036.2 Muirfinn and the trip to Brightwater

[Corwin]

[21:04] <Kotono> Muirfinn heads back out to the main hall. As he passes by the Medicant Golems, Lief zooms on by. He alights on Muirfinn's head, "Hey, Muirfinn!"
[21:04] * Muirfinn looks up. "Ah, hello Lief. How can I help you?"
[21:08] <Kotono> "Do you gamble at all," he asks, "Cards, dice, anything like that?"
[21:10] <Muirfinn> "Not usully...why?"
[21:11] <Kotono> "Oh. Kascha's organizing a celebratory trip for a few of us to Brightwater. Tymora's domain. We're going to go, drink, gamble and have ourselves a grand old time. I was wondering if you were a gambling man."
[21:12] <Muirfinn> "Well, I was actually hoping to head to Brightwater today anyhow. I'll join you." Muirfinn says.
[21:14] <Kotono> "Great! Bring some money and meet us all by the front gate in one hour!" Lief calls, flying off.
[21:16] * Muirfinn nods, going to retrieve his money pouch.
[21:20] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 11." [1d100=11]
[21:21] <Kotono> As you go back to your quarters, you come down one of the halls before it. Ahead of you are two people - Balyss and Stille. They're leaned in close, having a whispered conversation. Stille looks amused, Balyss with a hand on her hip and a bit piqued.
[21:21] * Muirfinn gives them the Big Blue Reptilian Eyeball and butts in. "Something wrong?"
[21:23] <Kotono> The two part swiftly, Balyss giving Muirfinn a long look and Stille just smiling, "No no, nothing at all," he says, "We were merely discussing the merits of various lovely women here, such as General Afina Petalwisp, Ithea, Canderella, Sylvie and other such."
[21:24] <Kotono> "You were," Balyss drawls, "I was chastising you for having a roaming eye. A man is supposed to be loyal to his current flame!"
[21:24] <Muirfinn> "Quite." Giving Stille an odd look. "I'm headed to Brightwater with the others. Something about gambling and Tymora's realm. Either of you interested in joining us?"
[21:24] <Kotono> "Appreciation of beauty is not a roaming eye, dear Balyss," Clearing his throat, "Besides, eladrin blood is not a sterling source of monogamy, no?"
[21:25] <Kotono> Balyss coughs at that, "Be that as it may - hm? Brightwater?" Perking up, "I've read lore that says it's a never ending carnival of celebrations, sales and pleasure!"
[21:26] <Muirfinn> "Something like that. It is a good place to commune with one's faith and find information as well. Most of the gods of goodness have churches or communities there."
[21:28] <Kotono> "Certainly. I've been...even you were, of course, dear Balyss," Stille says.
[21:28] <Kotono> Balyss grumps ever so lightly at it, "I was - for maybe 15 minutes. I had other things on my mind, anyway."
[21:34] <Kotono> "Still," Chuckling, "I'd love to come, and so would Balyss," Stille says, "When?"
[21:36] <Muirfinn> "Shortly. I am just heading to grab my own money now." Muirfinn replies.
[21:38] <Kotono> "Where do we meet?" Balyss says, after a glare at Stille. "I'm in."
[21:40] <Muirfinn> "Ah, at the gate when you are ready. Sorry, I am distracted."
[21:43] <Kotono> "Ah, of course. The heavenly beauty dear Balyss shines with distracts any red blooded man," Stille smiles understandingly, "I shall return briefly."
[21:43] <Kotono> "Stille!" Balyss half blushes as she glowers at him, "You get a lot of flattered ladies who wnat to string you up, don't you?"
[21:45] <Muirfinn> "My blood is actually blue." Muirfinn points out.
[21:46] <Kotono> Still, the two head off and away, as...
[21:52] <Kotono> Muirfinn, Lief, Kascha, Stille and Balyss all gather at the front gate. "This is everyone," she calls, "Are there any questions before we go?"
[21:53] * Muirfinn shakes his head.
[21:56] <Kotono> "I'm ready," Lief calls, "Let's celebrate!"
[21:56] <Kotono> "Join hands in a circle," Kascha calls, "I'll take us right over."
[21:59] * Muirfinn takes a pair of hands!
[22:07] <Kotono> With Stille's hand and Lief's hand, Muirfinn is transported! You stand in the golem realms at the shifting circle. Ahead of you are great festhalls and gambling houses, alit with dancing lights and faerie fire. Signs proclaim games of all sorts, a clashing cavalcade of sensory imput. People come and go, many openly drinking in the streets. The sound of laughter seems ever present, as if you stand amid a vast party.
[22:09] * Muirfinn blinks in surprise. "My. This is...much louder than I had expected."
[22:17] <Kotono> Stille grins, "It's Creation's biggest party," he says, "Shall we all?"
[22:17] <Kotono> Balyss looks about, starting to smile as well, "I know a festival when I see one, by Selune," she vows.
[22:17] <Kotono> Lief takes to the air, "I'm going to win a fortune on card games!" he declares, "They'll know me as the pixie that broken the bank in Brightwater!"
[22:21] * Muirfinn snorts. "Let's see what this is about then." As he wades into the crowds.

[Corwin]

[19:51] <Kotono> Thus the group heads into the crowd. You are barraged by noise and cheer and light, wading into it. The first building you pass is 'Fast Cash', a long rectangular affair, layered like a narrow cake. Lief stops here right away, "Fast money? Sounds like a winning idea."
[19:52] <Muirfinn> "I'm having trouble believing that they're simply allowing you to easily win." Muirfinn looks doubtful.
[19:54] <Kotono> "Of course not. It's all in the hands of Lady Tymora," Kascha giggles, "But I bet it's fun!"
[19:55] <Muirfinn> "Perhaps I need to see it in action then. Lead on, Lief."
[19:55] <Kotono> Lief is already heading within, as Stille watches him with a bemused smile. "I do think he's made up his mind to begin his grand fortune in there, no?"
[19:58] * Muirfinn nods, follwing to see what all the commotion is
[20:00] <Kotono> Thus the group heads within. Around the front is a raised platform, dozens of people looking out over its edge.  They cheer and catcall, looing at something below. Beautiful ladies of many species wander about, clad in silken shifts of gold, taking coins and wagers and passing back slips. A voice booms, "...and the Mercurial Flash has taken the lead with one lap left!" It comes from nowhere,
[20:00] <Kotono> deep and full of bass.
[20:01] * Muirfinn looks around. "What's a Mercurial Flash?"
[20:03] <Kotono> "Oh, I know what this is," Stille steps forward, "It's a racing track. The Mercurial Flash is likely one of the racers. I'll bet you good money there's a track down there." Hands in his pockets as he starts to walk forward, "You bet on which racer will win and each has individual odds."
[20:04] <Muirfinn> "Oh, like footracing?" Muirfinn says, understanding dawning.
[20:05] <Kotono> As Stille speaks, "...aaand Mercurial Flash is still ahead by three-no, make that two bodies. Two bodies and holding, coming around the halfway point of the last lap and now Windwild is making a comeback! He's only back one a half bodies, no one body! One body coming around the final turn and he's pushing! It's almost neck and neck, 200 feet to go and Mercurial Flash has found a final burst!
[20:05] <Kotono> Mercurial Flash is ahead by half a body and...Mercurial Flash wins!"
[20:05] <Kotono> "Yeah," Lief flutters up and comes back down, "I was hoping it was something I could participate in." Shrugging, "Why bet on something when you can bet on yourself instead and your skill?"
[20:06] * Muirfinn nods. "That makes sense."
[20:08] <Kotono> "Hm." Balyss smiles a bit, "It still sounds like fun. I'm going to go place a bet."
[20:08] <Kotono> "I'll go find osmething else. Catch up with me later," Lief calls, flying on out. Stille falls in with Balyss, Kascha lingering with Muirfinn for the moment.
[20:10] <Muirfinn> "Mmm. I still don't understand it." Muirfinn taps his beakish upper lip. "Logically, you would win significantly less often than you would lost. It takes a great deal into the hands of chance and fate. Are you a 'gambling woman,' Kascha?"
[20:13] <Kotono> "Oh!" Blushing at that, "Well um..." Scuffling down, "I think it's fun, as long as you don't expect to make money. That's why I wanted to come." Meanwhile Stille and Balyss head off to the top of the raised platform, Kascha going on, "You find a group with a game you enjoy and you have a lot of fun trying to win."
[20:16] <Muirfinn> "Oh! I see. It is more of a game that you pay to play, and occasionally it returns some of your money. In return, you get to have fun. It makes more sense now. I thought that the others intended to somehow exploit the system and get rich from it." Muirfinn nods, eyes scanning over the crowds now, looking for an opportinity to bet.
[20:17] <Kotono> "People try all the time. It usually doesn't work unless you cheat. Cheaters don't do well here," Lowering her voice to a whisper, "It's an affront to most of the faithful here, who feel you should leave it in Tymora's hands. It's a good way to get into a big fight." Meanwhile Muirfinn can see several of the betting girls. One is close - a blue skinned elf, webbed toed. She walks with less of
[20:17] <Kotono> the elven grace than usual, but still moves deceptively smoothly.
[20:19] * Muirfinn raises a scaly eyebrow. "An aquatic elf? Interesting. You don't see them much outside of the seas and Water." He waves her over.
[20:23] <Kotono> "Hello there!" Her voice is all cheer and sunshine, "The next race starts in 7 minutes. Would you like to hear the racers, get the odds or place a wager?"
[20:23] <Muirfinn> "All of the above, please."
[20:27] <Kotono> "This next one is a four wolf race. The racers are Valley's Pride, Molai, Three's Blessing and Pexam. The odds are 3-1, 12-1, 4-1 and 8-1. How much would you like to wager and on which racer?"
[20:29] <Muirfinn> "Hmm." Muirfinn rubs his chin. "Valley's Pride would be the safe bet, but this is Tymora's realm. Twenty gold on Pexam, then."
[20:30] <Kotono> The gold is taken and a slip is written out, passed to Muirfinn. "Thank you, enjoy! Good luck!"
[20:31] <Kotono> Kascha smiles at her, and thereafter, "That's...160 gold if you win. Not a bad day's work."
[20:31] * Muirfinn nods. "Shall we watch the race?"
[20:39] <Kotono> The two clambor up the platform, getting a view below. A long, large grassy racetrack is below, an excellent view. Lanes are painted in place, the center full of glowing lights like will o' the wisps. Right now, four wolves are being lead to the track - each one with well trimmed coats and looking well taken care of.
[20:40] <Kotono> As you settle in, "Did you bet on someone?" Balyss asks this as she comes up, Stile behind her. "I put 200 gold down on the long shot."
[20:40] <Muirfinn> "Pexam. 8-1." Muirfinn says.
[20:43] <Kotono> "Molai, 12-1," Balyss confirms, "Good luck."
[20:43] <Kotono> Kascha slips away a moment, "I'll be back in time for the race," she says.
[20:44] * Muirfinn nods at Kascha.
[20:44] <Kotono> Leaning against the railing at the edge of the raised platform, Stille looks down and below, "Chasing the odds?"
[20:44] * Muirfinn looks at Stille. "Hmm?"
[20:54] <Kotono> "The odds are against you winning, so you go for the longest shot and hope it pays off," he says, turning back, "Instead of taking the safer bet." Meanwhile above you hear, "The race begins in one minute! Get your bets in now!"
[20:54] <Kotono> "Naturally," Balyss says, "The Moonmaiden will provide."
[20:58] * Muirfinn nods along, eyeing the crowd around them as Stille and balyss...banter? Flirt with each other? It is hard to tell sometimes.
[20:59] <Kotono> Meanwhile Kascha returns. She has a tray with drinks, "Here," she calls, "Four Tymora's Whimsies!"
[21:00] <Kotono> "That she will," Stille agrees, reaching out to take one and looking down. The wolves are getting ready, "Aaaand we're about set to race! Last call for bets...going...going...gone! Today's race is between Valley's Pride, Molai, Three's Blessing and Pexam. Good luck ot everyone, and let's get this three lap race going!"
[21:01] * Muirfinn takes the drink, giving it a somewhat critical eye as the race starts.
[21:04] <Kotono> It's the color of gold. Meanwhile the four racers take off, as..."And we're off! Molai takes an earl ylead going into the first turn, with Three's Blessing and Pexam half a body behind, and with Valley's Pride a body behind."
[21:05] <Kotono> "Go Molai!" Balyss calls, waving her slip in the air in a balled fist, jumping up and down. "Go go go go go go!"
[21:05] <Kotono> Kascha downs hers and smiles, "Go! Go!" she seconds.
[21:05] <Kotono> Stille sips his own, watching quietly.
[21:06] * Muirfinn instead quietly watches the race, tasting the drink.
[21:07] <Kotono> It tastes fruity with a hint of booze to it. "And we're at the end of the first lap, with positions holding!" The second lap passes much the same, the final lap coming on! "Go Molai!" Balyss calls again, "Win for Balyss! Win for Selune!"
[21:11] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 4." [1d100=4]
[21:11] <Kotono> And they race on and on and on! "And approaching the halfway point of the fina lap, Valley's Pride is making a comeback, taking the lead! Pexam is half a body behind, with Molai and Three's Blessing a body and a half back!"
[21:14] <Muirfinn> "Molai's falling behind, Balyss." Muirfinn helpfully points out.
[21:14] <Kotono> "Yes, I have eyes in my head!" Balyss grumps, "Molai, get going!" Even as she says this, "And wait...Molai's picking up speed! He's only a body back...no, half a body oging into the final turn! He's neck and neck with Valley's Pride! They're neck and neck going into the stretch...and this will be close...!"
[21:17] * Muirfinn leans forward, watching closely.
[21:20] <Kotono> "GO! GO! GO!" Balyss screams from deep in her throat, as it goes on, "And...Molai wins! Did you just see that, ladies and gentlemen?! Molai pulled ahead at the very end! Look at that wolfish speed!"
[21:21] * Muirfinn pats Balyss on the shoulder. "Congratulations."
[21:22] <Kotono> "Yes!" Balyss shouts, leaping up again, grinning frome ar to ear, "200 times 12 is...2400?" Her eyes widen, "God, I could have bought Anna's house for that!"
[21:24] <Muirfinn> "A good win." Muirfinn agrees. "Small odds worked out in your favor."

[Corwin]

[02:47] <Kotono> "Congratulations," Stille says, and without missing a beat, "So dinner's on you?"
[02:47] <Kotono> "Aaahahhahahah," Balyss grins ear to ear, "Sure, why not?" Going to a betting girl and getting a sackful of heavy platinum coins, "Well, I think our work here is done," she adds in a chipper tone, "So where's next?"
[02:48] * Muirfinn folds up his slip and pockets it for later disposal. "I'm sure there's more to do here. Let's look around."
[02:51] <Kotono> Thus the foursome go out, spirits high and conversation chipper. There's several more buildings nearby: Blessed Dice, Golden Wheels, Gold Bath and Silah's Stakes.
[02:52] <Muirfinn> "...Gold Bath?"
[02:53] <Kotono> "...good question," Kascha says after a beat, "That's a new one. I was down this street about five years ago and it wasn't there."
[02:53] <Kotono> Stille rubs his chin, "Perhaps it's meant to envision being drowned in riches of gold?"
[02:54] <Kotono> "I think it sounds weird, period," Balyss says, the building a plain, one story affair. It slides in between two bigger buildings.
[02:54] <Muirfinn> "Let's check it out." Muirfinn heads that way.
[02:59] <Kotono> In you go! Within is a simple front room, people milling in and out. There's a desk up front, a prettily dressed young woman with amazing dimples. She has long brown hair, dress long and elegant. "Hello there" she waves as you enter, "Welcome to the Gold Bath!"
[03:01] <Muirfinn> "Yes...hello. What is this all about now?" Muirfinn gives the young woman an azure look!
[03:04] <Kotono> She's all smiles, "Well," Nodding to them, "The Gold Bath is a new, exciting type of gambling. We like to call it physical gambling. We have several pools colored gold, shimmering with light. Within them are several randomly chosen tokens. You'r eallowed in the pool with a time limit to try and find tokens. Find enough and you can redeem them for prizes. The luck's in finding them, and getting
[03:04] <Kotono> a pool with the ones you want."
[03:04] <Kotono> Stille cocks his head to the side, "Curious."
[03:05] <Kotono> "Sounds like a good game to play when you're drunk," Balyss chips in, starting to smile, "Spend an hour trying to find a gold ring that fell into a pond during a celebration, once."
[03:05] <Muirfinn> "Any luck?" Muirfinn looks at Balyss wryly.
[03:06] <Kotono> "Are the prizes worth the trouble?" Kascha considers, "For all tat exercise, and I presume paying to to play, you'd expect something worthwhile."
[03:07] <Kotono> "Eventually," Balyss replies, "It got a little annoying at the end. Myself and a few other ladies were splashing around trying to find it. Of course, this attracted a bunch of leering drunk guys."
[03:08] * Muirfinn looks at Balyss with mild incomprehension for a moment, then clarity. "Ah, yes. Your clothes would be wet. Mammals and their obsession with genitalia." He looks back to the proprieter. "What kinds of prizes can we win?"
[03:10] <Kotono> "Here!" A sheet of paper is passed to Muirfinn.
[03:10] <Kotono> "Uh huh." Balyss drawls, Kascha reddening and muttering. Stille smiles slightly, "If it makes you feel any better, dear sister, I'd have offered to in and find it myself."
[03:11] * Muirfinn summarily examines the paper!
[03:11] <Kotono> "That's sweet of you. Transparent, but sweet," Balyss smiles just as sweetly back.
[03:11] <Kotono> OOC: Do you have any ranks in apprasal or anything related to thta?
[03:12] <Muirfinn> OOC: No? I mostly took interaction skills from AD.
[03:13] <Kotono> "Transparent?" Laughing a little bit, "Balyss, why waste a chance to help someone, doubly so since they were being viewed as a spectacle. That isn't right, no matter who it is."
[03:13] <Kotono> OOC: Okay then, make an int check.
[03:13] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+6+1 from Ioun stone!
[03:13] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+6+1 from Ioun stone! and gets 25." [1d20=18]
[03:13] <Kotono> Balyss looks at Stille a moment, then sighs, "Okay, sorry. I'm used to your reputation - you've built one up already, you know."
[03:14] <Kotono> Muirfinn takes a look! It's shiny stuff - but most of it is relatively junky. There are a few nice, high end items, jewelry and the like, all behind 'star tokens'.
[03:14] <Kotono> Stille merely smiles again, but doesn't press it. Meanwhile Kashca comes over and peers over Muirfinn's shoulder, "Hm?"
[03:16] <Muirfinn> "It's mostly junk." Muirfinn says lowly to Kascha, allowing Balyss and Stille's conversation wash over them. "The chances of finding something good come from these 'star tokens,' apparently."
[03:18] <Kotono> "Oh! Of course, those are the rare ones?" Kascha murmurs back, "That you never seem to find enough of?"
[03:20] <Muirfinn> "Most likely, yes. As it is a game of chance, there may be few if any of these tokens in any given pool."
[03:20] <Kotono> "We should probably go, unless we want to get wet," Kascha says.
[03:24] * Muirfinn taps his beak. "My people are at home in the water, and I myself am blessed by the Mother Ocean. Perhaps I should give it a try, just once. Depending on how much they want for an attempt, of course." Muirfinn consults the sheet again!
[03:24] <Kotono> An attempt costs 20 gold.
[03:26] <Muirfinn> "20 gold isn't that much, all things considered. If I only lose 40 gold tonight, I'm probably far better off than most others in this town." Muirfinn says.
[03:26] <Kotono> "Go on then," Kascha waves a hand, giggling, "Maybe you'll find something!"
[03:29] * Muirfinn steps up to the woman of impressive dimples. "I'd like to try, please."
[03:29] <Kotono> "Oh, sure thing! Farthest door on your left there," Pointing at it, "Leads to the changing room. Come ou t through the far door when you're ready. Oh, and I'll need your gold."
[03:32] <Muirfinn> "Changing room? What does it change you into?" Muirfinn asks, placing 20 gold on the desk.
[03:34] <Kotono> "Um, to change your clothes?" The girl smiles but falters a bit, "...and you're a giant turtle, right."
[03:36] * Muirfinn looks down, subtly pointing out that he wears an open robe and, quite clearly, no pants.
[03:36] <Kotono> "Ah. Yes. Ah." Coughing and clearing her throat rapidly, "Okay, just go through that door and rightout through the changing room!"
[03:37] <Kotono> Balyss snickers into her hand, but blinks a moment after. She cocks her head to the side, "I'll be back in a second," she says, quickly heading off, "Don't worry about it, it's Selune's will!"
[03:37] <Kotono> "Lunatics," Stille shakes his head, "Always running off when you least expect it, bursting into places in the name of Selune or the moon."
[03:38] * Muirfinn nods. He quickly shucks his robe and most of his gear, keeping his belt. He bundles it all up in the robe and hands it Kascha. "Hold that for me a moment, please?" He looks at Stille as he heads for the door. "Try not to start an interplanar incident until I get back at least."
[03:40] <Kotono> "I'll try!" he waves. Ahead is a simple changing room - something easily skipped. Coming out the next room, Muirfinn finds a man awaiting. His arms are crossed, lean and wiry and with a smirk seemingly glued into place. "Welcome friennnnd." He slips on that a bit, "Oh. This game's right up your skills!" Behind him are several golden pools, "Alright. What you'll want to do is choose a pool and
[03:40] <Kotono> dive in. You'll have two minutes to find all the tokens you can. Any questions?"
[03:41] <Muirfinn> "None, I believe." He chooses a pool and eyes the man. "Whenever you're ready?"
[03:43] <Kotono> "Ready...GO!" OOC: Oka, you have a swim speed, I believe? What is it? Also, do you have any extrasensory perceptions like blindsight, tremorsense or anything like that?
[03:44] <Muirfinn> OOC: Low light vision without the mask, but I didn't want to cheat.
[03:44] <Kotono> OOC: Okay. Make three search or three spot checks, whichever one is higher.
[03:45] <Muirfinn> roll 3#1d20+23 Spot
[03:45] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 3#1d20+23 Spot and gets 98." [3#1d20+23 = 41, 28, 29]
[03:47] <Kotono> The two minutes pass in a blur! The tokens are all hidden about, gold colored and blending in well. Still, Muirfinn finds several - no star tokens, but several moon, four leaf clover and horseshoe tokens are retreived. "Aaaand stop! Time's up!"
[03:50] * Muirfinn rises, hands full of tokens. "Alas."
[03:51] <Kotono> "Well, that's a good take of them," He says, "Want me to help you select some good prizes with them, or do you want to go again?"
[03:52] <Muirfinn> "Once is enough, I believe. Let's look at some prizes."
[03:52] <Kotono> OOC: Do you have any particular preference on prizes here at all?
[03:53] <Muirfinn> OOC: Nope! I just wanted to give it a try, see if I could win something cool. I'l grab something nice or cute for the others outside.
[03:55] <Kotono> After getting a few items you return back out. Kascha and Stille await, "So how'd it go?" Kascha asks, "Did yo uwin something big?" OOC: Loot post updated with things gotten.
[03:57] <Muirfinn> "Unfortunately not, no star tokens." He says, handing Kascha the angel statuette. "Here, trade you for my things."
[03:57] <Kotono> "Ooooh!" Kascha smiles ear to ear, "It's pretty! Thank you!" She passes them back, giving Muirfinn a hug.
[03:58] * Muirfinn blinks, patting the girl on the back. "Ah, you're welcome."
[03:59] <Kotono> "Balyss is still gone," Stille nods a moment after that, "Let's see if we can find her or Lief?"
[04:02] <Muirfinn> "Sure. Hopefully she hasn't found someone new to assault." Muirfinn says, slipping Stille the bangle. "I'm sure someone you meet would be quite enamoured with this, if presented properly." He says lowly.
[04:03] <Kotono> "My thanks, friend," Stille smiles a moment at that as you head out! OOC: Just gonna go look for those two?
[04:04] <Muirfinn> OOC: I am! Also, dressing quickly.
[04:05] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[04:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 34." [1d100=34]
[04:05] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[04:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 100." [1d100=100]
[04:06] <Kotono> You wander a bit. You're passing by a wide open park full of bushes and gold colored hedge mazes when, "Psssst!" It heard from it. "Muirfinn! KAscha! Stille!"
[04:07] * Muirfinn looks toward the sound!
[04:07] <Kotono> In the bushes, you can see Lief's head poking out. "Shhh!" He puts a finger to his lips, vanishing from sight a second later. "Over here!" he hisses.
[04:08] <Kotono> "Are you alright?" Kascha quickly approaches, "You aren't hurt, are you?"
[04:08] * Muirfinn shrugs, heading over. "What is it?"
[04:09] <Kotono> "I sort of need to get home. Now. Can you send me back to Aurora, Muirfinn?" Lief asks, "Had a bit of a disagreement over a losing hand. Lost about a thousand gold and the clothes off my back! All I'm wearing is my magical gear, and I won't be if they find me!" Muttering darkly, "I was sure that my flush was good!"
[04:11] <Kotono> "I can," Kascha speaks up, hiding a giggle, "But really, you should be more careful."
[04:11] <Muirfinn> "...perhaps I should have spoken to Lief instead of you, Stille." Muirfinn says, palming his face. "I can't plane shift, Lief."
[04:12] <Kotono> Stille merely smiles, "It's hard to believe, I know." Buffing his nails against his shirt, "But I'm gifted with physical beauty, athletic talent, considerable intellect AND great wisdom. But yes, overambition caught up with you. You were playing poker at that level of stakes?"
[04:13] <Kotono> "Something like that. Look," Lief's voice flies over to Kascha, who turns quite red! After a moment, you hear a slapping sound, as if Lief was facepalming, "...you can see the unseen, can't you?"
[04:13] <Kotono> Kascha averts her eyes, "Aaah....aaah...just..." Holding her palm out, "Land here and I'll send you home!"
[04:14] <Muirfinn> "Yes Lief."
[04:15] <Kotono> After a few words and an arcane gesture, Kascha lowers her hand. "He should be back in front of Aurora." After a moment she giggles into her hand, "Poor Lief. I was hoping he'd succeed."
[04:16] <Muirfinn> "I did warn him about odds." Muirfinn says.
[04:17] <Kotono> "He learned a valuable lesson," Stille says, "Let's find Balyss and decide what to do from there?"
[04:17] * Muirfinn nods, heading off.
[04:18] <Kotono> OOC: Make a GI check, Muirfinn?
[04:18] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+25
[04:18] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+25 and gets 38." [1d20=13]
[04:21] <Kotono> After an hour, you get word. In Four Leaf Clover park a Selunite is in religious rhapsody, apparently. She's making a bit of a commotion.
[04:31] <Muirfinn> Now fully expecting a fiasco, Muirfinn resignedly heads that way.
[04:34] <Kotono> "Ah, Lunatics never fail to excite," Stille picks up his pace, "I'll buy you a drink once this is over. Whatever happens, it'll make a fine story one day."
[04:36] <Muirfinn> "I don't drink. None of my kind do, really. We don't tolerate alcohol very well."
[04:37] <Muirfinn> "I'll have a sip here or there, but unless it's specificlly geared toward my kind...it makes us ill."
[04:37] <Kotono> "We'll toast each other with water and good spirits, then!" Stille laughs, as you head along. It doesn't take much longer to find Four Leaf Clover park. It's a park of open fields, clover patches dominating it. The entire park is given over to revel - people dance and sing and drink, making merry with abandon!
[04:40] * Muirfinn peers around, looking for Balyss in all this mess.
[04:41] <Kotono> "Where is de-oh." Stille begins, but it's not hard to notice a beam of pure moonlight coming down, the sky above suddenly becoming quite starry and nighttime-esque! "I'm going to make a bold assumption and assume Balyss is over there," Kascha pipes up.
[04:43] <Muirfinn> "She's not exactly subtle, no." Muirfinn starts heading that way, weaving through the crowd.
[04:48] <Kotono> It takes some effort to get through the revel, but you do. Within the center of the moonlight is Balyss. The back of her shirt has exploded out, her back revealed. Two new, white angel's wings are there, Balyss on hands and knees.
[04:49] <Kotono> Stille stops and blinks, "Ah, I see. THAT sort of thing. Selune must be pleased with Balyss."
[04:52] <Muirfinn> "...hhhuh. Well. That does seem rather important. I wonder what prompted this." Muirfinn says, stepping forward toward Balyss. "Are you well, Balyss?"
[04:53] <Kotono> "Yeah," Balyss rises, grinning, "Gunning two shots of fortified ambrosia and thens prouting wings ruins my balance!"
[04:54] <Kotono> "Congratulations, dear sister," Stille is all smiles, "Father and I were wondering if you might show more traits of your heritage, with some time away from the mortal coil. It seems we were correct."
[04:54] * Muirfinn nods. "The evils of alcohol. I take it you started the revel as well?"
[04:54] <Kotono> "Not sure that was so natural," Kascha murmurs, but meanwhile Balyss grins, "Oh, it had a bump from above," Looking up as th esky returns to normal, "But yes. It seemed like such a good idea at the time!"
[04:58] * Muirfinn nods, looking around. "Well, nobody is hurt by it and everyone seems to be having a good time. I'd say let it go as it is then."
[05:03] <Kotono> "I sort of need to get home," Balyss rises, arms holding the front of her shirt in place. Her wings wiggle, "These...oh hey, that was natural," Balyss looks over her shoulder, wings wiggling again, "Anyway, my shirt's a mess now."
[05:04] <Muirfinn> "Yes, I suppose it is. Let's head back for now." Muirfinn says, "Unless any of you have pressing business to do before we leave?"
[05:05] <Kotono> "This has been a fun outing, so yeah, let's go home," Stille says.
[05:05] <Kotono> "I imagined something more festive," Kascha admits, "But we can always try again another time."
[05:07] * Muirfinn nods at Kascha. "If you would all like, I am planning a trip to Water very soon, in the next day or so. If you would like to join me, you are most welcome."
[05:09] <Kotono> "That sounds fun!" Kascha pipes up, "I'd like to go!"
[05:10] <Kotono> "Let me see how these settle in first," Balyss says, "I think one of the new girls mentioned water, but I forget which. I'm still learning everyone's name."
[05:11] * Muirfinn shrugs. "Shall we be off then?"

[Corwin]

[06:10] <Kotono> The next day is a peaceful enough one. Muirfinn meets with Kascha and Stille in the library. The two are chatting away as Muirfinn arrives. Kascha's sporting a blush and batting her eyelashes at him, while Stille smiles and goes on, "...three of them at once. But still, it was hardly a color to her beauty." Sitting back, "She's a lovely one, no doubt."
[06:11] <Kotono> "Mmm-hmm," Kascha murmurs, "That's so sweet that you said that!" Sighing a moment, "I always catch attention and I don't keep it. Gisfal found someone else mor einteresting after a meet-oh!" Looking up, "Muirfinn's here!"
[06:11] <Muirfinn> "Having done some research into the direction of our planar shift, I have discovered that the Plane of Water is not where I need to go. Instead, it is to The House of Nature." Muirfinn says, walking up and looking a bit disgruntled. "Perhaps the gods do not always wear the same face, it seems."
[06:13] <Kotono> "Oh!" Kascha reddens all over again at that, "Yes, I can verify that. I have this friend named Valar, and on his world the Skyfather and Oppressor-In-Chains do war against each other. We found out that the Skyfather is another face of Lathander, and the Oppressor-In-Chains is Bane."
[06:14] <Kotono> "It's a mystery I've long pondered," Stille murmurs, "As fair Selune has many phases, the Gods all have many aspects in ways we cannot understand. It's quite vexing until you pick up on the local fictions and beliefs in a given world."
[06:15] * Muirfinn raises an eyebrow at Stille's use of the word 'fictions.' "Quite."
[06:18] <Kotono> Kascha goes on from that, "It has to do with the Hidden Layers. The truth is eternal, but how the truth is understood by mortal beings can vary widely. Belief is a powerful thing like that."
[06:18] * Muirfinn nods. "I suppose I can understand that. I am ready to leave when you are."
[06:21] <Kotono> "I've been to Lathander's part of the House of Nature before. We can start there and seek better guidance, unless you know somewhere better?" Kascha says.
[06:22] * Muirfinn shakes his head. "Unfortunately not. It seems we must gather information first. Not much is written of our gods; nearly everything is passed down through story."
[06:25] <Kotono> With that, hands are taken! Sunlight. Oh Gods all about, the sunlight! You stand in perfect summer, warmth without being sticky or cloying. The beautiful noon sun shines down over perfect grassy fields. A vast sense assails Muirfinn. A sense of rightness, of a formerly blind eye open, as if he was blind all these years and can now see. A sense of being home, staggering in the raw correctness of
[06:25] <Kotono> it. Kascha breathes in and out - the air is clean and pure in the extreme, each breath spreading the warmth of the air into your body. "Usually we just walk or fly around, and we'll find a village soon. There's a lot of little settlements, and we usually don't appear close enough to end up in another deity's part of the House."
[06:28] * Muirfinn nods, taking it all in. "This place...it reminds me of the good days on the beaches on Lifasa. When the sky was so blue it was difficult to tell where the sky ended and the ocean began. I miss this." He sighs, "I hope my people get to feel it again someday."
[06:31] <Kotono> "Of course they will!" Kascha says, passion in every word. Meanwhile Stille merely nods, peering about. "Well, it won't if we stand here and give impassioned speeches. At the least, we can walk and talk."
[06:32] <Muirfinn> "Yes, of course." Muirfinn says, setting off. "Let's go."
[06:32] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[06:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 63." [1d100=63]
[06:35] <Kotono> You walk for a time. A half hour? An hour? It's hard to tell. Muirfinn is constantly distracted. Everything here feels so alive. Colors are intenser than he's ever seen them before. The air invigorates him with each breath, the sun caressing his skin and warming his shell. Eventually, you see a tree ahead. A big, broad oak tree, providing an oasis of shade. Beneath it sits one figure. An angel
[06:35] <Kotono> in robes of white - far too soft looking to be mere linen. He is human, looking no older than eighteen. Yet a halo of yellow sunfire blazes around his head, as he constantly, steadily writes in a large book that rests on his lap.
[06:36] * Muirfinn nods at the angel. "A guide, perhaps?" He says to Kascha and Stille.
[06:37] <Kotono> "At the least he can give us directions," STille says knowingly, "Shall I go make talk with him, or would either of you prefer to?"
[06:39] * Muirfinn blinks. "I'm...fine. Just don't ask if he's got an attractive sister or something. I'm sure he'll be helpful."
[06:40] <Kotono> Stille chuckles and goes over. In a lower voice as they leave, "Are you kidding? He spent twenty minutes talking about Ithea before you found us." Dramatically sighing, "He's loyal, cute and I like how he speaks. Of course someone else already has his eye. Anyway, I doubt he'll even consider if he has a sister."
[06:41] <Kotono> The two exchange a few words, before Stille looks up, "Muirfinn, he wants to talk to you," Stille calls over.
[06:43] * Muirfinn hisses a snort at Kascha as he pats her on the shoulder. "You have forever, girl. Don't be in such a hurry." At hearing Stille, Muirfinn turns. "Ah, pardon me." he says, heading over.
[06:44] <Kotono> As you approach the angel looks up, yet his writing does not pause. In perfect tortle, despite his lack of a beak, "I greet you, child of Water and Mother Ocean and member of Shellscale.
[06:46] * Muirfinn blinks in surprise before bowing at the waist and responds in kind, "Indeed, I am Muirfinn. It is a pleasure to meet you. What can I do for you?"
[06:48] <Kotono> "Forgive me for not bowing, but I have been commanded to scribe the name of every born child on a world, and I must not cease this task." Is his reply, "Word of Aurora and its Crusade has reached us here. Galariel has at last fulfilled his task as well. All is right and shall be right."
[06:50] <Muirfinn> "Ah, Galariel. As severe and professional an angel as I have ever met." Muirfinn chuckles. "He aids us well, and is a good man. Can you point us in the way of the realm of the Mother Ocean?"
[06:51] <Kotono> "Go for that way," Pointing towards the western horizon, "Follow the noon sun, for it shall never set here. You will find a still, clear pond surrounded by old, polished turtle shells. Swim to the bottom without fear, and the way will be revealed."
[06:52] * Muirfinn nods. "You have my thanks. May I have your name?"
[06:53] <Kotono> "Peliel," he answers, "Angel of Names."
[06:54] <Kotono> After a moment, "There is no true danger to you in this realm, but it does not mean your trip may be uneventful. Remember this as well."
[06:54] <Muirfinn> "It has been a pleasure conversing with you, Peliel. If you are ever relieved of your task, come find us on the Aurora or Lifasa. Thank you for the advice." Muirfinn bows again.

[Corwin]

[19:16] <Kotono> "Perhaps one day I will. Until then, I write," Peliel replies as Stille glances at Muirfinn.
[19:16] <Muirfinn> With that, Muirfinn heads in the direction of the noonday sun!
[19:17] <Kotono> As the other two fall in line, "So what did he say?" Stille inquires, "Are we in the right direction now?"
[19:19] <Muirfinn> "Yes, he said to head toward the noonday sun, though it will not set. Eventually, we will come across what we seek."
[19:20] <Kotono> "Well then, let's get to it!" Stille says, the trio heading along! (More)
[19:20] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 63." [1d100=63]
[19:20] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 44." [1d100=44]
[19:22] <Kotono> Hours of estastic walking pass. Muirfinn enjoys every step, every moment. It all just feeles so right, so good. As you walk, "Say, we should pass stories to tell the time," Kascha speaks up, as the endless plains continue on.
[19:24] <Muirfinn> "Well, if you're volunteering!" Muirfinn cheerily replies.
[19:26] <Kotono> "Okay," Kascha replies, "Oooh, I have one about the friend I mentioned, Valar."
[19:26] * Muirfinn nods. "Do tell."
[19:27] <Kotono> Stille nods as he walks, keeping his eyes about, watching. "Do tell. He sounds like an interesting fellow."
[19:28] <Kotono> "Well," Kascha begins as the sun shines down, "Have either of you ever heard of Eblis? He's a reclusive archdevil who lives in the elemental plane of Fire, a fallen angel who fell because he demanded worship and obediance from mortals."
[19:29] <Muirfinn> "Interesting. I have not."
[19:37] <Kotono> "Nor have I," Stille adds. Kascha nods and goes on, "Quick lore lesson, then. He's reclusive and banished from Hell. Very powerful - he has the powers of a planar lord of sorts. My studies suggest only Triel may be stronger amid the Fallen. He's hostile, but not actively aggressive - mostly he keeps to Fire and his personal schemes against mortals. Anyway," Going on from here, "A long story
[19:37] <Kotono> short is that Seira came in to conflict with him and met Valar through that conflict, so both Seira and Valar are known to him." As Kascha begins to tell her tale...OOC: Make a listen check, Muirfinn?
[19:37] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+25
[19:37] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+25 and gets 40." [1d20=15]
[19:40] <Muirfinn> Hearing something rustling in the grass behind the group, Muirfinn briefly turns his attention away from Kascha to look!
[19:41] <Kotono> They're about 60ft away. Several of them, tails raising up above the grass. Tigers, lithe and powerful feline hunters. They're approaching you, stalking ahead through the grasses.
[19:41] <Muirfinn> "I hate to interrupt you, Kascha, but we have a few friends behind us that very well may wish to eat us." Muirfinn says calmly.
[19:48] <Kotono> "Oh." Kascha sounds put out as she turns, "Oh come on, this is a Heaven. Lathander's realm. They wouldn't eat us. Aren't you a druid? Talk to them." she waves a hand, "Hi there!"
[19:49] <Muirfinn> "Excuse me for having a healthy dose of paranoia." Muirfinn grumbles, turning as well and greeting the animals. "Hi."
[19:57] <Kotono> The animals approach, surrounding the party! The lead tiger is larger, the size of a horse and twice as muscled. In a rumbling, growing voice that can only be half understood, "Run." it says.
[19:59] * Muirfinn looks sidelong at Kascha. "'Oh, it's Heaven!' she says."
[20:02] <Muirfinn> "She's right though, this is a Heaven. Don't you think you should perhaps not be out looking for planar travelers to torment?" Muirfinn asks.
[20:03] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+18+6+2 oh hey Wild Empathy
[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+18+6+2 oh hey Wild Empathy and gets 33." [1d20=7]
[20:04] <Kotono> The tiger speaks again, "Eat you? No. Chase you?" With the equivalent of a feline grin, "Yes, yes we would. We were instructed to give you a good chase."
[20:04] <Kotono> "I was right!" Kascha retorts, "See?"
[20:05] * Muirfinn raiiiises an eyebrow. "'Instructed?'"
[20:10] <Kotono> "Instructed," It repeats, licking its chops, "You really should hurry." Extending out its claws, "I can use you to sharpen my claws if I catch you. Oh, you won't die, but it's splendid motivation. Don't you think?"
[20:14] <Muirfinn> "Tell you what. We'll make a game of it. Catch me if you can, and I'll give you a small prize." Muirfinn offers.
[20:17] <Kotono> "Yes," The tiger agrees with a growl.
[20:33] <Muirfinn> "Great! Catch me if you can!" Muirfinn abruptly spins, shifting into a cheetah and taking off at top speed! OOC: 200ft move, running
[20:35] <Kotono> Stille shrugs and follows, Kascha eeping and taking to the air! At this the tigers give chase, falling into the hunt! OOC: Just going to run?
[20:35] <Muirfinn> OOC: Let's see how fast they are!
[20:38] <Kotono> The tigers give chase! Kascha takes the lead, zooming through the air with uncanny speed! Stille nad Muirfinn make pace on the ground, the tigers chasing! After a few minutes Stille says between gulps of air, "At least this is today's good exercise?" he ventures.
[20:38] * Muirfinn gives Stille an amused feline look and keeps running!
[20:42] <Kotono> On and on you run! A good, grueling out of it! Byt the end all are panting, but at last...the tigers slow and fall away, the pursuit ending. Stille glances back before he doubles over, hands on his knees. Sweat pours down his face and he pants for air, "Oooooh....ooooooow...cramp," he groans, holding his side.
[20:43] * Muirfinn slows to a trot, then a walk, circling back to Stille and shifting back to his natural form. "Sounds like you need to work on your physical fitness." he says, only a bit out of breath.
[20:44] <Kotono> "I train for short bursts of activity, no more than 10 minutes," Stille groans, "Extended effort isn't my forte."
[20:46] <Muirfinn> "You never know when you'll have to run away!"
[20:47] <Kotono> Kascha lands, a bit peaked but not overwhelmingly so. "I spend free time flying around the Cauldron," she says, "So this wasn't so bad. I didn't have to go too fast to keep up with you two, either."
[20:47] <Kotono> Stille's reply is an educated, elegant groan.
[20:50] <Muirfinn> "Someday I will be able to fly with some combat utility, too." Muirfinn says wistfully. "I just need to figure out how to do it. Shall we continue on?"
[20:53] <Kotono> Stille groans again, Kascha alighting down. She picks Stille up and carries him in her arms, "Don't worry, I can carry you," she says with a giggle.
[20:53] <Kotono> Stille manages to redden - or perhaps that's his exertion, it's hard to tell.
[20:54] * Muirfinn snorts.
[20:57] <Kotono> Thus you walk on for a little longer. OOC: Make a spot check real quick?
[20:58] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+24
[20:58] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+24 and gets 35." [1d20=11]
[20:59] <Kotono> Far ahead on the horizon, you can catch the sight of something shiny.
[20:59] <Muirfinn> "Ah, something is up ahead!" Muirfinn points.
[21:00] <Kotono> "Good," Stille groans as you advance. It doesn't take long for you to come to it. A rather large pond, surrounded by large, polished turtle shells. They're polished to a mirror sheen, reflecting the warm sunlight.
[21:01] <Muirfinn> "Ah, this is what we seek."
[21:01] <Kotono> Stille's put down, smiling a moment in thanks to Kascha. Thereafter, "Aaah. I could use a chance to wash up, too."
[21:02] <Muirfinn> "We need to swim to the bottom, actually. No fear."
[21:04] <Kotono> Stille nods, then pauses, "Will water breathing be required?"
[21:05] <Muirfinn> "Do you need it?" Muirfinn raises an eyebrow.
[21:07] <Kotono> "If we're going underwater long term, yes. I've never learned the trick of breathing water. Are we?"
[21:08] <Muirfinn> "I don't really know."
[21:08] <Muirfinn> OOC: How deep does this pond look?
[21:08] <Kotono> It looks pretty deep. Despite being a small pool, you can't see a b ottom.
[21:12] <Muirfinn> "Well. I'm fine under water. I can take care of Stille. How about you, Kascha?"
[21:18] <Kotono> "Likewise," Kascha says, "We can wait out here and you can take a look first?"
[21:20] * Muirfinn nods and dives in!
[21:24] <Kotono> Down Muirfinn goes. The waters are clean and clear, as you swim down. After a few moments of this, you begin to feel a gentle, insistent tug downwards.
[21:26] * Muirfinn stops at this and heads back up.
[21:27] <Kotono> On emerging up, Stille looks down, "Well?"
[21:27] <Muirfinn> Resurfacing, Muirfinn says, "The portal doesn't seem too far down. Feels more like a gentle pulling sensation than anything else. Quite safe. You'll be fine." He quickly casts Water Breathing on Stille. "In you go!" OOC: Water Breathing SLA
[21:28] <Kotono> With water breathing bestowed, the other two plunge on in with Muirfinn!
[21:31] <Muirfinn> Downward!
[21:35] <Kotono> Downward the trio swims! The pull takes you and drags you all down! It's like falling upside down, being pulled down into the bright waters! Down and down and down you go, into a tunnel, racing along! Then...woosh! You exit out. The waters are luminous and bright here, plenty of light even though you see no surface. Ahead of you is a vast submerged reef. Dotted about it are thousands and thousands
[21:35] <Kotono> of buildings, interlocking, with glass and shell domes providing dry areas. All about it you see them - tortles, with gold and metallic tinges to them. The entire reef is shell brown and green. Around the vast reef ahead are fields of growing seaweed and other aquatic plants, being tended to.
[21:38] <Muirfinn> Muirfinn's eyebrows go up and up and up! If they could go any higher, they'd be in his hat! "Dear Mother! There must be hundreds of them! No wonder I never found this when we were on Water!"
[21:38] <Kotono> "Is this the tortle afterlife?" Stille speaks up, voice garbled in water, "My first guess is that those are honored petitioners."
[21:39] <Kotono> "Pretty," Kascha murmurs, wings sagging down in the waters. "Gaaah!" coughing and sputtering in the water, speaking from between barely split lips, "It's hard for me to talk underwater. I always take down too much water."
[21:40] <Muirfinn> "It...must be!" Muirfinn marvels. "Ha-ha!"
[21:42] <Muirfinn> "Right." Muirfinn says, shaking himself. "We should get what we came for and not gawk. It's unseemly." He swims forward toward the tortles.
[21:44] <Kotono> Thus you swim on! As you begin to approach the massive reef, a tortle swims to you. He is an old one, weathere dand with a silvery tint to his shell. In tortle he calls, "You are not dead?" he asks, "You come with others than tortles to this place?"
[21:46] <Muirfinn> "Indeed," Muirfinn responds in kind. "I am Muirfinn of the Shellscale tribe, from Lifasa. These are my companions, Stille and Kascha. We have come seeking aid from the Mother Ocean for our time of need."
[21:52] <Kotono> "Seek the Glass Dome, where Mother Ocean is venerated. It is deep within Concha."
[21:55] * Muirfinn nods. "You have our thanks." With that, he heads toward the city! OOC: I'm assuming a giant glass dome is fairly visible here.
[21:59] <Kotono> OOC: It's not immediately visible, so it will at least take a bit of looking. It's a pretty huge reef. Thousands of buildings nad all that.
[22:01] <Muirfinn> OOC: Stille's Water Breathing will last for almost 2 days, so we have a bit of time.
[22:02] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+25 GI check?
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+25 GI check? and gets 40." [1d20=15]
[22:07] <Kotono> A few hours of swimming. The reef is largely full of holes, tunnels for the tortles. Buildings are built in and around, and you wander. Everything is interlocked, passing back and forth. Eventually...you come at it from a thick tunnel of coral. Ahead is a vast dome, large enough to fit Aurora within. Great gates of solid water lead into it, parting as tortles approach.
[22:09] * Muirfinn heads inside, appreciating the architecture!
[22:13] <Kotono> Within the gates you pass, but Stille and Kascha both stop. The latter says, "We were just pushed back, and I heard a voice telling me that only tortles are allowed into this holy ground."
[22:13] <Kotono> Stille nods, "As did I."
[22:14] * Muirfinn nods. "I am not surprised. It is something I must do alone. If you could wait for me to return, I would appreciate it."
[22:16] <Kotono> Stille just waves to that, Kascha calling, "Good luck!"
[22:17] * Muirfinn nods, heading inside!
[22:19] <Kotono> Thus you head inside. The entire thing is one vast chamber, open air. Like you are under one vast ocean shell, the center a pool big enough to be a small lake on the surface. Here tortles kneel and chant, showing reverence...OOC: K:R here real quick?
[22:20] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+24
[22:20] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+24 and gets 39." [1d20=15]
[22:21] <Kotono> The lake is the holy altar of Mother Ocean and the focus of her reverence here.
[22:25] * Muirfinn swims forward reverently, showing reverence and performing rites that he has known for nearly 200 years and then beginning to pray.
[22:33] <Kotono> OOC: Praying about anything in particular?
[22:37] <Muirfinn> "Mother Ocean, I humbly seek your aid. We have been decimated. While we have found aid in the Aurora and recovered some of our lost brothers and sisters, they are beaten and shattered. We are but 43 remaining warriors. Please, I ask for any aid you can spare to help us retake our home so that we can prosper anew. The devils must be stopped, and our people must survive."
[22:49] <Kotono> As you pray, another kneels next to you. He is an ancient tortle, weathered by hundreds and hundreds of years. Yet his eyes are bright, a smile not far from his face. "You pray hard," he observes, "You must seek Mother Ocean's guidance fervently."
[22:54] * Muirfinn nods as he finishes his prayer. "Indeed I do. I fight to retake an entire plane from Hell. We need help."
[22:55] <Kotono> "You came to the right place to ask," He replies, "Though the ones here cannot help you. There are blessed petitioners, bound to this realm. You seek an army of soldiers to your cause?"
[22:56] * Muirfinn nods. "I seek as many as are able to aid us."
[23:05] <Kotono> "You have proven your bravery," The man says, "Mother Ocean speaks to me. Your deeds of bravery and the plight of Aurora have not gone unnoticed. You have provided a place of ocean within Aurora, and seen to the survival of the few of you that are left, then you have struck hard and returned to Lifasa."
[23:10] <Muirfinn> "Truly, she speaks to you? She has seen our plight?" Muirfinn signs. "Mother Ocean be praised, we could use some help. I fear that we shall soon see beings even stronger than Nessian pit fiends."
[23:15] <Kotono> "This does come with a task, and it is not a brief one. It is one that may consume an untold amount of your life, Muirfinn. Listen to it and listen to it well."
[23:16] <Muirfinn> "I will listen. Tell me what must be done." Muirfinn says.
[23:18] <Kotono> "Win the war against Baator and reclaim Lifasa. Thereafter you are to lead the tortles home and aid in Lifasa's restoration. You shall then guide your kinsmen as a wiseman, until you have united 20 tribes into a great empire and established a worthy dynasty to lead it."
[23:21] * Muirfinn gives the ancient tortle an incredulous look before bursting into gales of hissing, joyous laughter. "Done! The first part had been my plan all along, but a tortle empire? What an excellent idea! I accept!"
[23:25] <Kotono> Offering his hands out, "The Lifasan tortles are on the verge of oblivion and destined to finish themselves off even if Lifasa is retaken." His voice doesn't have much mirth, "You'll be busy raising generations who aren't so prone to internal strife."
[23:33] * Muirfinn grows solemn again. "It is true. I have fought tooth and nail to keep as many alive as we have. We all have. So few of breeding age, and no surviving young." Muirfinn sighs. "We must persevere, for our future. Even now, we are trying to soften the intertribal feuds and dissolve tribal structure. It will indeed take time."
[23:36] <Muirfinn> Muirfin takes the hand and clasps it. "I will do everything in my power, even give my life, to see that this commandment from the Mother Ocean comes to fruition."
[23:40] <Kotono> "A choice made of your own free will. Go back to your friends, Muirfinn. Return the way you came. You will be taken care of."
[23:45] <Muirfinn> "You have my sincerest thanks." He kneels and offers prayers of thanks to the Mother Ocean as well, before standing. He looks at the ancient tortle. "Perhaps, when my task is done someday, I could return here and converse with you at length on the Mother Ocean. I always feel as though I have more to learn."
[23:46] <Kotono> "There always is, though today is not that day. I will await you," He promises, and he utters words you do not understand.  "Go now."
[23:47] * Muirfinn nods, heading out the door.

[Corwin]

[21:36] <Kotono> Heading out, you find Stille and Kascha waiting, "Well?" Kascha asks.
[21:39] <Yuth> "I have been offered help, in return for a quest. It was kind of her to offer it. The Mother Ocean wishes me to aid in the retaking of Lifasa and the restoration of our people...and then the creation of a tortle empire. I'm very much looking forward to it." Muirfinn smiles.
[21:41] * Yuth is now known as Muirfinn
[21:42] <Kotono> "WEll, that'll keep you busy," Stille says with complete cheer, "Shall it not?"
[21:44] <Muirfinn> "Very much so. We have much to do, it seems." Muirfinn nods. "Shall we be off then?"
[21:44] <Muirfinn> "Unless either of you have sightseeing you wish to do?"
[21:45] <Kotono> "Well..." Kascha considers, "It is really rather pretty, and I bet they have beautiful pearl jewelry and pearl necklaces. I'd love to have one!" Kascha warmly looks about, "I'm rather partial to pearls and diamonds."
[21:45] <Kotono> "Oh, that is a thought. Do your people harvest pearls, Muirfinn?" Stille asks, "There's always a need for pearls when you must manage identification magic."
[21:46] <Muirfinn> "We harvest pearls, coral, all kinds of hings from the ocean floor." Muirfin nods.
[21:54] <Kotono> "Let's go find some souvenirs, then!" Kascha says brightly! OOC: Do you have any desire to roleplay out shopping or just want to move along?
[21:55] <Muirfinn> OOC: None really. Wecan move on.
[21:59] <Kotono> On the trio goes! After some shopping they swim away from the reef, finding themselves sucked upwards, back into the tunnel unseen! Above you can see the warm sunlight of Lathander's realm, beckoning you up.
[22:00] * Muirfinn smoothly heads upward, toward the light!
[22:01] <Kotono> You break out, the warmth of the sun basting you. As you reflect on it, you see a tortle's hand take your own, "Need a hand up," it asks in your native language.
[22:02] * Muirfinn gladly takes the hand! "Ah, thanks." He looks around as he comes out of the water.
[22:06] <Kotono> Pulled up, as you see your friends aided? A really rather large cluster of tortles are all around the pool, "The oracles of the ocean have spoken to us, and they say that you need help."
[22:09] <Muirfinn> "We do." Muirfinn nods, giving them the rundown. "Long story short, devils killed our people by the thousands on Lifasa. We mean to take it back, and restore our people to their former glory. If you want to help, you are more than welcome."
[22:15] <Kotono> "That's why we're here," he says, smiling.
[22:17] <Muirfinn> "Well come on, then. I believe we're on our way back there." Muirfinn looks at Kascha. "How are we going to get them all there?"
[22:18] <Kotono> "I'm going to be really busy!" Kascha concludes, "But we'll manage it."
[22:19] * Muirfinn nods. "Let's get to it then."

[Corwin]

[22:29] <Kotono> With gates and magic, the horde of tortles is brought over! They enter Aurora to quite the sight! The courtyard is full of people watching and cheering, all around one great stone golem! It is an elephant sized behemoth, ridden around by one tiny, familiar pixie: Afina. The tortles mill in, stopping to stare at the absolute spectacle, of a huge golem being riden by a pixie, watched by tortles,
[22:29] <Kotono> elementals, celestials, humans, elves and even a few phase spiders.
[22:30] <Muirfinn> "...this is new." Muirfinn says idly, looking up at Afina. He looks over at the nearest person. "What's going on here?"
[22:30] <Kotono> The nearest person is Tannin, walking up on as you stare, "Oh this? Afina's just testing out one of her babies," he says, "Impressive old thing, isn't it?"
[22:31] <Muirfinn> "Looks rather new, really." Muirfinn says lightly. He waves up at Afina cheerfully.
[22:32] <Afina> Spotting the new arrivals, Afina instructs her steed to veer towards them, perched gamely atop its vicious looking feline head that bows down as it stops nearby. "Witness Aurora's newest weapon against devil tyranny!" she proclaims loudly in her cutely high pitched voice, "The Slaughterstone Behemoth!"
[22:33] <Muirfinn> "I say, quite a fearsome visage! A creation of your own?" Muirfinn calls up.
[22:34] <Afina> "Yes, my first golem, and wildly successful at that," the fairy nods proudly, looking over the group from her high vantage. "And it looks like you've been busy, too. New recruits?"
[22:36] <Kotono> Said recruits look rather thunderstruck as Stille waves, "Indeed, General Afina Petalwisp. They're clearly surprised by your radiant magnificence on display, but they are here to help."
[22:36] <Muirfinn> "Indeed! Granted by the Mother Ocean herself! Divine assistance at its finest! I daresay that the future of our crusade looks brighter by the day!" Muirfinn crows. He turns to the newcomers, "Friends, this is Afina, one of the generals here on the Aurora, and a Lifasan native."
[22:38] <Afina> "Good news! Welcome to Aurora, friends who would fight for Lifasa! The same forges and laboratories that built this titan will also see to any weapons and armour you require!" Afina calls loudly to the new tortles. "Let me know if you need any help settling your group in, Muirfinn. I'll trust you to handle it otherwise."
[22:39] <Kotono> "Oh Afina!" Kascha calls, "Hold on! I got you and some other souvenirs!"
[22:40] <Kotono> The tortles watch, still quite captivated by the giant golem Afina rides.
[22:42] <Afina> "Oh, thank you, Kascha," Afina smiles at the ghaele, waiting to see what thoughtful gift she has.
[22:43] <Kotono> Reaching into her pocket, a pixie sized string of pearls is produced. "I wanted to give you a pearl necklace," she says, "It's so cute with the rest of your outfit!"
[22:47] <Afina> Snickering, Afina flutters down and accepts the jewellery, "Thank you, Kascha," she smiles and puts them around her neck. "They're very nice. In exchange you can have a ride around on the golem if you want!" she looks at said golem's ominous face, "Behemoth, obey Kascha's orders," she instructs it.
[22:49] <Kotono> "What's so funny?" Kascha quirks her head tothe side, voice nothing but confused sweetness. "Though that's nice of you! How fast can it go?"
[22:49] <Kotono> Meanwhil the tortles finally start to rouse themselves from this, taking everything in.
[22:51] <Muirfinn> "Shall I show you the place then?" Muirfinn offers to the newcomers.
[22:51] <Afina> "It's not that fast, but it feels like it with how it shakes the ground every step," Afina replies, "I'll tell you the joke later," she adds to spare the poor woman's blushes.
[22:55] <Kotono> You get a heap of nods from the tortles, as meanwhile Kascha nods and flies on up! "Ah, General Afina Petalwisp," Stille adds, "If I can have a moment of your time?"
[22:56] <Afina> "Certainly," Afina flutters over towards Stille, trusting Kascha not to crush anyone with the golem. "What's on your mind, Stille?"
[22:56] * Muirfinn leads them off then!

[Corwin]

[19:52] <Blondezilla> The dire wolves are found in the courtyard, lying about. Most of them look uninterested and sleepy as you approach. Not a whole lot of movement here.
[19:54] <Muirfinn> Casting Speak with Animals, Muirfinn looks for some large wolf or something that looks at least marginally awake!
[19:57] <Blondezilla> There's one not too far away. This one pants and looks up at Muirfinn, expectant, curious eyes.
[20:00] <Muirfinn> "Hello," Muirfinn says to the animal as he walks up to it, "I was hoping to have a chat with one of you about how you're settling in now that the vampire has left. I wanted to know if your pack needed anything."
[20:01] <Blondezilla> "Vampire?" The wolf cocks its head to the side, panting. It makes it look like its head is about to fall over, before staring right ahead at Muirfinn. "What's vampire?"
[20:04] * Muirfinn thinks for a moment. "I understand that a female was communicating with you. She might have smelled like death? Hmm. I'm sure Tepen mentioned that she was controlling you lot somehow."
[20:07] <Blondezilla> "The alpha." The wolf's ears perks up, "We follow and obey the alpha."
[20:12] * Muirfinn sighs. "And she is your alpha?"
[20:13] <Blondezilla> "She is THE alpha." The wolf replies. "We obey."
[20:17] * Muirfinn sighs. "I see." He stands. "A fair day to you, then."
[20:21] <Blondezilla> OOC: Okay then, anything else or are you out of your own thing sfor the moment? Got some things if you are.
[20:23] <Muirfinn> OOC: HIT ME!
[20:25] <Blondezilla> You are out in the courtyard. It is the early evening in Ysgard, several dozen tortles outside before a bonfire. Stories are being told, Muirfinn heading there. As he heads to that, the sky abruptly fills with light! Its as if the sun rose for a few moments, before vanishing away and returning to night's darkness.
[20:26] <Muirfinn> BOTH of Muirfinn's scaly eyebrows rise. "What was that?"
[20:28] <Blondezilla> All the attention of the tortles is out to the sky - it seemed to roughly come from somewhere ahead. Elrisa's tower nearby empties out, the Graceful Blow coming out and pointing at the sky.
[20:29] * Muirfinn is suddenly a seagull, taking to the sky to get a better vantage!
[20:30] <Blondezilla> OOC: Flying out of Aurora or just up for vantage?
[20:30] <Muirfinn> OOC: Up for vantage
[20:33] <Blondezilla> Flying up, Muirfinn is able to see far ahead. Far ahead you can see a great, shining point of light. It's little more than a large glow far on the horizon, no details visible right now. But you do think it's heading towards Aurora.
[20:36] * Muirfinn fears little in this place, and simply watches the glow get closer!
[20:38] <Blondezilla> Closer and closer it comes! When its about 100ft away from the gates you can see a little. Besides that glow is a hooded angel, wings carrying  it along. Female, from the shape of the body. Within the light is a vague humanoid outline, of terribly bright light and so radiant that it immediately dazzles Muirfinn's eyes.
[20:41] * Muirfinn squawks and flaps his wings, trying to shield his eyes!
[20:42] <Blondezilla> Shielding his eyes help - and yet, the light grows stronger as it approaches, reaching the gates! You hear cries of pain...until the light no longer stings your eyes. Despite being even brighter, now it doesn't bother your vision at all.
[20:45] * Muirfinn flies down to the gates to investigate the source of this painful lightshow nonsense!
[20:47] <Blondezilla> The hooded angel is embracing the person - female, you can tell now, blonde hair and radiant - before parting. "Yes, it is," she agrees to her. The hooded angel turns - you've seen her before, lying in repose. Ebony's face is smooth now, the signs of age on her face gone. Looking to Muirfinn as he approaches, "Muirfinn, I believe?" she asks, "I have returned."
[20:49] * Muirfinn gives her a quizzical avian blink before reverting to tortle form. "Ah, Ebony, yes? It is good to see you returned to us. Welcome back."
[20:50] <Blondezilla> Blinking a moment, "...ah." Ebony murmurs. "Yes, thank you."
[20:51] <Blondezilla> "My fault," The glowing woman smiles, "Be well here, Ebony. A pleasure to meet you, Muirfinn, but my duties call me back to Sylica."
[20:51] <Blondezilla> "Be well, Latha. Say hello to your love for me," Here she cracks a smile, mostly hidden by her hood. "Tell him we'll catch up when this is all over."
[20:56] <Blondezilla> Latha merely smiles a moment, "I will." With that she takes to the air, flying off and away. The light recedes as Ebony turns to Muirfinn, "Have I missed anything in my absence?"
[20:56] <Muirfinn> "Not as far as I'm aware of. I've been out of the Aurora for a bit, though." Muirfinn replies.
[21:01] <Blondezilla> "Thank you," Ebony bows her head a moment, "I have returned to serve as seen fit. I am available immediately for any task that you desire."
[21:03] <Muirfinn> "Well, I have no task for you." Muirfinn looks bemused. "Why not go get youtself resettled and seek out the generals."
[21:06] <Blondezilla> "As you command, sir," Ebony bows her head, heading inside.
[21:08] * Muirfinn watches her go, then shrugs to himself, heading back to the tortles.
[21:15] <Blondezilla> On heading back, the tortles have gathered before the fire. The Elder is there, "Muirfinn!" he calls, "Your timing is fortunate. The newcomers want to hear a story about your battles against Hell."
[21:16] <Muirfinn> "Well! How about our most recent victory against the Burning Aeropolis?" Muirfinn offers.
[21:21] <Blondezilla> "Certainly," The elder laughs, "Go on, Muirfinn."
[21:35] <Muirfinn> "Alright then!" Muirfinn says, then launches into the tale! A grand tale full of violence, heroic death, triumph, and appropriately-timed sound effects! It lasts a full hour, with Muirfinn at times taking elemental forms to smash things, and at other times imitating the voices of his companions. When he is done, the ground around him is somewhat mutilated, but the story has been told in all its
[21:35] <Muirfinn> proper glory! "...and just now, Ebony, who indeed sacrificed herself to protect Canderella, has been returned to us, by a being of great light. And this is only our most recent victory! The people of the Aurora have bloodied Hell's snout, and they have no fear of what this will bring. Indeed, many of us look forward to it. I am also given to understand that the people of the Aurora have a penchant
[21:35] <Muirfinn> for hunting evil dragons as well. I'm given to understand that a few of our generals have a quarrel with Tiamat," and with that he slaps his dragonhide shield. "something I can easily understand and get behind. So don't fret! Now that you are all here with us, you will share in the glory as well! Soon enough, the true fight to retake Lifasa will begin, and we will need every strong arm and bright
[21:35] <Muirfinn> mind. You will have stories to tell your hatchlings after this is all over, believe me."
[21:47] <Blondezilla> OOC: For reference, do you have ranks in perform or anything like that?
[21:48] <Muirfinn> OOC: Believe i or not I have Perform (oratory)
[21:49] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+15
[21:49] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+15 and gets 23." [1d20=8]
[21:53] <Blondezilla> The tale gets attention from the get go, Muirfinn getting all the tortles attention. It hangs in the balance with each word as they listening, cheering at Muirfinn's proclamations! "To stories!" is called out as one! "To victory!"
[21:54] * Muirfinn nods. That oughtta keep them happy.
[22:00] <Blondezilla> The next morning is a slow awakening. Muirfinn opens his eyes and looks up, lying in his bed. That's when he notices something. Clinging to the ceiling above his bed is 27, wings spread wide. His eyes are wide open as he stares down at Muirfinn, staring into his eyes as he awakens.
[22:02] * Muirfinn returns the stare with a flat, unblinking azure stare of his own. "Good morning, 27."
[22:03] <Blondezilla> 27 lands in Muirfinn's lap without comment, curling up there and immediately going to sleep, even as Muirfinn lies there.
[22:04] * Muirfinn sits up, bemused and looking at the weird badger thing. "You know, I'm not that warm." He grabs his robe and shrugs it on, then heaves 27 out of his lap and over his shoulder. "You're welcome to hang about, but I have things to do. I must prepare to replace my companion."
[22:07] <Blondezilla> 27 simply curls up in Muirfinn's bed, barely stirring when dislodged.
[22:08] * Muirfinn shrugs and gathers his things, heading out.
[22:08] <Blondezilla> As you get dressed, you hear a knocking on the door, "Hello?" Canderella's voice, becoming clearer as Muirfinn opens the door to come out. "Oh, Muirfinn," she smiles, "Have you seen 27, by chance?"
[22:09] <Muirfinn> "Ah, good morning Canderella. I woke up and he was clinging to my ceiling. He's in my bed now." Muirfinn juts his thumb behind him. "Go on ahead and grab him if you like."
[22:14] <Blondezilla> "Oh no," Canderella smiles, "We've been arguing philosphy since a card game yesterday. Do you mind if I go in and make my latest counterpoint to him?"
[22:15] * Muirfinn steps aside. "Be my guest."
[22:16] <Blondezilla> Canderella heads in! She goes to Muirfinn's bed and curls up in it, mimicking 27! Save for one difference - her wings stay folded out, while 27's are folded in. 27 stirs and looks up at her, before a mournful sigh and going back to sleep.
[22:18] * Muirfinn lets out a hissing chuckle. "He appears to have been hiding from you."
[22:21] <Blondezilla> Reaching out to pat 27, "Oh no, we're just making points to each other." Standing up now, "You be good, 27, I have someone I need to go meet now."
[22:25] * Muirfinn nods, heading out as well.
[22:30] <Blondezilla> As you head out, Canderella falls in with Muirfinn, "So I heard Ebony returned last night, and that you welcomed her back?"
[22:32] <Muirfinn> "Indeed. Brought here by a remarkably bright woman." Muirfinn says. "Sh addressed me as 'sir.' Very military. It's not really something I'm used to, yet."
[22:38] <Blondezilla> "She defers to authority," Canderella chuckles, "Very much so."
[22:40] <Muirfinn> "I saw that, yes." Muirfinn nods. "What's on your plate for the day, mm?"
[22:41] <Blondezilla> "Finding and catching up to her," Canderella brushes a bit of brown hair away from her ear, "I really should talk to her.
[22:41] <Blondezilla> "
[22:42] * Muirfinn nods. "You should try her rooms. I suggested that she get herself resettled."
[22:44] <Blondezilla> "I will. Thanks," Smiling now, "Good luck with your day, Muirfinn."
[22:47] <Muirfinn> "I'm hoping for an entire day of uninterrupted quiet." Muirfinn says, amused. "I may need to leave the plane entirely."

[Corwin]

[22:37] <Kotono> Aurora is quiet today, Muirfinn in the courtyard enjoying an evening walk. Then...the ground shakes all over, quivering and quaking like an earthquake!
[22:39] <Muirfinn> "By the Mother, what the hell!?" Muirfinn says, attempting to hold his footing!
[22:40] <Kotono> OOC: Balance check.
[22:40] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+6
[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+6 and gets 13." [1d20=7]
[22:41] <Kotono> Ack! Muirfinn tumbles over, rolling and spinning about on his shell! After several moments of this the shaking stops! The barrier of Aurora's forcedome ripples with colors, as bonechilling howls erupt! The sound of dozen of wolves howling as one, the sound of coming savagery and the hunt.
[22:42] <Muirfinn> "...not good." Muirfinn says grimly, shifting into a seagull and righting himself, flapping madly into the air and heading toward the sound!
[22:43] <Kotono> Heading ahead, you see the pack of dire wolves! They snarls and snap, coming together! Each one looks enraged!
[22:45] <Muirfinn> Ahhhh, damn. Muirfinn braces himself as he dives out of the air, resuming his own shape as he reaches the ground. He rides the momentum for a bit, jogging far too fast and barely remaining upright before stopping in front of the pack. He quickly casts Speak with Animals and calls out to the pack. "What is the meaning of this violence!?"
[22:49] <Kotono> "The alpha!" They snarl as once, snapping!
[22:50] <Muirfinn> "What about her?" Muirfinn looks confused.
[22:50] <Kotono> "Kill!" They snarl as once, savagery rising by the second, obvious fury overtaking all of them!
[22:55] <Muirfinn> "Uh oh." Muirfinn waves his hands lowly. "Everyone calm down. Nothing will be solved through violence!"
[22:55] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+18+6 Wild Empathy check
[22:55] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+18+6 Wild Empathy check and gets 34." [1d20=10]
[22:56] <Kotono> The wolves stare at Muirfinn long, but soon they take it down a notch. They still looks upset, but far less homicidally so.
[22:57] <Muirfinn> "Alright," Muirfinn says. "deep breaths. Explain to me what's going on and perhaps I can help. Wouldn't it be nice to have someone helping?"

[Corwin]

[19:38] <Kotono> "The alpha called out," The wolves reply to Muirfinn.
[19:40] <Muirfinn> "What did she say?"
[19:41] <Kotono> "Help." The answer is short and curt, several wolves pacing about and baring their teeth.
[19:48] <Muirfinn> "Hmm. Perhaps Annalise is in trouble then." Muirfinn says. "You should remain calm. Whipping yourselves into a frenzy and coming to blind agression will only lead to your being ejected from this place, or killed. Your time here has been good, has it not? We need information."
[19:48] <Muirfinn> Muirfinn looks around for a moment before calling out, "Elena!"
[19:51] <Kotono> There's a looooong delay before Elena appears. She plops down in a heap, knees together and face scuffed up. She's wearing a regal princess gown - check that. It flows into a leather bodysuit, then into a peasant dress. As it then takes the form of a feathered boa and skirt, "Whaaat?" she whimpers, voice shifting from a high pitched squeak to an ultra manly rumble by the end, "Chaos, working
[19:51] <Kotono> chaos out of Aurora."
[19:52] <Muirfinn> Eyes widening, Muirfinn asks, "Are you alright? What happened?"
[19:55] <Kotono> "Annalise," Whimpering quite literally like a scolded dog, eeping and frowning after, "She did something that managed to spread chaos in." Her voice normalizes after that, "Eeep! Aaah! I think Galariel has my voice working right, and I'm working on the support magics and the outer barrier."
[19:57] <Muirfinn> "Annalise did this? Did she attack the Aurora?" Muirfinn looks worried. "She did something to spook the wolves as well."
[20:00] <Kotono> "Sort of, um, she's...gone. Dead. Jaela used 21 on her," Slowly Elena gets to her feet, "At the last moment she tried something. I guess she was desperate...we aren't even sure how sh-eee!" Abruptly Elena shifts! She now looks like Afina, pixie wings and barely two feet tall! That lasts but a second, before a growling, ghost striped tiger appears where Elena was! Several growls sound, before
[20:00] <Kotono> Elena reappears. "Eeee! AAAH! GRRR! GRR! Oh! Wait." Patting her body down, "We're working out the chaos still."
[20:01] <Muirfinn> "...that explains everything, really. Thank you. Is there any way I can help you?"
[20:03] <Kotono> "No, not really," Elena hangs her head, "Jaela...I think she left already, and Hanna...she's..." Shakingher head, "It went bad. Real bad."
[20:05] * Muirfinn nods slowly. "I understand. I will not bother either of them."
[20:06] <Kotono> "I need to go talk to Adrian, Gisfal and Ithea - they're the commanding officers present," Elena says, "Thank you, Muirfinn." With that she vanishes away.
[20:15] * Muirfinn nods as she vanishes, then turns to the wolves for what will probably be a very unpleasant talk. "Your alpha is dead, and has gone on to fuel the Great Cycle. I do not know the details, but from what I understand there was an altercation between your alpha and her mate. Your alpha lost the battle, and fell in combat. I am sorry for your loss." He bows his head. "I advise that you concern
[20:15] * Muirfinn yourselves with choosing a new alpha among you instead of directionless agression. You all have your pack to look after, after all."
[20:21] <Kotono> OOC: Make another wild empathy check?
[20:22] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+18+6
[20:22] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+18+6 and gets 26." [1d20=2]
[20:22] <Muirfinn> OOC: Shittttt
[20:27] <Kotono> You notice the wolves don't seem happy. Oh no. They're doing all sorts of bad things. Growling, baring teeth, snarling - all at Muirfinn. Several start to circle around him, "We will hunt her, and we will kill her."
[20:27] <Muirfinn> "She's not here." Muirfinn says flatly.
[20:28] <Kotono> "We will hunt her," The wolves reply, starting to slink off away from Muirfinn. They start sniffing the ground and spreading out.
[20:37] <Muirfinn> "Yeah, that's not going to work out." Muirfin ways, rubbing his nose in frustration. "She's stronger than you are. She managed to take out your alpha. Could you have killed your alpha?" Muirfinn attempts to reason with animals!
[20:38] <Kotono> OOC: Wild empathy again, -2.
[20:39] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+18+8-2
[20:39] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+18+8-2 and gets 29." [1d20=5]
[20:43] <Kotono> The wolves don't really seem to notice or care about Muirfinn's words, stalking about the courtyard.
[20:53] * Muirfinn places two curled fingers into his mouth, wrapping his lips around them and blowing hard, causing a piercing shriek of a whistle to penetrate the courtyard. "Listen! Hunting and attacking one of the generals around here is a sure way to get yourselves all killed. If you don't agree with what's going on here, I'm sure we can find you a nice plane where we can set you down and you can hunt
[20:53] * Muirfinn deer and gazelle forever. This behavior will not work though."
[20:57] <Kotono> The whistle echos about the courtyard! The wolves even stop at that, turning attention back to Muirfinn at least.
[21:06] <Muirfinn> "There. Now. What is it exactly you wish to accomplish with this?"
[21:11] <Kotono> "Kill," The answer, "Revenge."
[21:22] <Muirfinn> "Again, it's not going to work. Revenge accomplishes nothing. It will not bring your alpha back. You will lose much if not all of your pack in the attempt, should you manage to find her. Again, she is not here. She has left. Your alpha attacked her mate, and the Aurora itself. The very ground we stand on." Muirfinn says. "It is something we cannot tolerate. Choose a new alpha. Find someone new
[21:22] <Muirfinn> to lead you."
[21:26] <Kotono> "Who dares to?" The wolves snarl.
[21:29] <Muirfinn> That's really an open-ended question, so Muirfinn assumes it's referring to the last bit. "Are you saying that one among your number is insufficient to lead you?" Muirfinn raises an eyebrow. "You require outside leadership?"
[21:36] <Kotono> "The alpha instructed us that we must bow to another outside of our pack," it answers back.
[21:38] <Muirfinn> "Any further criteria?"
[21:47] <Kotono> "Strength," It answers, the wolves now focusing on Muirfinn, "Great strength. Strength as the alpha holds."
[21:49] <Muirfinn> "You propose a test, then?"
[21:52] <Kotono> Circling around Muirfinn now, "Do you claim to be strong?"
[21:55] * Muirfinn leans easily on his staff. "I suppose I do, at that."
[22:02] <Kotono> "Then..." The wolves surround Muirfinn now, "Stay up!" The wolves back up a goodly distance, before starting to charge at Muirfinn! OOC: Going to do anything?
[22:03] <Muirfinn> OOC: Earth elemental form go
[22:05] * Muirfinn watches the wolves grow closer before his form swells, scales and shell moulding together and turning to craggy gray stone. He makes a noise like two massive rocks grinding together as the wolves approach.
[22:05] <Kotono> OOC: What's your CMD in that form?
[22:05] <Muirfinn> OOC: 59
[22:06] <Kotono> WHAMWHAMWHAM! Wolves slam into Muirfinn - but it's like the tides against the shore. They bounce off him uselessly, a heap of canines around him.
[22:07] * Muirfinn simply waits for the wolves to exhaust themselves against him, keeping an eye on them to make sure that they don't hurt themselves.
[22:11] <Kotono> Eventually they all lie there, whimpering and still, unable to move a huge sized h unk of rock by merely headbutting into it with a head start.
[22:13] * Muirfinn nods, his form shrinking down to its natural state. He looks critically at the wolves for injuries. "You are all well? None of you have injured yourselves?"
[22:15] <Kotono> "Pain," One of the wolves whimpers, as you stand amid a circle of defeated canines. The sound of whimpering is quite loud, like a song for Muirfinn.
[22:16] <Muirfinn> It's not a song he's rather fond of. "Come, I will heal your wounds. Perhaps we can do away with the violence now?"
[22:27] <Kotono> Slowly the wolves rise, indeed whimpering and looking rather beaten up.
[22:29] * Muirfinn immediately goes about bandaging and washing wounds, tapping the seriously wounded wolves with a wand of healing.
[22:32] <Kotono> Slowly the wolves pick themselves up in the courtyard. As this happens a few people approach, but not many. One who does is Tannin, coming up as the wolves balefully stare at him, "Oh good, I was wondering what was going to happen with them," he says without preamble.
[22:35] * Muirfinn nods at Tannin. "I believe the nonsense about revenge is over. How can I help you, Tannin?"
[22:37] <Kotono> "Nothing, just making sure everything's under control," he says artlessly.
[22:38] <Muirfinn> "Well enough. Annalise did something to the Aurora, which caused the earthquake earlier I assume. From what Elena told me, Jaela must have destroyed her a short time later. Annalise had control of the wolves, which should be settled now." Muirfinn says.
[22:45] <Kotono> "I heard," Tannin says, "Good." Nodding his head, "If you have this under control..."
[22:53] <Muirfinn> "It appears that I do, for now."
[22:54] <Kotono> Tipping his head forward once, Tannin departs away.