CoffeeIncluded
The group walks along the dark, dank underwater tunnel for a bit, until those with keen eyes in the dark notice that the platform comes to an abrupt stop, and that there is a ladder just before this drop-off. The ladder starts about a foot, food and a half off the ground, low enough for dwarves to easily reach, and seems to rise to the surface.

As the group climbs the ladder and pushes aside the metal covering sealing away the tunnel, they blink as their eyes adjust to the sudden sunlight. They're still in Great Gate, a few blocks away from the well in a nondescript back street. They're sopping wet but thankfully not too smelly, and their soaked clothes are actually a blessing in this summertime heat; it was significantly cooler underground. They take a deep breath and inhale, along with th ever present-smell of the sea, the savory aroma of meat grilling nearby. Everybody's stomach rumbles; it's past noon.

Soon enough the group hears a familiar barking, and shortly after sees Naga round the corner, ears flopping with every step as he pants happily. Artorias shortly follows the hound to reunite with the others.
Athedia
Badger knelt, letting the corpse fall off her shoulder as she opened her arms for Naga.   "Did you lead Art here?  What a good boy, yes you are!" 
super dark33
 Hello Artorias! How have you been? Did you meet these new guys Jadeite and Sora? 

Surdrak respected Artorias. His loyalty to him is less ironic than his loyalty to Badger.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by athedia 
 Badger knelt, letting the corpse fall off her shoulder as she opened her arms for Naga.   "Did you lead Art here?  What a good boy, yes you are!"  
 

 "Yes he did lead me here; but that begs the question, what where you guys doing in that well?"  He greets the badger while giving Naga a small pat in the head.


 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Hello Artorias! How have you been? Did you meet these new guys Jadeite and Sora? 

Surdrak respected Artorias. His loyalty to him is less ironic than his loyalty to Badger. 
 

 "Oh, Surdrak, hey! I'm fine though dad decided to use me as delivery boy. And yes I have met the Elf and Sora, how have you been?. 

@super dark
 
 Spoiler 
Do you want Surdrak to have some shared story with Artorias? If so please PM so we can work it out.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Oh, just salvaging for my future experimental materials,"  Jadeite says, indicating the soggy corpse slumped over Badger's back.  "You are such good friends!" 
Athedia
Badger rolled her eyes.   "Actually we are looking for a runaway, grunt work but pays well.  This one is going to earth, not a table."   She gestured that she would meet them at the guild and then headed off to the nearest temple to ask about the cost of a funeral.  She fingered the 40 in her pocket, wondering if she should give it to her companions.  What would the beggar have wanted done with it?
Dusk Eclipse
 "Yes, that does make more sense than you"  Artorias points towards Jadeitr  "convincing everyone to go down a well to retrieve a corpse." 

Artorias scratches his chin thoughtfully
 "If the runway comes from these neighborhoods,  I doubt he would have gone into the well, those kids are usually quite shelltered. He probably went to the docks looking to become a sailor or something like that" 
Draconi Redfir
 "She"  Elsee corrected.  "bought some daggers from yer dads place, 'probly gone out lookin fer an adventure yeah" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
  "She"  Elsee corrected.  "bought some daggers from yer dads place, 'probly gone out lookin fer an adventure yeah"  
 

 "Is she the girl we wanted to question before the fiasco at the wyvern nut...df I mean at Feliks' house?... What was her name? Natalya?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Natasha,"  Jadeite corrects.  "Natasha Polzin, apparently a minor noble tired of her pampered life." 
 Badger: 

The nearest temple, a temple to Sylph with many windows and nearly invisible screens that let in all the light and air, indicates that the cost of a basic funeral is 10 gold.
Athedia
Badger carefully counted out 10 gold pieces from the beggars gold.  After giving the money and the corpse to the clerics she looked at the remaining gold in her hand.  It would feel wrong to spend it or give it to the others, especially Jadiete who had joked about the poor mans death.  No, that would not do.  She held out the remaining 30 gold pieces to the clerics.   "Please use this to give other poor unfortunates who can not afford a funeral the chance to rest in peace."   With that she left, Naga following beside her and walked back to the guild.  Hopefully the clerics would use the money well.
Dusk Eclipse
 "You don't mind if I tag along right? Just let me drop by my dad's place and I'll meet younat the guild"  waving good bye, Artorias begins to walk towards the  Wolf's Fang Forge , his imbd racing trying to figure out  where could Natasha have gone.
CoffeeIncluded
The clerics of Sylph bow deeply and thank Badger profusely for her generosity, promising to repay her debt in the future.

As Badger looks at her, she sees a young halfling child peer nervously at her, then run off.

Artorias returns to the forge, the familiar hot metal feel. He sees his father working despite the splint on his arm, pounding away on a cooling set of braces.

"Artorias!" his father says upon seeing him. "What is it?"

 
 Spoiler 
Does anyone else have anything they wanted to do before heading back to the guild?
 
Dusk Eclipse
🫤 "Weren't you supposed to be resting that wrist?"  Artorias ask in an annoyed tone

😩 "In any case I finished the deliveries for today, unless you need me for something else  Which I doubt seeing you are working again *... I'm heading back to the guild."  Artorias leaves a bag of gold pieces on  nearby table.

* 
 Spoiler 
He is mumbling to himself the part in small font 😛
 
Athedia
Badger watched the child run off, then decided to follow.
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias:

"Pah, it's healed enough, and these bracers won't temper themselves! And don't you use that tone with me!"  Artoria's father shouts as his son leaves the shop. He moves to run after him, but bangs his wrist against a pommel hanging off another table, and stops to curse and shake it out.

 Badger: 

Badger follows the dark-skinned halfling child...who runs faster when he sees Badger tailing him. As she follows him, she notices that he's dressed simply, but cleanly.

And then she rounds the corner and sees him run into his mother's arms, and hears him say, "Mommy, that lady and her dog are following me!"

The older halfling woman, her frizzy black hair starting to be streaked with grey, immediately marches over to Badger, rears herself up to her full height, and says,  "And just what do you think you're doing, following my boy?" 
 Everyone else: 

Jadeite wrings the last few drops of moisture out of his hair and asks,  "Should we return to the guild and try to continue the search from there?" 
super dark33
 Nah. Badger and Artorias know that we are here. Returning  to the guild will delay regrouping.  

Surdrak  sits somewhere in a shade.
Athedia
Badger raised her hands showing she meant no harm.   "I simply wished to ask if he had seen a girl around here.  Children tend to go unnoticed and notice much."   She gave a description of Natasha, leaving out the details of her wealth.   "If he or any of his friends know her location there is a reward in it.  Just go to my guild and ask for Badger." 
CoffeeIncluded
The mother relaxes when Badger says she's from the guild.  I'll keep an eye out for her. Come along, Emil."  Emil, the handling boy, looks back at Basger curiously, then follows his mother.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Nah. Badger and Artorias know that we are here. Returning  to the guild will delay regrouping.  

Surdrak  sits somewhere in a shade. 
 

 "And if they expect us to follow them? I would think it wiser to reconvene at the guild and decide where to go from there. Does anyone know where somebody seeking adventure away from Runite would go?"  Jadeite asks.

Knowledge (local) dc15 (10 for long term guild members):

 
 Spoiler 
much like the mercenary groups in Leis guild, including your group,
shipping corporations and transportation often hire freelance mercenary guards. It's likely that Natasha would have joined up on one of these escort missions. There are two general groups: land and sea. The sea routes need guards to protect against weather and pirates, while land routes need protection against wild animals and bandits.
 
super dark33
 Either our guild or as private mercenary for somone.   

Surdrak gazed upon empty air as he thought of his next words.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+2)[ 16 ] 
 

 Probably protecting cargo of various kinds on ships or land.  And that is not a good way to go on an adventure. If you wanted to fight robbers that badly you could go in some tavern and make some hand gestures. 
Athedia
Badger walked back to the guild slowly, where would Natasha have gone?  She was glad beyond all reason that it wasn't her body down the well, but she could be dead somewhere.  But those daggers.  One didn't spend money like that without a plan.

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge Local:  (1d20+5)[ 25 ] 
 


As Badger thought her fingers absentmindedly brushed her quiver and she stopped short in the street.  She had saved up for what had felt like forever to buy her first bow, and not for general use on the streets.  No, she had used it to convince a coach to hire her for protection, on one of those trips was how she had met Leif and joined his guild. Everyone in the town knew guards were in demand, and that would be just the way a rich runaway would seek adventure.

She started running down the street toward the guild.  She had to find the others and inform them of Natasha's probable plan.
CoffeeIncluded
As the group makes their way to the guild, keeping their eyes closer to the ground to avoid the strong sun, they fail to notice Badger until she barrels straight into them, taking them both to the ground.

Jadeite gets up and brushes himself off. He says,  "That was quick. Did you ensure that the man will be paid proper respects?"  There's a serious tone to his voice.
Athedia
Badger picked herself up, panting from the sprint.   "Yes,yes.  But I thought of where Natasha probably is.  Those people that hire freelancers, they don't check to see if you are who you say, just have some weapons and be willing to fight.  She is probably on the coaches or wagons now!" 
super dark33
  What happend to her voice?  
Surdrak thoughtfully whispered to himself.

 So I thought of a few ideas to find her: 

Surdrak's raised an eldritch tentacle.

 One, we put an incredibly large bounty on bringing her living, 

The tentacle is now a crab claw.

 Two, we hire ourselves to any fool with a wagon or a rowboat that needs protection and leaves in the shortest time from now, 

Surdrak raised..... A claw with a tentacle in the middle.

 Three, we kidnap her sisters and force her to rescue them.  

Surdrak cleared his hand from the ridiculous eldritch formation he made there.

 And no, I also think the last one is a terrible plan Badger thank you very much for your kind words.  

When people can receive any joke from you as either a threat or an insult its important to tell the fact you are laughing at their expense instead of threatening to burn their shrubs.
Dusk Eclipse
On his way towards the Guild,  Artoriaz couldn't help to feel guilty.  I'll make up to him after this job. He will understand... I hope.  

Artorias who arrives just in time to hear Surdrak's "plans" (if they could be called that) quickly responds.
 "Or we could do what The  Badger says and hurry,  we might be able to catch up with her before she leaves the city"   
CoffeeIncluded
 "Aren't there several different caravans and routes out of the city though?"  Jadeite asks.  "She's been gone for several days now." 
 
 Spoiler 
A gather information check will help narrow down where she's gone.
 
super dark33
 Which means she could be on any of them by now.  

Surdrak scratches his chin.

 Well it's better we'd start off then.  
 
 Spoiler 
Untrained gather information!  (1d20+2)[ 14 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "When was the job posted?  The first 24 hours are critical in these cases  
CoffeeIncluded
 "Do I look like someone with an intimate knowledge of how mercenary guards find work in this city? 

Knowledge (local) dc 15:
 
 Spoiler 
for sea jobs, check the docks or the lobbies of shipping companies. For land jobs, check the northern part of the business district or the lobbies of the trading companies.

Using urban tracking for the right kind of job (land or sea) in the right place advertising these jobs will give you a +2 location bonus to the check, but it'll take a bit longer since you have to travel and there's no mass transit in Runite yet.
 
Dusk Eclipse
:smallanoyed:  "I meant,  when did  Natasha's family contacted us?" 

Artorias tries to recall what he knows about those mercenaries.
.  
 Spoiler 

Local [roll]1d20+3 [/roll] (grabbed 1 rank at level up to be able to make checks with DCs higher than 10)
Aid another on gather information [roll]1d20+1 [/roll]  trying to help the highest roll (probably The Badger)
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge Local  (1d20+5)[ 12 ] 
 


Badger scratched her head embarrassed.   "Dunno, before I met Leif I would just wander up to caravans leaving and ask if they needed another guard.  More often than not they would take me." 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler 


Let's try those rolls again

Local [roll]1d20+3[roll]

Aid another gather info  (1d20+3)[ 4 ] 

BTW posting code with a phone sucks
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias slightly blushes as he admits his lack of useful knowledge  "Does anybody have an idea where to start? Cause I'm stumped" 
 
 Spoiler 
third time is the charm (I hope)

Local  (1d20+3)[ 9 ] 
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee just sneered and groaned a bit while everyone spoke, finally speaking up once everyone had shut up long enough for her to say something.

 "she got those daggers back before we were even looking for Cecil, that was days ago if not over a week. if she hasn't gotten a job by now then she's either wandered out on her own or stowed away 'er somethin, 'er maybe she hung out in a dark corner of a tavern long enough to hook up with a bunch of similarly armed strangers 'nd is off collecting twenty wolf hearts or somethin. Best we can do at this point is get the best description we can of her, a painting or a drawing if we can, 'nd split up to all the exits of the city, asking the guards and tradesmen if they've seen anyone like that and followin any leads we can find." 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite pauses and tries to think about what he's learned of Runite so far.

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge (Local):  (d20+4)[ 23 ] 
 


He widens his eyes.  "You are all making a dangerous assumption. You assume that she joined a caravan traveling north, the way I entered the city, but isn't the other name for Runite The Gateway to the Southern Islands? Couldn't she have traveled south, to sea? Either way is perfectly possible, but we can't simply leave off an entire branch of possibilities." 

He frowns.  "Unfortunately, I am less knowledgeable on where to start looking, although I am aware it would probably take some time. Though if it's a question of having enough warm bodies to search the city, I could be of assistance, though the warm part might be some trouble,"  he jests.
Draconi Redfir
 "Preeeety sure we didn't there beg guy"  Elsee starts,  "'er at least i didn't. When you live in a trader's city with multiple trade routes, "caravan" tends to become all-inclusive for "buncha people buying or selling stuff who won't be here for very long." 
Athedia
Badger turned pale.  "The sea?  You mean we might have to follow her out there?  On a ship?"   She groaned at the idea.  Ships were fine for those who liked them, but she preferred to feel non-moving ground beneath her feet.   "But I guess your right.  I was only thinking about what I would do.  But that only gives us more places to look." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Would Leif's guild be a good place to go, or should we check another location?" 

Badger, Alim, Elsee, and Artorias:
 
 Spoiler 
Leif's guild is good, but other places are better.

Anyway, if you want to get searching, then roll away!
 
Silverraptor
Sora thinks for a moment.
 "I think our best bet is to ask different trade and travel carvans if anyone matching her discription came around." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Sora is right, I doubt Leif would have accepted a job to find someone if he sent her away the first time... Or maybe he would,  half the time I don't know what goes through his head" 

Artorias setas walking towards the guild when a sudden thought strikes him, he turns back to his friends and asks
 "Err, does anybody knows how does she looks like? " 

Once he has a description, Artorias begins to ask random passerbys if they had seen Natasha.
 
 Spoiler 
gather information  (1d20+1)[ 5 ] 
 
Athedia
Badger followed Artorias, motioning for Surdrak to follow them.

 
 Spoiler 
Gather information  (1d20+7)[ 11 ] 
 


She attempted to correct his description, but the conflicting ideas only served to confuse the passerby's.  Catching up with Artorias she attempted to steer him toward the main gates.
super dark33
Surdrak followed Badger and Artorias.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 
 

  Lets see if some of our "criminal friends" know where a young girl with two daggers might be pranceing about

 Its the wrong part of the city, maybe the higher class criminals know that, but finding them will tkae longer than finding the girl. and most likely they would only know which criminal has her, not which merchant hired her so information from them will be scarce. 

You are right. so we are left with the original slow plan. hopefuly she wont get far.
   
CoffeeIncluded
At first the search seems fruitless, as nobody has any useful information on Natasha Polzin. A few by the docks look as if they're about to say something, but then hold their tongues and refuse to divulge anything more. Evidently, the young noble had paid quite a few to seal their lips.

However, as the sun starts to make its way down the horizon, and Badger and the group tries hitting up the filling bars for info, they hear something rather curious.

 "Didja hear? About that hurricane down south?"

"You mean the one by Roxim Island?"

"Yeah, that one! Wasn't the ship supposed to be heading back here by now?"

"Well, they left last week, so yeah, I think..." 
 
 Spoiler 
I rolled more gather info, and got a nat 20 for you on the first roll.
 
Athedia
Badger slipped over to the people holding the conversation.  "What was on it?  Could be pirates got the ship if it was valuable.  Where they at least smart enough to hire guards?" 
CoffeeIncluded
The two holding the conversation, a pair of young adults (a dark-skinned elf with teal hair turned frizzy in the heat and humidity and a sunburnt human with light brown hair and barely darker eyes), startle when they hear Badger's boice, but managed to keep their beers steady.

 "Uh, I dunno what was on it,"  says the human.  "Though I guess it was probably lumber, metal, you know, all the crap we send down south." 

The elf chimes in.  "And of course they hired guards. Haven't you been at sea; it's pirates galore! Of course, all the swords in the world won't do much good against a hurricane." 
super dark33
 Have you seen those hired guards? 
Silverraptor
Sora goes about to various other carvan and traveling headquarters attempting to get information.

 
 Spoiler 
Gather Information: [roll]1d20+3 [/roll]
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The two holding the conversation, a pair of young adults (a dark-skinned elf with teal hair turned frizzy in the heat and humidity and a sunburnt human with light brown hair and barely darker eyes), startle when they hear Badger's boice, but managed to keep their beers steady.

 "Uh, I dunno what was on it,"  says the human.  "Though I guess it was probably lumber, metal, you know, all the crap we send down south." 

The elf chimes in.  "And of course they hired guards. Haven't you been at sea; it's pirates galore! Of course, all the swords in the world won't do much good against a hurricane."  
 

 "Do you know who sent that ship?" 
 
 Spoiler 

Not sure if I should roll anything here, would it be ok if I roll a d20 and add the modifiers after I know what skill to add?

 (1d20)[ 10 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The elf scratches his ear absentmindedly; the look Jadeite gives him suggests that it's actually a gesture best performed in private.  "Mmm, I don't remember off the top of my head, sorry. But I think if you go check on some bulletin boards, they'll tell you. Or the notices in the companies. Or heck, it's probably in the news now." 

The human attempts to give a sagelike nod of agreement, but only succeeds in splashing beer on his shirt.

 
 Spoiler 
 (d20+3)[ 11 ] 
 


Sora tries listening in to other people at the bar, but can't hear who sent the ship.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thank you,"  Jadeite says before turning to the others, delicately pushing back a long lock of his hair.

 "It seems as though there are far too many ships that leave these ports every day for a layperson to easily keep track of them. However, there must be records available, especially if the hurricane did affect the vessel or its voyage." 
 
 Spoiler 
You can search for records in offices or ask sailors.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias politely nods and makes his way towards office,  with the intention to see thepast weeks'  records.

 "Hello? Anyone's here? " 
CoffeeIncluded
A young clerk notices Artorias and runs over.

 "What do you need?" 
super dark33
Surdrak remains silent and looks around the office, trying to spot interesting things.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+1)[ 8 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak sees paperweights, thick books and ledgers with extremely small font, long itemized lists, a bookcase filled with dry-looking tomes with titles that mock the warlock, and a journal so drab-looking that even looking at it makes Surdrak's eyes glaze over.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 A young clerk notices Artorias and runs over.

 "What do you need?"  
 

 "We are looking for a crew and cargo manifesto, sadly our employer couldn't give more details than the ship's destination, Roxim's Island"  At this point Artorias  discretely slides a few gold coins towards the clerk.
 "I was hoping you would be able to help us" 
 
 Spoiler 

Let's say... 5 gold pieces.
 
super dark33
Sending mental profanities back to the books and the surrounding, Surdrak ogles at them again, in order to find the names of the elusive bastards.

Outside though, he keeps an aloof demeanour.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+1)[ 17 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The clerk gives Artorias an odd look.  "...There's a lot of ships that head to Roxim Island, though I'm not sure how many there will be because of the storm. 
 
 Spoiler 
Diplomacy check?
 


Surdrak sees that the last ship that sailed to Roxim Island left Runite Port the day before Cecil was captured.
super dark33
  If Natasha was on that boat, she would've been there by now!

 This may not be true as you know **** about geography and so do I 

Hush don't taunt me.

 This is valuable information that can be unlocked by our friends that do know something about the maps and the desert-brothels.  
'Our' friends? As much as I hope it would be simple for them to befriend you, the most likely thing they would do when meeting you is either scream or attack you or both.

 Grglub.  

The day before Cecil was captured, was a day before he got offed, and that means its two days now. So nine days.

 Why? You're going to be needlessly discreet about it again?   

Surdrak nudged Elsee and whispered to her.

 Take some of these books on the shelf. Might be of use.  
Silverraptor
 "Are you sure there isn't anything else you can think of?" 

Sora stands in a cute, persuasive pose trying to get any more information about the ships or the person they were looking for.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+11)[ 30 ] 

Does Sora get a circumstance bonus to diplomacy due to seduction?😛
 
CoffeeIncluded
The clerk looks at Sora, at the holy symbol hanging around her neck, and swallows. He glances around, then motions for her and her friends to come closer.

 "Look, that was the last ship out of here to Roxim Island before the hurricane. I don't even know if they're still alive. It was one of the same groups we always hire, except for one extra girl. I don't remember her name, but I remember her weapons. Twin adamantine daggers; those don't come cheap." 
 
 Spoiler 
Rolled a 19, I don't think a seduction bonus is necessary. 😉
 
Silverraptor
Sora keeps up her cute demeanor.
 "Do you know of anyway we can procure transport after that ship?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Are any additional rolls necessary?
 
CoffeeIncluded
The clerk shrugs.  "If you want to head to Roxim Island, I'm sure there's a boat headed there. Or if you guys are also mercs, you could pay your passage in protection." 
Silverraptor
 "Well, that's certainly an option." 
She turns to the rest of the party.
 "What do you guys think?" 
super dark33
Surdrak shrugs, and tries to remember if any warlock ever managed to quell a storm.

 
 Spoiler 
Can be done by reaching level 11, and using the imbue item ability to create a weather control magic item.  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]  knowledge arcane  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  knowledge the planes.
The main question is what level is the highest levelled warlock in the world, and what level was the greatest warlock ever lived.
 
Athedia
Badger turned green at the thought.  Huddling with the group she begged  "We can just walk right?  Or something else?"   The pleading was just denial, of course they had to take a boat to an island.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Unfortunately, lungs are quite buoyant,"  Jadeite says.  "However, you could certainly walk along the sea bottom if your lungs were emptied of air. Of course, then you would be dead, but there are ways around that little complication." 
super dark33
 I am researching an eldritch manifestation of wings, so we could wait until I figure that out when Natasha was done being digested by the last of the water-scales.  

Surdrak folds his arms.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias pinches the bridge of his nose at the elf's and warlock's antics. "Jadeite could you please keep the creepy necromantic talk to a minimum?, Surdrak we don't know for sure if Natasha is dead and if we keep delaying she will be, so I say we find a boat and head to Roxim Island." 

Artorias turns towards the clerk with an apolegetic smile
 "Thanks for the information, you have been really helpful". 
CoffeeIncluded
 "You're welcome,"  says the clerk as he shuffles his papers and leaves to a back room marked  Employees only. 
 "What? I was merely stating the truth,"  Jadeite says, shrugging his shoulders and holding out his hands in a,  What? I'm perfectly innocent  gesture.  "Regardless, would Leif have any idea where we could go to obtain passage? Would he have a job available for us?" 
 
 Spoiler 
He'd know.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias let's out an exasperated sigh
 "Do you really need me to spell out why talking about why extracting vital organs or why offering people to raise them as an undead might make people uncomfortable, I really don't know what to do" 😩
 "But Leif probably knows if there is a ship in need of protection, otherwise I don't think he would mind some freelancing work". 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee blinked a few times as she once more tried to come out of the haze in her mind, she idly rubbed at the tattoo on her forehead as she tried to comprehend what was going on around her, for the past twenty minutes or so she had just sort of been following the group around while just feeling completely out of it. Something about the sea air or something, it was usually covered up by more urban scents deeper into the city, but here right next to the ocean kind of put her out of it, from the looks of things Alim may have been experiencing the same thing as her, maybe Goblins just didn't get along well with salty air, or maybe this was just what she got for spending most of her life miles away from the sea in every direction.

 "Uhhh... whanouw? 
Athedia
 "We suffer."   Badger let out a weak smile as she headed back toward the guild.  She was only partially joking, but a wave of relief swept over her on the news that Natasha had been on the ship.  Well not the sinking part, but now they knew her rough location.
CoffeeIncluded
The group returns to the guild, somewhat relieved that they don't have to wander around the raucous Docks now that it's getting dark. They return to the guild, sidestepping muck in the gutters, past the rich aroma of grilled meat and vegetables served over rice in the kitchen, celery and garlic mixing together with succulent cuts of beef, all the way up the stairs to Leif's study. The head of the guild is there, going over some forms and papers while seated at his large desk. Leif may be a senator, but he's far from idle. Here in nothing but a light undershirt, the group can see his thick arm muscles, and the tattoo marking him as a guild graduate of Tobeem. And they can see his greatsword, the living model of the one etched on his skin, hanging on the mantle behind his desk, above the window that overlooks the sea.

Leif looks up.  "What's the matter?" 
 
 Spoiler 
I'm updating tonight before I go to bed, whether or not anyone replies--I'll just assume that you said it in passing. I don't want to do this though, I just want to move things along; I could have done more to stop the slowdown. But I'm going to fix it now!
 
Silverraptor
Sora speaks nervously.
 "Uh... well. You see were looking for someone and, well, we have an idea where she is going but, uh..." 
She looks around, unsure of what to say next.
Athedia
Badger pushed her way forward to speak to Leif.  "Our damn fool runaway took a boat to Roxim Island.  Which of course just had a nasty storm.  Now I want to bring this girl back alive, and we need passage to get there.  You know me Leif, if this weren't serious I would never be requesting help on getting on a boat." 
CoffeeIncluded
Leif listens with a frown, then a smile.  "You're in luck. I just got a job offer for a ship headed there; apparently a couple members of their normal protection crew had an emergency and had to leave the city for a couple weeks. I would have had the offer filled faster, but you know how people are wary after hurricanes--not that I'd blame them! And I thought the blizzards back home were bad!" 

Leif laughs, then returns to the topic.  "The ship sails tomorrow morning: they're just sending some if the normal goods with relief supplies because of the storm. If you want the job, just read this flyer and tell me,"  he says, handing a notice to the group.
CoffeeIncluded
The flyer simply states that Levinol Shipping, Inc. is in need of a team of guards to protect and escort their ship, cargo, and crew to Roxim Island. It needs a mix of fighters, mages, and clerics, all of which the group can offer. It warns that the group may have to face pirates and bad weather, as it's hurricane season and there are precious few wizards and druids who can forecast these massive storms with any degree of accuracy, much less use their magic to combat and mitigate them. The group is expected to fend off any pirate attacks, though they're helpless against hurricanes--and thee help wanted flyer says as much.

Everyone eats dinner, the grease and fat and gravy from the chicken steeping into rice, perfectly complemented by the crunch of celery and the slight bite of bell pepper and onion, and heads to bed early. The ship leaves the docks early, and it's best to arrive earlier.

The next morning, as everyone wakes up and prepares their gear and spells, Kheel, the baby wyvern, crawls over to the group and whines. And they're struck with a decision--what should they do with him?

 
 Spoiler 
Come on everyone, where are you?

You have a decision to make right now: Bring Kheel or leave him behind? If you leave him behind, I think I'll have Alim stay; he hasn't checked in for weeks and I'm wondering if he's dropping the game (though it would have been nice to tell me beforehand)!

I sent a PM a few days ago, let's see what happens now. But everyone, where are you?
 
Athedia
Badger reached over and stroked the wvyrens head.   "Tsk, Kheel, you are still hurt.  And Feliks will be coming to visit any day.  The guild will watch over you til he comes." 
super dark33
 [D]Hello Kheel, how are you feeling?[D] 
 
 Spoiler 
 [D]=Draconic [E]=Elven [U]=Undercommon.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Kneel gets to his feet and stretches, digging his claws into the floor a bit and flaring his wings backwards.

 "Better,"  he growls.  "Less hungry." 

He looks around at the activity.  "Where you going? Where Felee?" 
super dark33
 [D]He is being treated in a temple, after you were taken a fire started in his home becuase he was looking for you. he really wants to see you too.[D] 

Surdrak is smiling at the creature.

Finaly, something to use this ancient useless language with.
CoffeeIncluded
Kheel rears back, flapping his wings before him for balance.   "Where? Is he hurt? Fire gone, or still burning?"  
Athedia
Badger jumped up hurriedly restraining the young wyvern before he could damage anything.   "Surdrak, what did you say to him?   
super dark33
 [D]He is fine, the fire is gone, but he needs to rest for a while. you will see him soon and im sure he will be very happy to see you.[D] 

Surdrak turned to the Badger.

 I told him where Felix is. he is pretty nervous about it, looks like he really liked the guy. 

Surdrak looks back at the wyvern.
CoffeeIncluded
Kheel leans back, resting his head between his claws with his wings sticking up behind the fins stretching back from above his eyes, and asks,   "You leaving too?"  

Jadeite walks in at this point, and asks the others,  "If we leave Kheel behind, who could care for him?" 
Devmaar
 Maybe we should let him come? He could come in useful... 
Dusk Eclipse
 "He is smart, there is no doubt; but he is still young and if something happened to him Feliks would be devastated... 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite watches Kheel tear an old strip of leather from a pile of scraps, fillet it into long shreds between his sharp canines. His mouth does all the work; his front claws merely hold down the old leather scrap.

 "We may owe a responsibility to Feliks,"  the elf says,  "But whom can we entrust Kheel to while we are indisposed?" 

While he talks, Hemlock slithers down Jadeite's arm over to the pile of scraps. With a flash of green, he snatches a mouse which scurried from the pile, sinking his fangs deep into the squeaking mouse's body. The mouse squeals, twitches, then falls still.
Dusk Eclipse
 "That is actually a good point; but do you think the shipmaster would allow us to take Kheel with us?  Artorias scratches his chin deep in though for a minute before he says quitely  "though having a Wyvern on board could work as an intimidation tactic... I know I would think twice before attacking a ship like that... and Surdrak  can  talk with him. 
CoffeeIncluded
 "As can I,"  Jadeite interjects,  "And likely with much more easy and fluency than Surdrak." 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias flashes a grin towards the elf  "I knew we kept you around for something!"  He quickly turns his back to the elf before he can respond.
 "I say we take him with us, he can probably defend himself and I'm sure Alim wouldn't mind getting some fresh Wyvern Venom samples" 
He flashes another toothy grin at the goblin.
Athedia
Badger listened in silence as the group debated whether to take the wvyern along.  Naga, taking advantage of the distraction dashed over to the pile of scraps Kheel was playing with and grabbed a choice scrap from under the creatures nose.  As Kheel lunged to try to retrieve it Naga let out a low deep growl that seemed larger than the dog himself.
super dark33
Surdrak rolled his eyes and folded his arms.
Devmaar
 I expect Kheel can handle himself in a fight, he is a dragon after all. And for the record, I too can speak with him. Perhaps though we should ask him whether he  wants  to come? 


he then turns to the wyvern,  Kheel, we are going on a trip to find a lost girl, would you like to come with us? 
Athedia
Badger sighed in exasperation and threw up her hands.  "Don't tell me, Sora and Elsee have this wonderous ability as well and you shall all converse while leaving me the bumbling fool." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "The noble draconic language, a wondrous ability?"  Jadeite shakes his head with a smile.  "It is the ancient language of dragons, spells and magic. It is the only language Kheel knows." 

Kheel rises up a bit, growling deeply at Naga and baring all his long, sharp teeth. He rips the scrap from Naga's mouth and takes to the air, hovering near the ceiling as he chews it and says,   "Going where?"  
Athedia
Naga ran to Badger whimpering.  Glaring at Kheel she pointed toward the floor gesturing for him to return to the ground.  Once he did she lightly tapped his nose and shook her head.   "Well he will have to be nicer to Naga then.  My dog is staying with us, this may I mention illegal creature is leaving once Feliks is healed enough." 
CoffeeIncluded
Kheel snarls at Badger, a slight curling of  his lips, and flies to the ceiling corner of the room.
Silverraptor
Sora, having giggled at Badger's comment on her being able to speak draconic, jumped with a start at the scene of Kheel taking off and Badger's angry reaction.
 H-Hang on. Before we can decide, lets make sure we ask the guildmaster or someone. This is an extenuating circumstance. 
super dark33
 [U]You are most certainly not the bumbling fool, this job is kept for Elsee. You are our brooding and dramatic team-mom while Artorias is our team-dad. We are a big and happy family of very good friends who probably won't devastate each other the moment they turn their backs.[U]  

Surdrak made a 😏 face and leaned back.

 [E]Undercommon is basically common but reversed. Even you could learn it[E]. 
   Oh Surdrak you slobbering ****.  

Thank you I'm happy you are in my brain too. Stop trying to take over the speech control. Last thing I want is you communicating with stuff other then the Darkwater spirits.   
Athedia
Badger raised an eyebrow at Surdraks unintelligible ramblings.   "If we take Kheel I think I have his first meal planned." 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias deadpanned  "No feeding guild-mates to hungry dragons no matter how annoying or weird they are, bad for business"  
CoffeeIncluded
 "Now Artorias, I believe Badger has a point. In fact, one could consider a role as wyvern feed an overall improvement."  There's a slight bite to his words.

 
 Spoiler 
so were taking Kheel? I'm walking to the doctor right now, and while I live the heat this is nuts. It's a hundred and my cleavage is a river of sweat outside and humid and sunny to boot. It would be better if it were 10-15 degrees cooler, perfect weather for swimming but not much else. Anyway, I'll post forward when I can, if I have to wait A while at the doctor, which I probably will.
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Of course I read that spoiler after taking a sip of water.
 

 "Fine, no feeding him to the wyvern."   Badger sighed, it could never be that easy could it.   "Just, just keep both the damned things away from Naga." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee wasn't present for these chattings unfortunately, she had gotten up early that morning to attend to some "business" just outside of that city in the swamps. She knew a guy who knew a guy who was looking for a magic weapon of his own, and the first guy's cousin just happened to be a strong enough mage to be able to enchant masterwork items himself, and the hobgoblin (the guy who wanted said magic weapon) wasn't unable to afford a masterwork weapon of his own. So, while most of the guild was still asleep, Elsee left the guild to meet up with the two fellow goblins and their Hobgoblin friend, working out a trade with them, Cecil's magic Rapier, for an enchantment on her father's masterwork Kurkri. it wouldn't be as "special" as the one her mother did granted, but like hell were they ever going to find out right?

By the time the exchange had been done, it was already late into the morning, hunger driving Elsee to grab a bite to eat on the way back to the guild, as she had most certainly missed breakfast by now.
CoffeeIncluded
By a happy coincidence, Elsee returns to the guild at the same time that the rest of the party is about to head out. Almost on cue, as they decide to bring Kheel along, Leif appears with several papers bundled together, which he presses into Badger's hand.

 "It's an official Senator's permission to bring Kheel out in public in the city. That should keep you from getting stopped by the guards." 

They thank Leif and hurry out of the guild; they need to make time and only have a little over an hour to travel a few miles in the morning heat and crowds of people going to work. Kheel flies close above, a makeshift collar around his neck that he growls and gnaws at until Jadeite, Surdrak, and Alim tell him to stop. Repeatedly.

For the first time in a while, people stop and stare at them and the wyvern.

Finally, the group makes it to the Docks, which looks seedy even in the morning light. The cobblestones are covered with evaporating fluids that may be mainly seawater. The taverns are closed at this hour, but there are still drunken sailors sleeping outside, and in just a few hours they'll be filled with rowdy sailors and mercenaries spending all their pay on ale and prostitutes (who are also not explicitly on the street at this hour).

The twin moons of Aequar tend to even out the tides, but anyone looking at the actual docks themselves can see the high and low tied lines cleanly demarcated by barnacles latched to the thick dark wood.

It takes the group a while to find the ship, but they eventually see the captain flagging them down.

 A wyvern too? Oh, I hope I picked right by you. Come on aboard, we don't have much time." 

The ocean breeze catches their hair and sends it streaming behind them like a banner. The salt from the ocean is in the air and refreshes them with every breath. Even on the ship, the sounds of the sea seem to quiet down, and are replaced by lapping waves, billowing sails, and the cries of seagulls. And then with a cry of,  "Set out!"  the rope is loosened, and a gust of wind propels the ship off the docks.

They are setting sail.

 
 Spoiler 
Sorry about the hastiness of the post, I've got to go run errands with my mom.
 
super dark33
Surdrak loved the sea.
His cousin was a captain of a battleship.
Well until his ship sank down while battling an enemy Kagoan Paladin captain  intended to destroy the family by holy right.
The paladin didn't make it and his crew became pirates, maybe they are still alive by now?

   So the crabs, will we sea them in this journey? 

Crabs live on the sea-floor and the sandy beaches so no we will not see them.

 And the octopuses? 

I don't think they live at this part of the world.  
Athedia
Badger tried to calm down but the boat lurched as an off wave knocked against it.  With that she left her companions to the sides of the boats and huddled out of the way in the center.  Not that the boat was any calmer there, but she didn't have to worry about falling over the side at least.

Naga curled up beside her whimpering.  Both had a look in there faces that seemed to wish that this was all a horrible dream.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias quickly climbed up the mast towards the crow's nest, enjoying the strange mix of calmness and excitement that heights always gave him.

Up there,  smiling as the waves made the ship sway (and oblivious to The Badger's discomfort),  the young man couldn't help; but think to himself   "I could get used to this"  
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneered and joined Badger by the base of the mast at the centre of the ship, the salty air already taking the same effect as before and dulling her mind. She wasn't seasick, but the extra salt intake seemed to create a fairly lethargic gobliness with glazed-over eyes and lack of focus and apparent trouble thinking. She muttered under her breath as she looped an arm with Badger's and rested a head on the human's shoulder.

 "Lets makea deal, you let me know if any of the sea-starved guys start givin us trouble, 'nd i'll do the trouble of jumpin around 'nd stabbing them. just... point me in the right direction or somethin... 
Athedia
The rocking of the ship, though making her queasy was slowly lulling Badger to sleep.  Wouldn't be to bad either,  if the ship sank and she was asleep, seemed rather peaceful.  Normally these thoughts would disturb Badger, but at the moment the sounded nice.  No longer having her stomach threaten to journey outside of her body sounded nice as well.   "Naga can lead.  I think he can smell."   Naga didn't look to happy, the poor dog was sneezing as the salt spray occasionally in the air hit their faces.
Silverraptor
Sora, while stumbling a bit with the rocking of the boat, is for the most part managing quite well in the swaying of the boat. Upon seeing Badger not doing well, she hurries over and bends down to her.
 "Are you okay, Badger?" 
Athedia
Badger looked up blearily at the figure in front of her.   "Sora? That you?  Please tell me mercy killings are allowed by Astrid." 
Silverraptor
Sora half chuckles , half sighs and goes to sit next to Badger.
 "No. Not unless the most extenuating circumstances is that allowed." 
She looks over Badger and Naga.
 "We could ask the captain for some potions of curing sea sickness. They should have some for the passengers and sailors that may get sea sick. And if we get a potion for you and Naga, we can try to see if the resistance spell helps keep you from getting seasick in the future." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Now,"  says Jadeite,  "A mercy killing won't do you much good. Here, I got you some good food." 

Jadeite has indeed brought a tray of good food. A tray of extremely thick, rich food that is not at all suited for someone suffering from nausea.

Interestingly, Hemlock doesn't appear as alert as he normally is.

 
 Spoiler 
Have to run errands and then go kayaking. Will post as soon as I can.
 
Silverraptor
Sora looks disapproving at the elf.
 "Why do you have to be that way Jadeite?" 
super dark33
Surdrak euphorically stares at the horizon, discussing sea-related things with his closest friend.

Upon the mention of food, Surdrak twirls the required degrees to face the main mass of the group and walk forward.

 This whole trip reminds me of my uncle! And I think I'm starting to miss him, which is weird, I never felt that way before... 

Surdrak frowned.

 Aw I made myself sad... 

He went back into his former position, stunned with these new feelings.
You see, in his homeland, when a family member died or turned crazy, they would be burnt with little more then a farewell.
Looks like Surdrak's stay at Runite will make him realise what other horrors are terrifying and wrong?
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
 Sora looks disapproving at the elf.
 "Why do you have to be that way Jadeite?"  
 

 "What way? I'm simply providing food to someone clearly ill and unable to walk to the mess hall. I'm such a good friend." 

Less than a minute later, a hobgoblin sailor, his dingy hair hidden in a bandana, comes over with a few bottles, each filled with a thick green liquid. He passes them around, saying,  "This should help." 

Shortly afterwards, the group hears a high-pitched female voice shriek from belowdeck,  "What the heck is that giant flying lizard?!" 
Athedia
Badger stumbled upright, nursing the bottle.  The potion inside tasted nasty, but helped keep her organs from shifted more than they already were.   "Alim, Jadeite, NOT Surdrak come with me.  You handle Kheel, I can talk to the girl.  Alim make sure Jadeite does NOT terrorize the passengers. 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite gives his best innocent angelic expression (which is a frighteningly convincing one) before following Alim and Badger to the source of the shriek.


It's belowdeck, dark, with only the occasional everburning torch to light the cabins. Jadeite and Alim have little trouble navigating the dark, but Badger occasionally stumbles in the half-light, especially since the ship is more obviously creaking and swaying belowdeck. Still, the wood is tight; there's no chance of a leak being sprung.

As they go into one of the many supply rooms, they see a halfling woman with curly red hair, trembling and brandishing a long wooden pole at a dark shape in the corner. Looking more closely, as their eyes adjust, Badger, Jadeite, and Alim see Kheel hunched over two barrels, both torn open with their contents spilled onto the ground. He's sitting in a barrel's worth of spilled gold pieces, while devouring strips of salt pork, the contents of the second battle.
Athedia
 "Why was he left alone down here? If Leif hears about this..."  Badger left the sentence unfinished as she gestured for someone to fix this disaster.  Gently she made her way to the halfling woman, hands held up to show no harm.   "Did he hurt you?  If those barrels are yours I am sure we can figure something out.  I will personally make sure he is closely watched for the rest of the journey, even if I have to deal with it myself."   As she said this the boat lurched again and she quickly took a swig of the potion, grimacing as the liquid coursed through her body.
CoffeeIncluded
 "What--is--that--THING?!"  the woman gasps out as Badger tries to calm her down.

  "Kheel, what are you doing?"   Jadeite hisses in Draconic and Hemlock just hisses as Kheel tears another large bite out of the salted pork.

  "Meat! Meat and shinies!"   Kheel says through the dried meat hanging halfway out of his jaws. At least he's keeping his tail curled up behind him, where nobody could accidentally scratch themselves on the venomous stinger.
Athedia
Badger sighed and watched the wyvern gleefully eating the salted pork.   "An overgrown scary looking child.  He is a witness in a recent crime and we are the fortunate souls who get to babysit him until his guardian is healthy again."   For some reason Badgers cheerful tone seemed fake and grating.
CoffeeIncluded
Having devoured approximately a half dozen pounds of dried pork, Kheel proceeds to lick the salt off his claws and the inside of the barrel with his long forked tongue.

The halfling sailor just looks at Kheel, then at Badger, then at Kheel again.
Draconi Redfir
 "Yeah... you go do.... eye'll watch things here..." 

Elsee groans as she put the bottle to her head after taking a quick drink of the foul green fluid, she was pretty sure it was just for seasickness wich this wasn't, but screw it, better to try and fail then not try at all right?
CoffeeIncluded
After ushering Kheel into Elsee and Alim's now-cramped cabin, the rest of the first day passes with little incident. There's rather less salted pork for dinner than there would have been, but nobody's starving so things work out okay. The nights are warm and oddly quiet, nearly cloudless with skies dusted with stars. The twin moons of Aequar are both nearly full, one waxing while the other is waning, and it's thankfully easy for the sailors to navigate.

The next day the waves are somewhat choppier, their tips starting to turn frothy and white. Walking along the deck, the rest of the group can see Jadeite hunched over the railing.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot and maybe listen checks, please.
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (1d20+8)[ 19 ] 
Listen:  (1d20+8)[ 12 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Badger can hear Jadeite muttering something in Elven, and then the sound of him throwing up behind his draped veil of hair.

 
 Spoiler 
  "Reduced to this..."  
 


She also sees something on the horizon, getting closer.
CoffeeIncluded
Badger and Elsee see the shape moving closer to them, and soon enough Jadeite and Sora can see it too.

It's a ship, a decently sized ship, limping towards them. The ship is in terrible shape, and looks worse the closer it gets. The masts are heavily damaged, with one completely smashed, snapped and fallen over like a twig, crushing the room beneath it. Portions of the railing and hull are charred and chipped and in some cases completely broken through, exposing dark rooms inside. These charred spaces look as though a fire broke out on the ship, in several spots, but in very specific and localized spots. Is it even fire at all?

Regardless, the ship is in such terrible shape that it's a wonder it's still able to move forward. And move forward it does, sailing towards the group and the ship at the same pace. And when the ship's only a couple hundred feet away they can see about a half dozen figures standing by the busted railing, leaning out and looking out to the group.
Athedia
 "Either pirates, or those in need of rescue.  But with that damage even pirates would want rescue." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee glares at the visible individuals on the other ship and slowly draws her Kurkri as she hides herself behind a small wall serving as the guard rail to prevent people from falling overbord. She didn't like the look of that ship, something was glaringly wrong with it...
Athedia
Badger eyed the small goblin as she disappeared behind a wall.  Well might as well check if they were honest or not.  After all better to have a little warning before they attacked, and if they did, well she was feeling better from the potion and didn't want that to wear out before they were done.

 "What ship are you?  Where are you from?"   Badger shouted across the open water.

 
 Spoiler 
Disadvantages of being on a computer at night at home.  The cat decides that this is the perfect time to socialize with me.  EVEN THOUGH HE HAS HAD ALL DAY!  And he just almost deleted this post after I typed the exclamation point.  😡
 
CoffeeIncluded
Badger's question seems to be lost on the wind. As the ship closes, the group can see nine figures, all wielding  various weapons and tattered armor.

And as they get closer, the group sees the sailors on the heavily damaged ship hoist a flag on the one remaining mast. The flag is black, with a stark white skull and crossbones emblazoned on the front.

 
 Spoiler 
Map and initiative coming in a bit.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Badger's yell broke Artorias out of the half-concious state he had drifted into, carefully leaning over ghe edge of the Crow's nest Artorias cursed as the unmistakable black flag came into view.

He quickly drew his glaive while mentally preparing for the battle to come.

 
 Spoiler 

I forgot to post my readied maneuvers,  is it ok if I use the following set:
Sudden Leap
Steel Wind
Rabid wolf strike.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Five of the pirates fire their bows as one as two (a halfling and human) wait and an elf steps back and casts a spell. The pirates are not aiming at the group hanging by the railing, but at the ship, and all but one hit. And as they hit the wood of the ship, the group sees that there are strong wires attacked to the bows, lashing one ship to the other. And the pirates are using this to draw themselves into the merchant's ship.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 11 ] 
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 24 ] 
Attack:  (d20+7)[ 9 ] 
Attack:  (d20+7)[ 20 ] 
Attack:  (d20+7)[ 24 ] 
 


Initiative:
 
 Spoiler 
Surdrak:  (d20+3)[ 11 ] 
Jadeite:  (d20+2)[ 17 ] 
Badger:  (d20+4)[ 5 ] 
Sora:  (d20+2)[ 10 ] 
Artorias:  (d20+2)[ 21 ] 
Elsee:  (d20+4)[ 14 ] 
Alim:  (d20+3)[ 21 ] 
Pirates 1:  (d20+1)[ 20 ] 
Pirates 2:  (d20+2)[ 17 ] 
Pirates 3:  (d20+3)[ 13 ] 
 


Initiative order:
 
 Spoiler 
Artorias and Alim
Pirates 1
Jadeite
Pirates 2
Elsee
Pirates 3
Sora, Surdrak, Badger
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
sorry about this since but since it is hard for me to get on the forums for a few days i givecontrol of badger to coffee
 
Silverraptor
Sora ducks down, panic setting in.
 "I don't get it! Their ship is practically a wreck, why would they attack us?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Precisely,"  says Jadeite.  "They want the ship." 

As the ship gets closer, the group can see the pirates--two humans with short bows, a human with a longbow, two humans with longbows and long swords, a Half-Orc with a greataxe, an elf in robes with a parrot on his shoulder hanging back behind the rest of the group, and a halfling, the holy symbol of Tiden the water god around his neck, racing to steer Their damaged ship towards the groups.

 
 Spoiler 
my notes are on my laptop so I can't update until I get home.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias drops the glaive and draw his bow' knocking an arrow he aims towards the elf with the parrot and let's his arrow fly.

 
 Spoiler 

Attacking the elf, which I assume is at (14,K) which means he is within my longbow range.
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 20 ] 
Crit confirmation  (1d20+6)[ 15 ] 
Damage  (1d8)[ 8 ] 
 

 "Get the casters first!" 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias's arrow strikes true, slamming just below the Elf's shoulder and knocking him off his feet with a muffled shout. His parrot takes to the air, squawking something obscene as the elf, blood dribbling from his mouth and the wound, staggers to his feet.

 
 Spoiler 
dont need my notes to know that hit, and hit for a lot. Elf mages generally aren't the most durable v

Alim is up.
 
Devmaar
Alim runs to a position alongside Elsee, drawing his sling he launches a stone at Ro2.

 
 Spoiler 
Could you tell us what the abbreviations for the pirates mean Coffee?

Knowledge: Local  (1d20+10)[ 22 ] 

Attack  (1d20+7)[ 27 ] 

Damage  (1d3+3)[ 6 ]  (cunning insight)

Knowledge Devotion adds +2 attack and damage and I'll go roll a crit confirm 🙂
 
CoffeeIncluded
Alim's stone smashes into the lean archer's forehead with a resounding crack, leaving a welt trickling blood. The archer growls.

The halforc moves back, draws a longbow, and fires it at Alim. The two burly humans in half-plate shoot their longbows at Artorias, realizing that he probably poses the greater threat.

 
 Spoiler 

Half orc (B) attacks Alim
Attack:  (d20+5)[ 8 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 8 ] 

F1 attacks Artorias:
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 23 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 4 ] 

F2 attacks Artorias:
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 11 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 8 ] 
 


The half-orc's arrow skates above Alim's head to lodge itself nearly an inch deep into the wood behind him.

One of the arrows fired at Artorias gets stuck in the crow's nest and leaves barely more than a scratch, doesn't even break skin, but the other punches a hole through the top of his forearm.
CoffeeIncluded
With a grimace, Jadeite pulls himself up off the railing, and fires two orbs at the elf in the back.

 
 Spoiler 
magic missile
 (d4+1)[ 3 ] 
 (d4+1)[ 3 ] 
 


Both orbs slam into the Elf's throat and with a rattled noise, he hits the deck, unconscious.

 
 Spoiler 
elf sorcerer had 13 HP. That put him at exactly -1
 
CoffeeIncluded
The larger human with a longbow in studded leather armor nocks two arrows and lets them fly--one at Jadeite, the other at Artorias.

 
 Spoiler 
Arrow 1 at Jadeite:
Attack:  (d20+5)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 3 ] 

Arrow 2 at Artorias:
Attack:  (d20+5)[ 21 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 4 ] 
 


Both arrows hit their targets, Jadeite staggers a few feet.

The elf gurgles; his throat is starting to turn blue.

The halfling cleric looks back at the dying spellcaster, figures that he's probably not going to actually die in the next second, and continues steering his battered ship towards the merchant galley.

 
 Spoiler 
Elsee's turn.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee remains hidden behind the wood serving as a guardrail for the ship, occasionally peeking up to grab a quick glance of the pirates. Without a ranged weapon she really wasn't much use in this type of fight. Once one of them boarded using those ziplines of theirs though, she was in.

 
 Spoiler 

readied action to sneak attack the first pirate that boards the ship, staying hidden for the time being. Most likely will only get one attack, but I’ll roll two just incase a pirate shows up either right next to or only five feet away from her.

Attack 1: (1d20+6)[ 22 ]
damage:(1d3+2)[ 3 ]
Sneak attack: (2d6)[ 8 ]

Attack 2: (1d20+6)[ 10 ]
damage: (1d3+2)[ 4 ]
 
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee runs and hides behind the railing, twirling her blades and waiting for the right moment to strike.

The two remaining pirates fire their shortbows at Alim and Artorias.

 
 Spoiler 
Ro1 attacks Alim:
Attack:  (d20+7)[ 8 ] 
Crit: [roll]d20+7[/roll
Damage:  (d6)[ 5 ] 

Ro2 attacks Artorias:
Attack:  (d20+7)[ 9 ] 
Crit: [roll]d20+7[/roll
Damage:  (d6)[ 5 ] 
 


Both arrows are fired weakly--perhaps the archers are thrown off balance as their ship lurches towards the party's--and harmlessly splash into the water.
CoffeeIncluded
Badger's seasick and in a foul mood.  "Oh, big mistake!"  She raises her shortbow and fires two arrows at the other ranger--she recognizes the combat style as similar to her own.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+7)[ 15 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 7 ]  (9 because of favored enemy)

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 11 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 7 ] 

Heheh, these rolls look familiar.
 


One misses, but the other buries itself in the ranger's leg.

Surdrak simply grins, sharp and toothy, as a low chuckle arises from deep within his chest. He seems to stagger back, then launches himself forward and launches a red-black tendril of...something...towards the cleric.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 7 ] 
Damage (halflingbane):  (4d6)[ 11 ] 

I have no clue how to play a warlock. Please tell me if I screwed up.
 


Surdrak's enthusiasm fails to compensate for his aim, and he misses. Wildly.

 
 Spoiler 
Sora's turn, then Alim and Artorias's.
 
Silverraptor
Sora focuses, holding her amulet tightly in her hand.
 Astrid, Bless my friends in this fight!" 

(In case it wasn't obvious, she casted Bless.😉)
CoffeeIncluded
As Sora casts her spell, Alim, Artorias, Jadeite, Badger, Elsee, and Surdrak feel themselves surging with a sudden rush of courage.

Just then, the hobgoblin sailor from before runs out from belowdeck with a loaded crossbow. He says,  "I don't care what the captain said, I'm not leaving you guys to fight these pirates alone!"  Though he's clearly not used to combat, he still manages to level the crossbow and fire it at the pirates.

 
 Spoiler 
Attacks Ro2, and he's affected by Bless as well.
Attack:  (d20+3)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 5 ] 
 


The hobgoblin whoops as his bolt just manages to punch a hole through the pirate's armor.

 
 Spoiler 
Devmaar and Dusk, you guys are up!
 
Dusk Eclipse
Narrowing his eyes, Artorias lets fly another arrow this time directed at the helmsman (helmshalfling?).

 
 Spoiler 

Attacking the halfling  (1d20+6)[ 25 ]  bless bonus already factored in
Crit confirmation  (1d20+6)[ 21 ] 
Damage (1d8)[ 4 ] 
 


The isntant the arrow leaves his hand Artorias dives for cover, hopingnthe railing will protect him somewhat.
 
 Spoiler 

 Free action to drop prone  behind the railings to get  +4 AC (total 21) vs. ranged Attacks 

HP 24/32 AC 21 (vs. ranged attacks) AC 13 (vs. Melee attacks)
18/20 arrows remaining
 
CoffeeIncluded
The halfling cleric staggers back from the blow of the arrow.

 
 Spoiler 
Alim's turn.
 
Devmaar
Alim flings another stone at the same target (Ro2)
 
 Spoiler 
Attack  (1d20+10)[ 15 ] 
 Damage  (1d20+5)[ 12 ]  (cunning insight)  oops...
 
CoffeeIncluded
The stone skates by the archer, clipping his ear but not actually hitting.

 
 Spoiler 
Just barely missed.
 


With the ship closer, the half orc with the greataxe and two humans with longswords step back, then run forward, leaping over the railings and attempting to clear the gap and board the merchant ship.

 
 Spoiler 
B jump:  (d20+9)[ 17 ] 
F1 jump:  (d20+10)[ 14 ] 
F2 jump:  (d20+10)[ 15 ] 
 


All three make it onto the railing, but cannot go farther. The half orc and one of the humans just barely avoid landing on top of Badger and Sora.

 
 Spoiler 
All three are flatfooted until they can get off the railing.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite's eyes widen. He steps away from the railing and casts a protective enchantment around himself.

 
 Spoiler 
Casts Mage Armor.
 


Elsee reflexively cuts into the half orc. One blade misses, but the other sinks in deep.

 
 Spoiler 
11 damage to F1. From now on, Elsee goes with Jadeite in the initiative order.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The cleric runs away from the help and stabilizes the sorcerer, preventing him from bleeding out. He watches the battle cautiously, ready to give other orders as needed. But so far things seem to be going to plan--at least the way the look on his face suggests.

Meanwhile, the three archers continue putting arrows into the air.

 
 Spoiler 
Ra attacks Elsee
Attack:  (d20+5)[ 21 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 5 ] 

Attack:  (d20+5)[ 25 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 4 ] 

Ro1 and Ro2 both attack Badger
Attack:  (d20+7)[ 11 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 4 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 14 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 4 ] 
 


The arrows miss Badger, but the third pirate's arrows ram into Elsee's chest. She's still standing, but only just.

 
 Spoiler 
Sora's up. ELSEE IS AT 2 HP.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The half Orc can't quite make the jump; his finger scrabble at the railing as he tries to grab hold.

 
 Spoiler 
i forgot the pirates were jumping over their own railing too. The half Orc just missed the dc.

Reflex:  (d20+2)[ 19 ] 
 


His fingers find purchase, and he manages to keep hold, swinging from one arm

 
 Spoiler 
needless to say, he's flat footed.
 
CoffeeIncluded
With a worried shout at the state of Elsee's wounds, Badger fires two retaliatory shots at the ranger, hoping to bring him down before he kills Elsee--or someone else.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+7)[ 8 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 4 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 5 ] 
 


Surdrak dances back on his feet, then with a look that could be either a grin or a snarl launches another eldritch blast at the ranger as well.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (4d6)[ 14 ] 
 


All three attacks miss, Surdrak's just barely.

 
 Spoiler 
Sora's turn.
 
Silverraptor
Sora peaks up at the pirates on the rail before running to Elsee. Holding her amulet in one hand, she reaches out and places her hand over the Goblin's wound.
 "Cure Moderate Wounds!" 
The words of the 'Zone of Truth' leave her mind as the spell is converted into the healing spell.

 
 Spoiler 
 (2d8+4)[ 10 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The hobgoblin grits his teeth and fires off another crossbow bolt at the ranger.  "I'm here for you guys!"  he shouts.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+3)[ 11 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 8 ] 
 


Like all the other projectiles, however, this one goes wide.

With a loud  CRRSSHH!!  of shattering glass, Kheel charges through the window, just above the heads of the party, and swoops down onto the human pirated that Elsee just stabbed.

 
 Spoiler 
Charge at F1.
Attack:  (d20+10)[ 26 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+2)[ 9 ] 
Grapple:  (d20+8)[ 28 ] 
Opposed grapple:  (d20+6)[ 18 ] 
 


With a great roar, high-pitched still but deeper or louder than any other the party has ever heard, Kheel plunges his talons deep into the human's waist and easily lifts him off the ground. The pirates all rear back in shock at the wyvern's sudden appearance, and suddenly seem less sure of themselves than before.

 
 Spoiler 
Alim and Artorias are up.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "That sounded like... Kheel?!"  Artorias inches towards the edge and manages to see the "little" Wyvern savagely attacking the pirate. A plan quickly forms in his head and he quietly says to himself.
 "Dad is right, maybe I'm nuts"  with those words he quickly stands up while grabbing his discarded glaive and without a second thought he leaps towards the deck of the ship bringing his glaive down in an arc over the Orc's head.

 
 Spoiler 

Move Action: Stand Up
Free Action: drop bow
Standard Action: Grab glaive
Swift Action: Sudden Leap  (1d20+12)[ 29 ]  to land in 15W
Tumble check to reduce  falling damage damage  (1d20+13)[ 26 ] 
Charge attack for double damage Power attacking for 3
 (1d20+6)[ 16 ]  3 str + 2 charge bonus + 1 MTW glaive
Damage:  (2d10+21)[ 30 ]  (5 str bonus +6 Power attack)*2 due battle jump
 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias leaps over the crow's nest and plummets down faster than seemingly possible, swinging his glaive in a vicious arc and bringing it crashing down into the half-orc, plunging the metal blade several inches deep into the half-orc's shoulder. Blood spurts out and the half-orc howls in pain; he remains conscious and clinging to the railing, but only barely.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Hello beastie!"  Artorias grins savagely.

 
 Spoiler 
Holy carp that dude has lots of HP!
 
Devmaar
Alim moves to W19, taking what looks like a small button from his belt pouch. He then flings the item between the 2 nearest archers.

 
 Spoiler 
Flash Pellet
Attack  (1d20-1)[ 10 ]  against AC 5 as targeting a square
If a hit, Ro1 and Ro2 make DC 15 fort saves or are blinded for a round and then dazzled for a round.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The two archers shout in surprise and try to keep their eyes open after the blinding light sears them.

 
 Spoiler 
Ro1 Fort:  (d20+2)[ 9 ] 
Ro2 Fort:  (d20+2)[ 17 ] 
 


One staggers back, temporarily blinded by the light, while the other manages to close his eyes in time and remain sighted.

The half-orc growls at Artorias' quip, then with a roar and a surge of strength tries to pull himself up the railing of the ship.

 
 Spoiler 
Climb:  (d20+12)[ 15 ] 

Oh, and he rages. You thought he had a lot of HP before?

No sneak attacking against him, he's got Uncanny Dodge.
 


The barbarian claws his way onto the railing, chopping into it with his greataxe for leverage.

The human caught in Kheel's talons thrashes and, panicking, tries to pry himself from the wyvern's grip.

 
 Spoiler 
Grapple:  (d20+6)[ 23 ] 
Opposed grapple:  (d20+8)[ 17 ] 
 


He manages to slip his hands in between Kheel's talons, press himself against Kheel's waist, and slowly pry the talons open and himself free. The human lands heavily to the ground, wounded but alive. He then runs off the balcony and onto the ship.
CoffeeIncluded
With a mighty roar, from the pain of his wounds and anger at not being able to reach Artorias, the half-orc swings his greataxe at Badger, the mighty weapon driven by his strength and rage.

 
 Spoiler 
Power Attack -1/+2
Attack:  (d20+8)[ 27 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (d12+9)[ 15 ] 
 


The half-orc cuts deep into Badger, an ugly wound that, had it penetrated just a half-inch more, could very well have been fatal.

The second human pirate, however, steps off the railing, ducks under Artorias's glaive, and slashes down in a long arc.

 
 Spoiler 
Power Attack -2/+2
Attack:  (d20+5)[ 13 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (d8+5)[ 9 ] 

No AoO because he just did a 5 foot step.
 


Artorias whirls to the side--the longsword cuts off a decent chunk of his hair, but little more.
CoffeeIncluded
Staring in alarm at the raging half-orc, extremely aware what even one swing of that axe could do all his allies, much less to him, Jadeite steps back, mutters an incantation under his breath, and shouts the last word of the spell with a quick flair of his fingers. "Grease!" 

Most of the spell falls into the water, covering the ocean with a sheen, but the railing of the ship becomes shiny and slippery--as does the deck right below the half-orc.

 
 Spoiler 
Reflex:  (d20+2)[ 8 ] 
 


The half-orc almost comically flails on the greasy, slippery deck before slipping over, his feet almost flying into the air, as he lands hard on his back.

 
 Spoiler 
Elsee's turn.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee's eyes darted from the fighter above her to the fallen half-orc and back again, the Wyvern was within range to keep the fighter occupied, and Sora was right next to her with hopefully another healing spell at the ready. despite being prone, the barbarian was definitely the bigger threat, Elsee licked her lips and quickly plunged her Kurkri into the half-orc's hide.

 
 Spoiler 

Adding +1 bonus for flanking.

Attack 1: (1d20+7)[ 18 
damage: (1d3+2)[ 5 ]

Sneak attack: (2d6)[ 6 ]

Attack 2: (1d20+7)[ 17 ]
Damage: (1d3+2)[ 3 ]

(i think i can sneak attack once per attack rather then once per round. can anybody confirm/deny this? Ignore this if it's not the case.)
Sneak attack: (2d6)[ 7 ]
 
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee plunges her daggers into the half-orc's throat, killing him instantly. He barely even has time to let out a gurgle, much less a scream.

 
 Spoiler 
You get to sneak attack with every attack. That's why TWFing is so much fun for rogues! My roguebuckler in the game I'm playing is a TWFer.
 


Frustrated at the human tearing himself free of Kheel's grasp, almost angered by how they fight back, Kheel tries to chomp down onto the human fighter's head.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+8)[ 9 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+2)[ 11 ] 
 


Kheel's jaws snap down hard, but only on empty air and a bit of shoulder padding--the pirate had rolled out of the way at the last minute.
CoffeeIncluded
With a cry at the death of his strongest sailor, the cleric channels another healing spell into the unconscious sorcerer. As the elf wakes, the halfling shouts,  "Get them!" 
 
 Spoiler 
 (d8+5)[ 11 ] 
 


The elf sees the scene and immediately obliges, launching a spell at Elsee and Sora. Though initially appearing harmless, soon both rogue and cleric feel incredible drowsiness wash over them.

 
 Spoiler 
Sleep spell cast.
Elsee will:  (d20+1)[ 9 ] 
Sora will:  (d20+7)[ 14 ] 
 


Elsee slumps over, asleep, and Sora feels the magic of the spell fade, expended on the goblin.
CoffeeIncluded
Seeing the state of the goblin, the ranger leaves it to his comrades to finish her off and instead, after much hesitation, decides to fire both arrows at Artorias.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+5)[ 10 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (d20+5)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 7 ] 
 


One misses, while the other plunges into Artorias' shoulder.

The two rogues try to finish off Elsee, the blinded one following his partner's lead.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+7)[ 8 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 1 ]  plus sneak attack:  (2d6)[ 12 ] 

Listen:  (d20+7)[ 25 ] 
If successful, then attack:
Attack:  (d20+7)[ 14 ] 
Crit:  (d10+7)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 5 ] 
Miss on 1:  (d2)[ 1 ] 
 


Both arrows fly over the sleeping goblin's head, and she remains both un-pincushioned and fast asleep.

 
 Spoiler 
Sora, Badger, and Surdrak are up. Since Athedia and Super Dark are coming back today, I'm handing over control of their characters back to them.

You can wake up Elsee with a standard action.
 
Athedia
Badger quickly glanced around surveying the area of the fight.  Jadeite had blocked off her escape behind her, unless she felt like falling into the ocean below.   And the fighter blocked her movements to her front.   And her side hurt,  a lot.  Looking down she was shocked to realize that her shirt was not damp from the ocean spray, but from a redder, thicker liquid.

She stepped backward raising her bow against the man ahead of her.  Spitting out some blood, the axe had most smashed into her ribs, she growled.  "Sea's bad enough, you go rot."   She didn't set an arrow in the bow, instead gesturing with it toward the other ship.   "Better yet.  Trap."   The moss, lichen and wood on the ship began to sprout, climbing the sides and latching on to all who it encountered.  Badger winced as she saw it attacking Elsee and Kheel, she hadn't realized the spell would spread this far.  At the same time a rush ran through her.  This spell would make captures that much easier, and help control riots.  Funny how in the midst of battle, work was still on her mind.

 
 Spoiler 
Entangle, details discussed already.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Seaweed, green and slippery and viney, shoots up from under the sea and crawls its way up the pirate ship and threads through the railing and over to ther merchant ship and moves along the deck and ensnares every living being it touches. The entire pirate ship is covered, turning from brown to a damp green.

Elsee, sound asleep, is held fast, but everyone else tries to avoid the vines.

 
 Spoiler 
Kheel reflex:  (d20+6)[ 9 ] 
Ra reflex:  (d20+6)[ 11 ] 
Ro1 reflex:  (d20+7)[ 25 ] 
Ro2 reflex:  (d20+7)[ 13 ] 
 


Kheel is snared by the vines, as he thrashes and snaps at them trying to break free. One of the rogues manages to avoid getting fully ensnared, but the other rogue and the ranger are held fast.
super dark33
Surdrak yells a Drow Racist remark regarding elves, and positions himself to launch another mighty splash of ink at the cleric.


 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+6)[ 12 ] 
 (4d6)[ 12 ]  only two mortalbane blasts remain.
 
Silverraptor
Sora watches as the sleeping goblin is entangled. Knowing that, even if she awakens the goblin, she'll still be stuck, she needed to do break free still. So instead of waking, Sora prays as her amulet glows.
 "Astrid, protect my companion with this sanctuary while I help others!" 

(Sora cast sanctuary on Elsee)

Once the spell is complete, she hurries over to Badger and Artorias ready to heal them.
CoffeeIncluded
The halfling cries out as the ink corrodes into his flesh.

 
 Spoiler 
alim and Artorias are up.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias carefully shifts his stance and footing moving away from the grasping tendrils of seaweed while keeping the pirate within his blade's reach. With a beast-like roar Artorias lungesvatbthe human(?) with every intention of endingnhis life right there.

 
 Spoiler 

5 ft. Step to 17, Y
Standard Action:  Rabid Wolf Strike 
Attack  (1d20+8)[ 25 ]  (7 attack bonus-3 Power Attack+4RWS=8)
Crit Confirmation  (1d20+8)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (1d10+11)[ 19 ] + (2d6)[ 6 ] 
AC 13 (due RWS) HP 17
 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias throws his entire weight into the thrust, and is rewarded with a scream and a sickly organic sound as he buries his weapon deep into his foe. And yet the pirate still stands.

 
 Spoiler 
Alim's turn. Elsee's helpless and in melee range of a pirate, in case it affects your decision any.
 
Devmaar
[Draconic] Kheel! Protect Elsee! [/Draconic]

Alim draws his longsword and 5' steps to W18. Swinging his longsword at the pirate he presses a catch on the hilt and a stream of liquid fire pours down the blade.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 16 ]  cunning insight
Damage:  (1d6+1)[ 6 ]  +  (1d6)[ 3 ]  fire damage (activating the quickflame in my capsule retainer)
 
CoffeeIncluded
If Badger hadn't cast her entangling spell, Alim's attack would have missed. As it is, she cast the spell, the human pirate couldn't duck out of the way quickly enough, and the fire from Alim's blade softens his breastplate enough that his longsword punches through into the human's chest. He sinks to the ground, bleeding out.

Growling, the other human in a breastplate raises his longsword to finish off Elsee--and then hesitates. There's a force pushing him back--whispering at him for the unsportsmanship of killing a sleeping goblin? But that doesn't make any sense. Why should he have qualms about this?

 
 Spoiler 
Will:  (d20+1)[ 20 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Kheel snarls and tries to grab hold of the human again, tries to snare him from killing Elsee.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+8)[ 11 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+2)[ 7 ] 
Grapple:   (d20+8)[ 9 ] 
Opposed grapple:  (d20+6)[ 9 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The human ducks under Kheel's talons and stabs Elsee.

 
 Spoiler 
I feel bad about this, but I warned you guys and did everything possible to stop this. If you had just woken her, which I had given you  several  opportunities to do, this wouldn't have happened.

Damage:  (d8+3)[ 11 ] 
 (d8+3)[ 7 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
"That's for Harrik!" The human screams as he plunges the sword into Elsee in rage, killing her.

Jadeite stares, but doesn't take long to react. He says, in a voice of pure ice,  "And this is for Elsee." 
 
 Spoiler 
will:  (d20+1)[ 19 ] 
 


But the human manages to shake off the spell.
CoffeeIncluded
With a mournful enraged howl, Kheel launches himself at the human.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+8)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (d6+3)[ 9 ] 
Fort:  (d20+5)[ 11 ] 
Poison damage:  (d10)[ 4 ] 

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 28 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+3)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 25 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d8+1)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 9 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (2d8+3)[ 10 ] 
 


He launches himself at the human in a flurry of teeth and claws, ripping him to shreds. By the time Kheel's done, the wyvern and the deck and the railing and the seaweed and what's left of the pirate are all coated crimson.
CoffeeIncluded
Gritting his teeth, the halfling cleric claps his hands together and tries to grant a bit of magical courage to his crew, as theirs is flagging after seeing their own comrades so gruesomely killed by the wyvern.

 
 Spoiler 
Concentration:  (d20+8)[ 28 ] 
Casts Bless
 


Everybody on the ship finds themselves flagging with a bit more energy.

The elf sorcerer stares at Sora, then launches a spell over her head, trying to draw the cleric into slumber and out of the fight.

 
 Spoiler 
Concentration:  (d20+7)[ 9 ] 
Sleep will save:  (d20+7)[ 16 ] 
 


The seaweed slips between the elf's fingers, and his spell fizzles as he's unable to form the gestures smoothly enough.

All three archers try to move against the seaweed, fire their arrows, and bring down Kheel.

 
 Spoiler 
Ranger:
Attack:  (d20+3)[ 15 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 4 ] 

Attack:  (d20+3)[ 21 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 1 ] 

Rogue 1:
Reflex:  (d20+6)[ 8 ] 
Attack:  (d20+7)[ 11 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 1 ] 

Rogue 2:
Attack:  (d20+5)[ 10 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 4 ] 
Miss on 1:  (d2)[ 1 ] 
 


One arrow grazes against Kheel's wing, a bloody-seeming but ultimately superficial cut, but the other three miss entirely. The one remaining unentangled rogue finds the seaweed winding around his legs as well.

 
 Spoiler 
Everyone on the ship is entangled. They all have ranged attacks. Everybody is up. And I'm going to go for the hobgoblin now too.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Dammit! ****!"  screams the hobgoblin as he fires at the elf sorcerer.

 
 Spoiler 
I forgot to go for him last turn, so he's going twice now.

Attack:  (d20+3)[ 18 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (d20+3)[ 15 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 5 ] 
 


One misses, and the other buries deep into his thigh.

 
 Spoiler 
Everybody's turn.
 
Athedia
Badger's spell hugged the now dead goblin as words left her in shock.  She may have complained about Elsee, but of all the guild she felt closest to the little goblin.  She might not have been the brightest, strongest or most sensible of the lot, but she had guts.

Turning to look at the remainder of the pirates, she let out a fierce grin.  She had been prepared to offer them quarter before, but now a different justice would reign.

Her eyes focused on the one who seemed to be protecting, healing the others.  He would die first.

  
 Spoiler 
Just outside of Point Blank Range
Using Rapid Shot, on the Cleric

Attack 1:  (1d20+8)[ 17 ] 
Crit 1:   (1d20+8)[ 14 ] 
Damage 1:  (1d6+1)[ 2 ] 

Attack 2:  (1d20+8)[ 21 ] 
Crit 2:  (1d20+8)[ 18 ] 
Damage 2:  (1d6+1)[ 3 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Badger's arrows fly straight, but not deep. They barely penetrate the halfling captain's armor. But he seems shaky on his feet; he can't be up for much longer.

 
 Spoiler 
Surdrak, Sora, Alim, and Artorias are all up.
 
super dark33
Surdrak's eyes started glowing black, though more like sucking light into them.

  Well, See you later little goblin.
  
He aimed yet another spray of ink at the halfling cleric, and shouted a terrible racist remark regarding them.

 
 Spoiler 
No mortalbane this time.
 (1d20+6)[ 24 ] 
 (2d6)[ 8 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak's ink sears into the halfling, and he falls over with a cry.

 
 Spoiler 
And now we have the sorcerer and the archers.
 
super dark33
 You have no chance of winning. surrender now and you might be spared. 

Surdrak talks in a threatning tone.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+5)[ 18 ] 
 
Draconi Redfir
(( Juuust felt like making a quick out-post, i'll put it in a spoiler so it doesn't interupt the flow of things.))

 
 Spoiler 

It was fortunate Elsee was sleep at the time, while it didn't quite mesh together so smoothly, the last thing the little goblin could remember was offing a half-orc who had fallen on his ass thanks to a grease spell, then, from her perspective t least, she had felt a blunt collision against  her side, sending her over the railing of the ship and almost into the water itself. Elsee looked up as she dug her Kurkri into the wooden hull of the ship to see an Ogre had suddenly appeared on the ship, and had proceeded to smash the mast into splinters as she climbed. The Orge had turned it's attention elsewhere as Elsee finally reached the railing of the ship once more, the perfect opportunity. Elsee grinned as she locked her three eyes on the Ogre's back, and nimbly leaped off of the falling railing and onto the Ogre's back, using her  Kurkri as climbing tools, stabbing them into the flailing beast's hide as she climbed up to it's shoulders.

The Ogre howled in pain and flailed as the small goblin dug her blades into him, charging through the nearest wall in a rage in an attempt to shake her free. Elsee sneered as the Forrest branches scraped against her skin, the sound of a dragon's roar deafening her ears as she finally reached the Ogre's shoulders, offing it's head in a single blow of her father's Kurkri. The Ogre landed into the swampwarter with a loud “Crash!”, Elsee proudly propping one leg up on her prized kill and posing for the cheering fans and sketch artists, her long flowing green hair blowing in the summer wind.

It was then that her veiled groom-to-be approached her, roses in hand. Elsee's heart skipped a beat, and  she immediately turned around and ran, the open fields doing little to protect her from the oncoming arrows as pure luck alone saved her from impalement on the flying trees. Then, up ahead, a pool of water, she was saved! The goblin plugged her nose and dove as she approached, the force of landing in her chair knocking a  grunt out of her. Elsee blinked as she scanned the empty guild hall, where was everyone? She slowly began to stand before noticing the meal placed in front of her, holding all sorts of various meats and sweets, her favourite. Not one to turn down a good thing, Elsee  took the steak in her hands and proceeded to take a bite out it, the saltwater flavor into her mouth yet... not quite filling it. She took bite after bite, the steak vanishing into air just outside of her lips with each attempt. Somewhere behind her a door slammed open, urging the goblin to jump in her seat and turn to face the familiar figure, veiled in shadow as a bright light shone behind them. Silently the figure pointed towards her and opened it's mouth, shining teeth glowing through the shadows as the force of the impact sent Elsee flying backwards into the bar, and then, there was nothing.




Elsee blinked herself awake finally, moaning and rubbing her oddly sore heart. This... wasn't where she was before... Where was she?
 
CoffeeIncluded
The remaining pirates shudder, demoralized by the fight and fall of their captain.

 
 Spoiler 
Sorcerer:  (d20+5)[ 24 ] 
Ranger:  (d20+5)[ 21 ] 
Rogue 1:  (d20+4)[ 18 ] 
Rogue 2:  (d20+4)[ 6 ] 
 


However, all but the non-blinded rogue are able to shake off Surdrak's words.

 
 Spoiler 
Sora, Alim, and Artorias are up.
 
Silverraptor
Sora stared at the corpse of the goblin as she sat silently on her knees. Slowly the realization finally caught up to her and she suddenly felt a deep anger. She turned to look at the elf sorcerer who seemed to be the one calling the shots now and just wanted him gone! Dead! No longer in this world!

It was then that she noticed the weight of the crossbow she was given. She remembered shaking her head at the clerics as they insisted she take it with her. But now, she grabbed hold of the crossbow, quickly dropped a bolt into it, and fired at the elf sorcerer.
 
 Spoiler 
Annnnnnd... Sora does her first attack, EVER! Never thought this would happen.😁 Lets see how this turns out.

Attack: (1d20+5)[ 23 ] 
Damage: (1d8)[ 7 ] 

And Coffee, welcome to your first DM kill.
*sniff*
I'm so proud!😛
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Get them!"  the elf shouts, enraged.  "They're all wounded and we've still got a couple potions below--" 

But Sora's bolt pierces through his throat, cutting off the elf's sentence as he falls bleeding and unconscious to the ground.

 
 Spoiler 
Alim and Artorias are up. Only the ranger and rogues, all archers on the pirate ship, are still standing.
 
super dark33
 You can still surrender and this wont happen! 

Surdrak stated again, only this time he didnt have the power of the dice.


He felt so proud of Sora makeing her first act of aggresion, plus first kill!
Devmaar
Alim sees Elsee die and just... stops. He fumbles with his belt pouch as if looking for something but his eyes are still towards the other goblin. His mouth hangs open in shock.

 
 Spoiler 
Alim has never seen anyone die before, he spends this combat round getting over the shock.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias only heard the sound of steel piercing through green flesh  and an almost unaudible gasp. Everything seem to froze, even the fire in his veins gave pass to a chillinh calm as he vowed to himself and Mars to end the life of the scum that had killed Elsee.

Artorias removed his blade from the still warm body and rushed through the whirling,  grasping mass if seaweed, leaving a trail of crimson among the green. Just as he reached the edge of the ship he leap with all his might,  the ruby-stained blade flying alongside him.

 
 Spoiler 

Charge towards (17, s) jumping the gap between the ships
Attacking the ro1
Reflex save [roll]1d20+7 [/roll]
Jump check [roll]1d20+12 [/roll]
Attack [roll]1d20+6 [/roll] 7 +2(charge)-3 (power attack)
Crit confirmation [roll]1d20+6 [/roll]
Damage [roll]1d10+11 [/roll]
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler 

Charge towards (17, s) jumping the gap between the ships
Attacking the ro1
Reflex save  (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 
Jump check  (1d20+12)[ 15 ] 
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 24 ]  7 +2(charge)-3 (power attack)
Crit confirmation (1d20+6)[ 22 ] 
Damage [roll]1d10+11/roll]
 
CoffeeIncluded
The vines grasp and Artorias and the seaweed causes him to stumble, but rage powers him forward; Artorias leaps over the railing, over the gap between ships, and lands firmly on the pirate ship, plunging his blade into the blinded rogue.

 
 Spoiler 
Damage:  (d10+11)[ 13 ] 
 


It goes deep into his side, but is not quite lethal.

With a sadistic grin, Jadeite shouts to the ranger firing two arrows in the air at once,  "You like keeping your distance, I see? Allow me to remedy that!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Baleful Transposition.
Will:  (d20+4)[ 23 ] 

...Dammit, Jadeite! That would have been perfect too.
 


Jadeite curses as the ranger shudders and shifts forward, but manages to keep his distance and location.
CoffeeIncluded
With a roar, Kheel charges through the grasping mass of vines, powering through them even as they slow him down, and lashes out at the ranger, trying to snag him with his talons.

 
 Spoiler 
Charges as well.

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 28 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+3)[ 9 ] 
Grapple:  (d20+8)[ 15 ] 
Opposed grapple:  (d20+2)[ 10 ] 
 


Kheel plunges his talons in deep, effortlessly lifting the ranger off the ground, He squeezes tight, and the human screams as blood spurts from the punctures, very nearly lethal.
CoffeeIncluded
The ranger struggles and thrashes and tries to break free.

 
 Spoiler 
Grapple:  (d20+2)[ 5 ] 
Opposed Grapple:  (d20+6)[ 11 ] 
 


But Kheel squeezes and manages to maintain his grasp.

The two rogues, one blinded, both badly wounded and entangled, panic, not knowing whom to strike. Eventually, one steps back and they both fire at Artorias, starting to realize just how screwed they are.

 
 Spoiler 
Ro1:
Attack:  (d20+8)[ 16 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 4 ] 
Miss on 1:  (d2)[ 1 ] 

Ro2:
Attack:  (d20+8)[ 26 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 4 ] 
 


The blinded rogue fires in entirely the wrong direction, while the other manages to shoot a shallow wound into Artorias' calf.
CoffeeIncluded
With a snarl and a baring of his sharp fangs, the hobgoblin loads another bolt into his crossbow and fires it at the human Kheel has snagged, hoping to finish him off.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20-1)[ 8 ] 
Crit:  (d20-1)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 2 ] 
 


The bolt bounces off Kheel's talons and falls harmlessly to the deck.
 
 Spoiler 
Badger, Sora, Surdrak, Alim, and Artorias are all up. Everyone's turn.
 
super dark33
Surdrak aimed at the blind rogue.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+6)[ 24 ] 
 (4d6)[ 13 ]  mortalbane. A single use is left.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The ink seas through his chest, and the blinded rogue topples over with a pained gasp, but little more.

 
 Spoiler 
Two to go. Badger and Sora are up.
 
Devmaar
Alim grits his teeth and shouts as he releases a bullet at the surviving Rogue

 
 Spoiler 
Attack  (1d20+9)[ 21 ] 
Damage  (1d3+1)[ 4 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The bullet slams into the Rogue's mouth, and he spits out blood. And a couplt razor-sharp shards of teeth.
Silverraptor
Sora looks at the fallen sorcerer that she shot for a moment. Even though he was likely dead, this anger and hatred was still not satisfied. She wanted even more of who was responsible to pay for what they did to Elsee.

Looking over at the pirate who still had a bow and arrow, she quickly nocked in another bolt in her crossbow, and fired at the ranger.

 
 Spoiler 
Crossbow:  (1d20+5)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 2 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Sora hits the ranger in the wyvern's clutches, and he shudders--next to death, but somehow still alive.

 
 Spoiler 
The ranger Kheel's grappling is at 0 HP.

Badger and Artorias are up.
 
Athedia
Dead, dead, as good as.  Badger surveyed the other ship for a target for her arrows.  One last person to suffer for Elsee's death.   "Keep the ranger alive.  He may have information we can use."   And if he didn't well, he could join his friends.  Her eyes lighted on the rogue, there was her next target.
 
 Spoiler 
Using Rapid Shot, on the Rogue

Attack 1:  (1d20+8)[ 21 ] 
Crit 1:  (1d20+8)[ 20 ] 
Damage 1:  (1d6+1)[ 5 ] 

Attack 2:  (1d20+8)[ 18 ] 
Crit 2:  (1d20+8)[ 20 ] 
Damage 2:  (1d6+1)[ 7 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Badger's last two arrow strike the rogue's chest, and he falls over, dying.

 "No! Dammit, you'll pay for that!"  the ranger screams ineffectually.

 
 Spoiler 
Ranger's in Kheel's talons and at 0 HP, everyone else is dead or dying.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias walks apparently calm towards the ranger caught between the wyvern talons and says:

 "And whom will pay for Elsee's death? Also don't move to much, he likes when his food sqirms"  he nods at Kheel withnthe last words.

 "Jadeite! Could you ask Kheel not to eat this piece of trash Artorias momentarily slips into elven language.

 
 Spoiler 

Artorias would say kheel to stand down himself; but he doesn't know Draconic
 
CoffeeIncluded
  "Kheel! You can eat him later!"   Jadeite shouts.

With a grumble, Kheel settles down on the ground, though he remains covering the barely-conscious ranger, his wings draped over his form, his taloned feet gripping tightly into his torso and shoulders.

 "Feh, you think it's my problem?"  the sole surviving pirate spits, all the angrier as there's not much else he can do.  "Then she shouldn't have killed him!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Even if the ranger escapes from the grapple, he's hitting -1 the moment he does so from the exertion. For the moment, combat is over.
 
Athedia
Badger rolled her eyes and dismissed the seaweed.  Jumping over all the bodies she reached the dying rogue.  If this was the only way to make the ranger cooperate she would do it.  Swinging her pack off her shoulders she set to work.

 
 Spoiler 
Heal Check  (1d20+8)[ 18 ] 
using healers kit.

EDIT: The DC is 15 and that should stabilize him.
 

 "He should live now, happy.  Murderer." 
super dark33
Surdrak jumped over to the pirate ship and walked towards the corpse of the cleric captain.

 Tie the wounds of all of them. They may have bounty on their heads, and usually bounties are on living people, not corpses.
I'm going down there to check their stuff.
Good job everyone. [D]Well done, Kheel[D].  

Surdrak proceeded to do so.
CoffeeIncluded
 "No,"  says Jadeite, carefully making his way over to the ship.  "It would be best to kill them. We won't have to worry about watching or feeding live prisoners, and any bounty would be on their heads. It did not specify whether those heads must be attached to bodies." 

The rogue stops bleeding so much under Badger's care, but he remains unconscious. The ranger pinned by Kheel glares hatred, but remains silent.

 
 Spoiler 
By shouldn't have killed, he was talking about the half-orc Elsee killed.

Rolling treasure now, then dinner.
 
Athedia
 "We aren't taking them.  I would have let this one die if I didn't have questions.  The rest can burn."   Badger spat as she spoke.  The creep could save these murderers if he wanted, she would not lift another finger.
super dark33
 Fine then. At least save the captain. He might face a trial somewhere and get jailed and executed. Or we can just kill him now in a streak of anger. Elsee dying was among the last things I wanted to happen, so don't think I'm only interested in the gold. In fact I will pay the full price to her revival. Or they would if they are rich enough. 

Surdrak entered the ship.
CoffeeIncluded
 "I think we killed the captain,"  Jadeite says, kicking aside the halfling's head as he stands beside Kheel.

 "Why let them burn?"  he says to Badger with a grin.  "That's simply a waste of useful bodies. And why not put their corpses to more use? I'm sure that their undead bodies will be of much more use to society than their living forms ever were!" 

Even below the ship looks smashed in; Surdrak can see light streaming in from where the deck was ripped apart, and see the scorch marks where fire or lightning appears to have struck. Looking closer, pushing aside the seaweed from Badger's spell, he can see that the deck appears to have been clawed apart--the floorboard were not simply pried up by an inorganic force or some storm.

He appears to be in a storehold or larder, though it's relatively empty. There are a couple barrels of pungent grog, and some boxes of dried meat and fruit, likely stolen from a merchant ship. If Surdrak pries open a box he can see juicy sweet yellow gems of dried pinapple, picked and candied from an island further south and shipped north by some unlucky ship. Now they warded off the pirates' scurvy, at least before they were killed.

Surdrak is about to turn and leave and search the rest of the ship when he sees a presumably nondescript bag lying by the candied pineapple.
super dark33
Slowing his pace of chewing candied pineapple, Surdrak ogled the bag curiously.
He is so glad he can detect magic at will.
And also because he ate candied pineapple.

He opened the bag.

 
 Spoiler 
Passive implying yo!
 
CoffeeIncluded
Badger:

The surviving ranger tries to flip off her and Jadeite, but can't quite manage.  "You want to talk to the captain? Well, guess that's me now, 'cause the old one's dead as driftwood!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Athedia, feel free to interrogate the ranger at any time.
 


Surdrak:

Each juicy piece of pineapple is an edible gem, and expensive as the term would suggest back in Runite (though the price is dropping, every year).

The bag in his hands is magical, and even without his abilities he would know that the moment he opened it. The inside of the bag is far bigger than the outside, and the contents shimmer and gleam, sparkling off the light that filters in through the holes torn into the hold. The bag is filled with hundreds of gold pieces, with several flecks of pale platinum interspersed. And there are six beautiful gems in the bag as well: two pale red-orange tiger eyes of jasper, a pink gnarled hunk of coral, dried and shaped almost like a hand, two shining smooth black pearls the size of his eyes, and the crown jewel, a gleaming glittering vivid-red star ruby.

As Surdrak plunges his hand into the bag, he also finds, swimming in the sea of coins: two sealed potions, a tightly-bound scroll, a ring, and a stout wand. All five of these items are magical.

And finally, he sees another bag, also magical and sealed shut. Scrawled on its side, in Draconic, is the word   Emergency.  
 
 Spoiler 
Bag of holding, yo!
Inside of the bag of holding is the following:
1800 GP, 2200 gp of gems, two potions, a scroll, a ring, and a wand.
And there is also another bag of holding, with "Emergency" written on its side in Draconic.
 
super dark33
Surdrak takes the emergency bag and opens it.
CoffeeIncluded
When Surdrak opens the bag, he sees several more scrolls, all of them radiating stronger magic than the first one he saw, and separated into a couple different schools of magic. He also sees a few rather large non-magical items that seem more personal than anything else, and enough dried meat and fish to feed the crew for a week, if there wasn't enough food on board already. The rest of the bag is filled with coins.
super dark33
Surdrak took both bags on his person and kept looking around. He was holding to find prisoners or whatever.
CoffeeIncluded
There are no prisoners and no remaining crew. Other than the flies and rats, there is nothing living belowdecks.

 
 Spoiler 
Dinner, then headed home.
 
super dark33
Slightly disappointed, Surdrak remembered the pineapples and was filled with joy again. You can't stay mad with these around.

He ran up to the deck.

 These pirates were loaded! They have a lot of exotic foods in storage from ships they probably raided! Artorias! Come and help me bring these to our ship! 
Athedia
Badger looked up from where she was bandaging and tying up the prisoners.  "You got to have found more than food.  And remember Kheel ate a bunch of our employers food, this ships food should go to them." 
 
 Spoiler 
Use Rope  (1d20+4)[ 20 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
At Jadeite's instruction, Kheel lifts up one foot, then the other, allowing Badger access to the pinned ranger. She ties him fast, even as he glares and shouts the occasional curse.

When Surdrak comes out of the hold and tells about the treasure, he shouts,  Damn you! That's ours; we got it fair and square! Paid our ship as the price!" 
Athedia
Badger tested the knots, tugging the rope tighter.   "And we paid  my friend.  I think that comes out fair.  Anyway, if you had this treasure, you had no need to attack us, luck doesn't like the greedy." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "We needed yer ship,"  he spits.  "And ya weren't exactly keen on handing it over to us. None of you are." 
Athedia
Badger raised an eyebrow.   "I recall myself asking if you were in need of help.  We could have taken you to the next port, and from your reaction you had plenty of money with which to get another ship." 
CoffeeIncluded
The ranger looks up sharply at that, confusion plain on his face. Then anger.  "Lies! The moment you saw our bloody you've just left us or turned us in to the gallows!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Or maybe they wanted slaves,"   Jadeite says, too coldly to be mild.
Athedia
 "Until recently you were just innocent travelers in my mind.  I was willing to believe you had been attacked before you assaulted us.  And gallows, no.  I do not support death for past crimes, there is always hope for redemption.     Badger looked pained at the ranger's suggestion.

Sighing as the others explored the ship she pushed herself up and walked over to Elsee's body.  She rummaged in the little goblins hair for a moment and winced as she felt a sharp bite on her finger.  Carefully she moved Lil' Miss from her cooling perch and onto the back of her neck.  It disgusted her, but Elsee had cared for this creature and it was all she could do.

Carrying the corpse back to the ranger she sat down stroking the tangled mess of hair.   "My name is Badger, this here is, was Elsee.  She was a brave little thing, far braver that I am.  Who are you, and who is your friend over there?" 
CoffeeIncluded
The ranger just watches in silence. Finally, he growls,  "...Avram. " 
 
 Spoiler 
im having the same problem that admiral had with the slavers! And on on my phone now too.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias rage had somewhat calmed down by the time he had finished helping Surdrak to unload some of the cargo they found on the galley of the pirate ship, even to his untrained eyes he could see that the damage done to the vessel was not caused by nature, something had attacked the pirates.

Once done Artorias aproaches the Badger and the pirate, now identified as Avram, he leans on the railing near them and starts talking.
 "Before I begin, I suggest you really think before answering me, you are in a really bad position; but it can and will get worse if I don't like your answers, are we clear?"  At this he levels a glare at him.

 "Now, what happened to your ship?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Avram stares at Artorias and his bloody glaive. He mutters something but otherwise seems to remain resolute.

 "What was that?"  says Jadeite, striding over and running a finger along his neck.  "I'm afraid I couldn't hear you over your pulse."  He gently presses down on the pirate's jugular.  "Don't worry, I have a spell which can easily dry up that problem. And I'm sure your corpse will be much more talkative." 

Avram mutters the same thing he did before, but a bit louder. This time, they can make out the word,  "Dragon." 
super dark33
 Dragon? What Colour and what size?  
  Aw bollocks.
 Aw yeah!   
Dusk Eclipse
 "You are doing fine so far, go on"  Artorias kept his voice level; but inside he couldn't help but worry Dragons, specially True dragons were dangerous and he couldn't help but wonder if they would be able to face one in their current condition.
CoffeeIncluded
 "...A bronze dragon, I think. Or copper? I can never tell. Are there even orange dragons?"  Avram growls, dropping off in the second half as if talking to himself more than anything else.

He raises his voice.  "So that bag is rightfully ours! We got it off that dragon fair and square!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "You stole from a Dragon...."  Artorias facepalms

 
 Spoiler 

Not sure if it was a joke or not; but there is a Orange (and purple for that matter) Dragon in the  Dragon Magazine Compendium 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Yeah, well, it worked out well, didn't it?!"  He spits.  "Whatzit matter; we left it floatin' in the sea! Probably sunken shark food by now." 
 
 Spoiler 
Heh, it kinda was. He knows the shade, but nothing else about the dragon since he doesn't have Knowledge (Arcana).
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "You are right, it worked so well for you guys"  was Artorias sarcastic reply.

 "Did you really make sure the Dragon was dead?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "How about I chuck you in the ocean and see how long you last?"  Avram retorts just as sarcastically.  "And it was just fine until you showed up." 
 
 Spoiler 
yeah, he's kinda bad tempered.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias bring his glaive closer to him and begins to inspect it, he takes a strip of cloth from his satchel and stars wiping the blood from it "Now, now, didn't I tell you to mind your manners? Besides it was you who attacked us with no warning after my friend here"  he nods to the Badger   "offered help to your vessel"  Once the blade is clear he rests the tip on Avram's neck.

 "You have 5 seconds to convince me not to cut open your throat, starting.... now" 
 
 Spoiler 
Yeah I kind of got that impression from him :; but two can play that game :smalltongue
 
Athedia
 "As I already said, you fought the dragon, then we fought you.  Fair is not a term for pirates."   Badger shifted the weight of Elsee's body cutting off circulation in her foot.   She gently pushed Art's glaive away from the man's neck.   "But those issues aside, what was the ship's name that you were on?  And did you run across... damn can't remember the name, Art what ship was Natasha on?  Well, a ship headed for Roxim Island." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I can't remember either, sorry" 
CoffeeIncluded
Avram wiggles away from Artoria's glaive, moving slightly closer to the edge of the ship.

 "We were on this ship, genius,"  he says to Badger.  "And I don't know any Natasha." 

He winces against his bonds.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias narrows his eyes a bit "Don't try anything, it will  not be good for you" 
 
 Spoiler 

Ready action to charge and grapple him if he tries to escape his bonds
 
Athedia
 "Name of the ship.  And don't squirm away."   Badger let Elsee roll to the ground as she hauled the ranger back from the edge.  She didn't know if he was likely to try to kill himself, but she didn't want to take the chance.

 
 Spoiler 
I don't know what rolls to do
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I told you, I know jack-all about some Natasha! Did you see any chicks on this ship, cause I sure didn't!"  Avram yells as Badger drags him back from the railing.

 
 Spoiler 
doesnt matter, he's helpless and at 0 HP so you auto succeed.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Ok since you want to do this the hard way, did you attack any mechant ship in the last   (insert number of weeks since Natasha's disappearance, because Artorias should know; but Dusk can't remember right now) ?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Avram shrugs.  "Course we have! Where do you think that pineapple's from?Dragon sure wasn't carrying that." 
Silverraptor
Sora is sitting nearby, barely listening and in a state of shock over the death of her colleague.
super dark33
 Have you ever come across a girl with two unique daggers? 

Surdrak is folding his arms and is leaning forward.
CoffeeIncluded
 "The hell should I know?" 
super dark33
 Alright then. im going to keep bringing your stuff to our ship and pry some planks at stratigic locations of your ship while my friends here will decide what to do with you. 


His intention is to sink the wounded pirate ship, give it the honor of meeting the depths of the sea it was built to evade.

 
 Spoiler 
When Surdrak says "your stuff" he means anything that isnt nailed down to the floor. wait even those things. and the nails.

Also he will take the equipment the pirates were wearing.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "**** YOU!"  Avram screams, thrashing at his bonds in protest to Surdrak's statement.  "You can't do that to my ship!" 
super dark33
 And to think i wanted to spare you after the interrogation.. 

Surdrak readied an eldritch blast in his hand.

 Should i off him? 
Athedia
Badger grabbed Surdrak's arm.   "PAPERWORK!  I mean I don't want to do any of it." 
super dark33
Surdrak backed off.

 Ill take that as "no". off i go then. Since when did you care about paperwork? 


Surdrak went to first check the bodies of the dead pirates, and if by any chance any were alive he would kill them.

 
 Spoiler 
takeing nat 20 on any check that needs to be checked.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak...doesn't have that much work to do.

Jadeite turns to Badger and says,  "Now, what about a little paperwork has so wary?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Surdrak gets:
Two shortbows, a longbow, a mace, a crossbow, two longswords, a greataxe, three studded leather armors, a chainmail, a scale mail, and two half-plates. All of these are masterwork.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias whispers to the Badger "Are you sure about that? We don't have any use for him and he seems the vindictive type, if we let him leave it can come and bite us in the ass." 
Athedia
 "Sora, can you wake up the other one?  Someone take Avram here below decks or something, so that he doesn't interrupt.  Do NOT hurt him, even if he is a pirate he deserves another chance." 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias just shrugs and heals himself with his belt.
 
 Spoiler 

Using 2 charges for 3d8 healing
 (3d8)[ 15 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
then you better stop Surdrak from killing the unconscious pirates.
 

 "THE **** ARE YOU DOING?!"  Avram screams when he sees Surdrak about to slit his comrades' throats.  "YOU GET AWAY FROM THEM NOW!" 
Athedia
Badger hadn't been paying attention to Surdrak.  A mistake, but she thought he was under control.  Seeing him about to kill of the pirates she wanted to question she ran at him, knocking him away from the prone bodies.   "What did I say? WHAT DID I SAY!  You aren't the one who gets to explain to Leif why I let you go on a rampage!  I can't be stuck in the records room, I can't!" 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite smirks.  "That is your concern?" 

He turns to Surdrak with a frown.  "That is rather unbecoming, executing the wounded. Just which part of you made that decision?" 
Athedia
Badger grumbled to herself, low enough that others couldn't hear. "If Leif hadn't made it my main concern, he would have had an accident by now."   Turning to Avram she let out a small smile.   "You seem rather keen that your 'friends' stay alive.  Why is that, surely pirates are not the most loyal creatures in existence. 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Like you mercs are any different,"  he spits.  "Isn't it that whole team bull****? 'Sides, I ain't been paid yet!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Is someone paying you'?" 
Athedia
 "You can not honestly think we will just let you go though? Or let you keep any of the stolen items?  And if you haven't been paid, why care if we save that man *she gestured to the other man she had bandaged* wouldn't he just decrease your share?" 
CoffeeIncluded
He shrugs.  "Not by much, not worth his bow. But you better damn give our booty back!." 

He turns to Artorias.  "Duh, the captain pays us!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Are we sure the paperwork isn't worth it?"  
CoffeeIncluded
Now Avram seems to get the message and shuts up.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Glad we reached an understanding"  Artorias flashes a predatory grin.

He then proceeds to stop Surdrak slitting throats (despite not being exacly against it), stabilizing* when needed and hauling the loot.

 
 Spoiler 

Take 10 on a heal check for a total of 12 (thanks to my trusty healing belt)
 
CoffeeIncluded
Some of the pirates are beyond saving, while Artorias is able to prevent three more from bleeding out.
Dusk Eclipse
Once he is sure there won't be any more deaths Artorias calls over the Hobgoblin who helped them before "Hey! You are good with ropes right? Can you tie up these guys? I rather not have to fight them again when they wake up" 
CoffeeIncluded
The hobgoblin storms over, and seems to be about to punch Artorias in the face.  "Why couldn't you do anything for her?!" 
Silverraptor
Sora see's the group stabilize and round up the rest of the pirates. She takes one last look at Elsee before dejectedly walking over and making her way below deck, away from the rest of the group.
Dusk Eclipse
 "I... I made a mistake"  Artorias may have not seen Elsee eye to eye in many ways; but she was dear to him, now that the adrenaline rush was fading, his calm and focused facade started to crumble.
CoffeeIncluded
 "The hell kinda mistake was that? You could have actually done something!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I know...." 
Athedia
 "If you feel like he should have done something, why didn't you.  Anyway she was our friend, our companion.  You don't think we are all angry right now."   Badger sighed and looked at Avram.   "Doesn't actually look like any of you will give us good info." 

Turning back to the crew members of the ship they traveled on she asked  "Do you have a jail or something? An empty cabin or storage area?  We need to bring this men into port, and don't worry.  I am sure there is a reward for capturing pirates." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Because-because you were right next to her!"  The hobgoblin seems to slump into his clothes. He then looks at the unconscious pirates.  "I can tie them up, and I think we can hold them in one if the store rooms." 
Athedia
 "Fine, do that."   Badger felt suddenly weary.  She picked up and cradled Elsee's body as she returned to the cabin, carefully laying the body down.
super dark33
 So you DO want to save them now?! Make your mind! Or that is your special way of listening to what I say? Say 'no' then act as if it were your own idea? 

Surdrak jumps to the other ship to finish the job.
Dusk Eclipse
 "If you kill them we get less money, simple as that2  Artorias answers bluntly. Not wanting to deal with Surdrak or angry hobgoblins Artorias returns to his spot at the Crow's nest.
CoffeeIncluded
The atmosphere on the ship is significantly more morose as they sail away from the pirate ship, leaving it to drift and sink. They lay Elsee's body in state on her bunk, and decide what to do. Dinner is quiet, and even Kheel doesn't say much. The group gets the sense that there was going to be a celebration, but with Elsee as the price?

The crew and even the captain offer a few words of condolence, and ask if they want to bury the goblin at sea, but they refuse.

Some point during the night, Jadeite identifies the items. He calls everyone over, and details them.

 
 Spoiler 
The five magic items are as follows:

Ring of Mind Shielding
Potion of Bull's Strength
Potion of Resist Energy
Scroll of Hold Person
Wand of Enlarge Person (23 charges)
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "So what do we do know?"  Artorias breaks the silence "We have a mission to finish, but we can't leave Elsee like that." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "And I do not have the power to restore her to life. Or turn her into a free-willed undead creature. Such acts are highly unethical anyway,"  Jadeite hastily adds when he sees the looks on his allies' faces.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "And I do not have the power to restore her to life. Or turn her into a free-willed undead creature. Such acts are highly unethical anyway,"  Jadeite hastily adds when he sees the looks on his allies' faces. 
 

Artorias chuckles grimly  "Elsee would probably like that" 
Athedia
 "But then I would be stuck with Lil' Miss.  Not that I wouldn't want her back anyway, but this bloodsucker is a real motivator.  But other than a god popping down and putting her on her feet what can we do?  And who do goblins worship anyway?" 

It was taking all of Badger's will not to scratch the back of her neck where she had placed Lil' Miss.  She was sure the creature was twice as large already as when she put it there, but knew that was probably her imagination.  Hopefully.
super dark33
 Hopefuly if we encounter that dragon he may allow us to keep the gold for the ressuruction of Elsee.
As I recall, bronze dragons are not malevolent.   

Surdrak took the wand.

 im very close to using wands as naturally as its casters... Ill take this.  
Athedia
 "Uh, I'll just take the ring if it is no trouble."   Badger hurriedly slipped it onto her finger, scraping her skin on the way.
CoffeeIncluded
 "I will soon be able to learn this spell; I could add it to my repertoire,"  Jadeite says, reaching for the scroll of Hold Person.

 
 Spoiler 
 Only if nobody else wants the scroll. 
 

 "Who knows, Badger? After all, a vampire is just as much of a bloodsucking parasite as a tick like Little Miss. They might strike up an even deeper friendship!" 

He smirks, then turns to Surdrak.

 "Of course, that's assuming the dragon is still alive." 

The night and following morning pass without incident. The few surviving pirates strike up a fuss, but a few "words" with the hobgoblin and a couple other sailors soon take care of that. There's a light breeze on the sea, enough to send the sails rippling, but the ocean itself is mercifully flat as the ship cuts through it. There's barely a cloud in the sky, though the air seems to get hotter by the minute as they head further south--as if Runite wasn't hot enough.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot checks, everyone.
 
Athedia
Badger only needed an occasional sip of the potion now.  She had gotten used to the rolling of the ship.  The gentle rocking helped her get to sleep.

As she walked the deck she looked out over the water, hoping for a glimpse of land.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (1d20+8)[ 13 ] 
 
super dark33
Surdrak was sitting by the nose of the ship.
He was a bit sleepy.


 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+1)[ 10 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
The heat didn't do anything to better Artorias mood, but every now and then a merciful breeze refreshed him.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot  (1d20+7)[ 19 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
spot:  (d20+4)[ 19 ] 
 


Jadeite and Artorias see a break in the ocean, a rounded shape rising out of it.
Silverraptor
Sora is below deck, sitting by herself in a depressed mood.

 
 Spoiler 
So, no spot check for her.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite points out over the horizon.

 "Does anybody else see that figure? A rounded shape, emerging from the sea." 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias who was at deck level for a change quickly walks to the prow of the ship.  "What are you talking about?" 
He looks in the general direction that Jadeite pointed at
 
 Spoiler 

If I can, I retry the spot check
Spot (1d20+7)[ 13 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias sees the rounded shape rising out of the water, too small to be an island.

 
 Spoiler 
You got it the first time.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite immediately waves down the rest of the group to the side of the ship, leaning up from the railing.  "Can anybody else see a shape rising out from the ocean?"  He leans over the railing, his hair and scarf rippling in the breeze.  "It looks to be about a half-mile off." 
super dark33
 What good is perfect eyesight if you cant see anything? 

Surdrak complained to himself.

 
 Spoiler 
Oh crap forgot i can re-roll/
 
super dark33
Surdrak hunted the oceans with his eyes to find what these two were talking about.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+1)[ 21 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak sees a rounded shape rising from the ocean. It doesn't seem that big, far too small to be an island. It's about half a mile off--though he could be wrong, it's hard to tell on the flat expanse of ocean, where the horizon blends sea and sky. And while he can't tell the color, he can tell that light is glinting off of the shape, as if it were shiny, or made of reflective material, or metallic.
Athedia
 "What?  Is it land?"   Badger rushed to the railing and looked where Jadeite was pointing.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (1d20+8)[ 15 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Badger can see it too, a rounded shape rising off the ocean a little less than a half-mile away. It's rounded, but...with slight smooth imperfections. It doesn't seem like an island at all.
Athedia
 "Captain, can you get closer to that thing?  Or lend us a rowboat for a little to see what it is?" 
CoffeeIncluded
The captain, an older grizzled man, turns around from the helm of the ship. He looks out and rubs his salt-and-pepper beard.

 "Are you sure about that? Even if I lent you a life boat, I don't know if you'll be able to return to us. And are you sure that that...thing is safe for you, or even us, to approach?" 
Athedia
 "Well if it isn't what is stopping it from coming over here?" 
super dark33
 It is reflecting light. If I wasn't so thick and pure I'd think its the dragon that Avram talked about.  
CoffeeIncluded
The captain chews the inside of his lip.  "The pirate ship barely made its way over here. You really want to take that risk?" 
 
 Spoiler 
diplomacy?
 


The captain turns around and shouts to the hobgoblin sailor,  "Where's my spyglass?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Captain, Dragons are rather attached to their hoards, if the dragon is still alive it will most likely try to recover it, probably while murdering the thieves and if it finds out that we have the pirates.... well I doubt it would care that we on the way.

So you either let us go to scout that or chance an angry dragon chasing s your choice." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "That's assuming, of course, that that thing in the water is a dragon, and that it's still alive. Pirates aren't exactly known for mercy--Kell! Where's my spyglass!"  he shouts to the hobgoblin.

 
 Spoiler 
He's pretty reluctant because of the pirate attack and because you're behind schedule. You'll have to sweet-talk him just a bit. It's not a high DC, but there's still a DC.

Am I bring too harsh with this?
 
Athedia
 "Artorias is right Captain.  If it is alive then it will most likely come after us.  If not, then we can bring you a token of it, to show to authorities.  If this dragon attacked other ships there may be a reward." 
 
 Spoiler 
Diplomacy:  (1d20+1)[ 12 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Kell appears out of the hold and presses the telescope into the captain's hands. He takes a peek through it, then gasps, jumping backwards and nearly letting the spyglass fly out of his hands, though he manages to catch it before it shatters against the deck.

 "Kell!"  he shouts.  "Get Theodore and put these mercenaries on a ship!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "May I?"  Artorias extends his hands towards the captain, silently asking for the spyglass. He can barely supress a smug smile .
super dark33
 Im going to call Sora, she is under the deck i think. 

Surdrak indeed proceeded to do so.


 Sora you there? we are going to investigate an anomaly in the ocean. 
CoffeeIncluded
There's a figure, lying on its back, not moving. Not a figure, a creature. A creature with glimmering bronze or copper (it's hard to tell from this distance) scales, an arched back with great protruding fins or spines, a long neck dipped beneath the sea, and great wings spread out wide, like oars of a ship. It's a dragon, a true dragon, lying unconscious or dead in the ocean.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias gives the spyglass back with a a barely concealed  I-told-you-so  smirk on his face. He then goes to retrieve his weapons.
Silverraptor
Sora doesn't seem to react to his words apart from speaking.
 "And what is it?" 
Athedia
 "Can Kheel swim?  He may want to see this." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I do not believe Kheel can swim, but given his wings I doubt that is a concern of his." 
super dark33
 Artorias noticed something in the water, my inspection proved it reflects light, so it's probably the dragon that pirate was talking about. You should come with us to inspect it.  
Silverraptor
Sora is silent for a moment. She then turns her head slightly to look at him.
 "And what...? What's it doing?" 
super dark33
 We dont know for sure its a dragon, but its worth checking out to find if that is true. it didnt move when i saw it, maybe the captain will see more with his gaze-tube. 
Silverraptor
Sora thinks for a moment.
 "I... guess it would be worth a look..." 
She gets up to follow Surdrak.
super dark33
Surdrak takes Sora up the deck.


 Anything new? 
CoffeeIncluded
There is no change in the dragon from what Artorias can see. It is simply bobbing in the waves.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Nothing really, but dragons are cunning and it could be a ploy to make us let down our guards"  Artorias answers Surdrak somewhar bluntly; seeing Sora with him Artorias talks in a friendlier tone considering the girl's state of mind.

 "Hey Sora, are you ok?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite looks over at Kheel, who is scratching himself against one of the masts, rubbing his back against it and leaving long gouges in the wood.

 "Should we ask Kheel to fly over and take a look first? He can fly faster than we can row or sail, and he won't have to worry about being left behind by the ship." 
super dark33
 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  knowledge arcana to know if a wyvern of Kheel's size can fly all the way there.

Edit: and i obviously failed that.
 

 Im not sure, but i dont think Kheel can fly this far.

Besides, if the dragon is alive, i dont think it would be happy to see a small meat eating flying lizard next to it. 
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak:

 
 Spoiler 
It's only half a mile and the wind is calm. Kheel should have no trouble flying that distance.
 
Silverraptor
Sora nods.
 "I'm fine." 
Her tone implies she doesn't want anyone to inquire more.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hey,"  he captain shouts.  "Kell and Theodore have the boat ready to go. Are you  using it?" 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias gave Sora a concerned look; but decided to let the matter down,,, for the moment at least. Hearing the captain he quickly answered.  "Aye captain, we where just finishing something" . Artorias then boards the boat.
CoffeeIncluded
The boat is small, but everybody is able to fit snugly in it. It's slow rowing, especially with the choppy seas. Kheel easily keeps up with them, doing flips and turns in the air and skimming his claws against the waves. Eventually, Jadeite has the idea of harnessing the wyvern to the boat and pull them along. Kheel doesn't exactly like the harness, but he endures it for the moment.

Eventually, the dragon comes into view--smaller than they thought, though easily twice Kheel's size, only a touch smaller than their boat. It's lying unconscious (or dead), its eyes barely visible and closed, its head bobbing under the surface of the ocean. Great wings, as wide as its body is long, fan out into the sea. They lighten in color from base to tip, starting a deep rich reddish-bronze and fading to nearly white at the very tips of its wings. The same color scheme is clearly visible on its long horns.

Deep ugly wounds are visible all over the dragon's body--missing scales, holes punched in its hide, burns on its wings. A couple are still bleeding, as the scabs have been roughed off by the motion of the ocean.

 
 Spoiler 
If somebody DOESN'T want to be on the rowboat with the dragon, tell me.
 
super dark33
 [D]Are you okay there?[D] 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias stares intently at the dragon's chest trying to catch any movement, hoping the dragon isn't dead.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot  (1d20+7)[ 23 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
  "Are you alive?"  

There's no response from either Surdrak's or Jadeite's inquiry. For a moment, Artorias fears the worst. And then he sees it--a slight rise and fall of the chest, not caused by the waves. The dragon is alive, but only just.
Dusk Eclipse
His eyes widening in surprise, Artorias franctically motions to get next to the dragon "Get me as close as possible to the dragon, we may save him . Once the dragon is within his arms reach Artorias touches the moonstone with one hand and channels all the power from his belt into the other making it glow with positive energy before touching the dragon.
 
 Spoiler 

Spending all three charges of the healing belt to heal 4d8 HP of damage
 (4d8)[ 11 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Some of the deepest wounds heal themselves up and the dragon immediately shoots its head up, snapping back into consciousness. It whips around and its eyes snap open, a deep greenish brown. It takes one look at the people in the boat and immediately scrambles backwards, flailing its legs and beating its wings against the sea, into the waves. As the dragon scrambles backwards, it sends water smashing into the ship, very nearly capsizing it and leaving everyone drenched. As the ship rocks back to a more stable state, the group finds itself sitting in a salty puddle. Fish flop on their laps and seaweed drapes their heads.

And then the dragon launches itself into the air, hovering and trying to fly backwards. It says in a much higher voice than they imagined coming out of a dragon, even one "only" the size of their ship, high-pitched and feminine,  "GYAH! I don't have anything on me! You better get away or I'll totally--" 

The dragon then trails off.  "Wait a minute. You guys aren't pirates!" 
Athedia
Badger hissed to Artorias.   "You healed it? You HEALED it?  This thing could eat us all for a light lunch.  And you HEALED IT!"   She was starting to return to her previous opinion, boats and sea journeys were not for her.  Nope, good old land and normal crime and normal danger, that was what she was looking forward to now.

 
 Spoiler 
Assuming the Dragon is speaking Common.
 


Badger pushed Artorias in front of herself as the dragon rose.  He had woken the thing, he could be the first meal.  As the dragon spoke she released Artorias and stared open-mouthed at the dragon.   "It spoke?  And not that weird speak that Kheel does, it spoke normally..." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Of course!"  says the dragon, relaxing slightly but remaining in the air.  "I always speak Common when chatting with humans. Not all of you guys know Draconic; it's just common sense!"  her voice is just a few notes short of squeaky, but it's high-pitched and quite enthusiastic. She leans over Badger and looks her in the eye.  "And I'm totally not a thing; I'm a girl! Name's Pallasc!" 
super dark33
Surdrak takes joy in Badger's dismay.

 [D]Ill talk in draconic anyway so our little friend Kheel here can understand, and also to annoy  the woman you look at.
A pleasure to meet you Pallsac. I am Surdrak.[D] 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger hissed to Artorias.   "You healed it? You HEALED it?  This thing could eat us all for a light lunch.  And you HEALED IT!"   She was starting to return to her previous opinion, boats and sea journeys were not for her.  Nope, good old land and normal crime and normal danger, that was what she was looking forward to now.

 
 Spoiler 
Assuming the Dragon is speaking Common.
 


Badger pushed Artorias in front of herself as the dragon rose.  He had woken the thing, he could be the first meal.  As the dragon spoke she released Artorias and stared open-mouthed at the dragon.   "It spoke?  And not that weird speak that Kheel does, it spoke normally..."  
 

Startled by the Badger's hiss Artorias almost fell of the boat, but he was able to regain his balance without too much trouble.  "Would you have left him...her"  Artorias corrected himself quickly  "to die in the middle of the ocean?"  Lowering his voice to a whisper he continued  "If we play our cards right we might get a dragon as an ally, that can be really useful in the long run." 

 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Of course!"  says the dragon, relaxing slightly but remaining in the air.  "I always speak Common when chatting with humans. Not all of you guys know Draconic; it's just common sense!"  her voice is just a few notes short of squeaky, but it's high-pitched and quite enthusiastic. She leans over Badger and looks her in the eye.  "And I'm totally not a thing; I'm a girl! Name's Pallasc!"  
 

 "A pleasure to meet you Pallasc, my name is Artorias" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "And my name is Jadeite Nocrius. It is an honor to meet you,"  he says with a bow.

 "Aww, you don't need to use all that flattery with me! If anything, I should be the one thanking you. You guys just totally saved my life! I thought I was done for!"  She settles down, draping her wings into the ocean; the sun glints off her scales.

Pallasc winces.  "Oww. That stings."  the salt from the ocean seems to be seeping into her open wounds.

With a snarl (and her teeth are huge, each one easily the size of the blade on Artorias's glaive) Pallasc looks around.  "Where are those pirates? I'm gonna give them the old wham-bam kapam for what they did to me!" 
Athedia
Badger managed to settle her nerves, giving Surdrak a glare as he spoke in the weird language and then sat up tall, not daring to stand in the boat. "They are in our custody and as is such no harm may come to them.  Those that live today are being taken to the authorities and will be charged, most likely with piracy, murder, and whatever other crimes they may have committed." 
Silverraptor
Sora coughs as the water was thrown on her. She then shivers slightly as she is fully drenched and the wind sweeps past.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hang on,"  Pallasc takes a good look at the group sitting in the boat.  "You guys took out those pirates?"  She makes a strange gesture and you get the sense that if she were humanoid she'd be folding her arms.  "Weeeell, I guess it makes sense that they'd be charged by human courts, being all human and stuff." 

Pallasc blinks and then settles down in the water again.  "Say, didja guys see a bag with them? About this big, stuffed with shinies?" 
Athedia
Badger gestured to Surdrak.   "Talk to creepy.  He was the one who went looking while the rest of us were questioning the pirates."   For once she was hoping that Surdrak would not tell the truth, an opposite to her usual attitude, but she needed the money, they all did if they were going to find some powerful enough to bring Elsee back.  Hell, who-ever it was might live a month or two journey away, that would eat into her savings.

 
 Spoiler 
Going to the doc tomorrow so they can look at my ankle and tell me if I need surgery.  Don't worry Coffee, it is an old injury from about 5 years ago, a major sprain.  I went to physical therapy for it then, but a few more minor sprains over the years and a reminder that I would probably eventual need surgery, plus the fact that it has been getting more painful to walk distances this past year means it is time to get it checked out.

Oh, and I didn't roll a bluff check because Badger isn't lying persay.  Surdrak did look for loot while they talked to the pirates.  She knows what he found, but doesn't want to be the one to say it.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Creepy?"  She turns to Surdrak, who has a starfish on his head.  "Isn't that an odd name for a human?" 

Pallasc then pauses and regards the group.  "Hey, is everything okay? You guys seem kinda down and blah." 
super dark33
 There are names much oddest to a human, like Badger for example. 
 
 Spoiler 
 (1000d1000)[ 506711 ]  fire damage if Badger fails fort save of 100.
 

 Thing is, the pirates who took your bag also killed one of our friends, a funny goblin named Elsee.

We hope to raise her soon, but we don't have the cash for it.
 

Surdrak sighed.

 i think your bag is on our ship there. 

Surdrak pointed at the ship.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias sighs and points towards Surdrak  "Badger thinks he is creepy,  along with most people  "  he whispers the last part.

Pinching the bridge of his nose Artorias mumbles  "Sudrak, play nice." .

 He didn't know why, Artoria had just met Pallasc, but he felt that he could tell her what had happened with Elsee and the pirates.  Those pirates attacked our ship, a friend of ours was killed in the battle. "  
 
 Spoiler 
supersark's ninja edit made part of my post somewhat inecesary
 
CoffeeIncluded
Pallasc pauses.  "Oh. I'm so sorry."  If a dragon could shuffle awkwardly, that's what she's doing.

 And then she immediately perks up, and clicks her claws together in an attempt at a snap.  "Heeeey, you know what? My parents can totally fix than! They've got divine diamonds and stuff in their hoard and they're really really good at casting healing spells!" 
 
 Spoiler 
I'm so sorry! I didn't see your edit and Dusk's post until just now!
 
Athedia
 "What's the catch? You eat us after?  We have a girl to find, so I would rather not be lunch."   Badger crossed her arms and stared down the rather hyper dragon.
CoffeeIncluded
Pallasc just sticks out her tongue, long and serpentine.  "Bleh, you're no fun. Why would I want to eat humans? You're not even good eating anyways; you're all pokey and full of bones! And it just feels weird." 

She frowns.  "I do want my hoard back though. I was moving out and took my stuff from my parents. It's my starter hoard!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Aere you sure your parents would be willing to help us?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hey, you saved my hide! Literally! What parents wouldn't help someone who saved their kid?"  Pallasc says with a very toothy but genuine grin.  "Come on, if you had a kid, wouldn't you do that?" 
Athedia
 "Don't plan to have'em.  And We need some of that money, finding someone who doesn't want to be found can be... tricky."   Badger couldn't help rubbing the ring on her finger.  She wouldn't give it up, they couldn't make her, she needed the ring.
CoffeeIncluded
Pallasc pauses, and looks down at Badger...and her hands. She hovers in the air, the white tips of her wings brushing against the boat. The group can see the deep cuts along her bones, and punctures punched into the membranes of her wings. Artorias may have saved her from imminent death, but she was still in bad shape.

 "Actually, where's your ship? Can I take a look?" 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias was torn, they had a mission to finish, but he couldn't leave Elsee like that if he could help it; and here he had a golden oportunity, the loot they had gotten from the pirates was indeed a small price to have the goblin back . They would have to cross that bridge eventually, but right now there were more pressing concerns,  like a big dragon asking to board the ship.

 "Errr I guess so, by any chance can you become smaller? A big dragon likw you will scare some people afterall" 
 
 Spoiler 
How big is pallasc in size categories?  I am assuming large, but I'm not suee
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Sorry, I don't know that spell. I can make myself even larger though!"  She pauses, and then grins.  "Or you know what? I can just hover above the ship, or shift!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Pallasc is large, so about the size of a polar bear. Of course, she seems larger with her wings and tail.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Raising an eyebrow  "Shift?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Pallasc leans in, as if she's sharing a secret.  "I can totally make myself look like a person." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "That would be better, once we are on the ship we can talk about your hoard" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Y'okay!"  Pallasc seems to spin in the air, and then a human falls from the sky to splash into the sea. Her voice is definitely higher-pitched as she swims to the boat and curls her fingers around the edge.  "Hey, could you guys give a hand?" 

She sits in the boat, flexing her hands.  "You humans are so scrawny and squishy! But fingers, ooh, fingers are so cool!" 

The human Pallasc sits crosslegged in front of the group, sporting a grin and covered in wounds. Her skin is bronzed and gleams in the sunlight, but that could just be the sun reflecting off the seawater--she's soaking wet. Her hair is a deep reddish-orange and done in a long braid, fading to a near-white as your eyes travel down to the ends of the braid. Her fingernails are long and as she smiles, her teeth are long and her canines sharp, slightly jutting down from her lips like fangs. Her ears are long and pointed like Jadeite's, but thicker and more ragged and notched than the elf's ears. She looks almost human, but not quite.

Once on the boat, she points a finger to the ship.  "Lets go!" 
Silverraptor
Sora looks Pallasec over. Even though she transformed into a near human shape, there were still cuts all over her from the fight with the pirates.
 "Here, let me heal you a bit more. Those wounds can't be fun." 
She reaches out with one hand, having the other on her amulet.
 "Cure Moderate Wounds!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Converting Aid:
 (2d8+4)[ 16 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hey, thanks!"  Pallasc says as the worst of her wounds scab over in the light of Sora's magic.  "Say, what's your name?" 
Silverraptor
 "My name is Sora Aria. I'm a cleric of Astrid." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Sweet! Thoug hey, if you're a cleric, why do you need my parents to raise your friend?" 

Pallasc then looks up, noticing Kheel for the first time.   "A wyvern? What are you doing here?"

"I'm Kheel, and these guys are my friend's friends!"   The wyvern says.

Everyone makes it back to the main shop without too much of a problem, thanks to Kheel. As they climb back onto the ship, Pallasc  wobbles and flies out her arms to steady herself.  "Why do you Guys make ships all tipsy and sway-y and ooogh?"  she groans. But the bronze dragon then flares her nose and asks,  "So where are the pirates and my hoarse?" 
Silverraptor
Sora looks down.
 "I... I'm not strong enough..." 
Athedia
Badger put her arm around Sora's shoulders.   "Does it really matter to you.  She did all she could to help Elsee, so don't make her feel it is her fault.  Would never have happened if you had beaten the pirates like you should have, or maybe you really weren't ready to be on your own." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Shut up! They started shooting at me out of nowhere! And I had no idea the elf could cast those spells! You're a jerk! Who put bugs in your cereal?" 

Jadeite presses his lips together.  "Badger, haven't you learned that tormenting a dragon is not a recommended activity?" 
 "And Sora, you were totally strong enough to help me,"  Pallasc adds.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Both of you stop it! Badger you know she didn't mean that; Pallasc, Badger isn't thinking clearly right now,but you shouldn't talk to her like that; if you want to see the pirates come with me."  Artorias said sharply.
Athedia
Badger growled to herself and stalked off to spend time with Naga.  He was happy to see her, didn't say mean things or think himself better.  He just saw she was sad and angry and tried to make her feel better.  The lapping tongue and friendly eyes soon helped her relax a little.  Seeing the others had not yet returned to the cabin she allowed the tears she had been holding back to flow.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Y'okay!"  Pallasc says as she follows Artorias to the holds.

The three remaining pirates are tied up in a room on the bottom of the ship. Crates of cargo have been moved aside to accommodate them and a sailor standing guard with a shortsword and a crossbow waves Artorias, Jadeite, and Pallasc into the room. However, he offers Pallasc a long look.

 "Hey guys!"  the dragon says as she sees the pirates, and Artorias can hear the cheer in her voice become extremely false and forced. Jadeite notices it too, and takes a quick step backwards while Hemlock hisses.

 "Pallasc, do you need a moment alone?" 
 "Maybe, thanks for asking! So mister pirates, how are you?" 

The three pirates look up with confusion, and then with leering glances, gazing past Pallasc's remaining wounds to focus on her body. The dragon then leans in with a grin, close enough that the pirates can see her shifting toned hair, her slitted pupils, her inhuman ears, her long sharp canines.

 "Remember me?" 
CoffeeIncluded
All three pirates pale and draw back, and Avram spits,  "How the hell are you still alive?!" 
 "Because of these guys,"  Pallasc says.  "They totally saved my hide. Literally! What gives; why did you guys attack me and steal my hoard anyway?"

"Uh, because you're a dragon and you're loaded?"  Avram says sarcastically. Behind him, the other two pirates are frantically motioning for him to shut the hell up.  "We've got the right to your riches! You guys are practically made as money bags! What about you, you wrecked our ship! You deserved it!"  With that final stroke, the other two pirates draw away from Avram, and back as far away from Pallasc as possible.

Pallasc blinks, and Jadeite and Artorias can see a vein pulse in her temple, see her teeth set on edge. Her shoulders shake and she balls her hands into her fists. Then she turns around and asks the two adventurers,  "Hey, could I have a couple minutes with these guys?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "If you have to kill them, please at least leave one alive, we kind of need one to get the reward, other than that, have fun."  Artorias deadpans.
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger: 

Naga rolls over, wagging his tail and pawing at Badger as he demands belly rubs.

 Jadeite and Artorias: 
 "Come now, she needs her catharsis,"  Jadeite says as he leads Artorias out of the room and closes the door.

The moment he does so they hear a deepening snarl and three high-pitched screams.

 "AARRGHH!!!" 
 "So,"  Jadeite says, seemingly paying no attention to whatever's going on inside the room,  "I don't believe you ever told me why you decided to join the guilds in the first place." 

Inside there's the sound of tearing wood.
Dusk Eclipse
Wincing a little despite himself Artorias answers Jadeite "I know, but we do need that reward, extra cash is always good" 
 "Well...  Artorias begins,   there isn't much to tell to be honest, my teacher, Ornstein is a member of the guild so when I came of age it seemed logical to join, best decision I've made " 

Hearing the wood being torn out Artorias calls into the room  "Don't damage the ship or the repairs will come out of your horde!" 
Athedia
Badger scratched Naga's belly slowly, lost in her own thoughts.  This dragon, "Pallasc", she could't get her thoughts off of her.  Who did she think she was, she had not lost someone but she deserved "revenge"?  For what being young, weak and arrogant?  For not realizing she was getting in over her head?  She may be older than Badger, but she was a child.  A foolish child.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Your teacher? Was he an instructor in fighting or general education?" 

Pallasc doesn't respond, but they hear scrabbling against the floor, a loud thump, and gurgling screams.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Fighting, he started me on the Sublime way. My mum game basic education, you know reading, writing and some basic maths; while my dad taught me to forge weapons, nothing fancy like your Wizard eduction, but it has served me well enough." 
 
 Spoiler 
Are the martial disciplines codified in the Sublime way in Aequar or are they more scattered/unrelated fighting styles?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I suppose. I grew up expecting and knowing that I would carry on the Nocrius name and legacy. We are known for necromancy and necromancy research, after all. The actual process of science and discovery may be occasionally tedious, but I rather enjoy adding knowledge to the world." 

Inside the sounds and screams die off, and are replaced by soft groans and whimpers. The door opens and Pallasc merrily strolls out, significantly more disheveled but with no more additional injuries--at least, not any that are obvious.

 "Don't worry, I don't think they're dead. All yours now! So, where's the hoard?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "I suppose. I grew up expecting and knowing that I would carry on the Nocrius name and legacy. We are known for necromancy and necromancy research, after all. The actual process of science and discovery may be occasionally tedious, but I rather enjoy adding knowledge to the world."  
 

Artorias shrugs "Dad was expecting me to take over the forge, he wasn't too happy when I joined the guild, but he supported me" 

 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded;15843417
Inside the sounds and screams die off, and are replaced by soft groans and whimpers. The door opens and Pallasc merrily strolls out, significantly more disheveled but with no more additional injuries--at least, not any that are obvious.

[B 
 "Don't worry, I don't think they're dead. All yours now! So, where's the hoard?"[/B] 
 

Artorias peaks into the room to check that they are in fact not-dead
 
 Spoiler 
Take 10 on heal in case they need stabilizing
 

 "We actually need to discuss about your hoard, there is some pirate loot  that got mixed with it." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "At least you have other siblings to mind the forge. I'm an only child,"  Jadeite says.

The three pirates are lying unconscious on the ground, badly beaten but not dead. They whimper as Artorias stabilizes them.

 "Wait, really?"  Pallasc asks, straightening her hair.  "Aw man, you've got to show me!" 
super dark33
Surdrak has already gone for the bag, though noise of breaking wood somewhat distracted him.

 What is going on here?! 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Pallasc had some...business to take care of,"  Jadeite says innocuously.

With a,  "Sweet, thanks!"  Pallasc takes the bag from Surdrak and begin digging through it. After a few moments, she looks up.  "Hey, there's no extra hoard in here? This is all totally my stuff!"  She lifts up the inner bag.  "This is just my emergency fund. If things got really uh-oh and dicey then I could just take this and run. I was actually gonna do that but the half-orc and elf came out of nowhere. Next thing I knew, I'm lying half-dead in the sea!" 

The dragon pauses, then looks through the outer bag again.  "Hey, there's actually some stuff missing from here. There's only my gold and shinies in here." 
super dark33
Surdrak reaches for his inside-cloak-pocket (tm). he is suddenly startled, then he checks his other inside-cloak-pocket (tm) and takes out the wand he took.
he holds it like a conductor's baton.

 This is also yours- no wait 

it was appearently a simple stick.

he dropped the stick on the floor and reached for his back inside-cloak-pocket.
from there he took out the wand he took from Pallsac's sack.

 This, is yours. 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hey, thanks!"  Pallasc says, taking the wand and twirling it in her fingers like a baton.

Jadeite approaches and also hands her the scroll he took from the hoard.

 "Wait, did the rest of you take things too?"  She takes a long look, and presses her fingers to her head in thought.

Then she slowly hands the wand back to Surdrak and the scroll back to Jadeite. There's a hesitancy to the movement.  "You know what? You guys really helped me out there. I only need my emergency hoard." 
super dark33
 Thanks Pallsac!  

Surdrak takes the wand back and puts it in an even more obscure pocket.

 So where are your parents located? 
CoffeeIncluded
Pallasc pauses.  "My parents live in Thunder's Fang. It's right off the coast of Proxima Island; you totally can't miss it!" 
 
 Spoiler 
sorry, went hiking and to LOs Alamos today.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "That is certainly convenient as we are heading to Proxima Island"  Artorias strokes his chin thoughtfully, he certainly had an idea, but he would have to talk with the others first.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Perfect!"  Pallasc jumps in the air, and you get the sense she'd be hovering in her normal form.

 "Indeed, the situation could not be more ideal,"  Jadeite adds.  "And since we will be there in a few days, we won't have to worry much about preserving her body, or turning it into an undead creature for ease of transport." 
super dark33
 Now that this is setteled, i am going to keep my research if you dont mind. 
 
 Spoiler 
He is researching Fell flight, which he will get at level 6. it doesnt do anything right now.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Perfect!"  Pallasc jumps in the air, and you get the sense she'd be hovering in her normal form. 
 

Artorias can't help, but grin a little, Pallasc exuberant personality brightens his mood a little.



 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Indeed, the situation could not be more ideal,"  Jadeite adds.  "And since we will be there in a few days, we won't have to worry much about preserving her body, or turning it into an undead creature for ease of transport."  
 

 "Not sure why I'm asking this, but don't corpses decompose rapidly in the heat? And even if it would be easier to transport you can't make a guildmember an undead. No, not even then." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Indeed, but not in extradimensional space,"  Jadeite says with a little smirk.
Dusk Eclipse
Catching to what Jadeite is implying 😩 Fine" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Excellent,"  Jadeite says, folding his hands behind his back.

Meanwhile, Pallasc has taken a few steps backwards towards the door. She looks slightly greener than before and it's hard to tell if it's because of the ship's rocking or the topic of Jadeite and Artorias's discussion.

Then she says,  "Man, you're really creepy,"  and that just confirms it.

 
 Spoiler 
I have a survey to complete for my physics class. More coming in about half an hour.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Pallasc makes a few almost squeaky noises of delight as she plunges her hands, then her arms, then her head, into the bag of holding, digging around through her emergency hoard. Hugging the bag close to her chest, she says,  "Oh man, I can't thank you guys enough for this! But..."  She looks aside for a moment.  "I really have to get going soon. I'm supposed to be moving out and living on my own, not heading back to my parents, you know?" 
Silverraptor
 "Are you going to be okay? Where will you be going?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "Are you going to be okay? Where will you be going?"  
 

Pallasc shrugs.  "Probably some mountain or island somewhere, though I doubt I'll find anything as cool as Thunder's Fang. But it's been getting all cramped and bumpy-close at home, so I kinda had to move out. I'll be fine, you patched me up pretty well and now I know what to do if I get attacked!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Actually I was hoping you would accompany us to talk to your parents, I don't think they would take kindly for some humanoids to trot up to their lair and ask to resurect another humanoid" 
CoffeeIncluded
Pallasc pauses, folds her arms and chews on the inside of her lip.  "Well, see, honestly it'd be embarrassing for me to show up at home like this. Like 'Hi mom, hi dad, I had to come crawling back!'"  She's clearly uncomfortable with the idea.

 "But more importantly,"  she adds,  "You can't exactly trot to my parent's lair. Well, unless you guys were part fish or turtle or something. See, the entrance is underwater. There's really no way in." 
 "Do you have any spells that could allow us to breath underwater?"  Jadeite asks.

 "Nope, never needed them." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Figures, well at least could you give us a token or something that says we are good guys so your parents don't fr...  Artorias stop looks at Pallasc and asks her "Do bronze dragon breath fire?"  
CoffeeIncluded
 "Of course!"  Pallasc says brightly.  "And nope, no fire from us. We breathe lightning! Kazap-pow!"  She punches the air for effect and then adds,  "Oh, and this anti-bad guy gas, though I'm not so good at that yet."  Jadeite supplies a soft snort at that statement.

 "What manner of token will you give us?"  the elf asks.

 "Oh, uhm..."  she scratches her head.  "I'll just put in a good word. And--oh! There should be a piece of coral shaped like a claw in your bag. Show them that!" 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite frowns and looks around.  "Artorias, I am going to retrieve Badger. I believe she needs to hear this." 

With that, the elf leaves the room, and with Hemlock swaying and tasting the air, he follows Badger's trail to the hold where she is curled up around Naga.
Athedia
Badger heard the elf opening the door, quickly wiping away what tears remained on her face she spoke.   "What?  Dragon girl going to show us her family, that it?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Actually, no,"  Jadeite says.  "I don't understand it much myself either. She did promise to let them know we're coming and to vouch for us though." 

He sighs.  "Her parents live in an island called Thunder's Fang. And from what she said, "in" might be literal. According to Pallasc the entrance is underwater." 
Athedia
 "She does realize we can't breathe underwater right? Or does she not care?"   Badger stood up, brushing some of Naga's fur off her before heading to the door, the dog following at her heels.   "May as well see her before she goes." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "It was probably a deliberate defensive choice,"  Jadeite says as they return to Pallasc and Artorias. The dragon greets them with a wave.

 
 Spoiler 
See you!
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Of course!"  Pallasc says brightly.  "And nope, no fire from us. We breathe lightning! Kazap-pow!"  She punches the air for effect and then adds,  "Oh, and this anti-bad guy gas, though I'm not so good at that yet."  Jadeite supplies a soft snort at that statement.

 "What manner of token will you give us?"  the elf asks.

 "Oh, uhm..."  she scratches her head.  "I'll just put in a good word. And--oh! There should be a piece of coral shaped like a claw in your bag. Show them that!"  
 

 "Lighting huh?" Artorias was reminded of his teacher spear, it crackled with electricity everytime he wielded and he knew from experience that getting hit by lightning was not fun.at.all. Artorias stoped thingink about the past as Jadeite and the Badger approached them

Turning towards the Badger "Are you better know?"  Artorias asked her in a concerned voice.
Athedia
 "I'm fine, been fine.  Just annoyed with Dragongirl."   She stopped when she noticed the bag in Pallasc's hands.   "Still on your mad plan to go off on your own?  And you didn't even scout out a place before leaving?" 
 
 Spoiler 
realized I was mixing up colors again
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Because I'm an adult! I've got to move out on my own, you know? And it's not like there's tons of islands around to check out and move in,"  Pallasc protests.
Athedia
 "Why not stick to this form?"  Badger gestured vaguely to Pallasc's partially human appearance.   "People might believe you were some weird hybrid of pointy ear and orc.  And it is much easier to find a place to stay when you can fit in a house." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Because it's not who I am!"  Pallasc sharply protests.  "I'm a dragon; this is just a disguise! And I totally don't want to walk around in disguise forever; do you know how much that sucks?"  She folds her arms.  "Come on, would you want to live forever as someone not you?" 
Athedia
Badger's eyes flared.  Pallasc may not have known but she had struck a nerve.  And a few to many had been struck during the voyage.  Before Artorias or Jadiete could react she had slammed Pallasc against the side of the wall, arm over her throat and pressing.

      "Don't think you know me.  Badger sound like a real name to you? So tell me again how it sucks, tell me.  You wouldn't be stuck in the blasted form, you could visit the hills and your parents whenever it struck you, you little fool."   As Pallasc's hands scrambled at her arm, claws raking the leather, Badger realized she had gone to far.

     Stepping back she spat at Pallasc's feet.   "You are nothing but a spoiled child."   She walked over to Naga, stroking the small dogs fur.  He had backed away a little, never having seen his mistress so angry in his life.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias could only stare at Badger's actions and justbas he was teady to intervene, it stopped.  "Jadeite, take care of Pallasc"  without giving him time to answer he followed the Badger with every intention on finding what was that.

 "What the hell was that?"  Artorias demanded.
Athedia
Badger continued to stroke Naga, calming the dog down.  She could see Jadiete and Pallasc down the hallway a little, but she quickly looked away.   "You really thought Badger was my name too?  Thought you were smarter than that Art."   She closed her eyes as she spoke, a tight but neutral expression on her face.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Of course not! I figured you had your reasons for hiding it, so I never asked"  Artorias answered a little more calmly, but his voice retained a slight edge to it. Crossing his arms he continued  "Now please tell me what is going on with you; I've never seen you act like this" 
Athedia
 "She just said the wrong thing.  I got angry, it happens."    She turned away from the scene down the hall, sliding her legs out in front of her.
super dark33
Surdrak walked towards the loud thump he heared.

He saw Badger walking out and asked her

 What is or was going on there? 
Dusk Eclipse
 "No, angry is when you threaten  Artorias pointed at Surdark  to feed him to Kheel, angry isn't slamming a freaking dragon into the wall"   Artorias let's out a sigh while passing his hand through his hair  "I thought we were friends, whatever it is,mis it that bad you can't tell any of us?" 
super dark33
Surdrak startled back as Artorias pointed at him.
He calmed down and said

 Its not angry, it's hateful.  

Surdrak wasn't sure for a second on which he was talking about, so he decided both.

 Thank you Art, for the quick explanation. I guess I'll hear the longer one inside there. 

Surdrak scooted into the room.

He looked at jadeite, whom he was surprised to see there.

  Hey Jadeite.  What was or.. What was going on here? 

He looked at Pallsac and said with calm anger

 What did Badger do?... 
Athedia
 "She caused Elsee's death Art.  If she had been a little smarter she would have never risked a journey like that.  And she doesn't even seem sorry, instead it's all 'Well thanks for saving my things, let me just take some blood money.'  Then she feels she has a right to hurt our prisoners, and you let her.  She was weak, she was cowardly and she is allowed to get away with it."   Badger punched the wall, the wood scraping her knuckles.  Talking about Pallasc was getting her angry again.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias recoils a bit at the venom in her voice " Did she sent the pirates after us? No, she was attacked by them, just like we did"  the young man closed his eyes and continued "If anyone caused Elsee's death it was me, I saw the pirate with the sword, I could have reached her in time had I not killed the other one"  He put a hand on Badger's shoulder.  "I'm sorry, I really am and perhaps you are right and I shouldn't have let her with the prisoners, but like it or not, she is our best bet to get Elsee back" 
CoffeeIncluded
Pallasc falls to the ground on her hands and knees, gasping for air. She stays there, and as Jadeite holds out a hand she takes it and tries to stand. With tears in her eyes she draws in a breath and tries to shoot lightning at Badger, but splutters halfway through the inhale. All that comes out is wheezing and spit.

So instead she screams,  "You big-big... You meanie! WAAAAHHH!!!"  She tears out of the corridor, and falls to her hands as she runs to the deck. As they hit the wood they become bronze scaled feet with long sharp claws. Her tail smacks against the mast as she flies away from the ship at top speed.

Jadeite watches with open mouthed shock. As Pallasc flies out of sight, he strides over to Badger and slaps her in the face.  "Do you realize what you just did?"  he hisses.  "You cannot treat a dragon like that! And even if she were not a dragon, you may have just squandered out best and possibly only chance to raise Elsee!" 

He buries his face in his hand, threads his fingers through his green hair, and sighs. He says to Surdrak,  "Pallasc said something to Badger. She lost her temper and tried to attack the dragon."  Honestly, what was with that girl? And Badger not being her real name? He thought it was unusual for a human, but not especially so.

Jadeite shakes his head. It's not his place to pry, it does not involve him. Besides, there are greater things to worry about right now.
But as Badger blames Pallasc for the pirate attack and Elsee's death, he hisses,  "That is a lie and you know it. She was as much a victim as we are." 
 
 Spoiler 
wow, and I was only gone about an hour for breakfast. You guys are great!

Anyway, I'll be in Mesa verde most of the day and won't have service, so I'll be heading out within the hour. Fantastic job, everyone!
 
Athedia
Badger startled from the slap.  Jadeite had never acted that way before.  Grabbing his hand as he ran it through his hair she forced him to turn to her.   "So because she is stronger than me I should be afraid.  I should bow down and cater to her foolishness?  I treated her like I will treat Natasha.  As a foolish child who didn't realize the world is a scary horrible place.  And yes, maybe she didn't directly cause the death, but Elsee would still be walking today if she had done the job properly and not left a mess behind for us to clean up." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "No, but you ought to treat her with respect. You had no right to lose control of her emotions and attack her. You were just as foolish as you claim Pallasc is. And could you not realize that Pallasc is barely out of adolescence? Would you treat a human child the way you treated Pallasc?" 

Hemlock hisses threateningly as Jadeite pulls his hand away from Badger's.  "And what if Pallasc had perished in the pirate attack? Would you have accused her then? Face it Badger--you only blame Pallasc because she survived the pirate attack and Elsee did not." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "No you shouldn't be afraid, you should have thought things through before acting"  Artorias pierced Jadeite with a glare  "That goes for you too"  Artorias let his gaze fall to the floor  Badger, you are angry at Pallasc for behaving as a stupid girl, but right now you are acting even more stupid than her, she didn't had to finish the pirates, heck she didn't had to fight them, that wasn't her job, if anything dealing with pirates is our job, we were contracted to protect this ship"
  at this point Artorias stopped to catch his breath.  "If you want to blame someone blame me" 
 
 Spoiler 

Don't worry coffee, this has been incredibly fun. Have fun in Mesa Verde (is that a national park?)
 
super dark33
Surdrak made the most disappointed look he could and attacked himself with an eldritch facepalm.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+500)[ 520 ]   (50d50000)[ 1341371 ]  a critical hit ranges from 1-20 and does x5 damage.
 

 Well I rooted for a longer explanation from you but this was good anyway, thanks. 

Anger took over Surdrak. He readied a mortalbane blast in his hand.

 All obey "Badger". The leader of this group. 
Surdrak mumbled to himself in tranquil fury.

 You lost the single piece of respect I had for you. And to think this is the kind of behaviour *I* would be BLAMED and PUNISHED for, mostly due to YOU. 

Surdrak aimed his blast. The hand was sorry it had come down to this, but the ink was more than eager.

Surdrak lowered his hand and dismissed the blast.

 If you were in my position You would attack, but since I have self respect and restraint, I won't.
Unlike you.

Ill to on the hopeless mission of trying to see if Pallsac is still nearby.  

He walked quickly up the deck.
Athedia
Badger coldly regarded Jadeite's last statement.   "Jadeite, I routinely drag people still not adults to face the executioner.  So don't presume I would not treat a human the same.  As for my emotions, those are my business.  Do not be so arrogant, elf, that you pretend to be better at it than I.  If someone touched your precious diploma, destroyed your treasured spellbook, tell me you would be as calm as you are now. As for my anger, yes.  I do wish she had died instead." 
Silverraptor
Sora stood nearby, leaning on a wall. As the argument continued, more and more she began sliding to the floor, crying more all the while. She had her face in her hands and her sobs were silent for now...
Dusk Eclipse
 "Thats enough!" Artorias finally exploded "We will be stuck on this ship for at least two more days, so knock it off."  He glared at everyone, they had to listen to him, wether they liked it or not.  "This is what we are going to do, Jadeite and Alim will put their heads together and figure out a way to breathe underwater so we can see if Pallasc's parents will raise Elsee"  sensing The Badger was about to interrupt him he continued without breaking a stride  "As soon as we disembark you will take Sora and Surdark to start looking for Natalia"  Closing his eyes and crossing his arm over his chest, Artorias took a deep breath  "Any objections? No? Good."  he finished, his voice daring anyone to contradict him.


 
 Spoiler 

Sorry that Artorias is doing this, but the party really needs to get off their collective asses and this seemed the best way to do it.

I included Alim despite Devmar being MIA since there is no IC reason to exclude  him.
 
super dark33
Artorias' burst of leadership reassured Surdrak.
He nodded his head.
On his way he thought himself on methods to get to the lair.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+8)[ 23 ]  Spellcraft
 (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  knowledge arcane.
 
Athedia
 "Natasha, her name is Natasha."   She looked at Sora, the girl had remained silent for so long.  Not talked to any of them about Elsee's death.  And she had killed the day before.  At least Badger had seen death and dealt it before.  She reached down and half-helped, half-pulled Sora to her feet.   "You need rest." 
 
 Spoiler 
The mistake of Dusk's was hilarious.  Natalia is Coffee's character in the game she started out in.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Sorry, I meant Natasha" 
 
 Spoiler 
😳 Damn, and I thought I had made Artorias look badass, but in my defense the names are close enough and coffee does have a link to Natalia's sheet on her sig
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Except that unlike Pallasc, they committed crimes. And how dare you presume you know what I am thinking!"  Jadeite sounds angrier than angrier than anyone has ever heard him, and he raises his hand, a green aura collecting around it for a spell...

And then Artorias's shout draws him back to reality. The elf pauses, then drops his hand. As he listens to the warblade,  his expression becomes genial once more.  "Of course. I shall begin considering ideas right away. Thank you, Artorias, for your clearheaded judgement."  He walks witH Alim back belowdecks and considers possible courses of action.

Surdrak:

 
 Spoiler 
surdrak knows that there are spells that allow one to breathe in water, but they generally don't last long--they'll be on trouble of they need to be underwater for any long stretch of time. Also, he doesn't think he or Jadeite are capable of casting the spell yet.
 

 
 Spoiler 
spellcraft:  (d20+11)[ 22 ]  (24)
Knowledge arcana:  (d20+11)[ 31 ]  (33)

So remember what I said about waiting to get back to the hotel? I lied.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias nods and walks towards the crow's nest, this confrontation had tired him, without saying another word he simply climbed and stared into the horizon.
CoffeeIncluded
As the sun slowly dips below the horizon, Artorias--and the rest of the group--realize just how  dark  the sea is. Both sky and ocean are an inky-blue black, and only the occasional white crest of waves lets them discern sea from sky. At least, until they look up, and see hundreds upon thousands of stars sprinkling the sky, twinkling at all different levels of brightness, only drowned out by the two moons of Aequar.

Jadeite decides to work with Alim under the stars, deliberately avoiding Badger. After some time, he approaches Artorias and says,  "There is a spell that would allow us to draw oxygen from the water and breathe it as we would breathe normal air. However, it only lasts a few hours, and I am not yet powerful enough to cast it. Even if I were to obtain a scroll of it, the spell would only last,"  he looks down at a page of calculations,  "Seventy-five minutes if Kheel comes with us, eighty-six if he flies above us in the air. And we would have to make a return trip as well." 
Silverraptor
Sora allows Badger to drag her away to wherever Badger would take her. However, she continued to cry silently, even after she would be left alone by everyone else.
Athedia
Badger helped Sora into her bed, Naga jumping up to curl beside the sobbing cleric.  She held the girls hand, gently squeezing it.   "I'm sorry Sora, you shouldn't have seen that.  I wish I could explain, I really do.  But they will figure out how to save Elsee, I know it."   As time passed she let herself slide onto the floor and leaning up against the bed she rested her head on the mattress.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 As the sun slowly dips below the horizon, Artorias--and the rest of the group--realize just how  dark  the sea is. Both sky and ocean are an inky-blue black, and only the occasional white crest of waves lets them discern sea from sky. At least, until they look up, and see hundreds upon thousands of stars sprinkling the sky, twinkling at all different levels of brightness, only drowned out by the two moons of Aequar.

Jadeite decides to work with Alim under the stars, deliberately avoiding Badger. After some time, he approaches Artorias and says,  "There is a spell that would allow us to draw oxygen from the water and breathe it as we would breathe normal air. However, it only lasts a few hours, and I am not yet powerful enough to cast it. Even if I were to obtain a scroll of it, the spell would only last,"  he looks down at a page of calculations,  "Seventy-five minutes if Kheel comes with us, eighty-six if he flies above us in the air. And we would have to make a return trip as well."  
 


 "How difficult would it be to buy a couple of them? It seems to me that having a few spare ones in case of emergency is a good idea and if we don't use them you could scribe them later." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "How difficult would it be to buy a couple of them? It seems to me that having a few spare ones in case of emergency is a good idea and if we don't use them you could scribe them later."  
 

Jadeite frowns.  "It would be a simple matter in Runite, but I do not know how well-supplied Proxima Island is." 

The next few days pass without incident, except that Jadeite deliberately avoids Badger the entire time, and there is one long thunderstorm that leaves both group and crew frantically lashing down everything to the deck and hunkering down inside as thunder crashes and lightning flashes and tall frothing waves smash against the hull of the ship. But the next day is clear, and that evening they can hear the loud sharp cries of seagulls and terns. They're close to land.

Indeed, it's just at dawn the next morning, when the bright red-orange of the sun is starting to peek over the horizon, that the captain's cry of, "Land ho!" echos throughout the ship.

The sea becomes clearer and bluer as they approach the shores, and Proxima Island itself seems almost impossibly pristine, with broad leafy trees and canoes shored against the sparkling clean sand. No rocks, no bottles, no mangroves and swamp. Proxima Island looks like a paradise where time stands still, at least for the moment.

But as the ship approaches the single dock, they can see where broken beams have been lashed back together hastily and recently, where another nearby dock is nothing but a wrecked ruin. Bits of driftwood are still stuck in the shoreline, and several trees have been stripped of their broad leaves, of even snapped entirely. And over there, the inhabitants of Proxima Island are busy repairing those houses still standing, climbing on rooves to fill them in, or rebuilding walls. The hurricane hit this island, and hit it hard.
super dark33
 Sharfin's tail, would you look at the damage! 

Surdrak saw worse, but he knew his comrades didnt.
at least not what he saw.
CoffeeIncluded
As the ship lands, scores of grateful storm-battered villagers stream out of their decimated shoreline village to the ship bearing relief supplies. The group can see a wide range of races--humans, elves, dark-skinned halflings, and even a few exotic gnomes.

 "Alright,"  the captain says as he docks the ship,  "Everybody lend a hand in unloading this ship and distributing supplies." 
 
 Spoiler 
I have to get up at 7:30 tomorrow for classes. Remember, you're looking for two things here: A way to get the water breathing spell, and Natasha's location/status. Gather information, urban tracking, and regular tracking are all valid here.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias puts his physical strength to use by helping the sailors to unload the cargo, he also makes some small talk with them, asking a few questions about the island.

 "Do you guys know of a good place to rest in the island?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Gather Información  (1d20+1)[ 16 ] 
 
Silverraptor
Sora ducks under a crate carried by two large, burly muscular sailors and looks up at the island. It felt weird to be standing here with 1 person less than when they started. Anyone observing her would see she was distant and not entirely there.
CoffeeIncluded
Kell looks up from where he is pushing a large crate nearly as tall as him. The hobgoblin flicks his tongue behind his fangs as he thinks.  "There's a couple inns further into town,"  he says.  "They're cozy but comfortable. I don't know if they survived the storm though." 
Athedia
Badger helped unload for a while before finding a group of locals to talk too.

Pausing before a group she smiled sheepishly.   "Uh, hi.  I was wondering if you have seen my sister, double daggers, kinda pretty.  She was a guard on a ship that came here recently.  She's Natasha, if you just see her tell her Eva is looking for her." 

She wasn't even sure if the people were listening to her, absorbed as they were in getting supplies for repairs.

 
 Spoiler 
Gather Information  (1d20+7)[ 8 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Most people are too busy with repairs to give her much mind. A few perk up when Badger mentions the dual daggers, but when she gives the missing noble's name they all say some variant of,  "Sorry, I haven't heard of anyone named that." 
Athedia
Badger moved on, the docks where to busy.  While she might spot someone there, she doubted it.

Heading toward the area that was still standing she retold her story to those who would listen.

 
 Spoiler 
Gather Information  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] 
 
super dark33
Surdrak headed into the inns and peculiar stores to question locals about the elusive girl.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
could you please do several rolls at once and save time please?
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Sure thing.

Use as needed:
Gather Information  (1d20+7)[ 19 ] 
Gather Information  (1d20+7)[ 14 ] 
Gather Information  (1d20+7)[ 18 ] 
Gather Information  (1d20+7)[ 15 ] 
Gather Information  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Gather Information  (1d20+7)[ 21 ] 
Gather Information  (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 
Gather Information  (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Badger listens as she unloads supplies, and asks around as they're being distributed. She hears some talk about a Voice, and something like,  "If she were here instead of the Whisper, then maybe this wouldn't have happened, or been so bad,"  but nothing about Natasha for several hours.

Until she checks into the inn, still running and functioning as an emergency shelter for displaced villagers though half its roof is gone and the windows are broken in and the door had only just been repaired, and the innkeeper scratches his beard and says,  "Natasha...Natasha...What did she look like?" 
Athedia
Badger showed him the picture the butler had given the group.   "This is how she looked last I saw her.  But I haven't seen her since she left." 
CoffeeIncluded
The innkeeper takes the picture and studies it carefully. Finally he says,  "I saw a girl like this with two daggers come in all busted up like the rest of her ship, but she said her name was Rosa." 
super dark33
 So what do you know about her whereabouts? 
Athedia
 "Rosa?  Look do you know where she went? I need to talk to her, if you see her tell her Eva is looking for her." 
Dusk Eclipse
After finishing with the cargo Artorias looks for someone who could possibly sell the scrolls they would need to find the entrance to Pallasc's parents' lair.

 
 Spoiler 

Gather info
 (1d20+1)[ 6 ] 
 (1d20+1)[ 9 ] 
 (1d20+1)[ 18 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Rosa?  Look do you know where she went? I need to talk to her, if you see her tell her Eva is looking for her."  
 

 "She left the inn early this morning. But I'll tell her once she comes back." 

 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 After finishing with the cargo Artorias looks for someone who could possibly sell the scrolls they would need to find the entrance to Pallasc's parents' lair.

 
 Spoiler 

Gather info
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

 
 
 

After several hours of searching, Artorias and Jadeite come across an old gnome, his blue hair faded to almost white, helping out what way he can by sweeping the street clear of debris.

 "Ah, you'd be looking for the Voice,"  he says.  "She'd be the only one on this island with magic like that." 
Athedia
 "I can wait here, if you need any help I will do what I can."   Badger offered gesturing to the half-destroyed building.
CoffeeIncluded
The innkeeper sighs with relief.  "I heard there's a lot of lumber and nails and the like that came on this last ship. We could use every available hand." 
 
 Spoiler 
I want to wait for everyone else to find the Voice and decide what to do from there--I assume you're not coming to Thunder's Fang?--but do you want to make a minigame out of this?
 
Athedia
Badger rolled up her sleeves and got to work.  Hauling the materials back to the inn and helping repair the damage.  It was hard work, but after being cooped on a ship with a lot of angry people she was glad to be appreciated.

 
 Spoiler 
Sure, I know Badger is sticking around the inn til Natasha shows up.  That is the job.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Jadeite and Artorias: 
 "Who is the Voice?"  Jadeite asks.

The gnome grins.  "She's the one who speaks to them dragons on Thunder's Fang. She gives them offerings and asks them to help us, like with this storm. Only thing is she died a few months back!"  He hoots and slaps his knee.  "And her successor's still only the Whisper, and a half-trained one at that!" 

Badger:
 
 Spoiler 
Athedia, can I please put you on hold for a little bit?
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
feel free.  I am comfortable waiting.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Jadeite and Artorias: 
 "Who is the Voice?"  Jadeite asks.

The gnome grins.  "She's the one who speaks to them dragons on Thunder's Fang. She gives them offerings and asks them to help us, like with this storm. Only thing is she died a few months back!"  He hoots and slaps his knee.  "And her successor's still only the Whisper, and a half-trained one at that!"  
 

 "Figures"  Artorias deadpans, annoyance making way to his voice, shaking his head he asks  "Where could we find this whisper?.... Wait a minute you say this Voice/Whispers talks to the Dragons in Thunder's Fang? 
CoffeeIncluded
The old gnome grins.  "Well, how else are we supposed to give our offerings to them dragons? It's not like we can swim there!" 

When Artorias asks for a location, he points to the edge of town and says,  "Oh, it's over thereabouts." 
Silverraptor
Sora walks in at the exact time the gnome said that.
 "Offerings to the dragon? What?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Well, we leave them all sorts of gifts and gems, and requests and advice! Ain't none of it's free though!"  the gnome hoots.

Jadeite turns and explains.  "Some cultures and people treat nearby dragons with a near deity-like reverence."  He turns to look beyond the trees.  "Perhaps we should see this Whisper?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Looks like the best option, let's go"  Artorias thanks the gnome and begins walking in the direction shown' to him.
CoffeeIncluded
The house is in significantly better shape than nearly any other one in the village. The roof is damaged and one of the windows is broken and the walls are scuffed, but the house itself is intact.

When Jadeite and Artorias open the door, they see a room dark and full of clutter, fronds and incense scattered all over the floor, two beds--the larger one collecting dust--a bookshelf half filled with various knickknacks, and a shrine to Tiden with a holy symbol draped over it. There are some bronze dragon scales and a cloak on a table, potions sticking out of a half-opened drawer, and in the middle of it a young gnome boy with yellow-green hair panickly trying to lash together several palm fronds much larger than himself.
Dusk Eclipse
Somewhat surprised by all the clutter, he didn't thought someone who spoke with Dragons on regular basis could be so... messy, but considering Pallasc it sorta started to make sense, Artorias called "Hello? Anybody home?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "GAH!"  with a startled shout the gnome youth topples over backward; the palm fronds fall over him and conceal him completely. After a moment he rolls over, brushes the fronds off him, and gets to his feet.

He takes a look at the human and elf before him and says,  "Um, hi. Are you looking for someone?" 
 watching Star Trek with my friends.  
Dusk Eclipse
 "Here, let me help you."  Artorias helps him to pick the fronds up.  "And we were looking for the whisper, do you know where can I find him or her?" 
CoffeeIncluded
The gnome hangs his head and looks away from Artorias. Awkwardly, he brushes the bangs from his eyes and whispers,  "...That's me." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Uh... sorry?"  Artorias ankwardly answers, he definitely hadn't expected that reaction.

 "Err, let's start again, my name is Artorias Kaathe and this is   he points towards the elven necromamcer  Jadeite Nocrius, pleased to meet you"  he offers the gnome a hand.
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite extends a hand as well, and the gnome shakes them both. They can both see the holy symbol of Tiden carved onto a gem hanging around his neck.

 "I'm, well, everyone calls me the Whisper now. Though I don't even deserve to be called that,"  he says quietly, looking back at the empty bed and hanging his head.
super dark33
Surdrak sat on the beach, just at the point where the sand is wet, but the waves die out before they reach it.

He sat legs folded, with his arms spread to his sides and his body leaning back.

He came to watch birds, his original thought eludes him, the new one of " Relax to the sound of birds, maybe play with some crabs a little bit, and if possible take a nap " is the dominant echo in the debate halls of his mind.

Luckily, the monstrous aberration he calls " A friend"  decided to take a break too, and is sleeping its unnecessary slumber.

Great Ea'agon above, that rustling is relaxing.
But the sunlight is too strong to let him feel sleepy.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Jadeite extends a hand as well, and the gnome shakes them both. They can both see the holy symbol of Tiden carved onto a gem hanging around his neck.

 "I'm, well, everyone calls me the Whisper now. Though I don't even deserve to be called that,"  he says quietly, looking back at the empty bed and hanging his head. 
 

 "We heard what happened your master, but he must have seen something in you to have chosen you as his apprentice" 
CoffeeIncluded
The Whisper just stares at Artorias, then falls over, burying his head in his hands as he bursts into tears.

 "What could she have seen in me?!"  he wails.  "I'm a failure of a Whisper! How could I ever become the next Voice! She died before she could teach me anything! I'm hopeless, I'm helpless! I couldn't do anything to save everyone from the hurricane, I can't even cast the spell to walk underwater on their own! What am I going to do when the potions and scrolls run out! I won't ever be able to see the dragons anymore, and then this island won't have a Voice anymore!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Then get stronger"  Artorias kneels to the gnome's level and puts a (hopefully) reassuring hand on his shoulder.

 "I am sure your master left something that might help you here, or if not, you could ask the dragons yourself." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Just some stuff about me needing to train and grow on my own. But I don't know how to do that, or even where to begin!"  The Whisper sniffles, wiping his eyes and nose on the back of his hand.
CoffeeIncluded
Much to Artorias' surprise, Jadeite actually walks over to the sniffling gnome, though he stands over him.

 "You start where you can, and improve from there. Even I did not become a graduate student overnight. It took me many years of hard work and research and training to obtain even my undergraduate degree. So tell me, Whisper, what can you do?" 

The Whisper slowly looks up.  "Well,"  he starts, hesitant and reluctant,  "I can heal some cuts and scrapes, though nothing serious. I can clean water and food, and--and bless people and weapons and armor. But I only know a little bit of Draconic, and I can't cast the water breathing spells that would let me go to Thunder's Fang. And without that I can't do my job, not when the potions and scrolls run out." 
 
 Spoiler 
The Whisper is a 3rd level cleric.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Did your master make those scrolls?" 
CoffeeIncluded
The Whisper nods.  "She made all the potions too. I can cast and drink those, but no matter how hard I try I still can't cast them myself." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Would you be able to cast the spell on us?"  Jadeite asks.  "We need to speak to the dragons about a personal matter." 

The Whisper draws back, as if he doesn't know whether to be intimidated or offended. He settles for an indignant,  "B-But I'm the Voice! I mean, I'm the Whisper! I'm the one who's supposed to meet the dragons!" 
Silverraptor
 "Ummm... Well we, uh... we met and talked with a dragon... a few days ago that seemed to have come from here..." 
Sora says the statement nervously.
CoffeeIncluded
The Whisper looks up at that.  "Which one?! You can't be serious! They abandoned me too?!" 
Silverraptor
 "Well... no, not really. It was uh..." 
She looks up at the others for a second before looking back down.
 "It was Pallasc who wants... erm, wanted to move out of her parent's place... it seemed like. And er, she told us her parents may be able to help her." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Pallasc? But-But I was supposed to be the one to guide her!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Wait what?" 
CoffeeIncluded
The Whisper shakes his head.  "That wasn't the right word. I was supposed to offer guidance and give her my blessing before she left. Doe she think I'm not worthy?" 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias mumbles a bit  "Don't think that, Pallasc seem to be...  how do I put it?"  
CoffeeIncluded
 "Flighty? Erratic? A borderline personification of disorder and cheer?" 

No sooner are the words out of Jadeite's mouth than he is met with a finger thrust under his chin.  "Don't say that about the dragons! You can't insult them!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I was kinda hoping to avoid those words, but yeah that is the gist of it"  Seeing the The Whisper's outrage he quickly tries to amend it

 "Look we know that dragons are powerful and wise, but Pallasc is young...   (at least for dragon)  he adds in his head  "and maybe a tad little too excitable, in any case she is fine, don't worry."  Artorias then suddenly began to rumage through his (normal) bag, looking for something... he mumbles intelligibly for a few moments  "Aha! Pallasc gave us this to show it to her parents"  he shows the claw-shaped coral fragment the dragon girl had given to them.
CoffeeIncluded
The Whisper's slowly picks the coral from Artorias's hands. His mouth falls open as he carefully examines it. Finally, he hands it back to Artorias. When he speaks, his whole posture is slumped and his voice is quiet and defeated.

 "Just take it. Just take the damn scroll and go!"  he finishes with a shout, flinging the rolled parchment at Jadeite's face.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias narrowed his eyes "Pallasc only told us to bring the coral as a token so her parents won't fry us, I am sorry if I or Jadeite offended you, but I need to know, what does this means?" 
CoffeeIncluded
For a while, the gnome says nothing. Then you hear a whisper, though he doesn't turn around.

 "She gave it to Pallasc. The Voice. One day she found it and gave it to her, though she was just a wyrmling. There were two, and she gave both, and that's one of them..." 
CoffeeIncluded
The Whisper trails off and doesn't say any more. He seems to have withdrawn into himself.

Jadeite looks down at the scroll and passes it to Sora. He says,  "We should go. Perhaps you can cast this spell?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Are you guys ready to go? I really want to try to do this today, if possible.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias just shakes his head "Yeah, let's go" 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite, Sora, and Artorias leave the despondent gnome and step back outside. They look beyond the cooling shade of palm trees to see Surdrak sitting on the beach. Waves are lapping at his feet and he's trying to catch tiny scuttling crabs that dart out from under driftwood that he lifts.
super dark33
 Sdneirf dewalceb erutainim uoy ereh kcab teg! OY! 

Surdrak turns to see the group.

 Ih! I mean hi! What have you achived in the meantime? 

Surdrak is genuinly happy to see them! He can't get enough of these folk.


 
 Spoiler 
Decided to go with the whole "Undercommon is just reverse common" thing. Just for fun!
 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite winces as he hears the discordant tones of the warlock's language. For some reason just the sounds make his stomach roil.

 "We found a way to breathe underwater,"  he says.  "Though we will still need to weigh ourselves down to be able to walk and nod get swept away by the currents." 
 
 Spoiler 
Actually, and you wouldn't know this, but there is no Undercommon in my game. Instead it's Plainscommon, a sort of lingua franca of the nomadic and seminomadic Alavaan tribes.

Are you cool if Surdrak did some sort of garbled eldritch speech instead?
 
super dark33
 Ooh, Nice!
 

Surdrak turns his gaze upwards, thinking.

 We could carry rocks...? 

Surdrak beholds his right, which is the sea.

 But problems may rise when we want to get out of the water... 

Surdrak tastes the sand with his eyes, then proceeds to look at Jadiete.

 Thats my suggestion. What about yours? 
 
 Spoiler 
Perfectly cool with that 🙂
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I doubt Badger is coming with us,"  Jadeite says, and you can hear a note of relief in his voice.  "Sora, if you may, cast the spell." 

The cleric's voice shakes, but she manages to recite the incantation with little trouble, and as the last words of the spell leave her lips, Surdrak, Jadeite, Sora, and Artorias stagger and gasp for air. There's little difference, until a wave crashes over them and leaves them all soaked. Though cold and salty, their eyes barely sting when exposed to the salt water. And though it's forced up their noses, they don't choke and cough. Though their lungs feel weird, for lack of a better term, it's not painful.

Jadeite goes further back onto the beach and returns a few minutes later, pushing some stones slightly larger than his feet.  "Tie these around your ankles so the current will not sweep us away,"  he says.

Once everyone binds the rocks around their ankles, they begin to walk into the sea, in the direction of the curved sharp peaks jutting from the sea, into the direction of Thunder's Fang.

 
 Spoiler 
Descriptions, spot/listen checks, etcetera needed now please!
 
Silverraptor
Sora looks around at the underwater landscape. It looks alien with all the seaweed and everything waving back and forth in the waves.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot:  (1d20+3)[ 4 ] 
Listen:  (1d20+3)[ 20 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
A young man notices Badger by the pile of lumber and pitch and asks,  "You here to help?" 

When the ranger affirms, he points to a cluster of buildings, their rooves sheeted off and their walls half collapsed. People are busy noe, propping wood up and nailing it into place. Other people stand on ladders, spreading bundles of thatch and fronds into place.

 "We need people to bring wood and thatch over to those jouses,"  he explains.  "If you can, climb up on the roof and help put the thatch and fronds into place. Just do what you can; we could use all the help we can get." 
 
 Spoiler 
waoting on dusk and super dark, then I'll move forward underwater.
Athedia, if you want to play then make a series of strength and climb checks. The higher you roll the better you'll do. And please don't forget the description!
 
super dark33
Surdrak bends his knees and pretends he is a hermit crab.
He absolutely adores being underwater.

He looks for shiny objects and wildlife.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+2)[ 9 ]  spot
 (1d20+2)[ 21 ]  Listen
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Strength Checks:
 (1d20+1)[ 12 ] 
 (1d20+1)[ 12 ] 
 (1d20+1)[ 17 ] 
 (1d20+1)[ 9 ] 
 (1d20+1)[ 11 ] 
 (1d20+1)[ 18 ] 
 (1d20+1)[ 4 ] 
 (1d20+1)[ 13 ] 

Climb Checks:
roll]1d20+1[/roll]
 (1d20+1)[ 21 ] 
 (1d20+1)[ 14 ] 
 (1d20+1)[ 20 ] 
 (1d20+1)[ 17 ] 
 (1d20+1)[ 5 ] 
 (1d20+1)[ 6 ] 
 (1d20+1)[ 10 ] 

Will add text after classes.  Coffee, I need to know how she did as well.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "I doubt Badger is coming with us,"  Jadeite says, and you can hear a note of relief in his voice.  "Sora, if you may, cast the spell." 

The cleric's voice shakes, but she manages to recite the incantation with little trouble, and as the last words of the spell leave her lips, Surdrak, Jadeite, Sora, and Artorias stagger and gasp for air. There's little difference, until a wave crashes over them and leaves them all soaked. Though cold and salty, their eyes barely sting when exposed to the salt water. And though it's forced up their noses, they don't choke and cough. Though their lungs feel weird, for lack of a better term, it's not painful.

Jadeite goes further back onto the beach and returns a few minutes later, pushing some stones slightly larger than his feet.  "Tie these around your ankles so the current will not sweep us away,"  he says.

Once everyone binds the rocks around their ankles, they begin to walk into the sea, in the direction of the curved sharp peaks jutting from the sea, into the direction of Thunder's Fang.

 
 Spoiler 
Descriptions, spot/listen checks, etcetera needed now please!
 
 
 


Artorias looks around him, marveled that he can breathe underwater, the rocks on his ankles are a tad uncomfortable, but he would have to make do.  "Wow... this is amazing" 
 
 Spoiler 

Spot   (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 
Listen  (1d20+7)[ 24 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
There's water in his lungs, but he's not drowning. Jadeite wonders how this affects the osmotic balance of all the other tissues in his body, as well as differences between seawater and freshwater, as he walks along the ocean floor with everyone else.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+4)[ 18 ] 
Listen:  (d20+4)[ 8 ] 
 
Athedia
Badger tried to help them move the wood over to the houses, but gave up as she did not seem to be able to lift that many and she was lagging behind the other helpers.  Instead she clambered onto the nearest roof and pitched in, laying down the thatch.   "Do hurricanes happen often here?  And why stay if it is so dangerous?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Badger: 

The sea is beautiful; rays of light stream through the undulating waves to strike a rainbow of corals. Some are branched like trees in winger, some twisted and rounded like brains, some circular and dimpled, growing in tight clusters. Anemones wave lazily in the currents and bright red-and-orange clownfish dart in and out of the swaying tentacles. Crabs scuttle along the sand, and fish swim through the corals, in tight schools or alone. Jadeite has the sharpest eyes, and sees a shark swimming several hundred feet away. However, it doesn't seem to notice the four of them, though that could change if it gets too close.

He doesn't hear too much, as the slightest current rushes against his ears and makes him twitch and grit his teeth, shaking his head to free himself from the distraction. The others however can hear fish swim by and the waves overhead, crashing against something far off.

There appears to be a path in the sand, one where the Voice and now the Whisper have walked, along with their predecessors. At least, there's an area where little coral grows. And now it seems to split.

Which way should they go--left, or right?

 
 Spoiler 
Survival checks would help. Or you can just guess.
 

 Badger: 

Badger can drag wood to houses with little trouble, but she struggles to keep the beams propped up long enough to be set in place. So instead she carries leaves and fronds and thatch up to the rooves and begins spreading them out and fixing them in place.

The older woman she's helping shrugs.  "Hurricanes happen nearly every year. This just happened to be a particularly bad one. And we stay because it's our home, regardless of some bad weather. It's beautiful most of the time anyway You're from Runite, right? Why do you stay there despite the crime and dirtiness of the city? And don't you have hurricanes as well?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Runite's in the geographical equivalent of New Orleans. The city's dealt with its fair share of hurricanes.
 
super dark33
Surdrak darts his eyes between the two paths.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+1)[ 5 ]  Survival
 


He then gazes upon a group of 6 crabs that scuttles in his shadow. He thinks its awesome and forgets what he was doing.
Silverraptor
 
 Spoiler 
Survival:
 (1d20+3)[ 5 ] 
 


Sora looks between the 2 paths, but doesn't know anything about figuring out a path to follow. Especially underwater.
Athedia
 "Don't have anywhere else to go really.  And I wouldn't have a job without the crime.  My guild deals with what the guard can't."   Badger hefted another bundle of thatch up and started laying it down.
CoffeeIncluded
 "...do you consider Runite your home?"  she asks after a moment's pause.  "Or these guilds? What do you mean by the guild anyway?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite looks down each path trailing off further under the sea.

 
 Spoiler 
survival:  (d20)[ 9 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias stares at both passages, trying to make a decision.

 
 Spoiler 
Survival  (1d20)[ 18 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 artorias: 
 
 Spoiler 
Artorias notices that the left path appears to slope gently upwards, as if heading towards a shoreline.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Unsure if thay are able to hear him Artorias beckons the others to follow him  ""Common guys, this way"  he takes the left path.
CoffeeIncluded
The four adventurers walk for some time underwater. For a while nothing seems to change, but then one by one they notice the corals and fish thinning out, and long strands of seaweed soon give way to bare sand and rock. The sea becomes warmer and brighter, and soon they can see the shadow of Kheel flying overhead.

All at once the shore becomes rockier, great jagged brown stones sticking out. And then before them, a cliff. Several cliffs of rough-hewn pointed stone, slippery with underwater plants, crawling with starfish and barnacles. The stone spires shoot up and up, out of the sea and several stories into the air, ending in sharp points though they're hundreds of feet around at the base. Twisted spirals, like the fangs of an impossibly large skeleton, just the sight of them take their breath away. And then, looking closely, nestled within the face of the largest one of all, they see a dark tunnel leading up.

The path inside Thunder's Fang.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "...do you consider Runite your home?"  she asks after a moment's pause.  "Or these guilds? What do you mean by the guild anyway?"  
 


Badger thought for a bit.   "Not my home... I can't go home.  But the guild, they are my family.  We do whatever work we are paid for, but we chose the work.  So nothing illegal, that is who we usually go after.  Sometimes those who are in danger as well, we protect.  But they are my family now, and we act like a family."   She realized she had just been sitting there and started thatching again.   "I just want to help however I can." 
CoffeeIncluded
The woman smiles.  "If the guild is your family, then it sounds like you know where your second home is as well."  with a grunt of exertion she pulls more fronds and thatch into place.  "And however you can is enough. But you have to know how to help yourself to help anyone else." 

The two women work in silence for a while. And then, out of nowhere, the silence becomes deeper, more malevolent.

And then, off in the distance, Badger hears a scream.

 
 Spoiler 
About 2 hours have passed for Badger. About 1 hour has passed for  everyone else.
 
Athedia
Badger jolted upright at the scream.  Without hesitating she clambered off the roof, pulling her bow out of the magic quiver.  She tore off toward the sound.  These people were not fighters, and enough people had probably died from the hurricane.   "Naga, follow!"   The dog had been waiting at the bottom of the house, after he had attempted to follow Badger up the ladder twice and failed he had found some fallen fronds curled up in them.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The four adventurers walk for some time underwater. For a while nothing seems to change, but then one by one they notice the corals and fish thinning out, and long strands of seaweed soon give way to bare sand and rock. The sea becomes warmer and brighter, and soon they can see the shadow of Kheel flying overhead.

All at once the shore becomes rockier, great jagged brown stones sticking out. And then before them, a cliff. Several cliffs of rough-hewn pointed stone, slippery with underwater plants, crawling with starfish and barnacles. The stone spires shoot up and up, out of the sea and several stories into the air, ending in sharp points though they're hundreds of feet around at the base. Twisted spirals, like the fangs of an impossibly large skeleton, just the sight of them take their breath away. And then, looking closely, nestled within the face of the largest one of all, they see a dark tunnel leading up.

The path inside Thunder's Fang. 
 

 "10 GP says the tunnels is the way to go" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Badger: 

Kheel dives into the water and follows the four up the sloping tunnel into the peak. The way is steep but not unclimbable, and after a few feet they come out of the water into a dark tunnel, damp with moss and illuminated--barely--by a soft far-off glow. Their footsteps leave puddles and they make soft squelching noises as they walk. The tunnel widens as they travel deeper within, and Kheel spreads his wings, happy that he can stretch. As they walk, they feel something give beneath their feet. Looking around, Jadeite, Sora, Artorias, Surdrak, and Kheel can see a lattice, a web, of copper wire pressed against the walls and the floor and the ceiling. There is no getting away from it.

 Badger: 

Badger rushes to the sound of the noise, to the shoreline. She sees people screaming and running away from about half a dozen...things...on the shore. Disgusting and hideous to look at, the only way to describe them is a goblin crossed with an octopus. Squelching and dragging their way across the beach with surprising speed, they snare up fleeing villagers with their tentacles before running them through with spears, tearing out chunks of flesh from their arms and gulping down before they even stop moving. Two of these creatures, larger and wearing sharkskin hide, wielding bows, are furthest back on either side and appear to be directing the attack.

 
 Spoiler 
I'll make and post the map after dinner.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Badger: 

Jadeite looks down and around at the copper mesh.  "Bronze dragons can shoot lightning from their mouths. This must be to ensure they hit their targets, no matter how wildly inaccurate the shot may be. We should be cautious." 

Indeed, it's only a few minutes after Jadeite says these words that the group suddenly comes upon a deep cavern, a vast belly carved into the depths of Thunder's Fang. Beautiful paintings and carvings adorn the walls, and the moment they step on bare rock, a deep rumbling grown echoes throughout the cavern, so deep that stalactites quiver at the vibrations.

   "WHO GOES THERE?"   
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Dungeon Knowledge thing:  (1d20+1)[ 5 ] 
 


Badger suppressed the urge to vomit at the sight of the creatures.  It was as if Surdrak's dreams had come true and decided to haunt her life instead.  "Naga stay back!  Everyone try to get behind me!" 
CoffeeIncluded
The villagers drop their nets and fish and flee the beach, screaming in panic, trying to escape the ravenous monsters and their greasy tentacles, their many needles teeth and slobbering gibbering and sharp throwing spears.

Badger remembers a name--Grindylows. At least, that's what she thinks they are. Maybe. She barely remembers that, much less anything else.

 
 Spoiler 
Initiative:
Badger:  (d20+4)[ 16 ] 
Grindylows:  (d20+2)[ 13 ] 
Grindylow Rs:  (d20+3)[ 15 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
Swalling hard Artorias takes a careful step forward "My name is Artorias, my companions and I have come to humbly ask for your aid" 

Praying that it would work, Artorias takes the claw-coral from his bag and puts in on the floor carefully "During our travels we coma across a Dragon named Pallasc, she told us you could help us and gave us this coral as a sign of good faith" 
Athedia
 "HEY Slimies!  Over here!"  Badger leveled her bow at the first of the gruesome creatures, letting off two quick shots at it and a nearby friend.

 
 Spoiler 
Rapid Shot

At G1:
Attack: (1d20+7)[ 14 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+7)[ 11 ] 
Damage  (1d6+1)[ 4 ] 

At G2:
Attack: (1d20+7)[ 13 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+7)[ 15 ] 
Damage  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger: 

One arrow flies inches over a grindylow's head; another pierces a tentacle but does not seem to draw blood or even be significantly noticed.

 
 Spoiler 
I'll do their turn tomorrow.
 

 Everyone but Badger: 

There's a pause, a silence that nobody dares break. And then, starting off in a separate room, a slow  crash,  rhythmic and getting louder with every passing moment.

The dragon's head appears around the corner first deep bronze with whiskers that nearly trail the floor. Even folded up, his wings are intimidatingly large, and fade slightly in color, though not to the dramatic extent of Pallasc's wings. His claws are over twice as long as the blade on Artorias's glaive and three times as sharp. His tail, broad and muscular, looks like it can crush Kheel in a single blow.

He leans over the coral and curls his lips, exposing teeth nearly as long as Artorias's head, and gives a deep inhale.

 
 Spoiler 
More tomorrow. Night guys!
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Badger: 

After what feels like an impossibly long moment, the great bronze dragon picks up the coral and rolls it between his claws. He rears up and Jadeite bows deeply--and there is no sense of condensation or sarcasm in his stance. When the dragon finally speaks, his voice is as deep and powerful as it was before, but the undertone of rippling restrained hostility seems to have abated. At the same time, he does not take his eyes off you, and you can't help but get the sense that he is dissecting you with a single glance.

  "My daughter would not give this up without a reason,"   he says.   "What happened to her, and why are you here?"  
 Badger: 

With gibbering cries, the two grindylows in back fire their bows--and like Badger, they put two arrows in the air at once.

 
 Spoiler 
GR1 attack:
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 16 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (d20+4)[ 8 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 3 ] 

GR1 attack:
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 7 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 3 ] 

Attack:  (d20+4)[ 10 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 3 ] 
 


Only two arrows hit, but one of them strikes a villager in the throat and he falls to the ground with a burble, bleeding out. Another one makes another  villager stagger, but she manages to remain limping--upright, but barely so.

 
 Spoiler 
One's at -4, the other's at 0 HP.
 


The four grindylows in front follow. Some shoot out tentacles to snare the fleeing villagers and drag them to the ground, while others then fall upon the entangled humans to pierce them with spears.

 
 Spoiler 
G1:
Trip:  (d20+5)[ 8 ] 
Opposed trip:  (d20+5)[ 10 ] 
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 3 ] 

G2:
Trip:  (d20+5)[ 19 ] 
Opposed trip:  (d20+5)[ 11 ] 
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 12 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 4 ] 

G3:
Trip:  (d20+5)[ 13 ] 
Opposed trip:  (d20+5)[ 15 ] 
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 14 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 2 ] 

G4:
Trip:  (d20+5)[ 25 ] 
Opposed trip:  (d20+5)[ 10 ] 
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 6 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 5 ] 

G5:
Trip:  (d20+5)[ 13 ] 
Opposed trip:  (d20+5)[ 6 ] 
 


Two humans manage to evade the wriggling tentacles. Two others are not so lucky and find themselves dragged to the ground, and then set upon by the grindylows. They laugh, high and bubbling, as they jam their spears into the humans' stomachs and listen to their screams.

A third grindylow chases down a human and snares him as well, though he's not able to attack in the same amount of time.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Everyone but Badger: 

After what feels like an impossibly long moment, the great bronze dragon picks up the coral and rolls it between his claws. He rears up and Jadeite bows deeply--and there is no sense of condensation or sarcasm in his stance. When the dragon finally speaks, his voice is as deep and powerful as it was before, but the undertone of rippling restrained hostility seems to have abated. At the same time, he does not take his eyes off you, and you can't help but get the sense that he is dissecting you with a single glance.

  "My daughter would not give this up without a reason,"   he says.   "What happened to her, and why are you here?"   
 

Artorias quickly bows down  "Your daughter gave us the coral after we saved her life, she was gravely wounded in a battle against pirates, by chance we found her and treated her injuries."  he rises his head a before continuing  "We are here to humbly ask resurrecting a friend of ours who died in battle" 
 
 Spoiler 
I figured going straight to the point is the best way to go with an angry dragon...
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Badger: 

Jadeite bows deeply as well, so low his scarf falls against the ground.   "I beseech you, please offer us your aid,"   he says, prostrating himself low.   "Your daughter, Pallasc, requested that you grant us this wish in gratitude of saving her life, oh great master of lightning and magic."  

The dragon pauses, then looks intently at each of you, and you feel him stripping away at your mind to view the truth within.

Finally, he speaks.   "You speak the truth,"   he says.   "But why did you come, and not send the Voice to relay this message in your place?"  
 Badger: 

The humans continue to flee the beach, following Badger's voice to try and find safety inland. The one knocked down by the grindylow but unharmed tries to get up and run away.

 
 Spoiler 
G5 AoO
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 12 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 2 ] 
 


She can't even get up before the grindylow falls upon her and rams a spear into her back. She's still screaming as he falls upon her, tearing the wound open further and sucking out her insides.

At that moment, a young gnome boy with yellow-green hair runs to the shoreline. His voice and body are shaking, but he manages to shout,  "This way! I won't let them hurt you!" 

He mutters an incantation, and though he stumbles over a few of the words, manages to complete the spell. A thick white mist falls over some of the fleeing humans, covering them and obscuring them from view--and from the range of the grindylows' arrows and spears.

 
 Spoiler 
Casts Obscuring Mist.
 
Athedia
Badger didn't recognize the boy but was thankful for whatever help she could get.   "Boy! I will try to take them down, you get people to safety!"   She wondered for a brief second why one so young on such a desolate island would have such power, but it was not important.  He was helping save those that had were in trouble.

She raised her hand, the commoners attacked by the grindylows were gone, and she had to save who she could.  Summoning the same power she had used against the pirates she called the plants of the land to trap the monsters.

 
 Spoiler 
Entangle centered on MN, 15-16 in a 40ft radius spread.  It should get most of them.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Everyone but Badger: 

Jadeite bows deeply as well, so low his scarf falls against the ground.   "I beseech you, please offer us your aid,"   he says, prostrating himself low.   "Your daughter, Pallasc, requested that you grant us this wish in gratitude of saving her life, oh great master of lightning and magic."  

The dragon pauses, then looks intently at each of you, and you feel him stripping away at your mind to view the truth within.

Finally, he speaks.   "You speak the truth,"   he says.   "But why did you come, and not send the Voice to relay this message in your place?"   
 

 "We are strangers on this land and we didn't know the customs, but according to the villages the Voice died." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger: 

Seaweed shoots out of the ocean, slippery greens and thready browns, and threatens to snare the grindylows themselves. The two with bows in back remain untouched by the seaweed, but the other six find themselves trying to escape the vines.

 
 Spoiler 
Reflex saves (DC 13):
G1:  (d20+5)[ 20 ] 
G2:  (d20+5)[ 8 ] 
G3:  (d20+5)[ 16 ] 
G4:  (d20+5)[ 7 ] 
G5:  (d20+5)[ 19 ] 
G6:  (d20+5)[ 6 ] 
 


Half managed to escape the vines, but the other half are trapped.
CoffeeIncluded
Everyone but Badger:

  "The Voice may have passed on,"   he says, rearing back,   "But a new Voice has risen to take her place. Why has he not yet spoken?"  
Dusk Eclipse
 "It seems the new voice doesn't consider himself properly prepared to take his master's place" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Badger: 

The bronze dragon sighs, closing his deep green eyes.   "I knew he was always a timid one, one who never believed in himself, his abilities, or his destiny. But I never expected him to lack self-confidence to the point where he turned his back on his duties."   He flips the coral over in his claws.   "I doubt Pallasc realized this, or else she would have never given you the coral as a token."  

The dragon's whole body slumps.   "Perhaps I and the Proximans have been too harsh on the Whisper, and have demanded too much of him too quickly.

...

"Let me see your fallen comrade."  
 Badger: 

The grindylows continue their charge, firing arrows and spears into the air before trying to make their way out of the entangling vines. One manages to break free before throwing his spear.

Grindylow Rangers:
 
 Spoiler 

Gr1:
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 16 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (d20+4)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 6 ] 

Concealment (if necessary, miss on 1):  (d2)[ 2 ] 

Gr2:
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 8 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 5 ] 

Attack:  (d20+4)[ 11 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 3 ] 
 


Entangled Grindylows:

 
 Spoiler 

G2:
Attack:  (d20)[ 10 ] 
Crit:  (d20)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 5 ] 

G6:
Attack:  (d20)[ 20 ] 
Crit:  (d20)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 2 ] 
Concealment (Miss on 1):  (d2)[ 2 ] 
 


Unentangled Grindylows:

 
 Spoiler 
G1:
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 2 ] 

G3:
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 6 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 4 ] 

G4:
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 23 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 5 ] 
Concealment (Miss on 1):  (d2)[ 2 ] 

G5:
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 15 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 3 ] 
 
Athedia
Badger leveled her bow once more.   "Kid, nice going but can you get some people over here?  The one is hurt pretty bad!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Rapid Shot
G5:
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+7)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+1)[ 3 ] 

G1:
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+7)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+1)[ 2 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you"  Artorias takes Elsee's body out of the bag of holding and carefully lays her down.
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger:

"No! I can heal you! I won't let you die!"  the gnome shouts as he runs as fast as he can into the fog, into danger though he's terrified.

As more villagers flee, Badger fires two more arrows. One misses, but another grazes along a grindylow's arm. But there's so many, and once the villagers leave the beach it'll just be her.

And then, near the ocean, to her left, another person appears in Badger's vision. A girl, about her age. A girl with curly brown hair, short and damp from the sea air, kept out of her eyes with a bandana. A girl with two adamantine daggers.

She sees Badger firing at the grindylows and shouts,  "Hey! You're going to have a hard time fighting them all yourself. You can't just let the villagers escape; you've got to wipe them out! Let me help!"  And just like that, she runs across the sand to the grindylows.
super dark33
Surdrak decided to remain silent.
He feared for the dragons to detect his brain-buddy and make a transistor out of him.

Not that he knew what a transistor was anyway.
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Badger: 
 "Thank you,"  Jadeite says.  "We are in your debt." 
  "You saved my daughter,"   the dragon says, gently picking up Elsee's body.   "It would be remiss if I did not repay your debt."  

He takes Elsee and walks around the corner. The group hears rustling and clinking of coins. If they follow the dragon they can see Elsee's body laid out on the ground, before a huge mound of gold and gems, and a shelf of neatly arranged magic items. The dragon plucks a large diamond, gleaming with an odd luster nobody has seen before, and begins a slow chant.

And then, after several tense moments, Elsee shudders, bucks forward with a gasp, and opens her eyes.

 
 Spoiler 
Welcome back, Elsee!

I'm a nice DM and I don't want you to have to redo all the changes you made to you character sheet, so how about instead of making you go back to level 3 I put you at the very start of level 4 and you don't get an exp for the next battle? That way you don't have to change your character sheet twice.
 

 Badger: 

The seaweed tries to ensnare the grindylows once more, tie them down and keep them in place.

 
 Spoiler 
DC 13 reflex.
G1:  (d20+5)[ 24 ] 
G3: (d20+5)[ 25 ] 
G5:  (d20+5)[ 8 ] 
 


One gets tied down, but the other two skate over the seaweed once more.

All the grindylows simply put their efforts into escaping the snares, and do not throw their remaining spears. However, the two rangers fire another quarter of arrows into the air. The one to the east fires at the gnome boy and the last remaining fleeing villager, while the one to the right aims at Badger.

 
 Spoiler 
Gr1:
Fire at W:
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 11 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 8 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 6 ] 
Concealment (miss on 1):  (d2)[ 2 ] 

Fire at C:
Attack:  (d20+2)[ 16 ] 
Crit:  (d20+2)[ 4 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 1 ] 
 


The arrow aimed at the gnome boy flies mere inches over his head. The one aimed at the last villager shoots him in the back; he stumbles, crippled, but manages to keep running.

 
 Spoiler 
Gr2 fires at Badger:
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 23 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 4 ] 

Attack:  (d20+4)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 6 ] 
 


Both arrows slam into Badger.
Athedia
 "NATASHA! NO!!!"   Badger was so distracted by the arrival of the girl that she had been searching she let her guard down. She almost crumpled from the force of the blows.  Blood pouring from her stomach she raised her bow again.  Quietly she spoke again as her arrows flew.  "This is my life, not yours." 
 
 Spoiler 
Rapid Shot
G5:
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+7)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+1)[ 3 ] 

G5 second:
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+1)[ 3 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Both arrows slam deep into the grindylow, but can't kill it.

The young Gnome reaches one of the dying humans and heals him with a touch.

Natasha turns to see Badger. She says, with a faint trace of a lisp,  "And it's my life too. You can't fight all these guys on your own, and I'm not letting anyone else die!"  And with that and a yell, she whips out her daggers and charges into the fray.

 
 Spoiler 
attack:  (d20+5)[ 7 ] 
Crit: (d20+5)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (d20+5)[ 16 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 2 ] 
 


The first attack misses, but the second draws a slash along the grindylow.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee's eyes open wide as she reflexively sits up from here her body had been lying, a loud gasp echoing through the cave followed by a long string of wet coughing. Elsee groaned and rubbed at her eyes with one hand as the other wandered about the area, looking for something to hold on to but only finding what she could only perceive as loose stones in her haze.  “Freakeng hell, you'd thenk you're head wouldn't hurt after suddenly getting air again but mine is just POUNDENG! Urgh, better then whatever was up there though i can tell you that, seems great-grandma was VERY disappointed in me and wouldn't shut up about it the entire ti-” 

It was then that Elsee had removed her hand from her eyes as she turned her body to face her resurrecter, her pupils shrinking and her ears drooping as the expected pair of robes and shoes were instead replaced by a comparatively humungous clawed foot wider then she was tall. For a moment it felt like Elsee's heart had stopped beating once more as it shot up into her throat, inciting a pathetic whimper of terror from the small goblinoid.
super dark33
 Details later, but short story is that the pirates that killed you there also wounded this dragon's daughter.

How was your trip, Elsee? 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias falls to his knees, Elsee was back, she was alive! Forgetting the dragon for amoment Artorias embraces the little gobln, a single tear rolling down his face.  "Welcome back Elsee" 
Silverraptor
Sora trembles a bit before falling to her knees. Her hand is pressed over her face trying to hide her tears.
CoffeeIncluded
[BEveryone but Badger.[/B]

Jadeite isn't as overtly affectionate as Artorias, but nevertheless he smiles and says,  "I must admit it was rather quiet without your presence. I did not care for it nearly as much as I thought I would have.  

Kheel zooms over to Elsee and bowls her over.   "You're moving! And not smelly anymore! Yaay!"  

The dragon himself sits down and chuckles at Elsee's reaction. He seems to relax and take part in the sheer delight of the group.   "Be grateful, little goblin, that you have people who care for you."  
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger: 

The grindylow rangers fire another set of arrows. One fires again at the gnome boy in the fog, while the other one continues to try and kill Badger.

 
 Spoiler 
Gr1 attacks W:
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 21 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 6 ] 
Concealment (miss on 1):  (d2)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (d20+4)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 5 ] 
Concealment (miss on 1):  (d2)[ 2 ] 

Gr2 attacks Badger:
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 12 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 1 ] 

Attack:  (d20+4)[ 20 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 6 ] 
 


Both arrows slam into the boy and one of them cuts a deep gash into Badger as well.

Two more grindylows charge into the fog; judging by the boy's shouts, one of them found him.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 14 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 8 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 5 ] 
 


He cries out in pain as the spear cuts into him, along with the arrow wounds.

One grindylow nearly makes it to the edge of the seaweed, while three more surround Natasha. She pales at her tactical blunder, and then they're on her.

 
 Spoiler 
G1:
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 8 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 3 ] 

G2:
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 5 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 4 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (d6)[ 3 ] 

G5:
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 3 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (d6)[ 3 ] 
 


Natasha manages to shake off two of the grindylows, but another jabs his spear into her leg.
Athedia
The sand around Badger was turning red with her blood.  Was this how it would end?  In a failed job? With those she had swore to protect dying around her?  If that was to be so, at least she could die first, go down taking as many of the creeps with her as possible.

Her arm shook as she raised the bow, the blood loss making her woozy.  She couldn't risk firing so close to Natasha, she had to hope the girl could fight for herself.  And the gnome?  Hopefully his spell would allow the child to escape.  Her eyes focused on the monster peppering her with holes.   "I am not that easy to kill you tentacled FREAK!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Rapid Shot
Attacking Gr2
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 20 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+7)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+1)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 27 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+7)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 

Intimidate (Just to see if it works):  (1d20+2)[ 21 ] 
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee's hands instinctively wander to Artourias and Kheel's backs, yet her eyes continue trailing up the dragons frame as her ears remained drooped low.

 "WHEYE ES NOBODY TALKENG ABOUT THE DRAGON!?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Badger: 

Jadeite grins.  "Now Elsee, is that any way to thank the one who brought you back to life?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger:  

Badger's arrows finally make their mark. One of then was fired with such force that it punches its way through two writhing tentacles. The Grindylow makes a garbling shriek, and stares at Badger with a new, rattled look.

From the fog, Badger hears a sharp cacaphanous thunderclap, a sudden burst of sound that rattles the ranger.

 
 Spoiler 
sound burst:
Damage:  (d8)[ 1 ] 
Fort:  (d20+1)[ 9 ] 

Damage:  (d8)[ 4 ] 
Fort:  (d20+1)[ 11 ] 

Both are stunned.
 


Badger can see the outlines of the monsters shudder in place.

Natasha clenches her teeth and strikes again, two quick jabs to the most wounded Grindylow.

 
 Spoiler 
attack:  (d20+3)[ 21 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 4 ] 

Attack:  (d20+3)[ 18 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 4 ] 
 


Her blades sink in deep, to the point where badger can't see the black of the blades anymore. When she pulls them out, the Grindylow falls over, limp and twitching.
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Badger: 
  "I must thank you as well for saving my daughter,"   the dragon says.   "As well as bringing the Whisper's plight to my attention."  
Dusk Eclipse
 "You're welcome, Pallasc is a good girl at heart, the whisper too for that matter"  Artorias composes himself.

 "If you'll excuse us, we have to get going; Natasha is still somewhere out there"  Artorias bows once more to the dragon and begins walking towards the exit before he suddenly remembered something.

 "Elsee can't breath water...." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Badger: 

Jadeite just...smirks a bit.  "Now see, if you had just let me zombify her, then we would not be facing this predicament."  When Artorias inevitably turns to yell at him, he just says,  "However, I believe we do have another solution,"  before stepping aside to reveal Kheel, who seems to be about to leap into the huge pile of gems, if not for the giant bronze dragon in the way.
Dusk Eclipse
Smirking despite himself, Artorias nods "Elsee, are you up for a Wyvern ride?, The rest of us should start walking back, I don't want the spell to run out while we are still underwater so let's move people!" 
super dark33
 [D]Kheel, you wont mind if Elsee rides you the way back, wont you[D]? 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Badger: 

Kheel nearly leaps into the air and the bronze dragon chuckles at his antics.  "Yaaay! Flying! I love flying! Flying is so much fun Elsee!" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee blinked at the latest mention of her name as she was finally able to pry her eyes from the still-unexplained dragon. Her heart was still racing in her chest, perhaps making up for lost time, but she could still vaguely understand what was being said around her.

 "urgh, flying, wha? Why would we..." 

At this point Elsee attempted to pull herself into a sitting position, quickly falling onto her butt once more as she realize she was heavier here then wherever she was before. she was only dead a short few days, but it seemed she had still forgotten a fair bit about what it was like to have a pulse for the time being. Her headache was slowly going away at least, though the dragon's speech did not help the matter.

 
 Spoiler 

So Elsee is level four now right?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee presses against  Kheel's back, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her legs against his sides. The baby wyvern leaves the cave first, diving into the water and shooting out the entrance of Thunder's Fang, spiraling out of the sea with a joyful cry as droplets of water fling off him. A few beats of his wings later and Kheel has reached a steady altitude. He flies across the water, the sea a blue-green blue below him and Elsee, and shoots straight to Proxima Island.

 
 Spoiler 
Elsee's level 4, the very start of level 4, and I'll post more later.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Elsee and Badger: 

Jadeite nods.  "That would be wise. Thank you,"  he says, bowing to the bronze dragon once more.

As the four adventurers follow Elsee and Kheel out of the cavern, they dive back into the cold seawater, and feel their lungs fill up with it once more as they descend the narrowing path out of Thunder's Fang, now more and yet somehow less intimidating, and begin the long walk back to Proxima Island.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot and listen checks, please.
Spot:  (d20+4)[ 6 ] 
Listen:  (d20+4)[ 11 ] 
 

 Elsee: 

Elsee's hair dries salty and stiff as Kheel flies back to Proxima island, occasionally dipping down to run his talons through the ocean and spraying water all over. As they approach the island, Elsee and Kheel can see activity on the shore. And then she hears screams, and sees bodies scattered all over the beach. And grotesque creatures, grotesque even for her, like someone had taken her and Alim and mashed them up with an octopus. Some are firing arrows at a young gnome boy and Badger, and both seem to be pretty badly hurt. Others are wielding spears, little more than long pointed sticks, and are chasing down the gnome boy, and ganging up on a girl with short curly brown hair and two adamantine daggers.

 Badger: 

Badger hears a sharp cry and her head whips to her right. As her vision focuses she can see Kheel, his purple form soaring over the waves. And on his back she sees Elsee, the goblin alive and well, and clinging to Kheel's neck as he flies towards her.

 
 Spoiler 
Elsee's turn, then the grindylows. Elsee is on the bottom left of the map, in the water.

Elsee is up, she can move this turn.  Elsee ignores terrain penalties as long as she's riding Kheel. If she dismounts, her movement speed is halved. Kheel can fly normally. 

Riding Kheel requires a DC 10 ride check. Attacking with Kheel requires a DC 15 ride check.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler 


Spot  (1d20+7)[ 22 ] 
Listen   (1d20+7)[ 21 ] 
 
Silverraptor
 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (1d20+3)[ 18 ] 
Listen:  (1d20+3)[ 12 ] 
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee snarls and reaches for her Kurkri as she sees the sand turning red around Badger, the arrows digging into her flesh making it clear who was responsible. She was glad to feel her Kurkri were still where they were supposed to be, and carefully drew them from their sheaths before returning her grip to Khaeel's neck, being careful to keep the knives pointed away from him as she silently guided him to descend upon one of the creatures below. As Kheel glided overtop of the bow-wielding creature Elsee released her grip on the wyvern's neck and tilted herself backwards until she had entered freefall, backflipping until she was right-side up once more and aiming herself to land right ontop of the archer, her knives at the ready as she braced for impact.

 
 Spoiler 


landing on top of Gr2 and attacking, I’m not sure of the details, but I’ll let you decide on if she takes any impact damage and how many attacks she gets, I’ll make two attacks as a full round action just in case, as well as a pair of sneak attacks as i'm intending for this to be a surprise, disregard them if you want too. Figure Elsee dropped from 10-20 feet above him ish? Low enough to not be badly hurt at least.

Attack Gr2

Attack: (d20+6)[ 26 ]
Crit: (d20+6)[ 22 ]
Damage: (d3+2)[ 4 ]
Sneak attack: (2d6)[ 9 ]

Attack: (d20+6)[ 18 ]
Crit:(d20+6)[ 8 ]
Damage: (d3+2)[ 4 ]
Sneak Attack: (2d6)[ 4 ]

Also: checks incase that trick requires them.

Ride: (d20+7)[ 22 ]
Tumble: (d20+3)[ 12 ]
 


Elsee grinned wickedly as she brought her eyes up from her target to meet Badger's, shouting across the sand as her blades dug into the creature's flesh.

 “Dedja mess me!?” 
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee and Kheel literally come flying out of nowhere to strike the grindylow. With twin cries, goblin and wyvern plunge from the sky into the abberation, and the light gleams off Elsee's blades in a way that should have produced an audible ting in any decent story. As Elsee drags one Kukri deep into the creature, Kheel follows with a snarl and plunges his teeth into writhing tentacles.

 
 Spoiler 
No sneak attack since it has its dex bonus and Kheel gets to attack too. Are you sure you want to drop off him? Also, you couldn't attack Gr2, you're too far away, so I'm having you attack Gr1 instead. And what an entry--don't forget to roll for crit damage!

Kheel's attacks:
Attack:  (d20+8)[ 10 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+2)[ 9 ] 

The following is just fluff.
 


Though the bite isn't enough to penetrate the thick rubbery flesh, Kheel does manage to pick up the grindylow and fling it several feet away.
Athedia
 "What took you so long?"   Badger could not keep the joy from her face.  Elsee was alive again!  Badger would not die at the hands of these freaks! Elsee was ALIVE! She had found Natasha! Elsee WAS ALIVE!  She could finally get the little bloodsucker off her neck! ELSEE WAS ALIVE!
super dark33
 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+1)[ 11 ]  spot
 (1d20+1)[ 6 ]  listen
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Elsee and Badger:
 
Artorias notices it first, then Sora and Surdrak, then finally Jadeite. Or rather, he notices the absence. Half an hour ago this very spot was teeming with fish of all sizes, colors, and shapes. And now there's nothing but starfish, coral, and anemones. And some of the coral is trampled and broken, its rocky shards scattering the path.

 Elsee and Badger: 

The grindylow tries to step back from Elsee and shoot her twice, but can't without getting in Kheel's path or into the vines. So instead it takes the blow from Elsee and tries to deal it in return.

The other grindylow watches Badger warily, then shouts an order in an unknown language before firing a single arrow this time.

 
 Spoiler 
Gr1 attacks Elsee:
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 16 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 3 ] 

Attack:  (d20+4)[ 16 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 1 ] 

Elsee gets an AoO:
Attack:  (d20+9)[ 27 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (d3+2)[ 5 ] 

Gr2 attacks Badger:
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 21 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 5 ] 
 



The arrows aimed at Elsee miss, but the one for Badger once again solidly hits its target. Elsee manages to deal a quick strike to the grindylow as it reloads.

The two grindylows attacking the voice remain stunned, and the one in the vines finally forces its way out. The remaining two grindylows surround Natasha and try to stab her once more.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+5)[ 11 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 2 ]  Plus sneak attack:  (d6)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (d20+5)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 3 ]  Plus sneak attack:  (d6)[ 1 ] 
 


One cuts a shallow slice into Natasha's arm while the other misses entirely.
super dark33
 Now what's going on here? Do we have time to check it or keep going? 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee and Badger: 

Badger, badly wounded but still standing, hears an incantation from the fog. A few words in she recognizes it as the summoning incantation that Sora sometimes uses. A moment later, she hears a dog howl, then snarl, then bite.

 
 Spoiler 
Summon Monster 1: Celestial dog
Attack:  (d20+2)[ 9 ] 
Crit:  (d20+2)[ 7 ] 
Damage (Smite evil):  (d4+2)[ 3 ] 
 


The dog just barely bites down, but happens to hit just the right spot. The grindylow is standing, but just barely, and appears to be staggered.

 
 Spoiler 
Grindylow is at 0 HP.
 


Natasha, bleeding but still standing, twirls her daggers in her hands before striking, hurling them down like she's slamming her fists onto the grindylow and the daggers just happen to be there.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+3)[ 6 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 8 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (d20+3)[ 18 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 5 ] 
 


The first strike slips off the slimy tentacles, but the second leaves a deep bloody wound in the creature's torso.

 
 Spoiler 
Elsee and Badger are up. I'm holding off on Kheel in case Elsee wants to flank off of him, in which case he'll go at the same time. If not, he'll probably head to help Badger.
 
Athedia
Badger took a step back, staggered by the blow.  If these grindylows didn't stop attacking soon she was done for.

Setting her sights on the one with the bow she attacked again.  Shooting off two arrows she prayed, though she was not normally the praying type, that she would survive this day.

 
 Spoiler 
5 ft step V4
Rapid Shot Gr2
Attack: (1d20+7)[ 27 ] 
Damage: (1d6+1)[ 4 ] 

Attack: (1d20+7)[ 16 ] 
Damage: (1d6+1)[ 4 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
One arrow skims across the grindylow's tentacles, but another one pierces its torso, sticking out what's...probably its armpit? Badger's not quite sure. But it's still standing. Almost, almost but not quite enough.

Seeing Badger so badly wounded, Kheel flies up into the air, only a few feet but high enough that though they reach out, the seaweed can't grab him. He soars over the plants, and flares his wings out before tucking them in and divebombing the grindylow, reaching out his head to tear into the monster..

 
 Spoiler 
I'm not going to work out all the equations as to how far above the seaweed Kheel has to fly to avoid being entangled. I'm just going to rule that he barely makes it on a charge.

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 32 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+2)[ 14 ] 
 


It's a perfect shot. Kheel plunges from the sky and grabs the grindylow without even stopping. He veers back into the sky again and viciously shakes his head, biting deeper and deeper with every shake. The grindylow flails, its tentacles waving and pressing against Kheel's hide, and then suddenly goes limp. A half second later, with one violent snap of his head the grindylow's body splits open from the force and greenish blood drips off Kheel's jaws onto the sand.

The wyvern seems to grimace and spits the tattered body of the grindylow out onto the sand.
Draconi Redfir
 "No one would explain the dragon!"  Elsee shouted as she took a swipe at the fleeing aberration, licking her lips as she dug her toes into the sand beneath her and leaped at her opponent once more. The rush of the fight had managed to get her blood pumping at least, and for the moment she was beginning to feel just like her old self! Though a small part in the back of her mind imagined that all this jumping and moving around after several days of being a stiff wouldn't sit well with her in the morning.

 
 Spoiler 

5ft step to C18, attacking Gr1 twice as a full-round action. (once if the 5ft step negates that due to the sand, pretty sure it doesn't normally but i'll leave it up to you.)

Attack: (d20+6)[ 20 ]
Crit: (d20+6)[ 25 ]
Damage: (d3+2)[ 5 ]

Attack#2: (d20+6)[ 9 ]
Crit: (d20+6)[ 14 ]
Damage: (d3+2)[ 3 ]
 
CoffeeIncluded
The second strike misses, but the third leaves a gash in the grindylow, splitting its lip vertically.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Now what's going on here? Do we have time to check it or keep going?  
 

 "It seems to go towards the shore, let's go check it out" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Elsee and Badger: 

They're not near the shore. They're half an hour from the shore and deep underwater.

And then Artorias spots motion, a few oddly shaped waving tentacles, thicker and greener than any octopus he's ever seen, behind a rock.

 
 Spoiler 
And now I need to make a second map.

This is happening about a half hour before the fight on the shore.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee and Badger: 

The grindylow facing down Elsee scowls, steps back, and tries to fire two more arrows at her. It's bleeding badly, and doesn't seem to be able to take much more.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 18 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 5 ] 

The other one missed.
 


Both attacks miss, though one comes close to clipping her ear.

The two grindylows within the cloud shake off the stun and start slobbering and gibbering at the sight of the dog. They leap on it, believing it to be a better potential meal than the gnome boy.

 
 Spoiler 
Both attack the celestial dog.

Attack:  (d20+5)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 5 ]  plus sneak attack:  (d6)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (d20+5)[ 9 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 4 ]  plus sneak attack:  (d6)[ 2 ] 
 


The first strike lands solidly and the dog vanishes with a yelp. The second grindylow is too surprised to strike at anything but empty air.

The grindylow which escaped from the vines slithers and flops to Badger, salivating at her many wounds and wanting to make her scream for the inconvience. And tries to avoid Kheel as much as possible.

The final two grindylows continue ganging up on Natasha and jabbing their spears into her stomach.


 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (d20+5)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 5 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 5 ]  plus sneak attack:  (d6)[ 1 ] 

Attack:  (d20+5)[ 8 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 5 ]  plus sneak attack:  (d6)[ 1 ] 
 


The first spear cuts a deep hole into Natasha's side and she cries out--she's badly injured. However, she manages to dodge the second.
CoffeeIncluded
With a cry of,  "I won't let you hurt anyone else!"  the gnome boy draws a weapon and runs to the grindylows once more...but just as he does, one of the grindylows clutches his chest and falls over. Evidently the strain of attacking the dog must have torn something, and it was too much for it to take with all the wounds.

 
 Spoiler 
I forgot that the action would have put the grindylow at -1. So now there's only one left in the fog!

Attack:  (d20+3)[ 18 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 4 ] 
 


Badger and Elsee hear a sickening squishing sound, like someone slamming a thick rod into meat.

Natasha waves over to Badger and shouts,  "Are you okay? I could use a little help!"  before striking once more.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+3)[ 12 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 4 ] 

Attack:  (d20+3)[ 7 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 4 ] 
 


Her strength is flagging, and there's not enough force behind her attacks to harm the grindylows.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Everyone but Elsee and Badger: 

They're not near the shore. They're half an hour from the shore and deep underwater.

And then Artorias spots motion, a few oddly shaped waving tentacles, thicker and greener than any octopus he's ever seen, behind a rock.

 
 Spoiler 
And now I need to make a second map.

This is happening about a half hour before the fight on the shore.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler 

Spot  (1d20+7)[ 20 ] 
Listen  (1d20+7)[ 16 ] 

Oops, I forgot about the time difference 😳
 
CoffeeIncluded
Looking closer, Artorias can see...five, maybe six of these creatures, stomach turning aberrations best described as a goblin mashed with an octopus or a squid, with leering eyes and mouthfuls of needle, sharp teeth. They appear to be swimming to the shore, and there are more ahead of them that the group can't catch up to or stop. But one by one, the six closest creatures turn to the group. And Artorias can see, not far off, a hideously clawed hand beckoning the creatures, directing them from behind a rock.

 
 Spoiler 
map before I go to bed. Not sure when that will be, but within the next couple hours.
 
Athedia
Badger took another step backward from the approaching grindylow.  At Natasha's plea she nodded, turning her attention back to the girl.

 "Just stay alive!" 
 
 Spoiler 
5ft step W5
Rapid Shot G1
Attack: (1d20+7)[ 15 ] 
Crit: (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 
Damage: (1d6+1)[ 2 ] 

Attack: (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 
Crit: (1d20+7)[ 22 ] 
Damage: (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grins wickedly and moves to pin the creature up between the ocean and the tangling vines, she figured it could swim better then her, but with wounds like that it would likely get nabbed by a shark or simply bleed out before it got too far. hoping to finish it off so she could call of a ride over to Badger, Elsee furiously slashed her blades once more towards the creature, aiming for the most vital-looking parts she could find.

 
 Spoiler 
 Moving to D16

Attacking Gr1

attack: (d20+6)[ 21 ]
Crit:(d20+6)[ 7 ]
Damage:(d3+2)[ 3 ]

Attack 2: (d20+6)[ 22 ]
Crit: (d20+6)[ 13 ]
Damage: (d3+2)[ 3 ]
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee and Badger:
 
Badger's arrow pierces the grindylow, staggering it.

 
 Spoiler 
The grindylow is at 0 HP.
 


Elsee delivers two quick, precise strikes that slice open the grindylow's neck. It falls to the ground, bleeding out.

Kheel sees one of the few remaining grindylows raise its spear to strike Natasha again, and immediately flies over, tearing into it with teeth and talons and wings stinger.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+10)[ 13 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d4+3)[ 6 ] 
Fort save:  (d20+1)[ 7 ]  against DC 15 Poison damage:  (d10)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 16 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+2)[ 8 ] 


Attack:  (d20+8)[ 23 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 7 ] 


Attack:  (d20+8)[ 23 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+2)[ 7 ] 
 


Kheel descends on the grindylow and begins ripping it to shreds. There's little more than a bloody smear on the ground by the time he's done.

Natasha stares at the wyvern, her eyes big and dark with fright. She nearly stumbles back over herself.
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee and Badger: 

The badly wounded grindylow tries to escape battle, seeing that most of its comrades are dead. The other one continues flopping towards Badger.

The one grindylow in the fog remains unaware that it's one of the few left, and so continues trying to strike the Whisper with his spear.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+3)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 4 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 5 ] 
 


His attack succeeds, and the gnome boy is badly injured.

 Everyone else: 

Jadeite follows Artorias's gaze to the hideously clawed hand. And now that hand is connected to an arm, connected to a body--a disgustingly decrepit parody of an old woman, clothed in rotten sailcloth and seaweed. You don't have a good look at her yet, but just the brief glimpse makes your stomach turn.

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge (Arcana):  (d20+13)[ 17 ] 
Knowledge (Dungeoneering):  (d20+4)[ 23 ] 

Initiative:
Jadeite:  (d20+2)[ 20 ] 
Artorias:  (d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Sora:  (d20+2)[ 19 ] 
Surdrak:  (d20+3)[ 17 ] 
Grindylows:  (d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Hag:  (d20+1)[ 19 ] 

Block initiative:
Jadeite, Sora
Hag
Artorias, Surdrak
Grindylows
 

 "Watch out,"  Jadeite says, his voice unusually serious.  "Those are grindylows, sadistic amphibious abberations. They're individually weak but a pack of them could be trouble. The real danger, though, is that hag. She appears to be leading them, and can weaken or kill with a single glance. We have to defeat her first!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee and Badger: 
 "Oh no you don't! Get back here!"  Natasha shouts, chasing after the nearly-dead grindylow and slashing at it with her dagger.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+5)[ 18 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 2 ] 
 


The strike is shallow, but just enough to send the grindylow toppling.

The gnome boy continues bashing at the last grindylow with his mace.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+3)[ 15 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 6 ] 
 


With a sickening squishing noise, the gnome bashes the grindylow's head in. Now there's only one left and it's flopping towards Badger.

 Everyone else: 
 "Stop that hag before she kills us!"  Jadeite says harshly before sending two rippling orbs of sound straight at the creature, who has not yet come out far enough from the rock to weaken them.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 5 ] 

Attack:  (d20+4)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 4 ] 
 


Both orbs strike the hag, sending a rippling concussion through her that leaves her shuddering.

 
 Spoiler 
Sora's turn.
 
Athedia
Badger took another step back from the approaching creature.   "I can handle this, just stay alive Natasha!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Okay I just noticed that you havent moved Badger for EITHER of her 5 foot steps.  So she was supposed to go to V4, and then backwards to W4(put 5 because I didn't realized you hadn't moved her) and NOW X4.  I am treating it as if this is true.

Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot

Attack: (1d20+8)[ 9 ] 
Crit: (1d20+8)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+2)[ 7 ] 

Attack: (1d20+8)[ 20 ] 
Crit: (1d20+8)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+2)[ 6 ] 
 
super dark33
 Deraps eb lliw uoy dna rednerrus!
 

Surdrak hopes these creatures understand the spirit-tongue.
They do look like the Secret Guard back at home, only less refined and dignified.
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee and Badger: 

One of Badger's arrows strikes true, piercing all the way through the creature's gullet, though not killing it.

 
 Spoiler 
You know what's worse? I forgot to wait for you before having everyone else go! Athedia, please go again.
 

 Everyone else: 

The grindylows stare at Surdrak.

 
 Spoiler 
Does he know Aquan?
 
super dark33
Surdrak takes the silence as a "no".

 
 Spoiler 
Nope.
 
Athedia
Badger looked at the creature.  How was it still standing?  She would soon rectify that.

 
 Spoiler 
Rapid Shot, Point Blank Shot

Attack: (1d20+8)[ 28 ] 
Crit: (1d20+8)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+2)[ 7 ] 

Attack: (1d20+8)[ 28 ] 
Crit: (1d20+8)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+2)[ 5 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
One, then the other. Badger fires two arrows point-blank into the creature's head. It instantly falls over dead.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee huffs as the creature infront of her falls over and stops moving, taking a few steps away from the entangling vines before shouting and waving her arms about in the air.

 "Heeey! Wyvvern! Could a Goblin get a ride here!?" 
Athedia
Badger waved a hand and the seaweed retreated.  Running across the sand she grabbed Elsee in a huge hug.   "Thank the gods, I was so worried." 
Draconi Redfir
 "Nevermind!"  Elsee shouted to the Wyvvern, quickly returning a hug to Badger.  "Worried!? Gee, i was only dead for who knows how long with my spirit going to who-knows-where with a crazy elf wanting to do who-knows-what to my body, what's there to worry about!?" 
Athedia
 "Well, I assume the dragons revived you.  I, I slightly chewed out their daughter.  I was worried they would hold that against you." 
Draconi Redfir
 "h'uh. no one did ever explain the dragons. You have any idea what it's like to wake up to the sight of a giant freakeng dragon claw infront of you?" 
Athedia
 "I have something for you."   Badger reached back behind her, prying Lil' Miss off her neck.   "I think she missed you." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee and Badger: 

As the mist dissipates, they see the gnome boy racing around, trying to heal as many of the dying villagers as possible. He seems frantic, on the verge of breaking down. He ignores his own wounds and simply tries to save as many as he can.

Natasha watches the two reunite, and eyes the wyvern, less warily though after he saved her life. She then grimaces and clutches her side.
Athedia
Though Badger was still bleeding she rushed over to Natasha.   "What were you thinking!  You know Eva is worried about you right?  You know you could have died!  Your family thinks you were kidnapped, so did I!"   She continued to berate the girl as she got out her healing kit and started bandaging her wounds.

 
 Spoiler 
More for flavor
Using kit
Heal:  (1d20+8)[ 25 ] 
 
Draconi Redfir
 "Missy!"  Elsee's voice was ecstatic with excitement as she took the little parasite and lightly rubbed it against her cheek a few times before putting the hand holding it infront of her face*  "I though I’d lost you forever!" 

Elsee was so distracted with Lil Miss that she neglected to notice Badger had run off to the human girl until after the parasite had chomped down on her flesh once more. Elsee calmly got up from her spot on the sand and headed on over to join Badger and Natasha.
CoffeeIncluded
Natasha whips around to stare at Badger, and as the girl starts berating her, her expression grows more and more indignant. For a moment it looks like she's about to lie, but then she settles for a,  "Well, I'm not dead and I'm not kidnapped! I've been here helping these people rebuild after the storm!" 
Athedia
 "Hold still."   Badger re-wrapped a bandage around Natasha's ribs as the girls movements interrupted her process.  Calming down slightly she spoke a little more gently.   "And from what I see you have been helping.  But your family was worried, and as much as I believe your mother needs a shock to get her off her pedestal, Eva doesn't.  She is your sister.  I think she will support you trying out some adventures, but you have to keep her informed.  Do you know what it would do to her if you died?" 
Silverraptor
Sora quickly reacts and casts Bless.
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Elsee and Badger: 

No sooner does Sora cast her spell that the hag swims out from behind the rock. There's a blindfold around her eye, and she extends one clawed finger at the group, cackling,  "Fools! I shall be the end of you!"  before reaching to pull off her blindfold.

Her voice, her appearance, everything about her is hideously revolting. You feel your strength draining just out of sheer disgust from looking at her. And yet, because she's blindfolded, she walks in the way of Artorias's glaive.

 
 Spoiler 
Dc 13 fort save or take 2d6 strength damage. And yes, it can go to 0.

Dusk, Artorias gets an AoO against her. Make the fort save, then take the AoO please.

Here's Jadeite's rolls.
Fort save:  (d20+3)[ 7 ] 
Strength damage:  (2d6)[ 3 ] 
 

 Elsee and Badger: 

Natasha pauses, working her mouth to try to say something. Finally, she says,  "You don't understand. If I told her, she'd tell my parents, and then I'd never see the rest of the world again!" 
Dusk Eclipse
Ignoring the rising bile on his throat Artorias lunges at the Hag, the water providing much more resistance than he expected.


 
 Spoiler 

Attack Roll Power attacking for 1  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  7 (normal)-2 (underwater)-1(PA)=+4 Attack bonus
Crit  (1d20+4)[ 22 ] 
Damage  (1d5+4)[ 7 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Underwater: 

Artorias' glaive cuts deep into the hag, sliding through her blindfold and exposing her wicked eyes. She shrieks and wipes the blood out of them, trying to clear them so she can invoke her evil gaze.

 
 Spoiler 
You put her at 0 HP. What is it with being at 0 HP these past couple days?

Anyway, that means that she can't use her save-or-die evil eye until next turn. And you're up!
 
Dusk Eclipse
Emboldened Artorias follows the strike with another quick swipe of is blade.

 
 Spoiler 

Using Rabid Wolf Strike (+2 attack, +2d6 (1d6 I guess), -4 AC)
Attack ¨ (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 
Crit   (1d20+7)[ 19 ] 
Damage  (1d5+2)[ 5 ] + (1d6)[ 6 ] 
 
Athedia
Badger settled back on her heels, chuckling sadly to herself.  She watched Elsee approach, the little goblin still getting used to living legs.  Turning back to Natasha she gently, lifted her chin making the girl meet her eyes.  "You don't understand.  I am hearing that a lot these days you know.  Listen, honey, when I say I understand more that you will ever know.  I understand that you want freedom, but what you don't see is that you already have it.

   Little adventures like these?  Leave those to the people without family to worry about them.  Or do you wake up every morning knowing it may be your last, that while you do not wish to die, you will throw yourself in front of sword and spell to get the job done.  That more likely than not you will be buried in an unmarked grave, without any conciliation to your parents.

    If you want that I will go back and tell them you are dead.  But there is no returning from that choice.  You can never go back to Runite, you can never see your family again.  And don't claim that you can do both.  That would be selfish and cruel to your family." 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias confidently sweeps out, but now that he need to think about it he fails to take the drag of he water into account. The glaive curves downwards and misses the hag.

 
 Spoiler 
surdrak is up. Super dark, take your time. I won't hassle you.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee and Badger: 
 "You don't understand!"  she shouts.  "My parents don't see me as much more than a porcelain dowry! They'll marry me off to some other noble who I may or may not have ever seen before and that will be that! Now maybe I don't want to live as a wandering adventurer forever and maybe I do want to settle down one day and stay a Polzin. But my parents believe that my role and Eva's role is to be a dutiful wife and I want more than that!" 

And then Natasha pauses.  "Wait..." 
 
 Spoiler 
check your Facebook.
 
Athedia
 "Name's Badger by the way.  Might have seen me around town.  Lief's guild gets called for all the biggest jobs."   Badger rapidly stuck her hand out, deflecting the conversation from where she knew it was headed.  And she was not ready for that, she would never be ready for that.
super dark33
Surdrak readies a blast of ink, but is immidietly distracted by the horrendous appearence of the hag.

He saw worse.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+6)[ 21 ]  eldritch blast
 (2d6)[ 7 ] 
 


He mutters to himself:
 Eugnot tirips kaeps tnseod gah fo dnik tahw?  
CoffeeIncluded
 Underwater: 

Jadeite's the only one affected by the hag. He'd make some quip about her appearance being an affront to his elven sensibilities, but for the moment he's trying to fight down the urge to vomit. He'd rather not deal with that when his mouth is already full of water.

Surdrak's blast slices through the hag, and she topples over with a cry.

At the sight of their slain commander, the six grindylows all swim towards the group, agile and at home in the water as they try to stab the humans and elf with their crude wood-and-stone spears. As they swim to the humans, Artorias tries to sling his glaive and cut them down mid-swim.

 
 Spoiler 
G1 attacks Artorias:
Tumble:  (d20+10)[ 21 ] 
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 7 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 5 ]  plus sneak attack:  (2d6)[ 7 ] 

G2 attacks Artorias:
Tumble:  (d20+10)[ 15 ] 
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 23 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 3 ]  plus sneak attack:  (2d6)[ 5 ] 

G3 attacks Jadeite:
Tumble:  (d20+10)[ 25 ] 
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 8 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 4 ]  plus sneak attack:  (2d6)[ 9 ] 

G4 attacks Jadeite:
Tumble:  (d20+10)[ 22 ] 
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 7 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 2 ]  plus sneak attack:  (2d6)[ 7 ] 
 


The grindylows are so cautious in successfully avoiding Artorias's glaive that only one of them can actually hit their target.
CoffeeIncluded
 Underwater:  

Jadeite inhales sharply as he dodges the spears, his clothes swaying in the current. Pressing himself tall and skinny, he attempts to cast a spell defensively.

 
 Spoiler 
Concentration:  (d20+9)[ 25 ] 
If successful, cast Glitterdust on G4 and G2
Will:  (d20+1)[ 21 ] 
Will:  (d20+1)[ 6 ] 

Everyone is up.
 


Sparkles or something float into the grindylow's eyes. One manges to wipe them out, but the other howls as it is blinded.

 Proxima beach: 

Natasha eyes Badger warily, but seems to accept the explanation for now.  "You just...look like someone I remember from a while ago. That's all." 
Draconi Redfir
It was only now that Elsee arrived at Badger and Natasha's location, absentmindedly beckoning Kheel over to her as she quirked an eye at Natasha's comment. She grimaced as she saw the extent of Badger's wounds up close, but unfortunately lacked the medical training required to treat them, so instead she just kinda raised a hand to Natasha with a casual  "Hey" .
Athedia
Badger greeted Elsee.   "This is Natasha.  The girl we were sent to find.  Natasha, this is Elsee." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Proxima Beach 

Natasha sticks out a hesitating hand.  "Hi,"  she says, a bit surprised to see Elsee. Her speech is refined but she has a slight lisp.  "Who sent you after me? Was it Eva or my mother?" 
Athedia
 "If you mean who is paying us?  Your mother.  But Eva did talk to us, she wanted to make sure you were okay." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Proxima Beach: 

Natasha struggles, then sighs and hangs her head.  "Why can't mi mom let me live my life? I don't want to be married off to some man I barely know. What if he treats me badly? Not just physically but not allowing me to live my own life? Why are my parents doing this anyway?!"  she rages.  "This is the thirteenth century! Nobody does this anymore, nobody's done it for years!" 

Her hands fall limp to her sides.  "I don't know why my parents are being so old fashioned. I checked the laws, I can inherit property and wealth too. And I wanted to see the world. I asked Eva, but she was too scared..." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee stands there next to Badger as Natasha spoke, thinking to herself about what she was saying. Slowly she drew her twin Kurkri and twirled them about in her hands, a sly grin crossing her face as she remembered the day she stole them, not too unlike Natasha's daggers when she thought about it.

 "Eye know a few folk back on the mainland, seedy folk, good folk, they can teach ya how ta fight 'nd survive if ya can find em. Don't worry about the man, can't exactly marry someone who ran off now can he?" 
Athedia
Badger shook her head, looking at the girl with pity.   "And that will fix what?  You have so much power at your hands.  You are right, you can inherit, so what is stopping you from using those rights?  Have you told your mother that you refuse?  Have you pointed out the laws to her, told her that your life is your own?  It sounds like you are to scared to talk to her." 
super dark33
Clouds of black liquid engulf Surdrak's hands, and he launches the two blasts at each other to form a long rod.
He then proceeds to create a Norton's fork over one end of the rod, and infuses dark hate for anything alive into the shape.

The eldritch contraption solidifies, and Surdrak uses it for the sole purpose of its creation: Wrecking ****.

He lunges it forward into the third Grindylow.
 
 Spoiler 
Mortalbane eldritch glaive!
 (1d20+3)[ 23 ]  Attack against touch AC
 (4d6)[ 12 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Proxima Beach:

"Would they take Eva too?"  Natasha asks. Bit when badger speaks, she pauses.  "I...guess I am scared of her. Because you don't know what my mom is like, do you?" 
Athedia
Badger settled back on her heels.   "Rather set in her ways yes? From an older generation that has never moved on.  Believes in a seperation, she would never associate with someone from a lower class unless it was to give them orders.  I also doubt she would spend company with non-humans.  But people like that are scared already.  So much is changing in Runite, and they are unsure where they stand.  But there are three of you girls, and one mother.  If you stand together, if you tell her that you wish to plan your own life then she has two choices.  Lose all her children and have no-one carry on the name or accept that she is not in control." 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias quickly heals himself and distances himself fom the flanking grindylows

 
 Spoiler 


Standard action use healing belt (all 3 charges) to heal  (4d8)[ 18 ]  HP (since it is a comand action item, it does not provoke AoO)
Since I assume I can't make a 5 ft. Step I tumble towards (6,I) DC 21 (15 base + 2 per grindylow)
Tumble  (1d20+13)[ 20 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Underwater: 

As Artorias ducks out of the way and heals himself, Surdrak swings his scythe and cuts the grindylow full-on. As the ink clears, the grindylow is alive but badly injured, with horrid burns all over.

 
 Spoiler 
Dusk, you can make a 5 foot step. Do you have any attacks or things you can do on a move action? Sora's up. Athedia, I'll get to Natasha's post later. I'm busy now, sorry.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Proxima Beach: 

Natasha stands there, listening to Badger's words. She's growing more uncomfortable and vulnerable by the moment--Badger found the weakness, and she knows exactly where and how to strike. As the ranger mentions non-humans, Natasha's gaze flits to Elsee.

Finally, it takes a while for Natasha to speak, and when she does her words are more hesitant and her lisp more apparent.  "I...I never thought of my parents as scared. But I guess they are. They say the poor and Plavaan are sending the city straight to hell. And I don't know if they're right or not but if they're wrong about me and my life, they might be wrong about that too."  She looks down and clenches her fist.  "I want my mom to listen, and I want my sisters to stand with me, but I don't know if they will." 
 
 Spoiler 
Is a diplomacy check fair?

And yes. That is one of the most important themes in this game. The world's changing, slow but it's there and changing for the better, and no amount of dragging or kicking or screaming is going to turn the tide. So what are you going to do?
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
You're the DM.

Diplomacy: (1d20+1)[ 7 ] 
 


Badger rested a hand on the girl's clenched fist.   "They admire you, and I think they will follow you.  You are a good, strong person.  Beyond what you believe even." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Proxima Beach: 

Natasha looks up at Badger.  "But you just called me a fool..."  She shakes her head and drops her hands.  "I'm sorry. I need to think about this more." 

With that, she walks off to the gnome boy, who is frantically waving a hand to cast a spell on a dying villager.

 
 Spoiler 
You're lucky Natasha wasn't on bad terms with you.
 
Silverraptor
Sora steps back and focuses, summoning another celestial porpoise.

 "Summon Monster I!" 
Athedia
Badger groaned and held her head.  She needed to watch her tongue, it had been getting her into trouble these days.  She attempted to stand to follow Natasha and then collapsed to the sand. The arrows poking holes in her had stoppered the bleeding as she had been sitting, but the movement caught and reopened the holes.   "Elsee, do you think you can help me to the inn, or somewhere?"  She gave the goblin a weak smile.
CoffeeIncluded
 Proxima Beach: 

The gnome boy must have run out of spells. As the few people he could save stare at the scene before him, he slumps to the ground, completely dejected.

 
 Spoiler 
I'll do exp and treasure after both battles are done.
 

 Underwater: 

Sora summons  (d3)[ 1 ]  porpoises, which appear around her.
CoffeeIncluded
 Underwater: 

The porpoise swims beside Jadeite and tries to ram its hard nose into the grindylow's wounds.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 8 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (2d4)[ 3 ] 
 


However, it misses.
CoffeeIncluded
 Underwater: 

The two grindylows furthest away finally make it to Artorias and try to swim around his glaive to stab him once more. The blinded one also tries to attack the warblade.

 
 Spoiler 
G5 tumble:  (d20+8)[ 16 ] 
Attack:  (d20+5)[ 25 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 5 ]  plus sneak attack:  (d6)[ 6 ] 

G5 tumble:  (d20+8)[ 10 ] 
Attack:  (d20+5)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 5 ]  plus sneak attack:  (d6)[ 3 ] 

G2 attack:  (d20+4)[ 9 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 3 ] 
Concealment (miss on 1):  (d2)[ 1 ] 
 


The blinded one misses, but the other two grindylows stab Artorias between his ribs, and if he were on land his lungs would collapse from the blows.

Two grindylows try to stab the newly-summoned porpoise while one continues in his attempt to run Jadeite through.

 
 Spoiler 
G1 attacks porpoise:
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 2 ]  plus sneak attack:  (2d6)[ 6 ] 

G3 attacks porpoise:
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 3 ]  plus sneak attack:  (2d6)[ 11 ] 

G4 attacks Jadeite:
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 3 ]  plus sneak attack:  (2d6)[ 7 ] 
 


The porpoise vanishes the moment they make their precise strikes, and the last grindylow cuts Jadeite deep along the stomach, and the sea around him stains red.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee had been trying to speak up to Natasha to point out that if her sister was willing to live on her own and potentially fight for her life as well then her contacts wouldn't have too much of a problem with her, but unfortunately her vocal chords were still getting used to being used once more, and her voice was quickly falling as the two humans continued to talk. She pouted briefly as Natasha began walking off, before sighing and nodding to badger, helping her friend up as much as her limited height would allow, hoping she wouldn't wind up dragging the human to the nearest inn.

 "I think we should just let'er go. Running off from home changed my life for the better dontcha think?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Underwater: 

Just before he's attacked, Artorias sees an opening to strike a grindylow and takes it.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+5)[ 6 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (d5+2)[ 5 ] 
 


Again, he misses.
Athedia
Badger was bent over, stumbling a little from the wounds but also from the height difference.   "She has the ability to change so much.  I get why she wants the freedom.  Arranged marriages don't always go as planned.  But she is blind to what she can do.  As a wealthy person, a wealthy human, she has all the power in the world." 
Draconi Redfir
 "Guess ya don't know this, but sometimes the more powerful you are the more serving everyone else you do." 
Athedia
Badger started laughing at Elsee's comment, watching the goblins confused and slightly annoyed face.  Tears, no-one could tell if from the laughter, the pain of the moving arrows or sadness, rolled down her face.  Leaning in she tightly squeezed the goblin, avoiding the shafts still protruding from her body.  "I know more than you think, little one." 
 
 Spoiler 
Coffee, you know why this was so amusing for me
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Underwater: 

Jadeite steps back, says,  "You'll regret this!"  and fires two orbs at the wounded Grindylow and one of the two assaulting Artorias.

 
 Spoiler 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 5 ]   (d4+1)[ 4 ] 
 


One strikes a Grindylow in the throat and it falls over, suffocating. The other one hits solidly in a second Grindylows eye.

 
 Spoiler 
map update when I get back. One Grindylow is down, one is blinded, and one that Artorias can reach has 4 damage.

Surdrak, Sora, and Artorias are all up.

I think Steel Wind may be a good idea, but you're the one playing him!
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee merely sneared at the human as they approached the now mostly-repaired inn, it's reconstruction haalted by the recent attack and it's populaition scarce for the time being.  "Did we seriously never talk about our pasts to eachother?" 
Athedia
Badger shrugged.   "I don't want to be pressed about mine, so I do not ask questions.  It is your business and doesn't matter to whether or not you can fight beside me." 
super dark33
Continuing his focus on the eldritch Norton's fork, Surdrak strikes at the third Grindylow again.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+3)[ 21 ] 
 (2d6)[ 4 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Underwater:  

Surdrak's weapon slices into the Grindylow again, less powerful but lethal all the same. With a hiss like boiling steam the thing collapses.

 
 Spoiler 
two down, four to go. Sora and Artorias are up. I'll update the post on the beach when I get back from Yom Kippur services.
 
Athedia
As they walked past the sobbing gnome boy Badger veered off to his direction.  She knelt beside him, a hand on his shoulder.   "Hey kid, I don't know who you are, but that was something brave.  I don't doubt that those villagers and I would be dead right now if you hadn't shown up.  Thanks for that." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Proxima beach: 

Natasha walks off to one of houses. It doesn't look like she wants to talk for a little bit.

The gnome boy startles when Badger places a hand on her shoulder, but then turns around, eyes red-rimmed and cheeks stained with tears.  "But-but I didn't do anything! I could barely save anyone. I couldn't fight, my spell to hide us did absolutely nothing. You were the strong one, I saw you shoot your bow. I'd be dead if not for you." 

He cries and wipes his eyes.  "Look at all these people. I failed them! How can I be a good Voice if I can't even protect them?" 
Athedia
Badger felt the urge to comfort the child.  Gently hugging him she tried to console him.   "I see two of those monsters that I certainly never killed.  And I missed plenty of times, shot right into the surf.  I have no clue what a Voice is, though it sounds like something we all have.  But kid?  It takes a brave person to run into danger like that." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Proxima Beach: 

The gnome boy sniffles.  "I'm not even the Voice. My mentor was. But...she's...she's dead and I'm just the Whisper. And I'll never be as good as she was."  He looks at the two smashed-in grindylows.  "I...I was so scared. How could I be brave when I was terrified? I just had to protect them, even if I can barely do anything at all." 
 
 Spoiler 
Okay, I really need to get to work. I'll post more later.
 
Athedia
 "Bravery isn't those who run in knowing they will get out alive.  Bravery is those who wish they didn't have to go in, who want to live more than anything, but will die to protect others.  I wanted to turn tail and run, more than anything I wanted to survive.  And Whisper, if that is what you are, you have more power than any Voice.  A whisper can change many thoughts, while a voice gets lost in crowd." 
Draconi Redfir
 "And you could always like... hunt down crabs or wild boars or somethin to get yer skills up." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Proxima Beach:

"R-Really?"  The Whisper asks,  "So you really think that I was brave? That I...that I did a good job?"  He seems desperate for any sort of validation or encouragement, as if nobody else has given it to him and he's unable to give it to himself.

He traces squiggles in the sand.  "That's...The Whisper is the term for the Voice in training. When I finish my training I'll become the new Voice. It's my job to serve as a conduit between the Proximans and the dragons of Thunder's Fang, and it's my job to protect and guide all the people here. But I can't even cast the spells to meet the dragons myself. And I barely have enough magic to fight two grindylows." 
Silverraptor
Sora runs over and tries to heal Artorias.
 "Cure Moderate Wounds!" 
 
 Spoiler 
 (2d8+4)[ 13 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Underwater: 

As Sora runs around the grindylow to heal Artorias, the unblinded one jabs its spear out at her.

 
 Spoiler 
AoO from G4.
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 5 ] 

Artorias is up; if he doesn't go by tomorrow morning I'm going for him.

Goddammit, what is up with these grindylows?!
 


This one also manages to stab Sora.
Dusk Eclipse
Attack roll  (1d20+5)[ 14 ] Artorias spins with his glaive extended striking the grindylows on the back.

 
 Spoiler 
 Using Steel wind.
Vs G4
Attack roll  (1d20+5)[ 14 ] 
Crit  (1d20+5)[ 13 ] 
Damage  (1d5+2)[ 3 ] 

Vs G1
Attack roll  (1d20+5)[ 22 ] 
Crit  (1d20+5)[ 17 ] 
Damage  (1d5+2)[ 7 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Underwater: 

Artorias whips his glaive around, and this time he actually makes contact. One grindylow only has a relatively shallow scratch, but the other one is deeper, tearing through muscle.

Still, the warlock did far more overall damage than Artorias, and it's him along with Jadeite that the grindylows try to attack first. The remaining blinded grindylow continues to try and strike Artorias.

 
 Spoiler 
G1 attacks Surdrak.
Tumble:  (d20+9)[ 12 ] 
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 3 ]  plus sneak attack:  (2d6)[ 8 ] 

G2 attacks Artorias
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 25 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 4 ] 
Concealment (miss on 1):  (d2)[ 2 ] 

G4 attacks Surdrak.
Tumble:  (d20+9)[ 14 ] 
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 10 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 5 ]  plus sneak attack:  (2d6)[ 3 ] 

G5 attacks Jadeite
Tumble:  (d20+8)[ 19 ] 
Attack:  (d20+5)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 3 ]  plus sneak attack:  (d6)[ 2 ] 
 


Artorias is able to lash out against two of the grindylows who attack Surdrak, both who miss anyway. But in doing so, he allows the blinded grindylow to strike once more.

 
 Spoiler 
If Artorias hits on the AoO against G1, he may be able to kill G1. If that happens, then G1 won't be able to hit Surdrak on account of being dead. Dusk, please make two AoOs.
 


Jadeite, meanwhile receives another deep blow against the grindylows. He's bleeding badly now.
Dusk Eclipse
  Argh!  Artorias screams as the grindylow strikes him, the young human powers through the pain and attemps to hit them again

 
 Spoiler 

Vs G4
Attack roll  (1d20+5)[ 13 ] 
Crit  (1d20+5)[ 17 ] 
Damage  (1d5+2)[ 7 ] 

Vs G1
Attack roll  (1d20+5)[ 24 ] 
Crit  (1d20+5)[ 19 ] 
Damage  (1d5+2)[ 3 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Underwater: 

Surdrak's slice misses the first creature, but digs into the second. It's not lethal--at least, not at first. But as the grindylow leaps to stab Surdrak, something tears inside. He goes down with the spear.

 
 Spoiler 
The second grindylow was knocked to 0 HP with that attack. Attacking Surdrak caused him to go to -1
 


Jadeite steps back on top of the dying grindylow. He shouts to Sora and Artorias as he blasts a stream of light at the grindylow that stabbed him,  "The blindness will soon wear off on that grindylow. Also, Sora, I believe I require some of your rejuvenatory assistance!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Cast color spray
Will:  (d20)[ 19 ] 
If failed, unconscious, blinded and stunned for  (2d4)[ 4 ]  rounds, then blinded and stunned for  (d4)[ 4 ]  rounds, then stunned for 1 round.
 


But the grindylow's mind is so incredibly deranged, the the spell seems to have no effect at all.

 
 Spoiler 
Dammit, figures. Jadeite's at 6 HP. Sora, Surdrak, and Artorias are all up.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias taked a fee steps back to give him space and attacks the (previously) blinded aberration. He uses the flow of the watet to reset his stance, preparing himself once more. [SPOILER]
Five ft. Step to (5, J)
Standard action attack G2
Attack roll  (1d20+5)[ 14 ] 
Crit  (1d20+5)[ 15 ] 
Damage  (1d5+2)[ 4 ] 
Swift action to refresh maneuvers.
/SPOILER]
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias's blade cuts into the grindylow, though it's far from fatal.

 
 Spoiler 
Sora and Surdrak are up. Jadeite's at 6 HP. G6 is the closest to going down.
 
Silverraptor
Gritting her teeth through the pain, but hurries over to Jadeite.
 "Cure Light Wounds!" 
 
 Spoiler 
 (1d8+4)[ 5 ] 

I mistakenly put the roll as 1d20.😛
 
super dark33
Surdrak breaks his Norton's fork, evaporating it into mists of ink in the water.
The ink assembles around Surdrak's arms, creating the shape of the beak of the octopus.

He socks one into The fourth Grindylow.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+4)[ 16 ] 
 (1d4+1)[ 4 ]  physical damage
 (4d6)[ 16 ]  Mortalbane eldritch damage.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Underwater: 

As Sora heals the worst of Jadeite's wounds, not enough to stop the bleeding but enough to keep him from dying, Surdrak literally punches through a grindylow's skull. The black ink eats through the tissue in its way and Surdrak's fist comes out the other side of the grindylow's head covered in blood and brain matter.

Seeing one of their brethren killed so brutally, the remaining unblinded grindylow rushes Surdrak, and in a high-pitched bubbling voice calls the blinded grindylow to come after him, though he must evade Artorias's glaive first.

 
 Spoiler 
G6 attacks Surdrak:
Attack:  (d20+5)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 5 ]  plus sneak attack:  (d6)[ 6 ] 

G2 attacks Surdrak:
Tumble:  (d20+5)[ 24 ] 
Attack: [roll]20+4[/roll]
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (d4+1)[ 4 ] 
Concealment (miss on 1):  (d2)[ 1 ] 
 


While the blinded grindylow misses, the unblinded one shoves his spear deep into Surdrak's back.
CoffeeIncluded
 Underwater: 

As the grindylow's sight returns, Jadeite chuckles and says,  "Perhaps I should assist in completing my research as well. Or I could answer a new question: which manner of death is more violent?"  And with that, he casts a spell, and the Grindylow writhes and ci
Contorts as the fluids are sucked out of it.

 
 Spoiler 
cast desiccate:

Damage:  (2d6)[ 7 ] 
Fort or dehydrated:  (d20+1)[ 11 ] 
 


The Grindylow shrieks as Jadeite literally sucks the life out of it, them collapses in a withered wrinkled heap. The water around it is surprisingly bloodless, and saltier than before.

 
 Spoiler 
one Grindylow left. Bring it on home, everyone!
 
super dark33
 RRRGH 
 (1d8)[ 4 ] 


NOW they did TOO much.
Oh how ,uch he would LOVE to keep them alive so he could make them regret he ever spared anything in his life!

how DARE they?! do they know who he is?!

HE is Surdrak -****ing-[redacted]!
if they think they can do such a thing they are WRONG!

ALL OF THEM.



 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+4)[ 12 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 9 ] 
 (1d4+1)[ 2 ] 
 (4d6)[ 12 ] 

note the above tantrum is directed to everything. remember the touch AC.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Underwater: 

With a scream of rage, Surdrak leaps onto the last Grindylow, clawing madly at it. When he finally stops, there isn't much left of the creature. They look around at the dead hag and grindylows. There's blood in the water and it's finally quiet.
CoffeeIncluded
 Proxima Beach: 

As Badger and Elsee search the bodies, they find few items other than a stoppered potion of some sort. But they find lots of gold, and even more gems: A few small white pearls, a hunk of golden topaz and...and a brilliant violet ruby nearly the size of Badger's fist, stuffed under the armor of one of the grindylow rangers.

 Underwater: 

As Jadeite begins searching the bodies, he takes a knife and slices off a tentacle from two grindylows, one of which was the one he killed with his dessication spell. As he does so, he says,  "I wonder if the mechanism of the spell changes with the environment? These grindylows must have a way to deal with the osmotic challenges of living in a saline environment." 

He then leans over the dead hag.  "Curious. The enervating effects of her vile appearance and gaze seem to have vanished along with her death. I wonder if the source is entirely in her brain."  And of course, he cuts out the dead hag's eye and rolls it around in his hand, giving everyone else a grin.

Finally, the elf returns to helping them search. He finds a decent pile of gold and silver coins, and the hag's clothes are made of fine threads, though they're slightly rotted. But the real prize is found in the bag one of them was carrying. Every item in there is magical: Two potions, a sealed tube containing a tightly wrapped scroll, and a shirt of finely-linked shirt of chain mail. But not ordinary chain. Unlike the iron of Artorias's chain shirt which is already threatening to rush, this chain shirt is gleaming, shining, and bright.

Artorias recognizes the material immediately. This magical chain shirt is made of mithral.

 
 Spoiler 
Details of the treasure are OOC. Nice haul, everyone!
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias mockingly growls at Jadeite   Do you really needed to do that?"  he chides the elven spellcaster. He was in a rather good mood despite having just fought for his life. Hey is not like you find mithril armour just laying on the (sea) floorr everyday;  his chain shirt was barely holding up (never mind the rust) and he wasn't keen on trying to repair it

 "OK guys let's move, the sooner we wre on dry land the sooner we can patch ourselves up; besides we still have to find Natasha!" 
Athedia
Badger rolled the gems around her hands.  So much money, to be honest with this she could retire instead of spending it to get back into fighting shape.  She held the gems for a second and then shook her head.  Walking over to the Whisper as the boy called himself she pressed the ruby into his hand.   "My friends and I will be leaving soon.  And we are taking Natasha with us.  So since we can't help out, this might.  It should get some homes repaired, and maybe help out the families of those who died.  You earned it kid." 
 
 Spoiler 
I know you probably didn't expect me to give away that much. 😏  But they need it more than Badger.  Can I just know how much it is worth so that I can make a subtraction from the total gem wealth?
 
Silverraptor
Sora stepped forward.
 "I don't know. This chain shirt seems better suited for my use." 
She feels it in her hands.
 "It's certainly much lighter." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Proxima beach: 

The Whisper gapes as Badger gives him the ruby, so large he has to cradle it in both hands.  "I...I...Are you serious?" 
 
 Spoiler 
jadeite will take whatever is left. I won't go dibs on something unless its practically tailored for him. Pcs get item choice over dmpcs.

Besides, the money is. Enough to buy stuff though. More posting later.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee frowns at Badgers words and crosses her arms infront of her chest.  "We should ask if Nat even WANTS to come bakc weth us dontcha thenk?" 
Athedia
 "It's not a question of what she wants.  I will knock her out and drag her back alone if need be.  What a person wants doesn't matter in the scheme of things, it is what they need to do." 

Badger stood up, walking away from the Whisper.   "Kid, use it well okay?" 
Draconi Redfir
for the first time Elsee scowled and hissed at badger, resisting the urge to reach for her Kurkri, though her left hand did flex near it's hilt, balling into a fist before stretching out and repeating the pattern.  "Well i suppose i should just go home too then huh!? Go back to predicting fortunes i can't see and casting spells i can't do!" 
Athedia
 "Elsee, she's different.  I don't get goblin stuff, don't understand it never will.  But she isn't you."   Badger noticed the little goblin edging toward her weapons.   "Attack me if you must, I hope we are better friends than that.  I won't fight back." 
super dark33
 So hurry already, we need to get there. 

Surdrak stars to walk towards Proxima beach.
His movments are aggresive and he assumes an intimidating pose.

His hands leave a feint mist of ink.
CoffeeIncluded
The fish eventually return, though as the group returns to Proxima Island they see the damage th remaining grindylows did.

Eventually, however, they make it to tre beach, and are greeted by the smell of blood, and the sight of several dead villagers and grindylows. Some are stabbed while others are full of arrows.

The Whisper is holding a giant violet ruby and alternates between staring at it and Badger, who is badly wounded with broken arrow shafts sticking out of her all over. Elsee and Kheel are there too. Elsee seems to be having a rather intense conversation with Badger while Kheel is sniffing one of the bodies.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee just snarled in response, pulling her arm away from her weapons and folding it alongside it's twin below her chest in an exaggerated pout.  "The ked wants to escape a life she doesn't want that her mother es trying to force on her, the hell do you thenk i left the tribe? Wasn't cuz i didn't like the food i'll tell you that! Et's the exact same theng Badger, just cuz eye'm a goblin and she's a human doesn't make the situation any different!" 
Athedia
 "You were running from a job you couldn't do.  Fine, I get it.  But she is just being a coward.  She could confront her mother and her sisters would join her, I know that.  She can be a force for change in Runite, she just has to grow a spine about it."   Badger glanced up, seeing the others walking out of the water, looking the worse for wear.

She walked over to them, a stern look in her eye.   "Found the girl, she isn't as hopeless as I thought, but we are taking her back.  Leastwise I am.  Now, can someone take care of these arrows for me? They hurt like pure madness." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee's eyes narrowed and her scowel grew as Badger broke the conversaition off, preventing her from responding in turn. Likewise Elsee turned on her heel and marched away, following the direction Natasha had traveled before, beckoning Kheel over to her with a gesture and a  "Kheel, Come."  intending to mount the creature once more and fly after the human girl. If Badger intended to take her freedom away, Elsee could at least warn her about it beforehand to allow her time to prepare.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "You were running from a job you couldn't do.  Fine, I get it.  But she is just being a coward.  She could confront her mother and her sisters would join her, I know that.  She can be a force for change in Runite, she just has to grow a spine about it."   Badger glanced up, seeing the others walking out of the water, looking the worse for wear.

She walked over to them, a stern look in her eye.   "Found the girl, she isn't as hopeless as I thought, but we are taking her back.  Leastwise I am.  Now, can someone take care of these arrows for me? They hurt like pure madness."  
 

 "Perfect, then we should be able to leave for Runite in the next ship" 
Artorias observes the carnage his previous good mood evaporating, he looks at Badger's injuries and gives them a quick check over (Taking 10 on heal for a 12, just because).  "I'd let Sora deal with the arrows, I can patch some quick stuff, but stuff like this? Le her do it." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

Kheel stares confused at the goblin's request for a moment, but then cautiously follows her.

As goblin and wyvern fly above the palm trees and half-smashed houses, they eventually see Natasha and the Whisper talking in front of the Whisper's hut. As the gnome boy passes her a healing potion, which she eagerly downs, Elsee and Kheel approach. They're close enough that Elsee can hear a snippet of Natasha's words as she looks at the giant ruby.

 "--Her heart's in the right place, but I get the sense that she's just so stubborn!"

Everyone else: 

Jadeite looks around at the carnage surrounding them.  "I suppose we found out where the grindylows and hag were going,"  he says. Upon seeing Badger's injuries, he steps back and allows Sora to assist her.  "The next ship might not leave for a while, depending on how much damage the grindylows did. We should expect to stay the night, at the very least." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Joy"  Artorias deadpans at the notion of spending more time on the island.

 "What happened with Elsee? I though you would be glued by the hip after she was raised"  Artorias ask Badger.
Athedia
 "She seems to think that Natasha should be allowed to go off and get herself killed."   Badger let her friends poke at her wounds and try to patch her up.  She winced as Artorias helped stop the worst of the bleeding, why did healing hurt as much as the wound itself?   "So I take it there was no mention of my disagreement with Pallasc?" 
super dark33
 Not at all. 

Surdrak mentioned from a distance, his arms folded, his back to the group.
He looks at the sea.
CoffeeIncluded
 "We...thought it best not to mention,"  Jadeite says simply.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Yeah, we didn't want a big and I mean BIG angry dragon coming for you, because you.... disagreed with his daughter... stay still"  Artorias mutters as he tightens a bandage.

 ":sight: nothing is ever easy with that little goblin near is it?" 
Athedia
 "Keeps us awake at least."   Badger chuckled and then winced again.   "That was an arrow you just hit." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Sorry, so back to the mission, you found Natasha and now we have to either convince her to come back with us or knock her down and bring her against her will, I am not liking this one bit. " 
Athedia
 "I promised Eva that I would bring her back.  I am not breaking that promise." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I'm no saying we won't bring her back that is our mission after all, but I don't like the idea of essentially kidnapping a kid, even on her parents orders".  
Athedia
 "Woman."  Badger spoke absently, almost unaware of the correction from her mouth.  "And I do hope she goes willingly, if only because I saw her fight." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "She participated in this battle? I presume that's what you meant when you said she was far from helpless." 
 
 Spoiler 
i am really liking this debate. Even if I didn't have class I'd hang back to see how it plays out.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 Great... just great, first she might not come willingly and now she can fight...  Artorias says to himself.  "Woman then, where is she by the way?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 elsee: 

Natasha looks up at the goblin on her wyvern.  "Elsee? Why did you follow me? And how did you get that...dragon thing anyway? Is it dangerous?" 
 
 Spoiler 
she doesn't know anything about wyvern a.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grins as she hopped off of Kheel once more to land next to Natasha, lightly scratching the Wyvvern's head with her free hand as she spoke.

 “Wyvvern, We saved him from an assassin guy who kidnapped him for his poison, holding on to him until the guy who raised him can either get a licence or get out of the city. If I’m lucky I’ll get to keep him!”  Elsee cackled a bit again before the light of the ruby reminded her of her real mission here, the goblin quickly forcing her face into the best serious face she could manage, the giggling fit still leaving it's mark on her expression despite her wishes.  “But look, Badger's intending to take you home kicking and screaming no matter what you say, 'nd eye'm guessing we both know you don't want that.”  It was now that Elsee's wide grin crawled back up her face, bearing her carnivore teeth once more.  “So i came to help plan an escape!” 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 
 "P-Poison?!"  Natasha shrinks back from Kheel, staying far away from his teeth and tail stinger.

She frowns, then glares as Elsee continues her warning.  "Dammit! Are you serious? And she didn't even give me the chance to think about it?"  she screams a wordless cry of frustration, throwing her fists to the sky.  "Badger, my mother, they're both the same! Why can't they let me decide things for myself? What makes them think they can decide for themselves and for me as well?! I'm an adult! I'm badgers age! Whether I stay or go should be my decision!" 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias felt a shiver travelling up his spine, how, he didn't know, but he knew Elsee had something to with the feeling of dread that began to invade him.

 "Is it getting chilly or just me?" 
 
 Spoiler 

Not a (completely) serious post.
 
Athedia
 "Oh, I think she went to the inn.  Maybe.  I kinda pissed her off.  I have a bad habit of that don't I?"   Badger grimaced a looked a little sheepish.  Catching people she was fine at, but talking to them?  She knew it wasn't her strongest suite.   "Where is Elsee?  I thought she was right behind me?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I believe I saw her flying off on Kheel,"  jadeite says.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Figures, well let her be, I guess she wants some time alone to get used to being alive again; more importantly where is Natasha?" 
Athedia
 "I think I saw her stomping off toward the inn.  Though if she isn't there someone has seen her." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Are you ok to go? The sooner we talk to her, the the sooner we can figure out what we will need to do".  Artorias extends a hand to the Badger.
Athedia
Badger looked down at the arrows still sticking out of her stomach and wondered not for the first time how she was still standing.   "One second."  Turning around she snapped the heads off the arrows and pulled the shafts out of herself.  It started the bleeding again, but she ignored the pain.  Readjusting the rapidly reddening bandages she gritted her teeth and smiled.   "I'm okay." 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias helps the Badger to incorporate herself. "Easy there, I don't think the Dragon would take kindly if we return with another dead friend just a few hours after we left" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee rolled her eyes and nodded at Natasha's outburst.  “Eye know! I ran off from MY home for the same reason you did and somehow she's completely fine with that to boot! But look, we can figure things out here. We just need to get you away from here for a bit, do you know anyone who can take you back to the mainland, but not to Runite from here and quickly? If not i have a backup plan that might work. I can send you to meet some old friends of mine who taught me the tricks of the trade i use now in and around the Plavaan fields, it wouldn't be safe, but i could probably give you something to keep most of the intelligent locals off your back at least.” 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

Natasha shakes her head.  "I wish there was. But the ship I was on was also pretty damaged in the storm. Yours is the first I've seen all week."  she steps back at Elsee's second suggestion.  "The plains? Are you serious?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee shrugs and nibbles in her finger a bit as she thinks.  "Et's all I’ve known, there might be better plces for a human but i don't know em, i know there are some human rogues leading gangs acting as highwaymen 'round there, spent some time with them myself. N'yways, backup plan then..."  Elsee's eyes suddenly noticed the Whisper, not knowing exactly who he was as they hadn't met before. She removed the curled finger from her mouth and smiled to the halfling.  "Could you give us a minute or two?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee:

"Uh, okay..."  the Whisper backs into his hut.

Meanwhile, Elsee probably didn't pick the best thing to say.  "Highwaymen?! I am not a crook!"  She sighs.  "I want to help people. That's what I've been doing all week. I haven't been whining like a pampered noble, but I've been getting sweaty and calloused trying to help rebuild this village. If I went home, and I got married off to some random guy, then I wouldn't be able to do anything. Not even as a senator, though so many of them are corrupt and selfish and greedy. It would be easier to count the ones who aren't." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee snickers to herself and grins wickedly  "Well that's just the path i took 'nd it got me a nigh-undending debt to the guild, but at least meeting them is still an option to consider, they taught me how to be sneaky and fight using my agility over my strength, they can probably do the same for you! even if you don't join em on any raids! Stell, you can figure that out AFTER your on the mainland. Now c'mon, i've got a plan."  Elsee's grin shrunk into a smile as she beckoned Natasha closer to whisper into her ear, sharing the details of her plan to the human girl.
super dark33
 Well I'm off to look for her. Intuition tells me its not the inn probably.
 

Surdrak started to walk to opposite direction from the Whisper's hut unknowingly when suddenly he remembered he was stabbed in the back by that Grindylow.

He attempted to hold his hand against that wound to no avail.

The spearhead was probably stuck in there, he started to feel it now.

 I would LIKE some help here if I MAY. 
His jaws never left each other's company as he spoke.

 
 Spoiler 
His cloak covers the wound, underwater it floated around so the Grindylow was able to stab beneath it.
 
Silverraptor
Sora helps heal Badger up with a couple spells.

 
 Spoiler 
Should I roll for healing?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I am also rather injured, though I agree Badger should be attended to first." 
 
 Spoiler 
Yes, Sora should roll for healing.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

Natasha shakes her head.  "I don't want to work in the Alavaan plains. No offense, but even if there wasn't that war between Kago and Tobeem I wouldn't want to live there. Honestly,"  She pauses and chews her lower lip.  "If there was a way I could work with the guilds, maybe use my name but have more freedom with it, that would be best. I want to be more than what my mom thinks I am, and I'd rather stay a Polzin while doing it, but if I have to give up my name, then I have to." 

She looks back at the beach.  "But even if I was able to convince my parents, I doubt Badger would tolerate it. She'd probably drag me back to my mansion the moment she saw me talking to...it's Senator Leif who's in charge of the guilds, right? I guess I should have asked him first, but I was afraid he'd tell my dad, and then the secret would be out before I had the chance to do anything." 

Natasha sits on a fallen log and pushes her hair behind her ears.  "If there's no other option, well...I must say you do have some good ideas." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee plops herself down onto the log next to Natasha and pats her back gently, not really sure what else she could do at the moment.  "Et sucks when your mom wants you to do something you have no interest in, i know that much."  Elsee's toes dug into the dirt/sand beneath her as she thought about her own mom, and how had she not run away she likely would have been making the rest of the tribe miserable with no magical skills, poor predictions, and herself miserable with a mate she never even chose.  "As for the plains, it's only an idea. All my contacts are either Plavaan or close to it so i can't really give you any other options, i was pretty much one of those lowlifes the guild hunted for before i had to join them myself. Think our warlock has a smiler story actually... Anyways if not the Fields there are other ways to go, though you'd need to find your own way to learn and survive. Don't think you'd be able to stay in Runite with your current name either, other towns maybe, but probably not where your mom is in charge." 
Dusk Eclipse
Having made a decision Artorias incorporates himself.  "I'll look for Natasha and Elsee, I'll see you at the inn before the sun's down.    with that he starts walking in the direction Elsee took, his only hope was that he would be able to catch uo with them before they did something they would regret.
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee:

"It's okay,"  Natasha says.  "You're trying to help, and honestly you've been a much better help than Badger."  She grabs Elsee in a quick hug.  "You're much different than most things I've heard about goblins. Thank you." 
 Artorias: 

Artorias pauses when he gets to the first few half-smashed houses. He has no clue how big Proxima Island is or how to find Natasha.

 
 Spoiler 
Hunter's sense won't work unless Artorias has a sample. Which I don't think he has.

You might need to wait for Badger and naga. Sorry.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee just grinned wickedly at the compliment and the hug.  "Stell doesn't geve us any surefeyere way of getting you out of here though." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee:

"What about the first part of your idea?"  she asks.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias suddenly realizes he didn't really had an idea where in the nine hells Elsee had gone too, but just as that thought came another did. He started sniffing letting his nose find the way.
 
 Spoiler 

Entering Hunter's Sense Stance.
 
Draconi Redfir
 "Well that'll getcha on the boat back to the mainland, what you do from there i have no idea." 
Silverraptor
Sora goes and casts a cure light wounds on both Badger and Jaedite.

 
 Spoiler 
Badger  (1d8+4)[ 5 ] 
Jaedite  (1d8+4)[ 11 ] 

... this is ironic.
 
Athedia
Badger sighed as the worst of her wounds healed up.  Suddenly she jumped as a wet nose hit the back of her leg.   "Naga!"   The dog had sensed the battle was over and had rejoined her, worried about his master's safety.   "Hey boy, you wanna go find that girl?  Maybe you can talk some sense into her." 
 
 Spoiler 
Can you make the needed rolls?  I cant be on until late tomorrow, I have a test and then another to study for.
 
super dark33
 I understand. No help for the warlock. No matter. 

Surdrak starts to walk to the town. He takes out the spear head, lets out a small grou, puts it in his pack and takes a small cracker of cure light wounds out of his cloak.

He eats the cracker, healing some of his wounds.

 (1d8+1)[ 8 ] 
 
 Spoiler 
Complete arcane mentions cool things like potion replacements, which do the same effect and cost the same but look differently, like crackers.
 
Silverraptor
 "Oh, I'm sorry Surdrak. I saw Jaedite and Badger more seriously hurt. I didn't realize you were as badly hurt as well." 
super dark33
 Yeah I didn't mention it or anything. 
CoffeeIncluded
 "That was not wise. You should know better than to hide your injuries. Even the smallest wound can become infected, and there are so many different types of gangrene." 
 Elsee:

"I'm sure we'll think of something,"  The two girls then hear something crashing through the brush and see Artorias sniffing the air, his thighs scratched from the tall grasses he didn't avoid while in the stance.

Natasha stares back at the tall powerful man with the long glaive.  "Uh...Who are you?" 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias has the decency of blushing due being found sniffing, he coughed trying to compose himself.  "My name is Artorias, since you are with Elsee am I right assuming you are Natasha?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natasha nods. "Are you also part of the group sent to find me?"
super dark33
Surdrak stopped mid-walk.

 Since when was sarcasm new to you? 

Surdrak turned. He sent an evil eye towards Jadeite.

 You were never reluctant to use it before.  
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natasha nods. "Are you also part of the group sent to find me?" 
 

Not wanting to beat around the bush, the warblade answered bluntly "Yes, Badger told me about your reluctance to come back to Runite" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "What sarcasm? Why, I'm one of the most sincere elves you will ever meet. Jadeite the genuine is my nickname after all." 

His voice is dripping with sarcasm.

 Elsee and Artorias: 

Natasha just groans.  "And so you're going to drag me there kicking or screaming whether or now I like it? Drop me back home without an explanation and leave me a prisoner in my own home, since there's no way my mother will so much as let me outside anymore unless you give a good one?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "That is what I'm supposed to do, but I want to do something else..."  Artorias explained  "I want you to fight you" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natasha edges back.  "What? Why?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I want to see hiw strong you are, defeat me and I'll do anything in my power to help you,  but if I win you return to Runite with us."  he simply states.  l "What is your answer?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natasha looks at Elsee, then Artorias. After a moment, she nods and draws her blades.  "We're using the nonlethal enchantment, right? In that case..."  she spins her daggers.  "I should decide how to live my life. I'm not going to lose!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Yeah, she's probably going to lose. Anyway, I'm assuming you're both hitting for nonlethal here.
Initiative!
Artorias:  (d20+2)[ 21 ] 
Natasha:  (d20+2)[ 18 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
A feral smile found it's way to the young man's face  "I'm one of Leif's guild top fighters! Come at me with everything you've got or you won't even touch me" A rtorias was already in motion;  he quickly launched a small eggshell directly into Natasha's eyes.

Not wasting a moment Artorias makes some distance between he and Natasha.

  
 Spoiler 

Free action: Quick draw an eggshell grenade
Standard action: Attack Natasha with it
Ranged Touch attack roll  (1d20+5)[ 18 ] 
Blinded for  (1d4)[ 4 ]  rounds
Move action: Move 15 ft. backwards
 


Remembering that Elsee was there too Artorias growls "Elsee, you better not interfere with this fight". 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Augh!"  Natasha shouts as she's blinded.  "No fair! I thought this was a test of strength! How can I show you in this state? I'm not just a helpless girl!" 

Coughing and choking, she asks,  "Wait...you work under Senator Leif?" 

And then she runs and hides behind a tree.

 
 Spoiler 
I'm not putting up a map. Let's just say she's 45 feet away from Leif and she's using the total defense action and she has cover. She's trying to wait out the eggshell.

I've got to admit, I thought you were going to just do a straight fight. That's rather underhanded.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Fair? Do you really think bandits or monsters will give you a "fair" fight? When your life is on the line you don't have the luxury to fight fair; use every thing at your disposal, every resource, every trick you can think of; otherwise you.will. die." 

Artorias simply inhales trying to pinpoint her location his glaive ready on his hands.  "Real strength is more than physical prowess, if you give up at the first inconvenience you are not ready to face the world.  
 
 Spoiler 

Double move action to get within 10 ft. of her

Underhanded? Maybe but it is right there under character traits in his sheets "He will use any trick, advantage or tactic to win a fight. Besides he is trying to teach her a lesson about the "real" world.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Grr! I'm not giving up! I'm--!" 

Natasha ducks and runs away fron Artorias to behind another tree.

 
 Spoiler 
Two more rounds.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Are you sure? You seem to be really good at running away"  Artorias keeps going after her.
 
 Spoiler 
Double move to get as her within my threatened area (or as close as possible)
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias:

"Aargh! I'm evading! I can't attack you right now and we both know it! I had to run! I had no choice! It was that or spend my whole life never being able to do anything for myself!"  Natasha shouts, raging from frustration as she runs from him yet again.

 
 Spoiler 
Is it fair if I say Artorias doesn't know how many rounds the blindness will last? Since it's a dice roll and doesn't scale with level like glitterdust, for example?

Anyway, I'm going to bed. Night!
 

 Badger: 

As Badger follows Naga's nose, she eventually hears crashing and shouting in part of the woods. As she follows the sound, she sees Artorias chasing Natasha. Both their weapons are drawn.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee had her arms folded over her chest as she watched the fight go on, her eyes darting over to Badger as she came into view, making a mental note to stop her if she attempted to stop the fight. She wasn't too fond of the idea herself, but it gave her time to think up another plan to get Natasha away from them, and if she actually won, having Artoras on their side would really help with that. Still there had to be some way of doing this, Natasha not being on the boat to begin with would make it easier, though she doubted anyone would conveniently forget their target had missed the boat.
super dark33
 I can't imagine you having a nickname other then Fondldead Corpsmoochy. It's hard to imagine someone considering to be a friend of a necromancer for reasons other then his rich family. Now I'm going to do something useful if you don't mind.  

Surdrak starts to walk to a completely different direction, not knowing its exactly where Artorias and Natasha were.
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite watches Surdrak leave. His expression is curiously blank.

 Artorias: 

As Artorias chases down Natasha, he sees, hears, and also smells Badger and Naga chasing after them both, and closing in.
Athedia
Had Artorias gone mad?  Badger pulled out her bow, her usual reaction to a threatening scenario.  But she was stuck, she couldn't shoot Artorias, one of her closest friends and she couldn't shoot Natasha, they needed her alive.  Seeing Artorias advancing on the girl she gritted her teeth.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+9)[ 25 ] 
Damage (why not)  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
 Artorias heard the snap of a bowstring a second before he felt the arrow piercing his torso, momentarily forgetting his quarry he turns around to see the Badger aiming at him.  
 "What the hell Badger?"   he tries to keep his mark on Natasha, but the pain makes it dificult.
 
Edit: 
 Spoiler 
 Damn, that was a good hit Artorias is now at 21/32 HP!
 
CoffeeIncluded
The arrow embeds itself several inches deep into the ground, almost exactly between Natasha and Artorias. Natasha whips her head around at the sound.  "What was that?" 
 
 Spoiler 
badgwr was aiming at the ground between. Nobody was injured.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Badger, this is between Natasha and me, please do not get in the way" 
Athedia
 "Artorias! What do you think you are doing! I am mad at her, yes.  But killing?  What has gone wrong with you?"   Maybe it was his "stances" as he called them.  Maybe they were driving him toward his animal side.   "Naga, guard Natasha.  Guard."   Badger ran over to Natasha, checking to see if the girl had any new injuries.   "Are you alright?  He didn't hurt you did he?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee threw her arms up in frustraition again, both at Bdger and herself for missing the chance to stop the human.  "It's a nonleathal training fight! C'mon!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Do you really think I would kill her? Do you really think so low of me?"  Artorias couldn't help but be hurt at his friend's words.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hurt?!"  As Natasha's vision clears, she sees herself staring up at Badger.  "We were sparring. It was a test." 
Athedia
 "Not what it looked like.  And why now?  You are already injured, there is no way you could beat Artorias.  You have skill, but not the experience he has."   She wheeled around staring at Artorias.   "What am I supposed to think.  You chasing her with that glaive, her hiding?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "You are right, I got too engrossed in the chase and I can see what you mean, sorry."  Artorias lowers his glaive before calling Natasha

 "Badger's right though, we both are to hurt to fight at our best, and I want to see your best. "  
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grinned and rocked back and forth on her heels, the opportunity to mess on Artorias too good to pass up even if she wanted his help.  "Says the guy who threw eggshells in her eyes." 
Athedia
Badger let out a sigh of relief.  She had not wanted to get truely involved in the fight.  They could have knocked her out in an instant.  But she knew she had caused this, and she would have to mend it.  The idea pained her severely, but she owed it to Natasha.   "Natasha, I need to talk to you.  And Art I hope I can trust you to hear this, and keep it to yourself.  I would tell you Elsee, but can I trust you?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee grinned and rocked back and forth on her heels, the opportunity to mess on Artorias too good to pass up even if she wanted his help.  "Says the guy who threw eggshells in her eyes."  
 

Artorias purposely ignores the comment, but a keen observant would notice a his right lower eyelid trembling in frustation.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger let out a sigh of relief.  She had not wanted to get truely involved in the fight.  They could have knocked her out in an instant.  But she knew she had caused this, and she would have to mend it.  The idea pained her severely, but she owed it to Natasha.   "Natasha, I need to talk to you.  And Art I hope I can trust you to hear this, and keep it to yourself.  I would tell you Elsee, but can I trust you?"  
 

He just nods respectfully.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee shrugs and grins wickedly, still rocking back and forth on her heels, curious as to what she was talking about.  "Depends on what it is." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natasha stops and sheaths her daggers. She looks at Badger, then spares a glance at Artorias and Elsee before closing her eyes.  "Maybe I should have gone to Senator Leif before running off. Badger, what is it?"  she looks back.  "Does this concern them as well?" 
 
 Spoiler 
if this is what I think it is, you should probably pm it.
 
Silverraptor
Sora looks at Jaedite.
 "Well, I guess that takes care of most of the issues, except..." 
She gets closer to Jaedite, looking at him with a look of smugness.
 "How one, such as yourself and fascination for undead would almost lose their lunch at the sight of an ugly sea hag." 
Her voice fills with glee as she continues her taunting.
 "I mean, if you don't have a strong stomach for this kind of thing, maybe a different line of profession?" 
 
 Spoiler 
And thus another glorious Jaedite taunting begins.😛
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natasha's sitting on the ground. She's staring pointedly into the dirt, slumped over. When she speaks, she's quiet.

 "...I can't do what you did. I won't do what you did. Ever. But..." 

She falls silent for minutes that feel like years. And then, finally, she lifts her head.

 "You'll vouch for me?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite simply smiles and brushes off his robe.  "Why Sora, does that mean you're volunteering to be my assistant? How generous of you! Here,"  and he gleefully tosses the sack of grindylow and hag organs to Sora. It's warm, wet, and a bit squelchy.  "You can start by cross-sectioning these samples into thin slices. Oh, but do be sure to use a clean sharp knife." 
Athedia
 "Neither would I, if I had the choice.  And of course I will vouch for you.  You fight well, and you did show bravery.  You will just do more good in Runite than hiding somewhere out here."    Natasha's words hurt, but Badger knew they were true.  There was a reason she never spoke of that time.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneered and pouted again, rolling her eyes at Badger still insisting on Natasha returning home.  "She said she didn't want to go back there so why the heck even bother!? the biggest message you can send to someone you don't want to listen to is to outright refuse to listen to them at all! the ultimate "up yours" you can do is to just go out and never look back, that's what i did years ago and i still don't regret a second of it!"  
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Jadeite simply smiles and brushes off his robe.  "Why Sora, does that mean you're volunteering to be my assistant? How generous of you! Here,"  and he gleefully tosses the sack of grindylow and hag organs to Sora. It's warm, wet, and a bit squelchy.  "You can start by cross-sectioning these samples into thin slices. Oh, but do be sure to use a clean sharp knife."  
 

Sora squeezes the organs a couple times.
 "Nah! That seems like an awful waste of effort for something you're going to throw out." 
She walks over to the edge of the water and pulls her arm back, getting ready to throw the stuff into the ocean.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Neither would I, if I had the choice.  And of course I will vouch for you.  You fight well, and you did show bravery.  You will just do more good in Runite than hiding somewhere out here."    Natasha's words hurt, but Badger knew they were true.  There was a reason she never spoke of that time. 
 


 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee sneered and pouted again, rolling her eyes at Badger still insisting on Natasha returning home.  "She said she didn't want to go back there so why the heck even bother!? the biggest message you can send to someone you don't want to listen to is to outright refuse to listen to them at all! the ultimate "up yours" you can do is to just go out and never look back, that's what i did years ago and i still don't regret a second of it!"   
 

 "I know, Elsee. But...I have a little sister. I can't abandon her too. Aaugh!"  She clutches her head between her hands and screams in frustration!  "I don't have any good choices! But...Badger,"  and she looks back up at the ranger.  "If you will all vouch for me, then...then I'll try." 

 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
 Sora squeezes the organs a couple times.
 "Nah! That seems like an awful waste of effort for something you're going to throw out." 
She walks over to the edge of the water and pulls her arm back, getting ready to throw the stuff into the ocean. 
 

Jadeite runs over and grabs her wrist. Hemlock slithers down his arm and around hers, squeezing just a bit too tight before hissing and snatching the bag out of Sora's hand.

 "Now Sora, if you do that, I will be forced to obtain replacement samples for my research and graduate thesis. It's quite important, you know. And I might not be so discerning about my test subjects the next time."  His voice sounds light, but there is a definite undertone of hostility to it, a note of  don't you dare. 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Jadeite runs over and grabs her wrist. Hemlock slithers down his arm and around hers, squeezing just a bit too tight before hissing and snatching the bag out of Sora's hand.

 "Now Sora, if you do that, I will be forced to obtain replacement samples for my research and graduate thesis. It's quite important, you know. And I might not be so discerning about my test subjects the next time."  His voice sounds light, but there is a definite undertone of hostility to it, a note of  don't you dare.  
 

 
 Spoiler 
I knew *That* would get his attention.😁

Sora counter-trolls the troll!😛
 

 "Oh. Why did you say so. I wouldn't want you to get a bad grade on your assignment." 
She absentmindedly wipes her hands on Jaedites robes before starting to walk off.
 "I suppose we should find where the others are at." 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite watches Sora walk off before following her.

Several hours later, as the long shadows of the afternoon are cast ovef the village everyone manages to meet up in front of the Whisper's hut. Elsee, Badger, Artorias, and...a girl who can only be Natasha are there first. Badger is wearing a strange expression, a mixture of discomfort and relief. Natasha looks...almost afraid.

Surdrak meets them, his robes soaked up to his knees in salt water, a crab clinging to his hair. Jadeite and Sora are not far behind; Sora is sporting an unusual smirk.

 
 Spoiler 
i figured it would be best to move everyone along. Is this okay?
 
super dark33
 Hey look, I have another pet. 

Surdrak takes the little crab off and allows it to scurry off in peace.

  Rekcufrehtom elttil ay ees.  

Surdrak looks at the stranger.

 So, the girl with the adamentine daggers 
That'd be a good name for a trashy book.
 I trust you all did your thing to get her to come? 
Also, what kind of loser lives in a hut like this? It's hideous.
 Syawyna, what's our next move? 
Obviously it's to get some sleep, unless badger is going looney again.
Dusk Eclipse
 "That depends on you Natasha, my previous offer is still standing" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natasha is quiet, and doesn't look up. Finally she says,  "I'll go back, as log as you vouch for me. But Artorias, could you tell me a little more about the guild?" 

While they talk, the Whisper comes out of the kitchen, pushing a cart if food before him. The smell is heavenly yet sharp, familiar yet with odd spices to it.

 "I've never made this much food for So many people outside festivals before..."  the Whisper says apologetically as he spoons out the meal for everyone. It appears to be some kind of seafood curry, hunks of carefully deboned fish swimming in thick spiced sauce. There's also a side dish of an orange and goat cheese salad.
Dusk Eclipse
 " I still haven't see how you fight, but I trust Badger, and if she says you can, then I believe you can; so yes I'll vouch for you." 
Artorias scratches his chin before continuing.  "Frankly there isn't much to say about the guild, Leif is a good man and will take you in as long as you can pull your own weight... what else?.... Oh right, missions are usually first come first served unless for some weird mission the client specifically request someone, though that is rare in my experience, and you are free to go with you mission as you please.... and it is legal.  Oh and the guild does offers board and lodgings, but those expenses come out of your mission payments" 
super dark33
 Leif is a good man, a very good man. 

Surdrak's thoughts flew about, tales of his own life spread before his mind, like butter on a pan.

Almost by purpose, Surdrak's thoughts move on to the quality of the food he is eating.
Which was good.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee lightly elbows the Whisper's side as he sits down next to them for the meal, her eyes quickly jumping up and down his garb and the hut wich she only assumed was his own.

 "So what's yer story then? "m guessin ya'arnt just annother villager." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natasha leans in closer after finishing her bite. The group can see how carefully she eats--manners have been trained into her, and even now she won't let that go.  "Is he good at keeping secrets? He'd let me join despite everything?" 

The gnome boy also has good manners, but his motions are more conscious, as if he has to think about how to properly eat in this kind of setting. He brandishes his fork for a moment before setting it down. "Well, I'm the Whisper. I'm a cleric of Tiden and I'm basically...well, I guess I'm a spiritual leader of this village. I offer advice and aid...and I also go to Thunder's Fang and offer our blessings and requests to the dragons there. Or I'm supposed to be, and I'm supposed to do all that. Really it's the Voice who does all that. I'm just her apprentice. Or, at least I was..."  Badger's words and gift seem to have given him a bit more confidence, but it melts when he brings up his former mentor.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee slooowly nodded her head as she attempted to peice everything together, not quite understanding the whole story he was trying to tell but getting the gist of it.

 "Thiiink i get were your coming from..." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "You should,"  Jadeite says after swallowing a piece of salmon.  "After all, he is the one who told us how to reach Thunder's Fang. Though I must say, you seem rather more confident now." 

The Whisper squirms a bit and glances at Badger.
Athedia
 "He found something on the grindylows that will help him rebuild the village.  I believe it was one of the ones he killed."   Badger picked at the food, slipping bits of the fish to Naga.  For some reason she missed the endcatch from Runite, though this stuff was far superior.
CoffeeIncluded
The Whisper's eyes flits up to meet Badger when she says that. He chews over his words before saying,  "Um, yeah. I found something that'll be really helpful." 

Both Jadeite and Natasha looks at the ranger and gnome, but neither says anything.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee squinted at the elf and stuck her tounge out at him, mocking the necromancer before filling her mouth with annother spoonfull of Curry, what was it with humans and curry? What ever happened to just a good old slab of meat cooked over a fire?

 "I  Meaaan  i know the whole "spiritual leader of a place that can't do shet" story."  Elsee lightly tapped the purple rune tattooed into her forhead as she took a swig of her drink.
CoffeeIncluded
The Whisper looks at the violet spiral and tilts his head.  "What does that stand for? You tattoo the symbols of your gods on yourself?" 
super dark33
Surdrak whispered to himself:
  My soul got tattooed before I was even born.  
He silences himself with a piece of a prawn.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee shook her head and wiggled the fingers of her free hand as she used the other to hold her mouth shut as she finished chewing before speaking.

 "Represents the Seer of the tribe and her ability to see the future, far off places, into the minds and spirits of others, and just cast spells in general. Wouldn't you know it though a stubborn mother was  Soo sure  eye'd take after her that she had it grained into my forehead before eye even understood what et meant. Sucks to be her though cuz eye was never able to cast a spell en meye leyefe!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I'm sorry,"  the gnome says.  "I sort of know how you feel. I was chosen because everyone said I had potential, but, well I just don't see it." 
Draconi Redfir
 "n somethin tells me you aren't the type to just say "screw this i'm out" and leave h'uh? 
CoffeeIncluded
The Whisper draws back, offended by the mere suggestion.  "I could never do that!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natasha leans in closer after finishing her bite. The group can see how carefully she eats--manners have been trained into her, and even now she won't let that go.  "Is he good at keeping secrets? He'd let me join despite everything?"  
 

 "Sure I guess.... unless the secret you want him to keep is that you are the vessel for a soul eating demon, you aren't one are you?"  Artorias answers her with mock horror in his voice.
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite looks at Artorias with a somewhat satisfied expression as Natasha draws back.  "um, uh, no I'm not." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Well that's a relief"  Artorias looks a bit gloom that his attempt at humour seemed to pass right over Natasha's head.
Draconi Redfir
 "Yeaaahh, didn't seem like the type.  Should try it if you can wrangle up a replacement fora bit, might help get your skills up if you go around bshing in a few skulls and get decently good at it." 
super dark33
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "Well that's a relief"  Artorias looks a bit gloom that his attempt at humour seemed to pass right over Natasha's head. 
 

 He did keep my secret initially, but then that paladin came along... 

Surdrak chuckles.

 The look on his face as his sword shattered... 
CoffeeIncluded
 "But I don't want there to be any more attacks. Just the storm and today was enough,"  the gnome says, shifting his chair away from Surdrak when the warlock starts muttering and laughing to himself.
Draconi Redfir
 "Well yeah duh.  but you'll get stronger faster then if ya just sat in your room reading books all day." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I do more than that!"  he protests.  "It's just...I'm a spiritual guide, not a warrior. I don't like fighting, and I don't like killing." 
Draconi Redfir
 "Well i dunno then, go find some guys in the town who know how to hold a sword and ask if they wanna fight you to submission or somethin, don't need to kill something, just gotta beat em enough times and you'll find yourself able to focus better on reading or whatever" 
CoffeeIncluded
The Whisper looks at the rest of the party.  "I don't have to do that, do I?"  he asks.

Natasha is quick to follow.  "The Whisper does have a point. Would I be expected to fight constantly? How often do people die?" 

Jadeite seems curious as well.  "Are we just particularly unlucky?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Feel free to world build and elaborate here!
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Depends on the type of missions you take, if you stay inside the city normally you only have to deal with drunken brawlers and the like, though there are exceptions"  Artorias grimaces a bit as he remembers the Cecil debacle.

Artorias shakes his head, as if trying shake the bad memories away "Work on the field tends to be somewhat bloodier, bandits and wandering monsters are common and most people prefer them dead rather than imprisoned, with those it is either them or you" 
Athedia
 "We try to bring people in alive, though sometimes lethal force is required.  We obey the laws of the city.  As Art said, the field is where the deaths come in." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I guess I didn't exactly start small,"  Natasha says, daintily eating a piece of sliced orange.

 "Neither did we,"  replies Jadeite.  "Though I doubt you will work alone." 
 
 Spoiler 
I'm moving you guys forward tonight or tomorrow, if you're all cool with that. Today SUCKED.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Most people don't, though I know a couple of guys who prefer solo jobs" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hmm."  Natasha looks back down.

Everyone finishes their meal eventually, conversation filling in every bite.

That evening are the funerals. As the civilians who died in the Grindylow attack are buried,  the Whisper steps up to say a few words and prayers. He seems cautious, wincing, as if he expects to be lashed and blamed by the survivors for failing to protect them.

But that doesn't happen. Instead, afterwards, one of the injured villagers, a young man , runs forward and thrusts out his hand, coupling the gesture with effusive thanks. The Whisper bows his head, and though you can't see his expression his shoulders are shaking.

Unfortunately, there's no place for the group to stay on the island, and no place for the sailors either. Even though they're honor guests, there simply aren't enough intact places to room them. So the group stays on the shop, lulled to sleep by the waves.

When they wake up in the morning the sky is overcast and it's cooler than the day before, but it's still warm. As everyone heads out of their cabins Kell, the hobgoblin sailor, approaches. He's carrying two packages and seems noticeably happier now that Elsee is back.

 "Good morning! Say, Elsee, Badger, last night a couple people gave me some packages. Told me to make sure you take it. They sounded really grateful." 
Athedia
 "Really?  We didn't do that much."   Badger noticed his happiness at seeing Elsee and gave the goblin a nudge.  She didn't resent the little rogue for going behind her back, it was simply her nature.  Carefully she took the packages and peeked inside.
CoffeeIncluded
As Badger opens the package she sees two things: A small object wrapped in dock leaves, and a note. On the note is written, in sloppy print,

 You don't know who I am, but the Whisper told me you were the girl with the bow and dog yesterday fighting those squid things. You ran out of nowhere the moment you heard them attacking and stayed there even when you were really hurt.

You saved my life. I'd be dead if you weren't there.

I can't thank you enough for what you did. I don't know who you are or if I'll see you again, but please, take this. It's the least I can do.

We've got a saying here, "May the wind lift your sails." It feels silly writing this to you, but: May the wind lift your sails.

Or, thank you. Thank you so much and I wish you good luck in everything.

Lee 

Inside the package is a finely-woven pouch with a beach print containing sweet candied oranges, always hard to find in Runite. The pouch has a string, but that's not what's holding it shut. What's holding it shut is a finely carved wooden hairclip, inlaid with tiny pieces of pearl and shell, and smelling faintly of palm.
Athedia
Badger carefully folded the note up and slipped it and the candied oranges into her side pouch.  She held the hairclip, running her finger over its surface before reaching up to feel her hair.  It had been growing longer over the past few weeks.  She had not taken the time to cut it short after the hunt for Cecil, and it was past her ears.

Maybe she wouldn't cut it she thought as she slid the hairclip into her locks.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee quirked an eyebrow at Badger's nudge, soon after noticing the Hobgoblin's apparent excitement. A wicked grin crossed her face as she looked the hobgoblin up and down were he stood, giving the male a quick wink before opening her own bundle as Badger did the same.
super dark33
 Sugared fruit... I should experiment on making those... 

Surdrak scratched his chin and stared at the nearby planet through the wall.

 Its either charring the sugar on the fruit, casting moltan sugar on the fruit or dipping it in the sugar... 

It's times like these that Surdrak hoped he knew more about cooking than he already does.
CoffeeIncluded
Kell grins, and there's a faint flush to his cheeks as Elsee rips open the package.

 
 Spoiler 
Oh-ho, does someone have a crush? 😉
 


Elsee's package also contains a note, written in eagerly neat print.

 I saw you! You were on that dragon! You can ride dragons! That is so freaking cool! Did you come from Thunder's Fang? Did the dragons send you?

You were totally awesome fighting those squid thingies even though I was too scared to really notice any of it. You looked kinda scary with your big green ears and fangs but you were so cool! I asked my mommy and she said you're a goblin. Are you a goblin? Are there lots of goblins where you're from? Are they all as cool as you?

You and your friends were so great! You saved my life! I wanted to find you last night but didn't know where you were so I asked the big yellow goblin if he could give this to you. His name is Ray and he's also really cool. So take good care of him, okay? I also have something for the dragon!

I wanna see you and your friends again! And maybe you can teach me how to be awesome like you are!

Fay 

Inside the package is a piece of polished red coral that reflects the light. And there's a little wooden figure, carved by a child into the shape of a human, with clothing painted on. Even in the carving, Elsee can see an expression of determination in the wood.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Unfortunately I am not well-versed in the culinary arts. Though I could do a chemical analysis,"  jadeite says with a shrug as he studied his spell book.

When Sora wakes up, she cannot find her clothes without a thorough search. Finally she finds them hanging outside her window, where she distinctly does not remember placing them last night. The sea breeze has made them stiff, and they smell of rotten fish.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee smirked at the coral and the carving, not  quite  as neat as what Badger got, but still cute. Though she couldn't for the life of her remember any kids out on the beach by the time she joined in, everyone aside from badger, natasha, and the whisper looked to be more or less dead by that point.  "So wech one is for Kheel?" 
 
 Spoiler 

I dunno, looks like it, but will he do anything about it?😛
 
super dark33
 In any case, I'd like you to find weak fire-based spells, that are not stronger then a torch's flame. I'll need to get wands of those. 

Ideas formed inside Surdrak's mind, great and many yet so few were actually relevant to the task he was initially pondering about.

A thought regarding water became fish, which brought to his attention the smell of Sora's cloths.

 Mmnugh, what's this smell? 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias wakes up late, something he doesn't do very often, but the slight rocking of the ship and the sound of the waves had lulled him into a deeper sleep than normal.

Once awake, he joins the other.  "Morning guys."  he greets as he stifles a yawn.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Good morning,"  Jadeite says as behind him Kheel nudges the coral out of Elsee's hand, bouncing it up and down on his snout.  "Have you seen Sora anywhere?" 

At this point Kell returns to the ship; he was talking to the captain on the shoreline.

 "The captain said we'll be leaving in a few hours,"  he says.  "Is there anything else you need to do?" 
 
 Spoiler 
well, for one thing there's Natasha.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee frowned slightly as Kheel took the Coral from her, everyone always got better gifts then she did. ah well, the doll wasn't  Too  bad she guessed. just... a little weird. She merely shruged and pocketed the doll, waiting on the others.
CoffeeIncluded
If Elsee goes onto the shore, she sees Kell helping to move crates. The sun isn't even that high in the sky and yet the back of his shirt is already damp with sweat.

The hobgoblin stops when he sees Kheel's shadow fly overhead, and he turns around when he hears Elsee walk up.

 
 Spoiler 
The point is that the gifts are sentimental. And this was a little kid giving you her action figure. I don't even know if they have a GP value because that would be a bit of a **** move, selling them. 😛

Also, what do you want to do with Kheel?
 
Athedia
Badger looked around, not seeing Natasha.  Groaning she jogged back to where they had slept the night.   "You are still coming with right?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natasha looks up from where she's polishing her blades. Her expression is much more guarded than yesterday.  "Can we talk? In private?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Can we do this over facebook?
 
Silverraptor
After several different wardrobe comparisons, Sora finally emerges to grab some food. She looks through the selection, finding something she'd like.
 "Hello everyone." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Good morning,"  Jadeite says, with more than a hint of not-entirely-innocent glee to his voice.

 
 Spoiler 
did you read Jadeite's prank?
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee merely grins at the hobgoblin and gives him a little wave as he turns, averting her eyes to watch badger seek out Natasha, half hoping she wouldn't find her.

 
 Spoiler 
 what do you mean what do i want to do with kheel?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
 I mean what do you want to do about Kheel? You're the only one who can ride him?
 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Spoiler 
 keep him i guess? At least until whatsisname is able to take care of him/leave town.
 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Good morning,"  Jadeite says, with more than a hint of not-entirely-innocent glee to his voice.

 
 Spoiler 
did you read Jadeite's prank?
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler 
No I did not.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
well, please read it.
 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  
 Spoiler 
well, please read it.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler 
Ah. Missed that.
 


After Sora finds what she wants, she goes to sit by Jaedite. In a moment, she has taken a few gold pieces from Jaedite's coin pouch.

 "Thank you. I have some clothes that need to be sent to the washer today." 
CoffeeIncluded
As Sora withdraws the gold pieces from the pouch, she also finds Hemlock wrapped tightly around her wrist. The viper looks up at the cleric and hisses, opening his mouth just enough to show his venomous fang.

 "You're quite welcome,"  Jadeite says.

 
 Spoiler 
I'm not marking the gold pieces on the character sheet. Nobody else should if this scenario happens with them. No prank war should affect another character stat-wise. If it's something ultimately minor or harmless (like breaking a cheap, easily replaceable item, then both players should give the OK.
 
CoffeeIncluded
After a moment, the hobgoblin sailor brushes his hands on his pants, smooths back his dingy hair, and strides (or tries to, anyway) over to Elsee.

 "You know,"  he says, flashing a pointy grin,  "I don't think I ever gave you my name. I'm Darric." 
super dark33
Surdrak takes a book out of his bag.


  Seipicer Semalg  
 Sdrolrevo latrom eht rof tnemhsiruon 


He opens it in a seemingly random place and starts darting his eyes against the obnoxiously small letters.


 Undecipherable piece of ωཇφש... 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grinned wickedly as the Hobgoblin spoke, she had been wondering when he would make his move, guess she couldn't exactly be picky for when he was a little cleaner. Not that hygiene was really anything more then a formal luxury for most Goblinoids.  "Elsee"  she replied, shifting her form to give him her full attention.  "Neyece ta meetcha." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I'm just so glad to see you're safe and, well, alive,"  Darric says, his voice not quite as confident as it was when giving orders just a few minutes ago.  "So, uh..."  He rubs his upper arm awkwardly then lets the words spill out,  "When we get back to Runite, do you, uh...do you want to go out for a bite to eat sometime?" 
 
 Spoiler 
I REALLY need to work, guys. See you later?
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee's grin remains on her face, though shrinks to a friendlier sort as the hobgoblin speaks, now looking less like she was about to murder the guy in a psychotic high.  "Weeell... eye've got a bit of work once i get back home, gotta see the boss 'nd get paid, probably deal with some higher-up snob, 'nd depending on how things go, potentially help a refugee of sorts get out of the city. After that though... Eye could always go for some decent swamp food, somethin real 'nd not covered up in two pounds of rice." 
super dark33
 "Burn a rod, feed the beast." So what do any of you think that means? 

Surdrak looked with an annoyed expression.

He never knew its origin, nor will people 500 years from his time, in which it will be found again and be used to terrorise literature and culinary students.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Yes!"  Darric shouts, punching a triumphant fist into the air.  "When would be a good time? Should I meet you anywhere?" 

Meanwhile, Jadeite listens to Surdrak before saying,  "Considering that you appear to be reading a cookbook, I would assume that it is some overly complex metaphor pertaining to food preparation. Now, as to why such material would be given to an author with such poor communication skills when being direct is so critical, well that is beyond me." 

It's around this point that Badger returns, with a significantly more subdued but willing Natasha behind her.
super dark33
Surdrak didn't notice Badger's entrence.

 Probably a metaphor of another metaphor, with 7 more layers to that. 

He spins the book.

 Biggest problem is the inconsistence, there can be a space of hundreds of pages between sentences regarding the same recipe, and while funny to look at at first, it can get exhausting trying to find your way in the twisted passageways of the maze called Sepicer Semalg.

Ah, there:
"The sweet will connect its brethren."
Sugar will stick to fruit and others. Somtimes this book is quite helpful.  
Draconi Redfir
Elsee pauses and thinks for a moment, purposefully striking a faint but still show-offy pose as she did so.  "Hmmm... Three days after we dock in Runite maybe? Could probly squeeze somethin in earlier if you gotta leave before then. 'nd i could meet you at the docks if ya want, or you meet me at the guild. up to you." 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite looks up and stares at Surdrak, completely baffled, before going back to studying his spellbook.

 "Perfect!"  Darric says.  "I'll meet you there!" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grins and nods.  "Then et's a date!"   Elsee's eyes quickly locked on Badger and Natasha as they borded the ship, only returning to the hobgoblin once the humans were on board.  "Well from the looks of things we're goin home soon, eye'll seeya on board!"  With a grin and a wave Elsee turned, half-jogging up the ramp back onto the boat to catch up with Badger and Natasha.
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 As Sora withdraws the gold pieces from the pouch, she also finds Hemlock wrapped tightly around her wrist. The viper looks up at the cleric and hisses, opening his mouth just enough to show his venomous fang.

 "You're quite welcome,"  Jadeite says.

 
 Spoiler 
I'm not marking the gold pieces on the character sheet. Nobody else should if this scenario happens with them. No prank war should affect another character stat-wise. If it's something ultimately minor or harmless (like breaking a cheap, easily replaceable item, then both players should give the OK.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler 
Oh, I know. I didn't expect you to anyways. I assumed we'd chalk this up as non-existant gold pieces for the sake or pranks.
 


Sora lowers her head, rather bravely, to look Hemlock closely in the eyes.
 "Thank you, Hemlock. But I'll manage to hold onto them from here." 
She then calls over to Badger.
 "Oh Badger? I hope you don't mind that I borrowed some of your clothes for a bit. Mine have been Jadiete'd." 
super dark33
 Ugh, Tekcubtishian cypher...  Nope.  

It was time to put down the book.

Surdrak returned it to his cloak where if belonged.

 So when we board the ship? 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite simply bows at Sora's comment. When he hears Surdrak's question, he turns and points at the shore.  "Now, I believe." 

Sure enough, Elsee is bounding up the ship, followed by a blushing Darric Kell. Not far behind is the captain, who turns and shouts something to an older villager before boarding the ship himself and taking his place at the wheel.

 "Ready to go?"  he shouts, his voice carried by the sea breeze.

 
 Spoiler 
I'll set sail later tonight. I need to work now.
 
Athedia
Badger just sighed at the sight of Sora wearing her spare clothes.   "Just wash them before you return them."   She was tired .
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger just sighed at the sight of Sora wearing her spare clothes.   "Just wash them before you return them."   She was tired . 
 

 "Oh, don't worry, I plan to. After I get my first set of clothes clean, I'll switch to them and add these to the wash pile." 
CoffeeIncluded
Just as the captain draws up the anchor, they hear a cry of,  "WAIT!" 

As the group looks out, they see the Whisper running out onto the beach as cast as his legs can carry him.

 "I just--"  He pants, trying to catch his breath.  "I just wanted to say, thank you! Thank you all!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Tomorrow morning. Sorry, I need to sleep.
 
CoffeeIncluded
And with the gnome's gleeful thanks, the captain sets sail. Other people run out to see the ship leaving, waving in thanks for their aid.

It's not as sunny as it was when they landed before, but it doesn't seem like there will be a powerful storm. As Proxima Island fades into the distance, Natasha walks out onto the deck and leans over, folding her hands over the railing. As Kheel flies around the ship, spiraling happily in the air, she silently watches them sail from Proxima Island back to Runite.
super dark33
Surdrak takes a chair and sits at the front of the ship.

He is looking at drawings of birds he made, attempting to figure the flapping technique.

At some point he will fall asleep on his chair.


 
 Spoiler 
I say skip to the next interesting thing, unless you want to RP for a while.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The first couple of days pass without incident. As a light rain begins to fall and dampen the deck, Jadeite returns to his cabin. Anyone who follows him can see him pouring over the scroll the pirates had, trying to decode it and copy it into his spellbook.

 
 Spoiler 
Spellcraft:  (d20+15)[ 35 ] 
 


After a few hours, Jadeite emerges from his cabin with the satisfied smile of someone with successful work.

At some point Alim follows him. The goblin has been quiet since Elsee died; even after she was brought back he barely said a word. Goblin and elf spend some time talking quietly.

The third day, the group finally decides to split the loot obtained from the grindylows. Artorias grins as he picks up the mithril chain shirt, while Surdrak snatches up the blur potion before anyone else can say a word. The other items remain unclaimed for the moment, though all the coins and gems are evenly distributed.

The mood on the ship is brighter as the days pass and the skies clear. There aren't even any pirates this time.

 
 Spoiler 
I don't think Devmaar's coming back, so I'm going to write Alim out of the game when we get back.

How do you guys want the rest of the loot distributed?

And everybody gets 473 gp.
 


Natasha gets antsier by the day, and it seems like the can't decide whether to approach Badger or avoid her presence. But finally, about a week after leaving Proxima Island, the group sees seagulls, and the masts of other ships. And then, right on cue, Darric says,  "We'll be landing in Runite in a few hours." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee had spent her time on the ship mostly either sleeping, napping, waiting, messing with Kell and getting a sick thrill out of watching him squirm, or eating. That said, she had plenty of time to notice Natasha's behaviour, and took time out of her busy schedule of sitting in a corner watching the clouds float by to call her over.  “Everythin goin okay ked?” 
Athedia
Badger sat by herself, not talking to anyone but Naga for the whole trip.  If people asked she just mumbled something and walked away.  If anyone watched, they could see her grow more pale the closer they got to Runite, and her fingers played with her quiver more and more.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Yeah, I guess,"  Natasha says with a wan smile, though it eases a bit at Elsee's concern.  "Thanks." 

And about an hour later, the ship eases into port. The group is instantly struck by the smells of the city, people and sweat and booze and food mixed with the sea.

Darric and the other sailors begin unloading the cargo, placing crates onto trolleys and bringing then to warehouses for shipping and storage. Natasha looks out onto the buildings and muddy puddles of the docks. She takes a deep breath and steps off the gangplank onto the docks.

A gust of wind sends a newsletter tumbling through the air into Natasha's face. She swipes it off and reads the crumpled page before clapping her hand to her mouth with a,  "Pffff!" 
Athedia
Badger snatched the newsletter out of Natasha's hand and read it.
Silverraptor
Sora offers a handkerchief, to Natasha.
CoffeeIncluded
It's an editorial from one of the better-known satirical tabloids, the kind of paper that every Senator would like to see censored at some point or another but simply can't because there would be an outcry.

The author of this particular essay is one Jonas Sokol, and instantly Badger knows what's going to be in  this  one.

 Once again Calix, has been found fished up in a well, paying proud homage to his dwarven heritage by being drenched in more ale than well water. Unlike his dwarven forbears, however, he was found unclothed in the well, and desired to share that state with those who retrieved him.

We all know Calix, the son of the proud Senator Cesare, who considers himself to be a champion of morality and righteousness, if by morality you mean taking several wives in as many years and by righteousness you mean forbidding a qualified candidate from the Senate simply on the basis of race and a business grudge. Clearly, considering the number of houses of ill repute Calix has been banished from, as well as his legendary temper, Cesare is raising his son to a standard we should all aspire to! He sees fit to share his endowments with all of Runite, whether she wishes to take part or not. Clearly, Calix is being raised to be a firm, upstanding citizen, a proud member of the Senate who shall tall amongst his peers despite his short stature, always grasping firm to his low ideals, never ceasing pressure, never letting go until he is satisfied! 

The editorial continues along this path for a while as Jonas gleefully speculates on Calix's various misdeeds. By the time he gets to the sentence:  But really, there are better ways to advertise your water filtration business than sabotaging your competitors by hand...or by other organs,  the double entendres have long since become a single entendre.
Athedia
Badger raised an eyebrow.   "See Natasha, if this is who you have to be better than it really can't take much." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Yeah, well, Calix is particularly bad. But I love that guy,"  Natasha says through laughter, indicating the essay and Jonas's name.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee's face scrunched up as she sneered in almost disgust.  "Not literally eye hope." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natasha snorts.  "Jonas? No, he's years older than me and married too. But man, he can be hysterical, especially when taking the Senators or anyone powerful down a peg. Don't tell my parents, but I have some of the stuff he's written about my family saved in my drawer. At least none of them mention me!" 
 
 Spoiler 
In case it wasn't clear, Natasha was referring to Jonas when she said "I love the guy."
 
super dark33
Surdrak took interest to the last remark.

 May I ask how you got these documents? And did you see anything there about things outside Runite?  

His look was slightly worried and slightly curious.
CoffeeIncluded
Natasha glances at Surdrak, completely befuddled.  "Uhm, you can get it all over the place? And they talk about most current events?" 
 
 Spoiler 
its basically a satirical newspaper. Think the onion, the daily show, the Colbert report, Saturday night live.
 
super dark33
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natasha glances at Surdrak, completely befuddled.  "Uhm, you can get it all over the place? And they talk about most current events?" 
 
 Spoiler 
its basically a satirical newspaper. Think the onion, the daily show, the Colbert report, Saturday night live.
 
 
 

 No, the senator's documents. Regarding your family.

 

He thinks a bit.

 Wait, I misunderstood. Ignore me.  
CoffeeIncluded
 "What are you talking about? The satirical essays are published for everyone to read? Why do you think there's been measures every so often to censure the Sticky Quill or the other papers like it?" 
 
 Spoiler 
theres other tabloids out there too. Super dark, what are you asking?
 


Natasha waves her hand in a gesture of,  its okay.  She seems distracted again.

 "Could you pass me that?"  Jadeite asks. When Natasha hands him the leaflet, he reads it and then proceeds to let out a rather undignified snort.
CoffeeIncluded
Natasha pauses, and takes a deep breath. She steels herself before she speaks.

 "We should...lets just get this over with." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee frowns and silenlty walks up nexto to Natasha, squeezing her way past Jadeite as she did so to lightly tug on Natasha's pnts/skirt/whatevershewaswearing. muttering slightly under her voice just loud enough for Natasha to hear.  "It's not too late to run." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natasha sighs, and smooths her pants as she looks down at the goblin.  "I know,"  she says, biting the inside of her cheek.  "But,"  she turns back to Badger, and closes her eyes.  "I think I have to face this. Even if I won't be tied down, I...it wasn't fair to my parents. And it especially wasn't fair to my sisters." 

She takes another deep breath, and sounds like a woman signing her own warrant. Every word sounds like it's being dragged, forced out.  "My parents should be home now. Lets...go." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee frowns somewhat, both worried for Natasha and not completely willing to go back to that place she called home, but silently nodded all the same with any luck someone would piss her off enough to provide a decent show.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias gives Natash a reassuring smile,  "Don't worry, we have your back" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thanks,"  Natasha says.

The trip to Polzin Manor is rather uneventful. But when the doorman sees them, he doesn't notice Natasha until he does a double-take, doesn't recognize Natasha with her hair hidden in a bandana and her fine silk dresses replaced with a sweat-stained bloodied leather jacket.

 "N-Natasha?!"  the man stammers.  "Wait right here! I need to tell everyone!"  He runs inside, and they can hear his joyous shouts of,  "Sir Polzin! Lady Polzin! I have wonderful news!"  follow him.

Echoing footsteps tear down the stairs from inside, and Eva bursts out of the front door of the manor, her gait seemingly unhindered by her long multi-latered dress. She doesn't even notice the state of her Natasha's coat as she flings herself into her sister's arms.

 "Natasha! Oh Natasha, you're safe!"  Eva cries.  "I was so worried! I thought something awful had happened to you!"  She turns back to the party.  "Thank you so, so much!" 
 "It's okay,"  Natasha says, though she holds her younger sister tight and relief echos through her voice and body.  "I'm okay. And they helped me out. Oh Eva, you should have seen it all!" 

But then more footsteps can be heard and Natasha steps back, holding Eva at arm's length but still holding her tight.  "Listen, Eva, how are things at home?" 

Eva pauses, and the glee on her face fades slightly.  "Um, actually--"

"NATASHA!"  Two voices echo as one, and everyone turns to see Mr. and Mrs. Polzin standing in front of the door. The father looks more relieved than anything else, but Lady Polzin's expressions are etched in fury.

 "Natasha!"  She storms out of the house and leans over the girl, who draws back now though she stood against ravenous grindylows.  "Just what do you think you were doing! Running off like that, seduced by such riff-raff and scum! That is not how a proper lady acts! The ocean is no place for a woman, especially not a lady of our stock! Your place is here, in the home! Now come along,"  she grabs Natasha's wrist before she can react.  "We are going to put you in proper finery. And you are never to leave this city except on official business again!" 
super dark33
Surdrak stood by Elsee and whispered to her.

 Then i guess we need to get her out of here by force. Know that i will be very happy to coopereate. 
Athedia
Badger thrust herself between the two women.   "So is Senator Leif not of your stature.  Be careful what you say ma'am, your daughter saved my life if not the lives of a whole village."  She stared down Lady Polzin not letting herself flinch.   "You have a choice here, because if you cage her do you think she will stay?  She is to clever for that. She is giving you this chance to show you love her and actually care about her wishes." 
Silverraptor
 
 Spoiler 
I'm currently out with my family for dinner and looking for a car for me to drive. I'm posting on my phone. I'll see about posting when i get back.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee folds her arms under her chest and snorts, taking a small step backwards and leaning her head towards Surdak before whispering in a tone hopefully low enough for the mad woman to be unable to make out.  ""Stock" she says, treating her own spawn like freaking cattle, even Goblins don't go that low." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natasha is silent as Badger instantly rises to her defense. But everyone else can see her straighten her back at Badger's words, see her shoulders set in pride.

 
 Spoiler 
Listen:  (d20)[ 5 ] 
 


Lady Polzin glares down at Badger; she doesn't seem to have heard Elsee's comment. She sneers, her nostrils flaring in disdain, as if she doesn't feel she should be breathing the same air as her.  "What makes you think you can talk to me like that? And what do you mean by her saving a village?" 
Silverraptor
 
 Spoiler 
Diplomacy:  (1d20+11)[ 19 ] 
 

 "What I think she means to say is, your daughter is an intelligent young lady and has a lot of potential. And while you think what you're doing for her is a good course of action, it may not be the best course of action, nor a path she may not want herself." 
CoffeeIncluded
Lady Polzin doesn't appear to be paying much attention to Sora's words, and is instead angrily waiting for Badger's response.

But Eva is listening.

 
 Spoiler 
I may ask for a few more diplomacy rolls. Anyway, night guys!
 
Athedia
 "Because, with respect ma'am, Natasha is one of the bravest women I have met.  I was alone when I found her, my companions were exploring other avenues.  I heard a scream on the beach, found the villagers running from grindlylows. Ever seen one.  Nasty creatures, kill and eat you as soon as look at you.  I was trying to defend the villagers, when Natasha and the villages spiritual leader arrived. While the boy was escorting villagers to safety Natash threw herself into the midst of the creatures.  I would have been quickly downed if she had not arrived.  And if I had been downed, the boy would have, and the villagers fleeing." 

Badger gave a smile, showing her teeth as she grinned.   "As for why I talk to you in such a way.  We're both citizens of Runite, and if I am right it is your husband who is on the Senate, not you.  I would rather speak to him about his daughter, I feel she would make a prime successor." 
CoffeeIncluded
All of Natasha's family stares at the young woman as Badger describes her feats against the grindylows. Both Eva, and to a lesser extent Senator Polzin, appear impressed, and more than a little surprised.

And then Lady Polzin turns to Badger, positively apoplectic.  "How dare you,"  she hisses, interrupting Senator Polzin as he opens his mouth..  "How dare you deign to speak like that to me, and assume you can just barge in on my husband!"  He indeed draws back, cowed by his wife.

 "Stop it!"  Natasha shouts.  "You know what, I'm tired of you controlling every aspect of our lives! I'm tired of you thinking I and my sisters are just chattel to hand off as wives to raise your status! It's the twelfth century; nobody does that anymore! Even the orc tribes are phasing it out! Are you seriously less progressive than the Plavaan?

"I want to be a Polzin, but I want to be free to make my own decisions! This was the first serious decision I've ever made on my own, and you know what? Even though I got hurt, I don't regret a thing!" 

Shaking in fury, not even listening to Natasha's words, Lady Polzin grabs her daughter by the wrist and yanks her up.  "You know what?"  she hisses in Natasha's face,  "If you want to be free, then fine with me. Go off and live your own life; you'll have nothing from me or your sister. You want to be free? You're disowned!"  she roars in Natasha's face as the girl recoils, struck.

 "And everything's going to go to Eva!"  Lady Polzin continues, opening her hand and letting Natasha fall, where she crumples to the ground.  "There's a good, dutiful daughter! Eva has always been more deserving than you! I'm ashamed to call you my daughter--well, now I won't have to anymore! Your sister has always been the perfect woman, unlike you!" 

There's a beat of horrified silence. And then Eva Polzin, Eva in her fine dresses and makeup and lace gloves and hair that took hours to style, Eva the proper lady, steps forward and says, in a voice quiet yet firm, heard by everyone despite--or perhaps because of--its volume,  "No." 
 
 Spoiler 
The diplomacy checks were never going to do anything to Lady Polzin.

 Eva and Senator Polzin,  on the other hand...

Anyway, I do have to go to class.
 
super dark33
Surdrak smirked under his hood.
he looked down so his face was concealed.

   Second place on the most ****ed up family yet: The polzin family! first place: Surdrak's family, G.. 

DO NOT CONTINUE.  

His smirk turned into a straight face, and he brought himself to look up again.
Athedia
Badger let out a small smile.  She had expected the Senator to be the one to speak up, but Eva, that was even better.  Though it angered her how heartless the mother was, she treated her daughters like they were figurines, fragile, delicate and designed to show off her wealth.  And, ye gods the Senator was spineless.

 "Lady Polzin, I think your 'perfect' daughter wishes to speak.  Shall you disown her as well?
 Badger knew she shouldn't prod a sleeping tiger, but couldn't help herself.
Dusk Eclipse
Once again Artorias found himself thanking you he gods he wasn't born into nobility. He barely supressed a smirk at Eva's refusal   "It seems both of the Polsin daughter have fire in them"   Artorias laughed to himself.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee quickly runs to Natasha's side as she fell, doing what little she would to help her stand with her much smaller stature,her hands perhaps ripping the noble's arms a little too tightly in resistance to reaching for her weapons. Though she did allow a wide grin to cross her face as Eve joined her sister in defying their mother.
Silverraptor
Sora rushes to Natasha's side, checking to see if she was hurt.
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite watches in silence as this unfolds, though at one point he says,  "In elven culture even the children of nobles--especially the children of nobles--are expected to interact with society rather than remain isolated in a golden citadel. After all, how can leaders grow and gain knowledge and ability without direct experience. I believed that humans were as forward-thinking. It seems I was mistaken." 

And yet he smirks as Eva finds her courage, and finally speaks up.

Elsee and Sora pull Natasha to her feet as Lady Polzin turns to lay her wrath on her supposed golden child.

  "You,"   she hisses.  "How dare you? I give you food, shelter, wealth and luxury, and this is how you thank me? By stabbing me in the back and throwing everything away? You ungrateful brat!" 

Eva draws back, but she swallows, and stands firm.  "No mom,"  she says, trying to ignore the tremor in her voice.  "You gave me all those, but you never gave me unconditional affection and love. You never gave me freedom, you never gave me the chance to make my own choices and my own decisions. And you never gave these things to Natasha or Rachel either. And I didn't realize it until Natasha left."  She raises her voice by the sentence, until finally she all but shouts,  "It's all about you, mother! Everything has always and forever been about you! You never cared about us except how we could make you look better! You never cared about dad except for his status! You only want to marry us off to rich men so you gain that prestige! You don't give a flying **** about me or Natasha or Rachel or dad or anybody but yourself!" 

The other three Polzins gasp at Eva's profanity, and Lady Polzin's face turns beet-red. A vein pulses in her temple; she looks like she's going to burst from sheer rage. She grabs Eva by the collar of her dress, the fabric pops and tears.  "Fine then! If you want to be such an ungrateful spoiled ingrate, then you can join Natasha! Live off scraps in the slums for all I care! Go ahead and become beggars, but don't come crying to me when you're cold at night! Don't come back begging forgiveness when you're sleeping in puddles! You'll come crawling back in a week when you see what these leeches and barbarians are truly like!"  She raises the back of a hand to her forehead.  "Oh, to think two of my daughters could have turned out so poorly! You're a shame to the Polzin name! At least I still have one daughter. Oh Rachel, my true golden child. She actually appreciates me! Unlike you she's a good girl!" 

Natasha balls her fists, her eyes glowing. She spits out,  "Why do you think she never writes?!" 
super dark33
Surdrak turns to the hysterical lady.
 Why won't you ask her? 
Athedia
 "Senator, I believe Leif will take your daughters under his wing. If you are to scared to help them become tomorrow's leaders, than I will make sure they get training from an official with a spine."   Badger offered her hand to Eva.   "I believe your mother would make a prime bard.  Lots of pretty words, with no muscle to back them up.  You?  Your a fighter, quietly waiting for your opening, much more tact." 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias doesn't even bither to attempt to stiffle his laughter  "A fighter? Really Badger? What tact is there in shoving people into the wall?"  He gives Eva an evaluating look " Nah, she doesn't seem to have the complexion for that.... hmm"  The young warblade scratches his chin in though.

 "Though with some training I bet she could master the Diamond Mind. " 
Athedia
 "It takes finesse to wield a bow.  Where as wading into fights, well that is your foolishness.  I doubt she could know the city like I do, but shooting an arrow?  Pretty fine in my mind."   Badger retorted, lightly smiling at Eva to show it was a joke.  She hoped she wouldn't actually have to train the girl.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Eheh..."  Eva smiles a little, thought she still seems somewhat blindsided by what she just said. And as for Badger and Artorias's compliments, it looks like she doesn't know whether to be proud or abashed or vaguely uncomfortable.  "I mean, I'm not exactly a fighter. I don't want to fight and I especially don't want to kill." 

She pauses, then gives her mother a sly smirk and asks Artorias,  "Though just what is the Diamond Mind? Is it only a combat discipline, or are there other applications for it?" 

Lady Polzin, for her part, is reduced to uselessly gaping her mouth open like a fish, rage etched in every line on her face as she uselessly works her jaw and fails to speak. Finally, cautious and nowhere near as bold as his daughters, Senator Polzin steps forward and carefully takes his wife by the upper arm.

 "Maybe we should discuss this with Senator Leif..."  he says cautiously, testing the waters.

The waters are roiling.  "NO!"  she shrieks, yanking her hand back like it's burnt.  "HOW DARE YOU! HOW DARE YOU TOO! What sort of Senator are you, to condone such baseborn hooligans as these, to tolerate such unladylike pursuits for your darling daughters? Do you want them to be sullied, our name to be dragged through the mud?!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Should be finishing this up soon; I just need one more diplomacy roll from Sora.

Am I doing a good job here?
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Sorry about this, if it effects Sora's roll.
 


Badger smirked.   "Oh, we hear plenty about the Polzin's on the street.  Papers are rolling about you.  Odd thing is I haven't heard anything but praise for the daughters, "the new generation".  But tsk, the things they say about the mother 'cantankerous bat' has to be my favorite."   She sighed and shrugged,  "But what can I say, you aren't a real Polzin, just married into it.  Poor poor name." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grins a bit as she chimes in on the making fun of the doggish noble lady game herself with a smile.

 "Don't worry mess! We'll take gooood care of 'em! Even if they don't wanna fight, the guild could always use a new chef or two!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Well, as part of the sublime way the Diamond Mind is a matial art, empasis on martial; however it emphasises mental alacrity,  complete control over one's body and patience. I'm sure a smart girl like you can figure out how to work with that"  he answers with a wolfish grin.
CoffeeIncluded
  "Ha!"   And Natasha claps her hands over her mouth the moment her laugh escapes. She looks up, terrified, and moves as if she's about to dodge an incoming blow.

 "Patience and control would definitely be useful if I'm going to be a Senator,"  Eva says, staring directly at her mother, who is growing more livid by the moment. And yet she too seems wary, knowing she's crossed a line and is now waiting to see when the physical blows will fall.

 
 Spoiler 
More tomorrow, night guys!
 
Silverraptor
Sora makes sure Natasha and Eva are both okay before confronting the mother.
 "How could you? Casting them away like they're cattle! They are human! More than that, they're your daughters! I mean, why go through all the trouble of having your children, just to throw them away when it's no longer easy? You want to think you have higher prestige than the middle or lower class? Well, so far, most have a much better value of family then you do, and a family who values each other are both much happier and successful!" 
 
 Spoiler 
So yeah, Sora is disgusted by her. This is her attempt to try to put some reason into the old hag before she gives up. So Diplomacy roll now. GO DICE ROLL!!!

Diplomacy:  (1d20+11)[ 28 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Exactly!"  she shrieks,  "They're my daughters; they should be thankful for everything I've done for them! They should be grateful for everything I've sacrificed for them! But instead this is how I'm thanked? By being thrown away by the daughters I've given so much for?!" 
 "Forget it,"  Jadeite says.  "I doubt she'll ever understand." 

And then, after a long moment, Senator Polzin steps forward.  "...Look, honey,"  he says, more scared than Eva and Natasha combined,  "Why don't we let them talk to Leif? And maybe this Diamond Mind discipline would be good for a future Senator." 

Lady Polzin staggers back as if she's been shot.  "NO!"  she shrieks.  "Not you too! How could you betray me like this?! After I've waited on you hand and foot, this is how you repay me, your doting wife?! You've been poisoned as well?!"  She turns to Natasha and punches her, too fast for her to dodge.

And though she's fat and furious, Lady Polzin's blow just...bounces off Natasha's shoulder, where a grindylow had stabbed her barely two weeks before. And instead of cowering, instead of crying, Natasha just looks down and blinks.

So does Lady Polzin. She tries again, throwing more hateful words with her punches, augmenting every blow with shrieking and screeching and vile barbs--embarrassing acts ubiquitous to every childhood, shrill cries of how Natasha and Eva alike are ungrateful hateful bitches and worse, humiliating things done or said long ago which any reasonable person would have long since let pass.

And then Natasha finally catches her mother's fist in her hand, grasps her mother's wrist. And as Lady Polzin shrieks and cries, Natasha says nothing. She simply looks at Eva, and Eva looks back. And the look they share is one of those who have had their entire world shift beneath their feet.

And they look, and they realize. The god before Natasha and Eva, the hateful god they built up, the hateful god whom they begged for approval yet never gave it, is nothing more than an old fat harpy, impotently attacking her middle daughter for the crime of wanting some freedom.

Natasha and Eva open their eyes, and tear their god down.

As other people in nearby manors step outside at the growing commotion, and Lady Polzin finds herself at the center of the scene, cast as a villain and not hero or victim or martyr, she shrieks and stammers excuses, tries to shift blame on everyone but herself. And then, defeated, she shuffles back inside.

It's just Natasha and Eva and Senator Polzin standing before the party now. All look stunned, but the two girls seem...at peace. More at peace than the group has ever seen them.

 
 Spoiler 
More after class. Here's a chance to chat with them. Time for the denouement!
 
Draconi Redfir
 "That was unplesent"  Was all Elsee could say after a few minutes of covering her ears in a failed effort to protect them from the shreaking whale. She then turned to the senitor.  "You  willingly  married that woman?" 
Athedia
Badger felt odd.  She wasn't happy, but she thought she should be.  She was sad.  Why hadn't someone knocked her off her pedestal before?  Called her out?

She whistled for Naga and before leaving to walk back to the guild whispered in Natasha's ear.   "Remember your promise." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "..."  Senator Polzin just stares at the open door and empty space where his wife just was. He looks ashen.

 "She wasn't always like that, was she,"  Jadeite says, without any hint of sarcasm.  "Some people are very good at bluffing." 
 "No, it was more than that,"  Eva says, quietly. Drained. She looks like she just wants to sleep.

Natasha looks the same, but as Badger passes by her, she smiles and whispers,  "Thank you,"  back.

Eventually, everyone returns to the guild with a heavy heart. How could it have gone that badly? And was this truly the best option?

 "What a vile woman,"  Jadeite says as they sit down to eat at the guild. Their table is the only quiet one; around them different guilds buzz with activity. A girl rests her quarterstaff on her chair and leans over the back of it, happily chatting about her day with a halfling whose axe is larger than him. An older man slouches and leans back after finishing his fried fish, flirting with all the female members of his team, who react with seemingly rehearsed, never-too-serious methods of abashed smiles, verbal threats, and smooth snarks.

Meanwhile, Badger, Artorias, Jadeite, Elsee, Sora, and Surdrak are quiet, almost morose. Until they hear a knock at the window.
super dark33
Surdrak peeks to check what is the cause.
Dusk Eclipse
 "I'm going to get something to drink, do you want anything?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I could use some wine,"  Jadeite says.  "Red wine from the 1129 harvest, if they have." 

Surdrak looks out the window and sees Natasha there. She gives him a small wave, then motions towards the rest of his group and points towards the door.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias loks blankly at the elf, but shrugs it off "Sure, I'll see if they have some" .

He greets the bartender with a small wave and orders "Hey there Leona, I'll have a pint of the strongest ale you have, and Jadeite asked me to get him a glass of red wine... 1129 harvest if you have some"  
 
 Spoiler 
 Is it ok if I name a random NPC? I mean it is just to give it a little more fluff.
 
Silverraptor
 "I..." 
Sora thinks for a moment.
 "...don't think I should..." 
super dark33
 Natasha is out there and calling us.  
CoffeeIncluded
Leona looks down at a wine list, then gawks at Artorias as if he asked her where she kept priceless gems.  "Are ya outta yer mind? That's 30 platinum a bottle!" 

If Artorias turns back, he sees Jadeite flash him a broad grin.

 
 Spoiler 
more later. Class and quizzes and studying today and I didn't do enough. I wanna play the new pokemon....
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Figures...just my ale in that case, put it ln my tab will ya? Thank you" 
super dark33
 I will be right back.

Oh, and get me a Dark Helgei 


Surdrak went outside to greet Natasha

 Hello. You probably want to talk to Leif. 
 
 Spoiler 
A Dark Helgei is a beer that doesnt exist. it has a stronger, bitter taste than a normal Helgei or a Light Helgei.

Its brand mark is a horse.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I heard ya,"  Leona says, passing Artorias a mug and a bottle. The Helgei's brand is quite accurate. It looks like horse piss and doesn't smell much better.

Meanwhile, Natasha shuffles her feet.  "Probably, but I wanted to talk to all of you first." 
super dark33
 Come inside then. 

Surdrak leads her to the group's table.

On the way he asks:

 How is Rachel doing? 
CoffeeIncluded
 "...I don't know,"  Natasha says as she follows Surdrak inside, taking a good look at the interior of the guild.

 
 Spoiler 
More later.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natasha just stands awkwardly before the group before finally speaking up.  "I just wanted to say...Thank you guys. Thank you all so much!"  Her voice cracks and she fights to keep back the tears.  "You don't know how much that meant to me or Eva, that I'm not crazy, that we're not crazy and we're not the only ones who think and feel that way about Mother. And that you stood up for me, and for Eva too. That you believed in me. What happened was..."  Natasha shakes her head.  "I'm still not entirely sure how I felt about that, or what to feel. I'm still processing it, but...I think it's a good feeling." 

She looks tired, but happier and more confident than even Badger can remember.  "Things are...loud at home. Really loud. But I think everything's going to be okay. And even if not, well, is that offer to stay here still standing?" 
Athedia
 "Sure, I think Jadiete said you could have his room.  He doesn't mind sleeping in the stables.  I would offer to share, but Naga get's antsy at night."   Badger smiled at Jadiete.
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite opens his mouth as if to make some comment, but then seems to think better of it and actually stays quiet.

But Natasha shakes her head and presses her index fingers together.  "Uhm, actually, I was thinking about getting a place for myself, stay with Eva. But--oh, that reminds me!"  Natasha takes out a large satchel of money and places it on the table before everyone.

 "Apparently my mother put out an 8000 gold reward for my return. Somehow I don't think she's going to pay you guys, but...it's not fair for you to walk away with nothing. Especially not after you've helped me and Eva and even dad out so much."  If anyone protests, she just shakes her head and pushes it closer towards them.  "Please, take it. It's not as much as why my mother rewarded, but...just take it. If not as a reward for filfilling your mission, then as a thank you from me and Eva." 

Of course, her stomach decides to take this moment to gurgle.  "Actually, could I grab a quick meal with you before going to Senator Leif?" 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias makes his way back to the others, seeing Natasha with them he greets her  "Hey Natasha! You finally decided to join our merry band of mercenaries and sellswords?"  
CoffeeIncluded
 "Well, when you put it like that..."  Natasha begins as she sits down and begins cutting up the fish, eating every bite even more daintily than Jadeite.

She dabs some sauce off the corner of her mouth before finishing her thought.  "I think I'll start small. Just some easy jobs, nothing too dangerous right now. I don't think it would be a good idea to test this new equilibrium too much yet. But I should talk to Senator Leif after this, shouldn't I?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Ok, I really need to study. More in a couple hours. Feel free to chat and stuff, please.
 
Athedia
Badger started counting the coins as Natasha ate.  "You really think you can do anything in this guild without his approval?  He gives us more leeway, even though Sora and Jadiete are new and Surdrak a creep.  Elsee, Artorias and I have been here for ages, longer than most mercenaries last." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Badger is right, you probably should talk to him first, but I don't see the old man denying you, I mean you saved a village almost by yourself before even joining, I don't think any of us can claim anything like that." 

Artorias takes a swig of his mug, grimancing at the bitter taste and smell "Oi Leona! Warn a guy before serving him this thing!"  he yells towards the barmaid.

 "Common Badger, Surdrak isn't  that  bad, sure his is a bit creepy and somewhat of a loose cannon, you should have been there for my first job. Leif almost skined me alive and I had to work without pay for months after that."  
Athedia
Badger threw her hands in the air.  "Your first job you tripped on your glaive and it landed on a Senator point first.  Of course you had to pay, lucky he knew it was an accident too." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Blame your pal!"  the bartender shouts over with a grin.

 "That was you?"  Natasha's eyes flit over to Artorias's glaive and she swallows.

 "Are you sure you don't need a soft tip to cover the pointy bit? Or a lesson on which way to point it?"   But even as Jadeite teases Artorias, he takes another glass and pours half his juice into it, which he then gives to the warblade.

As everyone eats, Natasha quietly watches the dynamic among the party, occasionally interjecting but mostly staying silent.

Eventually she finishes her meal and stands up.  "I should probably find Leif now. And I know I've said this before, but...thank you guys." 

Natasha heads out of the cafeteria towards Leif's office. Moments after she rounds the corner, she doubles back. Leaning around the entranceway, Natasha Polzin waves and shouts all the way across the large room,  "I'll see you soon, and Eva too!" 
super dark33
 Don't blame me, blame the great and mighty old book.  

Surdrak takes a sip himself, attempting to reveal the mysteries of the "ending was pleasant than beginning."

Though he came to a different relization.

 
 Spoiler 
Boom! Level up!
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee hiccuped and pounded her fist into her chest a few times as she swallowed a chunk of her meal a little too whole, shaking her head in an attempt to rid herself of the sensaition before taking annother bite and pushing herself away from the table, speaking up between small bouts of chewing.

 "Shpeakeng of talkeng to people, mph. Eye've got some stuff i gotta do myself, 'nd don't worry Badger it's all leagal... well... probly going to buy a raw steak 'nd throw it into the nearest well to feed mr. Sparklescales, but... how leagal is that? ... anyways yeah, 'm gunna go fera bit. Taken Kheel whith me." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Inclined to take another mount? Keeping Kheel is legally questionable as it is; are you sure you want to push your luck with... Mister Sparklescales?"  Jadeite says with a grin.

As Elsee pushes away from the table and heads outside, Kheel leaps from Elsee's open window and takes to the air, rising high enough to be little more than a shadow cast against the sun as people scream and jump out of the way of the goblin girl and the young wyvern.

Elsee heads to the butcher shop and buys the cheapest, largest cut of meat she can find, more fat and gristle than anything else. But still it's meat, and Kheel flies down and tries to tug it out of Elsee's hand, complaining when she refuses to hand it over.

It's getting quieter now, but...

 
 Spoiler 
spot and listen checks please?

And I'm looking through the magic item compendium right now. You're gonna like the results. 😉
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneers at the little Wyvern as it tries for the meat, but ultimately comes to a form of compromise with a small smile, using a Kurkri to slice off half of the meat, including a sizable chunk of bone for the dragonoid to chew on afterwords and handing it to him before running off to the nearest well and looking about to ensure nobody was watching.

 "Heeere sparklescales! Here boy!" 

With a grin Elsee dropped the meat into the water below, listening to the somewhat echo-y "pla-TUNK of it's landing and hoping nobody really heard it, giving Kheel a light scratch on the head as she watched it sink beyond sight before finally allowing herself to drop back down to the street, giving Kheel another grin as she spoke.

 So that's done. Felik's place next? 
 
 Spoiler 


sorry i didn't post for awhile, had work last night and a meetup this morning. also sorry if Elsee did a little much before these checks, i can probably change it if you want.

Spot: (d20+2)[ 15 ]

listen: (d20+0)[ 13 ]
 
CoffeeIncluded
Kheel nuzzles against Elsee, nearly bowling her over with the force of his affectation. He takes to the roof of a nearby building before tearing into the meat, cracking the bones between his teeth and giving deeper squeaks of delight.

As Elsee drops the meat into the well, she hears a faint  sploosh!  and then far-off sounds of teeth shredding and thrashing in the water. And then she hears something behind her.

When Elsee turns around, she sees a small halfling boy standing awkwardly. He seems to have been following her for a little while.

 
 Spoiler 
It's okay. I got Pokemon X so you can guess what my next few days will be like, heh.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee blinked a few times after pushing herself off of the wall of the well and back to the ground, returning the awkward stare at the halfling boy.

 "Can iii... help you?" 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  
 Spoiler 
It's okay. I got Pokemon X so you can guess what my next few days will be like, heh.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler 
Well, it was nice knowing you. I'll bring you food to your dark, enclosed room every 2 hours. I'll hope each time I check, atleast something is eaten.😛
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Uhm, hi. I'm Emil,"  the halfling says, sticking out a hand.  "You're a member of the guilds, right?" 
 
 Spoiler 
the 3ds battery is dead and I'm in the car for several more hours. This sucks!
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee nods slowly while taking the Halfling's hand and shaking it, not quite understanding what this was all about just yet.

 "Yeeeah, need somethin with that?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Yeah, um..."  Emil shuffles back and forth, somewhat nervous to speak with Elsee,  "Can you help me find a friend?" 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  
 Spoiler 
the 3ds battery is dead and I'm in the car for several more hours. This sucks!
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler 
Well, that's what you get for not charging your 3DS every chance you get.😛
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee cursed and rolled her eyes internally, keeping her more existential face bearing a more neutral expression, she had wanted to talk to Feliks about Kheel, and chances were likely the kid couldn't actually pay for a mercenary, AND it would just be her and Kheel, perhaps not the best individuals to be seen following a child, not to mention that none of the others would actually be able to find her as they thought she was going to Felik's place  but...

 "Sure, what happened?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Emil smiles.  "Well, I always play with my friend Mezzet on the weekends, but I haven't seen him the past couple of weeks. My mom says I shouldn't worry about it, but I can't help it."  He pauses. "Oh yeah, I need to tell you what he looks like, right?" 

The halfling boy starts counting off on his fingers.  "He's about two, maybe three times my height, he's got black hair and brown eyes, and his left tusk is a little crooked. Oh yeah, Mezzet's an orc,"  he adds as an afterthought.  "I tried looking in the Bogs for him but it was kinda scary in there and when my mom found out she grounded me for a week. Could you please help me out?" 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias finishs his meal in silence. He then stands up and waves his friends goodbye  "See ya guys: Ive got to run some errands" 

He exits the guild's mess hall and starts making his way towards the merchant district,  he feels the bag of gold safetly tucked under his shirt and smiles to himself   "Now where was that Magic shop?"  
 
 Spoiler: Artorias's Destination 
Artorias is looking for someone to enchant his glaive.
 
super dark33
 Im coming with ye, need to get a deal done. 
 
 Spoiler 
Is it okay to enchance his Cloak-Pack to be a handy-haversack-Cloak-pack?
or should i just stick to a normal haversack?
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Sure"  whitetextofposting+1 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee rocks back and fourth on her heels as her eyes look upwards thinking.

 "Nnnnkaay that roughly describes about one-third of the orcs i know. Ya got anythin else on 'im? Maybe stuff he said before he went missing or a family or other freinds he might hang out with?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias and Surdrak return to the magic shop where they conducted their investigation all those weeks ago. Sure enough, once again Artorias sees the pink-haired half-elf leaning back in the chair, reading a magazine. As they enter the shop and the chimes ring, the half-elf shuts his magazine and looks up.  "Can I help you?" 
 
 Spoiler 
super dark, you mean a haversack attached to a cloak?

And Draconi, I'll add a post for Elsee in a bit.
 
Silverraptor
Sora watches most of the others walk away before solemnly getting to her fleet.
 "I'll see you around, Jadeite. I've got... something, I need to do." 
She then turns and walks up the stairs to her room. After she gets there, she looks outside her window, looking at her 2 teammates walk down the street before closing the curtains firmly shut...

************

2 minutes later, Sora is running down a street in the opposite direction. In one hand is a bag of her treasure while her purse is over her shoulder at her side, bouncing as she ran. On her face was a gleeful grin of anticipation as her shopping spree is about to begin.

 
 Spoiler 
You guys reminded me, when you went shopping yourselves, that Sora is a real shopping monster.😛
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Artorias and Surdrak return to the magic shop where they conducted their investigation all those weeks ago. Sure enough, once again Artorias sees the pink-haired half-elf leaning back in the chair, reading a magazine. As they enter the shop and the chimes ring, the half-elf shuts his magazine and looks up.  "Can I help you?" 
 
 Spoiler 
super dark, you mean a haversack attached to a cloak?

And Draconi, I'll add a post for Elsee in a bit.
 
 
 

 "Yes please, I would like to have thiz glaive  Artorias puts said weapon on the counter, being careful to avoid knocking stuff down  enchanted" 
super dark33
 And I would like 

Surdrak took off his cloak.

 This cloak 

He takes off a layer of black cloth by opening a few brass buttons, revealing a fine sheet of leather beneath. The inside of the cloak had 3 pockets: one in the back and two on the sides.

 Enchanted with haversack properties. 

Surdrak thinks the shopowners of Runite should already recognise his strange requests.
Athedia
Badger went to her room and sat on the floor.  Setting Naga to guard the door she pushed the dresser aside and pried up one of the floor boards beneath and looked at the small fortune she had gathered there. Carefully she deposited the rest of her gold and closed the secret stash back up.
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

Emil shrugs.  "I don't know. He seemed a bit nervous last time I saw him but I don't know where he's gone. I don't think he left the Bogs though. That's why I wanted to know if you or the others in the guild could help." 
 Badger: 

As Badger leaves the guild she sees Jadeite count out a pile of coins, then check a sheet of paper and scowl to himself. As she continues down the street, she sees Sora rush past her, clutching her purse and giggling like a maniac.

 
 Spoiler 
you can join up with Sora if you want. Where do you want to go?
 

 Surdrak and Artorias: 
 "Sure thing,"  he says to Artorias, accepting the glaive.  "I don't do the work myself but I'll give this to the guy who does. Anything else you want on it?" 

He tilts his head at Surdrak's request.  "I guess I can do that. Not sure why you'd want that though." 
 super dark, he can enchant the pockets for about 500 gp less than a regular haversack, but it'll take up the shoulder/cape body slot for items. Do you want to do it anyway? 
Athedia
Badger almost doubled back, but decided not to bother Jadiete. She could follow Sora, but she felt the girl needed to have some fun.  Checking her quiver for her bow she went down into the Bogs, looking for a good tavern and cheap beer.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneered a bit and rolled her eyes at the halfling's mention of the others.

 "Last time any of them went into the bogs they drew their weapons on a perfectly self-solving riot prevention case, and sent one of 'em to the gallows. sooomething tells me they might not be the most well-received out there. Howbout you just show me where the guy lived 'nd i'll see what eye can do?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee:

"Um, okay. I'm not sure where exactly in the bogs he is, but he said he was a part of the Leyot tribe, and all the tribes live in their own groups in the bogs, right?" 

Emil's right. Elsee now knows the general area where Mezzet lives.

 Badger: 

Even in the Bogs the bars are nearly empty this time of day. A goblin stands on a footstool and gives a double-take when he sees Badger and Naga walk in.

 Sora: 

After a whirlwind of choices, Sora enters a shop displaying all sorts of magical clothing--shimming cloaks, shirts embroidered with runes, rings set with all sorts of gems, and much more.

 
 Spoiler 
Figured she'd want to start in a clothing shop. Anyway, I have a quiz tomorrow which I've barely studied for and a midterm Thursday which I haven't studied for, so see you later!
 
Athedia
Badger ignored the stares as she walked in.  She knew that she wasn't exactly welcome in one of these establishments, but felt more comfortable here.   "Just a cheap beer please." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger: 

The goblin breathes a sigh of relief and the knot of tension between his shoulders seems to slacken slightly. He then fills a scratched but clean glass with pale beer. As he passes it to Badger, he asks in rough Common,  "Your dog's house-trained, right?" 
super dark33
 Carrying things. back in my homeland these were a popular accesory. 

Surdrak presented the cash.
Athedia
 "Better than some people."   She sipped at the beer, it tasted horrid, but she drank it anyway.  Leaning on the bar she felt the tension of the past few days starting to slip away.   "How's things down here?" 
CoffeeIncluded
The goblin pauses.  "...Things are going okay. Can't complain." 
 
 Spoiler 
Sense motive and diplomacy, please?
 
Athedia
 "I was worried that's all.  Yall get a bad rap uptown.  Though uptown isn't one to talk, basket of peaches with the blight if you ask me."   She finished the drink and asked for another, wanting anything after that encounter with the Polzin woman and her past.

 
 Spoiler 
I haven't leveled up yet so these are her old rolls.
Sense motive  (1d20+8)[ 19 ] 
Diplomacy (1d20+1)[ 8 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger: 

The goblin snorts and hands her another drink. Badger knows he's dancing around a subject, trying to avoid discussing something that's on his mind (and probably the minds of many other Plavaan) but he doesn't seem to want to elaborate.

 Surdrak:

"Okay,"  the half-elf says, accepting the cash and cloak.  "It might take a couple days though." 
 
 Spoiler 
It's 1500 gp, Super Dark.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee nods and grins wide, spinning on the spot towards the quickest route to the locaition.

 "That seems like a decent enough place to start. Ya should probably stick with me though, just be sure to l;et everyone know eye'm not gunna try and eat you or anything if they ask nnnkay?" 
super dark33
 Thank you very much. 

Surdrak puts on the black cloth cloak.

He turns to Artorias.

 Im going off to conduct some buisness. See ya back in the guild. 

He left the store, and walked up to the rich areas.

 
 Spoiler 
He is going to buy fancy cloths so he can go and fake himself a noble in a high class bar.
 
Athedia
The goblin snorts and hands her another drink. Badger knows he's dancing around a subject, trying to avoid discussing something that's on his mind (and probably the minds of many other Plavaan) but he doesn't seem to want to elaborate.


She finished her drink in silence and then spoke.   "Tell me if anyone gives you trouble.  I like the bars down here, don't want you to think we are all scum."   She slid 5 gold into the barkeeps hand and then left before he could say anything.  Heading back to the guild she spent the rest of her day practicing with her bow.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Um, okay,"  Emil says, following Elsee.

As the roads get rougher, then unpaved entirely, and goblin and halfling enter the damp of the Bogs, Emil sticks closer to Elsee. The neighborhood definitely seems more tense than Elsee remembers, as if everybody is anticipating something bad to happen. Still, it's open enough.

But the street's nearly empty as Elsee and Emil make their way to the cluster of blocks where Mezzet probably lives. There's a couple kids playing outside, and an older orc asleep on a rock, but that's about it.

 Badger: 

The goblin nods, and actually cracks a faint smile as Badger pays and leaves.

As Badger leaves the bogs, she hears Naga bark. If she turns to see what he's barking at, she sees Elsee headed deeper in, with a young halfling boy walking close to her. If she looks closer, she remembers he's the halfling boy who wanted to ask her a question before being dragged away by his mother a couple of weeks ago.

 Surdrak: 

Surdrak ignores the looks of disdain from rich people who come too close (his clothes still smell of fish) and finally finds a suitable boutique.
Athedia
 "Hey, Emil!"  Badger jogged over.   "We found the girl but thanks for your help."   Smiling at Elsee she rubbed her head and started back to the guild.
CoffeeIncluded
Emil stares at Badger in confusion.  "What girl? Mezzet's not a girl!" 
Athedia
 "Natasha, the one I was asking about." 
CoffeeIncluded
Emil blinks.  "Who's Natasha?" 
Silverraptor
Giggling happily, Sora moves quickly through the shop, holding up clothes and jewelry up to herself in a mirror and looking through the latest fashions.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Emil blinks.  "Who's Natasha?"  
 

 "Never mind, doesn't really matter.  Elsee you helping this kid?Seems charitable for you." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Sora: 

An employee, a prim and proper young lady, walks over to Sora.  "Do you need any assistance? What are you looking for today?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Do you want any magical items like cloaks, capes, robes, rings, etcetera? You can look in the MIC as well as the DMG or whatever. Just make sure not to go overbudget!
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger:

"Uh, okay,"  Emil says. He then points to Elsee.  "Are you guys part of the same team? She's helping me find a friend!" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee just sneers as she re-organizes her never-organized hair back into a more comfortable position while ensuring the safety of Lil miss, chiming in while still looking up and rummaging her hands through her hair.

 "That's a good question. i unno kinda just felt like it, was gunna talk to Feliks 'bout Kheel, buuut instead the kid got to me first so now me 'nd Kheel are lookin for his missin orc buddy or somethin." 
CoffeeIncluded
If Badger looks up, she can see Kheel's shadow swooping overhead.

 "I'm sorry,"  Emil says, scuffing his toe into the mud.  "I didn't know you were busy. I promise I'll be quick." 
Athedia
 "The person she wanted to talk to isn't going anywhere.  Elsee, you need any help?  Or you want to handle this on your own?"   On spotting Kheel her brow wrinkled in worry.  He shouldn't be out right now, not in daylight.  Wyverns were not legal, and technically they were holding him until Felix could get him and the creature out of the city.
Draconi Redfir
 "Thiiiink i've got this one, i'll send Kheel after ya if i run into any trouble." 

Elsee figured Kheel wouldn't be a problem, she could just flash her guild badge and say it was offical guild buisness or something.
CoffeeIncluded
Emil looks down the block, at the ramshackle houses, some with mildew sparring the wooden slat sides. Half the block is shades, and while normally Elsee knows there would be people outside, there aren't many today, giving this section of the Bogs a desolate feel. But even if there were people here, the place would still feel impoverished.

The halfling brushes away a few mosquitoes and squelches his toes in the mud before asking Elsee,  "I know Mezzet lives around here, but I'm not sure where. He's never shown me where he loves. Elsee, why does Mezzet live here? It feels scarier than home."  
 
 Spoiler 
search checks?
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Surdrak and Artorias: 
 "Sure thing,"  he says to Artorias, accepting the glaive.  "I don't do the work myself but I'll give this to the guy who does. Anything else you want on it?" 

He tilts his head at Surdrak's request.  "I guess I can do that. Not sure why you'd want that though." 
 super dark, he can enchant the pockets for about 500 gp less than a regular haversack, but it'll take up the shoulder/cape body slot for items. Do you want to do it anyway?  
 

 "Just the basic enchantment is fine, thanks  Artorias digs through his clothes and produces a small leather bag, he places it on the half elf's hands

 "That should cover it I think, I'll come to get her back the day after tomorrow, if that is ok?"  

He waits for the atrendand to nod and then he exits the shop; without a set destination in mind Artorias decides to wander through the  streets of Runite.

 
 Spoiler: AKA 
Permission to be railroaded 😛
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grins an gently pat the small halfling boy's head as she took her first steps into the block, a hand cautiously hovering near one of her kurkri as she spoke.

 "Ohhh you know! Us Plavaan just feel bad for you city-folk, so we let you guys get the good houses while we make due with the swamps. i mean think of it! You don't have any teeth, any claws, and affinity for poisions, no kind of natural defenses at all! Wheres US! We're big, fast, attuned in magic, the whole kaboodle! Someone's gotta keep you lot safe from the world now don't they?" 
CoffeeIncluded
As Artorias meanders around the city, he overhears two orcs having a heated conversation. He can't understand them, but the taller, graying one is fuming while the slightly younger one appears to be trying to calm him down. They look related, possibly brothers or cousins.

 
 Spoiler 
Shame he doesn't know Orc.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

Emil blinks.  "Really? Because that doesn't really sound like what I've heard from other people." 
Athedia
Badger looked doubtful, Elsee and the kid were going into one of the worst sections of the Bogs.  Elsee could handle herself, but a halfling kid?  He would be eaten alive.   "If you even think there might be trouble, send for me."   She headed back toward the guild wandering the streets and taking the long way back.  She didn't want to settle down, in case she was needed.
Draconi Redfir
 
 Spoiler 


D'oh forgot those search checks! Take two!

(d20+3)[ 13 ]
(d20+3)[ 9 ]
 


Elsee just winked at the kid and flashed a wide grin, only vaugely hearing Badger's words.  "That's just what they WANT ya ta think." 
super dark33
After looking in the shop for a while, Surdrak found a good outfit.
It was black with dark blue forearms and red knees-down.
In a nearby shop he bought an amulet of a head much like his own.

After paying the storeman with coin, he went looking for a perfume to shoo away the fish smell.

 
 Spoiler 
80gp worth of fancy junk!
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

After about half an hour of wandering up and down the streets, Elsee sees a young female orc walk out the door of a house at the end of a block. Emil turns around and says,  "I think that's his younger sister!" 
 Surdrak: 

Surdrak finds perfume with little trouble.
super dark33
Smelling less like fishes and more like an eldritch combination of fancy mountain flower and fishes, Surdrak went into a bar for the rich.



 
 Spoiler 
Ready to railroading.
 
CoffeeIncluded
As Surdrak sits at the bar, sipping on a glass of whiskey nearly his age, he hears the door slam open and a furious dwarf storm in. He looks red, like he's just barely calmed down from something. He hops up to the bartender and shouts, nearly whines,  "Gimmee a drink!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 As Artorias meanders around the city, he overhears two orcs having a heated conversation. He can't understand them, but the taller, graying one is fuming while the slightly younger one appears to be trying to calm him down. They look related, possibly brothers or cousins.

 
 Spoiler 
Shame he doesn't know Orc.
 
 
 

Artorias wants to ignore the orc, but he has nagging feeling he might need to intervene if thinks don't calm down soon, so he looks for a bench or other place he can observe the orcs without raising too much suspicion himself.

 
 Spoiler 
And I thought I was being clever by getting learning goblinoid 😛
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias:  

As Artorias sits on a bench and watches, he sees the discussion seem to get more and more heated. But then the younger orc steps forward, places his hands on the older orc's shoulders, and says a few quiet words that Artorias wouldn't be able to make out even if he understood the language.

But afterwards, the older orc pauses, takes a deep breath, and exhales it in a long sigh. Whatever he says next is calmer and more measures.

Then they walk off in the direction of the Bogs.

 Sora: 

Sora's walked into a magic item shop. Most of the stuff is incredibly expensive, and some of it is quite garish. But others are well within her price range, or expensive but affordable, and look quite striking to boot.
Draconi Redfir
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Elsee: 

After about half an hour of wandering up and down the streets, Elsee sees a young female orc walk out the door of a house at the end of a block. Emil turns around and says,  "I think that's his younger sister!" 
 Surdrak: 

Surdrak finds perfume with little trouble. 
 

Elsee nods and grins widely, waving a freindly hand to the Orcess as she closes the gap between them somewhat.

 "Excuse me miss! Can i talk to you fora sec?" 
super dark33
Surdrak happily sips the drink as the dwarf rages inside.

  This scene should be good or im not paying.  

The drink was good, it never left any bitterness on the tongue, and the fume payoff was amazing in its taste.

It was better than the ones at home, and it made him a bit upset, as his family prides themselves in their whisky distilery among others.
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

The Orc startles, the turns to see the goblin and halfling.  "Uh, sure,"  she says in accented Common.  "What is it?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Artorias:  

As Artorias sits on a bench and watches, he sees the discussion seem to get more and more heated. But then the younger orc steps forward, places his hands on the older orc's shoulders, and says a few quiet words that Artorias wouldn't be able to make out even if he understood the language.

But afterwards, the older orc pauses, takes a deep breath, and exhales it in a long sigh. Whatever he says next is calmer and more measures.

Then they walk off in the direction of the Bogs. 
 

Artorias decides to follow them, quickly enters the Hunter's stance to get their scent so he can find them if he looses them.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee stops aproaching the orc girl a few feet away, giving her enough room to be comfortable while still being close enough to talk to her without shouting through anyone else that may be around.

 "You know a guy named Mezzet by any chance?" 

She points a thumb over to the halfling while maintaining eyecontact with the orcess.

 "He's a buddy of this kid here 'nd apparently he's gone missing lately." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

The Orc blinks then looks at th halfling.  "Emil, is that you?" 
 "Yep!"  he says.  "How are you, and how's Mezzet?" 

The young woman pauses.  "Um, he doesn't really want to talk to anyone right now..." 
 Artorias: 

Artorias follows the two orcs back to the Bogs, but as he leaves the shopping district and the crowds start to thin, he realizes he needs to avoid attracting suspicion.

 
 Spoiler 
hide and move silently rolls please?
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler: Oh carp 

Move Silently  (1d20+2)[ 6 ] 
Hide  (1d20+2)[ 19 ] 

Yeah I am a rogue who didn't put ranks in stealth skills, sue me
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee quriks an eyebrow and the Orcess, pulling herself and the halfling back slightly incase there was trouble.

 "Is he sick?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee:

"...No,"  she says, rubbing her arm.  "He just doesn't want to see anyone right now. Not even me. Especially not...never mind."

"That's stupid!"  Emil shouts.  "Mezzet's my best friend! Come on Elsee,"  he asks, turning to the goblin,  "Can't you like make me go inside or something?"

Artorias: 

Artorias follows the orcs, intently focusing on their scent to keep track of them in the bustling city streets, honing on them while trying to tune out the smells of the city, pungent and aromatic alike...

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+3)[ 10 ] 
Listen:  (d20+3)[ 6 ] 

Spot:  (d20+5)[ 15 ] 
Listen:  (d20+5)[ 10 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias: 

Artorias is so incredibly focused on tracking the orcs that he fails to notice the silversmith's apprentice shove open her master's shop door with her shoulder, and he certainly fails to notice that this is because she is carrying an extremely heavy load of assorted silver and metal items.

The crash echoes all the way down the block and a good part of the next one. Even after Artorias clears his head and looks up from his now-seated position on the ground, he can still hear the echoed ringing. The apprentice also shakes off the impact, then looks around with horror, frantically trying to collect the scattered silver pieces. Something slips over Artorias's eyes and if he reaches up, he finds a large metal bowl resting crookedly on his head.

The two orcs are already there, helping the apprentice collect her items.
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak: 

As the bartender fills a mug to the brim with dark, dark beer, the dwarf snatches out of his hands and doesn't chug it so much as hurl it all over his face, aiming for the general region of his mouth. He wipes the remaining beer off his beard and lets it spatter on the ground.

 "Damned Sokol!"  he growls, and Surdrak realizes that this is probably Calix.  "I should have his head for this!" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee squinted her eyes a bit and ignored the halfling's words as she focused on the Orcess, a single small hand out infront of the halfling in a hlf-assed attempt to keep him from moving forward.

 "Well what's wrong then? Gotta be somethin Hmm?" 
Athedia
How long had it been?  Badger looked up at the sun, trying to gauge the time.  Suddenly she looked down.  NAGA!  He had been asleep at the bar when she left, she had just assumed he had followed.  Swearing to herself she began to jog back to the Bogs, back to the pub she had been at.  And she had made such a good exit too, this would make her look weak, foolish.  A small growl slipped out, almost like Naga was with her at that moment.
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee:

"It's just...family stuff. Personal stuff,"  she says.

 
 Spoiler 
Sense motive or anything?
 

 Badger: 

Badger sprints back to the Bogs, not even blurting out a, "Sorry!" when she nearly tramples a halfling child who barely comes up to her knee. When she finally bursts back into the bar, Badger sees the goblin bartender kneeling over Naga on the ground.

Naga's rolled over, tail wagging, happily panting as the goblin gives him a belly rub.
super dark33
Surdrak coughed and whispered:

 འབཀང.  

Calix's glass would shatter into a million little pieces.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee squinted her eyes at the Orcess a bit more, trying to read her face for any clues as to what might be happening.

 
 Spoiler 
 Sense motive: (d20+1)[ 5 ]
 


Upon realizing she couldn't read orc faces any more then she could read those of humans, she sighed and loosened up her stance, turning slightly to the halfling boy and shrugging her shoulders before returning her look to the Orcess.

 "Allright well ef ya can at least let 'em know his buddy is worried wouldja? not everyone reacts too well when ya suddenly stop talkin to em for so long." 

Diplomacy: (d20+7)[ 18 ]
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak: 

The dwarf lets out a high-pitched shriek as the glass shatters in his hand, driving shards into his palm and sending others flying across the room. Then the beer seeps into his wounds and splashes all over his pants and the floor, soaking him thoroughly.

 "What is WRONG with you and your damned ****ing useless glasses?!"  Calix screams, lacing into the hapless bartender as he picks glass out of his hand.  "I should have you shut down for this!"

Elsee: 

The orc girl pauses.  "Um...I guess it wouldn't hurt if I let you say hi."  She then goes up the steps and opens the door.
super dark33
 I would blame the manufacturer. These basterds can never be reliable.  
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak: 

Calix turns over to Surdrak; the minute the bartender is out of eyeshot he dashes to the back room.  "You're probably right, you are! I doubt these were made by a dwarf--now we're real craftsmen! You know who made these glasses?"  Now that Calix is close Surdrak can smell old alcohol on his breath--this wasn't the first drink he had today, and it probably wasn't the fourth either.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grinned and smiled over to the halfling, letting her arm fall to her side to unblock his path as she nudged her head in the direction of the door, though she would follow him inside juuust incase there was trouble.
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

Emil runs inside the house, and Elsee follows.

Inside, she sees Emil looking at the assorted decorations with curiosity.

There are patterned rugs on the floor, a piece of artwork depicting the Alavaan Plains on the wall (and Elsee can't help but remember the high plateau of her home), the two swords representing the orc god Rockwell on a mantle in the small cramped living room. There are large rounded hollow containers in the center of the room, each intricately and uniquely designed. A thin hideskin is stretched over each, allowing the container to double as a drum. A third of these sits half-carved between the two larger ones.

The place is small, cramped, and well-worn. But everywhere, Elsee sees the signs of a leader of his tribe, a exiled leader who made the exodus to Runite with as many of his people as would follow.

Emil turns to Elsee with confusion. He doesn't fully understand the significance of what he sees.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee just smirks and crosses her arms be neath her chest as she stares at the painting of the familiar plains, feeling a little weirded out herself from the presence of all the orc-relics and the like, being more used to the Goblin and Human lifestyles she had known more often, though perhaps the human way of living had become more comfortable then even the Goblin way as of late.

 "Welcome to culture shock kid"  she announced after a brief moment. "Sucks donnet?  Wait'll ya see the Drow places someday, you'll suddenly start understanding why everyone thinks they're all secretly trained assassins when they really aren't." 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Artorias: 

Artorias is so incredibly focused on tracking the orcs that he fails to notice the silversmith's apprentice shove open her master's shop door with her shoulder, and he certainly fails to notice that this is because she is carrying an extremely heavy load of assorted silver and metal items.

The crash echoes all the way down the block and a good part of the next one. Even after Artorias clears his head and looks up from his now-seated position on the ground, he can still hear the echoed ringing. The apprentice also shakes off the impact, then looks around with horror, frantically trying to collect the scattered silver pieces. Something slips over Artorias's eyes and if he reaches up, he finds a large metal bowl resting crookedly on his head.

The two orcs are already there, helping the apprentice collect her items. 
 

Artoria removes the bowl from his head and immedy starts apologizing as he tried to help.
 "Oh gods, I'm sorry,  didn't see ya there pal, here let me help you"  
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

Emil pauses.  "No,"  he says eventually.  "It's definitely weird, but it's not really...bad, if that makes any sense. I knew Mezzet and his family are important in their tribe but he never really talked about it. Hey, Mezzet!"  he shouts down the hallway.  "It's me, Emil! Are you here?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Listen check please?
 

 Artorias: 

The apprentice nods in thanks as she frantically tries to scoop up the items.  "Oh no!"  she shouts when she sees a set of spoons has been dented and bent.

 "Give it here,"  the shorter orc says in a rough accent. holding out his hand. Reluctantly, the apprentice hands over the bent spoon, watching the orc nervously.

Without even a grunt, he easily bends the spoon back into its proper place, though it's still a little dinged up.
Draconi Redfir
 
 Spoiler 
 i can't think of anything else to say.
(d20+0)[ 18 ]
 
super dark33
 Well, Definetly not Elven craftsmen, they also make statues, probably not Orc craftsmen, Not Drow, they make spears out of glass! Probably halflings.  

Surdrak takes a thoughtful sip.
Now it's time to make him drunker and steal his wallet.
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

Elsee hears scuffling down the hallway.

 Surdrak:

"Ugh! Don't get me started on those damn Plavaan!"  Calix roars.  "Uncivilized savages, the lot of them! And the drow are the worst! You hear people whining and bitching about the Senate all the time, well let me tell you they've never dealt with a drow! They'll have the very clothes stolen from them by those conniving bastards!"  Calix continues along this vein for some time, using many slurs that Surdrak knows and even a couple he doesn't.

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge (Local) roll please?
 
super dark33
 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+2)[ 11 ] 
 

 Oh I know, I've been stabbed once by a spear like that! 
 
 Spoiler 
Surdrak has been making up things, and though he was stabbed by a Drow, the glass spears are not a real thing.
Calix is probably too wasted to notice any lie though.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee quirks an eyebrow at the suffuling but remains behind the halfling, he was the one looking for his freind here, he'd know thing about him that she didn't. She allowed the Halfling to continue down the hallway, staying close behind him all the while, a hand hovering over her Kurkri all the while.
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak: 

Surdrak remembers that Calix has some sort of negative connection, some sort of rivalry, with a drow. That's all he remembers though.

 
 Spoiler 
Normally I'd say yes, but Calix is a dwarf and involved in the political world. He'll have to be drunker than he is right now for Surdrak to easily run one past him. Sorry, but you're going to have to roll a bluff check.

I'll post more to everything later tonight.
 
super dark33
 
 Spoiler 
Oh nai.  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 
 

 Oye, bartender! Two rounds of rum with whiskey! 

Enough of that mix would drop a horse.
Athedia
Badger leaned against the door and sighed.   "Thank you.  Heh, he likes you."  She crouched next to the bartender and scratched at Naga's head.   "You have any pets down here?  I could bring him around more often if you wanted." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak: 

Calix nods sagely, or at least attempts to, then mutters,  "Cheers,"  and drains the glass alongside Surdrak.

 Badger:

"No, I don't,"  the goblin says, more relaxed now than before in Badger's presence. At the sight of his owner, Naga wriggles to his feet and bounces over to Badger, licking her face.

 "That would be nice,"  the goblin adds,  "But having a dog in here all the time?"

Elsee: 

Emil races down the hallway, finally rapping on the closed door. When he and Elsee hear a muffled response of,  "I don't wanna talk to anyone right now!" , Emil pauses.

He then shouts,  "Yeah, no, that's not gonna work,"  and, lowering his shoulder, barges in.

Mezzet is sitting on a low bed, reading a book which he folds up and puts on one of the few clear spots on the floor. His room is a mess, full of assorted goods and piles of clothes, but it's not exactly  dirty.  Except for one corner, where a half-tanned leather hide sits on the floor, and small jars of assorted paints rest nearby.

Mezzet looks at Elsee and Emil and sighs.  "Emil, I said I didn't really want to see anyone and...who are you?"  he asks, noticing Elsee.
Athedia
 "You think I don't work?"  Badger laughed.   "I usually visit different taverns round here, not many people like a human in their bar.  But I could maybe visit this place a couple more times than usual.  So you can distract Naga for a bit." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger:

"Maybe,"  the goblin says.  "Wait. Why do you visit so many bars around here?" 
Athedia
 "I dunno.  I guess I just prefer it.  People don't bother me down here, don't ask about things.  Being hated works out sometimes." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger: 

The goblin just stares at Badger, then looks away.
Athedia
 "It's okay.  I don't blame you.  Humans are some nasty bastards."   Badger picked herself up, looking down at the goblin.   "Do..do you want me to leave?  I don't want to cause you trouble, you have a business here, a good one." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger:

"You can come back here later if you want,"  the bartender finally says as Badger picks herself up to leave, and her hand is on the door.
Athedia
 "Thank you.  By the way the name is Badger.  If anyone comes round here bothering you, just send for me."   Halfway out the door she whistled for Naga and the dog bounded to her side.   "Let's go home." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger: 

The goblin nods.  "Thank you. I'll remember that. I'm Oren." 

Badger makes it back to the main part of town without any trouble. As she wanders down Canal Street, however, her path is soon blocked by an eccentric man in an old patched suit.

 "Good day, ma'am!"  he says, thrusting out a surprisingly clean hand.  "How would you like to hear about the greatest idea to hit Runite since Dierdre's sewers?" 
Athedia
She quirked an eyebrow.   "Listening is free, just don't expect anything out of it." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger: 

The man takes that as his cue to dive right in.  "How big is Runite? Big, right? 20 miles across and nearly as long. And yet how do people get around? Well, the rich can rent a horse or a carriage, or take a gondola up the canal--"  He points out, where indeed one boat complete with passengers is making its way up the canal as he speaks,  "But most people just walk. And really, how efficient is that?" 

He's right about that, Badger realizes. She set out for the bogs in the morning, but now it's only a couple hours before dinner time. She spent literally the whole day walking around.

 "Well,"  he continues,  "I have a plan to change all of that...FOREVER!"  And he whips out a drawing to show badger.

It's a sketch of a cart, a very long cart with benches around the perimeter of the cart. The cart has high wheels and a simple tarp roof. There's a man drawn in front driving it by controlling several horses.

 "Well?"  he asks.  "I call it the omnicart, because it's open for everyone to ride! All you have to do is pay a fare, maybe a couple silver, and it'll take out anywhere on a specific route throughout the city! And anyone can ride it!" 
Athedia
 "And what's to keep people from just hopping on?  The goodness of their hearts?"   Badger sighed, if something like this existed it could make her job harder.  A person could jump on this and be halfway across the city by the time she got to the scene.   "I expect you need funding." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger:

"And the goodness of their wallets!"  he says with a wink.  "See, you have to pay to ride."

"And you're definitely a sharp one!"  the man continues as Badger mentions having to pay him.  "See, I'm sure this will pay for itself within the first few months, but right now I don't have quite enough for a loan. Which is where I turn to you! Would you be willing to help this city and this man realize our dreams! I only need a donation of 500 gold, which will of course be returns in full once my omnicarts are seen and ridden throughout the city!" 
Athedia
 "Last time I loaned money to a man, I had to drag him out of a burning house and got his pet wyvern to babysit.  Not to mention stabbed by an insane serial killer.  So this time I want some collateral if you want some money."   Badger stared down the man, she wasn't going to give up her money so easily this time.  And Felix still did owe her, even if he did give Elsee the wyvern, which she suspected the goblin wanted, that was paying Elsee, not Badger.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee mentally shooed any thoughts of the orc's book perhaps containing material not fit to be known by young halflings, and instead opted to merely grin and wave one-handildy, the other moving behind her back to help ease he stance and attempt to appear nonthreataning.

 "Elsee Spiriteye, work for Leif's mercenary guild. Seems ya went missing long enough for people to start worryin aboutcha so they got me involved. don't worry, i ain't hurtin anyone who's not starten a fight here 'nd we don't charge 'nyone unless there's an actual problem." 
 Oh!  Elsee continued after a pause, quickly motioning for Kheel -who had somehow managed to follow her inside- to come within veiwing distance of the orc.

 "'Nd this is Kheel. He's harmless unless you're a slab of dead meat or about to attack him." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger:

"Of course! Fair's fair, after all. How about this: Your name on every one of these buses, so everyone knows you helped bring Runite into this new modern age. And, for you and your friends, free bus passes...for life!" 
 Elsee: 

At the sight of Kheel, Mezzet screams and dives under the bed. Emil runs after him.  "Mezzet! Are you okay? It's okay, Elsee helped me find you." 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Artorias: 

The apprentice nods in thanks as she frantically tries to scoop up the items.  "Oh no!"  she shouts when she sees a set of spoons has been dented and bent.

 "Give it here,"  the shorter orc says in a rough accent. holding out his hand. Reluctantly, the apprentice hands over the bent spoon, watching the orc nervously.

Without even a grunt, he easily bends the spoon back into its proper place, though it's still a little dinged up. 
 

Artorias takes the spoon in his hand and examines it closely
 "You know, I never understood why people want silver cutlery it is just too soft, and I can never get it right" 
Athedia
 "I would rather deeds, not money spoke for me.  And your collateral is worthless unless the investment pays off.  I was thinking someone more concrete." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee just rolled her eyes and beckoned Kheel a little closer, plopping herself down on the floor next to him as she started scratching and petting his head.

 "Wheye does this keep happening?" 
super dark33
Surdrak grasped the small glass in a way the liquid was obscured. he never actually drank anything.

Though the small bits he did started to make an impact along with the previous sips.

 So what sort of bull**** did Sokol do? 
 
 Spoiler 
Blood alchohol level: Cant Legally drive, can think rationaly, dexterity is not yet harmed.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias takes the spoon in his hand and examines it closely
 "You know, I never understood why people want silver cutlery it is just too soft, and I can never get it right"  
 

 "That's because the career name's a misnomer,"  the apprentice says.  "We work with silver, making etchings and medals and the like, but we also work with regular metals--thanks, by the way,"  she says to the orc, who just nods in understanding.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "I would rather deeds, not money spoke for me.  And your collateral is worthless unless the investment pays off.  I was thinking someone more concrete."  
 

 "You drive a hard bargain, miss,"  the salesman says, wrapping his arm around Badger's shoulder and leaning in like a close friend telling her a secret.  "How about I give you this in exchange?"  And he hands Badger a dense black block of adamantine.  "You can cut it into anything you like, a knife, a buckler, whatever you want! Consider it a special gift--a thank you for your kind loan." 
 
 Spoiler 
There's enough adamantine in that block to make a dagger, or about a dozen arrowheads, if she takes it to a blacksmith.
 


 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee just rolled her eyes and beckoned Kheel a little closer, plopping herself down on the floor next to him as she started scratching and petting his head.

 "Wheye does this keep happening?"  
 

 "Uh, because that's freaking wyvern!?"  Mezzet shouts, still refusing to get out from under the bed.  "I don't wanna be near that thing! Go away! Go away!"

"Mezzet! Mezzet, it's okay!"  Emil says, trying to snap his friend out of it. This isn't just scared--he's honestly freaking out.


 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 Surdrak grasped the small glass in a way the liquid was obscured. he never actually drank anything.

Though the small bits he did started to make an impact along with the previous sips.

 So what sort of bull**** did Sokol do? 
 
 Spoiler 
Blood alchohol level: Cant Legally drive, can think rationaly, dexterity is not yet harmed.
 
 
 

 "Lies! Lies and sedition and libel and **** jokes that ARE NOT FUNNY!"  he shouts to absolutely nobody. He then pounds on the table with his injured hand, wincing at the impact.  "Hey! Bartender! Bring another two over here!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Sorry, but Sudrak's in a drinking contest with a dwarf. Start rolling fort saves.
 
Athedia
Badger quirked an eye.  These people always had something.   "Fine, its a deal.  No name on the side though, and we still get free passes for life.  My money is stored at home, walk with me."  As she walked she looked at the shops on either side of her.   "You know, with the spare space on the side you could always direct people to these stores.  I don't doubt they would pay for the privilege." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I see, well at least let me buy you all a beer for the troubles I caused you" 
super dark33
 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+3)[ 10 ] 
 


The game was on. Defeat was certain.
The only way to win was to not play.

  དགཇར  

Surdrak's own glass would shatter.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee pouted and folded her rms under her chest before rolling her eyes and lightly nudging Kheel with a hand to hint to him to get out of the doorway, followed by a quick look meant to men either "stay here" or "don't eat anything"

Handle Animal: (d20+4)[ 21 ]

With that done Elsee jazz-hand'ed her hands next to her face before making an overly dramatic presentaition of the floor next to her.

 "There, see!? No more scary wyverns. now can ya settle down please?" 

Diplomacy: (d20+7)[ 17 ]
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger quirked an eye.  These people always had something.   "Fine, its a deal.  No name on the side though, and we still get free passes for life.  My money is stored at home, walk with me."  As she walked she looked at the shops on either side of her.   "You know, with the spare space on the side you could always direct people to these stores.  I don't doubt they would pay for the privilege."  
 

 "What a fantastic idea!  he shouts, snapping his fingers loud enough to make others turn around.  "I knew it was a good idea talking to you, yes I did!" 

They make it back to the guild without any trouble. Badger walks past Jadeite writing a letter for Alim in his room, and finally makes it to hers. Naga hops up onto Badger's bed and curls up as Badger searches for the money stash.


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "I see, well at least let me buy you all a beer for the troubles I caused you"  
 

 "Oh! Uh, thanks,"  she says.  "Just let me deliver all this--nnh!--stuff!"  the apprentice grunts as she lifts the stack of silver and metal goods up.

 "If you're good, we'll be heading back,"  says the older orc as they make to return to the Bogs.


 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  
 Spoiler 
 (d2)[ 2 ] 
 


The game was on. Defeat was certain.
The only way to win was to not play.

  དགཇར  

Surdrak's own glass would shatter. 
 

Calix stares as Surdrak's glass shatters his hand, leaving it bloody and he takes  (d2)[ 2 ]  damage.

 "Oh, that's it we're getting the **** out of here before this whole ****ing place blows,"  he mutters, then shouts,  "I'M GONNA HAVE YOUR HEAD FOR THIS!" 

 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee pouted and folded her rms under her chest before rolling her eyes and lightly nudging Kheel with a hand to hint to him to get out of the doorway, followed by a quick look meant to men either "stay here" or "don't eat anything"

Handle Animal: (d20+4)[ 21 ]

With that done Elsee jazz-hand'ed her hands next to her face before making an overly dramatic presentaition of the floor next to her.

 "There, see!? No more scary wyverns. now can ya settle down please?" 

Diplomacy: (d20+7)[ 17 ] 
 

Kheel tilts his head at Elsee's strange speech, but seems to get the message and walks over to the end of the hallway, out of sight.

Mezzet seems to calm down once he's out of sight, and eventually Elsee and Emil are able to coax him out from under the bed.

Eventually, Mezzet asks,  "Emil, how much do you know about the tribe I'm from?" 

Emil pauses.  "Not much, only what you told me. But isn't being in a tribe a thing for Plavaan?"  He turns to Elsee.  "Elsee, do you know?" 
super dark33
It be merely a scratch, as if it were a simple poke of a needle.
As they left the bar Surdrak put 3 platinum coins on the counter while Calix didn't look.

 I hoard thare is a place over yonder that has better glaessas and a few bards. Is also a good meeting place for young nable waeman if ye plant tho same seads as I. 

With enough drinks Surdrak will speak in his home accent. He takes a mental note not to drink anymore before he starts speaking in an entirely different language.


 
 Spoiler 
Damage reduction!
 Ooh me Accent's slipping! 

Plan: get Calix unconscious and steal his valuables is still a thing.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak:

"Hey man,"  Calix says, holding out a hand on Surdrak's shoulder, though he's not quite sure whether its to steady himself or the warlock.  "You okay there? You seem pretty drunk," 
 
 Spoiler 
hang on, super dark. Are you seriously planning to get a corrupt son of a corrupt noble, who's also a  dwarf,  blind drunk and then steak his stuff?
 
Dusk Eclipse
Aseeing the apprentice struggling with the box Artorias takes it from her hands  "Here, let me help you with that, name's Artorias by the way."  he says smiling.

Facing the orcs he smiles at them too  "Are you sure I can't tempt you with a beer? I know a great little bar down in the Bogs" 
Athedia
Coming back out she held out a mix of platinum and gold to the man.   "Counted this out, it should be 500.  One question though, what is your name?" 
super dark33
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Surdrak:

"Hey man,"  Calix says, holding out a hand on Surdrak's shoulder, though he's not quite sure whether its to steady himself or the warlock.  "You okay there? You seem pretty drunk," 
 
 Spoiler 
hang on, super dark. Are you seriously planning to get a corrupt son of a corrupt noble, who's also a  dwarf,  blind drunk and then steak his stuff?
 
 
 

 That is thi thing thaet haeppens when you drink, yees. 
 
 Spoiler 
Thats the idea! 😛
Plan B is beat him up in an alley, take his valuables and draw crude genitilia on his face.
 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Spoiler 
 Mmmm, Flame-grilled noble-dwarf posessions~
 


Elsee nodded slowly to the halfling.

 "'s far as i know it is for Goblinoids at least. Thought Orcs lived in Clans or somethin 'nd don't even have any idea 'bout Drow. Could all more or less just be the same thing though. Wich one is it?" 

Knowledge/Wisdom check (d20+0)[ 11 ]
(( Figured the Plavaan plains wouldn't count as "local", but even if they do Elsee only has a +1 in local.))
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Aseeing the apprentice struggling with the box Artorias takes it from her hands  "Here, let me help you with that, name's Artorias by the way."  he says smiling.

Facing the orcs he smiles at them too  "Are you sure I can't tempt you with a beer? I know a great little bar down in the Bogs"  
 

All three of them stare at Artorias, for very different reasons.

 "W-Wait, in the Bogs?"  the apprentice splutters, as if Artorias just offered to take her scuba-diving in an shark-infested part of the ocean.

 "You know a place in the Bogs?"  the two orcs ask with great skepticism.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Coming back out she held out a mix of platinum and gold to the man.   "Counted this out, it should be 500.  One question though, what is your name?"  
 

 "Name's Aaron,"  the man says, counting up the cash and placing it in a pocket on the inside of his suit,  "And I cannot thank you enough for your generosity and foresight, no I cannot! This city needs more people like you!" 

 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  That is thi thing thaet haeppens when you drink, yees. 
 
 Spoiler 
Thats the idea! 😛
Plan B is beat him up in an alley, take his valuables and draw crude genitilia on his face.
 
 
 

 "Feh, lightweight,"  Calix laughs, though there's less malice behind it than in the other things he's said.

 
 Spoiler 
Wait, WHAT?!
 


 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
  
 Spoiler 
 Mmmm, Flame-grilled noble-dwarf posessions~
 


Elsee nodded slowly to the halfling.

 "'s far as i know it is for Goblinoids at least. Thought Orcs lived in Clans or somethin 'nd don't even have any idea 'bout Drow. Could all more or less just be the same thing though. Wich one is it?" 

Knowledge/Wisdom check (d20+0)[ 11 ]
(( Figured the Plavaan plains wouldn't count as "local", but even if they do Elsee only has a +1 in local.)) 
 

Elsee doesn't know much about the Leyot tribe, but looking at Mezzet, he appears to be on the cusp of adolescence--which many tribes consider to be adulthood.

 
 Spoiler 
Nah, for Elsee they count.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee looks Mezzet up and down sevral times for a few moments, before finally her eyes light up and she snaps her fingers, pointing a finger to the orc.

 "You've gotta go through a trial! ... That or you  Reaaally  need a date. One of those two!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 All three of them stare at Artorias, for very different reasons.

 "W-Wait, in the Bogs?"  the apprentice splutters, as if Artorias just offered to take her scuba-diving in an shark-infested part of the ocean.



 "You know a place in the Bogs?"  the two orcs ask with great skepticism. 
 

This definitely wasn't the reaction Artorias expected, granted it wasn't completely out of the blue, but since the apprentice seemed to be OK with the orcs, he thought she would ok.

 "Well, yes I was heading to the bogs in any case and there is a great bar over there."  he answers with an embarrassed smile
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee looks Mezzet up and down sevral times for a few moments, before finally her eyes light up and she snaps her fingers, pointing a finger to the orc.

 "You've gotta go through a trial! ... That or you  Reaaally  need a date. One of those two!"  
 

 "That's kind of it,",  Mezzet says.  "It's not really a trial, but I've got to do it in front of everyone, and I don't really want to."

"Do what?"  Emil asks his friend, pulling up next to him.

 "...Play for everyone."

"Huh?" 

Mezzet squeezes his eyes shut.  "Play the drums in front of the whole tribe! It's embarrassing and this...I don't wanna do it!" 

 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 This definitely wasn't the reaction Artorias expected, granted it wasn't completely out of the blue, but since the apprentice seemed to be OK with the orcs, he thought she would ok.

 "Well, yes I was heading to the bogs in any case and there is a great bar over there."  he answers with an embarrassed smile 
 

 "Does it have to be the Bogss?"  she finally asks. The younger Orc looks somewhat understanding, while the older one rolls his eyes silently.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee rolls her eyes again and folds her arms under her chest with a slight smirk, leaning against the doorframe to the room.

 "Welp. Not exactly somethin i can help with there." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee:

"I'm sorry,"  Emil says after a moment to Elsee, and maybe to Mezzet as he sits up next to his friend.  "But Mezzet, why is it embarrassing? Isn't this important?"

"It's more important to my dad than it is to me,"  Mezzet says.  "And to the tribe. We're not on the plains anymore. And I know a lot of the older people talk about returning there someday, but Runite's my home. And I just...I don't know. It silly! It feels outdated. Is that the right word for it?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee just shrugged and rolled her eyes again, this kind of thing wasn't exactly her area of expertise, hell she had run away from her tribe's traditions, not like she could exactly vouch for or against them.

 "All i can suggest is that if the tribe is important to you and/or everyone else had to do it, then just do it so they know it. if your tribe has a ritual of embarrassing yourself infront of everyone then you'd feel cheated if someone decided not to do it after you had too wouldn't you? If not, then just bail. plenty of swamp around the city, move to another patch and it'll be like ya moved ten miles without actually leaving town." 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Does it have to be the Bogss?"  she finally asks. The younger Orc looks somewhat understanding, while the older one rolls his eyes silently. 
 

Artorias gives her a nod of understanding.  "Well no, it doesn't need to be in the bogs, though I don't know city bars as well as I do the bogs".  he turns to the orcs with an apologetic smile  "You are still invited, though I understand if you don't want to come; I know how people can be." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee just shrugged and rolled her eyes again, this kind of thing wasn't exactly her area of expertise, hell she had run away from her tribe's traditions, not like she could exactly vouch for or against them.

 "All i can suggest is that if the tribe is important to you and/or everyone else had to do it, then just do it so they know it. if your tribe has a ritual of embarrassing yourself infront of everyone then you'd feel cheated if someone decided not to do it after you had too wouldn't you? If not, then just bail. plenty of swamp around the city, move to another patch and it'll be like ya moved ten miles without actually leaving town."  
 

Mezzet pauses.  "I can't just leave. And I know my dad means well. I just don't want him to...

...to...

...to always assume he knows what I want. To assume I'm gonna live like everyone else, like the tribe when were not on the plains anymore."  Mezzet looks relieved, like he's finally found the words for what's bothering him.


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias gives her a nod of understanding.  "Well no, it doesn't need to be in the bogs, though I don't know city bars as well as I do the bogs".  he turns to the orcs with an apologetic smile  "You are still invited, though I understand if you don't want to come; I know how people can be."  
 

The two orcs still seem blindsided by Artorias's offer, and the elder looks a touch suspicious.  "I suppose,"  the younger one finally says. The apprentice looks at the orcs, then Artorias, and nods too.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee rolled her eyes again and rested her head on one of her hands, knowing full well she wasn't exactly the best person to talk to about this sort of stuff.

 "look kid, i ran away when my tribe wanted me to do somethin i never wanted to do, and i haven't regretted a day of it since. so if you don't wanna do it then don't, 'nd if ya don't wanna leave then do it like everyone else had too. eye'm not your therapist here 'nd ya can't just change an entire tribe's history overnight so ya gotta pick one." 
super dark33
 Waell, what yaer haering now is me hoame accent. And among our maeny troyditions is thi druinking ooff the nobell baeverages.  

Surdrak felt he was rocking as he stood, but expirience told him it's just his vision.

 Sow, Yaer commin, owar noe? 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee:

"Why did you run away?"  both voices ask in unison. But while Emil seems more curious than anything else, Mezzet...well, Elsee can't tell whether or not he's horrified.
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak: 

Calix pauses, then a sly grin spreads over his face.  "Suuurree,"  he says with honied friendliness.  "Which bar do you want to hit next?" 
super dark33
Surdrak points his finger at the bars that litter those parts of those parts of town. Each had a sign with either a lame pun in Elven or an "artistic" glyph.

A few moments later he pointed at one that pleasant upbeat music emanated from.

 Heaerd thaets oy good plaece. 
 
 Spoiler 
I'm following the writers rule to read aloud what you write, and it's incredibly difficult to speak in this dialect.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Just give me a mnute and we can go" Artorias answers while he tries to think of a city bar that would serve plaavans without much fuzz, worst come to worst he could take them to the guild's mess-hall and charm and/or blackmail Leona into giving him a couple free beers... or maybe putting them into Jadeite's tab.

 
 Spoiler 
K:local  (1d20+3)[ 4 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: edit 
Crap, can I bring them to he guild?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias: 

Maybe Artorias has been spending too much time in the Bogs. He can't think of a single other place to get a drink!

Well, maybe he could take them to the guild, but that's not really ideal either.
Draconi Redfir
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Elsee:

"Why did you run away?"  both voices ask in unison. But while Emil seems more curious than anything else, Mezzet...well, Elsee can't tell whether or not he's horrified. 
 

Elsee rolled her eyes once more before explaining, waving her hands and wiggling her fingers about as she did so to further enphisize what she was saying.

 "Mom was the tribe's seer 'nd mystic, cast all the spells everyone needed 'nd prohicized when the rains would come 'nd when someone would meet their mate for life and all that stuff, 'nd it was the same with her mom, 'nd hers, 'nd hers, 'nd hers, so naturally it was figured i'd be the same, all magic-ey 'nd spellcasty, hell for the past five er so generations they've been slappin this damn tatoo on my maternal ancestors as just kids 'cuz everyone "knew" they'd be next in line, was only five when they put it on me. Next thing i know I’ve gone fourteen years of life being trained to be the next spellcaster 'nd i can't even heal anyone or make a single dancing light, so everyone's pissed at me because i "wont" do it 'nd eye'm pissed at everyone else cuz i  "Cant"  do it. They still seem to think i'm somehow gunna magically be perfect at it all once i take over for my mom, so night before i was supposed to i grabbed all the money i could, swiped my dad's Kurkri, 'nd ran off. Three years later 'nd here i am happier, richer, 'nd better off then i ever was back then. Hell i've got a pet Crockagator 'nd Wyvern to boot, don't see many Goblins riding around on those now do ya?" 

Elsee almost gasped for air as she ended her rant, her knees buckling out beneath her and causing her to sit on the floor of the doorway as she realized she had been so caught up in talking and waving her arms about that she hd neglected to breathe for most of it.
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak: 

As Surdrak and Calix enter the bar, actually a rather nice restaurant with actual tablecloth and a rather large wine assortment, a hush falls over the establishment as they take note of Calix and his new buddy. The pianist stops mid-chord, bows to the crowd, and immediately races out a back door (though, of course, not before collecting the tip jar.

There are no waiters or bartenders either, at least not until the kitchen door opens and dark-skinned hands shove a young man barely out of his teens before Calix and Surdrak. He stumbles, then rights himself and gulps as he regards the noble and the warlock.

 "How can I help y-you?"  he stammers, a high-pitched plea at the end of his sentence as he starts to sweat.
super dark33
What a lovely surprise! Surdrak thought.
Now I can make him do something completely idiotic and get him kicked out in shame!
This evening and beyond can't get any better!

Mustering control over the foreign accent, Surdrak said slowly:

 Give us two pints of Barlor. 
 
 Spoiler 
Barlor beer is known for its relatively high alcohol volume. It was named after it's field of barley, on which a perfectly tailored legend speaks of a Balor who worked these fields once.
It is obviously a marketing trick.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Artorias: 

Maybe Artorias has been spending too much time in the Bogs. He can't think of a single other place to get a drink!

Well, maybe he could take them to the guild, but that's not really ideal either. 
 

 "I'll be damned, I don't remember any good places in the city, but we can go to the guild's mess hall if you want" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

Mezzet listens in silence at Elsee's rant, as does Emil. Finally, when the orc speaks, he does so in a quiet voice.

 "My family and about a third of the tribe left when I a baby because of Kago. The border war between Kago and Tobeem was heating up and I don't know if we were in the way or they were specifically looking for us, but..."  Mezzet rolls up his sleeve and Elsee can see his left arm scored with three thick, deep scars, like slashes from three very large claws. Or talons.

 "I don't remember much,"  he continues.  "But my sister tells me that as we moved west dad would always go on about how other lands may not be the Alavaan Plains, but they would be beautiful and accepting and places of opportunity. Laria didn't want us, the elves and dwarves were okay but Almir just didn't feel...right. But Runite, he always talked about how Runite would be perfect and a place where we'd be able to live and be orcs, and be members of society and stuff too, I guess.

"But now that we're here, all dad and the older people want to do is act like they're on the plains and...and we're not there anymore. I don't really see myself as being from the plains, you know? I see myself as being from Runite. It may be their home, but it's not mine." 

Mezzet sighs.  "I guess we've both been selfish though. And Emil, I'm sorry about just bailing on you like that."

"It's okay, Mezzet. I'm sorry I haven't talked to you more about this. I didn't realize how important all this stuff was to you." 

Mezzet and Emil sit on the floor and talk quietly.

 Surdrak:

"Y-Yes! Right away!"  The waiter dashes off, and returns barely minutes later with two extremely large glasses of ale, which he carries as quickly as possible without dropping them.

Of course Barlor isn't made by a Balor. Most people aren't even sure if Balors exist. But the maker of this ale capitalized on the legends and stories. It's a thick, dark, almost red ale with a definite bite of spiciness to it.

Calix raises his glass in a toast, then peers over it to grin at Surdrak.  "Cheers,"  he says, chugging it down.

 Artorias:

"Um, okay. Are we allowed?"  the apprentice asks.

The older orc still looks somewhat guarded, but glances to his younger...brother, Artorias now thinks, and slowly nods.
super dark33
  ཅོལུསེ  
  ཟཟཁཅའཎ  

Calix's glass would shatter as he nearly finishes his glass.
Surdrak's would break moments later as he starts drinking his own, leaving the taste of the fine ale on his lips, but never actually letting it into the mouth.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee half-smirked for a moment before finally getting up and brushing herself off.

 "Well i think my job here is done then, it alright if i go?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

Emil nods.  "Yeah, it's okay. Thanks, Elsee."  He doesn't move to leave though.

 
 Spoiler 
So you wanna head back to town for Kheel's stuff?
 

 Surdrak: 

The glasses once again shatter, but this time shards of glass fly inside Surdrak's mouth, slicing his lips and tongue for  (d3)[ 2 ]  damage.

Calix stares at the shattered glass and growing puddle of ale on the table that drips onto the table. He starts to shake until his fury builds and pours out into a shrill tantrum cry of, " WAITER!!!!!!" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee nodded and waved the two of them off as she beckoned Kheel to her side once more as they left, shouting a quick  "let me know if ya need anythin!"  to them before finally leaving. It was much later into the day by this point due to the trip to the bogs from the well, if she walked it would probably be nightfall by the time she got to Felik's place, though she supposed she could always ride on Keel's back and shorten the trip... yeah some people would probably be scared buuut, she didn't really care.

 
 Spoiler 


sounds like a plan to me, might be just around time to grab another meal  by the time they get there though😛
 
super dark33
Surdrak spat the piece of glass in his mouth. It drew little blood.

 Ptah! Aet least the glass tastes good. you know how to clean em well.  
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak: 

As the hapless waiter comes over, Calix screams something barely incomprehensible, flings his napkin into his face, then storms out of the restaurant, his face red and his fists clenched and shaking.

 Elsee:

"I will,"  he says.

Of course Elsee hopes onto Kheel and flies back to the city proper. She clings to Kheel's neck for lack of a saddle, feeling the wind flutter through her hair and jacket, trail against the tips of her ears as Kheel soars through the evening air and dips between buildings. She'd raise her arms up and give a whoop, if she wasn't afraid of letting go.

Of course, judging by the sudden screams below, she's attracted some notice. And sure enough, when Elsee lands, she and Kheel are immediately surrounded by at least half a dozen stern-looking members of the watch.
Athedia
Badger had been escorting Aaron out of the guild when she looked up.  Not only was Kheel circling but, no.  Gods no.  She following the footsteps of the passing guard, leaving Aaron to figure himself out.  Standing behind them she waited for Elsee to explain herself.
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger: 

Badger leaves behind a confused Aaron and follows Kheel. It's easy, even after the wyvern and goblin dip behind some buildings. All she has to do is follow the screams.

After a few minutes she sees Elsee close to a wing of a magic academy/laboratory. She's standing next to a scared-looking Kheel and they're surrounded by about a half dozen guards.
Dusk Eclipse
 "You can come in no problem."  Artorias leads them towards the guild, he tries to make some conversation to ease the silversmith (whose name he still didn't know) who seemed to be intimidated by the pair of orcs.

As they get closer, they notice a group of guardsmen.    "Please don't be Elsee, please don't be Elsee,  please don't be Elsee"    he implores in his head, begging to Mars and any other god that might hear him that his goblin friend hadn't done anything that could get her and/or the guild into trouble.

Sadly his fears were confirmed as he sees the unmistakable shape of the baby wyvern and his goblin rider.
Athedia
Badger wanted to leave the goblin to explain herself, but Kheel looked so scared.  Pushing her way past the guards she glared at the wyvern.   "Do you want to be locked up? Never see Felix again?  And Elsee!"   Her eyes lit up with anger, Kheel she could forgive he was young, but Elsee knew the city.   "Think of how this looks for the guild.  We are here to help bring order to the streets, not play games and incite panic.  Are you insane?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee merely grinned and waved badger's words away as she gave a Kheel a comforting pet, digging into her pocket with her free hand and pulling out her guild membership card before speaking up loudly to the crowd.

 "Everyone calm down now it's official Mercenary guild business and nothing more! This Wyvvern was discovered out in the bogs under illegal ownership and subject to some decree of animal cruelty. As the Dragonoids are not native to this region and the guild is unable to -in physical terms NOR good conscious- return the hatching to it's natural habitat alone and unable to defend itself, we have elected to care for it until such a time that it can safely be returned to it's natural habitat with the knowledge and knowhow to fend for itself. And as it is a mere infant, and infants need their exercise, eye -as the guild's smallest and most skilled rider- have been chosen to care for it for the time being. What you have witnessed was nothing more but a mere evening exercise, my presence on the creature's back was merely to ensure it did not attempt to harass any civilians or become subject to any physical harm. A notification of all of this /should/ have been posted on bulletin boards around the city, but it seems our no-good slacker of a messenger got a little too into the booze and brothels again." 

Elsee sneered at nobody in particular at the last few words, her eyes glaring in the direction of the guild hall to further emphasize her disgruntlement with the unsuspecting messenger.

 "Everyone is perfectly safe, there is no need to cause a panic"  she adds, returning her gaze to the hopefully placed crowd.  "He's perfectly harmless! See!?"  This time Elsee grinned widely and petted Kheel's head again, her free hand lightly scratching him under his chin and neck to emphasize her point.

 
 Spoiler 


Diplomacy: (d20+7)[ 16 ]

Most of it is truth but just in case Bluff: (d20+7)[ 15 ]

aaand some Animal handling to try and show that Kheel is peaceful. (d20+4)[ 16 ]
 
super dark33
Surdrak put a coin of 10 platinum pieces on the counter.
The non-threatening face of Runite's founder smiled in a comforting way.

 Gimme a brandy quick, I need tae make sure yaer not getting closed.  

Grabbing the bottle, Surdrak walked after Calix.


 Oy! Where ye goin? 
Silverraptor
Sora addresses the sales clerk.
 "Yes, hi. You see, in my line of work, a certain amount of protection is pretty much mandatory. But at the same time, it doesn't fit in with the style of everything, nor is it really practical to wear comfortable." 
She holds out her hands, trying to give the sales clerk an idea with some movements.
 "I'm looking for something with a flair, something that screams, 'You'd look best dancing with me at a Grand Ball!' Yet at the same time, perform the absolute duties of protection from combat." 
Her hands start going into more and more exaggerate movements.
 "I mean, I almost never wear something that I don't have to twice in a fortnight, so I'd like to have some variety... or well, maybe something that could go well together with other clothing items I have. But what would be cool was some super awesome piece of armor that could magically turn itself into any fashionable clothing I want. I mean, actually dresses and everything is good, but having something that can change to fit you needs and still look good would be so great and perfect and...! *Ahhh* Yeah! Ya'know?!" 

Sora is at this point a little too close and exuberant with the sales clerk.
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee, Badger, Artorias: 

The guards listen to Elsee's speech, but don't sheath their weapons, and still glare at her disapproving. She gets the sense they'd be more receptive if she were a halfling and gnome--even in the police force, prejudices run deep and she fits perfectly in the stereotype of an impulsive, violent goblin "just like all the others."

And just as she's about to open her mouth to protest, a loud explosion goes off a couple blocks to her left, in the direction of the academy, rattling her and everyone else in the area

 Surdrak:

"Because I can't get a damned drink in this city without something exploding!"  Calix screams.

And just like that, right on cue, there's a huge explosion about ten blocks nort-northeast of Calix and Surdrak. Calix jumps, takes one look, and screams,  "Oh, that's it! I'm going home!"  And indeed he does, fleeing to his manor as fast as his legs will take him.

 Sora: 

The shopkeeper must get people like her all the time. Even as Sora presses into her face, all she does is lean back against the counter. When the cleric finally finishes, panting for breath a little, the shopkeeper thinks, then snaps her fingers.  "Ah! You'd want the glamered armor!" 

She leads Sora to an array of assorted armors, all marked with the same rune, and helps her don a breastplate. And indeed, when Sora concentrates and looks down again, she sees that the breastplate has turned a fashionable shirt. But it still feels like a breastplate.

 "It'll look like anything you want, while still retaining all its proper function and utility!"  she announces, helping Sora out of the breastplate and putting it back on the mannequin.  "We have all sorts of glamered armor here, so take a look around!" 
 
 Spoiler 
You can get any +1 glamered armor you want. It'll be 3700 gp plus the normal price of the armor. If you've been saving up, you should have that much. But only you can answer that, heh. 😉
 
Silverraptor
Sora looks through the store a bit, trying out different armor types, even though most wouldn't work for her to begin with. Finally, she decides on a magical chain shirt and proceeds for 15 more minutes changing the look of the glamour item in a mirror, doing various different poses.

She then looks at the store clerk in what seemed to be a sexy, school girl outfit while holding a flirting pose.
 "I think this will work. What do you think?" 
Her voice sounded perfectly of the part and role she was pretending to be.
super dark33
 Oy, sto- ern, saend regards to thae familae! 

On retrospect, the idea was dumb. Though he had a lot of fun.

   We should check that explosion.   
  Should we really?  
   You shouldn't let your poor judgement of the moment..   
  No.  

Surdrak walked slowly towards the occurrence's site.
He didn't know what waited, or cared, for that matter.
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak: 

Calix runs off screaming like a little girl as Surdrak waltzes over to the source of the explosion, whistling a chipper tune.

 Sora:

"It looks perfect!"  the shopkeeper says as Sora turns in the mirror, watching the armor shimmer and shine and turn to something with a very exposed midriff.  "Is that all you'll be purchasing today?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Anything else? Though I'm not sure if you can afford anything else.
 
Silverraptor
 "Well let's see." 
She quickly skims through her purse, and then points at the bag. She then speaks to no one in particular.
 "That... plus that... Hmmmm... Should I bother?...Maybe?... Nah..." 
She looks at the store clerk.
 "Nope, that should be it." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Sora:

"You're welcome!"  says the shopkeeper as Sora makes her purchase.  "I hope you enjoy your new armor, and have a great day!" 

No sooner does Sora leave the shop, cycling through various outfits and designs to test the very limits of the glamer's capabilities, than she hears a large explosion several blocks away.
CoffeeIncluded
 Everybody but Sora: 

Everyone rushes with the guards to the sound of the explosion as people flee in the opposite direction. Smoke is rising from one of the buildings as mages and scholars flee out the emergency exit. One wall is nothing but a pile of rubble, the ragged outline of what was once the wall barely visible in the thick smoke.

After a moment the group can see Jadeite staggering out along with everyone else evacuating the building. His hands are clapped firmly over his ears and his red eyes seem almost bloodshot from the smoke, though since they're a bloody red color anyway it's a bit difficult to tell.

 
 Spoiler 
More later, I need to study.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee blinked sevral times before pointing an accusing finger at the Elf.

 "Jadeite blew up a building! Can we just go on reccord that this is like, ten times worse then flying a harmless dragon over town and not bothering anyone? Yeah?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite shakes his head, slowly lowering his hands from his ears.  "That wasn't me,"  he says.  "I was testing the Grindylow samples, preparing solutions of various concentrations, when I heard an explosion. I was barely able to write down the concentrations before we were evacuated. 

Just then, a large sharp appears in the smoke...
Dusk Eclipse
 "Stand back!"  Artorias warns the civilians and eyes the smoke warily. Cursing his lack of glaive, he reaches for the dagger he always carries with him,  it wasn't ideal but it would have to do.
Athedia
Spotting the rest of her friends, of course they had run to the explosion Badger reached for her belt.  Pulling out a throwing axe she handed it to Artorias.  "Take this instead, should work a little better."   She then drew out her bow and nocked an arrow, not drawing back as she waited to see what the danger was.

 
 Spoiler 
It works as a an axe but you can also throw it :)
 
super dark33
Surdrak sighs deeply. You can nearly see the fumes coming out.

 Hae guys. Joost got this suit and had numbaerable drainks and already somthing needs my poor judgment. 

He readies a blast.
His concentration is low, so it simply looks like dark energy and not like ink.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias takes the axe and briefly tests it's balance, giving the Badger a thankful smile.

 
 Spoiler 

Thank you Athedia, but sadly throwing access are light weapons just like daggers and thus I cannot use Power Attack with them, I do appreciate the gesture-.
 
CoffeeIncluded
A smaller figure runs out of the shadows, a shady looking human who screams,  "AAAHHH!!! IT'S OUTTA CONTROL! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!"  as he flees south, towards the Docks.

 "Hey, after him!"  the guards shout, giving chase. One of them drops a spear, which clatters to the ground several feet away from Artorias.

And then the shadow comes closer, and rises out of the fog...and turns into a figure, and roars.

A giant figure, a slumping heap of stitched-together flesh and half-rotted body parts, reeking of equal parts decay and formaldehyde. It roars and slams waxy-looking fists down onto the rubble, making whatever's left of the wall collapse into bricks.

 
 Spoiler 
initiative and a map when I get back.

Knowledge (arcana): [roll0] 25
 

 "That's a flesh golem,"  Jadeite says.  "A creature animated by a bound earth elemental,  cobbled together from corpses and parts of corpses, and  highly  illegal. It must have gone berserk; it will keep rampaging until it is destroyed!" 
CoffeeIncluded
Initiative:

 
 Spoiler 

Surdrak:  (d20+3)[ 5 ] 
Jadeite:  (d20+2)[ 17 ] 
Badger:  (d20+4)[ 5 ] 
Sora:  (d20+2)[ 5 ] 
Artorias:  (d20+2)[ 11 ] 
Elsee:  (d20+4)[ 13 ] 
Flesh Golem:  (d20-1)[ 13 ] 
 


Initiative block order:
 
 Spoiler 
Jadeite
Flesh Golem
Everyone Else
 

 Map 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite's eyes widen as he sees the flesh golem. He rushes down the street towards everyone but Sora and claps his hands together.  "You must be faster than this to defeat it." 
 
 Spoiler 
Jadeite casts Haste on Badger, Elsee, Artorias, Kheel, and Surdrak.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The Flesh golem roars and moves out of the rubble, charging towards the closest thing it can find.

 
 Spoiler 
Thankfully it can't charge through the rubble, so Badger's spared a hit for now.

Everyone else is up!
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Ok we know what it is, how do we kill it?"  Artorias replies with just a little annoyance on his voice. Thinking quickly Artorias drops the dagger in his hand and swiftly retrieves a small tanglefooftbag, he throws it towards the berserk construct and as soon as the projectile leave his hand he runs back to where the careless guard dropped the spear.

 
 Spoiler 

Free Action:Drop dagger
2nd free action: Draw tanglefoot bag
Standard action: Throw it at the golen
Ranged Attack Roll  (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  Attack bonus 6-2 (range increment penalty)
Move Action: Run to 13, H and pick the spear if I can.

If I can pick up the spear on this round use swift action to initiate sudden leap to jump closer to the golem, check just in case
Jumlp  (1d20+13)[ 30 ] 
 
super dark33
Surdrak moves towards the golem,

 
 Spoiler 
I'm on my phone, can't see the map.
 


He simply throws the blast at the golem. No need for being dramatic.


 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+6)[ 14 ] 
 (5d6)[ 17 ]  mortalbane: works on anything!
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee doesn't even bother drawing her blades right away, instead planting her feet firmly on the ground and throwing both arms palm-um in an accusing matter before shouting in an extremely annoyed voice.

 "Eye'm getting pulled over for riding around a COMPLETELY TAME dragonoid and the frikkin wizards are makeng a geyeant ass FREAKENG FLESH GOLEM and get away scott free! Eye am SO calleng racest bullshet on thes! Eye want meye lawyer!" 

Still ranting loudly but in a much less audible tone as the flesh golem causes a ruckass, Elsee climbs onto Kheel's back once more and attempts to direct the hatchling via gestures and broken speech to fly straight upwards and out of the creature's reach. If she could get above this thing and land somewhere on it's back where it wouldn't be able to reach her due to it's larger form and thicker arms, and her smaller frame and higher dexterity, she might be able to chip away at a few vital-ish points while remaining mostly unharmed.

 
 Spoiler 

Handle animal: (d20+4)[ 20 ]
Ride: (d20+7)[ 10 ]
 
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee takes to the sky on Kheel's back, but she's clinging to his neck. She can't have them both attack at once.

 
 Spoiler 
either you or Kheel can attack this round. Who do you want to attack?
 


Surdrak's spell fizzles impotently against the golem. It doesn't even seem to notice. Then the warlock gets an idea. He runs in front of the deep construction pit and braces himself.

Artorias races towards the spear as he flings a tanglefoot bag over his shoulder. It just barely bursts against the golem

 
 Spoiler 
reflex:  (d20-1)[ 7 ] 
 
super dark33
 Heay golaem, your mom.
Is.
 

Surdrak took the bottle he bought a while ago and took a hefty swig.


 Your moms, are the most known prostitutes in Runite.  


What effect shallow psychological warfare had on a golem was known by none.
Except maybe earth spirits. Those chaotic-neutral self entitled *******s.
Draconi Redfir
 
 Spoiler 
 They're 15-20 feet away from the golem and likely at least 15 feet above it. They can't attack anything this round.
 
CoffeeIncluded
As Elsee flies over the golem, she drops off Kheel to land on the creature's back. Meanwhile, Kheel slashes with his talons as he flies past.

 
 Spoiler 
elsee needs to roll balance checks to stay on. I'll roll Kheel's attack later when I can get to a computer.
 
Athedia
Badger looked at the monster, trying to keep her stomach down.  Kheel could take care of him, but someone needed to catch that man.  If Jadeite was telling the truth he had just committed a rather large crime.  Spinning around she took off running after him, determined that he would not get away.
CoffeeIncluded
With her newly enhanced speed, thanks to Jadeite, Badger has little trouble following the soldiers and fleeing Mage. And it's even easier to track the watch down, even without Naga's tracking abilities.

 
 Spoiler 
since you're hasted you'll have no trouble catching up to him, but it'll take a few rounds. Do you want me to pull you out of the initiative order for now and do it separately?
 
Silverraptor
Sora rushes into the direction of the explosion. When she see's a flesh golem, she stops short, staring at it in horror. When a shadow goes by her alerting her to Kheel, she knew the rest of the group was there. She focuses on her amulet, drawing the most powerful spell she could.

 "Summon Monster III!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Finally finished. She summons a celestial bison.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Kheel bites into the creature as the celestial bison appears in front of Sora and charges straight at the golem.

 
 Spoiler 
Kheel attack:
Attack:  (d20+9)[ 17 ]  (hits after flank)
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+4)[ 6 ]  (1 after DR)

Celestial bison attack:
Attack:  (d20+10)[ 14 ]  (hits after charge and flank)
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (d8+9)[ 15 ]  (10 after DR)
 


The bison rams deep into the golem, goring what would be a grievous and bloody injury if the golem had any blood to speak of. Meanwhile, up above, Kheel bites in deep but immediately spits out in disgust (all over Elsee) when he tastes the rotten half-preserved flesh of the monster.
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite groans.  "I have few spells prepared today to do damage against such a creature; I prepared spells for research! But get the golem into that pit; I have a fireball spell that can slow it down! Badger!"  he shouts as the ranger rushes past,  "If you are going to retrieve the creator of the golem, bring him back here! He may be able to cease its rampage!"  And with that, the elf points out his finger and sends three spiraling missiles towards the golem.

 
 Spoiler 
Magic Missile:  (3d4+3)[ 11 ]  (6 after DR)
 
CoffeeIncluded
The golem isn't, of course, enraged by Surdrak's words--he doesn't even know what the warlock is saying. But Surdrak is the closest target, and the flesh golem barrels forward, moving to trample him underfoot as he tries to buck off Elsee.

 
 Spoiler 
Strength check to buck off Elsee (Balance check to counter it):  (d20+5)[ 10 ] 

The flesh golem moves to Overrun Surdrak. Surdrak gets an AoO against the flesh golem and can choose to move out of the way while the golem runs past him into the pit, or try to resist the overrun attempt.

Everybody's up!
 
super dark33
Surdrak attempts to give the golem what-for with his fist, knowing it is futile.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  attack
 (1d3)[ 3 ]  gauntlet damage
 


Surdrak stumbles out of the Juggerstein's way as it attempts to run him over.
he gulps as he takes out his needlessly fancy crowbar and attempts to pry out some bits of flesh.

 
 Spoiler 
Forged by old orc masters, on coal mined from the depths of the dwarven lands ignited by branches from the elder trees in elven lands, this crowbar is double-masterwork: both for its tool qualities and its weapon qualities.

 (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  attack
 (1d6)[ 6 ]  damage
This is incredibly hopeless.

In case i can attack again because of haste, ill roll again.

 (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  attack
 (1d6)[ 4 ]  damage
 
CoffeeIncluded
As Surdrak steps out of the way of the flesh golem, he draws a shallow gouge in its flank. The golem doesn't notice and keeps running...into the pit, where it immediately plummets 20 feet into the half-finished construction site.

 
 Spoiler 
tumble;  (d20-1)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 2 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 1 ] 

Does dr hold for falling damage? If not, 3 falling damage. Elsee is fine
 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Spoiler 
 Balance: (d20+3)[ 16 ]
 


Elsee is just barely able to hold onto the flesh golem as it runs, attempts to buck her off, and eventually falls into the pit. All the while she's stil lshouting incomprehendibly over the sound of the rampaging beast, digging her Kurkri into it's flesh in an attempt to find a weak spot, though not having very much luck.

 
 Spoiler 
 Attack: (d20+6)[ 22 ]
Damage: (d3+2)[ 3 ]

Attack: (d20+6)[ 21 ]
Damage: (d3+2)[ 4 ]
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias takes the spear and makes a mighty leap over Jadeite heads landing in front of the Golem and tries to stab him twice.

 
 Spoiler 


Sudden Leap to (12,O) by my calculations I need a 30 on the check and I can make over Jadeite even on a 1) Jump Check  (1d20+25)[ 26 ] 
Full attack on the golem, power attacking for 3. Atacking twice thanks to  Haste 
Attack 1 (1d20+5)[ 12 ]  (+ 4 BAB +3 Str +1 Haste -3 PA)
Crit Confirmation  (1d20+5)[ 10 ] 
Damage  (1d8+11)[ 16 ]  (5 str +6 power attack)

Attack 2 (1d20+5)[ 24 ]  (+ 4 BAB +3 Str +1 Haste -3 PA)
Crit Confirmation  (1d20+5)[ 25 ] 
Damage  (1d8+11)[ 19 ]  (5 str +6 power attack)
 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias falls flat on his face.

But then, scrambling to his feet, he manages to rush the golem and stab it deep. The spear gets sucked into the flesh with a sick squelching sucking noise.

Elsee's daggers do absolutely nothing.
CoffeeIncluded
Kheel dives into the pit, digging in his talons this time, rising up above as Jadeite shouts in Draconic,   "Get out of the pit, Kheel!"   But just before he flies up and out, Kheel pauses in case Elsee wants to get on.

 
 Spoiler 
Kheel attacks. Elsee can grab onto him if she wants.

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 21 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+4)[ 8 ]  3 damage after dr
 


Meanwhile, the bison paws at the ground and charges into the pit, lowering her horns as she soars into the pit and plummets right on top of the flesh golem, lowering her horns to gore the golem once more. Though, she doesn't see Elsee until she's already falling.

 
 Spoiler 
Charge attack:  (d20+12)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (d8+9)[ 13 ] 
Falling damage to the golem (Elsee must make a reflex save DC 12 to avoid damage, unless she gets on Kheel:  (6d6)[ 23 ]  31 damage after dr
 


Kheel scores several deep slashes in the flesh golem, and a bison falling on top of the golem does exactly what one would expect.
super dark33
 Aelsy get oot of thaer! Ye caen baerly scraink oom! 

Surdrak stands near the maw of the pit and looks downwards.
His vision is blurred from that last swig. Maybe he should drink no more.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneered at the flesh golem as her attacks did nothing, twisting her blade into the golem's hide in a desperate bit to draw some form of fluid or dig beneath the protective layer of fat, nothing. Huffing in frustration Elsee finally gave up, this whole ordeal had better have gotten the stinking guards off of her back or she was almost definitely going to throw another hissyfit.

With nothing else she could do, the Goblin leapt the short distance onto Kheel's back, muttering an apology as her landing tugged slightly on his wings while she wrapped her arms around his neck.
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee clings to Kheel's scaly legs, his sharp talons curled in as if a clenched fist, and the wyvern carries Elsee out of the pit. They hover a few feet above the golem and the bison.

 
 Spoiler 
Youre both considered flatfooted and Kheel can't use his claw attack attack until Elsee lets go.
 
Silverraptor
Sora focuses, putting all her faith in Astrid.

 "Prayer!" 
CoffeeIncluded
As Sora rushes forwards and casts her spell, everyone--even Elsee--finds themselves suffused with a soft light and increased vigor. Something around the flesh golem seems to dim at the same time.

And then the flesh golem immediately lights up again, as Jadeite shouts with far too much eagerness,  "Fireball!" 

Another explosion fills the air, echoing against the well, almost as loud as the initial explosion that brought down the wall of the building. Elsee, Artorias, and Kheel feel heat against their feet, but suffer little damage--the fireball detonated against the pit bottom, 20 feet below. Artorias feels the ground buck and crack against the force of the spell under his feet, but it thankfully holds firm. When the smoke clears, the golem is still standing, but its flesh seems to have melted and warped together--its hands are now one big mitt, and parts of its legs seem to have sloughed into the pit, which is growing damper by the minute as groundwater seeps into the new cracks.

And then the smell hits, the ghastly stench of burning chemicals and flesh and singed wooly hair from the celestial bison.

 
 Spoiler 
The flesh golem is slowed for  (2d6)[ 8 ]  rounds.
The Celestial bison takes  (5d6)[ 18 ]  damage, reflex save:  (d20+4)[ 14 ]  13 damage after DR.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The flesh golem roars and smashes its melted fingers against the bison.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+8)[ 10 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (2d8+5)[ 10 ] 
 


The melted fists miss the bison, instead slapping the edge of the pit.

Meanwhile, following Naga's lead, Badger cuts through an alleyway, barging past the pursuing watch, to find the sleazy mage trying to climb over a fence. It looks like he's failing miserably.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias stares at the deformed golem for a fraction of a second before finding a small place where the mangled and seared flesh seemed thinner and weaker. Striking swift Artorias stabs the golem in that precise spot.

 
 Spoiler 

Standard Action: Initiate  Emerald Razor 
Attack is resolved vs. touch AC  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  Power Attacking for 4
Crit Confirmation  (1d20+4)[ 8 ] 
Damage  (1d8+13)[ 14 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias's spear seems to be sucked into the golem's flesh, but then comes out, taking unidentified wiggly rubbery...things...with it. The golem looks significantly battered.
Athedia
As Badger spotted the man she slowed and raised her bow aiming at his back.   "Drop and face me or I will fire." 
 
 Spoiler 
Ready action to fire and resume pursuit if he continues to flee.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The Mage looks at badger, yelps, them tries to climb faster.

 
 Spoiler 
climb:  (d20-1)[ 6 ] 

Want to deploy Naga?
 


He fails rather anticlimactically, as a piece of his robes snags onto a jutting nail, and with a lout tearing noise falls away,, exposing his pink-washed boxers for the world to see.
Athedia
The man was pathetic.  She wouldn't shoot that.   "Naga, go catch the fish." 
CoffeeIncluded
Naga jumps up, grabbing the man's boot and dragging it and the Mage with it to the ground. He falls with a heavy thud, sits up with a groan, then sees Badger. Immediately he jumps to his feet and begins looking around for a place to escape.

And yet somehow his hat remains firmly attached to his head.
Athedia
 "Sir, running will only get you hurt.  Now my friend called that a flesh golem.  I don't know if that is true but he also said to bring you back.  Thing is, he never said to bring you alive, and as a criminal I could shoot you down on the spot.  But neither of us want that, do we?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Intimidate:  (1d20+2)[ 14 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The man swallows.  "Y-You can't kill me. You won't! You need me alive!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Intimidate Counter:  (d20+2)[ 12 ] 
 


And yet he shrinks under Badger's glare.
Athedia
 "My friends talk to dragons without fear, you think your little pet will stop them?"   Well it might, she had no clue how her friends were doing.   "So if you think we need you alive, why don't you prove it.  Come back with me and do whatever you magic weirdos do." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "..."  He pauses.  "I don't really have a choice, do I?" 
Athedia
 "You always have a choice." 
CoffeeIncluded
The Mage pauses, and approaches Badger with his hands outstretched.  Then, with a quick turn of his wrist he blasts a ray of colors and sand right into Badger's face. He doesn't even wait to see if she was affected before he takes off, shouting back over his shoulder,  "Sorry about that, but I can't go to jail!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Color spray. Will save 15 or be stunned for one round.
 
super dark33
Surdrak reached again for his bottle, but before he could kiss the maw, he felt a slap across his spiritual face.

He was inspired to take action, and also to use the neat thing he learnt.

 
 Spoiler: Sapphire Crowbar Attack! 

 (1d20+8)[ 23 ]  Concentration
 (1d20+5)[ 24 ]  Attack
 (1d6+1)[ 2 ]  crowbar damage
 (1d6)[ 4 ]  sapphire damage
 


After managing to penatrate the flesh, Surdrak attempted to pry out as much meat as he could.

 
 Spoiler: Normal Crowbar Attack! 

 (1d20+5)[ 15 ]  Attack
 (1d6+1)[ 7 ]  crowbar damage
 
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak strikes a shallow debt, but the second hit slams against the edge of the pit.
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+3)[ 16 ] 
here is to hoping
 


Badger shook the lights off and sprinted after the mage. She wasn't going to be nice the next time she caught him.
CoffeeIncluded
The Mage turns around, sees Badger in hot pursuit, screams, and tries to run faster. Which is rather difficult when he's got one hand pressed to his head to keep his hat from flying off.
Silverraptor
Sora, taking into account that things seem to be going their way still, decided to give a little nudge more in their way.

 "Summon Monster II!" 
 
 Spoiler 
One riding Dog summon.😉
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee huffs a bit as everyone else gets to attack the golem but she doesn't, it wasn't even fair for this thing to be around in the first place, oh suuure getting on a goblin's ass for having a oet and/or new mount was TOTALLY a job for the entire royal guard, but a bunch of magic freaks sowing together the flesh of the dead into a giant hulking abombonaition of Astrid? Naaah! WEe can let that one slide until it gets out and actually starts doing stuff! Why bother doing our jobs and preventing crimes from happening when there are so many jaywalking Goblins to throw to the Gallows!?

Needless to say all this thinking hadn't done anything but upset Elsee even more, so likely foolishly, she dropped from Kheel's talons and began attacking the golem once more, still shouting out various indecipherable profanities in goblin, mostly about stupid magic users and everything she had just thought up a moment before.

 
 Spoiler 

Taking haste + prayer into account, full-round action

Attack: (d20+8)[ 19 ]
Attack: (d20+8)[ 26 ]
Attack: (d20+8)[ 9 ]

Damage:(d3+3)[ 4 ]
Damage:(d3+3)[ 6 ]
Damage:(d3+3)[ 5 ]

Aaaand balance check to not die:
(d20+4)[ 17 ]
 
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee drops from Kheel's talons onto the golem's back; her feet sink a little into the scorched partially melted flesh. Frustration drives her blows and Elsee finally, finally manages to penetrate and hit something other than thick dead skin. Of course, immediately afterwards her Kukri slips against it's hide and nearly cuts the goblin herself.

 
 Spoiler 
ill have Kheel and the Summons attack...actually, I'll do it right now. It's not fair to keep you all hanging.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Kheel swoops down onto the flesh golem in a flurry of claws and teeth.

 
 Spoiler 
attack:  (d20+10)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ] 

attack:  (d20+8)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+5)[ 8 ] 

attack:  (d20+8)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 10 ] 

attack:  (d20+10)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+5)[ 11 ] 
 


The riding dog howls, then jumps onto the flesh golem, trying to sink in its teeth.

 
 Spoiler 
attack:  (d20+5)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d6+3)[ 9 ] 
 


The celestial bison, its hair still singed and scorched, paws the sticky, dampening, disgusting ground and attacks again.

 
 Spoiler 
attack:  (d20+9)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d8+10)[ 13 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
After a successful hit, Kheel lashes out his stinger once more. Meanwhile, the dog misses his bite attack, but the the bison gores the golem once more, all the way up to the base of her horns.

 
 Spoiler 
forgot Kheel's haste

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite loads the crossbow he drew just moments before, awkwardly levels it at the golem's head and fires. The sudden force of the bolt's release causes him to stagger back a couple steps.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+7)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d8+1)[ 6 ] 
 


The bolt misses, but the flesh golem looks battered and falling apart regardless; it can't take much more of this assault.
CoffeeIncluded
The golem slams its fists down on the bison once again.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+10)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (2d8+5)[ 15 ] 
 


This time he deals a heavy blow to the beast.
Athedia
Badger ran at the man again, raising her fist back and swinging at his face.   
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+6)[ 17 ] 
Damage  (1d3)[ 2 ]  plus 1 if strength is added.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Badger easily punches the mage in the face. It's a hard direct blow, and she feels something firm yet softer than bone bend and give way. The man staggers back, clapping his hands to his nose even as blood spurts out between his fingers and down the front of his face. As Naga lowers into a fighting stance and lets out a low warning rumble, Badger hears the clanking of several watchmen not far behind her.
Athedia
 "No more tricks.  Understand?" 
super dark33
Surdrak repeats his attempts.

He now aims for the neck, to pry out the head.


 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+5)[ 14 ]  attack
 (1d6+1)[ 6 ]  damage

Second attack
 (1d20+5)[ 10 ]  attack
 (1d6+1)[ 5 ]  damage
 
CoffeeIncluded
As the nearly two-dozen watchmen round the corner, and the mage stares down a livid Badger and Naga, he seems to slump, the fight having gone out of him.
CoffeeIncluded
As Surdrak tries to pry the golem's head off...well, it would have been a fatal blow, if not for the masses and masses of congealing flesh in the way.

 
 Spoiler 
It's almost down; one good hit will take it out.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias twirls the spear over his head, sending flesh golem bits and piecies flying all over the street.  "You better stay DOWN !"  Artorias snarls as he stabs the golem once more.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 

Initiate  Rabid Wolf Strike 
Attack roll  (1d20+10)[ 16 ]  (4 BAB+ 3 Str + 1 haste+ 1 prayer +4 RWS - 3 Power Attack)
Crit confirmation  (1d20+10)[ 20 ] 
Spear Damage  (1d8+11)[ 13 ]  RWS damage  (2d6)[ 9 ] 
-4 AC until next round.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias just manages to thrust his spear into the golem. It splits open with a muffled tearing sound, and gems and items spill out of the golem's chest onto the increasingly filthy ground as the creature stops moving.

 
 Spoiler 
And he's down! I'll roll for treasure tomorrow morning.
 
CoffeeIncluded
As Artorias slices open the golem's torso and finishes it, a small pile of gold and gems falls out, followed by a potion and a necklace with a large stag beetle inside a hunk of amber, which make a clinking sound as they fall into the pile of gold.
Athedia
Badger hauled the still bleeding mage up by his collar.   "Let's go visit my friends and look at that thing you created.  I will feed you to it if it is still alive by the time we get there." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee blinks as she rides the mass if melting flesh to the bottom of the pit, her eyes focused on the gems, gold, and amulet.


 "Anyone wanna explain to me why we were just fighting an oversized pinata!?" 
super dark33
 Wael, maebae it be the cause of a birth or ae partae of soome sart, who caers 

Surdrak finished his bottle and gently put it on the ground.

 I be drinkean either wae.

Oi, gimme that aemulet would ye? 
CoffeeIncluded
The sleazy Mage starts whimpering as Badger hauls him back to the others, the guards keeping their spears pointed directly at him the whole while.

Back at the scene of the fight, Jadeite smirks at Elsee's crack, but when Surdrak starts drunkenly reaching for the amulet the elf says,  "I think not,"  and snatches it up and gives it to Sora.  "If I remember correctly this amulet will summon a large beetle for a short period of time. As you seem to enjoy summon spells I believe you will achieve the most use with this." 

Just then Badger reappears on the scene, still dragging the runaway Mage behind her and with all the guards in tow as well. As the Mage sees the ruined body of the construct and the group distributing the loot found within, he pulls his cap down over his head and cries,  "No! Not my stash! I-I mean..."  he trails off, looking back at the decidedly unamused guards.

Seconds later he's being placed in manacles as the leader of his group (the only one with the emblem of Runite so large on his breastplate) looks at Elsee and Kheel, who is rubbing his tongue against the back of his wing.

 "This beast yours?"  he asks.
Athedia
As the mage was being put in shackles Badger attempted to fix his nose.  Even if the punch had felt good, she couldn't do that permanently.  The fact that the fix would hurt almost as much as the breaking didn't discourage her either.

 
 Spoiler 
Heal  (1d20+6)[ 13 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The Mage screams out as Badger twists his nose back into place.
Athedia
Badger plucked the hat off his head as he screamed.   "Since my friends took the payment for saving the city, I feel I deserve something for medical attention." 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias pockets a few gems* before approaching Elsee and the guard's leader. He says nothing, but stands close to the goblin and Wyvern, giving them silent support.


 
 Spoiler: * 
Not sure how many would be fair, so let's assume he takes the amount we agree on the OOC thread.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "No!"  he shouts, jumping up and trying to snatch back his hat, a floppy gray cap that's worn to patches in areas.  "Give it back!" 

Artorias splits the money into six equal parts.
Athedia
 "Just teasing, calm down.  But don't"  at this she grabbed his collar and pulled him toward her face.   "Don't EVER try that lights trick again." 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Seconds later he's being placed in manacles as the leader of his group (the only one with the emblem of Runite so large on his breastplate) looks at Elsee and Kheel, who is rubbing his tongue against the back of his wing.

 "This beast yours?"  he asks. 
 

Elsee grins and folds her arms under her chest as she looks up to the guard

 "for the moment at least. Or did you not hear the story behind him before  The wizards made a giant honkin flesh golem that started attacking people ?" 

Elsee put special emphasis on those final words, subtly trying to point out the general fact that man-made abominations that attack people are usually of more concern then small baby reptiles that COULD attack people but actually don't.
CoffeeIncluded
 "What, it's not like it was gonna kill--Mmmph!" 

The Mage is dragged back by the guards who clap a hands over his mouth; as he's pulled back his hat slips over his eyes.  "I guess we'll have to add resistig arrest to your long list of charges,"  one of the guards says.

Meanwhile, the head watchman warily eyes Kheel.  "I'll grant you he doesn't seem to be a menace,"  he says.  "But the laws are the laws. We simply can't have such potentially dangerous creatures living in the walls of Runite. And even if we did, you wouldn't be able to claim ownership of him without a permit, and only citizens can get exotic beast permits."  And Elsee is once again reminded of her second-class status of a Plavaan, and of the political debate raging throughout the city right now.

 
 Spoiler 
id parse the statement if I were you. Oh, and do you mind if I age Kheel up a bit, from a kid to an early adolescent? I don't want  baby  babies fighting in my game.
 
Athedia
Hearing the guard Badger had to speak up.  She didn't approve of Elsee's disregard of common sense.  But Kheel was still her responsibility, she had promised Felix.   "Technically both Kheel and Elsee belong with the guild.  I am sure you know Senator Leif, are you saying he is not qualified to have such a creature and its trainer in the city?" 
CoffeeIncluded
The watchman pauses. If Kheel belonged to Leif, that would clear up many of the issues. But the watchman presses forward, the law at his back.  "Even if this wyvern belongs to Leif,"  he says,  "He still couldn't live within the city." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee rolled here eyes and rolled a hand on her wrist as she spoke, as if trying to hurry things along or fast-forward the argument.

 "Well of COURSE he's not gunna spend his entire life here, we're just taken care of the little guy while we get someone else all ready to leave the city 'nd live out on his own. once that happens he'll be leavin the city for good 'nd not botherin anyone." 
 
 Spoiler 


Yeah it's fine. Though Elsee was mostly trying to get a small bit of sympathy from the guards when she said he was a baby... and/or low wisdom scores and lack of knowledge about wyvverns doesn't really help her identify the age groups of flying lizards/
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Elsee, you're not in a position to be rude,"  Jadeite says. But the watchman is already rubbing his chin thoughtfully.  "I suppose if he lives outside the city, it wouldn't be illegal..."  he misses, half to himself.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee rolled her eyes at Jadite's comment before responding to the guard's, she had every right to be rude while being pestered by guards for doing nothing wrong while a wizard who made a giant flesh golem that almost killed a ton of people was getting away with a few days in jail.

 "MmmHmmm. 'Nd we plan to have him do just that, but we can't do that until our guy has all hes shet en order, so we figured we may as well put 'im to good use helpin us out. He pretty much took out that golem thing all on his own yaknow!" 
CoffeeIncluded
The watchman grits his teeth. He then sighs and holds out his hand.  "I am going to need some proof, and a follow-up with Senator Leif. Especially since that ha--Cecil used poison in his murders." 
Athedia
Badger caught the guards slip.  Giving a twisted grin she nodded.   "You're right, I always have found the human half to be rather twisted.  But Kheel here was damaged by him, I doubt if he could produce more poison than I." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee put a hand to her chin for a moment as she thought, idly scratching her skin with her fingers before finally elbowing Jadeite in the leg, for the first time feeling glad Kheel couldn't understand her when she spoke.

 "Oi. Yaknow of any reverseable way to harmlessly shut down 'is poision making? might make our "freinds" here more comfortable if we could, though i doubt he'd ever use it on someone the way we're treatin him anyways." 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite shakes his head.  "You would have to physically remove the glands that produce and secrete the venom, and probably remove his stinger on top of that. It seems unnecessarily cruel. I am sure you could just cover it with some sort of shielding so Kheel could not use the stinger in the first place." 

The watchman pauses at the group's words.  "I suppose I could talk to some of the others, and bring this forward to Senator Leif...tomorrow,"  he says, looking up at the sky. Long shadows are cast from the buildings onto the ground and the sky has taken on an almost golden tone--it's getting dark. If Elsee wants to go to the blacksmith, she needs to hurry.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee huffed and folded her arms over her chest once more in an exadurated pout, still not understanding what the huge issue was.

 "Nnnkay, yeah, great, fine. now can eye go now!? i've been TRYING to visit somebody  all day  but everytime i get close some brat keeps dragging me away to do this or that or the other thing, 'nd i have a date ina few days so i'd  really  rather get this over with sooner then later!" 
 
 Spoiler 

Why would she want to go to the blacksmith?
 
super dark33
 I'm gooin tae thae guild.
Boye.  

Surdrak walked back slowly, to not lose his balance.

After a while he started whistling the chipper tune again, though less well than before.
Silverraptor
Sora watches Suradrak walk off. After waiting for him to walk out of earshot, she whispers to the group.

 "You think he's upset about the amulet?" 

She held it in her hands, showing it off to the group.
Athedia
 "I think he is heading in the wrong direction."   Badger could smell the drink from here and she didn't even have Artorias's powers.  She didn't like Surdrak, but that warlock would find himself lost in an alley at this rate.  Carefully she steered him around and left with him, Naga on the other side to make sure he got back to the guild.
CoffeeIncluded
 "No,"  Jadeite says with a barely-concealed grin.  "Let him wander off, explore the city. He's already rather keen on joining his fellow marine friends, considering he's as drunk as one." 

Elsee wanders off to the blacksmith. If she wants to get a saddle for Kheel ordered today she'll have to do it quickly; he'll close soon.
Dusk Eclipse
 "I'll see you guys later, I need to do something" Artorias runs off trying to find the silversmith apprentice and the orc brothers.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee groaned to herself and kicked a loose pebble into a nearby wall as she walked, Feliks' place was on the other side of town  Again!  and if she actually wanted to get anything  done  today she'd have to go to the blacksmiths since it was closer. and she was right next too it too before those guards swarmed her, stupid city guards putting more concern in pulling over innocent goblins over actual criminals grumble mumble, can't do their own jobs properly so the mercenaries need to do it grumble complain, should just cover the rooftops in pissed off goblins, that'd show them mumble rant...
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias comes across the orcs and apprentice several blocks away. Both watch where Artorias came from with interest and apprehension. He also sees the younger Orc holding a piece of silver, which he seems to be turning over in his hands. However he puts it back in the apprentice's hands when he sees the warblade coming.

 
 Spoiler 
more later.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Are you ok?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee groaned to herself and kicked a loose pebble into a nearby wall as she walked, Feliks' place was on the other side of town  Again!  and if she actually wanted to get anything  done  today she'd have to go to the blacksmiths since it was closer. and she was right next too it too before those guards swarmed her, stupid city guards putting more concern in pulling over innocent goblins over actual criminals grumble mumble, can't do their own jobs properly so the mercenaries need to do it grumble complain, should just cover the rooftops in pissed off goblins, that'd show them mumble rant... 
 

The dark streets seem suffused with a softer light, cast by the long shadows of the afternoon. Elsee and Kheel manage to make it to the blacksmith mere minutes before he closes.

The blacksmith is actually bent over a small pile of knives, sorting them and placing tags on each hilt. He looks up when Elsee enters and smile.  "Ah! You're...Elsee, right? One of Artorias's coworkers?" 

 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "Are you ok?"  
 

 "Yes,"  all three say in near unison.

 "What was that thing?"  the apprentice asks.

 "Have you stopped it?"  asks the older orc.

 Sora: 

The stag beetle seems to crawl within the amber. It should be gross, but it isn't. Not really. Not with it's bright colors, reds and blues and the iridescent sheen of its carapace.
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Sora: 

The stag beetle seems to crawl within the amber. It should be gross, but it isn't. Not really. Not with it's bright colors, reds and blues and the iridescent sheen of its carapace. 
 

When the beetle moved, Sora nearly dropped it from fright and instantly held it as far away from her as possible. After a moment of examining it from arm's length she slowly brought it closer to have a better look at the different colors. Her attention is fixated and absolute, paying no attention to her surroundings.
CoffeeIncluded
 Sora: 

Sora's definitely never seen a stag beetle that color before. It's almost certainly magical, just like Jadeite said.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Good, it was a flesh golem and yes, we stopped it before it burt anybody" 

Seeing the younger's orc apparent interest in the silver piece.
 "What is so interesting about that?"  he asks him in a somewhat amused tone.
CoffeeIncluded
The Orc pauses, stumbling for a moment.  "Ah, n-nothing. I just find it interesting, how you work such designs into the metal, and quickly. Does the metal still work? Or is it for show after?" 

The older Orc sighs, then mutters something quietly to his younger brother In their native tongue. He then says, in a thick accent, probably for the benefit of Artorias and the apprentice,  "Why do you speak to us like this? I know your words and thoughts. You believe us Plavaan to be below you. That we never learn to work silver like you. That we are bad and dirty. And so you call us sub-human. But you have not. Why?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The Orc pauses, stumbling for a moment.  "Ah, n-nothing. I just find it interesting, how you work such designs into the metal, and quickly. Does the metal still work? Or is it for show after?" 
 "It depends, some pieces are purely ornamental, others are used, but mostly in stuff like cutlery and the like" 

The older Orc sighs, then mutters something quietly to his younger brother In their native tongue. He then says, in a thick accent, probably for the benefit of Artorias and the apprentice,  "Why do you speak to us like this? I know your words and thoughts. You believe us Plavaan to be below you. That we never learn to work silver like you. That we are bad and dirty. And so you call us sub-human. But you have not. Why?" 
 "Excuse me? When have  I  ever shown I think of Plavaan to be below me or that I think of you as sub-humans. You are a person just like me."  
 

 whitetextofposting+1 
CoffeeIncluded
The Orc pauses.  "I did not mean you alone, but you your kind."  He seems to be taking a moment to process this.  "There are not many like you in Nordica. Even here, there are few."

"Well, what about your son's friend?"  the younger Orc chimes in.  "The halfling child, Emil? I've never heard him call Mezzet or any of us sub-human or any other of those awful things. You'll have to forgive me,"  he says, turning to Artorias.  "My older brother has an...unpleasant history with humanoids." 
The older Orc glares at him, telling him to shut up with a gaze. The apprentice is clutching her silver to her chest, not sure what to make or think or how to respond to this.
Dusk Eclipse
 "I'm sorry, I've lived all my life in Runite and I didn't know things where worse there." 

He turns to the younger orc "I see, well if you need anything, come to Leif's guild and ask for Artorias". 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The dark streets seem suffused with a softer light, cast by the long shadows of the afternoon. Elsee and Kheel manage to make it to the blacksmith mere minutes before he closes.

The blacksmith is actually bent over a small pile of knives, sorting them and placing tags on each hilt. He looks up when Elsee enters and smile.  "Ah! You're...Elsee, right? One of Artorias's coworkers?"  
 

Elsee looked up from her pouting to see the blacksmith, nodding her head a bit as she spoke.  "Yeaah that's me. You open long enough to take a request still?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias:

"You are lucky,"  says the older Orc.  "This is...a good place. Though it is not home." 

The younger one smiles.  "Thank you. I will be sure to remember this." 

They turn to leave, and then stop. One quickly doubles back and asks,  "Actually, what powers does the guild possess?"

Elsee:

"Of course I can take a request!"  mr. Kaathe says with a grin.  "But whether I can do it in the next few minutes is another question!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Artorias:

"You are lucky,"  says the older Orc.  "This is...a good place. Though it is not home." 

The younger one smiles.  "Thank you. I will be sure to remember this." 

They turn to leave, and then stop. One quickly doubles back and asks, [B]"Actually, what powers does the guild possess?" 
 

 
"Legally? Not much really, we are a private company even if Senator Leif is our boss, but we can take on pretty much anything, catching murderers? Been there, done that. Bringing back a runaway girl? Yep, if someone is bothering you or your family; we might have to have words with them."  he finish with a feral smile.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee nodded a bit before pointing a thumb over her shoulder to the Kheel standing next to her.

 "Think ya made one for 'im already, but any chance i could get a saddle for this guy? ned somethin that'll keep me on but still let me jump out 'nd back in if i need too." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  
"Legally? Not much really, we are a private company even if Senator Leif is our boss, but we can take on pretty much anything, catching murderers? Been there, done that. Bringing back a runaway girl? Yep, if someone is bothering you or your family; we might have to have words with them."  he finish with a feral smile. 
 

 "Do you do...contracts? Business deals?"  the orc asks, stumbling over the word.


 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee nodded a bit before pointing a thumb over her shoulder to the Kheel standing next to her.

 "Think ya made one for 'im already, but any chance i could get a saddle for this guy? ned somethin that'll keep me on but still let me jump out 'nd back in if i need too."  
 

He frowns.  "That's a bit unorthodox. Most riders of flying beasts ask for just the opposite. In fact, that's the standard for aerial saddles. You can't exactly leap out of them without a bit of luck and skill, but you sure as hell ain't going to be knocked out of them either. Falling tends to be a bit of a concern when you start a hundred feet up instead of ten." 
 
 Spoiler 
The standard aerial saddle is a modified military saddle that adds +5 to the fast mount/dismount DC. However, in exchange,  you can never fall out of the saddle.  You can never be knocked out of the saddle. The only way you can get out of the saddle is to either dismount or be physically ripped out, and that requires a decent strength check--a giant could probably do it, but an orc, for example, probably could not. Rather handy if you're on a flying mount and need to do maneuvers like corkscrews or something, or just fighting in midair.

Or he could do a standard military saddle with none of these modifications. You'll have an easier time doing a fast mount/dismount, but you'll also run the risk of falling or being knocked out of the saddle mid-air. Your choice.
 
super dark33
After wandering the city and throwing garbage at houses of his hated senators, Surdrak returned to the guild.

As he entered his room, a a great burden befell on Surdrak, and he couldn't slump over more than a few steps onto his bed.
Thud.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Do you do...contracts? Business deals?"  the orc asks, stumbling over the word.  
 

Artorias looks a little confused.  "I guess, but to be sure you would have to talk with Senator Leif in the guild." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias:

"Would I be able to arrange a meeting with him?"

Badger: 

Once Badger returns to her room, she finds Surdrak passed out drunk on the floor. Well, partially on the floor. The bottom half, anyway. The top half is sprawled on the edge of her bed, like he tried to crawl up onto it but couldn't quite make it.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Sure, though I don't know if he is at the guild right now, but if you drop on tomorrow's morning I'm sure he will be glad to meet you" 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  He frowns.  "That's a bit unorthodox. Most riders of flying beasts ask for just the opposite. In fact, that's the standard for aerial saddles. You can't exactly leap out of them without a bit of luck and skill, but you sure as hell ain't going to be knocked out of them either. Falling tends to be a bit of a concern when you start a hundred feet up instead of ten." 
 
 Spoiler 
The standard aerial saddle is a modified military saddle that adds +5 to the fast mount/dismount DC. However, in exchange,  you can never fall out of the saddle.  You can never be knocked out of the saddle. The only way you can get out of the saddle is to either dismount or be physically ripped out, and that requires a decent strength check--a giant could probably do it, but an orc, for example, probably could not. Rather handy if you're on a flying mount and need to do maneuvers like corkscrews or something, or just fighting in midair.

Or he could do a standard military saddle with none of these modifications. You'll have an easier time doing a fast mount/dismount, but you'll also run the risk of falling or being knocked out of the saddle mid-air. Your choice.
 
 
 

Elsee shrugged a bit as she weighed her options in her mind.

 "so far all my opponents have been landbound aaand i'm not really much of a distance fighter, more likely to jump ontop of 'em if i can then not. sooo... i dunno, tht's what i was kinda thinkin with the easy-to-get-out-of thing. could probably look for a somethinorother of fether fall to prevent falling to my death." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias:

"Thank you,"  says the younger Orc before turning to his older brother.  "You see? Everything will be okay. Mezzet will get the stage you dream of." 

The apprentice is just watching the orcs, her curiosity growing with every sentence.

 Elsee: 

Mr. Kaathe rubs his thick beard before replying.  "Well, as they say, the customer is always right. I assume this is the same wyvern Feliks ordered a saddle for--HEY! No messing with the inventory!"  he shouts, pointing above Elsee's head at Kheel, who has grabbed a particularly shiny and reflective shield off the wall.

 
 Spoiler 
im going to Rocky Horror with my friends. More in a few hours.
 
Athedia
Badger let out a small growl under her throat that Naga mimicked.  Bad enough she had to keep the creep out of trouble, now he was in her room?  Roughly grabbing his collar she started to drag him to the stables to sleep it off in the manure pile but got a better idea.  Carefully negotiating past the doors she made her way to her old room, which she had traded to Jadeite.  Opening the door and dragging the sleeping Surdrak she placed him in Jadeite's bed and tucked him in.   "Like with like.  A fellow mage should be willing to help you out." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee followed the blacksmith's hand where it pointed, scowling at the sight of Kheel with the sheild, raising a hand to becon him closer and using the other in her best attempt to indicate for him to drop the sheild.

 "Yeaah he's the same one. Been stopped every time i've tried to go to actually talk to the guy about it, but i figure he's gunna be too small for a human to ride for awhile 'nd Goblins don't live too long anyways, he can carry me as he is so why not let me ride around on 'im right? it'll at least train him for Feliks 'nd teach him how to fly around with someone till then right?" 

Handle animal: (d20+4)[ 24 ]
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

Kheel drops the shield and backs away as it clangs on the floor. Mr. Kaathe raises his eyebrows, impressed. He circles Kheel, humming to himself, and finally says,  "I should still have the measurements, so I could get you the saddle in a few days. Would you like some barding with it as well? It will protect him better, but cost a bit more."

Jadeite: 

Jadeite finally comes back to his room, peels back the sheets, and stops. He stares at the passed out Surdrak, then purposefully walks to the end of his room and opens the window, looking to the left to see Badger's balcony.  "Hemlock, would you please slither over there if you can?" 
Athedia
Badger was sitting on her bed, checking her weapons and gear for any damage.  She had hidden the adamant block in her stash and was relaxed from the day's activities.  Sometimes a clean cut obvious crime was nice.
CoffeeIncluded
Once Jadeite feels the presence of Hemlock on Badger's balcony, he points at Surdrak's unconscious form and says, quietly,  "Looks like you'll be camping beneath the stars tonight. Baleful Transposition!" 

Instantly, Surdrak and Hemlock switch places. Jadeite looks out at the skyline. It's already getting pretty dark, and his research was a bust for today. Might as well try again tomorrow. With that thought, he slips under the covers and starts to trance.
Athedia
Badger put her gear away and went to make sure her balcony was shut.  Startled she looked down,   how had Surdrak?  Still sleeping? Jadiete....     She grimaced a little and then prodded Surdrak awake with her foot.   "Surdrak, wrong room.  Let me help you."   This time she helped the still stinking warlock to the correct room and put him in his own bed.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Artorias:

"Thank you,"  says the younger Orc before turning to his older brother.  "You see? Everything will be okay. Mezzet will get the stage you dream of." 

The apprentice is just watching the orcs, her curiosity growing with every sentence.  
 

Artorias notices the pensive expression on the girl's* face.
 "A copper piece for your thoughts Diana?" 
 
 Spoiler: * 
substitute with woman's if it is more appropiate
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger: 

Surdrak's quite heavy, and when Badger's finished tucking him in her hands smell like alcohol and fish.

 Artorias: 

Diana shakes her head.  "It's just, I've never, well, seen orcs like this." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "What do you mean? They are peole, just like you or me" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias:

"I suppose. It's just..."  She trails off again, as if she's trying to piece together the information in her mind.
Draconi Redfir
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Elsee: 

Kheel drops the shield and backs away as it clangs on the floor. Mr. Kaathe raises his eyebrows, impressed. He circles Kheel, humming to himself, and finally says, [B]"I should still have the measurements, so I could get you the saddle in a few days. Would you like some barding with it as well? It will protect him better, but cost a bit more." 
 

Elsee nods silently as she approaches Kheel and gently pets at his head again to show she wasn't mad at him, scratching behind any horns or loose scales she could find while she was at it.

 "Throw in a seperate chunk of whatever metal you use for it and shine it up, somethin tells me the guy's getting the hoarding urges already." 
CoffeeIncluded
Kneel growls, a low happy rumbling noise this time, and lowers his neck so Elsee can more easily reach.

 "I should probably stick to leather,"  he says, taking a tape measurer and stretching it along Kheel's body, down his back and around his head. Finally, he looks at the measurements and rolls up the tape.  "I should be able to get this for you in about a week and a half or so. Studded leather armor and a saddle will come out to 750. Oh, and,"  he indicates the sharp venomous barb at the end of the wyvern's tail,  "We should probably make a cap for that too." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee nodded and continued petting the Wyvvern's head with one hand as the other fumbled through her pouch to count out the right ammount of gold for the human, placing small piles of ten or twenty on the counter behind her as she spoke.

 "Yeaaah, He's probably not gunna like it though, sucks we can't just magically plug up the venom or somethin... Think ya could put somethin nonleathal like a sap or somethin on it so he can still use it as a weapon?" 
 
 Spoiler 
 750gp removed from inventory
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

Mr. Kaathe frowns.  "I's sorry, I don't think you can. I doubt there would be any way anyone would want to or let you have your wyvern attack with that stinger in city limits."  He puts the money in the drawer behind his desk.  "I'm closing shop now, but I should be able to start working on this tomorrow. Though Elsee, I highly suggest you find some way to protect yourself from heights and long falls."

Surdrak: 

Surdrak wakes up some time in the middle of the night. His back hurts, he has a pounding headache, and he stinks of fish, formaldehyde, and booze.
super dark33
Surdrak took one hand and rubbed his back, and used the other to hold his left eyebrow.

Not completely awake, parts of his dream found their way into his vision.
Shades prancing before his eyes, the ground shaking, and his throat is searing.

He got up, a bit too fast, and fell back on his knees.
He got up again, limping towards the door.

The shadow of a tiny abomination passed in front of him, clinging to a nearby wall.


Surdrak arranged his messier hair to the mess it usually is and went to the corridor, to the stairs, downwards and into the food hall.

He took some pieces of salty crackers and cream cheese.
"Rettib Eht llik lliw Etihw dna Dlog"

He sat at a side table and began eating his food.

A plan made its way into his head.


 
 Spoiler 
Prank war has a new contender!
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee merely grinned an rocked back and forth on her heels a bit as she indicated for the Wyvvern to follow her to the door.

 "Ehhh i know a Necrophile dude who probably owes me a favour for maken his dreams come true on a boat, I’ll see if he can get me a somethinorother of fether fallin from the mages guild or somethin. Thanks guy!" 

With that Elsee and the Wyvvern left the store, Elsee indicating the direction of the guild as she once again climbed onto the Wyvvern's back, the streets were all but empty now and the sky was more or less dark, most likely anyone who saw her at this point would be either too drunk to believe it or too against the law to report it.

And she  Still  hasn't visited Feliks to talk to him about this entire dang thing! Stupid guards, stupid kid, stupid golem... okay less-stupid kid but the point remains the same! She made a mental note to try again tomorrow, hoping the gods of bad luck would be favouring on someone else that day rather then her.
CoffeeIncluded
The night passes without issue, and morning comes soon.

As Surdrak makes his way to the cafeteria for a quick breakfast of crackers and cheese, he sees Jadeite there, studying his spellbook while eating a fruit salad with slices of assorted cheeses, soft and white to hard and yellow. If Badger and Sora come down for breakfast, they see them both sitting there.

Elsee wakes to the sounds of Kheel chewing on the bone she tossed him, splintering it between his jaws. She has a lot of things to do today; both for Kheel and herself. And doesn't she have that date tonight too?

When Artorias wakes up to bright sunlight filtering in through his window, he doesn't take much time before getting dressed and heading downstairs for breakfast, he sees two familiar faces. The two orcs he met yesterday are standing in the foyer of the guild, looking somewhat lost and intrigued at the same time.
super dark33
 Unholy rising of the biggest tormentor over the planes to you too Mr. Jaded C**k.  

Surdrak began spreading the creamy cheese onto every cracker he intended to put in his mouth.
It would ease the headache, but not the pain in the back.

 I assume I spoke in my silly home accent last night?  
 
 Spoiler 
You a gotta give some of these four asterixs identity, or else they might be mistaken to some other four asterixs!
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "And a good morning to you as well,"  Jadeite says, seemingly  unperturbed by Surdrak's remarks.  "Poor thing, you're still hungover. Some nice coffee ought to perk you up." 

Jadeite's words are accompanied by a quick twist of his wrist, and the next bite Surdrak takes of his cheese tastes like the bitterest, blackest coffee.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee groaned loudly as she crawled out of her bed, much rather preferring to spend a few more hours in there but not quite having the luxery of the time to do so. Before anything else, Elsee dug her fingers through her hair to check on her most independent of pets Lil Miss, finally finding the small parasite somewhere on her leftern scalp happily drinking away her blood as she had always done. Elsee was glad she didn't need to babysit at least one of her pets, though she didn't really need too with Mr. Sparklescales either, though he likely didn't really count.

Briefly glancing at Kheel to ensure he was alright, Elsee finally went about her mounting routine and joined everyone in the cafeteria below. Cheese and crackers... blegh.
CoffeeIncluded
As Elsee grabs assorted slices of cheese--some mild, some sharp, some runny, some pungent, some a deep yellow, others laced with deep threads of blue, a much more welcome smell fills the air. The thick rich odor of just-crackled fat and meat.

And, right on cue, one of the workers has just put out a whole tray of bacon!
super dark33
The taste surprised Surdrak, and despite the bitterness he faced his good bravely.

 Salt and milk are better at countering that, though I wouldn't expect a simple wizard of knowing that.


Σཛའθ 

Jadeite's bowl would shatter.
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite looks down at the shattered remains of the bowl and frowns for the briefest of moments, though Hemlock hisses deeply.

 "Surdrak, I believe that bowl was guild property. I am going to ensure that it is you who will have to pay to replace it."  He sniffs, and wrinkles his nose.  "And you could use a bath, or some strong perfume. Allow me to help." 

Jadeite moves to flick the tip of his nose, and Surdrak no longer smells vaguely of whiskey and fish. Instead he stinks of tomcat urine.
super dark33
 You can't prove anything. And thank you for that. Reminds me of days on the road, with no water and having to resort to...
Point is I've travelled a lot. Lets leave it at that.  

Lynx piss. What an odor!

 χའοπ 

Τhe victim would be Jadeite's glass.
Athedia
Badger had been trying to ignore the antics of the two beside her but once the destruction of guild property and invasion of her nostril's happened she could not stay quiet.   "For the gods sake! It is morning and the two of you are already acting like spoiled children.  Eat your food and stop messing with each other." 
super dark33
 If that is your wish Madame I will comply.  

Surdrak moved to draconic in a blink of an eye.

 [D]We will carry on with this later. Prepare your senses jade coloured ear freak[D].
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Of course,"  Jadeite says with a smile and a slight flourish.  "You are, of course, correct." 

He turns to Surdrak, his grin never once faltering, even at Surdrak's challenge.

  "As should you, cephalopodphilic soul-peddler."  
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias purposedly ignores the scene happening at his usual table, he suppresses a yawn as he makes his way towards the orcs.

 "Morning guys, to be honest I wasn't expecting you this early, but let's get down to bussiness, Senator's Leif office is down this way"  he greets them with a smile and shows them the way.

Stopping before an ornate oaken door, Artorias raps have s knuckles against the hard wooden surface.  "Oi, Boss! Are you in there? I've have a couple of potential customers who want a word with you. " 
CoffeeIncluded
 "It would be best to conclude our business sooner rather than later. Besides, we will have less trouble if we arrive early in the day, when fewer of you are about,"  the older orc says. He seems somewhat surprised and grateful at how easily Artorias agrees to help them.

Strange. Leif's, a known early bird, is usually awake at this hour. But he doesn't answer the door. If Artorias presses his ear against the door, however, he can hear his boss talking to somebody.

 
 Spoiler 
Listen check to see if you can make out what he says. Goodnight!
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias discretely leans into the door, trying to make  sense of the voices inside the office.
 
 Spoiler: Check 

Listen  (1d20+8)[ 26 ] 

Good night coffee!
 

  "That is weird"   Artorias smiles akwardly at the orcs and clears his throat-  "It seems the Senator is entertaining someone at the moment, I reckon you don't mind waiting a bit do you?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grunted and shrugged, immediately pushing the lackluster cheese and crackers away from her in favour of the more flavourful bacon strips, quickly growing a small pile on  plate infront of her, making a second smaller plate for Kheel and placing it next to her at the table.

Hearing the Warlock speak in Draconic reminded the goblin of something, she knew he was speaking Draconic thanks to a few key sounds here and there, but other then that she didn't know how to speak a word of it.

 "Oi Elf, Think ya can teach me to talk like that sometime?"  Elsee pointed a thumb to Surdrak, her eyes casually pointing in Kheel's direction briefly as the elf made eye contact.  "Wheye'le 'm at it, ya know of any place i could get one of those things that give you the fether-fall dealie?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias discretely leans into the door, trying to make  sense of the voices inside the office.
 
 Spoiler: Check 

Listen [roll0]

Good night coffee!
 

  "That is weird"   Artorias smiles akwardly at the orcs and clears his throat-  "It seems the Senator is entertaining someone at the moment, I reckon you don't mind waiting a bit do you?"  
 

 "Not at all,"  the orcs say.

Artorias can't pick up every word they're saying, but he can get the gist of it. Leif appears to be talking to an adult male, and the conversation sounds friendly enough. If anything, Leif sound a bit excited. Then, Artorias manages to catch a fragment of something Leif says:  "--Sure they'll all be enthusiastic about it too." 

 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee grunted and shrugged, immediately pushing the lackluster cheese and crackers away from her in favour of the more flavourful bacon strips, quickly growing a small pile on  plate infront of her, making a second smaller plate for Kheel and placing it next to her at the table.

Hearing the Warlock speak in Draconic reminded the goblin of something, she knew he was speaking Draconic thanks to a few key sounds here and there, but other then that she didn't know how to speak a word of it.

 "Oi Elf, Think ya can teach me to talk like that sometime?"  Elsee pointed a thumb to Surdrak, her eyes casually pointing in Kheel's direction briefly as the elf made eye contact.  "Wheye'le 'm at it, ya know of any place i could get one of those things that give you the fether-fall dealie?"  
 

Kheel devours the bacon in seconds and then climbs over the table to eat off of Elsee's plate.

Jadeite leans back and smiles.  "Of course I can teach you Draconic. I hope you're prepared for rather intensive study though."  He rubs his chin.  "And as for an item that bestows the Feather Fall enchantment, there are rather inexpensive rings that you should be able to purchase at any magic shop worth the name." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee shrugs off Kheel's intrustion by merely sharing the plate of bacon with him, though making a mental note to stop him should he attempt to go after anyone else's food.

 "Yeah yeah i think i can handle it. 'nd one of those rings sounds great, know of any good places?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Kheel licks the salt and fat off his chops, and begins eyeing the unattended platter of bacon left out for the guild members.

Jadeite shrugs.  "Any decently-stocked magic shop in the retail district would have it. Though you might have some trouble on account of your...general appearance,"  he says, vaguely waving his fork in a circle around Elsee's face.
super dark33
  Retteb yna kool uoy taht ton. 
Most stores won't care, depends on where they are. 

Though the meal shook him out of it, Surdrak still saw some prancing shadows, a small jellyfish has taken its rest on Elsee's forehead.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Good, so anyways, do you mind me asking what kind of job do you need done?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee ignored Surdark's words once again, her face instead scrunching up in a look of concentration for a few minutes, her eyes finally darting back to jadeite and looking him up and down briefly before crossing her arms on the table infront of her and kneeling forward to press her chest up against them.

 "Oh Jaaade-eyyete~ Do you think could do me a favour?~" 

Elsee grinned wickedly as she put on her best flirtatious voice, she figured the elf already owed her for whatever he did to her back when she was dead on the boat a few days ago.
CoffeeIncluded
The jellyfish Surdrak sees seems to pulse up and down on top of Elsee's tattoo.

Jadeite grins and leans against the table as Elsee does, propping up his chin on his hands and shaking back his hair to expose his long, pointed ears. His eyes remain firmly fixed to Elsee's though as he puts on a simpering interpretation of a flirtatious voice.  "Whatever could it be, my fair green lady?" 
 Artorias: 

The older orc seems to collect his words for a moment before speaking.  "There is a stage, a theater house, a place for performances in Runite. There are many. I wished to use one for my son's ceremony. But I could not even talk to the owner." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I see, so I'm guessing you want Senator Leif tomtalk to the owner in your behalf?"  Artorias nods.

 "Coming of age ceremony I presume?" 
CoffeeIncluded
The Orc blinks.  "How did you know?"

"But yes., it is a coming of age ceremony. My son is to perform before the tribe, to show his inclusion, that he is one of us...in full, as you say?" 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias smirks a little "Lucky guess for the first one, as for the second one, well I was taught by a Hobgoblin and I have plaavan friends, I know a little about your cultures, though I have to admit I don't know much about orcs" 
CoffeeIncluded
The two orcs once again look surprised. Nearly shocked, in fact.

Just then the door opens, and Artorias and the orcs see Leif showing a man out. He seems to be about Leif's age, with dark green hair slicked back and a purple suit that he wears surprisingly well. He shakes Leif's hand and says,  "I'll be sure to get back to you soon." 

As Leif waves his guest or client off, he turns to Artorias and the orcs.  "Ah, Artorias, come on in. I see you brought some new friends?" 
Silverraptor
Sora finishes praying, setting up her spells for the day. Afterwards she gets dressed, throws over her Glamored chain shirt, changes her look with the magic of the chain shirt while looking into the mirror. And proceeds to head out for the morning.
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias: 

Leif stands and waits for the two orcs to speak. Though they seem rather intimidated, the younger one finally clears his throat and says,  "Well, Senator Leif, my brother and I are the chiefs of our tribe--the part of the tribe that lives here anyway. We are good citizens of Runite, and have never caused any trouble for anybody. As a chief of the city, I ask this request of you.

"My nephew, Mezzet, is rapidly approaching his coming of age ceremony. In our tribe it is custom for young men to perform a musical piece of their own creation, accompanied by the men of our tribe, as part of this ceremony. It symbolizes how he has become part of our tribe and will work with us, for the benefit of us. The piece must be played in an open space.

"Any large place in the Bogs would work, but I believed that it would be good for us if we played in a theater in Runite, for many people to see. I believed that it would show people more about the Plavaan that they did not know, and that it would help our people and theirs get along better. But when my brother and I went to request space at a theater for just one night, we were rejected from every single one. Please, Senator Leif, tell your people to let my nephew play." 
 
 Spoiler 
I'll give Artorias a chance to have some introspection or respond.
 

 Sora: 

It's cloudy today, and muggy, but it doesn't look like it's going to rain--yet, anyway. The streets are already getting crowded with people going about their buisness. As Sora aimlessly walks down a less crowded street, headed towards the canals on the east side of the city, she hears two people having a rather spirited conversation.

 "Nuh-uh!" 
 "Yeah-huh!" 
 "No way that's true; you're just pulling my leg again! That could never happen!" 
 "I'm telling you it could and it did! I saw it! Hey, look!"  If Sora turns around, she sees a young girl pointing at her.  "That lady's got Astrid's symbol on her neck! Hey, lady, are you a cleric? Can you do magic?" 
Silverraptor
Sora straightens up and holds a dignified, important manner.
 "Why yes, I am a cleric. And Astrid gives us the holy divine power to heal and save people." 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Jadeite grins and leans against the table as Elsee does, propping up his chin on his hands and shaking back his hair to expose his long, pointed ears. His eyes remain firmly fixed to Elsee's though as he puts on a simpering interpretation of a flirtatious voice.  "Whatever could it be, my fair green lady?"  
 

Elsee grinned as the Elf played along with her game, it was always fun to tease people like this, even if they never really reacted the way she expected them too. Still she fluttered her eyes as best she could and put on her most vulnerable and innocent voice.

 "Could you use your bwig stwong Elven charms and magics to get me one of those fether falling rings? I can awlways pay you back for it~" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
 Sora straightens up and holds a dignified, important manner.
 "Why yes, I am a cleric. And Astrid gives us the holy divine power to heal and save people."  
 

The girl sticks out her tongue at the boy standing next to her. Neither can be older than seven or so, and their parents don't seem to be around, although this is a more residential part of Runite.

 "Thanks, miss! Anyway, I bet you can answer this question. There's totally magic that makes dead things move--and I don't mean make dead things alive again, stupidhead!"  she hastily adds to interrupt the boy when he opens his mouth.  "I mean like dancing skeletons and stuff, that dance by themselves!" 

 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee grinned as the Elf played along with her game, it was always fun to tease people like this, even if they never really reacted the way she expected them too. Still she fluttered her eyes as best she could and put on her most vulnerable and innocent voice.

 "Could you use your bwig stwong Elven charms and magics to get me one of those fether falling rings? I can awlways pay you back for it~"  
 

 "Why, of course I would be happy to assist such a helpless lovely lady like yourself,"  Jadeite says, leaning further forward and batting his eyes. He does take the time to shoot Badger and Surdrak a wicked grin.
super dark33
Surdrak ignored Jadeite altogether, he seemed fixated on the liitle shadow untill it disappeard.

 Huh. Well then. i need to find myself a barrel if you dont mind. 

Surdrak intended to wash himself.

He went to the storage room to take a large barrel, took it outside near a water, filled it with water and took it to a closed place where he sat in it for a bit.

After finishing that, he would go out to the market, in search for certein ingridients for a lovely pie....
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grins again and quickly pushes heself back up from the table to lean back in her chair, crossing an arm across her chest while the other grabs for some bacon for her to promtly bite into.

 "Great! Lemmie know when ya get it, sooner the better!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Artorias: 

Leif stands and waits for the two orcs to speak. Though they seem rather intimidated, the younger one finally clears his throat and says,  "Well, Senator Leif, my brother and I are the chiefs of our tribe--the part of the tribe that lives here anyway. We are good citizens of Runite, and have never caused any trouble for anybody. As a chief of the city, I ask this request of you.

"My nephew, Mezzet, is rapidly approaching his coming of age ceremony. In our tribe it is custom for young men to perform a musical piece of their own creation, accompanied by the men of our tribe, as part of this ceremony. It symbolizes how he has become part of our tribe and will work with us, for the benefit of us. The piece must be played in an open space.

"Any large place in the Bogs would work, but I believed that it would be good for us if we played in a theater in Runite, for many people to see. I believed that it would show people more about the Plavaan that they did not know, and that it would help our people and theirs get along better. But when my brother and I went to request space at a theater for just one night, we were rejected from every single one. Please, Senator Leif, tell your people to let my nephew play." 
 
 Spoiler 
I'll give Artorias a chance to have some introspection or respond.
 
 
 

Artorias let's out a low whistle,  "Wow, that is really something, I bet Mezzet must be really exited to be able to have a ceremony like that" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak: 

The markets are busy and bustling. It's the peak of the fruit season, and row upon row of brightly colored juicy citrus fruits are on display. There are oranges, lemons, grapefruits, little kumquats the size of Surdrak's thumb, bright orange mango and dozens of other fruits he can't even name, all Within a block of each other. Vendors shout over each other as they weigh out fruits on well-worn scales and clamor to gain the most attention of the shoppers looking for their next meal. Surdrak knows that down a few more blocks the same think will be repeated with fillets of salmon, thick tuna steaks, mounds of mollusks, and lines of shrimp and squid.

 Elsee: 
 "Of course. Badger, would you like to come along?"  Jadeite asks as he closes his spotless spell book and puts it away.

Elsee, for her part, has a decision to make. She promised the Watch she'd have Kheel live in the Bogs, but she doesn't think Leif's gotten to the paperwork yet and the news may not have spread through the Watch. Should she take Kheel to meet Feliks and risk an altercation?

 Artorias: 

The two orcs glance at each other, and the older one says,  "He is not. I do not know why." 
Athedia
 "Why not?  Not like I can stomach breakfast after your little prank." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "If you must blame somebody, then blame Surdrak. He's the one who destroyed guild property, after all,"  Jadeite says, picking up a banana and deftly peeling it.

 
 Spoiler 
I need to do some readings and stuff. Will post more later.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee meanwhile leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes in concentration, after yesterday's antics she  really . wanted to talk to Feliks about this whole Kheel thing already as every time she tried, she was stopped and promptly moved somewhere else. The problem seemed to be, that she was being seen. Flying was fast, but that was one of the big problems last time... Hmmm...

Elsee scrunched her closed eyes tight as she focused, she could try taking Kheel down into the well system and flying over the water as much as possible, re-surfacing at the nearest well to Feliks' place, but that presented a few problems that she could think of, mainly that it would involve Kheel going underwater for a bit, which she didn't know if he could handle, that there was some potential to run into Mr. Sparklescales and his buddies again, that Kheel's poison could potentially slip into the water supply if he bumped his tail into anything, and that Kheel seemed more adept at gliding and thermal-rising then flying around in stagnant air present in the water system, or the cramped spaces in the wells themselves. She didn't word it to herself in exactly the manner explained mind you, that would be a little too smart for her, but she got the general gyst of it.

then it popped into her head, the perfect plan! Elsee grinned wickedly and sat up straight as she motioned for Kheel to follow her, they would take the rooftops! she hadn't been on them since before her time in the guild, but as far as she knew they were still relatively unguarded, and the gaps between the roofs were small enough to jump in most alleyways, it might take them longer due to necessary detours, but it would keep them out of sight unless someone got really lucky and noticed them for the brief second they were leaping from one roof to the next, and even then they'd probably just figure it was a cat or a bird or something!
super dark33
Surdrak browsed through the merchendise, looking for  certein things  and some other things.

In the end he bought a basket of *secret*, eggs, milk, spices and various other indgridients to wahtever dark gestronomy The Sepicer Semalg teaches.


 
 Spoiler 
Coffee knows. How much would all these cost?
 
Silverraptor
Sora shivers slightly.
 "Why on earth would someone want to make undead? Least of all make them dance?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Yes, I know this statement is full of irony. But technically I don't recall Jadeite actually make an undead.😛
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Sora:

"But  can  you?"  she asks.

 Surdrak: 

Surdraks makes his purchases with little trouble. He can easily pay for it with his shopping budget for the day and has enough money set aside for lunch as well.

 
 Spoiler 
Elsee's post will have to come later because it's longer. Sorry.
 
Silverraptor
 "Of course not!" 
Sora crosses her arms in defiance.
 "Astrid would never give one the power to do that, and nor should any who follow her ever want to!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "See?"  the boy says, sticking out his tongue at the now-pouting girl.  "I told you!" 
 "I'm telling you, I saw it! And, and lady, you said Astrid doesn't give that power? But what about other people with magic?"  She looks like she's reaching, but doesn't want to concede the argument just yet, even as the boy is about to start doing a victory dance.
super dark33
Bumbling around the meat section of the market, Surdrak remembered a fancy meal he ate once.

It was called The Guard Of Honor.

While buying the ribs and giving the butcher instructions on the needed way to cut them, Surdrak could've sworn he saw a goose flying overhead with a tiny figure on it.

He later bought the other needed ingridients, and remained in the market for a while before returning to the guild some time before lunch.

They are going to learn the power of The Sepicer Semalg.

 
 Spoiler 
Who do you think I am, google? Look it up! 😛
It's a fancy looking but surprisingly easy meal.
I also referenced somthing.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Artorias: 

The two orcs glance at each other, and the older one says,  "He is not. I do not know why."  
 

 "Ow, perhaps he is just nervous, I mean it is definitely something big" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

The stairwell up to the roof of the guild is dusty from disuse. Very few people know about it; Elsee only discovered it by accident a couple months ago. The path gets narrower and narrower as they climb up, until Kheel's forced to shuffle with his wings bent flat beneath his side and he starts to protest.

And then Elsee opens the door and they're on the roof, the sun bright in her eyes and hot on her face. Kheel stretches, spreading his wings out flat to bask. They're not on the roof for long, though, before Elsee climbs onto Kheel's back and holds on, quickly pointing in the direction for Kheel to go before clasping her hands around his neck again.

And Kheel is off! With a running start, he leaps off the roof of the guild and soars through the air, flapping his wings a couple of times before landing onto the roof of the adjacent building, clawing into the roof before lifting off with a few more powerful strokes of his wings as he hop-glides all the way across town. On the rooftops. In broad daylight.

 
 Spoiler 
Hide:  (d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Move Silently:  (d20+13)[ 25 ] 
 

 Surdrak: 

While returning to the guild, items in hand, Surdrak sees Badger and Jadeite through the window of a magic shop.

 Artorias:

"I hope it is nothing more,"  says the younger orc.

Leif, who has been listening this entire time, finally speaks up.  I'm sorry, but making the owner of a theater perform your event is out of my jurisdiction. There's nothing I can do. Now,"  he holds up his hand, precluding a response,  "You could try again with an advocate." 
super dark33
Surdrak turns in his place and takes an alternate route to the guild.
At least he now knows where that elf is.
Silverraptor
 "Well..." 
She thinks back to Jadeite.
 "There is magical study on dead stuff. So I wouldn't be surprised if there is something that can make undead. They have to come from somewhere, right?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Sora:

"Ha!"  The girl jabs a finger in the young boy's face.  "I told you! I cold you I saw a bunch of skeletons and things moving around under where the lab blew up yesterday! It was so cool!" 

The young boy seems somewhat grossed out.  "Skeletons aren't cool, they're gross." 
 more after dinner and raptors.  
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Artorias:

"I hope it is nothing more,"  says the younger orc.

Leif, who has been listening this entire time, finally speaks up.  I'm sorry, but making the owner of a theater perform your event is out of my jurisdiction. There's nothing I can do. Now,"  he holds up his hand, precluding a response,  "You could try again with an advocate."  
 

 "What do you mean by advocate?"  Artorias inquires
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak: 

Surdrak walks past the smoking remains of the wing of the lab that blew up yesterday, past the molten, shredded remains of the golem in the pit that he and his partners defeated not even a full day ago. They haven't quite gotten around to cleaning it up, but for now the pit is marked off with tape.

 Artorias:

"Well, I wouldn't be surprised if certain...perceptions,"  Leif says, trying to be diplomatic,  "Hindered their argument. But if someone were to vouch for you two, I am sure the owner would be more accommodating." 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Sora:

"Ha!"  The girl jabs a finger in the young boy's face.  "I told you! I cold you I saw a bunch of skeletons and things moving around under where the lab blew up yesterday! It was so cool!" 

The young boy seems somewhat grossed out.  "Skeletons aren't cool, they're gross."  
 

 "He is quite right. Skeletons are gross. But what lab are you talking about?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Sora:

"The one that blew up yesterday,"  the girl says.  "I heard it all the way in Necal! That's like ten blocks away!" 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias questioning looks quickly changes into one of understanding and slightly embarassed "I see; well then it is settled. I will gladly be your advocate."  Looking at the bewildered and shocked expressions on the orcs' faces Artorias quickly raises his hand before they can speak up.
 "Look, I know how important this kind of ceremonies are for plaavans, and it doesn't really cost me anything, so I'll do it, on one condition though. I want a place for me and my team on the first row."  he finishes with a toothy grin.
Silverraptor
 "Necal..." 
She looks up, lost in thought.
 "Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I gotta go talk to someone real quick." 
She turns around and runs back to the Guild.
 "See ya kids!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias:

"Thank you,"  the older orc, Mezzet's father, says with a bow.  "And of course you and your friends will have front-row seats. You may have a place at the table to feast as well, if you wish." 

The younger one asks,  "Should we make an appointment? It might be best to make this as formal as possible. We want to make a good impression."

"That might be a wise idea,"  says Leif. He opens his mouth to continue--

--And then Sora dashes into the room, panting for breath. She's clearly been running around the guild, looking for Artorias.
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger and Jadeite: 

They happen to be in the same magic shop Surdrak and Artorias were in yesterday, and the pink haired half elf is still working, assisting an elderly woman with an armful of scrolls. When she's done, he looks over and spots Badger, flagging her down while Jadeite continues searching for the ring.

 "Youre partners with Surdrak and Artorias, right? I have a weapon pickup for them." 
 "Do you want anything too?" 
 Elsee: 

Elsee's planning on flying to the church where they left Feliks, but Kheel has other ideas. He flies to Great Gate, soaring over the corner of the harbor, to land by the burnt-out remains of Feliks's home. Kheel whines at the site, the roof gone, the floor still mostly covered in rubble and ash. Feliks is there too, leaning against a crutch and surveying what's left of his home, despondent. And the he turns around and his eyes go wide.

 "Kheel...?" 

Kheel squeals in joy and leaps to Feliks. It's all Elsee can do to hang on as the wyvern tackles Feliks and knocks him to the ground.
super dark33
Surdrak walked cheerfully into the guild house.

He went up to Leif's office.

 Hey Lieeaooh that's fine, I'll wait. 

He slickly retreated to the side of the room.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee awkwardly pushed herself off of the Wyvvern's back  to give the two boys some space, grinning wickedly as she watched the two cuddle like long lost family for the first time. 'Bout time she finally got to Felix's place without incident, she was beginning to think she was gunna be cursed on the matter.

Elsee stood there silently for a few minutes until the reunion began to die down, at wich point she loudly cleared her throat to get the human's attention.

 "What's up ked?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak: 

Sora, Artorias, Leif, and the two orcs seem to be finishing up their conversation.

 Elsee:  

After several minutes of laughter and squeals as Kheel licks Feliks, the wyvern finally gets off and Feliks stumbles to his feet. As he pushes himself off the ground with his crutch, Elsee can see that one of his legs is marred with long burn scars, the skin still shiny and taut.

 "I'm doing okay,"  he says, and indeed he seems to be much less melancholy.  "Well, I'm really not sure what to do with my house; I don't know if I have the money to rebuild it..."  Feliks trails off, and looks down at his feet for a good while, before he sees Kheel cautiously crawl into view and look up at him. With a smile, he scratches the young wyvern's head.  "You look well, though. Has the goblin been taking good care of you?" 

Feliks looks straight at Elsee.  "You were with all the others when the fire started, right? You saved my life." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee shrugged and sneered somewhat.  "Eye tried too, Badger wound up gettin to ya first 'nd pushin you out the window. i was sortta just choking on smoke the whole time." 

Elsee folded her arms under her chest as she stood up straight, her eyes casually looking over the rubble of the building behind the human.  "Anyways i was wonderin if i could talk to ya about somethin with Kheel." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

Feliks cracks a small smile.  "I guess Cecil isn't representative of all you Plavaan. You're not bad. How is Badger, then?." 

He shifts his weight on his crutch as Elsee asks her next question, then shrugs his other shoulder and says,  "Sure. What is it?" 
Draconi Redfir
 "Weeelll..."  Elsee rolled her eyes in her head and rocked back and fourth on her heels a bit, trying to figure out the right words to say.

 "I was thinkin. Yer gunna need awhile to recover that leg of yours... and that house... and even if ya do that it'll still be awhile before Kheel's big enough to carry you around right? Weeelll, he can carry me around just fine as it is, 'nd we goblins don't live that long to begin with, probably lookin at three 'er four years before i get too old fer this kinda job 'nd retire. Sooo i was thinkin, Could i maybe keep Kheel for awhile? my knives aren't all that useful against the bigger opponents like that golem the other day while he is, 'nd it'd be good practice for him 'ta learn to carry someone on his back before he starts carrying you once he's big enough. In the meantime you don't need to worry about leaving the city too soon 'nd can save up your money for someplace nice, make plans 'nd the like while Kheel's under the guard of the guild. Heck ya can even come over anytime ya like to see him if ya want... whatcha think?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Feliks looks like he's about to cry.  "You'd do all that? For me and Kheel?" 
 
 Spoiler 
actually, goblins can live to about 60-70 or so.
 
Draconi Redfir
 "Kid, Yer honestly takin this a whole lot better then how i expected ya too." 
 
 Spoiler 
 Well dang, there goes that part of the bargen😛
 
CoffeeIncluded
Feliks sighs and sweeps his hand out at the burnt remains of his home.  "Look at this,"  he says.  "I don't even know if I can afford to rebuild my house, much less care for Kheel. Not to mention the trouble I got in after I woke up..."  he sighs.  "Kheel looks happy with you. I think you'll take good care of him until I can have him back." 
Draconi Redfir
 "Ahhh h'uh. well i was honestly more prepared for a different reaction buuut I’ll take it! Still gotta learn the whole Draconic thing but so far we seem to be able to communicate enough." 

Elsee shrugged and gently petted the wyvvern's head, she'd probably refrain from telling him the guards got ll in a huff about him flying around harmlessly the other day.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hang on,"  says Feliks.  "Could you...could you just..." 

He leans over, gets to his knees. And then he's embracing Kheel, and sobbing openly as he holds the wyvern tighter, as if he never wants to let go.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Badger and Jadeite: 

They happen to be in the same magic shop Surdrak and Artorias were in yesterday, and the pink haired half elf is still working, assisting an elderly woman with an armful of scrolls. When she's done, he looks over and spots Badger, flagging her down while Jadeite continues searching for the ring.

 "Youre partners with Surdrak and Artorias, right? I have a weapon pickup for them." 
 "Do you want anything too?"  
 

 "A weapon for Surdrak?  I can deliver them I guess."   She looked around the shop.  Almost as if she was looking for something. "Do you sell both weapons and armor here?  I was wondering if you had something I was looking for?  I was hoping you might have something that would let me get out of the way faster, I use a bow and am in trouble when people get near me." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger and Jadeite:

"Of course!"  the half elf says as Jadeite makes his purchase.  "You can get all sorts of enchantments at our arms enhancement center, and as for swift movement items, we have boots, brooches, gloves, scrolls and wands of all kinds--actually, you should probably look at our catalogue,"  he says, sliding over a rather thick book.
Athedia
Badger's eyes widened.  Pointing at the book  "Could I have a little help?  I wouldn't know where to start." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Well, what are you looking for? Spells, garb, anything specific? Something providing short-range teleportation seems to fit your needs.  
Athedia
 "Garb, I assume it would be worn on the feet.  Magic tends to follow logic like that." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Well, not quite, but if you're looking for boots...ah! Here we are!"  he flips the page to a section of assorted boots, with their names and effects. There's quite a few, though some are crossed out, a red slash through them. Those must be out of stock.

 
 Spoiler 
wanna just pick from these? Sorry, at a hockey game.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger and Jadeite: 
 "I think these fit what you're looking for,"  Jadeite says, pointing to a page describing an item called  Boots of Swift Passage.   "They will allow you to teleport up to twenty feet five times a day, and still attack in a single motion." 
 Artorias, Sora, and Surdrak: 
 "Sora? Is everything okay? You seem rather excited,"  says Leif. The two orcs beside him do a double take at the sight of her. The older one, all thick muscle, glares at the symbol of Astrid around her neck.
Athedia
 "That sounds perfect!  And about weaponry?  Do you sell arrows or do I have to provide them?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I think we sell arrows,"  the half elf says as he gets up from behind th counter and, brushing back his hair, indicates for Badger to follow.  "All following non-lethal protocols, of course. Or you could supply your own.  
Draconi Redfir
Elsee rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest, leaning against the nearest shoulder-high peice of rubble she could find.

 "Yaknow i'm not taken him to kago or something right? Ya can see him again anytime, hell we'll come see ya again this time next week if ya want." 
Silverraptor
Sora pants, a little out of breath.
 "Do you guys know where Jadeite is?" 
super dark33
 In the magic shop Artorias and I were a few days ago with badger. Probably getting Elsee her thing.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee:

"I know. It's just--Hey!"  Feliks shouts as Kheel wrestles out of his grip and accidentally knocks him back to snap at a collapsing beam. The wyvern then turns to see Feliks on the ground, and comes over to him, nudging him up with his muzzle.

Feliks gets back up onto his feet, bracing himself against his crutch.  "...That's why. I got Kheel as a baby, just hatched. It was illegal, sure, but I wanted to be a wyvern rider  so badly.  My grandparents were wyvern riders in Kago. I heard stories about them, and I wanted to be just like them. But I realized that, well, Kheel isn't just a mount. He's my partner and my friend, and I have to take care of him."

Artorias, Sora, and Surdrak: 

Leif steps between Sora and the two orcs, who have gotten noticeably tenser upon seeing Sora and her holy symbol.  "Sora, is everything okay? Why do you need Jadeite?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Please, please tell me for Mars' sake that this doesn't have to do with your prank war.  Artorias pleads with an exasperated look.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee nodded slowly, kinda-sorta-vaugely understanding what the human was saying

 "Right then... Take your time..." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias, Sora, and Surdrak: 

Leif eyes the three guild members cautiously.  "What prank war?"

Elsee:

"Thank you,"  says Feliks, still petting Kheel. He doesn't stop for a while, and when he does he gives the wyvern a final stroke between his ears and says,  "You be good now, Kheel. And I'll...I'll see you soon. As much as I'm able. Okay," 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "I think we sell arrows,"  the half elf says as he gets up from behind th counter and, brushing back his hair, indicates for Badger to follow.  "All following non-lethal protocols, of course. Or you could supply your own.   
 

 "Well what is the cost?  I would like a few of these, and maybe one or two of these."   Badger pointed to a few arrows in the book.

 
 Spoiler 
So 2 alchemist arrows and 20 thundering arrows.  150gp and 40gp + boots
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger and Jadeite: 

Having rung up Jadeite's purchase, the half-elf turns to Badger.  "Of course,"  he says, writing down the order on a piece of paper, folding it into the shape of a glider, and tossing it through a small window behind him.

By the time Badger's gotten her boots, light and almost vibrating in her hands, the arrows are nearly wrapped on the counter.

 "It's 5190 gp, and you'll have to sign off on the arrows,"  he says, passing over a quill pen.
Athedia
Usually Badger did not carry so much money with her, but she had run back to her room when Jadeite had asked her to come along.  Carefully she counted out the money, wincing as so much was handed over.

 "Sign off?  Oh, so that if someone is hurt, right."   Badger scrawled out her name.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Exactly,"  he says.  "We have to be careful with such dangerous items, after all." 

Jadeite still eyeing a circlet, but opens his wallet and frowns.
super dark33
 Non-harmful warfare to settle disputes in an enjoyable way.
Speaking of enjoyable, may i use the kitchen? 
Silverraptor
Sora speaks quickly.
 "I need to ask Jadeite something. Its important!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 Sorry Sora, I haven't seen him since breakfast. What it is so important that you barged in here? You are usually much more polite. 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite turns to Badger as she finishes her purchase.  "Are you finished? I need to pick up some samples that I rescued from my lab back in my room." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Jadeite turns to Badger as she finishes her purchase.  "Are you finished? I need to pick up some samples that I rescued from my lab back in my room."  
 

 "Let me just put these on."   Badger sat down on the floor and tugged off her boots.  Sliding on the new boots she couldn't help but smile as the smooth leather went on her feet.  Standing up her smile twitched as the tight new boots started their long adjustment to her feet.   "New boots.  Love them, but they take forever to get broken in."   She quickly unwrapped the arrows and slid them into her quiver.   "Hopefully these will not get much use." 

As they started walking toward the door Badger looked around quickly and then activated the boots.  In an instant she was 20ft closer to the door.
CoffeeIncluded
Badger's boots work perfectly. In an instant, she's standing right by the door...and very nearly collides with the dwarf entering.
Athedia
 "Sorry sir! Products work as advertised!"  Face beet red Badger quickly went back to Jadeite's side, trying not to look the dwarf in the eye.
CoffeeIncluded
The dwarf rolls her eyes and shakes her head as she walks past Badger into the store. But she doesn't offer any rude comments or shove her, so that's nice.

Badger and Jadeite return to the guild without incident. But once they're there, they see everyone but Elsee outside Leif's office, flanked by Leif and two middle-aged orcs.
Athedia
Badger walked up to Artorias.  "I get your stuff for you and what? You get in trouble?  You are supposed to be the one I trust."   She shoved the package at him and eyeballed the orcs.

 "Plavs? Not common up here.  Look, we only went down there to find Cecil, and I swear we... Most of us didn't start the barfights on purpose." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Is everything alright?"  Jadeite asks, though the question dies away on his lips as he sees his partners looking expectantly at him. Sora in particular seems especially keen to see him.

The two orcs tense noticeably at Badger's mention of Cecil. The younger one quickly tells her,  "We are not like Cecil! We are not here to cause trouble, we are not here for vengeance!" 

Meanwhile, the older orc looks to Artorias and asks,  "This girl, she is with you? As is the Astrid cleric? To be called Plav is better than being named sub-human, but does she and the others view us like you? Or are they all as...good as you?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Elsee's not back yet.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger walked up to Artorias.  "I get your stuff for you and what? You get in trouble?  You are supposed to be the one I trust."   She shoved the package at him and eyeballed the orcs.

 "Plavs? Not common up here.  Look, we only went down there to find Cecil, and I swear we... Most of us didn't start the barfights on purpose."  
 

Artorias lets out a small grunt as Badger shoves the weapon into his abdomen  "Why do you always assume I get into trouble? Mars dammit, I usually get us out of troubles...I get no respect."  Artorias begins to rant, but the older orc's question stops him before he really gets into it.


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Meanwhile, the older orc looks to Artorias and asks,  "This girl, she is with you? As is the Astrid cleric? To be called Plav is better than being named sub-human, but does she and the others view us like you? Or are they all as...good as you?"  
 

 Who? Badger and Sora? Yeah they are my team-mates Badger here  Artorias motions in her general didection  may be a bit rough around ghe edges, but she is a good person.   he chuckles a little   Sora on the other hand is the most polite and gentle girl I've ever met; I have never seen she treat anyone badly.  
Athedia
Badger laughed at the question.   "Art, you can tell 'em.  I hate everyone, less they show me why not." 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias facepalms  "She means she doesn't have prejudices, as I said rrough around the edges" 
 
 Spoiler 
Would love to continue this, but I really need to go to bed, good night everyone
 
Athedia
 "Now that gives me far to much credit."   She examined the orcs.   "But really, why are you here?  I doubt it is for a tea with Leif, seeing as he prefers beer." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Elsee: 

The two orcs just stare at Badger, Artorias, and the rest of the group. Finally, the younger one says,  "You are a strange band. But I do not think you are bad. You are different from many other humans."  He turns to Sora.  "Is what he says about you true? Do you not see us as sub-human?" 

At this point Leif chimes in to Badger's question.  "Well, I was originally just meeting with Artorias and these two gentlemen, but everybody else decided to join as well. I don't know why everyone else is here either."

Elsee:

"Thank you,"  Feliks says, genuinely smiling though he looks like he's going to cry again.  "I won't hold you back. I promise." 
 
 Spoiler 
Is Elsee ready to go?
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grins and nods in response as she gently holds the Wyvern's wing as indicaition to them leaving.  "You'll be fiiine, if ya run into any trouble while yer rebuildin everythin just lettus know 'nd we'll get rid of it free of charge nnkay? Probly try and brush up on some Draconic too if ya haven't already." 
 
 Spoiler 


Yeah sorry, had to rush to work earlier as it started earlier then i'm used too.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thank you,"  says Feliks as he finally, reluctantly lets go.   "You be good. I'll see you soon,"   he whispers in rough draconic, made rougher as he tries not to key, and Kheel lets out a small whimper and nuzzles agains his hand.

As Elsee and Kheel take to the skies, Elsee must once again decide where to go. Should she return to he guild? Jadeite might be back already. Or does she have other things to do?
CoffeeIncluded
 "I purchased Elsee's ring,"  says Jadeite.  "Sora, is everything okay?" 
 
 Spoiler 
sora can answer this after talking to the orcs.
 
Silverraptor
 "Uh..." 
Sora feels awkward being placed on the spot suddenly like this.
 "Well, I don't see any reason why I should. You seem decent enough and everyone is not represented by one being and what they alone have done, past or otherwise." 
Then Jaedite came in and instantly Sora's attention shifted.
 "Oh woops! Sorry, I need to go. Jadeite!!!" 

She hurries over to him.
 "Quick Jadeite, I need to know. Do you have, or do you know of anyone having, any secret necromancy labs in the city?" 
Athedia
Badger scoffed and rolled her eyes.  "Astrid's a crock anyway.  What good is a god who abandons people because of a little death, maybe she just wanted an excuse not to climb those mountains.  Nah, whoever wants me can have me when I die, but they should keep their godly noses up in their own business."   Leif knew of her rather, blasphemous attitude but she realized she had not shown that side to Sora yet.
super dark33
 I'll take that as a 'yes'. 

Surdrak slid out of the room and walked into the kitchen.
CoffeeIncluded
The two orcs stare at Sora, and then Badger, in absolute shock. It is obvious that neither of them were expecting this.  As the older Orc continues to stare at Sora and Badger, waiting for the trick, the trap, the younger one looks down at his hands before looking back up. Eventually, he says,  "You have very strange and uncommon friends, Artorias. If you are the future of Runite, then this is the Runite we have dreamed about. Hold to your friends."  This last sentence is addressed to them all.

Jadeite raises his eyebrows at Sora's question.  "Well, clearly if I knew of any secret necromancy labs, then they wouldn't be secret anymore. But no, I only know of a few necromancy labs beside my own. What did you find?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The two orcs stare at Sora, and then Badger, in absolute shock. It is obvious that neither of them were expecting this.  As the older Orc continues to stare at Sora and Badger, waiting for the trick, the trap, the younger one looks down at his hands before looking back up. Eventually, he says,  "You have very strange and uncommon friends, Artorias. If you are the future of Runite, then this is the Runite we have dreamed about. Hold to your friends."  This last sentence is addressed to them all.  
 

 "Wow... I don't know what to say, thank you"  Artorias is slightly flustered, but he smiles none the less.

 "So when do you want to talk to the theater's owner?"  
CoffeeIncluded
 "I would like to visit the theater now, but considering what your cleric has to say about the risen--"  he looks pointedly at Sora before continuing,  "It might be best to listen to what she has to say first." 
super dark33
Surdrak took a deep breath, and snuck one last peek inside the Sepicer Semalg, and began working the darkest of arts possible in Aequer.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+2)[ 12 ]  Dark pie.
 (1d20+2)[ 14 ]  Guard of honour.
 


The making of the pie went without any major mistakes, only slight timing errors and maybe a piece of eggshell inside.
Not that it was meant to be eaten anyway.


The guard of honour may be a bit rare to some, and the paste isn't spread as much as it's needed. It's not what you might see in a restaurant, but it may appeal to those unfamiliar with the Kagoan dish.
Silverraptor
Sora continues speaking to Jadeite.
 "Some kids were talking about how a lab exploded recently in town. They said they also saw 'dancing skeleton'. To think someone would put in the effort to do that." 
The last statement she said with cynical disbelief.

She then stopped at Badger's words.
 "Hey! Death is not something to be taken lightly. If someone you cared about, I mean *really* cared about was killed before your eyes, you'd feel awful yourself!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak: 

Half the batter spills onto the floor and into his shoes, but he thinks he manages to salvage some of it. Probably. Maybe.

 
 Spoiler 
Surdrak makes the second, but not the first. What are these anyway?
 

 Everyone else but Elsee: 
 "Dancing skeleton? Are you sure they weren't seeing an illusion? There's only one lab authorized to use the undead in their research here--I checked--and it wasn't involved in the explosion yesterday."  Jadeite's eyes flash.  "This is quite serious. Death and the undead are to be treated with the respect they deserve. Those we use in our experiments donate their bodies to further our knowledge of the world and we must respect that! Thank you, Sora. We should investigate at once." 

The two orcs stare at Jadeite.  "You create Undead?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Jadeite is a student with a somewhat morbid interest in desiccation, he hasn't created an undead as far as I know and frankly I'm not sure he would be able to do so".  Artorias answers.
super dark33
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Surdrak: 

Half the batter spills onto the floor and into his shoes, but he thinks he manages to salvage some of it. Probably. Maybe.

 
 Spoiler 
Surdrak makes the second, but not the first. What are these anyway?
 

 Everyone else but Elsee: 
 "Dancing skeleton? Are you sure they weren't seeing an illusion? There's only one lab authorized to use the undead in their research here--I checked--and it wasn't involved in the explosion yesterday."  Jadeite's eyes flash.  "This is quite serious. Death and the undead are to be treated with the respect they deserve. Those we use in our experiments donate their bodies to further our knowledge of the world and we must respect that! Thank you, Sora. We should investigate at once." 

The two orcs stare at Jadeite.  "You create Undead?"  
 


 yawyna ti gnitae ton mi, hem! daehkcoc ysmulc uoy. 
 
 Spoiler 
The dark pie is a twisted and terrible form of practical foolery, as it sears the eyes, mouth and nose when applied to a face. It includes various spices, peppers and salt to make the attack all the painful.
Can be weaponized if certein poisons are added.

The Honour's guard is a lovely sheep ribs meal, and Surdrak intends to share it with the group.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I am a Nocrius; my family specializes in necromancy spells. I am a graduate student studying water retention and osmosis in living tissue, and the nature of desiccation spells. While I cannot yet create undead, I believe yet is the operative term. And of course I shall follow all ethical guidelines,"  Jadeite says with a smirk.

 "Very strange indeed." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Who, Jadeite? Yeah I agree" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Regardless, I think we should investigate,"  Jadeite says, giving Artorias a pointed look.

 
 Spoiler 
im on the bus home, it's snowing, and my cellphone battery needs to last. Sorry.
 
Athedia
 "He stuck a dead pig outside my window once.  Funny thing, I thought it was him.  Smelled as bad."   Looking at Sora, Badger shook her head.   "But I wouldn't abandon those who need me.  Personal grief is not bad, but you can't let it interfere." 
Silverraptor
 "I just think Astrid stopped thinking straight after Salblaze died. That being said, I don't think we all should be defined based on what our gods did. They did it themselves, let them sort it out. They should have the courtesy of letting us go about our own lives, not defining it whether we have fangs or not." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "That's...If only all others were like you."  the older Orc looks as if he can't believe what he's hearing, like he can't dare to hope. The younger one looks as if he can't believe his ears either, so surprised are they at Sora's response.
Athedia
Badger shrugged and knelt down to rub Naga's belly.   "Fangs might be nice, I think Naga thinks I am a toothless puppy needing attention." 
CoffeeIncluded
Naga barks and licks Badger's hand.

Jadeite looks back out at the main hallway of the guild.  "I don't think we should investigate without Elsee, and it might take some time before she returns." 
 "Artorias, does that mean you want to go now?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "To the theater? Sure, I'm getting the sensation you want to do the ceremony soon; so I suppose if we can do it now, we should do it" 

Artorias frowns a bit, he doesn't like leaving his friend hanging though, and if those kids where right it might be dangerous, turning towards Badge and Jadeite   "}Here is what we can do,you guys wait for Elsee here and prepare anything you think might be important, I'll go meet you at the lab after I am done in the theater. Does that work for you guys?" 
super dark33
Surdrak cleans the batter he couldent salvage off the floor, places a dish cover over the Guard Of Honour and waits by the stairs leading from the first floor to the ground floor with the Poor looking undercooked pie.

Worst kitchen "accident" he had so far, at least he never burnt anything.

 
 Spoiler 
Tell me when Jadeite passes by Surdrak, or anyone else for that matter.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite holds a hand to his chin in thought.  "If what this girl says is true and we are fighting undead, then we will need fire, and holy water. Sora, did you prepare that spell today?" 

As Artorias leaves the guild, the two orcs not far behind him, he realizes another problem--Elsee won't take long to return, and the theater district is nearly an hour away by foot. How could they get to all the theaters in a short time?

While Artorias ponders this problem, he hears someone shouting behind him. When he turns, he sees a man with a broad grin and an old patched suit. He's sitting behind a team of horses, and is driving what looks to be a cross between a stagecoach and a very long cart. It looks to be brand new, and  The Badger  is painted on the side.

 "Step right up!"  he shouts at the crowd and people passing by, trying to grab the attention of the crowd. It's not working well.  "Ladies and gentlemen! Humans and Plavaan! Children of all ages! Step right up and experience the Omnicart, the newest--nay, the greatest--revolution in Runitian transportation!" 
 Surdrak: 

Surdrak steps outside to see most of his guildmates standing in the hallway, talking about holy water.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias just stares at this...this... thing. "And how is this supposed to revolutionize transport? How does it works?"  he ask  still somewhat dumbfounded.
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias: 

The Omnicart driver grins and points to a clear sealed box with a slot on the top behind him, right where people would climb onto the cart. If Artorias looks inside, he can see benches lining the inner perimeter of the cart.  "Runite's big, right?"  he says, loudly, launching into his spiel.  "And I'll bet you have trouble walking everywhere quickly; and stagecoaches don't come cheap. But that's where my Omnicart shines!"  Now the man is shouting, voice quick and exuberant and easily heard up and down the block.  "For just five silver--that's right, five silver--you can take my Omnicart anywhere along my route! From Necal to Great Gate, and everything in between, it's just an Omnicart ride away!" 

Artorias:

 
 Spoiler 
It's a mostly straight northeast to southwest path from Necal to Great Gate. He'd stop in the following neighborhoods:

Necal
Canal Street
Many, many places in the central business district, including a block or two from where many theaters are
The northern edge of the political district
The southern edge of the Heights
Great Gate
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Five silvers huh? Can you take us  Artorias motions him and the orcs  to the theater area or nearby?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias:

"Of course! Five silver apiece, and step right in!"  He makes a grand sweeping gesture, and Artorias and the orcs get on the cart.

The Omnicart is bumpy and jostles with every pothole and missing cobblestone; with the lack of suspension they and the other riders bounce up and down and rattle around. But it's faster than walking, much faster, and in twenty minutes the Omnicart slows to a stop and Artorias and the orcs can see the curved rooves and darkened openings of the theaters, and pushcarts on the streets selling endcatch strew, and sausages, occasionally in buns.

 "Is this your stop?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Going back and forth between this and cooking.
 
Silverraptor
Sora nods.
 "Yeah. I am all set." 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Artorias:

"Of course! Five silver apiece, and step right in!"  He makes a grand sweeping gesture, and Artorias and the orcs get on the cart.

The Omnicart is bumpy and jostles with every pothole and missing cobblestone; with the lack of suspension they and the other riders bounce up and down and rattle around. But it's faster than walking, much faster, and in twenty minutes the Omnicart slows to a stop and Artorias and the orcs can see the curved rooves and darkened openings of the theaters, and pushcarts on the streets selling endcatch strew, and sausages, occasionally in buns.

 "Is this your stop?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Going back and forth between this and cooking.
 
 
 

Artorias shoots the orcs an inquisitive look, after all they are the ones who know. Seeing them nodding he takes some coins from his belt pouch and gives them to the conductor. "Yes, thank you." 

Hoping off the Omnicart, Artorias looks around and asks.  "So which one do you want to go?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thank you, and have a lovely day! We hope to see you on the Omnicart soon!" 

Without the breeze made by the cart as it rushed down the street, it's hit a d humid, the air heavy on their faces, only briefly lightened as the cart picks up a few more curious passengers and rushes past. The orcs take a breath, inhaling the thick smell of bubbling street stew. The older one points to a smaller establishment, a few posters advertising other showcases on the windows.

 "We should try that one first." 

As Artorias and the orcs walk inside, the room is immediately darker but no less hot. Thankfully, it's less humid than it is outside. An usher, a halfling with long hair, walks forward and automatically greets them, as if reciting off a script.

 "Good afternoon, gentlemen; if you're looking for tickets I can direct you to the proper...uh..."  he looks up, realizes who he's actually talking to, and trails off.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias frown, not liking the halfling.  "We are here to see the manager, if you could please direct us to him, we won't bother you anymore." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Uh, yeah, I'll get on that right now,"  he says, stumbling over his words and feet as he runs off to get the manager.

Artorias and the orcs while away the interval by looking at posters of performances on the walls.

 "You have a great many forms of dance,"  the younger Orc muses, looking at the various forms of the art advertised on the wall.

After several minutes, the manager comes in. An overweight, middle-aged human, he takes one look at the two orcs, barely conceals an eye-roll, and says,  "Look, I already told you, the answer is no." 
Dusk Eclipse
Adopting a more straight posture, Artorias uses his full height to tower over the man he starts in a firm voice.  "Excuse me sir, let me introduce myself. My name is Artorias Kaather, representative of Senator Leif's Mercenary guild, these fine gentlemen have contacted me, because you have negated them permission to use your facilities. Is that correct?"  He doesn't give the fat man time to answer before he continues

  "While we have no power to force you to rent you facilities, I would personally like to hear said reasons, if they are monetary I am sure we can reach an agreement, but for some reason I don't think that is the case."   
CoffeeIncluded
The manager tenses at the mention of a Senator's name, but he doesn't yield. Instead, he says,  "Mr, Kaathe, I'm sure you realize that I run a business, not a charity. Now, if you honestly believe this business venture would be profitable, and that people would want to see a... Plavaan  boy perform, then by all means, I would love to hear your justification. Shall we take this to my office?" 
 
 Spoiler 
im going to need diplomacy checks too, by the way.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias smiles, though it doesn't seem to reach his eyes.  "By all means, Mr..... sorry I didn't catch it" 
 
 Spoiler 

Sure, though I think I might blow it.

 (1d20)[ 7 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Merle,"  the manager says, sitting down in his worn-but well cared for leather chair in his office. Several charts and lists of numbers and programs are on his desk. He looks up at Artorias and the orcs, and is not at all amused.  "And if you're going to continue this farce without anything to show for it, I will regretfully have to ask you to leave."  His tone of voice makes it clear that he will not be regretful, and there will be very little, if any, asking in the matter.

 
 Spoiler 
You can offer him money and try one more diplomacy check. The modifier will be based on the amount you offer, and will be done in secret. What? I have to keep some things a surprise! 😉

And don't worry. If you botch the check, you still keep the money.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Right to bussiness then, I respect that Mr. Merle, I am prepared to offer you 2000 GP in metal to secure the venue for my friends." 
 
 Spoiler: Check 

 (1d20)[ 11 ] 

I should have brought Sora with me XD
 
CoffeeIncluded
Mr. Merle pauses, his mouth shaping to form another sentence. He closes his mouth, seals his lips tightly, and takes a deep breath.  "What exactly do you mean by, 'in metal?'" 
 
 Spoiler 
Or put ranks in Diplomacy. 😛
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Coins"  Artorias replies calmly.
CoffeeIncluded
Mr. Merle leans back, folding his hands together.  "Do you have the money right here, right now?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee had headed straight back to the guild hall once her talk with Feliks was over, the only thing she really had planned for today was her date with Kell later on, but that wouldn't be for another few hours at the very least. fortunately Elsee was a pretty decent jumper when it came to leaping from rooftop to rooftop, and previous employments gave her a somewhat decently hidden path from place to place, so it was easy enough to return to the guild hall with Kheel trailing behind her without too much trouble. She did however make a quick stop by the kitchens before looking for the rest of the group, grabbing some spare bread for herself and a few scraps of leftover bacon for the Kheel.
Dusk Eclipse
 "I have the half right now, I have the other half at the guild" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias: 

There's a long, long note of silence as Mr. Merle looks through his datebook, his long lists of figures and charts. Finally, he says,  "I have two hours in the evening free, a week and a half from now." 
 Elsee: 

As Elsee walks into the kitchen, looking for scraps of bacon and crustacean to feed Kheel, she finds everyone but Artorias bent over a large vial of water. Sora appears to be casting a spell on it. And Jadeite looks...annoyed. Not just mocking annoyed, but as if something has gotten to him.

 
 Spoiler 
Goodnight, guys!
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias: 

The two orcs look at each other, almost incredulous that this actually worked. The older one bows deeply, as deep as he can in his chair, and says,  "Thanl you. You have done me, my son, and my tribe a great service. I am in your debt."  His words have the sound of a contract behind them.

Mr. Merle waves his hand to cut off what could be a long speech.  "Don't think that you and your...tribe mates, however they're called, are getting a free ride. Hosting a performance is expected, and if I can't turn a profit on this, then you're going to have to cover the costs. After all, it's your show." 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Artorias: 

There's a long, long note of silence as Mr. Merle looks through his datebook, his long lists of figures and charts. Finally, he says,  "I have two hours in the evening free, a week and a half from now." 

The two orcs look at each other, almost incredulous that this actually worked. The older one bows deeply, as deep as he can in his chair, and says,  "Thanl you. You have done me, my son, and my tribe a great service. I am in your debt."  His words have the sound of a contract behind them.  
 

Artorias smiles brightly at the orcs.  "It was my pleasure" 

 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Mr. Merle waves his hand to cut off what could be a long speech.  "Don't think that you and your...tribe mates, however they're called, are getting a free ride. Hosting a performance is expected, and if I can't turn a profit on this, then you're going to have to cover the costs. After all, it's your show."  
 

Quickly turning towards Mr. Merle Artorias flashes a predatory grin, he waves his hand in a placating manner.  "Of course, of course, don't worry we'll be sure to cover that, however I would like to write a contract, just a precaution I'm sure a businessman like yourself understand."  
CoffeeIncluded
 "Of course,"  Mr. Merle says, with an equally toothy grin--or at least, a closed-mouth grin that suggests many, many teeth beneath those sealed lips. The two orcs seem lost in this language of contracts and business, but the younger one seems to be making more of an effort to listen and follow along. The older one doesn't want any part in it beyond what's required of him, and where he has to sign.

The contract itself heavily favors Mr. Merle. Essentially, it says that he's providing the theater and nothing else; Artorias and the orcs will have to cover costs, along with any expenses not paid for by the tickets. Also, he gets most of the profit made from this, if any. However, the base of the contract seems to be made from a template; it's not  that  prejudiced. Overall, it could have been worse. Probably. Possibly. How much does Artorias know of contract law? And however little he knows, the orcs know even less.

 "Sign here, and the contract will be binding,"  Mr. Merle says, pointing to three lines on the bottom with his pen before passing it over to the orcs. They read it closely, sounding out some of the longer words silently, before looking to each other and signing:  Orovis  and  Yerrik. 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias scans the contract, while he knows it isn't really fair to them, he can't find any real fault in it so he takes the pen and signs  Artorias Kaathe 
 "Here you go"  he returns the contract and places a bag of coins in the desk.  "I'll bring the rest of the payment the day of the ceremony" 
CoffeeIncluded
The manager smiles as he accepts the money.  "I'll be glad to see it--and you--there. A pleasure doing business with you." 

Once outside, Orovis and Yerrik let out a loud holler of joy, sending many heads turning in their direction--whooping orcs can be quite loud.

 "You did it!"  says Yerrik.  "It worked!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I guess I did, guys I really want to celebrate but can we leave it for some other day? I need to meet up my team" 
 
 Spoiler 
I have to go to bed right now, Good night everyone.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Of course,"  they say. Orovis adds,  "You have already been generous and grateful enough. I would not wish to waste more of your hours." 

And of course, just in time for the time-saving, the Omnicart driver is coming right up the road. As he stops, Artorias can see that the clear box holds significantly more silver than before.

 "I remember you! The human and the orcs! All done with your business? Then step right up, pay your silver, and let Aaron and the Omnicart show you the way...to THE FUTURE!" 

The cart ride is, if anything, even bumpier than the previous one. But it's still so much faster than walking, and in less than half an hour Artorias and the orcs find themselves outside the guild.

 "If this is where we part for now,"  says Yerrik,  "Then I thank you." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee merely waved to the group as she greedily shoved a loaf of stale bread into her mouth to free her hands to allow her to climb up the kitchen's counters and access the similarly stale bacon leftovers, carefully lowering the plate down to Kheel-level before letting him have at it and removing the bread from her mouth, a small bite missing.

 "Ey Elf! Yer lookin down, couldn't find one of those ring dealies?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "No, I have it,"  Jadeite says, idly picking up a handful of grapes with one hand and tossing the ring to Elsee with the other.  "I am going to need the money back, by the way,"  he adds.

Plucking a few grapes off the vine and eating them, Jadeite says,  "Sora says she heard of undead creatures running around underneath the labs that blew up today. As I was in one of the only necromancy labs in the building, and no labs authorized to use undead were even near the explosion, I believe they were created by a rogue necromancer, the type who gives my calling such a bad name to begin with! He--or she--must be stopped." 
Athedia
 "Gives you a bad name?  You do that all by yourself."   Badger let out a smirk and took the grapes from a shocked Jadeite.   "Be careful with these, they are bad for Naga." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Now Badger, I have always maintained the scrupulous ethical standards my profession requires of me."  He snatches back the grapes.  "And if these grapes are dangerous to Naga, then why are you taking them?" 
Athedia
She gestured to the table where he had taken them.   "So you would keep them there, death boy." 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite closes his eyes and holds one hand to his chest and the back of the other to his forehead in a dramatic expression of one wounded.  "Oh Badger,"  he says in an equally melodramatic tone,  "You would deny a poor old elf his midday snack? You wound me!" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grins as she looks over the ring with her eyes before putting it on, quickly climbing the counter once more before leaping off the short height to test it's effects.

 "'Nd how much do i owe ya?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee slowly floats to the ground, as if being lowered by a rope rather than yanked down by gravity.

 "A thousand gp even,"  Jadeite says.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee nodded as she held the bread in her mouth once more and opened her purse, slowly pulling out the right ammount of gold and handing it to the elf in small clumps as she counted it all. from the looks of things she still had a decent ammount, she wondered if she'd be able to get those keen enchantments yet... probably not though.
super dark33
Surdrak approaches the three. His face radiates disappointment.
In his hands is a tray with a swirling red, green and white batter, it's middle is dark purple.

 Ever known that feel that a thing you did a thousand times flawlessly fails because of some small mistake?  

Surdrak sighs.

 But if you look at the full part of the glass, it may still serve its purpose. 

Surdrak's disappointment look turned into a malicious grin, and he shoved the tray of slog into Jadeite's face, strong enough so Jadeite won't be able to dodge, but weak enough for the batter to not splatter everywhere.

 I failed to make the experience as terrible as it should have been, but if you feel a little tingling in your nose, scratchy in your eyes, and have a salty taste in the mouth, by all means inform me.  
CoffeeIncluded
The tin slides off of Jadeite's face, slowly. It's followed by a rhythmic  splop.   Jadeite deliberately raises his hand and flicks much of the cream out of his eyes. One hand movement later and the slop is gone. But Jadeite's expression and voice, though seemingly cheery as ever, now has the razored edge of broken glass to it.

 "Are you sure you should join us on this mission, Surdrak? That was awfully clumsy of you, first ruining and then dropping suck a nice meal. And such terrible things can happen to those who are clumsy, or careless, around undead." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Jadeite! Do I really need to repeat myself? We do not threaten out guild-mates, no matter how annoying and/or creepy they may be."  feeling a (snarky) rebuttal coming Artorias continues without breathing stride. "And yes, that does applies to thinly veiled ones too". 

Artorias sits down careful to avoid getting... whatever it is on his clothes, and grabs a piece of bread.  "So are you guys ready to look for this secret undead-crating labs?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "What, and nothing to say to the soul-peddler who attacked me with a chemical weapon in the first place?"  He dabs a piece of smudge on his cheek.  "And yes, I'm ready to go. Lets see just how badly they are besmirching my calling." 
 
 Spoiler 
I have notes (oh, do I have notes), but I'm going to be gone for a while and won't be back until nearly midnight. And when I wake up I'm going right on the bus. I'm going to try and make a map tonight though.
 
Dusk Eclipse
😩 "Fine, Bad Surdrak, bad we do not attack friends with... whatever that was supposed to be"  Turning towards the elf.

 "Happy now?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Don't worry we can wait.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Much. Thank you, Artorias,"  Jadeite says before turning to Surdrak and biting a grape neatly in half with what is very nearly a  crunch.   "Anyway, we should finish our preparations before investigating." 
 
 Spoiler 
thanks. See you all in a few hours.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The team makes their final preparations, sorting potions and scrolls, double checking magic items, and pocketing the vial of holy water Sora had just blessed. Kheel may not have his barding yet, but everyone else has their items and weapons at the ready. And so, they make their way outside and walk with purpose to what remains of the lab that exploded yesterday.

The stink of melted golem flesh is stronger now that it's rotting, even if most of the traces managed to be removed. Naga flattens his ears and whines at the stench, and Kheel doesn't look too happy either. Both the pit and the rubble of the lab are roped off, but nobody seems to be on duty at the moment--they must have caught the watch between shifts. Slipping under the rope, they search through puddles of greening flesh golem pieces, soggy ground, and dusty rubble, still scorched and singed and occasionally dusted in shattered glass and wood of so many vials, bottles, and workbenches.

Elsee sees it first, a small gap in the earth in the pit, and a flash of...something moving past the gap. And then Artorias hears it when he comes closer and the sounds of the city fade for a moment, a slight skittering sound several feet below them.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneers as she readies her daggers and inches closer to the gap, as if the stench wasn't bad enough, now she had to fight even more things that she'd all but useless against, this just wasn't going to be her day was it? Elsee tilted and twisted herself around the gp in the earth, trying to see as much of the other side as possible before she got any closer.
CoffeeIncluded
The gap is large enough for her to fit, but the ground is soft enough that she and everyone can widen the gap for even Kheel to fit without too much trouble. As Elsee looks closer, she sees scraps of brown and white. Rats. Dozens of rats. Maybe hundreds of rats.

And though Elsee can't see color in dark vision, she can see light and dark. And while some rats look normal and alive, others are clearly not. Skinless rats, rotting rats, rats with their ribs and spine and tops of their skull exposes, clean rat skeletons and rat skeletons with nothing but scraps of fur and sinew still attached are running around with the live ones.

 
 Spoiler 
its a rat swarm, and about half of it is undead. Elsee can still sneak attack, but it does half damage.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneered to herself and silently beckoned the others over to her, pointing to the hole as she spoke.  "looks like we've got a rodent infestaition here. a  Dead  rodent infestaition." 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite immediately comes over from where he was inspecting a shattered shelf of glassware, and looks in the hole. It's dark, but enough light filters in for him to see the rats, dead and undead alike. He sits back up and adjusts his scarf, motioning for the others to come closer and look.

 "Someone got a little enthusiastic about creating various anatomical specimens of rats for study. I see at least several different stages of dissection on display down there. Whomever made those rats could have done a better job with the preservation process though. Really, it's not like formaldehyde is rare or expensive." 

Badger, Sora, Surdrak, and Artorias need a light source to look down where Jadeite and Elsee are pointing.
Silverraptor
 "R-Rats?!" 
Sora loses the color in her face.
 "I...I think I'll stay up here, thank you." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Jadeite do you have any spell that could ...kill... wait no they are already dead... er destroy many rats at the same time?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite thinks.  "I do have a fireball spell, but I'm somewhat wary about using it in such an enclosed space. If the room below is too small we could be caught in the blast. Or the sudden concussive pressure could bring the ceiling down on us, if it's low. And Sora, you are well-equipped to handle undead." 
Silverraptor
 "Y-Yes, but rats are out and too disgusting!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Sora has momentarily forgotten that they are undead, and she has the turn undead ability.😛
 
Draconi Redfir
 "Well i'm not goin in there alone!"  Elsee pouted and folded her arms across the chest again. she was getting tired of having to fight things her weapons were useless against, Kurkri were designed to cut throats and make people bleed out, undead things can't do that.  "Besides, this is the elf's department, not mine" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Not all the rats are dead,"  Jadeite says,  "And we don't know what else might be down there. I didn't know you wanted me dead that badly."  He peers into the gap again and shakes his head.  "No, we should all go in there. And Sora, you're a cleric of Astrid." 
Silverraptor
 "So?!" 
She crosses her arms in full defiance.
Athedia
While the group bickered Badger reached into her pack and pulled out a rod about a foot in length.   "Don't know about the rest of you, but I can't see worth anything right now.  Anyone have any lamp oil, we could just douse 'em and drop a match.  But I do want some light and I think if I break this they will want to get closer to it." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "So I believe you can...Turn Undead, I believe the phrase is called?" 

Jadeite laughs at Badger's remark, but this time it's one of amusement and approval.  "And you call me death boy? Perhaps I should call you pyromaniac."  He passes a lamp to Badger, it's about two-thirds full of oil.  "Do be careful with it; I'd rather not travel all the way back home to get another like it." 
 
 Spoiler 
Yes, Jadeite has a lamp on his character sheet.
 
Athedia
 "Any matches?  Unless you can send a baby flame down there I doubt just the oil will do anything." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Of course I have a match. Do you honestly think I would light this lamp with a spell? I'm not looking to blow it up,"  he says, passing a match to Badger.

 
 Spoiler 
Let's just assume matches come with the lamps. And yes, you can remove the oil from the lamp and put it in a vial.
 
Athedia
 "I didn't even think you would have a lamp."  Badger weighed the lamp in her hands.   "Someone who can actually see the rats should probably pour.  Try to get as many as possible, I don't want burning angry rat after my flesh." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Of course. Though I doubt we will be able to destroy all of them."  jadeite unscrews the lamp and pours the oil into a flask and reaches his arm into the crack, though he can't reach much else.  "This gap is too small for any of us except maybe Elsee to reach into without widening it. Elsee, would you like to do the honors?" 
Silverraptor
 "Yeah? And the rats that aren't undead? I remember you saying that some of those things are still alive." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee rolled her eyes and took the oil from Jadeite, pushing her arm through the hole in the ground and waving it around wildly to spread the liquid around as much as possible.  "Oh wouldja quit yer complainin already? We're aparently burning the dang things out so just save it for when we run into a vampire or some ship." 
Silverraptor
Only when they're good and burnt to a crisp!
super dark33
 Even if only some of them are affected, the rest will run since they wont have confidence in their numbers. 
Dusk Eclipse
 "We don't know that, we should be prepared to fight in any case?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "We should,"  says Jadeite as he steps back and lets Elsee do her work.  "I counted at least two rat swarms in there. If we let them continue breeding and running around unchecked, they could pose a severe health risk. We will have to widen this tunnel for everyone to get in though." 
 
 Spoiler 
im rolling for Elsee's attack and damage; I'll assume she three the match and I don't want to hold you guys up.

Knowledge (nature): roll]d20+12[/roll] (20)
 

 "Those rats will attack us as soon as we head down there, and they almost certainly carry disease. I'd rather not die of filth fever so we should be quick and careful,"  jadeite says, casting Mage armor on himself.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias looks a bit disturbed at the implications "Wait... you mean normal rats can breed with undead rats?" 
CoffeeIncluded
With a wicked grin, Elsee tosses a lit match down the gap. There's a sudden flare of fire, and then crackling sounds, and shrill panicked squeaks. The acrid stench of burning flesh, fur, and bone starts to rise from the hole.

 
 Spoiler 
attack:  (d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d4)[ 2 ]  plus sneak attack:  (2d3)[ 4 ] 
 


Jadeite shakes his head at Artorias's question.  "No, undead rats cannot breathe. But the living ones can, and they can become undead. And I believe both can carry filth fever." 
super dark33
 That was not his question. After you. 

Surdraks takes out his crowbard from his holster, and attempts to open the hole a bit more.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grinned wickedly as she put an arm to one wall of the gap, looking up to Jadeite as she took her first step into the room below.

 "No need for me to worry 'bout filth feaver. I’ve already had my inoculations"  Elsee winked as she poke at her scalp with a single finger, indicating the potentially numerous "lil miss" she had been carrying around with her for the past few years.  "'sides. Unlike you shmucks i can actually see these things right!?" 

Elsee giggled to herself as she drew her blades and tumbled into the gap beneath her.

 
 Spoiler 

entering the hole and tumbing way from where she landed. I’m picturing her as entering from the bottom right and tumbling to the top left outside the square, but I’ll let you and the rolls decide.

Tumble: (d20+3)[ 17 ]
Tumble:(d20+3)[ 20 ]
if at all possible: Attack: (d20+6)[ 26 ]]
Crit:(d20+6)[ 18 ]
Damage: (1d3+2)[ 4 ]
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
Which square does Elsee fall into?  (d9)[ 9 ] 

Also, nice attack roll. Roll for crit and sneak attack damage. I need to roll initiative too.
 


Elsee hops into the pit and lands on her feet, crushing a few rats as she lands and using the momentum to cleave several more in half. But she can see through the flickering flames that there are still hundreds of rats and rat zombies and rat skeletons in various stages of decay, crawling on the floor, writhing on fire, climbing over each other and on the table and the desk and they're squeaking and squealing and it won't stop.
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite helps Surdrak open up the hole further.

 
 Spoiler 
Strength:  (d20-1)[ 13 ] 
Initiative (doing it now):

Surdrak:  (d20+3)[ 16 ] 
Jadeite:  (d20+2)[ 7 ] 
Badger:  (d20+4)[ 20 ] 
Sora:  (d20+2)[ 5 ] 
Artorias:  (d20+2)[ 13 ] 
Elsee:  (d20+4)[ 12 ] 
Rat swarms:  (d20+3)[ 6 ] 

Initiative:
Badger and Surdrak
Artorias, Elsee, and Jadeite
Rat swarms
Sora
 
Athedia
 "Here goes.  Elsee, dropping down some light!"   She warned the goblin as she activated the sunrod in her hand.  Dropping it down the crack she revealed the swarm of rats below.
CoffeeIncluded
As Kheel joins in, shredding through soft boggy earth with his claws, Badger throws in a sunrod over his head.

 
 Spoiler 
Strength:  (d20+3)[ 17 ] 
 


The hole is now wide enough for everyone but Kheel to squeeze through, and as the sunrod illuminates the room below everyone can see the rats. Hundreds of rats. Live rats, dead rats, stabbed rats, squashed rats, rats running around squeaking frantically and on fire. Live furred rats, rotting rats, rat skeletons, rats with their back fur and muscles ripped off and their heads nothing but skulls but their feet still furred as they run around. Rats with nothing but patchwork fur and flesh and sinew hanging off their bodies. Eviscerated rats, still undead and moving, their organs withered and rotting and trailing behind them. Partially-skeletonized rats with red muscle rotted to green and black, melting and dripping off their bones as they run around. Some of them on fire. The smell is indescribable.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Give me that.   Artorias takes Surdark's crowbar and tries to open the gap a little more.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
[roll]1d20+7
 
CoffeeIncluded
More soft damp earth crumbles and falls below, showering Elsee and getting into her hair. It's now wide enough for everyone to enter.
Silverraptor
 "After you guys." 
Sora motions to the hole while simultaneously taking a few steps back so that none of her "friends" tries to push her in.
Athedia
 "You think I would be any good against that?  I shoot big things, not rats." 
super dark33
Surdrak takes his crowbar back from Artorias and jumps down the hole, to land by elsee near the rat swarm.

He conjurs the talons of the osprey over his hands, and attempts to strike at the largest concetration of rats he sees.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  Attack.
 (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  Crit.
 (1d3+1)[ 3 ]  gauntlet damage.
 (3d6)[ 12 ]  Eldritch claw damage.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "There are so many rats there you're bound to hit a few. And if not, I am sure your axes are more than sufficient." 

Right on cue, Surdrak makes a slashing motion, and the eldritch talons are just as efficient at killing rats as the real thing. They pierce and slice through most of the swarm in one blow, and when the black and red tendrils dissipate, everyone can see that one of the swarms has been dispatched. But there's still one to go.

Jadeite follows, drawing his crossbow and firing it at the second swarm.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (d20+5)[ 13 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 6 ] 

were on initiative now. Surdrak and jadeite just went; it's everyone else's turn. It's a move action to get down there.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias moves in and slice &amp; dices as many rats as he can with his glaive.

 
 Spoiler 

Normal attack power attacking for 3  (1d20+5)[ 10 ] 
Crit confirmation  (1d20+5)[ 18 ] 
Damage  (1d10+13)[ 23 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite's bolt clatters above the rats, and as Arotorias hops to the ground and swings his glaive, it also fails to make an appreciable dent in the swarm.

 
 Spoiler 
Badger and Elsee are up.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grinned as the first rat swarm stopped moving, and quickly locked her eyes on the next, charging in to take annother swing.

 
 Spoiler 

Moving up to V-95, one attack against the rat swarm.not sure if she's actually far enough away to charge or not.

attack: (d20+6)[ 14 ]
Crit: (d20+6)[ 18 ]
Damage: (d3+2)[ 5 ]
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee grinned as the first rat swarm stopped moving, and quickly locked her eyes on the next, charging in to take annother swing.

 
 Spoiler 

Moving up to V-95, one attack against the rat swarm.not sure if she's actually far enough away to charge or not.

attack: (d20+6)[ 14 ]
Crit: (d20+6)[ 18 ]
Damage: (d3+2)[ 5 ]
 
 
 

Elsee skewers a couple of rats on the end of her kukri, but it's not nearly enough to make even a dent in the second swarm.

 
 Spoiler 
It missed, but since there's hundreds of rats I hope you don't mind if I play it out this way!
 
Athedia
Badger groaned,  why rats?  but jumped down anyway, Naga following close behind.  The small dog bit at the rats as Badger started hacking with her small axe,  stupid rat swarms .

 
 Spoiler 
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 18 ] 
Crit  (1d20+6)[ 16 ] 
Damage  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 

Naga:
Bite:  (1d20+2)[ 4 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+2)[ 4 ] 
Damage  (1d4+1)[ 3 ] 

Apparently Naga is a little scared of rats
 
CoffeeIncluded
As Badger hops down, she cleaves through several rats in a single swing, slicing through both flesh and bone. Naga is behind her, but as he snarls one of the skeleton rats rattles its bones. The smell and...something off that he can feel is too much, and his bite goes wide with a whimper.

 
 Spoiler 
ill post the rat swarm turn after class.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Kheel dives down into the rat swarm, slicing through them as he passes.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+8)[ 12 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+3)[ 8 ] 
 


But unfortunately his claws can only take out a few in his haste.

Meanwhile, the rat swarm rushes forward, overtaking Badger, Elsee, and Artorias. They're everywhere. Everywhere. Climbing all over them, paws and claws and bone pressing into their flesh, biting every available inch of skin they can reach, chomping down with their sharp incisors and drawing blood, then running filthy matted fur and rotting organs against the wounds as they climb past...

 
 Spoiler 
Damage (And everyone, please roll a fort save DC 12 against filth fever, and if you fail that an incubation period of 1d3 days).

Artorias:  (d6)[ 1 ] 
Badger:  (d6)[ 4 ] 
Elsee:  (d6)[ 5 ] 

Sora's turn.
 
Athedia
Badger barely stopped herself from screaming at the sensation.

 
 Spoiler 
Fort  (1d20+6)[ 23 ] 
Inc  (1d3)[ 3 ] 
 
Silverraptor
Sora watches as her teammates are getting climbed over by the rats.
 "Yeah... I'm not going down there." 
 
 Spoiler 
Can Sora shoot with her crossbow from the opening?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Perhaps it would be best to provide aerial support,"  Jadeite says, reloading his crossbow.

 
 Spoiler 
yes you can. You're firing into melee though.
 
super dark33
 Dont shoot! turn them! a bolt of this size wont do much damage! 

Surdrak looks at the swarm on his teammates.

 Nearly half the swarm will escape if you turn them! 
CoffeeIncluded
 "As much as I hate to say it, Surdrak has the right idea,"  Jadeite says, looking down at the rats covering his allies and...friends, biting into every available inch of skin.  "I have few spells that will only target the rats without injuring our allies. But I can cast Magic Missile!" 

It both fascinates and offends him, seeing so many undead rats, but seeing them so poorly made and preserved. And he feels the hunger from Hemlock, who is swaying back and forth on his shoulder while watching the fight intently, across the empathetic link.

 
 Spoiler 
Jadeite will cast Magic Missile his turn, but I want to give you guys a chance to go first.
 
Silverraptor
 "Hmmm... I guess I could try and turn the undead rats. Might scare them off enough to split the swarms." 
Sora reaches for her amulet and points towards the hole.
 "Turn Undead!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Turn Check:  (1d20+3)[ 7 ] 
Turn Damage:  (2d6+9)[ 15 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite smartly steps aside as Sora casts her spell There's a blast of light, and sudden warmth, concentrated down below. The rats start squeaking in terror, deep, echoing, and rattling from the undead ones. And then they stop. All the undead rats, the skeletons held together with bits of muscle and rotten flesh and sinew and necromantic magic shudder and, as one, fall to bits. The skeletons collapse into piles of bone. The less decayed skeleton rats hold together by their flesh. But now they're just corpses that fall off the swarm and the people attacked by them. They fall below the swarm and sink into the puddles and muck.

But the living rats are still there, half the swarm is still there swarming over their now truly-dead counterparts, and they need to be defeated.

 
 Spoiler 
With that turning check you could turn up to 4 HP of undead. The rat swarm has 4 HD total, but only 2 HD of that consisted of undead rats. So you did just enough to destroy all the skeleton rats.

Here's what happened, mechanically. 10 HP of damage to the swarm, and  sneak attacks now do full damage. 

Nice going!

Also, everyone's up now!
 
super dark33
Surdrak walks over to the part of the swarm that isnt occupying anyone.
He raises his hand/talon to strike another time..

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  Attack
 (1d20+4)[ 5 ]  Crit
 (1d3+1)[ 3 ]  Gauntlet
 (3d6)[ 16 ]  Eldritch
 
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak's eldritch attack again cleaves through the mice. It slices through them, splitting them open--even the ones currently swarming over Badger and Elsee and Artorias.

Jadeite lowers his hand mid-chant. The rat swarm is dead. Oh, sure, there's a couple live ones here and there, but the swarm is gone, replaced by a pile of rat bodies in various stages of decomposition. Jadeite climbs down to the room, Hemlock slithers off his shoulder, and a flash of his fangs later there's one less live rat.

 "Sora, you can come down now,"  Jadeite says, picking up a disemboweled rat by the tail, its fur still attached but its organs gone.

Once everyone gets inside, there isn't much to look it. The room looks like it's been dug out and then propped up with slats of wood and metal and stone. The ground is just dirt, thick and boggy and wet. As you walk through the room you hear the crunching of bones and squelching sucking sounds in the deeper parts of the sodden earth. There's a wooden desk, mold already creeping up its sides, and a stone by it that serves as a chair. On the other side of the room there's a shelf with several books and a candle on top. Above the shelf there's what appears to be an entrance to a tunnel. But it's rather small--Elsee could probably fit in it, but not anybody else.

There's a door by the now-dead rat swarm, and it's closed. There are a couple torches close by, but they're extinguished. Closer inspection shows that these torches are often lit and extinguished.

 
 Spoiler 
Map updated. Good work, guys! I'll do experience and stuff later. Also, where are you on the map and what are you doing next?
 
Athedia
 "This was probably the necromancer's lab.  I recognize the look, took me hours to clean the mold out of Jadiete's old room." 
super dark33
Surdrak dismisses the talon, and walks to stand by the door.

 The tunnel doesnt seem like a good idea. we better go through here. 

Surdrak gestures the door.

 Ready when you are. 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Oh, that must have been the carpeting. I do hope Leif isn't too upset about such wanton destruction of guild property. Especially since it was nailed rather firmly into the floorboard." .

Without breaking stride he thumbs through the book.  "There's not enough here for a genuine lab. Any actual materials or evidence would be further within." 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias lights one of the torches and begins searching the room for anything unusual.

 "You do know that any damage will come out of your paycheck right?  he comments nonchalantly.

 
 Spoiler: Roll 

I'm taking 10 to search the room, total 21.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The room is small, cramped, and dark, propped up by slats of wood and yet still dripping and sagging in places. It smells even more strongly of death and decay now that the rats are gone. As Artorias climbs up on the shelf and looks inside the tunnel, he can see that it goes down quite a ways. But only Elsee would be able to fit inside it, and even then she'd probably have to crawl most of the way.

As for the rest of the room, the books make little sense to him (though Jadeite pockets a couple) and there's nothing but dust and a few gold pieces and a couple pairs of socks in the drawers. And the top half of a skull.

Lastly, Artorias checks the door quickly. It's hard to see without lighting the torches, and much of it is smeared and spattered in mud (and some rat guts, close to the handle), but it looks okay...
Silverraptor
Sora looks down at the rats littering the floor.
 "Clear a spot for me first." 
Athedia
 "Sora... just jump down or I will start throwing them at you."   Badger glared up at the cleric, impatiently tapping her foot.  The sunrod still lay on the floor and she eyed it.  It should last for a good while longer, but torchs for the others would not hurt.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Everything seems clear, but I could double check if we aren't in a hurry." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "And considering the number of rats, we might be throwing for a very long time,"  Jadeite says with a grin before turning to address Artorias.  "I don't believe we are especially hurried, but I doubt any of us would like to spend the whole day here." 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias looks around the room, running some calculations in his head., "It would take me about an hour to check this room thoroughly."
  
 
 Spoiler 
Hope this isn't too much meta-gaming. And just to be sure did we enter from the door in the map or from where?
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneered slightly as she climbed up to examine the tunnel herself, the others were pretty lousy when it came to seeing things in the dark for some reason, so she had a pretty good bet that she'd be able to see whatever was on the other side.

 "Ey Badger!"  she alled out, not taking her eyes away from the tunnel infront of her.  "This look animal-made to you or no?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

The tunnel looks to be relatively neatly dug out, with diagonally placed slots of wood and netting propping it in place. There are a couple of lumps in the uneven tunnel, and what appears to be two openings further off. Maybe.

Jadeite frowns.  "I doubt we have an hour. Is there anything in this room that particularly troubles you?" 
 
 Spoiler 
specific spots will take less time to check, and you fell in from the ceiling. You did not come in through the door.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Well in that case, I'll just check the door, that bench and the shelves.  Artorias begins to do just thad.

 
 Spoiler 

Door taking 20 for 31
Shelves  (1d20+11)[ 22 ] 
Bench  (1d20+11)[ 28 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
There's nothing on the shelves but some writing utensils, papers and books. The shelf is somewhat damp.

There's a drawer under the bench, and as Artorias starts to slide it out he stops. Peering closer, he can see a sharp piece of metal, perhaps from a blade, peering up at him. Though it's dulled with rust, it's probably more than capable of cutting.

But there is definitely, without a doubt, a trap on the door. The dirty wire wrapped around the bottom, triggered to tighten nearly invisibly when the door is opened, the wire leading up to the black container above the door, nearly invisible even in partial light, cannot be anything else.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Aha! I knew there was something wrong with this door"  Artorias begins to study the trap, trying to decipher what kind of trap it was.

 "Jadeite, did you prepare  Detect Magic?  
 
 Spoiler 
What kind of check should I make for that?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite shakes his head.  "No, I did not. The door's trapped? Come on, everyone, why don't you take a closer look as well?"  he says with a grin and a step backwards.

There's a wire sent to trigger something up above the door when the door is opened. It's hard to tell what's inside, but it's spring-loaded, set to spray over a wide radius when triggered. And...if Artorias looks very closely, he sees lumps that hint at there being many objects within.

 
 Spoiler 
With a disable device check, of course!
 
Silverraptor
Sora sighs and tries to lower herself in. She then dangles for a bit as she tries to position herself over a spot that was relatively rat free before letting herself down.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Jadeite next time you suggest to put us in the way of a potentially lethal trap I will personally tie you and test it on you."  Artorias growls, he was used to Jadeite's jokes and pranks, but he drew the line on the field.

 "Sora, can you cast  Detect Magic? " 
Meanwhile Artorias carefully studies the trap, taking everything into account, the position of the wire, the places where it is connected everything.

 
 Spoiler 
Disable Device check  (1d20+8)[ 26 ] 
 
Silverraptor
 "Yes, I did." 
She tip-toes around the dead rats scattered around to floor over to Artorias.
 "Where do you need it?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Right here"  Artorias waves his hand in the general direction of the door  "and up here"  he points directly to the trapdoor.
CoffeeIncluded
 "You're right,"  Jadeite says, surprisingly sincere.  "I suppose that was out of line." 

Artorias actually knows exactly what to do here. Clamp the wire so it doesn't move. Hold it here. And there, in between, cut.

The wire bends and fractures under the pressing pliers, and then Artorias is holding each half in his hand. And as he lets go of one, he follows the other half up the wall, to the container...

And comes away with a container full of darts, knives, sharp shards of metal and broken glass, a flechette storm set to spray on whomever opened the door without disabling or bypassing the trap. Which Artorias has just done.

The door is disarmed.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias looks at Jadeite  "Look, I don't mind a joke here an then, but there is a place and time for everything, and the field isn't really one for jokes, let's forget this happened and move forward; I'm sure you want to catch this nut job as much as I do" 

Looking at the trap Artorias begins to think it would be such a waste to leave all this metal lying there, he pockets the container into his bag of holding with the intention on salvaging some material when he has the time.
Silverraptor
 "So, you don't need me to detect magic?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee idly sad on the shelf next to the tunnel by this point, silently watching everything that happened as it happened.

 "so ya want me to check this place out?"  she asked once everyone was relitively unbusy, thumbing the direction of the hole in the wall behind her.
CoffeeIncluded
 "It might be useful, but unless somebody has Reduce Person prepared, you'll be going in alone."  Jadeite passes Elsee his potion of cure moderate wounds.  "Just because I doubt you're keen on dying again, and we may not be able to retrieve your body if its wedged in a tunnel." 
Athedia
 "Don't go to far in and take Naga with you."   Badger picked up the sunrod, and a rat that had died beside it.   "Hey Sora, catch."   She tossed the corpse toward the cleric.
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite taps Badger's shoulder and points to one of the skeleton rats dead on the ground. Its head and limbs are stripped to its skull, but its belly is intact and oddly distended. He whispers to Badger,  "Its internal organs are decomposing and releasing gas. It should burst if hit with sufficient force." 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias pokes his head a little into the hole "Doesn't seem to deep, think you can go and return in 10 minutes Elsee?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grinned and nooded, carefully pocketing the potion on her chest to be within arms reach.  "might not be able to turn around though if things don't widen up ahead, so don't keep your head in there your you might get a face full of goblin butt." 

Without annother word Elsee popped the blade of one of her Kurkri carefully between her teeth and crawled into the tunnel.
super dark33
 This is not a good idea. wed better shut this hole and go through the door. 
Dusk Eclipse
Breathing had never been so hard, but at the same time it had never been so fulfilling for Artorias, with great effort he grabs his glaive from the floor and slowly walks around the remaining skeletons, he nearly trips on a dog's tibia but somehow manages to keep his footing. With trembling hands he adopts a defensive stance as he slashes at the undead animal.

 
 Spoiler 

Move towards (88,S)
Fighting defensively (-4 attack + 2 AC for a total of 21) the skeleton dog
Attack roll  (1d20+6)[ 20 ]  8-4(fighting defensively)+2(flanking)
Crit confirmation  (1d20+8)[ 17 ] 
Damage (1d10+7)[ 14 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Nedivax remains silent and unmoving behind the wall, his status unknown, and the turned skeleton dogs attempt to flee Sora. But the fire still spreads, incinerating the webs and burning everyone in their path.

 
 Spoiler 
SD1 strength check:
 (d20+2)[ 6 ] 

SD2 strength check:
 (d20+2)[ 13 ] 

Artorias fire damage:  (4d4)[ 10 ] 

Sora fire damage:  (d4)[ 1 ] 

Kheel fire damage:  (2d4)[ 5 ] 

Elsee fire damage:  (2d4)[ 4 ] 
 
flat_footed
  The Fullmetal Mod   : Raise Thread 