Rank 2, Mission 1 Gaiden 2: "Hold, Release; Rakshasa and Carcasses"

[Taishyr]

[15:50] <@Torokasi> The guardpost is placid as the group moves past, mild spurts of rain still falling as they make the trek across the bridge. The city itself seems rather calm as well, people out and doing business with umbrellas and multiple layers of clothing. The Horizon Guild still seems to be in town, a guild caravan cart parked and acting as a market stall, selling wares from a few different areas. <More>
[15:56] <@Torokasi> The ladies, on splitting up, find the baths sufficiently hot and the food - a small restaurant within the bounds of the Guild's main hall, on the third floor, nestled near the middle - perfectly adequate, if simple. With that, the group rests... <More>
[16:02] <@Torokasi> It's the middle of the night when Crow can faintly hear a shriek that nonetheless startles her awake... did that come from Janda's room?
[16:03] * AutumnCrow bolts up, whips a robe around herself in one fluid motion, and rushes out to see what the hell that was about!
[16:04] <@Torokasi> Lilian doesn't seem to even stir, somehow, as Crow dashes out of the room. Nyci's in the hallway, barely clothed but eyeing Janda's room as well, her muscles flexing out of nerves. "Dunno if anyone else heard that but you should open the door she knows you better." she chatters nervously.
[16:05] <AutumnCrow> "Right," Crow bangs on the door for a second out of vague respect for privacy and then opens it.
[16:08] <@Torokasi> Crow moves to open the door... before it's slammed open, a wolf banging out of the door and sliding out, turning to face Crow and Nyci - or is it a wolf? It's shaped vaguely like one, but it seems to be made of a green, oozing substance, with crude wings protruding nearly-nonsensically out of its hindquarters, cramped in the hallway! Nevertheless, the creature emits an dripping snarl! OOC: Init.
[16:10] <AutumnCrow> Utterly poleaxed by what she sees, Crow is a bit slow to react(Init 1d20+4. Total 5.)
[16:14] <@Torokasi> Nyci is at 19, Wolf? is at 7.
[16:20] <@Torokasi> Nyci growls, the hallway too narrow to engage it alongside Crow! "If you need to pull back let me know and I can deal with it I think!" Heedless of the words that Nyci is spewing, the wolf bites at Crow!
[16:21] <AutumnCrow> OOC: my AC is 14 flat footed since no armor
[16:21] <@Torokasi> ...But the bite falls way short of Crow, one of the wolf's wings getting it caught on Janda's door. The creature seems obviously unused to maneuvering itself in these quarters... OOC: Crow. It rolled a total of 4.
[16:25] <AutumnCrow> Slipping into a fighting stance, Crow snaps out at the beast with a one-two combination while giving orders to Nyci, "go wake up Lilian, she has magic that can help...uh, she's in my room. Door's open." (OOC: Flurry of Blows, in Autumn Blood In The Water stance)
[16:26] <AutumnCrow> Attack 1: 1d20+6. Total 12
[16:26] <AutumnCrow> Attack 2: 1d20+6. Total 17.
[16:26] <AutumnCrow> Damage on 2: 1d6+4+2. Total 12. Max~
[16:29] <@Torokasi> Crow's first swing is high, but the second punch basically sinks into the wolf's face. And through. And into where the vital organs would be, sending enormous amounts of the creature splattering against the side walls, its construction barely holding itself together as Crow manages to pull her arm out. Nyci pauses, before, "... No offense but it looks like you got this but I'll grab her for healing if this thing lands a hit?"
[16:30] <@Torokasi> The wolf, still standing somehow, massive chunks of it already evaporating off the ground, tries to bite Crow again! But the bite's easily deflected by Crow's stance. OOC: Crow again. It's near dead, you can tell that much.
[16:31] <AutumnCrow> "Yes, no offense," she deliberately prounounces the word with its alternate meaning, "about sums this thing up. I'm not sure what it's trying to hit." She lashes out with another fierce combo of left open palm strike forcing it to dodge straight into her right knee thrust. (OOC: Flurry again.)
[16:32] <AutumnCrow> Attack 1: 1d20+6. Total 8. Lol.
[16:32] <AutumnCrow> Attack 2: 1d20+6. Total 23. Damage 11.
[16:33] <@Torokasi> The creature dodges the left open palm... only to be splattered massively by Crow's knee, goo flying everywhere and instantly vanishing on contact with a surface. Janda can be heard, whimpering slightly... OOC: Free act.
[16:35] <AutumnCrow> Crow walks over to Janda and gently shakes her, "Janda...Janda...wake up."
[16:36] <@Torokasi> Janda is sweating profusely in her sleep, one of her pillows drenched. The room's at least no longer pink, but rather a soothing blue and green; the only pink item left is the nightgown she's wearing, it looks like. She doesn't seem to stir at Crow's attempts to wake her.
[16:36] * AutumnCrow shakes her HARD now.
[16:39] <@Torokasi> "No... No! She has to survive, she..." Janda stirs for a moment, before seemingly collapsing back into her sleep.
[16:39] <@Torokasi> Kalos' voice can be heard in the hallway, "Nyci? Is everything alright?"
[16:40] <@Torokasi> "Uh I kinda forgot. There was a green wolf with butt wings but Crow punched it away I think Crow is alright?"
[16:41] <AutumnCrow> "I'm fine...Janda is having nightmares and...uh..." she sighs, "I have this under control but am not comfortable talking about how or why. You two can go back to bed. Thank your for the concern and offer of assistance."
[16:44] <@Torokasi> "Certainly, Crow." Kalos says, walking to the door for a moment. "We'll be here if you need anything." With that, she heads back to her room, dragging a waving Nyci out of the way as well.
[16:45] <AutumnCrow> With that, Crow makes her way back to her own room to try and gently wake up Lilian, hoping she's not being kept in a sound sleep by the crystal like she thinks Janda is.
[16:47] <@Torokasi> Lilian takes a bit of effort to wake, but manages to blearily blink her eyes at Crow after a moment. "... you're okay." she murmurs softly as Crow hovers over her.
[16:48] <AutumnCrow> "Yes, I'm fine. Janda may not be, though." Crow shuts the door and slides back into bed, "she summoned something in her sleep. I think I need to go into her dream. Can you cast a spell to put me to sleep?"
[16:49] <@Torokasi> "... she summoned something...? A wolf?" Lilian murmurs, eyes popping open a bit more. "A winged wolf?"
[16:50] <AutumnCrow> "...yes. A winged wolf made of goo." Crow nods, "I punched it into the wall and it dissapated. I'm not even scratched, I doubt it could have hit Ary as clumsy as those bites were, I'm fine."
[16:51] <@Torokasi> "Same dream..." Lilian rubs her eyes. "Just like last night. ... I don't..." Her breathing is somewhat uneven, before... "No, it's better you see it. Lie down and I'll cast the spell."
[16:52] <AutumnCrow> "Alright," Crow gives Lilian a quick kiss before lying down into a comfortable sleeping position.
[16:54] <@Torokasi> Lilian smiles wanly as she casts the spell... OOC: Failing the will save and going straight to the Dream?
[16:54] <AutumnCrow> OOC: yup
[16:56] <@Torokasi> The grey world emerges as Crow's awareness settles into the dreamscape. It doesn't take long for Crow to spot Janda's dream - it's the stone archway with more of the green goo creatures coming out of it. It seems that they're not hostile, here, at least not yet, but the interior of the arch seems to be shaking strongly. The other arches nearby - presumably Isabella and the other residents of the dorms - seem quite placid in comparison.
[16:56] <AutumnCrow> Steeling herself, Crow walks right into Janda's arch.
[17:01] <@Torokasi> The arch seems to resist for a moment before Crow snaps into Janda's dream - a dark alleyway, the one mote of light a quivering point at the end of a raised dagger that Janda holds. A familiar alleyway. Three bodies. One is Lilian's, Janda standing over it, protecting it. Another is a familiar body - a stripped man, face down, pierced with a spear. And the third... is a woman with bright red hair, Crow's length. Crow's height. A black robe, with white trim around the edges. Her blood pouring out over the street.
[17:02] <@Torokasi> As Crow takes in the scene, Janda's knife turns to Crow, held surely and with certainty. "Are you the killer?! Identify yourself!" Her voice holds a steel you're not familiar with from her.
[17:05] <AutumnCrow> "I have no weapons," Crow spreads her empty hands, "while I do know martial arts, my attacks would not leave cuts and blood. I am no killer." Walking over to the body that looks like hers, Crow turns the head with her foot so she can see if it's her face as well.
[17:09] <@Torokasi> "Then who ar- stop interfering with a crime scene!" Janda barks as Crow moves to look at the third body. The face is... similar. But not the same. Possibly mistakeable for Crow's sister, if such a thing had ever been possible. On her neck is a mark - a sunburst, tattooed, blackened by some force.
[17:12] <AutumnCrow> "...call me Summer Sparrow," Crow lies with a bit of regret, wanting to play along to see what is happening rather than disrupt the dream with truth. "From the Autumn Temple. Are these dead or merely wounded, perhaps I can help? What happened here?"
[17:17] <@Torokasi> "The Autumn Temple, eh?" Janda's eyes narrow... before she exhales, her stance shifting slightly. "Lilian fainted. I don't know why. The other two are... dead. The tattooed man was carrying valuable cargo for the Horizon Guild. I don't know what this stranger is doing dead with him, but as there's no sign of struggle on Odamane's body or nails, she was likely killed by whoever came here to kill him."
[17:17] <@Torokasi> "Sorry, Janda." Lilian's voice can be heard, as she gets herself to a kneeling position. "...Dunno why I, like, fainted."
[17:19] <@Torokasi> "It's okay, Lilian. I must admit, I am rather discomforted by this myself." Janda offers Lilian a wan smile before turning her attention back to Crow, face still stern. "So, Summer Sparrow. You look related to the deceased. Any connection?"
[17:20] <AutumnCrow> "Hmmm," Crow takes note that dream-Lilian fainted when real-Lilian woke up, "that is a very good question. My father was...ah, rather well known for his wandering ways, there may well be. Can we check to see if she has any identification? And...who are you two?"
[17:22] <@Torokasi> "Bodies will be processed by the city guard." Janda states automatically, before softening. "This being said, if you'll come with us, we can try to help answer that question if you'll answer ours in return. I am Janda Lestrad, wilder and marshal of the Kerebos Guild. This is Lilian Wardingrow, a new recruit from the city guard. ...Was your father from the, ah, Autumn Temple?"
[17:23] <@Torokasi> Lilian stands, straightening herself up, looking Crow in the eye for a moment... and then winking, before looking back to the two bodies with concern.
[17:24] * AutumnCrow can't help but smile at the wink, "No, my mother is. My father is...well there's no gentle way to put this, he's a barbarian. And certainly, I'll come with you."
[17:27] <@Torokasi> Janda lets off a short, barking laugh. "Ah, so a Terianderite. Understood. ... Lilian, does the city guard usually take this long to reply to reports? I'm beginning to understand why you left them."
[17:28] <@Torokasi> Lilian exhales slightly. "Like, sort of? They're always rather short-staffed at night."
[17:29] <AutumnCrow> "As for...my own other questions, I saw a strange flying dog that looked like it was made of...slime? That's why I'm here, I chased it here since it looked like a monster but now I don't see it anywhere." Crow looks around, looking for just such a creature.
[17:29] <@Torokasi> Janda shakes her head. "...The trail is cold by now anyway, most likely. Move aside, Sparrow. I'll check her for identification. Lilian, please ensure I follow the protocol."
[17:30] <@Torokasi> "I could do it, boss." Lilian offers. "I'm feeling fine now, so..."
[17:30] * AutumnCrow steps aside as instructed.
[17:31] <@Torokasi> "I'd rather take the blame for this if they decide to get huffy, Lilian." Janda shakes her head slightly. "Politics and all that."
[17:32] <AutumnCrow> "Ah, politics. My favorite swear word," Sparrow deadpans.
[17:34] <@Torokasi> "Right, right." Lilian steps aside as well, tittering at Sparrow's comment, as Janda moves to check over the body, before flipping it - to reveal the cause of death. A massive set of three gashes across her chest, as if a giant wolf had lashed out at the woman. Her fingernails - indeed, the inside of her hands - seem bloodied, knuckles ripped and torn. Janda pats down the body, before sighing. "If she has identification on her, she's hiding it well enough that I'm not comfortable digging for it. For the life of me, though, I can't think of what could do this sort of damage."
[17:38] <@Torokasi> "Like, maybe a tiger or something that someone summoned?" Lilian offers. "But a tiger can't really use a spear, I guess."
[17:40] <AutumnCrow> "The deaths seem like they should be related, being in the same place and all, but there's no garuntee that they are. Or the killer could actually be a plural. One with a spear and one with claws."
[17:42] <@Torokasi> "A valid point. We could be dealing with more than one. Gang violence is out, given Odamane, but this could be something more sinister. ...Or maybe this is just Odamane and a lover trying to escape from some filthy brothel? Whatever the source of this, we'd best be alert." Janda muses. "Alright. Could I get a quick account of why you came to this alleyway tonight, Sparrow? Name, current residence, and so on?"
[17:44] <AutumnCrow> "Summer Sparrow, I am currently between residences as I ran out of money to stay at the inn and I'm not quite deperate enough to start selling my possesions, and I was nearby when I saw a flying wolf made of slime and chased it here. The wolf seems to be gone, though."
[17:47] <@Torokasi> "... oh. You saw my construct going for assistance." Janda's face reddens slightly. "Damn and blast. Okay, that makes sense. ...If you're a martial artist, you could get into the city guard, Sparrow, or even try out for the Kerebos Guild. Both pay handsomely people looking to move up in the world."
[17:47] <@Torokasi> "... Lilian, have we met Sparrow before?" Janda asks reflexively, glancing to Lilian who was leaning against the wall.
[17:48] <AutumnCrow> 'Sparrow' doesn't say anything for a moment, letting Lilian respond first.
[17:49] <@Torokasi> Lilian glances to Sparrow/Crow before shrugging. "Maybe? She looks kinda familiar, but if she's, like, one of the refugees from the Autumn Temple I probably saw her come in through the north gates or something." Her eyes lock onto Crow's with the comment about the Autumn Temple, before shifting back to Janda. "I can't say as that we've, like, walked past her or anything on patrol, though, no, Janda."
[17:51] <AutumnCrow> "....refugees?" Crow's voice falls, "...I've been in the city for awhile. I'm no mage to have some magical way of contacting the temple. What...what do you mean refugees?"
[17:53] <@Torokasi> "...maybe I saw you before the temple fell, then." Lilian's voice grows sympathetic. "We've had a handful of people come through here, like, saying the Temple was attacked by a group of people and the former residents expelled. I don't know what happened to the original inhabitants; most of the refugees were men leaving toward Mairs, and I heard the rest were heading toward Teriander."
[17:54] <@Torokasi> Janda's smile is sad. "Unfortunate that you missed your kin coming through. You're welcome to stay here if you want; the Horizon Guild may have some individuals traveling toward Mairs or Teriander that you could travel with, if you want to meet back up with them."
[17:55] <AutumnCrow> "...something must have happened to the High Lady for such an attack to even be successful." Sparrow shakes her head, "...I'll think on that. Thank you. For now I'm willing to assist your efforts for the evening if you have a spare bed to offer."
[17:58] <@Torokasi> "That'd be appreciated, especially as THOSE LAZY ROUNDABOUTS FROM THE GUARD HAVEN'T GOTTEN HERE YET!" Janda's voice rings through the streets, and she seems to be listening for a response before sighing. "We can certainly house you for the night. The Guard, well, once they get here they'll want to talk to you as well. Lilian, would you mind staying here with Sparrow? I'm going to go get Para and Tammud, and see if I can't find the guards while I'm at it. In the unlikely event they get here first, you two help them get the bodies to Zuiseno's temple for analysis and attempted revival."
[17:58] <@Torokasi> "That's fine by me. Be careful out there, okay?" Lilian nods.
[17:59] <@Torokasi> "I'll do that." Janda nods, briskly nodding to Sparrow as well before trotting off.
[18:00] * AutumnCrow flicks her eyes to Lilian after Janda leaves, wondering if she can stay in a part of Janda's dream that Janda herself isn't in. ...of course it's also Lilian's isn't it?
[18:00] <@Torokasi> Lilian waits until Janda hikes out before quietly sighing and giving Crow a sympathetic glance... OOC: Roll a notice check, Crow.
[18:01] <AutumnCrow> OOC: roll 1d20+0 lol notice. ...wtf I got a 15
[18:03] <@Torokasi> The surroundings seem to... desolidify somewhat, becoming hazy and uncertain, except around Lilian and Crow. Lilian glances to the second dead body. "I thought that might be you, but if you don't recognize it, it's not even someone you know, thankfully..."
[18:07] <AutumnCrow> "It very well could be the alternate me here," Crow shrugs, seemingly unconcerned by the thought, "the differences in appearance are easily explained by...ah...well, I'm sure you know what I mean."
[18:08] <@Torokasi> Lilian glances to Crow for a moment, then to the body, then back to Crow. "... Should I check them?" she offers, a bit awkwardly.
[18:09] <AutumnCrow> "If you wish, though you'll find her quite feminine I'm sure. This...is a dream, after all. It's always...the way it's supposed to be in here, rather than the way it is."
[18:12] <@Torokasi> "...sure, but we're dealing with a dream of an alternate reality, not of just you..." Lilian replies, before quickly going to check the body again. "... the victim's female, yeah. Though... do you have any birthmarks, Crow?"
[18:15] <AutumnCrow> "There's...one on my back, on the left side. You normally can't see it due to the bindings, but..."
[18:17] <@Torokasi> Lilian nods slightly, flipping the victim back over. "...No binding, and... left side? This isn't on the left side. Is it shaped like anything?"
[18:17] <AutumnCrow> "Not really, it just looks like a large freckle."
[18:21] <@Torokasi> "...This is shaped like a hand, and is definitely not a freckle. It's lighter than the skin around it, even." Lilian has Crow come over to examine it. "I don't know that this is you, honestly. If it is, your face is different here - narrower."
[18:22] <AutumnCrow> "This may well be an actual daughter of Autumn Dragon, then. Not me, but the daughter who if she had...I never would have been."
[18:24] <@Torokasi> "Mmm. Maybe." Lilian shrugs. "...From what I remember of the start of the dream yesterday, that didn't really work out well."
[18:24] <AutumnCrow> "What happened?"
[18:25] <@Torokasi> "Like I said, the Temple got evacuated. It sounded like... It sounded like a coup, honestly, the way it got phrased, but I never got the full details from that Eagle dude."
[18:26] <AutumnCrow> "...Summer Eagle is my second brother. He's...well, he tries hard. He did a lot of my training, but I caught up to him quickly despite the age gap. I may actually be stronger than him now."
[18:27] <@Torokasi> "Shit." Lilian mutters, standing up over the victim's body. "I didn't actually know that. He said his older brother went north to Teriander, but that he and a few others were going to try and find their younger siblings."
[18:29] <AutumnCrow> "Dusk, the older brother in question, is the...second strongest Summer warrior right now, after my uncle Fang. I wonder who could have led such a coup...Ash? Did he make some kind of shady connections and come back to defeat his sister?"
[18:31] <@Torokasi> "I don't recognize that name. But it's possible?" Lilian nods. "Is Ash someone with a grudge against your family?"
[18:32] <AutumnCrow> "Summer Ash, though these days I don't think he's allowed to use that style name, is the older brother of Autumn Dragon. She has told me nothing about him other than that he's not welcome in the temple and that she wouldn't piss on him to put out a fire."
[18:34] <@Torokasi> "Hah. That sounds like a grudge, yeah. ...I dunno, Crow. Sorry. They were pretty quiet outside of Eagle, and most of them seemed to be in shock."
[18:34] <AutumnCrow> "Well, who knows. I...hope it's not important. Regardless, I likely either never existed in this alternate reality or am already dead."
[18:36] <@Torokasi> "... That could be why you were so incompatible with the shards. It couldn't find a way to integrate you into this reality?" Lilian grimaces.
[18:38] <AutumnCrow> "I just figured that...well, the only way I could be anything different is if I were born the woman I was supposed to be. The woman I am in the dream. And then I would be an entirely different person."
[18:49] <@Torokasi> "That's... fair too, but... I don't know. Argh... Sorry, Crow. I don't know. She was flipping out over seeing you, and I think part of Janda was... recognizing you in the victim and stressing out? Last time, we remembered more. This time she seems like she's lost in the dream."
[18:49] <AutumnCrow> "That...flying wolf made of slime made it OUT of the dream into her room somehow. She screamed, it woke me up, and I went to go punch it."
[18:50] <AutumnCrow> "I'll talk to her in the morning about me invading the dream after that, and...well, until this shard business is over I may want to ask Mare to sleep in Janda's room. So you have me, Janda has her, and...we'll see about arrainging sleepovers for the boys if they need someone ready to battle dream escapees."
[18:51] <@Torokasi> "Oh. ... I was surprised to see her use it here, too." Lilian shrugs before chuckling. "Yeah, that's probably wise. Mare and Janda can treat it as a sleepover, Ary and Solmyr can annoy each other in a congenial manner, and Para can be glad he didn't take one. Works."
[18:52] <AutumnCrow> "Also, you enjoy that dumb girl act a bit much, don't you think?" Crow opted for a lighter tone and smirked at Lilian.
[18:54] <@Torokasi> "Pfft." Lilian chuckled. "When... Janda started talking like she was here, like she was actually trained as a marshal since she was young and her psionic gift got discovered in this timeline, I.. lapsed into that as a defensive measure. It helps drag out more information, all that."
[18:58] <AutumnCrow> "She must be getting lost in it so easily because of her high compatability?" Crow suggests with a shrug, then asks, "do you think we should stay, go looking for her, or call it a night and try to sleep normally?"
[19:01] <@Torokasi> "... I think the latter. It's possible her dream skipped ahead, and we might interrupt it if we show up. It's... we didn't share a dream except when we did, so I have a vague idea of what she was doing when I wasn't around but- ugh. How do you handle this?" Lilian laughs a bit.
[19:03] <AutumnCrow> "By accepting that it doesn't make sense and playing along." Crow states flatly. "Alright, let's head out. Or...rather I'll head out. Do you want me to wake you back up? Or look around for what is uniquely your dream instead of Janda's and come visit?"
[19:07] <@Torokasi> Lilian shakes her head. "This is likely the reach of my dream right now. I'll report back in when I wake up, see if we determine the identity of... her. If you want to wander, feel free, but... I don't know that much outside of what me and Janda are aware of is actually there, and... I feel compelled to stay here and wait. So."
[19:08] <AutumnCrow> "Alright, I'll go get some sleep then." Crow gives dream Lilian a kiss on the cheek and then focuses on seeing the archway again so she can leave.
[19:09] <@Torokasi> Lilian smiles as Crow manages to wink herself out of the dream, to an arch with the slime constructs nearby - and also an array of floating knives, hovering in the air menacingly, though they don't seem aimed at Crow or the constructs.
[19:09] * AutumnCrow looks at the constructs, "No more sneaking out into the real world, alright? I will punch the lot of you into a wall if you do that again."
[19:12] <@Torokasi> The constructs don't seem to react to Crow, instead simply milling around the archway.
[19:13] * AutumnCrow then goes to find her own exit and heads back to real sleep.
[19:14] <@Torokasi> Sleep comes quickly for Crow...

[Taishyr]

[15:54] <Torokasi> The sound that wakes Crow is a brief, clearly inhuman shriek that pierces the air. Afterward, there's some loud laughter intermingling with the soft noises of the city that normally accompany the early morning. Lilian seems to stir slightly at the noise beside Crow before muttering inaudibly and putting her head back down, then lifting it again. "Did I forget a festival day?"
[15:55] <AutumnCrow> "No," Crow sighs and yawns, "it's likely just Janda excitedly playing with her new psychic powers."
[15:56] * AutumnCrow gets out of bed and gets dressed after dropping that absurd statement so matter of factly.
[15:59] <Torokasi> "Either that or someone playing with alchemicals outside. Lovely." Lilian lies in bed a moment longer before getting out as well.  "The dream did go on a bit, though I didn't rejoin Janda's. I still don't know if it was you or not, though. ...It stopped right before the cataclysm happened for us, but it felt... off. We'll see, I guess."
[16:01] <AutumnCrow> "We should probably check in on Janda, and them make sure the boys didn't have similar episodes." Crow grabs her brush off the table and starts in on her hair, "I'm glad you at least seem to have a less...explosive...time with yours."
[16:04] <Torokasi> "... Yeah, I think I know what it's 'teaching' me." Lilian says after a moment. "I'll be able to apply it in fights, but... Mmm. It's interesting, at least."
[16:06] <Torokasi> "Anyway. Yes, let's check in on Janda." Lilian finishes after a moment, opening the door once Crow is dressed and heading to Janda's door. "Janda, are you up?"
[16:07] <AutumnCrow> "I'm actually as interested in how you seem to have a measure of lucidity in the dreamscape, while Janda absolutely did not." Crow comments as they walk over.
[16:12] <Torokasi> "That's... something I have no clue on." Lilian shrugs, as Janda opens the door.  Inside, perched on one of the ornate bedposts, is an bird-like shape, perched on the nightstand - its form is ill-defined, but it may be an small eagle or a big falcon, or something similar.
[16:12] <Torokasi> Janda shrugs slightly as Lilian glances at it. "It sort of scared me when I woke up, but it seems to be... protecting me."
[16:14] <AutumnCrow> "Well at least it's more well behaved then the ones that were coming out last night." Crow deadpans.
[16:15] <Torokasi> "The ones that were what?" Janda asks, confused.
[16:16] <AutumnCrow> "Nyci and I had to deal with flying wolves made of psychic goo coming out of your room last night. You were clearly having nightmares of some sort..." Crow sighs, "I had to go dream diving to see what was going on. I just wanted to get that out there since I did go into your dream without your permission and all."
[16:18] <Torokasi> "... wolves? F-flying wolves?!" Janda sputters. "... I thought I found you dead in my dream, but it didn't seem like it was you, but then the reports - I was using wolves in my dreams! Using them as messengers! ...How could this be happening?"
[16:19] <Torokasi> "The crystals we used. The time fragments." Lilian states. "Mine have been much less pronounced but we were all in the same dream last night."
[16:19] <AutumnCrow> "One good hit dissipated it, so I'm not too worried," Crow shrugs.
[16:20] <Torokasi> "The what?" At the voice, Lilian swivels to see Isabella, books in hand and her hair a frazzled mess, glancing over the trio curiously. "Can't say as though I've heard of a time fragment before. ...Oh, I'm probably intruding in this conversation, aren't I? Sorry."
[16:22] <AutumnCrow> "I'll let you explain that one, Lilian." Crow smiles, "I'll handle reporting to Ramedo and talk about the guild getting to study the other two."
[16:24] <AutumnCrow> (OOC: change two to one in logs)
[16:25] <Torokasi> "Sure." Lilian smiles in return. "Janda, maybe we should have you meet with... actually, aren't shapers normally psions, Isabella?"
[16:27] <Torokasi> "Most of the time, but some wilders only have talent with the 'specialty' school, so they can use it even if they have access to nothing else. Hyperfocus is the usual ter- wait, is that why the bird is there? You're a new psion, Janda?!" Isabella's voice trembles with excitement as Crow walks to go talk to Ramedo. <More>
[16:30] <Torokasi> The stacks of paper on Ramedo's desk tower over his short form as he shuffles through papers. As Crow knocks on the open door, looking in at him, Ramedo comments without looking up, "Come in, group Manifold! How was your trip?"
[16:31] <AutumnCrow> "It was...enlightening, I suppose. We didn't find what we were looking for, but we did find something."
[16:31] * AutumnCrow goes in and has a seat
[16:32] <Torokasi> "Enlightenment, eh? Hoo hoo, that's a good thing! What did you find out there?" Ramedo looks up, before blinking. "Ah, reporting in alone, are you? That's fine, that's all fine."
[16:34] <AutumnCrow> "Some kind of bunker that was over eight thousand years old according to the...well, construct or whatever the Overcore is." Crow deadpans without any unusual facial expression.
[16:34] <Torokasi> Ramedo pauses, his expression inscrutable as he looks at Crow. OOC: Roll a bluff check.
[16:35] <AutumnCrow> OOC: rolled a 16 for a 20.
[16:36] <Torokasi> Ramedo's face twitches. "... You're serious about that. You're actually serious."
[16:37] <AutumnCrow> "Do I seem the sort of person who makes up incredulous claims?" Crow raises an eyebrow, then pulls out the remaining time crystal, "I have a full report to give on it, and I'll poke Para to come in and give his own version since the two of us are the ones that...connected with the Overcores to try and restore some fucntion to them."
[16:39] <Torokasi> Ramedo's mouth opens for a moment, as he reaches out and takes the crystal fragment. "...I haven't seen one of these in ten years." His muttering is indistinct, before, "I need to call Adon in for this report. Please wait here a moment." His voice is still pleasant, but much firmer than Crow has heard it before.
[16:39] <AutumnCrow> "But you have seen one before? Oh good, that saves me the trouble of trying to explain what it is."
[16:41] <Torokasi> "Yes, we have." Ramedo nods curtly before stepping out, leaving Crow alone momentaraily. After a few seconds, Ramedo returns, Adon right behind him. Closing the door after Adon enters, Ramedo goes back behind his desk and pulls out a notebook. "Please do not leave out any details, Autumn Crow. We'll talk with Parakloro after this."
[16:42] * AutumnCrow nods and gives the report starting from when Para dissapeared, though leaves out the WHY of why she could connect to the Overcore, if pressed on that she'll simply cite the Autumn bloodline that the Overcore did apparently recognize.
[16:45] <Torokasi> The two don't seem to question Crow's ability to connect to the Overcore as Ramedo guides the discussion, Adon asking a few questions but mostly staying silent. At the end, Ramedo closes his notebook and sighs heavily, glancing to Adon, who seems lost in thought. After a moment, Adon speaks, "Do you believe Uhlemi, or anything in or around Uhlemi, could pose a notable threat to the city of Verxais?"
[16:46] <AutumnCrow> "There was the strange noises, almost like a roaring, that we heard...but the Overcore insisted it was nothing. So probably not, but I do intend to do a more thourough investigation at some point once my group has recovered."
[16:49] <Torokasi> "Right. ... For now, we're going to request your group keeps this secret; please carry this order to the rest of your team. There is... a great deal of legal headache that we need to work through in order to process this properly. It recognizes you as something of the leader, correct?" Adon continues.
[16:50] <AutumnCrow> "...yes, and Lilian may already be telling Isabella, since she overheard us talking with Janda about the crystals."
[16:51] <Torokasi> "... Right, we'll talk with Isabella and co as well."  Adon sighs. "That's fine - the Kerebos Guild will likely ask people to help your studies of the facility. ...We have some knowledge of the Overcores and the warped time fragments as well. Which would you like me to explain first, from our knowledge?"
[16:52] <AutumnCrow> "...the fragments are more immediately important to my team, though I would like to call the whole group in for the explanation so they can ask any questions they have that I might not think of."
[16:53] <Torokasi> "Alright. We'll hold this conversation until you reconvene the group, then. Please also ask Isabella and her team to come in, if you would." Adon nods. "I'm going  to go consult with my superior, and we'll meet you back here."
[16:54] <AutumnCrow> "Of course. I'll go gather everyone." Crow goes to do exactly that, starting with asking Lilian to gather the girls while she goes over to gather the boys.
[16:56] <Torokasi> The group assembles quickly and with little fanfare, Ary and Solmyr both commenting to Para and Crow about the shared dreams as the group assembled in Ramedo's office, additional chairs pushed in. In addition to Adon and Ramedo, there is a lithe Talkyr woman, grey-furred, sitting in a chair near the back, a knife at her side and a notebook in hand. Adon tilts his head toward her as the group shuffles in. "This is Kyrat, our expert on the time fragments. Kyrat, Group Manifold. She's... more or less here to make sure we get what details we know right."
[16:58] <Torokasi> Kyrat inclines her head slightly to the group before returning to her book. Adon shrugs a bit, before, "Okay. It sounds like you wanted to know about the fragments first?"
[16:58] <AutumnCrow> "Those are the more immediate concern, yes."
[17:03] <Torokasi> "Right. So, our understanding of time fragments is this: they're basically... remnants of powerful magics, specifically ones that can warp time or space. They allow the creatures that... use them... to acquire abilities, but they also acquire what, as you recounted, are new memories of events that didn't actually happen. There's a few important aspects about what you see, however. One is that you yourself may not actually have the ability or knowledge that the crystals even grant you. You may have had it in these visions, but not in this one." <More>
[17:04] <Torokasi> "The other key factor is that... almost universally, at one point or another, the timelines seem to abruptly end. This is where the memories stop propogating." Adon replies, before glancing between the group of four that took the fragments. "Has that happened to any of you four?"
[17:06] <Torokasi> Lilian shakes her head. "No, not yet. ...Abruptly end how?"
[17:06] <Torokasi> "...Often, with either the death or critical divergence of the version of you that they invoke." Adon replies with a moment's hesitation.
[17:07] <Torokasi> "You're hedging." Kyrat interrupts, not looking up from her notebook.
[17:08] <Torokasi> Adon groans. "And always with a vision of a past or future disaster. Given the timing, it's probably the cataclysm that'll be where it ends for you guys."
[17:10] <Torokasi> "Okay, so why'd you hesitate on telling us that?" Ary asks, a note of suspicion in his voice.
[17:12] * AutumnCrow also has her journal out to take any relevant notes from this.
[17:16] <Torokasi> Kyrat closes her notebook. "Because there's a few other possibilities, but they're outside your pay grade. That's why he's dodging around the topic. If your dreams end on a different incident, please let us know."
[17:18] * AutumnCrow raises an eyebrow at the comment, taking an immediate dislike to this woman.
[17:22] <Torokasi> Both Adon and Ramedo scowl slightly, before Adon looks to Crow. "As Kyrat's said, please let us know if there's any deviation from what we've mentioned. The final thing is that there are numerous variants, each of which seem to work better or worse for people. If the crystal resists, don't fight it, please. There's been some positive benefits from doing that above and beyond what the normal result is, but the side effects... have been lethal at times."
[17:23] <AutumnCrow> "I'd like you four to keep as good of records of what happens in these dreams as you can. If you don't care for writing, Marion or I can take notes while you dictate."
[17:26] <Torokasi> "I can do that." Mare volunteers.
[17:26] <Torokasi> "Any questions?" Adon asks, glancing over the group.
[17:27] <Torokasi> "We're not at risk of dying in our sleep, right?" Solmyr asks, mild concern in his voice.
[17:27] <Torokasi> "No, there's no record of that happening due to the time fragments."
[17:27] <Torokasi> Adon repliues, shaking hsi head.
[17:31] <AutumnCrow> "And the changes the crystals make, those are permenant even after the dreams end in whatever fashion?"
[17:33] <Torokasi> "Until the crystals are surgically removed, or by death, yes. On death, the crystals seem to leave the body." Adon nods.
[17:35] <Torokasi> "Leave the body... how?" Janda asks, puzzled.
[17:36] <Torokasi> "We... don't know. They seem to show up on the owner's person after there's no chance of resurrection. Magic, I suppose."

[Taishyr]

[16:29] <Torokasi> "... As for the Overcores, yes..." Ramedo cuts in while looking through notes. "The magic and psionic fusion that creates them is something we haven't the slightest how to duplicate, but there are a few experts in their repair. If one of you two are interested, we could arrange a meeting when possible. Overcores are part of almost every city's Barrier system, and Verxais pays those able to repair them highly. Though... We've never heard of this many different varieties of Overcore before, I have to admit. Quite the list."
[16:31] <AutumnCrow> "Considering my station," Crow notes with a half shrug, "it seems something I should learn more about, if it is indeed at the core of every city."
[16:32] <Torokasi> Para nods slightly. "...I'd like to as well. But Crow did more."
[16:35] <Torokasi> Ramedo grins slightly. "I'll see if they're willing to teach both of you. This having been said, I believe the closest is working on the barrier in Nlocomo right now. It may be a while before they return to Verxais, I'm afraid."
[16:36] <AutumnCrow> "We do have other things to do in the meantime," Crow nods, "and I would not object to the guild having a more thorough exploration of Uhlemi to salvage anything potentially useful or historically signifigant."
[16:42] <Torokasi> Ramedo nods. "We'll see what we can do there. Recognizing Uhlemi's priorities for self-reparation... I would request a different order. Barrier and Maintenance are priorities of our own, but we are unlikely to have the resources to repair Barrier unless someone finds, well... any of the items we'd need for that repair. And based on what little previous knowledge we have, it may be risky to repair Staff or Data. We'd request that, given the option, Manifold attempts to repair History first so we can know precisely what's supposed to be in the facility."
[16:43] <Torokasi> Lilian tilts her head. "The facility seemed to be implying that the Data Overcore would know that better."
[16:44] <Torokasi> Kyrat nods slightly. "A possibility, but based on what we know, the Security and Defense Overcores are currently operating off only their own storage. Giving them access to the Data Overcore could be incredibly risky if it decides it no longer recognizes any of you as allies, based on what they find in the Data Overcore."
[16:46] <AutumnCrow> "It seems sentient enough to not regard the very people who fixed it as enemies."
[16:47] <Torokasi> Kyrat shrugs slightly. "Their awareness is... Let's put it this way. If you lost your memory and got abducted by Mist cultists who trained you in their abusive ways, then you recovered your memory, what would you do?"
[16:48] <Torokasi> Ary snorts. "That seems rather unlikely."
[16:48] <Torokasi> Kyrat gives Ary a wry look. "It is a metaphor. I am sure that Sath's teachings go over those at least once."
[16:50] <AutumnCrow> "Leave. I'm certainly not taking on an entire cult by myself, but with my agility I doubt they could prevent me from simply walking away." Crow answers bluntly.
[16:51] <Torokasi> "...The point is that you would still consider them enemies." Kyrat sighs. "Just like the Security and Defense Overcores might if -they- regain their 'memories'."
[16:53] <Torokasi> "So you'd advocate for not giving them their memories back?" Janda replies, eyebrow raised. "That seems crueler than not, even at risk to ourselves."
[16:55] <Torokasi> Kyrat shrugs. "If you're that willing to gamble, feel free, but know the risks involved. Anyway, there's one other point we need to raise about the Overcores. Adon?"
[16:59] <Torokasi> Adon nods slightly. "It's likely further repairs will require some adentite, based on what you described to us. It's classified as a miasmatic substance, but very low grade - regardless, we don't keep any at the Guild and there's a strictly controlled amount in the Iron Tower. Long story short, you will likely need to locate a source, preferably near Uhlemi. Unfortunately I can't say for sure where such a source would be... We'll look into it. It's a black, crystalline stone with regular patterning - it looks like it was carved by hand. You rarely need much for such repairs, and you all shouldn't be terribly affected by it. On the other hand, it may be worth checking Uhlemi to see if they had a storage room of it anywhere. When we send people out, we can look into it."
[17:01] <AutumnCrow> "We will need to go with the first group, of course." Crow notes, "and have some way for the Security Overcore to recognize Kerebos Guild personnel as...well, people not to attack."
[17:04] <Torokasi> "Alright. We can see about preparing a team soon, but you'll have time to rest first, and honestly probably take on another job of some form if you want. There's some legal matters we're going to be looking into first." Adon nods. "That's all. Are there any other questions?"
[17:10] <Torokasi> Lilian glances to Crow for a moment, before glancing to Kyrat and shaking her head.
[17:10] <AutumnCrow> "Not at the moment, no."
[17:11] <Torokasi> Kyrat nods slightly. "Very well then. This has been a ... pleasure. I hope we'll see you back again soon." And with that she sashays straight past the group and out the door.
[17:13] <Torokasi> Solmyr'
[17:14] <Torokasi> Solmyr's gaze lingers on Kyrat as she leaves, before looking over to Mare. As Mare shrugs, Solmyr says, "Alright. Do we want to head to the Redoubt and see if there's any new jobs?"
[17:16] <AutumnCrow> Crow waits a moment before looking to Ramedo, and with a perfectly civil tone asks, "is she going to be handling anything further to do with Uhlemi, or does that still fall to you as the person we repor to?"
[17:17] <Torokasi> "That will, thankfully, fall to us. She is simply our expert on time fragments, both secondhand and personally, and also knowledgeable on Overcores." Ramedo replies with an even tone.
[17:18] * AutumnCrow smiles, "that certainly makes things more convenient then." Then she nods to Solmyr, "we cantake a look, but we're not actually doing anything until Para's back in top shape."
[17:20] <Torokasi> Para nods slightly glumly as Solmyr nods. "Yeah, that's fair." Solmyr shrugs as he glances to Ramedo, then back to Crow. "Oh, we should probably get what you found identified, Crow."
[17:21] <AutumnCrow> "Oh, yes, my new scarf. Somehow," Crow stands up and unwraps the magic new fighting scarf from her belt, "it had an enchanted Autumn Temple style fighting scarf down there. We have no idea how."
[17:23] <Torokasi> Ramedo and Adon look at each other in confusion. "I can do that." Ramedo says after a moment. "... But how in Her name...?"
[17:24] <Torokasi> "At a guess... a former member of the Autumn Temple may have met their end there. Someone strong enough to have an enchanted weapon..." Adon frowns. "But I haven't heard of anyone from the Autumn Temple suddenly passing away in recent memory, and if they died there, what killed them and where did the killer go? Or did they just leave it there, and if so, why?"
[17:25] <AutumnCrow> "Well, according to the overcore, Uhlemi wasn't around this area previous at all." Crow looks over to Lilian, "did you write that down, where it used to be near?"
[17:26] <Torokasi> "Koire. Which... only raises more questions." Lilian nods.
[17:27] <AutumnCrow> "So either a wanderer from the Temple wound up all the way out there, which is not all that unreasonable," Crow shrugs, "or this scarf is very, very old."
[17:28] <Torokasi> "...That is a far enough trek that word of their death would possibly not get back home, but it still does not explain basically anything." Adon shakes his head. "Yes. And if it's magical it wouldn't have decayed... I suppose age is the easiest explanation."
[17:30] <Torokasi> Ramedo extends his hand. "This should only take me about ten minutes or so.  If you want to wait here, you may."
[17:31] * AutumnCrow hands the scarf over and nods, "the rest of you can head over to the Redoubt or back to your rooms or whatever else you want, the official part is wrapped up I think."
[17:34] <Torokasi> Most of the rest of the group nods, heading out to the Redoubt, but Lilian and Mare stay behind, Lilian looking over to Adon as Ramedo works. "So, Crow, there is one more official part, I believe, that we have to do."
[17:38] * AutumnCrow blinks at Lilian with a bit of a blank stare.
[17:40] <Torokasi> Lilian stares back for a moment, before Mare starts chuckling. "... Can I just take that as a 'yes, she's a natural fit for the Kerebos Guild and for Manifold', or am I reading this situation wrong?" Lilian replies, head tilting slightly.
[17:41] <AutumnCrow> "...oh! That." Crow laughs and shakes her head, "with everything else going on honestly that had slipped my mind."
[17:42] <Torokasi> Mare grins. "All things considered, I didn't remember until we got back, sooooo... I don't blame you there."
[17:42] <AutumnCrow> Turning to Mare, she nods, "just so you're aware, you did prove that your senses are good enough that you're going to get stuck cycling lookout duty with Para and Solmyr."
[17:43] <Torokasi> "Understood." Mare grins wider at this. "I'm fine with that."
[17:45] <Torokasi> "And no crazy plans still." Lilian follows up.
[17:46] <Torokasi> "Well, yeah." Mare replies.
[17:52] <AutumnCrow> "I think a good scale to use is that if you don't think either Ary or myself would agree with the idea, don't do it."
[17:52] <Torokasi> Lilian grins at Crow as Mare theatrically pouts. "Man, Ary rarely agrees with anything fun!"
[17:52] <Torokasi> "That's the point." Lilian laughs.
[17:53] <AutumnCrow> "That's why I said either, not both." Crow deadpans.
[17:56] <Torokasi> Both Mare and Lilian laugh at that as Adon grins. "Well, I'll make sure the people that need to know are informed Marion Eldesul's joined Group Manifold." he replies as the laughter dies down. After a moment, there's a light rapping on the doorframe, which Adon looks over to. "Come in."
[17:58] <Torokasi> The woman that enters is shorter than Janda, with deep green eyes and luxurious black fur. She curtsies slightly to everyone, but her eyes are on Adon. "I'm sorry to interrupt. I'm relaying a message from Jagden Skire for the entirety of the guild."
[17:58] <Torokasi> "Wait, he's made it back to safety? Where is he?!" Adon blurts out. Ramedo's eyes flicker up to the woman as well before returning down to the scarf.
[17:59] <AutumnCrow> "I should probably make sure someone lets my father know as well," Crow idly comments very softly.
[18:04] <Torokasi> "He says the group has been separated. He's... ah, actually, he made it to the Autumn Temple, apparently." The woman glances to Crow. "So there shouldn't be any need. The locations of Kaela and Redel are unknown, as are Hikoi, Flynn, and Marisa. Still.  ... That is all. Expect Jagden back in two days, he reports."
[18:06] <AutumnCrow> "Oh. Well then, that's certainly convenient. I hope someone can find the others."
[18:07] <Torokasi> "Indeed. I must go relay the message to others. Please excuse me..." The woman curtsies again and ... seems to vanish entirely in the next moment.
[18:12] <Torokasi> Adon sighs in relief. "That's one less stress. The Iron Tower wasn't listening to any of us, that's for sure."
[18:15] <AutumnCrow> "It's certainly harder to ignore someone who could carve a new door in the tower in roughly ten seconds, yes," Crow nods.
[18:16] <Torokasi> Adon laughs at this. "I may have to suggest that to him, depending."
[18:16] <Torokasi> "And done." Ramedo says, before pausing. "Was there nothing else around it?"
[18:19] <AutumnCrow> "It was in a storage room, on top of box that had the item the overcore needed us to redraw a sigil with," Crow notes.
[18:21] <Torokasi> "...curious. It's part of a set." Ramedo says, handing the scarf back. "On its own, it's an enchanted scarf, but it also seems to grant additional flexibility in an emergency. If you find the other piece, I think it'd be much stronger, but it's solid even as it stands."
[18:26] <Torokasi> "It may be worth sending a message to the Autumn Temple about it. Also, it's name is - apparently - a scarf of Spring's Step. Its partner may have something to do with Autumn? I couldn't divine further than that." Ramedo finishes.
[18:28] <AutumnCrow> "I'll just ask when I go visit next. It may be awhile, but I'm sure I'm unlikely to stumble on the partner item before reaching rank 2," Crow takes the scarf back and nods, swirling it back around her waist. "I may have to go comission a new battle robe that matches, though. None of mine are in these colors."
[18:30] <Torokasi> "Understood." Ramedo nods, a wry grin at Crow's final comment. "I'll keep my ear to the ground regardless, yes. You're free to go if there's nothing else, you three."
[18:31] <AutumnCrow> "Thank you," Crow stands and nods to the other two, "shall we go catch up with the others?"
[18:32] <Torokasi> "Let's." Mare nods as the three head out...
[18:51] <Torokasi> "So, stupid question, but I just want to make sure on this." Lilian asks as the group gets to the Redoubt, before Crow enters. "The Autumn Temple doesn't have a history of ki-based craftsmen, right?"
[18:58] <AutumnCrow> "Not that I'm aware of." Crow shakes her head, "I know we've periodically had someone crop up from the temple who enchants fans, scarves, staffs and other weapons for us, but I don't think we have one now. And...to the best of my knoweldge, it's conventional magic used to enchant temple weapons, not special ki-based enchanting."
[19:00] <Torokasi> "Hm. Well, a traveling enchanter would make sense... I wonder how far back that tradition would have held?" Lilian muses before glancing to Crow. "Sorry, I'm just still puzzling over how it got there. I guess it's not worth focusing on right now, though."
[19:02] <AutumnCrow> "Well, it's just as likely a well crafted scarf that a temple warrior had someone else enchant as it is something enchanted at the temple," Crow notes.
[19:03] <Torokasi> "Yeah, that's true." Lilian nods as the group enters the Redoubt. The group is on the upper level, a pitcher of beer on the table and an apparently somewhat lively conversation going.
[19:04] * AutumnCrow aquires some water before joining the group, trying to catch teh tail end of the conversation before saying anything herself.
[19:07] <Torokasi> "...But I have to admit I'm really not interested in leaving town before the Festival of Storms, you guys." Solmyr can be heard saying. "We can go after that, sure, but if we need something to do one of the in-town missions is going to be my vote."
[19:08] <Torokasi> Janda scowls. "The Festival of Storms is horrible. I'm all for being out of town during it."
[19:09] <AutumnCrow> "What exactly is the Fesitval of Storms?" Crow takes her seat now that she has an opener.
[19:10] <Torokasi> Lilian chuckles a bit as Mare, Crow and Lilian sit. "It's basically an immense amount of noise in festival form. Fireworks, parties, tons of food and prayers for storms for three straight days. Myself, I don't care about it either way."
[19:11] <Torokasi> Mare shrugs. "Never experienced it myself, so I have to admit I'm curious. It's basically famous amongst all the cities, especially since Verxais is one of the biggest places for followers of Magdanae, who takes the helm during the festivities.
[19:13] <AutumnCrow> "I'm sure none of the noise and problems will be tolerates in the dorms," Crow notes, "and I'm sure Duessa keeps things in the Redoubt from getting too out of hand."
[19:15] <Torokasi> Ary nods. "Yeah, that's likely.  Myself, I'd like to stick around for it as well. It's pretty fun, all in all, even if I don't really like the sounds. ... Or the way some people dress during it."
[19:17] <AutumnCrow> "How people dress?"
[19:18] <Torokasi> Lilian shrugs. "It's a festival. The clothes get either fancy or revealing; that's true, like, for basically any day. ...but the priests of Magdanae do go a bit too far there."
[19:21] <AutumnCrow> "Ah. Well, so long as Solmyr avoids the skimpy outfits I think we'll be fine."
[19:22] <Torokasi> Solmyr laughs. "What, so I can't just go around wearing only my hat? ...But yeah, I've got no plans there. I enjoy the sounds and festivities, but not that much."
[19:22] <AutumnCrow> "Clearly what you need to do is find an outfit that matches the most rediculous hat you own."
[19:23] <Torokasi> Janda glares at Crow slightly, though she's smirking as well. "Don't encourage the lout. Please. He will find something."
[19:26] <Torokasi> Mare chuckles. "I can make sure he doesn't get too outlandish during all this."
[19:26] <Torokasi> "It costs too much to get a custom-made suit anyway." Solmyr grins.
[19:28] <AutumnCrow> "I'm going to find out just how much soon," Crow smiles, "I'll need a robe to match the scarf. Not that I'll only use Spring's Step, that's it's name apparently, with the matching robe, but it will be nice to have."
[19:29] <Torokasi> "Huh." Para replies. "I can ask my brother if he knows any good clothing people. ...Or maybe you'd know, Janda."
[19:30] <Torokasi> Janda frowns. "I know some tailors, but... honestly, we probably want to find tailors suited for combat clothing, for Crow's request. Should be a bit cheaper and will make sure it can last."
[19:31] <AutumnCrow> "I do make a point of not wearing anything I can't fight in," Crow nods.
[19:42] <Torokasi> "Anyway, there's three jobs up on the board that we figured we'd be interested in - there's actually a lot more right now, but many of them are just material gathering sorts of things." Ary says after a swig. "One is helping the Weeping Lady's temple look into some issue with their catacombs, one is helping Zuiseno's temple track down more magical anomalies, and a third involves heading out to see if we can track down-" Solmyr yelps and rubs his leg, glaring at Lilian across the table who simply smirks - "-a ley line the Temple of Erest Rosen's theorizing about."
[19:49] <AutumnCrow> "Well since we're planning to stay in the city for the Festeval of Storms, which Janda would rather not," Crow suggests, "lets take a look into the job for the temple of the Weeping Lady first. If it's nothing that our skillsets can help with, then we'll check with Zuiseno's temple for more magical anomaly hunting."
[19:50] <Torokasi> Janda nods slightly. "That's fair, I think."
[19:50] <Torokasi> Lilian shrugs. "Sounds good to me. Leylines aren't... going to go anywhere barring a calamity or something."
[19:51] <AutumnCrow> "Leylines are also something that I know nothing about, and am very certain that Ary, Para and I will be comepletely useless dealing with. With the anomalies, there's at least the chance there will be something to punch like last time."
[19:52] <Torokasi> "That's true, too." Ary nods. "Para, Mare, any thoughts?"
[19:52] <Torokasi> Mare shrugs. "So long as we're in town, it's all good."
[19:53] <Torokasi> "...Tombs mean undead, maybe. ...Sure." Para nods after a moment.
[19:55] <AutumnCrow> "If that is what it means, all the more reason to make it a priority to deal with." Crow snaps open a fan to fan herself in the heat of the redoubt, "I don't know much about undead, but I know that if they're not actively being controled by a priest, then they're Bad News."
[19:59] <Torokasi> "Accurate." Janda nods. "So, we'll look into the job tomorrow, and if Para's ready, we'll take it? Most people aren't doing too much right now, it looks like."
[20:01] <AutumnCrow> "We can go ask about it at least, yes. Looking into 'some issue' is a bit uninformative, we at least need to know what the issue is before we accept the job."
[20:09] <Torokasi> The group nods at this. After a moment, Solmyr shrugs. "So... we're clear till the following day, I take it? Should we go shopping for a tailor adept at battle clothing today?"
[20:11] <AutumnCrow> "I don't see why that needs to involve the entire group, but anyone who wants to tag along certainly can," Crow shrugs, "officially, yes, we have a free day. Para, you know your own body and mind best, rest up today if you think you need it, push yourself if you think it will help, do what you need to do."
[20:12] <Torokasi> "Understood..." Para nods quietly. "I'll probably practice some, then sleep."
[20:12] <Torokasi> "I'm up for clothes shopping." Lilian comments.
[20:12] <Torokasi> "Ditto." Janda nods happily.
[20:13] <Torokasi> Mare grins. "Thirded. Someone has to keep an eye on Solmyr, after all."
[20:13] <Torokasi> Ary rolls his eyes a bit. "Have fun, Solmyr."
[20:17] <AutumnCrow> "Oh," Crow adds, "and after the rest of you left, someone came in to let Adon know that Jadgen Skire has finally been contacted. He made it to the Autumn Temple and should be here in a couple days....and if I know my father, possibly with Wild Goose with him."
[20:19] <Torokasi> "Oh!" Janda smiles widely. "That's great to hear! Any news on the other two?"
[20:19] <Torokasi> Lilian shakes her head. "None of the others missing have gotten back in contat with us, unfortunately."
[20:23] <Torokasi> "Oh. Still, that's good news." Janda replies. "I'll keep praying for all of them."

[Taishyr]

[17:20] <Torokasi> After an enjoyable afternoon spent shopping for better combat clothing and giving Solmyr grief for his fashion habits, Crow turns in for the night alongside Lilian, quickly drifting off to sleep... OOC: Make a Will save.
[17:21] <AutumnCrow> OOC: rolled 1d20+9. 1d20=13, total 22.
[17:24] <Torokasi> As Crow enters the dream, she can feel something pushing on her mind, though it seems to recede just as soon as her attention turns toward it. The dream itself seems quite plain, with a archway identifiable as Lilian's and an archway identifiable as Janda's right nearby, with a few unknown ones nearby as well.
[17:28] * AutumnCrow spends some time simply practicing her moves in the dream space while keeping an eye on those two archways. Before simply diving into Lilian's dream, she wants to wait a bit to see if Janda has odd constructs(or anything else unusual) popping out of her archway.
[17:31] <Torokasi> Nothing seems to be happening out of the ordinary with either arch as Crow practices, though Crow seems to feel the push a few times, very briefly, at intervals. It only occurs twice as Crow is practicing, however.
[17:32] * AutumnCrow spends a moment contemplating that mental push, trying to figure out what it is and where it's coming from.
[17:32] <Torokasi> OOC: Try a Wis check
[17:33] <AutumnCrow> OOC: roll 1d20+4. 1d20=6, total 10.
[17:34] <Torokasi> Try as Crow might, however, Crow can't determine much about the push offhand, except that it's not coming from the archways.
[17:37] * AutumnCrow shrugs it off as not important, or at least just her mind adapting to dream space still. And after winding down from her dream workout, she approaches Lilian's archway and takes a look inside.
[17:40] <Torokasi> It seems... quiet inside. The view is of a brilliant blue sky over a set of buildings Crow doesn't recognize, near the edge of some mountains. There is smoke rising from some of the buildings, and Crow can't see anyone on the rooftops. At a guess, it could be the southeast edge of Verxais, but no one outside on the rooftops on a day like this seems abnormal.
[17:41] * AutumnCrow hopes that smoke from the buildings isn't a fire, steels her nerves in case of things being bad again, and steps in.
[17:43] <Torokasi> Crow steps into the dream on top of one of the buildings. All around her is the scent of death, and the smoke is indeed coming from the buildings, slowly billowing outward. As Crow looks around she ses Lilian behind her, staring out to the mountains, wordless.
[17:44] * AutumnCrow takes a quick look around to be sure nobody else, like Janda, is there before approaching Lilian.
[17:45] <Torokasi> Janda doesn't seem to be around. Lilian's eyes don't seem to be focused on Crow, instead staring out to the southeast. "...The Calamity happened here, too. If it wasn't obvious. But... everything went wrong."
[17:46] <AutumnCrow> "What do you mean?"
[17:48] <Torokasi> "The dragon killed the Kerebos Trio. It then began razing the ground, destroying as much of the city as it could. I got lucky. Again. The fires didn't burn me. It flew southeast. Janda... I don't know where Janda is. We got separated. I started remembering this wasn't real halfway through. It's the only reason I'm not trying to pursue that damned thing right now, Crow. I want to, so bad."
[17:49] <AutumnCrow> "All you could do against it right now is die," Crow reminded her bluntly, "even I'm not so headstrong as to attack a dragon."
[17:51] <Torokasi> "I know. ...It seemed... like it was so much stronger this time around. The Kerebos Trio didn't stand a chance. I don't know why. It had more raw power flowing from it, and it already seemed abominably strong. What happened here?"
[17:54] <AutumnCrow> "Well...if these fragments show what might have been, perhaps in this...reality? Time? I'm not quite sure how to call it yet, but perhaps since the Us from this whatever didn't form Manifold, haven't gone out looking...maybe the dragon found the shards here?" Crow half shrugged, "the overcore was very insistant that the mist not get ahold of them."
[17:56] <Torokasi> "... maybe." Lilian shrugs slightly. "...I think I was supposed to die in the attack. What do I do now? The barrier's gone, and the dragon practically burned the Mist away with its breath..."
[17:59] * AutumnCrow put an arm around Lilian's waist, "Honestly, I'm not sure. Go through the motions of what this version of 'you' would do, I suppose? Report to your superiors, try to help survivors, whatever your job is here...try and do it?"
[18:04] <Torokasi> "...Yeah. Yeah, that's probably best." Lilian nods slightly, embracing Crow in return. "I should see how Ary or Solmyr, or Janda, are doing. Or something. Yeah. I..." She is quiet for a moment, still looking southeast. 
[18:05] <Torokasi> A voice roughly rings out from behind the two, "They are all likely dead. As you two should be." The two turn to see an older man, gaunt, clothed in furs, the stance of a martial artist apparent to Crow. "If they survived, they will not for long. The Temple will end this putrid city."
[18:07] * AutumnCrow turns to the old man and casually snaps a fan open to fan herself while looking as bored as possible at whatever 'threat' he attempts to pose, "What Temple?"
[18:10] <Torokasi> "The Temple of the Scouring." The man's eyes lazily flicker to Crow's fan. "... Did that bitch have a daughter she tried to hide from me? Hilarious. A shame the Autumn Temple is over, now. And you won't get the chance to resurrect it."
[18:10] <Torokasi> Lilian's hand is on her blade as she stands next to Crow. "... And you would be?"
[18:12] <Torokasi> "Baelfang." The man stands tall at this, making it awkwardly obvious that he's actually quite short - barely up to Crow's shoulder. "Have you anything to say to your makers?"
[18:15] <AutumnCrow> "Nothing that is any concern of yours." Crow focuses on her control of the dreamspace and attempts to assert to this reality that she is a more skilled warrior than this Baelfang. She drew the teachings of Autumn Sparrow and the book from the temple into herself, and prepared to use a setting sun maneuver to simply fling the man off the building the moment he moved.
[18:16] <Torokasi> The man grins and lunges... OOC: Which Setting Sun maneuver?
[18:17] <Torokasi> OOC: It does not need to be one Crow knows right now.
[18:18] <AutumnCrow> OOC: mighty throw. it's basic but will do just fine, and it's no easier to resist than a higher level maneuver. Her aim will be to tumble around behind him as he moves(since you have to move before you can throw) and toss him off whichever side of the building has the deepest drop.
[18:20] <Torokasi> OOC: Okay, roll the melee touch attack part. I'll add the bonus in on my end once you make the roll.
[18:20] <AutumnCrow> OOC: roll 1d20+8, 1d20=17, toatl 25. hell yeah
[18:23] <Torokasi> The man lunges for Lilian... as Crow easily steps behind him, practically without motion, and grabbing his neck, flings him effortlessly over the nearest wall down into the street. After a moment, a distinct "thump" can be heard, followed by a muffled, "...the fuck?"
[18:25] <AutumnCrow> "Well I think that's our cue to leave. Shall we try jumping from rooftop to rooftop like this is some adventure novel?"
[18:25] <Torokasi> "... that was disappointing." Lilian coughs. "Sure, that works. Merry chase sequence sounds much more exciting than trying to explain anything to this guy."
[18:27] <Torokasi> "Oh no you fucking don't!" Baelfang's voice roars up from the alley as he seems to jump up, hovering in the air in front of the two. "Listen, you little brat, I don't know who you are, but I am going to make you regret this!"
[18:29] <AutumnCrow> "You may call me Sparrow," Crow used the name she gave before, "I think you know my style name, but I'd rather your wretched mouth not sully it."
[18:30] <Torokasi> "..." The man visibly flinches, before, "...No. You lie. Sparrow is dead."
[18:31] <AutumnCrow> "How embarrassed you must be to be flung from the rooftops by a zombie, then." Crow replies with her dryest tone before offering Lilian a hand a beginning to leap gracefully across the roofs~
[18:32] <Torokasi> Baelfang moves through the air with ease to interrupt the two of them, snarling as he pursues the two across the rooftops, "Liar who takes her name, I will see you ended myself, you petulant brat!"
[18:39] <Torokasi> Lilian giggles slightly as she takes Crow's hand, the two beginning their escape around the growling man across the rooftops. "... Anything you want to look at or anything while we're here, idly?"
[18:40] <AutumnCrow> "I'm not really sure. We should try to contact the Kerebos guild at least."
[18:41] <Torokasi> "A good point..." Lilian nods as the two skip off, the man audibly cursing them as he follows behind.
[18:43] <Torokasi> After a minute of skipping along the rooftops en route, Lilian glances behind Crow. "He either quit following us or is trying something. He... feels like he should be powerful, but something's off."
[18:44] <AutumnCrow> "I'm going to chalk that up to dream princess powers and the fact that you're lucid dreaming right now."
[18:50] <Torokasi> "That'd make sense. ...I suppose if any of us has to be a dream princess, you've got the authority to pull it off." Lilian grins.
[18:53] <AutumnCrow> "It is apparently, quite litterally, in my blood," Crow quips back with a shrug. "So shall we risk returning to the streets to make reaching the guild easier?"
[18:55] <Torokasi> "... It's probably clearer up on the rooftops. The lower ground is... very bad off right now, Crow." Lilian winces slightly.
[18:58] <AutumnCrow> "Hmm. Alright, we'll keep to rooftop roads. Thankfully there's enough of them." Crow concentrates on the rooftops having an easy path for them to follow to get to the guild quickly as they go.
[19:00] <Torokasi> Despite Crow's firm focus, there's a few difficult jumps and a few buildings to go around as they go, and after the two go a few minutes further in, Lilian shakes her head. "It looks like we've... probably got to go down. These jumps don't look sanely doable."
[19:01] <AutumnCrow> "Hmm. Alright, it seems there's limits to what I can do here." Crow looked for a way to climb down safely.
[19:03] <Torokasi> "...Oh, that's what's going on." Lilian nods after a moment. "You can't change the surroundings, but what you're capable of..." Saying this, she gently but firmly grasps onto Crow's shoulders. "Try jumping. It's three stories, but..."
[19:03] <Torokasi> "...Er, to that building." Lilian says, pointing to the building in the way. "Not the three stories to the ground."
[19:05] <AutumnCrow> "Hmm. Alright, you focus too since this is your dream that may help." Crow reached behind her to hold onto Lilian as she ran over Tiger Claw stances and maneuvers in her mind preparing herself to jump...then tried to jump to the designated building.
[19:08] <Torokasi> Lilian nods, tightening her grip slightly as Crow tenses... then leaps into the air with ease, soaring practically a story above the building between landing, Lilian's nails digging into Crow's shoulders until a moment after they land. "... Note to self, I don't like heights that much." Lilian mutters.
[19:09] <AutumnCrow> "Well that's unfortunate," Crow managed with a shaky laugh, "aside from a strange pain in my shoulders, I thought that was fun."
[19:11] <Torokasi> "Shit, sorry. I tensed up there." Lilian nods. "The buildings from here are about this height, more or less... I don't think I can do those jumps, myself. This feels too real to me, but..."
[19:13] <AutumnCrow> "Well apparently here I do have the strength to carry you, if you can focus through it. Leaps like this are part of the Tiger Claw style anyway, and that is my primary discipline. It's actually just a matter of training before I can do these leaps outside as well as here."
[19:19] <Torokasi> "Oh! That's good to know... wow. That's actually intimidating in some regards, though." Lilian nods slightly. "Still, from here it looks like smooth saili- the building's shaking. Don't tell me..."
[19:20] <Torokasi> From in front of Crow and Lilian, beneath the ceiling, a voice can be heard, "...stop... running AWAY!" The building tremors with each syllable, crackling and rumbling under the two's feet!
[19:20] <AutumnCrow> "Hold on tight and trust me." Crow tenses to jump before the building can collapse from underneath them or something else nasty like that old bastard shwoing up.
[19:23] <Torokasi> "Alright..." Lilian grips around Crow's shoulders, notably not digging her fingers in this time but rather lacing her fingers across Crow's sternum.
[19:25] * AutumnCrow jumps, ignoring the angry man as if responding to him was not worth her time.
[19:25] <AutumnCrow> OOC: Crow is just going to keep a steady pace of jumping all the way to the guild if she can.
[19:26] <Torokasi> OOC: Sure.
[19:31] <Torokasi> The two take to the air again and again, buildings crumbling in their wake as they leap from building to building. After a minute, Lilian murmurs, "...Is it wise to lead him back to any survivors at the Guild this way?"
[19:33] <AutumnCrow> "I hope so. My plan is to lure him there in the hopes that there are still warriors worth a damn alive, so you can round up a team to help take him down with while I hold his attention."
[19:35] <Torokasi> "...That should work, yeah." Lilian nods at this. "Worst comes to worst, you seem to be at least able to challenge him, so..."
[19:36] <AutumnCrow> "If we work together, we can kill him." Crow said confidently, sure that her dream princess powers and steel nerves would let her do this here.
[19:38] <Torokasi> "Yeah." Lilian gives Crow a brief hug. After a moment longer, the buildings seem to stop crumbling as Crow and Lilian continue heading to the Kerebos Guild... or the ruins of it. The entire area is charred rubble, the stone buildings entirely vanished and the entire area around it burnt down. The bodies of the dead litter the entire area, but Crow can spot a familiar person standing in the middle of it all - Janda.
[19:39] <Torokasi> Crow can hear Lilian mutter something on seeing Janda, as well.
[19:40] <AutumnCrow> Taking a chance, Crow lept to bring them down nearby Janda, quickly stating, "if there's anyone else around in fighting shape, a man who serves the mist is pursuing us this way."
[19:41] <Torokasi> Janda starts and turns to Crow, staring for a moment, tears in her eyes. "Everyone else is dea- LILIAN! WHAT WAS THE MEANING OF SHOVING ME IN THAT CLOSET?!"
[19:42] <Torokasi> "...it, like, was the only way to keep you alive." Lilian mutters under her breath, looking away.
[19:43] * AutumnCrow sets Lilian down, and snaps her fans out, "argue later, prepare for battle now. You are a soldier, are you not?"
[19:43] <Torokasi> Janda's face twists up for a moment, before she lets off a sharp, broken laugh. "...I guess it worked, at that. I'm the only one here that's alive, Sparrow. You're saying there's a Mist worshipper here? I'll have my constructs rip its throat out myself."
[19:44] <AutumnCrow> "He's been following us across the city, but my Tiger Claw technique allowed us to outpace him on the rooftops. He is powerful, but we can win this."
[19:45] <Torokasi> "Lovely. Do we know who he is, Crow?" Janda says, before pausing. "...Crow? No, you called yourself Sparrow."
[19:46] <AutumnCrow> "One bird is as good as another," Crow replied nonchelantly, "he called himself Baelfang, and he is at least in part responsible for the destruction of the Autumn Temple."
[19:47] <Torokasi> "...Ah. Lovely." Janda snarls. "Very well. ...Where is he?" Indeed, the man does not seem to be coming into the clearing.
[19:48] <AutumnCrow> "Hmm...considering how far he followed us, I'm surprised he didn't keep coming. If he's let up the trail for now...then we have time to go find more survivors."
[20:33] <Torokasi> "The most likely place for survivors is underneath the Iron Tower. Either they teleported away through the security circles down there, or they're hiding in the farms given their excellent security. As for capable combatants... this is one of the places where most of the fighters tried to stand. We can check the Temple Circle - that's to the north, in case you didn't know, Sparrow - and see if any priests survived to assist us." Janda rattles off after a moment's thought.
[20:35] <AutumnCrow> "If the temple circle is closer, we'll start there. The temple of Ratokyst is an ally of the Autumn Temple, if they have anything left they will want to use it to kill this man."
[20:36] <Torokasi> "Understood. Let's go. The Iron Tower is in the opposite direction, but we can double back if needed." Janda nods, leading the two north quickly, over the ruins and desolation. The city itself is eerily quiet - not even the moans of the dying seem audible amidst the flames and crumbling buildings. [More]
[20:39] <Torokasi> The Temple Circle, too, seems devastated. The Temples all are smoking, the fires seemingly put out, but the temples all seem in ruins. Ratokyst's seems the most intact, and Janda leads the group there, glancing angrily over at the temple of the Weeping Lady, which seems to have received the brunt of the attack, barely standing.
[20:41] * AutumnCrow swiftly approaches the temple of Ratokyst, beginning to have some horrible thoughts as to the actual identity of Baelfang
[20:43] <Torokasi> Inside the temple are an injured few leaned up against the trees, which seem to be coating them in a dim green light. Most do not even look up as the three enter, but a younger Talkyr man and a bulky Talmuri are standing near the middle, seemingly arguing, if softly. It doesn't take much further into the light to recognize them as Ary and Solmyr, though neither looks the same - Solmyr'
[20:44] <Torokasi> Solmyr's clothing is far more muted and he carries a much more simple wooden staff, while Ary's armor has been switched for robes, and his weapon a long, massive club instead of his katana.
[20:46] <AutumnCrow> "Excuse me," Crow called out, "as I know the temple of Ratokyst doesn't care much for ceremony, I will get right to the point. You may call me Sparrow, and I am putting together a group to take down a mist worshipper who has claimed responsibility for destroying the Autumn Temple...and has been tracking down and killing survivors here in the city."
[20:47] <Torokasi> Both Solmyr and Ary's head snap toward Crow as she speaks. "Goddamnit. Alright, Crow, one minute." Solmyr replies before looking to Ary. "There. Let's handle this instead of worrying about the
[20:47] <Torokasi> OOC: Strike
[20:48] <Torokasi> Both Solmyr and Ary's head snap toward Crow as she speaks. "Goddamnit. Alright, Crow, one minute." Solmyr replies before looking to Ary. "There. Let's handle this instead of worrying about the Master at the moment, okay? There's nothing we can do there, but we can help out with this."
[20:49] * AutumnCrow shoots Lilian a smirk at the immediate use of her correct name from Solmyr.
[20:49] <Torokasi> "First, her name's Sparrow, not Crow." Ary replies. "And second... look, what if- ... no, in this case you're right for once. Sure, we'll help, miss Sparrow. Have you talked to the other temples?"
[20:50] <AutumnCrow> "Not yet, no. The temple of Ratokyst, to my knowledge, was the closest ally of the Autumn Temple amoung the faiths. So I came here first."
[20:51] <Torokasi> Solmyr looks to Ary for a moment, then to Crow, then to Lilian, then back to Ary, before Solmyr's mischevious grin pops up. "...Right, Sparrow. How silly of me. Okay, let's check Magdanae next. Any enemy of Verxais killing survivors here will merit the wrath of all the Churches." Solmyr nods, before a massive rumbling crash is heard from outside, dust and debris spraying into the building from the door. "...well, first, let's check that out?"
[20:51] <Torokasi> Lilian just gives Crow a grin as well, before eyeing Solmyr as well.
[20:53] <AutumnCrow> "That may well be who we're looking for anyway. He is powerful but together we can defeat him."
[20:53] * AutumnCrow leads the way out.
[20:54] <Torokasi> "...Right." The group heads out to see dust swirling around the formerly standing Church of Magdanae, a lone figure amongst the wreckage, seemingly staring straight at Crow.
[20:55] <Torokasi> "Tired of running yet?" His voices echoes through the circle - through the city, even - deep and booming.
[20:57] <AutumnCrow> "To set the record straight," Crow opened while snapping her fans open, "I am not the Sparrow you think of, but the name is still mine to use by right if I so choose it. And it is in that name that I, and those standing for every way of life that you despoil, will destroy you. Now, you gave your name before as Baelfang...if you would know my true name, first I would know yours."
[21:04] <Torokasi> "Baelfang is my name now, but you ask my old name, the one she gave me. It was Ash, and I was the favored of Autumn Sparrow's children, her chosen one. Better than Drake, better than Fang, better than Tree. Your mother refused it, standing on tradition. She challenged me for the title I merited, and when she lost, she refused to accept defeat! Drake tried to strike me down, again and again! And when I turned my back, she tried to kill me, even then! Tell me, did she instruct you to hunt me down should she fall? Use you as a final tool of vengeance like she used everyone else in her life?" The man bellows at this. "Even when Mother vanished she used her name in threats and imprecations against me, but I tolerated them, all until she turned my brothers, my family, everyone against me. And now you say I despoil when I fight for the only ones willing to fight for me? May you burn in the Mist like all the rest!"
[21:11] <AutumnCrow> "My name is Autumn Crow, and I have inhereted the soul of Autumn Sparrow, given freely along with her love and the secret stances of Autumn," Crow shifts into the Autumn Blood In The Water stance, "I have never met you, and I will not contest that my mother likely wronged you in her arrogance. But it is in Sparrow's name and will I now fight, to right the wrongs of a child gone astray that
[21:11] <AutumnCrow> kept her spirit from rest." Focusing, Crow imagined with all her might the spirit of Autumn Sparrow guiding her fans, "she is filled with the sorrow only a mother could know that she failed you so badly...and with my hands she will end this."
[21:13] <Torokasi> With a scowl, Baelfang leapt for Crow's throat, his hand focusing for a strike... OOC: Make a Martial Lore check.
[21:13] <AutumnCrow> OOC: roll 1d20+10, d20=14, total 24.
[21:21] <Torokasi> Crow can't pin down the maneuver precisely, but she can tell it's something from the Shadow Hand teachings, and she can tell it's going to hurt if it lands - but Lilian of the group is the first to act, her hand flying up and a thin needle-like dart flying from her shirt toward Baelfang! Baelfang winces slightly as the needle hits, his eyes still focused on Crow as he attempts to land the blow...! OOC: Make a Wisdom check, if you could
[21:22] <AutumnCrow> OOC: roll 1d20+4, d20=13, total 17.
[21:23] <Torokasi> Crow can feel something buoying her spirits and guiding her motions...! OOC: Feel free to evade and counter.
[21:28] * AutumnCrow falls into the motions. Baffling Defense, a counter designed to predict your enemies path of motion and move away from the attack in a manner they will not expect. After all that retreating, the only way he would never expect her to move is forwards. Stepping in towards Summer Ash even as he attacked, she slid lightly to the side and brought her fans about in a single perfect sissor
[21:28] * AutumnCrow towards his exposed armpit, attacking not with strength, but with all the focus she could manage. After all, she was studying the Insghtful Strike...and it was one of Autumn Sparrow's favored manuevers. A single blow, like Dragon used as well, but with grace and precision over raw force.
[21:34] <Torokasi> The blow lands perfectly, knocking the air out of Baelfang and causing him to fumble back, before yelping as a large ball of electrified plant life slams into his face, causing him to pause to rip it off. Ary steps forward as three gelatinous, winged wolves appear behind Baelfang, approaching to flank him between them and Crow. For all this, Baelfang's intent still seems entirely upon Crow, his scowl only deepening. "Little brat, I'll see you- I'll see you dead for this... That damned dragon told me he had killed any remnants of Drake's fucking talent!" With that, he lunges again at Crow, in a more familiar motion... OOC: Martial Lore again
[21:35] <AutumnCrow> roll 1d20+10. d20=8, total 18
[21:36] <Torokasi> This one's obviously a Setting Sun maneuver, and it looks like he's going in for a throw, but Crow can't tell which type. OOC: Also, Wisdom check
[21:36] <AutumnCrow> OOC: roll 1d20+4, d20=17, total 21. Hell yeah. Also, he's going for one of the hurty ones, duh.
[21:37] <Torokasi> Crow almost feels in this as if Sparrow really is guiding her steps... OOC: You get another evade and counter
[21:40] <AutumnCrow> A throw manuever has a weakness. You have to move to build momentum before you can do it. So she simply trailed his movements, staying just out of reach and forcing him to double back and break his momentum if he wanted to reach her. She did not allow herself the thought that this type of counter required speed that was beyond superhuman to excecute...but such was the strength of the Mirrored
[21:40] <AutumnCrow> Pursuit counter, Setting Sun to counter Setting Sun(more)
[21:43] <AutumnCrow> Continuing her motion wind up perfectly in front of him once more, she snapped her fans closed and use a maneuver that she only knew in passing...but it was one of her mother's favorites, and a Stone Dragon maneuver that had no possible counter. Bonesplitting Strike, the only defense against the internal damage caused by this attack was not to get hit. She snapped her fans closed in an instant
[21:43] <AutumnCrow> and slammed both closed fists directly into his chest to do the most damage to the cage protecting his vital organs as possible.
[21:46] <Torokasi> The breath blasts out of Baelfang's mouth again as the blow lands, flecks of blood coming out as he totters back, eyeing Crow. "Damn it... no, I can't afford this! I have to end you now, or...!" Without anyone else having a moment to react, he's advancing on Crow again...! OOC: Martial Lore and Wisdom again
[21:48] <AutumnCrow> OOC: Martial Lore: 1d20+10. 1d20=5, total 15. Boo. Wisdom: 1d20+4. 1d20=...6. Total 10. Balls.
[21:49] <Torokasi> OOC: Roll a Will save, and I'll quick line the Martial Lore result while you do
[21:49] <Torokasi> This maneuver, Crow feels, is familiar, and every alarm bell in her head is going off, but the best she can say is that it doesn't seem like any of the schools she even knows -of-.
[21:49] <AutumnCrow> OOC: will save 1d20+9. 1d20=16. Total 25. Okay, thank you will save
[21:51] <Torokasi> Crow can feel the presence slipping, but she steels herself as his hands flash fire, then ice, then lightning, then to stone all in the blink of a moment, moving with unparalleled speed for Crow's throat...! OOC: You can block or attempt to evade thanks to the Will save, but won't be able to counter this round.
[21:54] <AutumnCrow> Sudden Leap. A basic Tiger Claw manuever, and one of her own favorites. With blinding speed she jumps with the same kind of force that let her get across buildings in the flight here. Willing herself to have as much force with that jump as possible, she called out, "have the constructs hem him in, don't let him jump after me!" ...she hoped he would take the bait.
[21:57] <Torokasi> Baelfang's reaction is precisely as Crow hopes- the punches whiff into the air where she was, before he snarls and leaps after her, fist glowing a blackish-red...! OOC: He flubbed his check to catch you. Make another Martial Lore and Wisdom check
[21:58] <AutumnCrow> OOC: Martial Lore: 1d20+10. d20=...2. Total 12. She doesn't even care what he's doing at this point.
[21:58] <AutumnCrow> OOC: Wisdom check: 1d20+4. d20=11, total 15.
[21:59] <Torokasi> Crow can feel the energy she's gathered around her trembling in rage, practically boiling in her, all directed at Baelfang. If she had to guessed, Sparrow was pissed... and that made this the best time to finish this. OOC: Evade and counter. 15 was the DC for this.
[22:08] <AutumnCrow> She had the higher ground, or lack of ground, at least. "...walk the seasons, spring to winter..." the old rhyme quietly escaped her lips as her fans snapped back open, and she let herself drift closer to Summer Ash before...seeming to blink out of existance. She slashed at him, from above, below, left, right, flashing around him in a terrible flurry of motion too fast for the naked eye to
[22:08] <AutumnCrow> follow, her fans blazing with fire as blow after blow rained inward on him from every side, "you have to be faster than that to catch a sparrow in flight! Now FALL! Final Ashen Dance!"
[22:10] * Dracos (~Dracos@c-73-170-187-100.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) has joined #mistgame
[22:12] <Torokasi> Ash's arms fail to raise themselves to block in time, the rain of blows cutting through his defenses and his skin with immense ease as Crow's relentless attacks shred through him. Eventually, one of Crow's slashes catches only empty air, and her eyes refocus past the flames - to Baelfang's body, charred and broken, collapsed on the ground in front of her, the other four gaping from a few ten feet away. After a moment, Crow catches Baelfang's eye slowly drift up to Crow, and his lips move as if to say something... before he simply collapses into ash and Mist on the spot, dissipating away into the air.
[22:14] <Torokasi> "That... was amazing." Lilian breathes after a moment.
[22:14] <AutumnCrow> A few wet drops hit the broken cobblestones beneath her as she closed her fans...gently, without the usual imperous snap.
[22:15] <Torokasi> "... Crow, are you okay?" Lilian blurts out, running to Crow's side. "Are you - what's wrong?"
[22:15] <Torokasi> Solmyr and Ary move as if to approach Crow as well, before being stopped by Janda's outraised hand.
[22:16] <AutumnCrow> "...there aren't my tears." Crow softly choked out. "but they need to be shed regardless."
[22:16] <Torokasi> "..." Lilian nods and simply embraces Crow as the group stands there in silence.
[22:20] <Torokasi> After a long moment, Janda's voice speaks out, its timbre more familiar. "...I won't ask how you managed this, Crow, but... who was that man, if I may know? Beyond him being the usurper of the Autumn Temple?"
[22:23] <AutumnCrow> "That man was Summer Ash, the elder brother of the High Lady of the Autumn Temple...my mother." Crow replied flatly, her voice regaining composure even though the tears had not stopped, "...and I accomplished this through the strength of Autumn Sparrow, the former High Lady...my grandmother, and his mother. Her spirit used my body as a vessel of sorts for this. And thank you all for your aid,
[22:23] <AutumnCrow> you may not think you did much but it would not have been possible for me to win this alone."
[22:24] <Torokasi> "... it's likely that, this being accessible to Crow through our shared dream, that her powers are amplified through us being here." Lilian explains softly. "And... you're welcome. Any time, Crow."
[22:27] <Torokasi> Ary's voice is next, shaky, "... I remember them talking about the coup now, faintly. One of the priests from the Autumn Temple stopped by the Temple to Ratokyst on his way out of town. I... well, the Kerebos Guild has stayed in touch with the Autumn Temple, so we know this can't have happened, right? For us?"
[22:29] <AutumnCrow> "COnsidering we just got a Sending from Winter Tree about Jadgen Skire being at the Autumn Temple yesterday? No, it can't."
[22:30] <Torokasi> "Right. And the dragon didn't... beat the Kerebos Trio in our time, either. So whatever happened here... ...Well, I'm glad you were able to win. For her." Ary shakes his head after a moment.
[22:31] <AutumnCrow> "Now the question is, do we want to talk to that haughty witch about this, or wait to see what else the dreams bring?"
[22:33] <Torokasi> "...Let's wait one more night, and then talk to Ramedo instead and make sure we need to talk to... her again." Janda replies drily. "I'd like to see if this shared dream ends here or not first."
[22:37] <Torokasi> "... and if we could, can we go check on the Iron Tower? I'd like to confirm whether or not the escape routes got sabotaged, like in Ghen'guldam." Janda adds as an afterthought.
[22:40] <AutumnCrow> "...good thinking. Presuming nothing prevents that, lets do that." Crow finally wipes up the tears, "Ary, Solmyr, continue playing the roles for now. Go let whoever you're working for in there know what happened out here and that we're going to check the Iron Tower and get cleared to come with."
[22:41] <Torokasi> "Right." Solmyr and Ary both nod before trotting off. Lilian glances to Crow slightly before nodding to Janda's plan, finally letting go but keeping a hand on Crow's shoulder.
[22:42] * AutumnCrow just puts an arm around Lilian and waits for the guys to show back up.

[Taishyr]

[17:21] <Torokasi> After a few moments standing there, Lilian glances to Janda. "So, I know this wasn't that immersive for me... but you were pretty drawn in. How is this experience for you?"
[17:21] <Torokasi> Janda tilts her head slightly. "It's as if we're both here at the same time. ...By which I mean the me that knows you two and the me that knows this timeline. It's interesting, but I'm not sure I'd want to continue this much longer?"
[17:23] <AutumnCrow> "My presence is likely affecting all this somehow. If it starts to become too stressful I can simply leave from anywhere." Crow rests on Lilian's shoulder while talking to Janda.
[17:25] <Torokasi> "That's possible, yes. I don't remember... being like this before. But for now it's fine. We have a mystery to untangle, and that's grabbed both of our attentions rather nicely for the moment." Janda nods slightly. "...Though I don't really wish to stay here, perhaps there is some way we can rebuild. Someday. ... I can only hope my family is safe."
[17:27] <Torokasi> Lilian frowns. "...that's perhaps even more concerning, actually. Will you remember where we... won't? ... Well, like, there's no way to tell, is there?"
[17:28] <AutumnCrow> "You remembered last night fairly well," Crow shrugs, "but this one seems more complex by quite a bit."
[17:30] <Torokasi> "Well, I mean. In... whatever this is, will our versions not remember us, but Janda will? I don't know. I'm not even sure... ugh, okay, let's shelve it, I don't think there's any way in where that can go anywhere productive." Lilian trails off, muttering.
[17:31] <AutumnCrow> "It's alright," Crow smiles a bit tiredly, "overthinking things is actually part of your job."
[17:31] <Torokasi> Lilian grins a bit lopsidedly. "I'll keep that in mind."
[17:32] <Torokasi> Ary and Solmyr trot back up. "We let people know. Let's go check the Iron Tower... though I have a weird feeling about this." Ary says as the group arrives. "Like, I don't recall why, but... looking around, there's like no bodies outside. We weren't outside during most of this - were you two?"
[17:33] <Torokasi> Lilian blinks, before looking around. "There... were, in the outskirts. Did they somehow destroy the bodies of everyone around here?"
[17:35] <Torokasi> Janda nods slightly. "Yes, I think that's what happened. There's a spell that destroys a corpse to the point where resurrection or contacting the soul is impossible, outside of divine intervention. It's not too complex but it's pretty powerful all the same... This may have been a massive version of such a spell, perhaps meant to target members of the church or the Kerebos Guild. I was... near a window, and that's her- I mean, my best guess."
[17:35] <AutumnCrow> "That's less of a concern than checking the Iron Tower. Let's just keep our eyes open on the way."
[17:35] <Torokasi> Lilian nods. "Yeah. ...Janda's probably right, but current survivors take priority."
[17:37] <Torokasi> The group begins travelling toward the Iron Tower, maneuvering through wreckage on the way... [More]
[17:40] <Torokasi> "Well, shit." The words escape Janda's lips before her hand rises to cover her mouth - the sight before group Manifold is of a sea of molten iron. Objects and pieces of objects float through the solidifying sea of metal, and the heat escaping from it prevents the group from getting too close. "...We don't really have a good way into the underground section unless we want to try and find a noble with a quick access route to it? That's where people would have escaped to, at least; and it's unlikely even this would sink far enough down to hurt anyone safely in there."
[17:42] <AutumnCrow> "Well, miss Lestrad," Crow half smirks, "DO we have access to a noble family that has such an escape route? You're the resident expert on the nobility here."
[17:43] <Torokasi> Janda pauses, lost in thought as she stares out over the sea of iron...
[17:45] <Torokasi> "I... can't think of anyone. The issue is that they're considered state secrets, so the government forbids discussion of them. Our best bet, if we want to even try, is to go check some of my mother's friend's houses; one of them may have been an important enough druid to the farms that they'd have one available, but... I couldn't tell you who." Janda shrugs after a moment.
[17:45] <AutumnCrow> "Hmm. And none of the temples have such access routes either?"
[17:47] <Torokasi> Ary and Solmyr glance between each other, but Janda replies first again, "We can ask. They almost certainly do, but the catch is whether or not the people who have the access to them - the spells, the passcodes, the secrets needed to open the way to them - are dead or have already fled through them. If there's any of the leaders at the temples still, then-"
[17:54] <Torokasi> "Wrathroot. We can ask Wrathroot." Solmyr comments. "...Hoping he's still alive, at least. He wasn't doing well when we left, but..."
[17:55] <AutumnCrow> "Alright, lead the way."
[17:59] <Torokasi> The group nods and returns to the temple, quickly making its way back into the temple. The group pauses for a moment at the entrance to the garden - the damage to the garden is immense, though there seems to be only the smell of smoke and the movements of individuals through the garden. Sighing, Solmyr leads the group into the garden... OOC: Moment, lemme roll something
[18:05] <Torokasi> After what seems like ten minutes walking through the garden, the group scales a small hill to see a small cluster of druids around a massive tree. A massive, moving tree, its leaves swaying as it seems to move to each of the druids in turn, the air around it refreshingly cool. A bear-like Talkyr, with a hat that Solmyr could be jealous of - green, pointy, and with a golden emblem on its front - seems to be tending to the tree, a soft sound coming from the tree as it moves.
[18:07] * AutumnCrow looks at Solmyr, "...I'll let you do the asking here."
[18:11] <Torokasi> Solmyr nods and approaches the group of druids, silently edging himself into the circle. After a minute, he disengages, Crow not hearing any words pass between the two in the meantime. "Wrathroot said he'd - they'd, I guess - open the path for us. We need to get to the sacred circle, and they'll open things up from there."
[18:12] <AutumnCrow> "Well that's convenient. Let's go." Crow nods, then takes a quick look at Janda to make sure she's not looking like she's struggling with the duality any harder.
[18:13] <Torokasi> Janda gives a brief smile to Crow as she glances over. "I'm okay for now. Let's push through."
[18:16] <Torokasi> As the group heads further into the garden, a voice begins to be carried by the wind, sounding precisely like how Crow could imagine a tree talking - raspy and wispy and calm and old, all at once. "I apologize... for not speaking to all of you sooner. My energy is mostly spent, but I will recover... I do not leave this garden, so the Iron Tower asked that I ask as the gatekeeper as well as the maester of the Temple. I will do what I can to get you there, to discover further survivors..."
[18:17] <AutumnCrow> "Thank you. Hopefully we can find some spark of hope left from this disaster."
[18:19] <Torokasi> "So long as any still stand, hope exists... Life can grow anew, even in the ruins of the Mist. Life will overcome. Trust in that." The group navigates through the garden still further, eventually reaching a circular garden, arranged almost like an ampitheater, with a pillar of light in the center. "Enter, then wait for my word..."
[18:21] * AutumnCrow leads the way in, half expecting the dream to forcefully end once Wrathroot does whatever it's going to do.
[18:22] <Torokasi> OOC: Well, it's going to try. Will save.
[18:22] <AutumnCrow> OOC: lol. Will save 1d20+9. 1d20=7, total 16.




[18:26] <Torokasi> As Crow steps in first, the dream seems to snap her into a small antechamber... before immediately dissolving around her, leaving her in front of Lilian's door, which is... shut. Janda's is, too - in both archways, a slab of stone covers the entries, radiating warmth and glowing, but seemingly impassable.
[18:27] <AutumnCrow> "Hmm. Well that was less than ideal. Hopefully they can learn something without me and remember it." Crow sighs at the closed doors.
[18:31] * AutumnCrow looks around to see if there's anything else of interest in the staging area of the dream.
[18:37] <Torokasi> "...That's new." A voice, familiar to Crow, comments drily. "And this is coming from someone who's had the chance to observe entire lifetimes of marriage-siblings navigate these dreams." Turning, Crow can see a woman, slender and tiny, dressed in a robe of the Autumn Temple, with bright red hair and her mother's face - but smiling widely - sitting in mid-air nearby. "Granted, I don't think we should be able to do this, but you already seem intent on doing what you're not expected to do. ...Thank you for giving me - us, really - a chance to stop my son."
[18:40] <AutumnCrow> The tears come unbidden to Crow's eyes again, as she nods weakly to the woman, "...I seem to have developed a bad habit of not caring overly much about what 'should' or 'shouldnt' happen." After a moment of pause, she asks, "...what...was that dream? It was clearly so much more than just a dream, but...it also still was one."
[18:43] <Torokasi> "One woman's dream is another woman's reality. To me, you're the dream, but... well, you're also quite real, now, even to me and to my timeline." The woman tilts her head. "The Mist fragments, but it also creates odd unities like this. I suppose I can't complain. I only wish I could be of more help to you, for what you've done for me..."
[18:46] <AutumnCrow> "I...see." Crow nods, beginning to understand, "...and I did what I had to, and what you...she...uh, well, you know who I'm talking about, would have wanted me to do. I already owe her more than I can ever say, when I said she gave me her spirit I wasn't lying." Crow then sighs, "it's...probably not exactly true either, but I dont' know how else to describe it."
[19:41] <Torokasi> "In that case it was explicitly me guiding you, actually. Your version of me is definitely helping you, but..." The woman - clearly Sparrow - nods slightly. "...If you have anyone's spirit, it's not any version of me, though your statement's a compliment as far as I'm concerned." With a slight shrug, Sparrow seems to alight on what passes for the ground, stretching her arms. "I'm still trying to figure out how he could have gotten that powerful, though. Knowing even the crown of the Path of the Seasons, plus a few other capstones... It's infuriating. Given the nature of the Path, that shouldn't be possible."
[19:42] <AutumnCrow> "Who knows what kind of horrible powers are out there in the Mist." Crow shakes her head, "there's a reason people turn to serving it, despite the dangers and the problems."
[19:45] <Torokasi> "Indeed." Sparrow sighs, fluttering her hands slightly. "... If I knew more of how our roads diverged, I would give you more advice on your own timeline. Suffice it to say that Ash... well. That Baelfang will not prove to be as easy a foe in your time, though I suppose things may be different enough there to change the story some."
[19:47] <AutumnCrow> "I...should need to pass this story on to my mother when I get home. If..." Crow sighs, "if he's planning such a thing in my...timeline...as well, then Dragon should be warned. And we'll just hope it was something unique to this time and not my own regardless."
[19:51] <Torokasi> "I don't recall seeing any of the signs of it when we were acting as one, thankfully." Sparrow shrugs.  "So if he is planning it, it's much further away from being a reality. ...Which could mean a lot of things. I recall seeing that Ghen'guldam was attacked? Frankly put it'd be a lot easier for the Mist to claim such a garrison than it would be to take Verxais, let alone the Autumn Temple."
[19:53] <AutumnCrow> "Of course Terriander is releasing nearly no information on what actually happened there," Crow shrugs, "since maintaining thier secrets is surely so much more important than helping the rest of us prevent whatever issues compromised thier security."
[19:55] <Torokasi> "Of course." Sparrow sighs. "It's not like the Three Gems are that much better, but at least there's counterbalances to their power.  Teriander's swollen on the ruins of their old prestige. ... I'll try and figure out some way to properly thank you. I dislike leaving this so, but I can't think of anything I can do, unless you have anything you want to ask...?"
[20:26] <AutumnCrow> "...did Dragon..." she pauses, then shrugs, "or Drake in your time I suppose, still marry Wild Goose? Was that the same? Do you know...do you know anything about who I was in your time? I suppose it doesn't really matter, but I'm just...well, curious."
[20:32] <Torokasi> "Yes, they did marry, and..." Sparrow tilts her head. "Keep in mind I can't be aware of everything, but let me think..." After a moment, "I don't really remember the kids specifically, or if Drake had a kid that could be a heir, but she.. was pregnant, like, nine times... ... I only remember six at the temple, though."
[20:36] <AutumnCrow> "Well, I am the youngest. It's fine, I was just curious." Crow shakes her head, "I'd ask more about the Path of Seasons, but mother should have the first chance on training me. If I go into her lessons knowing more than she thinks I should, I'm sure I'll wind up regretting it."
[20:37] <Torokasi> "That's probably true. On the other hand, given everything you're going through, you'll probably feel like you know more than you should no matter what, to her..."
[20:38] * AutumnCrow nods...then quietly manages to ask, "...why does she dislike you so much?"
[20:41] <Torokasi> "..." Sparrow's smile is sad. "She saw a lack of focus as a lack of care. I trusted her ability to grow on her own... and didn't trust Ash to have the same ability. And, if our times are the same, when I left to try and find Ash and never returned... she blamed it on me as well as him, I'm sure. But Ash was the one that she was able to take her anger out on."
[20:45] <AutumnCrow> "Oh. I suppose that explains why I get so much of her attention...besides the obvious." Crow smiles as well, "Tree and Fang are also doing well, and I have no such rivalry with any of my own brothers, though one I've never met and I one day hope to. The temple, in my time, stands as it always has. Apart, but strong."
[20:46] <Torokasi> "Good." Sparrow smiles, before shaking her head. "I wish I had more advice for you, but... I lack anything to say. Any other questions?"
[20:47] <AutumnCrow> "Nothing I can think of now. Thank you, and...I'm glad I could help."
[20:48] <Torokasi> Sparrow nods. "I can't say as that I know if we'll meet again. But I wish you all the luck in the world, Crow. And may you find the freedom to be fully yourself, some day."
[20:50] <AutumnCrow> "Hmm." Crow smirks, "there may be burdens thrust upon me, but I take on nothing that is not of my own will as well."
[20:52] <Torokasi> "Fair enough!" Sparrow laughs. "Take care, Autumn Crow." And with that, she seems to wink away, leaving Crow standing in the dreamscape.
[20:57] * AutumnCrow takes a few to meditate in the dream, and keep an eye on the doors, before returning to sleep if nothing else happens.
[21:00] <Torokasi> OOC: Will save.
[21:00] <AutumnCrow> OOC: rolled a 2 for 11 total. lol
[21:02] <Torokasi> After a time, the pull that Crow felt from the start of the dream seems to return, but much more weakly, and Crow cannot seem to determine where it comes from, even still. Nothing else seems to change in the dream, so Crow returns to sleep...
[21:08] <Torokasi> The dawn comes early, and Crow feels immensely refreshed on waking, though Lilian barely stirs as Crow wakes up and begins moving about. The sound of rain echoes on the roof... OOC: Anything you want to do in the morning before Lilian and co wake up?
[21:10] * AutumnCrow washes, gets dressed, and goes to whip up a quick breakfast for everyone with whatever's available in the kitchen since she feels a need to celebrate somehow surviving that shit.
[21:13] <Torokasi> It takes some time, but eventually Janda and Lilian stumble in around the same time, gathering around the table Crow has prepared breakfast on. After a moment, Lilian looks up. "You doing alright, Crow?"
[21:16] <AutumnCrow> "I'm fine, yes." Crow smiles, "it was an odd night, but I feel like it was a success. We should meet up with the boys, grab Mare and Para to fill in, and compare notes. Also if Mare wants some breakfast we should get her first, I made enough for the four of us."
[21:19] <Torokasi> "Alright." Lilian nods. "Yeah, lemme go track her down and bring her on up, if that's alright? I shouldn't be long."
[21:20] <AutumnCrow> "...oh, right, she's not staying here with us is she?" Crow shakes her head, "I keep forgetting that."
[21:28] <Torokasi> OOC: Striking my line and yours as well, I misremembered
[21:29] <Torokasi> "Sure, I can do that. Moment." Janda nods, stepping out for a moment.
[21:30] <Torokasi> After a moment, Janda and Mare step in, Mare's nose lifted appreciatively. "Smells excellent in here, Crow. Thank you for preparing breakfast!"
[21:32] <AutumnCrow> "I do like to cook, so it's no trouble. Just don't go expecting me to do it all the time," Crow shrugs.
[21:33] <Torokasi> "Understood." Mare nods. "Janda seemed to have a very calm dream after a bit of turbulence last night, for what it's worth. I take it that's what you all, ah, experienced?"
[21:35] <AutumnCrow> "Yes. And we met the boys, so we'll all need to get together and compare notes after breakfast."
[21:36] <Torokasi> "Got it." Mare smiles. "Glad things were... less traumatic for you all, then?"
[21:38] <AutumnCrow> "I wouldn't go that far," Crow deadpans...maintaining the smile on her face, "we were just better equipped to deal with it this time."
[21:41] <Torokasi> "Oh. Well, that's good, then, at least." Mare says, looking an odd combination of embarrassed and crestfallen. "...Wow, this food really is excellent."
[21:43] * AutumnCrow can't help but chuckle at Mare's reaction.
[21:44] <Torokasi> Mare seems to perk up slightly at Crow's reaction, but the group remains relatively silent - if appreciative of the food - as they eat, before heading out to meet the others...
[21:47] <Torokasi> ---------------------------------------------------------------

[VySaika]

[16:24] <Torokasi> ------------------------------------------------------
[16:27] <Torokasi> The group assembles outside of Duessa's Redoubt after breakfast, the men chuckling amongst each other as the women approach. "Hi, Crow." Para says simply. "I think I'm better now."
[16:29] <AutumnCrow> "Well that's good. We can go look into the request for the church after the meeting, then."
[16:30] <Torokasi> "Yeah." Para nods quietly. "Also Ary got us a room. He said we'd want it."
[16:31] <AutumnCrow> "He wasn't wrong." Crow deadpans as she nods a thanks to Ary and gestures for him to lead the way in.
[16:32] <Torokasi> Ary snorts. "Yeah, this was... an experience." The group heads in and up to the room Ary's reserved, spreading out around the table and settling in. "So, uh... let's start by getting Para and Mare up to speed, before trying to discuss what any of that meant?"
[16:39] <AutumnCrow> "That works. I still need to know what happened after I got booted out as well."
[16:40] <Torokasi> "...What?" Ary blinks, as Janda, Lilian, and Solmyr all turn curiously toward Crow.
[16:43] <AutumnCrow> "....." Crow stares at them all for a moment, "...huh. When we went into the circle of light with Wrathroot's aid, to investigate the other potential escape routes. As the light came up, I was forcibly ejected from the dream."
[16:44] <Torokasi> "..." Janda looks to Lilian. "...Is this why you suddenly started acting weird around Crow?"
[16:45] <Torokasi> "I... guess it is. I thought she was acting in her role as Sparrow instead - I really couldn't tell what was going on. We were in the dream a bit longer than you were, then..."  Lilian sputtered.
[16:46] <AutumnCrow> "Well, interesting to know that can happen."
[16:47] <AutumnCrow> "It's not the first time I've been ejected from a dream, so that's not the part that surprises me." Crow clarifies, "but that a version of 'me' could continue in the dream afterwards, like I left an echo behind."
[16:52] <Torokasi> "...Okay, so we get Mare and Para rolling, then Crow rolling, then I, Solmyr, can explain it all." Solmyr shakes his head.  "Okay. So... Lilian, you ran into Crow first, right? Ary and I were just in the temple during the Cataclysm, and Janda was at the Guild."
[16:54] <Torokasi> Lilian nods. "We met in the southeast... I had pursued the dragon as it flew away. In... the dream, the city got destroyed by the dragon and the attackers. Verxais fell entirely. In rage, I chased the dragon... He went over the mountains. I stopped to catch my breath on the rooftops, and ran into Crow."
[16:59] <Torokasi> "From there, we encountered... a swordsage, a monk of surprising power. He called himself Baelfang, and tried to strike at us... and Crow chumped him, because she's a deity of dreams or something." Lilian continues, snorting slightly. "We fled, trying to gather the rest of us in the dream as he pursued us, and eventually organized ourselves at the Temple Circle. Am I forgetting anything major,
[16:59] <Torokasi> you guys?"
[17:01] <AutumnCrow> "My dream princess powers are hardly deific in scope," Crow shakes her head, "but I think I'm doing well on learning how to utilize them effectively."
[17:33] <Torokasi> "Given what we saw in the dream, I call skepticism." Ary grins. "On the 'hardly deific' end, at least.  Anyway ...  We encountered Baelfang again, determined to kill Crow, and Crow figured out he was her uncle. The two dueled, and Crow emerged victorious. ...This is a bit of an oversimplification, Crow basically channeled her grandmother, as I understand it?... but once he was beaten, we went
[17:33] <Torokasi> to Ratokyst's temple and used an emergency warp  into the farms underneath the city."
[17:33] <Torokasi> "The what." Para replies in confusion, tilting his head.
[17:35] <AutumnCrow> "I actually spoke with her outside that specific dream, in the staging area," Crow notes, "those were in fact not my own powers I was using there. I can explain more about that later."
[17:39] <Torokasi> "... Huh, alright." Janda nods. "We went into the farms and met with my... surviving family, and a great deal of survivors evacuated by the temples and a few other sources. They were waiting for a signal that the surface was clear. A decent number of the administrators of the city had also fled into there. ...Crow was leading the group, but she was acting as Sparrow - we helped arrange the
[17:39] <Torokasi> next steps, and we all wound up crashing out of exhaustion in one of the spare barracks. That's where the dream ended for us."
[17:44] <AutumnCrow> "Well it's nice to know I can trust myself to competently keep things together even when I'm not there," Crow deadpans.
[17:49] <Torokasi> "..." Ary frowns, lost in thought. "Was it Crow? Like, we all thought something was slightly off, but she carried the act well."
[17:49] <Torokasi> "Who else could it have been?" Solmyr challenges, leaning back.
[17:49] <Torokasi> "Well. Sparrow, for one, especially if they had been working together previously." Ary notes.
[17:50] * xorn-gravitywaveshello (uid67570@tooting.irccloud.com) Quit (Quit: Connection closed for inactivity)
[17:51] <AutumnCrow> "Well it certainly wasn't me. It's entirely possible that the role was just taken over by...well, the fact that you all thought I should still be there, and became a dream entity just like everyone else there."
[17:53] <Torokasi> "That... doesn't compute, though. Even presuming that Crow talking to Sparrow doesn't preclude Crow being possessed by Sparrow in the dream... Yeah, that seems most likely, though I don't know if I agree for sure." Lilian nods.  "Like, even when I ran into Janda acting different, it felt like Janda...? But you didn't, so much. Like there was something off, just a little bit. The air about
[17:53] <Torokasi> you, or something."
[17:54] <Torokasi> "...Still, it's our best explanation." Janda shakes her head. "I don't know that we can figure anything further out with our available information."
[17:57] <Torokasi> "Okay, so what did Autumn Sparrow tell you?" Lilian tilts her head, looking at Crow.
[18:11] <AutumnCrow> "That she wasn't actually my grandmother, rather the Autumn Sparrow from...that reality, I suppose. Who did in fact use me as a conduit to..." Crow trailed off and sighed, "to take care of what she saw as her responsibility. The man Baelfang was in fact her son, Summer Ash. My mother's older brother, somehow gaining the powers of Autumn and using them to become a servant of the mist. What else we spoke of is irrelivant to the current situation, just me asking about family history and such."
[18:12] <Torokasi> "Yeesh." Lilian tilts her head. "Well, at least it put her in a better mental state to move on, I hope..."
[18:14] <Torokasi> "... So what should we do from here?" Mare asks with a gentle cough. "You all had this dream, and it seems that Crow has a family member that may be a threat to the Temple... Have you warned them yet, Crow?"
[18:20] <AutumnCrow> "Considering that we just had this dream last night and you saw me at breakfast, and I haven't spontaneously developed high tier magic to go along with the dream princess powers, I'll have to say no." Crow just gives Mare a blank look, "Also, this is a different reality. I will talk to mother about it when I return home next, though."
[18:24] <Torokasi> "Look, for all I know the Temple has communication scarves or something." Mare snipes back a bit, smiling weakly. "Anyway, point taken. If you don't think it's an immediate threat, then it's probably not an immediate threat."
[18:41] <AutumnCrow> "Immediate, no. We didn't lose the cateclysm here, after all. But I will want to speak with her about..." Crow sighs, "enough things that I think it may be time to take a trip there, after this business with Uhlemi is settled and we have anothe rmission or two."
[18:45] <Torokasi> Mare nods slightly. "That's fair. ...You could just send a message, you know, but... ...Does anyone else have any questions or topics they want to address?"
[18:47] <AutumnCrow> "This is entirely too complicated for a message."
[18:48] <Torokasi> "Fair." Mare tilts her head. "Anything else?"
[18:51] <Torokasi> Solmyr shrugs. "I ... so, these farms under Verxais. What the hell? Like, does all of Verxais' food come from there?"
[18:52] <AutumnCrow> "There is the question of if we talk to Ramedo or even smugbitch about this," Crow shrugs, "we were told to report when the dreams ended via death, as they apparently tend to, but that didn't happen last night. I'll be trying to re-enter the dream again tonight, of course."
[18:53] <Torokasi> Janda nods. "A significant cross-section of the city's food - meat, vegetables, fruit, even fish - are grown and harvested from the vast farms under the town. It's one of the city's open secrets, honestly - they have a massive amount of the pillar the city's on hollowed out and reinforced to grow food in there, building vertically to give them more space protected by the barrier."
[18:53] <Torokasi> Lilian shrugs to Crow. "I'd rather not until we know the dream is done, honestly. Maybe you can, like, jump back in into your own place."
[18:58] <Torokasi> Ary nods slightly at this. "It seems the most reasonable to go until the dream 'ends', yeah."
[19:30] <AutumnCrow> "Lilian, Solmyr, I'm putting you two in charge of figuring out how to give the report. I'm still considering my dream princess abilities to be privilaged information. I would not mind talking to Ramedo, but in his position he may not have a choice but to tell people over his head about it, and I'd like to have a say in who I do and do not share this with."
[19:30] <AutumnCrow> "More to the point, I'm certainly not talking to the guild about it before my mother."
[19:31] <Torokasi> "Understood." Solmyr nods slightly, glancing to Lilian who assents as well. "We'll figure out how to... bluff this, one way or another."
[19:32] <AutumnCrow> "I'm not overly comfortable asking you to lie on my behalf, but you're better at it than I am."
[19:33] <AutumnCrow> "But for now, shall we go see about that problem in the catacombs?"
[19:33] <Torokasi> "Enh." Lilian giggles a bit. "Don't worry about it too much. And... certainly."
[19:34] <Torokasi> -----------------------------------

[VySaika]

[15:37] <Torokasi> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[15:40] <Torokasi> The Temple Circle hums with the sound of busy merchants and business as the group heads through for the Weeping Lady's temple, at the northern end of the Circle. Crow catches Lilian glancing occasionally at some of the goods, but her face rarely shows any interest as Manifold trots on.  The Weeping Lady's temple, itself, seems to be rather busy, a crowd gathered outside with a group of
[15:40] <Torokasi> preachers at the center, acting out some story in an exaggerated fashion. Janda's eyes stay riveted on it as the group walks past, and most the rest of the group, Lilian and Solmyr excepted, also gawks at the play some.
[15:43] <AutumnCrow> "Is that a normal thing for the temple, putting on plays?" Crow asks idly as they pass.
[15:46] <Torokasi> "It's an evangelism and educational tool." Lilian remarks. "The Weeping Lady and Erest Rosen are both fond of outdoor skits, while most the rest have theirs indoors. This is... Prith The Perfect Daughter, if I recall right?"
[15:47] <Torokasi> Janda nods. "Yeah. The main character - her -" she says, pointing to someone just offcenter with long, flowing blue locks and light grey scales on her face - " -is someone I know both from the Guild and the Temple. She actually got me into bardic training after I was enrolled as a shugenja."
[15:51] * AutumnCrow nods, "Well, that certainly turned out well for all of us, didn't it?"
[15:52] <Torokasi> "As far as plays go, this is one of the better ones." Solmyr comments as the group keeps moving slowly around the crowd. "Doesn't she basically kill a... uh, behemoth or whatever it's called by the end of it?
[15:52] <Torokasi> Janda smiles at Crow. "Thanks! And... you're thinking of the mythical cyclops, Solmyr."
[15:57] <Torokasi> "
[15:57] <Torokasi> "Right, right." Solmyr nods. "Still, pretty entertaining."
[16:08] <Torokasi> Manifold manages to eventually get into the temple, sparkling and calm in the sunlight, and follows Janda's lead into the temple, Janda greeting and smiling at priests and petitioners as the group heads in and eventually down into the basement, eventually knocking on a plain wooden door in the basement, a placard next to it stating RESTING GROUND GROUNDSKEEPER
[16:09] <AutumnCrow> "Is the groundskeeper who we're here to see?"
[16:10] <Torokasi> "Sort of? She'
[16:10] <Torokasi> "Sort of? She's actually a priest, but she prefers the groundskeeper title when working with the crypt." Janda replies, waiting for a response, swaying back and forth.
[16:12] <Torokasi> "... No one's answering." Mare comments after a moment.
[16:14] <Torokasi> "...Yeah." Janda frowns. "Maybe she's already in the crypt? Should we check there?"
[16:15] <AutumnCrow> "I suppose it can't hurt, whoever is guarding the door should be able to tell us where she is hopefully."
[16:19] <Torokasi> "Alright." Janda nods, leading the group a bit further in, to a thick door, slightly ajar, and a guard standing right next to it who nods slightly to Janda as the group approaches. "Ho there, Janda. Here to speak to miss Shawdine?"
[16:20] <Torokasi> "Yeah. She in the crypt?" Janda nods slightly.
[16:22] <Torokasi> The guard laughs slightly. "Sounds like the Guild's a good influence on you. Yes, she is. Feel free to go on in. She'll be quite glad for the help."
[16:23] <AutumnCrow> "I don't suppose we can get any information about what exactly is going on in there before we walk in?" Crow looks between Janda and the guard.
[16:25] <Torokasi> "There's been some spirits around the crypt when that's not supposed to happen, and more disturbingly, we've been finding that some of the graves have been raided. Implying a mortal thief." The guard shrugs slightly. "Other temples of the Weeping Lady have reported similar issues, but the primary attacks have been here."
[16:28] <AutumnCrow> "And if there's a mortal thief, it's possible those 'spirits' are simply illusions to scare people off..." Crow muses a bit, then nods and motions for Janda to lead the way in.
[16:35] <Torokasi> The group heads into what appears to be a small ritual and preparation chamber, with a woman of average build, patchy fur over her entire body and a shaved head, standing over a skeleton, scribbling notes down on a piece of paper with thin charcoal. Janda glances over the skeleton, before looking to the priest. "Miss Shawdine? It's Janda. We're here to help."
[16:38] <Torokasi> Shawdine finishes writing her word before turning, putting the charcoal down carefully. "It's good to see you, Janda. This is your team, then? I am Ura Shawdine, priestess and groundskeeper.  We've been dealing with a burglar in the crypt, and can use any help you can offer to try and find how they're getting in and out. And, of course, calming restless spirits by any means necessary, should
[16:38] <Torokasi> one come around. This sound like an amenable task?"
[16:41] <AutumnCrow> "Pleasure to meet you," Crow smiles at the woman, "and yes, that does sound doable...except that as this is a guild job we do need to discuss what the payment offered is before we actually start getting to work. Autumn Crow, by the way."
[16:43] <Torokasi> "Autumn Crow? Pleasure. 100 gold total - 33 for recovery of what was stolen, 33 for catching the thief, 33 for calming spirits, 1 because I hate uneven numbers. Fair enough?" Shawdine smiles.
[16:45] <AutumnCrow> "Recovery of what was stolen?" Crow raises an eyebrow, "do you have reason to believe the thief is still here, or is this job going to take us all through the city looking for the stolen goods?"
[16:47] <Torokasi> "If there's evidence the thief has sold or otherwise gotten rid of what was stolen, that's adequate enough. But given that they've been stealing bones..." Shawdine replies, gesturing to the skeleton - which, on closer examination, is missing a rib and part of the leg - "...I doubt they've found a market."
[16:48] <Torokasi> "In fact, valuables have not been taken - there is still gold on some of the targeted bodies, and a few prized possessions still remain. The only thing of worth taken has been a sword known to have a minor enchantment on it, though I doubt it's been at all helpful to the thief."
[16:50] <AutumnCrow> "...stealing bones?" Crow looks at Janda and Lilian with a raised eyebrow, "I can understand why someone may want to steal an entire skeleton for some nefarious perpose or another, but only a few bones? Well, I suppose we'll get the answer out of the thief."
[16:51] <AutumnCrow> "Alright, let's start by trying to find how the thief got in, they probably left the same way which will be a place to start from on where they went from there. And I suppose we'll deal with spirits whenever they show up."
[16:52] <Torokasi> "Only... some bones? Is there any pattern?" Lilian frowns.
[16:53] <Torokasi> Shawdine passes Lilian the paper. "See for yourself." Then, to Crow, "That'll work. I have no eye for that sort of thing, nor experience with magics that would help. I can draw a quick map of the crypt if that'd help?"
[16:56] <AutumnCrow> "It would, yes." Crow nods, then looks at Para, "...okay I know city isn't your area of expertise, but you're still our best tracker. So for finding out how the thief got in and out, you're on point."
[16:56] <Torokasi> Lilian looks over the paper for a moment, before, "All men targeted, all below the shoulders, but no obvious pattern from there..."
[17:00] <Torokasi> Para nods as Shawdine sketches a brief map, before handing it over to Para. "The crypt follows a wheel and hub pattern. You'll be in the outer circle, and there's six passages into the inner crypt. The bodies have been robbed from all the rooms except the inner crypt, which is locked and shows no signs of having been entered. You can probably focus on the outer circle, but there's a chance
[17:00] <Torokasi> it's through one of the spokes instead."
[17:03] <AutumnCrow> "We'll start with the outer circle, then." Crow nods, "also, if we do see spirits do you want us to try and...well, talk them down or something first? Or just disperse them violently?"
[17:05] <Torokasi> "Hm. Peaceful is probably best for property values, but your safety is paramount over any other considerations." Shawdine replies. "If you can talk, do so, but don't hesitate to defend yourselves. The spirits haven't seemed to be from anyone buried in here, so..."
[17:10] <AutumnCrow> "...why would spirits from people who were not burried in a crypt be in that crypt?" Crow looks at the academics in the party to see if they're as confused by that as she is.
[17:10] * xorntoroxornxornxorn (uid67570@tooting.irccloud.com) Quit (Quit: Connection closed for inactivity)
[17:10] <Torokasi> "No clue." Janda and Shawdine reply simultaneously, before Shawdine laughs slightly.
[17:11] <Torokasi> "It... could be a... side effect of... the magic being used? Or an illusion." Lilian shrugs. "Either way, it needs to be investigated."
[17:14] <AutumnCrow> "Alright then, let's get started. Para, you have point."
[17:15] <Torokasi> "... Stupid question, but nothing else abnormal has been noticed, right?" Ary asks, glancing to Shawdine as the rest of the group assembles.
[17:15] <Torokasi> "Not offhand, no. No signs of forced entry or lapse in guards." Shawdine shakes her head.
[17:16] <Torokasi> "Right. Thanks. Let's do this, then." Ary nods slightly as the group steps into the crypt proper. OOC: Search or Notice checks for people, whichever's higher; note which one you used for the person.
[17:24] <AutumnCrow> OOC: uh, okay, who all am I rolling for?
[17:25] <Torokasi> OOC: Oh, sorry. Yourself, Solmyr, Ary, Para.
[17:26] <AutumnCrow> OOC: Para(Notice...13), Crow(Notice 12), Ary(no ranks in either), Solmyr(Notice 27, thank you fishman)
[17:36] <Torokasi>  The group heads into the outer circle, a wide, spacious corridor with stones noting graves embedded into the walls, magical glyphs glowing on most of them. The group wanders through the crypt, walking around the occasional sarcophagus, before Solmyr stops the group about halfway around. "...There's no cobwebs on the ceiling. Anyone else noticed that?"
[17:37] <Torokasi>  Lilian glances up from her scrutiny of the floor. "...You're right. Even with a temple, you'd expect some around... Was that true earlier, too?"
[17:37] <Torokasi> "Yeah, it was. Spider Climb, maybe?" Solmyr asks.
[17:38] * AutumnCrow looks up, then shrugs and snaps her scarf up to brush against the ceiling to check for dust.
[17:39] <Torokasi> "Doesn't answer how they're getting in, though." Janda points out. "The guards would surely notice someone crawling down the corridor and the ceiling." Crow's lash knocks a very tiny amount of dust down from the ceiling, less than she'd expect.
[17:39] <Torokasi> Para, watching Crow, nods slightly. "That's how they got in most recently, at least. The dust has been disturbed from the ceiling."
[17:41] <AutumnCrow> "I don't suppose bones from holymen are needs as spell components or ritual items for anything you can think of?" Crow asks while looking around, "since we're expecting a mage now and all."
[17:46] <Torokasi> "... that'd actually be possible, yeah. Especially since all known targets have been from the Weeping Lady's temples." Janda frowns as Para looks up at the wall, gesturing to Solmyr to follow him. "Or at least, that we know of... What're you two doing?"
[17:47] <Torokasi> Solmyr glances over, about fifteen feet away. "Para thinks the entry is up here... yeah, there's something here. Come on over?"
[17:54] * AutumnCrow walks over, "an actual entry from above? That would explain how they couldn't find it."
[18:04] <Torokasi> "It's weird, too." Para replies. "There looks to be a ladder, but we'd have to jump up onto it... or pull it down somehow?"
[18:36] <Torokasi> Lilian nods slightly. "I could use spider climb myself to pull it down, and if there's any traps I'm probably best suited to finding them."
[18:39] <Torokasi> Para shrugs slightly. "It looks safe to me, but I can't see over the lip of the ledge..."
[18:43] <Torokasi> ------------------------------------------------------------------

[VySaika]

[13:26] <Torokasi> ----------------------------------------------------------
[13:27] <AutumnCrow> "No need for spider climb yet, I think. Let's save magic when we can." Looking over to the boys, Crow nodded, "Ary, Solmyr, can you two go see if the temple janitorial staff has a ladder we can borrow? Para, Lilian, keep looking around while we wait for that."
[13:28] <Torokasi> "Sure." Solmyr nods, but Ary hesitates, looking up at the hidden hole.
[13:28] <Torokasi> "...this isn't that far underground, right? Like, two floors down." Ary states after a moment.
[13:29] <AutumnCrow> "Do you think this leads into a temple basement room?"
[13:29] <Torokasi> Janda nods slightly. "Yes, that's right."
[13:32] <Torokasi> Ary looks to Crow. "I don't have the best mental compass, but... we're heading west, I think, and we're decently far out from the outskirts of the temple. That'd put us... probably close to the temple of Sath, actually."
[13:34] <Torokasi> "Grab the ladder and we'll look, alright?" Lilian nods. "Para and I will check this area for anything else."
[13:34] <AutumnCrow> "...would it now. Let's see where this goes, and if it leads into somewhere that is actually property of the temple of Sath we'll see if we can get your superior's cooperation on the investigation. I doubt he'll take someone stealing from holy ground, even of another temple, lightly.
[13:34] <AutumnCrow> "
[13:35] <Torokasi> "Agreed." Ary nods grimly, heading with Solmyr to grab the ladder as Lilian and Para search the area.
[13:43] <Torokasi> While the group waits, Lilian's back stiffens before she gestures Para over and crouches down next to the wall, pointing to it. Para looks down, then looks up and points right near the hole. Lilian hisses, "The hole's trapped. I... do we trust memories of other lives enough to let me try to disarm it?"
[13:45] <AutumnCrow> "Do you have the right tools for it?"
[13:47] <Torokasi> "I... think so, it shouldn't require more than my knife." Lilian replies after a moment. "It's just a tripwire and a vial of what's probably noxious fumes? There's glass dust and bone fragments both here - someone probably tripped it by accident and dropped one of their "prizes"."
[13:48] * AutumnCrow unswirls her scarf again and hands it to Lilian, "cover your mouth with this while you try, it's enchanted so probably a better filter than normal fabric if something goes wrong."
[13:56] <Torokasi> "Thanks." Lilian nods, wrapping it around her face as Ary and Solmyr round the corner with a ladder. Once they set it up, Lilian climbs up, and examines the trap, before, "Whoever tripped this before was a klutz - this would take effort to fuck up." With that, she puts a hand around something, cuts a string, and gently pulls, descending with a vial of greenish-yellow fluid. "... If I'm not
[13:56] <Torokasi> mistaken this is just a mild hallucinogen... Not sure how it'd even help."
[13:57] <AutumnCrow> "It might be enough to stop someone from being able to climb up effectively to follow them out?"
[14:00] <Torokasi> "Sure, I guess. But most people wouldn't get in there anyway - it's a pretty small hole." Lilian shrugs. "They'd need to shrink with a spell."
[14:01] <AutumnCrow> "Do we have access to that spell?"
[14:05] <Torokasi> Lilian shakes her head, as does Janda. Solmyr comments, "That's... basically a generalist spell. All of us are a bit too focused. But we're in a temple - we can ask here for a sorceror or wizard with that spell. Small enough for Reduce Person, Lilian?"
[14:05] <Torokasi> "Definitely." Lilian nods. "Janda, any ideas?"
[14:07] <AutumnCrow> "If that fails, we can ask at the guild if someone is willing to swap us a casting of that for a casting of whatever we can do that they can't when they need it," Crow nods.
[14:09] <Torokasi> Janda nods. "Actually, I know just the person... Let me and Mare go grab them? Better that we don't have to walk the distance back and wear time off the spell."
[14:09] <AutumnCrow> "That's fine. We should let someone from the church know about the passageway anyway while we're here."
[14:11] <Torokasi> "Definitely. I'll let Shawdine know as we go to find this guy." Janda nods as Mare and Janda trot off.
[14:15] * AutumnCrow unwinds her scarf from Lilian and puts it back around her waist, then shrugs and starts practicing her quickdraws while they wait.
[14:17] <Torokasi> Lilian joins Crow, practicing her hand switch, and says after a moment, "I... guess being an investigator isn't as eventful as we'd like."
[14:18] <AutumnCrow> "How does the saying go? 'Hurry up and Wait'?"
[14:20] <Torokasi> "Yeah, that sounds right." Lilian shrugs... OOC: Notice check for Crow, Ary and Para?
[14:22] <AutumnCrow> OOC: Crow 8. Ary 11. Para 28.
[14:25] <Torokasi> Para looks up after a moment of sharpening his axe, stiffening. "...Something's coming..."
[16:05] <Torokasi> What emerges from the wall itself is almost as tall as the room itself, an inky blue shroud covering what appears to be a misshapen skeletal structure, the bones translucent as it raises a hand made from jagged, broken bone and roars loudly! OOC: Initiative. Janda and Mare are out finding their mage.
[16:06] <AutumnCrow> OOC: Crow 12, Ary 10, Para 17.
[16:08] <Torokasi> OOC: Lilian 10, Solmyr 4, Ghost Bone Giant 6
[16:08] * Torokasi changes topic to 'Init: Para > Crow > Ary > Lilian > Ghost Bone Giant > Solmyr'
[16:09] <Torokasi> OOC: Para. Everyone's about 15 feet away from the bone giant, which is Large. And also a ghost. It's a large ghost made of ghost bones.
[16:12] <AutumnCrow> Para: Unsure that his decidedly mundane axe will be up to the job, he concentrates and surrounds his axe with a thin layer of psionic power, then slowly starts inching around to see if he can get on the other side of the ghost from Crow and Ary. (Metaphysical Weapon on his axe, move to maybe flank the ghost and hope it's too distracted to AoO him)
[16:12] <Torokasi> OOC: Hm. Stealth check for Para.
[16:13] <AutumnCrow> OOC: 14. lol
[16:15] <Torokasi> The bone giant seems focused on Ary and Crow, missing Para moving behind it! OOC: He's behind the ghost now. Crow next.
[16:18] <AutumnCrow> Not wanting to be the one to initiate hostilities on holy ground, Crow carefully slips her scarf into her hand and takes a defensive stance even while moving in, "...I don't suppose you can be convinced to tell us what's keeping you from your rest?" (OOC: total defense while moving in to 10ft away from the ghost.)
[16:19] <Torokasi> The beast roars unintelligibly at Crow's approach, its crude claws flexing! OOC: No response. Ary's up.
[16:21] <AutumnCrow> Ary: Well that was a clear intent to do harm, and Ary's job is being the damage sponge, so he takes a ready stance and charges in with fast draw of his blade! (OOC: BLC~ if it has reach it gets to AoO ary before he gets to swing)
[16:22] <Torokasi> The beast pivots slightly to Ary's rush and lashes out with a claw! OOC: Ary's AC?
[16:23] <AutumnCrow> OOC: while charging? 12.
[16:26] * Torokasi changes topic to 'Init: Para > Crow > Ary (9 damage taken) > Lilian > Ghost Bone Giant > Solmyr'
[16:27] <Torokasi> The claw scores across Ary's face, turning solid for a moment as it causes bloody lines across the feathered jaw! OOC: The giant has AC 14 and a 50% miss chance because I'm a dick. Ary can roll to attack.
[16:29] <AutumnCrow> OOC: 4 points into PA for great justice. 1d20+7 = 17. 1d100(high hits) = ...24.
[16:31] <Torokasi> But Ary's blade seems to slide through the bones as they turn translucent for just long enough to let his strike pass through uselessly! "Damnit...!" Ary growls. OOC: Lilian.
[16:36] <Torokasi> Lilian moves in as the ghost attacks Ary, touching the back of his neck lightly as the red lines across his face recede! "Thanks, Lilian." Ary mutters hoarsely, his eyes on the troll!
[16:37] * Torokasi changes topic to 'Init: Para > Crow > Ary (2 damage taken) > Lilian > Ghost Bone Giant > Solmyr'
[16:39] <Torokasi> The beast looks between Crow and Ary, seemingly missing both Para and Lilian, before swiping once at both and then attempting to backhand Ary with something on its hand!
[16:39] <Torokasi> OOC: ...Ary's AC is still 12, right?
[16:40] <AutumnCrow> OOC: Ayup. Ary is at 12 from charging, Crow is at 27 from Total Defense.
[16:42] <Torokasi> The first claw passes straight through Crow's scarf, causing a slight shiver from the breeze but nothing more, while the second claw bounces off Ary's armor and causing the backhand to go too wide! OOC: Missed and incorp penalty missed on Crow, missed but incorp passed on Ary's hit, total whiff on backhand. Solmyr's turn.
[16:46] <Torokasi> Two missiles of force hover around Solmyr's hand briefly before slamming into the bone skeleton, causing it to rock slightly! OOC: Para's back up.
[16:46] * Torokasi changes topic to 'Init: Para > Crow > Ary (2 damage taken) > Lilian > Ghost Bone Giant (10 damage taken) > Solmyr'
[16:47] <AutumnCrow> Para: Now nice and flanking, and with his axe properly psionified, Para risks drawing the critter's attention by hacking into it with axe and rapier! (OOC: Full attack)
[16:49] <AutumnCrow> OOC: Axe swing: 1d20+6 = 25. d100 = 81. Hit. Damage 1d6+3 = 6. Rapier swing: 1d20+5 = 18. d100 = 48. Incorp miss
[16:52] <Torokasi> The axe bites into a bone, knocking a decent chunk out of it, but the rapier sweep passes right through! OOC: Crow
[16:53] * Torokasi changes topic to 'Init: Para > Crow > Ary (2 damage taken) > Lilian > Ghost Bone Giant (16 damage taken) > Solmyr'
[16:55] * AutumnCrow snaps into an offensive position, noting that the creature can't even hit ARY reliably, and spins her beautiful new scarf out in a lashing strike designed to scour the beast from crotch to collar. (OOC: Sapphire Nightmare Blade~)
[16:57] <AutumnCrow> OOC: Concentration 1d20+9 = 15. Success if barely. Attack 1d20+9 vs Flat Footed = 15. 1d100 = 75. Yus. Damage 1d6+5+1d6 = 11)
[16:58] <AutumnCrow> OOC: Derp. My damage is -3 for 8 if it's immune to crits. And if not, +4 for 15. I forgot my Discipline Focus
[16:59] <Torokasi> OOC: It's not immune since it has a physical...ish... structure, so ~
[17:00] <Torokasi> The scarf lashes upward, and Crow gets a faint glimpse of a beautiful spring field in its movements as it slams upward, cracking the patchwork pelvis and multiple ribs! But the beast still stands, roaring! OOC: Ary
[17:00] * Torokasi changes topic to 'Init: Para > Crow > Ary (2 damage taken) > Lilian > Ghost Bone Giant (31 damage taken) > Solmyr'
[17:02] <AutumnCrow> Ary: recovering into a two handed grip on the katana, Ary raises his blade in a Stone Dragon power strike, then brings it down as hard as he can while stepping in with a mighty kiai squawk! (OOC: Stone Bones, let's get some DR up ins)
[17:03] <AutumnCrow> OOC: 4 into PA for great justice. 1d20+5+2(flanking!) = 21. 1d100 = 76. Hit. 1d10+14+1d6 = 22. Birdman POWAH.
[17:05] <AutumnCrow> OOC: also if relevant, he has DR 5/Adamantine for 1 round
[17:09] <Torokasi> The blade swings through, crossing Crow's blow, and the skeleton simply crumbles, its ghostly body dissolving into blue dust that covers the ground! OOC: Free action.
[17:09] <Torokasi> Ary hisses. "Goddamn ghosts."
[17:09] <AutumnCrow> "Well that's one haunting spirit down." Crow shakes the dust off her scarf and steps back, "I hope there aren't too many more lurking around."
[17:11] <Torokasi> Lilian nods slightly. "Yes. That... didn't look good, though. Whoever made it made the skeleton, then had something possess it like that to make it a ghost, which... points to one of the people trained in necromancy by the Temples. This is messy."
[17:18] <AutumnCrow> "Could bringing the..." Crow gestured at the dust, "ah, remains I suppose, to someone help us learn any more about who animated it or how it was done?"
[17:22] <Torokasi> "Yeah, that's probably wise." Solmyr nods, pulling out a small bag from his turban and beginning to scoop the dust in.
[17:24] * AutumnCrow steps back a bit, "Something tells me we want to be very careful not to inhale or ingest that."
[17:25] <Torokasi> "... probably also wise." Solmyr replies drily, stepping back and tying the knot on the bag tight. "It's heavy enough to be hard to inhale by accident, at least..."
[17:35] <Torokasi> "...Wonder what's taking Janda and Marion so long?" Lilian asks after a moment, brushing her hair. "And should we go take this to Shawdine?"
[17:37] <AutumnCrow> "...yes. Yes we should. Ary, Solmyr, Lilian, stay here. Para, you're with me. Move." Crow suddenly gets seriously focused, takes the bag from Solmyr and starts MOVING towards the entrance, the sudden thought that another spirit could have attacked the other two seperate from the group gripping her mind.
[17:40] <Torokasi> "...Okay?" Lilian replies as Crow and Para accelerate around the circular large room, back to the antechamber... with a frazzled but fine Janda, a calm Mare, a poised Shawdine, a calm young Talstedi man, shirtless and tattooed with a snake across his chest, and another pile of blue dust. Janda looks up, blinking as the two speed in. "You guys okay? Oh, is everyone uninjured? Do I need to
[17:40] <Torokasi> come? I'm sorry, we just finished with this thing!"
[17:42] <AutumnCrow> "...no, we're fine. I'm sorry it didn't occur to me to come after you all faster after we finished ours." Crow shakes her head, clearly very annoyed with herself, "I'm glad you had help though. Though I think we're getting a new rule that any away group takes either myself, Para or Ary so there's always a primary warrior."
[17:45] <Torokasi> "Aum was here to assist us. ...But that's a good policy otherwise." Mare nods slightly. "Between him and Shawdine, I barely had time to react, I must admit."
[17:46] <Torokasi> Aum shakes his head slightly. "It was a pleasure to assist. And I'm to understand you need some spells to shrink individuals, honorable Autumn Crow?"
[17:47] <AutumnCrow> "Yes, thank you...and pleasure to meet you." Crow forces a smile, still annoyed though that has nothing to do with him, "we found a passage that is too small for even me to squeeze into, but there was a trail of disrupted dust along the ceiling that led to it and we found a very crude trap attatched. We'd like to get someone up there to see where it goes."
[17:57] <Torokasi> "Understood. Esteemed Shawdine, if I could ask you to inform the rest of the temple to be on high alert in case more such spirits emerge?" Aum replies, his voice calm. "If there were two, it's entirely possible there are more, and finding the enemy takes priority. Is there anything that your group could have done to summon or call them?"
[17:59] <AutumnCrow> "It appeared shortly after we disarmed the trap, otherwise you'll have to talk to our mages, I have no idea what attracts ghosts."
[18:01] <Torokasi> "Curious. Unless there was an audible sound or notable signal when it was disarmed, that shouldn't do anything. Ghosts can only walk through walls, not hear or see through them." Shawdine mutters. "I'll go notify the rest of the temple. Take care, you all." And with that she leaves the room, her robe swishing slightly behind her.
[18:03] <Torokasi> -------------------------------------------

[Taishyr]

Torokasi> Para, Crow, and the Talstedi mage headed back with Janda and Mare to the site of the first combat, where Ary, Solmyr, and Lilian seem to be quietly talking amongst themselves, gesturing up at the trap and looking to the remnants of the bone giant dust. Lilian glances up as the troupe returns, "Everyone okay?"
17:18 <Torokasi> Janda nods. "Yes... We got attacked, too, but Aum and Shawdine handled it quickly. It was quite fortunate and fascinating, really. There's a lot you can do with the ability to turn undead if you've practiced it, it seems."
17:21 — AutumnCrow gestures to the hole in question, "That's the spot there. Can your magic make someone small enough to investigate that?"
17:25 <Torokasi> "... I can do that for... I believe I can manage that level of spell four times, today, so four of you could go in." Aum replies after a moment. "It will be a tight fit but it will be navigable."
17:26 <AutumnCrow> "How long does each casting last?"
17:29 <Torokasi> "I... think you'll have about eight minutes once I'm done casting it on everyone. Not much time, but at the same time, whoever or whatever is doing this is likely operating under the same constraints." Aum tilts his head. "Unless we have a child necromancer. Wouldn't be the first time."
17:32 <AutumnCrow> "Alright...Lilian is the only one with trapfinding experience in case of more of those deeper in, I'm going..." Crow looks around the group, "...Solmyr you'll be the least affected by being small if there is combat on the other side. Ary, you're staying here in case of another ghost and you're the most affected by being small if there is combat waiting for us...anyone particualrly interested
17:32 <AutumnCrow> in taking the fourth position?"
17:34 <Torokasi> Ary nods as Para, Mare, and Janda look between themselves. After a moment, Mare nods. "I'll take the fourth spot. I won't be affected much either, and this leaves a healer with the team here, too."
17:36 <Torokasi> Para nods. "Works. ...I don't like the thought of being small, so."
17:38 <AutumnCrow> "You and Ary can boost us up into the hole after we shrink."
17:39 <Torokasi> "Sounds good." Para nods slightly.
17:41 <Torokasi> "Is there anything else we should know about this before we go in, Lilian?" Mare glances to the trio that had been waiting here.
17:44 <Torokasi> "We were trying to figure out why something like this would be here. It doesn't make much sense from a construction perspective, but it doesn't look recent... A set of tiny tunnels beneath the Temple Circle. Weird, right?" Lilian shrugs. "Like, there's no sensible explanation that we can think of. I guess we'll need to keep our eyes out as we explore it."
17:48 <Torokasi> "Sounds good." Mare nods slightly. "Let's do this, then?"
17:48 <Torokasi> "Roger." Solmyr nods. "Ready, Crow?"
17:50 — AutumnCrow nods, "Lilian, you'll have to take point this time." Turning to Aum, she smiles and gesture to Lilian, "thank you for the help. We're ready when you are."
17:53 <Torokasi> "Alright." Aum nods, his hands glowing a rusty red as he chants the words to a spell Crow doesn't recognize, touching each of the four on the brow in turn. Lilian is first, her body suddenly shrinking to the size of a child, her blue hair practically touching the ground for a moment before it adjusts in size as well! Crow is next, and the tingling of the
17:53 <Torokasi> spell passes through her... <More>
17:55 — AutumnCrow is very, very, VERY glad that there was no 'shrinking out of her clothes' shenanigans, a fear that flickered through her mind the second after she was touched.
17:56 <Torokasi> Crow's clothes stay very firmly on her, Aum's gaze practically looking past her as he moved on to touch Solmyr's brown and finally Mare's, the two of them shrinking to Solmyr'
17:56 <Torokasi> OOC: Strike
17:58 <Torokasi> Crow's clothes stay very firmly on her, Aum's gaze practically looking past her as he moved on to touch Solmyr's brown and finally Mare's, the two of them shrinking to Crow and Lilian's size rather rapidly. Aum nods, his body towering over the four as he pivots at the waist to look at Ary and Para. "If you two could get them into the passageway?"
18:00 <Torokasi> "They're like kids..." Para murmurs. "Ah, sure. We can do that."
18:02 <Torokasi>  Ary gives Para a weird look as he moves over to the spot underneath the wall. "Hop on up, I suppose. It's a narrow fit at first, it looks like, but you four should be fine..."
18:03 <Torokasi> Saying this, Ary crouches a little bit and cups his hands together in preparation to lift people up.
18:08 <AutumnCrow> "Lilian...Mare, you have the best eyes, you're second. I'll go third, Solmyr bring up the rear."
18:10 <Torokasi> "Got it." Lilian nods, walking to Ary and stepping into his cupped hands... as Ary lifts, practically throwing her into the ceiling, Lilian emitting a high pitched squeak! "Yeek! Be careful, we're not that heavy right now, Ary!"
18:12 <Torokasi> "...Right." Ary rubs his head in embarrassment, as Mare quietly follows Lilian and is - much more calmly - moved up to the gap. Ary gestures to you next. "Ready?"
18:12 — AutumnCrow steps onto Ary's hands and times a light jump with the lift to reach the gap as gracefully as possible.
18:16 <Torokasi> Ary's lift is expert, and Crow grabs the edge and practically rolls in with one fluid motion, just behind Lilian and Mare. As the three move away from the edge, having to crouch but otherwise able to move within the passageway, Solmyr gets into the small tunnel... if just barely, letting out a sound somewhere between a growl and a squeak as he belly-flops
18:16 <Torokasi> onto the platform.
18:18 — AutumnCrow helps him up, "alright, we have eight minutes, move quickly. Lilian, lead the way."
18:21 <Torokasi> "Right." Lilian says, her incredibly-high pitched voice managing to sound serious even then as the four set out into the tunnel. After what feels like a short span of time, the tunnel seems to open up slightly, allowing the four child heroes to stand straight. In front of Lilian and Mare is a branching path - one path heading left, somewhat to the south, and
18:21 <Torokasi> the other heading north.
18:23 <Torokasi> "Oh, good. A fork. We probably don't have time to check both, and little time to search... Anyone see anything like a clue?" Solmyr asks quickly, muttering.
18:24 <AutumnCrow> "I don't want to split up, so if you don't see anything just pick a path and go."
18:25 <Torokasi> OOC: Go ahead and roll Notice for Crow, I'll do so for the other three.
18:25 <AutumnCrow> OOC: Lolnotice. Got a 12.
18:25 <Torokasi> OOC: Congrats, you almost beat everyone else.
18:27 <Torokasi> "... No, I don't see anything unusual. Let's go left." Lilian says after a moment. "That should be the direction of the Temple of Sath." With that, she begins walking that way, as the rest of the group follows. <More>
18:30 <Torokasi> The tunnel continues on, a light from a pebble Lilian is holding leading the way... until she abruptly stops. "Uh. Something is wrong." Peering over her shoulder, the light falls onto... the same branching path, it looks like. One going left, and the other going right. "This is the same intersection, isn't it...?"
18:30 <Torokasi> "Looks like it to me." Mare frowns.
18:32 <Torokasi> "Left again?" Lilian looks to Crow. "Left here should be back the way we came, if this place is acting normally. You aren't spotting magic, right, Mare?"
18:33 <Torokasi> "Right. Well, nothing that's out of place around any of the Temples, etc." Mare nods. "Solmyr, any insight?"
18:34 <Torokasi> Solmyr frowns. "If this place is a labyrinth, eight minutes may not be enough... Let's keep trying, though. I'm up for going left."
18:35 <AutumnCrow> "Do it. Keep us moving."
18:43 <Torokasi> "Right." The group turns left, hurrying down the tunnel... before reaching a dead end, the path covered in rubble. Lilian, uttering a curse, glances through the rubble quickly... before pulling out a piece of paper. "... 'Path ahead dangerous, do not use.' ...Guess they were right, but the note's concerning. Let's try heading straight back at that
18:43 <Torokasi> intersection, alright?"
18:43 <Torokasi> Mare nods slightly as the group turns back. <More>
18:45 <Torokasi> At the intersection, the group heads straight, Lilian in the lead, before she lets out a muffled shriek, seemingly slipping! OOC: Dex check, Crow, to try and catch her. Mare also gets one.
18:46 <AutumnCrow> OOC: hope a 14 makes it
18:49 <Torokasi> Crow's hand lunges out and grabs Lilian's shoulder- as Mare's hand grabs Lilian's, the two steadying and pulling Lilian back! Shaking, Lilian crouches to examine the floor - the path begins to get steeper and looks to be damp with moisture coming from the walls. "...That could've been really messy..."
18:50 <AutumnCrow> OOC: steeper up or steeper down?
18:51 <Torokasi> OOC: Sorry. Down.
18:57 <Torokasi>  Lilian exhales. "Okay. I don't think checking this out is wise without a way for all of us to be able to navigate down the wet corridor somehow. We're... running out of time, I think. Let's go back to the first branch and head the other way from there, hope we see something helpful?"
18:59 <AutumnCrow> "I can make it, but the goal is to avoid splitting up, yes. Alright, let's head back."
19:03 <Torokasi> "Yeah, it's why I said 'all of us'." Lilian chuckles. "I'm confident you'd be fine alone, but let's pencil that in as a last resort..." With that, the group moves back to the first intersection, Solmyr pausing briefly.
19:03 <Torokasi> "They look the same, but this one's the first one. There's a notch in the ceiling that there isn't in the other intersection... Wonder what this place was used for. Cat burglars?" Solmyr pauses after a moment.
19:04 <Torokasi> "Please tell me you mean literal cats, because now I'm imagining a cat thief and it's an adorable concept." Mare chuckles.
19:07 <AutumnCrow> "I'm sure that wet area would keep them away admirably."
19:09 <Torokasi> "Let's hope so." Lilian makes a face as the group keeps going... <More>
19:12 <Torokasi> It takes a bit of time, but finally Lilian stops again, looking around. "... We're not going to have the time for this. Whoever's doing this either has a very long duration for this spell or knows the precise route like the back of their hand..." Looking past Lilian, her point is clear - this path branches in three directions. One goes west, one east, and
19:12 <Torokasi> one north and slightly upward.
19:12 <Torokasi> "Crow, we might have time to check where one of these paths goes, but if we get delayed getting out could be a massive pain due to how small these tunnels can be at times. Do we press on or return for now?" Lilian finishes, looking to Crow.
19:14 <AutumnCrow> "Return, come back with chalk and longer duration shrinking spells."
19:16 <Torokasi> "Right." Lilian nods, turning and leading the way back out of the passages. "I feel bad that we couldn't track down whoever's stealing these bones, but it seems to be a labyrinth in here... I'll make notes as well so we don't waste time next time, too. Mare, you know the shorthand I use, and I can teach you, Crow, so as long as any of us three are here we
19:16 <Torokasi> can keep exploring."
19:20 <AutumnCrow> "With any luck, now that we've found the entrance, the temple can get some guards down here to catch the thief next time they sneak in."
19:22 <Torokasi> "Yeah, let's hope so. I'm sure Shawdine's going to be really focusing on that." Solmyr nods as the group hustles out of the tunnels and back to the group.
19:23 <Torokasi> Aum looks up as the four get to the edge of the tunnel. "Back sooner than I expected. The spell does still have a bit of duration..."
19:24 <Torokasi> "It's a maze in there." Solmyr replies shortly as he jumps down on Ary's head, eliciting a grunt. "One path we couldn't explore, and one path with a ton of branches... and then there was a caved-in path that indicated the presence of at least two people that have used these tunnels. This is a mess. We're going to need high prep next time we go in."
19:29 <AutumnCrow> "The path we couldn't take was...slick. Extremely so." Crow hops down, "I could use Step of the Wind to cross it, but I'm not sure anyone else could make it."
19:31 <Torokasi> "Spider Climbing on the roof would probably work." Lilian comments. "So I could get people through there, but we'd not help much in a fight... and doing so might take a while. I'd want to prepare us for that before we went in."
19:57 <Torokasi> "I'll see what I can do to procure supplies and to let your trips in there last longer." Aum comments. "At the least, I can provide you with Reduce Person potions so you can spend the full amount of time in there without becoming trapped."
20:01 <AutumnCrow> "Thank you, that would be most helpful." Crow looks back up, "There's enough room for us to move while shrunk, which means someone small could easily move through without shrinking if they can just crawl well enough. Or if they can shapeshift into something small like Nyci can. Those are things we can't ignore the possibility of, whoever we're chasing is not nessesarily limited by the same
20:01 <AutumnCrow> spells we are."
20:04 <Torokasi> Ary nods. "That's a good point. It could be a shapeshifter... I'll ask Nyci if there's any soulshifters she knows of in town into necromancy."
20:07 <Torokasi> "Our best bet is still to be checking the tunnels, though." Mare comments. "I presume the tunnel entrance will be guarded, Aum?"
20:07 <Torokasi> "Definitely so." Aum replied smoothly. "The Weeping Lady's temple guard will be stationed in here to try and ensure no one gets in and out."
20:09 <AutumnCrow> "I'd recommend guarding within sight of the entrance but not right under it." Crow smirks, "just to encourage the thief, or thieves, to stick thier heads out where you can grab them instead of seeing a guard and slipping away back down the tunnel."
20:11 <Torokasi> "I'll... pass the instruction along. That's very insightful." Aum nods after a moment of surprise. "If only the priests did not find so much demand for all their spells in a day, we could probably solve this riddle much more quickly... But you are what we have, and the Temple thanks you for it."
20:14 <AutumnCrow> "COnsidering the recent problems, there's no surprise that thier spells are all spoken for, likely days in advance." Crow shakes her head, "we'll do what we can. I just hope this is an immoral opportunist taking advantage of the situation rather than some darker purpose for graverobbing."
20:15 <Torokasi> "Let's hope so." Janda nods solemnly. "...If we're done for today, does anyone have any plans?"
20:16 <AutumnCrow> "Aside from washing the crypt dust off as soon as possible?" Crow deadpans, "no."
20:16 <Torokasi> Ary nods slightly. "I'm going to go check with my superior to see if they know about any of these tunnels under their place, and then wash off, yes."
20:17 <Torokasi> Lilian chuckles. "We'll all have to clean up, I think. Thank you again, Aum."
20:17 <Torokasi> "It is no problem. We will meet back here... noon tomorrow or so? Does that work for all here?" Aum asks, glancing about between the group.
20:18 <Torokasi> Mare nods, brushing her hair lightly with her hands. "Certainly so."
20:18 <Torokasi>  After saying this, she makes a small face. "Aum, for the record, your manner of speech is entirely infectious."
20:19 <Torokasi> Aum chuckles slightly. "I... apologize. My teacher was very strict about language, and I've only recently begun to relax."
20:19 <AutumnCrow> "That will be fine. I may spend the morning making lunchboxes, actually." Crow begins to idly plan some boxed lunch ideas to make the time spent in a crypt less...creepy.
20:20 <Torokasi> "Oh? Ah, do not worry about cooking anything for me." Aum shakes his head. "I mean, if you were planning on that, please- oh, I believe you understand. Forgive me for getting flustered."
20:20 <AutumnCrow> "I wouldn't offer food to a monk without asking about your dietary restrictions, of course." Crow nods, thinking she knows what the issue is.
20:26 <Torokasi> "Haha... Thank you. In truth, the food I eat is sanctified by the Temple and cleansed. So... I don't get much variety. One of the few things I regret." Aum grins half-heartedly. "I do recommend you enjoy the food you make, however."
20:27 <AutumnCrow> "We certainly will. Janda, care to help me shop for ingrediants after we all wash up?"
20:29 <Torokasi> "Certainly!" Janda bubbles as the group heads out...

[Taishyr]

17:07 <Torokasi> Lilian and Crow wake up and chat around the kitchen table for a bit in the morning as Janda comes in, looking defeated. "We may want to head down to the Temple early if we can. The thief definitely came by."
17:07 <Torokasi> "...didn't they post guards?" Lilian asks, a bit bewildered.
17:07 <Torokasi> "They were found sleeping when the next shift went to check on them. Seems like the Sleep spell, or something similar." Janda mutters.
17:08 <AutumnCrow> "Of course."
17:09 — AutumnCrow gets up to finish the lunchboxes, seemingly unsurprised by this turn of events.
17:10 <Torokasi> "..Right. I guess I should have seen that coming. I can go find Solmyr and the boys and we can meet there in an hour or so?" Lilian offers.
17:14 <AutumnCrow> "I should be done by then, yes."
17:14 <Torokasi> "I can help prepare the lunchboxes, then." Janda replies. "Let's hope Aum comes through with a lot of potions for exploring whatever's in there."
17:22 <Torokasi> Janda and Crow finish up the lunchboxes relatively quickly and trot over to the Weeping Lady's temple, descending into the crypt. Mare and the rest of the team are waiting there, though Aum seems to not have arrived yet. Ary glances at the two as they arrive, "Hey. Food. We got here just as the morning guard shift was leaving. Apparently the night crew got
17:22 <Torokasi> knocked out early on in their shift, so about around first bell?"
17:26 <Torokasi> "And none of them, of course, saw a damn thing." Solmyr comments wryly.
17:26 <AutumnCrow> "Hmm. So we're opperating under the assumption that our thief has the ability to shrink, climb walls, and put people to sleep." Crow passes out the lunchboxes to people, having taking everyone's diets into account, "how powerful of a mage are we potentially contending with here to do all that?"
17:28 <Torokasi> "Being able to shrink, presuming they're normal-size, means that they're a generalist spellcaster - not focused like any of us here, but more along the lines of Aum's magical training." Lilian comments. "This being said, the most difficult thing out of those is climbing on walls, and as I've said, I can do that as well."
17:30 <AutumnCrow> "So, not very powerful, just good at having exactly the right spells on hand for the situation." Crow nods, then looks around, "now for the next question. If they have these kind of spells, are there enough easier ways to make better money than stealing bones from a graveyard?"
17:35 <Torokasi> "...They're not likely to be a hedgemage, so they probably can't make items easily unless they're trained like Isabella is. Odds are that's not the case - that's a pretty small community." Janda replies. "This being said, even a basic spellcaster can probably find some work doing -something-. Maintenance on basic magical tools, perhaps?"
17:36 <Torokasi> Mare pauses. "Unless they're trying to do some form of necromancy, yes. But isn't that usually the domain of priests? Who wouldn't have the access to spells such as reduce person?"
17:36 <AutumnCrow> "Hmm. So we're still possibly dealing with just a thief, not someone who actively wants the bones for thier own purposes."
17:37 <Torokasi> "Right." Ary nods. "... or some crazy sorceror with kleptomania? They wouldn't need the training as much as a sorceror."
17:39 <Torokasi> "...where's Aum?" Lilian asks Janda, fidgeting after a moment.
17:40 <AutumnCrow> "Not likely. Could be a sorcerer, yes, but not randomly stealing. This is too specific, it has to be deliberate, either for money or other reasons."
17:41 <Torokasi> "True." Ary nods after a moment.
17:41 <Torokasi> Janda shrugs. "I can... go look for him? Want me to do that quickly, Crow?"
17:43 <AutumnCrow> "Para, Solmyr, go with her. Nobody alone after those ghost attacks."
17:45 <Torokasi> Para and Solmyr nod and walk off with Janda. Lilian watches them go, before, "... Something tells me that was a good idea. I have a really weird feeling right now."
17:49 <Torokasi> Ary frowns. "Like something crawling on your back?"
17:49 <Torokasi> Mare shakes her head, her long, glossy hair flowing around her. "I'm... feeling it too, now that I notice it. That's not good."
17:50 — AutumnCrow closes her eyes to concentrate a second, "...I have some suspicions, Lilian remind me to share them with you later."
17:53 <Torokasi> "Okay." Lilian nods. "... Nothing seems to be watching us from the hole, so...?"
17:54 <AutumnCrow> "I don't feel anything." Crow opens her eyes to look around, "hmm."
17:56 <AutumnCrow> "Lilian, detect magic on the surrounding area." Crow says very quietly.
17:58 <Torokasi> Lilian nods slightly, muttering the words. "Suffused with magic, as- shit. Everyone, on guard, something's coming through the wall!" Her words give the team just enough time to turn and prepare themselves as another ghostly spectre emerges from the wall, a haphazard collection of bone and rage! OOC: Initiative. If you could take Ary I'll handle Lilian and
17:58 <Torokasi> Mare.
17:59 <AutumnCrow> OOC: Crow Init = 16. Ary Init = 12.
18:01 <Torokasi> OOC: Lillian gets 22, mare gets 12, half-finished spectral bone giant v. 0.6 gets 15.
18:01 Torokasi set the topic: Lillian > Crow > HFS Bone Giant > Ary > Mare
18:03 <Torokasi> Lilian's blade is up, analyzing the situation...! OOC: She's holding to wait on your action, Crow.
18:06 <AutumnCrow> "Is this going to be a regular occurance?" Crow sighs as she snaps her scarf out and slides around to the other side of the creature hoping that it's dumb enough to turn its back on Ary, "can't start exploring in here without putting one of you down first?" As she finishes her movement, teh scarf comes out in a blindingly fast strike directly to the head. (OOC: move to give ary flanking,
18:06 <AutumnCrow> Tumble 18 should make it. Then S.Nigtmare Blade)
18:07 <AutumnCrow> OOC: Concentration 28 surely succeeds. Attack roll 15 vs flat footed.
18:07 <Torokasi> OOC: Tumble 18 does indeed make it, and that's a success and a hit.
18:08 <AutumnCrow> OOC: then that's 1d6+5+4 +1d6 damage for...14.
18:10 <Torokasi> The scarf lashes out just as the spectral creature phases in, breaking a solid chunk off its skull! Lilian moves in front of Mare to protect her, as the bone giant attempts to lash out at Crow with its bone claws! OOC: AC?
18:10 <AutumnCrow> OOC: 21
18:11 <Torokasi> But the giant seems too confused by the scarf to even aim near Crow! OOC: Ary.
18:14 <AutumnCrow> Without room to set up a good charge, Ary takes advantage of the distraction provided to step in behind the giant, shift his katana into a two handed grip, and attempt a hard hitting vertical cut with all his strength behind it. (OOC: move into position, he provokes an AoO if the bone giant has reach, AC is 16 because he takes punishing stance AFTER moving in, then just 2H PA for all he's
18:14 <AutumnCrow> worth)
18:15 <AutumnCrow> OOC: 1d20+5+2 to hit(4 into PA + flanking) = 22. 1d10+16 +1d6 = 27. His sword is non-magical if that matters.
18:17 <Torokasi> The giant seems to miss Ary stepping in, his blade swinging down through the gap created by Crow's scarf and splitting the bone giant easily in two pieces! OOC: Free act.
18:18 <AutumnCrow> "Lilian, Ary, guard here. Mare, with me, we need to find the others."
18:22 <Torokasi> "Right." Ary nods as Mare jogs off with Crow to go and try to find the others. <More>
18:23 <Torokasi> After a moment, Mare comments, "Permission to guess what you're suspecting?"
18:23 <AutumnCrow> "So long as you don't do it in Janda's earshot, yes." Crow keeps her voice low and her pace one that Marion can match.
18:26 <Torokasi> "A Mist worshipper, someone that can somehow get into the Temple without setting off wards." Mare nods as she keeps up with Crow with only slight effort.
18:27 <AutumnCrow> "It would be much easier to get in and out if you're already allowed inside, wouldn't it?" Crow responds quietly and with a blank expression.
18:30 <Torokasi> "Yeah... So it would possibly be a worshipper of the Mist that... either has access to an entrance that doesn't catch them somehow or has somethign that allows clearance. But they'd have to be weak enough that Sleep was their disabling method of choice." Mare mutters. "So that rules out a high-end member of the Temple... or rather, of the Temple of the
18:30 <Torokasi> Weeping Lady."
18:32 <AutumnCrow> "The spells employed thus far point to one who is merely a member of the temple, not a templar or cleric at all." Crow points out, "and...I am very certain that Mist is involved, thanks to that little episode back there."
18:32 <Torokasi> "How so?" Mare frowns.
18:33 <AutumnCrow> "Because of a conversation we can have later in the redoubt." Crow replies with perfect deadpan.
18:37 <Torokasi> "Right." Mare half-chuckles. The entry into the crypt is... quiet, as is the route up the stairs. OOC: Notice check.
18:37 <AutumnCrow> OOC: Crow Notice = 3
18:42 <Torokasi> At the top of the stairs, Mare pauses. "There's a lot of people... off in the main section of the temple?"
18:43 <AutumnCrow> "Lets go have a look." Crow heads that way.
18:50 <Torokasi> The two make their way to the center of the temple to what seems like total bedlam. Guards and priests are running about madly, and in the center Crow can briefly glimpse one of Solmyr's hats above the milling crowd as the noise seems to fluctuate. As the two approach, Janda can be seen pushing out of the crowd in Crow's direction, breaking into a sprint at
18:50 <Torokasi> the site of the two. "You're both alright? How are Ary and Lilian? Everyone okay?" Janda babbles as she rushes over.
18:51 <AutumnCrow> "There was another ghost, we left those two to guard the hole. What's going on up here?"
18:52 <Torokasi> "A ghost emerged from the floor when we got up here, like it was..." Janda's voice drops. "Like it was following us up here. We felt weird all the way up as we were looking for Aum."
18:54 <AutumnCrow> "Has he been found?"
18:55 <Torokasi> "No, not yet. Apparently he left early last night and said he'd be back soon, but none of the guards up here reported him coming back in." Janda shakes her head worriedly.
18:56 — AutumnCrow flicks her eyes to Mare for a moment, "I assume you three took the ghost down just fine?"
18:57 <Torokasi> "Well, the priests basically dissolved it after it clawed at one of them, but... it's scared everyone." Janda replies. "I want to go check with a few of the alchemists that the Temple relies on for potions, if it's okay. There's a few just east of the Circle and one a bit further east."
18:58 <AutumnCrow> "Go ahead. Take Para and Solmyr with you, we'll return to guard the hole with the others. I suspect someone may try to take advantage of this chaos through it."
18:59 <Torokasi> "Yeah, okay." Janda nods. "If we find anything out we'll let you know. Oh, Shawdine will be down there soon too. She was working elsewhere in the morning, but I'll make sure she checks in on you four."
19:01 <AutumnCrow> "Good." Crow nods, "we'll head back down and scout around the place for any more ghosts, see if we can just draw out any that are still lingering and put them down before they cause any more issues."
19:02 <Torokasi> "Alright. Take care." Janda nods, heading back to the crowd.
19:03 <Torokasi> Mare frowns, before saying, "Janda, who taught Aum magic here, out of curiousity?"
19:04 <Torokasi> Janda pauses and turns around. "... I think Master Alys, offhand? You want to talk to her? I'll send her over."
19:05 <Torokasi> Mare nods. "No big deal, just a question regarding Aum's spell list."
19:06 <AutumnCrow> "We may need more than we initially thought for this investigation," Crow deadpans.
19:09 <Torokasi> Janda nods and heads over to the crowd. After the moment, a Talmyr woman, skinny and red-scaled with two weird-looking, large spiked loops on her back, wanders over lazily. "Checking in for Aum?" her voice rings out clearly, each syllable clear and aggressively pushed out. "He has not shown up for morning practice. The last student I would have expected to
19:09 <Torokasi> skip out, but perhaps he got distracted with his partner last night. Your question?"
19:10 <Torokasi> Mare blinks before shaking her head. "I was hoping maybe he'd be able to prepare... Heroism? That's the right spell, I think? Gives someone courage in combat? For the people going into the tunnel."
19:11 <Torokasi> Alys laughs, a short bark. "No, he will not be able to do that for tomorrow. Any other questions?"
19:11 <Torokasi> "... Is he barred from enchantments?" Mare asks, glancing to Crow.
19:12 <Torokasi> "Yes, and illusions. Such things are for those who desire deception in combat, outside our training as members of the Blood Tear." Alys replies simply. "We focus on magic that amplifies our own trained strength."
19:13 <AutumnCrow> "Lilian has some castings of Spider Climb, but we may need an additional couple to let the team all move through one place in the tunnel where the floor deems impassible, would he be able to assist with that?"
19:13 <AutumnCrow> OOC: seems even
19:14 <Torokasi> "Yes. Spider Climb is one of the magics he has available, usually. It helps when he is cleaning the ceilings." Alys' grin is marginally unsettling.
19:15 <AutumnCrow> "Thank you. When he returns I'll make sure to ask about preparing some extras." Crow nods.
19:15 <Torokasi> "Alright. I will send him down when he returns, and ensure that he does an extra set of exercises as punishment for keeping you waiting." With that, Alys turns and saunters off.
19:16 <Torokasi> Mare shakes her head. "Well, if it'
19:17 <Torokasi> Mare shakes her head. "Well, if it's that complicated, we're already resourceless." With that, she turns back to head down to Lilian and Ary after waiting for Crow to turn with her.
19:18 <AutumnCrow> Crow waited until they were back down in the crypt before noting, "I'm not sure she'd have taken to asking about this 'partner' of his well, but if he is involved he may have outside help. I'd liek to rule him out based on what we just learned, however...I can't shake the feeling."
19:19 <Torokasi> "Yeah. Let's hope we're wrong, but..." Mare shakes her head.
19:21 <AutumnCrow> "We can share suspicions with Ary and Lilian, they may have some insight, but I don't want Janda getting wind of this just yet. I dislike having to say that, but the temple of the Weeping Lady and Mist Worshippers are the two areas where she loses any and all reason instantly."
19:22 <Torokasi> "Nope, yeah, that's... definitely the case." Mare nods. "It... definitely makes the most sense for it to be someone the Temple thinks is friendly, unfortunately, but we don't have solid leads yet."
19:25 <AutumnCrow> "My next suggestion is that we guard the crypt ourselves tonight, while having Shawdine make sure that nobody else knows we're doing it."
19:26 <Torokasi> "That's... yeah, good idea. Especially not Aum, just in case." Mare nods as the two walk through the crypt to Ary, who waves slightly as the two come over. Lilian is a bit further away, seemingly searching the wall past the hole.
19:28 <AutumnCrow> "Trade things off for a bit, Ary do you want watching the hole duty or combing the place to bait out any more ghosts duty?"
19:31 <Torokasi> "Lilian's wanting to check the central room when we get the chance." Ary comments. "This being said, I can do either. You and Lilian can check the central room and Mare and I can keep an eye on the hole?"
19:32 <AutumnCrow> "That works. Mare, fill Ary in on things, I'll do the same for Lilian." Turning to Lilian, she raises an eyebrow, "why the central room in particular?"
19:33 <Torokasi> "It's locked, theoretically, so if anyone's trying to base anything out of here that'd be a good spot." Lilian comments.
19:36 <Torokasi> "So what are you updating me on?"
19:36 <AutumnCrow> "Give the lock a once over to see if you think it's been opened recently, but we'll ask permission from Shawdine to look in before just letting ourselves in. I..." she looks around as they start walking off to make sure no one is in sight, "I suspect there may be an inside operative. Someone with...the right spellset. Marion confirmed that Aum can't use enchantmens, so if he is involved he's
19:36 <AutumnCrow> not working alone. But he was off with 'a partner' last night..."
19:40 <Torokasi> "...Right. I didn't feel like he was deceiving us, but I was hardly paying attention due to, you know, huge undead skeletons. Lovely. Well, we'll try to figure it out." The two get to the locked door, Lilian looking into the lock briefly before touching the doorknob and pushing the door open slightly. "I think that answers that."
19:43 <AutumnCrow> "...well now." Crow nudges the door further open, but doesn't step inside, "detect for magic again, and see what you can see without actually entering?"
19:50 <Torokasi> "... The same as normal, it looks like. Heavy magic, but basically all the normal stuff that was down here yesterday? I'm not seeing anything moving or anything." Lilian comments.
19:52 <AutumnCrow> "Alright, lets close the door back up and get SHawdine's permission to poke around in there after we do a jog around the place." Crow moved close to Lilian and gave her a squeeze while quietly whispering, "...remember what can't detect me specifically? Nor can I detect? And what you all felt when we came down but I didn't? The group going up got the same feeling. This...is bigger than it
19:52 <AutumnCrow> seems."
19:53 <Torokasi> "...Fuck." Lilian murmurs. "I was wondering, but that confirms it."
19:55 <Torokasi> "Okay, let's go find Shawdine."
19:56 — AutumnCrow nods and leads the way as they do a quick circuit around the catacombs to give any more bone giants a chance to jump out, then circle back in with the others and hopefully with Shawdine.
19:57 <Torokasi> Shawdine takes a few minutes after the group finishes their loop to come down to the crypt to find them. "I'm sorry for being tardy. You are well, all of you, I hope?" she asks, shaking her head slightly.
20:00 <AutumnCrow> "Yes, the one ghost that appeared was unable to take more than two blows before it dissolved. They're...large, but not very durable I'm noticing." Crow smiles.
20:00 <AutumnCrow> "Has there been any more word on Aum? His dissapearance is...troubling. I'm almost afraid it could be enemy action..."
20:08 <Torokasi> "There has not. I'm concerned about that as well - I know few young men as devout as he, even if the Weeping Lady didn't see fit to use him as a priest." Shawdine shakes her head. "I'm glad Janda is out checking for him."
20:10 <AutumnCrow> "He was gathering potions, she's checking if the alchemists saw him recently." Crow nods, "we have done a bit more poking around down here, and...well, the central chamber is theoretically locked? But the lock has been messed with recently when we took a look at it. Would you mind if we investigated the chamber thoroughly?"
20:11 <Torokasi> "... I'll come with you. That shouldn't be open." Shawdine frowns deeply, her voice dropping to sound like a raging river. "If it is..."
20:13 <Torokasi> "Uh. I opened it a bit when checking. Sorry." Lilian comments.
20:13 <Torokasi> "No, I mean- well, you'll see." Shawdine shakes her head. "Lead the way, please."
20:13 <AutumnCrow> "We opened the door as a test, it was unlocked. I didn't want to actually enter the room without your permission."
20:15 <Torokasi> Lilian nods quietly and leads the way to the room, brushing the door open - at which point Shawdine surges past the two and to the center of the room, where a series of caskets lies, Shawdine's hands up and already chanting deeply. The air begins to crackle in Crow's ears as she works, Lilian looking around as Shawdine works.
20:17 — AutumnCrow keeps one hand ready to whip her scarf out in case something tries to interrupt her out of nowhere.
20:18 <Torokasi> After a moment, Lilian gestures Crow over to one of the shelves on the side, where a skeleton lies - a few bones missing from the foot and leg closest to Lilian and Crow. "...We should tell her once she's done with her spell, whatever it is." Lilian murmurs.
20:19 — AutumnCrow nods.
20:22 <Torokasi> "... The caskets of the former high priests have been unviolated, though not for lack of trying. Whatever graverobber we have did indeed try to open them." Shawdine's voice is dark as she turns to Lilian and Crow, the air calming. "Fortunately, there was no damage done to them."
20:23 <AutumnCrow> "There's some bones missing from a skeleton on this shelf," Crow notes before she gets too calm.
20:26 <Torokasi> Shawdine walks over, her hand hovering over the skeleton for a moment before lowering. "...It indicates that it was just last night that the door was opened and the bones taken. Let us check for other bones missing here?"
20:33 — AutumnCrow motions the group to look around
20:39 <Torokasi> Lilian begins searching, followed by Mare, with Ary staying in sight of the hole to ensure nothing comes through. After a moment, however, Lilian shakes her head. "Nothing that I see is missing, besides what I already pointed out."
20:46 <AutumnCrow> "I..." Crow sighs, "SHawdine, I am reluctant to point this out, but I think we have one of two scenarios here."
20:46 <AutumnCrow> Composing herself, Crow explains, "either your guards simply aren't up to teh task of catching this thief, who seems to have exactly the right magic for the job. Or...or the thief has help on the inside."
20:47 <AutumnCrow> "Either way, I think my team should stand guard here tonight...and in case it is the second case, I think the only person in the temple who should be aware of this is you."
20:50 <Torokasi> "... Or both, frankly." Shawdine comments after a moment of consideration. "I was already contemplating outsourcing guard duty. This simplifies matters. I cannot be the only person that knows, but I will keep it immensely limited to just myself and those that absolutely must know above me. The thief may very well have an inside supporter, yes. ...No one
20:50 <Torokasi> except the thief should know this room is unlocked..."
20:53 <Torokasi> "... Some of the night shift will likely have to be let on shift to not arouse suspicion. However, if you all are here, and I close the door, then you should be able to hear if anything happens outside and can apprehend our thief or thieves. Does that sound workable?" Shawdine replies after a moment.
20:54 <AutumnCrow> "It should. Lilian, can you work with Para on the details of setting our watches so we have good ears out at all times?"
20:56 <Torokasi> "Certainly. Mare, Para and myself can easily handle that aspect. Do we need to get food beforehand?" Lilian notes.
20:56 <Torokasi> "So long as you're back in here before the seventh evening bell, we should be fine. I can cover for you leaving early in this regard." Shawdine notes.
20:57 <AutumnCrow> "What I packed for lunch will keep until evening neatly," Crow smirks, "so we're set for nightwatch snacks already."
21:01 <Torokasi> "Excellent." Shawdine smiles grimly. "I will direct the other three down here when they get here."
21:03 <AutumnCrow> "Alright. And...if Aum does show back up, let us know but keep him out of the loop as well. There's nothing we can do for today anyway."
21:05 <Torokasi> "Understood." Shawdine does not even seem to flinch at this statement. "I will keep an eye out for him upstairs, as will Master Alys."
21:06 <AutumnCrow> Turning to her group, Crow finds a place to get comfortable...or at least as much as she can in the tomb, "alright, we have a plan at least. If anyone wants to catch some rest, go ahead."
21:07 <Torokasi> Ary nods slightly and leans against a wall, Lilian and Mare talking quietly as Shawdine leaves...

[Taishyr]

Torokasi> In the crypt's center, Crow practices by dim light as the group waits for Solmyr, Janda and Para to return. And waits, Lilian trying to join in with Crow for what she can do of the maneuvers. And waits, Lilian eventually pulling out a deck of cards after being worn out. After an indeterminable length of time, the door swings open and Solmyr's head pops in.
16:41 <Torokasi> "Janda and Para will be down in a sec. Good news bad news time."
16:42 <AutumnCrow> "Lovely." Crow had moved into practicing dance steps instead of combat manuevers, but winds down, "alright, let's hear it."
16:46 <Torokasi> "Good news is we found Aum. Bad news is we found out why Aum didn't show up. He got us our reduce person potions, got to his- ... uh, partner, I guess - and basically collapsed. Partner thought it was just exhaustion until he didn't wake up in the morning like usual. Priests are saying it was a toxin he somehow had put in his body."
16:49 <Torokasi> "Whiiiich means that someone knew who Aum was, knew enough to track him down and poison him, and was desperate enough to slow us down to do that. And didn't want to kill him. Which leaves a fascinating intersection of possible culprits."
16:50 <AutumnCrow> "Everything he eats is purified by the temple," Crow instantly recalls, "that leaves a very small list of people who could have done thing."
16:50 <AutumnCrow> OOC: "done this" even
16:51 <Torokasi> "... Shit. Okay, lemme go check with Shawdine who has access to that food, if that's alright?" Solmyr says, glancing around the room.
16:51 <AutumnCrow> "Do so, and do it discreetly." Crow nods, "Lilian, go with him. Again, nobody off alone here."
16:52 <Torokasi> "Right." Solmyr nods, Lilian taking her sword and following Solmyr out.
16:52 <Torokasi> Mare frowns by the dim light as the two leave. "...Self-inflicted, maybe?"
16:54 <AutumnCrow> "Possible, but unlikely." Crow sighs, "Poisoning yourself is chancy and there are easier ways he could have just dissapeared if he wanted."
16:55 <Torokasi> "...I guess, yeah. Still, our hunch of someone in the Temple was likely right." Mare notes.
17:02 <Torokasi> "...So, his partner in the sexual sense, I guess Alys and Solmyr mean." Ary notes, sitting against the wall with his eyes closed. "It'd have to be food here, since it if was contact poison on a door or something any of us could have been hit by covering a doorknob. Either that or he somehow got pricked or something at one of the alchemists..."
17:08 <AutumnCrow> "Too many things it could have been to speculate on it overly much." Crow shakes her head, "for now...Solmyr and Lilian will talk to Shawdine about the possibility of someone tampering with his food, and then we set our trap for the night as planned. If Aum is out of comission, the thief will want to strike again before he recovers."
17:12 <Torokasi> "...Wait. The alchemist." Ary frowns. "Yeah, let's set the trap, but... They'd have the knowledge and the tools to set the poison up."
17:14 <Torokasi> Mare shakes her head. "We don't have the manpower to split between here and shaking down alchs for information right now. Let's focus on the task at hand."
17:15 <AutumnCrow> "And potential use for the bones as components, yes," Crow nods to Ary. "But the trap is still our best opportunity. If we can catch our theif, we get all teh information we need, one way or another."
17:15 <Torokasi> "Yeah." Ary nods. "And as Shawdine said, only the thief should know this room's open."
17:23 <Torokasi> Janda, Para, Lilian and Solmyr all return together after a few more minutes. "Shawdine said she'd check on the food staff for the Blood Tear, but that a few of the regular members passed away during the Cataclysm so there's new staff on board, current and former regular parishioners." Janda comments as she closes the door behind her firmly. "So there's a
17:23 <Torokasi> risk factor there."
17:24 <AutumnCrow> "There's also the chance of it being from the alchemist," Crow notes, "who would both have the knowhow to make the poison and possibly a use for the stolen bones."
17:26 <Torokasi> "...Fuck." Solmyr comments dryly. "Okay, that's a bit worrisome. Jan-" But Janda has already begun chanting a spell, looking over herself, Solmyr and Para.
17:28 <Torokasi> "We're clear." Janda replies. "So if it is one of the alchemists, they didn't think us relevant enough to poison, if they had it on hand at the time."
17:30 <Torokasi> "...Janda." Lilian quietly says. "You alright?"
17:33 <Torokasi> "I'm very, very upset, honestly." Janda replies, calmly. "But we have a job to do, a thief to catch, and - and I'm focused, right now. It's okay. Let's do this."
17:36 <AutumnCrow> "I'm sorry," Crow tries to soften things with a smile, "I didn't want to bring up any suspicions that it could be someone inside the temple until we had privacy down here."
17:37 <Torokasi> "...Yeah, I would've gotten pissed about that earlier." Janda grins lopsidedly. "Right now, though, things are more serious than just respect for the dead. Personal feelings need to be put aside."
17:38 — AutumnCrow quietly, but still audibly breathe a bit of a sigh of relief, "indeed. Alright, we'll need shifts for watches. AT least 2 people awake at all times, and rotating more often than a normal night. Nobody gets to sleep well tonight, we all need to be ready to act at a moment's notice."
17:41 <Torokasi> "Right, and it's probably a good idea for each shift to have someone with detect magic in case we get another ghost giant skeleton mishmash." Mare notes. "So that's me, Solmyr,  Janda, and Lilian, with you, Ary, and Para cycling for the other slot." 
17:43 <AutumnCrow> "Ary, Lilian and Janda can all take one shift, Solmyr and I will take another, you and Para can take the third." Crow splits things up with a nod.
17:46 <Torokasi> "Works." Mare nods. "...Well, then I'll rest up while I can."
17:55 <Torokasi> OOC: Stealth check, +10 bonus, for Solmyr and Crow.
18:02 <AutumnCrow> OOC: Crow has +3 untrained +10 circumstance = 27. Solmyr has +8 trained, +10 circumstance = 24
18:07 <Torokasi> The end of the shift comes quickly for Solmyr and Crow, who spend the majority of the time sitting quietly on either side of the door. Crow is about to get up to wake Para and Mare when Solmyr's voice hisses, incredibly softly, "Wait."
18:09 — AutumnCrow looks at Solmyr, looks at the others and mouths silently, hoping he can read her lips 'should I wake them?'
18:11 <Torokasi> Solmyr pauses, his ear toward the door, before nodding briefly.
18:12 — AutumnCrow moves as quietly as she can to wake the others. Ary first, with a gentle tap and a finger pressed against her lips to indicate he should be silent, then Para, then the other girls.
18:17 <Torokasi> The group awakens silently, ready to move as Solmyr watches the door... before the door slams open, a thin cone of light landing on the sarcophagus in front of the door without lighting up anything else as dust swirls around. The group can faintly see Solmyr's hand, held up, as the light moves to the ground. <More>
18:20 <Torokasi> A young man's voice, cracking slightly, can be heard muttering, "Oh Benevolent Lady of Water and Life, forgive me this trespass upon your most sacred of grounds, I beg of you; grant that tonight may be the last night I perform this profane deed, and grant my mother the escape from the Mist that the Cataclysm brought unto her. I am unworthy to even step foot
18:20 <Torokasi> within your temple and hear of your mercy, but should this wrong be righted, I will surrender myself to the mercy of the temple and to your Divine pain. Amen."
18:21 <Torokasi> Crow can feel Janda tense next to her as the voice speaks.
18:23 — AutumnCrow moves, going from stillness to full motion in a flash, her only intent to get BEHIND the speaker so that she is between him and his escape. She isn't striking, just yet, but moving with as much speed as she can muster. (OOC: yeah, gonna go ahead and trip this off. Can I make a tumble check to get behind him?)
18:23 <Torokasi> OOC: Yeah.
18:24 <AutumnCrow> OOC: rolled a 15 for 25. If that gets me behind him, I'm going to speak.
18:25 <Torokasi> OOC: It does.
18:28 <AutumnCrow> "If you meant even one word of that, I suggest coming quietly to speak to the clerics. If you make us take you by force, the odds of mercy drop rather sharply."
18:31 <Torokasi> "YAAAAH-!" The young man practically shrieks, dropping the bullseye lantern from his left hand while fumbling a bag in his right. His hand bolts up, arcane words almost on his lips... before he shrinks into his dark-grey clothes. "Shit. Shit shit shit no, mom no, this coulda worked i was so close oh no oh no no no no no..."
18:32 — AutumnCrow snaps out a fan, and lays the edge of the blades right on the side of his throat, "My team is going to search you, remove anything dangerous, and bind your hands. Do *not* attempt to resist."
18:33 <Torokasi> "Um. Put down the bag, too." Solmyr says as he quickly rights the bullseye lantern that dropped. Lilian and Para both step in to search as the young man continues muttering frantically to himself in a scared panic.
18:37 <Torokasi> Mare takes the bag as Lilian and Para look him over quickly. "... the magic on this is really strong..." Mare mutters, looking inside the bag. "Lil, Para?"
18:38 <Torokasi> "...he's got bones from the crypts on him. Smaller ones, it looks like." Lilian comments. "Empty potion vials, too."
18:38 <Torokasi> The young man, at this point, is sobbing hysterically, and the faint smell of urine is in the air.
18:38 <AutumnCrow> "I suggest calming yourself and being ready to tell Priestess Shawdine all about whatever is wrong with your mother and why you thought stealing bones from the temple would cure it." Crow looks over at the others, "Para, Janda, you two go ahead back up and wake Shawdine to tell her we got the thief. Ary, keep a firm hand on him."
18:41 <Torokasi> "Right." Ary nods as his hand clamps on the thief's shoulder. Para and Janda head up, Janda looking square at the thief's face with an inscrutable expression, as the young man's sobbing continues unabated.
18:42 <Torokasi> As Janda passes by, she whispers to Crow, "... I think his mom died in the Cataclysm, from what he said. I don't recognize him, though." With that she heads up with Para.
18:44 — AutumnCrow nods very slightly and keeps an eye on the thief...though her fan goes back in her belt after Ary gets a hand on him. No need for double the threats.
18:48 <Torokasi> Lilian looks over the vials. "RP, FF, EP, J, a vial labeled ER with full liquid... oh, and a sorceror's pouch. Permission to look through that, Crow?"
18:50 <AutumnCrow> "If you can do it safely, go ahead. Just don't remove anything, of course." Then she looks at the thief, her tone perfectly level, "...can she open that pouch of yours safely?"
18:51 <Torokasi> The man's nodding is violent, his tears reduced mostly to hiccups. "Y-y-y-eah."
18:51 — AutumnCrow nods to Lilian.
18:56 <Torokasi> Lilian looks the pouch over carefully, before nodding and opening it. "... ...You do realize that your spell pouch shouldn't be used as a money pouch as well, right, kid?" She leafs through it briefly, before setting it aside. "I recognize some of the stuff in there. Sand, rose petals, eyelashes and a piece of glass, wool... A lot of the basic toolkit. A few
18:56 <Torokasi> items I don't, too, but I may not be familiar with those spells."
18:59 <AutumnCrow> "Are you working alone?" Crow asks, continuing to keep her voice even.
19:00 <Torokasi> "A-a-ah..." The young man stutters, unable to meet Crow's eyes. OOC: Even though it's unlikely to fail, intimidate check.
19:01 <AutumnCrow> OOC: I'll take 10 for a 20 if possible.
19:03 <Torokasi> OOC: Sure.
19:04 <Torokasi> He squirms for a moment, before, "...N-no."
19:05 <AutumnCrow> "You will need to give the temple information on your partner, or partners. The more you talk, the less poorly thigs will go for you. Particularly they will want to know who was responsible for poisoning Aum." Crow continues.
19:07 <Torokasi> "W-w-w-what?" The young man jolts into an upright sitting position, wincing as Ary's hand clamps down hard. "W-w-w-what do you mean, Sir Aum was poisoned?!"
19:09 <AutumnCrow> "Yes, he was. To prevent him from helping us with our investigation." Crow felt a smile creeping onto her face but kept her expresion neutral by force of will and practice, "if you didn't do it, the temple will need to know who else could have. If you didn't do it, then all you have done is steal. Which you will have to serve pennance for I'm sure, but that's a mild sin compared to attempted
19:09 <AutumnCrow> murder of a monk."
19:13 <Torokasi> The young man's face contorts into a momentary scowl, before frowning. "A... but Bulchir's loyal to the temple, why would he try to-"
19:13 <Torokasi> "Shit." Lilian mutters. "Bulchir, the alchemist?"
19:16 <AutumnCrow> "Hmm. We'll see what Shawdine wants us to do about that." Turning her attention back to the thief, she asks, "and what about the ghosts that have been appearing in the catacombs? Do you have anything to do with those?"
19:26 <Torokasi> "...Y-yeah. That." The kid points shakily at the bag Mare is holding. "He gives me one of those, t-tells me to put it down. Says it'll make g-ghosts appear to keep people away at night."
19:28 <AutumnCrow> "Four of those have attempted to kill us thus far. Those are very solid ghosts, for all that they can still move through walls." Crow deadpans.
19:29 <Torokasi> "WHAT?!" The kid howls before breaking into sobbing wails again, Ary's face expressionless with his eyes closed as his hand stays clamped on the kid's shoulder. "I w-w-w-asn't trying to kill anyooooone!"
19:31 <AutumnCrow> "Well your alchemist partner IS trying to kill people," Crow lets her voice change, snapping sharply...then softening it, "however, I'm willing to believe that you are being used. Calm down. Collect your thoughts. And when Shawdine arrives, you will tell her everything. Absolutely. Everything."
19:32 <Torokasi> "He-he-he just said he wanted to help me... oh, Weeping Lady, he just said he wanted to bring mom back..." The kid's sobbing continues.
19:34 — AutumnCrow steps into the hallway to make sure she has a chance to speak with Shawdine before she gets ahold of the kid, trusting Ary to keep him held.
19:35 <Torokasi> It's only a few more moments before Janda, Shawdine, and Para come into view, hustling to the entrance. On seeing Crow, they slow down a touch, Shawdine glancing toward the door into the inner crypt. "...You have the thirf, then?" she asks, her voice cool.
19:35 <Torokasi> OOC: *thief
19:37 <AutumnCrow> "Ary has him. He's working with the alchemist Bulchir, and..." Crow sighs, "this boy is an idiot. A naive idiot. He had no idea the ghosts were hurting anyone, no idea that Aum had been poisoned, and has been talking about bringing his mother back. He's being used. I've been telling him that his best course of action is to tell you absolutely everything...and I need to know what you want us
19:37 <AutumnCrow> to do about the alchemist? If you want him brought in, we'd need to go now before he realizes he's been found out."
19:41 <Torokasi> "...Let's take the young man upstairs and get a writ of arrest for Bulchir quickly. You're right, time is of the essence, most likely." Shawdine sighs, stepping into the room. "...Colbe. I wish it were not you I was seeing here." Her voice is... surprisingly soft, kinder than Crow has heard it before. "We need to have a very long conversation, but first,
19:41 <Torokasi> will you be willing to testify against Bulchir?"
19:42 <Torokasi> ".... ....Yes." The kid replies between muffled sobs. "He's expecting- expecting me in a few hours. I can tell him that I've b-b-b-een caught if it would help."
19:43 <Torokasi> "...That will distinctly not be necessary." Shawdine replies.
19:44 <Torokasi> "B-but then... but then he can come in and repent." Colbe chokes out.
19:45 <Torokasi> Janda stands next to Crow as Shawdine and Colbe talk, her frame slumped with exhaustion.
19:46 — AutumnCrow just looks at Ary and Janda, "You two know the most about laws in the team. How much trouble do we get in with the guard if we grab him and bring him to the temple?"
19:51 <Torokasi> "A lot." Janda replies. "Plus, Shawdine can basically just have the commanding officer at the Temple post sign off on it, it really won't take long once we get the kid - once we get Colbe upstairs. ...Should Para run and bring him over to the temple?" This final part is asked almost as an afterthought, Para's body obviously tensing for the run as he looks to
19:51 <Torokasi> Crow.
19:53 <AutumnCrow> "Go. I think it's safe to split up at this point."
19:58 <Torokasi> The first word barely passes Crow's lips before Para sprints off. Shawdine and Lilian lead Colbe out of the room, Ary's hand still clamped on his shoulder, with Solmyr and Mare trailing behind. Shawdine exhales. "Alright. Let's take him upstairs and we can get Erisen over here to sign off on the writ for Bulchir."
20:03 <Torokasi> "...Bulchir's the one that was, like, six blocks east, right, Solmyr?" Janda comments. "So he's not that far at all."
20:04 <Torokasi> "Yeah, presuming his living space is behind his work space. If it's not this could get complicated." Solmyr notes.
20:24 <Torokasi> "... I don't know where he lives." Colbe coughs out as the group walks.
20:27 <Torokasi> "Where were you going to meet him?" Lilian asks, almost pleasantly, as she walks up alongside Shawdine and Colbe.
20:28 <Torokasi> "...He always sent me a m-message before we'd meet. He'd say where. But this time he wanted to arrange the meeting beforehand. Said he was almost done with the spell he needed to re-resurrect Mom."
20:29 <Torokasi> "So he said he'd meet me at his store and he'd show me the spell." Colbe finishes, whimpering a bit.
20:29 <AutumnCrow> "Oh good, so he'll probably be there." Crow smirks.
20:30 <Torokasi> "Hopefully." Lilian nods. "We can ask the captain to notify the guards at the bridges, regardless."
20:32 <Torokasi> The group makes it upstairs, getting seated in a small prayer room off the main church. After a moment, Para and a very slender young woman come in, the woman saluting almost automatically before, "Captain Erisen at the service of the Weeping Lady's temple. Lady Shawdine, your request?"
20:34 <Torokasi> "First, just Shawdine, dear. You know that." Shawdine's voice regains its sternness, even as her face has softened slightly. "Second, please issue a writ of arrest for Bulchir of Bulchir's Elixirs. I will be defining the need and Colbe will be my evidence, as will these members of the Kerebos Guild once they are done assisting in executing the writ."
20:38 <Torokasi> "Bulchir?" Erisen's voice betrays surprise only for a moment before she whips out a pad and a piece of charcoal with a sharpened tip. "...Okay, done. I'll deploy guards as well, but I take it you believe the threat to be significant enough that the Kerebos Guild should assist."
20:38 <Torokasi> "Definitely. Hostile necromancy at the least." Shawdine replies. "I hope this is acceptable, Crow?"
20:40 <AutumnCrow> "We're also already hired on this matter, so we want to see it through to the end." Crow nods to Shawdine and the captain, "if your guards can cover the exits in case he runs, we'll handle going inside in case he fights. Though if you want an actual guard to serve the writ that's fine."
20:42 <Torokasi> Erisen appraises Crow for a moment before nodding. "Then I'll come with you to serve the writ, with my men guarding exits."
20:44 — AutumnCrow nods, then as they walk gives her the introduction to the team, noting Ary's status as a member of the SIlver Guard as well as the Kerebos Guild since she thinks a guard would probably respect that.



20:47 <Torokasi> Erisen's interest seems peaked mostly on Ary, Lilian, Crow and Janda as the group moves to the guard post just outside the Temple circle on the way to Bulchir's store. As they approach, the guards fanning out to circle the store and the block behind them, Erisen glances to Crow. "You know the case better than I. Once the writ has been announced, the actions
20:47 <Torokasi> of the Kerebos Guild are legal within reason. Do what you feel you must."
20:50 <AutumnCrow> "Ary, if he summons anything nasty focus on that. Para, try to interefere with spellcasting. I'll see if I can get him down alive...Janda, Mare, be ready to move to KEEP him alive if nessesary." Crow gives out the battle plan, "ideally he'll surrender when served with the writ, but I somehow doubt that."
20:51 <Torokasi> The group nods. Lilian glances at the building. "If I can catch him with a spell to disable him, I will."
20:54 <AutumnCrow> "Good idea." Crow nods.
20:59 <Torokasi>  "Let's hope that young man Colbe was right on where he'd be..." Erisen mutters, before taking a pill, crushing it up, and swallowing it. In a clear voice that seems no louder than normal yet also seems to echo down the city walls, she states, seemingly to empty air, "Bulchir, propertier of Bulchir's Elixirs. You are under arrest. Captain Erisen of the Guard
20:59 <Torokasi> issues this writ. Please exit the establishment with your hands up and empty of all magical and non-magical tools. Again, this is an announcement of the writ of arrest for Bulchir, propertier of Bulchir's-" OOC: Reflex save for Crow.
20:59 <AutumnCrow> OOC: an 11 gives me 20 even. I do not yet have Evasion(next level~)
21:04 Torokasi set the topic: Crow (22/34), Erisen (9/21), Others full HP
21:07 <Torokasi> The door explodes outward with massive force and flame, Crow and Erisen both dodging away just in time to avoid the brunt of the explosion! Regardless, Erisen is badly burned with wooden shrapnel embedded in her arm, and Crow's body is badly rattled by the shockwave! Ary growls as the flames lick at the outside of the building. "I can't see in! Asshole
21:07 <Torokasi> layered the entrance in smoke!"
21:26 <AutumnCrow> "Can anyone put out that fire?" Crow snaps as she dodges back from the door, then looks at the guards behind them, "circle around and make sure he's not trying to run out the back or something!"
21:36 <Torokasi> "We've got guards over there!" one of the guards yells back as others head to the rear to reinforce. Solmyr and Janda both step forward, hands raised, as a water begins cascading down the building, extinguishing the flames. One of the guards runs up to check on Erisen as she glares at the storefront.
21:38 — AutumnCrow smacks the fire off her robes, gestuing Lilian to come over and heal her, "Captain I think you shoudl stay outside and direct things here. You're staggering from that blast already and I'm sure he has more."
21:40 <Torokasi> "I'll direct the guards, yes." Erisen winces as Lilian heals Crow up. "Be careful in there. Use of fire to cause destruction in city limits is... He's desperate, or angry."
21:41 <AutumnCrow> "I have reason to suspect he's an active Mist Worshipper, actually," Crow deadpans, though smiles at Lilian for the heal, "I hope I'm wrong and he's just an idiot."
21:45 <Torokasi> "Oh. Well, then he knows he's dead if caught." Erisen replies. "That explains that. That smoke's lingering an awful long time, despite the fires being out..."
21:45 <Torokasi> "Mostly out. Still working on it." Solmyr comments, casting another water creation spell to drench the walls further.
21:48 Torokasi set the topic: Crow (30/34), Erisen (9/21), Others full HP
21:50 <Torokasi> "Do we charge in or wait out the smoke?" Ary asks, body still tense.
21:52 <AutumnCrow> "We go." Crow nods, "I'm in first, Para you protect Janda. Everyone else...you know what you do best, let's go."
21:53 — AutumnCrow wraps her magic scarf around her mouth and nose, snaps her fans out and moves in.
21:56 <Torokasi> The group rushes in, following behind Crow navigating through the dense smoke into the storefront...! OOC: What's Crow's notice check?
21:56 <AutumnCrow> OOC: +0. She's bad at this. Hopefully someone less bad is right behind her.
21:58 <Torokasi> OOC: Visibility is too bad for anyone else to have a shot. Roll notice.
21:58 <AutumnCrow> OOC: Well that's a 12 at least.
22:01 <Torokasi> OOC: Everyone needs to make a Will save.
22:02 <Torokasi> OOC: Actually... I think Janda and Mare at least are out of radius, but everyone else still needs it.
22:02 <AutumnCrow> OOC: I've got Crow and the boys' sheets open. You've got Lilian, Janda and Mare. Also Para should be back with them.
22:03 <Torokasi> OOC: If Para's that far back then yeah he's out of range too. Just the boys, Lilian, and Crow then.
22:03 <AutumnCrow> OOC: Crow 21, Ary 8, Solmyr 9, Para(if he's in range) 23.
22:06 <Torokasi> Crow shuts her eyes instinctively as she feels a thin cord under her feet snap, but Ary and Solmyr aren't so lucky, bellowing as the shining dust hits their eyes! Lilian mutters, "Fuck, Glitterdust? Really? It's only fun if I use that spell. Ary! Solmyr! Back up, you won't be any good to us blinded!"
22:07 <AutumnCrow> OOC: So...can I see ANYTHING in here or is it all smoke? DO I have to fumble around blindly for any kind of direction to move in?
22:10 <Torokasi> Now that Crow is in, she can see the counter of the store in front of her, though the smoke is way too deep to see where the door is to behind the counter, or even past that. However, Lilian moves up next to Crow, peering through the smoke before gesturing to the right. "The door further in is back here!" OOC: This is fog cloud (as the spell), so you have
22:10 <Torokasi> 5ft visibility.
22:10 <AutumnCrow> OOC: Gotcha
22:11 — AutumnCrow moves towards the door, quickly but not wanting to trip over things...and if she feels another tripwire she readies her mind to leap over it quickly(readying to use Sudden LEap if I feel a tripwire in hopes of maybe not actually tripping it!)
22:14 <Torokasi> Crow, Lilian, Para, Mare and Janda make it through the door, into a small, well-furnished room with an open door that looks like it leads downward to the right, and a closed door to the left. The smoke in here is much less thick, thankfully. Notes are scattered all over the room, and an active small flame is finishing burning something to ash in an ashtray.
22:15 <AutumnCrow> "Lilian, you're the lucky one. Which way did he go?"
22:19 <Torokasi> "...Given the explosion and the trap, he plays like I do." Lilian replies, moving to the closed door and opening it, stepping aside briefly before glancing up. "No sign. Let's move fast, we may still catch him. He must've gone up the stairs... To the roof, maybe?"
22:20 <AutumnCrow> "Right. Change of plans, Para you're on point this time since you're less likely to walk into tripwires than I am."
22:24 <Torokasi> Para nods and leads the group up the stairs...! Crow can see the sky from the middle of the stairwell as the group runs up the stairs, Lilian pausing at the doors in the stairwell briefly as they head upward. "These all look residential and they're all barred, as per arrest protocol for civilians. Keep doors barred and windows closed during an arrest in case
22:24 <Torokasi> the perpetrator tries something dumb." Lilian mutters breathlessly as the group goes up. "Still, if any of these are his - or open - we don't want to risk him hiding in them or threatening civilians." <More>
22:26 <Torokasi> It's at the level right before the roof where Lilian quick checks a door, only to have it swing open quietly. "Shit... Crow, do you trust my luck? I don't think he's in here, but to be safe in theory we should check..."
22:28 <AutumnCrow> "I'll trust it. Check fast."
22:34 <Torokasi> Lilian darts in briefly... before stepping back out. "It doesn't look used, and the door further in hasn't been touched in a while. Let's keep moving."
22:34 — AutumnCrow nods, then has Para keep leading the way up.
22:36 <Torokasi> The group gets to the rooftops. The night is relatively quiet... OOC: Everyone gets a notice check
22:37 <AutumnCrow> OOC: Crow 17, Para(who has totally activated Elfsight to have Low Light Vision by now) 22
22:40 <Torokasi> It's Mare that runs to the corner of the roof first, staring intently to the northeast. "... Damn. Captain Erisen! The culprit has flight! He's flying down to the level of the buildings into the northeast, towards the chains!"
22:40 <Torokasi> OOC: *Northwest
22:40 <AutumnCrow> "Para is he out of bow range?"
22:41 <Torokasi> Para runs up, peering, before, "...Damn. Yes."
22:43 — AutumnCrow sighs, "I suppose we could have gotten him if we rushed in recklessly, but I'd rather not make a habit of doing that."
22:44 <Torokasi> "No, if he has both flight and fireballs, and alchemical abilities, it's possible fighting him head on could have killed us." Lilian notes. "Frankly I think we did the right thing. All we can do now is try to find the bones and make sure the Guild is on the lookout for him throughout the town... Damn, he must have been paranoid the Guild was going to track
22:44 <Torokasi> him down after Janda, Para and Solmyr visited him."
22:46 <AutumnCrow> "I'll just hope most of this was potions that put him out a large number of resources to use." Crow shakes her head, "I think we can leave things to the guard from here, Janda, you and I can go report to Shawdine, everyone else can go get some sleep."
22:48 <Torokasi> "Alright." Mare nods gloomily as she and Para filter out.
22:49 <Torokasi> Lilian lingers behind, grimacing once Mare and Para leave. "Sorry. I didn't even think about flight..."
22:51 <AutumnCrow> "It's fine, we solved the problem for now. People like him don't stay missing for long, he'll show up again or someone else will kill him off." Crow shrugs, not overly bothered by the turn of events. "I'm just glad we didn't let that boy come with us....or worse yet actually meet with him. I...am very, very certain that he was going to kill that boy tonight."
22:54 <Torokasi> "... Unfortunately, that's possible, yeah. On the other hand, using him as bait might've been the only way to get Bulchir to stick around..." Lilian grumbles. "...Mind if I come with you two to report to Shawdine? I'm not really tired yet."
22:56 <AutumnCrow> "That's fine," Crow slides an arm around her waist, "I'm seeing this through becuase that's one of the roles of 'party leader', and," Crow just smiles a bit lopsidely at Janda, "this is your sphere of interest. ...are you alright, Janda? We did stop the thefts and hopefully saved that boy, even if the real bastard got away."
22:59 <Torokasi> "Yeah. I'm... I'm fine." Janda nods. "I was hoping to catch him, but. We at least have him on the run from wherever his home is? So he can't restock his alchemical spells, at least."
22:59 <AutumnCrow> "For awhile, at least." Crow nods.
23:00 <AutumnCrow> "And if you can give a good description of him to someone who knows how to draw, we can have his name and face sent around to any adventurers or temple warriors interested in capturing an arsonist grave robber for various reasons," Crow smiles.
23:03 <Torokasi> "Definitely." Janda nods. "Half the temple probably can, truthfully. He was one of the vendors for various minor potions..."

[Taishyr]

Torokasi> After briefly reporting in to Shawdine and receiving her thanks, the ladies head back to the apartments, Janda sleepily stumbling into her room with a brief wave to Lilian and Crow as soon as they return. It doesn't take long for Lilian and Crow to fall asleep either... <More>
17:31 <Torokasi> Crow's eyes open to the familiar grey mindscape of the dream. Lilian's and Janda's arches are obvious from the outside by the floating knives and wolf-like astral constructs outside them, but two other arches are also present - one with a pungent smoke pouring out of it and one with a rosy glow that smells faintly of... salt? Crow can't quite pin all the
17:31 <Torokasi> smells there, but salt and fish seem part of it.
17:33 <AutumnCrow> Well Crow doesn't like to go into dreams uninvited, so she aims for Lilian's arch, mentally prepares herself, and enters!
17:33 <Torokasi> OOC: Will save. Add Int and Cha bonus to the save as well.
17:34 <AutumnCrow> OOC: That gives me 1d20+9+3+3 = 29
17:43 <Torokasi> Crow can feel something actively resisting her as she walks toward the door, as if fighting her every step... and then there is a pop, a rush of air, and Crow can feel herself entering the dream, staring upward at a familiar ceiling - the ceiling in the crypt of the Weeping Lady. To her right she can hear Janda talking to someone softly, and then Lilian's
17:43 <Torokasi> voice, "Hey, Cr- er. Miss Autumn Sparrow. Are you awake? It's time for our shift up on the surface."
17:46 — AutumnCrow blinks open, "...ah." Standing up, she stretches and then smiles at Lilian, "I suppose if you're going to use my proper style name, you should use my full given name as well. I am properly Autumn Crow...Sparrow was my grandmother's name, and I have finally put her unfinished business to rest so the name can be laid to rest alongside it."
17:49 <Torokasi> "...And if I say Colbe?" Lilian asks cautiously after a second.
17:50 <AutumnCrow> "I think I knew a man by that name once," Crow's smile becomes a smirk, "I would describe him as...a well intentioned and talented complete imbecile."
17:52 <Torokasi> Lilian grins as well at this. "Funny. That'd be precisely my description. Janda, we're ready over here when you four are."
17:56 <Torokasi> Janda straightens up as three other individuals - all novice guards, from the looks of them - awkwardly stand as well. "Alright. Thank you for filling out our numbers, Ms. Sparrow. We're going to be guarding the west end of the Temple Circle tonight. Everyone, let's move out." With that, she leads the other three out, Lilian and Crow taking up the rear.
17:57 <Torokasi> Lilian glances to Crow as the group heads out of the Temple, the ruins getting more pronounced as the group heads out to the point where the group exits out over a crumbled wall instead of through the Temple proper. "I don't think Janda remembers, but she may not have actually fallen asleep yet or something? I don't get it. Dreams are weird."
17:59 — AutumnCrow drops her voice low enough so that only Lilian can hear, but it is still rather forceful for the low volume, "...play the role. I don't think I'm supposed to be here, the more attention that's drawn to it, the more likely I think I am to be thrown out."
18:03 <Torokasi> "Right. So from here, Miss Crow... what do you plan on doing? Pursuing your family? Reclaiming the Temple?" Lilian asks. "I mean, we greatly appreciate your assistance while you're here, but..."
18:05 — AutumnCrow shakes her head, "...it...would take too much for now. I'll need to establish another base, somewhere to train new monks in the temple's style...and hope I remember enough of my grandmother's techniques to pass them on in time. The temple won't rise again in my lifetime, but perhaps in my successor's...."
18:07 <Torokasi> "... I'm sure you'll manage it." Lilian gives Crow's shoulder a brief squeeze. "Perhaps the Kerebos Guild can offer some space in Koire to restart things, until you've gotten the strength to stabilize matters?"
18:09 <AutumnCrow> "I may have to ask into that," Crow nods, "I don't think the Kerebos Guild rules interfere with the Autumn Temple ideals, at least. And it would be a good way to gather those with the mindset needed to become warriors of the Temple. The line of Autumn Storm is not fully extinguished, so there is still hope."
18:12 <Torokasi> "Indeed." Lilian says. "...As for me, I'm not sure I'll stick around either. I want to track down that damn dragon and kill it, some day, but I'm nowhere near strong enough for that yet."
18:13 <AutumnCrow> "So..." Crow looks around, "the Kerebos Guild is moving thier base to Koire?"
18:20 <Torokasi> "No, but they own land there - the barrier there was found by them, so they're probably going to relocate some of the civilians there while re-establishing the barrier here. I think. I mean, that's what I'd do." Lilian shrugs. "But with the Kerebos Trio dead in- dead, and the city in shambles... They'd probably take any offer of advice or mutual support, and
18:20 <Torokasi> you've got your family name behind you and your suggestions. ...and it's not like my reason for joining the Guard really applies anymore."
18:25 <AutumnCrow> "Well, I'm not sure I'm in a position to offer the 'mutual support' of a single person." Crow shrugs, "but I do have the martial arts of the temple I can teach so I'm not without things to offer." Suddenly Crow lets out a rather large yawn, "...I'm still feeling the side effects of channeling my grandmother's powers, it seems. Ah...forgive my poor memory, I'm not in the best shape right now.
18:25 <AutumnCrow> What exactly are we going to do?"
18:32 <Torokasi> "Just going to keep watch over the area. Apparently they've got all the surviving spellcasters of great power working on the barrier... Once that's up, Verxais can begin rebuilding." Lilian replies.
18:34 — AutumnCrow nods, "Alright. I think I'll stay here and help you all for the time being, hopefully the barrier will be repaired before anything major happens."
18:41 <Torokasi> "... Yeah, hopefully so." Lilian comments as the six reach their destination, fanning out slightly as Janda gives advice to Crowe and orders to everyone else.
18:44 — AutumnCrow plays the role, keeping an eye on the others to see who she thinks is lucid and who is fully caught up in it.
18:53 <Torokasi> Janda definitely seems to be caught up in it, while the other three novice guards... don't seem that thrilled to be there, jumping at shadows and sounds and generally seeming much less competent than Crow is used to in her watches. Lilian, after a moment, comments, "Oh. Ary and Solmyr are working at the Temple of Ratokyst. Since that was the least damaged, a
18:53 <Torokasi> tremendous number of the displaced are there recuperating. A shame - we could use their help on guard, but..."
18:55 <AutumnCrow> "But helping the wounded recover is more important for now," Crow nods in agreement.
18:56 <Torokasi> "Yeah. ... Uh, so, like, I've got a question. I know I'm not traditional monk material, but do you think the Autumn Temple's teachings could work out for someone like me?" Lilian asks after a moment, staring off to the west.
18:59 <AutumnCrow> "There's room for anyone with the willpower to fight at the Temple," Crow smiles, "and clarity of focus is more important than anything else when it comes to using swordsage arts. Not every Summer warrior is an unarmed monk, or even uses the traditional temple weapons. If you have the will and the discipline to train until it works, knowing you'll fall on your face a hundred times before
18:59 <AutumnCrow> mastering a single technique, without giving up...then yes, you could learn some of the teachings."
19:00 <AutumnCrow> "And 'some' is enough for most," Crow stares off into the west as well, "only a daughter of Autumn or a temple trainer needs to learn them all."
19:04 <Torokasi> "... I'm willing to use other weapons for sure. This sword was... just the first thing someone shoved into my hand at guard training, really. Picked it up alright.  And I'll try a thousand... ten thousand times. Whatever it takes. I just want to bring that damn dragon down someday. ... I can't have my personal revenge anymore. Even if they're still alive, in
19:04 <Torokasi> this fire and destruction, not only would every single possible lead be gone... It doesn't matter anymore. Bringing down something that can do that to an entire city... One day, I want to do that. I'll be in the group that hunts that fucking dragon down." Lilian's voice is different for just a moment - colder, steelier. "Until then... I'll practice whatever
19:04 <Torokasi> I can, learn whatever I can. Make myself whatever I need to be."
19:11 <AutumnCrow> "Unless you have exceptional strength or coordination, the sword may still serve you better than the scarf or fans, or your bare fists." Crow nods, "it's the weapon chosen by most soldiers for a reason, it is a superior weapon for those without the exceptional ability to bring out the best in other weapons. The diamond mind style even uses the...katana, I believe, as a style weapon. And Stone
19:11 <AutumnCrow> Dragon is often used with a greatsword."
19:12 <Torokasi> "That's good to know, though training with other weapons could also serve my purpose." Lilian nods. "...Does any school- er, style specialize in stealth?"
19:15 <AutumnCrow> "Shadow Hand," Crow answers without hesitation, "the assassin's art. A weak style in open conflict, but ideal for striking from stillness. The combination of Shadow Hand and Diamond Mind is potent. Shadow Hand is one of my weaker styles, though I am somewhat proficient in it at least, I primarily use Tiger Claw, with a secondary focus split between Diamond Mind and Setting Sun. Grace and
19:15 <AutumnCrow> speed, moving between a single focused strike and a flurry of savagery as the steps of battle require it."
19:18 <Torokasi> Lilian nods after a moment. "I may learn what I can of - well, all of those, but especially Diamond Mind and Shadow Hand, then. Gives me a goal to start working on."
19:19 <Torokasi> Janda wanders over after a moment longer. "You two seem engrossed in conversation. Any particular sights on the horizon to report? Kobolds, yeeks, anything?"
19:20 <AutumnCrow> "And training you can prepare me for training new monks," Crow nods, then turns to Janda, "I've been keeping my eyes open, but nothing. I don't think yeeks would venture this close to the city, at least."
19:23 <Torokasi> "One would hope so, but after this absolute disaster..." Janda's voice falters for a brief moment before picking back up. "Right. Lilian... uh, just stay with Autumn Sparrow for now. No use asking you to babysit any of these three. Giles will be the death of me with his cringing, I swear on Her Tear- What is it, Kudrek?" The last part is directed at another
19:23 <Torokasi> guard, out of breath from running here from the inner circle. After a moment, Kudrek seems to gather their wits and lead Janda off to the side for a report.
19:25 — AutumnCrow raises an eyebrow at the guards, then shrugs, "I suppose this is the best of what's left."
19:25 <Torokasi> Lilian chuckles. "Janda was actually the one that recruited me for the guard. It's funny, apparently she used to be a lot less confident, but she's advanced pretty fast in the past few years. It shows, too - even before this I heard mutterings that she was going to get promoted to a captain position earlier based on her skills at command."
19:29 <Torokasi> It's a short pause before both Crow and Lilian can hear Janda dismiss the guard, before audibly swearing and looking to the west. After a moment, she trots back over to Crow and Lilian. "Good news bad news time, ladies. Which do you want the pleasure of hearing first?"
19:30 <AutumnCrow> "Bad news, of course." Crow deadpans.
19:31 <Torokasi> "Bad news, I guess." Lilian shrugs.
19:33 <Torokasi> Janda nods slightly, apparently missing the intent of both reactions. "Right. Well, Verxais got off lightly. Ghen'guldam was entirely obliterated, and there's been absolutely no contact with anyone from Teriander, which is immensely concerning. Almost all cities are reporting damage ranging from moderate to extreme, though most barriers have been brought
19:33 <Torokasi> back up to functioning. Good news is, our barrier will soon be in that count - the estimate is thirty, sixty minutes at the outside."
19:34 — AutumnCrow notes with amusement how differently this Janda is handling that news, "...I was hoping that total destruction was limited to the Autumn Temple, as Baelfang's grudge was against us specifically. I suppose that was too much to hope."
19:40 <Torokasi> "It doesn't sound like Baelfang is behind Ghen'guldam's destruction, at least. The eyewitness words stated that it was a horde of horrific monsters, led by a Talstedi wizard in what looked like royal regalia. Which makes no sense since none of the current ruling kings even visibly look like Talstedi, even at a distance, so..." Janda shrugs. "Which means this
19:40 <Torokasi> was a coordinated effort, Baelfang probably leading this attack and whoever that was leading the strike on Ghen'guldam."
19:44 <AutumnCrow> "Hmph. Do followers of the mist now claim thier own royal court?" Crow snorts, putting aside the horrible dread she feels at the thought of 'royal' involved with the mist due to previous dreams, "a king of madness is still just a madman in the end. Though a madman with power is no less deadly a foe for the madness."
19:46 <Torokasi> "Indeed." Janda nods. "So... as you were. Once the barrier goes up we can go back and rest up for a time, though there's plenty of rebuilding to be done. I myself will be finding a very nice, quiet corner somewhere to have a minor meltdown and recover myself before we start the process. Consider this permission to do the same, Lilian. ...And please don't
19:46 <Torokasi> tell the other guards this right now, I don't think I can deal with their utter freakouts without having my own." With that Janda turns and heads back to the other three guards, one of whom jumps at her approach.
19:51 <Torokasi> "I guess it's a relief that they fixed the problem that quickly. ... An attack on practically every city? What sort of resources does the Mist have at its disposal to coordinate that?" Lilian murmurs.
19:57 <AutumnCrow> "A...communal conciousness, similar to what the yeeks use, I'd suppose." Crow shrugs, "likely with some way for a single powerful mind, like the dragon, to impose its will on the weaker mist creatures."
20:00 <Torokasi> "...similar to, or the exact same thing? Could that have been hijacked somehow by a really powerful telepath?" Lilian comments before grimacing. "Never mind. I'm jousting at shadows here, we don't have any information. I just never like the term 'similar' - always gets me suspicious."
20:02 <AutumnCrow> "Well we could always find a yeek and ask them," Crow shrugs, "once the barrier is back up, of course. Of all the mist creatures, they're easily the least violent and most approachable."
20:02 <AutumnCrow> "And easiest to just kill if this particular batch of yeeks is hostile," she adds as an afterthought.
20:05 <Torokasi> "Hah. Fair enough." Lilian comments, before looking around. "... Have you ever had a moment where you feel like something -should- be wrong, but isn't?"
20:06 <AutumnCrow> "I'm having one at the moment, but likely for an entirely different reason." Crow quips, though does join Lilian in the looking around for what she may be sensing.
20:10 <Torokasi> OOC: Roll Notice.
20:11 <AutumnCrow> OOC: Well I got a 17!
20:16 <Torokasi> Crow notices it about the same time that Lilian does - figures approaching from the west. At a glance, they look like civilians, though the distance makes it hard for Crow to be certain.
20:19 <Torokasi> Lilian is frowning. "... They don't look armed, or like they're moving like someone ready for a fight. They're practically running without running."
20:20 — AutumnCrow places a hand on her primary fan, and holds her ground for now, "...let's greet them loudly enough for the other guards to hear?"
20:22 <Torokasi> "Yeah." Lilian nods, before waving and hollering, "Hello! Friend or foe?" All three guards around Janda jump at this.
20:23 <Torokasi> Crow can faintly hear a chorus of "Friend!" grow disjointed as the group seems to pick up speed. Janda stands on her toes and looks in the direction of the noise, "...people that didn't get evacuated?"
20:26 <Torokasi> "... Uh, wait, one of them's moving a lot faster than the rest..." Lilian pauses. "Wait, isn't-" Her mouth abruptly closes, but then she nods. "They're friendly. Let's go meet them?"
20:27 <Torokasi> Janda glances to Lilian, who's moving toward the group. "...And you came to that conclusion how? ...Lilian Wardingrow, what are you- ugh. Guards, stay here. Autumn Crow, could you go with her?"
20:30 — AutumnCrow moves along with her, looking to see if she can recognize anyone in the group as she approaches.
20:32 <Torokasi> It doesn't take long for Crow to recognize the one moving quickly - it's Para. Lilian quickly meets with him about halfway, and Para gestures briefly to the group before glancing to Crow. If he recognizes her he gives no indication, instead gesturing to Crow and then to the crowd, to which Lilian shakes her head.
20:33 — AutumnCrow has not forgotten that Para did not use a fragment, so this should just be Dream Para.
20:36 <Torokasi> Lilian turns around, "There's injured in this group, Janda! It sounds like they need assistance getting people to a healer!" Para seems to look at Crow with an expression as close to harmless confusion as Crow has ever seen on him, before turning and running back to the group. Lilian gestures Crow to follow as she moves at a steady gait behind Para's speed.
20:38 — AutumnCrow follows along, wanting to see where this is going.
20:44 <Torokasi> Crow can see Benzin helping an older woman with a missing, seemingly hastily cauterized left leg, half carrying her. There's a few other injured individuals in the crowd, and Crow vaguely recognizes one or two but can't pin from where. Para runs up and talks to them for a moment, at which they slow down a bit. Lilian comments, "He, uh, thought you were a
20:44 <Torokasi> healer by the robe."
20:44 — AutumnCrow snickers, "do only healers wear robes where he's from?"
20:46 <Torokasi> "He was a lot more talkative than... er, well, he mentioned in a rather fast clip that he was hopeful you were a healer because the robe would make sense as a signal to people to come for healing. I explained you were a fighter and he got confused." Lilian shrugs.
20:47 <AutumnCrow> "I suppose I can't blame him for being hopeful," Crow nods.
20:49 <Torokasi> "Yeah." Lilian nods as they get to the group... OOC: Mind if I skip to getting the injured in line for a healer?
20:51 <AutumnCrow> OOC: That's fine.
20:54 <Torokasi> The group eventually gets the five injured individuals of a pack of twenty to the Temple of Ratokyst, where Ary helps them settle in to rest as they wait for a healer. After a bit, Janda leads Para back to Lilian and Crow, who are waiting right near the door. "Lilian, if you could take notes, I want this account to be available. It sounds like their caravan
20:54 <Torokasi> back west got attacked and they managed to make it back here. Alright, mister Parakloro. Whenever you're ready."
20:55 — AutumnCrow wonders if they were attacked by yeeks in this reality as well...just a bit later.
21:03 <Torokasi> "Okay, so." Para's voice is immensely soft, yet still entirely audible to the three. "We were traveling northwest to Nlocomo - my aunt runs the caravan, she has ever since my parents died from a yeek attack - and then the earth just started shaking like mad. We were making slow time through the thick Mist anyway, but we quickly came to a halt as the earth
21:03 <Torokasi> just shook for like twenty minutes. I had braced myself against a small tree, but about halfway in I just fell over - the tree had totally vanished,  we were suddenly in what seemed like a rocky quarry rather than the lightly wooded fields southeast of Nlocomo - reminded me of some of the terrain back home, honestly." <More>
21:03 <Torokasi> "Anyway, practically immediately afterward we got attacked by a group of kobolds, we fought them off but my aunt lost her leg and Benzin had to cauterize the wound off before she bled to death. I walked up a hill and saw the smoke coming up from here, saw the chasm and figured out we were somehow just northwest of Verxais instead, so we came here for
21:03 <Torokasi> healing. I don't know how we went from southeast of Nlocomo to northwest of Verxais, though, the Mist was bad but it wasn't that bad." Para finishes, before, "Do you have any water?"
21:07 <AutumnCrow> "Well that's certainly...odd." Crow sighs and shakes her head, "though I can't say much of anything about this surprises me anymore. I'll see if I can get some water," she stands up and goes to grab them some water.
21:08 <Torokasi> "Um, sure. One second. You got all tha- oh, thank you, Autumn Crow." Janda notes. "You got all that, right, Lilian?" Crow doesn't have much issue navigating the crowds, eventually bumping into Solmyr working at a makeshift food station. "Hey, Autumn Sparrow. Need anything to eat or drink? I'm out of healing for the day so I volunteered for this. Bad idea,
21:08 <Torokasi> lemme tell you."
21:12 <AutumnCrow> "Ah, you didn't hear," Crow smiles, "Sparrow is actually my grandmother's name. I used it while I was putting her unfinished business to rest, but now that that has been resolved, I can lay the name to rest as well. Crow is my given name. And I'm just getting some water to bring to some refugees, a...caravan that apparently wound up here despite the fact that they were just outside of Nlocomo."
21:16 <Torokasi> "Right. Well, Crow, I can provide the water. A caravan teleporting, eh... sounds like what we dealt with during the attack... ugh. None of this makes sense. I guess all the locations everywhere have shifted about. Well, here's the water." Solmyr comments, sliding a pitcher and a few cups of water over. "Come back over if you need more. No one's out of
21:16 <Torokasi> cantrips yet, I assure you."
21:19 <AutumnCrow> "Thank you, I should get this back to Parakloro and his group quickly," she namedrops and keeps an eye on Solmyr from the corner of her vision to see if he reacts before heading back with the water.
21:21 <Torokasi> Solmyr visibly freezes, looking at Crow, before, "...Wait, really?" he mutters under his breath as Crow turns.
21:22 <AutumnCrow> "He's a rather talkative fellow," she adds as she smirks and whisks back off with teh water.
21:23 <Torokasi> "What." Solmyr audibly says as Crow leaves, bringing the water back.
21:26 <Torokasi> As Crow returns, Lilian gives Crow a look of resigned helplessness as Janda stares at Para talking, "...but the soil wasn't accurate for being from around our home area so it has to be from the east, I think, but if it's from the east then how did it get here? You know?  And then there's the tree disappearing thing which doesn't make any sense, like stuff
21:26 <Torokasi> can move in the Mist sure that's one of the main mapping hazards, it's why the Horizon Guild and Kerebos Guild use those directional tools instead of relying on maps. But stuff doesn't - it can't - really move when people are nearby, Talmen are a stabilizing factor on the Mist and stop that sort of thing or so they should?"
21:29 <AutumnCrow> "Here's your water," Crow hands him the pitcher and starts passing out cups to the others.
21:32 <Torokasi> "Oh, thanks." Para nods, taking the pitcher and pouring water for everyone. "...That's all I've got. Sorry for talking too long. Uh, may I go check on my aunt now?"
21:32 <Torokasi> Janda nods. "Take your cup of water with you. You're free to go, thanks for your time."
21:34 <Torokasi> Para nods, drains his cup, quickly refills it and leaves the pitcher as he walks off. Lilian watches for a moment, before, "Well, I'm pretty sure I got everything he had to say, because he repeated everything about four times."
21:36 <AutumnCrow> "Talkative sort, isn't he?" Crow keeps her expression neutral, though Lilian could probably see the amusement in her eyes.
21:36 <Torokasi> Janda nods slightly. "Made it easier, yes. ...Oh, it looks like the Barrier's going back up!" She exclaims this, pointing toward the ruins of the Iron Tower, where a small thin strand of blue light extends up into the sky.  "That should expel most any remaining enemies in the town and let us focus on stability."
21:37 <Torokasi> Lilian nods to Crow with a frown, before quickly turning to where Janda's pointing. "...I've never seen one of these go up before."
21:37 <AutumnCrow> "I would imagine most haven't," Crow shrugs, "the barriers don't often go down to need putting back up, as I understand it."
21:38 <Torokasi> "...Point." Lilian nods as a small crowd gathers at the door, watching the light swirl, before a wave of energy seems to sweep over the town, transparent and...! OOC: Will save. No bonuses from other stats.
21:39 <AutumnCrow> OOC: 1d20+9 come on...okay 22. Not bad.
21:42 <Torokasi> Crow can feel her body shake as the wave passes over the crowd, a few individuals collapsing to their knees as the wave passes, then another, then another... until the air above the temple, above Verxais, has a transparent sheen." OOC: Passed by two. Also, now please a Wis check.
21:43 <AutumnCrow> OOC: and there's the failure. 1d20+4 = 8.
21:45 <Torokasi> It's but a second after the barrier goes up that Crow's stomach buckles and her legs shake, though the feeling is impossible to put into words beyond a sense of... wrongness.
21:46 — AutumnCrow inhales slowly, getting her breathing under control and steeling her will against the fact that the shards are doubtlessly trying to kick her out.
21:47 <Torokasi> Almost as if from a distance, Crow can hear Lilian's voice, "Something's not right, isn't it? The barrier shouldn't be this forceful!"
21:48 <Torokasi> Janda's voice rings out clearly, "This will pass! We have a bit of Mist touch in us right now, that's all. Everyone brace yourselves and we'll be fine!"
21:48 <AutumnCrow> "I wonder if that's all..." Crow turns her eyes towards the tower the barrier came from, wondering if it couldn't have been...corrupted somehow.
21:49 <Torokasi> Still Crow's body shakes, the breathing helping as the tremors slow, failing to subside quickly. Crow can feel Lilian's hand around her shoulder, leading her outside and propping the two up against the wall. "Fresh air might help."
21:50 <Torokasi> "Corrupted...?" Lilian looks up at the barrier, suddenly concerned. The blue pillar of light has faded, leaving just the clear dome. "...It's possible. That'd be a good finisher, wouldn't it? Damn. I'm not feeling that great either, but you seem to be hit really hard somehow..."
21:51 <AutumnCrow> "Thank you." Crow smiles at her through the tremors, "it might, yes. I think there may be other reasons I'm being particularly aflicted," the smile turns to a knowing look.
21:53 <Torokasi> "... ...look, I was going to wait until we had the teacher-student relationship going before hitting on you, but if you're going to be this forward I'll roll with it." Lilian comments with a wry grin.
21:55 <AutumnCrow> "Well, that's not what I was refering to, but that's also on the agenda, yes." Crow laughs, though it's a bit pained from the tremors, "if you can seperate training from the rest of the time, you're more than welcome to share my bed in the evenings."
21:57 <Torokasi> "...Okay, Lilian, focus. What did you mean?" Lilian asks, after a deep flush crosses her cheeks.
21:59 <AutumnCrow> Looking around to make sure it's only the two of them, Crow quietly explains, "...the shards. I shouldn't be here, though I think I've established my character well enough even after I'm forced out." Pausing a moment, Crow weighs whether or not to say something, then goes ahead with it anyway, "...Lilian...even if it's not me here, if I'm forced out and the dream takes over. Go ahead and
21:59 <AutumnCrow> enjoy it anyway. I want you to."
22:01 <Torokasi> "... ...I think the version of me that's here will." Lilian comments quietly. "...You're feeling like you shouldn't be here, too? I'm feeling off, myself. That might be it. The... version of me here... has been coming to the foreground more and more."
22:02 <Torokasi> "Like when we talked about that damn dragon. She's here, just... like, we're not fighting but sometimes she speaks up and I'm riding along, so to speak." Lilian finishes.
22:03 <AutumnCrow> "I think it might be best for me to...not come back again. To let things play out," Crow sighs, "and you may need to...well, ride along with her, to understand what you're being taught, and get whatever these shards can do for you back in our world."
22:06 <Torokasi> "... Try one last time, tomorrow. Alright? I think we're - I'm - maybe Janda too, though who knows? - getting pushed out now. Something's going on. I... none of us were supposed to be alive when the barrier went back up, I think..." As Lilian speaks, her voice seems to be softly getting further away. "I'll take care of you here, Autumn Crow. I promise." OOC:
22:06 <Torokasi> Make a Will save if you want to try and stay in.
22:07 — AutumnCrow steals a quick kiss from Lilian, then wills the door open and leaves on her own terms instead of being pushed out. (OOC: Will save 18 to do that, if I need one)
22:08 <Torokasi> Crow floats through the door, watching her body seemingly return in for a second kiss - and a version of Lilian, just behind the one in the kiss, briefly looking up before a flash to white....! <More>
22:09 <Torokasi> Crow can faintly hear the bells for the fifth hour in the distance as she awakens, Lilian stirring and waking behind her. "...four hours of sleep is a sin, you know that?" Lilian murmurs sleepily before jolting upright a bit. "The dream."
22:12 <AutumnCrow> "Hmm. Talkative Para was amusing, I'll admit." Crow rolls over and...in uncharacteristic fashion rather than getting up and starting her day just puts an arm around Lilian and pulls her back down, "...a little longer. Then we can get up."
22:13 <Torokasi> "...yeah." Lilian nods, returning the embrace. "... so. On the topic of styles, do any excel in bed?"
22:15 <AutumnCrow> "Not that I would have had any experience in learning, no." Crow chuckles, "though feel free to ask that question where my parents can hear you if you want my father to make a comment that will get him punched over the tree line."
22:16 <Torokasi> "Hah. With no ill will toward your dad, that sounds like a sight to experience at least once..." Lilian grins.