Return to Mellanics 023

[Corwin]

20:18 <Kotono> As you rest a little, 'Devar, it's Sanda. Where are you, we're going to plane shift over. Include details please. Also hope Anne has removed giant stick from rear.'
20:19 <Devar> Devar perks up at that. 'We're at Rina's house at the moment, so... Rina's land, I guess? If it doesn't get you close Skaya and I can still talk.'
20:51 <Kotono> Soon enough, Devar's reverie is interrupted. He's looking out a window at the front, and he sees them. Sanda, Skaya and an unknown elf, all approaching directly on.
20:54 <Devar> Devar will see if he can find Rina, and go out to greet them!
20:59 <Kotono> Rina's nearby and follows. As Skaya nad friends reach the front door, it's thrown open. "There yo uare," Rina calls, "How was your big adventure this time?" She smiles warmly, waving the three of you in.
20:59 <Kotono> "Profitable," Sanda follows, "Did we miss anything here?"
21:00 <Skaya> "No complaints!" Skaya says, before introducing friends old and new. "This is Rina, and this is Liza."
21:02 <Devar> "A few things. Let me get you up to speed." Devar says. "Anne is visiting Mellanics at the moment but will likely be back soon."
21:03 <Kotono> Liza sketches a curtesy in the meantime, and politely listens in to things she doesn't know about.
21:03 <Kotono> "Oh good. Go on," Sanda continues.
21:03 <Devar> He will explain the situation with the possible fire ankhegs and what happened at the village, the matter about the Clearwater piece that's still to be found, and then at last produce the Candle he received from Picke and the queen.
21:04 <Skaya> "What about Melissine?" Skaya asks Devar after the main parts are covered. "Were you able to help her regenerate?"
21:04 <Devar> "I'm not sure if you want to hold onto this," He says as he also produces the scrap of paper with the magical phrase for it. "It's a plane-shifting candle. Light it, say the phrase, and off you go. It reforms after a day. We're borrowing it until we have something more permanent amongst us. Oh - yeah, we visited Bytopia after the kerfuffle on Ice, but that isn't where we got this."
21:05 <Devar> "Yes, we visited her and got her all fixed up." Devar says.
21:05 — Skaya gives him a thumbs up! "What's she doing these days?"
21:06 <Devar> "I admit, I didn't stick around too long to ask." Devar says. "Oh... right, sorry, I guess this probably more important, Anne and I got attacked by someone invisible throwing fireballs at us a while back."
21:07 <Skaya> "Always a pleasure, that," Skaya mutters. "Alright, so what are your short-term plans for after Anne returns? Ah, and we have a line on a plane shifting item of our own, so perhaps our planar troubles would be resolved in a few days."
21:08 <Devar> "There isn't a lot to do at present since I'm just waiting on whatever is going on with the last Clearwater item. We could look around for the ankhegs but that seems like a huge undertaking without a lot to go on." Devar says. "So it was pretty much just going to be reactionary from me for the time being."
21:09 <Skaya> "Ah, we just got back from hunting a burrowing abomination. I don't want to see burrowers for at least a week!" Skaya complains, throwing an arm over her eyes theatrically.
21:09 <Devar> "You and I both know we're not that lucky." Devar says.
21:10 <Skaya> "Hey! I have teleport on call now! We're definitely that lucky."
21:10 <Devar> "Do you want to hold onto the candle in case you get warped off somewhere?" Devar asks.
21:10 <Skaya> "You know what? Sure! That's a good idea."
21:11 <Devar> He will hand it over with the instructions. "Hopefully you get more of a grace period this time." He says. "Oh, sorry," He turns to Liza to offer her a polite bow. "I'm Devar of Eldath, nice to meet you."
21:14 <Kotono> Sanda huffs, "You'll be fine," she declares, "But no burrowers until next week."
21:14 <Kotono> "I'm Liza," she returns it, "Skaya invited me."
21:14 <Kotono> Sanda side eyes Liza, "Yes, she did."
21:15 <Skaya> "Oh! Listen! We found a new cursed item!"
21:15 <Kotono> "I could use something now that I'm getting ahead of all of my work," Rina offers, "Hopefully more word comes back."
21:18 <Devar> "Oh dear, what's this one do?" Devar asks.
21:18 <Skaya> "It is a fashionable jacket that makes me think my name is Jessa when I put it on!"
21:19 <Kotono> In the meantime you see a shadow pass above. Rina blinks, "That sounds like not much of an item at all."
21:19 <Skaya> "It also heals you all the time," Skaya says cheerfully, before pointing up. "Expecting company, or is that Anne?"
21:23 <Devar> "Maybe?" He says looking up too.
21:25 <Kotono> Anne swoops above, landing gracefully. "Welcome back," She greets, "Is all well?"
21:26 <Kotono> "Liza," LIza introduces herself, "You must be Anne."
21:26 <Skaya> "She is indeed Anne," Skaya affirms. "We just arrived, so your sense of timing is impeccable."
21:27 <Kotono> "Thank you," Anne greets warmly, "We reunite once more, as is good."
21:27 <Kotono> "So if there's a Clearwater piece," Sanda goes on from that, "Can we do anything to speed the processes up?"
21:28 <Devar> "I've asked, it seems like no. I think it's in Eis, if I was reading the room right." Devar says. "I even prayed on it and didn't get any divine missive or anything to go anywhere."
21:30 <Skaya> "Going there, huh...." Skaya trails off, before telling Liza, "We fought on Laremy's side when Eis invaded just recently. The two nations hated each other pretty badly, too, even before this war."
21:32 <Kotono> "So you'd be an enemy if you went there?" The question is bantered back, "That is a problem."
21:32 <Kotono> "Just so," Anne reasons, "However, someone new to the region would not suffer that same problem, would they not?"
21:33 <Kotono> Perhaps surprisingly, Sanda smiles, "Anne has a point, doesn't she? It's a lot to ask, but I'm sure it could be a profitable mission."
21:34 <Skaya> "I could disguise myself and Liza is new here, but there are two problems! We can get pulled back to the ship at any moment, and an elf will draw unwanted attention." Seriously, Sanda, what's wrong with you?!
21:35 <Devar> "I definitely couldn't disguise myself." Devar says with a gesture at his wings.
21:36 <Skaya> "Ah, I can teach you how, but it's be pretty awkward. And if we get pulled to the ship but you'll stay behind, it'd be dangerous due to it being enemy territory."
21:38 <Kotono> "They're right, it's best if I stay with Skaya," Liza says with just a hint of a sweet smile, creeping closer to Skaya. Sanda's smile strains in return.
21:38 <Devar> "I feel like we can just wait, if we need to get involved I feel like we'll know from someone." Devar says. "But if you did want to go, you can just take the candle, then you can get out of there and go anywhere for a day then come back."
21:39 <Kotono> Anne suddenly struggles not to laugh, stepping back silently.
21:39 <Kotono> "You're hoping for a sign?" Rina asks, "Good a way to do it now as anything."
21:40 <Skaya> "I think we can wait. Liza's never been here so we could give her a tour! And I'll need to reconsider my spells anyway so a day's break is fine."
21:40 <Devar> "I feel like if I was meant to go there, I'd have been told to, given how important it sounds." Devar says. "But hey, Skaya's the one who's got the wanderer deity, maybe that's a sign in and of itself."
21:43 <Kotono> "Wisely spoken," Anne speaks up, "For now, let's do that and reconnect. We'll have many other day sfor danger and difficulties."
21:44 <Skaya> "Rina, want to show us around the grounds?"
21:47 <Kotono> "Gladly," Rina says, as you all have a brief reverie. As you do...OOC: Okay, as far as upkeep before break since next week is vacation, did you figure out loot shares yet?
21:48 <Skaya> OOC: Yes, I'll post about it later. I accept the offer re: the jacket and will divide everything.
21:54 <Kotono> OOC: Okay, that sounds good. Anyone have any shopping or looking to do while we're at it?
21:56 <Skaya> OOC: My money's reserved for a planar shift item, and we can look around town if there's time for it but no extended trips
21:57 <Kotono> OOC: Okay. None of the NPCs have anything super pressing there, though I'll check funds after this. Devar?
21:58 <Devar> OOC: Um... I think he was saving up for the cloak of displacement, but he has nothing pressing to buy at the moment.
21:59 <Kotono> OOC: Sure, that works. We'll start with something fresh after my week off, this was mostly a bridge session to get to that.

[Corwin]

19:11 <•Kotono> At last, the party is reunited. Most of the day goes well, until Rina gets a message. A sealed scroll, one she reads before calling you all to her, "Ig ot something interesting," she starts without preamble.
19:12 <Skaya> "Do share!"
19:14 <Devar> Devar looks over to listen!
19:16 <•Kotono> "We just got another report on that ankheg," Rina says, "And it was sighted just north of Mellanics, in a dig tunnel that looks intact and connects to some underground caverns."
19:16 <•Kotono> Rina considers that a few moments, "Is the unspoken question of do we go after it true?"
19:17 — Skaya gives Rina a deadpan stare. "But why? I think I've fought enough burrowers to last a lifetime."
19:20 <•Kotono> "There's an entire Heroic Guild who can go after it," Rina agrees, "But Milla send a message in case we were personally interested."
19:21 <Devar> "I don't love the idea of just leaving it, but we also can't just go chasing every problem down even if we want to." Devar says.
19:22 <Skaya> "Plus, it's basically the same as asking you to go on a sea adventure," Skaya tells Rina, shuddering. "All those underground tunnels...."
19:24 <•Kotono> Liza sniffs, "In other words, you can do better."
19:24 <•Kotono> "Just so," Anne agrees, "We don't have to be the heroes of every story."
19:24 <•Kotono> With a wry chuckle, "Alright, then we'll leave that problem to others."
19:25 <Devar> "If it turns into something much worse than the one monster, I'm sure we will hear about it."
19:25 <Skaya> "Hey, what if we just stopped by the Guild and looked for any open tasks?"
19:28 <Devar> "I doubt there's much there that would be a challenge for us, but I guess?" Devar says. "We aren't doing much else besides waiting as it is."
19:29 <•Kotono> "We can drop in and see," Sanda agrees, "As well as see how Mellanics is."
19:29 <•Kotono> "Why not?" Anne concurs, "At worst, we stretch our legs."
19:31 <Skaya> "You mean our wings, right?"
19:32 <•Kotono> "Why not both?" Sanda smiles a little as she gets up, and...OOC: Good to move along then?
19:33 <Skaya> OOC: Yes
19:33 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 ankheg problem meanwhile lower better
19:33 <•Kotono> OOC: One moment, both for bathroom and then for Kobot.
19:43 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@66600F48.539A7C2E.42F8E3F1.IP)
19:43 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 ankheg problem meanwhile lower better
19:43 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 ankheg problem meanwhile lower better --> [ 1d100=97 ]{97}
19:44 <•Kotono> You reach Mellanics easily enough, later in the day. Yet as you approach? From the far western side of the city, you see smoke rapidly beginning to rise up.
19:45 <Skaya> "I'll take a look!" Skaya calls over, gaining altitude to have a better vantage point on the source of the smoke.
19:45 <Skaya> OOC: Perception 10 for 30
19:49 <•Kotono> Soaring up, Skaya can see several fires rising up, consuming buildings. Even well built stone ones are showing signs of burning. That's all sorts of not good.
19:50 <Skaya> "Even stone's burning," Skaya reports, diving down. "Sanda, let's bring you over as quickly as possible and see if water magic can help." Having said that, she picks Sanda up and zooms towards the fires!
19:51 <Devar> Devar follows suit!
19:56 <•Kotono> Anne follows as well, "What went wrong to do that?" she asks in dread.
19:56 <•Kotono> Rina calls from Anne's arms, "Get me down there, I don' thav eanything to fear from fire."
19:57 <•Kotono> "Got it," Sanda calls, as the party descends. Almost an entire block is on fire. Chaos erupts as people panic and try to fight the flames, which burn hot and high. You notice part of the street has a massive gash torn in from below. You can hear all sorts of panicked shouts.
19:58 <Skaya> "I'll handle rescue. Shout if you need one yourself!" Skaya tells Sanda, dropping her off at a safe, out of the way spot and then taking a deep breath before diving into the flames!
19:58 <Skaya> OOC: I have fire res 30 and can hold my breath for a while. BTW, is Liza carried by Devar or just going on foot?
20:01 <Devar> Devar quickly wards everyone else against fire! OOC: Devar Anne Sanda Liza all get 20 fire res for the next 140 minutes
20:02 <Devar> OOC: I would've carried her if need be to get here
20:07 <•Kotono> OOC: All works. Okay. Are yo ualso going into the flames, Devar? Need to know if I need to two room it is all.
20:09 <Devar> OOC: Devar will keep an eye out for the ankheg itself from the air to engage it if need be
20:09 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, off into #evil, Devar.

[Corwin]

20:11 <•Kotono> Skaya dives into the flames. They're burning hot, hotter than usual fire. Stone warps and drips slowly from their intense heat. There's several buildings on fire, but you see someone you can help right away. A man looking out of a window a story up, flames engulfing the building he's in.
20:12 <Skaya> There's neither a need or time for anything fancy, and calling out to him would just lessen the air in Skaya's lungs. Thus, she sweeps towards the man to pull him out through the window and away from the flames!
20:22 <•Kotono> You sweep in and grab him. He's burning up - not literally, but his body radiates unnatural heat. He collapses against you as you get out, the heat of the fire painfully intense. Getting him to the ground you see Anne healing, gathering the injured to her. Rina's running out of another building with a young woman, hurrying her over to Anne. You see Sanda throwing water at the flames, which help
20:22 <•Kotono> but they resist, more of them surging up.
20:24 — Skaya brings the victim over to Anne, even as she contemplates the reason for that internal heat of his.
20:25 <Skaya> OOC: I'll take 10 for K:A 35 and Heal 24 (with inspiration)
20:33 <•Kotono> Massive, sudden overheating, maybe. The flames are hot enough to do that - much longer or hotter and he'd cook from the inside out and quickly die. As it is, he needs healing.
20:35 <Skaya> Anne will definitely handle that! "You'll be fine," Skaya promises the rescued man, before heading back in, same as before. She'll just have to rescue those who can be rescued, even as she looks for anything that might be the cause of the conflagration.
20:38 <•Kotono> You dive back into a stone building crumbling from the inside out. Here you see several already down and not moving, as well as in a corner? Away from the flames for the moment is a large cat, hissing and crouching back. Next to the cat is a young girl in a dirty dress, curled up into a ball.
20:39 <Skaya> Whether she'd be rescuing a cat in this situation is a question Skaya decides not to contemplate. But this cat is together with a small child, so she picks both of them up as she escapes!
20:39 <Skaya> OOC: Do both of them also feel overheated?
20:42 <•Kotono> OOC: Yes.
20:42 <•Kotono> The girl manages a sob as you pick her up, the cat grumpy but not clawing you, at least. Small mercies.
20:44 <Skaya> Holding them gently, Skaya makes her way back to Anne. Rescue can be thankless and monotonous, but all she can do is to keep at it.
20:44 <Skaya> To Devar's thoughts, she responds with, 'I'll join you as soon as I've gotten to everyone still alive here.'
20:51 <•Kotono> Anne takes them both, "Godo work," she says, "I'm busy here, but I'll join the rest of you as soon as I can."
20:53 <Skaya> "I'll stick with this for now. If it's outside town, it won't be endangering its citizens just yet," Skaya responds, before diving into the flames once more! Her senses have grown sharp, and even if it's difficult to see in the smoke, she can still hear other living people. Perhaps, one day she'll learn how to sense people outright?
20:59 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception, +2 bonus.
20:59 <Skaya> OOC: I'll take 10 and use inspiration for 40
21:07 <•Kotono> You quickly swoop about. An old man, saved and brought over. A shopkeeper with a bad leg, bailed out. As you put him down, he pants, "T-thank you. H-here," he shoves a coinpouch into your hands as he slumps to the ground, sweating profusely.
21:09 <Skaya> "The thought alone is enough," Skaya responds, placing the pouch back in his arms. "You'll need money to rebuild. And if you feel like helping them, so will your neighbors."
21:14 <•Kotono> The money is taken as two big men come over, helping him over ther est of the way ot Anne. "Thank you, lady Skaya," he says, sagging against them.
21:14 — Skaya gives him an encouraging smile before diving into the smoke again!
21:19 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:19 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=49 ]{49}
21:20 <•Kotono> There's not many left - you save a few more, but not many more. People are gathering, fighting the fires. Water helps but weakly, a long, drawn out struggle.
21:21 <Skaya> Once all has been done towards rescuing the victims, Skaya returns to Anne to reassess the situation on her side.
21:28 <•Kotono> Anne is surrounded by the recovering and the recovered. "I was able to save anyone who made it to me," she says as both of you step back a little, "With how hot the fires are, I doubt we'll have others, except those injured fighting the fires."
21:30 <Skaya> "Same," Skaya agrees. "Want to join up with Devar?"
21:40 <•Kotono> "Let's," Anne says, "I'll get Rina, can you find Liza and get her as well?"
21:40 — Skaya nods in agreement. "Sanda can better help here for now."
21:48 <•Kotono> Liza's found helping the firefighters and healing them as needed. She waves you over and steps away, "What happened?"
21:49 <Skaya> "We're heading out of the city," Skaya responds, picking Liza up. "Devar spotted something over there which might be the cause behind this. Let's go and take a look ourselves!"
21:59 <•Kotono> Liza hops into your arms as the two of you take off and...OOC: More in #evil.

[Corwin]

20:11 <•Kotono> ---
20:11 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception, Devar, as soong as I dredge Kobot into here.
20:11 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@66600F48.539A7C2E.42F8E3F1.IP)
20:11 <Kobot> OOC: Which is now.
20:11 <Devar> OOC: take 10 for 22
20:23 <•Kotono> You don't see any sign of the ankheg, but notably? The burrow hole looks much bigger than you'd expect for one, based on past experiences.
20:25 <Devar> So it's either multiple or the thing has transformed somehow. Shit. Devar will just keep an eye out and an ear, since if it shows up it'll have an immediate impact...
20:33 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception again then, +4 bonus.
20:34 <Devar> OOC: surely a 26 gets us there!
20:37 <•Kotono> Devar looks about - THERE! He glances to the side and just out of the city, he sees a jet of steam and smoke rise up as a road shatters apart from below, sending burning rock up.
20:42 <Devar> Devar will shout to the others! "Heading outside the city! I think it's emerging there!" He will say the same to Skaya via the ring (which he hopes she is wearing,) and fly in that direction, casting Luminous Armor on himself both for protection and so the others can see where he's going!
20:43 <•Kotono> OOC: Since I kno you're in here, does Skaya have that ring on, Cor?
20:43 <Skaya> OOC: Yes
20:51 <•Kotono> Devar swoops over, soaring over the city. No reinforcements immediately, and as he gets closer. A great column of burning lava erupts out, turning into flames that burn anything they touch. Road, mud and grass all sizzle away, but fortunately roads can be replaced much easier than buildings.
20:52 <Devar> That is not even remotely normal! Devar waits for the column to die down - does he see anything in the hole it came out of?
20:56 <•Kotono> From above he can see sizzling hot lava boil in the hole - but the hint ofa  massive head of something of black rock and burning fire can be glimpsed.
20:57 <Devar> "Hey! Can you understand me?" Devar shouts in Ignan - he will start to fly closer regardless of a response.
21:00 <•Kotono> The head t urns Devar's way. It speaks the same tongue, "You speak a proper language," he says, "You do not smell like kindling, either."
21:03 <Devar> "Uh... that's good...? Um, sorry -" Devar flies down a bit more. "Am I addressing someone from Fire? We heard about an ankheg that was causing some issues but that doesn't seem to be you."
21:08 <•Kotono> The head rises up. It's larger than you are, a wyrm's gaze on you. One with eyes of fire, a head of black lava stone and lava. "You address a dragon.
21:08 <•Kotono> OOC: Gah.
21:08 <•Kotono> The head rises up. It's larger than you are, a wyrm's gaze on you. One with eyes of fire, a head of black lava stone and lava. "You address a dragon. I had been asleep a long time, until a pest awoke me with enough fire."
21:14 <Devar> Oh boy. "I apologize for not realizing sooner." Devar says, offering a bow. "We met a bronze dragon in the area a bit ago and one some ways away in the ocean." Devar says. "You may not realize this, but I think your movement is impacting the city," he flies slightly to the side of the wyrm's head an
21:14 <Devar> d gestures in that direction.  "Which obviously is the fault of the thing that woke you up - is... er, is your lair where you were asleep? I don't mean to pry, I just want to ensure we don't disturb you if you're trying to sleep there again."
21:19 <•Kotono> "My lair is elsewhere. My sleep was...accidental." A grumble, deep.
21:22 <Devar> He bows and nods. "It happens to all of us. Um... if possible, please be careful of the people up here, great dragon - they aren't quite... as resilient to your fire as some." He says, then decides to try and change the subject - "I'm going to guess the pest that you spoke of that awoke you was the mons
21:22 <Devar> ter we've heard of, if you know which way it might've gone we can deal with it so you don't need to lower yourself to something so paltry."
21:29 <•Kotono> The dragon opens its mouth, hundreds of obsidian teeth seen within. It closes ita fter and says, "It went down that path."
21:31 <Devar> "Ah, then it sounds like it won't be of any further concern." Devar says, offering another bow. "Thank you, great dragon. My name is Devar of Eldath - like I said earlier we've met a few other dragons in my travels with my friends, should you ever need our services please let us know. We've returned
21:31 <Devar> a few artifacts in our time." He says with a smile.
21:40 <•Kotono> OOC: Diplomacy here I think, +1 bonus.
21:41 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 30
21:48 <•Kotono> Well, at least you don't get dragon breath to the face. "I do desire powerful objects and great mountains of treasure," The dragon continues, "As is only proper for me."
21:49 <Devar> "Is there anything you're looking for? Things may have changed while you were indisposed." He says.
21:52 <•Kotono> "Gold. Gems. Treasure. Magic." It lists each off slowly, "Have things changed that much?"
21:53 <Devar> "Well, probably not that much, but we had a few specific items mentioned to us before is all." He explains. "But that may just be preference to them."
21:54 <Devar> "Don't worry, people are still very motivated by all those things." He adds with a smile.
22:00 <•Kotono> For some reason that gets a rumbling growl, as meanwhile in the skies above? Skaya and Liza can see the dragon poking out of the lava hole, gazing on at Devar.
22:00 <Skaya> Lava dragon. Right. Good thing Sanda was left behind! 'We're here,' Skaya thinks to Devar.
22:02 <Devar> "But please don't hesitate to let us know if you need anything." Devar says. "It's been a pleasure to meet you, great dragon." He says, meanwhile thinking to Skaya, 'it seems the ankheg woke him up. It seems the damage to the city was ancillary to him moving around. I think we brokered at least a pe
22:02 <Devar> aceful meeting.'
22:05 <•Kotono> The dragon opens its mouth to respond...next time!

[Corwin]

19:03 <•Kotono> "What I need is treasure," The dragon repeats, "As I said, gold. Jewels.  Treasure. Magic." Bearing down at Devar, Skaya and the rest, the dragon gives you all a long look.
19:05 <Skaya> If the dragon wears her magical jacket, somehow, would the dragon believe he is Jessa? Skaya can't help but ponder that as she arrives, looking on curiously.
19:12 <Devar> "We can definitely find some in our travels to trade with you." Devar affirms. "Since you're not looking for anything specific, we can just bring a variety if you'd like."
19:13 <•Kotono> "Good." Agreement follows that, "I will return in two weeks for that." Then the dragon ducks down, lava retreating dowm with him.
19:14 <Skaya> "What."
19:14 — Skaya tilts her head, asking Devar, "Hey, what did we miss?"
19:15 <Devar> Devar turns around and gives them a wave. "Uh, well while everything else was going on, I spotted something underground after it blew a hole in the surface. I called out to it and it turned out to be that dragon." He says, gesturing down towards the smoldering street. "We had a pretty good conversation, or so I thought... uh, oh, he ate the ankheg, so... that's a thing."
19:16 <Skaya> "Amazing! We don't need to go down and kill it, then," Skaya cheers. "But what was that deal as we arrived? It really sounded like it wanted tribute."
19:17 <Devar> "Yeah, I'm kind of confused about that... he wasn't being threatening or anything, I just told him if there was anything he was looking for we could keep an eye out, but he didn't seem to want anything specific." He says. "I said trade several times, so if he just wants us to give him something because he thinks he deserves it that's... well, I guess he can get whatever the bounty for the
19:17 <Devar> ankheg was?"
19:18 <Skaya> "Where is he even living? Under the city?"
19:18 <•Kotono> "A dragon that asks rather than takes is a rare luxury," Liza points out here, "All wyrms want treasure."
19:19 <Devar> "Oh - yeah, so, he apparently fell asleep... for a long time. His lair is somewhere else." Devar explains.
19:19 <Skaya> "So the first thing we need to figure out is where are the people who went after the ankheg."
19:21 <•Kotono> Liza peers down the hole the dragon left, "Or if they weren't cooked down there," she says grimly.
19:22 <Skaya> "That's why I'm asking. If they actually went in, they might still be alright, but only if we go after them. Devar, do you know?"
19:22 <Devar> "He didn't mention anything else besides the ankheg." Devar says. "So I am not sure."
19:24 <Skaya> "Ah, to hell with it! Let's go take a look?" Skaya suggests, already checking the ground. It may not be all that stable, but she's recently dug out in worse conditions.
19:25 <•Kotono> It's an overheated mess. Parts of it are glassed and other parts are caving in. You can tell right away it'll need to cool and need tons of digging. Impractical in other words without magic.
19:26 <Skaya> "It'd be a waste of time here, so let's return to the Guild and find out where they went in? Maybe this was just the exit point."
19:27 — Devar nods. "Makes sense."
19:29 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:29 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=12 ]{12}
19:30 <•Kotono> With that, the party returns to the Guild. You find it quite busy, but the moment you come in? A guard stationed simply says, "Sir, ma'am?" a polite interception, "You're to to head to Milla's office if you need anything."
19:30 <Skaya> "We absolutely do. Thanks," Skaya responds, leading the way.
19:37 <•Kotono> You find Milla there, listening to a report from a lean, scarred man in dirty, sooty clothes. Twenty something, black hair and with a scowl. A face neither of you recognizes, standing before Milla's desk. He has a big greatsword on his back, despite his slight frame. "That'll be all," Milla says, "You can go, get some rest." Then to all ofyou, "Come in."
19:37 <Skaya> "Hey, Milla," Skaya greets her. "Wish it were under better circumstances."
19:40 <•Kotono> "The ankhegs are on fire now," Milla's expression is stone flat. "Why not?"
19:40 <Skaya> "They're really not. Turns out there was a lava dragon sleeping underneath. Isn't that better?"
19:48 <•Kotono> "...no, no it isn't," Milla stands up, "A dragon's much worse than an ankheg."
19:49 <Skaya> "Devar can fill you in on that encounter, he happened to chance upon him just outside the city. But before that, I wanted to ask if someone already went after the ankhegs? We could try and mount a rescue, since the situation above ground was resolved, for now."
19:52 <•Kotono> "That was them," Milla looks at the door, "The leader, anyway. He's new, his name is Nathan. They got scorched but weren't far in, so they're fine."
19:53 <•Kotono> Liza hums softly, but seems content to watch.
19:53 <Devar> "Yes, to be clear, all the destruction was a dragon that apparently was asleep under the city." Devar explains. "I am a bit surprised no one knew about it, but maybe it was deemed it didn't matter since he was asleep?"
19:57 <•Kotono> "Directly under the city? Impossible." Milla's voice is flat again, "We'd have known about that, someone would have."
19:57 <Skaya> "Is it that impossible?" Skaya muses. "Did anyone know about the ruins under Ahms?"
19:58 <Devar> "That's kind of what I thought too." Devar says. "Maybe we should go down and trace the way it came from? Maybe it wasn't deeper down and came up?"
19:59 <•Kotono> "I'm saying that someone would have heard something, there'd be legends, something. Anything. I've never heard anything about a lava dragon beneath the city," Milla scowls at this, "Which means it sounds like a lie. I trust you, but some random dragon I don't trust."
20:01 <Skaya> "Okay, fair enough. So option A is a lava dragon fell asleep underneath. Option B it was sealed underneath. And Options C onwards is some flavor of enemy action?"
20:02 <•Kotono> "Option A: A dragon has been asleep under Mellanics all this time and no one knows, or it happened so long ago no one remembers." A finger ticked off, "Option B, it was sealed long enough ago that the same is true as of Option A. Option C, enemy action of some kind. Option D, a fluke of some kind."
20:03 <Skaya> "Sounds like our best option is to go down and take a look ourselves. There's been strange movements by ankhegs in forever, so perhaps this is all related?"
20:04 <Devar> "Can we?" Devar asks. "I mean, I guess we could all get out if things got bad down there... but how safe is it?"
20:05 <Skaya> "Nathan got out mildly charred, right? He'll be able to lead us closer to where this took place."
20:09 <•Kotono> "He had the good sense to fall back, too," MIlla comments, "Bring fire resistance magic if you aren't resistant already, like Rina. "Breathable air's a problem as well, potentially."
20:10 <Devar> "We're all warded against fire for a few hours." Devar says, "So at least that's covered."
20:14 <•Kotono> "THen go find Nathan," Milla says, "He should still be out front, he usually lingers."
20:16 <Skaya> "Sure thing. Let's try to learn as much as we can here, then we'll see if we can help with the rebuilding some."
20:21 <•Kotono> "Go have fun." With a tight smile, "You have no idea how much I wish I was going out there with you all right now." MIlla says.
20:22 — Skaya nods at Milla in understanding before heading out.
20:29 <•Kotono> With that the party heads out. You find Nathan chatting up a receptionist who looks to be off duty - Darie. He's all smiles as she fidgets and blushes, mostly lead along in the conversation. They're a bit off to the sid eof the main busy-ness here.
20:33 <Devar> Devar will raise a hand to get his attention as they head over!
20:36 <•Kotono> That gets a bare glance, "Bah, duty calls," Nathan's overheard to Darie. "We'll talk later." He heads over and meets you halfway, "Devar and Skaya. Everyone knows your faces once the stories started trickling south, then everything else."
20:37 <Skaya> "Plus we've seen each other just now," Skaya says with a grin. "We heard from Milla that you liked the fire so much you'd be happy to show us to the spot ankhegs got roasted at."
20:38 <Devar> "We've had an eventful few months." Devar confirms. "And it seems like we're due for an eventful few more..."
20:39 <•Kotono> With a groan, "Fine, I'll show you." He takes off at a steady pace, "So did you really face down an entire army of undead beneath Dareslan? I've been there once, and it's an old city, I know it has underground areas."
20:40 <•Kotono> Liza listens along, ears twitching at all of this.
20:40 <Skaya> "We actually did! But you know what? Chokepoints are a godsend."
20:41 <Devar> "Yeah, fighting mindless things has its perks." Devar agrees.
20:42 <Skaya> "Now, they weren't that mindless. How about the ambushes they set up in the rising waters?"
20:43 <Devar> "That's true." He says with a nod.
20:45 <Skaya> "So there we were, with torrential rains causing the underground river to grow out of control. All you could see were a few islands here and there, and the top floors of abandoned buildings from a previous era. And there was also a boat. A single abandoned boat, ready to use! How convenient!"
20:49 <•Kotono> Nathan listens along to it all, "That's lucky, so you fought all of them down there in the middle of a plague and a rainstorm?"
20:49 <•Kotono> Liza whistles softly, "You did that, Skaya?" she asks, almost breathless.
20:51 <Skaya> "Devar, Anne and I mostly switched roles and defended a gateway while taking out the undead, and retreated to a new spot once they flanked us. But there was one time they didn't just come from both ends but also from the ground! That was the worst, the absolute worst."
20:52 <•Kotono> "OVerwhelmed on all sides but you all still won?" Liza's eyes sparkle, "That's so impressively heroic."
20:53 <•Kotono> "It's like those ankhegs, the attacks from below are the absolute worst, like yo usaid," Nathan agrees, "I've lost people to them."
20:53 <Devar> "It was definitely one of the most harrowing encounters." Devar says. "It's why I've devoted myself to a similar way of healing to Anne, in case we ever ran into that same sort of scenario."
20:54 <Skaya> "While I decided I needed a safer way of travel," Skaya says, flexing her wings. "I don't think we actually ran into the undead that much after, though, except for the ghost ship."
21:00 <•Kotono> "The dead are bad enough once. Fought zombies and I also ran into some sort of ghost," Nathan mentions as you head out. The streets are busy, frantic. Hectic. People are hurrying along, as the scen tof smoke lingers in the air.
21:01 <Skaya> "They're really the worst enemy," Skaya agrees. "Not only are the worst dangers found with them, but there's just something sad in fighting undead."
21:05 <•Kotono> Down the streets, hurrying past people. Towards the fires but not quite there. They're being fought back and contained, down a side alley. As you step there, "It's like your bashing down someone's family brought back to life."
21:06 <Skaya> "Yeah. So! Tell us what we're about to find down there?"
21:13 <•Kotono> At the end of the alley is a hole burnt into the ground. Steam rises from it, but more like hot water steam than anything painful. "A tunnel it dug that held up well," he explains, "Then it got hotter and hotter as we went, so we had to go back."
21:16 — Skaya reaches towards the edge to see if she can feel the heat.
21:16 <Skaya> OOC: Fire res 30
21:20 <•Kotono> Skaya can feel the head, but no more than a pleasant bath.
21:21 <Skaya> "I can go in," she says, waving the others over. "How about you? Is it tolerable?"
21:22 <Devar> Devar will go over to test if the magic will protect them sufficiently! OOC: Fire res 20
21:27 <•Kotono> Devar feels safe and protected as well, the fires are fine. "I wasn't planning on going back in, I burn normally," Nathan cracks a slight smile, "Try not to turn into charcoal down there."
21:28 <Skaya> "We'll do our best," Skaya promises, observing the hole. Is it large enough to fly through? And vertical enough to make it worthwhile rather than the more typical climb?
21:30 <•Kotono> It's just big enough to walk in, if cramped and hunched over. You'll get by, but flight's not happening unless you fly like you're lying on your stomach.
21:30 — Skaya leads the way in!
21:40 <•Kotono> OOC: Skaya - Devar - Liza then?
21:40 <Skaya> OOC: Anne should also be there, let's have her bring up the rear
21:44 <•Kotono> As you all prepare, "Sorry we're late," Anne swoops down, "We ran into more injured." Rina is in her arms, "I've used a good deal of my healing, so be cautious."
21:45 <Skaya> "I'm still good for it," Skaya promises.
21:48 <•Kotono> With that the party heads in. It's cramped and movement is cautious, careful, but the tunnel seems steady. It's also a fairly sharp slope down, burrowing deep into the ground. Steam continues to rise up from below, warm but not painful. After a little bit of this...OOC: Since you're on point, Perception Skaya.
21:49 <Skaya> OOC: 10 for 30
21:53 <•Kotono> The tunnel curves upwards slightly, enough to obscure the way. However, Skaya can see the groun d is oose there. Easy to slip, fall or have a problem going up.
21:55 — Skaya pauses and tries to tamp the ground down and make it more compact.
21:58 <•Kotono> That helps a little. It's still bad footing, but it'll be a little easier now.
21:59 <Skaya> "Footing's not the best. Watch your steps, Devar."
22:00 <•Kotono> OOC: Does anyone have tremorsense or anything similar?
22:00 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Anne
22:00 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Anne --> [ 1d20=13 ]{19}
22:00 <Skaya> OOC: Not me
22:01 <Devar> OOC: I do not
22:05 <•Kotono> Anne suddenly lets out a yelp as...
22:05 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12
22:05 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{29}
22:05 <•Kotono> There's a cry of pain...next time!

[Corwin]

19:11 <•Kotono> roll 4d6+14+1d6 (1d6 is fire) Anne ow
19:13 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@1CDC346C.398B0586.48349CCD.IP)
19:13 <•Kotono> roll 4d6+14+1d6 (1d6 is fire) Anne ow
19:13 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d6+14+1d6 (1d6 is fire) Anne ow --> [ 4d6=12 1d6=6 ]{32}
19:13 <Devar> OOC: She negates the fire damage at least!
19:13 <•Kotono> OOC: Good reminder.
19:15 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+22 vs Anne's CMD of 28
19:15 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+22 vs Anne's CMD of 28 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{40}
19:16 <•Kotono> The ground explodes under Anne in a gush of flame. The entire space under her is taken up as an ankheg grabs her around the waist, biting and grabbing her. Anne screams in pain, properly grabbed by it. You see flames burn all along it as...! OOC: Init, y'all have a problem.
19:16 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13 I hate burrowers
19:16 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13 I hate burrowers --> [ 1d20=14 ]{27}
19:17 <Devar> roll 1d20+3 supreme initiative one day
19:17 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+3 supreme initiative one day --> [ 1d20=18 ]{21}
19:19 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Anne improved init one day
19:19 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 Anne improved init one day --> [ 1d20=9 ]{13}
19:20 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+14 Rina
19:20 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 Rina --> [ 1d20=8 ]{22}
19:21 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Liza
19:21 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Liza --> [ 1d20=7 ]{13}
19:21 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Ankheg
19:21 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 Ankheg --> [ 1d20=9 ]{13}
19:21 <•Kotono> Init is Skaya (27) > Rina (22) >  Devar (21) > Anne = Liza = Aknheg (13)
19:21 <•Kotono> OOC: Open Skaya.
19:22 — Skaya has been walking carefully, but that's really out of consideration to the others. Now that Anne's been attacked, Skaya launches herself towards the back, bouncing off the wall to descend on the ankheg with a punishing kick!
19:22 <Skaya> roll 1d20+12 hopefully
19:22 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+12 hopefully --> [ 1d20=10 ]{22}
19:23 <Skaya> roll 3d6+5+1d8
19:23 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+5+1d8 --> [ 3d6=9 1d8=5 ]{19}
19:24 <•Kotono> Skaya hits but it's like rebounding off something solid. The ankheg's strong, strong enough that the kick doesn't do much of anything. In the chaos of it, in the tight tunnels, Rina muscles in on the other side amid echoing cries. She manages to have her blade out, striking away as best she can in the difficult situation. "Let her go!"
19:24 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+16
19:24 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{26}
19:24 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+16
19:24 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{18}
19:24 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+11
19:24 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{21}
19:25 <•Kotono> roll 1d6+3
19:25 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+3 --> [ 1d6=6 ]{9}
19:25 <•Kotono> roll 1d6 frost
19:25 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6 frost --> [ 1d6=3 ]{3}
19:26 <•Kotono> Rina's icy blade gets the ankheg to thrash, it's grip on Anne loosening. Anne struggles against it, a grimace as, "Get it to break the hold," she cries desperately, "It's trying to pull me down!" OOC: Devar. There's not really room to get in melee range now, bear in mind.
19:28 <Devar> OOC: Assuming I do some squeezing, could I at least get close enough to touch Anne?
19:30 <•Kotono> OOC: I'd require a dex check, but possibly.. You'd also get in the way of melee for the thers, so they'd eat a -2 penalty next round due to the increasingly difficult situation to manage.
19:32 <Devar> OOC: Okay, in that case I will just do this
19:33 <Devar> Devar wields Storm's Eye at the ankheg and releases a blast of lightning!
19:33 <Devar> roll 5d8 lightning DC 20 reflex
19:33 <Kobot> Devar rolled 5d8 lightning DC 20 reflex --> [ 5d8=22 ]{22}
19:35 <Skaya> OOC: Incidentally, both are grappled and have -4 to Dex, so maybe it'll help!
19:35 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 not a fast one to begin with
19:35 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 not a fast one to begin with --> [ 1d20=17 ]{21}
19:35 <•Kotono> OOC: Then again, Kobot.
19:38 <Devar> OOC: so 11 zappy damage at least
19:41 <•Kotono> The lightning flies true and zaps the side of the ankheg, getting it to thrash. It struggles wildly as the corridor flashes lightning strike bright, before...
19:41 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12
19:41 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{28}
19:43 <•Kotono> With a horrible cry Anne manages to pull herself away just as the ankheg retreats down, hurt and falling back. It burrows away and out of immediate sight as Anne collapses against the nearby Skaya, momentarily dazed. At the same time Liza starts to chant but cuts it off, "We can't fight here at all," she warns, "We're at a horrible disadvantage." OOC: Liza will hold. Skaya, go.
19:43 <Skaya> OOC: Has the ankheg's escape tunnel collapsed?
19:45 — Skaya catches Anne in her arms, and puts a hand over her forehead while channeling positive energy to restore her vigor.
19:45 <Skaya> OOC: +23 hp
19:46 <Skaya> "It's not that we can't fight it here," Skaya says curtly, peering at the ankheg's tunnel. "But we can always retreat. What do you all think?"
19:49 <Devar> "If it will follow us to the surface, sure, but if it won't we should try to eliminate it." Devar says. "And it seems like there's more than one..."
19:50 <•Kotono> Skaya looks down. The tunnel hasn't collasped, but it's not in great shape, all heated, messy and crumbly. Meanwhile Anne's sound heals, "Thank you," she says, "That was an unexpected surprise."
19:50 <•Kotono> "If there's more than one," Rina says grimly, "We don't have much choice, do we?"
19:51 <•Kotono> roll 1d5
19:51 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d5 --> [ 1d5=4 ]{4}
19:51 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6
19:51 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{15}
19:51 <•Kotono> OOC: Skaya and Devar are both close to Anne, so Perception with a -2 penatly.
19:52 <Skaya> roll 1d20+20-2
19:52 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+20-2 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{23}
19:52 <Skaya> "Devar, can you take the lead?" Skaya requests. "I'll stay in the middle between Rina and Liza, and Anne will stay in the back, but I should be able to get to everyone quicker and I'll focus on trying to stun any ankhegs."
19:53 <Devar> roll 1d20+10
19:53 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{14}
19:54 <Devar> "Sure." Devar agrees, moving forward to do so.
19:54 <•Kotono> Just as Skaya starts to go back, she swears she hears a faint rumbling above.
19:54 <Skaya> "From above?!" Skaya exclaims, jumping out of the way with Anne in her arms.
19:56 <Devar> Devar readies Goldenfang at Skaya's shout!
20:03 <•Kotono> The ceiling rumbles - but no ankheg comes out this time, only a bit of shaking. After far too ong of tenseness, "They're moving around above and below us."
20:03 <•Kotono> The ceiling rumbles - but no ankheg comes out this time, only a bit of shaking. After far too ong of tenseness, "They're moving around above and below us." Rina says, "Like wolves stalking prey."
20:04 <Skaya> "There's definitely more than one," Skaya says grimly as she puts Anne down. "That one couldn't have made it all the way here so quickly, not without me hearing the movement."
20:07 <Devar> "So how do you want to proceed?" Devar asks.
20:07 <Skaya> "Let's give this another try, just be aware of their movements. Think in three dimensions, don't stay in one place to give them a chance to grab us. Let's go on!"
20:11 <Devar> Devar nods and proceeds onwards, trusting his magical warding to protect him!
20:12 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay. In that case Perception all.
20:13 <Devar> roll 1d20+12
20:13 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{16}
20:13 <•Kotono> OOC: Rina nad Liza take 10.
20:13 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Anne
20:13 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Anne --> [ 1d20=6 ]{12}
20:13 <Skaya> OOC: 10 for 30
20:18 <•Kotono> The party goes up and over. Ahead breaks into a natural cavern, several collapsed burrow holes visible. It's not large, but it's wet and water pools in the center. A single tunnel goes ahead. Interestingly perhaps are the rotten, forgotten ruin of a stack of half a dozen barrels against one wall.
20:19 <Skaya> "Watch out for the creepers, I'll go and take a look over there," Skaya voices, making her way to the wreckage of the barrels. Surely there are some clues that would shed light on this strange situation here!
20:19 <Devar> Devar stays where he is, shedding light as needed!
20:22 <•Kotono> Liza stays at the ready, while Rina has her sword out. Anne stays a bit away, ready to move or heal. Going about, Skaya goes to the barrels. On a glance they're rotten barrels, but she's free to search them or do whatever with them. There's no obvious sign or symbol on them to identify them.
20:23 — Skaya searches within the barrels! In a sense, even if this is a waste of time, so long as the ankhegs attack here where there's plenty of space, that's also good.
20:23 <Skaya> OOC: Past/current contents, any markings, any signs ankhegs were transported in them, etc
20:26 <•Kotono> They're ancient barrels. From the stains on the side, they might've held wine before. Long since evaporated, but the insides are still stained the right color. Hm?! A rumbling beneath Skaya, this one not that hard to catch.
20:28 — Skaya steps back lightly, ready to strike!
20:30 <•Kotono> The ground where she was quivers upwards but doesn't break before sinking back down.
20:34 <Skaya> "Well, that's annoying," Skaya mutters, deciding to push the barrels out of the way. Perhaps the important thing is what they're hiding, lined up next to the wall?
20:41 <•Kotono> The barrels give way easily. Behind them you find a hook set into the wall, rusted. Hanging from it is a key, rusty but still intact. The leather strap it's barely hangs on, looking ragged.
20:41 — Skaya takes the key! After checking it's not an ancient trap!
20:41 <Skaya> OOC: Perception 10 for 30
20:43 <•Kotono> No traps and you now have an ancient, rusty key.
20:45 <Skaya> "Let's keep going through that tunnel over there?" Skaya proposes, waiting for Devar to lead the way again.
20:46 <•Kotono> Anne looks about cautiously, "You found a key?" she asks, "Does this connect to an old cellar of some kind? That strikes me as some manner of storage."
20:46 <Skaya> "Once we find one, we'll know!"
20:46 <•Kotono> Rina hms, "If it is, it's from before the city was rebuilt," Rina comments, "The cellar might not connect to anything."
20:47 <Devar> Devar nods and heads that way, towards the tunnel! "It's also odd that it's even down here, isn't it? It sounded like Milla had no idea there was anything here at all."
20:47 <Skaya> "I'm hoping it's treasure."
20:48 <•Kotono> "Aren't we all?" Anne smiles slightly as you go onward. It's not far until it branches in three directions - two tunnels forking to the side, while there's a path that slopes up a bit. At the end of, even from here, you can spy a door.
20:48 <Skaya> "Let's check out the door first!"
20:48 <Devar> Devar nods and heads toward the door!
20:54 <•Kotono> The door is reached. It's old, heavy and quite throughly locked.
20:54 — Skaya passes the old key! You have to try it first at times like this!
20:54 <Devar> Devar does indeed try the key!
20:57 <•Kotono> The lock groans and grinds, but the key manages to open the door with some wiggling.
20:59 — Skaya does a cheerful fist pump at the sight.
20:59 <Devar> Devar carefully opens the door!
21:02 <•Kotono> The door opens. Inside are a few steps up that lead into a pitch dark cellar. Here the remnants of old shelves lie along with various supplies. There's some old tables and chairs, some mundane carpentry supplies and various odds and ends. There's a door leading to the side, as well as rotting wooden stairs that lead up to another door as well.
21:02 <•Kotono> "Good guess," Rina peers ahead, "But it makes sense."
21:03 <•Kotono> "I've heard some things were buried or simply built over," Anne mentions, "Even when the ruins were cleared after the sacking, it was easier to build fresh."
21:03 <Skaya> "It really could lead to a clue," Skaya muses. "Perhaps in these abandoned buildings underneath lies the reason for the fire ankhegs or the lava dragon's presence? Let's take a closer look!"
21:05 <Devar> Devar nods and moves in - his Luminous Armor should light up the area without trouble, and he can see in the darkness anyway. He steps into the cellar to take a better look!
21:07 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception then if yo'ure nosing around.
21:07 <Skaya> roll 1d20+20 I definitely am too!
21:07 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+20 I definitely am too! --> [ 1d20=2 ]{22}
21:09 <Devar> roll 1d20+12
21:09 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{25}
21:12 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Anne whill help
21:12 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Anne whill help --> [ 1d20=7 ]{13}
21:12 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13
21:12 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{30}
21:12 <•Kotono> OOC: Liza takes 10 as a backstop.
21:14 <•Kotono> The party searches about. The lower door is locked, and the stairs up look in really poor condition. Using them is not advised. Otherwise it's all old things, unless decades old furniture is your idea of treasure. There's nothing hyper valuable here, and most of it's too big to easily carry along regardless. Some of the nicer chairs do have a symbol carved into them, that of a rabbit and
21:14 <•Kotono> a tankard.
21:15 <Skaya> Since it's a proper room, Skaya decides to try flying up to the door rather than taking the stairs, and opening it for a quick look!
21:20 <•Kotono> The door does not open. It's jammed quite throughly.
21:20 <•Kotono> Anne drifts up with you, "It doesn't open?"
21:20 <Devar> roll 1d20+13
21:20 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{21}
21:21 <Skaya> "I'm worried I'd bring the ceiling down if I'm too vigorous about it," Skaya admits. "Why don't you check the other door? I'll try to take the hinges off this one."
21:21 <•Kotono> As they check, Devar feels a faint tremor under his feet.
21:21 <Devar> "I think they followed us." Devar calls out, flying slightly up off the ground in response to the tremor. "Be careful."
21:23 — Skaya keeps working on removing the door's hinges for the time being. If there's a fight, she'll drop on the ankhegs like a rock!
21:23 <•Kotono> Rina looks around with a scowl, "I just heard something, too."
21:23 <•Kotono> Anne floats down carefully as Skaya works, checking the othe rdoor. "It's locked," she calls, "And-!"
21:24 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13
21:24 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{22}
21:24 <•Kotono> OOC: AC Devar?
21:24 <Devar> OOC: 33, 37 against melee attacks.
21:26 <•Kotono> Devar flies up, just in time for the ground beneath to shatter. A fire anhkeg comes up, burning and gnashing as Devar avoids being grabbed. "It's here," Rina calls, as...OOC: Init. Y'all have an obvious problem to try and solve. Good luck!
21:27 <Devar> roll 1d20+3
21:27 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{12}
21:27 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13
21:27 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{17}
21:29 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Anne
21:29 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 Anne --> [ 1d20=10 ]{14}
21:29 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Liza
21:29 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Liza --> [ 1d20=5 ]{11}
21:29 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+0 Ankheg
21:29 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+0 Ankheg --> [ 1d20=18 ]{18}
21:29 <•Kotono> Init is Ankheg (18) > Skaya (17) > Anne (14) > Liza (11) > Devar (12)
21:30 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+14 Rina whoops
21:30 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 Rina whoops --> [ 1d20=7 ]{21}
21:30 <•Kotono> Init is Rina (21) > Ankheg (18) > Skaya (17) > Anne (14) > Liza (11) > Devar (12)
21:30 <•Kotono> Rina dashes right in before it can strike, gliding past as her sword lashes out sharply and swiftly.
21:30 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+18
21:30 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+18 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{36}
21:31 <•Kotono> roll 1d6+3+1d6+3d6
21:31 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+3+1d6+3d6 --> [ 1d6=1 1d6=6 3d6=8 ]{18}
21:31 <•Kotono> Rina glides by, her sword cutting deep into its head as she does. Steaming hot blood sprays from the wound, as a second later it rears up at Devar, a great gust of flame right at him. OOC: Ref save, unless fire immune.
21:32 <Devar> roll 1d20+16 evasion
21:32 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+16 evasion --> [ 1d20=6 ]{22}
21:32 <Devar> OOC: fire res 20 if needed
21:39 <•Kotono> roll 10d6 owwies fire full
21:39 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 10d6 owwies fire full --> [ 10d6=34 ]{34}
21:40 <•Kotono> Flames engulf devar, a cone of them that burns hot, htoter than his protections. He takes it head on, enough to burn him, char him - but not down him. Anne's then there, bringing her mace down on it, "Be still, creature!"
21:40 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+14
21:40 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{25}
21:40 <•Kotono> roll 1d8+5
21:40 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+5 --> [ 1d8=5 ]{10}
21:40 — Skaya doesn't waste time in drop-kicking the ankheg! From a suitable position to take advantage of flanking.
21:40 <•Kotono> OOC: Sorry, skipped you, read past. My bad, go first.
21:41 <Skaya> roll 1d20+12+2+7 inspiration, stun Fort DC21
21:41 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+12+2+7 inspiration, stun Fort DC21 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{39}
21:41 <Skaya> roll 3d6+5+1d8
21:41 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+5+1d8 --> [ 3d6=7 1d8=7 ]{19}
21:41 ⇐ Iddy quit (uid408070@lunarnet-B8D5816D.irccloud.com) Quit: Connection closed for inactivity
21:44 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10
21:44 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{15}
21:45 <•Kotono> WHAM! Skaya closes in and slams a kick into the ankheg's head, which rings its bell. It goes limp, just in time for Anne to smash it with her mace. It's hit good, both of the blows leaving it near helpless as...OOC: Sec, so go while I do that and work up Liza's action, Devar.
21:47 <Devar> Devar flies in to stab the ankheg with Storm's Eye!
21:47 <Devar> roll 1d20+14 stabbity
21:47 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+14 stabbity --> [ 1d20=8 ]{22}
21:47 <Devar> 1d8+5+1d6 1d6 is lightning, +2 if we got to flank it for 24 if that matters
21:48 <Devar> roll 1d8+5+1d6 1d6 is lightning rather
21:48 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d8+5+1d6 1d6 is lightning rather --> [ 1d8=1 1d6=2 ]{8}
21:48 <Skaya> OOC: You probably can, since Rina and Anne are there and I'm only flanking with Rina. Also it's stunned, so it probably hits anyway.
21:52 <•Kotono> OOC: That's fine, it does hit.
21:53 <Devar> OOC: huzzah i plinked it
21:54 <•Kotono> The ankheg is surrounded as Liza stays back, letting others handle melee, "Be swifter, all!" she chants, a gleam as she pulls something out of her belt? A gemstone of some kind? But speed falls over the party. OOC: Benefits of a haste spell for all of you, caster level 5th. Rina.
21:58 <•Kotono> Rina takes the chance, dashing back again for another lightning quick strike.
21:58 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+19
21:58 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+19 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{34}
21:59 <•Kotono> roll roll 1d6+3+1d6+1d6+3d6
21:59 <Kobot> Kotono rolled roll 1d6+3+1d6+1d6+3d6 --> error: malformed expression
21:59 <•Kotono> roll 1d6+3+1d6+1d6+3d6
21:59 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+3+1d6+1d6+3d6 --> [ 1d6=6 1d6=1 1d6=6 3d6=16 ]{32}
22:00 <•Kotono> This time Rina comes by and stabs it right in the head. Already wounded, the ankheg's brain is pierced. It lets out a horrible scream before it collapses back, trashing and bleeding. OOC: Free act.
22:01 — Skaya takes a look through the tunnel the ankheg had burst out of. Does it go through the earth endlessly, or emerge into another open space like a cavern or one of these buried buildings?
22:07 <•Kotono> It looks like it goes down into another cavern below, though it's hard to see much of it from here.
22:07 <•Kotono> Rina shakes her sword clean, "Nasty thing," she comments, "Ugly too."
22:08 <•Kotono> Liza exhales, "Whya re they on fire, though?"
22:08 <Skaya> "Gonna check the cavern below real quick," Skaya says cheerfully, wiggling through the tunnel.
22:08 <Devar> "We haven't figured that part out yet." Devar admits.
22:12 <•Kotono> "I'd love to know," Rina agrees, "Things just aren't on fire around here." Skaya goes down, wiggling through and...OOC: Give me dex check.
22:13 <Skaya> roll 1d20+6+7
22:13 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+6+7 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{17}
22:13 <Devar> "My first guess is somehow they escaped from the elemental place we went to, but we never encountered anything like that there to begin with, so I don't think it's from there." Devar says.
22:15 <•Kotono> Skaya wiggles on down as an answer comes...next time!

[Corwin]

19:06 <•Kotono> Skaya manage sto wiggle down. At the bottom is a fairly empty and boring cavern, ltitle more than a crawl tunnel. It's half choked with rubble from other tunnels dug through as well. There's not much to do here, passages are blocked by that rubble, and it's low ceilinged enough that you can't even stand upright here.
19:10 <Skaya> How strange. Do the ankhegs attack from such spaces? Or was it an accident that the attacker launched the most recent ambush from one? Skaya tries to examine the ground a bit to at least estimate which way it came from.
19:14 <•Kotono> From below it looks like, there's a tunnel not far from here. At least that would fit, and the tunnel looks fairly fresh.
19:14 — Skaya takes note of where it leads, and then climbs back to rejoin the others.
19:15 <•Kotono> "How is it?" Liza asks once Skaya emerges.
19:15 <•Kotono> "Dark, damp and musty?" Rina says, "There's not that much variety with caves."
19:15 <•Kotono> The tips of Liza's ears redden as she looks away, annoyed.
19:16 <Skaya> "There's actually a narrow tunnel leading this way," Skaya says, gesturing accordingly. "It's weird that they'd attack from a cavern instead of just through the rock."
19:19 <•Kotono> "It might be coincidental," Anne muses, "But who can say with creatures like this? At least there's not another of those wyrms chasing them."
19:19 <•Kotono> WIth a side eye towards Anne, "And if we run into one now?"
19:20 <Skaya> "Well, they actually speak back, so it'll be fine?" Skaya says with a shrug, returning to her previous attempt to remove the upper door's hinges.
19:21 <•Kotono> Back to work. This goes well enough. Soon enough the hinges are removed.
19:21 <Skaya> Then, the door itself is removed! Skaya allows it to fall on the ground with no one in the way.
19:28 <•Kotono> CLANG! IT falls down, but all that's behind is is filled in stone. It looks like a wall.
19:29 — Skaya checks if it's man-made, or if it's just the regular layer of stone one might expect to find underground.
19:30 <•Kotono> It looks man made to her trained eye.
19:30 <Skaya> "Weird," Skaya muses, moving over to the last remaining door to dismantle it as well. "Why would there be a door into another house's wall?"
19:32 <Devar> "It'd be an odd way to cover up some sort of secret trove." Devar says. "Why even have the door?"
19:33 <Skaya> "Like I said, weird! Want to try and dive through it?"
19:36 <•Kotono> "That's not it," Anne steps in, "More likely this was buried and built over when Mellanics was rebuilt after the war," Anne explains, "I've heard stories that there's old basements like this about, sealed up and forgotten."
19:36 <•Kotono> "I can if you want," Rina volunteers, "I'm a little curious now."
19:36 <Devar> "Sure, we've got several people who can." Devar says. "I'll lift you up."
19:36 <Skaya> "Sure, try it! It's not like this is a viable combat option, as you can get surrounded by ankhegs. So using it for exploration is best."
19:39 <•Kotono> With that Devar takes Rina up and she stoneswims through the wall. Second pass. Half a minute. Almost a minute until Rina returns. She dusts herself off, "It looks like the wall of another basement. A green grocer, their cool storage is down there. The only treasure there is fruits and vegetables."
19:41 <Skaya> "So it's a viable escape route if we need it?" Skaya asks as she finishes removing the second door. "How deep is the wall?"
19:48 <•Kotono> "If we need it," Rina says, "Not deep, maybe two steps. I spent more time calming the poor shopkeep than I did getting in there." She then laughs a little, "I took an apple as an excuse to give him a gold coin as an apology." she pulls out a green apple and has a bite. "That poor old man."
19:48 <•Kotono> "Coming out through the wall doubtless has complications," Anne says diplomatically.
19:48 <Skaya> "Why was he even in the basement?"
19:49 <•Kotono> "Getting stock, I imagine." Is the answer, but Rina steps forward, "What about that other door down there?"
19:50 — Skaya pulls it out of the way to take a look.
19:57 <•Kotono> It's another door. Also locked as you found out before.
20:02 <Skaya> OOC: I did line about removing its hinges, so wouldn't that be enough to remove the door itself from the frame?
20:02 <•Kotono> OOC:Oh, you're donig it to the door down there as well?
20:02 <•Kotono> OOC: Didn't realize. more coming.
20:02 <•Kotono> OOC More even.
20:03 <•Kotono> The lower door is also undone. It opens up into a smaller room. Here there's a small table, a few chairs and most importantly, a large lockbox against the back wall. It's made of wood and with a rusty old lock on it. On the table sits a small book.
20:04 <Skaya> "Take a look at the book?" Skaya says, even as she observes the lockbox.
20:05 <Skaya> OOC: Perception 10 for 30 to see if trapped, then Disable Device 10 for 28 to open it
20:05 <Devar> Devar will check the book out!
20:07 <•Kotono> Devar checks the book. It looks to be sums and records - a ledger of some kind. Three purchases of wagons of fruit, ten purcases of nails from Jack's Smithy, five gross barrels of wine. Things like that. Meanwhile the lockbox is checked. No traps, and the lock doesn't give - purely because it's rusty, and is barely operable because of that.
20:07 <Devar> "It's sales records." Devar says.
20:08 — Skaya just decides to break the lock. Since there's no trigger mechanism to destroy the contents and they don't need to preserve it, she might as well just pry it open.
20:11 <•Kotono> It's not hard. It's worn enough that raw force does the job. Inside is a great pile of gold and silver coins, still intact. You can see various mintages - Laremy, Welland, Girm, Kellym and more.
20:12 <Skaya> "Nice! There really is treasure here!" Skaya says cheerfully, storing the coins away in her haversack.
20:14 <•Kotono> "It seems like some dead shopkeeper's forgotten profits," Anne reflects, "It's not been so long that there may not be living family or even the shopkeeper himself still in Mellanics."
20:15 <•Kotono> Liza side eyes Anne, "Are you saying we should find someone to give them to? What's the point if it's been this long?"
20:15 <Skaya> "Since the old shopkeep right next door knows nothing about it, it probably is old enough for salvage," Skaya says, still cheerful. "Let's keep going and kill more ankhegs?"
20:16 <Devar> "Right, we had some other ways to go before we went this way." Devar says.
20:16 <•Kotono> "That much coin could change a forgotten child or grandchild's life," Rina points out, "Or help a widowed old woman scraping by. I'll look into it, and if it's reasonable, I'll find some way for equal coin to come a survivor's way, then." OOC: Going back?
20:17 <Skaya> OOC: Sure
20:22 <•Kotono> The party heads back. There's two more passages to try, any preference?
20:22 — Skaya flips a coin!
20:22 <Skaya> roll 1d2
20:22 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d2 --> [ 1d2=1 ]{1}
20:22 — Skaya goes to the first passage clockwise from her.
20:22 <•Kotono> roll 1d5
20:22 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d5 --> [ 1d5=3 ]{3}
20:23 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception Skaya.
20:23 <Skaya> OOC: 10 for 30
20:24 <•Kotono> Hm? Skaya feels the ground shake beneath her as she hears a faint rumbling above her.
20:25 — Skaya gathers her inner strength and then stomps on the ground!
20:25 <Skaya> roll 1d20+12 attack!
20:25 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+12 attack! --> [ 1d20=6 ]{18}
20:30 <•Kotono> OOC: Go ahead and rolld amage.
20:30 <Skaya> roll 3d6+5+1d8
20:30 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+5+1d8 --> [ 3d6=8 1d8=5 ]{18}
20:34 <•Kotono> WHAM! A direct hit to the ground, as rumbling noises are heard above adn below now. There's no attack, but the shaking beneath Skaya stops.
20:35 <Skaya> "Normally, I'd be happy to just set everything here on fire, but our luck is terrible and the caverns are below actual people," Skaya laments as she continues down the same path. "Plus, these monsters are already on fire. Ah, maybe if we could flood everything with freezing cold?"
20:38 <•Kotono> "If only," Anne murmurs as you continue. This path soon starts to tighten and narrow, coming to a dead end. A natural terminus to this branch. OOC: Give me Perception, Devar?
20:39 — Skaya checks to see if it's there are any signs of ankheg travel nearby.
20:39 <Devar> roll 1d20+12
20:39 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{16}
20:40 <•Kotono> Not in this immediate section, at least.  OOC: Carry on for now, Devar.
20:40 <Skaya> "One last tunnel to check out before we need to get inventive," Skaya says, leading the way again.
20:41 <Devar> Devar follows along!
20:44 <•Kotono> OOC: Refresh me, who is bringing up the rear?
20:44 <Skaya> OOC: Order is Devar, Liza, Skaya, Rina, Anne
20:44 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Good luck, Anne
20:44 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Good luck, Anne --> [ 1d20=11 ]{17}
20:45 <•Kotono> You walk back - until suddenly there's a crack of stone the way you came. The party turns, just in time to see two fire ankhegs, one from the floor and one from the ceiling. Torrents of flame gush out, right at the rearguard of the party - Anne. At least she's warded against flame?
20:45 <•Kotono> roll 2#1d20+15
20:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2#1d20+15 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{19}, [ 1d20=4 ]{19}
20:45 <•Kotono> roll 10d6
20:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 10d6 --> [ 10d6=34 ]{34}
20:45 <•Kotono> roll 10d6
20:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 10d6 --> [ 10d6=39 ]{39}
20:46 <•Kotono> OOC: How much is that fire ward again?
20:46 <Devar> OOC: 20
20:47 <•Kotono> Anne can't react fast enough to bring up her shield. Flames immolate her, flashing red in the dark tunnel. Anne screams in pain as this happens, before...! OOC: Init. That is the pain for Anne.
20:47 <Devar> roll 1d20+3
20:47 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{4}
20:48 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Anne
20:48 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 Anne --> [ 1d20=11 ]{15}
20:48 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Liza
20:48 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Liza --> [ 1d20=10 ]{16}
20:48 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+0 ankheg 1
20:48 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+0 ankheg 1 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{4}
20:48 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+1 ankheg 2
20:48 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+1 ankheg 2 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{8}
20:48 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13
20:48 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{15}
20:50 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+14 Rina
20:50 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 Rina --> [ 1d20=20 ]{34}
20:50 <•Kotono> Init is Rina (34) > Liza (16) > Anne = Skaya (15) > Ankheg 2 (8) > Devar = Ankheg 1 (One day Supreme Init)
20:55 <•Kotono> Despite the surprise, Rina is lightning fast. She steps past Anne, unhindered by the flames, and glides past the ankheg on the ground.
20:55 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+18
20:55 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+18 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{29}
20:55 <•Kotono> roll 1d6+3+1d6+3d6
20:55 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+3+1d6+3d6 --> [ 1d6=3 1d6=3 3d6=8 ]{17}
20:56 <Skaya> "Help Rina, I'll deal with the guy up top!" Skaya calls out to Liza and Devar.
20:56 <•Kotono> With a sharp, savage slash blood flies from that ankheg's maw, torn open by Rina's swift strike. Liza meanwhile turns, but...OOC: She'll hold for maneuvering reasons in the tunnel, and let Annea nd Skaya go first, then play cleanup of some kind.
20:56 <•Kotono> OOC: Go Skaya and Anne.
20:58 <Skaya> With a prayer to Shaundakul and a flap of her wings, Skaya appears next to her target! She hangs inverted for a moment as the magical power in boots kicks in, and then strikes repeatedly at the ankheg emerging from the ceiling!
20:58 <Skaya> roll 3#1d20+13
20:58 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3#1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{14}, [ 1d20=4 ]{17}, [ 1d20=19 ]{32}
20:59 <Skaya> roll 1d20+8
20:59 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{10}
20:59 <Skaya> roll 3d6+5+1d8
20:59 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+5+1d8 --> [ 3d6=6 1d8=5 ]{16}
20:59 <Skaya> roll 3d6+5+1d8
20:59 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+5+1d8 --> [ 3d6=9 1d8=4 ]{18}
21:02 <•Kotono> WHAM! Skaya manages to hit once, a heavy block that cracks some of the ankheg's body. At the same time Anne stumbles back, burning and pained. She collapses by Liza, chanting for healing.
21:02 <•Kotono> roll 4d8+8 owwies cure critical wounds is pain
21:02 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d8+8 owwies cure critical wounds is pain --> [ 4d8=20 ]{28}
21:05 <•Kotono> Anne's burns heal in part as Liza kneels next to her, touching her as healing is channeled into her. It finishes Anne's healing entirely, just in time for...OOC: Ankheg 2.
21:06 <•Kotono> The upper ankheg, struck and hurt, leans back and spits a thick, burning orange liquid, right at Skaya's face.
21:06 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+8 touch AC Skaya
21:06 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 touch AC Skaya --> [ 1d20=19 ]{27}
21:06 <Skaya> OOC: 28 since Haste
21:07 <•Kotono> OOC: Haste lasts for 5 rounds, that's long since expired just walking down here.
21:07 <Skaya> OOC: From Boots of Speed activated on my turn
21:07 <•Kotono> OOC: Oh! A very good argument then.
21:08 <•Kotono> With pure speed Skaya jukes her head aside, avoiding the liquid by inches. It burns where it lands, smokeless fire that keeps going on stone. OOC: Other ankheg and Devar, go.
21:09 <Devar> Devar moves to the other ankheg to keep it tied up, taking a swing with Goldenfang for now!
21:09 <Devar> roll 1d20+13 whack
21:09 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+13 whack --> [ 1d20=5 ]{18}
21:14 <•Kotono> It's a miss, the ankheg's armored body tough enough to resist the strike. At the same time it rears back and throws the same liquid out, taking the chance to hurl it right at Rina's face. ...which does nothing, as it hits her arm and burns pointlessly. OOC: No point with a save she doesn't need. Rina.
21:15 <•Kotono> Rina darts back, pinning the wounded ankheg with Devar, bringing her sword down once, "Finish it off, Devar," she cries.
21:15 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+20 (+2 flanking)
21:15 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+20 (+2 flanking) --> [ 1d20=20 ]{40}
21:15 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+20 (+2 flanking) crit?
21:15 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+20 (+2 flanking) crit? --> [ 1d20=19 ]{39}
21:15 <•Kotono> roll 2d6+6+1d6+3d6+1d6 owwies
21:15 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6+6+1d6+3d6+1d6 owwies --> [ 2d6=11 1d6=4 3d6=10 1d6=1 ]{32}
21:16 <•Kotono> Rina stabs her sword deep into the ankheg's neck area, ripping it out after. Hot blood flows out, the entire beast thrashing as...OOC: Anne and Skaya, then Liza.
21:19 <•Kotono> Anne stays back, holding in case of needed healing. OOC: Annek nows her job, and got enough fiery pain for today. Skaya then Liza.
21:21 <Skaya> Skaya's attacks are more cautious but no less numeruous!
21:22 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13+7 inspiration
21:22 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13+7 inspiration --> [ 1d20=13 ]{33}
21:22 <Skaya> roll 3d6+5+1d8
21:22 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+5+1d8 --> [ 3d6=11 1d8=1 ]{17}
21:22 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13+7 inspiration if still alive
21:22 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13+7 inspiration if still alive --> [ 1d20=6 ]{26}
21:23 <Skaya> roll 3d6+5+1d8
21:23 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+5+1d8 --> [ 3d6=11 1d8=4 ]{20}
21:23 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13+7 inspiration if still alive
21:23 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13+7 inspiration if still alive --> [ 1d20=7 ]{27}
21:23 <Skaya> roll 3d6+5+1d8
21:23 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+5+1d8 --> [ 3d6=14 1d8=1 ]{20}
21:23 <Skaya> roll 1d20+8
21:23 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{18}
21:23 <Skaya> roll 3d6+5+1d8 if hit
21:23 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+5+1d8 if hit --> [ 3d6=9 1d8=1 ]{15}
21:27 <•Kotono> A barrage of blows batter the ankheg. Its body shatters under Skaya's intense assault, leaving it a broken ruin. It collapses down, landing nearby the other battle with a loud THUD. Meanwhile Liza holds back at that, target taken out before...OOC: Devar and the other ankheg, go.
21:28 <Devar> Devar quickly draws Storm's Eye and takes two stabs at the ankheg, bolstered by Rina's positioning!
21:28 <Devar> roll 1d20+14 stab
21:28 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+14 stab --> [ 1d20=4 ]{18}
21:28 <Devar> roll 1d20+9 stab
21:28 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+9 stab --> [ 1d20=4 ]{13}
21:29 <Devar> OOC: Oh, I don't know if it matters, but the first roll is 20
21:29 <Devar> OOC: I forgot the +2 from flanking
21:31 <•Kotono> OOC: Unfortunately not, Kobot is throwing straight up hate your way today.
21:31 <Devar> OOC: someone has to bear it
21:31 <•Kotono> OOC: Bear th enightmare.
21:32 <•Kotono> The ankheg, wounded and surrounded, lashes out, biting all aorund itself.
21:32 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+14 vs Devar and Rina
21:32 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 vs Devar and Rina --> [ 1d20=7 ]{21}
21:32 <•Kotono> OOC: ACs?
21:32 <•Kotono> OOC: 25 for Rina.
21:33 <Devar> OOC: 37 against melee
21:34 <•Kotono> Rina leaps back just in time and lunges back in, close range sword work to go for the finish.
21:34 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+18
21:34 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+18 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{31}
21:34 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+18
21:34 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+18 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{37}
21:34 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13
21:34 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{17}
21:34 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+18 crit?
21:34 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+18 crit? --> [ 1d20=15 ]{33}
21:35 <•Kotono> roll 1d6+3+1d6+1d6
21:35 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+3+1d6+1d6 --> [ 1d6=3 1d6=3 1d6=2 ]{11}
21:35 <•Kotono> roll 2d6+6+1d6+3d6
21:35 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6+6+1d6+3d6 --> [ 2d6=7 1d6=5 3d6=3 ]{21}
21:35 <•Kotono> A pair of twin stabs into the ankheg's head silence it, no more resistance. It slowly slides back down its burrow hole, defeated. OOC: Free act.
21:37 <Skaya> "Nicely done!" Skaya cheers, landing next to Liza and Anne. "Are we good to keep going?"
21:37 <•Kotono> "My armor's fine, it took it better than I did," Anne confesses, "Thank you for your timely healing."
21:37 <•Kotono> Liza smiles, "If you don't keep the healer alive, it always comes back to haunt you."
21:37 <•Kotono> "I'm good," Rina says, "There could be more."
21:37 <•Kotono> "As am I," Anne seconds.
21:38 <Devar> Devar nods!
21:38 <Skaya> There probably are more! Thus they head for the last tunnel to explore!
21:46 <•Kotono> The party returns to the last tunnel, and as they do? OOC: Perception Devar, +1 bonus.
21:49 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 23
21:50 <•Kotono> Hm? As Devar goes, he swears he hears something above. Like a rumbling in the stone.
21:51 <Devar> "Above us, be careful." He warns the others, slowing down but readying his weapon in case.
21:53 — Skaya prepares to attack!
21:54 <•Kotono> Anne has her shield up, while LIza steps back. Rina's a step back, sword held low. There's a louder rumble, audible to everyone, a grinding of stone, but no attack. Nothing.
21:54 <•Kotono> Rina breathes out, "They're stalking us like prey."
21:55 <Devar> "You'd think three of them dying already would be a clue to leave us alone." Devar says.
21:55 <Skaya> "Let's keep going, since they're not coming over."
21:55 — Devar nods and continues on!
22:01 <•Kotono> Thus the party proceeds down and deeper...next time! OOC: This is the perfect cut point, so we'll continue this one Monday.

[Corwin]

19:03 <Ko> Down. This passage goes down a ways, and soon to a dead end. Or it would be, if not for a wall having collapsed. There's half melted rubble here, but a wall is torn down and allows f urther passage, following a much steeper slope now. Flight or superb balance would be advised.
19:04 <Skaya> "Good luck!" Skaya tells Devar.
19:05 <Devar> "I'll check it out." He affirms, using his ability to fly down to do that very thing.
19:08 <Ko> "Good luck, "Rina seconds as Devar begins to fly down, plunging into the abyss below. OOC: Give me both Perception and Acrobatics.
19:08 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@97C07AA8.BB552E26.9534F94D.IP)
19:10 <Devar> OOC: take 10 for 22 for Perception and 24 for Acrobatics, no 1s for me today thanks
19:13 <Ko> OOC: Wise man.
19:15 <Ko> Devar picks his way down carefully. It's treacherous. The slope looks terrible even as you use flight to avoid that. The ceiling is just low enough to be tricky, and you almost hid something several times. But in due time you come to the bottom. It's a much larger cavern. Most of it is taken up by an underground lake. Not the first one you've seen, but this one is notably large, the room
19:15 <Ko> slanting down slightly until the lake shore starts. No other passages are on this side besides a few burrow holes, but the far side is far enough that your light doesn't reach nearly far enough. It does hint at something at the edge of its range - some sort of island in the lake.
19:17 <Devar> Devar will fly towards that direction - he may as well ascertain what's there rather than just report he found 'something' without checking!
19:21 <Ko> You fly towards the island. It's quite large and the lake stretches on in the distance. A small stone building sits here, little more than a single large room. It has an arch to allow anyone to walk in, but you can see nothing within.
19:22 <Devar> Devar knows better than that - he'll check the area out for magic first before getting too close! OOC: spellcraft for 31 if need be
19:29 <Ko> The stone building indeed radiates magic. It's heavily warded with abjuration magics. Enough that they blend together and the details are lost, but it's highly potent.
19:30 <Devar> That's what he figured. Something to keep together? Either way he will fly back up, careful to avoid bonking his head on anything on the return trip.
19:31 <Ko> The trip back up is safe and without incident. OOC: Go ahead.
19:32 <Devar> "Short version, it's tricky to get down but I can carry anyone who can't fly. There's an extremely nagically warded building on an island in a lake." He explains.
19:33 <Skaya> "Did it smell like adventure?" Skaya asks, picking Rina up.
19:34 <Ko> "Curious," Anne muses, "IT sounds ike adventure by its basic definition.
19:34 <Ko> "
19:34 <Ko> Rina is picked up without complaint, at least, as Anne gets a slightly off put Liza.
19:34 <Devar> "Yes." He says, "it's definitely weird enough to be noteworthy."
19:37 <Skaya> "Let's go and take a look, then!"
19:37 <Ko> With that the party heads down. With forewarning it isn't a difficult trip, and soon enough you're before the lake. It's up to you how all of you proceed from here.
19:37 <Ko> roll 1d5
19:37 <Kobot> Ko rolled 1d5 --> [ 1d5=5 ]{5}
19:38 <Ko> OOC: Perception, Devar.
19:38 <Skaya> "Let's just keep flying till the island?" Skaya proposes.
19:38 <Devar> OOC: take 10 for 22!
19:47 <Ko> Hm? As Devar flies over, he swears he hears an odd, grinding grumble in the ground near the shore.
19:48 <Devar> "Careful," he calls out. "He swings around to get a better look, gesturing towards the ground for the benefit of the others, but he stays in the air."
19:51 — Skaya is always ready to stomp on an ankheg!
19:53 <Ko> YEt nothing happens. There's stillness as the party looks down, before, "Stalking about, but we're not on the ground. Lucky."
19:53 <Ko> "Very fortunate," Anne says, "Just so."
19:54 <Ko> Liza meanwhile sniffs, "I still don't understand why they're on fire, though."
19:54 <Devar> Devar will continue to head to the island!
19:56 <Ko> The party reaches the island with no further incidents. It's still here, as are the waters. Not a single disturbance of them. IN particular, Skaya's sharp eyes notice that even when a drop of water falls from above, the waters aren't disturbed at all. It sinks and merges in without the slightest disturbance.
19:57 <Skaya> "Do you think the waters might be an illusion?" Skaya muses, landing on the island and setting Rina down.
19:58 <Devar> "Anything is possible, the building has very strong adoration on it." Devar explains.
19:59 <Ko> "Now I wish Sanda was here," Rina eyes the waters fro ma safe distance, "She'd be perfect for this."
20:00 — Skaya shudders. "She'd actually jump in. You never know if she'll come out!"
20:03 <Devar> Devar will head for the archway, reactivating his ability to detect magic just in case it turns into a gate or something!
20:04 <Skaya> "Let's go inside together? Worst case-- well, worst case is death, but it's likely just a gate?"
20:07 <Ko> "It likely is." Anne checks her armor over carefully, taking a breath and ensuring her shield is strapped on.
20:07 <Ko> Liza follows, as the archway is ahead. All it takes is a few steps to go in.
20:07 <Skaya> roll 1d10+8 false life
20:07 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d10+8 false life --> [ 1d10=2 ]{10}
20:08 <Skaya> OOC: Also GMW precast
20:08 <Skaya> With spells cast in advance, Skaya leads the way in!
20:09 <Ko> Skaya steps in and vanishes into the dark. The others can't see her anymore, or anything. OOC: #dunes Skaya.

[Corwin]

20:11 <Devar> "Can you still hear us?" Devar calls out. He also tries the ring - 'can you hear this? You just vanished.'
20:13 <Ko> Anne sighs softly, "Of course."
20:13 <Ko> "Of course," Rina seconds, sword out. "I swear, if it's more monsters, I'll burn everything out."
20:15 <Devar> "It's... uh... hm." Devar says unconvincingly. "She's in a, quote, 'weird crypt."
20:16 <Ko> "Of course," Anne echos herself. "A weird crypt."
20:16 <Devar> "I don't think this is like that time we all got sent off to a different place, I think we'll all end up together, but if one of you want to go through to make sure I can stay on this side since we can still talk." Devar says, gesturing at his ring.
20:16 <Ko> "I was betting on a death trap, but a crypt's close," Rina agrees.
20:16 <Ko> "I will," Rina decides, "Most undead don't like fire if it comes down to it, and risking Anne's healing is foolish."
20:18 <Devar> "Correction, weird Dwarven crypt." Devar says.
20:23 <Ko> Rina goes in without another word.
20:27 <Ko> As things stretch on, "So are we following?" Liza asks, and after a moment heads to the archway.
20:28 <Devar> "She made it inside." Devar explains to Liza and Anne. "It's probably safe, but they've made no mention of getting back to us, though I'm sure something like this has an exit..."
20:29 <Ko> That stops Liza half a step from going in, and she carefully steps backwards. Anne cracks a smile at that before, "I'd hope. ASsuming it still works."
20:29 <Devar> A shrug after, "I was going to stay here just in case, but I think you're safe to go through if you want. Or if you really like crypts."
20:35 <Ko> Liza considers, "No, you're right. I won't advance if I don't go in." With that she goes in. Once she's gone Anne exhales, "Thankfully, I have no intentions of going in lightly."
20:37 <Devar> "They'll yell if they need us." Devar says, staying in the air. "Still... a crypt here in the middle of nowhere? One wonders what this looked like a thousand years ago. Was this the surface?"
20:41 <Ko> "Who can say?" Anne looks up, "I've heard some claim the earthen bones of the world take ages to move even a little, and others claim it changes when we aren't looking." She drifts in the air, "But earth's nature is long, old and slow."
20:43 <Devar> "I wonder what our Bytopian mentor would say." Devar muses.
20:47 → Devar_ joined (~Devar@lunarnet-AD2B40D.sub-174-212-35.myvzw.com)
20:47 <Ko> A hum at that, "An interesting question." Easy agreement. Anne twirls in the air, before, "Ah, I wish I was in the sky right now. Being under here feels so terribly constrained. The winds are so still and stale."
20:48 ⇐ Devar quit (~Devar@lunarnet-7BBE6EF1.sub-174-211-232.myvzw.com) Ping timeout: 180 seconds
20:57 <Devar_> "What do you think the plane looks like where Air and Earth meet?" Devar asks.
21:02 <Ko> roll 1d20+13
21:02 <Kobot> Ko rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{14}
21:03 <Ko> "I confess I don't recall," Anne answers, "Do you?"
21:04 <Devar_> OOC: take 10 for 26 - you ain't catching me with that shit, Kobot!!!
21:04 <Devar_> OOC: since I'm not sure if Devar would know offhand anyway
21:05 <Devar_> OOC: on KP to be clear
21:06 <Ko> Air and Earth don't directly connect. The closest thing might be the Quasi-Elemental Plane of Dust between Earth and the Negative Energy Plane.
21:08 <Devar_> "I was thinking of something with big, open caverns where wind still whipped through them even though you were underground. Turns out that doesn't happen at all. Closest you've got is the Dust plane and boy does that sound like a crap time."
21:11 <Ko> "Dust?" Anne wrinkles her nose, "A miserable sounding place. At least it's not the Abyss."
21:12 <Devar_> "Close enough, it borders the Negative Energy plane, and I'm sure that place sucks too."
21:17 <Ko> "Death," Anne slows and settles in, "But all we can do is wait and hope they're well, then. At least no ankhegs have shown here, but perhaps the water dissuades them."
21:19 <Devar_> "If it's real." Devar says. "I imagine even if it doesn't, the building dissuades them. One of them probably got lost on there."
21:20 <Ko> Anne smiles faintly but settles in to wait, keeping watch in the meantime. OOC: More. Give me Perception, just for reference.
21:21 <Devar_> OOC: take 10 for, you guessed it, 22
21:25 → Devar joined  ⇐ Devar_ quit 
21:28 <Ko> Nothing much happens. Time slips by as Anne and you wait. The waters are still, the caverns quiet. Anne busies herself looping around and around the stone building, fast as she can. All the movement stirs the winds of the cavern, as the scent of the underground must slowly fades from your senses.
21:29 <Devar> Devar glances at the water - is it moving at all?
21:30 <Ko> It is not.
21:31 <Devar> Huh. How does this work, he believes it isn't real and then touches it? He tries that!
21:32 <Ko> It feels like real water to him. Still, but cool and wet otherwise.
21:35 <Devar> Huh. Enchanted to never move? Maybe. Calm water... an Eldathian enchantment, maybe?
21:36 <Ko> There's several thumps and footsteps as Devar does this, then, "They're back, Devar," Anne calls. Meanwhile Skaya, Liza and Rina step out of the building, momentarily disoriented.
21:37 <Skaya> "It's so strange," Skaya mutters. "Everything was right, and yet, all expectations were subverted."
21:37 <Devar> "Oh hey, no sudden undead attack?" Devar asks.
21:38 <Ko> Anne lands, "What do you mean, Skaya?"
21:38 <Skaya> "That dwarven mausoleum is a memorial from the Final Day."
21:42 <Devar> "Huh... well that explains the magic." Devar says solemnly.
21:42 <Ko> Anne lets out a little breath, "A historical monument as well as something to treat with reverence, then." She gently reaches up for her holy symbol - almost the same as the open hand you saw on the slab, Skaya can note. "Perhaps that is why the waters are still?"
21:43 <Skaya> "But how could fiery ankhegs be allowed near it?"
21:44 <Devar> "They haven't come over here at all." Devar says. "At least as far as I can tell."
21:45 <Skaya> "We probably shouldn't report this place once we go back. It's better if tourists stay away from here."
21:45 <Ko> "They haven't," Anne agrees, "And it may be wisest to see this place is sealed back up. I doubt that wall was put there for no reason."
21:46 <Ko> "To the matter at hand," Rina goe son, "Do you think that dragon's tied to any of this, or coincidental?"
21:46 <Skaya> "Highly unlikely. There's nothing related to fire here."
21:47 <Devar> "He did say he fell asleep down here. He might've been passing though."
21:48 ↔ Devar nipped out 
21:49 <Skaya> "I admit I'm at somewhat of a loss, now. There are still nasty burrowers and we have no clear way to get at them, and there are no clues about the lava dragon. Do we really need to dig?"
21:50 <Devar> "Given what a sacred place this is, maybe we can just ask for help?" Devar says, gesturing up above himself.
21:51 <Skaya> "Okay, that's an option. Any others?"
21:53 <Devar> "We could try and bait the ankhegs? Just have one person walk around and the rest fly?" He says. "They seek to retreat when we notice them, so we just pretend like we don't?"
21:54 <Skaya> "Okay, I can try that while you and Anne fly with Liza and Rina. Let's get back to the main tunnel and try it?"
22:00 <Ko> Thus the party takes off to try that...next time!

[Corwin]

20:13 <Ko> Skaya appears in a building made of white stone. Here rests dozens and dozens of coffins set into the walls. Small coffins, smaller than human ones. It stretches on for hundreds of feet, the walls thick with the buried dead. Each one has a plaque beneath it. After a few hundred feet things become hazy,difficult to make out.
20:13 <Ko> Skaya does hear Devar's telepathic message, however.
20:13 — Skaya glances at the nearest plaque, even as she responds to Devar, 'Still alive, just in some weird crypt.'
20:14 <Ko> I thas writing on it that you...OOC: Languages?
20:14 <Skaya> OOC: Common, Elven, Dwarven, Celestial, Draconic, Ignan
20:15 <Ko> It's Dwarven. EAch one is a name and a short description of their life. Ingrid Staal, baker, beloved of Thann Staal, mother. The toll rests within.
20:15 <Ko> There are countless others, each one a similar description. OOC: Entered prematurely.
20:16 <Skaya> 'It's a dwarven one!'
20:23 <Ko> As you chat with Devar, Rina appears out of thin air. Looking back, you see the crypt stretches backwards as well, until the same haze blurs things. No sign of a door out.
20:23 <Skaya> "Hello! Welcome to the mysterious dwarven crypt!"
20:24 <Ko> Rina takes a long look around, "Tell Devar I made it over fine. I expected gloom, not white walls. It's almost peaceful."
20:24 <Skaya> 'Rina's here too!' Skaya relays to Devar.
20:24 <Skaya> "The gloom may yet come? But let's avoid interrupting the rest of those interred."
20:26 <Ko> "Good idea," Rina seconds, "Can you read all the inscriptions?"
20:27 <Devar> 'We will stay here but shout if you wake up all the dwarves.' Devar relays.
20:27 <Skaya> "So far, yes. This one's a baker," Skaya responds, gesturing at the nearest one. "Buried with the toll, presumably for the afterlife?"
20:28 <Ko> "I wonder how old they are? How far do they go back?" Rina considers, "And that toll sounds like bait to the greedy. Tempting, but this feels like a place of rest."
20:30 <Skaya> "Eh, is it really tempting? It's one thing is it's some ancient tomb with a labyrinth practically made to turn it into a quest, but an ordinary grave? I wouldn't take from it just as I wouldn't take from a regular home," Skaya says with a shrug. She starts walking ahead, to see if there actually is an end to the crypt.
20:34 <Ko> "You ever been poor?" Rina asks back, "Like severely poor?"
20:35 <Skaya> "I'm not saying it's objectively morally wrong, just that I'm not tempted by it," Skaya explains. "I thought it'd be clear from context, you'd need to be crazy to enjoy the challenge of an ancient tomb's death traps."
20:36 <Ko> As you walk on? "Ah!" LIza's voice from behind, the way you came. She looks around in confusion for a few seconds, before spying the two of you and jogging over.
20:36 <Ko> "Mmm," Rina lets it pass and gets walking, nodding to Liza.
20:36 <Skaya> "Welcome! To the dwarven mystery crypt! Are the others coming at a delay for fun?"
20:39 <Ko> "I don't know," Liza admits, "Anne seemed wary. But she's a bit of a worrywart, no?"
20:40 <Ko> Rina smiles a tiny bit, "Someone has to be with Sanda around."
20:40 <Skaya> "She's more active when bantering with Sanda," Skaya agrees. "Let's see if there's an end to this crypt?"
20:46 <Ko> THus the group walks onward. Several minutes pass and things stretch on and on. Ten minutes. still nothing.
20:47 → Devar_ joined (~Devar@lunarnet-AD2B40D.sub-174-212-35.myvzw.com)
20:47 — Skaya pauses to look at the plaques anew. Is there a date, and one she recognizes?
20:48 ⇐ Devar quit (~Devar@lunarnet-7BBE6EF1.sub-174-211-232.myvzw.com) Ping timeout: 180 seconds
20:51 <Ko> No dates, interestingly. Different plaques. Cinnamon Stein, gemsmith, beloved of Arn Stein, mother. The toll rests within, for her and her family.
20:52 <Skaya> "It's weird to not have dates of birth or death, isn't it?" Skaya voices.
20:56 <Ko> "It suggests they aren't needed," Liza comments, expression thoughtful, "I saw that once before. It was because everyone died in the same disaster."
20:57 <Skaya> "Or they're not fully dead."
20:59 <Ko> "More reason to let them lie," Rina says, picking up her pace.
20:59 <Ko> "More reason," Liza seconds quickly. "Hordes of undead are not a good way to die."
21:00 <Skaya> "Probably better than drowning," Skaya muses, before taking to the air. If this place is expanding, would it do so vertically as well?
21:03 <Ko> The ceiling is perhaps twenty five feet up. Tall, but it doesn't blur away. It's a ceiling, there's some nice imagery carved in. Based on your religious knowledge, you can see images of Moradin and other dwarven deities.
21:05 <Skaya> "On reflection," Skaya voices as she floats back down, "we're still on the same plane, or telepathy wouldn't work. We've tested that before, so it's quite likely true. Do you want to keep going some more, perhaps for an entire hour?"
21:07 <Ko> "I didn't see a door back. We have no choice," Rina comments, already walking ahead.
21:08 <Skaya> "We do technically have options. I can try to teleport us out, and we can try going in separate directions. Ah, but this place belongs to Moradin, so surely so long as we're respectful it will be fine?"
21:11 <Ko> Liza nods and smiles, "Good thinking," she steps a little closer to Skaya, "Shall we go on then?"
21:14 <Skaya> "Let's!" Skaya agrees with a smile.
21:18 <Ko> About a half hour of walking passes, until at last you come to ane ned. Here a stone slab rises high, engraved with more Dwarven. Statues of Moradin and the other dwarven deities are here, in solemn watch over the slab.
21:21 — Skaya lowers her head in prayer for the dwarven souls.
21:25 → Devar joined  ⇐ Devar_ quit 
21:26 <Ko> Rina and Liza follow suit. As you do, in Dwarven a voice speaks. A man's voice, "Here lies the many in this world who died in the days before the Last Day, when shadows walked all Creation. You who have walked this path, do not forget their names. Do not allow Shar to take that from them. Always remember, for her wish was for all to be forgotten." On the slab the unholy symbol of Shar appears,
21:26 <Ko> before iwth a loud CRACK, it splits down the middle and falls apart, like a broken stone.
21:27 — Skaya raises her head to stare at the slab!
21:30 <Ko> The slab stands there, the broken unholy symbol of Shar fading away. Liza murmurs, "Of course, a remnant of the Final Day. That would explain it. It's a memorial."
21:31 <Skaya> "It is," Skaya agrees, before nodding at Liza, "You were right." She decides to examine the slab's writing, to see if there's more to it than what the voice spoke of.
21:35 <Ko> There's various entreaties Moradin and others for protections. At the bottom is a carving of five symbols: A book behind a curved horizon, an open hand palm up and with a ball of light on it, a chess piece of a black queen seen from above and a triangular shield with a golden dragon engraved on it. Beneath that in small letters, "Let our protectors be remembered for all time." On reading that
21:35 <Ko> there's a soft shimmer and a sensation of being pulled, then-! OOC: #evildunes.

[Corwin]

19:07 <•Kotono> "Also, we can search the rest of the cavern," Anne gestures ahead to the far shore of the lake, "There may be a passage on the other side."
19:08 <Devar> "Oh, good point." Devar agrees. "We should see if it leads anywhere."
19:09 <Skaya> "Let's search~"
19:12 <•Kotono> The party goes over to the far side of the lake. Sure enough, there's two passages here, both leading deeper in.  There's a few more collapsed burrow holes here, too.
19:16 <Skaya> "We might as well try the plan with just me walking on the ground and the rest of you flying," Skaya proposes, picking one of the passages.
19:16 <•Kotono> Anne hovers over one, "They definitely prefer to dig even when there's tunnels. Interesting."
19:17 <Devar> Devar nods, going to help Rina up to try the plan out!
19:20 <•Kotono> With that Skaya takes the lead on the ground as you head into one of the passages. You don't go far until...OOC: Perception, +2 bonus, Skaya. Good luck.
19:20 <Skaya> OOC: 10 for 32
19:24 <•Kotono> You don't walk long down a fairly wide open passage until the ground softly rumbles beneath you. It's definitely notable this time.
19:25 <Skaya> Right, let's play bait. If Anne could do it, why can't Skaya?
19:29 <•Kotono> The ground rumbles and goes still for several seconds, then rumbles again. Still no attack, but you can feel it going backa nd forth.
19:30 <Skaya> Right, right. A deaf and blind person is walking here. She's walking leisurely and without any apparent defenses.
19:35 <•Kotono> There's a few more rumbles, but no attack. At least not right away as you continue to head down. The cave path continues, ancient, water worn passages leading deeper into the ear-!
19:36 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13 vs normal AC, no flatfooted
19:36 <•Kotono> OOC: One moment, I forgot I rebooted last night.
19:36 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@F8DF42D6.B18DCB09.B227C4EE.IP)
19:36 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13 vs normal AC, no flatfooted
19:36 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 vs normal AC, no flatfooted --> [ 1d20=9 ]{22}
19:37 <Skaya> OOC: AC is 31
19:37 <•Kotono> Woosh! Skaya's ready and  hops backwards, avoiding the ground as another fire ankheg bursts out. There's space aplenty at least, the creature out and revealed as, "Now!" Rina calls, as...OOC: Init.
19:37 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13
19:37 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{31}
19:37 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Anne
19:37 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 Anne --> [ 1d20=18 ]{22}
19:37 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Liza
19:37 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Liza --> [ 1d20=1 ]{7}
19:37 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+14 Rina
19:37 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 Rina --> [ 1d20=17 ]{31}
19:37 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+5 ankheg
19:37 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 ankheg --> [ 1d20=5 ]{10}
19:38 <Devar> roll 1d20+3 Devar
19:38 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+3 Devar --> [ 1d20=8 ]{11}
19:40 <•Kotono> Init is Skaya = Rina (31) > Anne (22) > Devar (11) > Fire Ankheg (10) > Liza (7)
19:40 <•Kotono> OOC: Open.
19:40 <Skaya> Since the guest is already there, shouldn't it stay for good? Skaya doesn't let up as she activates her Boots of Speed once more and tries to put the fiery ambusher down!
19:40 <Skaya> roll 1d20+14
19:40 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{26}
19:40 <Skaya> roll 1d20+14
19:40 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{16}
19:40 <Skaya> roll 1d20+14
19:40 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{22}
19:41 <Skaya> roll 1d20+9
19:41 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{16}
19:41 <Skaya> roll 3d6+6+1d8
19:41 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+6+1d8 --> [ 3d6=12 1d8=2 ]{20}
19:41 <Skaya> roll 3d6+6+1d8
19:41 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+6+1d8 --> [ 3d6=18 1d8=7 ]{31}
19:46 <•Kotono> The flurry of blows lands twice, flames licking Skaya in vain as she strikes. She hits it repeatedly, knocking it down and around. Its head and body are badly battered as Rina rushes in, looking to finish off what you started.
19:46 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+18
19:46 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+18 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{35}
19:47 <•Kotono> roll 1d6+3+1d6+3d6
19:47 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+3+1d6+3d6 --> [ 1d6=6 1d6=4 3d6=12 ]{25}
19:48 <•Kotono> Already bloodied, this ankheg gets a sword across the side of its head. It cuts deeply enough to make it thrash and then go still. Got it! Yete ven as that one falls, Skaya can feel the ground under her tremor several more times.  OOC: Anne's up.
19:48 <•Kotono> Init is Skaya = Rina (31) > Anne (22) > Devar (11) >  Liza (7)
19:48 <•Kotono> "Well done," Anne comments, not lowering her guard, "Is it only the one this time?"
19:48 <Skaya> "Unlikely, there's more below. And possibly above!"
19:49 <•Kotono> The moment Skaya speaks? OOC: Perception, Devar. +2 bonus.
19:49 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 24!
19:53 <•Kotono> Devar can hear it at the last second, a rumble above before-!
19:53 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12 normal AC?
19:53 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 normal AC? --> [ 1d20=17 ]{29}
19:54 <Devar> OOC: 33 currently, 37 against melee attacks
19:56 <•Kotono> Init is Skaya = Rina (31) > Anne (22) > Ceiling Fire Ankheg 2 (18) > Devar (11) >  Liza (7)
19:57 <•Kotono> From the ceiling another fire ankheg bursts out, letting out a loud screech as flames gush out. Fiery rock explodes out in every direction, peppering all the party even as Devar evades the main attack. OOC: Ref all.
19:57 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+15 Anne
19:57 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 Anne --> [ 1d20=8 ]{23}
19:57 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+15 Rina improved evasion
19:57 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 Rina improved evasion --> [ 1d20=20 ]{35}
19:58 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13 Liza
19:58 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 Liza --> [ 1d20=12 ]{25}
19:58 <Skaya> roll 1d20+14+7 evasion
19:58 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+14+7 evasion --> [ 1d20=10 ]{31}
19:58 <Devar> roll 1d20+16 evasion
19:58 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+16 evasion --> [ 1d20=5 ]{21}
19:59 <•Kotono> OOC: Fire res2 0, DevaR?
19:59 <Devar> OOC: Yessir
19:59 <•Kotono> roll 4d6 fire damage, might roll super high for this end of it
19:59 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d6 fire damage, might roll super high for this end of it --> [ 4d6=17 ]{17}
20:00 <•Kotono> roll 3d6 not lightning damage, but DR applies if applicable, Anne half, Rina none, Liza half, Skaya none, Devar full.
20:00 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d6 not lightning damage, but DR applies if applicable, Anne half, Rina none, Liza half, Skaya none, Devar full. --> [ 3d6=8 ]{8}
20:02 <•Kotono> The burst of stone slams into all of you. It's painful peltings, enough to make Anne raise her shield and the rest of you dodge. Little hits are scored, the burning part of the stones no great concern. It still gets Devar a few new bruises but nothing more. Then, from the floor back the way you came, away from any of you? Another ankheg bursts out. This one is strange. It doesn't attack,
20:02 <•Kotono> but instead strange, otherworldly patterns of fire dance around it, ones that-!
20:02 <•Kotono> Init is Skaya = Rina (31) > Anne (22) > Ceiling Fire Ankheg 2 (18) > Fire Ankheg 3 (13) > Devar (11) >  Liza (7)
20:02 <•Kotono> OOC: Will saves all. Mind-affecting.
20:03 <Skaya> roll 1d20+10+7
20:03 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+10+7 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{36}
20:03 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+17 Anne
20:03 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+17 Anne --> [ 1d20=1 ]{18}
20:03 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10 Rina
20:03 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 Rina --> [ 1d20=11 ]{21}
20:04 <Devar> roll 1d20+14
20:04 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{33}
20:04 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Liza
20:04 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 Liza --> [ 1d20=18 ]{30}
20:04 <•Kotono> OOC: Anne's going to enter init here, it'll make more sense momentarily.
20:05 <•Kotono>  Init is Skaya = Rina (dazed 1) (31) > Ceiling Fire Ankheg 2 (18) > Fire Ankheg 3 (13) > Anne (12, dazed 1) > Devar (11) >  Liza (7)
20:05 <•Kotono> The strange flames enthrall. It's hard to resist. Something about them requires-no
20:05 <•Kotono> OOC GAh.
20:06 <•Kotono> The strange flames enthrall. It's hard to resist. Something about them requires-no! Skaya breaks away as Devar draws on his inner focus, both breaking through. Anne stares helplessly, as does Rina. OOC: Anne enters init here since she held and uses up her dazed turn right away. Devar, go.
20:06 <•Kotono>  Init is Skaya = Rina (dazed 1) (31) > Ceiling Fire Ankheg 2 (18) > Fire Ankheg 3 (13) > Anne (12) > Devar (11) >  Liza (7)
20:08 <Devar> "It looks like being part fire doesn't stop it!" Devar shouts. He doesn't have anything that's going to help with this, so instead flies directly at the ankheg behind them that cast the weird spell! Also, it cast a spell?? What kind of ankheg can even do that??
20:08 <Devar> roll 1d20+14 stab
20:08 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+14 stab --> [ 1d20=14 ]{28}
20:08 <Devar> roll 1d8+5+1d6 last is lightning
20:08 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d8+5+1d6 last is lightning --> [ 1d8=8 1d6=4 ]{17}
20:15 <•Kotono> A direct hit, a shocking stab into that ankheg directly. It makes it convulse with lightning, it's entire form fireproof but not storm proof. The hit lands solid as Liza chants, this time a single sphere of frosty cold flying right at the hypnosis ankheg's head.
20:15 <•Kotono> roll 1d20 touch AC mostly just a quick 1 check
20:15 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 touch AC mostly just a quick 1 check --> [ 1d20=12 ]{12}
20:15 <•Kotono> roll 4d8
20:15 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d8 --> [ 4d8=25 ]{25}
20:18 <•Kotono> The orb of ice hits dead on, the already wounded fire ankheg crynig out. It rears back from the hit, arching up and out of it's tunnel as meanwhile...OOC: Skaya, go. Rina dazed paid off.
20:18 <•Kotono>  Init is Skaya = Rina (31) > Ceiling Fire Ankheg 2 (18) > Fire Ankheg 3 (13) > Anne (12) > Devar (11) >  Liza (7)
20:19 <Skaya> OOC: Where was that wounded ankheg in init? Did it run away before I could act? Can I still chase after it?
20:21 <•Kotono> OOC: The one you hit had Rina finish it off. It's down.
20:21 <•Kotono> OOC: You two one-twoed it pretty hard.
20:21 <Skaya> OOC: The hypnotic ankheg. It was hit twice and ran away just now.
20:22 <•Kotono> OOC: Oh, it just came out of its burrow tunnel. It didn't flee the fight. It's still there.
20:22 <Skaya> Since the hypnotic ankheg came over for a visit, it should stay a while! With a flap of her wings, Skaya chases after it!
20:23 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13+7 inspiration!
20:23 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13+7 inspiration! --> [ 1d20=18 ]{38}
20:23 <Skaya> roll 3d6+6+1d8
20:23 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+6+1d8 --> [ 3d6=4 1d8=4 ]{14}
20:28 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-423F0355.irccloud.com)
20:33 <•Kotono> WHAM! Another hit to it as it's knocked out, leaving it reeling with a kick to its center mass. It's slashed, shocked, frosted and beaten, trying to right itself as meanwhile the ceiling ankheg...
20:33 <•Kotono> roll 1d2 coin flip here 1 Rina 2 Anne
20:33 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d2 coin flip here 1 Rina 2 Anne --> [ 1d2=2 ]{2}
20:34 <•Kotono> Rears back and spits out a huge glob of burning fluid right at Anne.
20:34 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+9 touch AC
20:34 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 touch AC --> [ 1d20=15 ]{24}
20:34 <•Kotono> roll 10d6 fire Anne
20:34 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 10d6 fire Anne --> [ 10d6=27 ]{27}
20:35 <•Kotono> Anne's hit on the side, her armor catching ablaze. It doesn't char, magically protected, but it grows hotter and hotter. Worse yet, the flames aren't going out right away. OOC: More.
20:35 <•Kotono> Init is Skaya = Rina (31) > Ceiling Fire Ankheg 2 (18) > Fire Ankheg 3 (13) > Anne (12 on fire) > Devar (11) >  Liza (7)
20:36 <•Kotono> As that happens, suddenly near  Liza, a third ankheg emerges. It bursts out from the ground and immediately spews flaming breath Liza's way, engulfing her fast.
20:36 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13 Liza good luck
20:36 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 Liza good luck --> [ 1d20=4 ]{17}
20:36 <•Kotono> roll 10d6
20:36 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 10d6 --> [ 10d6=32 ]{32}
20:37 <•Kotono> Init is Skaya = Rina (31) > Ceiling Fire Ankheg 2 (18) > Fire Ankheg 4 (15) >  Fire Ankheg 3 (13) > Anne (12 on fire) > Devar (11) >  Liza (7)
20:38 <•Kotono> Liza cries out as she's touched on fire, flames surrounding her. She staggers away from it, patting out flames across herself as the sorely wounded, hypnotic ankheg focuses on that, another display once more.  OOC: It's hoping to get lucky since it's in trouble. Will again, all.
20:38 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+17 Anne
20:38 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+17 Anne --> [ 1d20=16 ]{33}
20:38 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10 Rina
20:38 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 Rina --> [ 1d20=4 ]{14}
20:38 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Liza
20:38 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 Liza --> [ 1d20=14 ]{26}
20:38 <Devar> roll 1d20+14
20:38 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{30}
20:39 <Skaya> roll 1d20+10+7 inspiration some more
20:39 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+10+7 inspiration some more --> [ 1d20=11 ]{28}
20:40 <•Kotono> Init is Skaya = Rina (31 dazed 1) > Ceiling Fire Ankheg 2 (18) > Fire Ankheg 4 (15) >  Fire Ankheg 3 (13) > Anne (12 on fire) > Devar (11) >  Liza (7)
20:42 <•Kotono> Rina is again captivated by the flames, but everyone else resists. It doesn't save the ankheg as Anne burns away, and promply occupies herself trying not to burn to death. She drops with a clang of armor, rolling around desperately.
20:42 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+15
20:42 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{31}
20:42 <Skaya> "Devar, it's already dead! It's definitely dead, so help Anne and Liza!" Skaya cries out, brandishing her kama at the hypnotic ankheg.
20:43 <•Kotono> Yet whatever these fires are, it doesn't help. She keeps burning away, unable to stop it. It only spreads, "Magical," Anne calls out, "It's resisting going out! I need to go back to the lake!"  OOC: More.
20:43 <•Kotono> Init is Skaya = Rina (31 dazed 1) > Ceiling Fire Ankheg 2 (18) > Fire Ankheg 4 (15) >  Fire Ankheg 3 = Anne's Flames (13) > Anne (12 on fire) > Devar (11) >  Liza (7)
20:44 <•Kotono> OOC: Devar, go.
20:47 <Devar> OOC: Are Anne and Liza close enough for an area dispel magic to hit them both?
20:47 <Skaya> OOC: Liza isn't on fire, and you'll dispel the fire resist
20:48 <•Kotono> OOC: You could if you wish.
20:49 <Devar> OOC: Okay, so then I guess secondary question, do I think I can just dispel the flames on Anne without affecting anything else if I target just her, or would I need time to do that?
20:53 <•Kotono> OOC: Targeted dispel affects anything on them.
20:54 <Devar> OOC: Okay.
20:55 <Devar> Devar takes the cue and flies over to Anne - he doesn't have much on him that can help here, so he puts the front of Storm's Eye into the flames all over Anne. "Sorry buddy - I know you can eat magic items, you think can eat this fire up? I'll pay you back later!" He calls out. If it works - great, if not, he can help heal Anne if need be.
20:57 <•Kotono> There's a grunt, "It's not magic, whatever it is," is the call back, "It's something natural and tenacious. Also hot hot hot hot hot!"
20:59 <Devar> "Well, then it sounds like regular water might work!" He shouts. "Just hold on, we'll get this sorted." He calls out.
21:04 <•Kotono> Liza promptly retreats back, carefully heading towards the wounded but not down hypnotic ankheg.  She draws out a little carved wand and gestures with it, no archery in a cramped battle. Magic missiles fly, hitting dead on.
21:04 <•Kotono> roll 3d4+3
21:04 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d4+3 --> [ 3d4=5 ]{8}
21:09 <•Kotono> Those missiles hit the gravely wounded creature and it falls back, no more fight in it. It's lying there, broken. Got it! Two more remain as...OOC: More.
21:10 <•Kotono> Init is Skaya = Rina (31 dazed 1) > Ceiling Fire Ankheg 2 (18) > Fire Ankheg 4 (15) > Anne's Flames (13) > Anne (12 on fire) > Devar (11) >  Liza (7)
21:10 <•Kotono> OOC: Skaya, Rina pays off dazed again.
21:10 <•Kotono> Init is Skaya = Rina (31) > Ceiling Fire Ankheg 2 (18) > Fire Ankheg 4 (15) > Anne's Flames (13) > Anne (12 on fire) > Devar (11) >  Liza (7)
21:10 <Skaya> With a nod of acknowledgement at Liza, Skaya rushes the ceiling ankheg to put an end to it!
21:11 <Skaya> roll 1d20+15 charge~
21:11 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+15 charge~ --> [ 1d20=10 ]{25}
21:11 <Skaya> roll 3d6+6+1d8
21:11 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+6+1d8 --> [ 3d6=10 1d8=7 ]{23}
21:15 <•Kotono> Flying into the air, Skaya hits it right on its upside down head. That's a loud thunk from the blow, rocking it back and forth. It leaves it reeling before it lunges in at Skaya, retorting with a strong, vicious chomp.
21:15 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12
21:15 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{28}
21:15 <•Kotono> OOC:" AC?
21:16 <Skaya> OOC: 29 due to charging
21:21 <•Kotono> It's the narrowest of misses. Skaya evades at the last second, shoulder unbitten. The two square up as then the remaining ankheg that just came up quickly burrows back and down, seeming to think better of it. It retreats as...
21:21 <•Kotono> roll 10d6
21:21 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 10d6 --> [ 10d6=33 ]{33}
21:22 <•Kotono> At the same time Anne continues to burn, her armor heating up. She flees back now that the way is clear, flyign straight up as fast as she can. OOC: Anne's heading to water and hoping that helps. Devar, go.
21:24 <Devar> Since things seem handled and he was entrusted to make sure, Devar flies after Anne just to be safe!
21:26 <•Kotono> Anne's about halfway back up, flying back at a good clip. Devar goes with her as she cries out in pain, "Help, L-Lady Jetina," as she does. The same wand is meanwhile used again, magic missiles flying.
21:26 <•Kotono> roll 3d4+3
21:26 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d4+3 --> [ 3d4=12 ]{15}
21:27 <•Kotono> A direct hit, the ankheg further pummeled. It rears back and is knocked around again, the missiles hitting it hard. It leaves it in a state as Skaya...OOC: Skaya and Rina. Go.
21:28 — Skaya attacks it with the power of her boots, not letting it recover!
21:28 <Skaya> roll 4#1d20+14
21:28 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 4#1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{33}, [ 1d20=14 ]{28}, [ 1d20=2 ]{16}, [ 1d20=19 ]{33}
21:28 <Skaya> roll 1d20+9
21:28 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{23}
21:28 <Skaya> roll 3d6+6+1d8
21:28 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+6+1d8 --> [ 3d6=7 1d8=3 ]{16}
21:28 <Skaya> roll 3d6+6+1d8
21:28 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+6+1d8 --> [ 3d6=15 1d8=1 ]{22}
21:28 <Skaya> roll 3d6+6+1d8
21:28 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+6+1d8 --> [ 3d6=10 1d8=6 ]{22}
21:28 <Skaya> roll 3d6+6+1d8
21:28 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+6+1d8 --> [ 3d6=9 1d8=2 ]{17}
21:32 <•Kotono> Three crunching blows land. All of them hit the already wounded ankheg and knock it silly, enough for it to slide out of its t unnel. Rock falls with it, landing as it shakes the ground. For the moment at least, the battle seems over. OOC: Free act.
21:34 <Skaya> "Let's hurry and see if Anne needs any healing," Skaya says, picking up Liza before taking off.
21:37 <•Kotono> Anne continues to race up as the party follows, Rina calls, "It should have attacked me," she complains, as...
21:37 <•Kotono> roll 10d6
21:37 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 10d6 --> [ 10d6=43 ]{43}
21:38 <•Kotono> Meanwhile, Devar sees Anne break out and to the lake. She arches towards it, flying as fast as she can and...
21:38 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4 dex check if she's fast enough to avoid more pain.
21:38 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 dex check if she's fast enough to avoid more pain. --> [ 1d20=4 ]{8}
21:38 <•Kotono> roll 10d6 not her day
21:38 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 10d6 not her day --> [ 10d6=28 ]{28}
21:41 <•Kotono> With a huge hiss of steam and smoke, Anne plunges into the waters head first. She completely immerses herself, not coming back up immediately. More steam does arise, however, as the party catches up.
21:41 — Skaya puts Liza down and dives into the lake after taking a deep breath of fresh air!
21:42 <•Kotono> Skaya finds Anne down there, trying to brush off the fluid the ankheg got on her. It steams and hisses even down here, and resists being wiped off. Anne scowls before she sees Skaya approach, before she tosses her shield up and out of the water. She then points at her breastplate, starting to struggle out of it.
21:43 — Skaya first heals Anne up before helping her take the gear off.
21:43 <Skaya> OOC: +23 hp
21:44 <•Kotono> Meanwhile above water, Rina startles as Anne's shield comes flying up and lands on the shore. "What the-" she begins, only to be cut off as then her breastplate follows, then more of her armor as well as her mace. Notably, they can see they still steam and crackle once out of the water, the fluid the ankheg spat on her still smeared across it.
21:45 <Skaya> 'Devar, can you wipe that off?' Skaya communicates to him telepathically.
21:45 <•Kotono> At this Rina goes over and runs a finger along it and watches in bemusement as fire slowly burns harmlessly on her finger. "I wonder if this is something you could do alchemically?" she muses.
21:46 <Devar> Devar will try just manually - and if that doesn't work, see if Presdigitation will solve it!
21:46 <Devar> OOC: Strike that since Rina beat me to it!
21:46 <Devar> "We can try and collect some, I guess?" Devar offers. "It might help us figure out why they're even on fire."
21:48 <•Kotono> Meanwhile Anne takes off all her armor. Her underpadding is badly burnt and torn away, leaving her in her burnt unmentionables. Her boots likewise slip away as more of her magical gear is thrown up to safety. She scowls and even removes those, then make sa show of pointing at herself and then Skaya, and a shielding motion with her arms.
21:49 <•Kotono> "Probably not worth it," Rina keeps working, "Too many things burn." A soft click of her tongue, "I'll see if anyone knows anything later, it might have a magical or alchemical equivalent."
21:49 — Skaya peers at her for a moment before shaking her head and gesturing for Anne to wait. Then, from her haversack, she retrieves a blanket that she then wraps around Anne before picking her up and swimming for the surface.
21:50 <Devar> He nods and will help get the muck off. For no reason in particular, he also dismisses Storm's Eye.
21:50 <•Kotono> That works well, a wet blanket or not. Once up Anne takes a breath of air, no hurry before, "Fly me to my holy symbol. I'd like to heal myself further."
21:50 <•Kotono> At least Storm's Eye only lets it go with a laugh. That's progress, right?
21:51 <Skaya> "Before even that, how about I fly you to just around the corner and you put on that spare outfit? It's a nice set of dress shirt and pants."
21:52 <Devar> "I can heal you and the others so you don't have to spend any resources, if you want." Devar offers.
21:52 <•Kotono> "Please," Anne says to both, sounding grateful.
21:52 <•Kotono> Rina keeps working, "I should have this off. If you smear it enough it only smoulders rather than burns."
21:54 <Devar> He nods to Skaya so she can take care of the decency issue first. "Hmm... it likely isn't related to what that wyrm had inside of them from a while ago, right? That was magical, while this seems natural?" Devar asks of Rina.
21:54 — Skaya makes sure to provide Anne with a chance to make herself presentable in borrowed clothes.
21:58 <•Kotono> Anne dresses without incident. Meanwhile Rina considers that as Liza fights off a faint blush, gaze drifting to where Anne and Skaya went. "Probably not, but then again, maybe this group killed one and it changed them?"
21:58 <Skaya> "Let's get you healed before any other monsters show up," Skaya tells Anne with a grin.
21:59 <Devar> "Hmm... maybe." Devar says. "I guess it's also possible these things are from before we were able to fix that elemental artifact. But if that's where they're from there's not really a lot we can do about it."
22:00 <Devar> "I'm doubtful they are, because I feel like if they had been we'd have heard of 'fire ankhegs' before, you know?" He says. "Since these are a recent problem..."
22:00 <•Kotono> "Desperately so," Anne hurries back, "Devar," She says, wincing, "Before the pain of the burns kicks in any more. Please."
22:02 <Devar> "Oh - sure, sorry, here we go." He says, channeling healing energy into everyone much like Anne has done dozens of times before!
22:03 <Devar> roll 5#3d6 if this isn't enough he'll do more
22:03 <Kobot> Devar rolled 5#3d6 if this isn't enough he'll do more --> [ 3d6=10 ]{10}, [ 3d6=14 ]{14}, [ 3d6=7 ]{7}, [ 3d6=6 ]{6}, [ 3d6=8 ]{8}
22:03 <Devar> OOC: 45 total it looks like for everyone but Devar
22:04 <•Kotono> Healing comes...next time! OOC: Nasty little fight there, mostly for the bad luck for Anne to get that attack rather than Rina.

[Corwin]

19:04 <•Kotono> Injuries heal. Anne lets out a noise of profound relief, "Thank you," she says, "That was miserable."
19:04 <•Kotono> "Are there signs of any more," She asks a moment later, "I lost track of things."
19:06 <Devar> "I hadn't noticed, but it's easy enough to bait them out." Devar says. "Still... these definitely aren't your usual type, even accounting for them being fiery."
19:06 <Skaya> "At least one is around, as that one escaped," Skaya muses. "Want to try hunting them again?"
19:09 <Devar> "It means less for others to deal with, and we might find some clues." Devar agrees. "We can just keep going the way we were."
19:10 <•Kotono> "We need to," Rina agrees, "Though we may have scared it off."
19:11 <•Kotono> "Then it becomes someone else's problem, ultimately," Anne seconds.
19:11 <Skaya> "We can switch and have Devar play bait for now? See if something bites?"
19:12 <Devar> He nods.
19:13 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay then, going back the way you were going before the battle?
19:15 <Skaya> OOC: Sure. I'll carry Liza, Anne can help Rina
19:20 <•Kotono> The party goes back down that tunnel. The ancient, water worn passages lead deeper into the earth, several minutes of flying and walking. No sign of an attack. Instead you come to a dead end with a stone archway set into the rock, filled with more dwarven writings.
19:21 <Devar> Devar will read the writing to the others! Another tomb...?
19:21 — Skaya can read Dwarven! And does.
19:24 <•Kotono> It looks to be various benedictions to Moradin and the dwarven pantheon, as well as a simple message: Beyond lies the Valley of Echoing Rivers. Only enter if you wish to see the remains of the past.
19:25 <•Kotono> "
19:25 <Skaya> "Do you want to see the echoes of the past?"
19:26 <•Kotono> "I never imagined Mellanics was built above tombs of the Last Day," Anne reflects thoughtfully, "I admit I am quite curious, but how do we pass through the rock?"
19:26 <Skaya> "We wish to see the remains of the past," Skaya says in Dwarven. Given where she'd found herself previously, it's very clear someone above is listening.
19:27 <•Kotono> Nothing immediately happens.
19:27 <Devar> "I don't get the sense that we need to for our current investigation." Devar says. "I'm... pretty sure-" he stops, then gestures at Skaya. "Either that or praying."
19:29 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13
19:29 <•Kotono> OOC: And Kobot is down thanks to power outage. One sec.
19:30 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@50CC1EE1.824CEC3E.8C013F7F.IP)
19:30 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13
19:30 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{14}
19:30 <•Kotono> "Perhaps. I'm not versed in the finer points of dwarven religion, or much about it at all," Anne confesses.
19:31 <•Kotono> Liza looks on at herself, "There could also be a lot of treasure down there, too."
19:31 <•Kotono> "Or one of us could swim ahead?" Rina suggests, "And see if it's even worth it."
19:32 <Skaya> "No doubt about it, but we're only invited to see the past, not take from it. Or we'll probably have to stay behind forever?" Plus it feels pretty wrong. "Rina, want to try and swim ahead a bit, then?"
19:32 <•Kotono> "I'm up for it," Rina does just that, swimming on in. She doesn't return immediately, so thus you wait. As you do? "I haven't seen signs of more ankheg activity. Have you?"
19:32 <•Kotono> "I'm up for it," Rina does just that, swimming on in. She doesn't return immediately, so thus you wait. As you do? "I haven't seen signs of more ankheg activity. Have you?" Anne asks.
19:33 <•Kotono> Liza shakes her head, "We're not even on Fire or an associated plane and we ran into this. Meanwhile they're probably in a cozy port right about now."
19:33 <Skaya> "None so far. But you never know with those things."
19:34 <Devar> "There may be wards around that keep them at bay." Devar says. "Unless they somehow came from the rivers themselves, which strikes me as unlikely."
19:40 <•Kotono> Anne rests in the meantime, leaning against a wall and her eyes mostly closed. "This isn't so remote that no one knew about it," Anne reasons, "I suspect that the truth of it was forgotten over time instead. Possibly as a consequence of the war."
19:41 <•Kotono> "No way they'd swim in rivers. I can't imagine a fire creature that would," Liza agrees, "That's never happening." She creeps closer to Skaya in the meantime.
19:42 <Devar> "If the history just became that there some blocked off tunnels, yeah, I can see why people would forget about it." Devar says. "Though is that the right thing? A monument to those who lost their lives shouldn't just be hidden away."
19:43 <Skaya> "Originally, I thought it best to seal it back off. But if there's more here, aside from that crypt, then maybe we should actually help make it more accessible instead?"
19:45 <Devar> Devar nods to Skaya, "I don't know how many Moridian... Moridinite... Followers of Moridin there are around here but this would certainly be something you'd think would be a place of pilgrimage for them."
19:46 <Devar> OOC: pretend I spelled Moradin right there
19:49 <•Kotono> "Myself as well, but perhaps the dwarves left this region altogether afterwards?" Anne ventures, "A chance to make a new start, far away from here."
19:50 <•Kotono> "Ah!" Rina takes a breath of air as she emerges back, her eyes wide and wild.
19:50 <•Kotono> "Rina?" Anne turns, "Are you hurt?"
19:50 <Devar> "That might be what's in...oh, hey, you okay?"
19:51 <•Kotono> "I'm unharmed," Rina breathes out, "It's just that - oh, you'll see it. It's an incredible sight."
19:51 — Skaya looks between the stone and Rina before relaxing. "Glad you're safe," she tells her friend. "Did you see the obvious way in?"
19:52 <•Kotono> "I didn't see a way in, but I went down a ways further and saw that valley. It's," she licks her lips, "You have to see it yourselves."
19:53 <Devar> Well, there's no harm in trying the direct route - Devar takes a moment to say a prayer to Moradin to allow them safe passage to the Rivers.
19:54 <•Kotono> Nothing happens.
19:55 <Skaya> Could it be a matter of skill? Perhaps they need to find their way in? Skaya searches for a mechanism that might allow for it, or a secret door-- actually, isn't an elf here? That's their specialty!
19:55 <Skaya> OOC: Perception 10 for 30
19:56 <Devar> OOC: take 10 for 27 on K:R - if there's something religious here maybe he needs to say. If there isn't a button!
19:57 <•Kotono> OOC: Liza will aid Skaya.
19:59 <•Kotono> Skaya looks around. There's no sign of a secret door anywhere, hidden lever sor anything like that. Liza does the same, "I really don't see anything," She murmurs as she searches with Skaya. Meanwhile Devar thinks. Nothing comes to mind 100%, but there's a good chance dwarven heritage matters for it, or that it's a working of clerical magical, or even presenting a holy symbol of Moradin or
19:59 <•Kotono> similar.
20:01 <Devar> "Hey, Anne? Can you try holding up your holy symbol?" Devar asks. "We might need one of the dwarven faith either in the form of a symbol or an actual follower... but this might work too."
20:02 <Skaya> "You know," Skaya muses. "There is a very simple solution. Let's return to the Guild to report our success, and see if there's a free dwarf who's interested in a quick visit."
20:10 <•Kotono> Anne holds up her holy symbol. Nothing happens. Afterwards, "We may as well," Rina says, "We've done our part and more."
20:12 <Skaya> Since there seems to be agreement, Skaya leads the way back.
20:15 <•Kotono> The trip back is unremarkable. The last of the fires seem to have been dealt with and your return is unremarkable. Once out in fresh air, you go back to report. As you might expect, you're escorted back to see Milla. She has a half eaten plate of chicken smothered in a rich gravy as she goes over paperwork. Her look up is sharp, "Is the problem eliminated?"
20:15 <Skaya> "You can never tell with the burrowers," Skaya admits. "But we killed a lot of them, including one with weird mind powers. Only one was confirmed to have escaped, so that'll have to do."
20:16 <•Kotono> "As best we could," Anne agrees.
20:17 <•Kotono> "A relief, and now we have fire relief to manage along with everything else," Milla complains, "How does father manage this job?" she says in exasperation. "It's like jugging a hundred balls at once."
20:18 <Devar> "I doubt he ever had to deal with a dragon under the city." Devar says. "Oh, we should find Sanda and fill her in."
20:18 <Skaya> "We did discover something pretty amazing underneath the city," Skaya voices. "Want to come and see it with us?"
20:23 <•Kotono> Milla looks up at that, "What did you find?"
20:23 <•Kotono> "There's an entire valley down there," Rina cuts in, "There's terrances b uilt into the sides of that serve as a city, and a tthe bottom I could see a huge river. The view's breath-taking from above."
20:24 <•Kotono> A long, slow blink from Milla. "That's impossible." Her words come right away, paperwork put down. "How would something like that be unknown?"
20:26 <Skaya> "It's a remnant from the Last Day," Skaya tells her. "There are countless graves of dwarves, too, for those who died then so that they're not forgotten."
20:26 ↔ Devar nipped out 
20:27 <Devar> "Maybe people were made to forget?" Devar offers.
20:28 <•Kotono> "I wouldn't believe it from any hero's mouth, but all of you?  Also, I don't believe my father knew nothing about that," Milla says thoughtfully, "Does one of you feel like a flight to the capital? I'd like to rule out that he knows nothing, or that no one up there does."
20:28 <Skaya> "Before that, I wanted to recruit a dwarf who's interested in opening the front door. We did kind of sneak in from the back."
20:33 <•Kotono> "I'll find you one, I want to see more," Milla agrees to that readily, "When do you want them?"
20:33 <Skaya> "We can actually travel again after a short rest? Maybe a bit of a lunch break?"
20:35 <•Kotono> "It'll take a little while longer to get one, we don't have that many dwarves in Mellanics," Milla counters with, "And the most likely one's out of town until tonight, regardless."
20:35 <Devar> "I can make the trip over to Picke." Devar offers.
20:36 <Skaya> "That works, then."
20:42 <•Kotono> "Then, in the meantime," Anne begins, as...OOC: Okay, so Devar' sgoing to go talk to Picke, what about the rest of you?
20:43 <Skaya> OOC: No plans! Surprise me!
20:46 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:46 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=18 ]{18}
20:55 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, #dunes Devar.

[Corwin]

20:56 <•Kotono> You get everyone back together. Anne departs to see to her charges, while Skaya ends up in a different position. Sitting in a restaurant for a meal, a noisy tavern. The only problem? Sanda sits on one side and Liza the other, boxing you in.
20:57 <•Kotono> Rina sits away from all of this, drinking a mug of ale and watching, not hiding her smile as well as she should.
20:58 <Skaya> Is it enviable? Or is it terrible? In the end, that depends on someone actually making the first move, and Skaya is not keen on that. Not after the reaction she got from joking with Liza just-- was it only yesterday? Clearly, she needs more time to get a better read on her.
20:58 <Skaya> "What do you think of Mellanics so far?" she asks the elf, opting for a safer topic.
21:00 <•Kotono> Amid the noise of conversation all around, "It's a human city. Always so busy," Liza comments, "Though the food can sometimes be interesting, if it's not too primitive."
21:00 <•Kotono> Sanda goes on, "Statistically speaking, people who live in trees are much more likely to be primitive. It's harder to advance that way, you know."
21:01 <•Kotono> Liza's smile is kind and restrained, "Then you haven't seen an elven city. I'm sorry that you're too inexperienced for that."
21:02 <•Kotono> "On the other hand, human cities have great entertainments," Rina banters back, "Speaking of entertainment, it's too bad Anne couldn't join us."
21:04 <Skaya> Ah, of course, no topic is safe. "It's pretty hard to talk about this sort of thing," Skaya muses, starting with the soup. She'll definitely remember this and repay Rina, yes she will. "Gnomes are famous for delicate devices, dwarves for their work in the forge. Elves really do leave their seal on magic and enchantments, while humans do a bit of everything and are everpresent. Though what humans are really known for is-- erm, yes.
21:04 <Skaya> Heroism."
21:11 <•Kotono> "Heroism," Sanda agrees, "We've the ones who save the day. Logically speaking, it makes sense. We have the most motivation to."
21:12 <•Kotono> "Short lives," Rina reflects, "Most other races live longer."
21:12 <Skaya> "Plus there's just more humans than every other mortal race combined. That's how it often feels like, anyway."
21:12 <•Kotono> "Humans are very populous here," Sanda agrees, "There's elves south in Gorgeland, I know."
21:13 <•Kotono> Liza counters that with, "I know of worlds where elves are as numerous as the sands on the beach, and humans little more than savage curiosities."
21:13 <•Kotono> "Yes, but that's not this world," Rina counters back with, "At least not here. Who knows farther away?"
21:14 <Skaya> "I suppose when you reach infinity comparisons like these become a bit silly, but the math makes sense!" Skaya protests.
21:15 <•Kotono> "We could go visit them sometime," Liza offers Skaya, leaning in a little. "There's wonders there that you wouldn't believe."
21:16 <Skaya> "I always did want to visit elven lands," Skaya readily agrees.
21:16 <•Kotono> Sanda leans in a little as well, "There's wonders everywhere, elven ones aren't that unique. Just under the city alone sounds fascinating now."
21:16 <•Kotono> Liza ignores Sanda in favor of, "The next time we get pulled into elven lands," she promises.
21:19 <•Kotono> Rina relaxes with it all, before, "I don't know maybe the three of you should go. Together, have fun, get to know each other."
21:19 <•Kotono> The glare Rina gets from Sanda is frosty, Liza's haughty. Neither looks amused with her at the moment, but Rina keeps on drinking her ale, unbothered.
21:20 <Skaya> "Maybe we can go for a friendly swim together?"
21:20 <•Kotono> "Oh, is the ocean or a good lake nearby, or maybe a hidden spring?" Liza asks, "Washing up would be nice."
21:21 <•Kotono> For once, Sanda agrees, "That sounds like the best idea you've had all day, Skaya."
21:21 <Skaya> "Any of those is fine, Rina loves the exercise."
21:22 <•Kotono> "I'll leave all of you to that," Rina demures instead, "I'm not looking to splash around except for cleaning myself today." Her voice sounds less happy on that.
21:23 <•Kotono> "A good soak and swim will do all of us good," Sanda counters, "It's a great idea."
21:25 <Skaya> "Any good places around here for that, Sanda?" Skaya asks her. Sanda is a real local, after all, and it would be interesting to get her opinion.
21:33 <•Kotono> "At this time of the year, no. Not with any sense of privacy." Sanda decides, "We'd need to go somewhere more remote."
21:34 <•Kotono> In more thought, "Maybe after we settle things undergorund tomorrow, if we're still here."
21:34 <•Kotono> *ground
21:34 <•Kotono> Liza sits back, "I suppose being bombarded with other people fighting the heat would be troublesome."
21:35 <Skaya> "I wonder if there's a spell to create a temporary bathing spring. It surely will be easier than a whole mansion!"
21:38 <•Kotono> "It must be. I could look?" Sanda suggests, getting up. "Why don't the two of us go shop around and see, Skaya?"
21:39 <•Kotono> Liza rises, "I think I'd like to join you, thank you."
21:39 <•Kotono> "That's really not needed, enjoy the meal," Sanda says through grit teeth, "Rina's a great conversationalist."
21:40 <•Kotono> "It's that and the noble title that gets me by," Rina says dryly.
21:42 <Skaya> "You know what, isn't this a great chance to take a glance at your shop, Sanda?" Skaya says, standing up herself. "Let's go take a look. Liza, you haven't seen it before-- ah, don't worry about Rina, she can eat everything here on her own. She'll be fine."
21:50 <•Kotono> Rina waves good naturedly, "You all good have fun," she says, "I'll see you later, Skaya."
21:51 <Skaya> "Perhaps, when you least expect it. Sweet dreams, Rina~"

[Corwin]

20:58 <•Kotono> Darkness has fallen by the time you reach Laremy City. By now you know the way in, and finding Picke isn't hard. He's high up in one of the many towers, standing a mostly empty room. Only a few comfortable couches are here, along with a rack of wood for the fireplace. He's looking out over at Laremy City, hands behind his back as he takes in the night time view.
21:00 <Devar> "Sorry to ruin the view." Devar says first, "I wouldn't be here if it weren't relatively important. Are you aware of what happened in Mellanics?"
21:03 <•Kotono> "I've been busy all day," Picke turns to you. It's not hard tos ee the exhaustion on his face, "You know, I came up here for peace and quiet." Nonetheless he goes to a couch here, "Don't let that silence you. I know that you'd not be here lightly."
21:06 <Devar> "There was a dragon under the city taking a nap for a few hundred years. It woke up." Devar says. "We saved who we could - the city is still standing, the actual damage is minor given the subject matter."
21:14 <•Kotono> "Oh. Yes. Him." Picke sounds annoyed, "Did anyone try talking to him before attacking?"
21:16 <Devar> "I chatted with him on his way out. No one attacked him - well, an ankheg did that he ate, it's why he woke up." Devar says. "Your daughter isn't going to be thrilled when I tell her you knew about it."
21:18 <•Kotono> "Wasn't my choice. It's a long story, but I was ordered not to speak that I knew he existed." Picke explains as he lets his head rest back, "At least you were there and defused the problem. Did it cost you anything?"
21:20 <Devar> "He's going to be back in a few weeks but I have a feeling he's just going to fall asleep somewhere." Devar says. "I never promised him anything but said we'd trade with him. If he comes back demanding something then we can figure it out. Did you know about all the dwarven stuff down there too?" He
21:20 <Devar> asks - his voice isn't judgmental, just curious.
21:21 <•Kotono> A blink. A genuine look of surprise before, "Dwarven what now?"
21:23 <Devar> "There's basically a mausoleum down under some caverns. Big lake, too. Further down is some river and a big valley apparently." Devar says. "I'm guessing our dragon friend was blocking the way."
21:33 <•Kotono> "An actual colony of dwarves? That doesn't make sense," Picke says, "We'd have seen some sign of that."
21:41 <Devar> "No, none living." Devar says. "We think they moved on sometime right after the Final Days." He explains. "We are trying to figure out the best and safest way to show people."
21:50 <•Kotono> "I'll have to tell the Queen about this," Picke gets up, "What is there to know?"
21:53 <Devar> "Not much beyond what I know - there's an enchanted mausoleum dedicated to those who died in the fights during that time." He says. "The others are trying to find a dwarf to help open the way further."
21:54 <•Kotono> "Have Milla keep me informed," Picke says, "So a dragon and dwarves. What else?"
21:55 <Devar> "Besides the fire ankhegs I think that's it for today." He says. "Anything on that Clearwater piece? Has our merchant friend helped at all?"

[Corwin]

19:15 <•Kotono> "Yes, they did," Picke nods a tthat, "He got in today, magic was involved. The details aren't important, but someone did us a favor."
19:16 <Devar> "I had a feeling it may come to that." Devar says, but he sounds relieved. "Given what we were told about it."
19:22 <•Kotono> "It's fortunate," Picke smiles a little "It could have gone much worse. So," he gets up, "No time like the present."
19:24 <Devar> "I admit, I've been curious." Devar says.
19:31 <•Kotono> "Let's go," Picke says, and as he starts to lead you along, "You and all of you seem to attract trouble."
19:34 <Devar> Devar can't help but laugh at that.
19:37 <•Kotono> Picke joins in as you go along and...OOC: Sec, this might be family.
23:16 <•Kotono> Picke joins in as you go along. It's not a terribly long walk, into one of the many guest quarters. A few guards stand outside of it, who nod respectfully at Picke. "No one's made trouble, sir."
23:16 <•Kotono> "Good. Jus tin case," Pick ementions you as yo ugo.
23:17 <Devar> Devar nods to him. "No, best not to take chances."
23:21 <•Kotono> Inside are a few more guards, standing around a simple wooden box. Nothing fancy, but it is locked. Picke takes out a key and goes to open it, the guest room otherwise empty.
23:22 <Devar> Devar idly wonders if the room is somehow warded against teleportation, but decides not to ask and just watch.
23:25 <•Kotono> Inside that box is a smaller box, polished wood. A jewelry box. "All yours, it's inside," Picke passes it over.
23:25 <Devar> Devar will rather reverently open the box to peer inside. OOC: Unless given a reason not to, he will cast Identify on it too, unsurprisingly.
23:31 <•Kotono> Within the box is an amulet in the shape of a water droplet. You scan it and...OOC: Loot.
23:31 <•Kotono> "Is that the last of it, or do you need to find more?" Picke asks in the meantime.
23:33 <Devar> "I believe this is it." Devar says. He carefully removes it from the box to put it on after taking his other necklace off.
23:42 <•Kotono> You feel knowledge settle into you. As you realize it? (OOC: Loot.) You see something. All of Laremy City, freezing and gasping for water, pawing at snow and ice.
23:47 <Devar> Devar blinks, then blinks again. He turns slowly to Picke. "What's the status of the water supplies for the city? I think I may have some work ahead of me."
23:50 <•Kotono> Picke's answer isn't fit for polite society, and after a few choice comments, "There's never a good reason to ask that. Explain."
23:52 <Devar> "I saw a vision - much like we've been seeing them for the upcoming winter." Devar explains. "The citizens, the people of the city, freezing in the cold, but somehow still thirsty, desperately trying to get to snow and ice to drink."
23:53 <•Kotono> "The river might freeze, and if that freezes wells may as well," Picke reflects, "But there's nothing stopping melt water to drink if needs must. That by itself wouldn't explain that."
23:54 <Devar> "Unless there's something special about the snow and ice that's coming." Devar says. "This is Auril we're talking about."
23:56 <•Kotono> "So it is," Picke says sourly, "More warning is good, but can those do anything about it?"
23:57 <Devar> "It's going to sound a little strange, but I understand why the pieces were important. With all of them I can create as much water as you or anyone else needs."
00:01 <•Kotono> A thoughtful nod at that, "That makes them important," Picke agrees, as...OOC: Okay, I don't want you getting too far ahead from Skaya, and this was mostly to pay off the long wait on that last piece, so let's pick up there next time.