we hurry?"
22:05 <Devar> He nods and continues onward!
22:09 <•Kotono> You walk on a few minutes. You hear th enoise in the walls a few times a minute, but no sign of anything. That is, until you come to a path going downward. A horrible stench rises up from it, the scent of stomach churning. Anne takes a few steps back, "Carrion and death, if I'm right."
22:13 <Devar> Devar wrinkles his nose. "Well, that's certainly not the direction to go in..." Assuming there aren't any other ways to go that don't lead down, Devar would turn around to start heading back. "I guess we were heading deeper in rather than out, but that's easily enough corrected."
22:14 <•Kotono> "Wisely," Anne says as you turn back around and travel. Sure enough, yo usoon find a path going up. The noise in the walls ceases as you do, too.
22:16 <Devar> "At least it had the good sense to leave us alone." Devar says. "Whatever it was." He heads towards the path leading up - and hopefully out!
22:26 <•Kotono> Up, up and up further. Up out of the cavern, around a bend and finally. The scent of fresh air starts to tickle your noses. Ahead, it must not be far now.
22:28 <Devar> "Careful, just in case there's any holes or anything. ...Not that we can really... you know, but still." Devar says, heading forward and hopefully out!
22:36 <•Kotono> Thus the two of you head up and out, into the fresh air...next time!

[Corwin]

19:02 <•Kotono> You come up and out into the fresh air of a forest. It's nighttime so there's little light, only the dark gloom of trees.
19:03 <Devar> "Let's see if we can see any landmarks or anything from the air." Devar says, taking off to get above the trees and to look around for anything noteworthy. "I heard there's some spell that lets you see for miles around you but I think it's limited to those with bardic or druidic magic."
19:07 <•Kotono> Anne follows, "I've not heard of it, but there's many spells. Maybe one day I'll try my hand at my own spell." Up and up as the group ascends. It's quite dark the moon is dull, the air here the fading warmth of later summer nights. Hm? Above the canopy you see  a second canopy, cliffside hills rising up like a terrance. Great treets rise up, further barriers to see. "Curious," Anne murmurs,
19:07 <•Kotono> "This reminds me a little of Starre's homeland when she mentioned it."
19:09 <Devar> "Curious indeed. Let's just keep going up." Devar says, nothing seemingly impeding their ability to do so at the moment. "If we can manage to see any light sources, we might be able to find a camp or town or something to at least get our bearings. We could be anywhere, unfortunately..."
19:14 <•Kotono> Another ascent. When you pierce through this second canopy? A third of the same, but this canopy is different. It's much lighter, but much of the gaps are covered with what looks to be wooden platforms, built into and around the branches. There's still gaps from what you can spy in the dark, but it's not entirely a natural canopy.
19:15 <Devar> "I've never heard of something like this... why would anyone build up here and not down there?" Devar wonders, heading further up.
19:20 <•Kotono> "More than that, the lack of sunlight should inhibit growth, but it still goes on," Anne comments as she ascends with you. "Plants need the sun." Then after a pause, "Then again, those trees beneath the waves grew in spite of that."
19:21 <Devar> "Maybe we can find someone who can explain what's going on." Devar says. "Though it isn't an immediate concern."
19:24 <•Kotono> Up, up and up. You reach above the treeline. Above you is now the stars and a moonless sky. It's warmer here, definitely more like a muggy, unpleasant summer night. Atop this third and final canopy you can see houses made of wood, built into the treeline. None are out at this hour, but it looks like a goodly sized village.
19:25 <Devar> "Well, we found something." Devar says. "How do you want to approach this, just wait until morning and see if we can talk to someone knowledgeable about the area?"
19:31 <•Kotono> "I think it's worth stirring someone in the village, assuming they don't have a watch to be found," Anne decides as you look down at the inhabited canopy. "If this is Gorgeland, I believe she mentioned it's south of Laremy, but I'd want to see a map to confirm that."
19:32 <Devar> "Let's see if there's an inn or something." Devar says, flying around to see if he can find any buildings that are clearly illuminated.
19:40 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception.
19:40 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 21 - you're not getting me today, Kobot!
19:45 <•Kotono> As you fly, you can spy someone patrolling. The shadows and height obscure details, but they're dressed in some kind of light armor and carrying a sword with them, as well as a bow and arrow. They walk along, a steady path around the village.
19:47 <Devar> Actually, Devar still has his Lumious Armor spell going, so it should be easy enough for this person to spot him if he puts himself in front of them - which he does, coming down from the air slowly with both his hands up to be as least threatning as possible.
19:50 <•Kotono> As you come down, that's enough to quickly get attention. You can see the figure - an elf. A man, slight of frame but sturdy and steady. He shields his eyes with one hand, "Who?" he calls, voice a little shaky, but in Common.
19:51 <Devar> "My name is Devar of Eldath." He says, simply. "I was hoping to trouble you for some directions - and to tell me where exactly this is. My friend and I have gotten a bit... well, the best way to put it is lost."
20:00 <•Kotono> "Suncrest," The elf calls up, "Lost is right."
20:01 <•Kotono> "Very lost," Anne smiles faintly.
20:01 <•Kotono> "Where do you seek to go, then?" The elf then asks.
20:01 <Devar> "The city of Mellanics, ultimately." Devar says.
20:11 <•Kotono> "I don't know that city," The elf says plainly, "What kingdom does it lie in?"
20:13 <Devar> "Laremy. If that helps." Devar says. "If it helps, we have a friend who was from Gorgeland, which our understanding was south of there, so if you know how to get there we can just go north afterwards."
20:23 <•Kotono> "I think that's to the south and the west?" he frowns, "I've heard of it, but it's lands beyond this one. He turns and points, "In that direction is southwest."
20:24 <Devar> "I appreciate it. If... you don't mind my asking, what's with everything below here?" He asks. "Was Suncrest build on top of the forest below for a reason?"
20:28 <•Kotono> "To see the sun's crest," Is the answer, "Some choose to live in the gorge and rarely see the sun, others rise up to greet it every morning."
20:29 <Devar> "Ah, that explains how the forest is still thriving." Devar says with a nod. "Thank you sir." He offers a bow. "Looks like we're headed southwest." He starts to fly back up!
20:38 <•Kotono> "Thank you," Anne raises a hand in salute and follows. Once you're a bit away, "We can fly through the night and start to seek locations in the morning. We don't necessarily have to land right away, at least until we see a big city or something familiar."
20:40 <Devar> Devar nods. "The perks of apparently not being considered mortals." He says with a bit of a laugh. "I understand what he meant, but... I don't suddenly have some desire to take Storm's Eye and go become one with the Great Lightning, you know?"
20:47 <•Kotono> With a wistful sm ile, "I've had a dream or two of going to Air and losing myself there. Lose all track of time, of anything but the winds."
20:49 <Devar> "I'm sure someday I can enjoy a peaceful life in the storms." Devar says as he flies along. "But until I'm done with everything going on outside of the Outer Planes, that'll have to wait."
20:58 <•Kotono> Anne makes an agreeable noise and follows you, as....OOC: More, but sec for Koboooooooot.
20:58 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@9B3B4987.E43ECEC5.F259B257.IP)
20:59 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:59 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=98 ]{98}
20:59 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 subtable
20:59 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 subtable --> [ 1d100=47 ]{47}
21:05 <•Kotono> You fly maybe an hour over dark foests and ravines. It's a craggy land with a great many canyons from what you can tell in the night. Farmland on the surface is rare you note, but as you fly? OOC: PErceptoin.
21:05 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 21 - you're not getting me today, Kobot!
21:07 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6
21:07 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{22}
21:10 <•Kotono> Hm? You notice a shadow momentarily pass over you from above. It's subtle, but you definitely notice it.
21:11 <Devar> Something else flying...? Devar turns to look in that direction! What else could be up here?!
21:16 <•Kotono> A horse. A winged horse flies, a robed person riding it. A horse of pure white that shines in your distant sunlight, plate barding glimpsed.
21:18 <Devar> "Good travels to you!" Devar will call out and keep going! If they feel like turning around or responding they can, but he won't bother them more otherwise!

[Corwin]

18:10 <Ko> Anne raises her hand in greeting. That gets the winged horse to pull up and swoop your way. The rider's face is hidden by a hood, but it's pushed back as he approaches. A woman, wearing white robes with blue swirls. She has severe features that soften with a friendly smile, brown hair pulled back into a tight bun. An elf that looks no older than twenty but with piercing eyes. "You strike me as
18:10 <Ko> lost," she greets, voice one that carries easily.
18:13 <Devar> "We've had a bit of a planar mishap." Devar says. "We are trying to get back to Mellanics in Laremy." He nods afterwards to Anne. "This is Anne and my name is Devar of Eldath. I don't think I've ever had the pleasure to come across someone riding a..." he looks at the horse - does it have a horn? Or i
18:13 <Devar> s it just a white, flying horse that somehow isn't a Pegasus or Unicorn?
18:17 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 on K:P if that's appropriate for 26 if that's the right one
18:17 <Ko> OOC: Wrong one but hold that thought since it comes up right away in the net line.
18:17 <Ko> *net
18:19 <Ko> It does not have a horn. "Pegasus." Is the answer, a hand stroking the horse's mane. "Laremy," she points in the same direction you were going. "I suggest you fly straight and as long as you can. Avoid cities. Laremy isn't well thought of in these parts, especially as you get closer. If you're tireless, I'd fly all the way to Mellanics without rest."
18:19 <Ko> That gets Anne to frown, "I doubt merely being from there would provoke such."
18:19 <Ko> "Perhaps not, but the advice is given. Take it as you wish," The woman answers instead.
18:21 <Devar> "We just had a crash course war because of old hatred." Devar says. "So if the people were born of that same hatred, it wouldn't be a surprise. Thank you for your directions and I hope you stay safe. Eldath's peace follow you."
18:27 <Ko> "May the music of Celestia guide you," Anne adds after.
18:27 <Ko> A nod, "Safe travels," She bids and takes off, not even her name given. Once gone?
18:27 <Ko> "I don't think she liked us, but she wasn't actively hostile or cruel." Anne reasons, "And there may be wisdom in returning swiftly rather than exploring."
18:28 <Devar> "You don't just ride a Pegasus if you're evil. But you're right. Let's just keep going unless we see something we need to intervene in."
18:35 <Ko> "I think that's unicorns and not pegasus," Anne mentions as you begin to fly. "But we should make exceptional time with flight and no need to rest."
18:35 <Devar> "Really? I figured they were pretty similar. I guess I need to brush up on planar animals." He says with a laugh as he starts flying.
18:40 <Ko> OOC: Give me perception for my own reference then, firs to fall.
18:40 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@7A143C09.7FA93623.F259B257.IP)
18:40 <Devar> OOC: take 10 for 21
18:48 <Ko> roll 1d20+6
18:48 <Kobot> Ko rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{9}
18:52 <Ko> The night passes in a blur of thick forest and gorges. By morning that's passes into hills and a small mountain range. As you fly above that, taking in the wind and the summery weather? Anne swoops about, flying with speed and grace. Not as much as you, but she laughs happily as she does. "Ah!" she says as the summer sun shines bright, "Beautiful."
18:53 <Devar> "It's definitely a view to appreciate." Devar says as he goes along.
18:56 <Ko> roll 1d2
18:56 <Kobot> Ko rolled 1d2 --> [ 1d2=2 ]{2}
18:56 <Ko> OOC: What's your current flatfooted AC, Devar?
18:58 <Devar> OOC: 28
19:00 <Ko> roll 1d20+15
19:00 <Kobot> Ko rolled 1d20+15 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{32}
19:00 <Ko> roll 1d20+15
19:00 <Kobot> Ko rolled 1d20+15 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{16}
19:00 <Ko> roll 1d20+12 not at Devar
19:00 <Kobot> Ko rolled 1d20+12 not at Devar --> [ 1d20=17 ]{29}
19:00 <Ko> roll 1d20+12 not at Devar
19:00 <Kobot> Ko rolled 1d20+12 not at Devar --> [ 1d20=10 ]{22}
19:00 <Ko> roll 1d8+5+1d6 and fort Devar, bonuses against poison apply
19:00 <Kobot> Ko rolled 1d8+5+1d6 and fort Devar, bonuses against poison apply --> [ 1d8=5 1d6=3 ]{13}
19:04 <Devar> Roll 1d20+22+4 fort
19:04 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+22+4 fort --> [ 1d20=14 ]{40}
19:08 Ko → •Kotono (promoted to owner, opped)   
19:08 Channel mode set to -t by •Kotono
19:08 <•Kotono> OOC: Fixed.
19:10 <•Kotono> roll 1d8+3+1d6 and fort as well Anne
19:10 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+3+1d6 and fort as well Anne --> [ 1d8=8 1d6=5 ]{16}
19:10 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+22
19:10 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+22 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{27}
19:11 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 100/100 (Sanda's bracers of +4CON) Devar 91/91 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Anne 67/83 Sanda 60/60 Rina 85/85
19:17 <•Kotono> From above! Arrows suddenly come down, shot down at an angle. They whizz past, one finding a spot in Devar's back. Pain follows, sharp and sudden. Despite being armored, one flies past Anne's face and deeply scrapes her cheek, blood flowing free. "Ambush!" Anne cries, as the wound burns unnaturally. OOC: Init, ou have an obvious problem. Notably despite arrows coming, you don't see anyone up
19:17 <•Kotono> there.
19:17 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Anne
19:17 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 Anne --> [ 1d20=7 ]{11}
19:17 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+5 ???
19:17 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 ??? --> [ 1d20=19 ]{24}
19:18 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 ???
19:18 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 ??? --> [ 1d20=12 ]{18}
19:18 <Devar> Roll 1d20+3 init
19:18 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+3 init --> [ 1d20=1 ]{4}
19:19 <•Kotono> Init is ????1 (24) > ????2 (18) > Anne (11) > Devar (Rei)
19:25 <•Kotono> More arrows come for Devar before you can react, a double volley.
19:25 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+15
19:25 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{22}
19:25 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+15
19:25 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{20}
19:25 <•Kotono> But both miss him entirely, soaring past as the two of you aren't entirely unmoving in the air. More come for Anne as well as you dodge, and...
19:25 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13
19:25 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{14}
19:25 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13
19:25 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{16}
19:26 <•Kotono> Yet those miss entirely as well, a lucky break. What's more, they're going in the general direction you came from, suggesting whatever it is moves and is moving in the opposite direction as you're traveling. OOC: Anne.
19:31 <•Kotono> Anne hovers in the air and looks up, "Fight or retreat?" A simple, quick question posed to Devar.
19:31 <Devar> "Go." Is the simple answer.
19:38 <Devar> OOC: let me reline
19:38 <Devar> "Let's get out of here." He says.
19:48 <•Kotono> Anne answers by dropping. A free fall, plunging away and trading speed for gravity's aid in her escape. She races down towards the mountains with all haste. OOC: Go.
19:49 <Devar> Devar follows suit as Anne and falls after her!
20:00 <•Kotono> The two of you plunge down, escaping rapidly. As you do, arrows follow, at least somewhat deterred by distance.
20:00 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13 (-2 distance) Devar
20:00 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 (-2 distance) Devar --> [ 1d20=14 ]{27}
20:00 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13 (-2 distance) Devar
20:00 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 (-2 distance) Devar --> [ 1d20=13 ]{26}
20:00 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+11 (-2 distance) Anne
20:00 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 (-2 distance) Anne --> [ 1d20=11 ]{22}
20:00 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+11 (-2 distance) Anne
20:00 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 (-2 distance) Anne --> [ 1d20=12 ]{23}
20:00 <•Kotono> OOC AC?
20:01 <Devar> OOC: 31
20:05 <•Kotono> However, the arrows miss as the two of you swoop down. Over the roaring wind, "Into the mountains for cover a nd evasion," Anne cries, "Otherwise we fight a pointless battle!"
20:06 <Devar> Is it even following them down? Nonetheless, he continues downward!
20:16 <•Kotono> It is as you flee towards the mountaintops. More arrows come from a distance, probing perhaps.
20:17 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+11 (-4 range) Devar
20:17 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 (-4 range) Devar --> [ 1d20=8 ]{19}
20:17 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+11 (-4 range) Devar
20:17 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 (-4 range) Devar --> [ 1d20=11 ]{22}
20:17 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+9 (-4 range) Anne
20:17 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 (-4 range) Anne --> [ 1d20=6 ]{15}
20:17 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+9 (-4 range) Anne
20:17 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 (-4 range) Anne --> [ 1d20=9 ]{18}
20:17 <•Kotono> But none are close. The two of you make it to th emountains, Anne swooping down under rock cover and fleeing further. As you make distance, "Do you have any idea who that was?"
20:19 <Devar> "Not a clue at all. Some sort of invisible ship?" He asks. "I didn't see anything so I can't be sure if it's a person or not. If we get attacked again I'll try Glitterdust."
20:21 <•Kotono> At least no more arrows come as you flee. That begs a simple question: Now what?
20:22 <Devar> "Let's wait an hour, then continue." He says.
20:30 <•Kotono> OOC: Stealth checks here, +4 circumstance bonus.
20:31 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Anne
20:31 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 Anne --> [ 1d20=20 ]{28}
20:31 <Devar> Roll 1d20+7 who has stealth???
20:31 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+7 who has stealth??? --> [ 1d20=4 ]{11}
20:37 <•Kotono> The two of you hunker down. It's cool and rocky, but at least you can float. Anne sees to your wounds with channeled energy, then heals her own.
20:37 <•Kotono> roll 4d6
20:37 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d6 --> [ 4d6=12 ]{12}
20:37 <•Kotono> OOC: 18 total healing for Devar.
20:37 <•Kotono> roll 2d8+8 Anne
20:37 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d8+8 Anne --> [ 2d8=7 ]{15}
20:37 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 100/100 (Sanda's bracers of +4CON) Devar 91/91 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Anne 83/83 Sanda 60/60 Rina 85/85
20:37 •Kotono set the topic: Skaya: 100/100 (Sanda's bracers of +4CON) Devar 91/91 (+7 AC, -4 to melee against) Anne 82/83 Sanda 60/60 Rina 85/85
20:38 <•Kotono> At least the hour passes quietly. When it's gone, "Are you ready to continue?" Anne asks, "Should we fly lower, maybe?"
20:40 <Devar> Devar nods. "Stay closer to the mountains. If we're accosted again I'll use Glitterdust and we will put a stop to it."
20:48 <•Kotono> A nod and you depart once again and...
20:48 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10
20:48 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{27}
20:48 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 vs ???
20:48 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs ??? --> [ 1d100=94 ]{94}
20:48 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me another round of Perception, +2 bonus since you have reason to be abnormally alert.
20:48 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Anne
20:48 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 Anne --> [ 1d20=10 ]{18}
20:49 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 23
20:55 <•Kotono> You fly for another half of an hour, staying lower and careful. That's when, suddenly, fire and misery explodes around both you and Anne all at once. No warning, only an explosion. OOC: Ref saves, you two.
20:56 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+15 Anne evasion from eldritch grace
20:56 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 Anne evasion from eldritch grace --> [ 1d20=16 ]{31}
20:57 <Devar> Roll 1d20+16 evasion
20:57 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+16 evasion --> [ 1d20=20 ]{36}
21:02 <•Kotono> Woosh! The explosion is loud and powerful, but you and Anne both somehow anticipate it. You both dive downa  second early, enough to only get warmed rather than cooked. "Again?" Anne says it like a curse, but both of you are unhurt.
21:03 <Devar> "Just keep going!" Devar says. "I doubt they can keep up!"
21:09 <•Kotono> "Go!" Anne calls as you both fly. You jet, but not fast enough for another explosion to engulf the two of you. OOC: Ref again.
21:10 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+15 Anne same evasion as before
21:10 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 Anne same evasion as before --> [ 1d20=7 ]{22}
21:10 <Devar> Roll 1d20+16 yep evasion
21:10 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+16 yep evasion --> [ 1d20=10 ]{26}
21:14 <•Kotono> Both of you swoop to the side, avoiding another fireball. This one is closer, the heat almost burning both of you. "Another one!" Anne cries as little blasts of fire rain down on the mountaintops below.
21:15 <Devar> "I'd really like to know who is throwing fireballs at us and what, but just keep going!" OOC: for the mechanical purposes of this Devar is double moving to get away.
21:19 <•Kotono> On. Moving fast and far. Moment after moment passes, but no more fireballs come. No more explosions. Both of you are untouched this time, thankfully.
21:19 <Devar> "Invisible devils?" Devar asks as they keep going.
21:23 <•Kotono> "Perhaps, or whatever serves Brachidos's foul patron," Anne remarks, "He seemed favored enough that reprisals are not impossible."
21:25 <Devar> He nods as they continue. "Something to make the others aware of - perhaps Picke too, especially if they decide to start trouble on this plane."
21:30 <•Kotono> "Our lives won't be boring," With a soft smile, "Perhaps..." for a moment she trails off, but shakes her head. "Never mind."
21:31 <Devar> "I think we're in for excitement on or off that boat." He says, still flying at a faster pace. "Hopefully nothing has happened in Laremy."

[Corwin]

19:08 <•Kotono> As you continue to fly along, "Hopefully not, but we must hurry." Anne agrees, as she sets as fast a pace as she can manage. The land blurs under you, the mountains soon left behind. Plains and open land, cities below. But nothing that looks familiar, Anne not stopping. Fortunately, after a few hours, it seems you've shaken your pursuer.
19:10 <Devar> "We can probably stop if you need a break." Devar says. "But given what we ran into, perhaps it'd be better to keep our current pace until we're in more familiar territory."
19:18 <•Kotono> "No, more speed," Anne agrees, "And in truth, I fear they may follow us regardless, but we can't live in fear of that."
19:19 <Devar> "If they do, we'll have people who can cast some spells to help us find them." Devar answers, flying along.
19:24 <•Kotono> Onward. Through a long day over plains, farms, rivers and more. Never a stop, only flying on . Your now inhuman lack of needs makes itself known. Never once do you grow hungry or thirsty, or in need of sleep. Weary perhaps, but more of a mental weariness than any physical shortcomings. Near sunset, as the first rays of it paint the world in the artistry of the sun's rest, you come on a vast
19:24 <•Kotono> lake. It lies ahead, waters capturing and reflecting those sunset colors. It goes on farther than you can see from above, and you glimpse the shores are quite populated. A city bustles along it, one with docks for ships. Not grand sailing ships, but smaller ones.
19:25 <Devar> "Do you want to stop in for directions?" Devar asks. "They'd probably have a much better idea of where we are."
19:35 <•Kotono> Anne considers before she shakes her head. "No," she decides, "Not until we're further or we see familiar landmarks. We can spend more time freely, but cannot spend lives should our pursuers catch up."
19:36 <Devar> Devar nods and will continue on - he never studied local history too much so he isn't especially familiar with landmarks. Though... no, better not to ask him.
19:45 <•Kotono> Into the second night of travel. The world below becomes dark. A few hours after sunset, a yawn is heard. Storm's Eye stirs so to speak, and as you fly along, "What a nice nap. Oooh, an evening flight with a pretty lady?"
19:45 <•Kotono> Anne doesn't comment, but keeps on flying without comment.
19:45 <Devar> "Can you summon yourself now?" Devar asks.
19:46 <Devar> "Nevermind, don't answer that." He says quickly. "You missed a bit of a story."
19:47 <•Kotono> "I'm not just beauty sleeping," Storm's Eyes says jovially. "You've fed me quite a lot and it's given me time to digest it."
19:49 <Devar> "I actually have a plan to get you back to your home eventually." Devar says. "The stormy mountains."
19:56 <•Kotono> A loud chuckling at that, "What sotry did I miss, though? This sounds interesting!"
19:57 <Devar> "Some of our friends joined a planar...pirate...ship?" Devar says, looking at Anne. "It's not really pirates, but... calling it just a planar ship doesn't seem right..."
19:59 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@B09EC49A.824CEC3E.8C013F7F.IP)
20:00 <•Kotono> "It's good enough," Anne says briskly, "And yes, they did."
20:00 <•Kotono> "Oh ho ho ho. So are you looking for pirate booty now?" STorm's Eye probes.
20:01 <•Kotono> Anne slowly sighs, eyes closed. "Perhaps that choice of phrasing was ill advised."
20:02 <Devar> "I really want to have a conversation with the person who created you." Devar says. "Or maybe cursed you. I'm still not quite sure."
20:05 <•Kotono> "Oh relax," Storm's Eye laughs, "You have your own pirate treasure right next to you, some excellent booty buried under that armor." Anne blushes hotly at that and looks away, "But I stirred because I smelled magic a little while ago. Strong magic, but it didn't smell like the other magic around here."
20:08 <Devar> "Did it smell like sulphur by any chance?" Devar asks. "We got accosted by what we think was an invisible devil, something like the one we ran into in the war or a follower of The Adversary.
20:08 <Devar> OOC: " at the end there
20:09 <•Kotono> "More like rot," Storm's Eye answers, "It smelled horrible."
20:09 <•Kotono> "No less reassuring," Anne murmurs, "And by that I mean not at all. I deeply distrust this, but I strongly suspect that may indicative nonetheless."
20:09 <•Kotono> *may be
20:11 <Devar> "Rot, huh." Devar grimaces. "Knowing what Brachidos' master dabbled in, it sounds like you were right. We need to hurry."
20:28 <•Kotono> "Hurry," Anne agrees, as you all fly along. OOC: More, Perception.
20:28 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 21!
20:36 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:36 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=29 ]{29}
20:39 <•Kotono> The night passes. Come dawn you see the light and a familiar sight - the city of Laremy. Even from above you recognize the landmarks of it, Anne stopping to point, "Look," she calls, sagging in relief.
20:42 <Devar> "Ah, finally!" Devar says. "We should probably keep going and see if we can get Picke before anything else."
20:45 <•Kotono> "Not our target, but good enough," Anne confirms, "Let's land and go see if he's there."
20:47 <Devar> Devar nods. "He might be able to get us a lead on some sort of planar travel, too." Devar adds, flying swiftly towards the castle.
20:53 <•Kotono> The trip to the castle is unremarkable. There's some talking with guards, but your names and faces quickly open doors. Within an hour you're standing before Picke, who is currently in a small interior garden. He has a breakfast spread out - boiled eggs and ham, along with small bowls of honeyed porridge and fresh slices of various fruits. Near apple trees with ripening fruit the spread sits,
20:53 <•Kotono> "Join me," he offers, "When I heard you were coming, I had extra made."
20:54 <•Kotono> Anne sits gratefully, "I haven't eaten in a few days," she says, "Thank you."
20:58 <Devar> Devar follows suit. "We've had a bit of... well, let me explain the situation after we last saw you." He says. He will explain their trip to the underwater, the matter with the Fortress, then the planar ship, the trip to Ice, then Bytopia, then back, their attack and then subsequent trip. "We're still split up from Skaya and Sanda, but we assume they're doing fine. More pressing is our invisible
20:58 <Devar> attacker - we can't be sure they didn't follow us all the way here."
21:17 <•Kotono> THe meal passes as you talk, Anne filling in details on occasion. "I doubt they'd attack a castle," she comments, "It makes little and less sense, but I wouldn't be surprised if they're lurking and waiting for us."
21:18 <•Kotono> "First of all, your problem is easily solved," Picke says, "You exit under disguise through a castle tunnel and stay on land. You're both more unremarkable travelers. If they have the means to see past that, they you know and can plan better. With any luck they've lost you and given up the chase, but the fact they found you suggests some manner of magic."
21:19 <•Kotono> "My own thoughts," Anne concludes, "I saw little point in going to land for stealth, and favored speed."
21:25 <Devar> Devar nods. "That's all sensible. In that case, while I'm here - do you know anyone or anywhere we might be able to go to procure something that would allow for planar travel? We were thinking of some sort of ring or something you could invoke once a day, though so far we've struck out on finding anything. Oh - you know, while we're here too, do you happen to know if they were able to locate
21:25 <Devar> that last Clearwater piece?"
21:32 <•Kotono> "They're bringing it in last I heard, but not yet." Picke says, "It's a complicated situation and they're having to travel slowly." A glance at Anne, "It's best you don't ask any more questions."
21:32 <•Kotono> Anne hms, "And the planar ring?"
21:32 <•Kotono> "Such things are treasures," Picke points out, "But if you're asking if the royal family of Laremy had contingencies?" He chuckles.
21:32 <•Kotono> "Recent or old?" Anne asks, curious sounding.
21:33 <•Kotono> "Recent," Picke admits, "The nature of such things means its easy for them to be lost. One trip gone wrong and the group that used it never returns, and the item is lost."
21:34 <Devar> "Don't we know it." Devar says with a sigh.
21:35 <Devar> "Nonetheless, if you think we might be able to borrow it temporarily, you have my word we'd return it whenever we found something able to do the same thing. Or we can simply entreat Lady Spine once we have the ability to head back there."
21:40 <•Kotono> "I can manage that, but you're going to get pulled right back in if you ask for that sort of royal favor," Picke points out, "It's up to you if that's worth the price."
21:42 <Devar> Devar rubs his forehead. "We still have things we need to and intend to do for the kingdom with the winter coming anyway. I don't think it's a bad idea." He says, with a look over at Anne. "What's your opinion?"
21:42 <•Kotono> "...." Anne's quiet, long enough that Picke asks, "What's wrong?"
21:42 <•Kotono> "Nothing," Anne waves it off, "I'm sorry, I was in my own thoughts a moment."
21:43 <Devar> "Let it off your chest." Devar says. "Please."
21:49 <•Kotono> "I'm probably going to leave Mellanics soon," Anne admits, "As much as I care for the children, staying in one place is too small for me now." She closes her eyes and rests back, opening her eyes to look at the sky. "You can't bind the wind to one place, and I increasingly realize my foolishness to even try."
21:50 <•Kotono> Quietly, "Despite everything, I know Milla wasn't entirely the same after her change," Picke admits, "You're right, you can't cage the wind, and if that's how you feel?"
21:52 <Devar> "Being called to a higher purpose happens to a lot of people." Devar says, rather simply. "So this isn't much of a surprise. But do you think you want to join them on the boat?"
21:54 <•Kotono> "It appeals, but maybe not," Anne admits, "There's great need for healers, and one who travels on the wind to bring mercy would have value where ever she stopped. In all truth I need to petition Moore and ask for a change of my vows. I already have one exception carved out should I find love."
21:56 <•Kotono> "That's your business," Picke decides, "It's the least I can do for you."
21:57 <Devar> Devar nods. "I haven't given a lot of thought as to what I want to do, but... well, we'll see where Eldath's rivers take me." A shake of his head. "I guess with that in mind, maybe having something to anchor me here would still be helpful... mm. I think it's fine, I'll make the request and bear the consequences of it."
21:58 <Devar> "If it comes time that Lady Eldath wants my services elsewhere, then that will happen." He adds with a smile.

[Corwin]

19:07 <•Kotono> "Thank you," Anne says, and lets it go at that. Instead, "Devar?"
19:07 <Devar> "Hm?" He looks over.
19:11 <•Kotono> "I'm sorry, I mean go on. I don't hav eanything else to say on that," Anne explains, "You were talking about that item?"
19:12 <Devar> "Oh, yes - I think for now I'll agree to ask for it." He says. "If it really becomes an issue I'll find a way to replace it or something, but... given our current circumstance, we need a reliable way to find them if this happens again, and I don't think us just joining the crew of that ship is the best option."
19:16 <•Kotono> "I'll take care of it," Picke agrees, "Go ahead and get comfortable. I'll try and keep people away from you, enjoy the weather out here."
19:16 <Devar> "I appreciate it. Sorry to put more on your plate." He says.
19:21 <•Kotono> Picke gets up, "In the meantime, try not to make any trouble. Or at least keep it until after lunch." With that he goes off, with only one glance back, "Seriously, not until after lunch."
19:21 <•Kotono> Anne smiles thinly, "We'll try."
19:21 <Devar> Devar holds his hands up innocently.
19:27 <•Kotono> Once gone Anne softly smiles, "I don't wager, but if I did, I'd bet against Picke's hopes coming true. Still, at least it's a nice garden."
19:27 <Devar> "It is." Devar says. "I wonder if we'll see the Queen at all while we're here?"
19:30 <•Kotono> "We might," Anne sits back and closes her eyes, half floating. "I think I'll allow myself a nap in the sunshine. It's been some time."
19:30 <•Kotono> OOC: Any plans here or just waiting?
19:33 <Devar> OOC: Just waiting, we don't have anyone we need to chat with - well, I cannot remember her name, but the other person who is injured and needs a regenerate scroll for her legs, but we can do that after this.
19:35 <•Kotono> OOC: Sure.
19:35 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:35 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=81 ]{81}
19:35 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:35 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=18 ]{18}
19:39 <•Kotono> Luck is with you. It's a leisurely reverie in a sunny garden, and lunch comes without disaster. It's another fine spread - summer fruits and fresh bread, along with seared river fish. The only problem comes near the end of the meal. A few servants come to take away the food, but one doesn't leave. The others don't look twice at him, a tall, sandy haired man in servant's clothes. He instead
19:39 <•Kotono> regards the two of you, smiling and with his hands behind his back.
19:40 <•Kotono> Anne sips her lemon water before, slowly, "Yes?"
19:41 <Devar> Devar looks thoughtful for a moment, with a glance over to Anne. "Hm, now I'm curious - are you someone who shouldn't be wearing that outfit and only did so you could come see us, or is there more to this?"
19:45 <•Kotono> "I come bearing a message," The man bows to both of you, "I'd be honored if you listened to it."
19:45 <•Kotono> Anne returns that glance and casually nabs her mace, which now rests on her lap. "Oh?" she asks.
19:46 <Devar> "Please, speak." Devar says.
19:48 <•Kotono> "You'll find your lives longer, richer and happier if you bugger off to Welland or elsewheres." He smiles pleasantly, at odds with his words. "We'd prefer you to go have a happy lives elsewhere, as you did get rid of that odious pest Brachidos."
19:50 <Devar> "Are we allowed to know from whom this message comes?" Devar asks - no hostility or malice in his voice at all, despite who this person is likely a messenger for.
19:52 <•Kotono> "Do you need it said?" The man tilts her head slightly, still smiling. "No matter. Lady Talona and hers send their regards."
19:53 <•Kotono> "Thank you for your honesty," Anne stands, mace in hand, "You know what has to happen now."
19:54 <•Kotono> "In this wretched body?" A polite laugh, warm and full. "He's in good enough shape, but hardly heroic."
19:55 <Devar> "Not everything has to resort to violence." Devar says. "If you don't mind my asking - and if you feel like humoring me - what specifically was at odds between the Talonites and Brachidos? Was it a matter of him simply overstepping on more carefully laid plans?"
19:57 <•Kotono> "Aaaaah. I suppose it doesn't hurt. Yes. The Adversary's efforts here were a single madman's passion towards poison, suffering and misery. While none can fault Brachidos for the passion and committment he applied towards his efforts, he cared nothing for those he trampled over on all sides." The man explains, "A pity he used his talents in such a reckless way, it's only amazing he lasted as
19:57 <•Kotono> long as he did."
20:00 <Devar> "He was rather adept at escaping." Devar admits. "Your warning is accepted and appreciated, though I cannot promise we won't end up facing each other in some capacity again - but I think you know that, we're pesky when it comes to bringing relief to those who need it. Nonetheless - bringing a peaceful message, even if it is ultimately a threat, you have my respect, whatever that is worth it to
20:00 <Devar> you."
20:05 <•Kotono> A nod back, "Leave Laremy while the going is good," The man says, then turns to walk away, as if that was nothing more than a polite conversation.
20:07 <Devar> After the man has left, Devar sighs. "What's everyone's interest in Laremy?" He asks. "Isn't that... weird?"
20:10 <•Kotono> Anne isn't idle, however. She flies off after him, "You're mad if I'm going to let a possibly possessed person walk away." OOC: Was one moment, but I can't imagine Anne letting him walk away unchallenged. If you wanna react or whatever, feel free.
20:12 <Devar> "No, but you're not going to just beat the posession out of him, either." Devar says as he gets up to go after her. "
20:16 <•Kotono> OOC: More or just a stray "?
20:16 <Devar> OOC: Just a stray quote somehow
20:18 <•Kotono> You catch up right away. The man lies just out of sight of the garden, on his side. He looks to be out cold.
20:19 <Devar> "I'm going to bet he won't remember much." Devar says as he checks him over.
20:27 <•Kotono> Anne watches as you do just that. He stirs at that touch, "Huh?" he says, voice slightly different. "Where am I?"
20:28 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-423F0355.irccloud.com)
20:29 <Devar> "Are you all right?" Devar asks. "What's the last thing you remember?"
20:35 <•Kotono> "I'm not sure. I think...I think there was news about the war?" he says, voice confused.
20:36 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10 (+4 circumstance)
20:36 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 (+4 circumstance) --> [ 1d20=12 ]{22}
20:38 <Devar> "What day do you think it is today?" Devar asks.
20:41 <•Kotono> Quite firmly Anne stands right by him and grabs him by the arm, "Whatever day he says it is, he's likely lying. He still radiates the same evil as he did before. Words may lie but the soul does not."
20:41 <•Kotono> "Ah!" The man gasps as he's grabbed, "What are you talking about?" He looks to Devar, "What does she mean, sir?"
20:45 <Devar> "Want to try protection from evil?" Devar asks, ignoring the question. "I don't have much to expunge those who are possessed."
20:47 <•Kotono> "No. I think he was never possessed in the first place." Anne reasons, "If I had to guess, an agent with orders to pass on that message to us if the opportunity arose, then be 'possessed' and then cleared from suspicion. A bluff in other words." Her hand doesn't let go of his arm a moment. "
20:48 <•Kotono> "What are you talking about?" The man shakes his head wildly, "Sir, I don't know who she is, but could you talk sense into her? She sounds like a mad woman!"
20:49 <Devar> "Well, it's easy enough to find out." Devar says, invoking Zone of Truth in the area. "So - let's skip all the acting, shall we?"
20:54 <•Kotono> roll 1d20 going to hide the roll modifier for the sake of mystery here save vs Zone of Truth in case it's relevant
20:54 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 going to hide the roll modifier for the sake of mystery here save vs Zone of Truth in case it's relevant --> [ 1d20=20 ]{20}
20:58 <•Kotono> A nod at that, "O-okay, sir."
21:00 <Devar> Devar lets out a breath. "Anne, I'll defer to you. I don't think the spell actually worked." Devar admits.
21:02 <•Kotono> OOC: Do you have any way to discern that? Just curious based on the spell writeup.
21:03 <Devar> OOC: Whoops, no, that was me misreading what it said, I thought it meant I knew if someone was affected, let me reline.
21:03 <Devar> "Do you serve Talona?" Devar asks.
21:08 <•Kotono> The man shakes his head, "Never."
21:09 <Devar> roll 1d20+12 surely Devar can sense this guy's motive to tell if he's lying! surely!
21:09 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+12 surely Devar can sense this guy's motive to tell if he's lying! surely! --> [ 1d20=14 ]{26}
21:15 <•Kotono> IT's too smooth. It has the sound of a lie. It's just off, quietly and subtly. His tells aren't right either. Everything about it feels wrong to you.
21:20 <Devar> "Okay, listen." Devar says, his tone becoming slightly less friendly. "You came to us to deliver your message, didn't do it through any poison or actual threats on our lives, so I owe you respect for that. The only reason we chased you was because you seemed like you were acting like you were charmed or under influence." Devar looks over at Anne. "What do you want to do if that's the case?"
21:21 <•Kotono> "Have him arrested and dealt with," Anne's voice is flat, "If he's a Talontar, then we save lives by ensuring no more of that ill brood is free to harm others. Should it be a patsy, a catspaw or a mere hired minion, let justice be dealt as is called for."
21:24 <•Kotono> The man shakes his head, "I'm not!" he insists in the meanwhile.
21:25 <Devar> "Can you be arrested for that?" Devar asks, then he turns and looks at the man. "You can stop the acting, it'll be better for you."
21:26 <Devar> "Besides, you can probably just teleport yourself off somewhere anyway - I'm sure you had some sort of contingency plan." He adds. "So if you're going to escape just do that and save us some time."
21:29 <•Kotono> The man shakes his head again, "I'm not acting! REally! Believe me!"
21:30 <•Kotono> "In truth I don't know the finest details of it, but such a matter if for Her Majesty to deal with, don't you think?" Anne says, quite evenly.
21:30 <Devar> "You know, I was on team 'let you go because of your original honesty.' I just want you to know that." Devar says with some frustration. "But now you're burning all of that." He shakes his head. "Let's just hand them off and go back to lunch."
21:36 <•Kotono> "Let's," Anne agrees, as the man's eyes narrow. "Tsch," he mutters, "I thought you'd fall for it," he admits. "You're the sort to have sympathy for others."
21:36 <Devar> "I had sympathy for you originally!" Devar says. "If you'd just been honest the whole way you'd have been better off."
21:43 <•Kotono> "Bigger fool he was to, too." Anne says grimly, "Do you have anything to say for yourself?"
21:43 <•Kotono> "I'll save it for the interrogation," With a dry look back, "We all know how this is going to go now."
21:44 <Devar> "You don't seem like you're one for penance or words or hope or redemption, so we'll leave it at that."
21:53 <•Kotono> From there it's a bit of time to pass him off and some needed drudgery, but you at least return to the garden in good time. You find Picke has returned, dressed in noble finery, even jewelry such as jeweled rings. He stands, hands behind his back. Nearby, sitting under an apple tree, rests Her Majesty. Her eyes are closed as she quietly basks in the sunlight.  For one moment, Picke gives you
21:53 <•Kotono> an expression that seems to be pure you asked for this, but then his expression shifts back to neutrality.
21:53 <•Kotono> "Your Majesty," Anne kneels on seeing her, head bowed.
21:54 <Devar> "Your Majesty." Devar follows suit.
21:55 <•Kotono> The Queen opens her mouth to address you all...next time!

[Corwin]

18:04 <Ko> "You've returned," The Queen's voice is softer, tired. "So soon, but how small the world must feel to someone who can fly."
18:05 <Ko> "There's  no muddy roads or impassable forest in the sky," Anne agrees, "But it doesn't make the world smaller, it makes everything bigger."
18:12 <Devar> "Devar nods. "Yes, your Majesty. Our days are full of adventure - the standard kind and the mis-adventure kind."
18:17 <Ko> "Picke said you have a request. Tell me," The Queen continues after a moment to let you all speak. The tiredness fades, her attention fully on you now.
18:23 <Devar> "Yes, Your Majesty. To drop the preamble and not waste your time, we have found the need to cross planar boundaries. We are not yet skilled enough to do so by our own means and magic, so I was hoping to borrow something that would allow it temporarily."
18:26 <Ko> The Queen considers this before, with a slight nod of her head, "Entertain me a moment. In the history of Laremy's royal family, how many such items do you think we've owned?"
18:27 <Ko> "At least a dozen," Anne speculates, "And if I may be so direct, your family's lost all of them through the years?"
18:28 <Devar> "You think so?" Devar asks. "Hmm... I was thinking two or three, myself - always hidden away where no one but the family themselves would know, in order to keep the safe. If you're leaving the plane entirely and not just teleporting somewhere else, then the situation would be dire enough that I'd think you'd only need a handful."
18:34 <Ko> "Thirty one," Her Majesty smiles thinly, "You would be right about saving them, Devar. However, so often a worthy cause comes forth, or someone whom is owed a debt and seeks such an item. The problem is that so often they never return, or sometimes they are sent back without it. Several have been stolen, and four were lost in our civil war by one side destroying them to deny them to the other
18:34 <Ko> in a moment of desperation."
18:35 <Ko> "More than I expected," Anne confesses, "But wonders are all the more wondrous to those who do not have them."
18:37 <Devar> "Goodness." Devar says. "Not that I think it makes much difference, but the intention would be to return it to the royal family once we become able to manage the spell ourselves."
18:42 <Ko> "Not to disparage your motivations, but that has been heard before," The Queen says, almost a hint of humor in it, "You and yours may have it if you want it, until that time comes to pass." There's a long moment, but before that has too much time, "But."
18:42 <Ko> "But," Anne agrees, "Your will, Your Majesty?"
18:43 <Devar> Devar just waits!
18:45 <Ko> "Find something similar and bring it back to us, as well as any other useful magical items," The Queen commands now, "Between civil strife and war, we lost much. Laremy must not be so defenseless."
18:50 <Devar> "Of course, Your Majesty." Devar agrees. "We plan to support Laremy, especially through the upcoming winter."
19:02 <Ko> "Picke," With a single word Picke is commanded, and comes forth. He presents all of you a large candle set in a golden candleholder. "The Far Reach Candle. Burn it down and chant the proper ritual, and it will take you to another reality. It takes a day for the candle to replenish itself." He then places down a scroll, "The ritual itself. Any of you should be able to manage it, it's not terribly
19:02 <Ko> difficult as far as those things go."
19:02 <Ko> Anne looks to it, "From the war?" she asks, delicately.
19:03 <Ko> "Better than certain people lack this now and we have it," Picke agrees with that. "Officially, this candle was lost in Eis sometime during the war."
19:03 <Ko> "Picke," A single word again, but Picke clears his throat.
19:03 <Ko> "Best not to speak of it further. Don't let others in this world see you with this." Picke continues.
19:03 <Devar> Devar nods. "We'll keep it safe, or, should the absolute worst happens, replace it with something else." He promises. "It certainly seems like there's still many eyes on Laremy."
19:07 <Ko> "There always are, but-" The Queen meets your gaze, "A man gave his life in the service of Laremy to ensure the enemy was deprived of this. Do not dishonor his sacrifice."
19:07 <Devar> Devar merely bows his head in response.
19:07 <Ko> "Understood," Anne agrees.
19:08 <Ko> "There is one further matter," Her Majesty continues at that, "This is not required, but should you find yourself in the reality of Fire, I ask that you bring me any of the local food that can be preserved."
19:09 <Devar> "Absolutely." Devar promises. The ship might even have some!
19:19 <Ko> "Take them and go," Her Majesty commands, then gestures upwards. "The sky means you can fly free of this castle as you see fit."
19:20 <Ko> "Thank you, Your Majesty," Anne rises at that.
19:21 <Devar> Devar nods. "Yes, Your Majesty." Since the last Clearwater piece is a no-go for now, Devar will plan to depart! OOC: Only thing we have to do is use the scroll of regenerate but I don't recall if she's in the capital or not.
19:30 <Ko> A quick check in shows that no, she isn't. She's currently resting in a country manor home.
19:33 <Devar> They probably ought to go check in on Rina first anyway, so he will head that way.
19:38 <Ko> OOC: Rina first then?
19:39 <Devar> OOC: Yep
19:40 <Ko> roll 1d100
19:40 <Ko> OOC: One moment, Kobot's oversleeping again.
19:54 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@7E5D90E6.BB552E26.9534F94D.IP)
19:55 <Ko> roll 1d100
19:55 <Kobot> Ko rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=94 ]{94}
19:56 <Ko> The trip to Rina's estate takes time. When you arrive overnight, the door is opened by a butler. He bows, "Sir Devar and Lady Anne, I presume?" he asks, a middle aged man, small of frame and graceful. "May I inquire as to the reason for this late summons?"
19:58 <Devar> "She got everything set up in just a few days." Devar says. "Ah, we were just checking in to make sure everything was okay."
20:09 <Ko> "Of course. The Lady is still up, she seems tireless," The butler steps aside. "Shall I escort you to her?"
20:10 <Devar> "Please." Devar says.
20:14 <Ko> You're escorted in. Rina's in the back. In the gardens an open air pool has been installed, one of which Rina sits in on the shallow end. She's wrapped in a towel and her eyes are half closed, fists balled up tightly. The water around her steams and occasionally bubbles. "Milady," The butler comes forward, "You have guests."
20:15 <Ko> "AH!" Rina startles, rushing to her feet as the water around her suddenly comes to a boil. The edge of her towel by her chest starts to smoulder, and she yelps in surprise before splashing it with pool water.
20:15 <Ko> Anne can't keep a smile off of her face, "Rina," Anne greets, "Having a fun evening?"
20:16 <Devar> "Sorry we're unannounced." Devar says. "We uh, ran into some hiccups, so it's been a rather roundabout way to get back here."
20:16 <Devar> For his part, Devar is pointedly not looking directly at Rina at the moment.
20:27 <Ko> Rina blushes once she processes and steps out of Devar's field of vision. "Where's the oth-wait. Let's not have this conversation while I'm in a towel. Get them something to eat," Rina commants, then hustles off.
20:27 <Ko> Anne chuckles softly, "Yes, thank you."
20:27 <Ko> "As you wish," The butler bows, "Come with me, sir and lady."
20:28 <Devar> "Oh, you don't need to be so formal with us." Devar says. "Just Devar and Anne is fine - sir...?"
20:41 <Ko> "Smith," Is the answer, "I'm serving as the night butler," he explains, "And as you wish, sir and lady."
20:41 <Ko> Anne smiles slightly, "Do you have beef?"
20:41 <Ko> "Of course, ma'am," Smith agrees politely.
20:43 <Devar> "That's fine with me." Devar says. "Thank you for the hospitality."
20:52 <Ko> Soon enough you have a meal laid out in front of you. Rina joins you, dressed in more than a towel now. Over dinner and chat, ""So that all happened? You've been busy in only a few days."
20:52 <Devar> "It was definitely several, uh... strange things happening." Devar says. "I hope you wouldn't have just joined that ship crew like those two did, though."
20:57 <Ko> Rina laughs and quickly shakes her head, "Of course I wouldn't!"
20:57 <Ko> Anne sips her wine before, "Mmm-hmmm."
20:59 <Devar> "The good news is I'm pretty sure it's a simple curse to remove, but I don't know if those two plan to stay there or not." Devar says. "At any rate, I'm not sure where they actually -are- right now, so we'll have to wait until we hear from them in order to get to them."
21:03 <Ko> The answer to that comes...next time!

[Corwin]

18:01 <•Kotono> "Off to who knows where?" Rina reflects, "Well," Swishing the wine in her glass then drinking deep, "Ah. Better that they have somewhere nice to return to, then."
18:01 <•Kotono> "Cheers to that," Anne murmurs, drinking deeply herself.
18:03 <Devar> "Thankfully it's a problem that will fix itself eventually." Devar says. "I'm not sure what Skaya's plan is for right now, probably to just traverse with them until we're needed here - we have the whole 'awful winter' thing to deal with, after all."
18:06 <•Kotono> "After all," Rina finishes her drink, "This is the life, though. Minus the responsibilities, the paperwork, the fealty."
18:06 <•Kotono> With a hint of a smile, "Is that a sign that you realize the grass is the same green on this side as well?" Anne inquires.
18:07 <•Kotono> "Hardly," Rina counters, "But there are tradeoffs."
18:07 <Devar> "Adventuring isn't for everyone." Devar says. "But if you're enjoying what you're doing here, that's okay too."
18:17 <•Kotono> "The money's better adventuring," Rina snarks right back, "Don't think I'm going that domestic."
18:17 <•Kotono> "Perish the thought," Anne chuckles now, "Not a chance."
18:18 <Devar> Devar chuckles at that. "Well, is there anything we can help out with while we're here? We have some time until we hear from them."
18:22 <•Kotono> "Nothing urgent," Waving her hand. "Rest. Relax."
18:23 <•Kotono> "A swim in that pool sounds lovely," Anne mentions, "Then drying off with an evening flight."
18:24 <Devar> Devar nods. "Please, go ahead then. I'll find some way to entertain myself, maybe just take a look around from the air for a while."
18:28 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay then, any notable plans besides killing time and waiting?
18:31 <Devar> OOC: None in particular, if I see a storm or anything I'll take Storm's Eye over to it
18:41 <•Kotono> There's no storm that evening, but when you get to your room here? As you rest back a moment, "Aaaaah," Storm's Eye stirs again, "There you are, Devar."
18:43 <Devar> "You act like I leave you in random places." Devar says.
18:47 <•Kotono> "Hah, grumpy tonight?" Storm's Eye comments.
18:48 <Devar> "I'm never grumpy." He counters. "I know it's been pretty boring for you for a while."
18:49 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@DE1BA679.BE252E4B.72F7FA92.IP)
18:53 <•Kotono> "Off on a solo trip with one of your ladies? I understand," Storm's Eye laughs, then, "I've been dreaming of a tower."
18:54 <Devar> "The one we found you in?" Devar asks. "You were there for... a while, right?"
19:04 <•Kotono> "Long enough," Storm's Eye comments, "But not that tower. Another one. I'm not sure why, but I keep seeing it."
19:14 <Devar> "Maybe it's where you were made?" Devar asks.
19:15 <Devar> "There's spells to find out more information on people, I know Spine had some on your creation." Devar says. "It won't be too long before I can just teleport us over to those stormy mountains to find the truth, either."
19:27 <•Kotono> After a little consideration, humming, "You're sticking with this," Storm's Eye says agreeably.
19:34 <Devar> "You're someone who needs help." Devar says, rather plainly. "So of course I am. Even if you're a bit of a skeeve every now and again."
19:40 <•Kotono> Before Storm's Eye can answer, a loud scream pierces the quiet of the night. It sounds like it came from outside.
19:43 <Devar> Devar grabs Storm's Eye and is out the door immediately!
19:50 <•Kotono> OOC: How fast can you move?
19:51 <Devar> OOC: 90ft flying
19:59 <•Kotono> Devar races out. It came from the pool and sure enough, Anne has mace and shield in hand. The shield is the only thing preserving her dignity, as she's still water soaked, A trickle of blood is from a slash on her throat, a female servant down and with a sharp razor in hand.
20:01 <Devar> Devar flies over to land next to Anne. "Are you all right?" He asks, quickly, eyes focused on the servant.
20:07 <•Kotono> "I'll live," Anne says tersely, "Cover her so I can gird myself and heal. Preferably before-"
20:07 <•Kotono> "What's going on?" Rina sprints out, hair crackling with flames, short sword in hand.
20:07 <•Kotono> "-someone else gets out here," Anne comments idly,
20:09 <Devar> "I'll take care of it." Devar says, flying over to see if the other woman is alive or just unconcious at this point.
20:10 <•Kotono> OOC: Any ranks in Heal?
20:11 <Devar> OOC: I do! Take 10 for 22.
20:12 <•Kotono> Rina comes over, "Who is she? I haven't seen her before." Checking her over as well, you see that - oh. Anne hits the back of her head. She's not dead, but she's not in a good way and may not be alive for long without immediate treatment. You hear Anne rustling and throwing on some clothes, as Rina adds, "Did she just walk onto the grounds."
20:16 <Devar> Devar channels some healing into the woman to stabilize her. OOC: Lay on Hands, 5 points.
20:20 <•Kotono> roll 1d8+5 Anne meanwhile
20:20 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+5 Anne meanwhile --> [ 1d8=8 ]{13}
20:22 <•Kotono> It seems to do the job, at the least her color improves. She's still out cold, though. Anne meanwhile returns, a simple shift thrown on and mace still in hand. Servants mill about and stay back as, "You haven't seen her before? She might well have." Rubbing her throat, "I wouldn't be surprised if this was aimed at you and I was a mistaken target."
20:22 <•Kotono> "Me?" Rina echos in a moment of confusion.
20:23 <•Kotono> "We're famous heroes now and you also took on nobility. I wonder how many bear a grudge or the weight of envy on them?" Anne questions back.
20:24 <Devar> "We can find out what's going on when she regains conciousness." Devar says. "Let's restrain her while she's out?"
20:36 <•Kotono> That's easily enough done. Rina scowls at her once she's secured, "No poison," she remarks, scowling even deeper. "Maybe it's a personal grudge?"
20:37 <Devar> "We'll find out one way or another." Devar says. "I didn't want to bring it up earlier, but how are you vetting your servants? If someone who doesn't like you sent someone here to act as a spy, how would you know?"
20:40 <•Kotono> "Local connections, knowing people and some help. I haven't seen or vetted her before, though," Rina says, kneeling down and picking her up. "She might have snuck in like Anne thought."
20:41 <Devar> "Likely." Devar says with a nod. "Could've been sent to scout it out... or something else. I'll put on my scary face."
20:45 <•Kotono> OOC: You wanna try interrogating her, then?
20:46 <Devar> OOC: Yep
21:00 <•Kotono> She awakens over an hour later. Her eyes open slowlyb ut focus right on you, but doesn't say a word right away.
21:01 <Devar> "So, you can make this easy, or difficult. I'm going to suggest easy, because we really don't want to hurt you or worse." Devar says, plainly. "You have my word that if you're cooperative and truthful, no harm will come to you. If you decide to not be cooperative, I won't be able to make that promise."
21:09 <•Kotono> What follows isn't bravado, silence, anger or negotiation. It's tears, "S-sir, I'll tell you anything you want," she blubbers.
21:11 <Devar> "Then let's start with the basics - who are you and why are you here?" Devar asks. There's no malice - no threat in his voice.
21:12 <•Kotono> "Celia," She answers, "A trader approached me and offered me money to do this."
21:27 <Devar> "To do what, exactly?" Devar asks.

[Corwin]

18:02 <•Kotono> "Kill the new lady of this manor," She at least doesn't look away, "I'd been struggling for a long time, and the money was too much to ignore."
18:03 <Devar> "Who asked you to do that?" Devar says. "I know you're likely worried they'll come after you, but you have my word we'll deal with them ourselves."
18:12 <•Kotono> "His name was Luc," She answers, "Luc of Roundcastle."
18:13 <Devar> "Ring any bells?" Devar looks over to Rina. "I bet you that's the same guy that tried to have us poisoned."
18:18 <•Kotono> "I've never heard of him?" Rina says, more a question than an answer. Her entire expression frowns, lost in thought.
18:19 <•Kotono> "IT could be a fake name or someone's agent." Anne points out, "A face to examine personally would be far more productive, as well as to ask pointed questions to."
18:20 <Devar> "Yes, walk us through where this person met you, and what exactly they said, please." Devar says. "Was it in the capital, or somewhere else? Did they tell you why they wanted to kill the new lady of the manor?"
18:26 <•Kotono> "It was in Mellanics," She answers, "I asked and he said it wasn't important, only that she didn't deserve her position. He approached me and knew I needed money."
18:27 <•Kotono> Rina scowls, "I've seen more than a few conmen and troublemakers find someone who needs money and try that. It's preying on the desperate."
18:28 <•Kotono> "It's why good works are so important," Anne points out, "The better off the least are, the less resentment that boils beneath society. When the least are desperate, hungry and forgotten, they do desperate things."
18:29 <Devar> "Did he give you partial upfront and more upon completion of the task?" Devar asks.
18:33 <•Kotono> "Yes, ten gold now and two hundred fifty if I succeeded," She answers, "I had to return to the Brookside Inn and collect the money from him."
18:34 <Devar> "Did he ask you bring any proof?" Devar asks. "How would he know you were successful?"
18:35 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-423F0355.irccloud.com)
18:36 <•Kotono> "Word of mouth," She says, "The murder of a new heroic noble would not go hidden." With a little tremble at that, tears still falling slowly, "Proof as good as anything else."
18:38 <Devar> "We have a bit of an opportunity, then." Devar says. "It'd be easy enough to spread word that you were killed, Rina, and then we could capture the person paying her."
18:45 <•Kotono> "Or we could go to that inn and cut the head off of the serpent, " Anne counters, "Especially ifa ny of us can muster aproper disguise."
18:50 <•Kotono> "Either could work," Rina looks up a few moments, thinking perhaps. "Either way we have the tactical advantage. Devar, can you change your shape ora nything like that?"
18:51 <Devar> "I don't know the spell but I'm familiar with it. I can cast it easily enough." He says.
18:57 <•Kotono> "I don't follow," Anne gives you as trange look, "Do you mean you can cast it now, or you could with a scroll or suchlike?"
18:59 <Devar> "Sort of?" Devar says. "This doesn't come up terribly often, but I have to write things in a spellbook. So I'd need someone else who can cast it to show me or a scroll to learn it from."
19:02 <•Kotono> "Oh, my mistake," Anne says in thought, "Too unwieldy to manage on short order then."
19:04 <•Kotono> "I've never had the knack for disguises," Rina meanwhile says, "Regis did." That gets a few moments o fawkwardness, but not long. "Honestly, do you think this trader is waiting in that inn placidly?"
19:05 <•Kotono> "Possibly so, possibly not. Not every scheme is by an arch schemer like Brachidos," Anne reasons, "Either way, let us move to put the troublemaker behind this to the sword."
19:05 <Devar> "How about this - we go ahead of her and spread a rumor about you being attacked at that inn itself, then she catches up to meet with whomever and we just stay low and quiet until that happens?" Devar offers. "That'd be simple enough since we can travel faster."
19:10 <•Kotono> OOC: By her, who do you mean? Just to be clear.
19:11 <Devar> OOC: Celia.
19:17 <•Kotono> "Do you think we can trust her?" Rina says bluntly, "She took a knife to your throat, Anne."
19:17 <•Kotono> Celia shivers at that.
19:18 <•Kotono> "In all truth?" Anne considers a time, "Not entirely, but the risk is relatively minimal to us."
19:19 <Devar> "I'm open to other ideas." Devar says. "This just seemed the most straightforward."
19:33 <•Kotono> After some thought, "No, I like it," Rina finally decides, "And it's best to keep these sort of things simple."
19:33 <•Kotono> "It's your assassination," Anne smiles slightly, "If that's what you want."
19:34 <•Kotono> "The next time someone comes after you, you can choose the battle plan," Rina banters back, "Besides, it's an excuse to go eat and drink while spreading a story. It's hardly rough duty."
19:43 <Devar> Devar nods. "All right, how long do you think it'll take you to get there on foot, Celia?"
19:47 <•Kotono> "Ah, several hours?" she answers, to the point, "Not before everything closes for the night."
19:49 <Devar> Devar nods. "Okay. Then just head there with all swiftness, we'll meet you there." Devar says. "Anything else before we go?"
19:59 <•Kotono> Nothing's offered. Rina does say, "Be careful. I doubt it's a trap, but?"
20:00 <•Kotono> "We're famous now," Anne concludes, "Famous enough for trouble."
20:00 <Devar> Devar nods and will take off into the sky with Anne - and once out of earshot, "I'll go on ahead - how about you follow her from the air for a while to make sure she doesn't run off?"
20:10 <•Kotono> "Wise," Anne agrees readily, "I had though to suggest the same." She tips her mace to yo uand flies off and backwards.
20:12 <Devar> Devar will fly off and ahead to the Brookside Inn!
20:17 <•Kotono> Nothing serious is in the air, and it's well into the night when you arrive. The sound of song and drink drifts out as you approach, a rather nice establishment. Despite the hour, the smell of cooking food wafts out as well, thick and heavy.
20:20 <Devar> Devar will land and pull his cloak up a bit - he can't really disguise himself too much, but he can hide his holy symbol for now. He'll head in and head to the bar!
20:26 <•Kotono> OOC: Areyou hiding those wings of yours at all?
20:27 <Devar> OOC: Great question, he'll do his best but he doesn't exactly have any good way to do it.
20:34 <•Kotono> You go in. It's a nice place with a bar, tables, the entire normal setup for a tavern. Shields and weapons hang on the walls, a martial theme to it along with simple paintings of brooks. You make it halfway to that bar before eyes are on you and your wings. Murmurs, loud and obvious, and you're pretty sure you hear your name once or twice.
20:35 <Devar> He can use this to his advantage - he heads directly to the bar, looking as sullen and depressed as one can.
20:41 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, do you have any related skills to this at all?
20:43 <Devar> OOC: This probably falls under Bluff which Devar does not in fact have any points in, but he'll try his best to act!
20:46 <•Kotono> OOC: Raw Charisma check then. G'luck.
20:47 <Devar> roll 1d20+8
20:47 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{22}
20:53 <•Kotono> Thus Devar goes in and finds out...next time! OOC: We ran long Monday so we'll pause just a few here today.

[Corwin]

18:05 <•Kotono> You get looks, and by the time you get the barkeep? "You alright?" he asks, an unremarkable enough man, except for an eye patch.
18:08 <Devar> "Friend of mine got killed while I was away." Devar says rather solemnly as he takes a seat. "Just had taken over a villa and was part of the nobility, too." He shakes his head and puts a few gold on the bar. "I'll be here a while thinking about it."
18:12 <•Kotono> "That's too bad," The barkeep says, "Have one on the house, sir," A mug of ale is slid your way. "I heard of your friends, so that had to be one of the women, and it's not the matron. What was her name? I can't rightly recall, sir."
18:12 <•Kotono> Murmurs all around you, rapid and quick at that.
18:12 <Devar> "Rina." Devar says solemnly as he stares into the mug for a few moments.
18:19 <•Kotono> "To Rina," The barkeep raises his mug up, and it echos. "To Rina!"
18:20 <Devar> Devar follows suit and raises his mug as well. Is he laying this on too thick? Well, nothing for it now, he just continues on with the plan.
18:26 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 meanwhile
18:26 <•Kotono> OOC: One moment, Kobotis delirict again.
18:30 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@470F6AF.824CEC3E.8C013F7F.IP)
18:30 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 meanwhile
18:30 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 meanwhile --> [ 1d100=37 ]{37}
18:31 <•Kotono> It goes well enough. You get several drinks slid to you, no coin asked for. Are you going to drink them all?
18:32 <Devar> He will start nursing them, but go rather slowly and just continue his act of sullen-ness.
18:40 <•Kotono> Even then, the booze hits and things get a little soft, blurry and comfortable. Still, you're not so far gone that you don't notice Celia enter and head back towards the inn rooms quickly.
18:43 <Devar> Devar will wait a few beats - is Anne coming in or perhaps waiting nearby? He will wait for about 30 seconds before he gets up to follow after Celia.
18:49 <•Kotono> Anne follows about half a minute later, just as you get up. She passes by, ignoring everyone else. When you approach, she sniffs before, "Enjoy yourself?" she asks dryly.
18:50 <Devar> "I think I managed the act well enough." Devar says, taking a breath to steel himself. "Let's see if it worked."
18:56 <•Kotono> Anne leads you to a room, which you glimpse Celia enter. How do you plan to play this?
18:57 <Devar> OOC: let's wait a few and see if we can hear anything - then just bust in and hope we can catch them by surprise assuming we can hear her talking to someone else.
19:01 <•Kotono> OOC: PErception then, -2 penalty.
19:01 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Anne
19:01 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Anne --> [ 1d20=2 ]{8}
19:01 <Devar> OOC: I'm not risking that, take 10 for 20
19:13 <•Kotono> You listen in. "Good. Good, Celia. All the money I promised is yours," A man's voice, "Come here and I'll give it to you."
19:13 <•Kotono> "T-thank you," Celia stammers, voice carrying.
19:14 <Devar> Devar nods to Anne and will go in - he isn't going to waste any time and is immediately going to try and restrain whoever is in the room with her.
19:20 <•Kotono> Celia stands before a man, middle aged. A bit on the portly side, dressed well in dark colored clothes. He looks up, beginning to turn to the open door, the first moments of panic on his face as...OOC: Go ahead, ou have a surprise round.
19:22 <Devar> Devar will rush the man to try and restrain him! OOC: I guess this is a grapple? He's not trying to just beat him up or anything just immediately grab his wrists or whatever. I think that'd be CMB?
19:30 <•Kotono> OOC: Gof or it, sure.
19:31 <Devar> Roll 1d20+11 cmb if it fails Anne will just have to bonk him or something
19:31 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+11 cmb if it fails Anne will just have to bonk him or something --> [ 1d20=4 ]{15}
19:39 <•Kotono> Devar darts in fulls peed, but it's pure luck. Stumbles really, just enough to turn what should be a tackle to a mutual stumble back that leaves him against the bed, free. Anne comes ina nd blocks the door, grabbing Celia and pulling her away. "Ah!" The man cries, a bag of coins on the ground, glittering gold and platinum there. "You!"
19:39 <•Kotono> OOC: Init.
19:39 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Anne
19:39 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 Anne --> [ 1d20=18 ]{22}
19:39 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+1 Trader
19:39 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+1 Trader --> [ 1d20=14 ]{15}
19:40 <Devar> Roll 1d20+3 supreme init one day surely
19:40 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+3 supreme init one day surely --> [ 1d20=15 ]{18}
19:41 <•Kotono> Anne holds position, "I suggest you surrender," she intones, "Lest you reap the eternal fruits of your foolishness here and now."
19:41 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+15 intimidate
19:42 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 intimidate --> [ 1d20=19 ]{34}
19:43 <•Kotono> "Aaaaah!" The man falls back on the bed, "I s-surrender!" he cries out, "I surrender!"
19:44 <•Kotono> OOC: Go ahead, he's not resisting. His luck didn't run that deep.
19:45 <Devar> "Well, that was simple." Devar says. "At least you have some common sense. So, who are you and how are you involved in this plot? Don't bother trying to lie at this point." Devar says, taking the same tone as Anne.
19:47 <•Kotono> Anne keeps a hand on Celia, mace shifted aside to do so. "She didn't tell yo umy name?" he says, surprised. "You sold me out, didn't you? Didn't you?"
19:47 <•Kotono> Celia looks away, not saying a word.
19:48 <Devar> "We're asking the questions here." Devar says, moving closer to the man. "Talk."
19:50 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me an intimidate check, +4 bonus for Anne's previous work.
19:51 <Devar> OOC: take 10 for 33
19:59 <•Kotono> "M-my name is," he swallows, "Wilheim. Wilheim of Eis." He says the last quietly, averting his eyes.
19:59 <•Kotono> "Ah." Anne says as if that explains everything. "Thus it continues."
20:01 <Devar> "Keep going. How did this come about? Are you working with anyone?" Devar asks. "Luc, perhaps? Or is that just an alias?"
20:02 <•Kotono> "An alias," He says after a moment, "Enough to give me cover while I escaped if it went wrong."
20:03 <•Kotono> "It went very wrong," Anne declares grimly.
20:03 <Devar> "Are you working with anyone else?" Devar asks. "Especially from outside of Eis." He punctuates that by moving closer.
20:12 <•Kotono> "No," He declares, "Just me. Another Laremy noble grown fat on the blood of Eis. No. No." He meets your eyes, "She can die and rot in Hell.'
20:13 <•Kotono> Anne blows out a long, tired sigh. "Baator, you mean? No matter, the sentiment is clear."
20:14 <•Kotono> Celia creeps back, but Anne's grip doesn't give in the least.
20:15 <Devar> "You really hate all of us that much?" Devar asks. He shakes his head. "I'm sorry for whatever has transpired to harden your heart so, but not everyone here is as evil as you think. In fact, what do you know about the devils summoned during the war?" Devar asks. "Surely that news has circulated in y
20:15 <Devar> our homeland."
20:16 <•Kotono> You get a confused look back, "A devil? Like the ones who enforce evil contracts?"
20:17 <•Kotono> "Mn, yes," Anne says shortly, "The residents of Baator. A vile bunch, one and all."
20:17 <•Kotono> "Ma told me stories of the Grey Lands," A retort back, "Where things without mouths ate you."
20:18 <Devar> "Yes. I saw them with my own eyes - everyone there did. But you've heard nothing about that at all?"
20:19 <•Kotono> "I've been traveling, and no one in Laremy is trustworthy," he retorts, "Your merchants are corrupt, your traders thieves and your officials hungry for bribes."
20:20 <•Kotono> "You chose not to listen, then?" Anne muses aloud, "Foolish, even lies can show the truth to the wise mind."
20:21 <•Kotono> Then, more thoughtful, "What I want to know is how you found Celia and knew what to offer her."
20:21 <Devar> Devar sighs. "Your soul is closed off to the truth.
20:21 <Devar> OOC: oops
20:23 <Devar> Devar sighs. "Your soul is closed off to the truth. I'm sorry. The world has many true things as well as lies, you need to open yourself to it and realize your own perception is warped. Tell me, if we sent you back to Eis and told you to never come back, what would do?" He asks. "Would you be able t
20:23 <Devar> o understand mercy or would you just think us stupid fools?"
20:31 <•Kotono> "I would run and never come back," The man says right away, instead, "Not that you'll let that happen. I know your kind."
20:31 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Anne
20:31 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Anne --> [ 1d20=14 ]{20}
20:32 <•Kotono> Anne gives the trader a pitying look, "Are you so desperate to try and provoke us into doing it as if we were naughty children egged into a dare?"
20:33 <Devar> "What do Eis' laws say about your actions?" Devar asks. "I assume they're similar to ours?" He says, with his arms folded. "You act like whatever punishment you'd be guilty of doesn't exist in your kingdom."
20:35 <•Kotono> "It's not hard to imagine," Anne continues as Wilheim goes quiet at those rebukes, "If he's lucky, a night in a cell, a chance to meet a priest and public hanging. If he's unlucky, he's put to torment or worse before being drawn and quartered, decapitated or worse."
20:35 <•Kotono> Going on, "No one likes murderers. Those that murder officials or nobles have to be made an example of, or at least those that make the laws thinks o."
20:37 <Devar> "So, Wilhelm, I'm a follower of the law, but I also follow a deity who believes in pacifism and mercy." Devar says. "I can't change your soul, but if you pray to Eldath in this moment, I want you to find peace to end this cycle of hatred you have for people you don't know. It's your choice to take t
20:37 <Devar> hat step."
20:45 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me diplomacy here. No penalty or bonus, as everything more or less cancels out.
20:45 <Devar> OOC: take 10 for 29
20:54 <•Kotono> Wilheim bows his head at that, perhaps doing what you request. He's quiet, lips moving indistinctly.
20:56 <Devar> Devar simply waits - if She wishes to speak to him, it isn't Devar's place to listen or sway this.
21:03 <•Kotono> Whatever answer comes...next time!

[Corwin]

18:03 <•Kotono> The man deflates suddenly. His shoulders slump and he sinks to the ground. He doesn't say anything, but shakes his head back and forth.
18:07 <Devar> So either he didn't hear anything... or maybe he heard something he doesn't want to hear? "Can I take that reaction to mean this isn't going to happen again?" Devar asks.
18:08 <•Kotono> All you get is a broken, jerky nod.
18:09 <Devar> Devar dips down to the coin purse and will go to hand it to Celia. "Use this to make a better life for yourself and those you care about, such that you never are tempted by this sort of thing again, understand?"
18:15 <•Kotono> The woman's eyes go wide, the coins taken with shaking hands. "Thank you, thank you," she blurts out, "Thank you," she bows deeply, "I will remember this kindness, this mercy."
18:16 <Devar> "We can all make the world a better place, little by little, one step at a time. Don't ever forget that you play a part in all of that too." He says, with a nod to Anne. "I think we're done here."
18:22 <•Kotono> Celia takes the chance and flees. Anne watches her go before, "No. There's plenty of room for forgiveness, but do you intend to leave him here? Justice must also be seen to, and should he do something like this again if left be, it would fall our our shoulders."
18:24 <Devar> "I don't think there's any concern about him repeating his mistake again." Devar says. "I understand what you're saying, but the path of mercy and forgiveness sometimes trump the rule of the law of men - if he hand him over to the authorities, he will likely just get killed... which is justice, for sure, but I have a feeling I know what he's seen, and I think he deserves a chance to make amends
18:24 <Devar> and make better the world rather than his life being ended by his crimes. If you disagree, I won't stop you from doing what you believe is right, but that's how I feel."
18:25 <Devar> "To put it another way - what hope is gained from his death for his crimes?" Devar asks.
18:27 <•Kotono> "Hope is a precious thing, the most precious thing we have," Anne says, "But hope withers when evil is allowed to move unchecked and the defenders of the innocent grow lax at their tasks." She meets your gaze evenly, "Then let us put it to a judge we both know. Rina is the aggrieved party, let her meet him and speak judgment on this matter."
18:28 <Devar> "I've no objections to that at all. I'll carry him - it's my burden, partially, anyway." Devar says with a nod.
18:33 <•Kotono> The man doesn't resist, taken up. The night wears on as you proceed back, a quiet journey. You find Rina still awake, awaiting you inside. "How'd it go?" she asks, eyeing your prisoner.
18:34 <Devar> "Short version - this is the person behind it." Devar says. "I think he saw Lady Eldath and he hasn't spoken since. Anne and I are... of two minds when it comes to what to do with him, so we agreed to let the decision of his fate fall to you, be it mercy, justice, or something else."
18:36 <Devar> "He's lived in Eis his whole life and only seen things from that end, which perpetrated his... opinions." Devar adds.
18:41 <•Kotono> "Just so," Anne agrees, "An act of grave foolishness, though no signs of deeper evil. It seems the act of a misguided patriot rather than a reprisal."
18:42 <•Kotono> "Celia?" Rina asks in the meantime, "Where is she?"
18:42 <Devar> "I gave her the money this one was carrying in hopes she can go create something better for herself than what she was presented with." Devar says.
18:48 <•Kotono> Rina sighs deeply and runs a hand through her hair. "By any normal metric, he hangs. He'd hang for attempted murder of this kind against most anyone, let alone a noble. You both know that. So why'd you bring him here?"
18:49 <•Kotono> "A question of justice versus mercy, and ultimately, you are the victim so it lies in your hands," Anne answers, "At the least, you should get a say."
18:50 <Devar> Devar nods to Anne. "It's as Anne says. I won't try and sway you with my opinion, so just do what your heart says to do and we will both abide it as a decision."
18:52 <•Kotono> Rina regards him in silence for a little time, before, "Do you have anything to say for yourself?"
18:53 <•Kotono> "A day late. What a fool I was." Wilheim looks up, "Were this only yesterday, I would know better. If only time ran backwards."
18:58 <•Kotono> "If only." Rina responds, drumming her finger son her leg. She stays quiet as she ponders, "I killed someone in cold blood once," she says, "Someone tied to a vile goddess. I don't regret it, that evil needed to be burned away. I wouldn't regret doing the same to you." A glance at Devar and then at Anne, "But I do understand how you would have come to the decision you made."
19:01 <Devar> Devar stays quiet and listens!
19:01 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-423F0355.irccloud.com)
19:09 <•Kotono> After some considerable thought, "I'll have you thrown in prison and work. It'll be hard labor, but you won't die. There's nothing to burn out here but stupidity."
19:09 <•Kotono> "Thank you," The man says quietly, "I can't believe-"
19:10 <•Kotono> "You won't be able to hurt anyone in there, in case you're stupid enough to do it again," Rina cuts him off. "Anne, could you take him back to town? I'll write a quick writ to hand over with him."
19:19 <•Kotono> Anne takes care of that. Once she's gone Rina blows out a breath, "Hopefully tomorrow's quieter."
19:20 <Devar> "You know it won't be." Devar says with a smile. "But there's nothing to do except face it."
19:29 <•Kotono> "Let's get some rest," Rina says, "At least I'm going to." OOC: Got anything to do or just waiting?
19:29 <Devar> OOC: Just waiting for the next round of excitement and to hear from the others, but I am aware they are slightly waylaid.
19:29 <•Kotono> OOC: More then.
19:36 <•Kotono> Morning comes. A rainy morning, gray. It quenches the heat, yet it's a steamy sort of weather. Humid enough to feel almost underwater. Rina has a scowl on her face over breakfast, while Anne looks unbothered. "Incidentally, it's taken care of. You'll get messages in a few days, but he didn't resist confessing, so there's no need for a trial."
19:36 <•Kotono> "Thanks, Anne," Rina sits back, looking out a window. Rain splatters against it as, "I hope Skaya and Sanda are alright."
19:37 <Devar> "Those two are fine, though you know they've gotten themselves into some sort of trouble." Devar says. "I wish we knew where they were, we could just go right now."
19:44 <•Kotono> "Same here," Anne admits, "We're sitting here eating a lovely meal and they could be in mortal peril. Knowing Sanda, they almost certainly are."
19:45 <•Kotono> "Good odds of it," Rina quips, "How would Sanda say it, statistically speaking?"
19:45 <Devar> "Oh, Sanda just went along with whatever Skaya's idea was." Devar says. "Statistically speaking, indeed."
19:52 <•Kotono> "She does do that a lot," Anne reasons, "No matter how she dresses it up."
19:52 <•Kotono> "Speaking of those two," Rina muses, "Do you think...?"
19:54 <Devar> "No, I think they're just close." Devar says. "Though who knows, I suppose Creation is full of possibilities."
20:03 <•Kotono> "It is known to happen at times." Anne remarks dryly, "I've known a few men who I felt were closer than friends, and I know some of Moore's allies are women who have wives, not husbands." She sips her morning juice. "I confess I don't see the appeal of it, but..."
20:03 <•Kotono> "Who knows?" Rina yawns loudly, "I have another long day of setting up and preparing. You two are welcome to do what you want here, just try and not get ina nyone's way."
20:04 <Devar> "We'll do our best to not cause any more trouble." Devar promises.
20:09 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:09 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=23 ]{23}
20:20 <•Kotono> By noon, you have free time. Really nothing's going on at all. Nothing, zero. You sit at a window and decompress, the crackle of lightning enough to get your attention. That and...OOC: PErception.
20:25 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 22!
20:36 <•Kotono> You happen to glance up at just the right time. You catch a reflection in the window of Milla, behind you stone silent, watching you.
20:37 <Devar> Devar jumps a little bit a that. "Hello to you too." He says, turning around.
20:40 <•Kotono> Milla smiles momentarily, "You've been busy," she comments, "But you seem well. Anne as well."
20:41 <Devar> "No rest for the wicked, isn't that what they say? How are you holding up? I'm sure you're chained to a desk moreso right now than you'd like." Devar says with a smile.
20:49 <•Kotono> "When people aren't looking at me in terror," Milla confesses as she shakes her head, a servant in the background going along, carrying several linens in her arms. "It's a mixed bag as word continues to spread."
20:52 <Devar> "One of these days, I want to take you to visit the artifact that took your form, I think you both would get along." Devar says, then wobbles his head afterwards. "I realize how insane that sounds." He adds afterwards with a small laugh. "I still wonder how it actually knew those things about you, since we didn't know at all and it wasn't anywhere near Laremy. Artifacts are weird."
21:03 <•Kotono> An answer comes to that question....next time!

[Corwin]

19:01 <•Kotono> "Magic works in strange ways," Milla dismisses it for now, "I hear you went hunting last night."
19:03 <Devar> "Hunting is a bit of a strong word." Devar says. "But yes, we rectified an issue."
19:07 <•Kotono> "Rina was merciful," Milla goes on, looking out the window at the storm. "It might embolden others who see it as weakness. On the other hand, it might mean a few more examples are made before people learn better."
19:10 <Devar> "I don't know that we can ever stop the endless cycle of hatred and war, but I am hopeful that we can make a meaningful difference." Devar says. "Maybe that's why we've been able to locate items sacred to Lady Eldath. I'm not going to try and say I understand Her way of thinking or the path She's put ahead of me, but as long as I can make a difference somewhere, I'm glad to do so. But I have
19:10 <Devar> a feeling you didn't come all the way for me to wax poetic about peace and kindness."
19:14 <•Kotono> "Not at all," Milla agrees, "Though remind me, what was the name of those items you're looking for?"
19:19 <Devar> "They're called the Clearwater pieces." Devar says, taking off the bracers to give her a better look. "I'm not exactly sure about the history, but I assume an Eldathian wore all of them some time ago."
19:25 <•Kotono> "I thought so, I heard something about them recently," Milla takes the bracers and looks at them, eyes sharply on them. "A seer mentioned them all by name."
19:26 <Devar> "There's one piece missing - or so I think, anyway, that's what I was told some weeks ago about their locations. Hopefully the last one turns up." He says. "But what's going on? Do you need all of us?"
19:39 <•Kotono> "No, I wanted to tell you that, ahem." Clearing her throat, "I  memorized it. It was said: "If Clearwater is not found before winter, spring will come only to graveyards.""
19:41 <Devar> Devar blinks a few times, taking a moment to process that. "That's... interesting, I had no idea it was that important." He says. "They do seem to gain strength when they're together, so perhaps the last piece does something that's needed for this winter to come."
19:45 <•Kotono> "It might be," MIlla concurs, "You've been warned, I glad I heard you were here. It might be nothing, not every seer's always right, but I'd sleep better if you have all those pieces."
19:46 <Devar> "I was just in the capital and they didn't have much news, but maybe I should head back and see if I can help with it." Devar says.
19:52 <•Kotono> "It's up to you." Milla says, "I'm too busy to stay long, but say hello to anyone I missed."
19:53 <Devar> "It's better than just being a layabout and bothering Rina's help." Devar says as he stands up. "I appreciate the message. Don't get yourself into too much trouble, okay?"
19:56 <•Kotono> With that Milla goes and that leaves you with a question: Now what?
19:56 <Devar> Devar will go see if Anne wants to come, otherwise he will head back to the capital and try to find Picke to get into contact with someone for this investigation!
20:12 <•Kotono> Anne joins up with you and decides to go, and thus you take off into the stormy, rainy day. Up the the two of you fly, above low storm clouds. Above the rain the sun shines brightly down, warming your bodies from the rainfall that still clings to you. Anne lets out a laugh, "Above the clouds," she calls, "Come, we can make good time this way."
20:14 <Devar> "Thankfully, for once." Devar says as he follows her. "I hope to still travel by foot every now and again even if I do advance myself to a point where I can whisk myself off anywhere."
20:22 <•Kotono> "My only question, my only regret perhaps, is to ask why we are bound to the ground as it is," Anne says as she flies, hair blown back behind her. "How wonderful it is!" OOC: Perception, Devar?
20:22 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Anne should get this skill one day
20:22 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Anne should get this skill one day --> [ 1d20=3 ]{9}
20:22 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 21, not today, Kobot!!!
20:33 <•Kotono> It's not too hard to see. Well above the stormclouds flies something coming from the north. It is a great dragon seemingly clad in bronze, intensely bright in the sunlight. It's flying in the general direction of Mellanics and beyond. It's not going to intercept either of you as as is, but it's definitely going to see you, if it hasn't already.
20:35 <Devar> Devar will simply raise a hand in greeting to it - they don't have any reason to stop it or get in its way, but if it comes over Devar won't try and run or anything.
20:35 <•Kotono> OOC: Taking 10 for ????.
20:37 <•Kotono> That greeting seems like enough. The dragon glides over the stormclouds, coming close with a direct, if someone clumsy and single directional, haste towards the two of you. Anne quickly gathers herself, "I know little of dragons, only enough to know one of bronze is not likely to be an ally of evil. Especially as I believe we may have seen this dragon before."
20:40 <Devar> Devar snaps his fingers. "The mountains! You're right." He says, simply staying where he is - when they get close enough he will greet it in Draconic. "Good day to you, great dragon."
20:47 <•Kotono> The dragon slows as it approaches, much bigger than a house. It stays a bit above the two of you, maybe fifty feet or so, and fourty feet away. It speaks in a loud voice that carries over the boom of lightning from below, "You. The mountains, yes. I thought I saw little creatures crawling around like ants there."
20:48 <Devar> "That feels like quite some time ago." Devar says. "We'd have a much easier time of it now than back then."
20:52 <•Kotono> "You fly, so few humans do, though you have wings?" A curious noise, like metal shaking and rumbling from within it, "You don't look like angelic blood flows thorugh you, but you wear Eldath's symbol, along with the woman wearing Moore's. A mated pair? Companions? Conspirators? Have you humans finally discerned a way to fly and you're the first to try it?"
20:53 <Devar> Devar blinks, and has to laugh a little bit. "We're just friends. We... aided in a matter some time ago involving an elemental artifact, and were given a gift to change our natures slightly." Devar explains. No real reason to hide anything from this guy.
20:55 <•Kotono> The dragon begins to fly in circles around the two of you, eyes always on you. "Elemental power, of course, and she would be wind and you the storms? The compatibility doesn't rule out the mated pair possibility, though it disproves the humanity learns to fly hypotheosis. Then again, it could be a plan by Kaja to claim more of the skies than given to him by the Platinum Dragon. Wind and lightning
20:55 <•Kotono> goes together well, as good as gem and gold.""
20:56 <•Kotono> Anne keeps her eyes on the dragon the entire time as it circles around, long and somewhat sloppy loops compared to Anne's tight, smooth ones.
20:57 <Devar> "As far as I'm aware, we're not part of any particularly noteworthy plots." Devar says with a smile. "Ah - my name is Devar, and this is Anne. You have the right of our natures as well."
21:10 <•Kotono> The dragon's tail raises in a wave-alike, going back and forth. Around and around you go as, "So many possibilities, but what about the others with you?"
21:12 <Devar> "We have some friends that are... on a different adventure." Devar explains. "We're hoping to reunite with them after I handle a matter in the city. Say - you don't happen to know anything about any items blessed by Lady Eldath called the Clearwater pieces, do you?" He holds up his arm with the bracers on it to show the dragon.
21:19 <•Kotono> "Of course I do, and those are the bracers," The dragon says, "Why do you - oh of course, you're trying to gather them. Only sensible for you, and I imagine a tleast one of them is properly shiny." Going on in thought, "Let alone if there's any spellbooks attached to them. Good idea, good idea. Speaking of lost magical items, have you heard of any lost armors from the ancient Third Royal House
21:19 <•Kotono> of Gorgeland, the Whisper of Legrane or the Wyrmarcana Staff? I've been looking for them."
21:24 <Devar> "We're familiar with the Whispers of Legrane." Devar says. "It's currently in the possession of a dragon turtle near Rockgate. They use it for healing purposes, as far as I'm aware. I don't think we've heard of the other two?" Devar says, looking to Anne for confirmation. "But if we come across or hear anything, I'd be happy to let you know. We're looking for the last piece of this Clearwater
21:24 <Devar> set also, actually, so if you've heard anything I would be grateful to hear about it."
21:26 <•Kotono> A deep huff at that, "That little-!" A draconic growl, "I got beaten to it and I never realized! So," Suddenly going on, "I've heard it's in the west, relative to..." he looks down and growls again, "Of course, the storms. We're over Laremy, I believe? West of Laremy is what I heard, but that was some time ago."
21:26 <Devar> Devar nods. "Thank you, great dragon." He says. "By the way, what brings you all the way out here - just your search for the lost items?"
21:31 <•Kotono> Huffing out as it slows its circling, "Personal business, but no harm to anyone down there." A look down at the storms again. "Though it's a shame what happened to that beautiful lake in Laremy. As a young wyrmling I loved to sun on the shores, disguised from human sight."
21:32 <Devar> Devar nods. "I see. Well, should you ever need aid, I am sure our paths will cross again." He looks down. "Yes, I hope war doesn't come to these lands again for some time."
21:36 <•Kotono> "Oh yes, that finished? Who won?" The dragon then asks. "Oh, and call me-" he stops, "My name is too long for human tongues, so call me Brozen."
21:38 <Devar> "Brozen. Laremy did." Devar explains. "For... whatever a winner in a war means to the common person."
21:44 <•Kotono> "The common person," Brozen ruminates on, then, "Ah, I'm running behind. I shouldn't spend all day thinking and talking again." With another tail wave the wyrm takes off swiftly, flying to the south.
21:45 <Devar> "He seemed nice, if a bit absent-minded." Devar says after they've flown off a bit.
21:51 <•Kotono> Anne follows, "It seemed wiser to let you handle all of that."
21:53 <Devar> "He seemed rather easily distracted." Devar says with a smile as they fly along. "Hopefully he finds what he's looking for."
21:56 <•Kotono> "For now though, let us continue," Anne smiles again and flies off, as you head to the capital...next time!

[Corwin]

19:06 <Kotono> The rest of the trip to the capital is without incident, thankfully. How do you plan to do this?
19:07 <Devar> OOC: let's find Picke first and explain the situation and go from there.
19:08 ↔ Devar nipped out 
19:11 <Kotono> There's a lot of mundane back and forthness, but eventually you're able to meet with Picke for dinner. He looks tired as you sit in a comfortable dining room, the food spread out splendid. Servants attend to your every need as Picke comments, "At least the food's good," he says as he has a bite of the roast duck, the relatively 'intimiate' dining room you're in suitable for dozens. "What is it
19:11 <Kotono> you need?"
19:13 <Devar> "I met with Milla." Devar starts, before he has a chance to say anything, he adds, "she's doing fine. But she brought a message - we need to find the last Clearwater piece, or else something catastrophic will happen." For his part, Devar will relay the exact verbiage Milla used after that!
19:18 <Kotono> "Again?" Picke closes his eyes and takes a moment to gather himself, then with sharp eyed focus, "Do you have any leads?"
19:19 <Devar> "No, but it seems like my asking Her Majesty to find it was a good idea." He says. "But it sounded like there's some issues, even with that."
19:23 <Kotono> "It's taking time," Picke says, with a wave of his hand, "You learn that when guiding people that you have to work with what they can do, and often that's limited, time consuming, expensive or troublesome."
19:23 <Kotono> Anne has a bite of her food before, "Just so. Like herding cats, as the saying goes."
19:23 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-B8D5816D.irccloud.com)
19:24 <Devar> "Can we help speed it up?" Devar asks. "I haven't been given any divine missive or anything but it can't be a coincidence that there was some sort of augury about this that reached me."
19:27 <Kotono> "Honestly? Not without more risk than it's worth. If you're seen in Eis?" The statement goes unanswered immediately, but after a drink of wine, "They'll find some reason and way to get even with you."
19:27 <Kotono> Anne hms softly, "In other words, you council patience."
19:28 <Kotono> "I council not giving them an excuse for a public execution, if the wrong people manage to get one over on you," Picke retorts. "Grudges do not die easily."
19:28 <Devar> "Perhaps we have a way to help." Devar says with a look to Anne. "We can have our recent friend likely get some inside information for us."
19:30 <Devar> He turns back to Picke, "Long story, but we had a run-in with a merchant who tried to have Rina killed. He's gone through a bit of... divine rehabilitation, but he's stop from Eis and I'm sure he knows enough people and could get more information on the matter."
19:33 <Kotono> A frown, a deep one. "I can have him talked to," Picke says, "There's always a need for sympathetic ears."
19:35 <Devar> "I think he'd be receptive." Devar says. "Actually... just a moment." He takes a breath and prays - does Devar need to go to Eis to find this piece himself? Will Lady Eldath show him the way or give him a sign of what to do?
19:36 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@3001A26.B2BBE05.527E3121.IP)
19:43 <Kotono> OOC: Give me a wisdom or charisma check, whichever is better.
19:44 <Devar> Roll 1d20+8 charisma
19:44 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8 charisma --> [ 1d20=18 ]{26}
19:48 <Kotono> As you wait, Picke goes for another drink, flavored water to cleanse the palate. He has a sip but suddenly, loudly coughins. "Ah!" He pounds his chest several times. "Pardon, it went down wrong."
19:49 <Devar> Devar looks up and over - surely that's not the message? He does look at the water, though - just in case.
19:56 <Kotono> It's water. Nothing special about it to Devar's eyes.
19:57 <Devar> "Well, I can't say I'm getting any divine missive to involve myself, so it sounds like we leave it to you unless something changes." Devar says.
19:59 <Kotono> "Hopefully it's soon," Picke promises.
19:59 <Kotono> "In the meantime," Anne begins, "And we can occupy ourselves with that and other matters of import."
20:00 <Devar> "If you need us, we will be at Her Lady Rina's estate." Devar says, making sure to add plenty of pomp to it.
20:05 ⇐ Kobot quit  ↔ •Kotono (promoted to owner, opped) nipped out 
20:07 <•Kotono> That gets a laugh as...OOC: Anything ot add to this?
20:08 <Devar> OOC: nope, let's head back
20:22 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:22 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@5CE9800F.8BEB79C4.D411084E.IP)
20:24 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:24 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=88 ]{88}
20:25 <•Kotono> Your trip back to Mellanics has you arrive without any danger. What's your next move here, then?
20:26 <Devar> OOC: let adventure find us until we hear back from the others
20:28 ⇐ Kobot quit  ↔ Devar and •Kotono nipped out 
20:44 <Kotono> You return. Rina's home is coming along day by day, a safe place for all of you. One morning as the three of you share a light breakfast, "Devar," Anne asks, "Forgive the question, but where do you see yourself in five years?"
20:44 <Kotono> Rina finishes her bite, swallows and then asks, "Anne?" she asks, tone curious.
20:46 <Devar> "I'm not sure. That's a long time - I've advanced a lot more than I thought I would have lately... so five years?" He takes in a breath and mulls it over for a while.
20:47 <Devar> "I think I'll have found a place that works across the planes, doing good things and trying to bring peace where I can... and protection where o can't." He says. "Something like that, anyway."
20:53 ↔ Kotono nipped out 
21:00 <Kotono> "A good vision," Anne remarks softly, "An admirable one."
21:02 <Devar> "Thinking about the future?" Devar asks. "I'm sure at some point we will be called more permanently to different things, but I'm sure we will always be there if one of us needs anything."
21:08 <Kotono> "I still am, yes," Anne confesses with a soft smile, "It's a good time to, don't you think?"
21:09 <Devar> "It's tough because every day we deal with very different things." Devar says. "The answer you give today will be vastly different from the one from six months ago, you know?"
21:14 <Kotono> "How true, this has been a remarkable year," To this Anne can't help but smile, "Has it not, Rina?"
21:14 <Kotono> "It's been a year." Rina sighs, "But let's not turn sour on that."
21:16 <Devar> "I'm sure we've got quite a few more adventures together, whether we want them or not." Devar says.
21:22 <Kotono> "Enough to see us through," Anne sits back, "It feels strange. Chasing Brachidos, I felt like things were going on far longer and farther. I expected fully to head to the north and miss at least a year. In other words, we're home far faster than I ever dreamed."
21:23 <Devar> "You can't ever really predict that sort of thing." Devar says. "Sometimes things are just as simple as opening a door."

[Corwin]

19:04 <•Kotono> "Sometimes fortune favors us, we were remarkably lucky on that ship," Anne reflects, "And that Brachidos seemed to have a desire to be hands on. Had he been a little more cautious, we may have spent years chasing him."
19:04 <•Kotono> Rina sits back and smirks, "Too bad."
19:06 <Devar> "I have a feeling his replacement isn't quite so bold." Devar says. "Assuming that's who attacked us a bit ago. But it isn't something we can do much about proactively."
19:07 <•Kotono> "Assuming," Anne now gets up, "We have some time. Shall we spent some time in the air before I visit my charges?"
19:10 <Devar> "You sure do love your flying." Devar says. "Sure, maybe we'll run into our bronze friend again."
19:18 <•Kotono> OOC: With that in mind, any prep or precautions for this?
19:18 <Devar> OOC: none here at current
19:24 <•Kotono> It's a pleasant diversion. No sign of problems, only the sky - hm? You fly afarfield and see something. On the northeastern horizon you see smoke rising. Not a little, but a lot.
19:25 <Devar> "That can't be good - let's go." Devar says, beginning to fly full speed towards it!
19:37 <•Kotono> "Trouble," Anne seconds. AS you fly closer and closer, you can see it. A small little farming village, all ablaze. The people have fled the burning buildings, but as you get closer yet, you see a handful of burnt corpses lying about on the roads. What's worse, you see half melted burrow holes.
19:40 <Devar> "What in the..." Devar wastes no time and flies down. "Anne, stabilize anyone you can, we can heal them all afterwards!" He quickly looks around and listens for any signs of people still in need of help! OOC: Perception for 21
19:43 <•Kotono> Anne darts down to see to that, while you try and listen. There! A burning farmhouse, you hear a scream carry from it. Upstairs, an open window.
19:44 <Devar> Devar flies over - he will look inside the window!
19:57 <•Kotono> Inside, lying near flames and eyes drifting shut, is an old woman. Well into her elder years, gray and white hair tied back in a braid. She manages a weak sounding cough as the flames dance closer towards her, the room filling with smoke.
20:01 <Devar> Devar takes in a deep breath to hold it as he flies in to rescue the woman!
20:10 <•Kotono> IT's easy. Your reinforced lungs help as yo udart in. THe flames are hot but you dive right in and grab her. SHe's not heavy, old and small, and you can lift her with ease-! AH! A crack as a roof beam suddenly gives way, falling right towards you and your rescuee. OOC: Ref real quick.
20:11 <Devar> Roll 1d20+16 evasion if needed
20:11 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+16 evasion if needed --> [ 1d20=9 ]{25}
20:13 <•Kotono> Just fast enough, Devar pivots back and flies out. The roof beam crashes down and misses him, Devar and the old woman out and safe. Whew!
20:14 <Devar> "Was there anyone else inside?" Devar asks as he carries the woman down to wherever Anne has found herself.
20:19 <•Kotono> The woman manages a few weak coughs that turn into wheezes, her answer lost in them. Anne's tended to the wounded already, who look on with gratitude. She takes a quick look at her, "She needs air as much as healing," she says, "But healing will help. Lady Jetina, please." OOC: Taking 10 on a Heal check.
20:20 <•Kotono> The woman coughs several more times, louder before, "M-my grandson. Downstairs."
20:20 <•Kotono> "Little Anthony?" A nearby woman cries in distress, "He's in there, Pris?"
20:21 <Devar> Devar sets the woman down and immediately heads back - he will go through a window if the door isn't open already!
20:33 <•Kotono> There's openw indows and a door to go through. You rush in, smoke pouring out and the air fouled. You struggle and...OOC: Perception in this case, -4 penalty.
20:34 <Devar> OOC: will take my chances with 17
20:39 <•Kotono> The only advantage is your lungs. You can hold your breath with ease as you search. A burning kitchen, nothing. Side rooms? Nope. Only the bedrooms to the side, but fire blocks the way. Fire you'd have to run or fly through.
20:41 <Devar> He's moderately resistant to fire - he will blitz right though! He has an idea once he finds his target anyway!
20:41 <Devar> OOC it's 5 fire resist for the record
20:46 <•Kotono> Devar fearlessly plunges into the flames, rushing ahead. There's three bedrooms to choose from, in a from closest to farthest. The fires burn at yo uand...
20:46 <•Kotono> roll 2d6 fire damage
20:46 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6 fire damage --> [ 2d6=7 ]{7}
20:46 <•Kotono> They singe, hot enough to be painfully felt, but the worst of it dulled.
20:47 <Devar> Devar will just go in order! The closest first!
20:49 <•Kotono> Flames lick at Devar as he tries to peer into the room and...OOC: Perception due to the smoke.
20:49 <•Kotono> roll 2d6 fire damage ow
20:49 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6 fire damage ow --> [ 2d6=9 ]{9}
20:50 <Devar> Take 10 for 21 if the reduction is gone.
20:50 <Devar> Devar will also shout for Anthony!
20:56 <•Kotono> Nothing as Devar shouts, the air terribly smoky. Nothing to do but rush out to the second room, hurrying. As he does...
20:56 <•Kotono> roll 2d6 fire again
20:56 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6 fire again --> [ 2d6=7 ]{7}
20:56 <•Kotono> THe flames continue to burn him, but he reaches the second room. THere! Lying on a child's bed is a child, no more than five. He doesn't look conscious, a blur through the smoke. The bed is on fire, but it hasn't reached him quite yet.
20:58 <Devar> Devar quickly casts mass resist energy against fire! OOC: protecting both myself and Anthony - fire res 20.
20:58 <Devar> After that, he moves to scoop him up and head right back out!
21:04 <•Kotono> The protection washes over both of yo uas you flee. THe building creaks and burns, but you make it out. Out to Anne, who takes one look at him, "Jetina!" Not even words, only healing that also soothes your own wounds. The child coughs once, weakly, then again and again.
21:04 <•Kotono> roll 4d6 healing
21:04 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d6 healing --> [ 4d6=10 ]{10}
21:04 <•Kotono> OOC: 15.
21:05 <•Kotono> Fromt he survivors cheers come up, the grandmother coming to her grandson. Anne looks to you, "Bad?" she asks in a single word.
21:06 <Devar> He will set the boy down and look around quickly around. "No, but I'm worried about how this started. You saw the holes, right?" He asks. "Once everyone is accounted for we need to figure that out."
21:12 <•Kotono> "I asked," Anne takes you aside, "An ankheg, but one on fire. One, possibly two or three. There's conflicting accounts. Likely the same problem and some sort of magical or elemental variant of them."
21:13 <Devar> "It's probably something that managed to get lost out of that elemental dimension." Devar says. "Hopefully not the really smart ones..."
21:15 <•Kotono> "Hopefully not. I've already had the villagers agree to salvage what they can and flee if they see it again. The fastest of them's ran towards Mellanics for support, but that will take time." Anne goes on, "In truth, we lack the ability to do much if it has fled."
21:16 <Devar> "Yeah, the best we can do is help by patrolling around from the air." Devar says. "We should let Rina know too."
21:29 <•Kotono> "I can do that if you want to patrol," Anne offers, "All the healing's beend one."
21:29 <Devar> Devar nods. "I'll stay close by unless I see something, you can probably follow the smoke if you see any to find me."
21:41 <•Kotono> "Good luck," Anne offers and hurries off, as...OOC: Just going to fly around and make sure it doesn't emerge?
21:43 <Devar> OOC: pretty much, see if there's any pattern or anything to the holes, keep an eye out for another fire or smoke.
21:43 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception, +6 bonus for aerial.
21:43 <Devar> OOC: take 10 for 27 then
21:49 <•Kotono> An hour of this passes. No furthe rsign of it, only a village burnt down. You didn't even catch the name of it. By then Anne returns, "Rina's been told, and it'll go up to Milla. She's promised them shelter at her manor if they need it, at least until they can rebuild."
21:50 <Devar> Devar nods. "It was good we were flying, we saved several lives today." Devar says. "Want to keep looking around just in case? I didn't see anything noteworthy while you were gone."
21:51 <•Kotono> Anne agrees, and you keep looking...next time! OOC: We'll pick up there Thursday, but for now I do that spinny fall over thing.

[Corwin]

19:05 <Kotono> OOC: PErception again, same bonus as last roll.
19:05 <Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Anne
19:05 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 Anne --> [ 1d20=16 ]{28}
19:05 <Devar> roll 1d20+17 fine Kobot I'll bite
19:05 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+17 fine Kobot I'll bite --> [ 1d20=4 ]{21}
19:10 <Kotono> Nope, no further sign of the ankheg. For better or for worse, it seems to ahve moved on from the area, or at least is staying wellb elow ground.
19:12 <Devar> "I think we're in the clear for the time being." Devar says. "Nothing really to do at this point, unless you've got some other ideas?"
19:17 <Kotono> "None that are practical. I'll trust Rina to send word to the appropriate people, and hope this was an isolated incident," Anne concludes. She sighs after, "A terrible one."
19:18 <Devar> "Agreed, but it would've been worse if we hadn't come over." Devar says. "I hate just sitting on my hands, but I don't see any other options for us right now."
19:21 <Kotono> "Neither do I," Anne concludes, "Let's go back and cleanse ourselves."
19:22 <Devar> Devar nods and will start to head back!
19:38 <Kotono> You return back and find Rina waiting fo ryou. She greets you once you land, "How bad?" she asks, bluntly.
19:39 <Devar> "Pretty bad." Devar says. "No sign of the culprit, but those things are always difficult to find."
19:41 <Kotono> "We know it's an ongoing problem," Rina says grimly, "At least it didn't surface in Mellanics, that could've been a disaster."
19:43 <Devar> "No, but they'd have at least had some guards there." Devar says. "At this point, there's not much to do until we hear from the others and can meet up somehow."
19:52 <Kotono> "Hopefully so," Anne agrees cheerfully, "I'm going to go have a meal, fly and then visit Mellanics."
19:53 <Devar> "Okay, I'll wait here just in case."
19:59 <Kotono> OOC: Let me short pause you pending Skaya.