CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite searches through the vines, but there isn't much there. Among the crushed, half-decayed corpses of small animals like mice and squirrels, he finds a torn pouch in relatively good condition. Inside there's a short string of pearls, a few dozen gold pieces, and a potion which he identifies as a minor curing one by taste. Other than that, the hallway is empty, or at least it seems to be. There's a door at the end of it, beyond two large openings that could have once held doors or curtains of their own.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot and listen checks, please!

Jadeite spot:  (d20+4)[ 6 ] 
Jadeite listen:  (d20+4)[ 10 ] 

Badger spot:  (d20+11)[ 19 ] 
Badger listen:  (d20+11)[ 19 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Everyone stay alert, there could be more of those vines" 
 
 Spoiler: Rolls 

Spot  (1d20+9)[ 23 ] 
Listen  (1d20+8)[ 11 ] 
 
Athedia
Badger pulled her arrows out of the vine examining the tips and taking what was still usable.   "Afraid of plants now? Tsk, tsk." 
 
 Spoiler 
Back!

And also what can she salvage of the arrows?  Anything nothing?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I don't think it was the plants so much as the vines, Badger. Or have you forgotten those chokers already?"  Jadeite smirks as he tosses the small pouch back and forth in his hands.

 
 Spoiler 
Glad you're back, Athedia!

And can you save the arrow?  (d2)[ 1 ]  Yes you can!
 


The arrow Badger retrieves is a bit dulled, but still useable.

 
 Spoiler: Spot DC 20: 
It looks like the ground by the far door is bulging up slightly.
 

 
 Spoiler: Listen DC 15: 
There's muttering and a scraping sound coming from inside the room behind the far door.
 
super dark33
 
 Spoiler: trolls 

 (1d20+1)[ 19 ]  Spot
 (1d20+1)[ 7 ]  Listen
 


Surdrak was still pumped with adrenaline, he couldnt notice anything strange.

He already prepered himself for another skirmish.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Do any of you notice anything?"  Jadeite asks, cutting off a bit of the vine and slipping it into a vial which he then tightly corks.

 
 Spoiler: Sorry about my delays 
i just need three more rolls from sora, Elsee, and Kheel.
 
Silverraptor
 "What?" 
Sora looks around.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 
Listen:  (1d20+3)[ 18 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Badger and Sora:
 
 Spoiler 
There's muttering and a scraping sound coming from inside the room behind the far door.
 


Artorias:
 
 Spoiler 
It looks like the ground by the far door is bulging up slightly.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "There is something weird over there"  he points to the ground near the door  "It is bulging" 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Spoiler 


Elsee:
spot: (d20+2)[ 21 ]
Listen: (d20+2)[ 22 ]

Kheel:
spot: (d20+15)[ 21 ]
Listen: (d20+12)[ 23 ]
 
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee and Kheel:

 
 Spoiler 


There's muttering and a scraping sound coming from inside the room behind the far door, and it looks like the ground by the far door is bulging up slightly.

I'm working on a paper but I'll post more during/after dinner. What do you all want to do with this information?
 
super dark33
 Bulging? You mean like somthingis buriethere? 
Athedia
Badger paused, tilting her head toward the door.   "Yeah, something is there.  I can hear it." 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Bulging? You mean like somthingis buriethere?  
 

 "Maybe even someone" 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite looks up cautiously. Hemlock hisses at their words.  "should we investigate? Though Artorias; you're injured from the trap before." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "You mean this?"  Artorias shows him his sheen  "It is only a scratch, nothing to be worried about" 
CoffeeIncluded
The party carefully makes their way to the following door. As they approach, walking through low-hanging doorways with holes where hooks were once set, the sounds within the following room become louder and more distinct. It sounds like muttering. Muttering, scratching, and there--a woman laughing. The floor seems to slope up and bulge slightly under the party's feet as they open the door.

This is the largest room yet--actually, it's three rooms, possibly four. The room the party stands in right now extends several feet to their right, and there is another one across the main large room. Between the walls seem to suggest another room, but a rockslide has blocked that path off. The central largest room seems to have once been a place of importance, as seen by the raised dais in the back, the carvings on the walls, the stone seats long worn down.

But what draws the party's attention is the woman on the ground with torn clothes and scraggly hair, who is muttering and laughing to herself as she digs at the ground with a rock.


 
 Spoiler: Updating the map; please check it out! 
I need a party order, please. Otherwise I'm defaulting to the one I'm putting on the map right now.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias approaches the laughing woman carefully, he tries to appear as non-threatening as possible.

 "Hello?" 
 
 Spoiler 
I think we should assume that Artorias is always at the front of the party, he is the meatshield after all.
 
CoffeeIncluded
As Artorias approaches he sees the woman frantically digging at the ground with a broken shovel, and he can make out the words she's muttering. It's an endless broken stream of,  "Down, dig down, just a bit more, it's under here, right? Hahaha, just a little more, right? Come on, digdigdigd--" 

She stops short when Artorias approaches, and at his question she whips around and springs to her feet with a hiss.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Artorias?"  Jadeite asks, quick and cautious.  "What is she saying?" 

The woman stares at Artorias, half-crouched. Her arms out outstretched and she's gripping the shovel tightly.  "Who're you?"  she asks. She opens her mouth, about to say more, but then looks at Surdrak and falls silent.

The voices in his head stir and shake, and the woman breaks out in a broad grin that bares all her teeth.
super dark33
  Have you been talking to other people? What am I, just another soul on a checklist?! I THOUGHT WHAT WE HAD WAS SPECIAAAAAAL!  

Surdrak belliws mentaly in hope the voices will get surprised.

Outwardly he says politely:
 Who are  you ? 
CoffeeIncluded
The voices shake and swim, circling his mind.

  Oh, you are special.

All of you.
We called you. And you responded.

Just a few in the world.  

The girl staggers a few feet, staring at Surdrak. She can't stop grinning as she speaks.  "I'm Alice. You hear them too, don't you? Hear what...hehehehehe...what they're telling us, what they're promising us?" 
super dark33
 They promised me nil, im here so theyll let me sleep in peace.

Morf uoy era erehw? Ecalp siht fo wonk uoy od tahw?  

Surdrak pauses and then asks

 Semalg wonk uoy od? 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Artorias?"  Jadeite asks, quick and cautious.  "What is she saying?" 

The woman stares at Artorias, half-crouched. Her arms out outstretched and she's gripping the shovel tightly.  "Who're you?"  she asks. She opens her mouth, about to say more, but then looks at Surdrak and falls silent.

The voices in his head stir and shake, and the woman breaks out in a broad grin that bares all her teeth. 
 

Artorias doesn't respond immediatly, his insticts were telling him that this woman was dangerous.
 "There is something underground.... and she is looking for it" 

The warblade's eyes widen at the way the girl... Alice adresses Surdrak
 "She is like Surdrak!" 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite stiffens.  "Another warlock?!" 

Alice straightens up, so straight it's like she's leaning back, and slides closer to Surdrak.  "Oh come on, I know they promised you something!"

 We did! We did   the voices shout.

 "Don't you know them? You...hehehe...you made the pacts with the squids too, didn't you?" 

Alice doubles over laughing for a moment, laughing, and the voices hiss in excitement.

 "They gave me sooo much, and I just needed to do a little favor for them in return. Haha, just little thing! And I bet they told you the same thing? To dig! To come over here and digdigdig!" 

She's right next to Surdrak now, twisting her way around him to whisper in his ear.  "Come on, you handsome warlock. Hehe, Surdrak, that's what the voices are calling you! Oooh, Surdrak, you wanna know what the voices promised me?  She closes her eyes and starts shaking with silent laughter.  "What they promised you?"

 We told you! We told you!  
super dark33
So many parties adressing him, two of which are lunatic. Made him feel like a sane person again, it made him happy for a little bit until frustration took over again.

Eheh, handsome warlock, that is true~
His ego suffered a boost that almost distracted him from the matters at hand.

 Jædæþ* shut up, Voices shut up, Artæ, probably not, Alice go on but answer my questions.   

*Pronounce: Jadeit
CoffeeIncluded
Alice twines around Surdrak, finally stopping in front of him, hanging her arms around his neck to lace at his back. She leans in and whispers,  "They said...They said..." 

She starts shaking again, laughing almost too silently to be heard, before letting go of Surdrak and falling to the ground.

 "Hehehahaha! They said they'd be like gods! HAHAHAHAHA!!!!" 

And she doubles over, cackling with hyena-like laughter as the voices hiss in affirmation.
super dark33
Surdrak felt sort of uncomfortable with the invasion of his personal space but he played along.

Does she even speak Spirit?
 egaugnal siht wonk neve uoy od? 
CoffeeIncluded
Alice nods, then grins up at Surdrak as she pulls on his cloak and yanks him to the ground, where he falls on top of her in a very suggestive position. She then grabs his head and tugs him closer to whisper--or what would be a whisper if she wasn't laughing insanely every other word--

 "Hey, Surdrak. Do you--hahahaha--want to be a--heeheehee--like a god too? Hahaha, I know you do!" 
super dark33
 Of course i would. 

Surdrak rolls off and bounces back on his feet, then grabs Alice by her shoulders and stands her up.

 But relying on Spirits for that? Might as well let the otyugh guard the booze celler. 

He forcfuly and suddenly brings her closer to his face.

  Semalg fo wonk uoy od tahw?   
CoffeeIncluded
Alice giggles.  "Heehee! But Surdrak, the spirits gave us power. And they--teehee--just want a little mooore from us!" 

As Surdrak pulls Alice close, and she pulls him closer, her face falls for a moment.  "Who are you with?" 
 
 Spoiler: Question for Super Dark 
What do you mean by glames?
 
CoffeeIncluded
It takes a moment for alive to translate Surdrak's speech, but when she does she blinks and cackles even more loudly, throwing her head back.

 "Ahahaha! I knew it! They said there's be more! Ahahaha, the finest stock around, they said! Heehee, I bet they  love  you." 
  Oh, we do...  

She leans back into Surdrak, and yanks his hea close before shooting a glare at the others. Jadeite moves closer to Artorias, and mines a quick drawing motion behind his back.

 "So...who're they?" 
super dark33
Surdrak thinks for half a moment, to keep her from murdering he needs to keep the illusion of being the paragon she makes him.
There is only one way.

 Sevals. They are here to accompany me in these ruins.  
 
 Spoiler: Should i roll fer bluff? 
?
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee just kind of blinks at the whole ordeal, was this a ... human thing? Eventually it got to the point where Elsee wouldn't be surprised if they just started disrobing right there infront of them, she throws a thumb over her shoulder to the door as she finally speaks up for the first time in perhaps hours.

 "did you uuuhh... need some privacy or somethin?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite looks back at the rest of the group at Elsee's statement. His eyes are wide.  "No. Do not leave Surdrak here alone." 

Artorias can feel it too, a strange hostility vaguely directed at him.

Alice giggles and claps her hands.  "Heehee! That's perfect! Haha! I got the diggers and you got--And you got them all to come? Even the  elf' ?"

 And now another wizard too,   the voices hiss.   Twice as good!  
 
 Spoiler 
yes, and a will save.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Suddenly, Surdrak feels a sudden overpowering urge to blurt out who his friends are--especially Jadeite and Artorias, whom the voices seem to especially loathe by the venom when they speak their names--but he manages to force it down. Still, Alice seems to pick up on Surdrak's hesitation, the way he choked on his words, and leaps onto him, hissing into his ear,

 "Ooh, Surdrak, do you have wizards? Heheheheh, are there wizards and those... sorcerers  with you? Hahaha, do you? Do you? Because, heehee, if you do..."  She shudders and laughs into Surdrak's neck.

The voices themselves are barely able to contain their anticipation and excitement. Oh yes, there are wizards...Oh yes, there are arcana users here...
Athedia
Badger raised her bow pointing it at the woman.   "I told Leif that you were trouble Surdrak.  Is this why you were so eager to come here?  Are we supposed to be the sacrifices?  Magic rarely means anything good."   It had to be on the others minds.  Surdrak had said the goblins were not good sacrifices and this woman knew who they were.
super dark33
  So, you dont like Artorias and Jadeite that much, for what reason? What needs to be done?  

Surdrak isnt comfortable plotting against allies.

 Owt su tsuj sti ro ereh emoc ot desoppus si esle ohw os? 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite shakes his head.  "Badger, this isn't all magic, and this certainly isn't arcana! This is because she's a warlock--do you know how warlocks are made?! SURDRAK! Don't listen to a thing she says!"  He's screaming. The elf is screaming at Surdrak and there's outright terror in his voice

Alice stares at Badger, and then falls over laughing, cackling as she rolls around on the floor.  "That's exactly right! Oooh, you're good! Ahahahahaha, you're gonna be great! I can't wait to hear you scream!"  She springs up at Surdrak's question and begins running her hands all over his face and down his neck and the side of his body. The voices in his head cackle with him.

 "Sorcerers are born with the power to manipulate Arcana. Wizards learn to manipulate the Arcana in the world through study and training. Clerics are given divine magic by their deities in return for their faith. But warlocks make pacts with malevolent spirits. The spirits give their host their power, and in return--"  The words tumble out of Jadeite, faster than they ever have.

Alice dips her head down, leaning into the space between Surdrak's chin and shoulder, and laughs quietly. She looks up, almost as if she's about to kiss him, and false-whispers,  "You know what we should do?" 

And it would be romantic, except that as Alice stares into Surdrak's eyes, he can see how hers are empty and almost glassy, how the voices in his head speak the same thing half a beat before her. They're reflecting her...no.  She's reflecting them. 

Jadeite is still terrified, but his voice has taken on a dull edge.  "In return, the spirits get them." 
  "Let's sacrifice them. The voices want it sooooooo much and ooh Surdrak, we gotta give the voices a super-special present for everything they've given us, right? Heheheheh. So let's give them your little slaves. Especially that ElF anD OTheR WIizarD. LE'tS cUt theEIr THrOatS, HeaR ThEm ScReAm! ComE onSurDrAK!"   She runs her hands all over him, cackling insanely and she and the voices whisper all the things she wants herself and Surdrak to do on top of the corpses of the rest of the Wyvern's Fangs. Many of them are absolutely disgusting, and the rest don't even make sense. Finally, she throws back her head with a hysterical shriek,   "TheY WaNt To BAthE iN thEIr bLoODD!"  
super dark33
Surdrak speaks out loud, but also internaly

 Ah, so you are their enemy. Sorry folks but this offer is refused. Not only you dare bring me here blindly, but you also threathen my FRIENDS? Sorry about that but if there is somthing ive been taught is to never trust spirits. My deal stands with the high spirits only, and you are definetly no high spirits. and YOU 

Surdrak pushes Alice off of him and grabs her neck, his arm flowing with eldritch power, shaking her with any point he makes.

 You have done the worst mistake, you let a spirit decide what is good for you. And you know why is that a mistake? SPIRITS CANT TASTE! SPIRITS CANT SEE WRONG FROM RIGHT! SPIRITS NEED OUR GUIDENCE! NOT THE OTHER WAY!
 

He tosses her on the ground, his words are loud and aggresive.

 I WILL NOT TAKE ORDERS FROM A SPIRIT OR A LOW BORN REJECT.  YOU WILL ALL OBEY ME!  

He readies a blast and aims it towards Alice.

 Starting with, report what is under these ruins. 
Athedia
Something Alice had said had finally sunk in.    A second wizard?  Who?  Not me, and Elsee would rather start a fire with a book than read it.    Her hands shook, is this why people did not want outsiders to venture up here.  Then Alice called her a slave.

She couldn't think, couldn't focus.  Memories returned in a flood and as she looked up at Alice a different face replaced her.  His face.  A scream of anger emerged from her.   "You're dead.  STAY DEAD!" 
 
 Spoiler: Attack Rolls 
Flaming Longbow

Shot 1:
Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 20 ] 
Critical:  (1d20+12)[ 20 ] 
Damage: (1d8+1)[ 4 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 4 ] 

Shot 2:
Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 13 ] 
Critical:  (1d20+12)[ 14 ] 
Damage: (1d8+1)[ 9 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 4 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Alice shouts as the first arrow pierces her hand. She looks down at it and glares as she snaps off the shaft, then looks back at Badger, Surdrak, and everyone else. Her shoulders shake and she starts to laugh again.

 "Heheh. So that's how it's gonna be. Hahaha, you've got some fight in you. The voices LOVE some fight! You're gonna be GREAT sacrifices, much better than those dogs! And heeheehee, Surdrak, don't be a dummy! Come on over. Heheh, you will. After we've sacrificed them together." 

Laughing insanely, she staggers back and clicks her fingers.  "Oooh boys! I got some meat! Hahaha, and play with it as much as you want! Hahahaha!!!" 
There's a sudden rumbling underneath, and the ground bulges up. Suddenly, the earth below bursts open, and two giant shark-like creatures erupt onto land! Their fins end in claws and they have no gills and they're the wrong Color, but they grin like sharks and they have teeth like sharks and they look kind of like sharks and they're hungry like sharks.

One emerges behind the door where the group entered, where they saw the bulge before, cutting off their escape. The other erupts between the raised seats, close to Alice, who has again lost herself in demented hyena-like cackles.

She then snaps upright, and bounces her finger between Badger, Jadeite, and Artorias.  "Whooooo first?!" 
 
 Spoiler 
ill roll initiative and attacks and update the map later; I can't do it right now.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: Initiative 

I'm doing this before class, without any notes and from memory. If I get something wrong please tell me.

Jadeite:  (d20+2)[ 7 ] 
Sora:  (d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Surdrak:  (d20+2)[ 20 ] 
Badger:  (d20+5)[ 15 ] 
Elsee:  (d20+4)[ 16 ] 
Kheel:  (d20+2)[ 22 ] 
Artorias:  (d20+6)[ 10 ] 

Alice:  (d20+2)[ 8 ] 
Land sharks:  (d20+2)[ 4 ] 
 
Silverraptor
 "B-Badger?!" 
Sora stares in horror at Badger's sudden attack. But when the land sharks appeared, she regained her composure. Turning to face the land shark blocking her escape, she held out her hand and focused, summoning the Bison.
 "Summon monster III!" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Alice shouts as the first arrow pierces her hand. She looks down at it and glares as she snaps off the shaft, then looks back at Badger, Surdrak, and everyone else. Her shoulders shake and she starts to laugh again.

 "Heheh. So that's how it's gonna be. Hahaha, you've got some fight in you. The voices LOVE some fight! You're gonna be GREAT sacrifices, much better than those dogs! And heeheehee, Surdrak, don't be a dummy! Come on over. Heheh, you will. After we've sacrificed them together." 

Laughing insanely, she staggers back and clicks her fingers.  "Oooh boys! I got some meat! Hahaha, and play with it as much as you want! Hahahaha!!!" 
There's a sudden rumbling underneath, and the ground bulges up. Suddenly, the earth below bursts open, and two giant shark-like creatures erupt onto land! Their fins end in claws and they have no gills and they're the wrong Color, but they grin like sharks and they have teeth like sharks and they look kind of like sharks and they're hungry like sharks.

One emerges behind the door where the group entered, where they saw the bulge before, cutting off their escape. The other erupts between the raised seats, close to Alice, who has again lost herself in demented hyena-like cackles.

She then snaps upright, and bounces her finger between Badger, Jadeite, and Artorias.  "Whooooo first?!"  
 

Bow still raise Badger stepped closer shooting two more arrows from the longbow.  The flames covering the bows body twisted and popped, licking at the gloves she wore.  Badger normally feared fire, but today she embraced it, it was to be her protection.

 
 Spoiler 
5ft step to AJ38

Shot 1:
Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 27 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+12)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+1)[ 5 ] 
Fire Damage:  (1d6)[ 3 ] 

Shot 2:
Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+12)[ 32 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+1)[ 7 ] 
Fire Damage:  (1d6)[ 6 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Just as the fight begins, Alice looks down at the arrow in her hand. She frowns, and then dips her other hand into her shirt. She pulls out an amulet with a strange yet somewhat familiar insignia on it and chuckles as she grips it, muttering a word through the chortles.

Sora can't concentrate on her spell with the landshark grinning at her, and it fizzles.

Alica shouts as the first arrow cuts along her side, searing the wound shut as it goes. The other tears a hole in her cloak, but just barely misses. She looks at Badger with wide eyes and a feral grin and laughs,  "We're gonna BOIL you! Boil you right in your BLOOD! Hehehe, won't that be fun?" 

And yet...those arrows should have hurt her much more than they did. It's as if she's shrugging off half of the damage.

 
 Spoiler: Initiative and other stuff 
Artorias, Elsee, Kheel, and Surdrak are all up.

Knowledge (arcana):  (d20+16)[ 17 ] 

Super Dark, are you using Detect Magic on Alice?
 

 "Those land sharks are officially known as Bulettes,"  Jadeite says.  "They burrow through the ground and will eat nearly anything. We need to stop them as well as Alice!" 
Dusk Eclipse
In the blink of an eye Artorias dissapears from where he was standing and reapers in the air above the deranged woman with is blade point down with every intention to impale Alice.

 
 Spoiler: Actions|Rolls 

Swift Action: Initiate Sudden Leap to jump from (37,AL) to (40,AO)
Jump Check  (1d20+13)[ 27 ] 
Tumble to avoid AoO from the Bullete  (1d20+15)[ 22 ] 

Standard Action: Initiate Emerald Razor (Attack is vs. Touch AC)
Attack Roll  (1d20+5)[ 25 ]  Power Attacking for 3
Crit Confirmation  (1d20+5)[ 10 ] 
Damage (2d6+14)[ 23 ] 
 
Draconi Redfir
 "Oh sure!"  Elsee groaned  "Leave the big ones to the squishies, no problem at all right Sora!?" 

Without needing a word Kheel took off into the air above the nearest land shark, forcing his way past it's mass until he arrived in the hallway on the other side, his talons digging into the Bulette's hide as he flew,

Elsee saw her opportunity the moment the Bulette's attention turned to Kheel, immediately jabbing both of her blades into the most vulnerable point she could find.

 
 Spoiler 


Kheel flies to AD 38, making a flyby attack and incurring one attack of opportunity, and Elsee uses the flank to sneak attack with both Kurkri.

Kheel claw: (d20+8)[ 16 ]
Damage: (2d4+3)[ 5 ]

Elsee Attack 1: (d20+8)[ 28 ]
Crit: (d20+8)[ 24 ]
Damage: (d3+2)[ 3 ]
Sneak attack: (3d6)[ 14 ]

Elsee Attack 2: (d20+8)[ 26 ]
Crit: (d20+8)[ 13 ]
Damage: (d3+2)[ 4 ]
Sneak attack: (3d6)[ 15 ]
 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias leaps through the air, sword flashing in the sunlight as he soars over the bulette towards the mad warlock. Alice's shrill laughter breaks off into a burbled scream as he plunges the sword into her chest, sliding it between her ribs to puncture a lung.

Meanwhile, Kheel dips down to slash a bulette with his talons, but can't cut through its thick hide and opens himself up to an attack.

Elsee's luckier. The land shark doesn't have gills like a fish would, but it does have gill-like structures. And as the beast rears up to bite rhe wyvern, and tears his leg open, Elsee's blades cut deep into the unprotected flesh, slicing it open and sending blood everywhere.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls! 
elsees crit damage:  (d3+1)[ 3 ] 

Bulette aoo against Kheel:

Attack:  (d20+16)[ 33 ] 
Crit:  (d20+16)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (2d8+8)[ 17 ] 
Crit damage:  (2d8+8)[ 12 ] 

I'll try to have Alice go before I get back from raptors but I don't know if I can do it. If I get the damage wrong, please tell me.
 
super dark33
 Boiling in blood is not a good cooking method! 

Surdrak launched a blast at the Streetshark (Its Jawsome) by the seats.

 
 Spoiler: Bogrolls 
 Mortalbane
 (1d20+7)[ 18 ] 
 (5d6)[ 13 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Surdraks' blast sears the bulette's face, and it roars in pain, badly wounded by everyone's strikes.

Alice, still giggling even as she hacks up blood and more pours from her ruined lung, reaches up and grabs Artorias, yanks him down, licks her lips, and sends an eldritch blast right into his neck. As he does, her gauntlets glow a hellish red and burn.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls and a note 
Ranged Touch:  (d20+7)[ 26 ] 
Concentration:  (d20+11)[ 31 ] 
Damage:  (3d6)[ 12 ] 
Sickening Blast: Fort save DC 14 or be sickened.
Bonus fire damage:  (2d6)[ 6 ] 

Oh, and Artorias? She has Mage Slayer. You can't cast defensively against her. The feat says any mages who try this automatically know it.
 


Her blast scorches the side of his neck, and he can feel--and hear, and smell his own flesh and hair sizzle and burn. She breaths in deep, coughs up more blood, and laughs insanely about the voices loving the sound of arcana burning.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler: save 

Fort Save  (1d20+5)[ 13 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Alice closes her eyes and grabs the amulet again, whispering,  "You can't get away...Eeeheeeheehee...Kill him, splatter his brains..." 

There's a loud thud. Then another, and another. A looming shadow appears, and an implacable figure marches towards Artorias. Ten feet tall, not as broad and huge as the bulettes but towering over them regardless, the statue immediately reminds Artorias of the golem they fought back at Runite. But it's not a golem, it's not the same--Artorias can figure that out right away. The statue is old, so very very old. It's built from the same stone as the walls of San De Sol, moss grows over its shoulder and down its back, and little blades of grass and smaller sprouts poke out from the cracks between the stones, weathered and widened from the ages. Its arms are broad shields, tapered to an edge that can bash as well as block. And those stony shield arms are smoothed down, with a symbol carved on them--the same symbol, on the aged amulet Alice is clutching. The statue moves towards Alice without a sound, marching to defend her.

Jadeite, for his part, breaks away from the wounded bulette down towards the rubble, where Alice, Artorias, and the second bulette are engaged in combat, He shoots out a blast of color with a shout of,  "Have all the magic you want!"  and then yells at Artorias,  "That's not Alice you're seeing; whomever she was is long gone! The spirits have complete control of her! You need to put her down!"  He twists his arm again in an attempt to bind her into place.

 
 Spoiler: Spells and rolls 

Sudden Quickened Color Spray
Bulette will save:  (d20+6)[ 8 ] 
Alice will save:  (d20+6)[ 16 ] 

Hold Person
Alice will save:  (d20+6)[ 26 ] 

Damn, she made both.
 


The bulette is stunned, frozen in place, but Alice manages to shrug off both of Jadeite's spells. She turns to him and cackles, shouting,  "We're gonna LOOOOOVE sacrificing you, ELF! How long can we make you SCREAM?! Oh, we've been waiting YEARS AND YEARS!!!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "That's a shield guardian!"  Jadeite shouts.  "It must be as old as San De Sol. Artorias, that construct is keyed to an amulet, and programmed to defend the amulet's wielder at all costs! It can defend against blows and even absorb some of the amulet wearer's damage! Alice must have the amulet on her for it to come to her aid!" 

The bulette can't decide whether to snap up Elsee or Kheel first and so decides on both, pinning down Elsee with its claws while taking another bite of of Kheel's bleeding flank.

 
 Spoiler: Bulette attack rolls 
Bite against Kheel
Attack:  (d20+16)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (d20+16)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (2d8+8)[ 16 ] 
Crit damage:  (2d8+8)[ 16 ] 

Two claws against Elsee
Attack:  (d20+10)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+4)[ 10 ] 
Crit damage:  (2d6+4)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+4)[ 8 ] 
Crit damage:  (2d6+4)[ 11 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Sorry about the delay 
Everyone's up! Go for it!
 
super dark33
Surdrak moved up to near Alice

 Hey im on your side now gimme a hug 

He sent his arms in an attempt to snatch off the amulet under the guise of an actual hug.

 
 Spoiler: profitreolls 

Roll]1d20+4[/roll] Disarm attempt
 
Athedia
Badger stepped closer.    Friends he had brought friends.  But she had friends too now and she had killed him before.  These were strong friends though and he was stronger, stronger than her.  His touch controlled the fire that had finished him, but she had fire too.  Yes.  She and her friends.  They were stronger, they had to be.  

Unwaveringly she stepped forward again and fired three arrows toward her enemy.    He is just human.  And I am good at humans  
 
 Spoiler 
Coffee, since you are the DM can you please remember my bonuses against humans and elves as well?  Since I don't always know if they apply in listen checks etc.
+4 Bluff, Listen, sense Motive, survival and Damage rolls against humans
+2 against Elves

Stepping to AK39 (you never moved me on the map before)

Feats Activated:
Point Blank Shot (+1 attack and damage)
Precise Shot (no penalty for shooting into melee)
Rapid Shot (full attack 1 more attack at highest modifier, -2 to attack on all shots)

Total Bonus to:
Attack: 10/5 (base ranged) + 1 (weapon Focus) + 1 (magic weapon) + 1 (PBS) + 4 (favored enemy) -2 (RS) = 11/6

Damage: 1d8 (base) + 1 (PBS) + 1 (magic weapon) + 4 (favored enemy)= 1d8+6

Shot 1:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 26 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+11)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+6)[ 11 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 2 ] 

Shot 2:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+11)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+6)[ 14 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 6 ] 

Shot 3:
Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 13 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+11)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+6)[ 8 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 6 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias is breathing hard, he doesn't really understand what that witch has done to him,  he feels... weak, sick, but as he hears Jadeites screams he fights through the urge to gag and sees the amulet, hanging on Alice's neck.  Artorias' hands shoots forward trying to grab it.
 
 Spoiler: Roll 

Disarm Attempt  (1d20+6)[ 20 ]  (the -2 from being sickened is already factored in).
 
CoffeeIncluded
The landshark claws into Elsee, and then with a powerful bite tears into Kheel, ripping away another part of his leg as the young wyvern screams out.

Surdrak tries and fails to snatch the amulet off of Alice. Indeed, he can't even get past the rubble.

Meanwhile, Badger fires three arrows in succession. Although one arrow misses outright, and another bounces off the stony arms of the shield guardian, one buries itself deep into her shoulder. She jerks up with a cry--right into Artorias's grasp, where he grabs onto her amulet. She reacts and tries to claw his face.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
AoO:
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 12 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (d3)[ 1 ] 

Opposed disarm:  (d20+4)[ 5 ] 
 

 "NO!"  she screams as he rips the amulet off of her neck. Behind him, he hears the shield guardian still.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Yes"  With some difficulty Artorias moves towards the Shield Guardian Hoping the construct recognizes him as his master.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Artorias still has his move action so he will move from (39,AP) to (40,AT)
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee hissed as her skull collided to the floor, the weight of the landshark easily pinning the much smaller goblin down. Foutionately Elsee's arms remained free, allowing her to jab her blades into the landshark's toes, hoping it'd rather lift it's claws off of her rather then put more weight on her.

Kheel meanwhile whines and begins to panic, quickly lashing at the landshark with everything he had before attempting to crawl away.

 
 Spoiler 

 Elsee and Kheel both full-attack landshark, Kheel five-foot steps away after attacking.

Elsee attack 1: (d20+8)[ 27 
Crit: (d20+8)[ 25 ]
Damage: (d3+2)[ 3 ]
Sneak attack: (3d6)[ 10 ]

Elsee attack 1: (d20+8)[ 10 
Crit: (d20+8)[ 15 ]
Damage: (d3+2)[ 4 ]
Sneak attack: (3d6)[ 13 ]

kheel has too many attacks and i need to go to work.  Coffee can you do it? 
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
  
 Spoiler 

 Elsee and Kheel both full-attack landshark, Kheel five-foot steps away after attacking.

Elsee attack 1: (d20+8)[ 27 
Crit: (d20+8)[ 25 ]
Damage: (d3+2)[ 3 ]
Sneak attack: (3d6)[ 10 ]

Elsee attack 1: (d20+8)[ 10 
Crit: (d20+8)[ 15 ]
Damage: (d3+2)[ 4 ]
Sneak attack: (3d6)[ 13 ]
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler 
I do not believe this is how a roll would quote.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler: You are right. 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Something Alice had said had finally sunk in.    A second wizard?  Who?  Not me, and Elsee would rather start a fire with a book than read it.    Her hands shook, is this why people did not want outsiders to venture up here.  Then Alice called her a slave.

She couldn't think, couldn't focus.  Memories returned in a flood and as she looked up at Alice a different face replaced her.  His face.  A scream of anger emerged from her.   "You're dead.  STAY DEAD!" 
 
 Spoiler: Attack Rolls 
Flaming Longbow

Shot 1:
Attack: [roll0]
Critical: [roll1]
Damage:[roll2]
Fire: [roll3]

Shot 2:
Attack: [roll4]
Critical: [roll5]
Damage:[roll6]
Fire: [roll7]
 
 
 
 

 Filler text +1 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler: Not just a fluke 


 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
  
 Spoiler 


Elsee:
spot: (d20+2)[ 21 ]
Listen: (d20+2)[ 22 ]

Kheel:
spot: (d20+15)[ 21 ]
Listen: (d20+12)[ 23 ]
 
 
 
 

 Filler Text +2 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: Is it different from system to system? 
I had the same thing happen, where rolls get requoted, when I quoted Super Dark's Natural 1 on his Knowledge (Arcana) check while rolling for Jadeite's check in the same post. Jadeite rolled a 20 and for some reason Super Dark's roll, quoted in the same post got changed to a 20 in my post too. Check it out on the OOC thread!

It is a little odd, and if it continues I'll talk to him about it. Maybe he's rolling it in a slightly different format? Like how you can split up multi-dice rolls to show the individual values or just show the sum?
 


EDIT: Sent a PM to Draconi.
super dark33
 
 Spoiler: Strolls 
Its either rolled in the dice roll thread or somthing else. The thing that happend in my quoted post in your roll is that it shown roll0 which was also rolled in your post. Ovserve:

Roll0  (1d413)[ 23 ] 
Actual roll  (1d413)[ 23 ] 

When you quote it it shows both rolls as the roll result. I wonder if more roll0s can be inserted by edit?
 (1d413)[ 23 ] 
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler: roll0 

 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  
 Spoiler: Strolls 
Its either rolled in the dice roll thread or somthing else. The thing that happend in my quoted post in your roll is that it shown roll0 which was also rolled in your post. Ovserve:

Roll0 [roll0]
Actual roll [roll0]

When you quote it it shows both rolls as the roll result. I wonder if more roll0s can be inserted by edit?
[roll0]
 
 
 

But the problem in this is different since those are all roll0's, while the ones appearing were all editable rolls
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  
 Spoiler: Strolls 
Its either rolled in the dice roll thread or somthing else. The thing that happend in my quoted post in your roll is that it shown roll0 which was also rolled in your post. Ovserve:

Roll0 [roll0]
Actual roll [roll0]

When you quote it it shows both rolls as the roll result. I wonder if more roll0s can be inserted by edit?
[roll0]
 
 
 

But I'm getting roll0 when I quote. Could you explain this in more detail please?
super dark33
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  
 Spoiler: Strolls 
Its either rolled in the dice roll thread or somthing else. The thing that happend in my quoted post in your roll is that it shown roll0 which was also rolled in your post. Ovserve:

Roll0  (1d612)[ 479 ] 
Actual roll  (1d612)[ 479 ] 

When you quote it it shows both rolls as the roll result. I wonder if more roll0s can be inserted by edit?
 (1d612)[ 479 ] 
 
 
 


Since in the quote these are all roll0s, the code recognizes them as such and will post a roll identified as roll0 in them.
Observe:
 (1d612)[ 479 ] 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 Since in the quote these are all roll0s, the code recognizes them as such and will post a roll identified as roll0 in them.
Observe:
[roll0] 
 

Ah, ok. Thanks. But that's not what's been going on with Draconi.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 Since in the quote these are all roll0s, the code recognizes them as such and will post a roll identified as roll0 in them.
Observe:
[roll0] 
 


The thing is that when you quote a roll it appears as [roll0] in both the edit window and the actual post, the rolls Athedia and I quoted both appear like code, chack the difference between the actual code when quoting Athedia's post and Draconi's one. Also see how the first line in Draconi's rolls lack a  ]  after the result.

 
 Spoiler: Posts 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Something Alice had said had finally sunk in.    A second wizard?  Who?  Not me, and Elsee would rather start a fire with a book than read it.    Her hands shook, is this why people did not want outsiders to venture up here.  Then Alice called her a slave.

She couldn't think, couldn't focus.  Memories returned in a flood and as she looked up at Alice a different face replaced her.  His face.  A scream of anger emerged from her.   "You're dead.  STAY DEAD!" 
 
 Spoiler: Attack Rolls 
Flaming Longbow

Shot 1:
Attack: [roll0]
Critical: [roll1]
Damage:[roll2]
Fire: [roll3]

Shot 2:
Attack: [roll4]
Critical: [roll5]
Damage:[roll6]
Fire: [roll7]
 
 
 


 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee hissed as her skull collided to the floor, the weight of the landshark easily pinning the much smaller goblin down. Foutionately Elsee's arms remained free, allowing her to jab her blades into the landshark's toes, hoping it'd rather lift it's claws off of her rather then put more weight on her.

Kheel meanwhile whines and begins to panic, quickly lashing at the landshark with everything he had before attempting to crawl away.

 
 Spoiler 

 Elsee and Kheel both full-attack landshark, Kheel five-foot steps away after attacking.

Elsee attack 1: (d20+8)[ 27 
Crit: (d20+8)[ 25 ]
Damage: (d3+2)[ 3 ]
Sneak attack: (3d6)[ 10 ]

Elsee attack 1: (d20+8)[ 10 
Crit: (d20+8)[ 15 ]
Damage: (d3+2)[ 4 ]
Sneak attack: (3d6)[ 13 ]

kheel has too many attacks and i need to go to work.  Coffee can you do it? 
 
 
 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Kheel lashes out, trying to finish the Bulette before it finishes him.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls and an ooc queation 
do you guys want to continue this conversation ooc?

Attack:  (d20+11)[ 13 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (d4+3)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+3)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 25 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+3)[ 14 ] 

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 5 ] 

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 5 ] 
 


Two of Kheel's desperate strikes hit and badly wound the Bulette, though he's not quite dead yet.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias breathes hard as he runs towards the guardian, Alice's attacks had wounded him a lot more than he thought possible. Hoping Jadeite is right he speaks to the golem. "I am your new master, protect me" 
CoffeeIncluded
Sora dashes back and casts a spell from her wand, invigorating Artorias and slightly closing his wounds. As she does so, she opens herself to an attack from the land shark.

 
 Spoiler 
lesser vigor on Artorias.

Bulette aoo:
Attack:  (d20+16)[ 33 ] 
Crit:  (d20+16)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (2d8+8)[ 22 ] 
 


It tears into her arm and back. Meanwhile, the shield guardian looks down at Artorias, then stands tall next to him.
CoffeeIncluded
 "No! NO! YOU'RE GONNA BURN, WIZARD!"  Alice screams as she staggers to her feet and fires another blast if eldritch flame at Artorias.

 
 Spoiler: Attack rollS 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (3d6)[ 9 ] 
Bonus fire damage:  (2d6)[ 3 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The blast to Artorias's chest hits him square on,  but the mithril chain dissipates the worst of it.

Meanwhile, jadeite fires three orbs at the Bulette attacking Everyone else, shouting to Artorias,  "It will follow your commands! Put her down!" 
 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
ill go for the shield guardian and Bulette after class.

Here's some extra bonus damage I forgot to add to Alice-- she uses hellfire blast as well.  (2d6)[ 10 ]  reflex save or catch fire.

Jadeite's magic missile damage:  (3d4+3)[ 12 ] 
 
super dark33
 
 Spoiler: AoO against Alice 

 (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  Att
 (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  Crit
 (1d3+1)[ 3 ]  Glove
 (3d6)[ 9 ]  Eldritch
 

 Comeon Alice, what did you expect? An eldritch bunny that lays eggs? 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler: Saves 

 (1d20+8)[ 28 ] 

I'm at -8 BTW.

Edit: I forgot to add the -2 from being sickened, but I don't think it makes a lot of difference does it?
 


Artorias avoids the worst of the flames and avoids getting himself lit on fire, but the effort and his prior injuries finally bring him down.
CoffeeIncluded
 "No!"  Alice screams as Surdrak tries to attack,  and the voices scream their denial as well  "What are you doing?! How could you?!" 
 
 Spoiler 
actually, Artorias takes half damage from shield other. Not sure if it's enough to down him though.

Alice's concentration:  (d20+11)[ 27 ] 
 
super dark33
Surdrak responds to her, in the spirit language.

 
[AE]Hey, i told you, face against my friends and you face me. You didnt have to listen to them, you could have been free. But you have chosen to stand against my words and you know how much my words worth.[/AE] 

He smiles at her and winks

 [AE]You could have joined me. Any last request Last requests dont include the death of any of my friends ?[/AE] 
 
 Spoiler: Long messeges need no mirroring 
 Takes too long to read them. ill just put it between faux tags.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias is badly burned but remains standing, if only just. Meanwhile, the shield guardian responds to his commands and attacks the biggest threat to the warblade-turned-wizard.

Literally.

The ancient construct steps forward and slams its fists down on the Bulette, again and again.

 
 Spoiler: Attack rolls  
the shield guardian is like a computer program. It'll do EXACTLY what you tell it to do.

Attack:  (d20+16)[ 32 ] 
Crit:  (d20+16)[ 33 ] 
Damage:  (d8+6)[ 12 ] 

Attack:  (d20+16)[ 25 ] 
Crit:  (d20+16)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (d8+6)[ 7 ] 

I don't know if I can roll for the Bulette until after class.
 


Both hits batter and bash the Bulette as jadeite brings the other one down.
CoffeeIncluded
The Bulette bites into Surdrak again and again.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
attack:  (d20+16)[ 32 ] 
Crit:  (d20+16)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (2d8+8)[ 14 ] 

attack:  (d20+10)[ 13 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+4)[ 9 ] 

attack:  (d20+10)[ 11 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+4)[ 11 ] 

Everyone is up.

 
Dusk Eclipse
 This assumes it is Artorias turn 

Artorias observes how the ancient guardian pummels the landshark.  "That could have been any of us"  he whispers softly to himself, a sudden pang of pain breaks him out of his reverie, with some difficulty he touches one of his moonstone studs and lets the positive energy flow through him, mending his wounds.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Standard: Activate Healing belt, full charges to heal  (4d8)[ 23 ] 
Free: Ready action to tell the Shield Guardian to stop if he attempts to attack his friends.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The worst of Artorias's burns smooth over, though he's still pretty injured. Meanwhile, Alice turns to Surdrak, her face and chest coated with blood, and wheezes,  "You think...it's that easy? Heheheheh...you were...born for this...ahahahaha..." 

And the voices echo with her.

 
 Spoiler 
everyone but Artorias is up.
 
Athedia
Badger aimed once more at Alice.  She would be down soon.

In her mind the knife was raising again, ready to strike the finishing blow.

 
 Spoiler: ATTACK!!! 
Feats Activated:
Point Blank Shot (+1 attack and damage)
Precise Shot (no penalty for shooting into melee)
Rapid Shot (full attack 1 more attack at highest modifier, -2 to attack on all shots)

Total Bonus to:
Attack: 10/5 (base ranged) + 1 (weapon Focus) + 1 (magic weapon) + 1 (PBS) -2 (RS) = 11/6

Damage: 1d8 (base) + 1 (PBS) + 1 (magic weapon) + 4 (favored enemy)= 1d8+6

Shot 1:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 23 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+11)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+6)[ 7 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 6 ] 

Shot 2:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 14 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+11)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+6)[ 13 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 6 ] 

Shot 3:
Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 11 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+11)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+6)[ 14 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 4 ] 
 
[/SPOILER]
super dark33
Surdrak attempted to stay cool while the Bulette munched on the arm Surdrak sticked it its mouth.
Holy barf it reached the shoulder.

 Oh yes i was. I was more than born for this. You can still make your last wish if you want. I swear i will honour it as if it was mine. Hurry up then. 
CoffeeIncluded
Alice laughs as badger nocks her arrows.  "For you...to join us..." 
 
 Spoiler: Athedia 
i promised Super dark this conversation.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Alice laughs as badger nocks her arrows.  "For you...to join us..." 
 
 Spoiler: Athedia 
i promised Super dark this conversation.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: For Coffee 
Perfectly fine.  I will just picture this all happening in slow motion with the dialogue in the back and a superimposed image of her flashback barely visible through the action.
 
Silverraptor
Sora cries out in pain and stumbles to the floor. The pain was quite intense.
 "C-Cure Serious wounds!" 
 
 Spoiler: Healing herself 
 (3d8+6)[ 13 ] 
 
super dark33
Surdrak sighed.

Then he remembered his hand is still inside the Shark's mouth.


 YEEEEEOUUCH! 

With his other hand, Surdrak focused on what might be a weakness of the shark and made an unneceserily round strike towards it.



 
 Spoiler: Sapphire Mortalbane Eldritch-Claw Gauntlet Strike 

 (1d20+8)[ 11 ]  Concentration: If higher than target AC, apply sapphire damage and attack roll aims to touch AC.
 (1d20+5)[ 19 ]  Attack
 (1d20+5)[ 15 ]  Crit
 (1d3+1)[ 2 ]  Gauntlet damage
 (5d6)[ 19 ]  Eldrtich damage
 (1d6)[ 3 ]  Sapphire damage
 
CoffeeIncluded
Badgers eyes narrow and she fires. Two shots stop against the rubble, but one strikes true, burying itself in Alice's chest. She looks down as it sears its way through her, then laughs until the sound is cut short. The warlock crumples to the ground.

Meanwhile, sora reflexively heals herself, and Surdrak punches the Bulette in the face, cracking a few teeth. This gives him just enough leverage to escape.
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee and Kheel race over to help out against the remaining enemy, but stop short, fearful of their grevious wounds. Meanwhile, Jadeite glares at the land shark and growls,  "I don't know why you evolved to exist out of water, but you'll be craving it soon enough. Desiccate!" 

As jadeite casts his spell, the shield guardian keeps mindlessly pummeling the beast.

 
 Spoiler: Damage 
elsee and Kheel aren't in range yet. I'll go for the Bulette next.

Desiccate damage:  (2d6)[ 5 ] 
Fort save:  (d20+11)[ 19 ] 


attack:  (d20+16)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (d20+16)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d8+6)[ 14 ] 


attack:  (d20+16)[ 32 ] 
Crit:  (d20+16)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (d8+6)[ 10 ] 
 
super dark33
 You need to work on your lines Jædæ, i dont think there is a relation between this and sharks other than the painful bite. 
CoffeeIncluded
As Jadeite's spell dries some of the creature's scales and the shield guardian batters it even more, the bulette returns its attention to Artorias, savagely striking out at the one who is not directly attacking it. The beast doesn't seem to comprehend that the shield guardian is protecting it, at least not at first.

 
 Spoiler: Attack rolls 
Don't forget the damage is halved because of Shield Other.

Attack:  (d20+16)[ 25 ] 
Crit:  (d20+16)[ 35 ] 
Damage:  (2d8+8)[ 20 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+4)[ 14 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+4)[ 11 ] 

Party's turn.
 
super dark33
Surdrak almost expected the Shark to attack him after saying that, but he couldnt complain.

Stew. Thats what he will make out of these sharks.


 
 Spoiler: Spicing 

 (1d20+5)[ 10 ]  Att
 (1d20+5)[ 11 ]  Crt
 (1d3+1)[ 3 ]  gntlt
 (1d3+1)[ 2 ]  crt dmg
 (5d6)[ 14 ]  eldrtch dmg
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias attacks the landshark back, he powers through the pain an attacks with single minded ferocity.
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Standard Action: Initiate Rabid Wolf Strike
Attack  (1d20+8)[ 21 ]  Power attacking for 5
Crit Confirmation  (1d20+10)[ 13 ]  (I always forget I get int to crit confirmation rolls &gt;_&lt;
Damage  (2d6+18)[ 25 ] + (2d6)[ 10 ]  (Rabid Wolf Strike]
AC is now 14
 

 "Guardian to me!" 
Athedia
Badger started to come out of her daze, enough to realize the danger Artorias was in.   "Art! Get out of here!"   She raised the bow to protect him.

 
 Spoiler: Attack 
Feats Activated:
Point Blank Shot (+1 attack and damage)
Precise Shot (no penalty for shooting into melee)
Rapid Shot (full attack 1 more attack at highest modifier, -2 to attack on all shots)

Total Bonus to:
Attack: 10/5 (base ranged) + 1 (weapon Focus) + 1 (magic weapon) + 1 (PBS) -2 (RS) = 11/6

Damage: 1d8 (base) + 1 (PBS) + 1 (magic weapon)= 1d8+2

Shot 1:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 28 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+11)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 1 ] 

Shot 2:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 14 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+11)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 1 ] 

Shot 3:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 27 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+11)[ 31 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias uses the opening Sora inadvertently gives him to cut a deep gash into the bulette, nearly tearing its mouth open. And though Surdrak misses, two of Badger's arrows strike true, burying deep into the landshark's back. It shudders and falls over limp, still half-burrowed in the ground.

 
 Spoiler: Explanation 
Artorias can flank off of Sora, I just noticed that now.

Combat's over everyone.
 
Athedia
Badger was breathing heavily her face flushed.  The past was receding and she could see the damage around her.  The torn up floor, the blood and the arrows sticking out of Alice.  Slowly she let herself slide to the floor.  She was alive, still alive.
super dark33
 Her cape and cloak are magical. Sorry Alice but these are for a higher cause now.  
 
 Spoiler: Lewt? 
Lewt.
 
CoffeeIncluded
There's no gold on Alice, and no gems of value either. But she has quite a few items on her. She's stocked up on mundane items like rope and another shovel, but there are a few magical items on her well.

Alice has several healing potions on her, enough for evey injured person to have one each. There are two wands hidden in her coat as well. Finally, her cloak and gloves are both magical.

 
 Spoiler: Loot! 
one clw potion for everyone injured.
Wand of light (5 charges)
Wand of restoration. Not lesser restoration, restoration. The one that fixes energy drain and level loss. (18 charges)
+1 cloak of resistance
Gloves of eldritch admixture (3 charges a day, you can add extra fire/electric/acid damage to your eldritch blast. 1 charge gives +2d6 damage, 2 charges give +3d6 damage, and burning all 3 charges at once gives +4d6 damage. Alice has used all her charges for the day)

No gold or gems, sorry.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "errrr stop"  Artorias commands the Shield Guardian, he doesn't really know what to do with it, but right now he has some more pressing concerns, staying alive being the most important right now.

 "I'll take that potion, thank you"  he quickly chugs it down, letting a content sigh as the magic starts mending his wounds.
 
 Spoiler: Cure light wounds 
Healing  (1d8+1)[ 6 ] 
 
super dark33
Surdrak cant hide his excitment

 Artæ its amazing! A large golemlike of our own! You think we can bring it to Runite 

He looked at the Guardian's "Face".

 Huh looks like my beer mate a bit... 
 
 Spoiler 
Sutton Hoo! Sutton Hoo!
 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite goes over to the body of Alice and bows his head. He then takes his dagger and plunges it into her heart. If she wasn't dead before, she is now.

The shield guardian stills, and as the room goes quiet everyone is able to lick their wounds and look around.

The room was clearly once a main chamber of some sort, perhaps a meeting room, center of religious ceremony, or both. But there's not much now, only stone seats and carvings on the walls. The shield guardian looks badly battered but is slowly piecing itself together, cracked stone welding together under the cape of moss and ivy. It's spent a lot of time outside, possibly centuries.

 "Should we bring it back?"  Jadeite muses.  "People might wonder where we found it, and go searching for San De Sol themselves. Besides..."  He looks back at Alice's corpse.  "She said something about dogs, and Artorias, you said this place smells of dog as well. Perhaps somebody could still live here?"  But if they have, they aren't exactly ones for interior decorating.

Jadeite falls silent as he looks around the room again. There's another path, another doorway directly across from the one they entered; it's where the shield guardian came in. And right below the bodies of Alice and the second bulette, closer to the end of the cliff, there's a wall and what may be a doorway in the middle. But it's blocked by rubble that practically reaches the ceiling; there's no way to cross it and enter the next room.

 
 Spoiler: Search, DC 20 
There's some brown-tan fur on the stone seats, and some pawprints in the dust.
 
super dark33
 We are two wizards and an unspecified caster, we can say we built it.

Our new enemies Or my future servents  have mentioned dogs and wanted me to kill them. I doubt its in our interest now.

I wonder if theres a kitchen around here...
 

Surdrak wandered around in circles, moving his hurting left arm.
When he passes near the corpse of the Bulette, he takes out his crowbar and tries to cut a piece of the meat.

 
 Spoiler: Search 

 (1d20+2)[ 20 ] 
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee looks up at the shield guardian in awe as she downs the healing potion she had been given, slowly getting closer to the colossal automaton and lightly poking it with a single finger. she stood still for a moment to ensure it wasn't going to react negatively, after which she proceeded to climb up the various vines and moss growing around it's body, an easy task given all the overgrowth. Elsee pulled herself into a sitting position on the guardian's shoulder, grinning as she looked down at the taller members of the party.  "Eye say we keep the big guy! Just THINK of all the "Law" and "order" we kin uphold with et!"  Elsee scrunched her face as she turned to look at the guardian's face, a hand reaching over to try and scrape off a patch of moss that had grown over what she had assumed was it's right eye.  "OOORRrrr we could always give 'im to the swamps. Pose 'im as a statue 'nd maybe decorate 'im up a bit as a Plavaan 'nd leave 'im in a public place to keep things pretty. order'im to stay like that forever 'nd only come out if people start killing other people around 'im, at which point he could intervene yaknow?" 

Kheel clumsily flew his way up to the guardian's opposite shoulder, a potion in his mouth wich he also downed, sitting in a way that kept pressure off of his damaged leg.


 
 Spoiler 

Elsee potion:  (d8+1)[ 6 ] 
Kheel potion: [roll]d8+1[/roll]
Roll retry: [roll]d8+1[/roll]
 
CoffeeIncluded
Kheel doesn't drink the potion so much as swallow it, bottle and all.

 
 Spoiler 
im doing Kheel's rolls from now on. I have to keep my word too.

 (d8+1)[ 2 ] 
 
super dark33
Surdrak was frustrated his potion didnt have a label but only city manufactured ones do, and theyre rare.

He downed it like a shot of Vodka.


 
 Spoiler: Broll 
We missed you Draconi!

 (1d8+1)[ 7 ] 
 

 Theres fur on the seats, tan coloured.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I don't know if we should keep this thing"  Artorias walks around the Shield Guardian examining it.  "Badger, do you remember how the old bear guy reacted when we asked if we could take a look? Imagine if he saw us walking with an actual relic from San de Sol"  he shakes his head as if to dispel the mental image.

 "The whole ruins smells like dog, assuming she"   he points to the cooling body  didn't kill all of them it is quite probable there are some kind of dogs living here" 
super dark33
 His name is Ced.
 

Surdrak frowns at the idea of giving the Guardian to Ced. , he already named the thing.
He whispers silently.
  Aw, Sutton Hoo...  

He raised his head and looked for Sora.  Are you ready there with the healing? 
Athedia
 "Well we could give it to him.  I would not be comfortable leaving it here, another Alice could come along." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I think that would be the best idea"  Artorias gives the guardian another look  "though I'd be lying if I say I don't want to keep it" 
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak's potion is significantly more effective than Kheel's.

 "We should probably ask whomever is left and cares for the dogs for permission first though. Assuming Alice hasn't killed them."  Jadeite grimaces.  "Until then, he can assist us." 

The elf looks over.  "Ced was the man who took away the bandits, right? He was no warlock. San De Sol does not feel like a place for warlocks either. I wonder why she was here." 

What does the party wish to do now?
super dark33
 Ced's a druid, and he said no Warlocks lived here.
Also the fact he is a druid makes me doubt he will accept this automaton.  

Surdrak turns to Jadeite

 Spirits called her like they called me. While i was bugged in my sleep she was scammed on promises of godhood, i cant keep a straight face at this one. 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 
This whole story arc basically revolves around Surdrak getting spam mail.
 
Silverraptor
Sora is waving the wand around a couple times and downing her own potion of Cure Light Wounds.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d8+1)[ 4 ] 
 


She looks at the little bottle and at the different noticeable healing effects of the different party members.
 "Hey, do these potions, like, go bad at all? Or were they prepared different? They seem to heal us differently each." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Ah, but it is an automaton with a moss job,"  Jadeite jests, extending a hand towards the shield guardian before he returns to his serious expression.

 "Surdrak, what exactly have the voices been telling you to do? Have they forced you to do anything?" 
super dark33
 
Soræ i have no idea.

Jædæ, "Force" is a generous word. They say they promised me godhood if i come and help them, which they didnt. They probably promised the same to other Warlocks, who i hope will be much more cooperative than Alice was if thry are here already. Emahs a hcus 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Wait... you mean that there are more Warlocks here?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee interrupted her attempts at making a length of moss stick to the automaton’s face like a large moustache to once more call down to the others.  "Ced has a frikkin BEAR helpin him! Knowin him he can probably turn into one himself! The place seems peaceful enough, nowere near as big as Runite. The heck kinda use would they have for a giant moving statue!?" 
super dark33
 There might be. 

Surdrak sighs and runs his hand in his hair. Looking at his fellow Fangs with worry.

 This stuff is a LOT more complicated than you think, so id rather keep much of the alleged warlocks alive as possible, ok? From what it seems like we will stay in these ruins for some time and id rather not put any of you into situations you dont know how to deal with.  

He then turns his look into the hulking guardian.

 This moss isnt dignifieing to such a marvelous construct. Artæ, please tell it to not kill me while i scrape it off? 

Sending a hand to take out his crewbar, Surdrak remembred its already in his hand.
For someone with 6 ranks in concentration, he isnt very focused in what he is doing.
Athedia
Badger held up a hand to stop Surdrak.   "It suits it, let it be." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I agree,"  Jadeite says.  "And Elsee, I can easily think of several uses for a shield guardian." 

He sighs at Surdrak's remark.  "Complicated doesnt even begin to describe it. But Surdrak, you have been doing a remarkably good job at fighting off the voices. I only hope you conte he to fight so valiantly--for your sake as well as ours."  with those ominous words hanging in the air jadeite goes over to Artorias and leads him to the corner of the room as everyone discusses their next move.

 "Artorias, a word if you please?" 
 
 Spoiler 
private chat jadeite doesn't want to share, f you want?

And where next, heroes?
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "I agree,"  Jadeite says.  "And Elsee, I can easily think of several uses for a shield guardian." 

He sighs at Surdrak's remark.  "Complicated doesnt even begin to describe it. But Surdrak, you have been doing a remarkably good job at fighting off the voices. I only hope you conte he to fight so valiantly--for your sake as well as ours."  with those ominous words hanging in the air jadeite goes over to Artorias and leads him to the corner of the room as everyone discusses their next move.

 "Artorias, a word if you please?" 
 
 Spoiler 
private chat jadeite doesn't want to share, f you want?

And where next, heroes?
 
 
 

 "Eh?.... Sure"  Artorias follows Jadeite

 "So, what's up?"  
 
 Spoiler 
Do you want to do this via spoilers or PM's?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite and Artorias spend several minutes in quiet conversation as everyone else discusses what to do next. Eventually, they return and Jadeite claps his hands together.  "So, where have we decided to go?" 

On another note, after the initial burst of rage, the voices in Surdrak's head seem to have quieted down. They haven't left, they're still simmering, but they're not saying anything at the moment.
super dark33
 Sure  
Sudrak immidietly switched to Draconic
 [D]Dont think you know everything about me or warlocks in general Elf. Your books only tell of the kind it deems justified to torture and murder. They never tell you about the good ones.[/D] Seno elbirroh yllaer eht ro...   
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias carefully examines the door in front of them  "Let's move people, if there are more warlocks, present company excluded,  here we don't want to stay too long here and we don't know if there are more of those landshark roaming"  He proceeds to search the door for traps

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 

Search  (1d20+11)[ 30 ] 
Disable device (if traps are found)  (1d20+8)[ 23 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "We never torture,"  Jadeite says, stiff and standing as tall as he can.  "And Surdrak, I know enough. I hope you can surprise me." 

Artorias goes to inspect the door on the other side of the room for traps, but there are none. And if there were, they've been smashed by the shield guardian standing the middle of the rubble.

The next room is empty and open to the air, as some of the walls have partially worn away. It's quiet peaceful here--just a few feet away from the battle it's as if serenity has returned to San De Sol. The remaining walls are the same rose-tan color, and the room itself appears to be built on a ledge. Looking out and down of a hole in the wall, you can see the remains of retaining walls holding the structure in place.

And then the quiet calm of wind rustling through the cavern and trees is interrupted by a  long hoarse call.  Looking up, the party can see a bird standing on the corner of the wall below them (the southeast wall of the room on the map). The bird, a decently-sized one with yellow feet and black talons, a black body with brown feathers on the top of its legs, black and brown wings, and an all black-tail except for a white stripe, stares at the Wyvern's Fangs and lets loose another cry.

 
 Spoiler: Picture and comment 
 

DC 12 Knowledge (Nature) check to identify it as a hawk.
DC 19 Knowledge (Nature) check to identify it as a Harris Hawk, a desert hawk that, unlike other raptors, hunts in packs.

Jadeite's Knowledge (Nature): [roll0]

Also, the shield guardian is standing where you left it.
 


Jadeite blinks when he sees the bird.  "This is not a desert. What is a Harris hawk doing here?" 
super dark33
 [D]Yes yes you can say that to[D]Ooh nice a birdy, but not magnificent like the Osprey. Probably a ranger or another enviro-mental is here.  
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias purposely ignores Surdrak's comment  "I don't know" 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite stares at the bird.  "Perhaps. Harris hawks are desert birds, if I recall correctly, and they are the only hawk I know of that hunts in packs." 

The Harris hawk stares at the party again, lets out a raspy cry, then flies over to a building close to the one the party originally entered (southwest on the map; I'll mark it in a moment). He circles close to the building, skimming the ash-charred ceiling of the cavern, and lets out another raspy call.
Dusk Eclipse
 "I think she wants us to follow her" 
Silverraptor
Sora raises a suspicious eyebrow at Artorias.
 "How do you know its a 'she'?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I.... I'm not sure, I just do" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Should we follow her?"  jadeite asks, looking curiously at Artorias at the sound of his last statement.
Dusk Eclipse
 "I think we should"  Artorias turns to the others  "Or do you want to go somewhere else?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite shakes his head, and it appears as if the others don't protest either. They follow the hawk, who is circling above the building closest to the tower they originally entered. It's one of the more intact structures here, with an actual roof. And all the windows have been covered up.

 
 Spoiler: Jadeite and Kheel's rolls 
jadeite spot:  (d20+4)[ 17 ] 
Jadeite listen:  (d20+4)[ 22 ] 
Kheel spot:  (d20+15)[ 18 ] 
Kheel listen:  (d20+12)[ 23 ] 
 
Silverraptor
Sora follows, still looking suspiciously at Artorias.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot: (1d20+3)[ 7 ] 
Listen: (1d20+3)[ 20 ] 
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
Spot:  (1d20+11)[ 16 ] 
Listen:  (1d20+11)[ 17 ] 
 


Badger kept an eye out, unsure why a hawk being here was big news.  Hawks lived in woods right?

 
 Spoiler 
Urban Ranger so it is fun to poke at her lack of knowledge of wildlife.
 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Spoiler 

Spot:  (d20+2)[ 8 ] 

Listen: (d20+2)[ 18 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Kheel stirs as they pass by the eastmost wall of the sealed building, and Jadeite's ears prick as well.  "I heard something inside. It sounded almost like a whimper or a whine. Should we investigate?" 
 
 Spoiler: One last question 
Marching order please? Or should I assume it's the default
 
super dark33
 The aformentioned dogs. 
 
 Spoiler: Formation 

K S SJEBA
 
CoffeeIncluded
The party cautiously enters he building from the far side. Like the other buildings from earlier, there are several rooms inside. There's a door between the first room and the second, and even as the party enters they can see that this door is tightly barred shut.

 
 Spoiler: Map and artorias  
map updated in a few minutes. And the smell of dog is strong enough for anyone to detect.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias carefully searches the door and finds a trap. With a hushed word of warning he points up to show a crumbling pillar barely held in place. If the door is opened wrong it'll crumble and fall on top of whomever opened the door, potentially hurting them badly.

 "How should we open this?"  Artorias asks.

 
 Spoiler: Explanation  
Artorias is gone for a good part of the day. How do you all want to get past this trap?
 
super dark33
 If these dogs can open or bar doors they can be reasoned with, We can talk to them. 

Surdrak takes a step back under the archway.

 YOU talk to them. i doubt these dogs will like me after all the things Alice and the Voicholes said. Good luck! 

And with that Surdrak started to retreat to the place where the Hawk landed.
He leaned on the wall.

 Yo wussup? 
 
 Spoiler: Movement to X 50 
Spoiler titles make stuff easier to convey.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "We first need to get through this door,"  Jadeite says.  "I suppose we could try prematurely triggering the trap from a distance. Does anyone have a pole?" 
 
 Spoiler: It'll take Surdrak a couple rounds to get there 
Sure you still want to do it?
 
super dark33
 
 Spoiler: stuff 
Yeah, we are not real in a fight yet.
 

 What are you even doing here anyway? 

Surdrak wasnt sure who was he adressing. He looked at the bird and attempted to mimic her voice when she made any.
CoffeeIncluded
The hawk looks down at Surdrak, pauses mid-flight, then races past Surdrak the way he came.

 
 Spoiler: Question about Surdrak, and everyone else 
What are you all doing right now?

I'll update in a bit after I finish this homework assignment.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "We first need to get through this door,"  Jadeite says.  "I suppose we could try prematurely triggering the trap from a distance. Does anyone have a pole?" 
 
 Spoiler: It'll take Surdrak a couple rounds to get there 
Sure you still want to do it?
 
 
 

Artorias suddenly smiles.

 "Who needs a pole, when you have this?"  Artorias takes a small figure from the pouch hanging on his belt, tosses it on the ground in front of them and in a puff of smokes a mule appears in front of them.

 
 Spoiler: MULE!!! 

Artorias uses 1 charge of his survival pouch to "summon" a mule. 😁
By the way, do we see the hinges of the door?
 
CoffeeIncluded
As Surdrak sneaks around the back, Artorias summons a mule which walks towards the door. It brushes against it, setting off the near-invisible tripwire. A creaking sound causes he mule to look up, and it barely has time to let out a bray of panic before the stones come crashing down on it and it winks out.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler: D: 
I didn't want to sacrifice the mule that way; If the door opened towards us I wanted to tie a rope to the doorknob/handle/whatever and have the mule pull it. 😦
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  
 Spoiler: D: 
I didn't want to sacrifice the mule that way; If the door opened towards us I wanted to tie a rope to the doorknob/handle/whatever and have the mule pull it. 😦
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Sorry 
you didn't say anything so I assumed that's what you wanted to do.

It would have triggered the trap either way though /0 the outcome is the same. The door is safe to open. And don't worry; the mule is ok. He's summoned, not called.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Door is open"  Despite knowing what would happen Artorias is still somewhat shocked.

 
 Spoiler: Don't Worry 

I was hoping for someone to react to the mule before explaining why he summoned a mule, oh well it doesn't matter.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Resourceful,"  Jadeite says after a moment's pause.  "Shall we investigate?" 
 
 Spoiler: Party order? 
If you're going in, could I please have a party order? Or is it the same as before? Remember, Surdrak's outside.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Thank you, let's go"  Artorias places his hand on the hilt of this sword, just in case before heading in.]
 
 Spoiler 

Artorias will take lead as usual also perception rolls.
Spot  (1d20+9)[ 10 ] 
Listen  (1d20+8)[ 15 ] 
Scent check  (1d20)[ 18 ] 
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee rolled her eyes and twirled a kurkri in her fingers as she followed Arotris inside the room. " You ever say anything that doesn't come out as a question elf?"  she ildly asked as she passed him.
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Surdrak: 

The party cautiously enters the next room. It's mostly empty, except for what seems to be a bag in the corner, and a door at the end. The walls on the side are crumbling in places, but are sealed off from the outside by narrow corridors between the patchwork walls and the intact outer walls.

It's silent at first, completely quiet. And then, the party hears deep rumbling growls, snarls, and barks. Instantly, out of nowhere, three brown-tan dogs with short tails, long ears, and strange spiral markings appear out of nowhere and fall upon the group with snarls. One dog bites into Badger, and as he does his teeth crackle with electricity and shock her. A second dog flanks with the first and attacks Artorias with a deep, precisely placed bite. The third, larger and with an almost blue-tint to his fur, has a sheathe strapped to his leg and a sword in his mouth. More short blades orbit around his head. His fur rises as he pops into existence above Elsee and slashes down.

 
 Spoiler: Attacks 
Dog 1 attacks Badger:
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (4d6)[ 9 ] 

Dog 2 attacks Artorias:
Attack:  (d20+12)[ 21 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 3 ]  plus sneak attack:  (2d6)[ 10 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 10 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 2 ]  plus sneak attack:  (2d6)[ 8 ] 

Dog 3 attacks Elsee:

Attack:  (d20+6)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (d20+1)[ 6 ] 
Crit:  (d20+1)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 1 ] 
 

 Surdrak: 

As Surdrak listens in, he suddenly hears a burst of noise--snarls and slashes and screams--as the room inside erupts into chaos. He stays there for a moment, and then suddenly finds himself surrounded by a flurry of snarling golden-brown fur and fangs that bite down deep into him.

 
 Spoiler: Attacks 
Dog 4 attacks Surdrak:
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 21 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 4 ] 

Attack:  (d20+1)[ 6 ] 
Crit:  (d20+1)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 2 ] 

Dog 5 attacks Surdrak:
Attack:  (d20+12)[ 25 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 3 ]  plus sneak attack:  (2d6)[ 8 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 18 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (2d6)[ 2 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Everyone: 
I'll roll initiative later when I can. This was a surprise round so you're all flatfooted without Uncanny Dodge.

And yes, they're Blink Dogs.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The blink dog that attacks Badger sinks his crackling fangs into her armor, but can't quite penetrate. He leaves bruises, but doesn't break skin. Artorias and Elsee are less fortunate, and as Artorias receives a nasty bite wound Elsee is slashed along her arm by the dog's sword.

Two Harris Hawks fly overhead from the gaps in the walls. And there's the sound of something else inside as well...

But Surdrak is in big trouble. The dogs attack him in a snarling, frothing frenzy. They waste no time leaping on him and biting again and again.

 
 Spoiler: Initative: 

Artorias:  (d20+6)[ 20 ] 
Badger:  (d20+4)[ 7 ] 
Elsee:  (d20+4)[ 6 ] 
Surdrak:  (d20+3)[ 11 ] 
Kheel:  (d20+2)[ 20 ] 
Jadeite:  (d20+2)[ 16 ] 
Sora:  (d20+2)[ 6 ] 

Blink Dog Rogues:  (d20+4)[ 20 ] 
Blink Dog Mages:  (d20)[ 9 ] 
Blink Dog with sword:  (d20)[ 14 ] 
???:  (d20+4)[ 12 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
Everything finally clicks in Artorias minds, the smell, the tuffs of fur, Alice insane ramblings, everything made sense now-  "Wait, we are not enemies"  Artorias lets his greatsword fall to the floor.
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Everything finally clicks in Artorias minds, the smell, the tuffs of fur, Alice insane ramblings, everything made sense now-  "Wait, we are not enemies"  Artorias lets his greatsword fall to the floor. 
 

Sora stares at Artorias in panic confusion.
 "We're not?!?!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "We are not"  Artorias repeats.
Athedia
Badger shook the jaws off her arm.  Luckily she was used to Naga and the other dogs during play and typically wore thicker armor on her arms.

 "Seriously?  THESE ARE DOGS ART!  Dogs that are trying to eat us alive."   She glanced over at Surdrak and amended her statement.   "And succeeding!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "These are the inhabitants of San De Sol--not men, but blink dogs. Badger, they're intelligent! Kheel, don't attack except in self-defense!"  he shouts at the snarling wyvern, who reluctantly stands down but guards Elsee nonetheless.

The blink dogs pause in confusion as Artorias drops his sword. They stop attacking for the moment but remain guarded and ready to attack at a moment's notice. The sudden quiet allows them to hear--but not see--the sounds of snarls, screams, and tearing flesh outside as another blink attacks Surdrak.

 Surdrak:  

The more wiry blink dog bites more, then blinks out, teleporting somewhere else.

 
 Spoiler: Attack 
Blink dog rogue attacks Surdrak

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (2d6)[ 4 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 4 ]  plus sneak attack:  (2d6)[ 4 ] 

Jadeite, the blink dog with the sword, and ??? are up next but I need to read something. I'll post in about an hour?
 


The first bite tears into Surdrak, but he's able to block the second.

EDIT:

 
 Spoiler: Athedia: 
You can hear Surdrak, but you can't see him.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "When have you seen a dog with a sword? I think these are the dogs Alicia rambled about" 
CoffeeIncluded
At the mention of Alice's names the dogs' hackles raise and they growl deeply. Jadeite holds up his hands and says,  "Artorias is right! We killed Alice and she attacked our group as well. Surdrak is also an ally, and has not been consumed by the voices. We mean you no harm; please end your attack!" 

The dogs pause and look at each other, silent and still except for a twitching ear. It's at the moment that the Harris hawk from outside flies in and shouts to the other two hawks, whose masters look up at them with a whine. They turn to the leader, who is still holding the sword in his mouth, and bark rapidly. After a moment's pause, the head dog lets out a loud bark and retreats towards the door in the back, still staring at the group as he sheathes his sword. The other dogs follow him, forming a protective circle around the far door. Two more dogs appear from below; they're the dogs that attacked Surdrak--their muzzles are stained red. They stare at the party, wary, and appear to be fiercely protective of that door. And whatever's behind it.

Surdrak may not know what's going on without looking, but the dogs that attacked him have vanished.

 
 Spoiler: diplomacy check; Dusk and Silver especially should read this: 
I rolled one in secret--you got an 18, dusk. It's enough to make them guarded for now.

Silver, a diplomacy check from Sora might be a good idea. If I can't do more tonight I'll do it tomorrow morning.
 
Silverraptor
Sora raises her hands, trying to make a more gentle and less panicked voice.
 "Uh...its going to be alright. Were not here to hurt anybody" 
 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
 (1d20+14)[ 16 ] 

What's with all these low rolls on her maxed out skills?
 
Athedia
 "Are you fracking kidding me?"   Badger threw her hands up in exasperation, they were just letting these things attack them and then claiming it was their own fault.  Maybe Artorias's new magic had already scrambled his brains.  She kept her bow clenched in her hand and kicked at the ground before straightening up and glaring at the dogs.

 "If you idiots were attacking us because of that damned witch earlier you are bloody cowards.  Scavengers actually.  What was the big bad INSANE lady to scary?  Did you have to pick on a bunch of injured people instead?" 
 
 Spoiler: Straight Talk 
Diplomacy?  What is diplomacy?  Badger wanted to know.
 
Silverraptor
Sora tries any kind of method to hush Badger up, whispering to her pleadingly.
 "Can you please not aggravate the dogs that nearly swallowed Suradrak whole in a couple bites!" 
super dark33
Surdrak falls to the ground and tries to relize what happened.

He got up and started  walking  laming back inside.

 tahw. 
CoffeeIncluded
The blink dogs snarl at Badger and prepare to attack, when suddenly a very human-like--and loud--voice pierces the air.

 "AAHHHH!!! GET AWAY FROM MY FRIENDS!!!" 

A large dog, possibly more wolf than dog, comes galloping out from behind the lower wall. On its back a screaming halfling grabs his bow and quickly fires two arrows in succession at Badger.

 
 Spoiler: Attacks 
Halfling attacks Badger:
Attack:  (d20+7)[ 16 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d6+2)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 14 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d6+2)[ 5 ] 
 


Seconds after the arrows leave his bow, he and his dog stop short, and he looks at the party and the blink dogs in confusion.

 "Wait...are we not...I thought we were...WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?!" 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias keeps his hand up in a calming gesture, but turns his head to address Badger   "Badger.... please trust me on this one"  he speaks to the halfling.  "That is exactly what I would like to know, my name is Artorias Kaathe, we don't want to fight... well most of us don't" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee throws her arms into the air in frustraition as the suddenly appearing halfling attacks Badger.  "Thats it! Artorias can we PLEASE get the sheild guardian in here!? The best weapon i've got agains frikkin dogs is a Tick 'nd something that can stand infront of us and stop them from attacking us would be really nice right now!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "How do I know that?"  the halfling asks. He's drawn a couple more arrows but hasn't mocked them yet.  "Sif said you smell like that warlock and--" 

The blink dog with the sword interrupts with a short series of barks. The halfling blinks.  "Youre telling me you killed that witch?!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Well, she did"  Artorias points to Badger with his thumb  "I just helped a little" 
Athedia
Badger was growling under her breath, her fists slowly clenching.   "And I still feel fine Shorty.  So want to apologize for those arrows?" 
super dark33
Surdrak reaches the entrence and says in quavering voice before he looks around:
 Hey guys i found some bite wounds an decided to wear them 

At this point he sees the dogs and steps back outside, his face filled with pure terror.

He steps back to hide behind the wall and assums a fetal position.
Athedia
Badger glared at the dogs before stalking over to Surdrak.  She reached into her pack and pulled out her bandages.   "Surely you don't mind us cleaning up after you.  I mean you already have."   She tightened the wrap around Surdrak's arm angrily as she spoke.

 
 Spoiler: Heal Check 
Heal:  (1d20+6)[ 22 ] 
 
super dark33
 I still have my manners. Ill continue discussing this later.  

Badger's words took away the fear with anger, after calming down he wont be utterly terrified, only slightly.

 Its good to have me around, somthing to blame when stuff go wrong.  
 
 Spoiler: Mystery 

Mysterious roll  (1d8)[ 3 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The halfling pauses and holds a short whispered conversation with Sif. It's strange seeing a dog whisper barks, and then nod. But the halfling  eventually turns back and says,  "Alice just came in here and started slaughtering us, including her old master,"  he points up at the Harris hawk that lead the group here.  "She says you killed her, but didn't see all of it. Do you have proof?" 
Draconi Redfir
 "Aformentioned sheild guardian could be one. why we didn't bring it here though still eludes me." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger and Surdrak: 

Surdrak's bite wounds are deep, but don't look like enough to kill if they're treated properly.

 Everyone else: 

The halfling and the blink dogs blink. He then says, cautiously,  "Do you have the medallion she stole?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "You mean this thing?"  Artorias produced the amulet from within his cloak; he let's it dangle from his hand.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "You mean this thing?"  Artorias produced the amulet from within his cloak; he let's it dangle from his hand. 
 

The dogs and halfling still. Sif slowly approaches, sniffing the amulet intently. He looks up at Artorias, closes his eyes, and suddenly vanishes. The other dogs and the halfling start forward with shouts and barks, then wait nervously for their leader to return.

After a couple fitful moments he returns, raises his head to the sky, and lets loose a joyful howling cry that needs no translation. The dogs and halfling join on with jubilant shouts, barks, and howls. Some approach the party with wagging tails and happy licks, and a couple others vanish and appear seconds later with mouthfuls of potions--enough to cure the entire party.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hey,"  Jadeite shouts to Badger and Surdrak.  "The dogs have stopped attacking; it was all a misunderstanding. They brought us healing potions; you can come in now." 

Once everyone's assembled, the halfling and Sif stand between the party and the other dogs and speak.  "Sorry about that,"  the halfling says.  "We heard you guys coming and you smelled a bit like Alice, so we thought you were coming in to kill us all too." 
super dark33
 Id rather stay out here thankes.  Surdrak says as he peeps inside.

 
 Spoiler 
Yeah i really doubt Alice with or without the sharks could kill even one of these dogs.
 
Athedia
 "Stupid idiots and stupid excuses.  You smell like you desperately need a bath, but I don't shoot you on sight."   Badger came into the room, cleaning her hands off from Surdrak's blood.   "Or do you really think we should be so quick as to brush attempted murder off?  Last few people who tried that are burning by the river right now." 
CoffeeIncluded
Sif approaches badger with a deep growl and the halfling runs between them.  "Listen, lady!"  he shouts, pointing up at her.  "Do you know what our day's been like?! That warlock just marched up here with all her buddies, stole that amulet, and started blasting us in our sleep! We only got away because our alpha sacrificed himself as a distraction and five of us STILL died! And two of them were just puppies! We've hunkered down here since!"  
Athedia
 "Maybe you should have had a watch and fought instead of run."  Badger gestured to her bow and glared down at the halfling.   "I killed her.  While my friends almost died around me.  I still killed her.  You let those pups die in vain since you were to afraid to fight back.  Even the weak can prevail, but cowards?  Cowards always die."   Badger looked disgusted at the halflings excuses.  These things had been afraid to attack a mad old woman, but were "brave" enough to attack the wounded party and then blame it on Surdrak's smell.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Too afraid to fight? Let then die?!" The halfling is sputtering in rage, and so are all the dogs. Sif is snarling and staring Badger down.

The halfling is partially translating for the blink dogs and partially speaking for himself. But the content is much the same either way.  "We tried to fight, but she cut through our spells like they weren't there! And when we did hurt her she just went after the pups! You think it's cowardly to retreat and live and plan for another fight?! If we stayed longer she would have killed us all, killed the rest of the pups!" 

As the halfling shouts, one of the blink dogs flings open the door in the back, and yips and whines fill the air. Blink dog puppies, their ears still floppy, no older than a couple of months and nearly helpless, tumble over each other and blink in and out of place. It's hard to tell because of their uncontrolled attempts at teleportation, but it looks like there's eight of them.

 "It wasn't just the warlock,"  the halfling says in a low cold voice, clearly translating for Sif now.  "She brought allies. We don't know where they are now. We didn't know if you were more. But if we had stayed, they would have killed al of us. Even the puppies. We could not fight them off at that moment and protect the puppies at the same time. We had to choose."  
super dark33
 Badger SHUT UP. And you say that IM the one that "ruins everything". 

Surdrak gets up and exposes himself a bit more , though he is still behind the wall.

He bellows  THANKS FOR KNOWING MERCY AND EXPLAINING US WHAT HAPPENED HERE WE REALLY APPRICIATE IT. WE ARE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS WE WILL DO WHAT WE CAN TO MAKE UP FOR IT. 
Draconi Redfir
Else idly scratched her head both in confusion and as Lil'Miss created a fresh wound in her scalp that was bothering her, her eyes darting from the blink dog, to the pups, to the halfling and the wolf. she didn't say anything as it looked like everyone was in the midst of a conversaition at the moment, though she made a note to ask how the heck a halflling was involved with a bunch of teleporting dogs, she couldn't imagine finding him as a young kid, as that wouldn't really explain the non-blinking wolf very well. And okay... the puppies were sort of cute... though she restrained herself from trying to pet one.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Too afraid to fight? Let then die?!" The halfling is sputtering in rage, and so are all the dogs. Sif is snarling and staring Badger down.

The halfling is partially translating for the blink dogs and partially speaking for himself. But the content is much the same either way.  "We tried to fight, but she cut through our spells like they weren't there! And when we did hurt her she just went after the pups! You think it's cowardly to retreat and live and plan for another fight?! If we stayed longer she would have killed us all, killed the rest of the pups!" 

As the halfling shouts, one of the blink dogs flings open the door in the back, and yips and whines fill the air. Blink dog puppies, their ears still floppy, no older than a couple of months and nearly helpless, tumble over each other and blink in and out of place. It's hard to tell because of their uncontrolled attempts at teleportation, but it looks like there's eight of them.

 "It wasn't just the warlock,"  the halfling says in a low cold voice, clearly translating for Sif now.  "She brought allies. We don't know where they are now. We didn't know if you were more. But if we had stayed, they would have killed al of us. Even the puppies. We could not fight them off at that moment and protect the puppies at the same time. We had to choose."   
 

 "Who else was there?  We saw two landsharks and the witch.  If there are more I will go clear them out now, but what angers me more is you stayed in these ruins, let the pups stay in these ruins.  Though I have noticed that running always creates more problems in the long term."   She let the anger melt out of her face at Surdraks comments and slide against the wall to the floor.  She just looked tired.  Naga sat by her whining and licking at her face, trying to comfort his master.  Still shaking, though with exhaustion not rage she pulled the dog close.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Leave?"  the halfling says, translating the growls and barks of Sif and the other blink dogs,  "This is our home! We could never abandon it!" 

The dogs then march past Badger to approach Surdrak. Sif lowers his head and the halfling again translates as the younger dogs cautiously approach.  "I apologize for attacking you. We believed you to be aligned with the other warlock, and we were wrong. Feel free to join in our company." 

Meanwhile, a blink pup teleports across the wall and tumbles close to Elsee.

 
 Spoiler 
Has nobody put it together yet?
 
super dark33
This dog has a sword. Why does this dog have a sword?Wouldnt it need to be designed differently to be held in a dog's mouth instead of a fingered hand?

Surdrak recoils slowly before saying

 I didnt have problem getting near swords  or clerics of Astrid  for the past two years so why would i act fifferently now? 

Surdrak walks inside and stands beside his group.
Athedia
Badger looked up from her slumped position.  "You didn't answer my question.  Did she have more allies with her?"   Wearily she scratched at Naga's head.   "And if she had found your hiding spot?  What good is a home if the inhabitants are ghosts?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "We were waiting for her,"  the halfling translates. Neither of them look at Badger.  "There were other allies--shark-like creatures that burrow through land, giant vermin, and winged rocklike monsters. Maybe more." 
 
 Spoiler: DC 10 Intelligence check: 
These are probably the same types of dogs as seen on the carvings all over San De Sol.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Badger please calm down, this is huge... way bigger than I thought at first"  Artorias passes his hand over his hair in exasperation "Alice was strong, I don't blame them for trying to cut their looses" Artorias exhales trying to compose himself  "Do you have an idea of what they are looking for in here?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "Badger please calm down, this is huge... way bigger than I thought at first"  Artorias passes his hand over his hair in exasperation "Alice was strong, I don't blame them for trying to cut their looses" Artorias exhales trying to compose himself  "Do you have an idea of what they are looking for in here?"  
 

The dogs seem more respectful and tolerant of Artorias, especially with the way the hawk keeps flying near him. They hold a quick conference which eventually ends with a few barks and nods. The halfling turns to Artorias and says,  "We don't know. We do have guesses though--she was here to steal something. As for what it was...Why are you here?" 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias scratches the back of his head somewhat embarrassed  "We came here to explore ruins we thought were abandoned, we had no idea... people... were still living here" 
CoffeeIncluded
There's a long pause from the halfling and dogs. Eventually, they speak--well, the halfling translates for them.

 "There aren't people here anymore. They left long ago. An our tales say they left us." 

The dogs stare intently at Artorias and the party. It's clear they are sharing an important secret and have some trepidation voicing it to an outsider.

 "We are wardens." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee glared at the pup beneath her with one eye, crossing her arms over her chest and idly trying to kick the thing away as she listened in on the conversation Artorias was having with the halfling...blink dog... whatever. at the mention of wardens she quirked an eyebrow, she had been hoping to bring up the halfling's involvement in all this, but this seemed a little more on topic.  "Got somethin neat imprisoned 'round here?" 
CoffeeIncluded
The dogs pause and look at each other. There's another short conference and then the halfling says,  "We...don't know. Or rather, there are two things, and we're only sure on the nature of one." 

They seem somewhat wary, and don't quite want to share everything just yet.

 
 Spoiler: Checks 
I'm gonna need a diplomacy check, please. The dogs are grateful for helping but Badger's response made them a bit wary again.
 
Silverraptor
Sora takes an annoyed, disappointed look at Badger before turning back to the dogs.
 "We apologize for our colleague's behavior. We mean no disrespect to any of you, nor do we think and negative feelings on to you or your pups. Is there anything that we can help you with?" 
 
 Spoiler: rolls 
 (1d20+14)[ 27 ] 

I toyed with the idea of coming up with a irony 1 liner for Sora about 'pulling back on her leash and applying a muzzle' due to the present company, but decided against it.😛 Both because I didn't quite know how the dogs would react to such comments, and didn't want another angry outburst from Badger against Sora.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The dogs look at each other at Sora's words, and hold another conference. This one is much longer, and several times the party can hear surprised (but muffled) yelps and yips from some in the pack. But they eventually reach some form of consensus, and turn back to the group. The halfling steps forward and says, in a somewhat hesitant voice,  "There are still members of the warlock's pack here. We would drive them out ourselves, but we cannot do that without risking the pups. If you help us...we will teach you a secret of San De Sol that we have guarded. The secret of Astra." 
super dark33
Surdrak speaks to everyone, not just the dogs.

 If Alice was the strongest of the bunch then with your cooperation i could declare myself their leader. This can end without risking anyone. We will need Alice's head.  Also its a good way to find what the spirits want and take it away from them. maybe its the star sword.

 But that needs to wait for tommorow. 
Athedia
 "How long have you been here?  I assume a while based on those carvings of you, though I saw no halflings in that.  And we are here to get a sword, is this thing Astra?" 
CoffeeIncluded
The dogs draw back at Surdrak's suggestion of making himself the leader of the remaining creatures. It's clear that while they're accepting of Surdrak for the moment, they're still wary.

The halfling again responds for the dogs to answer Badger's question.  "I joined their pack and decided to live here a few years ago. As for everyone else..."  He pauses and then nods, continuing his translation.  "The people left long ago because the food ran out, but there was enough for us to hunt. So we stayed, and continued to guard and watch where they could not. Astra is not a sword, but it can be. Astra is a weapon...It's magic, weaponized starlight...you can put it into any blade." 
 
 Spoiler: Why wait for tomorrow? 
You're at full health and still have a lot of spells and daily abilities left.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Then it is is decided, we hunt down this warlocks"  Artorias speaks confidently.  "present company excluded of course"  he hastily adds.

 
 Spoiler: Why wait indeed 
 
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee's eyebrow quirked up at the mention of the weaponized starlight being put into any blade, immidiately causing her to draw a Kurkri and twirl it about in her hands.  "You mean i could take this little beauty 'nd just put this astrawhatever 'onit 'nd it'lll be cooler?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Perhaps,"  he says.  "Is there anything else you need?" 

The hawk lands on Artorias's shoulder, surprisingly gentle with its talons, and lets out another raspy cry. Sif looks at both hawk and human with surprise.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Do you have an idea of where the Warlocks are?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "How much of San De sol have you seen?" 

The hawk lets out another cry, and the other two fly to her.

Sif barks hastily to the halfling, who translates,  "you. Are you an arcanist too?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "How much of San De sol have you seen?"  
 

 "Not much really, between Assassin vines and crazy warlocks with Landshark pets we haven't been able to explore as well as wanted to, we entered through the westernmost entrance and followed the corridors until we found Alice"  Artorias summarizes.


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The hawk lets out another cry, and the other two fly to her.

Sif barks hastily to the halfling, who translates,  "you. Are you an arcanist too?"  
 

Artorias seems surprised by the question  "Sort of.... I don't know how to explain it, but I've been studying arcane magic for a few weeks now and.... well it is weird, but coming here somehow allowed me to finally understand what I was supposed to do"  Artorias produces a small flame in his hand* "I never thought I would be able to do stuff like this"  he plays with the flame as he speaks.

 
 Spoiler: * 
Just casting prestidigitation to produce the small flame
 
super dark33
 Oh that explains a lot. I knew somthing was different. 

Surdrak didnt know somthing was different or had a way to. he sounded weary and slightly down.
Silverraptor
 "Wait what?!" 
Sora starts as Artorias conjures the little flame in his hand.
 "You mean you have been becoming a Jadeite on us for a few weeks now without telling any of us?!" 
Dusk Eclipse
Sora's outburst is startles Artorias, but he manages to keep the flame controlled  "Becoming a Jadeite...what?"  he sputters for a moment before managing to compose himself "As clichéd as it sounds I didn't tell you because you never asked... to be honest I wasn't even sure what I was studying exactly, I mean I knew it was a spellbook, but I couldn't make any sort of sense of it, at least until now" 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite claps a hand to his chest.  "Oh Sora, how could you say such hurtful and untrue things about such a benevolent man as myself? And to insult Artorias for such a great achievement as well!" 
super dark33
 Never heared of anyone named "Myself", or the mention of him in the discussion. He sounds like a chill person. But anyway, as far as wizards go the bar has been set incredibly low so dont worry about disappointing us Artae. 
Silverraptor
 "I'm not insulting anyone. I'm just hurt that Artorias didn't think to trust us enough to tell us about what is a life changing aspect." 
She puts on her best fake doggie eyes, looking up at Artorias.
 "Is it true that you don't like us enough?" 
 
 Spoiler 
In case its not obvious, Sora is joking around and milking the situation the best she can.😛
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I uh...wait... what?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Surdrak, you know a better wizard? Oh, please do introduce me to them."  He grins.

The halfling and dogs look at each other. When there's a break in the conversation, he clears his voice and asks,  "Um, anyway, where did you meet Ciaran?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Ciaran? Artorias asks confused before an shrill cry from the hawk makes him understand  "She found us after we killed Alice, she is the one who brought us here" 
CoffeeIncluded
The dogs and halfling go silent as they look up at the hawk. The three other hawks, two smaller males and a female about the same size as Ciaran, fly to the lone hawk and hold some sort of conference spoken in tail flicks and rustled feathers as much as raspy cries. Below them, the blink dogs do the same.

When the halfling eventually begins translating again, his voice is much more unsure and deliberate, as if he really isn't understanding what Sif and the other blink dogs are saying but simply parroting it instead.  "Ciarian was the familiar of our leader,"  he says.  "When he died, she escaped. Though she is no longer a familiar, she always was, and remembers that. You, do you have a familiar?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "A familiar?"  Artorias sounds cofused  "I do not have one" 
CoffeeIncluded
There's some more whispers (loud whispers, ad dogs aren't known for keeping quiet and blink dogs are no exception) until the halfling translates, in a somewhat awed voice,  "Ciarian seems intent on changing that." 
 
 Spoiler 
Sorry, I'm studying for my physics final right now.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee scratched at a bite lil'miss had left on her head, pointing at invisible dots with her free hand as she thought.  "Waaaiit... aren't familliers supposed t obe fragments of your own soul or something? How can one guy get annother guy's famillier as a famillier?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite looks at Elsee, surprised that she knows that fact about arcane spellcasters and their familiars.

 "Not quite,"  Jadeite says, reluctantly stepping in as the halfling is clearly out of his depth.  "The soul is shared, but his old...we, dog is now dead. She is on her own, but remembers being a familiar and recalls that bond. To put it in common parlance, there is a gap, and that gap should be filled." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Wow.... I'd be honoured" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Then we can begin now,"  the halfling translates as Sif and the other dogs vanish for several moments, only reappearing with chalk, candles, and multiple strange implements. Jadeite seems to recognize them though, and immediately steps in to assist. As Hemlock climbs up his shoulder to flick his tongue out at the hawk, Jadeite gives a list of short instructions which he clearly expects Artorias and the rest of the Wyvern's Fangs to promptly follow.

 "Stand here. Raise your arms like this. Step back and stand in a circle, everyone--yes, just like that. Recite this chant as accurately as you can." 

Soon Artorias is standing in the middle of a carefully drawn and marked circle bound by candles, whose light reflects off the stone and the eyes of every being in the ancient room. Though it's a bright sunny day the room seems to dim, even the light filtering through the windows seems to darken and fade until the main source of light present comes from the flickering candlelight. As the ritual chanting, so strange when spoken in three languages at once while following the same rhythm in all of them, continues, even the least magically inclined present can feel something changing and shifting in the air. Surdrak can feel the voices growling in the back of his mind.

And Artorias...

As the chants continue, he can feel himself shifting and expanding, spreading out thin, stretching out until he feels himself, his consciousness brush against something small and feathered and red. A bright shining swift red, a predatory mind,  a cooperative and proud mind that looks straight back at him in the body of Ciaran.

The spell continues but Artorias doesn't really hear it anymore, not when he can hear the thoughts and the mindset of Ciaran become more coherent, not when he can feel the link being built. And then the spell finishes, abruptly stops.

It's a sudden sharp shock, not painful but more like ice water down the back of his neck and it's enough to make Artorias reflexively jerk his head up and gasp. And then it's finished. He doesn't feel much different at first, but then he looks. There's a path in his mind, an extra space that moves somewhere else where there wasn't one before. And as Artorias moves into this new space in his mind, he can feel things that are entirely new. He feels like there should be feathers down his arms and stretching over his fingers, like his vision should be several times more keen than it is. He can feel not-feathers rustling as the dogs exhale on them, can feel the currents in the air.

And he looks back at Ciaran and knows that the hawk feels the same things when she looks into the new space in her mind as well.

 
 Spoiler: How's this? 
you can post now.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias stares at Ciaran; for how long? He isn't really sure, it could have been a second, a minute, an hour it doesn't matter. He offers his right arm to Ciaran, welcoming her into his mind, into his soul.
CoffeeIncluded
Ciaran hops onto Artorias's arm, holding on with a loose grip and only hooking in her talons in clothing, not his skin. She hope onto his shoulder and stretches out her wings as if she's always belonged there.

 "...She suits you,"  the halfling says.  "And you suit her as well." 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias smiles fondly  "I know"  despite the feeling of content this new presence in his mind reminds Artorias that someone had hurt his pack, and they should be punished for that.  "You are right, we have some unfinished business"  he turns towards the halfing and the remaining blink dogs  "Do you have anything that could help us track the warlocks?"  he asks with a predatory grin.
CoffeeIncluded
The dogs and halfling pause, look at each other, and then return equally predatory grins in kind.

 "You mean something containing their scent?" 
 
 Spoiler: On my presence tomorrow: 
I might be able to do one post in the morning, but then I'll be drunk as a skunk and out of commission until the afternoon.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Excatly, a scrap of cloth or anything really"  Artorias nods.
CoffeeIncluded
The dogs nod, and one of the more wiry dogs vanishes, returning with a leathery strip of...something that's rough even as it smells vaguely of dried blood.
Dusk Eclipse
"I need to learn to do that" Artorias deadpans before taking the... something, he closes his eyes focusing for a moment before sniffing the strip.
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Enter Hunter's Sense stance
Take 20 in wisdom check for scent 😛
 
CoffeeIncluded
The smell is faint inside this still room, and the only molecules of this dusty dry iron-and-stone smell present came in as the Wyvern's Fangs entered. Artorias has to step outside to get a good whiff, looking up at the still-shining rays of light as he breaths in deep. There isn't much of the smell on this side, but it gets stronger the further on the other side he goes. They're somewhere on the other side of San De Sol, the side they haven't yet explored.

Meanwhile, back inside one of the puppies pops out of the room she was in and appears not too far from Badger and Naga. The blink puppy looks up at Naga and whines, curious. One of the sorcerer blink dogs notices and stands closer, protective but not yet aggressive.

The puppy takes the time to look at everyone else as well.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Aww isn't that cute"  Artorias says as he comes back into the room.  "I think I found a lead on them" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Where are they?"  Jadeite asks as more puppies appear to play with the group, much to the consternation of their parents. One particularly bold puppy darts forward to lick Surdrak's hand.
super dark33
Surdrak's resolve started to fracture as the adorable pup started to lick.
In an attempt to stay calm, He reached with his hand to pet the pup, his hand going through it two times before managing to pet it proparly.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Across the ruin, probably on the other side"  Artorias answers  "If we hurry we can maybe catch them by surprise, take them down before they can retaliate" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The smell is faint inside this still room, and the only molecules of this dusty dry iron-and-stone smell present came in as the Wyvern's Fangs entered. Artorias has to step outside to get a good whiff, looking up at the still-shining rays of light as he breaths in deep. There isn't much of the smell on this side, but it gets stronger the further on the other side he goes. They're somewhere on the other side of San De Sol, the side they haven't yet explored.

Meanwhile, back inside one of the puppies pops out of the room she was in and appears not too far from Badger and Naga. The blink puppy looks up at Naga and whines, curious. One of the sorcerer blink dogs notices and stands closer, protective but not yet aggressive.

The puppy takes the time to look at everyone else as well. 
 

Badger laid her hand on Naga's muzzle, encouraging the small dog to lie down so the puppy could approach. She sat still waiting for the puppy to approach and held out a hand so the puppy could sniff.
CoffeeIncluded
The puppy that Surdrak pets whines and lowers his head so the warlock can scratch behind his ears. The voices in his head snarl and spit out vile curses in rage as he pets the puppy. Meanwhile, the other puppy cautiously approaches Naga and Badger, but as she gets closer and sniffs them both her tail starts wagging and she barks in a tiny high-pitched voice. As the other puppies approach, with the bravest daring to get within range of Kheel, even Jadeite eventually reaches out a hand and brushes the back of one of them. Though he tries to seem nonchalant about it. The whole time, Sif and the other adults watch carefully.

The halfling asks Artorias and everyone,  "Have you been to the other side of San De Sol yet?" 
Athedia
Naga watched the puppy carefully observing it.  As the tiny version of the adults drew near he noticed something.  One paw on the pups head later he was licking mites out of the pups ear.  Badger couldn't help but laugh, she had seen Naga do this to many dogs in the kennel and the stray cats that wandered near the guild.
super dark33
  Don't be jealous, when you will submit to me I'll scratch behind your ears too. Tell all who would listen that Glames is here to start a party. BYOD.  

The thought of making the spirits angry brought a smile to his face, he brings his second hand to rub the puppy's tummy
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The puppy that Surdrak pets whines and lowers his head so the warlock can scratch behind his ears. The voices in his head snarl and spit out vile curses in rage as he pets the puppy. Meanwhile, the other puppy cautiously approaches Naga and Badger, but as she gets closer and sniffs them both her tail starts wagging and she barks in a tiny high-pitched voice. As the other puppies approach, with the bravest daring to get within range of Kheel, even Jadeite eventually reaches out a hand and brushes the back of one of them. Though he tries to seem nonchalant about it. The whole time, Sif and the other adults watch carefully.

The halfling asks Artorias and everyone,  "Have you been to the other side of San De Sol yet?"  
 

 "Not yet, we were on our way there when Ciaran found us" 
CoffeeIncluded
  US? Submit to YOU?  

But the voices say nothing more for the moment, save for rage-induced chuckles.

The puppy Naga licks squirms and tries to get away, while the others stay for more belly rubs, but they all scatter once Sif steps forward and barks.

 "You should hurry then,"  the halfling translates.  "I'm sorry we can't help, but when you're finished come back and we'll help you with the secret of Astra." 
super dark33
  Indeed, as it should be. Dont pretend you forgot already.  

Surdrak lets the puppy go and gets up.

 Well then lets go. 

He really didnt want to go. He tried to convince himself that the others will let him reason with the Warlocks before attacking, but he knew that its likely to not happen.
CoffeeIncluded
With much reluctance, the Wyvern's Fangs eventually pull themselves away from the blink dogs and their puppies, promising to meet up again with the strange inhabitants of San De Sol once they had routed Alice's minions. Even Surdrak gets a lick from one of the puppies.

There's a light breeze flowing when the party steps outside of the old sandstone building; it scatters dust and carries the scent of aspen and pine into the cliffside. It's peaceful here, serene. Or at least it should be. But the calm has been shattered both by Alice and the knowledge that something was--and still is--guarded here. This anticipation and curiosity, along with their compassion and desire to help, drives the party forward to quickly finish things.

Artorias's nose is able to follow the general location of the scent, which leads him east to another cluster of buildings, but then a gust of wind recoils off the back of the cavern, bringing new smells--and new sights and sounds as well. They're below a triangular building, one with neatly-cut windows and an actual roof. Its walls almost completely intact, it's easily the best-maintained building in San De Sol.

And Ciaran looks inside the window and flies back shuddering. And Artorias and Kheel can hear faint scuttling. And the faint smell of blood and early decay wafts out from inside.

 
 Spoiler: Map 
I'll update it after I shower.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Elsee, see if you can enter through the window, I will try to draw their attention to me so you can flank them" Artorias tries to ignore the scent of blood and rot as he makes his way through the rubble towards the door.
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Move Action move towards the door
Balance  (1d20+9)[ 13 ] 
Balance  (1d20+9)[ 12 ] 
Balance  (1d20+9)[ 27 ] 
Balance  (1d20+9)[ 24 ] 

You said several rolls didn't you? 😛
 
Silverraptor
 "What is it? What's in there?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "If I am right, the Warlocks that attacked the dogs" 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias slips and falls on his first few attempts, dislodging rubble--large boulders and little pebbles alike--that slides down towards his feet. He pauses, wary and ready for anything that might spring out of the rubble. But there's nothing aside from a few dislodged spiders and lizards that scuttle between the cracks, and after a moment's hesitation he tries again. The boulders are sturdier now, or he's got a better sense of balance, and so the warblade is eventually able to pick his way across to the other side of the rubble pile, where's he's standing what seems to be a yard between three buildings. The one furthest southeast is a two-storied tower like the other two on the west side of San De Sol, and there's another tower like that to his north. But the blood is coming from the building directly to his left.

 
 Spoiler: Before having Artorias enter 
Does anyone else want to try the window?
 
Athedia
Badger shrugged and moved toward the window.  "Let me give this a try, would rather not sprain an ankle trying to crosss that.  Naga guard the puppies."  She gestured at the rubble before jumping to hoist herself through the window.  The command to Naga went unheard as Badger noticed that her dog had never followed her out of the room, still busy licking the pup clean.

 
 Spoiler: Windows are fun 
Seriously, I have had to climb in through windows about 50 times since I could never remember my key.  The bathroom one was the worst, outside was a sloped roof and if you weren't careful your foot got caught on the toilet.  Living room or brother bedroom were better.

Escape Artist:  (1d20+4)[ 20 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Just as Artorias enters the room through the door on the side, Badger easily hops through the window and lands with several small crunching sounds.

The room is large, and one of the most furnished. Stone slab counters line the walls, and a small assortment of dishes, eating utensils, and carving knives are set on the counter next to a bucket of water and a small stack of firewood. It's a kitchen, perhaps a place where food is prepared. There's still meat here, abandoned in the assault and partially decayed in the summer sun as a result.

Of course, Badger and Artorias don't pay much attention to the aesthetics of the room because of the  fountain of ants  swarming everywhere. They pour out of tiny cracks, climb through the tiniest gaps, move in masses and march over the bodies of...bodies. It's impossible to see what the dead things on the floor and partially slumped on the counter are, because hundreds of thousands of ants have covered every single available inch of the carcasses. They're covered in a shimmering shifting scuttling ravenous coat of black ants. And some of them are  huge. 

Badger feels an itching around her ankles and looks down to see hundreds upon hundreds of mindless swarming ants pouring around her feet. She landed right in their path but they keep marching around her, keep marching  over  her, swarming over her boots and ankles, covering her lower legs and biting every exposed inch of her skin.

 
 Spoiler: Initiative and video 
 Watch this for full effect! 

Ant swarms:  (d20)[ 12 ] 
Badger:  (d20+4)[ 23 ] 
Artorias:  (d20+6)[ 22 ] 
 
super dark33
Surdrak didnt want to bother walking through the rubble.

Maybe its time to try out the technique he worked on for a long while.

After a short silly dance, Long black tendrilous clouds sprouted from Surdrak's back, expanding and scuttling for a few moments. Then, each tendril places itself up in the air as if it touched a platform of some sort, and climbs up.

Surdrak is now flying.


 
 Spoiler: Fell flight! 
Who needs wings when you can have somthing else?

Surdrak himself doesnt seem to shake arpimd in the flight. Imagine its like a flight spell only with tendrils grabbing around, not moving like an actual organism.
 
Silverraptor
Sora stares at Suradrak a moment.
 "That was somewhat unsettling to watch..." 
Athedia
Badger breathed carefully, avoiding opening her mouth.  Carefully she reached into her quiver, the arrow she wanted coming to her fingertips.  The expense of the arrow versus the discomfort of the ants battled for a second, but the discomfort won out.  Fleeing the center of the swarm she backed away shaking.  The arrow loosed itself from her bow shooting the swarm in the center.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to BI45
 http://dndtools.eu/items/arms-and-eq...lchemists--93/ 

I don't know if the arrow does any damage.  Roll if it does.  Alchemist fire will ignite whatever it touched one round from now.

EDIT: And I didn't roll a hit comfirmation because if it misses is would hit a surrounding square and therefore something else.  She was aiming centerish so not at any particular ant (swarms are weird)
 
Dusk Eclipse
Momentarily stunned by the sheer amount of ants, Artorias fumbles with the pouch hanging from his belt before retrieving small ball; dropping it front of him.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Standard  Action Draw bonifre from the Survival pouch-
Free action: Drop it in front of him
According to the mic it is a "small campfire  (about 2 ft. square)
I'll roll damage for normal fire  (1d6)[ 2 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The ants seem to ignore the arrow Badger looses on them from atop the countertop, but scuttle away as the campfire Artorias pulls out from his pouch sears the swarm closest to him. The number of bodies roasting and popping can be heard even over the crackling flames. Some ants move away, catch fire, and spread the flames to other ants before collapsing dead into tiny burnt husks. But there are still so many of them.

 
 Spoiler: Athedia 
Badger can't move there. She's also on a countertop right now. Please choose a different moving space, then I'll go.
 


Outside, Jadeite looks up at Surdrak's eldritch tentacles climbing through the air and seems to be vaguely ill.  "I concur. Badger? Artorias? Is everything okay in there?" 
super dark33
 Yes my choreographing skills are bad so what. 

His tone is tired and submissive, like a henpecked sitcom husbend's.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Ants, loads of them, help!"  Artorias yells back while trying to figure  how to deal with ants, he frankticly searches for anything that could help to deal with the swarms.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot just in case  (1d20+9)[ 22 ]  +5 if Ciaran is within 5 ft. of me
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler: Movement 
Why cant she move there?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  
 Spoiler: Movement 
Why cant she move there?
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Why Badger can't move to BI45 
BI 45 is outside the building.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Badger hops off the counter and runs through the ant swarm to the other side of the room. Every single step makes a disgusting crunching noise, and when she turns around the ants are right behind her. She doesn't know whether they followed her or are fleeing Artorias's fire, but in either case they're there, swarming over her, crawling over her feet and up her legs and biting every available inch of flesh.

 
 Spoiler: Damage and fort save 
Badger takes  (2d6)[ 9 ]  damage, half of which is acid. She also needs to make a DC 13 fort save or be nauseated for one round.
 


Surdrak takes this exact moment to appear, suspended in midair, supported by eldritch tentacles that rise from him and grip the doorway.

 
 Spoiler: Initiative 
Surdrak, Badger, and Artorias are up. Shout for help and more will come. And yes, Surdrak looks a bit like Dr. Octopus here.
 
super dark33
 Shut up. 

Surdrak takes no time in launching a blast out of his fancy new gloves.

 
 Spoiler: Lots of d6 
 (1d20+7)[ 13 ] 
 (5d6)[ 17 ]  one mortalbane use remains
 (2d6)[ 2 ]  Fire damage double damage.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The gloves fizzle and spurt out nothing more than a couple of embers--Alice must have exhausted all their magic for the day. But his blast cuts a large swath through the ants, incinerating a long arc of them.

Outside, Jadeite hears the shouting and asks loudly,  "Are you under attack?" 
 
 Spoiler 
The gloves are out of charges for the day. Badger and Artorias are up.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Not exactly, there are tons of Ants who seem to want to devour us... and let me tell you a greatsword isn't the best weapon against them"  Artorias yells back, a note of panic creeping into his snark.  He prepares to throw another campfire ball.

 
 Spoiler 
Standard action: retrieve another portable campfire from the pouch (3 uses remain)
 
Athedia
Badger took the oppurtunity of Artorias's firethrowing to dash behind him.   "Surdrak, Jadiete. Go mad wizard on those ants!  JUST GET THEM OFF ME!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Fleeing the building onto rumble (just behind Artorias)

Balance:   (1d20+4)[ 17 ] 

Alchemist Fire will go off this turn.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Badger flees the building, screaming as she shakes ants off of her, and takes cover behind Artorias. As she runs, Artorias burns even more ants and the alchemist fire goes off with a rather nice  BOOM! 

Jadeite's eyes widen and he grabs the window, trying to force his way through.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
Alchemist fire:  (d4)[ 1 ] 
Campfire:  (d6)[ 2 ] 
Jadeite Escape Artist:  (d20+2)[ 22 ] 

I'll do more later tonight. Sorry!
 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite's slim and spry, and he easily hops through the small window, landing with yet another crunch.  "Oh my,"  he says, looking down, his nose wrinkled in distaste.  "Well, I suppose I ought to get further data on how exoskeletons can affect forced reverse osmosis. Thank you for furthering my research!" 
 
 Spoiler: Dessicate 
 (2d6)[ 9 ] 
 


A whole clump of ants seem to burst, their bottoms torn out under them, spreading goo everywhere. The spell also hits the carcass, causing more foul fluid to seep along the floor. It's hard to tell, but it seems like over half the ants are dead. There's still quite a few of them though.
Silverraptor
Sora winches as the snaps ad cracks of the ants reaches her.
 "Jadeite, I don't know what you're doing, but I don't think I want to look..." 
CoffeeIncluded
Jade's reply is cut short by a biting curse as dozens of the remaining ants climb up his legs and bite at his ankles.

Meanwhile, out of the corner of his eye Artorias sees something shift under the rubble. Kheel's eyes widen as he sees the rubble shift too. Something rises out of the pile, rubble sliding off of it and falling to the ground until finally the creature beneath is revealed. An enormous spider, easily the size of the bulettes faced earlier, has dug its way out of the rubble and is bearing down on the remaining party outside.

 
 Spoiler: Damage and initiative 
Jadeite damage:  (2d6)[ 6 ] 
Jadeite's fort save:  (d20+4)[ 5 ] 

Initiative for everyone outside:
Spider:  (d20+5)[ 14 ] 
Elsee:  (d20+4)[ 19 ] 
Kheel:  (d20+2)[ 6 ] 
Sora:  (d20+2)[ 21 ] 

I'll update the map and then I need to pack some more.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The spider shuffles out of the rubble and tries to deliver a searing bite to the first creature in sight--Sora.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls and note 
Attack:  (d20+9)[ 21 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+6)[ 9 ] 
If hit, make a DC 16 fort save or take  (d8)[ 1 ]  strength damage.

Okay, I need to pack. EVERYONE IS UP.
 
super dark33
Surdrak cooks up another blast. He doesnt even care where he launches it as long as it has ants on it.

 
 Spoiler: Sllor 

Shooting at Jadeite joking im joking! 😁
 (1d20+7)[ 15 ] 
 (3d6)[ 8 ]  No mortalbane this time. reserving the last one for another time.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias reflexively turns back when he hears the spider scuttling.   "Great... just great"  he drops the insta-campfire ball in front of him as he draws his sword before jumping on the back of the spider, his blade drawing an arc in the air as he tries to attack

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Free Action #1:Drop the campfire on (49,BJ)
Free Action #2: Draw greatsword
Swift Action: Initiate Sudden Leap  (1d20+13)[ 26 ]  to (51,BJ)
Attack Spider  (1d20+6)[ 26 ]  Power Attacking for 3
Crit Confirmation  (1d20+8)[ 17 ] 
Damage  (2d6+14)[ 22 ] 
 
Silverraptor
Sora shrieks back from the pop-up spider.
 
 Spoiler 
Fort:  (1d20+6)[ 16 ] 
 


She looks at the bite before puffing up herself in anger.
 "OH NO YOU DIDN'T! You thought you would make a meal out of me?! Elsee, teach this spider a lesson! Bless!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Concentration: (1d20+10)[ 22 ] 

If needed.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite looks distinctly nauseous as the ants bite into him, and hops up and down trying to shake them off. Meanwhile, Surdrak doesn't even look at where he blasts and so hits a meat cleaver instead, causing it to fly into the air and spin into the stone floor with a crash.

Outside, the spider bites into Sora, leaving a deep gash, but she's able to shake off the poison for the time being and responds with a spell to increase everyone's accuracy slightly. And Artorias swings his blade to deal the spider a deep grevious blow.

 
 Spoiler 
i need a crit damage from from Artorias please, and and sorry Surdrak but that last one just missed. Elsee, Kheel, badger, and jadeite are up. In seeing a movie with friends so I'll post IC later.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler: Crit Damage/All hail battle Ardor! 

Crit damage (2d6+14)[ 21 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
With one powerful swing Artorias nearly cleaves the the spider in two. It still stands, but just barely. Kheel follows up by diving in and slamming down on the spider's head with outstretched talons.

Meanwhile, inside, Jadeite runs over to the stack of firewood, and hurls it over the campfire Artorias summoned into the middle of the ants. As it passes through the flame the wood catches alight, and by the time it lands in the middle of the ants it's a torch that sears even more of them.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls and notes 
Badger and Elsee are up. Athedia, don't forget Badger has a flaming bow...

Jadeite attack:  (d20+5)[ 23 ] 
Jadeite damage:  (d4)[ 4 ] 

Kheel attack:  (d20+11)[ 22 ] 
Kheel crit:  (d20+11)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+3)[ 7 ] 
 


Jadeite's improvised torch lands right in a thick clump of ants, and they all go up in a sudden blaze. Meanwhile, Kheel lands straight on the spider's head, piercing several of its eyes but not quite killing it.
Athedia
Badger looked through the archway still shuddering. Quickly she darted next to Jadiete and snatched some of the wood from his feet tossing it at the ants.  She was careful to stay as far from the ants as she could.
 
 Spoiler 
BJ49, throwing wood through fire
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee mocked a surprised gasp at Sora's commands,  unseathing her Kurkri and twirling them about as she encircled the large arachnid, sneaking up behind it as it's attention was focused on Kheel.

 "An Astrid telling a Plavaan to risk her life for her!? Well call me crazy if THIS isn't a new one!" 
 
 Spoiler 

moving opposite of kheel on the spider for flanking bonus, then taking one attack, with a +2 bonus from bless and flank.

attack: (d20+10)[ 19 ] 
crit: (d20+10)[ 29 ] 
Damage: (d3+3)[ 6 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee rubs around to get into a good position to attack the spider, drawing an attack from it.

 
 Spoiler: Aoo 

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+6)[ 16 ] 
If it hits, make a dc 16 fort save or take  (d8)[ 8 ]  strength damage.
 


Meanwhile, Badger sets another log of wood aflame and hurls it into the swarm.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
attack:  (d20+10)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (d4)[ 1 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Badger's throw crushes a few of the ants. Meanwhile, outside, Elsee tries to dodge the spider's attacks as she moves to drive her blade into the monster.

 
 Spoiler: Tumble, PLEASE UPDATE YOUR SKILL POINTS 
PLEASE UPDATE YOUR SKILL POINTS!

 (d20+4)[ 8 ] 

You would have auto-passed the tumble check if you had updated your skill points, but you didn't so you failed the check and now you've taken max poison damage. This is what happens when you don't keep things updated. This goes for you and everyone.
 


Elsee can't tumble over the rubble, and though she kills the spider, in its death throes it slams its fangs into her shoulder. She doubles over in agony as the poison works its way through her and her muscles go limp.
CoffeeIncluded
There aren't many ants left, and they seem to be in a state of confusion, swarming back and forth over the carcasses and corpses of their brethren. Some seen to have been driven deranged by the heat and flame and actually swarm towards Jadeite and Artorias, climbing up them, up their clothes, into the legs of their pants and biting all the flesh they can reach.

 
 Spoiler: Damage and saves 
Jadeite damage:  (2d6)[ 4 ] 
Jadeite fort save (nauseated for 1 round if failed:  (d20+4)[ 21 ] 

Artorias damage:  (2d6)[ 6 ] 
Artorias needs to make a DC 13 fort save or be nauseated for one round.

EVERYONE IS UP.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias looks at Jadeite as if to say  "Brace yourself"  before producing yet another mini-campfire form his survival pouch and throwing it at his feet.  
 Spoiler: Actions 

Standard Action: Activate Survival pouch (2 uses left)
Free action: Drop campfire on his own square
Fire Damage  (1d6)[ 6 ] 
Fortitude Save  (1d20+5)[ 13 ] 
Reflex Save to avoid catching on fire  (1d20+8)[ 21 ] 

Yes, Artorias might just set himself on fire to kill the ant swarm.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias hurls another campfire right in front of him, then rolls out of the way. Ants fly off of him as he rolls and are flung into the crackling flames. Nearly all of the crazed ants that swarmed him are cooked, and there aren't too many left.

 
 Spoiler: Nice! 
Everyone else is up; I'll go for Jadeite tomorrow morning. Night everyone!

Does Sora have a Neutralize Poison prepared?
 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Artorias hurls another campfire right in front of him, then rolls out of the way. Ants fly off of him as he rolls and are flung into the crackling flames. Nearly all of the crazed ants that swarmed him are cooked, and there aren't too many left.

 
 Spoiler: Nice! 
Everyone else is up; I'll go for Jadeite tomorrow morning. Night everyone!

Does Sora have a Neutralize Poison prepared?
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler 
No she does not.
 
super dark33
 Yawwwn. 

Surdrak wondered if these ants are the edible type.
Only one way to find out later.

 
 Spoiler: blasting ants 

 (1d20+8)[ 20 ] 
 (3d6)[ 12 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak shoots one last line of eldritch energy at the ants, incinerating hundreds of them in a single blast. When the smoke clears, thousands of ants lie in dead heaps. There are still a few scuttling over the carcasses and on the ground, but nowhere near enough to be a danger. For all intents and purposes, the fight is over.

 
 Spoiler 
Fight's over. Sora and Elsee are both poisoned and need to make another fort save soon or take more strength damage. Your choice whether to treat Elsee's strength damage before or after the second fort save. And you can look around now too.
 
super dark33
Landing down gently, Surdrak folds his tendrils to resemble a long cape.
When no one notices, he ducks and picks up the fattest ant he can find and grabs a bite.
CoffeeIncluded
The ants are crunchy, and the burnt ones are crispy too. They're kinda sour, and burn his tongue when he eats handfuls at a time. There are a lot of ants here, enough to feed him for a few days at least.

 
 Spoiler 
formic acid!

Anyway, wanna talk and look around?
 
super dark33
Sour and Crispy. To complete a meal he needs Soft and Liquid bases, along with salty and sweet.
Will need sugar and hot peppers for liquid and potatoes for soft. maybe some green veggies too.

He opened the Sepicer Semalg and randomly opened on a page.

It said:

   Sreilppus eht neve, lla sdanmmoc Fehc Eht.   

True words.


There was a cleaver that bounced over there earlier. What was that about? Surdrak started looking around.

 
 Spoiler 
If you want to imagine what Spirit sounds like, take the way i write the Spirit words, put them on a Letters To Speech program, reverse the result and you have Spiritalk.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Looking around, Surdrak sees that the carcasses that the few live ants are still picking at are...varied. It's hard to tell at first, but some of the bodies are blink dogs, blasted and cut down by surprise. But two larger carcasses are partially dismembered, and not the bodies of dogs at all. Actually...they're deer. Half-carved deer. Surdrak looks over to the cleaver and suddenly what happened becomes clearer.

This is a kitchen. This is where food is prepared and stored--even if the blink dogs and wolf can live off raw meat, the halfling can't. They were probably in here, butchering a deer they caught on their latest hunt, eating and chatting amicably, when Alice attacked. They were taken by surprise and at least four were killed before they fled.

 
 Spoiler: And if this is a kitchen/dining room... 
Do you want to look around some more?
 
super dark33
Kitchen?
Warlocks nearby.

Surdrak looks around some more, not before stuffing ants into his cloakpockets.

 Hey, come in here and try to not step on large clusters of ants. 
 
 Spoiler: Hilarity 
I like how all the eldritch horror is basicly supressed by the fact that cooking is a dark art.
 
Silverraptor
Sora hurries over to Elsee.
 "Are you alright?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Both sora and Elsee feel their stomachs roil and their muscles painfully twitch as the poison continues working its way through them.

 
 Spoiler: Sora and Elsee  
please make another dc 16 fort save.
 


Inside, Surdrak continues looking through the kitchen for any more clues. It doesn't look particularly eldritch. But it looks like cabinets were carved into the shelves. Surdrak opens them to find all sorts of foodstuffs: dried jerky, flour, barley, ground corn. A small jar of seeds, a slightly larger jar of preserves. The berries used to make them are utterly unfamiliar.

Many of the spices are strange too. Oh, there's salt and black pepper and garlic, but he doesn't see any of the cayenne, and of the spicy flavorings so common in Runitian cooking and the dishes imported from the Southern Islands. These spices don't have names on them, but a sniff and sample suggests that they're more savory than anything else.

 
 Spoiler 
where did the cooking is eldritch thing come from? Why not just have Surdrak enjoy it? Either way, I fun this entertaining and in rolling with it. Treasure tonight.
 
Silverraptor
 
 Spoiler: Fortitude 
Fortitude: (1d20+6)[ 21 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Sora braces herself against the old stone wall, breathing heavily. She shudders as the poison works its way through her system, and then fades away, leaving her shaken but unharmed. As for Elsee...

 
 Spoiler 
I'll roll for Elsee if Draconi hasn't done it by tonight.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee doubles over as the poison saps her strength.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
elsees fort save:  (d20+3)[ 16 ] 

If fail, take  (d8)[ 6 ]  strength damage.
 


She doubles over but barely--just barely--manages to fight it off.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias makes his way into the kitchen, he doesn't understand why but he feels a twinge of sadness and regret as he does so. Ciaran let's a soft cry from her perch on his shoulder.  "I'm sorry Ciaran, this must be really painful for you too"  he strokes her feathers in a comforting  manner.

 "You can go outside if you want, we will be fine here" 
Silverraptor
Sora pulls out her wand of restoration.
 "Here Elsee. Let me remove the damage you took from that poison." 
 
 Spoiler 
I actually never used wands before, so I don't know what I should do in terms of dice roll or whatever.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler: Wand Question 

If you have the spell in question in your spell list (which you do as a Cleric) you autmatically use the wand, if you don't you have to roll a UMD check DC 20 to use a wand.
 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  
 Spoiler: Wand Question 

If you have the spell in question in your spell list (which you do as a Cleric) you autmatically use the wand, if you don't you have to roll a UMD check DC 20 to use a wand.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler 
Okay, so nothing further would be needed on my part.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Ciaran looks like she's about to start crying, if hawks could cry. But she doesn't leave, and instead stays, respectfully perching on a block of wood and staring down at the bodies of the dogs. Artorias can feel her grief resonating across the link, but still he stays.

There isn't much treasure here, at least nothing the dogs wouldn't mind them taking. A container of dried saffron, a small bag of silver and copper, worth no more than a couple hundred gold at most. And then, under the ants, something small and shining and beautiful. A carving of a strange beast, wrought in marble and inlaid with gold trim, with tiny sapphires for eyes. It's beautiful.
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite hops off tie counter and surveys the grisly scene with distaste.  "These dogs haven't been dead for more than a few hours. How could so many ants have come upon them so quickly?" 
CoffeeIncluded
The wand sora picked up warms when she presses it to Elsee's skin. It flares with more heat then quickly fades. A moment passes, and Elsee slowly gets up. It takes a moment to get her bearings, but in a few moments all her strength has returned.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Jadeite hops off tie counter and surveys the grisly scene with distaste.  "These dogs haven't been dead for more than a few hours. How could so many ants have come upon them so quickly?"  
 

 "I'm sure the warlocks have something to do with this, we should keep moving" 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite nods.  "Alice did seem fond of having hired help. Surdrak, I suppose I must be thankful that your interests lie with cooking."  He motions towards the small bottle of rare saffron Surdrak found, but then his gaze moves to the figurine Artorias is holding.  "Say, what is that?" 

Upon closer inspection, the beast carved from stone isn't quite a beast. It looks like...well, the closest thing Artorias can think of is a werewolf, from the stories. The creature appears to be part canine and part man, perhaps shifting between the two forms, all long feet and long ears and a face not quite flat and not quite jutting out. It's crouched, or...no, it's just lept out of a crouch, its body springing forward in a pounce. And all along the marble back of the beast is intricately carved fur, and, inlaid with gold, strange markings. The markings are almost exactly the same as the ones that the blink dogs had on their fur.
super dark33
Surdrak attempts to sense magic in the area, the figure in parcticular.

 Some warlocks can summon swarms to assist them, but they need to get concentrated on and i dont think the spider can be controlled like that. 
CoffeeIncluded
It's a bit hard to hone in on any particular magical auras, as both the spells from the fight and the innate magical essence of the dead blink dogs still lingers. But after a bit they fade, and Surdrak can tell there's nothing actively magical here right now.
CoffeeIncluded
DC 20 listen check:

 
 Spoiler: DC 20 listen check: 
You can hear faint snarling from inside the next building over.
 

 
 Spoiler: Jadeite's listen check: 
 (d20+4)[ 23 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler: Rolls 

Listen  (1d20+10)[ 23 ] 
 

 "Badger, you left Naga with the blink dogs didn't you?" 
super dark33
 And the shield guardian is still in that room. Its better to bring it over too. 
 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+1)[ 9 ]  Listen
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  
 Spoiler: Rolls 

Listen  (1d20+11)[ 21 ] 
 

 "Badger, you left Naga with the blink dogs didn't you?"  
 

 
 Spoiler: Check 
Listen:  (1d20+11)[ 21 ] 
 

 "Yeah... that's not him." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "That's what I feared"  Artorias readjust his grip on the sword as he moves closer towards where he heard the snarling.
super dark33
Surdrak hasitly moved right behind Artorias, prepering to get in front of him.

He'd rather not kill warlocks.
CoffeeIncluded
 "It's far too deep to be nagas voice." 

The snarls are coming from the same building where Artorias had tracked the scent of the remaining monsters. The door is wedged tightly shut, and can't be easily opened. Anyone pressing their ear to the door can hear movement inside.

 
 Spoiler 
at the gym, so no map until I get back. Strength check to break down the door, please.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias examines the door. "It doesn't seem we can open this door conventionally"  he smiled  "Not a problem""  Artorias takes a minute to take off his armour, he puts the chain shirt and the dastana in the ground next to him. Once done he intones a single word, Elsee and Jadeite recognize is as the Goblinoid word for "stone".

Artorias' right hand begins to change, the skin becomes rougher, harder, it soon takes the appearance of raw stone. With a grin plastered in his face Artorias wriggles his finger experimentally, satisfied he clenches the stone hand into a stone fist.  "I think this will do, everyone on your toes; I'm going to tear that door down"  With his left hand on his sword's grip he punches the door with his right hand.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Take of the Chain armour and the Dastana
Cast  Fist of Stone 
Punch the door to break it  (1d20+6)[ 22 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The door crumbles as if made of gravel and sand. It's silent inside, and as the group cautiously enters they see nothing but an empty room, with four statues overlooking them in each corner. The statues are that of winged monstrous beasts, and each clutches a spear.
super dark33
 The dogs mentioned moving statues that followed the late Alice. Could those be them? 
Silverraptor
Sora sighs, not liking the situation.
 "I wished you had more armor on for this, but I guess I should take one for the team. Shield Other!" 
 
 Spoiler 
I'm just going to ignore the platinum rings needing to be worn, unless coffee demands it, then Artorias doesn't get this spell.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Ciaran flies from her perch back to Artoria's shoulder.  "It's empty... that doesn't make sense I'm sure I heard something snarling in there"  Artorias examines the as closely as possible without actually entering the room. From her place in his shoulder Ciaran seems to do the same.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 

Artorias' Spot  (1d20+11)[ 14 ]  If we are in bright light (which I think we aren't) add +3 from Ciaran
Ciaran's Spot  (1d20+11)[ 26 ]   She uses Artorias' ranks (9), but uses her own wisdom modifier (+2)
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "They could be,"  Jadeite says.  "The architecture doesn't quite fit with the rest of these ruins." 

Artorias doesn't notice anything as Sora casts her spell, but Ciaran...Ciaran suddenly stiffens in alarm, and she stares at the statue. He gets the sense that she saw something move, like how the rustling grass betrays the presence of a mouse...or in this case, something nastier to a hawk like a fox.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias feels Ciaran's alarm through their link. "Something definitely is in there"  Moving statues... moving statues, he knows he had heard about something similar before.

 
 Spoiler 

Can I make a K: Arcana check?
If yes  (1d20+4)[ 16 ] 
 
Athedia
Badger blushed as Artorias started to take off his armor, but the headband quickly covered up the redness.

 "Well we know there was that guardian statue.  Are these like that one?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias vaguely remembers a name from the stories. A name creatures of winged stone, mercenary monsters who are as likely to sell their services as aerial watchmen as they are to be bought as henchmen for wicked schemes.

Gargoyles.

And right on cue, the four statues snarl, unfurl their wings, grip their spears, and fly to attack.

 
 Spoiler: Initiative and a note 
im walking My dog so I can't update the map right now. Initiative!

Artorias:  (d20+6)[ 23 ] 
Badger:  (d20+4)[ 10 ] 
Elsee:  (d20+4)[ 23 ] 
Jadeite:  (d20+2)[ 14 ] 
Sora:  (d20+2)[ 14 ] 
Surdrak:  (d20+2)[ 16 ] 
Kheel:  (d20+2)[ 8 ] 

Gargoyles:  (d20+2)[ 20 ] 
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee immidiately raised her hand as the stone creatures began moving, loudly speaking out while her free hand reached over to start mounting Kheel once more.

 "You know what would nice right now? that big ass sheild guardian fdreind of ours! who wants that big sheild guardian freind of ours? Imma go get the guardidan freind of ours." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I left the amulet with the Blink dogs, it's theirs by right"  Artorias says as Ciaran takes flight from her perch. Once his familiar is in the air, the young swordsman charges the closest Gargoyle to his left, he keeps his body low as he runs towards the Stone-like monster.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Free Action: Speak
Full Round Action: Charge While tumbling
I just noticed that I autopass tumble checks to avoid AoO vs. 1 enemy, but just in case:
Tumble  (1d20+15)[ 35 ] 
Attack  (1d20+7)[ 26 ]  Power Attacking for 5 (5 BAB +6 STR + 1 Magic +2 Charge-5 Power Attack)
Crit Confirmation  (1d20+9)[ 28 ] 
Damage  (2d6+20)[ 29 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
As Artorias charges the gargoyles he sees that they have halberds, not spears. He ducks under them and with a roar leaps into the air. As he lands he drags down a gargoyle with him, impaling it right in the chest, right where its lungs would be. It's conscious, but just barely.

 
 Spoiler 
The gargoyle is at 0 HP exactly; it's disabled.
 


Meanwhile, Elsee mounts Kheel and they fly straight to the room where the blink dogs are hunkered down.
Athedia
Badger aimed into the room.  Even if the fire would probably not do much, an arrow might chip the stone.

 
 Spoiler 
Feats Activated:
Point Blank Shot (+1 attack and damage) I believe one of them is within 30ft
Precise Shot (no penalty for shooting into melee)
Rapid Shot (full attack 1 more attack at highest modifier, -2 to attack on all shots)

Total Bonus to:
Attack: 12/7 (base ranged) + 1 (weapon Focus) + 1 (magic weapon) + 1 (PBS) -2 (RS) = 13/8

Damage: 1d8 (base) + 1 (PBS) + 1 (magic weapon)= 1d8+2

Shot 1:
Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 18 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+13)[ 31 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 4 ] 

Shot 2:
Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 20 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+13)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 6 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 6 ] 

Shot 3:
Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 21 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The disabled gargoyle scrambles away from Artorias, and chugs down a potion when he's out of range. It's for naught, however, as one of Badger's arrows lands in his throat, and he falls unconscious, bleeding out.

But this doesn't happen until the other three gargoyles attack. As one, they swoop down on Artorias and slice into him with halberds. Then they fly up, out of reach of his Greatsword, and pull out long pole arms, confident they can attack him at range while he can't counterattack.

It's not a defense against Badger's bow, however, and her second arrow clips the wing of the closest gargoyle, searing its stony hide.

 
 Spoiler: Attack rolls 
sorry about that! I was exhausted, and ended up oversleeping in fact. I wanted to go to the gym this morning too. All the gargoyles attack Artorias and then fly above him, out of range of his Greatsword. Half this damage goes to sora.

Power attack -3/+6:  (d20+6)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (d10+11)[ 13 ] 

Power attack -3/+6:  (d20+6)[ 18 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (d10+11)[ 21 ] 

Power attack -3/+6:  (d20+6)[ 10 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (d10+11)[ 15 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
All three of the halberds savagely rip into Artorias, and one nearly severs his arm. And yet not as much blood spills out onto the ground as he would expect, and as Sora feels sudden stabbing pain and sees red bloom under her shirt, he realizes that her spell saved his life.

 "I think these statues need a little decoration, don't you think?"  Jadeite says, splaying out his hand as a shower of glitter rains down upon two of the gargoyles.

 
 Spoiler 
Sorry about the delay! The map's updated, and EVERYONE EXCEPT BADGER IS UP.

Jadeite casts Glitterdust on Gargoyles 2 and 3.

Gar2 will save:  (d20+4)[ 8 ] 
Gar3 will save:  (d20+4)[ 8 ] 
 


Both gargoyles roar and scratch at their eyes as the glitterdust blinds them.
super dark33
Surdrak unfurls his tendrils and leaps around the corner of the door, floating outside the reach of the unblind Gargoyle and launches his last hateful blast at it.

 Surrender now. We already killed Alice and the Bulettes. 
 
 Spoiler: guten tag 

 (1d20+7)[ 24 ] 
 (5d6)[ 16 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
It's not clear whether the gargoyles can't understand Surdrak or choose to ignore his warning, but either way they don't respond. One grunts in pain at his blast--it's the one that Badger shot earlier, and now it's pretty beat up.

Meanwhile, Elsee races back to where the blink dogs are hiding, holding on to Kheel as the wyvern ducks and weaves around the buildings in the low cavern. She's almost there when the halfling on the wolf and one of the blink dog sorcerers appear in front of her.

 "We heard you coming,"  he translates.  "What's happening?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Sora and Artorias are up.
 
Draconi Redfir
 "ohhh you know the usual, we stopped for some tea, looked at some ants, awakened some stone abombinaitions from beneath the deepest pits of tiamat's bowls... Think we could borrow your big freind for awhile? he might come in handy while we clear this place out." 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias is dazed from the savage beating he took, he can feel the blood running down his body, with difficulty he activates his belt.
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Artorias is at exactly 0 HP
Standard Action: Activate the healing belt 3 charges
Healing  (4d8)[ 16 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias heals himself, though he's still badly injured.

 
 Spoiler 
sora is up; you have until tonight. Sorry about the delay.
 


Both dog and halfling blink at Elsee's casual remark. Without a word, the blink dog instantly teleports away, then comes back seconds later with the amulet in his mouth. He drops it into Elsee's palm with a bark.

 "The guardian will follow you, but please give him back immediately,"  the halfling says.
CoffeeIncluded
 "What the hell is wrong with you, cheese-brain?!"  Sora gasps, doubling over in pain split and shared over the mental link. She swipes a potion from Jadeite and chugs it, coughing out,  "Why did you run in without any armor?!" 
 
 Spoiler: CMW potion 
CMW:  (2d8+3)[ 5 ] 
 


The gargoyle shot by Badger and wounded by Surdrak shouts out a few commands in a strange gravelly language to the two blinded gargoyles, then, bent on revenge, attacks Surdrak with a spear, flying up after his strike. Meanwhile, the two blinded gargoyles try to do the same thing to Artorias, swooping down to attack then flying up, effectively trading places in the air by the time they finish their movements.

 
 Spoiler: Attacks 
Gar1 attacks Surdrak
Power Attack -2/+4:  (d20+7)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+10)[ 15 ] 

Gar2 attacks Artorias
Power Attack -2/+4:  (d20+7)[ 20 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+10)[ 15 ] 
Miss on 1:  (d2)[ 1 ] 

Gar3 attacks Artorias
Power Attack -2/+4:  (d20+7)[ 13 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+10)[ 17 ] 
Miss on 1:  (d2)[ 1 ] 
 


The gargoyle attacking Surdrak slices the warlock's arm open, but both blinded gargoyles attacking Artorias miss, their spears clashing into each other in mid-air.

 
 Spoiler 
Map's updated, EVERYONE is up.
 
super dark33
Surdrak moves closer to the gargoyle and claws it. Too bad he cant hate things for the rest of the day.

 
 Spoiler: roll 

 (1d20+5)[ 15 ]  att
 (1d20+5)[ 12 ]  crt
 (1d3+1)[ 3 ]  gaunt dmg
 (1d3+1)[ 4 ]  crt dmg
 (3d6)[ 11 ]  eld dmg
 
Athedia
Badger shot at the creature in front of her.   "Art, get behind me and get your damned shirt back on!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Feats Activated:
Point Blank Shot (+1 attack and damage) I believe one of them is within 30ft
Precise Shot (no penalty for shooting into melee)
Rapid Shot (full attack 1 more attack at highest modifier, -2 to attack on all shots)

Total Bonus to:
Attack: 12/7 (base ranged) + 1 (weapon Focus) + 1 (magic weapon) + 1 (PBS) -2 (RS) = 13/8

Damage: 1d8 (base) + 1 (PBS) + 1 (magic weapon)= 1d8+2

Shot 1:
Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 28 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+13)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 2 ] 

Shot 2:
Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 14 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+13)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 4 ] 

Shot 3:
Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 9 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 2 ] 
 


She had looked back at Sora with concern on her face while talking.  Not a smart idea when aiming a bow.
Draconi Redfir
elseegrinnedandno   dded as she put the amulet around her neck, dismounting Kheel and ordering the guardian to pick her up in it's hand.

 "Dunno how long that'll be, so we'll play tradesies nnkay? Kheel'll stay here 'nd keep an eye out for you guys, He's pretty handy inna fight, so he shold be able to help out if somethin happens. just try and find us if there's trouble." 

Elsee turned to Kheel and waved goodbye after pointing at him and to the ground.  "Protect... dogs... me... back... soon..."  she spoke in broken Draconic, hoping the Wyvvern would understand her and that there wouldn't be any trouble.

Her task completed however, Elsee snapped her fingers to get the guardian's attention, pointing down the hallway she had arrived from in indication for it to go in that direction, the small goblin gripping the automaton’s thumb tightly as it carried her around in it's hand.
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak runs up to the airborne gargoyle and tries to claw it, but even with a running leap he can't make contact and misses by several inches. Badger also has little luck, although one of her arrows Manages to pierce the sighted gargoyle's armor.

 
 Spoiler: Important note 
all three gargoyles are in the air. You can only reach them with reach weapons or ranged attacks.
 


Elsee races back to the others, and as she runs she hears the methodical footsteps of the shield guardian behind her. She also hears Kheel sniff the halfling, who responds with an awkward,  "Uh...hi." 
 
 Spoiler: Initiative order  
artorias, sora, and jadeite are up. I'll go for jadeite later.
 
super dark33
 
 Spoiler: Another important note 
Surdrak is also flying.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias takes a step backwards while keeping his eyes trained on the gargoyles, he draws and throws his last remaining bag in a single motion.
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

5 ft. step to (47,BO)
Free action: Draw Tanglefoot bag
Standard Action Throw it to the gargoyle who isn't blinded.
Attack  (1d20+7)[ 15 ]  Touch attack, if it hits the gargoyle is  entangled 
If I can I put on the Datana back on as a  move action 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak takes to the air again, still getting used to flight.

 
 Spoiler 
Sorry!
 


Artorias chucks his last tanglefoot bag at the sighted garogoyle, then shoves his way past Badger and runs outside without even looking to see if it worked. But he hears the bag splatter against the enemy, and as he puts on his dastanas he keeps an ear out to hear if he fell.

 
 Spoiler: Reflex save and a note 
Reflex save:  (d20+6)[ 15 ] 

Also, I'm starting my externship tomorrow, so I'll have trouble being on during the day. I'll do my best though!
 


But though he hears the gargoyle straining to keep afloat, he doesn't hear the thud of him landing.
CoffeeIncluded
 "We've got to be faster than that!"  Jadeite shouts, snapping his fingers. As he does so, everyone finds themselves invigorated with a sudden rush of energy.

 
 Spoiler 
Jadeite casts haste on everyone in range. Sorry I didn't cast this sooner; I thought he had cast it earlier today!

Sora's still up.
 
Silverraptor
 "Damn $&amp;#(ing potion! It barely healed me at all!" 
She goes and downs another moderate wounds potion.

 
 Spoiler: Potion 
 (2d8+3)[ 9 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Maybe potions do go bad. The first one she drank had a slightly bitter edge to it, as if the ingredients were starting to separate. This one is better though, and her wounds close a bit more.

The gargoyle attacking Surdrak continues flying back and stabbing at him with his spear, and calls a blinded one over to attack as well. Meanwhile, the remaining gargoyle keeps blindly lashing out at Artorias.

 
 Spoiler: Attacks 

gar1 attacks Surdrak:
Power attack -2/+4:  (d20+7)[ 13 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+10)[ 16 ] 

gar2 attacks Surdrak:
Power attack -2/+4:  (d20+7)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+10)[ 14 ] 
Miss on 1  (d2)[ 2 ] 

gar3 attacks Artorias:
Power attack -2/+4:  (d20+7)[ 14 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+10)[ 16 ] 
Miss on 1:  (d2)[ 1 ] 

Everyone is up.
 
super dark33
Surdrak grunts softly and attacks the unblind gargoyle with a long staff made of  eldritch energy.
It doesnt even resemble anything.

But Surdrak is still too furious to feel the pain yet.
 
 Spoiler: Attack 

 (1d20+6)[ 9 ]  touch attack.
 (3d6)[ 6 ] 

And if an extra attack is allowed
 (1d20+6)[ 13 ] 
 (3d6)[ 8 ] 
 
Athedia
Badger rolled her shoulders, the spell making her feel relaxed.  Now that she was in front of the group she had to admit she was a little nervous.  She didn't have the benefit of Sora's spell to protect her.

 
 Spoiler: Attack Rolls 
Feats Activated:
Point Blank Shot (+1 attack and damage)
Precise Shot (no penalty for shooting into melee)
Rapid Shot (full attack 1 more attack at highest modifier, -2 to attack on all shots)

Total Bonus to:
Attack: 12/7 (base ranged) + 1 (weapon Focus) + 1 (magic weapon) + 1 (PBS) +1 (Haste) -2 (RS) = 14/9

Damage: 1d8 (base) + 1 (PBS) + 1 (magic weapon)= 1d8+2

Shot 1:
Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 32 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+14)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 6 ] 

Shot 2:
Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 16 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+14)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 5 ] 

Shot 3:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 10 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 6 ] 

Hasted Shot:
Shot 2:
Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+14)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 4 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak dodges the first blow but backs right into the blinded gargoyle's spear, which easily pierces his side. On the ground below Artorias dodges again.

Furious, Surdrak launches a blast of energy that strikes the gargoyle's chest. Badger follows with a flurry of arrows; two miss but two others slam into its head, and it goes down.

 
 Spoiler: Summary 
the unblinded gargoyle is down. The two blinded gargoyles are still up and at full health. They'll be blind for 4 more rounds. Jadeite (I'll go for him after dinner), sora, and Artorias are up. I'll also deal with Elsee and the shield guardian after dinner.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I suppose some more weakening is in order? I wonder how strong you stony creatures need to be to fly,"  Jadeite says, launching a sickly looking ray at the blinded gargoyle attacking Surdrak.

 
 Spoiler 
Ray of Enfeeblement
Ranged touch: [roll]20+5[/roll]
Strength damage:  (d6+3)[ 6 ] 

Sora and Artorias are up.
 


The spell hits the gargoyle squarely, and it manages to keep afloat despite its struggles. Jadeite turns and says in a low voice,  "I have one good spell remaining, but it would work best with only one gargoyle remaining, or if I cast it on Badger." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I'll take care of one"  Artorias leaps on to the gargoyle on the right side of the room, his blade thirsty for blood.
 
 Spoiler: Checks 

Swift Action: Initiate Sudden Leap
Jump  (1d20+26)[ 42 ]   (haste gives an effective +12 to jump checks 😎)
Tumble check to avoid AoO just in case  (1d20+15)[ 34 ] 
 

As he lands on the blinded gargoyle, he attacks it with supernaturally quick slashes.
 
 Spoiler: Attacks 

Full Attack
Attack 1  (1d20+8)[ 27 ]  (-3/+6 Power Attack) Calcs: +5 BAB +6 Str +1 Magic +1 Haste -2 circunstance -3 Power attack=8
Crit Confirmation  (1d20+10)[ 18 ] 
Damage  (2d6+16)[ 24 ] 

Attack 2  (1d20+8)[ 11 ]  (-3/+6 Power Attack) Calcs: +5 BAB +6 Str +1 Magic +1 Haste -2 circunstance -3 Power attack=8
Crit Confirmation  (1d20+10)[ 15 ] 
Damage  (2d6+16)[ 24 ] 

By the way coffee, I re-checked the Fist of Stone spell again and I can't use the slam if I'm wielding a weapon two-handed, sorry for the confusion.
 
CoffeeIncluded
In the flash of an eye Artorias leaps into the air and pounces on the gargoyle. He never sees it coming. Artorias grips his Greatsword and with all his weight comes crashing down onto the gargoyle, forcing his sword through its cheat and the beast to the ground, slaying it in a single mighty blow.

 
 Spoiler 
sora is up, and has until I get home to go.
 
Silverraptor
Sora yells over at the gargoyle.
 "Listen you! The rest of your stone buddies are history! Now I know you can't see and you are surrounded! You surrender and we won't have to make this any harder than it already is!" 
 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
Diplomacy: (1d20+14)[ 33 ] 
Intimidate: (1d20+3)[ 6 ] 

Didn't know if it was a diplomacy or intimidate check, so I rolled both. And I love the high-pitched voice of Sora isn't threatening at all. Its perfect for her!😁
 
Athedia
Badger raised an eyebrow.   "I am perfectly fine with finishing this one off.  It did participate in those killings." 
Silverraptor
 "And I'm *this* close to regretting preparing the shield other spell this morning. I'd rather *not* receive anymore needless pain, thank you very much!" 
 
 Spoiler 
If you hadn't noticed, Sora is in a cranky, bitchy mood at the moment.😛
 
Athedia
 "Then let me finish the freak and keep Artorias away." 
Silverraptor
 "You really think mister 'I'm going to wander into potential combat without my armor' is smart enough to avoid the blind gargoyle rather than run in at him?!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Yes, we have dived into the respect column name calling card whining part of this current attitude.😛
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias forehead vein begins to throb  "I'm right here!" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "You really think mister 'I'm going to wander into potential combat without my armor' is smart enough to avoid the blind gargoyle rather than run in at him?!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Yes, we have dived into the respect column name calling card whining part of this current attitude.😛
 
 
 

 "Then hold him back!  Shouldn't take to much work." 

 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias forehead vein begins to throb  "I'm right here!"  
 

 "And you, your body might be here but your brain sure as hell ran off."
 
 
 Spoiler: Gargoyles thoughts 
"Who the hell are these crazy people and why did I take this job?"
 
super dark33
 Shouldve listened to me brüđđər. 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Didn't you notice that I couldn't put my armour back on because oh right! These things attacked us as soon as I knocked down the door!"  He waves his swords in the air to empathize his point.
Athedia
 "May you could have, I don't know.  NOT RUSHED IN?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "They. Looked. Like. Statues!" 
Athedia
 "Empty. LOCKED. ROOM! Doesn't that scream suspicious!  Especially next to those dead dogs. AND THEY TOLD US SHE WAS WORKING WITH STATUES!" 
CoffeeIncluded
The final, blinded gargoyle mutters something to himself that while not in common is universally understood to be,  "Screw this!"  and flies out of the building, as fast as possible...

...Right smack into the stone-carved chest of the shield guardian that stands behind Elsee.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee frowned at the scene befopre her, mentally commanding the guaridan to grab the gargoyal but not kill it.  "Awww, Yamean eye missed et!? You guys have all the fun!" 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "May you could have, I don't know.  NOT RUSHED IN?"  
 

 "Or, I don't know, NOT TAKEN OFF YOUR ARMOR!!!" 
CoffeeIncluded
The shield guardian reaches out its hands to try and snatch the blinded gargoyle out of the air, where dazed it tries to escape.

 
 Spoiler: Grapple checks 
shield guardian grapple:  (d20+21)[ 23 ] 
Opposed grapple:  (d20+8)[ 11 ] 
 


He easily snatches up the gargoyle.

Jadeite doesn't say a word during the argument, though he has a broad grin on his face and has somehow procured a bag of cashews and dried fruit, which he happily chows down on while listening in.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Empty. LOCKED. ROOM! Doesn't that scream suspicious!  Especially next to those dead dogs. AND THEY TOLD US SHE WAS WORKING WITH STATUES!"  
 


 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "Or, I don't know, NOT TAKEN OFF YOUR ARMOR!!!"  
 

Despite what Sora and Badger might think of him, Artorias is not stupid, so seeing himself completely out-numbered and out-gunned he falls back on a technique passed down through the Kaathe bloodline for generations to deal with angry women. Apologize.

 "I... ermmm I'm... sorry?"  he offers with a trembling smiles that fails to hide the absolute terror that had gripped him.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee blinked at the fighting but shrugged.  "I unno what's going on here but i know how to solve it! We've got a giant stone chicken in our hands here, who wants to make a wish!?" 

As if on cue the sheild guardian adjusts it's grip on the gargoyal, taking an arm, leg, and wing in each of it's two hands and spreading them appart ever so slightly.
super dark33
Surdrak sighed in relief.

Then he remembred he has two huge wounds.

Then he remembred that he is a mere piece of flesh afloat a rock with cruel unreasonable malevolent beings and also spirits haunting every step, and mortals ready to exterminate him due to the sole crime of being him.

In case it wasnt clear, Surdrak's mind doesnt work like yours or mine.
I mean yours.

He grasps the wound in his back with his stabbed arm, then the stabbed arm with his other arm. He lands gracefuly and coils his tendrils back into a stringy cloak.

He slightly resentfuly says quietly.
 Thank you for covering us in the front and allowing us to retreat and heal and not get stabbed. 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Despite what Sora and Badger might think of him, Artorias is not stupid, so seeing himself completely out-numbered and out-gunned he falls back on a technique passed down through the Kaathe bloodline for generations to deal with angry women. Apologize.

 "I... ermmm I'm... sorry?"  he offers with a trembling smiles that fails to hide the absolute terror that had gripped him. 
 

Badger growled in the back of her throat.   "Sora, please take your ring off so I can shoot this idiot." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Now now,"  jadeite says, lowering the bag,  "Do you want to break such a good living shield?" 

The gargoyle shrieks as the shield Guardian grabs him and starts to pull, and screams things in a strange guttural tongue.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Would it help if I apologize again and promise I won't do anything as monumentally stupid again?"  Artorias ventures as he prepares to dive for cover thr moment Badger's hand even   twitches   towards her bow or quiver.
super dark33
 No healings today then. 

With his good hand, Surdrak clawed the lying gargoyles.
He walked towards the shield guardian.

 Ereh rof kool ot emoc uoy evah thaw? 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I suppose you should enjoy some refreshments while watching the show,"  Jadeite says, passing his bag of fruit and nuts to Surdrak.

The gargoyle blinks at Surdrak, then shouts something in response in the same language before. It seems that though he understand the language he can't speak it himself.
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger growled in the back of her throat.   "Sora, please take your ring off so I can shoot this idiot."  
 

 "Oh, that's so very tempting..." 
She holds her hands in front of her, twirling the ring around on her finger while looking at it as if to decide what she wanted to do.
super dark33
 Reirrab egaugnal a eb ot smees ereht.  

He cant concentrate. Surdrak launches a blast towsrds the doorway, not intended to hit anyone.

 Jadeite shut the **** up im trying to actually find out whats going on here so either help me or get away.  
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "Oh, that's so very tempting..." 
She holds her hands in front of her, twirling the ring around on her finger while looking at it as if to decide what she wanted to do. 
 

 "Please.  I swear it will be nonlethal.  It would only hurt him for a while." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Shouldn't I get a say in this?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "Shouldn't I get a say in this?"  
 

 "No, you almost killed Sora." 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "No, you almost killed Sora."  
 

 "And himself!" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "And himself!"  
 

 "What a shame.  Maybe some pain will make him remember that lesson." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Very well,"  jadeite mutters as Surdrak blasts a small hole in the wall.

 "While I agree that Artorias should definitely...learn some prudence--and I will happily assist in teaching that lesson as well--this might not be the best time for it. There may be other warlocks or their henchmen about and I doubt we'll get any useful information from him,"  he indicates the gargoyle, still frantically babbling in an unknown tongue,  "Unless any of you know Terran." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grinned as the guardian pulled eeeever so sliiightly on the gargoyal's limbs before reversing the process to undo any strain on the creature.  "Could always make a wish for et~ Whoever gets the half with the head makes theer wish come true!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "No, you almost killed Sora."  
 

 "I....."  Artorias stops for a moment, not fully realising what he had done until now  "You are right... I almost killed Sora"  how could he be so reckless.
Athedia
 "Exactly.  Now Sora, I will release this arrow into his foot soon unless you say not too. 5...4...."  Badger pulled her bow back, the flame enchantment disabled because though she did wish to  punish  correct Artorias, setting him on fire would just be cruel.
CoffeeIncluded
 "I'm glad you realize that,"  Jadeite says,  "Though it's not my apology to accept. You need to be more cautious with magic as well. Recklessness will only invite disaster. That said, Badger, perhaps you might wish to teach him a lesson with a bow that has the nonlethal enchantment?" 
Athedia
Badger thought for a second and then lowered her bow.   "Good point Jadiete.  Guild wouldn't like it if they had to bring him back."   One quick move later and the fire bow was in her quiver and the composite bow with an arrow was pointed at Artorias's foot.   "Okay Sora.  Make up you mind soon, I am going to shoot him whether or not you take that ring off." 
super dark33
 Shoot him and i shoot you, and Im not sure how nonlethal i can make it. And by you i mean all of you. Now if you dont mind, we are here looking for somthing and just because Sora got a boo-boo because of a spell SHE cast, I dont think anything should be punished. Keep him still  Elsee. 

Hed rather not leave the gargoyle for the dogs. Maybe its a thing called emphaty.
I am about to kill you. Thats better than letting the dogs decide what to do to you.

 Uoy ot od tahw ediced sgod eht gbittel naht retteb staht. Uoy llik ot tuoba ma i.  

He readied a claw.
Athedia
 "Surdrak, do you want a bad report made to Leif?  Put that claw away and speak Common for the gods sakes.  The worst this will do is bruise Artorias, maybe give him a limp on the way home.  No big deal." 
Silverraptor
 "Perhaps shoot him on the way home when we have the job completely finished? I'd hate to fail a job barely because of a bruise on the top of his foot. And-" 
She points a finger at Surdrak.
 "I had nearly died before in a different instance on trying to save a person in this group and I didn't want to repeat it again." 
super dark33
 Do YOU want to a bad report for Leif? What is wrong with you?! Nearly every time we do somthing you have to try and ruin it all, like with the dogs, how you almost made them attack us again with your taunts, or even before, remember that cute dragon girl, Pullsac? How you made her cry because she looked at you funny?

And i told the gargoyle that im about to kill him because whatever you or the dogs will do is much worse. Because im a decent person with manners.  

He turns to Sora.

 So did I! Numerous times! Including NOW!  
Athedia
Badger grumbled and lowered her bow.   "Fine, but I still get to do it.  Let's get the gargoyle back to the dogs.  He has some deaths to answer for." 

As soon as Surdrak spoke she growled again, her bow edging halfway to a raised position.   "I don't give a damn how people look at me, but if they cower behind excuses I will not let it stand.  As for the murderer in front of us?  I for one would like to know if there are more of them and one of those dogs might speak the Terran language.

As for the dogs.  You are quick to forgive the throat tearing they gave you.  I don't forgive threats on my life so easily." 

A few deep breaths later she lowered the bow again.   "Though you showing concern for a life is promising.  I will say that.  I will try to prevent any torture to him.  If execution is his punishment it will be swift.  I never wish a slow one on anyone." 

She thought back to Cecil, and how she had watched his hanging.  She had been worried that the hangmen were going to resize the rope so his neck would not break and  a prolonged suffocation would occur.  That had only happened once, and as a mistake, the prisoner had been measured a month before the hanging and had lost to much weight.  It had not been pretty to witness and she had been glad when one of the guards had done him the mercy of slitting his throat.
CoffeeIncluded
It's not until badger takes out the enchanted bow that Jadeite realizes she's serious, and he stands in front of Badger (but not in front of the bow).  "What is wrong with you? I thought you were merely jesting! If you are actually going to attack Artorias over a bout of rashness then perhaps you ought to pepper yourself with arrows first." 

Surdrak speaks, and so does Sora, and when they finish Jadeite actually nods.  "I never thought I would say this, but Surdrak is completely right. I am not socially adroit--I can be a terribly cold person and I recognize this--but your ability to create tension and destroy potential relationships is simply astonishing. If I didn't know better, I would say you are trying to make the whole planet hate you, with no concern for those who might consider you an ally and a friend. In fact, I believe you are more of a delayed blast fireball than Surdrak is." 
 
 Spoiler: Note 
i really love your roleplaying here, everyone, and im totally awarding exp, but badger you are not to actually attack Artorias.

Also, "delayed blast fireball" is equivalent to "ticking time bomb".
 
super dark33
 I didnt start being right just now.  
 
 Spoiler: Tick? 
Tock.
 (1d8)[ 5 ] 
 


Surdrak crossed his hands indecisivly and then quickly placed them back besides his body.
A sudden sensation went through his head and he rubbed his forehead.

 Eman ruoy stahw? Tiaw ot evah lliw siht, yrros. So what now? 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 It's not until badger takes out the enchanted bow that Jadeite realizes she's serious, and he stands in front of Badger (but not in front of the bow).  "What is wrong with you? I thought you were merely jesting! If you are actually going to attack Artorias over a bout of rashness then perhaps you ought to pepper yourself with arrows first." 

Surdrak speaks, and so does Sora, and when they finish Jadeite actually nods.  "I never thought I would say this, but Surdrak is completely right. I am not socially adroit--I can be a terribly cold person and I recognize this--but your ability to create tension and destroy potential relationships is simply astonishing. If I didn't know better, I would say you are trying to make the whole planet hate you, with no concern for those who might consider you an ally and a friend. In fact, I believe you are more of a delayed blast fireball than Surdrak is." 
 
 Spoiler: Note 
i really love your roleplaying here, everyone, and im totally awarding exp, but badger you are not to actually attack Artorias.

Also, "delayed blast fireball" is equivalent to "ticking time bomb".
 
 
 

 "I already put the damn bow away necromancer.  And while I might speak as I see things I don't leave dead pigs on peoples windowsills or play games with the dead.   If people hate me so what?  It is my job to bring in criminals, not make them like me.  I told Lief to let me work alone, I knew he would put me with fools." 
 
 Spoiler 
She wasn't going to shoot him, just pretend to then cuff him on the side of the head.  But now she is getting defensive.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Then perhaps you ought to retire, as I doubt you'll avoid working with fools even if you were to work alone."  jadeite shakes his head and turns back to the gargoyle.

He seems to have finally gotten a question. To answer Surdrak, he desperately tries to motion to himself and screams,  "Sodalite!" 
Athedia
 "I'll retire when I die.  And at least I am not one for letting the criminals free."   She looked at the gargoyle,  "Surdrak, ask how many arrived with him here.  We know of the 3 sharks, Alice and the 3 other gargoyles, were there more?" 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias ignores Jadeite and Badger as he puts his armour back on, he feels numb, weak.
super dark33
 His name is Sodalite , dah Ecila srewollof ynam woh eno yb eno tnuoc.  

Crisis averted for now. Hopefuly no more trouble.
CoffeeIncluded
The gargoyle frantically holds up seven fingers.

 
 Spoiler: Clarification  
there were two sharks.
 
super dark33
 Emoc ot dnuob esle enoyna si? Ynam woh? 

As he talked, Surdrak looked around for magical items.
CoffeeIncluded
Sodalite nods, then pauses and shakes his head, then settles for a confused gesture.

 "We've baffled two assassin vines, two bulettes, Alice herself, a giant spider, and you and your allies. Is anyone else coming?"  Jadeite asks, stepping in.

There's a pause, and the gargoyle slowly shakes his head.

Surdrak finds several items on the bodies of the other gargoyles.

 
 Spoiler 
ill roll treasure after dinner.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak initially registers one of the gargoyles' weapons as magical, but no sooner does he pick it up than the aura slowly fades. The weapon must have had an oil rubbed on it, and as he searches he finds a second, unused one. Surdrak also finds a large bag of gold and a smaller bag of cut rubies and sapphires; this must have been their payment. Finally, Surdrak finds a strange vest one of the gargoyles was wearing. Despite its somewhat morbid appearance it feels more soothing than anything else, and it smells faintly of damp earth and holy water.

 "That's a sepulchral vest,"  jadeite says, instantly recognizing the garment.  "It provides a significant measure of protection against some I the more...hazardous undead that can sap your energy with a touch and so forth. Some of the other students have to wear them when working. Not that they're ever in any real danger without them, of course." 
super dark33
 It seems that there is no one else here. Uoy tnes Semalg taht wonk. Dne ruoy teem ot emit sti tub gnitarepooc rof uoy knaht, Etilados llew.  

Surdrak raises his hand and will sever Sodalite's spinal cord unless anything interupts him.
Athedia
Badger grabbed Surdrak's hand and pulled it back.   "A trial.  Even criminals have a right to one or have you forgotten warlock." 
super dark33
 If you can call it a trial, it will consist of humiliating and insulting him, followed by death. In case you dont know, I was put through a trial like that before Leif intervened. Maybe it made me a bit symphatic. Now let me get this done, I kinda promised to kill him.   

The gargoyle was put through enough.
CoffeeIncluded
Sodalite continues to thrash and shout and fail to squirm his way out of the shield guardian's grip.
Athedia
 "It. Doesn't. Matter."   Badger positioned herself between the gargoyle and Surdrak.   "I can not allow someone to be murdered outside of combat without a trial.  If his sentence is to be killed, then it will be swift.  You claim he understands you, but we never saw him agree to your idea.  The language you speak, you could be asking him if he enjoys cake and claiming he wants to die." 
super dark33
 Sodalite. Etaf ruoy ediced Sgod Knilb eht evah ro eid rehtar uoy dluow? 
Athedia
 "No Surdrak.  Your demon speak isn't understood by the rest of us.  And to be fair I don't trust you are asking him anything." 
CoffeeIncluded
Nobody has any clue what sodalite is saying, but it's frantic.

 
 Spoiler: Back to interning 
see you later!
 
super dark33
 He pointed how many followers Alice had and told us his name. Sodalite, sgod rof ekahs htaed rof don.  
CoffeeIncluded
Sodalite pauses, then shakes his head.
Athedia
 "What are you even asking him?  Does anyone else have problems with this or is it just me?  Surdrak, why should I believe you are doing anything other than threatening him in that tongue." 
 
 Spoiler 
Asking him more questions just makes Badger more suspicious.  She doesn't understand or trust Surdrak and even though I know what he is saying she only speaks common."
 
super dark33
 He picked dogs. I asked him to pick death or dogs. 

Surdrak sighs.

 Eciohc ruoy. 

He walks and collects the weapons lying around and puts them in his pockets.
CoffeeIncluded
 "The treasure isn't just yours,"  Jadeite reminds Surdrak, though there isn't much sharpness to it. He evidently doesn't actually think Surdrak will make off with all of it.  "So now what? Are we seriously going back to the blink dogs once again, with this gargoyle in tow?" 
Draconi Redfir
elsee groaned and pouted on the sheild guardian's goot, her dream of making the gargoyal a giant stone wishbone offically shattered.

 "Well dang. went through all the trouple to get the big guy 'nd we dont even need him since all the other invaders 're dead. that stinks." 
Athedia
 "He was actually helpful.  Gargoyle would have been out and away if old Stony hadn't been in the way." 
CoffeeIncluded
Sodalite continues to struggle and squirm and fail to escape the guardian's grip. Jadeite sighs.  "Were going back to the blink dogs instead of meeting them at the designated place, aren't we." 
super dark33
 You can command the guardian to go back to the dogs. We put a note on it or use the telepathy magic item Badger has to tell them we captured one.  
Athedia
 "Desighuh?  I may not remember that bit."   Badger stopping in her tracks looking at Jadiete with confusion.
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite pauses and folds his arms.  "Hm. He said they would teach us the secret of Astra once we defeated all the enemies--ah, I remember. Hemlock was talking to the hawk familiars, and then told me in turn. The secret is in a physical location usually sealed off. I suppose they could lead us to it now." 

Artorias gets a quiet tug in the back of his mind, a sense of direction from Ciaran, who seems to want to take to the air and point out something from above.
Silverraptor
 "I'm surprised the hawks would talk to Hemlock rather than make a meal of him." 
Sora speaks over to Jadeite with an obvious hint of joking.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee merely shugged, instructing the guardian to shif this grip to minimize the gargoyle's movement.  "if he's the last of 'em i saw we go back. no point in keepin the big guy if there's nothing left out there to fight right?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Only if they like the taste of souls,"  Jadeite replies with a smirk.  "Of course, they probably won't find hemlock's or mine appetizing at all." 

It's mid afternoon and there's still more of San De sol to explore. Whatever the party decides on doing, they need to so it soon. There's also no telling how long the beams of light the mirrors shine onto each other and onto the star-specked roof of the central building will last.
CoffeeIncluded
 "It might be a good idea to return, or have the shield guardian return with the gargoyle while we press on ahead but leave a message behind to withhold judgment until we return,"  Jadeite muses as he follows Ciaran's flight pattern. She's flown out the door and over to the sealed-off structure in the center with two lights from the two lit towers shining on it. Artorias feels waves of excitement and  pay attention to this  from her.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias is finally brought out of his contemplation by Ciaran's constant urging, he raises his head and sees her flying.  "I think I know where we should go next." 
super dark33
 Where is the wand of light? Give it to me ill fly up to the remaining towers.  
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite fishes the wand out of his pocket and hands it to Surdrak, asking,  "Are you sure you want to go alone, especially injured?" 
super dark33
Surdrak takes the wand from Jadeite and holds it gently.

 Injured or not, we dont know how long the light will last so I'd rather be quick. If anyone wants to heal or come somhow then im here for about ten seconds. Net, Enin, Thgie...   
Dusk Eclipse
 "Surdrak, give me a minute while I heal and I'll accompany you, Ciaran seems to want to go too" 
CoffeeIncluded
Sora leaves herself wounded for the moment and heals Surdrak and Artorias's stabs. The wand closes over the worst of them, though more intensive healing will be needed to completely heal them. As sora, jadeite, badger, and Elsee further restrain the gargoyle and prepare to present him to the blink dogs, Surdrak hefts up Artorias (the warblade is heavy, but Surdrak manages despite being slow and encumbered) and prepares to fly to one of the towers.

 "Where should we rejoin?"  jadeite asks just before they fly off.

 
 Spoiler: Question  
which of the two remaining towers are you going to next? The north or south one?
 
super dark33
Surdrak groans his way outside the building and up the southern tower. Obviously the lighter guildmates are better candidates for this type of tactic.

He leaves the looking around to Artorias and his bird.
CoffeeIncluded
It's a good thing Surdrak decided to fly up with Artorias. A tree must have fallen onto the southern tower some time ago, crashing into the structure and utterly demolishing the floor. The lower level is completely covered with rubble, and the fallen tree creates a sort of crossbeam where he and Artorias can stand, but there's no floor. Furthermore, it appears that the tree crashed into the northern tower nestled against the back of the cave, but it's hard to see much more from the southern tower. Thankfully, however, the mirror in the southern tower appears to be intact, and is both absorbing and reflecting bright light.

 
 Spoiler: Map 
I'm updating the map. Black on the second floor is an empty pit. The log is about two feet wide, maybe a bit less.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Meanwhile, as Jadeite, Sora, Badger, and Elsee make their way back to the room where the blink dogs are hunkered down, Sodalite captured and in tow, they hear yips, barks, and high-pitched hissing growls from around the buildings.
super dark33
Surdrak casts the spell from the wand at the mirror.

 On to the last one. 

He is no Diviner but he can foresee being a primary transportation method.
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak and Artorias: 

Just like the previous two tunes, light shoots out from this mirror towards the other three mirrors and to the roof on the building in the center, illumination another quarter of it. The days of light are strong, so strong they should be tangible as they compound and bounce between mirrors.

And the path of light from the mirror where Surdrak and Artorias are seems to shudder, and then blink out. All the paths of light to or from the top northeast mirror blink out, while the rays between the other mirrors remain strong and steady.

And then there's a shudder, and a sharp searing beam of light is spat out towards Surdrak and Artorias.

 
 Spoiler 
roll a reflex save
 

 Everyone else: 

The barks and growls get louder, and now Elsee can identify the deep hissing growls as Kheel's.

 
 Spoiler: Request 
can you check this out before you notice the light please?
 
super dark33
The last bit of melancholia dripped away as Surdrak found no reason to continue being miserable.
He twitched a bit before attempting to fly away from the beam.

 
 Spoiler: Xelfer 
 (1d20+5)[ 20 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias begins to roll forwards the moment he hear the shuddering.

 
 Spoiler: Reflex save 

 (1d20+8)[ 17 ] 
Balance if needed  (1d20+9)[ 20 ] 
 
Draconi Redfir
 "Well Sheeeet, eye knew taken the guardian was a bad idea! Now they've got sometheng else after 'em!" Elsee and the guaridan almost immidiately break into a sprint ahead of the others, determined to get at whatever was threataning the blink dogs before it could get to them, all this despite the fact that the guardian was likely still restraining the poor gargoyle.
Athedia
 "Elsee don't run in.  Send the guardian in with me, I can take more hits than you."   Badger moved closer to the entrance shouting out to whatever was inside.  "I suggest you let the dogs alone and come out.  We have killed and captured your comrades." 
 
 Spoiler 
Intimidate:  (1d20+2)[ 12 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
There's silence for a moment, and absolute stillness as well. Then a blink pup appears in front of the stone wall of the building, looks at the party, then turns the corner and runs away, yipping and barking.

Right into Kheel. The wyvern is waiting at the far end of the outside of the building, claws dug into the old stone wall so he perches on its side. The moment the puppy runs into him l, he pounces, pushing it to the ground. For a moment it looks like Kheel is going to eat the puppy, that the wyvern has given into his instincts.

But the he licks the puppy and loosens his hold, allowing it to squirm free and teleport back into the building. Kheel looks up at the party's approach and perks up even more.
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias and Surdrak duck the moment they hear the odd crackling noise--Artorias manages to keep his balance on the log as he tucks into a forward roll, but Surdrak slips. Nevertheless, his long tendrils grasp the air and the log and swings him back up onto it. Artorias barely manages to evade the light entirely, but the ray punches a hole through Surdrak's tentacles, and he shudders.

As they make their way back onto the log they see another ray of light shoot out towards the southwest tower.

 
 Spoiler: Might not post until later tonight 
Dinner and watching the Stanley Cup--the New York Rangers are playing which is why. Artorias and Surdrak are a couple actions ahead of everyone else; I'll have you catch up in a sec.

Searing light damage (Artorias takes no damage because of evasion, Surdrak takes half damage:  (3d8)[ 17 ] 
 
super dark33
 Aaaaaaaaæ the tendrils they can FEEL! 

Surdrak lands on the log and rubs the wounded tendril.

 Okay now these really disturb me i didnt know that can happen. I wonder if i can pick stuff up with them. Get ready Artæ.   
Dusk Eclipse
 "You don't need to tell me twice"  Artorias readies his sword as he sharpens his senses. Meanwhile Ciaran scans the area from her vantage point in the skies.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Enter Hunter's Sense Stance
Wisdom Check  (1d20)[ 18 ] 
Spot  (1d20+12)[ 20 ] 
Listen (1d20+8)[ 15 ] 
Ciaran's spot  (1d20+11)[ 14 ] 
Ciaran's Listen  (1d20+10)[ 25 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
There's nothing there. It's just the final mirror shooting light in all directions, shooting a random ray every few seconds. The fallen log goes to the other tower, precariously balancing on the edge of the final tower. As Artorias looks closely, he can see an odd glint from the other tower in between light bursts.

Artorias gets a vague sense of confusion from Ciaran, but nothing else.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 There's silence for a moment, and absolute stillness as well. Then a blink pup appears in front of the stone wall of the building, looks at the party, then turns the corner and runs away, yipping and barking.

Right into Kheel. The wyvern is waiting at the far end of the outside of the building, claws dug into the old stone wall so he perches on its side. The moment the puppy runs into him l, he pounces, pushing it to the ground. For a moment it looks like Kheel is going to eat the puppy, that the wyvern has given into his instincts.

But the he licks the puppy and loosens his hold, allowing it to squirm free and teleport back into the building. Kheel looks up at the party's approach and perks up even more. 
 

Badger lowered the bow, her heart racing.   "Seriously?  I mean seriously?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 There's nothing there. It's just the final mirror shooting light in all directions, shooting a random ray every few seconds. The fallen log goes to the other tower, precariously balancing on the edge of the final tower. As Artorias looks closely, he can see an odd glint from the other tower in between light bursts.

Artorias gets a vague sense of confusion from Ciaran, but nothing else. 
 

 "Let's move quickly, the log is about to fall and  I  can't fly"  Artorias motions Ciaran to come with him.
super dark33
Surdrak nods and flies by the mirror, where he discharges the wand and preperes to fly away as soon as its cast.
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak and Artorias: 

As Surdrak picks up Artorias and flies to the final tower, he sees something that makes him pause.

This final tower is badly shattered, with only two walls and a bit of the second floor still standing. Worse still, the final mirror is cracked. There's a long jagged line down one part of it, and the other part lies in large shards on the ground. As the mirror absorbs light from the Other rays hitting it, it glows brighter and brighter until it spits out a searing ray of light in a random direction.

The mirror is broken, and until it gets stabilized it won't stop shooting out these rays.

 Everyone else: 

Kheel bounds over to the party, long claws tearing lines into the ground. And just as he reaches the party, the puppy in tow, a bright searing ray of light pulses several feet overhead, leaving spots in the eyes of anyone looking up.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler: Question 

Would a K: Arcana/Spellcraft tell Artorias how to stabilize the Mirror?
I'll roll them just in case

K:Arcana  (1d20+4)[ 22 ] 
Spellcraft  (1d20+11)[ 16 ] 
 
Athedia
Badger winced as she looked up at the light, an arm going up to shield her eyes.   "What did they do?  Everyone inside now! That might be exploding!" 
super dark33
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  
 Spoiler: Question 

Would a K: Arcana/Spellcraft tell Artorias how to stabilize the Mirror?
I'll roll them just in case

K:Arcana [roll
Spellcraft [roll
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: If so 

Spellcraft  (1d20+11)[ 14 ] 
Karcana  (1d20+6)[ 19 ] 
 

 Damn. 
CoffeeIncluded
Both Artorias and Surdrak can tell that the rays of light are about equal in power to that of a searing light spell. Furthermore, Artorias is able to discern that the mirror won't stop firing light until it's smashed, and won't absorb and reflect light properly until it's fixed.

But there's a catch; there's always a catch. Of Artorias doesn't break the mirror properly, doesn't time it right, then the full power of the stored light will detonate, with himself at the center of the blast radius.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Crap.... we need to do something about that mirror, but if we don't do it right... the whole thing can explode" 
super dark33
 Break it? And risk ruining whatever this was meant for? I think there are spells that can fix this, but they could also fix a shattered one so which one of us will break it? 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Can you cast any of those spells? Cause I can't"  Artorias takes shak steps towards the mirror  "but I can do this"  he kneels next to the mirror and brings his tools out of his haversack  "Surdrak go with the others and tell them about the mirror, Ciaran?"   the hawk perches herself on Artoria's shoulder.  "Go with him, I don't want you to get hurt." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Surdrak and Artorias: 

The blink pup looks up, then runs yelping back to the door for a couple moments before vanishing.

Jadeite's eyes widen as he follows the light beam, and he runs inside, motioning for everyone else to follow Badger's lead and head for shelter too. Inside, the halfling is already there, and he grabs the first person to run through the door and shouts,  "What the heck did you guys do?!" 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias waits until Surdrak and Ciaran are away from his estimated blast zone.   "Here goes nothing I guess"   before starting to work on the mirror.
 
 Spoiler: Roll 

Disable Device  (1d20+8)[ 24 ] 
Reflex save just in case [roll]1d20+8[/roll[
 
Athedia
Badger batted his hands off of her.   "WE didn't do anything!  You didn't warn us those mirrors were death traps!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak and Artorias: 

As Surdrak flies as fast as he can through the old buildings, weaving between ancient walls and sometimes skimming the burnt roof of the cliff side, he sees another flash of light off in the distance.

 
 Spoiler 
 (d3)[ 2 ] 
 

 Everyone else: 

Sif and the other dogs stiffen, and the halfling stares at badger at her remark.  "What are you talking about?!" 
CoffeeIncluded
As Surdrak flies, he sees that the flash of light is  behind him.  It's too late to evade entirely, but if he's fast he might avoid the worst of the light.

Meanwhile, outside another burst of light illuminates the open door of the room. The halfling scrambles out, covering his head with his hand.

 
 Spoiler: Super dark 
Surdrak must make a dc 14 reflex save or take  (3d8)[ 14 ]  damage. If he makes the reflex save he takes half damage.
 


Artorias rolls out of the way of the blast of light, but it was never close to him in the first place. After releasing the light, the mirror is dull, duller than the others before they were lot, and Artorias knows instinctively that this is the time to strike. He swings the flat of his blade as hard as he can, closing his eyes and looking away.

He is rewarded with the sound of smashing glass, and the high-pitched noise of shards tinkling to the ground. Cautiously opening one eye, then the other, he sees an empty space on the wall where the mirror was, and a collection of broken shards on the ground before him. The light from all three sources falls upon the wall, casting his shadow before him--a tall strong man in need of a haircut with a large sword in sharp relief--but now there is nothing to absorb or reflect it.
super dark33
Surdrak attempts to get low, even if the ray hits him he will be safer close to the ground.

 
 Spoiler: Refxel 
 (1d20+5)[ 20 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak ducks enough to dodge the worst of the burst, but it still singes and sears his feet. Finally, he makes his way to the building and lands.
super dark33
 Helloooo~, The Northeastern mirror was broken and started blasting out searing light. It can be fixed but for now Artæ took it down so it wont shoot out anymore. 
CoffeeIncluded
Sif and the halfling run out to Surdrak, both drawing their blades, and Surdrak is suddenly filled with a surge of roiling loathing and a sudden desire to lash out with his tentacles in his mind.

Neither of the inhabitants of San De Sol notice though, and they stare at Surdrak and the tower beyond (with Artorias pressed against the wall) in utter silence. The halfling works his jaw uselessly, and then finally manages to choke out a,  "It did what?!" 
super dark33
 Yup, it launched the spell Searing Light everywhere, including me.  

Surdrak retracts all his tendricles save on, with which he tries to pick up a stone.
CoffeeIncluded
The tentacle scrabbles at the ground and the stone, and no matter which way Surdrak looks at it he can't quite tell if the appendage is simply failing to pick up the rock or actually passing right through it.

  Do you want that power?   a voice chuckles in the back of his mind, softly.

Sif stares at Surdrak then runs off in that direction, barking wildly. The halfling whistles for his wolf, and when the great gray beast arrives he hops on her back and runs off in the same direction. The only explanation he gives is,  "It's not supposed to do that! It's supposed to open the path!" 
super dark33
 Obviously its not working as intended because the mirror was broken.

 The power to actually have physical tendrils? **** yeah!  
Athedia
 "Surdrak is right, broken things tend to do the unexpected."   Badger looked at Surdrak then behind him, then stared him in the eye.   "And where is Art?  He can't fly you know." 
CoffeeIncluded
The voice chuckles darkly, and is soon joined by others.   Don't worry,   they say.   Just follow us and we'll show you. We'll give you so much.  

Sif is gone, and the halfling stares up at the tower and the dark ceiling over the cavern, warm and only illuminated by slowly waning daylight. He shakes his head and says,  "This wasn't supposed to happen. I don't know if I can get up there to fix it." 

Artorias, meanwhile, is pressed against a sliver of floor jutting out from the wall that hasn't yet crumbled away, with most of the mirror shards by and under his feet.
super dark33
Surdrak looks at the halfling.

 You mean you cant physically go up the tower? 
 
 Spoiler 
Surdrak transports!
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Ok... I just broke the possibly ancient mirror, upsides; It no longer shoots rays downsides and it won't explode!.... I hope"  Artorias thinks out loud  "Now what?"  he carefully tries to assemble the mirror shards into a whole.
CoffeeIncluded
The halfling shakes his head.  "No, the second floor crumbled years ago and I--aaahh!"  His sentence is cut short in a shout as Surdrak snatches him up and carries him across San De Sol to the broken tower. He's a lot lighter than Artorias, and Surdrak has a much easier time carrying him. But as the warlock flies his tentacles twitch unconsciously--or subconsciously by the voices in his mind--and suddenly the voices flood him with the thoughts and images and desires to spear this halfling who allies himself with the blink dogs,  run him through,  watch him  scream  and  gurgle  and  bleed  and let his blood  drip on those accursed stones. 

And then Surdrak is at the tower and can see Artorias pressed against the tiny amount of wall left, picking up the shards and trying to piece them together again. The halfling shouts,  "What happened?!"  further breaking the spell.
super dark33
 It was broken when we came. 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Let me see,"  the halfling says up in the air as Sif sniffs the rubble and more broken shards on the ground below, letting out a small whine.

Upon getting closer he sighs and says,  "I have no clue how to fix this. A spell might help, but only if you get all the shards. We might be able to reforge it if a couple shards are missing, but then I can't help with it..." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "There is no time &lt;g&gt;repair&lt;/g&gt;  Artorias' hands glows as he passes it over the mirror shards. The shards begin to glow as they seem to melt into a single pool, with another pass of his hand the molten mirror takes shape and finally hardens into a new mirror.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Cast mending.
 
CoffeeIncluded
It takes Artorias a few minutes to collect all the shards, and he has to descend into the rubble and crumbled floor below to dig through tinier shards that have fallen into the rubble and are nestled in between into seeds that poke through fallen stone. Sif helps, and eventually Artorias has collected all the mirror shards (along with quite a few tiny cuts on his hands where the gloves didn't cover).

He pauses, holding his breath as the shards melt and fuse together, leaving only traces of changed color where the many cracks once were. It looks like it might work.

 "...Or you could do that,"  the halfling says.

 
 Spoiler: Mirror is fixed 
do you want to post putting it back yourself? If not, I'll do it before bed.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias carefully, very carefully, places the mirror on the wall where it was, and then ducks. The effect is instantaneous and dramatic. Three rays of light are absorbed by the mirror, and the mirror reflects four back. The light bouncing between mirrors brightens, almost as bright as the sun, bright enough that one must squint to look at the rays, and the voices in Surdrak's mind hiss and turn away. The fourth ray of light falls upon the constellation on the roof in the center of the room, and Artorias, Surdrak, and the halfling can see the entire tableau illuminated, and it feels  right. 

And then there's a rumbling noise, the low rumble of stone scraping against stone, dislodging centuries of dust accumulated from disuse. Artorias, Surdrak, and anyone who runs outside can see the ceiling of the sealed-off center room split into four parts and slowly move aside. The four panels, each illuminated by a segment of light from the mirrors, all move away from each other slowly. When they finally stop, there's a + shaped gap in the ceiling of the center room--the room to the south of where the party fought Alice that was blocked off by a landslide of rubble--and this gap is easily big enough for the party to enter.

 
 Spoiler 
Goodnight everyone! I figured this would be a good place for you to stop and take a look and decide what to do next IC. 😏
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "What is in there?"  Artorias ask not even bothering to try to hide the awe in his voice.  "If we saw that, then the other warlocks definitely saw that too!" 
Silverraptor
Sora braces herself against a wall as the place shook. She then looks as how the ruins had shifted and changed.
 "What did those idiots do?!" 
Athedia
Badger took Sora's arm and led her outside.   "Probably what we were waiting for.  Those mirrors had SOME magic purpose, I guess they were a key." 
super dark33
 How nice.
 Patience. 
Good job Artæ! Lets get back. 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite steps outside and lets out a low long whistle.  "I would have never thought the ruins held this kind of secret." 
 "The key apparently used to be more complex,"  the halfling says as Surdrak lowers him to the ground close to everyone else.  "But it degraded a bit over time. The door was covered with rubble when I came here, but the dogs could just blink through the walls so it didn't bother them. The roof and the key used to have some other purpose than a way of getting in, I'm not sure exactly what, but--"  He's interrupted by a series of barks and a strange expression passes over his face before he adds,  "But apparently we'll find out once we get in there, and tonight." 

But first the party needs to get up to the roof and get inside.

 
 Spoiler: I am so excited for this 
Almost there, guys. I just want to give you all the chance to decide how you get inside yourself. Also, Im not sure if I can type up the scene well enough on the phone in the time I have left on the train. 😛
 
super dark33
 It doesnt look like theres a legitamate physical way to get up there. 

Surdrak turns towards the group and examines them all.

 
 Spoiler 
Toot Toot! All aboard the Surdrak cablecart!
 
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak lifts people up and carries them into the dark building, and Kheel helps as well, gripping the larger members of the Wyvern's Fangs in his talons and setting them down inside. The halfling and blink dogs are quick to follow, but it's dark inside, and even after lighting a torch it takes a few moments for everyone's eyes to adjust. What they see takes their breath away.

It's a forge. A forge hewn from sandstone and lined in granite right in the heart of San De Sol. Anvils placed low to the ground and marked with centuries of use, albeit less and less over the years, are placed next to the ovens themselves. Though the ovens are dark and cool, Artorias can easily discern from the ash lining the sides and bottom of the oven that they have been used fairly recently--possibly once or twice in the past few weeks. But they're nowhere even near as busy as the forges at home.

The walls are lined with glyphs, and a shelf in the back has several compartments for housing scrolls; now, however, there are only three left. There's a whole rack where weapons and armor were once stored, but now that is empty as well. But, in the center, on a polished table, there is one weapon. Right in the center of the forge, the sunlight glinting off of its steel, is a scythe. Its handle is very nearly black, and even through the light layer of dust its blade seems to glimmer and reflect starlight though only the fading sun shines on it.

 "This is the secret of Astra,"  the halfling says--he seems awed too, and as he translates it's clear that he's only heard part of the story before.  "We imbue weapons with an aspect of starlight itself, or from scrolls given that power. That's the most recent one made--an Astral Scythe." 
 
 Spoiler: Have fun 
There's a few things to explore and talk about here. I've been looking forward to this part for a while! 😁

I need to help my brother with regents stuff though, so I won't be back for a bit.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias enters the forge in awe.  "Woah.... this... woah"  the young swordsman could barely talk as his eyes roamed over everything; the anvils, the hearth, even the hammers and mallets. He could say that no other forge he had seen, not even The Wolf's Fang, could compare to this.   "Dad would do anything to work in a place like this.... hell I'd love to work here"  he exclaims excitedly as he studied a wrought iron anvil, giggling as he passed his hand over the rough surface.

Artorias is inevitably drawn to the scythe displayed. How could he not? He had seen many beautiful weapons during his life, but each and everyone of them, including the enchanted greatsword slung over his back, paled in comparison to that weapon. He extends his hand to seize the starlit weapon before stopping, he turns towards the halfling and the Blink dogs.  "May I?" 
 
 Spoiler 
While I couldn't really describe it properly, so please imagine Artorias acting like a small child in a toy store, running everywhere and nowhere at the same time, stopping before something and then rushing to the next shiny thing that catches his attention.😁
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias enters the forge in awe.  "Woah.... this... woah"  the young swordsman could barely talk as his eyes roamed over everything; the anvils, the hearth, even the hammers and mallets. He could say that no other forge he had seen, not even The Wolf's Fang, could compare to this.   "Dad would do anything to work in a place like this.... hell I'd love to work here"  he exclaims excitedly as he studied a wrought iron anvil, giggling as he passed his hand over the rough surface. 
 

 "Really?"  the halfling asks.  "The forge is small, and it's barely used anymore."  Still, he's also impressed by the fact that there's a forge here, of all places, and he seems rather excited himself. He is right though; the forge isn't used nearly as much as it once was. But it looks like most of the things forged are magical.


 Artorias is inevitably drawn to the scythe displayed. How could he not? He had seen many beautiful weapons during his life, but each and everyone of them, including the enchanted greatsword slung over his back, paled in comparison to that weapon. He extends his hand to seize the starlit weapon before stopping, he turns towards the halfling and the Blink dogs.  "May I?" 
 
 Spoiler 
While I couldn't really describe it properly, so please imagine Artorias acting like a small child in a toy store, running everywhere and nowhere at the same time, stopping before something and then rushing to the next shiny thing that catches his attention.😁
 
 

 "Of course,"  the halfling says as the dogs nod, again a startling undoglike gesture.

The scythe is lighter than Artorias expected, though it's far from flimsy and there's a firmness to it that he couldn't have noticed from simply looking at it. It seems to leave behind a thin trail of light as he swings it, and even the sound the weapon makes is impossibly sharp.

Surdrak gets the sudden urge, perhaps an urge the voices impart to him, to run far away from it.

 "Astral weapons purify,"  the halflings explains, translating for the dogs' barks once more.  "They drive out rooted evil, and the unnatural with as much force as the sun." 

Sora can recognize this line as something oddly similar to some of the lines in solar spells, though it's not exact. Jadeite reaches out to inspect the weapon and after a moment says,  "It is similar to a ghost strike weapon, though there's an additional enchantment I can't quite place." 

The halfling looks curiously at Sif, who pauses and barks. He then translates,  "I think ghost strike weapons are a lesser form of the astral enchantment." 
 
 Spoiler: Notes 
the scythe is +1 astral scythe. Essentially it's a ghost strike weapon (the one that lets you sneak attack undead and attack incorporeal things without worry), with an additional enchantment.

What is that enchantment? You'll see. 😉

Anyway, I'm getting off the train soon but there's lots of things for you all to explore and talk about today! I hope I dropped a few good lines here. c
 
super dark33
 Can you please be careful with that bladeonstick? 

Surdrak retreats back behind the first person he sees.
There is slight worry in his voice.

  You may be right somtimes, but you cant plan ahead. Thats why you need me to lead you.    
CoffeeIncluded
The voices say nothing, but their silence is a bit more poignant than usual. Jadeite gives Surdrak a curious look and then asks,  "Surdrak, could you help me worh these scrolls?" 
super dark33
Surdrak cant take his eyes off the scythe.

 S- S Sure... 
He takes a long way around Artorias to stand next to Jadeite, slightly behind him even.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneered a little bit at the description of the weapon, being able to hit ghosts? That's... nice... doesn't exactly come up as whole lot theise days though, and it's not like a majority of the party can't use magic now anyways. she shrugged, this stuff sounded cool to start with, but if that was all it did then it didn't really sound too impresive.
Athedia
Badger raised an eyebrow at the weapon.   "Aren't scythes for farming?  Axes, spears and swords seem more practical." 
CoffeeIncluded
Sif nudges for Artorias to give him the scythe; when the warblade does so he picks it up and swings it around carefully, experimentally. It's deadly in his mouth; that's easily seen. And, as you look at him holding the scythe, you can't help but remember the stories about the reaper. Sif yips something after returning the scythe to Artorias, which the halfling translates as,  Astra banishes overshadowing evil. It  purifies."   He emphasizes that word.

Jadeite gives Surdrak each scroll to hold as he reads them. One of the scrolls is different from the other two. That one Surdrak can hold without difficulty, but the other two...

The moment he picks them up the voices start screaming. Whether it's in pain or panic he's not sure, but the voices  hate  whatever spell or enchantment is embedded in he scrolls.

Jadeite and Surdrak aren't at all surprised to find that those two scrolls have the Astra enchantment on them. As for that third scroll...

  "Artorias, what did you day about looking for twilit armor?" 
super dark33
 These two must have the Astrathing in them while this one is twilight enchsntment.
 

Surdrak takes a few steps away from the scrolls.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias marvels at the ease which with Sif wields the Astral Scythe.  "It seems Sif disagrees with you Badger"  he taunts her in good nature as he takes the weapon from the Blink dog.  "There are many ways to use a blade like this, and if you take a close look"  he motions her to come closer to the blade  "you can see the it is double edged."  he hefts the Scythe on his right shoulder, once again admiring the balance and weight of such formidable weapon.

 "I said I might need to enchant this chain shirt once we are back in Runite"  he answers the elf.  "Why?" 
Athedia
Badger edged away from the dog.   "That is wrong, just wrong.  Dogs should just stay dogs." 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite gives Surdrak a long look but says nothing, instead electing to tell Artorias,  "Well, it looks like you might not have to wait to return to Runite. There's a scroll containing the Twilit enchantment as well as two astral scrolls." 
 "You've helped us out a great deal,"  the halfling says for both himself and the dogs, though right now a couple of them are giving Badger dirty looks for her comment.  "As thanks, you can keep the scythe, and we can reforge  one of your items with either the Astral or Twilit enchantments."  He pauses to scratch the back of his leg.  "If you can help us with the forging process with might be able to enchant two tonight." 
Athedia
Badger glared back at the dogs.  "Don't look at me like that.  If the dogs in the city could use weapons we would be looking at a lot more murders.  Not all of them unjustified."   She placed a hand on Artorias's shoulder,  "Hey, remember we promised to bring the some of the past back to Ced." 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Jadeite gives Surdrak a long look but says nothing, instead electing to tell Artorias,  "Well, it looks like you might not have to wait to return to Runite. There's a scroll containing the Twilit enchantment as well as two astral scrolls." 
 "You've helped us out a great deal,"  the halfling says for both himself and the dogs, though right now a couple of them are giving Badger dirty looks for her comment.  "As thanks, you can keep the scythe, and we can reforge  one of your items with either the Astral or Twilit enchantments."  He pauses to scratch the back of his leg.  "If you can help us with the forging process with might be able to enchant two tonight."  
 

 "You want  me  to help you forge an Astral weapon?"  Artorias ask dumbfounded  "Oh course I will."  Artorias rummages through his haversack muttering excitedly to himself, after a few moments he finally produces a rough leather apron, a hammer and tongs.  "I'm ready!" 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 She placed a hand on Artorias's shoulder,  "Hey, remember we promised to bring the some of the past back to Ced."  
 


 "True.... I... I'd almost forgot about that"  Artorias excitement is dulled just a little.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee shrugged again.  "i was trhinkin it'd be cool to have a Kurkri made of the stuff earlier buuut... doesn't really look like it's as cool as i was hopin it was. so i'll pass." 
Silverraptor
 "Wait... forge?" 
Sora sighs heavily while leaning back and placing her hands on her hips.
 "How long is this going to take? Because if we are uncertain at all on whether there are anymore killer-crazed warlocks or minions of warlocks in the area (excluding present company, no offense Surdrak), it might be a bad idea to start forging something when we singlehandedly moved an entire set of ruins of a civilization! It would bring as much attention in the area to us as it would if Astrid suddenly decides to do another actual day of descent MK-2." 
super dark33
 Some taken.
 

The thought of a new Astra weapon being made nearby made him feel sick.

 I hope it isnt rude but id rather go outside for a while. 
CoffeeIncluded
Sora's question causes a brief discussion, after which the halfling says,  "It might take most of the night. You and some of us can rest and keep watch here while they cool. So you're up to it?" 
 
 Spoiler: Question 
what do you want to reforge? You can only pick two things. You have two astral and one twilight enchantment, but you also have your promise to Ced to consider. I'm about to go back to work which is why I couldn't do a long response. But this parts up to you, so have fun!
 
Athedia
Seeing Artorias's disappointment Badger thought for a bit.   "Maybe if you leave one of the astra scrolls or something."   Turning to Sif she spoke to the dog.   "Look, I know you don't like me.  But there is an old druid in the village, he has done us a couple solids on our way here and he wants to know about the past.  I figure you can give him a tour and maybe he can help you get this place looking a little less... destroyed.  Just don't eat his rabbits and he should like you." 
super dark33
Before Surdrak completly flies out of the forge, he turns back and asks

 Anyone else needs a lift outside? 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Seeing Artorias's disappointment Badger thought for a bit.   "Maybe if you leave one of the astra scrolls or something."   Turning to Sif she spoke to the dog.   "Look, I know you don't like me.  But there is an old druid in the village, he has done us a couple solids on our way here and he wants to know about the past.  I figure you can give him a tour and maybe he can help you get this place looking a little less... destroyed.  Just don't eat his rabbits and he should like you."  
 

It takes Sif and the halfling some time to process the term "Doing a solid," but when they finally comprehend what it means they hesitantly nod in turn.  "Some of the people in San De Lune are originally from here, and moved down from the mountains when the land could no longer support them all. This druid might be one of them. What's his name?" 

 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 Before Surdrak completly flies out of the forge, he turns back and asks

 Anyone else needs a lift outside?  
 

Jadeite starts to shake his head, then pauses.  "Do you promise me that you won't go anywhere?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 It takes Sif and the halfling some time to process the term "Doing a solid," but when they finally comprehend what it means they hesitantly nod in turn.  "Some of the people in San De Lune are originally from here, and moved down from the mountains when the land could no longer support them all. This druid might be one of them. What's his name?"  
 

 "I don't know if it his first or last name but we know him by Ced." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "I don't know if it his first or last name but we know him by Ced."  
 

The halfling gets a strange look on his face.  "I think I've heard of him before. Old man with loads of animals and a huge garden? Kinda crotchety?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The halfling gets a strange look on his face.  "I think I've heard of him before. Old man with loads of animals and a huge garden? Kinda crotchety?"  
 

 "Cranky, yes.  He yelled at Naga for attacking his rabbits when he was just sniffing around." 
super dark33
 I wont go far dont worry. 

Surdrak suspected Jadeite's concern is fake. He doubts anyone can warm up to him that fast.

He flew down into the area with the bulettes.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Cranky, yes.  He yelled at Naga for attacking his rabbits when he was just sniffing around."  
 

The halfling looks at Sif, then back at Badger and says,  "I think we can talk to him without much of a problem. Actually, I believe he said that it wasn't his place to return without being offered first, or something like that. I can go down to the village after this is forged." 

 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  I wont go far dont worry. 

Surdrak suspected Jadeite's concern is fake. He doubts anyone can warm up to him that fast.

He flew down into the area with the bulettes. 
 

Alice and the bulettes are still lying dead where they fell, though the party laid out Alice neatly for burial or something. The shield guardian is still standing by the rubble, unmoving. The voices speak.

  Damn Alice. She was better than you, more compliant--  

The voice then stops, as if abruptly hushed.

Meanwhile, back inside, the forging begins. Both the mithral chain shirt and one of Elsee's kukris are placed into the forges, and headed until they're red and glowing. They're not melted down though, and the citizens of San De Sol explain that the metal just needs to be soft enough to accept the enchantments. The chain shirt is first, and right at dusk, when the sun just starts to dip below the horizon, they take the scroll and begin weaving its magic into the metal links. It's hard to do it so quickly and Jadeite steps in to help out; slowly the armor begins to take on a slight dusky tint.

Meanwhile, just as the sun sets and the first stars appear in the clear night sky Artorias sees that the kukri is ready to be enchanted. He repeats the process and with the assistance of the dogs, coaxes the magic into the kukri, and watches it begin to glow with a soft twinkling light.

 "It takes time for the magic to settle in,"  the halfling says.  "We should rest now and keep an eye on it." 
super dark33
Surdrak took out a knife and began carving out slabs of meat from the bulettes.

He would then take the meat to the ruined kitchen where he would roast the meat with ants and other ingridients.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 Surdrak took out a knife and began carving out slabs of meat from the bulettes.

He would then take the meat to the ruined kitchen where he would roast the meat with ants and other ingridients. 
 

Surdrak isn't too sure what cuts of meat would work well. They all seem kind of tough and chewy. But going off of some of the specialty seafood, he slices off the fins and the fattiest, meatiest bits of the dead bulettes that haven't been marinating in the sun and heat long.

Surdrak takes some of the many, many ants and begins grinding them into a paste-like texture. Maybe he can do something with the rice and small bottle of saffron as well.

the voices quiet down as he works.

 
 Spoiler: Super dark 
Wanna make a cooking check?
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee pursed her lips  as she watched artorias and the blink dogs "Reforge" her father's Kurkri, ultimately unimpressed by the whole thing. Wasn't reforging supposed to involve like, metal or something? The scythe looked cool, she had figured they had some kind of special metal that did all this Astrawhogivesanut stuff, she wasn't quite sure how she had agreed to all this, she had been pretty sure she said she wasn't interested not too long ago.

Elsee crossed her arms under her chest and pouted, knowing she wasn't allowed to make any comment on how lousy this vacaition was now that she was getting something out of it pseudo against her will, lord knows Badger at least would never let her.
super dark33
Surdrak grinned with malicious joy.
Reading pages from the Sepicer Semalg Surdrak perfected the newly discovered meat with the dark arts of ancient warlocks.


 
 Spoiler 
Last time i rolled for that resulted in the ruination of a perfectly  good nasty prank. Since theres lots of meat and time Surdrak can take a 20.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak tries boiling the bulette fins in broth and sauteing the rest of the meat in a watered-down crushed ant paste, hoping to use the acid to make the meat softer, more tender. But while that does happen, it also makes the meat acidic, sour, and bitter, and he can't quite get the pincers from all those ants out. To add insult to injury, he accidentally knocks the pan over. It flips onto the ground and coats all of the meat in dead ants.

Everything is edible though, and the saffron rice turns out okay though, so there's that.

Meanwhile, back in the forges, the smell of heated metal and the slightly-present tang of magic fill the air. The halfling sits down next to Elsee and Sora and awkwardly asks,  "You're a cleric of Astrid, right? Are the two of you friends?" 
super dark33
Surdrak furiously kicks a bit of wall.

If its less than perfect it might as well not Be at all.

But then he thinks about the spirits that cant tadte anything and decides to serve it anyway.

No one can blame him either, he can always blame the meat.
CoffeeIncluded
At least there are plates to serve it on, and a bit of dried...Some kind of plant...as garnish.

Whom is he serving it to?
Silverraptor
 "Well, we've worked together for a while now. So I guess you could say were friends. 
super dark33
 Juvilianus you barely even touched the meat! 

Across a crate makeshift table in the central building, five plates were scattered near five well mannered nobles who gathered for a feast.
The Pontifex-Maximus Crowbar, King Juvilianus of Someplace, Grand Marshall Sutton "The Rock" Hoo, Lady Alice and the chef and gentlemen, Surdrak Glames.

On the plates a scattering of ants and a loaf of lanshark meat were placed.

Surdrak lowered the pitch of his voice and moved the crowbar with his hand:
 You cant blame him, the dinner's S***! 

After a short beat, Surdrak gasped and yelled at the picture of the dead king:

 I knew the Pontifex had forsaken his manners, but *you*, your majesty!? 

Surdrak coughd a little and made the lowest pitched voice he could muster. It was quite painful:
 There is certein truth *cough* to their words, Sur*cough*drak. 

With his second hand he grabbed Alice's head and bobbed it around, saying in a higher pitched voice:

 I dont know what they are talking about, i cant taste anything! 

Returning to Crowbar voice, Surdrak kept the meat banter going. He didnt know what he was thinking anymore:

 Thats because you listened to spirits too much like a **** ******** *****! 

Hitting the "table" with his fist after letting go of Alice's head, Surdrak fed up.

 Thats it! Ive head it with your language! Back to the naughty-belt! 

Crowbar plead to mercy while Surdrak grabbed him and put him in his holster. Crowbar stopped talking.

Alice fell to the ground.

The Shield Guardian kept standing there.

King Juvilianus Picture stared with judgement.

Surdrak needed a drink. Crowbar was right, the food was indeed horrible.

 Why..... 
CoffeeIncluded
The halfling looks curiously at Sora and Elsee.  "Can't say I've ever seen that before. Just where are you all from  again?" 

Meanwhile, Surdrak stands among the feast and his guests, waiting for another response. Much to his surprise, there is one, from the voices.

  I didn't think it was that bad.

One...more offering. Later.  

Surdrak also finds, deep in the back of a cupboard, a half-empty bottle of rum, and some slightly stale sweet bread.

As the moon rises in the inky black night sky the forging is finished. Now all that's left is for the magic to settle into the metal. And rest. There are cots in the forges, and it is possible to sleep in the main room if the rubble is removed and the bodies are cleared. Actually, clearing the rubble is the easiest way out of the forge without being forced to fly.

 
 Spoiler: Almost nightfall 
I'll give you all a chance to post some last minute stuff, and then I'll move everyone forward before I go to bed. Is this OK?
 
Athedia
Badger started to clear the rubble not looking forward to another trip via Surdraks... what the hell were they?  She didn't really know, but Ced at least would not be able to fly or clabber over the mess.  Might as well do something.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias spends most of the night contemplating the cooling metal, he was happy with his life as it was... right?The life of a mercenary wasn't an easy one, he had known that since the very start and yet he had thrived, making a name for himself, ploughing through every obstacle that it had thrown towards him; hell he had even learned to cast magic, but working on a forge once again had made him relive things he thought he had forgotten, the narrow minded focus that came with hammering, the warmth of the forge, the pride of making something. It was disconcerting to say the least.
Draconi Redfir
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "Well, we've worked together for a while now. So I guess you could say were friends.  
 

 "To be fair she's only been with us for a few months. Spent a year or so without kn owing her before that." 
Silverraptor
 "I'm from Kytos." 

 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
  "To be fair she's only been with us for a few months. Spent a year or so without kn owing her before that."  
 

 "..Thanks for clarifying that.." 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite works next to Artorias, quiet as he shields his eyes from the incandescent glow of the heated metal. He mutters under his breath,  "I've been neglecting my work for so long..." 

 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
  "To be fair she's only been with us for a few months. Spent a year or so without kn owing her before that."  
 

 "Wow."  He leans back, then looks over at Sora.  "You're all from Kytos? Can't believe things are changing that fast." 

It's slow and dangerous work clearing the rubble, and Badger isn't at it for more than half an hour before she and the group gets the idea to have the shield guardian finish the job. It's then done in under two hours, and as the last of the rubble is moved aside they see Surdrak in the main room, along with Alice's corpse and an old, care-worn picture. There are several plates on the ground, and each of them has what appears to be meat cooked in...ants.

 
 Spoiler: Note 
If you want to chat, feel free to retcon to having it in here.
 


Morning comes without much issue, and as the spellcasters of the Wyvern's Fangs prepare for the day the kukri and chain shirt are finished. They're just as beautiful in the morning sun, and even indoors the kukri shines with a soft light.

For some reason, however, Naga can't calm down, and he keeps running back and forth barking frantically.

 
 Spoiler: Goodnight! 
See you all tomorrow!
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Jadeite works next to Artorias, quiet as he shields his eyes from the incandescent glow of the heated metal. He mutters under his breath,  "I've been neglecting my work for so long..." 
 "Wow."  He leans back, then looks over at Sora.  "You're all from Kytos? Can't believe things are changing that fast." 

It's slow and dangerous work clearing the rubble, and Badger isn't at it for more than half an hour before she and the group gets the idea to have the shield guardian finish the job. It's then done in under two hours, and as the last of the rubble is moved aside they see Surdrak in the main room, along with Alice's corpse and an old, care-worn picture. There are several plates on the ground, and each of them has what appears to be meat cooked in...ants.

 
 Spoiler: Note 
If you want to chat, feel free to retcon to having it in here.
 


Morning comes without much issue, and as the spellcasters of the Wyvern's Fangs prepare for the day the kukri and chain shirt are finished. They're just as beautiful in the morning sun, and even indoors the kukri shines with a soft light.

For some reason, however, Naga can't calm down, and he keeps running back and forth barking frantically.

 
 Spoiler: Goodnight! 
See you all tomorrow!
 
 
 

Badger hefted aside the last rock, grumbling as Jadiete made her sit down next to Sora and away from the risk of being crushed.   "Kytos? No, not from there.  Though it has been almost a decade since I left now." 
super dark33
 DO NOT INTERRUPT ME WHILE IM HAVING A CASUAL SERIOUS CHAT WITH MY INANIMATE COMRADES! 

Surdrak yells and cleans the table.

 I didnt even give you a taste of the meat! Not that you could anyway, Spirits cant taste. Or whatever you are. 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Jadeite works next to Artorias, quiet as he shields his eyes from the incandescent glow of the heated metal. He mutters under his breath,  "I've been neglecting my work for so long..." 
 "Wow."  He leans back, then looks over at Sora.  "You're all from Kytos? Can't believe things are changing that fast."  
 


 "I'm from Runite actually"  Artorias muses out loud as he continues staring at the forge.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Where are you from then? Runite?" 

Jadeite looks over sharply at Badger.  "You're from Kytos?" 

The halfling leans back and asks,  "What's the place like, Runite?" 
 the next morning; 

Nobody notices Naga's agitation, and by the time they do, it's too late. It starts with a shaking underfoot, followed by large cracks that spread between everyone's feet. And then the ground crumbles away.

There's no time to react, no time to do anything. One minute the ground is there, and the next they're plummeting, helpless into the dark. It's absolutely dark, and the only light or indication of the distance they've fallen is The rapidly receding circle of light above them. And they're not alone. Rubble and stone surrounds then, and though the halfling escaped several screaming dogs are hurled into the dark with then. But they manage to escape, teleporting out but forced to leave the Wyvern's Fangs behind. To make matters worse, more rubble falls over the hole in the floor, suddenly sealing away the light and trapping the party, dooming them to fall.

But just when it looks like they're about to splat against the ground, however far away it may be, the party is wrapped in a strange glow, and feel themselves slow to a survivable speed. It's feather fall--the dogs have saved them, from falling to their deaths at least.

But they're still falling, and when they finally land roughly but safely--dozens or hundreds of feet below the surface of the cliffside, it's hard to tell--they land among the fallen boulders and stones in a dark dark cavern. It's utterly silent here, silent as the grave, and the only light is shed from the soft glow of the astral weapons, and a tiny pinprick of light far far above.

 
 Spoiler: Back when I can 
Back when I Can with more. Have fun.

Oh, and you can continue the earlier conversation I you want. Well have two timeframes.
 
Athedia
 Before 
 "I said I wasn't.  Just said I wasn't from Runite is all." 
 Now: 

Badger had ignored Naga's whines as those of a dog wanting out of the blood soaked building and away from the crackling forge.  She regretted her mistake as she fell.  The spell slowed her enough that she was able to grab the dog from his panicked flailing in mid-air.  Even if the fall wouldn't kill him, he might hurt himself while landing.  Growling, Badger tried to see through the darkness.   "Sora, Jadiete, for gods sakes anyone but Elsee I guess.  Do you have a bloody spell?  I would like to see the area." 
super dark33
 Before: 

Surdrak's jaw dropped with surprise and he grinned.
 
 Spoiler: When he finds the rum 
If its not clear.
 

 Now: 

Surdrak's head hurt. He wanted to barf.
Instead he took out the Wand of light and cast it at a nearby stone.
The darkness nearly made him fall asleep again.

 Anyone ok? 
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak, before: 

The rum is clearly home-distilled, but it isn't too bad.

 Badger, before: 

Jadeite leans back, resting his head on his hands.  "Where are you from then? Who here is originally from Runite?"  He smiles.  "Is anyone originally from Runite? It seems entirely composed of immigrants, travelers, wandering dreamers, and outcasts." 
 After: 

With Surdrak's light cast upon the rock and the two astral weapons shedding their soft glow as well, it's bright enough to see. They're in the middle of a long dark tunnel that extends beyond the range of the torches in both directions, and by the boundary of the light where it fades into darkness there is a side path extending off the main tunnel in both directions. The place is eerily quiet, almost oppressive. The walls seem to close in; its tight and constricting.

And there's a  presence... 
 "...Does anyone else find it difficult to breathe?"  Jadeite whispers, as if he doesn't dare raise his voice. Most of the party feels it to some degree--Artorias and Badger have it the worst, though not as bad as Jadeite and Kheel, who whines and claws at the wall. There's something constricting in the air, something that makes it almost hard to breathe, but it's not the air itself.

Not to mention, for some reason, Surdrak's perfectly fine.

With a scream, Ciaran shoots up towards the tiny crack in the ceiling where they fell, what remains of the larger hole covered in rubble, and begins furiously beating at it. Kheel joins her, and starts frantically clawing at the fallen-in rubble to escape as the hawk tries to squeeze through the tiny gap already there. But the hole's too small for either to fit, and when another shower of rock and rubble and dust rains down, they both dive down to where their partners and friends are, covering their heads and bracing for impact.

The largest rock that falls, a bit smaller than Elsee's fist, has a note wrapped around it. It reads:

  Guys, you've got to get out of there right now. You can't come up this way, the floor's unstable and might fall on you again. The pack and I are going to get Ced right now. You're inside the mountain; when I came up here I saw a really strange collection of boulders. I think it's the right spot for an exit from where you are, but you've got to find it yourself. We'll meet you outside there as soon as we can!

--Jaspar

PS: The pack says there's something really bad down there. Be careful.  
Athedia
Badger clutched her bow tightly, aiming it at all the shadows that appeared from the parties lights.  She felt watched, like someone saw her and wasn't sizing up their enemy but seeing how whether she would serve as appetizer or main course. Nervously she part shouted, part stuttered out into the darkness.  "Who's out t-there?" 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias feels  something  oppressing his chest, every breath is a struggle. He can also feel Ciaran's absolute  panic  at being trapped underground, how she longs for open skies and in never before he had longed for them too. However the small glint of the Astral Scythe give him and hopefully Ciaran a little relief, the soft glow somehow calming both of them, but even so the young warblade feels his familiar's aprehension, the sooner they got out of there the better.
 "We should start moving" 
 
 Spoiler 

Initiate Hunter's Sense Stance
Scent check  (1d20)[ 7 ] 
Listen  (1d20+10)[ 19 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: Artorias only 
something smells strange about this place. He cannot place it at all, can only tell that it's  wrong.  
 

 
 Spoiler: everyone EXCEPT Badger 
Badgets question echoes through the cavern, dying away more quickly than it should. There's no reply.
 

 
 Spoiler: Badger only  
A soft throttled groan, raspy an ancient, can barely be heard from both directions, in the directions of the side paths leading off of the main tunnels.
 

 
 Spoiler: Surdrak only 
  This way...  
 
super dark33
  There are two ways, which way? That way or this way? or pharaps you mean upwards, in which case no can do, the Dogs say it cant be done.  

While his thinking tone was smug and taunting, His matirial tone was resentful:

 Its Spirit stuff. They will obviously try somthing stupid that will be harmful to everyone, especially them. be careful. 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I think we should go this way"  Artorias points towards the right of the tunnel.  "The smell is less foul over there"   obvious reference is obvious :P 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I vote we travel to the nearest exit. And I hope these spirits are the only ones harmed,"  Jadeite says, holding Hemlock rather close.

Meanwhile, in Surdrak's head, the voices say,   Ahead...There, there!  
 
 Spoiler: Decision time! 
Which way do you all want to go?
 
Athedia
Badger edged closer to Artorias.   "I heard a groan.  It sounded...  as old as these ruins " 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite pauses.  "From which direction?" 
Athedia
Badger turned toward Jadiete.  In the dim light those around her could see her usually cold and distancing face was showing fear.   "Both." 
super dark33
 We dont know what the air does around here so we better hurry.

Lets go left. 

Surdrak attempts to piece out what the spirits are planning. They want him here but for what reason?
Obviously they wanted all the group dead, but what more? He tried not to look straight at anyone.
CoffeeIncluded
Despite Surdrak's suggestion, a majority of the group decides to go right, so that's the direction they head.

 
 Spoiler: Super dark 
Sorry Super Dark, but more people voted to go right.
 


They haven't gone more then a few steps, just to the point where they can see the side path more clearly, when the air gets thicker and more oppressive. Suddenly there's a draining, an absence in the air--and again, some people feel it more strongly than others. Kheel falls to the ground with a keening cry. Jadeite gasps and nearly falls to his knees, clutching Hemlock close to his chest. Badger and Artorias feel something take their breath away, painfully squeeze at their heads. And Artorias can feel Ciaran weakening as she flies close to him, seeking his warmth.

 
 Spoiler: Anti magic field 
ONLY arcane spellcasters are affected. And Badger too, but we talked about that beforehand.
 
Silverraptor
 "Guys! Are you guys alright? Should we turn back? C-Can we turn back?" 
Athedia
Badger squeezed her eyes against the pain.  It felt like a vice had clamped over her head.  "Sora.  How are. You. standing?  I think.  someone.  doesn't. want. us down. here."  She breathed through the pain, this was wrong pure wrong.
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite winces, his breath ragged.  "Something here isn't blocking arcana...it's draining it. Badger...why are you affected?"  He doubles over but stays upright.  "We...have to hurry." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Jadeite winces, his breath ragged.  "Something here isn't blocking arcana...it's draining it. Badger...why are you affected?"  He doubles over but stays upright.  "We...have to hurry."  
 

Badger forced herself to open her eyes, though one hand was still clamped to her head.  With a deep breath she made a decision.  "Art, you and Jadiete are the mages.  Get back to the safe area.  The rest of us can scout on ahead."   Wincing again at the increasing pressure she spoke again. " "I am not a mage.  Maybe it was one of your pranks that confused it."   She attempted to wave at the air but quickly returned her hand to her head.
Silverraptor
Sora grabs Badger and pulls her back.
 "Confused or not, you are in no condition to go forward. You head back with Jadeite, Artorias and the others. *I* will go forward and scout out ahead. 
Athedia
Badger growled and shrugged Sora off her.  "Astrid may keep your head safe but I can take care of my own.  This isn't so bad, I have dealt with worse.  If you don't let me come with you, I go down the other tunnel.  Alone." 
Silverraptor
 "You see? That stubborn pride of yours is what impairs your judgment in times like this. At the very least, you could stay back and 'protect' Artorias and Jadeite from anything sneaking up on them. Since they are both 'Confirmed' arcane users, they will probably be reeling the most from whatever this is!" 
 
 Spoiler: Diplomacy check vs Badger's Hotheaded stubborness 
 (1d20+14)[ 17 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "It's not just arcane spellcasters,"  Jadeite gasps,  "But also magical creatures as well. Look at Kheel."  Indeed, the wyvern is curled up on the ground whimpering.
super dark33
 You better stay here. if whatever makes it gets stronger the closer we get, it might even kill you. Elsee, Sora, lets go.

 You lack subtlety, you cant see the little things that matter.  
Athedia
 "Artorias isn't that bad.  He can protect the elf.  Go on ahead, but I don't fear death."    Just dying  , Badger thought as she tried to fight past the pain she felt.
Dusk Eclipse
The sudden pain is almost enough to send Artorias to his knees, but thankfully he is able to keep standing with the help of the Astral Scythe's shaft.   "what is going on?"   he ask himself. He offers his arm for Ciaran to perch in with a lot more difficulty than it should.

 "No.  Artorias says as clearly as he can.  "We can't afford to split up, not when we aren't at our best." 
CoffeeIncluded
 " Whatever we decide, we best...do it quickly. Though...I would rather not stay behind, by myself."  

Ciaran perches on Artorias's shoulder and digs her grip on as muc as she can, holding out her wings to steady herself.

  Because they don't matter,   say the voices.

And then, another ancient moan, the same as the one badger heard, can be faintly heard from the direction of the side path.
super dark33
  Oh they do. Think about it, If you made Alice act like a human instead of a spirit, we would have fallen for it. Thats why your followers always fail, us Glames always knew that.  

Then lets go the other side then. 

Alternating between two levels of thought was hard.
CoffeeIncluded
  We won't this time   the voices think smugly.

That rasping moan from the side path--the  really wide  side path, now that the group can get a closer look--repeats, and this time there are two of them.

 
 Spoiler 
I'll update the map in a second.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Everyone stay alert"  Artorias tries to peer through the darkness
 
 Spoiler 

Spot   (1d20+12)[ 29 ] 
Listen  (1d20+10)[ 29 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The entrance to this side room is wide but the room narrows sharply, tapering to a point. Artorias can see something way in the very back of this room, all the way at the point. And before that, flanking it on both sides; are two unmoving humanoid figures.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Wait... there is something over there"  he points in the general direction of the figures  "they look humanoid... be on your guard." 
CoffeeIncluded
The two figures don't move, though they keep making that strange moan. And you can't identify them at this distance.
super dark33
  Oh hello, are those you?  
 We are walking into a trap. Im sure of it. 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneered and brushed past the others until she was ahead of the group, the goblin vision letting her see better in the darkness then most, if not all of the others.  She swuinted her eyes as she sheathed her astral Kurkri, trying to get a better look at the figures as she slowly inched closer.

 
 Spoiler 

Stelth: (d20+10)[ 29 ] 
Spot: (d20+2)[ 19 ] 
Listen: (d20+2)[ 19 ] 
Search:  (d20+3)[ 8 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
As Elsee approaches she sees that the object in the distance is But at the same time she approaches the figures, and when she does their terrifying shape immediately becomes apparent. They were elves, once, but are now a twisted parody of them. Their skin is withered and stretched over their sharp jutting bones. Their eyes are sunken in and glow with a red otherworldly light. Save for some tattered remnants of fabric they're utterly naked; their clothes have long since withered away. Long fangs jut down from white gums, pierce their pale lips though no blood runs. Their hands have shrunken to white claws with filthy yellow nails, and the same can be said for their feet.

And they're nailed to the wall.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias approaches the figures carefully, never taking his eyes from them; he has to fight back the urge to gag as he comes closer to them, what could have done something like that.

 
 Spoiler 

K: Arcana  (1d20+4)[ 6 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite's eyes widen when he sees the two...once elves, and for the first time he looks vaguely ill.  "Those are wights, undead creatures with the life literally sucked out of them. They're always hungry, and they feed by sapping the life from their targets. How long have they been down here?" 

At the sight of the newcomers the wights moan and strain against their bonds.

 
 Spoiler: Strength checks 
 (d20+3)[ 19 ] 
 (d20+3)[ 7 ] 
 
Draconi Redfir
Else hissed and backed away from the creatures slowly. not so much disturbed by the sight as she was grossed out.  "Don't suppose we could just put 'em out of their misery all quick-like eh? Blade to the head while they're still stuck on the wall?" 
CoffeeIncluded
With a great moan and a crack of stone, one of the wights wrenches itself free from the wall and staggers, nails still sticking through his hands, neck, torso, and legs, towards Elsee. The other tries to break free from the wall but can't.

 
 Spoiler: Initiative 

Elsee:  (d20+4)[ 10 ] 
Artorias:  (d20+6)[ 26 ] 
Badger:  (d20+4)[ 24 ] 
Jadeite:  (d20+2)[ 7 ] 
Surdrak:  (d20+2)[ 17 ] 
Sora:  (d20+2)[ 17 ] 
Kheel:  (d20+2)[ 16 ] 

Wights:  (d20+3)[ 21 ] 
 
Silverraptor
Sora grabs her amulet in a hurry.
 "Turn Undead!" 
 
 Spoiler: rolls 
Turn Check:  (1d20+3)[ 17 ] 
Turn Damage:  (2d6+9)[ 20 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
Despite the pressure building inside his head and the weakness that had begun to set in his body, Artorias knows that he has to destroy the wight before it can hurt his friends, powering through the pain he charges the newly freed undead with the scythe held behind him. Ciaran understand her master's feelings and leave her perch on his shoulder, flying to the relative safety of Sora's shoulder.

 "Elsee, take out the bound one before it breaks free!" 
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Charge:
Attack (PA -2 +4) (1d20+10)[ 22 ] 
Crit Confirmation  (1d20+12)[ 15 ]  (I'm assuming thhe Astral enchantment allows for crits, ignore this roll if that isn't the case)
 Damage  (1d20+14)[ 21 ]  
AC for the round 16
 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias swings his scythe in the air, and it tears a long slash into the closest wight, opening a rent all the way long its chest. It would gush blood, if the wight were still alive.
Athedia
 
 Spoiler: Attack Rolls 

 5ft step to AY67 

Weapon: Flame Bow

Feats Activated:
Point Blank Shot (+1 attack and damage)  W2 from AY67 
Precise Shot (no penalty for shooting into melee)

Total Bonus to:
Attack: 12/7 (base ranged) + 1 (weapon Focus) + 1 (magic weapon) + 1 (PBS)= 15/10

Damage: 1d8 (base) + 1 (PBS) + 1 (magic weapon)= 1d8+2

Shot 1:
Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 28 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 34 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 5 ] 

Shot 3:
Attack:  (1d20+10)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+10)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 


Badger quickly stepped in front of Jadiete and aimed at the wight still pinned to the wall.  She was glad Elsee was so short or she might have accidentally grazed the goblins head.
CoffeeIncluded
The wight's flesh is so old and dry that when Badger's arrows strike her, the flesh burns and crumbles away.

Meanwhile, the other wight staggers towards Artorias and swipes down with a ragged claw.

 
 Spoiler: Attack 
 (d20+6)[ 23 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (d4+3)[ 5 ] 
If it hits, Artorias takes one negative level.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee nodded to Artorias and darted for the Wright still pinned to the wall, a flaming arrow wizzing above her and digging into it's flesh, making her job all the easier.

 
 Spoiler 

Charging the wright on the wall, +2 AB, using astral weapon to sneak attack. I cant cue de grax here right?

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 18 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (d3+2)[ 3 ] 
Sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 16 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
As the male wight claws into Artorias he feels suddenly weakened and drained, and the wight seems to grow just a bit stronger.

As for the female wight still nailed to the wall, Badger's arrows scorched away most of the paper-thin skin around her face and neck, leaving only brittle tendons and yellowed bone. Elsee's kukri glows, pries off a nail, and pops the wight's head clean off.
CoffeeIncluded
Sora thrusts out her holy symbol, and the wounded wight recoils from it, shuffling away as fast as it can.

 
 Spoiler 
badger, Artorias, Surdrak, jadeite, and Kheel are up.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias continues his attack on wight

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (PA -2+4)  (1d20+6)[ 12 ] 
Crit confirmation  (1d20+8)[ 12 ] 
Damage  (2d4+9)[ 14 ]  Crit  (3d4+27)[ 37 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Because he's still weakened and shaking from the draining touch, Artorias's strike goes wide.
super dark33
Surdrak readies a blast and launches it.

  When were these made?  
 
 Spoiler: Duplicate, forgot the roll last post 

 (1d20+7)[ 27 ] 
 (3d6)[ 6 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak's blast sizzles into the skin of the wight, and at the same time the voices chuckle, with more than an undertone of anger behind them,   Hundreds of years ago...
Maybe a couple thousand.
They've lasted so long.  

Whimpering, Kheel flies into combat and, diving down, tears at them with his claws.

 
 Spoiler: Attack 
Sorry about not posting last night. We ended up partying until nearly 3 AM and I'm exhausted.
Attack:  (d20+10)[ 23 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+3)[ 8 ] 
Crit damage:  (2d4+3)[ 8 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Kheel crushes the wight's right hand under his claws, though he doesn't seem to notice beyond looking down. Meanwhile, Jadeite, shaking, takes his crossbow and fires it at the wight.

 
 Spoiler: Jadeite's attack 
Badger is up after this.

Attack:  (d20+2)[ 3 ] 
Crit:  (d20+2)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 4 ] 
 


But his hands are shaking so much he can barely load it, much less fire it properly.
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Weapon:  Flame Bow 

Feats Activated:
Point Blank Shot (+1 attack and damage)  W1 
Precise Shot (no penalty for shooting into melee)

Total Bonus to:
Attack: 12/7 (base ranged) + 1 (weapon Focus) + 1 (magic weapon) + 1 (PBS)= 15/10

Damage: 1d8 (base) + 1 (PBS) + 1 (magic weapon)= 1d8+2

Shot 1:
Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 5 ] 

Shot 3:
Attack:  (1d20+10)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+10)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 


Badger aimed at the remaining wight, trying to bring it down before it did more damage to Artorias.
CoffeeIncluded
Badger's arrows shoot straight into the wight's eyes, putting them both out and, judging by the sound and smell, incinerating what remains of his brain as well. He shrieks, and then collapses motionless to the ground.

 
 Spoiler 
Combat's over. 200 EXP to everyone.
 
super dark33
 These Wights were antiques.  

Surdrak let the words out of his mouth, not dwelling on them so much. He returned to steeling his mind against the spirits.
Dusk Eclipse
 "That.... was..... quick...."  Artorias says between breaths.  "That wight did something to me... I can feel it". 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite breathes heavily, utterly horrified.  "They were nailed to the wall and drained dry. And then they tried to do the same to you. Artorias, are you okay? Can you move? Can you cast spells?"  

Behind the bodies of the long-dead elves, there's a dull...something on a pedestal that glows with a bloody not-light.
Silverraptor
 "Here, lets see if this will work. Wand of Restoration!" 
Sora waves the wand at Artorias.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias headache gets slightly better as Sora's spell courses through his body.  "Thank you Sora"  her turns towards Jadeite  "I'm OK... not great, and I think I still can cast spells   Artorias mutters a few words and tries to conjure a flame as he had done before... but nothing happens  What the hell?" 
 
 Spoiler 

Tried to cast prestidigitation, I know we are inside an anti-arcana-field, but Artorias doesn't.
Also if someone could check the glowy-blood thing behind where the wights used to be, I'd appreciate it, I'd do it myself, but as you can see Artorias can't pay attention to those details right now 😉
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "It won't work,"  Jadeite says in a low voice, as if in pain. The way he bends over and holds his stomach also lends to that suggestion.  "We're not merely in an anti-magic field but are rather stuck in, for lack of a...better term, an anti-arcana field. It suppresses the flow of arcana; effectively our magic is shut off. Worse...magical creatures, including fey, elves, gnomes, and dragons need high amounts of arcana to survive. This field..."  he takes a ragged breath,  "is essentially draining arcana. It is slowly killing me, Kheel, and soon the rest of you as well." 

Most of the others don't feel it--in fact, Surdrak is perfectly fine (and the voices are muttering about making more wights)--but Kheel is whimpering in pain and Badger and Artorias's crushing headaches are only getting worse.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias eyes widen "You are dying?"  Artorias begins to breathe even harder  "We must get out of here.... now!" 
Silverraptor
 "But I feel fine. Will this field still eventually kill me?" 
Athedia
Badger looked at Jadeite angrily . "And then why is it hurting me?  The closest I come to any of that is a story my great grandmother... oh **** she really did sleep with him didn't she?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias eyes widen "You are dying?"  Artorias begins to breathe even harder  "We must get out of here.... now!"  
 


 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "But I feel fine. Will this field still eventually kill me?"  
 

 "Slowly. I might be able to last a few hours in this field, possibly a day or two at most. You could survive several days or a couple of weeks. But yes, we must hurry." 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger looked at Jadeite angrily . "And then why is it hurting me?  The closest I come to any of that is a story my great grandmother... oh **** she really did sleep with him didn't she?"  
 

Jadeite looks at Badger sharply.  "Sleep with whom?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Jadeite looks at Badger sharply.  "Sleep with whom?"  
 

Badger blushed deeply, the red traveling down from her face to her neck.   "I thought she just told us because it made everyone uncomfortable.  She uh..  said she had fallen in love with a satyr. "   She had said more than that but Badger had not supposed to be listening.

Wanting to avoid the subject she walked closer to the object.   "Surdrak, do you know what this is?"   She pulled one of her broken arrows out of the pinned wight and carefully poked at the object.
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite blinks and works his mouth, clearly wanting to say  something  on the subject but finding himself hard-pressed to pick one comment out of so many to choose from, especially considering the circumstances.

As Badger pokes the object (it feels somewhat brittle) the oppressive atmosphere ripples ever so slightly. And it gets worse the closer she gets, by the way.

  Don't touch it!   the voices shout, almost reflexively.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Jadeite blinks and works his mouth, clearly wanting to say  something  on the subject but finding himself hard-pressed to pick one comment out of so many to choose from, especially considering the circumstances.

As Badger pokes the object (it feels somewhat brittle) the oppressive atmosphere ripples ever so slightly. And it gets worse the closer she gets, by the way.

  Don't touch it!   the voices shout, almost reflexively. 
 

Badger winced a little.  "It feels stronger over here.  Should I break this thing?  I think it would break easily." 
super dark33
 Step away from this alter please. 

After everyone moved away Surdrak walked towards the obvious source of the draining.

 This thing might house some spirits and they really dont want us 

Surdrak pulled out his crowbar and started to repeadetly hitting the alter.

 to break it. 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee paused for a minute, scratching her chin with one hand while idly reaching up to pet Lil Miss with the other.

 "Nnnkay so let me just get one theng straight here." 

Elsee pointed to Jadeite, Badger, Kheel and Artorias.

 "You Four can barely move, Sora i don't even know what about, 'nd asside from Surdrak who's like, freakkeng powered beye thes theng or whatever, Eye am the most badass person here!" 

Elsee grinned at her own little joke, half tempted to burst out into a little bragigng song and dance routine, but figured it was in her best interests to save that off until later. instead she merely winked to Jadite and wandered over closer to the alter, not quite as close as Surdrak, but close enough to see it.  "sooo... what es et?" 
CoffeeIncluded
  No, you IDIOT!  

Surdrak smashes into the crimson object again and again. It cracks, then splinters, then shatters into countless tiny shards. They fly out into the air, but never hit the ground. They disintegrate before they can land.

There's a pressure in the air, a snap, and then it's calm. And soon the atmosphere returns to normal. Jadeite takes a deep breath, exhales in relief.

But inside Surdrak's mind, the voices quake with apopleptic fury.

  You wanna do this the hard way? FINE!  

And then he feels something ramming at his mind.

 
 Spoiler: Surdrak 
make a will save.
 
super dark33
 Ehehehe  ooh pretty.  
  People will learn to worship the right powers. You are bound to fail.  
 
 Spoiler: Dungeon Master 
Willy save:  (1d20+6)[ 14 ] 
 
Athedia
 "So that was a yes then.  Okay.  Thanks Surdrak."   She made a note to herself to destroy any of those things the next time she saw one.
CoffeeIncluded
The thoughts ram themselves into Surdrak's mind--no,  worm  their way in--and this time he can't force them all away.

Go out. Go right. That sounds like a very good idea. Go out. Go right. Yeah. He should do that.
super dark33
Surdrak's eyes widen and he sways a bit.

 Woah! I think we should keep going.... right? 
Athedia
 "I think that was the plan.  I don't want to stick around here.  Just let me smash the next of those orbs that comes along, it looks fun." 
CoffeeIncluded
The party leaves the disturbing scene and travels right, soon rounding a corner. The hallway comes into view as they walk down the silent dark path, until they come across a wide opening to their left, that seems to lead to another room. It's about halfway down the hallway.

Surdrak stops. The voices stop, and all he can hear is their thrumming excitement. He should go into that room. He HAS to go into that room! What a good idea to go into that room!
super dark33
The sudden stop nearly made him fall over.
Well it did.

Surdrak's face was planted into the ground, but he raised it up, pointed at the opening and said:

 I think the exit is there! 
Athedia
 "Do you feel an air current?" 
Silverraptor
Sora stares as Surdrak faceplants.
 "Are you feeling okay?" 
super dark33
 IN GENERAL? NO. RIGHT NOW? F*** NO. 

He clumsily gets up and peeks inside that room.

Luckily all the spirits could do was to inconvinience him a bit.
CoffeeIncluded
The inside of the room...is almost as bad as the chamber they entered before. It's huge, a huge oval-shaped room that's nearly empty. Except for the two pillars with smaller blood-colored gems on top that make Jadeite, Kheel, badger, and Artorias groan, or the low steps leading up to the altar in the back. Or the skeletons in the room.

They're not animated by necromantic energy, but the way they lie contorted on the ground and on the altar suggest that their owners died in horrible agony. The one on the altar appears to have died mid-twitch, scrabbling at the wicked-looking red and black spear sticking through its ribcage. The spear is the only bright and non-dusty thing in the room, even as it's tied down by several thin ropes or strings.

It's awful and beautiful and it matches Surdrak completely. He's got to have it. He needs it IT'S HIS! NOW!
Athedia
Badger readied an arrow.   "More of those damned orbs." 

Firing two arrows at it she hoped she could get rid of her headache and restore the groups magic.

 
 Spoiler 
Weapon:  Flame Bow 

Feats Activated:
Point Blank Shot (+1 attack and damage)  W1 
Precise Shot (no penalty for shooting into melee)

Total Bonus to:
Attack: 12/7 (base ranged) + 1 (weapon Focus) + 1 (magic weapon)= 14/9

Damage: 1d8 (base) + 1 (magic weapon)= 1d8+1

Shot 1:
Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 27 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+14)[ 32 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+1)[ 6 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 3 ] 

Shot 3:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+1)[ 6 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 2 ] 
 
super dark33
Excitedly Surdrak walks into the room and stands near the spear. He slowly moves his hand to take it.

Maybe its a sacrificial tool he can utilize against the spirits?
CoffeeIncluded
One of Badger's arrows misses the lower gem, but the other one pierces the upper gem. It fractures, and appears to be on the brink of shattering into pieces. But somehow, it holds together.

As Surdrak grasps the spear and wrenches it free with a crack and puff of dust, he feels something rush into his mind, feel himself fall backwards, hears a roaring in his ears and a malevolent   YOU'RE MINE.  

And then nothing at all.

When the party enters the room they see Surdrak standing there, hunched over the altar with his back to the group, clutching the spear.

 
 Spoiler 
I have to clean my room, but I'll post and update the map after that. Shouldn't take more than about half an hour; probably less.

Super Dark, thank you for trusting me.
 
super dark33
Surdrak begins to yell:
 WHERE DID YOU GET THAT POWER? HOW DID YOU MANAGE? YOURE SINGULAR?! 

He responds to himself with sadistic glee.
  The supply was in you already! You never could resist! I CAN CONTROLLLL YOUUUUUU!  
 YOU WHAT MÆÞ? 
  YESSSSSSS! I CAN CONTROL EEEEEEEEEVEEEERYYYYTHIIIIIIIIIING! AAAAAAAAAAAAA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA! I CAN YELL YOUR SECRETS OUT LOUUUD! HI IM SURDRAK AND MY SURNAME IS GLAMES! GLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMES!  
CoffeeIncluded
As the party runs into the room to see what Surdrak is screaming about (and those vulnerable to the orbs stumble from their effects), they see him hunched over the gruesome altar. He turns around slowly, a manic glowing gleam in his eye and a wicked grin plastered on his face. He staggers as he walks, as though he's unused to a solid form. As he approaches, he laughs maniacally, and his voice...sounds like Alice. Or even more deranged than hers.

 "HehehehHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! THanK yOu! ThAnK YoU FOr heLpINg mE gET thIs WonDErFuL GlaMeS BoDy! YoUR ReWarD foR GeTTinG uS a BoDY AgAin iS A BLOODY DEATH!!!"  Howling and aughing maniacally, he swings the spear and attacks, trying to plunge its serrated edge into Artorias's chest, as he's the closest target.

At the same time, two wraithlike shadowy creatures rise up from opposite sides of the altar and fall upon the party, clawing at them with incorporeal attacks that seem to pass through armor to strike at flesh below. Each successful strike makes the affected person's muscles lock up and have their strength get sapped away.

 
 Spoiler: Initiative 

Artorias:  (d20+6)[ 12 ] 
Elsee:  (d20+4)[ 18 ] 
Badger:  (d20+4)[ 10 ] 
Kheel:  (d20+2)[ 18 ] 
Jadeite:  (d20+2)[ 9 ] 
Sora:  (d20+2)[ 8 ] 

Surdrak:  (d20+2)[ 14 ] 
Shadows:  (d20+2)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Attacks 
Surdrak uses the spear on Artorias.
Attack:  (d20+5)[ 16 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (d8+1)[ 2 ]  plus Eldritch  (3d6)[ 13 ]  plus mortalbane  (5d6)[ 18 ] 

Shadow 1 attacks Badger:
Attack:  (d20+3)[ 18 ] 
Strength damage:  (d6)[ 6 ] 

Shadow 2 attacks Jadeite:
Attack:  (d20+3)[ 12 ] 
Strength damage:  (d6)[ 2 ] 

Map up in a moment.
 

 
 Spoiler: Initiative 
Elsee and Kheel
Surdrak
Sora, Jadeite, and Artorias
Shadows
 


Artorias just barely manages to dodge Surdrak's wild attack, and though Jadeite also manages to duck under the shadow's swipe Badger is not so lucky.  "Sora, you need to help Badger now!"  he shouts.  "Those abominations will kill us if they sap our strength!" 
Silverraptor
 "Surdrak! I won't let you do this! Hold Person!" 
 
 Spoiler 
I have never cast hold person before. Anything I should know about?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: What Sora should know 
You need to wait for your turn in the initiative. Then I make a will save and see if he passed it. That's what you wanna do this round?
 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  
 Spoiler: What Sora should know 
You need to wait for your turn in the initiative. Then I make a will save and see if he passed it. That's what you wanna do this round?
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Sora 
Yeah. How do you determine what the will save is though?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Scared, in pain, and unwilling to attack Surdrak whom he considers a friend, Kheel instead flies up to the badly damaged orb and claws at it, trying to break it between his talons.

 
 Spoiler: Attack and a note to sora 
attack:  (d20+9)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+4)[ 6 ] 

And silver, don't worry about the will save. I'll take care of it.

Elsee's turn.
 


Kheel almost breaks it, but his claws can't quite grab purchase on the smooth orb and so it slips from his talons.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee glared at the events unfolding infront of her, well wasn't that just lovely, she gets to be the only awsome person in the group, and suddenly death approaches. Well she /guessed/ it'd be for the best if the others could use their spells and whatnot. Seeing Kheel already taking on one of the two alters, Elsee immidiately made a mad dash for the other.

 
 Spoiler 

Heading for the alter that Kheel isn't after, running if i need too. let me know if i need to make any climb checks or something.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The pillars are about 15 or 20 feet high and seem tricky, though not impossible to climb. Ranged weapons might be faster, but once up there it wouldn't be too hard to break the orbs.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias barely dodges the frantic thrust of Surdrak's spear  "Snap out of it Surdrak! I don't want to hurt you"  he holds the astral scythe ready but abstain from attacking.
 
 Spoiler 

Ready Action: Initiate Rabid Wolf Strike if Surdrak tries to attack him.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee tries to climb up the pillar but fails to get a grip and slides to the ground.

Surdrak hisses at Artorias words and shouts, again while lashing out with his spear,  "Shut up shut up SHUT UP ALREADY! SHUT UP FORGE WIZARD I'LL SHUT YOU UP GOOD!" 
 
 Spoiler: Attack 
Possessed Surdrak attacks Artorias. Dusk, you roll the readied action.
Attack:  (d20+5)[ 9 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d8+1)[ 3 ]  plus eldritch  (3d6)[ 8 ]  plus mortalbane  (2d6)[ 9 ] 
 


He misses, but jumps back.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias uses the minute opening that Surdrak made as he pulls the spear back to stab at him to unleash a savage slash with the Astral scythe.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (PA -3+6)  (1d20+9)[ 12 ] 
Crit confirmation  (1d20+12)[ 31 ] 
Damage  (2d4+11)[ 18 ] + (2d6)[ 8 ] (RWS) Crit damage  (6d6+33)[ 47 ] 
AC is 14 for the rest of the round.

Edit: I HATE HE RNG!!!!!
 
CoffeeIncluded
Something in Surdrak shudders and his spear goes wide at the very last moment. Similarly, Artorias can't quite bring himself to strike his long-time ally, at least not yet. However, he does feel his magic return as he chases after the possessed warlock. Sora's sentiments are similar, which is why she attempts to freeze him in place instead.

Jadeite, however steps out of the range of the antimagic orbs and launches three pellets at the shade that was previously attacking him. He shouts to Artorias,  "Remember what we talked about!" 
 
 Spoiler: Damage, saves, and note to Athedia 
Magic missile damage:  (3d4+3)[ 13 ]  and he uses the circlet.

Possessed!Surdrak's will save:  (d20+9)[ 15 ] 

Badger's turn.
 


The shadow shudders and shrieks at Jadeite's strike, badly wounded but not killed.

Surdrak hisses at Sora,  "Pretty petty annoyance, I'Ll KilL YoU, ThEn YoULl bE QuIeT StilL PrET--"  And then he abruptly falls silent, and is frozen in place.

 
 Spoiler 
Surdrak is helpless. Badger is up.
 
Athedia
Badger cursed as one of her arrows missed and was unable to dodge the creatures blow.  She gasped as it it, sapping the life out of her limbs.  She was glad the new bow she had gotten was out, the way she felt there was little hope that she could pull the tight bowstring back on her composite bow.  But her eyesight and aim was still good, and she raised her bow again to disable the magic orbs.

 
 Spoiler 
Weapon:  Flame Bow 

Feats Activated:
Point Blank Shot (+1 attack and damage)  W1 
Precise Shot (no penalty for shooting into melee)

Total Bonus to:
Attack: 12/7 (base ranged) + 1 (weapon Focus) + 1 (magic weapon) + 1 (PBS)= 15/10

Damage: 1d8 (base) + 1 (PBS) + 1 (magic weapon)= 1d8+2

Shot 1:
Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 31 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 4 ] 

Shot 3:
Attack:  (1d20+10)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+10)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 4 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Badger's first attack shatters the southern orb on the pedestal Elsee is trying to climb, and the oppressive atmosphere partially lifts. Her second arrow just barely misses the northern orb.
CoffeeIncluded
The shadow that struck Badger attacks again, having tasted her strength and finding it good. Meanwhile, the one Jadeite wounded chases after him, clawing at his face with vicious delight.

 
 Spoiler: Attacks 
Shadow 1 attacks Badger:
Attack:  (d20+3)[ 13 ] 
Strength damage:  (d6)[ 5 ] 

It misses, thanks to your dex bonus.

Shadow 2 attacks Jadeite:
Attack:  (d20+3)[ 14 ] 
Strength damage:  (d6)[ 5 ] 

Elsee is up. I'll go for Kheel after dinner, earlier if possible.
 


But both Badger and Jadeite barely manage to dodge the shadows pursuing them.
CoffeeIncluded
Kheel falls upon the orb and tries to shred it.

 
 Spoiler: Attacks 
I have to go, but here are his attacks. I'm not rolling for damage because any hit will break it. I can't do the map until later, sorry.

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 19 ] 

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 18 ] 

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 17 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 12 ] 

Elsee is up. The orb by her. is broken.

I hate the RNG Too.
 


Kheel screams in frustration and pain: the field is hurting him so much that he can't land the finishing blow.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee cursed as she fell onto her but after climbing only a foot or so up the piller, pouting for a seccond after she saw it shatter above her due to a flaming arrow. She CLEARLY had the situaition under control! Plus she was the only one who didn't start groaning in pain when she got too close to it! But fiiine, she GUESSED she should go help Badger. Jadeite seemed to have his under control.

 
 Spoiler 

Elsee moves to attack the Shadow attacking Badger.
Attack:  (d20+8)[ 10 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d3+2)[ 4 ] 
Sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 13 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee cuts a vicious arc towards the shadow, but unfortunately just barely misses. But the astral enchantment marks its path as it cuts down, and the shadow recoils in...fright?

 
 Spoiler 
You forgot the flank but even with that missed by 1. Sorry.
 


Surdrak's eyes flash as he tries to break free of Sora's enchantment.

 
 Spoiler: Will save 
 (d20+9)[ 11 ] 
 


But Sora's will holds strong, and he can't shake himself loose.

 
 Spoiler: Hey Dusk 
What time is it?

And don't worry Super Dark. We'll work something out, including the funny things you wanted him to say.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias can feel a soft thrum coming from the scythe in his hands, it wants to be used, he somehow understand the desire of the weapon, to be used to do what it was made for, to purify and cleanse the world from spirits; he also understand that Sudrak was no longer in control, the spirits that had given him power had finally decided to collect their payment and he couldn't let them run free... Artorias reluctantly raises the scythe over the paralysed form of his friend  "Please forgive me."  he says as he swings the blade down.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Full Round Action: Coup de grace (PA -4/+8)  DC  (8d4+52)[ 70 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
As Artorias swings his scythe down it flashes in the air. Surdrak's eyes widen and for a moment it looks as if Artorias has taken on the image of the reaper himself. He cuts Surdrak down like so much wheat, and the warlock collapses to the ground.

But instead of his head rolling from his shoulders, a dark shadow rises from Surdrak's still form. It hangs there, tethered to Surdrak's heart--until Artorias swings again and severs it entirely.

With a howl and a scream the shadow shoots up in the air and takes on a form much like the ones attacking Jadeite and Badger, but larger and more vicious. And as Surdrak opens his eyes, he feels his mind clear, and can see Artorias standing over him with the scythe. But his mind is his own again.
CoffeeIncluded
The shadow rises into the air and shrieks. With a puff of smoke and a whiff of brimstone a large wolf with glowing red eyes snarls, then runs to sink its fangs into Artorias.

 
 Spoiler: Attack 
Attack:  (d20+3)[ 21 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (d6+3)[ 7 ] 
Trip attempt:  (d20+4)[ 11 ] 

Artorias needs to make an opposed trip attempt. Sora, Surdrak, Jadeite, and Badger are all up.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias is momentarily stunned by the apparition, but he reacts in time to put the shaft of the scythe in between him and the maws of the spectral wolf.

 
 Spoiler: Action 

Opposed Trip check  (1d20+3)[ 16 ] 
Artorias also needs to pick a + strength item
 
CoffeeIncluded
The wolf tears a chunk out of Artorias but fails to wrest him to the ground.

Jadeite looks over at the scene wide-eyed, then reflexively shoots three more orbs at the shadow chasing after him.  "Surdrak! Are you yourself? Artorias, Badger, are you alive?"  he shouts.

 
 Spoiler 
Magic missile and saving it again (one more spell-saving charge left)
Damage:  (3d4+3)[ 9 ] 
 
Athedia
Badger dodged the shadow just in time, her items feeling heavier by the second.   "Alive.  But a little weak."   She raised the bow again, taking what she hoped was her final shot at the orb.

 
 Spoiler 
Weapon:  Flame Bow 

Feats Activated:
Precise Shot (no penalty for shooting into melee)

Total Bonus to:
Attack: 12/7 (base ranged) + 1 (weapon Focus) + 1 (magic weapon)= 14/9

Damage: 1d8 (base)+ 1 (magic weapon)= 1d8+1

Shot 1:
Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 23 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+14)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+1)[ 4 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 6 ] 

Shot 3:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 16 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+1)[ 9 ] 
Fire:  (1d6)[ 6 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite's orbs batter into the shadow--it remains visible, but tattered and barely there.

Badger's first arrow smashes into the orb, and it shatters under a startled Kheel's claws. Where does she aim the second arrow?
Athedia
Reacting to the shattering sound as she prepared her second arrow, Badger shot out in front of her at the shadow draining from her.

 
 Spoiler 
And +1 to that since it is within 30ft
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
Miss on 1:  (d2)[ 1 ] 
 


Badger's arrow looks like it should strike true, but instead it passes straight through the shadow's gut as if it weren't there.

 
 Spoiler 
Sora and Surdrak are up.
 
Silverraptor
Upon seeing the arrow go through the shadow, Sora realized the grim situation of their surrondings.
 "This place is Desecrated! The shadows a re literally stronger here! Consecrate!" 
Sora holds her amulet up, allowing the light to shine as her spell battles with conflicting negative energy.
CoffeeIncluded
As Sora raises her holy symbol and casts the silver powder in the air, the room pulses with a brief flash of light, and the oppressive atmosphere lightens a bit more.

 
 Spoiler: Sora 
The wolf summoned is a fiendish wolf. The shadow that possessed Surdrak is a divine spellcaster.
 


While the badly battered and nearly-defeated shadow continues to attack Jadeite, the other one turns, shrieks, and falls upon Artorias to tear at his arms and belly.

 
 Spoiler: Attacks 
Shadow 1 attacks Artorias
Attack:  (d20+5)[ 13 ]  (he's flanking the wolf)
Strength damage:  (d6)[ 2 ] 

Shadow 2 attacks Jadeite:
Attack:  (d20+3)[ 6 ] 
Strength damage:  (d6)[ 1 ] 

Elsee and Kheel are up.
 


Jadeite again manages to turn and duck into a roll to evade the shadow's attacks, but Artorias is not so lucky and feels his very vitality be sucked out by the shadow's grasp, leaving painful cold and numbness behind.
CoffeeIncluded
Kheel dives down, passing through the largest shadow that hovers about 25 feet above Surdrak and Artorias as he stretches out his talons to attack the summoned wolf.

 
 Spoiler: Attack 
I can't access Kheel's character sheet for some reason so this is my best guess.

Attack:  (d20+11)[ 27 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+3)[ 6 ] 
 


He bites into the wolf and tears away part of its back. The wolf cries out and as Kheel spits out the burnt-tasting flesh he asks Elsee,  "Can your star sword hurt the floating shadows?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Elsee's turn.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee was unfortionately unable to catch whatever it was Kheel had said, she hadn't quite mastered Draconic yet, and at the moment she was a little busy trying to stab what baisically ammounted to a pile of air with a little bit of colour to it.

 
 Spoiler 


Moving to flank the shadow with Artorias, and attacking.

attack:[roll0] (18)
Crit: [roll1](24)
Damage:[roll2](4)
Sneak attack: [roll3](18)

it might get an attack of oppertunikty on elsee.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee drives the astral kukri into the shadow, and judging by both the feel of the attack and the cry of the shadow, she badly wounded it.

The largest one which possessed Surdrak lets out another shriek before diving down towards the unconscious warlock and Artorias, right within range of his scythe.

 
 Spoiler: Dusk 
Artorias gets an AoO against the shadow.
 


The effects of the shadow's shriek aren't immediately apparent, but then they take form in the shape of a giant coal-black dog, with bony horns curling from its head and glowing red eyes. It stalks forward, then out of nowhere lets out a deep hair-raising howl and breathes flames onto Sora and Badger.

 
 Spoiler 
DC 15 Knowledge (Religion or Planes) check to know it's a hellhound.
Damage:  (2d6)[ 4 ]  fire damage, reflex DC 13 for half damage.
 


Jadeite turns around when he hears the crackling flames and smells fabric and flesh burning. He steps back and waves his hand with a shout of,  "We have a deadline and you're being rather rude!"  which imbues everyone except the unconscious Surdrak with extra speed and energy. The elf then quickly follows up with three orbs that ram into the shadows' backs.

 
 Spoiler: Jadeite's spells 
Jadeite hastes everyone, then follows up with Sudden Quickened Magic Missile, using his last circlet charge on it.

MM1:  (d4+1)[ 5 ] 
MM2:  (d4+1)[ 2 ] 
MM3:  (d4+1)[ 4 ] 
 


The missiles ram into both shadows, and with a cry they both wink out of existence.

 
 Spoiler 
Badger, Artorias's and Sora's turn.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias feels the numb and weakened, but he knows he should stop the Shadow before he takes over Surdrak again, so he slashes at it once more, maenuvering the scythe to close his escape routes.
 
 Spoiler 

Using Stand Still
If the Attack hits, the Shadow must make a reflex save DC 10 + (2d4+3)[ 8 ] 
Attack roll  (1d20+7)[ 16 ] 

I will take my actual turn when I know if have to move to follow the Shadow.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias whips out the scythe, moving it in such a way that the trail of starlight it leaves behind crosses the shadow's path.

 
 Spoiler: Reflex save: 
 (d20+5)[ 6 ] 
 


His guess is correct--he successfully stops the undead shade in its tracks, mere inches from Surdrak's form.
Dusk Eclipse
Artoria continues to press the attack, making full use of Jadeite's  Haste  spell.
 
 Spoiler 

Full Attack
Attack 1 (PA -3/+6)  (1d20+5)[ 15 ] 
Crit Confirmation  (1d20+8)[ 17 ] 
Damage  (2d4+9)[ 13 ]  Crit  (6d4+27)[ 41 ] 

Attack 2 (PA -3/+6)  (1d20+5)[ 7 ] 
Crit Confirmation  (1d20+8)[ 19 ] 
Damage  (2d4+9)[ 16 ]  Crit  (6d4+27)[ 44 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias's scythe cuts a deep slice into the shadow.

 
 Spoiler 
Sora, Badger, Elsee, and Kheel are all up.
 
Silverraptor
Sora steps away from the Hellhound to get enough breathing room to concentrate on her next spell without worry. (5ft. step) She then grips her amulet tightly in her left hand, while her right hand begins to glow brightly. She brings her arm up, trying to keep her arm still while aiming at the large shadow over Surdrak.
 "Searing Light!" 
 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
Touch Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 20 ] 
Damage Vulnerable Undead:  (6d8)[ 26 ] 
Damage Undead: (6d6)[ 19 ] 
 


(Okay, due to the awesomeness of all those rolls, I think  Sora needs a theme song during this fight. 😛)
CoffeeIncluded
Astrid is with Sora, even down here in the dark. First she dodges the flames aimed at her from point blank range and manages to only sear her hands. Then, she manages to catch the shadow that possessed Surdrak right in the center of her light. Bathed in it, it writhes in pain. The movement is reminiscent of...a squid.

Meanwhile, the wolf attacks Kheel.

 
 Spoiler: Attack 
Sorry, I forgot to roll this!
Attack:  (d20+3)[ 12 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 4 ] 

And very nice job. Sora.
 


However, Kheel manages to fly up and evade its jaws.
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Weapon:  Flame Bow 

Feats Activated:
Point Blank Shot (+1 attack and damage)  HH  OOC but I know it doesn't take fire damage so not rolling that
Precise Shot (no penalty for shooting into melee)

Total Bonus to:
Attack: 12/7 (base ranged) + 1 (weapon Focus) + 1 (magic weapon) + 1 (PBS)= 15/10

Damage: 1d8 (base) + 1 (PBS) + 1 (magic weapon)= 1d8+2

Shot 1:
Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 33 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 4 ] 

Shot 3:
Attack:  (1d20+10)[ 30 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+10)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ] 
Did I, did I just crit?  x3 if I did! Bring the pain.
 


Badger turned trying to protect Sora so the girl could would be alive to give her back her strength.   "Sora, be a peach and undrain me will you?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Though the flames from badger's arrows do nothing to the hellhound, the arrows themselves  hurt. The first lands into beast's front paw, and as it opens its mouth, her second arrow buries itself straight down its throat.

 
 Spoiler: Crit damage 
 (d8+2)[ 7 ] 
 (d8+2)[ 9 ] 
 


With a very un hellhound like whimper, the beast vanishes in a puff of smoke.
CoffeeIncluded
Groaning fills the air, and suddenly the party can see three more ancient elf wights, their skin torn where they pulled themselves off the wall, stagger towards them.

 
 Spoiler 
Map's updated. Elsee and Kheel are up. Night!
 
CoffeeIncluded
Kheel continues tearing at the summoned wolf with snarls and growls.

 
 Spoiler: Attack 

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 16 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (d4+3)[ 4 ] 

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 11 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+3)[ 8 ] 

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 11 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+3)[ 12 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 15 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 18 ] 
Damage: [roll]d6+1/roll]
 
CoffeeIncluded
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 5 ] 

As Kheel crushes the wolf beneath his wings it cries out and vanishes.

 
 Spoiler 
Elsee's Turn.
 
Draconi Redfir
 "Oh GREEEAAAT! because thes day couldn't get ANY BETTER we now have MORE freakeng dead freaks at our doorstep! No don't get up! Eye'll breng them cookees!"  Elsee hissed, The shaddows appeared to be under control, so she quickly moved to intercept the oncoming wrights,  hoping she'd at least be able to pick them off one at a time.

 
 Spoiler 

Elsee is postioning herself at  BN 76 , traveling by way that would not provoke attack of oppertunity (Straight left, then one square down)

Attacking twice due to haste., both with the astral enchantment, though i guess i cant sneak attack without a flank.
Attack: (d20+8)[ 27 ] 
crit:  (d20+8)[ 13 ] 
damage:  (d3+2)[ 5 ] 

Attack: (d20+8)[ 17 ] 
crit:  (d20+8)[ 23 ] 
damage:  (d3+2)[ 3 ] 
 
super dark33
Surdrak returned to conciousness.

He lifted his head from the floor to get a good look around wherever he was.

He saw the group fight the undead, and the huge cloud of darkness that stood by him, a trail of smokey shadow leading from Surdrak to the main mass.

He immidietly wished he wasnt awake now.
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee runs, leaps into the air, and plunges the kukri straight into the first wight's heart. It would stop a person dead--literally--and it even makes this wight stagger.

The shadow mutters something unintelligible and it seems to knit itself back together, become more solid and less injured. It then stays there, and seems to do nothing...

Surdrak gets to his feet, but he's slumped over, like a marionette with its strings cut. When he opens his mouth to speak, the voice that comes out isn't entirely his own. But the voice that comes out is much shakier and weaker than before, as if it's barely holding on, and even this tenuous grasp requires everything the voice's owner has.

  You mortals really wish to have GLAMES returned to you. What claim do you even have on him? being in his presence for a year or less? I have been in THE CENTER OF HIS MIND ever since THE DAY HE WAS BORN. I know ALL his WILLS, DREAMS, HOPES, HIS VERY THOUGHTS WERE MINE.
What, dont tell me you actually LIKE him, He really DOES hate you all. You dont belive the truth, but I will show you.  

He jerkily waves his arm around, pointing a finger to each of the party members in turn as he groans. But as he does so, his eyes are wide and frightened, and are looking around frantically. With his other arm he tries to force down the pointing arm, but sadly has little success.

To Sora he says,  "...She's kinda hot but nothing else really..."
 

To Elsee he says,  "...Elsee is very barbaric and rude, she needs to be taught manners and...." 

To Artorias he says,  "Holy **** he REALLY needs to shut up sometimes and..."
 

To Badger he says,  "...Soon she will fumble and I will be the one who takes care of HER, just sabotage the mission..." 

To Jadeite he says,  "Just met him but WHAT A ****. Thinks he knows anything already." 

The voice gets louder and louder, as Surdrak looks more and more frightened:

 "...BURN THE TEMPLE... ...Cant tell them I'm Glames, cant... ...KILL them all... ...promised to Leif, the deal was made....
...When will I tell them all I'm Bi?.... ....As soon as i can fly im out of here.... ....Runite can burn for all i care....." 
super dark33
Surdrak starts shaking and drops himself back to the ground. He covers his head and starts to sob quietly.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias quirks an eyebrow  "I agree... sometimes I speak too much, but this time  With a powerful leap he sails through the air twisting and spinning like a buzz saw I think  you  should shut the hell up!"  as he tries to hit the airborne shadow.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Swift Action: Sudden Leap  (1d20+24)[ 36 ]  (trying to land in BV,71)
non-action: tumble to avoid provoking the FW  (1d20+15)[ 24 ] 
Full attack in the air
Attack 1 (PA -2/+4)  (1d20+6)[ 8 ] 
Crit  confirm  (1d20+9)[ 20 ] 
Damage  (2d4+8)[ 11 ]  Crit damage  (3d4+24)[ 28 ] 

Attack  (PA -2/+4)  (1d20+6)[ 26 ] 
Crit  confirm  (1d20+9)[ 15 ] 
Damage  (2d4+8)[ 14 ]  Crit damage  (3d4+24)[ 29 ] 
 
Silverraptor
Sora curses as she see's the Wights.
 "Damnit! Badger, would you mind holding on a second before I restore you?" 
Athedia
 "I've managed, I'll continue." 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias leaps up into the air, blade swinging as he soars over the shadow. He swings his scythe as he comes back down--and tears the shadow in half. It writhes and screams before curdling into black smoke, and vanishes behind Artorias as he nimbly lands behind it. Behind him, Surdrak goes limp. Though he still breathes, shallowly, he is utterly still.

The three wights look at the scene in confusion, but do not stop their advance.
Silverraptor
 "Thanks, things just love to go from bad to worse! Greater Turn Undead!" 
Sora holds her amulet in front of her, allowing the light to radiate from it.

 
 Spoiler 
Turn Check:  (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 
Turn Damage:  (2d6+9)[ 17 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The light that emanates from Sora's amulet is like a second sun, and it illuminates the whole room, enhancing every living thing in it and making the astral weapons even more radiant. As the wights are bathed in the light, they writhe and moan in agony, they smoke and hiss and two eventually collapse to the ground for good. One stays standing, seared from the light, flesh falling off his bones, with only one long ear remaining. He's standing, but only just.

Jadeite follows up with three more missiles, and a shout of,  "Well, I certainly know more than you!" 
 
 Spoiler 

Jadeite's magic missile damage:  (3d4+3)[ 15 ] 
 


The three missiles burn through the wight's skull, and with a groan of,  "Thank...you..."  it slowly collapses to the ground and falls still.

The room falls silent once more as the sounds of battle fade.

 
 Spoiler 
Very good, Silver!

Battle's done, everyone.
 
Athedia
Badger lowered her bow, a little miffed looking that the others had finished the wights off so fast.  But seeing Surdrak collapsed on the ground she put her bow away and went over to him.  Raising his head up and placing it on her lap she checked him to make sure he was not going to die.   "Surdrak, if I fumble I expect to be taken down.  I haven't survived this long by being weak and neither have you." 
 
 Spoiler 
Heal Check:  (1d20+6)[ 19 ] 

And yes, I know not to move an injured person until you have ruled out spinal damage, but Badger isn't me and magic can probably repair nerves anyway.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grinned and twirled the astral kurkri in her hand a few times before sheathing it again, a little miffed that Sora had finished everything off, and that she had spent most of the fight running about here and there hitting things once or twice and never really getting a good fight in. but still, at least things weren't trying to kill them anymore.

As the party gathered so too did Elsee, clearing the air with a fairly out of place comment as Badger tended to Surdrak's wounds.

 "Ahem. Lettle mess "barbaric and rude" would like to say what she's pretty sure everyone else is thinking. Worst. Vacaition. Ever." 

Elsee's eyes shot open at the words little and miss, having entirely forgotten about her OWN Lil' Miss throughout the entire ordeal. She quickly fumbled her fingers through her hair until she felt the familiar blood-filled bump that signalled the parasite's existence, Elsee had to hand it to Lil' Miss, she didn't seem to care about anything that happened around her, and seemed to have a remarkable ability to survive most everything to boot.
super dark33
Surdrak's expression is utterly crushed. tears are running down his cheeks and nose.

 I... I might as well just 

And then he pauses. his skin becomes cold to touch and he body lumps down like a rock. he is breathing heavily.

Suddenly the party sees a moat of  Red  Light zoom past them, bouncing off the walls and leaving  Red  gel on whatever it touches. Appearently its not alone, there are 7 more that have a ball in the room, jumping on the alter and orbiting the heads of the group. When they finnaly stop, they start to devour the shadow smoke remains at the ceiling, growing in size. They dance around, making sound that might be giggling, then flashes away in a different direction, leaving behinnd nothing but colourful goo on the walls, until only one remains, colourd  Dark Blue . It stays for a while, takes a look around, before slowly floating upwards. It's gel slowly dripping on Surdrak's face.

Surdrak makes no response.
Athedia
 "Surdrak?  Surdrak!"   Badger tried to shield the collapsed warlock from the goop.   "Art, Sora, Jadeite, ANYONE! WHAT is this?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak is limp as badger shakes him. He's alive, and physically unhurt, but completely unresponsive. Jadeite simply shakes his head as he stares at the goo.
Athedia
Badger growled at the others inaction and started scraping at the goop with both hands, trying to get it off Surdrak until it could be identified.
CoffeeIncluded
As Badger scraps off the goo, Surdrak's breath starts to even. But as it melts in her hands, hers becomes more labored and painful. The goo is doing something to her, something that makes her whole body wrack in pain. She can't describe it, it's impossible to describe. It's like when she was in the antimagic field and felt her whole body seize up and parts of her mind lock up, separate themselves from the rest, shut down.

Except now they're not locked up. They're  severed. 

And then it's over, and all Badger's left with is the echo of pain and a vague sense of something missing that she didn't even know what there.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 As Badger scraps off the goo, Surdrak's breath starts to even. But as it melts in her hands, hers becomes more labored and painful. The goo is doing something to her, something that makes her whole body wrack in pain. She can't describe it, it's impossible to describe. It's like when she was in the antimagic field and felt her whole body seize up and parts of her mind lock up, separate themselves from the rest, shut down.

Except now they're not locked up. They're  severed. 

And then it's over, and all Badger's left with is the echo of pain and a vague sense of something missing that she didn't even know was there. 
 

Badger felt the tears of loss well up.  She didn't know why, but something was gone now.   "S-Stay away from this.  Sora, can I have my strength back now?"   She needed to feel whole again, and knew that gaining her strength wouldn't do that but it would help her feel less vulnerable, less likely to be broken.  She stroked Surdrak's hair back,  "How long have you lived with that?" 
Silverraptor
 "Y-Yeah." 
Sora waves the wand of restoration and begins healing and restoring the group.
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak doesn't respond, though he's still breathing.

Sora heals everyone with her wand and spells. It's quiet here, with only the tattered remains of shadows and shattered orbs and skeletons on the giant altar to keep them company.

 
 Spoiler: Super Dark 
What do you want to do?
 

 
 Spoiler: Everyone 
Do you want to look around
 
super dark33
 
 Spoiler: Super Dark 
Watch and enjoy 😏
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias gives Badger and Surdrak some space, he is at a loss on how to deal with them.  "I'll just take look over here"  he mumbles as he begins searching the room, what is he searching? He isn't sure.  
 Spoiler 

Search  (1d20+11)[ 16 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
There should be an exit here, but Artorias cant find one on a cursory search. The pillars are strong and sturdy, and the walls seem solid. There are some interesting and valuable finds by the alter, however.

The altar is huge, and on it lies the body of an elf, withered and mummified in the dark cavern for centuries, with a hole in its chest where the spear was torn out of it. Three golden chalices encrusted with rubies and onyx lie on the ground, though one is tarnished and dented. The elf's bag that hangs onto the ground is large and slightly tattered, dried and dusty but still in surprisingly good condition. It could be restored and sold for a decent amount of money. Inside it are several hundred gold pieces and two scrolls. Finally, the slippers on its feet are somewhat sticky and cling to any surface--and they're clearly magical as well.

 
 Spoiler: Treasure! 
1800 gp, 1790 gp of art (three cups worth 600, 600, and 500 gp, and the bag worth 90 gp)
Slippers of Spider Climbing
2nd level arcane scroll with Summon swarm and Scorching ray
1st level divine scroll with Cure Light Wounds and Cure Light Wounds

There's also the spear, which can channel eldritch blasts.
 
Draconi Redfir
Sora and Badger seemed to have the warlock under control, so Elsee wandered about aimlessly, casually looking about the room, taking a moment the vidually inspect a glob of slime that had gathered on the wall.
 
 Spoiler 

search:  (d20+3)[ 9 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee can't find anything that Artorias hasn't found on a cursory inspection. Something about the slime seems threatening, and it's probably not a good idea to touch it.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias frowns, he has the suspicion he probably missed something, the room is far to big, so he makes a more in-depth search
  
 Spoiler 

Taking 20 for 31 total on search.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The room is large, and dark, and empty. The only other inhabitants are the dead.

But the bloodstained altar has rust trails run slightly under its base. And even with the sacrificed body on top, it's lighter than it should be. And when Artorias knocks against it, he finds that it's hollow.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias inspects the altar carefully, looking for anything that might be harmful towards him or his companions, if he finds any traps or similar he attempts to dismantle them
 
 Spoiler 

Take 10 Search for 21 total
Disable device  (1d20+8)[ 15 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
There  were  traps here, long ago. But they've rotted away, leaving behinds bits of string and wire and rusted metal.

Instead, there's a long tunnel, about ten feet high and four or five feet wide. It goes down, then up, beyond his field of vision.
Draconi Redfir
 "Anyone got some cloth or like, an empty bottle or something!?"  Elsee called out to the others, removing her bag to dig out an empty bucket and her own -smaller then Surdrak's- crowbar, not waiting for a response before carefully using the crowbar to scrape some of the slime into the metal bucket, being careful not to touch it after seeing Badger's reaction to it. She figured if nothing else Jadeitie or someone might want to take a look at it, and if she could store some away for herself it could always be useful to dip a Kurkri in it when fighting particulerly stubborn theives or monsters.

Elsee looked into the bucket once the majority of her little pocket of slime was inside of it, moving to annother spot of slime should the bucket still have room left inside of it.
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite has several small vials and jars on him, and he passes one to Elsee with little more than a,  "Do be careful."  He then returns to the dead elves, lining each of them up against the wall, placing their hands over their chests and closing their eyes. He only accepts help if the ones asking it insist.

 "Does anyone have some fuel and a torch?"  he asks after his grim task is finished.  "I cannot drag them out of this tomb." 

Elsee scrapes much of the slime into the jars, though she misses some because of how carefully she works. Also the slim seems to be absorbing itself into the wall, or possibly dissolving. She's not sure.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias worthlessly produces a camp-fire from the pouch slung at this waist.  "This ought to do it" 
Athedia
 "We can't leave yet.  Not until Surdrak is awake."   Badger held the warlock close, refusing to go near the exit.
Draconi Redfir
It took awhile, but eventually Elsee was able to get a decent amount of slime into her bucket, from which she carefully poured small amounts into Jadeite's vials and Jars, propping up the glass containers with stones from the ground to avoid making contact with them. There was still some slime in the bucket itself unfortunately, though a majority of it had gone into the vials and Jars. Elsee pocketed three of the small vials into her belt pouch, opting to keep at the very least those for herself should she need it. The others she'd offer to Jadite or Cid or whoever might be interested in the stuff, she'd just keep anything they didn't want.

The bucket and Crowbar were all but useless now though, there wasn't exactly any water or anything she could wash them off with, and even if there was it'd likely only make the water more hazardous. Tor the moment at least she opted to just kind of... leave the bucket and the crowbwar in the corner of the room, the crowbar half-sunk into the bucket, the slime-free half of it sticking out and resting against a wall.
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak doesn't respond. He lies limp and comatose in Badger's arms. His breathing is even and on the shallow side, but that's about it.

The dead elves are so old and dried that when Jadeite douses them in oil and sets them aflame they catch fire like kindling. With quiet spellcasting, Jadeite makes the flames spread faster, and in just a few minutes they're completely consumed. When the flames finally die down, Jadeite sweeps the ashes into separate tins, making sure to catch every single last speck. He keeps a very wide berth of the bucket.
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak remain comatose no matter what Badger or anyone else tries, and so the rest of the party decides to take a quick look at what's at the end of the tunnel. Maybe there's someone or something that could help.

The tunnel seems to gently slope upwards, but it's mostly level. It twists and turns, a dirt tunnel dug into the ground, with roots poking through the borders and little moles burrowing through the path. But eventually the tunnel brightens as natural light filters in. And there's a rustling outside.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias grips the scythe tigher as he carefully takes a step outside; despite the apparent danger, he feels a lot calmer after seeing the light, perhaps it is his connection with Ciaran?.
 
 Spoiler 

Spot  (1d20+11)[ 12 ] 
Listen  (1d20+10)[ 29 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The cavern opens up into the top of a steep slope on the opposite side of the cliff. Right outside the cliff the slope levels off; long thin grasses and small bushes and trees cling to this level ground. Artorias can't see more than shapes and shadows in the long grassy undergrowth, breaks in the light outside the cavern. But he hears footsteps, footsteps and pawprints barely crunching through the thick grasses and moss. Ciaran shoots into the air and the minute she has a good vantage point, he can feel her calm.

The sound of the creatures approaching gets louder, and soon a hand pokes through the long grasses to bend them back, revealing the face of the halfling on his wolf, Sif and a couple other dogs, and Ced, bringing up the rear and gripping a gnarled wooden staff but spry all the same for his age.

 "There you are!"  the halfling says.  "We found Ced. Are you okay?" 
super dark33
 He- It? is not going to run away you know. You can let go now. 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  He- It? is not going to run away you know. You can let go now.  
 

Badger lowered Surdrak's head back down to her lap brushing back the hair that had fallen on his face.

  I know, I just want to make sure he is safe.  That the shadows don't come back, at least the ones I can protect him from."  
super dark33
 That corpse is safe, there are other things you need to worry about. If anything close its eyes already.
Your mind is really strange, if anyone else tried to create a figment of me in their imagination, it wouldnt be as accurect! Not even Surdrak! 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  That corpse is safe, there are other things you need to worry about. If anything close its eyes already.
Your mind is really strange, if anyone else tried to create a figment of me in their imagination, it wouldnt be as accurect! Not even Surdrak!  
 

  You are not a corpse.  Corpses don't breathe.  But I can't help but observe people, it's how I survive."  
super dark33
 Well it might as well be a corpse, whatever that means. Somthing happened, maybe due the big shadow disappearing and now his body is here.

What is this sudden kindness anyway? You treated him horribly his whole stay in the guild and suddenly poof you became NICE? Whats with that and CLOSE HI- ITS EYES ALREADY. 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Well it might as well be a corpse, whatever that means. Somthing happened, maybe due the big shadow disappearing and now his body is here.

What is this sudden kindness anyway? You treated him horribly his whole stay in the guild and suddenly poof you became NICE? Whats with that and CLOSE HI- ITS EYES ALREADY.  
 

  Well he is an ass and annoying as get out.  That and I don't trust him not to kill me when my back is turned.  But he had no choice in this, he was forced to attack us and I saw him trying to fight it off.  That thing, the shadow.  It made him share things that he was keeping too himself, I don't blame him for wanting to shut down.  You know I almost did.  
super dark33
 Oh? Well shutting down, up, left and right had nothing to do with the secrets. Im still trying to piece away what happened there, but all i know its nothing the shadow itself did intentionaly.

Lets talk about the very beggining: He comes, Leif barely explains, you treat him like ****. Why?  
Athedia
  Leif told us.  Well me and Art.  He called you... Surdrak a warlock.  I haven't heard good things about warlocks.  Things had been working out so nice, I was getting plenty of solo work, tracking down people who had skipped out on punishments and such.  This was my first big opportunity to head up a team and I didn't want some newcomer screwing it up for me.  
super dark33
 Surdrak the warlock is enough to start needless hate? Might as well be "Surdrak the... um... Drow" and you wouldnt be better than these Thorns.   
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Surdrak the warlock is enough to start needless hate? Might as well be "Surdrak the... um... Drow" and you wouldnt be better than these Thorns.    
 

  No, but it made me cautious.  I don't like magic, don't understand how people treat it like a lifestyle.  Still don't trust Jadiete, but Leif didn't give me a warning about him.  If Leif tells me to watch someone I listen, kept me busy enough pulling Elsee out of bars after a few to many drinks.  Still don't know if she realized why I was tailing her.  Had a boy a few years back, fresh face from the farms.  Swore up and down he had experience with his local guard, but Leif didn't know.  So one day I find him cornered by the cutpurse he tracking, kid no older than 13, still new to the trade.  We sent the farmboy home and the kid spent some time in the stocks but I tracked him down after.  Saw he was fast, got him a runner job at the docks.  Delivering messages and wake up calls in exchange for some coppers and a place in the warehouses to sleep.  
super dark33
 Leif tells you to "watch closely" over nearly any third newbie. What made you so cruel to Surdrak is beyond me. Him. That corpse.

Dont you think you need to follow the others?  
CoffeeIncluded
 "What's happenin' in these mountains?"  Ced asks as he makes his way up the cliff, gruff as always but curious as well.  "I get woken up by knocking on me door an' go outside ta see a whole tribe of blink dogs tellin' me I need ta get to San De Sol right away--and then they show me tha path! Never invited me before, so what happened?"  He rests his eyes over every member of the Wyvern's Fangs present and then blinks.  "Tha girl with tha dog and tha crazy boy with tha crowbar. Where are they?" 
 
 Spoiler: Athedia and Super Dark 
PLEASE continue. This is great. I'm just leaving this post open for everyone else.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Leif tells you to "watch closely" over nearly any third newbie. What made you so cruel to Surdrak is beyond me. Him. That corpse.

Dont you think you need to follow the others?   
 

  I have known Art and Elsee for years.  Artorias I think I trust with my life.  Elsee, I wouldn't leave my life in her hands but she does her job.  Sora is no harm to anyone, I doubt she could attack a fly and not spend the day in mourning.  But your right, I don't trust Surdrak as much as I should, I didn't give him a chance.  He joined up so suddenly and we know so little about him.  I don't like leaving my life in the hands of people I don't know, it rarely ends up going well.  
super dark33
 Did you ever? 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Did you ever?  
 

  Trust like that?  When I was younger, I should have protested but instead I trusted.  
super dark33
 When was the last time it ended badly? 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  When was the last time it ended badly?  
 

Badger was silent for a long time before responding.    You know I don't like remembering that time.  I was supposed to marry, be a merchant's wife help connect the business from Tobeem to Runite.  The Zolner's just wanted access to my father's routes.  

She was quiet a little longer stroking Surdrak's hair.    Well, Titus wanted more.  
super dark33
 I dont know what any of these names mean. Im just a figment of your imagination perfectly imitating Surdrak. I have no accass to your memories whatsoever.  

The voice of unreason sounded slightly uncomfortable in its ramblings.

 Do go on.  
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  I dont know what any of these names mean. Im just a figment of your imagination perfectly imitating Surdrak. I have no accass to your memories whatsoever.  

The voice of unreason sounded slightly uncomfortable in its ramblings.

 Do go on.   
 

 
 Spoiler 
Shall we PM this from here on?  I have to go to bed now so I will reply in the morning but Coffee suggested that since this is spoilery we might want to go off thread.
 
super dark33
 
 Spoiler: Sure 
Ill have to clear up the pms slightly and were gold.

Ill be sleeping now too, this was fun!
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee idly thumbed over her shoulder back to the entrance they had just emerged from.  "Spooky guy passed out, and dog-girl's watchin him... speakin of, you guys got Naga 'round here? Don't think he's been with us since the cave-in." 

Elsee reached into her pouch and pulled out a jar of apparently red slime, holding it out to Ced.

 "Ya want some spooky Surdrak's San-de-sol Spirit Slime(tm)? No eyedea what it does... probly best not to touch et though." 
Athedia
 So now that we are both on nearly the same boat here, why dont you follow the others? This corpse wont get up itself. 
  The others will be back soon if that is the exit.  Why is it you want me to leave?  And do you think you..Surdrak will be okay?  Now we killed the spirit that was giving him his power?  
 Maybe the sun will do good though? Maybe i just dont like to be in an alter of filthy Gallips-UH I MEAN THIS ALTER GIVES ME THE CREEPS.
Well maybe a wizard or druid will know what this condition is, though now that i think of it, maybe the expulsion of that shadow did have an effect on the making of Surdrak into a corpse... 
  Filthy who?    Badger caught the slip as she continued.    Maybe you are right, but I don't think I could drag Surdrak out.  We have so much stuff and I am only so strong.  
 Yess, do ittt.. why am i in echooo.... wellll i guess the timme is uppp. See you for now..... 
 
 Spoiler 
Naga is in with Badger.  These are the not so spoilery parts the rest of you can see
 
CoffeeIncluded
Running footsteps get louder as the dogs, Ced, and the Wyvern's fangs race down the tunnel. As Ced and the dogs come upon the bloody room, its grim decorations, and Badge holding a comatose Surdrak in the center of it all, they stop short and gasp.

 "...Oh no." 
Draconi Redfir
Her question evidently ignored, Elsee broke out after the others as they all silently to run back into the city at top speed with little to no discussion about it. Quirking an eyebrow at the strange words somebody had uttered, she could only say one thing.  "What, Something terrible about a dude passed out 'nd being coddled? Thes some kinda bad open to you or what?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Elsee.... not the time." 
CoffeeIncluded
Sif whines, and Ced looks around at the grisly display. Finally he sighs and says,  "Right now? Yes."  He turns to the party.  "Was yer friend acting oddly 'fore passing out?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Running footsteps get louder as the dogs, Ced, and the Wyvern's fangs race down the tunnel. As Ced and the dogs come upon the bloody room, its grim decorations, and Badge holding a comatose Surdrak in the center of it all, they stop short and gasp.

 "...Oh no."  
 


 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Her question evidently ignored, Elsee broke out after the others as they all silently to run back into the city at top speed with little to no discussion about it. Quirking an eyebrow at the strange words somebody had uttered, she could only say one thing.  "What, Something terrible about a dude passed out 'nd being coddled? Thes some kinda bad open to you or what?"  
 


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "Elsee.... not the time."  
 


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Sif whines, and Ced looks around at the grisly display. Finally he sighs and says,  "Right now? Yes."  He turns to the party.  "Was yer friend acting oddly 'fore passing out?"  
 

Badger was quiet on the groups entering and further comments but when Ced asked his question she spoke.  She couldn't see the group, her back faced the exit but she recognized his voice.   "He attacked us.  But he didn't want to I know that much." 
CoffeeIncluded
The halfling states at Surdrak in a confused accusatory way, but Sif and Ced still. With surprising speed, the old Druid rushes to his and Badger's side.

 "I think I know wha did this,"  he says, hoarse,  "an' how ta fix it. But I need me tools at home ta be sure. Hurry." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Who? You mean someone.... or something other than that Shadow did this?"  Artorias ask as he carefully slings Surdrak over his back.  "Nevermind, just.... just help Surdrak please" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Follow me,"  Ced says as he heads outside, surprisingly quick given his age and the cane he carries. Of course, Sif and the halfling--Jaspar--on his wolf are faster. Soon they're all out of the cavern, at the edge of a steep slope as the grass blows around them.

Elsee and Kheel take to the sky, dipping and weaving through the clouds and keeping a lookout for everyone else. The dogs fan out in a pack, and very nearly race to town--the members of the Wyvern's Fangs struggle to keep up. Artorias has the roughest time of it; Surdrak's limp frame weighs him down and keeps slipping off his shoulders. Jaspar finally stops and turns back, holding out a hand. Soon enough they continue on, only this time Surdrak is tied to Jaspar's wolf companion, held fast with good rope.

And Ced is in the front, riding on the back of a large deer that appeared from between the trees and accepted his request.

They arrive at San De Sol soon enough, racing down the forest slopes to the town. The blink dogs and deer have melted back into the forest, but Jaspar and his wolf are still present, if wary. And Ced's house is on the edge of town anyway. The rabbits perk up as the group stops by the front gate and Ced says,  "I need 'bout an hour ta get everythin' set up right an' diagnosed. Fixin' this might take a while an' I'll need all of ya, so if ya need ta get anything takin' care of, do it now." 
 
 Spoiler: Explanation 
Last chance to take a look around town and go into buildings/interact for a while. Who knows, you might get some useful info. Night!
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee and Kheel landed alongside the others just as Ced vanished into his hut, the door audiably locking behind him.Elsee sneered slightly, this was all getting too weird for her.

 "Stell thenk this is the wors vacaition ever. i vote next time we just spend a week lounching about in our rooms doing whatever the heck we feel like... Ain't there supposed to be an exicution or somethin soonish? Could be a good show." 
Athedia
Badger stayed by Surdrak as Ced carried him into the house.   "Art, Sora, please watch Naga."   She couldn't leave him.  To stop Ced's inevitable protest she spoke again.   "Something happened to me in there when I touched the blue goo on him.  Also I might not have the power to knit together wounds but I know a little about caring for injuries." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Please help him"  Artorias pleads once more before pacing around, he was never good at waiting so giving Ced and Badger space is the best he can do for the moment. Ciaran perches herself on his shoulder and croons softly as if trying to cheer up her master.
 
 Spoiler 

Spot [roll]1d20+11[roll] not sure if it is bright daylight or not, so if it is add +3
Listen  (1d20+10)[ 24 ] 
Also I'm not sure if hawks are normally capable of Crooning, but I'm invoking Artistic Licence if they can't.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger: 

Ced turns sharply at badgers statement, Surdrak still limp in his arms.  "Blue goo? Dis it come from Surdrak? Did ya see any other colors?"

Artorias: 

Ciaran is a comfort to him, making soft popping noises and bracing her wing against him. Down on the ground, naga scratches himself then sniffs for rabbits.

 Elsee and Kheel: 

Bored and annoyed, Elsee decides to fly back to the bar and forget the world. It sounds perfect--even down the block she can hear the rancor and din.
CoffeeIncluded
Sora and Jadeite:

They're left standing outside, and Jadeite turns to Sora.  "Do you think we should seek out some other clerics for a second opinion, or additional therapies?" 
 
 Spoiler: Everyone 
Okay, I left a bunch of hooks for you all to grab.

And Super Dark, the answer to your question is yes, but we'll see where the roleplaying leads us.
 
Athedia
 "I saw Elsee scrapping it off the walls but I was a little busy."   She didn't adopt her usually snappish tone, there was no time for that.   "It came from these lights or something.  They came out of the thing that was in Surdrak, or I think.  As I said, I was a little distracted." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger:

"Blue..."  Ced mutters to himself as he steps inside the cramped yet cozy house. He steps over to the large table and with a brush of his arm clears a space to lay down Surdrak; various dried vegetables, herbs, bundled flowers, clay containers, and assorted sundries clatter to the floor. He places Surdrak on the table and arranges him in a presentable fashion; takes a couple sprigs of sweet-smelling dried herbs and crumbles them over his still form.

 "What happened when ya touched it?"  he asks, rummaging through an old wooden drawer for a small bottle of oil; he dips his finger in it and draws strange patterns on Surdrak's forehead and cheeks.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Badger:

"Blue..."  Ced mutters to himself as he steps inside the cramped yet cozy house. He steps over to the large table and with a brush of his arm clears a space to lay down Surdrak; various dried vegetables, herbs, bundled flowers, clay containers, and assorted sundries clatter to the floor. He places Surdrak on the table and arranges him in a presentable fashion; takes a couple sprigs of sweet-smelling dried herbs and crumbles them over his still form.

 "What happened when ya touched it?"  he asks, rummaging through an old wooden drawer for a small bottle of oil; he dips his finger in it and draws strange patterns on Surdrak's forehead and cheeks. 
 

 "I don't know what happened exactly."   Badger helped lift the unconscious warlock onto the table, careful not to step on the items on the ground.   "It was awful, like something I hadn't known was important was taken away from me.  I still feel empty, not entirely, but like I had a 5th limb no-one had mentioned until it got cut off.  Something similar happened earlier in that place, but it didn't last.  But there are no orbs to shatter here." 
CoffeeIncluded
Ced looks at Badger for a very long time. He returns to treating Surdrak, taking a vial of water and sprinkling its contents over his body (the droplets seem to sizzle slightly when they hit Surdrak's skin, but Ced is using his bare hands and Surdrak seems unharmed), and when he speaks again, his voice is grave.

 "Tell me everythin' tha happened,"  he says,  "And if Surdrak targeted any of ya in particular." 
 
 Spoiler: Note 
you don't have to give every detail; a summary will work.

Is anyone else going anywhere or doing anything?
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Ced looks at Badger for a very long time. He returns to treating Surdrak, taking a vial of water and sprinkling its contents over his body (the droplets seem to sizzle slightly when they hit Surdrak's skin, but Ced is using his bare hands and Surdrak seems unharmed), and when he speaks again, his voice is grave.

 "Tell me everythin' tha happened,"  he says,  "And if Surdrak targeted any of ya in particular." 
 
 Spoiler: Note 
you don't have to give every detail; a summary will work.

Is anyone else going anywhere or doing anything?
 
 
 

 "Well it happened really fast.  And I was destroying those orb things so I didn't see everything.  But Sora froze him and Art did something that made a shadow come out.  But before that he yelled at Art for being a.."   At this her brow wrinkled, she hadn't really been listening and the headache had drowned out some of the distinctions between words.   "Forger wizard or something?  I don't think he does forgeries, least I hope he doesn't.  Though Jadeite did seem to teach him how to cast some of those damned spells." 

There was another pause as she tried to remember the events.   "There was some clanging and yelling, but I was just trying to destroy those orb things.  It's hard to shoot when your head is throbbing.  I also was trying to stay out out of the way of these living shadows.  I was glad I have the new bow or I wouldn't have been able to draw it.  But that's what came out of him.  A shadow I mean, not a bow.  I couldn't even shoot the stupid things.  Oh, and they summoned a dog, not a friendly one like Naga  and no he will not eat your blasted rabbits  this one was all red eyes and fire.  And there were dead elves, creepy as hell." 

A look from Ced got her back on track.   "Anyway, 'Surdrak', I don't think it was really him fully, well he woke up.  Threatened us, the usual stuff, but it was weird because he was talking to us and himself and looked like half his body wanted us dead the other was trying to stop.  Art managed to kill the big shadow and Sora took care of the dead things, uhh by which I mean the living things that should be dead not the things we killed, Jadiete took care of those.  Umm... that's not exactly what I meant.  I went over to check on Surdrak and he said he wanted to die or something then froze like this.  That's when the goo started, the blue stuff was centered over Surdrak and I got it on me trying to stop it.  No-one else touched any of it though." 

She looked up, hoping that her information was helpful.   "He didn't have much chance to attack, we are pretty fast.  But Surdrak never attacked me or Elsee or even Sora or Jadiete though he did threaten them a lot.  Art was the main threat, we were just annoyances." 
 
 Spoiler 
Wall O' Text is done.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Ced is silent as Badger speaks, and it's not until she falls silent in turn that he responds.

 "I don't know why the goo did tha to ya, or why Surdrak went after some of ya more than others. You'd have ta ask the spirits possessin' him that question, and sounds like you killed 'em dead first."  He runs his hands over Surdrak's body, or rather a few inches above it, as if testing his heat or breath.  "But it sounds like he's had those spirits in his mind fer a real long time. An' they only decided to take over now."  Ced pauses when one hand is over Surdrak's head and the other is over his heart.  "Sounds like he tried ta fight it off, but couldn't quite do it. Still, I've seen people possessed fer weeks, months, sometimes longer. He put up a damn good fight, sounds like." 

Ced closes his eyes and sighs.  "Thing is, when you've got someone in yer mind tha long...well, think of a tree. An oak tree. Starts off as a little sapling, right? But if ya let it grow, it gets huge, sends roots everywhere. And if you knock tha tree over, send it topplin', it takes all tha dirt with it."  The old druid opens his eyes and looks right into Badger's.  "Yankin' the spirits out of his mind and killin' them tore his mind apart. They'd been with him fer so long he couldn't hold himself together without 'em." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Ced is silent as Badger speaks, and it's not until she falls silent in turn that he responds.

 "I don't know why the goo did tha to ya, or why Surdrak went after some of ya more than others. You'd have ta ask the spirits possessin' him that question, and sounds like you killed 'em dead first."  He runs his hands over Surdrak's body, or rather a few inches above it, as if testing his heat or breath.  "But it sounds like he's had those spirits in his mind fer a real long time. An' they only decided to take over now."  Ced pauses when one hand is over Surdrak's head and the other is over his heart.  "Sounds like he tried ta fight it off, but couldn't quite do it. Still, I've seen people possessed fer weeks, months, sometimes longer. He put up a damn good fight, sounds like." 

Ced closes his eyes and sighs.  "Thing is, when you've got someone in yer mind tha long...well, think of a tree. An oak tree. Starts off as a little sapling, right? But if ya let it grow, it gets huge, sends roots everywhere. And if you knock tha tree over, send it topplin', it takes all tha dirt with it."  The old druid opens his eyes and looks right into Badger's.  "Yankin' the spirits out of his mind and killin' them tore his mind apart. They'd been with him fer so long he couldn't hold himself together without 'em."  
 

 "Hey, that was Artorias not me.  I just shot the bloody orbs and dog."   Calming down Badger looked at Surdrak's prone form.   "Is there anything I can do?  Like when Elsee died we... uh the rest of my team brought her to some dragons.  I wasn't allowed to go because I gave their daughter an explanation of the real world.  The gist is Elsee died and they brought her back, could that work?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sat at the counter of the bar next to Kheel, keeping him close for the safety of them both. the Barman had objected earlier, though he seemed decent enough to allow it after a few gold coins and promises that he wouldn't poop anywhere were tossed his way. Plus now, due to either Kheel or Elsee, who really cared, all the other attendants gave them plenty of space! There was at least a one stool gap between them and everyone else sitting at the bar, plenty of room to drink or eat in  relative  peace. While Elsee had her lousy human drinks and Kheel had all the raw meat he wanted, there still wasn't a whole lot to do for fun until someone dared to approach them, which would only be the most interesting folk what with a Wivvern guarding her. So instead Elsee decided to kill two birds with one stone, attempting to teach Kheel some basic words in Goblin, both to pass the time and help make it easier for the two to communicate, maybe some kind of mix between Goblin and Draconic or some such. As a result Elsee could occasionally be seen pointing to the occasional object and saying it's name in Goblin until Kheel eventually understood.
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Sora and Jadeite:

They're left standing outside, and Jadeite turns to Sora.  "Do you think we should seek out some other clerics for a second opinion, or additional therapies?" 
 
 Spoiler: Everyone 
Okay, I left a bunch of hooks for you all to grab.

And Super Dark, the answer to your question is yes, but we'll see where the roleplaying leads us.
 
 
 

 "I don't know if any other cleric of Astrid would know anything about this. But it could be worth a try." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger:

"Tha problem's that Surdrak ain't dead. His spirit's shattered. If ya want ta help, you'll have ta convince tha shattered pieces ta return."

Jadeite and sora: 

As the two spell casters approach the main circle of temples, often the most elaborate and best-kept and surdiest structures in San De Lune, they hear the sounds of an argument between two priests.

 Elsee an Kheel: 

Everyone in the bar seemed wary and on edge even before Kheel came in, and soon enough Elsee hearsa very girly scream behind her.

It's the cleric of the steel thorns, running around and flailing at something invisible.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 [B]Badger:

"Tha problem's that Surdrak ain't dead. His spirit's shattered. If ya want ta help, you'll have ta convince tha shattered pieces ta return." 
 

 "How would I do that?  It isn't like I can enter his mind or anything." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee quirked an eyebrowe at the scene and turned to see what the deal what, oh hey, it was the crazy cleric from that other group, she hadn't seen them in awhile. Looked like she was spazzing out over a fly or something, hah, typical overreaction, watch her get bit and then complain about it for the next twenty years. Elsee didn't move from her seat, but instead merely took another sip of her drink while watching the show, she might get involved later, but for now it just looked like a funky dance with nonexistant music was going on.
super dark33
 Badger 

The voice returns.

  Thats true. from my invastigation i gathered that a soul extracted from a body breaks into several parts that look like orbs of light. They unite and take the form of the person. so i guess you either need to summon Surdrak or just find him somewhere.
Hey, maybe my existence is related to that somhow.  
 Elsee 
 Cleric stand still and let me hit you! Never mind you sissy, CONNOCK! what was your name again CONNOR! 

Before her eyes a shape of  red  forms up, it morphs into a glowing humanoid with a long trailing tail instead of legs. it points at another person Elsee recognizes from the Steel-Thorns-up-yer-asses.

 Its for good cause! I have been hanging around the high rich parts back in runite, i heared that if you hit one of the nobleboys hard enough gold jumps outta their teeth so i got all ready for a fight and then suddenly BOOM im here!
So i just got pumped up for basically nothing, all this ADRENALINE is RUSHING in my SKIN i can FEEL ITTTT! AND I NEED TO LET IT ALL OUT CONNOR,   DO YOU BLEEEED WHAT I MEEEEAN?   


The ghost takes up a recognizable face, Surdrak's face, and begins to attack the mercenry with unrelenting blows.
It looks aside and notices Elsee, not stopping the fight it says:

 Hi Elsee! You can go with that cleric, I like this guy's tabasco! 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee blinked sevral times at the sudden apperaition, slooowly looking at the beer in her hand and kind of just... putting it down... and pushing it away... She knew human beer was ****e but this was a whole nother level.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Badger 

The voice returns.

  Thats true. from my invastigation i gathered that a soul extracted from a body breaks into several parts that look like orbs of light. They unite and take the form of the person. so i guess you either need to summon Surdrak or just find him somewhere.
Hey, maybe my existence is related to that somhow.   
 

  Wait those orbs were you?  I ABSORBED YOU???    She saw Ced giving her a weird look and she calmed herself down.  "Uh, do you know how to summon people?" 
super dark33
 Badger 
  No no no, you CREATED me under a mindset of grief and sorrow caused by touching the     dark blue   gel, its a combination of preemptive sadness, sadness via foreign object and your silly messed up brain. 
 
 Elsee 
 Awwww, Come onnn hes a wimp, you can take him! 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee shook her head and turned back to the bard, resting her heasd on her arms with a groan.  "Thes es a terrible vacation..." 
super dark33
 But how can things be bad with veowlence? you like veowlence! tell you what, ill hold this guy and you punch him in the belleh eh? what you say? 

Connor held the ghost in the neck and attempted to land punches, but the ghost held his hands and attempted to wrestle out.
Draconi Redfir
 
 Spoiler 
 okay i seriously have no idea what the heck is going on right now .-.
 
super dark33
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
  
 Spoiler 
 okay i seriously have no idea what the heck is going on right now .-.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler 
A ghost that looks like Surdrak started hitting the Steel Thorn jerks and associated itself with you.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger: 

Ced looks at badger oddly.  "Only if I know tha person. An' if you're talkin' about Surdrak, I can't do it 'till his spirit's back in one piece. Ya said ya found one?"

Elsee: 

Connor doesn't seem to notice Surdrak's presence, isn't even aware that the fragment of the warlock is there. Instead he screams about how unseen forces are attacking him, and eventually runs out of the tavern and inn flailing. He's ony a few feet away though, and looking out the open door Elsee can see him wrench his holy symbol free (Surdrak vainly tries to grab at it), and starts waving it around in the air while screaming,  "Turn undead! TURN UNDEAD!!!" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Badger: 

Ced looks at badger oddly.  "Only if I know tha person. An' if you're talkin' about Surdrak, I can't do it 'till his spirit's back in one piece. Ya said ya found one?"

Elsee: 

Connor doesn't seem to notice Surdrak's presence, isn't even aware that the fragment of the warlock is there. Instead he screams about how unseen forces are attacking him, and eventually runs out of the tavern and inn flailing. He's ony a few feet away though, and looking out the open door Elsee can see him wrench his holy symbol free (Surdrak vainly tries to grab at it), and starts waving it around in the air while screaming,  "Turn undead! TURN UNDEAD!!!"  
 

 "I don't know if I found one, but some one ..er..thing tells me that those orbs of light that made goo were parts of his spirit." 
super dark33
 Elsee 

The ghost stops and sniffs the air.

 What is, this SWEET smell? 

It sniffs some more and than looks at Elsee.

 You have Jam in your pockets. Sweet strawberry jam in a jar. Gimme that Jam. Please?
 
 Badger 
  He already thinks youre crazy you dont have to hide it.
Im getting bored. Pick up a bunny and cuddle it at once. Its a command from your rival and colleague. Do it now. Bunnies. Up. Hugs.   
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Badger 
  He already thinks youre crazy you dont have to hide it.
Im getting bored. Pick up a bunny and cuddle it at once. Its a command from your rival and colleague. Do it now. Bunnies. Up. Hugs.    
 

  No, I will not.  And I am not crazy. ...I tell the imaginary Surdrak in my brain.  FINE a little crazy maybe.  
Draconi Redfir
The more and more the spiritdrak talked the more and more Elsee was convinced it was just a halucinaition, the Cleric was probably having a heart attack or something, she wouldn't be surprised given his weight. Still, nobody else seemed to be reacting to the thing, so it was probably just her. It was almost a shame the steel thron-in-her-side was leaving, that probably could have been an interesting exchange if nothing else.
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger: 

Ced raises an eyebrow.  "I guess you're gonna have ta get those lights an' goo. I'll keep Surdrak safe an' purify his body."

Elsee: 

The turn undead does nothing, and Connor runs back into the bar clawing at the space above his head, his fingers passing harmlessly through Surdrak's form. By this point everyone has (rather too quickly for It to be nonchalantly) left the bar. Surdrak leans on Connor's head and gives Elsee a little wave.
CoffeeIncluded
 jadeite and sora: 

The two clerics arguing are the same ones from a couple days ago--and they're still arguing over the bandits and stolen goods. As jadeite and sora approach, they see a puddle of orange goo, the same texture as the goo in the cavern, between them.

 Artorias: 

As Artorias sits in the garden he watches Naga perk up, then take off in the direction of a couple particularly playful rabbits.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Badger: 

Ced raises an eyebrow. [B]"I guess you're gonna have ta get those lights an' goo. I'll keep Surdrak safe an' purify his body." 
 

 "Well the blue goo got on me and Surdrak so I am guessing that is back already.  Except the bit that I got."   Badger wrinkled her nose in disgust at the thought.   "And Elsee was scraping up the red goo stuff, Jadiete gave her some jars or something.  She hopefully still has that. What other lights and colors could there be?" 
Silverraptor
 "Oh!" 
Sora checks for the item before heading over.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Huh?"  Artorias is taken out of his contemplation by the sudden departure of Naga  "Oi! Naga...Naga come back here... you can't chase those rabbits!  Artorias follows the dog.
Draconi Redfir
elseeh issed and raised a middle finger to the floating spirit, halfway drunk and annoyed she was probably going to stay like that for awhile.
 "Go away Surspirit, 'm supposed to be the not-magical one remember? I can't be seein ghosts, then mom would be right." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger: 

Ced gives a non-committal shrug.  "Depends on how many different ways he saw himself. How many lights were there?"

Sora and Jadeite: 

The seed pouch is nestled safely in Sora's bag as they approach the arguing clerics. They seem to be discussing the captured bandits and their upcoming executions, but the content of their discussion pales in importance to the sight of a ghostly Surdrak, rising up from the orange goo to fly behind each cleric's shoulders, making faces and combative gestures at the other one in turn.

 Artorias: 

Artorias tears through the garden, beating a rather obvious path of bent grasses and flowers and reeds behind him. As he rounds the corner to the other side of the cottage (there's a chimney with ivy crawling up it and a trail of smoke coming out the top) he sees Naga stretched in a play bow in front of two, terrified rabbits. And between them is a puddle of pink goo, and above them is an eager-looking shape of Surdrak, who looks like he wants to play tag as well.
Silverraptor
Sora kind of stops and stares at the ghostly Surdrak.
 "Uhhhhhh..." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Badger: 

Ced gives a non-committal shrug. [B]"Depends on how many different ways he saw himself. How many lights were there?" 
 

Badger thought back to the lights.  "Eight.... The blue one stuck around.  Where should we start looking?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
 Sora kind of stops and stares at the ghostly Surdrak.
 "Uhhhhhh..."  
 

Surdrak shoots Sora and Jadeite a nasty look, then goes back to his taunting and inciting arguments.

 
 Spoiler: Explanation 
I want to have Super Dark talk too if possible.
 


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger thought back to the lights.  "Eight.... The blue one stuck around.  Where should we start looking?"  
 

 "Probably somewhere in town, they can't 've gotten far--HEY!"  A rustling outside grabs Ced's attention, and he rushes towards the window, throwing it open.  "WHAT DID I SAY 'BOUT THAT DOG AN' THA RABBITS?" 

If Badger runs to the window (brushing aside the wooden gourds hanging from the ceiling) she sees Artorias chasing down Naga, who seems to be barking at the rabbits in a high pitched "play with me!" voice.

 
 Spoiler: Spot check DC 20 
There's some pink goo stuck in the bent brush as well.
 


If Artorias looks up, he sees a pissed-off Ced looking out the window, and possibly Badger as well, should she decide to look.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Surdrak shoots Sora and Jadeite a nasty look, then goes back to his taunting and inciting arguments.

 
 Spoiler: Explanation 
I want to have Super Dark talk too if possible.
 

 "Probably somewhere in town, they can't 've gotten far--HEY!"  A rustling outside grabs Ced's attention, and he rushes towards the window, throwing it open.  "WHAT DID I SAY 'BOUT THAT DOG AN' THA RABBITS?" 

If Badger runs to the window (brushing aside the wooden gourds hanging from the ceiling) she sees Artorias chasing down Naga, who seems to be barking at the rabbits in a high pitched "play with me!" voice.

 
 Spoiler: Spot check DC 20 
There's some pink goo stuck in the bent brush as well.
 


If Artorias looks up, he sees a pissed-off Ced looking out the window, and possibly Badger as well, should she decide to look. 
 

 "Damn it Artorias! And NAGA IS JUST PLAYING! Listen to that bark, that is the one he uses for puppies."   She managed to take her eyes off Naga for a second and noticed the goo.   "Uh... Ced....  I may have been... feeling an urge to pick up a rabbit and now the rabbits have pink goo next to them."   She realized how ridiculous she had to sound so she spat out what she had to say very fast.
super dark33
 Sora and Jadeite 

The orange ghosts grins and floats next to Jadeite and Sora

 Its Cælld 'playing it hard to get', fastest way to get all the chicks, and the dudes.  

It cackles and flies away.

 Elsee 
 I dont UNDERSTAND Elsee! I thought you were cool! And not even ONE act of VEOWLENCE?! IM SO DISSAPPOINTED!
I wonder if these clerics are still here. I need to take out some STEAM.  
 Artorias and Badger 

The pink ghost captures one of the bunnies and hugs it tightly.
The bunny does not know what to belive in anymore.

A commotion is heared in Badger's head.

  Badger! I discovered i can conjure more Surdrak mimics in your head its so much fun but thsts not importent! The fourth one thinks somthing horrible happened. Can you tell her?

YES! ITS IMPOSSIBLE! THE LIGHTS ARE SUPPOSED TO GATHER UP AND FORM A SINGLE GHOST! NOT DEVELOP AS INDEPENDENT DEITYS! WHATEVER HAPPENED DEFIES ALL LOGIC AND SENSE!

See i think its simple see, Surdrak was always very eccentric, but no one thought he would be outright insane. Maybe his soul thing was just broken already?

WE ARE DOOOOOOOOOMED.

Yeah yeah fun no go away.   

All voices die except one.

  Nothing should be different, but now you have to convince the pieces to blanda-up instead of it just happening. Maybe theres a ritual to bind the 'ghosts' to prevent them running away while negotiating.   
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Damn it Artorias! And NAGA IS JUST PLAYING! Listen to that bark, that is the one he uses for puppies."   She managed to take her eyes off Naga for a second and noticed the goo.   "Uh... Ced....  I may have been... feeling an urge to pick up a rabbit and now the rabbits have pink goo next to them."   She realized how ridiculous she had to sound so she spat out what she had to say very fast. 
 

 "How the hell do you expect me to control him? It is your dog not mine!" Artorias yells back before returning his attention to the pink... blob.... thing.



 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Artorias and Badger 

The pink ghost captures one of the bunnies and hugs it tightly.
The bunny does not know what to belive in anymore. 
 

 "Er... hello?" 
 
 Spoiler 

Is this a reference to Pac-man ghosts?
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Artorias and Badger 

The pink ghost captures one of the bunnies and hugs it tightly.
The bunny does not know what to belive in anymore. 
 

 "See! See! That is not Naga's fault."   Badger tore outside to try to meet the ghost.    OKAY, fine.  I will hug a bunny.  Just tell me how to deal with you or the non-imaginary you or WHATEVER.  
CoffeeIncluded
 Jadeite and Sora: 
 "What are you, and how are you here?"  Jadeite asks as he cautiously approaches, hands readied to cast and Hemlock hissing threateningly from his shoulder.  "Sora, do you know what this is?" 
 
 Spoiler: Knowledge (religion) DC 20 
Is that a ghost? But Surdrak's not dead.
 

 
 Spoiler: Knowledge (religion) DC 25: 
Surdrak's spirit could have been blasted out of his body and tethered to this plane. Some spells can do that.
 

 Badger:

"An' even his playin' can hurt tha rabbits. Ta them, he looks like a predator, an' rabbits can scare easy."  But he pauses at Badger's second statement and leans out the window, looking more closely. Without saying a word, he walks over to a side table, built roughly but in a way that still says it was made with care, and pulls open a drawer. He takes a couple bottles and a...it looks like a wooden spatula, and hands it over to Badger, saying,  "Sounds like yer gonna need this."

Artorias: 

Artorias sees the pink ghostly form of Surdrak squeal happily and hug the rabbit tighter, nuzzling. Rabbits can't die of fright, can they?
Draconi Redfir
Elsee hissed and slammed her fist against the counter before finally turning to face the red spirit personally, figuring there was no point not too now that it was just them and kheel in the entire building. she just knew someone would try to blame her for this.

 "Nnnkay first off? et's freaking VIOLENCE! The freaky accent es meye deal because unlike you i'm actually not from around here! 'nd seccondly, GEE! I UNNO! maybe i DON'T want to be accused for smashing everytheng en here unless i actually DID it!? maybe i DON'T want to be proving my mother right by talking to spirits!? Maybe you should just go back to wherever you came from, because any hot ghost on goblin action aint gunna happen!" 
 
 Spoiler 

this makes very little sense. but i'm tired and figured i needed to make a post before the power gets cut out tomorr,w sorry :S
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Ced... Badger.... bunnies are tough little guys aren't they?.... I mean it isn't like the can die of fright right?"  Artorias asks while he carefully makes his way towards the pink Surdrak.
CoffeeIncluded
 badger and Artorias:

"Actually they can, if they're scared enough,"  Ced says, glaring at the pink ghost. The bunny doesn't look like it's about to drop dead though.
Athedia
Badger edged toward the ghost Surdrak and the goo.   "Surdrak, if you come with us we can get you your own bunny.  I am sure Lief won't protest."    Too much....  
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias beckons the pink Surdrak  "Badger is right, if you just let that bunny there we can talk with Leif and get you another one" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger and Artorias:

"It sure as hell ain't gonna be one of my rabbits,"  Ced says, folding his arms.  "But if it'll get this mess sorted out, guess I can give ya some pointers on caring fer rabbits."  He then pauses as his eyes fall upon the glimmering scythe in Artorias's possession, its soft glow more apparent in the shade.  "What's tha?"

Elsee and Kheel: 

Kheel looks up from his strips of raw meat as Connor runs back into the bar screaming. He stares intently at the cleric and ghost of Surdrak, and his lips curl upwards--Elsee's not quite sure whether or not it's a snarl. But he crouches into a more aggressive pose--Surdrak seems to be influencing him as well. Unless Elsee tries to snap him out of it, who knows what he could do?

 Sora and Jadeite: 

Sora realizes that the orange ghost is somewhat like a ghost, quite probably a fragment of his spirit blasted out of his body and tethered to this plane. Surdrak's sudden collapse is probably spiritual! If they return the pieces of his soul, maybe he'll get better. Maybe.

That doesn't quite explain why this one is inciting an argument between the two clerics, or how to calm them down, or how to get the orange ghost to go with them though.
Dusk Eclipse
 "What this?"  Artorias points to the scythe  "It is a scythe.... you don't know what they are?"  he asks confused.
CoffeeIncluded
Ced glares indignantly at Artorias, as if he personally offended him.  "Of course I know what a scythe is! I used one back in tha day; what kinda dimwit do ya take me fer?!"  he shakes his head and points.  "I mean tha spell on tha scythe!" 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias can't hide his smile  "Not a spell.... well at least not a normal spell"  he scratches his chin, trying to put it to words  "This is an Astral Scythe, forged long time ago by the ancient settlers of San de Sol"  he twirls the scythe around him marvelling at the streaks of light the blade left in it's wake.   "It was designed to fight spirits" .
CoffeeIncluded
Ced's eyes widen.  "THA'S Astra?! That's weaponized starlight?! Show me!"  He moves to take it from Artorias, but then looks back and up at the house.  "Wait. Was tha used on Surdrak?" 
super dark33
 Pink 
 Really? But it wont be this one! Aw doesnt matter. He will be happier here! Hæ hæ hæ! 

The ghost kisses the bunny on the forehead and puts it down.
It then immidietly flies to stare at a flower.

 Red 
 HÆ HÆ HÆ HÆ! Look how pissed he is! Comeon! Hit em! Hes gonna EXPLODE! 

The ghost conjurs a blob of gel and blasts it at connor.

After staggring for a few moments, connor stares at his hands and stares at everyone around him in predetory temptation.

 Orange 

The ghost floats between Sora and Jadeite and hangs itself on their shoulders and pulls them closer to him.

 I am free! There is nothing i cant do! Hæ hæ, there is no ONE i cant do AHæ hæ hæ!
But serious now, i have no idea what happened but i feel like myself more yknow? Buuut i guess we'll never know.  

The ghost pulls them even closer and brings everyone's head together.

 I never got around to tell you how HAPPY I AM to have you two as FRIENDS. 

It doesnt let go.
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee, Kheel, and Red Surdrak: 

Connor staggers and stares at the ground, and when he looks up there's a feral predatory grin on his face. He staggers over to the stairs leading up to the rooms and shoutes  Hey! Ajax! Get Seres and Ragnar! You know where those fanged subhumans are being held in jail, right?" 
Silverraptor
Sora looks very unsure of herself in the situation.
 "Uhhh...thanks? And what are you free of exactly?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger, Artorias, and pink Surdrak: 

Ced steps to the right and the bunny hops behind his legs, taking cover behind the old Druid. He just watches the three of them, though it's not quite clear if he can see Surdrak.  "Right...Anyways, what can ya tell me about tha Astral Scythe?"

Jadeite, Sora, and orange Surdrak: 

Jadeite looks up at Surdrak and over at Sora as the orange-tinged ghost pulls the three of them closer together.

 "Right...I'm quite glad to have you as friends too. Anyway,"  he tries to pull himself free of Surdrak without touching him, which fails,  "Could you kindly answer Sora's question? We are friends after all." 
super dark33
 Orange 

The ghost maintains a strong grip on them both, it even strengthnes it.

 I hæv no idea! I just know i can finaly do what i want at any time instead of being bound to some stupid corpse with limitations! 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Badger, Artorias, and pink Surdrak: 

Ced steps to the right and the bunny hops behind his legs, taking cover behind the old Druid. He just watches the three of them, though it's not quite clear if he can see Surdrak. [B]"Right...Anyways, what can ya tell me about tha Astral Scythe?" 
 

Artorias shrugs  "Not much really, we found it inside a forge in the ruins, it seems to...umm"  Artorias tries to find the correct word  "exorcise spirits from a possessed body and it can also harm spirits even if they are incorporeal."  
Draconi Redfir
Elsee hissed again and finally stood from her stool, drawing her Astral Kurkri as she walked towards the red spirit, wo was currently distracted with the thrn's cleric once more. Uppon getting close enough, she violently stabbed the spirit in it's spectral tail, the curved blade digging into the nonexistant flesh and somehow finding a grip despite the spirit's incorpreal status.  "C'mon!"  she grunted angrily, motioning for Kheel to followe her as she used her newfound spirit-handle to begin dragging the red spiridrak back to Ced's place, forcing herself to ignore the actions of the cleric who thankfully, had not noticed her just yet.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Badger, Artorias, and pink Surdrak: 

Ced steps to the right and the bunny hops behind his legs, taking cover behind the old Druid. He just watches the three of them, though it's not quite clear if he can see Surdrak. [B]"Right...Anyways, what can ya tell me about tha Astral Scythe?" 
 

Badger knelt down next to the pink goo and scrapped it into one of the jars, careful to only let the spatula touch the substance.   "I am going to try to drip this on Surdrak, see if it does anything.  The blue goo absorbed into him, this should too." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Orange 

The ghost maintains a strong grip on them both, it even strengthnes it.

 I hæv no idea! I just know i can finaly do what i want at any time instead of being bound to some stupid corpse with limitations!  
 

Jadeite pauses.  "Are you sure you can do everything?" 

 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias shrugs  "Not much really, we found it inside a forge in the ruins, it seems to...umm"  Artorias tries to find the correct word  "exorcise spirits from a possessed body and it can also harm spirits even if they are incorporeal."   
 

Ced's eyes widen.  "Ya used this against Surdrak, didn't ya."  It's not a question.  "Did ya find out why Sam De Sol made this? It's a powerful weapon, but why would they need tha?" 

 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee hissed again and finally stood from her stool, drawing her Astral Kurkri as she walked towards the red spirit, wo was currently distracted with the thrn's cleric once more. Uppon getting close enough, she violently stabbed the spirit in it's spectral tail, the curved blade digging into the nonexistant flesh and somehow finding a grip despite the spirit's incorpreal status.  "C'mon!"  she grunted angrily, motioning for Kheel to followe her as she used her newfound spirit-handle to begin dragging the red spiridrak back to Ced's place, forcing herself to ignore the actions of the cleric who thankfully, had not noticed her just yet. 
 

Somehow the astral kukri manages to snag Surdrak's cloak and drag him back to Ced's house. Once they leave, the terrified bartender peeks up from behind the bar.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger knelt down next to the pink goo and scrapped it into one of the jars, careful to only let the spatula touch the substance.   "I am going to try to drip this on Surdrak, see if it does anything.  The blue goo absorbed into him, this should too."  
 

Badger scrapes some of the goo into the jar without too much of an issue. It seems to bounce and merrily vibrate (that's the adjective that comes to mind) in the jar, rather than slumping to the bottom like the red goo did.
super dark33
 Orange 
 Sure! for example I can stand like this for ALL ETERNITY! 

Now the ghost brings the hold to a near chock hold, it starts to be painful.
It then relents and says
 But i can also make this slime, i dont know what it does though. Lets see with these clerics. 
 Red 
 WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS BURNS AT LEAST GIVE ME THAT JAM. 

Elsee can feel the jar vibrating in her pocket, punching away at her side.

 Pink 

The gel in the jar vibrates in the tune of some song Surdrak used to hum sometime.
Silverraptor
Sora winces as the grip becomes tighter.
 "C-Could you let us breathe a little?" 
Athedia
Badger looked at the goo curiously.  She was tempted to touch it.  This part of Surdrak seemed much friendlier.  Going inside she approached his comatose body.  She stood over it unsure for a second and then poured a few drops of the goo onto the exposed skin of his neck.

 
 Spoiler 
Doesn't Ced have some red goo?  Badger wouldn't know this but I think he does.
 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Spoiler 
 No he doesn't. Elsee offered him some, but he seemed to have completely ignored it in favor of suddenly jumping everyone back to Surdrak and Badger.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee and Artorias (mostly Elsee though): 

Ced looks up at the sound of loud rustling and muffled shouts outside, He runs out to the front to see Elsee dragging something behind her by an equally glowing kukri while holding a jar. Kheel is above her, leisurely flying along and pausing whenever he sees a rabbit dash into the flowers and grass. Upon seeing the wyvern Ced breaks into a run, shouting,  "Hey! HEY! What did I say 'bout predators near my rabbits?"  He then trails off and stares at Elsee's jar, which is vibrating, and the way she's holding her kukri, which is also bouncing up and down. He sighs, a long dramatic whole-bodied effort.

 "Lemme guess, another one?" 
 
 Spoiler: Draconi 
I'm sorry about that. I didn't see your post.
 

 Jadeite and Sora: 

The two clerics are already in a shouting match--it's hard to tell under their vitriol and dialects, but they seem to be shouting something about mercy for robbers and bandits--before Surdrak goes to drip goo on them.

 "Wait!"  Jadeite shouts.  "Why not try dripping go in this jar?"  He holds out a vial and a funnel.  "Aren't you curious what it might do to inanimate objects?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneered and twisted her Kurkri in Spiridrak's non-flesh in frustraition,  "Oh good! 'm not goin crazy then! Freakeng then stopped me from having a perfectly good time doing something mildly entertaining for once!" 
super dark33
 Badger 

The goo slowly drips out of the jar, at first its afraid to spill itself completly, but a single drop manages to get away....

 Orange 
 NOPE! 

and with a move of both hands, the clerics get a wholesome amount of gel in their face.

At first they stagger back, and claim disgust about the situation.
But they they look at each other and grin

The ghost lets out a hearty laugh.

 Red 
 LEMME GO ILL FIGHT YOU IRL DO YOU EVEN LIFT 
 Badger 

and the drop hits the corpse.

It is absorbed inside rather quickly and nothing seems to happen.


But then the body starts shaking. 9 tendrils grow out of it and swing around madly, the corpse begins to moan and gasp, as two blobs of  Pink  and  Dark Blue  appear on it. the two blobs touch each other and begin to sizzle, emitting smoke and an unnatural smell of an unknown chemical reaction.

 Pink, Red and all around 

Artorias notices that the pink ghost is pulled towards ced's house, it attempts to stand ground.

 Noooo but i want to see the flower!! 

But it cant stand up to the force and its pulled back.

 WHAT WAS THAT WHAT IS THAT WHAT EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA  AAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHH 

The red ghost is pulled away from Elsee, the kukri cutting deeply into it.
It is taken to the house through a window.

 Orange 

The laugh is cut short. the ghost is pulled away by somthing invisible, but it doesnt seem to worry it that much.

 Oh, well looks like i have to go byeeee! 
 Badger 

First a pink ghost slams face first into the floor besides Surdrak. before it can react a tendril grabs it and shackles its tail firmly

 Hey it hurts stop it! 

Then in a rapid succesion, 7 more ghosts of many colors slam at different parts of the house, some knock vases and pictures.

The last tendril reaches for Badger's head, she cant feel a thing.

  I DIDNT KNOW I CAN FEEL PAIIIIIIIIN!!  

The tendril pulls out a shade, its white outlines creat the shape of Surdrak.

 NOTHING MAKES SENSE ANYMORE, ALL REASON IS DEAD. 
 What is the meaning of this!? i was in the middle of making the second best plan ever! 
 This is scary, where is everyone? 
 HEY GREENIE YOU REMIND ME OF SOMEONE I NEVER GOT TO HIT GET OVER HERE 
 What do you even know?! YOU CAN GO **** YOURSELF YOU ****TING **** ******* 
 *sigh* i always knew dying is too good for me. 
 YOU ALL WILL BE QUIET WHILE I UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON AND HOW TO FIX IT 
 What makes you the smart one ****face? 
 Oh great forefather did i die and go to clown heaven? 

A deep unintelligable voice is emitted from Surdrak, all the ghosts shut up and stand in a different corner of the room, except the white one, who is released from the grip.

It goes near Badger, its voice sttutering.
 Weeee beettterrr gggett outssside, the turmmoil left  

The roar is heard again

 THE PRIMAL DOESNT LIKE UNPRODUCTIVE CHATTER. 
the ghost cowers behind badger.

 Thats the minority opinion he- okay okay ill be quiet! 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 ~snip~ 
 

Badger stared wide-eyed and frozen at the chaos around her.  Watching the shade be pulled out of her head she cursed.  "You were in there you lying twit.  I wasn't going insane."   Nodding at the white ghost Badger carefully picked up Surdrak and carried him outside.   "I hope you are the Primal Surdrak." 
 
 Spoiler 
That was so cool.
 
super dark33
The roar is heard again, all the ghosts cower.

   N̛̗̻̳̳͓̠̜͙͓̜͙͓̟̫̗̼̤̫͎̕ȩ͓̫͉̤̮͖̯̗͓̣̞̘̥͉̙̝̲́u҉̛͓̦̺̥͉  ̟̜̗̻̳̯̺͙̳̟̠ͅk̶͟͏̴̭̳̼̠̪̼̮͈͉̘̺̯͓̬e̦̟̰̹̝̜͠͝ṉ̨͍͔̬̼̝̳̙  ͇͇͓͔̪͚͉͙͇͔i̵̶̢͓͈̞̬̘͓̻̻̟͕͙͕̳͞ͅͅn̵̨̪͓̹̘̫̞̞͔̞̦̱͖d̘̱̀̕  ̲̣͓͎͖͚̮̥͚̲̙̦̫͚͎͕̪e̶̘̮̼͖̰̙͇̮̭̜͉͚̖͈͓̗͈̺͠͡k͕̻͓͙̼͕̀͢͡e  ̶̦̟̩̝̬̺͇̠̼̹͙̟͚̘̖͜͡u̸̢̡̙̖̤̞̳͈̦̜̬̙̘͟k̭̖̹͍̹̭͢͠e̸҉̴̣̦͙  ̠̳̯͍̜̼͇ń̷̨̯̲̹̕̕N̛̗̻̳̳͓̠̜͙͓̜͙͓̟̫̗̼̤̫͎̕ȩ͓̫͉̤̮͖̯̗͓́  ̣̞̘̥͉̙̝̲u҉̛͓̦̺̥͉̟̜̗̻̳̯̺͙̳̟̠ͅk̶͟͏̴̭̳̼̠̪̼̮͈͉̘̺̯͓̬e͠͝  ̦̟̰̹̝̜ṉ̨͍͔̬̼̝̳̙͇͇͓͔̪͚͉͙͇͔i̵̶̢͓͈̞̬̘͓̻̻̟͕͙͕̳͞ͅͅn̵̨̪  ͓̹̘̫̞̞͔̞̦̱͖d̘̱̲̣͓͎͖͚̮̥͚̲̙̦̫͚͎͕̪̀̕e̶̘̮̼͖̰̙͇̮̭̜͉͚̖͠͡  ͈͓̗͈̺k͕̻͓͙̼͕̀͢͡e̶̦̟̩̝̬̺͇̠̼̹͙̟͚̘̖͜͡u̸̢̡̙̖̤̞̳͈̦̜̬̙̘͟  k̭̖̹͍̹̭͢͠e̸҉̴̣̦͙̠̳̯͍̜̼͇ń̷̨̯̲̹̕̕N̛̗̻̳̳͓̠̜͙͓̜͙͓̟̫̗̕  ̼̤̫͎ȩ͓̫͉̤̮͖̯̗͓̣̞̘̥͉̙̝̲́u҉̛͓̦̺̥͉̟̜̗̻̳̯̺͙̳̟̠ͅk̶͟͏̴̭  ̳̼̠̪̼̮͈͉̘̺̯͓̬e̦̟̰̹̝̜͠͝ṉ̨͍͔̬̼̝̳̙͇͇͓͔̪͚͉͙͇͔i̵̶̢͓͈̞͞  ̬̘͓̻̻̟͕͙͕̳ͅͅn̵̨̪͓̹̘̫̞̞͔̞̦̱͖d̘̱̲̣͓͎͖͚̮̥͚̲̙̦̫͚͎͕̪̀̕e  ̶̘̮̼͖̰̙͇̮̭̜͉͚̖͈͓̗͈̺͠͡k͕̻͓͙̼͕̀͢͡e̶̦̟̩̝̬̺͇̠̼̹͙̟͚̘̖͜͡  u̸̢̡̙̖̤̞̳͈̦̜̬̙̘͟k̭̖̹͍̹̭͢͠e̸҉̴̣̦͙̠̳̯͍̜̼͇ń̷̨̯̲̕̕  ̹   
 PUT IT DOWN PUT IT DOWN PUT IT DOWN THE PRIMAL DOESNT LIKE THAT PUT IT DOWN 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 The roar is heard again, all the ghosts cower.

   N̛̗̻̳̳͓̠̜͙͓̜͙͓̟̫̗̼̤̫͎̕ȩ͓̫͉̤̮͖̯̗͓̣̞̘̥͉̙̝̲́u҉̛͓̦̺̥͉  ̟̜̗̻̳̯̺͙̳̟̠ͅk̶͟͏̴̭̳̼̠̪̼̮͈͉̘̺̯͓̬e̦̟̰̹̝̜͠͝ṉ̨͍͔̬̼̝̳̙  ͇͇͓͔̪͚͉͙͇͔i̵̶̢͓͈̞̬̘͓̻̻̟͕͙͕̳͞ͅͅn̵̨̪͓̹̘̫̞̞͔̞̦̱͖d̘̱̀̕  ̲̣͓͎͖͚̮̥͚̲̙̦̫͚͎͕̪e̶̘̮̼͖̰̙͇̮̭̜͉͚̖͈͓̗͈̺͠͡k͕̻͓͙̼͕̀͢͡e  ̶̦̟̩̝̬̺͇̠̼̹͙̟͚̘̖͜͡u̸̢̡̙̖̤̞̳͈̦̜̬̙̘͟k̭̖̹͍̹̭͢͠e̸҉̴̣̦͙  ̠̳̯͍̜̼͇ń̷̨̯̲̹̕̕N̛̗̻̳̳͓̠̜͙͓̜͙͓̟̫̗̼̤̫͎̕ȩ͓̫͉̤̮͖̯̗͓́  ̣̞̘̥͉̙̝̲u҉̛͓̦̺̥͉̟̜̗̻̳̯̺͙̳̟̠ͅk̶͟͏̴̭̳̼̠̪̼̮͈͉̘̺̯͓̬e͠͝  ̦̟̰̹̝̜ṉ̨͍͔̬̼̝̳̙͇͇͓͔̪͚͉͙͇͔i̵̶̢͓͈̞̬̘͓̻̻̟͕͙͕̳͞ͅͅn̵̨̪  ͓̹̘̫̞̞͔̞̦̱͖d̘̱̲̣͓͎͖͚̮̥͚̲̙̦̫͚͎͕̪̀̕e̶̘̮̼͖̰̙͇̮̭̜͉͚̖͠͡  ͈͓̗͈̺k͕̻͓͙̼͕̀͢͡e̶̦̟̩̝̬̺͇̠̼̹͙̟͚̘̖͜͡u̸̢̡̙̖̤̞̳͈̦̜̬̙̘͟  k̭̖̹͍̹̭͢͠e̸҉̴̣̦͙̠̳̯͍̜̼͇ń̷̨̯̲̹̕̕N̛̗̻̳̳͓̠̜͙͓̜͙͓̟̫̗̕  ̼̤̫͎ȩ͓̫͉̤̮͖̯̗͓̣̞̘̥͉̙̝̲́u҉̛͓̦̺̥͉̟̜̗̻̳̯̺͙̳̟̠ͅk̶͟͏̴̭  ̳̼̠̪̼̮͈͉̘̺̯͓̬e̦̟̰̹̝̜͠͝ṉ̨͍͔̬̼̝̳̙͇͇͓͔̪͚͉͙͇͔i̵̶̢͓͈̞͞  ̬̘͓̻̻̟͕͙͕̳ͅͅn̵̨̪͓̹̘̫̞̞͔̞̦̱͖d̘̱̲̣͓͎͖͚̮̥͚̲̙̦̫͚͎͕̪̀̕e  ̶̘̮̼͖̰̙͇̮̭̜͉͚̖͈͓̗͈̺͠͡k͕̻͓͙̼͕̀͢͡e̶̦̟̩̝̬̺͇̠̼̹͙̟͚̘̖͜͡  u̸̢̡̙̖̤̞̳͈̦̜̬̙̘͟k̭̖̹͍̹̭͢͠e̸҉̴̣̦͙̠̳̯͍̜̼͇ń̷̨̯̲̕̕  ̹   
 PUT IT DOWN PUT IT DOWN PUT IT DOWN THE PRIMAL DOESNT LIKE THAT PUT IT DOWN  
 

Badger stood there glaring at the spirits.   "Surdrak, the Primal, WHATEVER, gets put down once someone here explains how to FIX this and also after you clean up the mess you made of Ced's house." 
super dark33
 DONT ANGER HIM NOOOOOOOOO 
   Ń̴̗̱̯̘̹̬͇̺͚͘͞ȩ̸̴̴͕̼͍͓̩͞ù̷̬͇̮̱͕͉̗͕̝̠̼͇͙̩̩͎̩̺͢k̢̕  ͖͕̝̩̞̯̲̳̲̺̘͟ͅe̸̢̺̱̭͓̹̘̘̳̞̲ǹ̶̝͎̠̦̪͝í͙͓͖̞̩̪͔̞̟͜͠ͅi  ̛͏̦̜͓̼̼n̶͇̲͍̦̝͜ḑ̘̖̜̟̳̼̻̪̺̣̯͇̠̠̱͈͓̹̗͞e҉̶̛͉̫̬̹̦̙ḱ̡  ͚̯̥̗̬̠̲͈̭̳͔̙͖̫̠̦e̶͓͍̮̙̖̯̥͉͕͉̦̱̦̫̩͚̬͠͞ͅu͢͢҉̲̻̘͍̻̖̮͖  ̻̟̱̯̦͔͓͙̯̖ḱ̵̗̗̳̤͙̬͍̳̫̝̝̝͔̻͎͘͜ẹ͕̲̦̟̥́̀n͈̠͕̝͉̕̕͝͞ͅ  ͉͔͍̳͖̫̺̼̺͍  
̨̺̗̺̞͚͙͉͟  Ń̲̘͉̱e̸̷̘̮͇u̯̟̹͔̖̻̱̘k̛̛̙̦͘ę̶͕͇̼̣ǹ̫͕̭̟͜i̡͓͖͓̥̫̳͝  ̗ͅi̸͉̘̻͍͇̙̤̯͈͝n̡̠̮̩͝d̫̬̗͠ḙ̴̼̼k̭̲̭è̳̦͔̞̰̦̕ͅu҉̶̬̮͇  ̖͖k̶̵͙̭͚͘e̸̶͕̳̺̜͉̤n̨͙̻̼͎̘̲  
  N̷̮͚̱ę͇̜̫ù̥͓̭̲̙̭͇k̀e̦̙͞n̺͈̺͇̬̟̻͝i͔͖͍̥i̖̟n̻̩de͙̩k  ̨͎̝͇̖̬e͏̞̜͙̝̮͓͓u̟͚̣k̼͍̺̫̥̙̫e̙͉͙n̝̫͢   
 OKAY OKAY PLEASE STOP! GO TALK TO CED! 
CoffeeIncluded
 Jadeite and Sora: 

When the orange goo hits the clerics, they abruptly start arguing. The cleric of Gaia looks at the Astridan cleric and says with a smile,  "What are we doing fighting like this? The bandits have already been captured, and they probably have the pouch on them." 

The Astridian cleric laughs and replies,  "I'm sure we can use a spell to find them too. I'm sorry I jumped down your throat about this." 

Of course it's at this moment that the orange Surdrak gets yanked away. Jadeite looks at Sora, then wordlessly runs after the ghost.

 Elsee and Artorias: 

A loud smash from the inside of the room sends everyone's attention there.  "What in blazes is goin' on?!"  Ced screams before running back inside the house as fast as he can.
Silverraptor
Sora stands there with a completely lost and confused look on her face on what just happened. Silently, she pulls out the pouch, somewhat forcibly shoves the pouch into one of their arms, and then turns and leaves before either one could have a decent response, unless they yell after her. All she wanted to do at the moment was crawl into a bed, and forget about the day.
CoffeeIncluded
The two clerics stare at the bag sora presses into the Gaian clerics hands. It's not until she walks off (whether to the inn or Ced's house isn't quite clear yet) that the cleric runs up to sora, slightly out of breath.  "Thank you so much for finding it!"  she says, sprinting the last few steps.  "What's your name? How did you find it?"

Elsee and Artorias: 

Jadeite is definitely winded as he makes his way to Ced's house. He bends back the grass and asks,  "Did you see Surdrak? Or a manifestation of him?" 

Ced simply stares at the new arrival, and the snake hanging off of him, and throws his hands to the sky with a shout of,  "Oh COME ON!" 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias pointedly ignores Ced's outburst  "By manifestation do you mean vaguely-ghostlike pink and red versions of him  he waits for the wizard to nod  "They are over there"  he points with his thumb over his shoulder to the last place where he say Surdrak.
CoffeeIncluded
Those manifestations have vanished as well, dragged into the room like all the others.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias turns his head only to see they have vanished  "Or not?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Don't even think I'm lettin' ya get away with this easy,"  Ced mutters as he leads them into the house, which smells heavily of incense and is crammed floor to ceiling with various bottles, vases, and bundled sheaves of dried plants and similar items.  "Frankly I think ya owe me double for what's been done to--MY ROOM!" 

Surdrak himself is still lying comatose on the bed with pink and dark blue goo dripping from it, but what's more immediately troubling are the six ghosts of Surdrak by the bed. All are different colors and all are arguing with each other. There's one final ghost, a white one, which Badger has pressed up against the wall, scarily close to a delicate-looking mask decorated with feathers and fine thread.
super dark33
All the ghosts sit curled attempting to cover their faces with their tails, the  pink  and  yellow  ghosts hug while the  red  and  green  ghosts sit twitching and attempt to sneak blows to one another.
 Purple  sweats  purple gel  and rapidly taps its fingers on a shelf, Dark Blue  lies on the floor,  Teal  folds its arms and fails to look aloof and controlled, and  Orange  attempts to make itself smile, but the fear consumes it.

 White  attempts to take the corpse away from Badger, but isnt able to overpower her.
It talks quickly and nervously
 Please put it down it only makes things harder please please please Badger please dont worry its not going to make you seem weak please Badger be reasonable please please shhhhh shhh there calming shhh shhh 
   L͕̯̞͕̕͝ͅĮ̀҉̼͔̜̹̼̯͍͚͖͎̩̞̹̀ͅS̱͉͈̘̺̺͚̲͔̠̥̰̰̱͉͢T̵̶̮͖͟  ͕͎É̶̴͉̹̣̞̹̝͉͇͉͇͍̦͙̳̰̩͞͡Ņ̦͕̲̪̻͍͚̲̮̼̼͚̣̙͖̪͎̗̗Ţ̀͜͜  ̮̻̯̱͍̙̺̻͎̺͞Ǫ҉̧҉̫͖̣̤̪̞͈̜͔̜̯̮̲́T̶͙͉̻̖̹͢ͅḨ͇͕̝̙͕͉͈͈̀  ͚̟̠͚͕͉̗ͅͅE̷͚̗̜͈̱̟͇̝̱͈͍̙̺̕͟ͅW̘̩̻̰͓̘͕̳̘̼̩͉͕̤̼͕̖̕͡ͅH҉  ̵̡̹̗͈̳͟I҉̧҉̡̬̳̦̖͇̣̠̥̙T̞͇̘̱̟̕͝Ę̷̺̱̱̳͜͜͝S̴͏̳̻͚̘͙̣̰͢  ̻͎P̷̛͈̪̙͙͇̟̤̘̗̜̙͍͈̻͠͝L̨̙̬̟̭̫͖̺̼͟͞͝ͅÌ̧͚̩̗̳ͅN̶̝͎̹̕͞  ̥̘̬̯͖T̡͈̲͍̮̘̭̬͓̜̲̲̗̞͍͖͈̳̝̪͟È̵͔̰̰͍̙͚R̴̰͈͍͙̤̻̰͍̻̱̪̀  ͕͚̤͕̙͕
L̵̶̛̳̠̞̞̣̲̳̬I̵̧̭͙͔̜̘̯͚S̵͚͇̻̯͔̼̪̩͡T̷̲͖͍̝͍̥̜̭E̸͉̟͟͝N  ̶̲̯̥̯̟͇͉͝T͕͙̮̖̪̻̟ͅO̷̰̠͎͕̕ͅT͚̝̖̜̪͢͜͠H̶̺̜̮̟͔̀͟Ȩ̛̫͈͞  ̲̥̱̱̙W̨̱̣͔̲͓̖̣͢H̝͖̟͚̠͖I̸̢̪̳̗̣̝̯̥T̸̛̞̙̝̖̭͎̙ͅE͏̖̲̜̭͞  ̼S̴͚̺̤̼P͍̣̥̻̩͎̯̙͜L̵̮̖̰̩̪̠ͅI̮̘͈͢N̰͇͈̫̩T̷̨̪̞́E̢͔̲̘̲̖  ͈̤R͇͓͈̝͢͞
Ḷ̞͉̗̹͉Í̭̙S̻̫͍͍̻͜T̤̠͕͝E̖N͏͓͖T̹͔͎͠O͉̪̪̞̞̯Ṱ̥͖͎̕H̛̻  ͈͎ḚͅW͏̦͓̝̹̫̠H͖̰I̠͈̖͉̳̺͍T͢ES̭ͅP͇͕͜L͜I̲ͅN͓͖͘T͍͉̰͕̼̗  E̞͇̬̫̕R͟ͅ   
   CEASE THE CHAOS PUT THE VASSAL DOWN SO THE REPAIR CAN BEGIN

I AM THE PRIME NOT THE PRIMAL AND MY DESIGNATION IS TO KEEP SURDRAK ALIVE

TO KEEP HIS SOUL AND BODY FUNCTIONAL FROM BREATHING TO THINKING

I HAVE DESIGNED AND PERFECTED A SYSTEM OF DIFFERENT SOUL TYPES TO DO SO

IT HAS WORKED FLAWLESSLY UP UNTIL NOW

WHEN YOU RUINED EVERYTHING   
  HIS MIND WAS PREPERED TO HAVE A SPIRIT RESIDING IN IT BESIDES HIS OWN SOUL

AND HE COULD PEACFULY COEXIST WITH ONE

HOWEVER THE SPIRITS ATTEMPTED TO CLAIM HIM

AND I PROTECTED HIM

BY CYCLING  BETWEEN ALL THE SOUL TYPES

NOW THEIR SEVENTEEN YEAR PLAN WAS FOILED BY YOU

BUT YOUR FOOLISHNESS IN USING AN ASTRAL BLADE HAD CAUSED IRREVERSABLE DAMAGE

AND YOU NEED TO SALVAGE THE REMAINS AND ATTEMPT TO MINIMIZE IT

MY AUDIENCE IS OVER

BRING THE SPLINTS INTO THE BODY
  


Surdrak's body stops radiating black energy, and the tendrils bind themselves to a wall.

The ghosts are in silence for a while, before  Teal  speaks, relizing that Prime is gone.

 No way in **** im going back there! 
 WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS LET ME AT HIM 
 ****ing shut up you ***** **** ******* ********! Im NEVER returning! 

And with that, a colourful rumpus begins in the room, dropping bottles and vases, spraying gel everywhere.

The  White  ghost starts crying and goes to hide in one of the flower pots, its boneless structure allowing it to fit inside.
Athedia
Badger dropped Surdrak on the table in disgust. "Pink get in this body or you don't get a bunny." 
super dark33
 What do you mean get in this body? how do i do that? it doesnt seem pleasent! and besides, there are lots of bunnies in the world and if i go to look for them i will find them! and everything else i want! 
 T.... to get in the body you need to concentrate your gel into a thick gem like thing and then we put that on the body.. its hard at first but.... 
 Oh! id prefer to stay outside though. 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The two clerics stare at the bag sora presses into the Gaian clerics hands. It's not until she walks off (whether to the inn or Ced's house isn't quite clear yet) that the cleric runs up to sora, slightly out of breath.  "Thank you so much for finding it!"  she says, sprinting the last few steps.  "What's your name? How did you find it?"

Elsee and Artorias: 

Jadeite is definitely winded as he makes his way to Ced's house. He bends back the grass and asks,  "Did you see Surdrak? Or a manifestation of him?" 

Ced simply stares at the new arrival, and the snake hanging off of him, and throws his hands to the sky with a shout of,  "Oh COME ON!"  
 

 "S-Sora. And we found it with the Bandits that were brought in earlier." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Surdrak, please go back into your body OK?"  Artorias asks uncertainly.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "S-Sora. And we found it with the Bandits that were brought in earlier."  
 

 "Wait, really?"  she claps her hands together.  "That is so cool! Thank you so much! I'm Holly by the way."  She holds out a had.  "Is there anything I can help you with?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneered at the tediousness of it all, again drawing her astral Kurkri and walking over to her old red frind, once more stabbing and dragging him to Surdrak's boddy, attempting to forceibly push the ghost into it with the blade.  "Thes shet es teyeresom! Just go back to shetty normal so we can go home!" 
super dark33
 RRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRR  RAAAAAAAAAAAGHAGGGGGGG 
 NO ELSEE NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 

The ghost had enough, it starts fighting Elsee, attempting to grapple with its tail and fists, but the tendril that ties it to the wall pulls it back and covers its mouth and hands.
Despite not managing to wound her, it manages to smear some gel on her.
It feels like blood but not enough quite like blood, it makes her angry, what kind of imitation is this? thats not blood! she wants to see REAL blood.

That elf over there looks like a wimp she can probably take him.
CoffeeIncluded
As the red goo splashes over Elsee, she finds a sudden anger and aggression take hold.

 
 Spoiler: Elsee 
Roll a will save.
 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Spoiler 
 i got nothing to say for elsee atm so will save:
 (d20+2)[ 4 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee feels a sudden burning urge to scream, to shout, to fight run through her.

Jadeite sighs and turns to the green ghost.  "If you return to your body I will...allow you to assist me in research." 
super dark33
 Who the **** do you think you ****ing are? ******** elf **** yourself in the ******* with the branches you live on ****e. ***** *** ******** ***** **** ***** *** ****** 
 
 Spoiler 
Where did he learn all these words?

A dictionary.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite stands there and waits for Surdrak's rant to end before he raises an eyebrow and asks the ghost,  "Are you quite finished?"  before turning to the other ghosts and asking,  "Are any of you willing to accept my offer?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee hissed now, all but dropping her Kurkri in favor of leaping up to grab the spirt and continuing her attempt to force it back into Surdrak's body.
super dark33
Elsee cant seem to be able to pull the ghost from the wall, the tendrils hold fast.


 Purple can you please.... 
 *sigh* Everyone here is insane. 
 Purple  Launches a blob of gel at Elsee.
Dusk Eclipse
 "I agree"  Artorias looks desperate trying to figure out how to "fix" Surdrak' situation.  "Um... Surdrak"  Artorias feels a little stupid as 6 pairs of eyes train on him  "um.... Pink Surdrak"  he clears his throat before speaking again  "How about this, if there is anything you want I promise to get it to you if you return to your body."  he offers him his hand  "Do we have a deal?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee pushes the red spirit away angrily, throwing her arms up into the air in a sign of futility, turning on her heel just in time to avoid being hit by the purple glob.
 "That's et! Eye don't care! SirDork can stay dead for all eye care, have fun all of you, Elsee's out!" 

Without annother word Elsee storms out of the already crowded hut, leaving the others -including kheel-behind as she sheathed her Kurkri , slamming the door behind her as she left. She didn't know where she was going, but anywhere had to be better then here.
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite runs out and grabs Elsee by the collar of her armor.  "...Please,"  he says, the word foreign in his mouth,  "We need as many people as possible here to help Surdrak. I'm frustrated as well, but could you at least give it one more chance?" 

He looks back to the ghosts,  "What do you want to get back into Surdrak's body?"  The sarcasm is heavy in his voice as he asks,  " World domination? A strip club? A candy store?" 
 
 Spoiler: Draconi 
Elsee can go elsewhere but I do want you to interact with something if possible, ok?
 
super dark33
 Thankes for the offer Artæ, but im not sure if its nice in there! what if- 


The ghosts cease bickering and move from their distinctive poses to complete attention as Jadeite speaks
Even  White .

 What? 
 Tell me more 
 Huurngh? 
The  red  ghost ceases its struggle.

 Youre lying. 
Athedia
 "Sure you climb in there and we will take you to the nicest strip clubs in Runite.  Even give you some money for the entertainment.  Also if you don't get in there none of you will ever taste Surdrak's cooking again." 
super dark33
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Sure you climb in there and we will take you to the nicest strip clubs in Runite.  Even give you some money for the entertainment.  Also if you don't get in there none of you will ever taste Surdrak's cooking again."  
 

The body glows black again

  NOT TO BE RUDE BUT THE SECOND POINT IS NOT A GOOD INCENTIVE TO GET BACK  
 Orange  scratches his chin with the end of his tail.
 Hmmm that can indeed be nice, but the whole fun of it is the use of my own appeal. I dont condone that but even seducing a tavern bimbo is more enjoying. 
 Purple  is disgusted.
 You are despicable. You all are. I hope i wont be able to hear you in there. How did you say it work, focusing all the gel at one point? 
 White  nods and  Purple  begins to drain its form into a single crystal.  White  grabs it.

 Okay i know it might look visceral but please dont worry. 
 White  places the crystal on the body, then he slowly raises it and
Stabs the body with it. the crystal melts and goes inside the non-existing wound.

The body trembles slightly.

  I HOPE THE SAME Solidarity can apply to all of you  

The   Black   glow gets out of the body and becomes a ghost similiar to  White .

  You need at least one piece of sentinence to have a working body, and since its the only opportunity i can ever get to be outside, why not take it? At least i can speak coherently now.  
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite folds his arms and raises his eyebrows.  "Wonderful. Now that you can speak, answer this question: Is Surdrak healed?" 
super dark33
  Not yet.  
 Sure, im not the person you talk about or anything.  
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite sighs.  "Then please, enlighten us. What else is necessary?" 
 Elsee: 

If Elsee shrugs off jadeite and storms out she sees Kheel waiting outside, sitting surprisingly patoently. HE asks I'm broken goblin,  "Wanna ride?" 
super dark33
  All these fellows need to get in. No rush but i can keep them here forever. They should take that in mind.  

It gives all the other ghosts a mean look.
They seem to not be as threathned.

 Well not forever forever, about fading-in-a-day-forever. Only way to survive is getting in.  
CoffeeIncluded
 "It better be sooner,"  Ced says, still eying the ghosts.  "I gotta get this place cleaned up, and ya better help,"  he says, suddenly whirling to glare at Artorias, Badger, and Jadeite.
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Wait, really?"  she claps her hands together.  "That is so cool! Thank you so much! I'm Holly by the way."  She holds out a had.  "Is there anything I can help you with?"  
 

 "W-Well..." 
She thinks about the whole surdrak ghosts incident.

 
 Spoiler: To Coffee 
We can cut ahead with these clerics coming in to help get the spirits of Surdrak back in his body.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Elsee (assuming she's not there):

"Hello!!!"  A young woman's voice echoes from outside below the window. If the party heads over and pushes aside the woven curtains, they see Sora aelow.nd a young woman--a cleric of Gaia judging by the holy symbol--waving from below.  "Ced, Sora told me you had some trouble with an exorcism or something?" 

Ced groans, then shuffles over to the window and shouts,  "Everythin's okay up here, Holly!"  A loud crash echoes behind him as a precariously stacked tower of rods and cups tips over and clatters to the floor. Ced visibly winces.  "Erm, maybe ya should take a look!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "It better be sooner,"  Ced says, still eying the ghosts.  "I gotta get this place cleaned up, and ya better help,"  he says, suddenly whirling to glare at Artorias, Badger, and Jadeite. 
 

Artorias can't help but roll his eyes at Ced's admonishment  "Yes, we will help you clean your housel, but first"  he points to the ghosts  "we have to deal with this." 

He narrows his eyes  "Look Surdrak... all of you, we have tried to do this nicely,  but we are running out of time and I'm getting angry. So you either cooperate and get your incorporeal ass back into your body or"  Artorias hefts the astral scythe with one hand   "I'll be forced to use this.... I don't know what it will do to you, it might force you back, it my hurt you or perhaps even destroy you and we don't want that to happen, do we?"  Artorias finishes with an almost palpable edge in his voice.

 
 Spoiler: Action 

Intimidate  (1d20)[ 13 ] 
 
super dark33
 
 Spoiler: Intimidation target roll 
 Lying isnt bad either, lie to pink about how nice it is inside in a way that he can see as truthful.
He is very naive.

 (1d20+7)[ 10 ]  Pink
 (1d20+7)[ 19 ]  Red
 (1d20+7)[ 19 ]  Blue
 (1d20+7)[ 17 ]  Green
 (1d20+7)[ 27 ]  Teal
 (1d20+7)[ 11 ]  Orange
 (1d20+7)[ 13 ]  Yellow
 

 Yellow  leans back, not taking its eyes off the schyte
 W..Watch with that! youll regret it! 
 Hes not serious. 
 Hey! come on now! how can i know you really will stand by your promise? 

Pink looks hurt, he curls into himself.
 If its really important to you okay ill get in! im just afraid! 
 **** you i cant belive i ****ing trusted you all this time **** **** ***-  A white tendril holds  Green 's mouth shut.

 Thats enough out of you. 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "It better be sooner,"  Ced says, still eying the ghosts.  "I gotta get this place cleaned up, and ya better help,"  he says, suddenly whirling to glare at Artorias, Badger, and Jadeite. 
 

 "Hey, you brought Surdrak in here.  I was all for leaving him outside, but nope he had to go on the table." 

 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Everyone but Elsee (assuming she's not there):

"Hello!!!"  A young woman's voice echoes from outside below the window. If the party heads over and pushes aside the woven curtains, they see Sora aelow.nd a young woman--a cleric of Gaia judging by the holy symbol--waving from below.  "Ced, Sora told me you had some trouble with an exorcism or something?" 

Ced groans, then shuffles over to the window and shouts,  "Everythin's okay up here, Holly!"  A loud crash echoes behind him as a precariously stacked tower of rods and cups tips over and clatters to the floor. Ced visibly winces.  "Erm, maybe ya should take a look!"  
 

 "Can you do an exorcism in reverse?  Because that would be very helpful." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Elsee:

"And I wasn't expectin' these ghosts ta wreck my house,"  Ced says.  "Ya try ta do some good and eveythin' ends up broken even more,"  he mutters to himself.

 "Um, maybe?"  Holly says from outside. There's a pause, and then everyone inside can hear the door open and two sets of footsteps pounding into the room. Sora and Holly are there, and Holly fiddles with her holy symbol as she looks at Surdrak. She casts a spell under her breath and then appears to be able to see the ghosts. Somehow, she only stumbles back a few steps. Holly blinks and says,  "Well, um, is there something that they like? Something that got their attention?" 
super dark33
 Taht gninaelc ton Mi. thgir noitamrofer eht refta ssensuoicnocnu ekaf ylattot Ew? 
  Esruoc fo.  

The  System  ghosts giggle, the other ghosts either force a giggle or not at all.

 Dark Blue  returns to smear itself on the floor.

 Whats even the point?  


In response to the cleric the orange ghosts retorts.

 Well you can safely say You got caught my attention lady, say whats your name? 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Elsee: 

If Elsee shrugs off jadeite and storms out she sees Kheel waiting outside, sitting surprisingly patoently. HE asks I'm broken goblin,  "Wanna ride?"  
 

Elsee sneers a bit and shoves her hands into her pockets, shaking her head "no" a little bit as she walks past, though not making any sign of objecting if the Wyvvern walked with her. she mainly just needed to be alone for awhile.
super dark33
Integrity damage takes its toll on some shelves near badger.

From it, plates and glasses fall down, most break, except a single tray, which dances around itself on the floor noisily.

on it, the jar that sat on the topmost shelf falls and breaks in two, each half jumps out of the tray, leaving its content on it.

Small golden balls, each smaller than an eye. they shine.

No ghost can take its eyes off of it, and they watch in silence as the balls roll around. the tray.

These are carmelized honey coated nut treats.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Um, I'm Holly,"  the cleric days as she fidgets with her mouse-brown hair, twisting it between her fingers. She then holds out her hands out in some sort of hybrid between a conciliatory placating gesture and one of warding.  "How can we restore your shattered soul, erm..." 
 "Surdrak." 
 "Surdrak?" 

At that moment one of the shelves, badly damaged by an earlier outburst, finally decides to give way and sends a tea set falling to the floor. The tea pot breaks in half and spills sweet floral-scented tea onto the rug, but all the ghosts pay attention to the cookies that scatter everywhere.

Holly looks at Surdrak's ghosts, then the cookies, tje back again.  "Seriously?"

Elsee and Kheel: 

Elsee wanders aimlessly through the tall fields of growing corn and wheat. It's high noon and hot, so everyone is inside--the only other sapient creature around is Kheel.

Until the Wyvern pauses and ducks into a row of corn, pausing to grab Elsee by her collar and pull her in close to him.  "Something's near,"  he says in Draconic.

Peering over te rows and rows of growing corn, Elsee and Kheel can see the four members of the Steel Thorns hurrying past, occasionally sneaking glances over their shoulders. They're in full armor and weapons. Connor is in front and appears to bee leading a charge (as quietly as possible) while the dwarf, Ragnar, beings up the rear, clutching his axe with a nervous look.

They're headed towards the building by the edge of the fields that serves as police station, courthouse, and jail.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias simply shrugs as if to say "You get used to it"
Draconi Redfir
Elsee huffed and hunkered over as she started following the thorns, she really had no idea what they were up to, but if nothing else it could be fun to mess around with them a bit, if nothing else spying on them a bit would get her mind off of things.

 
 Spoiler 

move silent:  (d20+10)[ 26 ] 
Hite:  (d20+9)[ 22 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias notices how the ghosts appea to be enthralled by the cookies, he casually slings the astral scythe over his shoulders as he walks to the table where the cookies fell. He takes one and eats it  "mmmmm, this cookies are really good Ced"  he takes another one and waves it in front of the ghosts  "They're really tasty, you guys should try them"  he stops cold, shocked  "Oh wait ! You can't,  at least not as ghosts can you?"  he munches on thesecond cookie  "That's quite the dilemma isn't it? What can we do,  what can we do?" 
 "Oh I know! If you guys get back into your body I promise you'll get all these cookies.  Sounds good? 
super dark33
One by one, the ghost objectify themselves into a crystal.

 Yellow  creats a slightly slimy stone that explodes in  White 's face.
 Orange  waves and winks at Holly before before hes gone.
 Teal  and  Green  are utterly defeated and surrender themselves in a sigh.

Only  Pink  and  Blue  remain.


  What are you waiting for? come on!  
 Okay okay! im still afraid though, what if it eats me and  no one knows it? 
 I wont get this cookie. I never do. Or anything else good. 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 One by one, the ghost objectify themselves into a crystal.

 Yellow  creats a slightly slimy stone that explodes in  White 's face.
 Orange  waves and winks at Holly before before hes gone.
 Teal  and  Green  are utterly defeated and surrender themselves in a sigh.

Only  Pink  and  Blue  remain.


  What are you waiting for? come on!  
 Okay okay! im still afraid though, what if it eats me and  no one knows it? 
 I wont get this cookie. I never do. Or anything else good.  
 

Badger knelt down by the blue ghost.   "Blue, inside you won't be asked to try to do things.  So you will never fail at anything.  Isn't that much better than out here where we always demand results?" 
super dark33
 Who cares about failing? Even that is given to other people. its never mine. 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Elsee: 

Jadeite sighs and addresses the pink ghost.  "I promise you won't be eaten." 
 "You won't,  Holly adds.  "I've seen things like this before. You'll be fine."

Elsee: 

Kheel takes to the air but hangs back as Elsee follows the Steel Thorns through the corn. Because she's short and green she blends in with the six-foot-heigh crops with little trouble. Ajax does turn his head at one point, but seems to shrug it off and continues on the hunt as they sneak towards the jail.

There's nobody on the outside at the moment; all the guards are inside. Elsee sees Steel Thorns sneak around the back as she peers out from the edge of the crops. DOes she follow?
Athedia
Badger felt bad but she needed to get blue back in Surdrak.   "Blue, no-one out here will miss you if you crystallize." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee chewed on her lip as she watched the group head to the back of the building, good old prison escape eh? It'd just be like old times, heck, she still remembered the time she hooked up with the Collectors and had been one of very few to not be thrown in jail after a failed heist, they had to break everyone out and move half a continent away after THAT one! Elsee snuck in closer to the building, inching her way closer to the front entrance, looking for a window or something she could use to gauge the security inside. There had to be a sleeping security guard with a belt filled with keys in there somewhere, there was ALWAYS a sleeping security guard with a belt filled with keys in there!

As she sneaked about, Elsee idly wondered how Zeirith the drow was doing these days. if she had known the prison escape would have ended the way it did, she would have let him be captured more often!

 
 Spoiler 

use as needed.
hide;  (d20+10)[ 24 ] 
move silent;  (d20+9)[ 29 ] 
Search;  (d20+3)[ 22 ] 
spot;  (d20+2)[ 6 ] 
climb;  (d20+4)[ 18 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee peers into the window, left propped open to provide some circulation in this heat. The guard isn't dozing, but he is engrossed in...a crossword puzzle. He doesn't seem to notice Elsee at all, though sneaking Kheel in might draw his attention. Several keys are hanging off a wall behind him and his desk, and there are hallways to the left and right of him.
Draconi Redfir
elsee remains hidden below the window for the moment, looking up to spot Kheel. She points to herself with one hand, then points to the pinky finger of the other, she then points to the building beneath her, followed by indicating the ring, index, and middle fingers which were all clumped together, the thumb waving off on the opposite side of it. Her pointing hand then pointed to Kheel, made a half-circle around her hand, and pointed at her thumb, followed by her pointing hand making a "talking" motion, before clenching both hands and lowering them to signal the end to her instructions. From there Elsee waited below the window, she figured she could crawl in easily enough, she just needed the Guard to be distracted a little bit more, anyone can see someone crawling into a window right infront of them, crossword puzzle or not. She hoped Kheel could see and understand her wordless instructions from up there, if not... she'd have to get a little more creative.

Elsee waited until Kheel did as instructed, and, providing he did, she would crawl in through the window.

 
 Spoiler 

Not doing anything now, but i'll put a climb check to crawl through the window if Kheel does his job right.
 as well as a listen to see if it works.
climb: (d20+4)[ 22 ] 
listen:  (d20+2)[ 4 ] 
 
Athedia
 "Look blue, you get this one chance.  One chance to do something great, something no-one else can do.  Unless you crystalize and go back in you die and Surdrak dies and all the other spirits inside him die.  So you will get something good.  Even living one more second is good." 
CoffeeIncluded
Kheel blinks and looks at Elsee in confusion. Te guard really isn't paying attention; she can whisper instructions to him.
super dark33
Blue raises his head and thinks.

 Well most of them were *******s anyway, but... HEY! 
 Blue  notices one of the   Black   tendrils sneaking away a cookie above him towards   Black  .
He shoots it down with a stream of gel and takes the cookie that it dropped.


 O..okay im ready. .

the  Pink  ghost crystalizes away, leaving only a mess in the room.


 Finaly. 
  Technically we can get inside any time we wish to wake up, but its best to wait until all the gels mix together in the brain before that. The perfect system will never be back.  
 It was never suited for normal life, only for a mind with spirits. if it kept going Surdrak would have brought himself to bad situations, even with the assistence/protection/subjugation of this guild. 
  I guess thats right. ANYWAY, thank you friendheropeople, you figuretivly cleaned a figuretive mess, but a literal mess is ready to litteraly be cleaned. I dont know if we can help, White?  
 No we cant our body is intangible to anything except other stuff of our nature, a.. and small physical items, but only for short durations. 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

There's a crash to the side, and a muffled curse. This grabs the guard's attention, and he stands up, grabs a sword, takes a few steps...and promptly falls asleep. Seconds later Connor walks in and inspects the sleeping guard, only relaxing when he confirms the guard to be asleep.

There's a muffled question behind him, and Connor turns to answer,  "Eight minutes, but that's enough time,"  before running back. Kheel looks at Elsee and says,   "I'm getting everyone!"   before flying off at top speed.

 Everyone else: 

Ced sighs in relief.  "Is tha it then?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee's hand slapped itself across her fourhead as silently as she could manage, great. The Wyvvern couldn't understand a simple command to make a bunch of racket on the other side of the building, and now he was running off to go and get the others, who would just bardge in, kill everything they saw, and walk out. So much for using stealth and tactics. Elsee made a mental note to teach it some basic skills in that reguard when they got back to runite.

Frustrated, Elsee peered into the window one last time, at least the guard was taken care of now. Hurrying, Elsee clambered in through the open window and grabed the keys before sneaking after the thorns, if she was lucky, she'd still be able to find the cell before they did. Or if not, she could always break someone else free in exhange for a little help.

 
 Spoiler 

climb:  (d20+4)[ 12 ] 
move silent:  (d20+10)[ 30 ] 
hide:  (d20+9)[ 25 ] 
search:  (d20+3)[ 20 ] 
spot:  (d20+2)[ 10 ] 
listen:  (d20+2)[ 21 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

It takes Elsee a couple of tries to hop into the window, as it's set over her head, but she manages it in the end. She perches on the open sill and silently hops to the ground, following the source of the sound. She's careful to stay in the shadows, and none of them seem to notice her. Ragnar seems to fidget and look around, but it seems like he's just generally jumpy rather than actually spotting her. But neither Connor, Ajax, nor Seres seem to be paying attention. Connor and Ajax seem to be running from cell to cell--Connor is holding a torch in his hand as it's dim here--while Seres has her bow drawn and ready to strike.

 "Dammit!"  Connor shouts,  "All I see are closets and empty cells! Where are the prisoners?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Elsee: 

Surdrak slowly stirs and Ced sighs, this time in relief.  "Looks like ya were a bigger help than I thought ya would be,"  he says. Then his eyes narrow.  "Still don't take away tha mess though." 

Holly swallows.  "uh, I'll start cleaning up,"  age mutters, taking a broom and dustpan by the wall and sweeping up the broke plate, the cookies, the cooling tea, and the crushed herbs.

At which point she is promptly interrupted  by a pounding and a clawing at the door.

 
 Spoiler: If anyone looks outside  
it's kheel, alone -&amp;; it looks like he's about to break down the door if you don't answer it.
 
Athedia
 "I am NOT paying for a new door."  Badger shouted at Kheel as she threw the door open.  She hadn't seen the wyvern in such a fuss before, it was most unnatural.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "I am NOT paying for a new door."  Badger shouted at Kheel as she threw the door open.  She hadn't seen the wyvern in such a fuss before, it was most unnatural. 
 

 "Then ya better hurry--"  Ced starts, but Badger is already tearing across the worn wooden floor to fling open the door. Kheel bursts into the room, sending a pot of roses crashing to the floor (thankfully it bounces off a cushion and doesn't shatter, though it spills soil everywhere), and stops before Jadeite. He rapidly shouts something in Draconic, and Jadeite's eyes barely--but noticeably--widen with every sentence. Kheel barely finishes before Jadeite turns to everyone and says,  "Elsee is following the Steel Thorns into a building by the edge of the cornfields." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grinned and licked her lips, perfect! They hadn't found them yet, and they mentioned closets eh? Elsee looked for ways to sneak around the thorns as she thought for a bit, she knew prisons, this was far from her first breakout, she also knew goblins, she couldn't discount the possibility of them hiding in their cells if they knew the thorns were coming, and the thorns were just too blind to see them. It took Elsee at least an hour to get to the prison from Ced's place, and that was while sneaking halfway, so it'd probably take... at least half an hour for the others to get to her if they didn't run, which they probably would. still, she had a little bit of time.

Okay, so her plan was this; Double check each cell the Thorns had already passed, make sure there wasn't a goblinoid hiding in the shadows somewhere. If she found a closet with weapons or something close to them, take anything she could that wouldn't make too much noise or slow her down to give to the hobgoblins, blunt items would be preferable, stop them from killing the thorns, though she wouldn't discount knives if it was all that was available. protective gear like armour... would be unlikely, they'd have to make due. Sneak past the Thorns as invisibly as possible, use every trick in the book to get past them, throw a stone in the opposite direction, climb along the wall or ceiling to go over them, somehow crawl directly beneath them, whatever was possible. Then, assuming she hadn't found them yet, look in or for cells the Thorn's hadn't searched yet, and if she found the Goblinoids, let them out, give them the basics to defend themselves, and preferably make a break for it from there, though the Thorns would likely get in the way, stop any killing if possible. Bad rep for the Goblins if the Thorns died, completely negating the whole point of her being here if the Goblins died.

Her plan set, a wide grin crossed Elsee's face one more. Just like the good old days.

 
 Spoiler 

double check Cells:
Search:  (d20+3)[ 4 ] 
spot: (d20+2)[ 4 ] 
Listen: (d20+2)[ 17 ] 
Knoweldge (If applicable): (d20-1)[ 9 ] 

Search closets for small, easily-carriable gear, prefferibly blunt, like batons, knives, or saps:
Search: (d20+3)[ 13 ] 
Spot: (d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Knowledge(if applicabble): (d20-1)[ 2 ] 

Sneak past the thorns:
Move silently: (d20+10)[ 16 ] 
Hide: (d20+9)[ 20 ] 
Climb: (d20+4)[ 11 ] 
Bluff: (d20+7)[ 8 ] 
Tumble: (d20+4)[ 23 ] 

Find new unserched cells if goblinoids not found already:

Search: (d20+3)[ 7 ] 
Spot: (d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Listen: (d20+2)[ 10 ] 
Knowledge (If applicable): (d20-1)[ 5 ] 

All knowledge skills are the same (save for local, which this is not) So all the rolls are the same. as an FYI however, the first is for knowledge on goblins, the second knowledge on gear, and the third knowledge on prisons.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee scampers from room to room. She can easily see in the dim light, and it's quickly clear that there's no cells in this hallway. It's all storage and locker rooms and offices. But locker rooms hold gear, and though most of the shelves are locked there's one closet that's slightly ajar. The goblin opens it to find about a half dozen spears and twice as many clubs lined up against the wall.

One tips over an falls to the floor with a clatter. Elsee immediately ducks behind the open door, but it's too late. The Steel Thorns have gone quiet.

 "Did you hear that?"  Seres asks.

 "yeah...that way,"  Connor replies, somewhere down the hall. If Elsee peeks out she can see him pointing vaguely on her direction.

 
 Spoiler: To clarify: 
Elsee didn't go to the prison from Ced's house. Ced's house is much, much closer.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias eyes widen in surprise at Jadeite's (or Kheel's) words...  "Of course she did"  sighing the warblades turns to regard Ced and Holy  "I'm sorry, bue we  need  to deal with this before it spirals out of control... I'll find a way to compensate you for your help"  without giving them time to respond he starts running through the door towards the cornfields.  "What are you waiting for?"  he shouts over his shoulder.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias eyes widen in surprise at Jadeite's (or Kheel's) words...  "Of course she did"  sighing the warblades turns to regard Ced and Holy  "I'm sorry, bue we  need  to deal with this before it spirals out of control... I'll find a way to compensate you for your help"  without giving them time to respond he starts running through the door towards the cornfields.  "What are you waiting for?"  he shouts over his shoulder. 
 

 "You'd think we could take a break for one second."   Badger stepped over to Surdrak and bringing her hand back slapped him across the face.   "Wake up you lazy idiot.  Elsee's about to get herself killed." 
CoffeeIncluded
Ced narrows his eyes and holds out an outstretched palm.  "Ya all did a number on my house. Normally I'd hold ya to it but each of ya broke things more. Tha scythe as collateral." 
 
 Spoiler 
I think I'm gonna wait for Super Dark's response before doing more. 😏
 
Dusk Eclipse
If Ced looks closely at the door, he notices the scythe resting against the door frame.

 
 Spoiler 

I did say Artorias ran out of the house before anyone could react 😛, but he left the scythe as a token of good faith.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee's mind raced, instinctively grabbing the offending club and shoving it in her bag silently as if doing so would reverse the action. Seeing no other option, Elsee did the one thing she desperately did not want to do... she spoke...

 "... Mew..." 
 
 Spoiler 

Bluff check to sound like a kitty!😁
 (d20+7)[ 19 ] 
 
super dark33
The two ghosts have entered the body during the cleaning, claiming it was   The right time now  .
Obviously, they were lying.

Surdrak, aware of their plan, continuted to remain still and silent, pretending to be asleep.

He didnt expect badger to pester him, but he tried to make the best (for him) out of the situation.

 AGH WHAT IS YOUR uhh, where am I? I feel weird. er. est? 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
 (d20)[ 5 ] 
 (d20+4)[ 5 ] 
 (d20+11)[ 29 ] 
 (d20)[ 16 ] 

Is Elsee in disguise?
 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Spoiler 
 nope, doesn't have the supplies for it. she beat three out of four though, don't suppose we could have annother roll to see if the three who failed think the one who passed is crazy or not?😉😛
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee:

"See? Just a cat,"  a deep voice Elsee recognizes as Ajax's replies.

There's a sound of someone being smacked and then Seres says,  "Come on, doofus, that's no cat. It's a person!"

"M-maybe that means we should get out of here and not do this?"  Ragnar timidly asks.

 "Nah, I've got this. Rosencrantz?"  Elsee's left hiding and wondering just who Rosencrantz is until a loud hoot startles her. She looks up to see a squat angry-looking screech owl staring at her. It hoots loudly again.

 "See? No problem at all."  And then Elsee feels a great weariness suddenly set over her.

 
 Spoiler: Draconi 
roll a will save.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Huh, what do ya know,"  Ced says to himself when he sees the scythe. The pleased note enters his voice once more.

Holly meanwhile is helping Surdrak off the bed; the herbs and oils have left him smelling sweet, relaxed, and purified for lack of a better word.  "That building's the prison,"  she says.  "I don't know what's going on or what you're all planning but be careful. I don't think Ced wants you dead either."

"Ya, ya,"  the old Druid mutters, but his expression of flippancy is just an act.  "Shouldn't take ya more than a few minutes ta get there anyways." 

Kheel's stopped listening. The Wyvern has already burst out the open front door and is currently flying over the corn, looking back every few steps to make sure the rest of the team follows.
Draconi Redfir
 
 Spoiler 

Will save: (d20+2)[ 11 ] 
 


Elsee almost certainly falls asleep on the spot.
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

The last thing Elsee sees before she passes out is the tinÿ screech owl flying away to her right.

 Everyone else: 

this late in the summer, the corn is even taller than Artorias, and an observer could only find the Wyvern's Fangs by the stalks that sway and rustle as they move through them.

Or they can look for the Wyvern flying overhead, but details.

In either case, the long low building lies at the edge of the corn field, and only the center part has wide windows close to the ground. One is pushed all the way open.

 
 Spoiler: Ok guys 
what do you want to do?
 
super dark33
 Ced's house 
 Thank you, uhh... woah 
Surdrak didnt know if he ever heared Holly's name, luckily he got up too quickly and got dizzy so he didnt need to bother remembring.

Oh yeah, its Holly that cleric, he just thought of that. how did he know that name? Or strangely how did he know she was a cleric of gaia?

 Were you planning to throw me into an oven or somthing? Can you in short tell me what happend? 
 Cornfield 
 What would Elsee do there?  other than the goblin prisoners A- HAR HAR.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Ced's house 
 Thank you, uhh... woah 
Surdrak didnt know if he ever heared Holly's name, luckily he got up too quickly and got dizzy so he didnt need to bother remembring.

Oh yeah, its Holly that cleric, he just thought of that. how did he know that name? Or strangely how did he know she was a cleric of gaia?

 Were you planning to throw me into an oven or somthing? Can you in short tell me what happend? 
 Cornfield 
 What would Elsee do there?  other than the goblin prisoners A- HAR HAR. 
 

Badger cracked her neck.   Art scythed you.  Spirits split and fled.  We recalled them.  A few promises and arguements later you are here and as crazy as ever.  Yay."   She pulled him upright and shoved his spear at him.   "Now we have to save a fool from some idiots." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Elsee, earlier: 

Holly shakes her head.  "Your soul fragmented, leaving you in a comatose state. We essentially did a...I guess it's like a reverse exorcism. But don't worry, you're all back together now."

Everyone but Elsee, now: 

Kheel shoves his head and wings into the small gap between the window pane and the windowsill. With lots of wriggling and growls and shouts he finally manages to wedge it open and force himself through. He falls to the floor, leaving an opening wide enough for everyone to enter the building through.

There's a desk to the back with some keys on the walls. Hallways stretch to the left and right. The chair is shoved aside. And on the floor is a man, sprawled out and face down. He's still.

 
 Spoiler: Everyone but Elsee: 
Spot and listen checks please.

Jadeite spot:  (d20+4)[ 17 ] 
Jadeite Listen:  (d20+4)[ 18 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler: Rolls 

Spot  (1d20+11)[ 28 ] +3 if the illumination is bright
Listen  (1d20+10)[ 13 ] 
 


Artorias winces as he sees the man on the floor  "why can't things be simple for once?"  he whispers. Ciaran nods her head from her perch on Artorias' shoulder
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: Artorias: 
As Artorias looks closely, he can see the man's chest slowly rise and fall. He's unconscious, but alive.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "He is alive! Unconscious, but alive.  Artorias carefully makes his way to the man, while Ciaran makes her own assessment of the room

 
 Spoiler 

Holy crap, Hawks get +8 racial bonus to spot.... and as a familiar she uses my ranks (9) but her own modifiers... wich taking into account wis, alertness and her racial bonus is a frigging +12 for a total of +21 spot. I love her so much 😛

Spot (1d20+21)[ 22 ] 
Listen  (1d20+13)[ 15 ]  (she also listens better than Artorias.... see how they compliment each other 😛

Edit: Of course she had to roll low.... 😩
 
CoffeeIncluded
The man isn't simply unconscious--he's asleep. No matter how loud Artorias is he does not wake the man, and this makes him realize that the sleep is likely magically induced.

Ciaran pauses, and trains her eyes on movement down both halls.
super dark33
 Im going to the left. 

He attempted to detect any magic in the area, while still asking himself questions about what happened, slowly filling the blanks of before, during and after whatever happened.

But for now he wanted to make a steel thorn meet his new steel thorn.

He didnt wait for anyone to follow him.
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak: 

Surdrak hurries down the hall, which is surprisingly quiet until the silence is broken by the sound of something shifting and settling in a room off the hallway ahead.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias watches Surdrak leaving with some trepidation; he couldn't really leave him go alone, specially after what happened in the ruins; thinking quickly he sends Ciaran a small mental image trying to get her to follow him.

 "This guy is asleep, probably an  Sleep      forgive the redundancy   Artorias adds mentally   sleep and I'm guessing it was the Steel thorns who did this."  Artorias closes his eyes for a moment focusing, sniffing trying to get a scent-trail.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiate  Hunter's Sense  stance
Wisdom check  (1d20)[ 1 ] 

Edit:   Of course
 
CoffeeIncluded
The scents are bewildering: the scent of the Steel Thorns is everywhere in this building. It's in this room and down both corridors, and Artorias can't tell where they went first or where they are now.

Ciaran flies after Surdrak but then stops short. She lands on his shoulder (her talons poke into his skin) and nudges him towards a locker room off to the side. Several toppled-over weapons spill out into the hallway.

Artorias feels sudden...not quite alarm from Ciaran. But she found something, or someone.
super dark33
Surdrak unleashes the flight tendrils and begins flying towards the room.

 
 Spoiler: Detect magic? 
Detect magic?
 
CoffeeIncluded
There are...quite a few magic things in the locker room. As Surdrak focuses his gaze, he realizes that he recognizes most of the magic items--they're Elsee's!
super dark33
Surdrak lands back and curls his tentacles as a stylish     [Citation Needed]      addition to his cloak.

He slowly peeks out of the corner, prepering to walk inside.

 
 Spoiler 

Currently active: Eldritch Claws, Eldritch Warding, Fell Flight.
 
CoffeeIncluded
OTher than the fallen stack of weapons the locker room looks undisturbed. Except for the bundle hanging from the coat hook.

On closer inspection, the bundle is elsee--bound, gagged, hanging from the coat hook, and also fast Asleep.
Athedia
Badger touched her headband her features and clothing appearing to reorganize into that of the half-elf she had disguised her self as during her last attempt to get into a prison.  Bow in her quiver, and quiver now looking like a scroll case she set out toward the cells.

 "Hello?  I was wondering if anyone could help me?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Badger can vaguely hear sounds from the right hallway, which abruptly cease after her question.

Except for the low moaning.
Athedia
Badger gestured to the rest of the group, pointing down the right hallway.  Preparing to pull out one of the small axes from her belt (left unchanged, because who would go around without some weapons these days) she moved down the hallway.   "Is someone hurt?  I have a little training in wound tending." 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite motions at everyone else, then creeps along after Badger. For her part, Badger can vaguely hear muttered voices, and a slightly louder hushed whisper of,  "Shut her up!" 
 
 Spoiler: Athedia 
Hide and move silently checks please.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Jadeite motions at everyone else, then creeps along after Badger. For her part, Badger can vaguely hear muttered voices, and a slightly louder hushed whisper of,  "Shut her up!" 
 
 Spoiler: Athedia 
Hide and move silently checks please.
 
 
 

 "Look, I mean no harm.  I am just a little lost."   Badger kept talking, hoping that the Thorns would be distracted by her and allow the rest of the group an opportunity to strike.

 
 Spoiler 
Hide: (1d20+4)[ 12 ] 
Move Silently:  (1d20+4)[ 9 ] 
 
super dark33
Surdrak wasnt sure whether to unbind Elsee or Wake her. He noticed Ciaran next to him and relized that the others might be concerned so he decided to return to the entrence with Elsee before proceeding.

 
 Spoiler 
I thought of this before knowing that they are on the other side. Surdrak is afraid Elsee will either start hitting him or be angry he left her bound and gagged for even a few moments and hit him.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger:

"There, she's there!"  Badger hears a vaguely familiar female voice whisper. There's a murmur of assent, the sound of footsteps coming close, and then a heavy weariness settling over her.

 
 Spoiler: Athedia 
Make a will save.
 

 Surdrak and whomever stayed behind for the moment: 

A couple tense moments pass, and then you can see Surdrak carrying a bundle over his shoulders. Closer inspection reveals that the bundle is a bound, gagged, and soundly sleeping Elsee.

 
 Spoiler: All of you: 
Who went with Badger and Jadeite, and who stayed in the main room? Are you doing anything about the sleeping guard?
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Badger:

"There, she's there!"  Badger hears a vaguely familiar female voice whisper. There's a murmur of assent, the sound of footsteps coming close, and then a heavy weariness settling over her.

 
 Spoiler: Athedia 
Make a will save.
 
 
 

Badger put her hand against the wall.   "What.. what are you... 
 
 Spoiler 
Will Save:  (1d20+4)[ 19 ] 
 


She shook her head, cobwebs clearing.  Realizing that they probably expected her to fall asleep she motioned Jadiete back and then let herself collapse to the floor, being sure to knock a few things over on the way so they would hear her fall.
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger and jadeite:  

Badger makes sure to knock over a lantern hanging from the wall. It shatters against the stone floor and the flame sputters out. There's a small alcove a few feet back, and jadeite steps behind it, quickly casting an illusion of a wall before himself.

Someone runs over, and through half-lidded eyes badger can see that it's Connor, followed by Seres.

 "Look, I'm as much for this as you are, but maybe Ragnar has a point?"  Seres asks.

Connor looks...angry, almost uncharacteristically so.  "Come on, Ragnar is a chicken! Now give me the gag And rope."  he pauses, peering closer at Badger.  "Wait a minute..." 
 
 Spoiler: Athedia 
Elsee has the hat of disguise, not you. Sorry I didn't remember until just now.
 

 Everyone else: 

You hear a loud crash coming from te right hallway.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Badger and jadeite:  

Badger makes sure to knock over a lantern hanging from the wall. It shatters against the stone floor and the flame sputters out. There's a small alcove a few feet back, and jadeite steps behind it, quickly casting an illusion of a wall before himself.

Someone runs over, and through half-lidded eyes badger can see that it's Connor, followed by Seres.

 "Look, I'm as much for this as you are, but maybe Ragnar has a point?"  Seres asks.

Connor looks...angry, almost uncharacteristically so.  "Come on, Ragnar is a chicken! Now give me the gag And rope."  he pauses, peering closer at Badger.  "Wait a minute..." 
 
 Spoiler: Athedia 
Elsee has the hat of disguise, not you. Sorry I didn't remember until just now.
 

 Everyone else: 

You hear a loud crash coming from te right hallway. 
 

 
 Spoiler 
No... Badger took back the hat of disguise a while ago.
Elsee only had it on the way to San de Sol, after that Badger took it back (partially out of vanity, she hates her roots showing)
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger and Jadeite:

"What is it?"  Seres asks, nudging Badger with her toe.

Connor shakes his head.  "It's nothing. Thought she was someone else."  He jerks his thumb back down the hallway.  "Ajax and Ragnar've got the others...well, Ajax does at least. I dunno who this girl is though,"  he says, kicking Badger a bit,  "But I bet she's with that damn goblin we found sneaking around."

"You think she's still asleep?"

"Probably, but not for much longer. I couldn't use my gloves on her like with the guard,"  there's a bit of disappointment in his voice,  "So we should take care of her before she wakes up." 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Everyone else: 

You hear a loud crash coming from te right hallway. 
 

 "10 GP says they found the Steel thorns, Sora common let's go."  Artorias begins running towards the source of the noises while trying to warn Ciaran and Surdrak about possible danger through the empathic link.
Silverraptor
Sora quickly follows behind Artorias.
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak: 

Ciaran suddenly caws a loud alarmed cry and takes off at top speed down the hall, towards the right path.

 Artorias and Sora: 

They don't have to run far before coming across Connor and Seres, who are leaning over an unmoving, seemingly unconscious Badger. There's a closed door to a room nearby, and Jadeite is nowhere to be seen.

Connor and Seres look up, and Connor's look of shock is quickly replaced by a snarl.  "I should have known they were with you!" 
 
 Spoiler: Dusk and silver: 
spot and listen checks please.
 
super dark33
Surdrak sees no one at the hall and is disappointed, maybe they are on the other side.

He rushes after Ciaran, ignoring anything in his path.
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Bluff:  (1d20+1)[ 6 ] 
Listen:  (1d20+11)[ 30 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Seres looks down at badger, frowns, and quickly takes a couple steps backwards. Connor looks at Seres and does the same.

Behind them, down the halls, Badger can hear a young man shout,  "There's more people coming! We need to stop this!"  over the sound of pained cries.
Silverraptor
 
 Spoiler 
Spot: (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 
Listen: (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Surdrak: 

Ciaran suddenly caws a loud alarmed cry and takes off at top speed down the hall, towards the right path.

 Artorias and Sora: 

They don't have to run far before coming across Connor and Seres, who are leaning over an unmoving, seemingly unconscious Badger. There's a closed door to a room nearby, and Jadeite is nowhere to be seen.

Connor and Seres look up, and Connor's look of shock is quickly replaced by a snarl.  "I should have known they were with you!" 
 
 Spoiler: Dusk and silver: 
spot and listen checks please.
 
 
 

Artorias simply grabs his sword's by the hilt, preparing to draw it at a moments notice.  "Who are with us now?" 
 
 Spoiler 

Spot  (1d20+9)[ 12 ]  (I loose most of my nifty stuff if Ciaran isn't with me ☹️)
Listen take 10 for 18
 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias can hear Indistinct but indignant shouting from down the hall, while Sora can't hear anything.

As Artorias reaches to his sword Seres levels her loaded bow at him, and wavers the nocked arrow between him and Badger. Connor is practically spitting as he growls,  "This half-elf sneaking around and that goblin back there! I bet the elf and that girl with the mutt are here too!"  

As Surdrak runs into the room (and Ciaran lands on Artorias's shoulder to glare at the screech owl on connor's), he sees Connor and Seres turn to stare at the bundle of unconscious Elsee in his arms.

And Connor's eyes have a red tinge, and he can vaguel recollect something done by a red him, made to fill one with rage...
super dark33
 I think you dropped this. 

Surdrak puts elsee down on the floor near the wall. he takes to the air, his tendrils constantly shifting grabs.

 Now now, lets not be too hasty, this doesnt have to end in violence. 

Thats a lie, Surdrak wants violence to happen. he wants to destroy these clowns.
He sees them holding their weapons readily, a fight is imminent.

 I implore you to reconsider. 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Artorias can hear Indistinct but indignant shouting from down the hall, while Sora can't hear anything.

As Artorias reaches to his sword Seres levels her loaded bow at him, and wavers the nocked arrow between him and Badger. Connor is practically spitting as he growls,  "This half-elf sneaking around and that goblin back there! I bet the elf and that girl with the mutt are here too!"  

As Surdrak runs into the room (and Ciaran lands on Artorias's shoulder to glare at the screech owl on connor's), he sees Connor and Seres turn to stare at the bundle of unconscious Elsee in his arms.

And Connor's eyes have a red tinge, and he can vaguel recollect something done by a red him, made to fill one with rage... 
 

 "So what?, walking into a prison isn't a crime    walking out on the other hand might be  Artorias adds mentally.  and even the, you aren't this prison wardens.... actually I think you are in far worse position than us".  Artorias tightens the grip on the sword  "After all, it was you who put the guard to sleep, didn't you?"  the human swordman points with his free hand to the Thorn's wizard.  "That begs the question.... why?" 
 
 Spoiler 
I just remembered that Artorias has Steadfast boots, that means he automatically sets his sword vs. charges.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "So what?, walking into a prison isn't a crime    walking out on the other hand might be  Artorias adds mentally.  and even the, you aren't this prison wardens.... actually I think you are in far worse position than us".  Artorias tightens the grip on the sword  "After all, it was you who put the guard to sleep, didn't you?"  the human swordman points with his free hand to the Thorn's wizard.  "That begs the question.... why?" 
 
 Spoiler 
I just remembered that Artorias has Steadfast boots, that means he automatically sets his sword vs. charges.
 
 
 

Seres takes a couple more steps back, and Connor follows.

 "Connor knocked him out because he wouldn't understand,"  she says carefully.  "We were trying to protect him, because he was just going to get himself hurt and get in our way."

"we're fine with doing the dirty work,"  Connor adds.  "It's our job, right?" 

The last part is said with a raised voice, and two sets of footsteps approach from behind Connor and Seres.


 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  I think you dropped this. 

Surdrak puts elsee down on the floor near the wall. he takes to the air, his tendrils constantly shifting grabs.

 Now now, lets not be too hasty, this doesnt have to end in violence. 

Thats a lie, Surdrak wants violence to happen. he wants to destroy these clowns.
He sees them holding their weapons readily, a fight is imminent.

 I implore you to reconsider.  
 

Surdrak hangs from the ceiling, suspended by his appendages as he speaks. Connor's eyes widen.

 "You! You're the thing that chased me in the bar! You really are forces of evil!" 

By this point Ragnar and Ajax are close enough to be seen, though it's a bit harder to see what's behind them. Ajax's armor is slightly spattered red. Ragnar looks scared, his eyes wide under his helm.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Seres takes a couple more steps back, and Connor follows.

 "Connor knocked him out because he wouldn't understand,"  she says carefully.  "We were trying to protect him, because he was just going to get himself hurt and get in our way."

"we're fine with doing the dirty work,"  Connor adds.  "It's our job, right?" 

The last part is said with a raised voice, and two sets of footsteps approach from behind Connor and Seres.



Surdrak hangs from the ceiling, suspended by his appendages as he speaks. Connor's eyes widen.

 "You! You're the thing that chased me in the bar! You really are forces of evil!" 

By this point Ragnar and Ajax are close enough to be seen, though it's a bit harder to see what's behind them. Ajax's armor is slightly spattered red. Ragnar looks scared, his eyes wide under his helm. 
 

Badger used the distraction as an opportunity to spring upright ignoring the possible attacks on her person.  She hurtled one of her small hatchets at Connor's back.

 
 Spoiler 
Move Action to Stand
+1 PBS (it says ranged weapons) +4 favored enemy + 10 base
+2 damage
Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 32 ] 
Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+3)[ 4 ] 
 

 "That man has done more good today than exists in your entire being." 
CoffeeIncluded
Badger springs to her feet and hurls an axe at Connor. He lets out a yell as it buries itself into his shin. The moment her axe leaves her hand, Seres fires an arrow at Badger.

 
 Spoiler 
Seres had a readied action. Here's her attack:

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 21 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (d8+1)[ 2 ] 
Crit damage:  (d8+1)[ 7 ]   (d8+1)[ 9 ] 

I'll roll initiative and stuff once I get back and have dinner.
 


Connor snarls as he pulls out the axe; behind him Ajax and Ragnar have nearly caught up.  "You're going to regret this!"  he shouts.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: Initiative 
I won't be able to do the map until tomorrow afternoon--sorry!

Artorias:  (d20+6)[ 26 ] 
Badger:  (d20+4)[ 15 ] 
Elsee:  (d20+4)[ 17 ]  (SHe's still asleep for the moment though)
Jadeite:  (d20+2)[ 12 ] 
Surdrak:  (d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Sora:  (d20+2)[ 21 ] 
Kheel:  (d20+2)[ 13 ] 

Connor:  (d20+2)[ 16 ] 
Seres:  (d20+4)[ 17 ] 
Ajax:  (d20)[ 11 ] 
Ragnar:  (d20)[ 11 ] 
 


Connor and Seres are about 20 feet to the right of the party, and Ajax and Ragnar are about 20-25 feet behind them.
Dusk Eclipse
Instead of answering Artorias simply runs towards Connor and Seres  &lt;Gob&gt; "Bleed" &lt;/gob&gt; he cuts himself on the blade of his sword infusing it with killing intent.
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Ok this will be a tad complicated since I don't have a map right now, but hopefully I can be clear about what I want to do.
SwiftAction: Cast Bladeof Blood (paying the 5 HP to deal extra damage)
Move action: Move Adjacent to Connor and if possible also  be adjacent to Seres Tumble  (1d20+15)[ 30 ] 
 
 Spoiler: If I can only attack Connor 

Standard Action: Initiate Rabid Wolf Strike
Attack vs. Connor (PA -3/+6)  (1d20+9)[ 14 ] 
Crit  confirm  (1d20+12)[ 27 ] 
Damage  (4d6+11)[ 27 ] + (2d6)[ 6 ]  (Rabid Wolf Strike extra damage) Crit Damage  (2d6+11)[ 18 ] 
AC goes down to 14
 

 
 Spoiler: If I can get adjacent to both Connor and Seres 

Standard Action: Initiate Steel Wind:
Attack vs. Connor (use the same value for the above rolls -4 and -2d6 damage)
Attack vs. Seres (PA -3/+6)  (1d20+5)[ 25 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+8)[ 23 ] 
Damage  (2d6+11)[ 17 ]  Crit Damage  (2d6+11)[ 17 ] 
 

 
Silverraptor
Sora quickly casts bless as the situation develops.
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias's violent swing misses Connor, but tears into Seres. She screams in pain, very nearly killed by the one hit alone.

 "Get back!"  he screams, pulling Seres back several feet out of range of Artorias. He turns to the warblade and snarls,  "Get away from her! You asked for this!"  before splaying his hands out and dragging them upwards with his palms turned towards the sky.

Suddenly an acrid green cloud billows up from the ground, stinging everyone's eyes and nose and throat, burning them and making it difficult to see or even breathe. And then, to make things worse, a whooshing sound fills the air, and where it lands it shatters and doubles the agony in its immediate area.

 
 Spoiler 
Connor's spell: Everyone takes  (d6)[ 1 ]  acid damage and make a fort save.
Jadeite's fort save:  (d20+4)[ 7 ] 

Seres attack roll:  (d20+11)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 2 ] 
Concealment:  (d2)[ 1 ] 
 
Silverraptor
 
 Spoiler 
Fort: (1d20+6)[ 10 ] 
 
Athedia
Badger activated her boots and managed to escape the burning acid fog.  Spotting Kheel she grimaced.  She needed him but how?  He  only spoke that weird tongue that Jadiete loved.   "KHEEL, WINGS! FLAP WINGS AT CLOUD."   While saying this she flapped her own arms and repeated pointed at the cloud.  She realized how stupid she must look and hoped Kheel understood the message.\

 
 Spoiler 
Voice of the City

For some, the ability to make oneself understood in the midst of any culture is of far greater value than the ability to influence the beasts of the wild.

Class: Druid, ranger, or spirit shaman.

Level: 1st.

Replaces: If you select this class feature, you do not gain wild empathy.

Benefit: Through a combination of body language, tone, and expression, the voice of the city can make herself understood by those who do not speak her language, and she can interpret their meaning the same way. Simple concepts that can be conveyed in a few words (such as "Help!" or "Drop your weapon!") can be conveyed automatically. More complex concepts require her to make a roll: d20 + her class level + either her Wisdom modifier (if trying to understand someone else) or Charisma modifier (if trying to make someone else understand her). Roll each only once per conversation. If she fails, she cannot try to communicate with that specific individual via this ability until she has gained a level. (Thus, it is possible, if she succeeds in one roll but fails in the other, to hold a conversation where she can understand the other speaker but he cannot understand you, or vice-versa.)

The DC of the roll depends on creature type and how closely the individual's language is related to any of her own. The ability works most effectively with other humanoids. In this case, if the individual's language uses the same alphabet as any language she knows, the DC is 20. If it does not, the DC is 30. (See Speak Language, PH 82, for this information.)

The above DCs increase by 5 if the speaker is a fey, giant, or monstrous humanoid; they increase by 10 if the speaker is an elemental. If the other individual is of any other creature type, she cannot communicate via this ability.

If the speaker is deliberately trying to make himself understood, the voice of the city gains a +2 circumstance bonus on this roll. If she is attempting to interpret his speech from outside normal conversational distance (such as eavesdropping), she takes a -4 penalty on this roll.

In addition, she gains Speak Language as a class skill.
 
super dark33
 Check this out! we dont need to fight them, Connor is killing his own team already! 

Surdrak launched a blast at Connor.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+11)[ 15 ]  Spellcraft, if succeeds, the eldritch blast is admixtured to acid. (That is if the gloves were renewed)

 (1d20+7)[ 19 ] 
 (5d6)[ 20 ]  +  (2d6)[ 5 ]  (acid)
 
CoffeeIncluded
Sudrak tries to blast Connor with acid, but the acid in his eyes and the thick cloud all around him causes the shot to go wide--his eyes are burning so much he can't see anything.

 
 Spoiler: Note 
Surdrak is blinded, there's total concealment between him and Connor, and he has -5 to attack to boot because of the failed save. Yeah, Caustic Smoke is nasty--they're not messing around.
 


Jadeite stumbles out through the illusion of the door, coughing and wheezing.  "You had to escalate this to violence? Let us hope that the guards find us soon,"  he says, pawing through the smoke for Elsee, finally smacking her over the head to wake her up. Elsee wakes to find herself surrounded by burning acid fumes that make everything thick and hard to see.  "The Steel Thorns are attacking,"  he says.

Meanwhile, Kheel starts beating his wings as quickly as possible to disperse the smoke.

 
 Spoiler 
Moderate wind means he can disperse it in 4 rounds; this cuts off a round from the spell.
 
CoffeeIncluded
A roar pierces the air, and Badger and Artorias can hear the dwarf's voice, deep and angrier now, rushing towards them.  "I don't like what Connor's having us do,"  he shouts,  "But don't kill Seres!" 
 
 Spoiler: And I'm uot of time 
Roll later, sorry.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Ragnar runs into the caustic smoke, screaming not to hurt Seres or even Connor and Ajax as he swings his axe at Artorias with abandon. Those close enough with vision can vaguely make out goggles over his eyes. Meanwhile, Ajax stays back out of sight, though he can be heard casting a spell which Sora recognizes as a healing incantation.

 
 Spoiler: Attack 
Ragnar attacks Artorias.
Power Attack (-3/+6):  (d20+11)[ 29 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+11)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 20 ] 
Crit damage:  (2d6+12)[ 21 ]   (2d6+12)[ 21 ] 
 


Sora, Elsee, and Artorias are up.
Dusk Eclipse
The acrid smell of smoke filled his nostrils and burnt his eyes,   "Focus Artorias.... You can find him, just focus   he said to himself.   "There!"   Kheel's wing flapping manage to move the fetid cloud just enough that Artorias is able to detect Ragnar scent, before he strikes with all his might, praying to Mars his blade strikes true.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Move action:pinpoint Ragnar as per the scent rules
Standard action: Rabid wolf strike ragnar
Attack (PA  -2/+4)  (1d20+9)[ 14 ]  (+4 RWS, +1 prayer - 2 power Attack - 2 acrid smoke thing)
Crit confirm  (1d20+12)[ 25 ] 
Damage  (2d6+10)[ 14 ]  + (2d6)[ 9 ] BoB= (2d6)[ 6 ] RWS crit damage  (2d6+10)[ 19 ] 
Miss chance  fail on 2 (1d2)[ 1 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
Feeling his blade rebound on Ragnars armour Stephan instinctively jumps backwards out of the cloud.
 
 Spoiler: Action 

Swift action lftover; suden leap to M,7
Jump  (1d20+13)[ 17 ] 
Tumble to avoid AoO  (1d20+15)[ 34 ]  i think I autopass it, but just in case.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias's blade knocks into Ragnar's helm,  clanging off it but not doing much else. He leaps back to the edge of the smoke, but doesn't quite clear it.

 "The Steel Thorns are attacking,"  Jadeite says though he's interrupted by coughs.  "We need to get out of this acid fog." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee slowly opened her eyes from her sleep, and immidiately regretted it as a sudden burning sensaition overtook her, causing her hands to shoot up to cover her eyes as she hissed and screamed. "My eyes! The hell es the big idea!?"

 
 Spoiler 

Sheee's just recovering from what baisically ammounts to waking up in a cloud of tear gas. give her a short explenaition and a seccond and she'll be helping out. just call it holding her action.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee slowly opened her eyes from her sleep, and immidiately regretted it as a sudden burning sensaition overtook her, causing her hands to shoot up to cover her eyes as she hissed and screamed. "My eyes! The hell es the big idea!?"

 
 Spoiler 

Sheee's just recovering from what baisically ammounts to waking up in a cloud of tear gas. give her a short explenaition and a seccond and she'll be helping out. just call it holding her action.
 
 
 

 "The Steel Thorns are attacking,"  Jadeite says though he's interrupted by coughs.  "We need to get out of this acid fog." 
 
 Spoiler: Draconi 
Elsee can go now if you want.
 
Silverraptor
 
 Spoiler: To Coffee 
Is anyone hurt on our side?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  
 Spoiler: To Coffee 
Is anyone hurt on our side?
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Sora 
Artorias has 20 damage
 

 
 Spoiler: Draconi 
Elsee needs to go this round.
 
Silverraptor
Sora hurries over to Artorias, converting the Magic Circle against Evil into a healing spell.
 "Cure Serious Wounds!" 
 
 Spoiler 
 (3d8+6)[ 23 ] 

Edit: I guess no battle scar for Artorias.😛
 
CoffeeIncluded
Sora pushes all her magic into the spell, and completely cures Artorias's wounds.

 
 Spoiler: Draconi 
Elsee's up. If she doesn't go by tomorrow morning or midday I'll go for her--24 hour rule and all. Night everyone!
 
Draconi Redfir
Hissing, Elsee forced herself to stand, covering her eyes with one hand as she reached for her Astral Kurkri with the other, rushing for the nearest opponent to give it her best shot.

 
 Spoiler 

Attacking closest enemy, i don't know where anyone is atm. if you don't know either, lets just say Ajax, who i beleive is attacking Artorias right now.

attack:  (d20+8)[ 27 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (d3+2)[ 5 ] 

Sorry i couldn't post before, i was working.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Ragnar shouts as Elsee slashes his arm in a precise, albeit shallow strike.  "Please,"  he begs Elsee,  "I don't want to hurt you, I just want you to stop attacking us!"

"Stop negotiating, Ragnar!"  Connor shouts.  "Seres, ready? I see someone at the edge!"

"Got it!"  she replies.

 "Unwilling foe, come to me! Baleful Transposition!" 
 
 Spoiler 
 (d2)[ 2 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
  "What's happening?!"   Kheel roars.

 
 Spoiler: Will save 
 (d20+6)[ 23 ] 
 

 "Dammit!"  Connor shouts as the spell fails  "Seres, hold back for now!" 
 
 Spoiler: Everyone: 
Badger, Surdrak, Jadeite, and Kheel are up.
 
Athedia
 "Look! I don't want to hurt anyone! Seres, Ragnar hold Connor back and we will stop!  I will patch your wounds and we can TALK!" 
super dark33
Surdrak flies out of the cloud, floating in the space behind the thorns line.

 Your little stunt is hurting your allies Connor. And soon they will hurt yourself. 
 
 Spoiler: Intimidate 
Move to Y7.

Intimidate:  (1d20+10)[ 24 ]  against Connor's 1d20+Level+wisdom modifier if any+fear bonuses. If succesful, Connor takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws.
 
CoffeeIncluded
With a roar and cry, Kheel bursts out of the acrid smoke and charges Connor. Tendrils of acid still cling to his horns and talons as he rushes the sorcerer.

 
 Spoiler: Attack 
Attack:  (d20+12)[ 29 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+3)[ 13 ] 
Crit damage:  (2d6+3)[ 10 ] 

Opposed intimidate:  (d20+10)[ 29 ]  But this is Ajax's. Connor auto-fails.
 


Kheel barrels into Connor, knocking him down as he roars and bites down. The sorcerer's eyes widen when he sees the wyvern burst from the fog to attack him.
CoffeeIncluded
Connor's eyes go wide and a touch of wild redness seems to leave them when Kheel roars in his face.  "Um--"  he starts, sounding a little like he's woken up, snapped out of something.

Meanwhile, still coughing, Jadeite chokes out,  "You can't outrun us!"  and casts Haste on everyone.

 "What is it? What's happening?"  Ragnar asks in the fog as Connor, Ajax, and Seres all stare at Kheel.

 
 Spoiler: Something 
 (d20)[ 14 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "That's...a wyvern,"  Connor says. His voice sounds cautious...and clear. He looks in the fog, then back at his partners. He calls them over into a circle; after a second's hesitation Ragnar runs out of the fog. It's hard to see them through the caustic smoke, but they're huddled together, whispering.

 
 Spoiler: Everyone: 

Listen check if you guys want.

Jadeite listen:  (d20+4)[ 12 ] 

You can talk for a bit. Might want to try some diplomacy checks, especially from Sora.
 
super dark33
 Of course, why do you think were named the Wyvern's fangs? 

He couldnt see them go and huddle becuase of the blindness, but he relized he was looking at the wall while intimidating them so it made him emberressed.

 
 Spoiler: Listen 
 (1d20+1)[ 10 ] 
 
Silverraptor
 "This is a good time to stop fighting, just saying!" 
 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
Listen: (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 
Diplomacy: (1d20+14)[ 30 ] 
 
Athedia
Badger let her features change back now she had the time.  Activating her boots once again she popped up on the other side of the gas cloud.  Keeping her hands were they could see them she spoke.   "I can just as easily get away so don't attack.  But give me one good reason why Ajax here has blood on him.  Elsee didn't look bloody and the guard didn't either so what did you do?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "This is a good time to stop fighting, just saying!" 
 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
Listen:[roll0]
Diplomacy:[roll1]
 
 
 

Some of the tension seems to leave the room at Sora's plea.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger let her features change back now she had the time.  Activating her boots once again she popped up on the other side of the gas cloud.  Keeping her hands were they could see them she spoke.   "I can just as easily get away so don't attack.  But give me one good reason why Ajax here has blood on him.  Elsee didn't look bloody and the guard didn't either so what did you do?"  
 

Connor and Ajax look at each other for a moment. Ajax speaks first, saying,  "It's none of your concern. They were going to be executed anyway."

"They were?! Then why did we--?!"

"Enough, Ragnar!" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Some of the tension seems to leave the room at Sora's plea.



Connor and Ajax look at each other for a moment. Ajax speaks first, saying,  "It's none of your concern. They were going to be executed anyway."

"They were?! Then why did we--?!"

"Enough, Ragnar!"  
 

 "You. Killed. Prisoners.  You murdered people who would have faced justice, you murdered them in cold blood?  Give me one good reason not to cut you down right now."   Badger was seething, visibly as well.  She had her longbow in her hands, slightly unsure of when she had pulled it out.  She had not knocked an arrow yet, but she was close. The edge was right in front of her and she was begging for an excuse to be pushed over.   "Don't test me.  If you run, I will track you down.  I always do."   Her voice was as dead as stone, the only emotion showing in the knuckles of her hands.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee hissed loudlyu and barreled past the thorns, looking for where they had come from.
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee tries to barrel past the Steel Thorns.

 
 Spoiler: Draconi:  
Gonna need a tumble check and spot check.
 
Draconi Redfir
[spoiler]tumble: (d20+4)[ 10 ] 
spot: (d20+2)[ 4 ] 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 [spoiler]tumble:[roll0]
spot:[roll1] 
 

Seres stamps her foot down on the tail of Elsee's coat, sending her sprawling.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "You. Killed. Prisoners.  You murdered people who would have faced justice, you murdered them in cold blood?  Give me one good reason not to cut you down right now."   Badger was seething, visibly as well.  She had her longbow in her hands, slightly unsure of when she had pulled it out.  She had not knocked an arrow yet, but she was close. The edge was right in front of her and she was begging for an excuse to be pushed over.   "Don't test me.  If you run, I will track you down.  I always do."   Her voice was as dead as stone, the only emotion showing in the knuckles of her hands. 
 

 "Y-you're right,"  Ragnar says, shifting his grip on his axe, almost squeezing it as he stares at the ground.  "I told them not to but I don't know why Connor's acting like this, he's usually not like this..."

"Didn't you see what they did?"  Ajax shouts.  "Sure, Connor may have been a bit...forward but those damn greenskins are nothing but a nuisance, raiding and robbing and killing. Get rid of one and another pops up too!" 

Connor groans and rubs his head, but he stands with Ajax. And Seres does as well, though she looks over at Ragnar with a somewhat confused expression.
Dusk Eclipse
 "You are seriously beginning to grate on my nerves, so we'll give you one more chance, surrender and we will make sure you get a fair trial"  Artorias grips his sword tighter  "not that you deserve it" 
 
 Spoiler: Woot for untrained checks! 


Intimidate  (1d20)[ 2 ] 
Has the caustic cloud dispersed already? Sorry if I missed it.

:facedesk:
 
super dark33
 Sure, lets murder those people because we are tottaly not similiar to them in any form.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Seres stamps her foot down on the tail of Elsee's coat, sending her sprawling.



 "Y-you're right,"  Ragnar says, shifting his grip on his axe, almost squeezing it as he stares at the ground.  "I told them not to but I don't know why Connor's acting like this, he's usually not like this..."

"Didn't you see what they did?"  Ajax shouts.  "Sure, Connor may have been a bit...forward but those damn greenskins are nothing but a nuisance, raiding and robbing and killing. Get rid of one and another pops up too!" 

Connor groans and rubs his head, but he stands with Ajax. And Seres does as well, though she looks over at Ragnar with a somewhat confused expression. 
 

Badger glared at Seres.   "Let my little friend go.  That wyvern is hers you know and I saw what happened to the last person who hurt his trainer."   She nodded at Ragnar.   "You know who I find a nuisance.  Humans.  Sure plenty of goblins rob and steal, not disagreeing there, but what else can they do?  Ever been in the city?  Ever seen what happens there?  They have their ghetto and if they leave they are shunned.  A branded criminal can get more work then them.  So they do what most people who are forced away do, they steal, they kill, they become the people I track down.  And it gives them a bed for the night and a real meal.  I like them, because they have heart.

Humans on the other hand.."   Badger snorted disdainfully.   "Well some are nice like Art there, and I guess Sora isn't bad except for that damned god of hers.  And those who just try to live their lives aren't bad.  But the ones you obey are the worst types of people.  Oathbreaking scum, liars, thieves of life and soul.  And I can't even catch them, can't even bring them to justice.  I am not even allowed to try.  Their council protects them, their money protects them, their 'reputation' protects them.

Shall I list your crimes here?  I have a good memory for them.  You have broken and entered, assaulted a guard, a goblin and me.  You then assaulted us again with Connor.  Add that to murder of the jails wards and trust me you would hang.  And I wouldn't do you the dignity of honoring your death as I have done to murders, thieves, and other criminal elements.

So even if you consider them nuisances shouldn't you think of yourself first?  Because now you have done what you claimed was on their heads.  And the nice thing about not being in Runite?"   She let out a thin, grim smile.   "I can be as deadly as I want." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "You are seriously beginning to grate on my nerves, so we'll give you one more chance, surrender and we will make sure you get a fair trial"  Artorias grips his sword tighter  "not that you deserve it" 
 
 Spoiler: Woot for untrained checks! 


Intimidate [roll0]
Has the caustic cloud dispersed already? Sorry if I missed it.

:facedesk:
 
 
 

The cloud behind the Wyvern's Fangs thins out but hasn't quite dispersed yet. Artorias's threat merely elicits a set of rolled eyes from Connor and Ajax, but Ragnar looks concerned at Surdraks' words.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger glared at Seres.   "Let my little friend go.  That wyvern is hers you know and I saw what happened to the last person who hurt his trainer."   She nodded at Ragnar.   "You know who I find a nuisance.  Humans.  Sure plenty of goblins rob and steal, not disagreeing there, but what else can they do?  Ever been in the city?  Ever seen what happens there?  They have their ghetto and if they leave they are shunned.  A branded criminal can get more work then them.  So they do what most people who are forced away do, they steal, they kill, they become the people I track down.  And it gives them a bed for the night and a real meal.  I like them, because they have heart.

Humans on the other hand.."   Badger snorted disdainfully.   "Well some are nice like Art there, and I guess Sora isn't bad except for that damned god of hers.  And those who just try to live their lives aren't bad.  But the ones you obey are the worst types of people.  Oathbreaking scum, liars, thieves of life and soul.  And I can't even catch them, can't even bring them to justice.  I am not even allowed to try.  Their council protects them, their money protects them, their 'reputation' protects them.

Shall I list your crimes here?  I have a good memory for them.  You have broken and entered, assaulted a guard, a goblin and me.  You then assaulted us again with Connor.  Add that to murder of the jails wards and trust me you would hang.  And I wouldn't do you the dignity of honoring your death as I have done to murders, thieves, and other criminal elements.

So even if you consider them nuisances shouldn't you think of yourself first?  Because now you have done what you claimed was on their heads.  And the nice thing about not being in Runite?"   She let out a thin, grim smile.   "I can be as deadly as I want."  
 

Seres rolls her eyes and tosses Elsee to Badger, though her bow is still drawn.

 "Pff, not like you understand,"  Ajax huffs.  "A sympathizer like you simply wouldn't understand. Damn savages don't belong there anyway, or anywhere around us. They cause nothing but pain and misery, and they have ever since the Ascension!

"Ajax, maybe we should go..."  Seres starts as she stares at Ragnar, who looks absolutely terrified.  "Connor was acting a bit off when he dragged us all here."

"Even if he was being brash, he had the right idea!"

"Stop covering! Just...Just stop it!"  Ragnar finally shouts, hurling down his axe.  "She's totally right! They were prisoners anyway; we didn't need to go in there and kill them all right now! That's also illegal; even if we did break a lot of stuff on those bounty hunts we didn't kill prisoners! You're second in command, you know Connor was acting weird since this morning so why didn't you take over?!"  
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The cloud behind the Wyvern's Fangs thins out but hasn't quite dispersed yet. Artorias's threat merely elicits a set of rolled eyes from Connor and Ajax, but Ragnar looks concerned at Surdraks' words.



Seres rolls her eyes and tosses Elsee to Badger, though her bow is still drawn.

 "Pff, not like you understand,"  Ajax huffs.  "A sympathizer like you simply wouldn't understand. Damn savages don't belong there anyway, or anywhere around us. They cause nothing but pain and misery, and they have ever since the Ascension!

"Ajax, maybe we should go..."  Seres starts as she stares at Ragnar, who looks absolutely terrified.  "Connor was acting a bit off when he dragged us all here."

"Even if he was being brash, he had the right idea!"

"Stop covering! Just...Just stop it!"  Ragnar finally shouts, hurling down his axe.  "She's totally right! They were prisoners anyway; we didn't need to go in there and kill them all right now! That's also illegal; even if we did break a lot of stuff on those bounty hunts we didn't kill prisoners! You're second in command, you know Connor was acting weird since this morning so why didn't you take over?!"   
 

Badger pushed up close to Ajax and 
 Spoiler 
In a PM to you Coffee
 
Silverraptor
Sora stood there taking it all in. She then spoke softly.
 "...So what?..." 
She then yelled loudly.
 "SO IT'S PERFECTLY FINE TO COMMIT MURDER IN A PRISON AS LONG AS THEIR PLAVAAN?! And what would have happened if you killed a regular human guard?! Did you think it would be alright and everyone would look another way if you accidently killed a non-plavaan during your 'Justified' killing of plavaans?!" 
She made the motion of 'quotation marks' with her fingers when she was saying the word 'Justified' in a highly sarcastic manner.
 "Can I ask you this, if Plavaan are condemned because of the actions of their gods on the day of ascension, how will our actions now in the name of Astrid make us any different than the Plavaan? How can we claim we're better then them when we do the exact same acts as them?!" 
 
 Spoiler: Diplomacy roll because I think that outburst had a hint of it in there 
 (1d20+14)[ 26 ] 
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee landed with a thud at Badger's feet, hissing again at the thorns before clambering back into a standing posistion.

 "Oh Golek curse et! that freakeng bullshet agaen!? For the last freakeng time et was the ORC god that supposedly ded et! Geblens are not orcs! there are no orcs here! there were never any orcs here! i have not seen a single orc anywhere near this place since i freakeng left runite! And for creyeng out loud et was hundreds of years ago! GET OVER ET!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: Athedia: 
Ajax grabs Badger by her arms and hisses,  "Maybe you found some decent Plavaan. Who knows, there might be a few who are a credit to the name. But every single one I've seen deserves to be called a sub-human. If they're dogs, they're rabid ones. You have no idea what it's like out here, in the real world." 
 


 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
 Sora stood there taking it all in. She then spoke softly.
 "...So what?..." 
She then yelled loudly.
 "SO IT'S PERFECTLY FINE TO COMMIT MURDER IN A PRISON AS LONG AS THEIR PLAVAAN?! And what would have happened if you killed a regular human guard?! Did you think it would be alright and everyone would look another way if you accidently killed a non-plavaan during your 'Justified' killing of plavaans?!" 
She made the motion of 'quotation marks' with her fingers when she was saying the word 'Justified' in a highly sarcastic manner.
 "Can I ask you this, if Plavaan are condemned because of the actions of their gods on the day of ascension, how will our actions now in the name of Astrid make us any different than the Plavaan? How can we claim we're better then them when we do the exact same acts as them?!" 
 
 Spoiler: Diplomacy roll because I think that outburst had a hint of it in there 
[roll0]
 
 
 

Every member of the Steel Thorns turns to Sora in her outburst. Ragnar's eyes go wide, and he turns to face his partners.  "She's right!"  he says.  "She's also an Astridian, so not everyone's the same there either, Ajax! And Connor, why have you been acting so crazy? It's like you've been hit by a spell!"

"Ragnar, we're in this to the end."  Seres's voice is cold and chiding.

 "Not like this! Come on Seres, you didn't sign up for this!"

"..." 

Connor bares his teeth and strides over to Seres. Ajax still folds his arms and stares, accusatory.  "Come on, Seres. You signed the contract, you know all the riches you'll get at the end of it!"

"Seres, please..."

"........" 

EDIT:


 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee landed with a thud at Badger's feet, hissing again at the thorns before clambering back into a standing posistion.

 "Oh Golek curse et! that freakeng bullshet agaen!? For the last freakeng time et was the ORC god that supposedly ded et! Geblens are not orcs! there are no orcs here! there were never any orcs here! i have not seen a single orc anywhere near this place since i freakeng left runite! And for creyeng out loud et was hundreds of years ago! GET OVER ET!"  
 

 "You killed Salblaze!"  Ajax yells.  "How can that ever be forgiven?!" 
 "Wait!"  Ragnar says, stepping between the two.  "If that's true, then why are we going after goblins?" 
super dark33
These people disgust him. To prove superiority he speaks in his accent.

 Whæt is your "ræl wœrld"? Plæse tæll me? Dœ "ræl" plævans send ships to ræd and burn coast villæges or boats? Do plaavans torture, enslæve and corrupt people into hidious monsters? No, that would be home sweet home. That plæce i never told anyone im from and do so now because i just 'Love' you.    
Draconi Redfir
Elsee threw up her arms in frustration, rage growing as through her as if she had been touched by some of the red goop herself.

 "Oh! oh EYE kelled sailblaze did i!? I'm a giant fifty-foot male orc god who wields a bow am i!? your god saw me a thousand years ago h'uh!? Me specifically!? H'uh!? Well you must be blind because eye can't see a single theng about me that even remotely resembles that descrepteon! and as for your freakeng Day of ascent!"  Elsee pointed angrily at the dwarven cleric, stepping closer to him with every word.  "Eye'll tell you a theng or two about your precious day of accent! the whole entire day essentially amounts to every single one of your lot on the cursed planet going "weeeh! weeh abloo bloo hooo! some orc god killed our god's pet ten thousand years ago boo hoo hoo!" Well guess what!? A Dwarf killed my dad's Goblin dog fifty years ago when he was just a ked! Slaughtered et right enfront of his eyes! 'nd guess what Fitch! You don't see ME crying about et every freaking year now do you!? No! you don't! Eye don't even care! eye wasn't even born! Et was before my time! Not emportant to me! You wanna know why goblin lives are so much shorter then your lot's? because UNLIKE you pathetic excuses for living sacks of meat, Goblins don't take ten billion years to   GROW THE GRUCK UP!  " 

Elsee was now standing toe-to-toe with the Dwarf, glaring up at him, silently wishing she had posessed a chair or a table or something to stand on. It was however only after her little rant that she noticed she had been shouting those last few phrases at the top of her lungs. She wanted to go back to Badger in fear and embarassment, but stood her ground nonetheless, doing so now would only make her look weak.

 
 Spoiler 
 Intimidate check don't fail me now!
 (d20+7)[ 19 ] 
Either way i think she should get a high DM bonus for that little speech😁
 
Athedia
Badger looked over at Ragnar, pity and sorrow on her face.   "Ragnar, I would suggest you run while you can.  Leifs guild in Runite if you can make it."   Turning back to Ajax she rolled her eyes.  "So Twist got to her, you set foot in a mortal realm and the Three can have fun." 

Wheeling to stare at Seres she continued ranting.   "And contract?  Riches?  For what slaughtering prisoners?  How heroic." 

At Elsee's rant Badger couldn't help but smile, and she stepped up behind the goblin.  She took a few deep breathes to calm down. "On that note, you know drow right?  Pointies, just with weird hair and a little less likely to burn in mid day?  Well we had to track one down, poor boy had been driven mad.  Wasn't even full drow see, ears a little rounded if you know what I mean.  Well a bunch of followers of Astrid slaughtered his whole family, drove him mad.  Neither group actually wanted him see, not a real Plav but just enough.  So he lashed out, problem was that lashing out was with poison, from Kheel here actually."   Badger gestured to the wyvern again.   "We tracked him down and caught him, didn't have to bring him in alive but we did.  He blamed Astrid's clerics, who I gotta say are not generally the friendliest lot, Sora excluded.  He felt that they were the source of his problems, not the sick people who killed his little brother and parents.  He got the noose, like any murderer would.  But he had started viewing humans as the enemy, same way you are toward Plav.  And I will say there are bad eggs in both, but what you and he have in common is you can't see the truth.  You are the same, heck I would even say your body count is higher now.  But apparently while he had to pay for his crimes, and did so with dignity, what you get is 'riches'." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 These people disgust him. To prove superiority he speaks in his accent.

 Whæt is your "ræl wœrld"? Plæse tæll me? Dœ "ræl" plævans send ships to ræd and burn coast villæges or boats? Do plaavans torture, enslæve and corrupt people into hidious monsters? No, that would be home sweet home. That plæce i never told anyone im from and do so now because i just 'Love' you.     
 

 "Of course they raid coasts. And as for the corruption..."  Ajax pauses, then continues,  "But I wouldn't put it past them!" 

 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee threw up her arms in frustration, rage growing as through her as if she had been touched by some of the red goop herself.

 "Oh! oh EYE kelled sailblaze did i!? I'm a giant fifty-foot male orc god who wields a bow am i!? your god saw me a thousand years ago h'uh!? Me specifically!? H'uh!? Well you must be blind because eye can't see a single theng about me that even remotely resembles that descrepteon! and as for your freakeng Day of ascent!"  Elsee pointed angrily at the dwarven cleric, stepping closer to him with every word.  "Eye'll tell you a theng or two about your precious day of accent! the whole entire day essentially amounts to every single one of your lot on the cursed planet going "weeeh! weeh abloo bloo hooo! some orc god killed our god's pet ten thousand years ago boo hoo hoo!" Well guess what!? A Dwarf killed my dad's Goblin dog fifty years ago when he was just a ked! Slaughtered et right enfront of his eyes! 'nd guess what Fitch! You don't see ME crying about et every freaking year now do you!? No! you don't! Eye don't even care! eye wasn't even born! Et was before my time! Not emportant to me! You wanna know why goblin lives are so much shorter then your lot's? because UNLIKE you pathetic excuses for living sacks of meat, Goblins don't take ten billion years to   GROW THE GRUCK UP!  " 

Elsee was now standing toe-to-toe with the Dwarf, glaring up at him, silently wishing she had posessed a chair or a table or something to stand on. It was however only after her little rant that she noticed she had been shouting those last few phrases at the top of her lungs. She wanted to go back to Badger in fear and embarassment, but stood her ground nonetheless, doing so now would only make her look weak.

 
 Spoiler 
 Intimidate check don't fail me now!
 (d20+10)[ 12 ] 
Either way i think she should get a high DM bonus for that little speech😁
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Counter intimidate: 
 (d20+10)[ 12 ] 
 


All four members of the Steel Thorns step back from Elsee's speech. Even Connor and Ajax's looks of superiority are temporarily suppressed. Ragnar looks confused and a little...horrified as he looks back and forth between his superiors and Elsee, as if he'd never heard the whole story before. Even Seres looks a little bemused.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger looked over at Ragnar, pity and sorrow on her face.   "Ragnar, I would suggest you run while you can.  Leifs guild in Runite if you can make it."   Turning back to Ajax she rolled her eyes.  "So Twist got to her, you set foot in a mortal realm and the Three can have fun." 

Wheeling to stare at Seres she continued ranting.   "And contract?  Riches?  For what slaughtering prisoners?  How heroic."  
 

Seres pauses,and Ragnar takes the moment to swallow and step between Badger and the Steel Thorns.  "Even if I were going to leave,"  he says after a moment to collect his bravery,  "Please, I'm not going anywhere without my sister." 

 At Elsee's rant Badger couldn't help but smile, and she stepped up behind the goblin.  She took a few deep breathes to calm down. "On that note, you know drow right?  Pointies, just with weird hair and a little less likely to burn in mid day?  Well we had to track one down, poor boy had been driven mad.  Wasn't even full drow see, ears a little rounded if you know what I mean.  Well a bunch of followers of Astrid slaughtered his whole family, drove him mad.  Neither group actually wanted him see, not a real Plav but just enough.  So he lashed out, problem was that lashing out was with poison, from Kheel here actually."   Badger gestured to the wyvern again.   "We tracked him down and caught him, didn't have to bring him in alive but we did.  He blamed Astrid's clerics, who I gotta say are not generally the friendliest lot, Sora excluded.  He felt that they were the source of his problems, not the sick people who killed his little brother and parents.  He got the noose, like any murderer would.  But he had started viewing humans as the enemy, same way you are toward Plav.  And I will say there are bad eggs in both, but what you and he have in common is you can't see the truth.  You are the same, heck I would even say your body count is higher now.  But apparently while he had to pay for his crimes, and did so with dignity, what you get is 'riches'."  

Ajax smirks.  "And I suppose you all were noble enough to track him down for free? And denied any reward you were given?"

"..."  Seres mutters something to herself but it's hard to make out.

 
 Spoiler: DC 25 Listen Check 
Seres is saying,  "I don't think that's what she was saying exactly..." 
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias trembles in barely restrained fury, using every ounce of self-control he has to stop himself from pouncing the Thorns... or at least Connor and Ajax.
 
 Spoiler 

Sorry I don't have an epic speech for this confrontation, you all know Artorias is more the physical type of guy in these cases
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Of course they raid coasts. And as for the corruption..."  Ajax pauses, then continues,  "But I wouldn't put it past them!" 


All four members of the Steel Thorns step back from Elsee's speech. Even Connor and Ajax's looks of superiority are temporarily suppressed. Ragnar looks confused and a little...horrified as he looks back and forth between his superiors and Elsee, as if he'd never heard the whole story before. Even Seres looks a little bemused.



Seres pauses,and Ragnar takes the moment to swallow and step between Badger and the Steel Thorns.  "Even if I were going to leave,"  he says after a moment to collect his bravery,  "Please, I'm not going anywhere without my sister." 



Ajax smirks.  "And I suppose you all were noble enough to track him down for free? And denied any reward you were given?"

"..."  Seres mutters something to herself but it's hard to make out.

 
 Spoiler: DC 25 Listen Check 
Seres is saying,  "I don't think that's what she was saying exactly..." 
 
 
 

 "Who is your sister?"   Badger couldn't stop the look of concern that appeared on her face.  She always had a soft spot for siblings.  It didn't matter what the person had done.  She had felt sorry for Cecil after learning about his brother, rescued Natasha to help Eva, even wanted to help those necromancers.  Still looking concerned she quietly said.   "During times when the guard can't we step in.  Most others would have straight out killed him, or tortured him.  He was a wolfs head.  But for every coin I earn working jobs like that Ajax, I go to those who need the funds and help them.  I don't want credit for it, and Seres understands what I was trying to say.  Don't you?"   She looked at the woman and then sighed.  There really was no reasoning with people.

She slowly walked forward, passing Ajax and Connor going to where she had originally heard the groans.   "Elsee, I assume you wished to go this way?"   She laid her hand gently on the goblins head, avoiding the place Lil' Miss liked to rest.

 
 Spoiler 
If anyone attempts to stop her use the boots
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee spat on Ajax's boots and nodded,  "Children. all of you are nothing but children unable to accept the fact that the past can't be changed. Freakeng.. Children!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias trembles in barely restrained fury, using every ounce of self-control he has to stop himself from pouncing the Thorns... or at least Connor and Ajax.
 
 Spoiler 

Sorry I don't have an epic speech for this confrontation, you all know Artorias is more the physical type of guy in these cases
 
 
 

Artorias's fury and barely-restrained wrath is mirrored in Connor and Ajax's face. It seems like Connor's awoken from his previous odd rage, but now he's forcing it again...possibly to save face in front of his comrades?


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Who is your sister?"   Badger couldn't stop the look of concern that appeared on her face.  She always had a soft spot for siblings.  It didn't matter what the person had done.  She had felt sorry for Cecil after learning about his brother, rescued Natasha to help Eva, even wanted to help those necromancers.  Still looking concerned she quietly said.   "During times when the guard can't we step in.  Most others would have straight out killed him, or tortured him.  He was a wolfs head.  But for every coin I earn working jobs like that Ajax, I go to those who need the funds and help them.  I don't want credit for it, and Seres understands what I was trying to say.  Don't you?"   She looked at the woman and then sighed.  There really was no reasoning with people. 
 

 "Seres,"  the dwarf says, indicating to the half-elf girl behind him.  "We're adopted, but she's still my sister." 

None of them seem to know exactly what a wolf's head is, but it appears they get the gist. Seres can't quite look Badger in the eye, but she does mutter,  "Our jobs haven't been as...satisfying lately." 

 She slowly walked forward, passing Ajax and Connor going to where she had originally heard the groans.   "Elsee, I assume you wished to go this way?"   She laid her hand gently on the goblins head, avoiding the place Lil' Miss liked to rest.

 
 Spoiler 
If anyone attempts to stop her use the boots
 
 


 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee spat on Ajax's boots and nodded,  "Children. all of you are nothing but children unable to accept the fact that the past can't be changed. Freakeng.. Children!"  
 

Connor and Ajax try to grab Badger's arms, yank her back so she can't run past them, but with her boots she slips past to the cells.

The door's pried open, and the floors are damp with blood. Of the goblins and hobgoblins that the group captured, only one is still standing--the goblin cleric, a half-tied bandage draped over her arm as she stumbles back from one of the hobgoblin brothers. He's motionless on the ground, a pool of blood spreading from his lower torso, gasping weakly from pain. The other goblins are...clearly dead.

The goblin cleric scrabbles for a holy symbol that isn't there (confiscated upon imprisonment most likely; it's standard in Runite too), and swallows when she sees Badger and Elsee. Her stance relaxes slightly, but she's still wary and tense and ready for a fight...or to run for it.
Draconi Redfir
 
 Spoiler 
 Silver i don't think Sora is at the goblins, Badger took herself and Elsee there with the boots, and it's still a way down the hall from the thorns as far as i'm aware.

And Coffee, there were only three living goblinoids from the bandit group, the two hobgoblin archers and the goblin cleric. So there'd only be one dead goblinoid.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Artorias's fury and barely-restrained wrath is mirrored in Connor and Ajax's face. It seems like Connor's awoken from his previous odd rage, but now he's forcing it again...possibly to save face in front of his comrades?



 "Seres,"  the dwarf says, indicating to the half-elf girl behind him.  "We're adopted, but she's still my sister." 

None of them seem to know exactly what a wolf's head is, but it appears they get the gist. Seres can't quite look Badger in the eye, but she does mutter,  "Our jobs haven't been as...satisfying lately." 





Connor and Ajax try to grab Badger's arms, yank her back so she can't run past them, but with her boots she slips past to the cells.

The door's pried open, and the floors are damp with blood. Of the goblins and hobgoblins that the group captured, only one is still standing--the goblin cleric, a half-tied bandage draped over her arm as she stumbles back from one of the hobgoblin brothers. He's motionless on the ground, a pool of blood spreading from his lower torso, gasping weakly from pain. The other goblins are...clearly dead.

The goblin cleric scrabbles for a holy symbol that isn't there (confiscated upon imprisonment most likely; it's standard in Runite too), and swallows when she sees Badger and Elsee. Her stance relaxes slightly, but she's still wary and tense and ready for a fight...or to run for it. 
 

Badger knelt down next to the the goblin and pulled out her kit.   "If you were going to heal him, do it.  I can only do so much."  She pulled out a bandage and started to bind the wounds.

 
 Spoiler 
Healer Kit +2 circumstance
Heal Check:  (1d20+8)[ 20 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
  
 Spoiler 
 Silver i don't think Sora is at the goblins, Badger took herself and Elsee there with the boots, and it's still a way down the hall from the thorns as far as i'm aware.

And Coffee, there were only three living goblinoids from the bandit group, the two hobgoblin archers and the goblin cleric. So there'd only be one dead goblinoid.
 
 
 

Sora's path to the cells is blocked by Connor and Ajax. She'll either have to tumble around them or try and force her way through.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger knelt down next to the the goblin and pulled out her kit.   "If you were going to heal him, do it.  I can only do so much."  She pulled out a bandage and started to bind the wounds.

 
 Spoiler 
Healer Kit +2 circumstance
Heal Check: [roll0]
 
 
 

The goblin shakes her head, eyes flicking over to Elsee before remaining fixed on Badger.  "I can't by myself,"  she says in a very rough accent.

Once Badger turns the living hobgoblin over, it's clear why. He has a deep gash to his belly, and one sniff makes it clear that this is the kind that's painful and slow. Since the other hobgoblin was killed fairly quickly it's not clear if the nature of the wound was deliberate. Still, while Badger can bandage him and stop the bleeding for now, without further treatment he'll soon die anyway.
super dark33
 Shouldnt you step aside and let a cleric do her job? 

Surdrak lowered the spear's head and grinned.

 Or do you need me to step over and do mine? 
 
 Spoiler: Another Intimidate 

Surdrak hopes they persist, he wants to see how this spear works.
 (1d20+10)[ 22 ] 
 
Athedia
Badger grasped the necklace under her shirt again and concentrated.    Ced, are you there?  Sorry to bother you again but the jail is under attack.  Most of the prisoners are injured or dead and the guard was unconscious when we found him.  The perpatrators have stopped for now, but if they start again I don't think we can handle them.  They are pretty strong.  
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Shouldnt you step aside and let a cleric do her job? 

Surdrak lowered the spear's head and grinned.

 Or do you need me to step over and do mine? 
 
 Spoiler: Another Intimidate 

Surdrak hopes they persist, he wants to see how this spear works.
 (d20+10)[ 29 ] 
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Intimidate 
 (d20+10)[ 29 ] 
 


Ajax smirks.  "You don't even know how to hold that thing, do you?" 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger grasped the necklace under her shirt again and concentrated.    Ced, are you there?  Sorry to bother you again but the jail is under attack.  Most of the prisoners are injured or dead and the guard was unconscious when we found him.  The perpatrators have stopped for now, but if they start again I don't think we can handle them.  They are pretty strong.   
 

Badger can feel Ced's exasperation through the necklace and the link.   Ya gotta be kiddin' me. Alright, alright, I'm comin'. Doubt you'd leave me alone if I didn't, probably should just leave ya ta it...   Ced continues muttering even as the link breaks off.
Athedia
Badger looked up at the goblin cleric and then at the badly wrapped arm. Carefully she went over and rewrapped the wound with a clean bandage. "Which of them did this?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Healer Kit (5/10) left

Heal Check:  (1d20+8)[ 26 ] 
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee crossed her arms and shook her headm planting one hand on her temples. one dead hobbo, one dying, and one stable but wounded gobbo. great.  "yeah i got no idea how to fix this kinda thing.... don't suppose you've got some elder dragons 'round here who owe you a favour eh?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger looked up at the goblin cleric and then at the badly wrapped arm. Carefully she went over and rewrapped the wound with a clean bandage. "Which of them did this?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Healer Kit (5/10) left

Heal Check: [roll0]
 
 
 

It's actually easy to see the wound, once Badger steps into the right light. Some packing here, some gauze there, and a bandage holding it all together, white quickly blooming red. The spread of red slows, and then halts--at least temporarily. The hobgoblin's still going to need medical attention, but she bought him some more time.

 "T-They all did,"  the goblin cleric whimpers.  "The guy in the robes opened the door and then they all went inside and...and--!" 

 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee crossed her arms and shook her headm planting one hand on her temples. one dead hobbo, one dying, and one stable but wounded gobbo. great.  "yeah i got no idea how to fix this kinda thing.... don't suppose you've got some elder dragons 'round here who owe you a favour eh?"  
 

Elsee's sudden appearance startles the cleric, but also causes some of the tension to drain. She flicks her expression over and says,  "No. Only ones here I've hearda are the green dragons. Doubt they'll help." 
 
 Spoiler: Musing 
Should we wrap this up soon?
 
Athedia
 "I need to know the specific acts of each, in order to correctly bring them to justice." 
CoffeeIncluded
The goblin shakes her head, too terrified to speak much.  "I-it was all of them. Arrows and an axe and a mace..."  And indeed, Badger can see the telltale signs of each on the wounded hobgoblin and the corpse.

 
 Spoiler: Everyone: 
Spot and listen checks please.

Jadeite spot:  (d20+4)[ 5 ] 
Jadeite listen:  (d20+4)[ 24 ] 
 
Silverraptor
 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
spot: (1d20+3)[ 20 ] 
listen:[roll1d20+3[/roll]
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler: Perception Rolls 

spot  (1d20+11)[ 26 ] 
Listen  (1d20+10)[ 19 ] 
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee idly wandered over to her sister goblin and sat herself behind her, taking the cleric's hand in her own in an effort to calm her.  "Tried to bring you three some gear to defend yourselves. stupid baton gave me away though." 
 
 Spoiler 
 not sure if theise are for elsee and badger or everyone else, but okay.

spot  (d20+2)[ 21 ] 
listen  (d20+2)[ 16 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee idly wandered over to her sister goblin and sat herself behind her, taking the cleric's hand in her own in an effort to calm her.  "Tried to bring you three some gear to defend yourselves. stupid baton gave me away though." 
 
 Spoiler 
 not sure if theise are for elsee and badger or everyone else, but okay.

spot [roll0]
listen [roll1]
 
 
 

As Elsee takes the cleric's hand, she finally crumbles, letting a few tears leak out before wiping them away. She doesn't completely lose her composure, however.

It's at that moment that Elsee, Badger, Sora, and Artorias see something move all the way down at the entrance of the hallway, and Sora and Jadeite hear several footsteps.

 
 Spoiler: Super Dark 
Surdrak sees/hears these things if he beats 20 on the associated perception checks.

Night everyone!
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee remained where she was, shooting an odd glare towards Badger before speaking.

 "Ef you're letteng those monsters outside ento the guild, 'm taken theise three." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee remained where she was, shooting an odd glare towards Badger before speaking.

 "Ef you're letteng those monsters outside ento the guild, 'm taken theise three."  
 

 "I never said anything about letting anyone.  You of all people know the guild is a place people can make amends if Leif allows it.  I just noticed that Ragnar was having second thoughts, and if it came down to a fight, I want to tangle with fewer people." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneered, taking that as an "yes" either way. She hadn't said that when they were first arrested and Elsee tried to give them the same offer, but noo, had to wait until one of them was killed and the others badly hurt, and she gave the same freaking offer to the monsters who did it first.

Idly Elsee reached into her bag, pulling out the wooden doll the kid had given her back at the siland. she considered giving it to the cleric girl next to her but... ehhh, it was kind of clearly depicting a human, it probably wouldn't be the best idea right now, so she carefully put it back into her backpack.
super dark33
 Alrighty then. 

Surdrak looked back to Artorias and Jadeite, awaiting their confirmation.
CoffeeIncluded
 "I think it's too late for tangling with fewer people, Badger,"  Jadeite says as he turns around.

The fog has cleared, and down at the end of the hallway the party can see a crankier-than-usual Ced, flanked by two rather angry guards.
Athedia
 "Fewer of them, more of us.  Same difference."   Badger waved the goblin prisoners back.   "Ced thank you for helping, I promise that we will be out of your hair soon and I at least will never come back." 
Draconi Redfir
 "'nd we're taken these two weth us."  Elsee added, gesturing to the wounded goblin and hobgoblin.  "i've been due for som roomates anyways" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Fewer of them, more of us.  Same difference."   Badger waved the goblin prisoners back.   "Ced thank you for helping, I promise that we will be out of your hair soon and I at least will never come back."  
 

Ced's gaze sweeps over the scene in moments, and the Steel Thorns seem to withdraw from his presence. To their credit, the two guards seem shocked and faintly ill as well.

The old druid closes his eyes at the fight and the carnage. The crankiness has faded from his face, even as the wrinkles in them seem to deepen. He sighs, and looks...old.  "Figured as much,"  he says.  "I'm sorry ya had ta see this side of San De Lune." 

 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
  "'nd we're taken these two weth us."  Elsee added, gesturing to the wounded goblin and hobgoblin.  "i've been due for som roomates anyways"  
 

 "Y-You can't!"  the guard to the left, the one that Elsee remembers investigating before being knocked out, says once he finally finds his voice again.  "They're still prisoners too. As are  you. "  He glares at the Steel Thorns.  "From upstanding bounty hunters to breaking into a prison and assaulting a guard? What has gotten into you?!" 

The Steel Thorns have all huddled together, pressing their backs to each other and facing outwards in a circle. Connor licks his lips and all four members size up the situation, though Ragnar and Seres are glaring back at the leader and the predicament he's led them into.
Athedia
 "Elsee, we don't have rights to take them.  Out in the wilds sure, and in the heat of battle maybe, but not when they are already awaiting trial.  Not everyone gets a second chance." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee crossed her arms and firmly planted herself next to the goblin Cleric.  "Then we're executing the thorns too? I can live with that." 
Athedia
 "Unfortunately in both cases it may be so.  Random attacks of violence are not good for a lawful society on both sides of the coin.  If a bounty hunter can't be trusted to do their job it reflects on the rest of us and they must be held to a higher standard."   She looked back down at the gasping goblin.   "Sora, we need you in here now. I could hold off death, but not for long." 
Silverraptor
Sora makes her way over to Badger and prepares a healing spell.
 "Cure moderate wounds!" 
 
 Spoiler 
 (2d8+6)[ 14 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Sora dashes around the Steel Thorns and casts a quick healing spell on the hobgoblin. His face smooths from the agonized expression and his breathing evens as the healing spell knits together his shredded insides. There's still open wounds, but they're shallow. Nothing inherently fatal.

The hobgoblin groans and rolls over, eyes widening as he sees Badger, Sora, and Elsee. He reaches out a hand to them, fingers brushing against Sora's dangling holy symbol.  "W-Why..." 

The Steel Thorns look at each other as Ced and the guards approach. Ajax leans back and whispers something into Connor's ears; the sorcerer closes his eyes and sighs, nodding.

 "What?"  Ragnar turns sharply to look at Connor, who's reaching into his bag.  "Connor, they're right, maybe we should--" 
 "Hey!"  the guards shout, trembling with spears in hand.  "Put that down!" 
 
 Spoiler: Spot DC 20 
He's pulling out a scroll.

Jadeite spot:  (d20+4)[ 13 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler 

Taking 10 on Spot for a total of 22
 


Ciaran takes her place on Artorias shoulder where she starts to croon softly as if trying to calm down her master with her song and their empathic link; while the familiar isn't able to completely calm the furious warrior, she manages to calm him long enough for him to notice Connor taking something out of his bag, recognizing the piece of parchment as a scroll Artorias yells.  "Don't do it Connor!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Don't do it?!"  Connor shouts.  "You want us all to get executed? Well, if you don't need us anymore--"  he snatches Seres and Ragnar's wrists; the dwarf pulls free and moves to grab Seres when Ajax shoots out a hand to hold the young dwarf fast. The cleric's other hand is firmly resting on Connor's shoulder.

 "--Then you and this town can get overrun for all I care! TELEPORT!" 

And with a flash of light, they vanish.
Athedia
 "I don't think you can execute these goblins til the Thorns are brought in for trial.  You need them as witnesses and they are victims of their crimes.  But if you put a bounty out on the Thorns we can bring them in if they ever cross paths with us again, or just spread the word." 
CoffeeIncluded
The guards just give Badger a look.  "I was attacked as well--I'm enough of a witness." 
 
 Spoiler 
You're gonna need a diplomacy check here.
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Diplomacy  (1d20+1)[ 19 ] 
 

 "Huh, you were sound asleep when I came in.  How do I know you didn't hack this goblin up and are just saying the Thorns did it?  Sora, Jadiete.  You got schooling, does that make sense to you?"  
Draconi Redfir
Elsee glared at the prison guard and spat again as she stood.

 "Those walking husks of trash just committed murder on an unnamed and helpless person, and attempted murder on two others just like hem! Who the hell do you THENK es going to be a witness to it!? You were asleep, the rest of us were either knocked out or not here, and lookie here! a living witness with good enough eyes to have seen the entire thing! and a newly revived witness who ALSO saw at least the start of it!" 

Elsee paused and crossed her arms under her chest,  "plus there's that whole untouched matter of the fact that it's pretty likely they had a hand in butchereng a few dozen women and children too. You get any Goblin hands 'er Warg heads round here recently?" 
 
 Spoiler 

Diplomacy. If higher then Badger's it's independent, if not, then it's an assist roll.
 (d20+7)[ 26 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite shakes his head, barely suppressing the grin from his face as the guards grow more and more indignant from Badger and Elsee's accusations.

But much to their surprise, Ced holds out a hand.  "Perhaps you are right,"  he says.  "It's clear that there is some information."  He narrows his eyes.  "Regardless, these Plavaan have been caught in the act of robbery and attempted murder." 
Silverraptor
 "I don't think they were implying to let them go, just to delay trial and execution." 
 
 Spoiler 
Diplomacy:  (1d20+14)[ 23 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The guard folds his arms.  "Yes, and for how long? And don't say 'Until the Thorns come back,' since I doubt they are. No thanks to you and that sorcerer going nuts,"  he mutters under his breath.

Still, he's not completely shutting down the idea. So that's something.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grinned and threw her arms up in exitement.  "Great! Well howabout we take'em off yer hands then!? We'll hold onto 'em 'nd if we every find the thorns again then we'll settle the whole matter outselves! They'd still be prisioners of course, but it'd probably be a long-term thing, so we3'd set 'em up with a little room at our place where we can keep an eye on 'em, maybe throw a few cutrains in so they don't scare anyone, maybe some throw-pillows..." 

It was clearly obvious Elsee was not being serious, and was mainly just trying to lighten up the situaition a bit.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Elsee... don't make things worse"  Artorias growls, his gaze never leaving the spot from where the Thorns had vanished. sighing he turns towards the guards and Ced "No, we will not ask you to wait till the Thorns return, I'll make sure they won't trouble anyone."  
super dark33
 They will. Far away from here. 

Surdrak looked at his spear.

 Where did you find that anyway? 
CoffeeIncluded
Ced and the guards ignore Elsee's rant, though the guards don't exactly seem amused.


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "Elsee... don't make things worse"  Artorias growls, his gaze never leaving the spot from where the Thorns had vanished. sighing he turns towards the guards and Ced "No, we will not ask you to wait till the Thorns return, I'll make sure they won't trouble anyone."   
 

 "Good,"  he says.  "The thorns are on you." 

 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  They will. Far away from here. 

Surdrak looked at his spear.

 Where did you find that anyway?  
 

Ced sighs.  "Ya can chase them all tha way ta Alorca fer all I care. Long as they don't come back here." 
CoffeeIncluded
With the Steel Thorns hundreds of miles away and the goblins incapacitated, the negotiations take on a calm tone. It would be leisurely if not for the fact that everybody is still tense, that no matter what the three goblins are going to be executed. There's no way around it; they had attacked villagers before. Holly could testify to that. In the end, Ced and the guards decide to give about three weeks to find the Steel Thorns before executing them.

They strongly encourage the Wyvern's Fangs to leave before then, however.

As the party packs up and leaves, all to eager to return to Runite after this vacation gone horribly awry, Ced greets everyone by the fountain. He's cradling a small rabbit in his hands; it's white with gray spots. It looks at the party and flicks an ear, no more nervous than most rabbits are.

 "They're not gonna break their word,"  he says as way of greeting. And instead of saying farewell, he passes the bunny over to Surdrak and says,  "Jus'...take it. Ya've gone through 'nough trouble here as it is. Hope ya return ta a better Runite than what ya've seen of San De Lune." 

And with that, Ced hobbles off, and the party soon follows.

They travel for several days and nights, blessed with good weather most days. Nobody gives them much trouble, as Kheel's presence scares most unsavory types off. The trade routes are quiet for the most part, and most people they pass are headed north, in the opposite direction from where they're traveling. There's a lot of civilians too; probably people going on vacation to escape the hottest, must humid, and most brutal part of Runitian summers. It's getting steadily hotter as the party travels south, out of the mountains and conifers. The heat finally breaks the day before they're due to arrive in Runite, in the form of a torrential downpour that soaks everyone to the bone in minutes. Fortunately there's an inn nearby, a sort of communal rest stop for travelers since so many people normally take this trade route.

There are several alarmed caravans and tents outside and many people inside, nearly a hundred, with even a few Plavaan and half-Plavaan in the mix. The moment the party steps inside the large common area (a sort of combination kitchen and dining room, not unlike the guild cafeteria) of the inn they're greeted by the sight and smell of sizzling catfish and chicken on the grill, roasted peppers and onions, and the sharp tang of greens tossed in vinegar. It almost smells like home.

 
 Spoiler: Everyone 
Spot, listen, and sense motive checks please.

Jadeite spot:  (d20+4)[ 22 ] 
Jadeite listen:  (d20+4)[ 20 ] 
Jadeite sense motive:  (d20)[ 8 ] 
 
Silverraptor
 
 Spoiler 
Spot: (1d20+3)[ 9 ] 
Listen: (1d20+3)[ 4 ] 
 
super dark33
Surdrak still wasnt sure about anything that happend in San de Sol, all he knew was that this spear looks like a sacreficial tool used by the more savage warlocks, maybe he can take it to Artae's dad in Runite and change it to his own insigna.

The Rabbit needs a name, somthing with meaning. John Romero.


 
 Spoiler 
 John Romero is yet another game developer that made expactations to their games much bigger than what the game was. Though Romero has no connection to bunnies whatsoever, unlike Molyneux wh founded a company called Bullfrog.
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (1d20+11)[ 29 ] 
Listen:  (1d20+11)[ 29 ] 
Sense Motive:  (1d20+11)[ 13 ] 
 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Spoiler 

spot: (d20+2)[ 8 ] 
listen: (d20+2)[ 21 ] 
sense motive:  (d20+1)[ 10 ] 

for a rouge her detection skills are lousy.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Despite knowing that Ced and the guards of San de Lune were as likely to catch the Thorns as as him of ever understanding Surdrak, being so close to home brings him a sense of calm and even happiness; though the grilled catfish smell might have something to do with the last part.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot  (1d20+11)[ 12 ] 
Listen  (1d20+10)[ 30 ] 
Sense Motive  (1d20)[ 13 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Sora's too distracted by the heavy storm, the rain lashing at the windows outside, to really focus, but everyone else can hear snatches of the whispered conversation. They're all...oddly grim.

 "--and of course that damn dragon--"

"--Heard Necal and the Docks have it worst--"

"--Only a matter of time--"

"--And that damn storm's chasing us out too!" 

There's a general sense of tension and fear in the room, though nobody can get more specific information than that.

 
 Spoiler: Anyone who's lived in Runite more than a year: 
This is the peak of hurricane season."
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias catches some snippets of conversation as they get a table inside the Inn, thankful for having somewhere dry to stay the night.  "You know... considering everything I think we could have done worse for "vacations"  he air quotes the last word.

 
 Spoiler 

Thought some RP would be in order.
 
super dark33
 You cant say it wasnt fun though, i mean we saw a dragon and also a dog holding a sword in his mouth! Besides, somtimes vacations are done to see that places are bigger dumps than home. Whats all the commotion here about? 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Generally most people prefer not to be in mortal peril on their vacations, Surdrak,"  Jadeite says as he picks up a piece of catfish filet, looking around the room.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneers and burried her head in her hand, exausted from the rain, the trip, and the loud noises comming from arround them.  "The next time any of you wanna bring me with you on a little vacaition... don't. Nnnkay?" 
Athedia
Badger was resting her head on her folded arms, Naga lying at her feet.  From the comfortable darkness she spoke.   "I turned 23 the other day.... I haven't seen family for 8 years... have been bringing people in for about 5 now.... Was any of it worth it?  I can't stop weather, can't stop the Thorns or the people who create Cecil's, every day there are new people to catch...." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee sneers and burried her head in her hand, exausted from the rain, the trip, and the loud noises comming from arround them.  "The next time any of you wanna bring me with you on a little vacaition... don't. Nnnkay?"  
 

 "We will make sure to go on a wonderful one next time then,"  Jadeite says with a grin.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger was resting her head on her folded arms, Naga lying at her feet.  From the comfortable darkness she spoke.   "I turned 23 the other day.... I haven't seen family for 8 years... have been bringing people in for about 5 now.... Was any of it worth it?  I can't stop weather, can't stop the Thorns or the people who create Cecil's, every day there are new people to catch...."  
 

Jadeite swallows his bite of catfish and frowns.  "I wonder if the people you assisted would say your efforts were not 'worth it.' From what I remember you were rather instrumental in stopping Cecil, or assisting Feliks, Natasha, and Surdrak. I daresay they would be rather offended at your implication that they are not 'worth it.' 

The elf pauses and leans close to Hemlock.   "Was that okay?"   he whispers in Elven.

 
 Spoiler: What do you guys want to do? 
Talk or move on?
 
super dark33
  svetahw tub em derutpac ohw Regdab tnsaw ti.  Anyway, you never told me where you found that spear, Badger, did Ced give it to you? 

He looks in his pocket where the spear and his other belongings are stored.
Athedia
Badger kept her head down, tired.  "I haven't helped Surdrak, except where I wanted to do less paperwork.  And you picked up the spear, right before you went all murdery." 
super dark33
 Yeah i get it you think im a massecring maddude Jadae whats the real reason? 

Surdrak scowled.
Athedia
 "You really don't remember?  Alice, the ground falling, you touched the spear and then Artorias scythed you....  And the paperwork is if you die.  Have to account for anyone lost." 
super dark33
 I remember falling, waking up at Ceds and somthing about cleaning the place. Then thorns then we are riding home. Are you saying there is more? 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Apparently the spirits did not like your resisting them,"  Jadeite says. His eyes never leave his half-eaten catfish.  "So they decided to control your body by force. You fought them harder than they expected, but they still managed to possess you and attack us. Astral weapons were designed to damage them, and Artorias was able to exorcise you." 
super dark33
Surdrak raised an eyebrow, he finished eating quite a while ago.

 No, he, didnt? Excorcising means im not a "warlock" anymore, now a regular person like anyone else that is boring. i can still use the powers, see? 

He rubs one of his tendrils over Jadeite's face. It appears more slick and less cloudy than before, like its composite of plates with a strange symbol on them.
Athedia
 "Something got figured out.  The spirit thing is dead now, maybe that stuff is residual." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 Surdrak raised an eyebrow, he finished eating quite a while ago.

 No, he, didnt? Excorcising means im not a "warlock" anymore, now a regular person like anyone else that is boring. i can still use the powers, see? 

He rubs one of his tendrils over Jadeite's face. It appears more slick and less cloudy than before, like its composite of plates with a strange symbol on them. 
 

Jadeite shudders and pushes the tendril off his face.  "Never do that again. Do you see me casting any spells on you?"  He pauses.  "Actually, don't answer that." 
 
 Spoiler: Hah! 
Okay, that was funny.
 


He looks over at Badger.  "Regardless, Surdrak has full control once more." 
Silverraptor
Sora sits there listening to the group and watching the antics before finally speaking up.
 "I'm a little surprised at how bad things really are between plavaan and everyone else. I mean, yeah they stories talk about the terrible thing that happened on the day of ascent, but things should not have descended into this kind of madness. Why keep festering and opening this wound? It seems everyone hates it, but at the same time, love to harbor it..." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee looked up from her hands and glared at Sora.  "Well i dunno! Why DO you keep old wounds open Hmm  Cleric!?  or do i need to tell you the same thing i told those monsters back in sandy-bird?" 
super dark33
 What do you mean "once more"? Stop talking in riddles and tell me EXACTLY what happened since we fell down that pit. 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee looked up from her hands and glared at Sora.  "Well i dunno! Why DO you keep old wounds open Hmm  Cleric!?  or do i need to tell you the same thing i told those monsters back in sandy-bird?"  
 

Jadeite opens his mouth, but thinks better of it and remains silent--at least until Surdrak speaks.


 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  What do you mean "once more"? Stop talking in riddles and tell me EXACTLY what happened since we fell down that pit.  
 

He pauses, then says,  "The spirits--probably the voices you were hearing--took over your body the moment you touched that spear and made you attack us. You basically acted the same as Alice, though you gave them a harder fight."  The elf sounds even more flippant than usual, though he can't look Surdrak in the eye at all.  "Artorias used his astral scythe to drive them off, but you collapsed. Your soul essentially shattered and we had to enlist Ced's help in piecing you together again. You were causing chaos all over the town. But evidently it worked, and here you are in one metaphysical piece.." 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee looked up from her hands and glared at Sora.  "Well i dunno! Why DO you keep old wounds open Hmm  Cleric!?  or do i need to tell you the same thing i told those monsters back in sandy-bird?"  
 

 "Excuse me? What grudge have I had against you or any of your kind? In case you didn't know, *I* never wanted to be a Cleric! I was forced by my parents to learn about Astrid and everything! Have you ever had the prospect of being forced to do something you didn't ever want to do?!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Yes, I know its ironic but this is just too perfect to pass up.😏
 
super dark33
 Wot. No. Wot? You mean no. What?! No! 

He takes a few moments to breath.

 Did the possesed me tell you anything? How much? 
 
 Spoiler: culminations 
As both discussions heat up, it will end with a glorious Surdrak flipout.
 
Athedia
Badger growled, Naga following suite.  "What has been happening to the Plav is wrong but Sora has never harmed them Elsee.  You attacking her for the crimes of those who follow the same god is the same as them attacking you.  All both groups do is create martyrs and deepen voids.

As for you Surdrak, they told us some things.  I could hear you fighting against it, but it was strong.  If anything it made me want to save you, the real you not the spirit, even more." 
super dark33
 WHAT. THINGS.  

Surdrak is visibly shaking.
Athedia
 "Well, apparently you find Sora attractive, are waiting for me to fumble so you can take care of me, think Art needs to shut up and that Elsee is rude.  The basic things... oh and you said Jadiete was an ass, that was my favorite.  He really is, isn't he? Oh and what is a Glames?" 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias continues to eat his catfish apparently un-fazed by the drama unfolding in front of him "Pretty much what Badger said"  he stops for a moment to swallow  "And for the record... I. Don't. Talk. That. Much."  he finishes the sentence at the Warlock with his fork.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Why Badger, I didn't know you enjoyed your room redecorated as a swamp that much!"  Jadeite says, flashing a very toothy grin.
Draconi Redfir
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "Excuse me? What grudge have I had against you or any of your kind? In case you didn't know, *I* never wanted to be a Cleric! I was forced by my parents to learn about Astrid and everything! Have you ever had the prospect of being forced to do something you didn't ever want to do?!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Yes, I know its ironic but this is just too perfect to pass up.😏
 
 
 

Elsee ignored Badger's comment and instead glared at Sora, it was true of course, but that damn guard had never awnsered her question, and she was still pissed about the thorns getting awat with genocide.

 "You don't even know. Considering eye'me not the one doing what mommy made me here, i figure of the two of us the Plav is the one who made the better decision. again." 
super dark33
Surdrak's shaking is sending tremors to the desk with each mention of his thoughts, but stops at Glames.

 I. Im. No. I. No. No. NO. WHY. NO! I! NO! WHY! WHERE IS MY ****ING HOOOOOOOOOOOORSE?! 

He takes off to the air, bumps himself into the ceiling, zig-zags through the inn to the counter, drops five golden pieces, and charges at the window, bursting through it and outside, yelling all the way through.


 
 Spoiler 
What you did: 1. Reveal you know his dark-er secret to him. 2. Scolded him for having them. 3. Dismissed them as unimportent Resulting in: Flipout! Though mostly he doesnt want to discuss it in a place like this. Better follow him.
 
Athedia
Badger watched Surdrak zoom off in surprise.   "What did I say?" 

Shaking her head she stood up and grabbed the back of Elsee's shirt.   "Stop it.  Just stop.  You think she had much of a choice?  Not all of us can just run away when it suites us."   She gave the goblin a quick shake and dropped her back down.   "Now enjoy your meal.  I am going after Surdrak."   With a whistle, Badger left the inn, Naga at her heels.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee squirmed as she felt herself raised out of her chair by Badger's grip, hissing when she lands on the ground like a diciplined puppy. it took her a seccond but eventually she clambered back up onto her seat, pouting to herself.  "ya just turn 'round 'nd walk away. don't see what's so hard about that..." 
Silverraptor
 "Well unfortunately Elsee, I didn't have anywhere else to go. And I was only 5 at the time they took me to the church of Astrid. So its not like it really crossed my mind to 'walk away' from what I didn't want to do." 
 
 Spoiler 
I highly doubt that even Elsee was a child when she ran away from her tribe.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite falls silent as Surdrak flails around the room, dropping the exact average cost of repairing a window in front of one of the group leaders before smashing through it and flying off to the sound of tinkling glass. Every single person in the inn just watches Badger pursue him, then quietly watches as she runs past the broken window. And stares as a young wyvern snakes his head in to snatch up several catfish filets and  wave  to Elsee before ducking back under the tarp outside.

One of the many people in the inn, a middle-aged woman with graying hair, breaks the mass silence and says,  "You're from Leif's guild, aren't you." 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias simply hangs his head in slight shame  "How could you tell?"  he offers her a small smile.
CoffeeIncluded
She snorts.  "You mean other than the d-dragon, the way that guy flipped out and you ran after him, and you a being decked out for combat, all wrapped up in a nice local accent? Well, most of you, anyway,"  she quickly amends. She looks down at her meal, her smile softening and turning wistful, almost sad.  "Are you leaving too?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Yeah I guess we stand out a little"  He straitens himself  "Leaving? No, we are actually going back to Runite"  he answers somewhat confused.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Heh. Well, good luck,"  she says, in a tone that suggests that she doubts she's the first to say that to the group. The people with her--probably her family, by the looks of it--nod before returning to their food. Other people are eavesdropping on the conversation but don't say anything at the moment.
Dusk Eclipse
 "uh.... I sense there is something that I'm missing... did something happen?" 
CoffeeIncluded
The makeshift inn goes silent. Not the silence of people listening in on a conversation as theirs lulls, but the sudden hush where everyone is thinking the same thing but nobody wants to say it first. Outside, the rain comes down harder, and the wind picks up, a low howling punctuated by flashing lightning and booming thunder.

 
 Spoiler: By the way 
Surdrak and Badger are outside. As is Kheel but he's under a tarp/roof combo. Your choice on whether or not to make him scared of thunder.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee just snorts and turns back to the food infront of her, muttering to herself. " not five years old 'nymore areya?" 
 
 Spoiler 
 i honestly have no idea with elsee. i thought goblins lived only around ten or twenty years at first, but that was apparently proven wrong. what's the average lifespan for goblins Coffee? fourty years?
 
super dark33
Surdrak flies around before waiting for Badger to catch up.

 Yeah im not going to explain anything until im sure no one can hear us. This knowledge might get me killed.  
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 Surdrak flies around before waiting for Badger to catch up.

 Yeah im not going to explain anything until im sure no one can hear us. This knowledge might get me killed.   
 

 "We are in the middle of a storm for Twists sake!  Come down here, please!  What did I say?" 
super dark33
 You proven my worst fear to be right. I know you, Artae and Elsee dont know what Glames is, but im not sure about Jadae or Sora. For all i know the second we are back at Runite they report to either the temple or the wizards and I might need to run away. 

He folds his arms.

 I... i know they wouldnt, i hope not, but...

If you bring them all over here I will tell you everything. Just promise not to use it against me. 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The makeshift inn goes silent. Not the silence of people listening in on a conversation as theirs lulls, but the sudden hush where everyone is thinking the same thing but nobody wants to say it first. Outside, the rain comes down harder, and the wind picks up, a low howling punctuated by flashing lightning and booming thunder.

 
 Spoiler: By the way 
Surdrak and Badger are outside. As is Kheel but he's under a tarp/roof combo. Your choice on whether or not to make him scared of thunder.
 
 
 

Artorias let's out a deep sigh as he closes his eyes in annoyance  "Look lady I don't want to be rude, but I'll be if I need to"  he opens his eyes  "We've been out of Runite for about two weeks, my family and my guildmates are there, if something happened I  need to know, so I'll ask one time"  He glares at the woman  "What happened in Runite?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  You proven my worst fear to be right. I know you, Artae and Elsee dont know what Glames is, but im not sure about Jadae or Sora. For all i know the second we are back at Runite they report to either the temple or the wizards and I might need to run away. 

He folds his arms.

 I... i know they wouldnt, i hope not, but...

If you bring them all over here I will tell you everything. Just promise not to use it against me.  
 

Badger didn't move, the rain soaking through her leathers and chilling her skin.   "Surdrak, I doubt what you did was as bad as you think.  Even if it was, you have been redeeming yourself.  That has to mean something.  I can promise betrayal will not come at my hand." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias let's out a deep sigh as he closes his eyes in annoyance  "Look lady I don't want to be rude, but I'll be if I need to"  he opens his eyes  "We've been out of Runite for about two weeks, my family and my guildmates are there, if something happened I  need to know, so I'll ask one time"  He glares at the woman  "What happened in Runite?"  
 

The woman stills, even as her face softens.  "Oh honey...you don't know..."  She sighs and closes her eyes. Outside the rain pours down, lashing against the windows. Kheel can be heard shifting under the wooden ledge and tarp. Everyone else in the inn is either listening or pointedly making a show of not listening. The woman settles in her seat and stares at her mug of beer.  "You should probably sit down for this one."  Even in the muggy heat of the inn, there's a sudden chill. Finally she sighs, and says,  "Guess I should start."

"It started about a week ago, maybe a week and a half. A few people by the Docks started getting sick. Then the next day it was more, and the day after that it was Canal Street, and then Necal, and then even the Bogs, and now nearly everywhere. In nearly all of Runite, people started getting sick so fast, and dying even faster. I've heard of a few people dying in hours, not a drop of water left in them."  She pauses, choking back a sob. Nobody else in the bar seems to take it any better. Every single person wears the same expression--a haunted look overshadowed by naked fear--on their face. The woman takes a deep breath to compose herself and shakily continues.

 "There's too many sick people for the clerics to treat. But they know what it is. It's...it's cholera, and it's  everywhere . There hasn't been cholera in Runite for decades, not since all the construction, not since I was a little girl. But it's back, out of nowhere. Hundreds of people are dying every day, and nobody knows where it's coming from or how to stop it. Everyone who can is running for it." 
 
 Spoiler 
Welcome to the final arc of Tales of Aequar: Runite's Rise.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias sits there completely stunned  "What.... but..... how?  he babbles somewhat incoherently  "I mean... the swamps... they drained them...."  he suddenly stands up as he realizes something  "Mom...Dad.... Rhea.... Laurentius!  he slams both of his hands on the table  "We are leaving. Now!"  he turns and goes towards the door   "I'll go get Surdrak and Badger." 
super dark33
 I will explain everything. The other secrets? **** those, you didnt seem to mind them anyway if you havent mentioned them until i asked. You know you can never take too much safety percussions. 
CoffeeIncluded
Artorias leaps to his feet as Jadeite rears back, letting a hissed,  "Oh no,"  through his teeth. But Artorias is already outside, slamming the door behind him as he sprints through the mud. Kheel looks up at the sound of him splashing through inch-deep puddles but lowers his head back down when the war blade doesn't reply.

It doesn't take long for Artorias to find badger and Surdrak taking shelter on the leeward side of a slight hill nearby. But the storm is so heavy that he's thoroughly soaked, and out of breath from sprinting and panic.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias takes a  moment to catch his breath before addressing Badge and Surdrak oblivious to the tense ambient "We are leaving" 
Athedia
Badger looked startled at Artorias's appearance.   "Is this about the window?  Because Surdrak did pay for it." 
super dark33
 Good, then ill tell you everything on the road. Lets get out of this dump into the one we call home. 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee frowned and crossed her hands on the table, laying her chin between them. the woman said it hit the Docks the worst, her at-the-time worked down at the docks...  "Well there go my plans for when we got home..." 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger looked startled at Artorias's appearance.   "Is this about the window?  Because Surdrak did pay for it."  
 

Artorias shakes his head  "There has been a Cholera outbreak in Runite 

 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Good, then ill tell you everything on the road. Lets get out of this dump into the one we call home.  
 

Artorias glares at Surdark, but decides to avoid raising more problems.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias shakes his head  "There has been a Cholera outbreak in Runite 



Artorias glares at Surdark, but decides to avoid raising more problems. 
 

 "Cholera? But Deidre's sewers...."   A look of horror grew on Badger's face.   "She wouldn't have?  Would she?  Kill the entire city over a blasted Senate seat?" 
CoffeeIncluded
The bar/inn has gotten quiet again, and everyone has returned to their drinks. The air of fear and despair again hangs over the room as Jadeite stares into his beer.  "Sora, Elsee, you do know what this disease is?" 
super dark33
 Dierdere is not neccesirly to blame, it can happen due to many different things. Comeon, lets get to there fast. Ill get the cart. 

Surdrak spread his limbs and began to fly back to the Inn, specifically the stable.
His mind was already running all the worst scanerios, theoretical, dramatical, comical or tragic as they were.
The sewer broken, Dierdere has somthing to answer to. The drinking water got conteminated due to either the sewers or waste thrown in it, The priests for that water god has somthing to answer to. Sabotage.
All the potential candidates for delibirate sabotage, too diverse, maybe the only two things both plaavans and non plaavans agree on is A) Warlocks suck and B) Ruining Runite's sewers is fun.
Who can be suspected?
Half plaavans, too many coincidences to ignore, the killer from Act 1 (Welcome to the world's biggest stew pot), The necromancer and sister from act 3 (Throw the bone a dog) are both half breeds. Conspiracy? Maybe.
Nobles and other rich people (Badger's gonna see some faces from the past, wait how does Surdrak know that? A sleep in his bed can fix it probably.), hoping that the outbreaks killz da poor because all problems can be solved by heaving enough gold at them. Obviously that backfires, and now their expansive bedsheets are ruined by their former meals.
The Temple, probably hoping it kills the plaavans as they are poor and obviously cant spare healing too much. Oh how Surdrak would love to expose that. Sora will have to be kept safe though.
And the big one, Surdrak's own most distant cousins. He knows they always planned to depose the world from its current order, hell, All of Glame's descendants hope that, but they mostly operated in kingdoms and other monarchies, so either they expanded their vision in some ways or are just so painfuly uninformed. A little happy reunion with not too much murders can solve this misunderstanding and it all can end on a light note. Plus he might get updated on news from the family, been a while.

When reaching the stables he immidietly turned to talk to Kheel before making sure the cart is ready to go.

 [D] Kheel, bro! were leaving! somthing bad happened in Runite and we probably have to go to help![D] 
 
 Spoiler 
Poor Surdrak has to think what i narrate into his head. I already told him all my ships and titles of arcs.
Well he deserves it for being a douchbag. I mean who writes characters like those anyway?
Arc 1: Welcome to the world's biggest stew pot (Becuase opening)
Intermission 1: Big teeth aligator moment (Because the newly introduced Surdrak acts weird and aligators under the well)
Arc 2: Shipping with the fishes (Because Elsee died and boats)
Intermission 2: Meats and Beats (Beef golem and Orc ceremony)
Arc 3: Throw the bone a dog (skelly dogs lol)
Intermission 3: Getch yer ahss to sahll (Thats a reference to the memetic line  Get your ass to mars by Ahnold in the movie Total Recall. 
Arc 4: Spiritual Succsesor (Intermission explains it all)
Intermission 4: Kisses from home [Also, why arc 4 is called Spiritual succsesor] (Thats some black humor right there, additionaly to being the example of my great titleing skills) {This is where we at}

Next up Surdrak will explain who he is and why he is afraid they know it on the road for faux heartwarming moments.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Cholera? But Deidre's sewers...."   A look of horror grew on Badger's face.   "She wouldn't have?  Would she?  Kill the entire city over a blasted Senate seat?"  
 

 "I don't know, but I am sure as hell going to find out" 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite lays a cautious hand on Elsee's shoulder.  "Statistically, not everyone in the Docks could have been affected, and cholera does not have a 100% mortality rate. Your boyfriend might still be alive. And perhaps if we hurry Sora could help him." 
 Outside: 

Kheel perks up and flies out to the rain, though he curls under a tree as soon as he's able.   "Why? What bad thing happened? Is Feliks okay?"  
Draconi Redfir
Elsee shrugs and waves the motion off.  "Eye'll get over it, it'sa goblin thing, we tend to get over loss or greivences pretty quickly." 
super dark33
 [D] We dont know, thats why we need to get back! Dont worry dude im sure hes fine! [D] 

Surdrak gives the wyvern a big hug.
Athedia
Badger looked at the dragon hugging Warlock oddly.  Then she shook her head, water droplets flying off then quickly being replaced in the downpour.  Groaning she went inside, wishing she could stay by the fire.   "Jadiete, those two fools outside want to go toward the death pits.  I assume you want more test subjects as well... I know you like drying things out.   The smart thing to do would be run, get as far away as possible.  Deidre must have gone rogue over that thrice cursed Senate seat." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee's eyes opened wide at Badgers word, unnable to understand what the heck she was saying.  "Woah woah woah! They want to go TOWARDS the plaugelands!? Nuh'uh, nope, not with me! I'm sittin this one out thank you very much!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Fine, stay here I don't care. I'll be going to Runite with or without you"  Artorias keeps on preparing himself for the rest of the trip.
super dark33
 You can come only to pick up your stuff anyway. If you want to come you can do it either by cart or foot, and the cart is leaving in five minuets. 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite blinks at Badger's sudden appearance and her words.  "You believe she sabotaged her own work?"  He looks over everyone in turn.  "I suppose I would be hard-pressed to find a better opportunity to further my research, or possibly put it to an immediately practical use."  The elf stares right into Artorias's eyes.  "You need to see that your family is safe. I will accompany you. Sora, I would humbly request that you join us as well. If Astrid has granted you the ability to heal then we will be in great need of your ability. And Badger..."  His eyes narrow.  "I do not know your entire history, and I only know some more of Elsee's. But from what I do know you owe Leif and the guild a great deal, and hold true affection for them as well. And you are going to abandon them now, in their hour of need?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Remember, he's lawful neutral guys. Plus Jadeite isn't going to outright admit it, but he likes you all.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee frowned and crossed her arms over her chest.  "The guild is either dead or out of the city, most likely a mix of both. if they're in the city, they're already dead. if not, then it'd be better to go and find them 'nd make sure they're okay, get ourselves organized, and figure out where we can get anyone who's still alive out and away from any infected water." 
Silverraptor
 "Y-yeah, sure. I'll come." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "Y-yeah, sure. I'll come."  
 

 "Thank you, Sora." 

 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee frowned and crossed her arms over her chest.  "The guild is either dead or out of the city, most likely a mix of both. if they're in the city, they're already dead. if not, then it'd be better to go and find them 'nd make sure they're okay, get ourselves organized, and figure out where we can get anyone who's still alive out and away from any infected water."  
 

The woman who told about the epidemic in the first place coughs.  "Uh, actually I think the guild's still in the city. So's the senate. I don't think they got hit as hard." 
Athedia
 "I said it would be smart to flee.  Not that I was going too.  Never really chose the smart option in life, why should I start now?"   Badger simply didn't have much to pack, her bows stored away in the quiver with her arrows and the rest of her items worn or left with the cart (because who was going to mess with a wyvern?).   "Of course the Senate is okay.  Death will only come for them once they stop paying her off." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee's jaw gaped open, Badger. freaking BADGER was going into the plaugelands!? she thought she would be her ally in this!

 "Have you all lost your marbles!? This is like walking ento a forrest filled with invisible dragons yaknow that right?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Yeah... and my family is already in there" 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite smiles, a softer smirk.  "Heh. And yet they always seem to work out. And Elsee, we have survived dragons and worse. If I recall, you have died once already."  He's barely even unpacked, and whatever he did can easily be put back in his sack.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneered.  "Yeah, and i don't much care to do it again thank you very much!" 
super dark33
 More like walking into a forest full of invisible dragons with a person that can make invisible dragons instantly die Im talking about Sora in here. 

Not once stopping to breath while saying this sentence, Surdrak inhaled quietly.

 Look i threatened the stable boy to ready up the cart so ill give him double the pay, he should be done by now. 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Furthermore, some recent research has suggested that cholera is food- and water-borne. So all you need to do to avoid the disease is to cease eating and drinking!"  Jadeite's grin fades and his eyes narrow.  "I thought you owed Leif a great deal as well." 

Kheel pokes his head in through the shattered window again, and the woman shifts her her chair away.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneered and glared at the lot of them " I cosnider that debt paid once every single member of the dang place starts trying to kell themselves. wich this is starting to look like." 

Sighing Elsee crawled up onto the table, turning around and cupping her hands around her mouth.  "Oi! Any enchanters in you lot? The kind who can put spells on swords and armor and shet?" 

Elsee may as well try to meet a life goal before she throws herself into a pit filled with broken glass.
CoffeeIncluded
A rather tall dwarf in the background raises his hand and says,   "Um, I am." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grins and quickly hops off the sable, scampering over to the possibly half-dwarf, needing to stop a few times to re-locate him among the crowd. As she finally reached him, she pulled out both her Astral, and her normal Kurkri.

 "How much for two permanent "Keen Edge"'s on theise?" 
CoffeeIncluded
The dwarf pauses and rubs his beard.  "About a thousand, though it'll be a bit hard taking care of everything in the wilderness here and...are your weapons already enchanted?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee nodded again, holding up the Astral Kurkri.  "This one's got some freaky ghost-touching theng on et, the other's just magical." 
CoffeeIncluded
The dwarf frowns.  "It'll be a bit extra then, maybe four thousand for each?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee chewed on her lip, nuts, she was two grand short. Usually this would be around the time she'd start offering favours in exchange, buuut her freinds seemed REALLY intent on killing themselves today sooo Elsee reluctantly put the Astral Kurkri away and placed the normal one on the table infront of the Dwarf, opening her pouch and carefully counting out the gold and gems until she had four thousand worth sitting on the table. Her bag was significantly lighter now, but still had about two grand in it, money she could spend on something else she guessed as it was unlikely anyone would give her a loan.

 "Just one then 'nguess." 
CoffeeIncluded
The dwarf takes the regular kukri, not the astral one, and inspects it carefully.  "This is goblin made?"  he asks as if he can't quote believe it--except that he's holding it right now. He draws a magnifying glass from his pocket and carefully inspects it, finally saying,  "My wife and I should be able to finish this by the morning." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee chewed on her lip a bit as she though, she wasn't exactly keen on the idea of leaving one of her father's Kurkri behind, or with a dwarf for that matter. Still, it was unlikely the others would put off their suicide for annother day, and it was better getting it done late then never so... Elsee nodded and thanked the dwarf quietly. gathering what remained of her gold and her Astral Kurkri before scampering back to the others.

 "All right, let's go get the lot of you killed so those of us sensible enough to not go wandering into a plauge zone can get the hell out of here." 
CoffeeIncluded
Everyone except Elsee heads outside to finish packing. Lightning flashes in the sky and thunder roars through the increasingly wet woods as the rain pours down. It's still not stopping, and in fact may be coming down harder than when they entered. It's hard to even tell if the sun's set, because either way the sky is nearly black with thick clouds and it's impossible to see through the howling wind and endless rain of the storm.

Kheel's clearly uncomfortable now, and the terrified stable boy has had to lead him to a free stable next to the horses. It's not providing nearly as much protection as he'd like, because the wind is lashing rain nearly horizontal, inside the stables to spatter against the wooden back walls. The boy clearly wants to do nothing more than head inside, where it's drier.

Should the party press onwards to Runite now, regardless of the storm? Or do they want to see if they can wait it out?

 
 Spoiler: Draconi, and everyone else too I guess 
Do you want to stay behind overnight to get the kukri and then catch up with everyone on wyvernback tomorrow? Or do you all want to stay here and try and wait out the storm.

And yeah, you're in a tropical storm.
 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Spoiler 

if the others want to go asap i'll do the same. if not, i'm fine with waiting.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias stares at the veritable wall of water downing on them, he knows how dangerous storms like this can be, and that only makes things worse for him. What is more important, the lives of his friends or the lives of his family? Would he be able to risk the lives of Badger, Sora, Jadeite, Elsee, Sudrak and Kheel? But if he doesn't.... would his family be alive when they get back to Runite.
super dark33
 There. I will answer anything now. No more secrets. What do you want to know? 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite looks up at Surdrak.  "What did Badger say or hear to elicit that extreme a response?" 
super dark33
 Oh the response was only partly real, it was mostly an act to bring one of you outside so i can explain everything, if Artæ wouldnt have come to call us i would have gathered us all somehwere away from that makeshift inn and somewhere no one can hear us. What basically happened is, was, the worst case scanerio for me, You knew my deepest secret and some other insignificent ones. Reminded me, Badger, while i sabotaged some missions that was only at first when i was an idiot and angry. If you werent there to put some clear borders i wouldve lost it. Artæ, there is no one, except maybe Leif, i trust more than you, though my criticism is still valied, You dont present our party quite well  he makes a mischivious smile  Jadæ youre a twit but i like you alot [Elven]mostly because of[Elven], Sora, you gave me faith in the temple, maybe i wont judge anyone in there so harshly*, and Elsee (for whom ill recap this entire conversation later off-pane- i mean off post), her plans were always in my liking**. Now these secrets never mattered, those spirits or whatever just tried to cling to what they could, hoping to make internal strife while ignoring the fact that i may explain myself later, the biggest secret was.... Glames. thats my name. Im Surdrak Glames***. Theres a reason i never told anyone that, mostly because telling that to any authority might get me killed. Maybe a simple guard or cleric wont know what that means but the top of the hirarchy does and what they know.... is not very nice... 
 
 Spoiler 
*and maybe also all people in the wooooorld! When it comes to "heartwarming" Surdrak always takes the cheap shots.
**[TMNT] [Elsee] is cool but rude [/TMNT]
***Narm! Narm! Narm! Narm!
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee blinked and looked arround her, people still cluttered around tables, four walls, a roof, a busted window...

 "uhhh.... freakazoid... we're still  In  that makeshift inn." 
CoffeeIncluded
 EARLIER: 

Jadeite stares at Surdrak, and sucks in a deep breath. He remains silent for an uncomfortably long time before saying, in a slow and hesitant voice,  "You did a remarkable job at resisting the spirits in San De Sol. I doubt you will succumb to them now." 
 LATER: 
The wind howls and rain lashes against the party as they set out. Any torchlight is extinguished in minutes, and as nightfall rapidly approaches the only light comes from flashes of lightning that illuminates the boggy road. Kheel shuffles his way outside and tries to take flight, but is immediately blown back against the side of the barn by a particularly powerful gust of wind. His head cracks against the wood and a timber falls, cracking over his horns. Cowed, the wyvern runs back to the stables and curls up against the increasingly damp bedding, whimpering. Elsee decides to stay behind with Kheel and wait out the storm. The dwarf is busy enchanting her weapon anyway, and from the sounds of muffled curses in his room he's having a harder time of it than he expected.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Wyvern's Fangs try to trudge on in the storm. It's not an easy go of it--visibility is nearly nothing, the horses are spooked, it's basically impossible to fly, everyone's clothes and capes and the like are blown back into each others' faces when they're not plastered to their bodies, and there's so much water in the wagon that it's rapidly turning into a puddle, with a future as a pool looking rather close. There's not much the party can hear beyond the roaring of the wind and the rain, and the trees are swaying at an alarming angle--when they can even be seen, that is.

At least it's warm.

 
 Spoiler: Something 
 (d10)[ 7 ] 

And something else:
 (d100)[ 77 ] 
 (d10)[ 4 ] 
 (d8)[ 1 ] 
 


Within the first hour of travel several long thin lightning bolts strike the woods nearby.
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Elsee: 
 "Are you sure it's safe to be outside in this storm?"  Jadeite asks. He casts some spell that dries his robes like parchment, but in minutes they're sopping wet again.  "It has been years since I've seen a storm this bad." 
 
 Spoiler: Everyone 
Not that many tropical storms make their way to where Jadeite lives.
 

 Elsee: 

Wherever Elsee is sitting, whether in the barn or by the stables next to Kheel, the dwarf eventually finds her. He looks a little sheepish even under all the confidence and says,  "I'm sorry, but there's a bit of a problem." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneered and wrapped a blanket she had stolen from the inn around herself and Kheel, finding it somewhat ironic that she was willing to share a blanket with something made up entirely of blades and points.  "Dang right there's a problem. Stupid innkeeper wouldn't let Kheel inside with me, even if i bought a room! We already promised he wouldn't eat anyone, what more could they want!?" 

Elsee smirked a bit and looked up towards the dwarf, making it clear that her quip was merely a joke, and he was free to continue.
super dark33
 Pah, at this rate ill have to buy a new cart  or a big covered settler's wagon, or just a fancy wagon, or a re-fitted omni-cart or whatever that Badger invested in.
Silverraptor
 "I-Is it possible to have a way to d-d-drain the water out of the wagon before we start swimming our way back to Runite? 
Sora is slightly shivering after being completely drenched for much of the trip.
Athedia
 "Doesn't anyone have a tarp?"  Badger sat sulking, her hair dripping in front of her face.  She had pulled out the enchanted bow and was attempting to warm her hands over it's magic flames.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee sneered and wrapped a blanket she had stolen from the inn around herself and Kheel, finding it somewhat ironic that she was willing to share a blanket with something made up entirely of blades and points.  "Dang right there's a problem. Stupid innkeeper wouldn't let Kheel inside with me, even if i bought a room! We already promised he wouldn't eat anyone, what more could they want!?" 

Elsee smirked a bit and looked up towards the dwarf, making it clear that her quip was merely a joke, and he was free to continue. 
 

Kheel nuzzles up to Elsee, trying to wedge his head under her arm. The dwarf stares at the spectacle for a moment before coughing.  "Uh...right. Anyway, I'm having a harder time enchanting the kukri than I thought, and I needed go buy some supplies from another merchant to resize my tools. I'm sorry, but it's going to cost a bit more."

Everyone else:  

 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Pah, at this rate ill have to buy a new cart  or a big covered settler's wagon, or just a fancy wagon, or a re-fitted omni-cart or whatever that Badger invested in. 
 


 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "I-Is it possible to have a way to d-d-drain the water out of the wagon before we start swimming our way back to Runite? 
Sora is slightly shivering after being completely drenched for much of the trip. 
 


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Doesn't anyone have a tarp?"  Badger sat sulking, her hair dripping in front of her face.  She had pulled out the enchanted bow and was attempting to warm her hands over it's magic flames. 
 

Jadeite sneezes.  "Or perhaps we could purchase one of those omnicarts. It should be simple; badger helped sponsor them after all. And alas, I wpuld gladly lend my robe to shield is from the rain but it would not be large enough to cover us all." 

His remark is punctuated by another crash of lighting and thunder. The lightning is harder to see now that the trees are getting a bit more packed together. And the ground is definitely marshier than before.

 
 Spoiler: Something! 
 (d10)[ 4 ] 
 (d100)[ 18 ] 
 (d10)[ 7 ] 
 (d8)[ 5 ] 
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee wrapped an arm around Kheel's head as she snarled, tossing her entire coin purse towards the Dwarf.  "Just leave a few bits in there for me to get somethin to eat later kay?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee wrapped an arm around Kheel's head as she snarled, tossing her entire coin purse towards the Dwarf.  "Just leave a few bits in there for me to get somethin to eat later kay?"  
 

 "S-Sure."  He runs back inside, eager to get out of the rain and away from the wyvern.

 Everyone else: 

Lightning flashes bright, close enough to sear through the trees as another crackling sound rips through the air. No...that is a rip, a long careening groan of wood smoldering, buckling, splintering, falling. A brushy-sounding crash echoes through the woods at the same time that thunder splits the air. It's hard to see in the dark, but up ahead several large branches seem to be blocking the path.
super dark33
 If the storm is that much of a problem we might be able to engineer a solotion while clearing the path, maybe build up a tent on the cart, it might take a while in anyway. Ill break the branches and move them, no need to get your boots dirty. 

Surdrak stops the horses and floats towards the branches, stopping a distance from them, checking the enviorment before starting to launch Eldrtich blasts at the branches, to lated sunder the remaining smaller pieces with his invocations.

 
 Spoiler: Perception checks 
 (1d20+1)[ 6 ]  listen
 (1d20+1)[ 14 ]  Spot

Should i roll anything for clearing the branches?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Moments after Surdrak flies out of the cart a gust of wind blasts him backwards, sending him tumbling head over heels. The crowbar slips out of this belt and lands on  (d4)[ 2 ]  Sora's head. Surdrak is hurled into the mud and slides back several inches.

 
 Spoiler: Super Dark 
No rolls, but you can't fly. It's too windy.
 
Silverraptor
Sora grabs and starts nursing her head.
 "Owww...!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Allow me to assist,"  Jadeite says, casting a spell from inside the wagon. A ghostly hand appears in the air and plucks bundles of twigs, shifts larger branches out of the way, and assist Surdrak with lifting the heavier ones. Even so, the rain and the slick and the mud and the shattered splinters of the fallen limbs makes moving the branches out of the way. It's hard to keep track, but it takes at least half an hour. If it wasn't night before, it definitely is now. Does the party wish to press on or make camp here?

 Elsee: 

It's still raining, but Elsee's safe and sound inside the stable. Even as Kheel curls up to sleep, he stretches out a wing over Elsee and asks in Draconic,   "Do you want to sleep here with me, or with people?"  
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias swears under his breath, he wants to press onwards, but he knows it would be almost suicide  "I think.... I think we should stop for now"  he says in a defeated voice  "continuing would be too dangerous." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneers and wraps one of Kheel's wings around her like a seccond blanket.
 "Too many people 'n there, not enough rooms. Not a lot of Plavaan either way. Plus the dinks wouldn't let you into a room with me. they don't deserve my gold." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Elsee: 

The party decides to make camp by the side of the road, on a slanting outcrop of rocks covered with moss. The cart only provides partial protection against the wind and with the rain pouring down it's impossible to get a fire going. For most of the party, it's the most miserable night they've experienced and it's nearly impossible to actually sleep.

 
 Spoiler: Everyone: 
Everyone needs to make a do 13 fort save or wake up fatigued the next morning. Jadeite's is only 11 because he's Trancing and only needs to trance 4 hours.

 (d20+3)[ 16 ]  (might not be te exact modifier)
 


The rain lets up a couple hours before dawn and by morning the sky is clear and blue. Small puddles are everywhere and grow as raindrops drip off broad leaves of trees. In the daylight the party learns that they can't have travled more than 20 miles, tops.

Soon after they break camp and head out they see a dark shape fly overhead, in te same direction they're going.
super dark33
 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+4)[ 20 ] 
 

 Blech, we still have a way to go. 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler: Fort save 
 (1d20+5)[ 8 ] 
I thought Art's fort would be higher,  oh well
 


Artorias tossed and roll all night,  never catching more than a few minutes of sleep at a time; it is no surprise for anyone to find him in an even more foul mood come morning.
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Fort Save:  (1d20+7)[ 17 ] ?
 


Badger stretched, straightening up from her position leaning on the wagon.  A soaked Naga lay on her lap, his body heat having helped keep her warm that night.  The poor dog was shivering and whining, the whistling of wind and smacking of rain having prevented his slumber.  "Please tell me that isn't that dragon again..." 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Naga's save:  (1d20+4)[ 6 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

Elsee and Kheel sleep relatively well, but are woken early in the morning by people heading to the stables and getting ready to leave. The storm must have passed a couple hours ago and everyone wants to move on earlier rather than later. The dwarven craftsman is among them, and he waves Elsee down once he sees her.

 "I finished this morning,"  he says, passing the kukri and Elsee's wallet back to her. The wallet still jangles from coins inside, but it's noticeably lighter than before.  "It really is well-made."  He sort of shrugs and enters the stable next to hers before pausing and peeking back out at her.  "I guess you're headed back to Runite with your friends. Before I go, I just want to say...good luck." 

Elsee packed light and Kheel's looking up at the sky with anticipation, so it's not long before they're off, soaring through the clear warm air. It's a beautiful day with plenty of birds, but not a cloud in the sky.

After about half an hour or a little more of flying, Elsee and Kheel can see a wagon by some rocks on the side of the road, with five people and a dog around it. Even from above she can tell that they're probably her friends, and they're all thoroughly muddy and soaked.
Silverraptor
 
 Spoiler: Fort roll 
Fortitude check:  (1d20+6)[ 11 ] 
 


Sora emerges grumpy and her hair messy and strewn about.
 "Perhaps we should have stayed the night at the town instead?..." 
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee and Kheel rejoin the party landing with a wet squishing sound. Kheel sniffs the soaked group and the wet cart and says,   "You smell like moss."   both goblin and Wyvern look dry and well-rested.

Now that the rain has stopped the party is able to make it through the swamps without too much trouble. As the air gets thicker and the ground becomes marshier and the woods give way to swamp, they can see more people. They're on carts, horseback, mule back, dog and pony-back in the case of the smaller races, and sometimes walking. Hundreds, maybe thousands, pass by as the hours pass, and all are headed away from Runite. Most are from the lower and working class areas or work nearby, and their stories are all the same--cholera. And to make matters worse, some people say the dragon is still stalking the swamps, though it hasn't attacked large groups, instead preferring to pick off stragglers.

With that warning in their minds, the Wyvern's Famgs enter the swamps not far from where they met the dragon the first time. For a while, nothing's out of the ordinary, and it seems like they'll make it to the Bogs without issue.

 
 Spoiler: Everyone 
spot and listen checks, please.

Jadeite spot:  (d20+4)[ 11 ] 
Jadeite listen:  (d20+4)[ 5 ] 
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneered and forced a cloth over her mouth every time somebody passed by. Any one of them could be a carrier. "N'd you guys wanna go further into the dang place."  she muttered. Wanting to get awaay from the potentul plauge carriers, Elsee took hold of Kheel's reins and indicated for him to fly up. if there was a dragon around again, might be better if she could see it either before, or soon after it saw her. Wouldn't sneak up on her this time, that's for sure.

 
 Spoiler 
 SPOT:  (D20+4)[ 20 ] 
listen:  (d20+2)[ 3 ] 
 
Silverraptor
 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
Spot: (1d20+3)[ 8 ] 
Listen: (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 
 


Sora looks over at Jadeite with irritated eyes, which show signs of beginning to show bags.
 "Oh yes Sora, come with us as we hurriedly travel back to Runite through a storm rather then wait for it to pass in a nice comfortable inn bed!" 


(Sora is tired, and she likes to complain about anything when she's tired.😛 Also, if I screwed up the destination location, apologies.)
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias simply grunts in annoyance at Sora's outburst

 
 Spoiler 

Spot  (1d20+15)[ 26 ] 
Listen  (1d20+10)[ 22 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
On their guard, the Wyvern's Fangs make it through the swamp without much issue. There's no haunting lights of the will-o-wisps, and the swamps buzz with the sounds of birds and bugs and frogs instead of that foreboding silence like just before the dragon attacked. Ciaran isn't too happy about the oppressive humidity and tangled dense trees of the swamp, more used to more arid landscapes and open skies, but she bears with it.

Just as the road opens up and becomes more paved, as the trees and reeds start to thin out and the land becomes drier and the shacks of the Bogs start to come into view, Kheel pauses and stares at something just off the side of the road. After a moment's focus Ciaran, Artorias, and Badger can see it too.

 
 Spoiler: What you see 
There's a scruffy looking person by the side of the road, headed your way.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Looking at the figure Artorias immediatly addopted a stance readynto draw his sword at a moments notice.
 "Who goes there?"  he yells.
CoffeeIncluded
There's a pause, and then a, "Hello!" Out of the bogs comes a grinning scruffy looking man. His hair is slicked back and he's wearing a large shabby coat. His ancestry isn't immediately obvious but if you had to guess you'd say part hobgoblin. He sidles up to the group and his grin only broadens as he places his arm around the horse, who stares at him and flicks her ear.

 "So, you're headed to Runite in these trying times?"  he asks, leaning on the horse as he flashes a grin and an outstretched index finger,  "Then have I got a deal for you!" 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias soften his stance a little, but he still doesn't take the hand out of the sword's hilt.  "You still haven't answered my question, and where I come from it is simple politeness to introduce one before anything else..... I'm Artorias" 
CoffeeIncluded
The man grins and bows, though he keeps his eyes on Artorias's sword.  "Where are my manners? I'm Raz, and you know about that nasty epidemic in Runite, right? You're gonna want to find a way to protect yourself, and I've got your answer right here!"  Raz dips his hand into his coat, and comes out with a fistful of amulets that clank against each other.

 "Real protection amulets, handcrafted and guaranteed to help ward against disease!"   
Dusk Eclipse
 "Are they?"  Artorias rises an eyebrow as he eyes the amulets  "I don't suppose I could give them a closer look, can I?"  he ask in a friendlier tone as he lets go of the sword

 
 Spoiler 

Untrained Sense Motive  (1d20)[ 10 ] 
since I failed the fort save I suppose  Artorias wasn't able to prepare spell, if that isn't the case could I cast Detect Magic?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Raz doesn't obviously seem to be lying, and the amulets are rather shiny. And they are magical. But before Artorias can really concentrate, Raz whips the amulets back inside his coat.

 "Hey, what gives? You don't believe me? Hey look, I've got a special deal for you all--just 200 gold apiece!" 
 
 Spoiler: Dusk 
Spellcraft check, please?

Anyone else can roll sense motive or whatever too, if they want.
 
Silverraptor
Sora stares at the man with one eyebrow cocked high.

 
 Spoiler 
Sense Motive: (1d20+5)[ 22 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: Sora 
No way is he selling amulets that ward against disease for that little cash.
 
Silverraptor
Sora steps forward.
 "Sure, I'll pay you 500 Gold pieces... If you take them out again for us to look more closely at them to make sure they are wards against disease." 
Sora smiles with a confident 'Gotcha!' smile.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias eyes take a slightly green tinge as he observes the amulets and the auras.
 
 Spoiler 

Spellcraft  (1d20+11)[ 17 ] 
Arcana (just in case)  (1d20+5)[ 8 ] 
 
super dark33
Surdrak inspected the amulets. He doesnt trust people who immidiatly try to sell somthing.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+12)[ 13 ]  spellcraft
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: Surdrak 
Ras withdraws the amulets too quickly for you to get a good look beyond telling that they're magical.
 

 
 Spoiler: Artorias: 
Whatever spell is enchanting those amulets is definitely not an abjuration spell, which is what an actual ward against disease would be.
 


At Sora's question, Raz takes a long look at Surdrak and Artorias. His grin widens but becomes flatter, and some sweat beads on his forehead.  "...You don't want to take my word for it?"  He steps backwards.
super dark33
 You want your gold, no? Here. 
Surdrak's voice is more annoyed than anything. He pulls out a rustling bag and holds it up in the air.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: Badger 
Raz is just your average con artist taking advantage of the chaos to make some money at other peoples expense. That's what you get from the sense motive check by the way.
 
Athedia
Badger stayed back in the cart, checking the strings on her bow.  After she had let the group tease the man for a while she hopped down, slinging the flaming longbow on her back.   "I would rather not wait around when we have work to do."   With that her hand lashed out and grabbed the front of Raz's jacket.   "So I will make this simple enough that even your bog rotted mind can get it.  Ditch those amulets, stop selling false hopes and pray to all your gods I don't see you again.   Because if I do, you will wish you went into the city wearing one of them."   With one last shake she pushed him into the swamp and stalked back to the cart.   "We don't have time to waste with games.  Our city is dying." 
CoffeeIncluded
Raz steps forward hungrily towards the gold, but is immediately grabbed by Badger. He grins nervously as she drags him up to her face. Up close he looks shabby and every bit the con artist she knows he is. He swallows roughly at her threat but isn't able to say anything else before being tossed aside into a shallow bog with a splatter. The amulets go flying and sink into the swamp. With a shout of,  "Not my amulets!"  he goes diving after them.

 "I hope not many people fell for his trick,"  Jadeite says after a pause.
super dark33
Surdrak commanded the horses to move. Who was that loon? a halfbreed who aimed to steal gold, halfbreed...

 Halfbreed. 
he said as if he reached a conclusion.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Raz steps forward hungrily towards the gold, but is immediately grabbed by Badger. He grins nervously as she drags him up to her face. Up close he looks shabby and every bit the con artist she knows he is. He swallows roughly at her threat but isn't able to say anything else before being tossed aside into a shallow bog with a splatter. The amulets go flying and sink into the swamp. With a shout of,  "Not my amulets!"  he goes diving after them.

 "I hope not many people fell for his trick,"  Jadeite says after a pause. 
 

 "Sickening"  Artorias says as he continues to walk past the coman.
CoffeeIncluded
The party continues on the road to Runite. As they pass through the Bogs they notice the first change. It's quiet, nearly desolate even though it's still relatively early in the morning. There's hardly anyone on the streets, certainly no children, and those present walk at at clipped pace, always looking over their shoulders. Anyone who glances over at the party walks faster, and doesn't say a word. And yet as they ride through the Bogs the Wyvern's Fangs get the sense that people are watching from the safety of their homes. The only place where anything can be heard is from inside all the temples, which sound like they're packed with praying Plavaan.

The situation isn't much better in the city proper. The note of fear is different, less wariness and paranoia and more panic, but the effects are similar. There are people on the streets, but only a paltry amount compared to the normal hustle and bustle. Everyone looks terrified and many people are dressed in funereal clothes. Some people are standing on the corners of the streets, shouting how the plague of cholera is a divine retribution for sin, that the end is nigh, that certain people or parties are to blame. And they're some of the only people actually headed into Runite.

A pall of fear has fallen over the city.

 
 Spoiler: Everyone 
Where do you want to go first? I won't be able to get a map up of Runite until probably the weekend though. This week and next are  bad.  I've been putting off everything to do my applications and now I'm behind on all my work.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee and Kheel had landed shortly after they had gotten through the swamp, Elsee now sitting on the edge of the cart, her weight light enough to not cause any issues, while Kheel was somewhere out of sight, likely flying in the air again as there was little room for a Wyvern, even a young one on the cart with them. Elsee had her cloth pressed against her nose and mouth almost constantly now, her arm sore and useless as she forced it to remain in place. She didn't like it here, and wondered why so many remained within the city walls.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias couldn't beleive the sate of the city, he had lived there all his life and never had he seen it.... empty , things were bad, way worse than what he had imagined when he first heard about the epidemic.  "I'm going to the forge, I'll meet you at the guild hall later"  Artorias says before running towards his home, he had to see his family, he had to be sure they were ok. They  had   be ok.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The party continues on the road to Runite. As they pass through the Bogs they notice the first change. It's quiet, nearly desolate even though it's still relatively early in the morning. There's hardly anyone on the streets, certainly no children, and those present walk at at clipped pace, always looking over their shoulders. Anyone who glances over at the party walks faster, and doesn't say a word. And yet as they ride through the Bogs the Wyvern's Fangs get the sense that people are watching from the safety of their homes. The only place where anything can be heard is from inside all the temples, which sound like they're packed with praying Plavaan.

The situation isn't much better in the city proper. The note of fear is different, less wariness and paranoia and more panic, but the effects are similar. There are people on the streets, but only a paltry amount compared to the normal hustle and bustle. Everyone looks terrified and many people are dressed in funereal clothes. Some people are standing on the corners of the streets, shouting how the plague of cholera is a divine retribution for sin, that the end is nigh, that certain people or parties are to blame. And they're some of the only people actually headed into Runite.

A pall of fear has fallen over the city.

 
 Spoiler: Everyone 
Where do you want to go first? I won't be able to get a map up of Runite until probably the weekend though. This week and next are  bad.  I've been putting off everything to do my applications and now I'm behind on all my work.
 
 
 

Badger slipped off the cart and walked the rest of the way to the guild, ignoring the shouting and panicked and mourning people.  Once inside she rolled her sleeves up and went to Leif.    "I have a little training with treating sickness, who needs me?" 
Silverraptor
Sora makes her way quickly over to the Church of Astrid, expecting the worst.
super dark33
As they entered the city, Surdrak expirienced a strange pull towards his bed. After taking care of the horses and cart, he went to the guild to speak with Leif.

 Knock knock. 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee and Kheel had landed shortly after they had gotten through the swamp, Elsee now sitting on the edge of the cart, her weight light enough to not cause any issues, while Kheel was somewhere out of sight, likely flying in the air again as there was little room for a Wyvern, even a young one on the cart with them. Elsee had her cloth pressed against her nose and mouth almost constantly now, her arm sore and useless as she forced it to remain in place. She didn't like it here, and wondered why so many remained within the city walls. 
 

Elsee remains in the cart, unless she decides to go somewhere else. It doesn't smell too terribly bad--and honestly, judging by the looks some people give her when they walk by, she'd think she were the rancid one.


 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
 Sora makes her way quickly over to the Church of Astrid, expecting the worst. 
 

Sora can hear the moans of the sick and dying before even entering one of the city's many temples, and what she sees inside is worse than she could have imagined.

Hundreds of people of all ages and races are lined up on thin cots, and when the cots run out they're simply on the floor. A few overworked clerics run back and forth among all the sick people, casting the few spells they have. When those run out, they try giving the people water and an unidentifiable mashed paste. Sora's not sure if it's enough. All of the people are in some state of dehydration; the very worst seem practically skeletal with their eyes sunken in and their skin pulled taut and leathery over their bones. Some twitch and size, and all of them smell like ****. Literally. Even as Sora looks she can see buckets of the most watery diarrhea she's ever seen next to each patient and plastered to their backsides. She only knows what it is from the smell, because if she dares to look inside each bucket looks like it's filled with rice water instead.

One of the clerics notices Sora and runs over.  "Bless Astrid for your presence!"  she says.  "Are you able to help?"
 

 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 As they entered the city, Surdrak expirienced a strange pull towards his bed. After taking care of the horses and cart, he went to the guild to speak with Leif.

 Knock knock.  
 


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger slipped off the cart and walked the rest of the way to the guild, ignoring the shouting and panicked and mourning people.  Once inside she rolled her sleeves up and went to Leif.    "I have a little training with treating sickness, who needs me?"  
 

Jadeite joins Badger and Surdrak as they return to the guild near the heart of the city. The moment they arrive they can see something's wrong--the doors are shut. It's only when Surdrak knocks that they crack open, and Mika peers out from behind them.

 "I-I'm sorry,"  she starts,  "We can't take anyone else and--oh! Surdrak, Badger, Jadeite! You're back! Thank goodness!"  She opens the door wider to let them in.  "Ever since the cholera hit we've--well...you'll see in a moment." 

The moment they go inside it becomes clear why Mika didn't let them in at first. The guild is filled with people, to the point where people and bedrolls and backpacks line the floor of the cafeteria and hallways. Mostly families, very few looking like they from the richest neighborhoods of Runite, the people are nearly packed shoulder-to-shoulder. There's clearly not quite enough water to go around for washing and in the heat of summer it smells to get too close. The guild was only made for a couple hundred people at most and there must be at least a thousand refugees, probably more.

 "For some reason people are less likely to get sick the longer they stay in the city center,"  Mika explains,  "And Leif said he'd help treat some people. A lot more than a few heard and showed up. We honestly can't take any more, and I'm really worried about cholera or something else spreading in here with everyone packed together like this." 

 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias couldn't beleive the sate of the city, he had lived there all his life and never had he seen it.... empty , things were bad, way worse than what he had imagined when he first heard about the epidemic.  "I'm going to the forge, I'll meet you at the guild hall later"  Artorias says before running towards his home, he had to see his family, he had to be sure they were ok. They  had   be ok. 
 

Artorias races through the streets, panic driving his feet. The roads get a bit more crowded as he makes his way to the center of Runite where his family lives, but nowhere nearly as busy as they should be. Where normally he would be pushing and forcing and jostling his way through throngs of shoppers and tourists and people goingabout their daily lives, now he has a relatively clear path and only brushes against a few shoulders. The Wolf Fang Forge is only a couple miles from Leif's guild at most, but those miles stretch on forever. With every step Artorias takes, nightmarish images taunt his mind. He sees the forge closed, dusty and disused, the skeletal forms of his family lying dead on their beds, or sprawled out on the floor with sunken eyes and not a drop of moisture left in them...

And then he's there, standing in front of the forge with his home on the upper floor of the building. It doesn't sound like there are many people inside, but if Artorias presses his ear to the door he can hear the warm crackling of the furnace. And more importantly, the sign on the door says  open. 
super dark33
 Is Leif in his office? First things first, he needs to know we are here.  

He spoke slowly and clearly as to avoid the need to say "Bed bed bed bed" instead of anything coherant. First Leif, then bed.
Silverraptor
 "Y-Yeah. What do you need me to do?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Artorias races through the streets, panic driving his feet. The roads get a bit more crowded as he makes his way to the center of Runite where his family lives, but nowhere nearly as busy as they should be. Where normally he would be pushing and forcing and jostling his way through throngs of shoppers and tourists and people goingabout their daily lives, now he has a relatively clear path and only brushes against a few shoulders. The Wolf Fang Forge is only a couple miles from Leif's guild at most, but those miles stretch on forever. With every step Artorias takes, nightmarish images taunt his mind. He sees the forge closed, dusty and disused, the skeletal forms of his family lying dead on their beds, or sprawled out on the floor with sunken eyes and not a drop of moisture left in them...

And then he's there, standing in front of the forge with his home on the upper floor of the building. It doesn't sound like there are many people inside, but if Artorias presses his ear to the door he can hear the warm crackling of the furnace. And more importantly, the sign on the door says  open.  
 

Despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins, Artorias stops in front of the door, all the time they had been traveling he had imagine all sort of scenarios, each one terrible on their own way, but not that he was mere inches from knowing for sure.... he was more terrified than ever. What would he do if any of his family... if anyone had  died .... no, he couldn't think that way; the Kaathe family was strong, they would survive everything that the world could throw at them... they  had  to.

Swallowing a lump in his throat Artorias opens the door   "Hello?"  he ventures

 
 Spoiler 

To answer your last OOC question Coffee, yes Artorias Mother (Izalith) is still alive, I wanted a character that had a happy childhood, just for a change of pace XD)
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "Y-Yeah. What do you need me to do?"  
 

 "Are you possibly gifted with enough of Astrid's power to heal?"  the cleric asks, nearly pleading.


 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Is Leif in his office? First things first, he needs to know we are here.  

He spoke slowly and clearly as to avoid the need to say "Bed bed bed bed" instead of anything coherant. First Leif, then bed. 
 

 "He's in his office, though I'm not really sure if he's awake,"  Mika says, leading the three of them down the hallways, hopping over more than one napping person. Leif's door is closed, and it's only when Mika knocks and shouts,  "It's Badger and half her crew!"  that his tired voice rises from within and gives permission to open the door.

Badger and Surdrak have only seen Leif's family a few times, and Jadeite's never met them, but his youngest daughter is playing with her toys on the floor right now. For his part, Leon is hunched over his desk, buried in work. When he looks up at the three of the Wyvern's Fangs, they can all see the deep bags under his eyes. He's never looked so tired.


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins, Artorias stops in front of the door, all the time they had been traveling he had imagine all sort of scenarios, each one terrible on their own way, but not that he was mere inches from knowing for sure.... he was more terrified than ever. What would he do if any of his family... if anyone had  died .... no, he couldn't think that way; the Kaathe family was strong, they would survive everything that the world could throw at them... they  had  to.

Swallowing a lump in his throat Artorias opens the door   "Hello?"  he ventures

 
 Spoiler 

To answer your last OOC question Coffee, yes Artorias Mother (Izalith) is still alive, I wanted a character that had a happy childhood, just for a change of pace XD)
 
 
 

The shop is horrifyingly silent for a moment, but then the silence is pierced by a joyous cry.

 "Art! You're okay!" 

Rhea peeks out from behind the banister; she grin when she sees Artorias and tears down the staircase to hug him.  "Mom! Dad! Laurent! Art's back!"

"See, Rhea? I told you he was fine,"  Laurent says as he walks down the stairs. Still, the relief in his eyes can't be hidden by his glasses.  "What a time to return to Runite, huh? Are you okay?" 
Silverraptor
 "I am. I even asked her for all the spells that would be the most help in this crisis." 
 
 Spoiler: To Coffee 
I'll properly update Sora's spell list a little later.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "I am. I even asked her for all the spells that would be the most help in this crisis." 
 
 Spoiler: To Coffee 
I'll properly update Sora's spell list a little later.
 
 
 

The cleric nearly falls to her knees in relief.  "Oh, thank you!"  she cries out. She grabs Sora's wrist and practically drags her to the back.  "The sickest people are here,"  she says, throwing back a curtain.  "They lose the water faster than we can give it to them. Please, help!" 

Sora doesn't need to thoroughly examine these people to see that they're inches from death. They're all wan, their coloration ghastly from dehydration. Even their eyes look dry. And there's about a dozen of them. Eight look to be elderly or children, and only half are human.
super dark33
 Hey Leif! Were back from the vacation slash tresure hunt slash journey into the self  

Bed bed bed bed bed bed bed bed bed bed

 Artæ ran to check on his family and Sora gone to a temple, Elsee probably went to check on her boyfriend.  

Bed bed bed bed bed

 I thought you might want a more extansive report but it doesnt seem like you are in the mind for that. 

Surdrak also bed had a lot of things bed to talk bed about with Leif. Those would bed have to wait too.

 So is there any way we can help now? 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The shop is horrifyingly silent for a moment, but then the silence is pierced by a joyous cry.

 "Art! You're okay!" 

Rhea peeks out from behind the banister; she grin when she sees Artorias and tears down the staircase to hug him.  "Mom! Dad! Laurent! Art's back!"

"See, Rhea? I told you he was fine,"  Laurent says as he walks down the stairs. Still, the relief in his eyes can't be hidden by his glasses.  "What a time to return to Runite, huh? Are you okay?"  
 

Artorias hugs his sister tightly, relief flooding his system. "Now I am"  he smiles at his brother.  "How are you? Are things are bas as they seem?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Hey Leif! Were back from the vacation slash tresure hunt slash journey into the self  

Bed bed bed bed bed bed bed bed bed bed

 Artæ ran to check on his family and Sora gone to a temple, Elsee probably went to check on her boyfriend.  

Bed bed bed bed bed

 I thought you might want a more extansive report but it doesnt seem like you are in the mind for that. 

Surdrak also bed had a lot of things bed to talk bed about with Leif. Those would bed have to wait too.

 So is there any way we can help now?  
 

Leif looks up from his desk and smiles, though there's a dark wryness to it. And a note of apology in his eyes.  "Welcome back, huh? And I'm sorry, but whatever happened on your vacation honestly isn't a priority at the moment. But you said you just got back--how much do you know?" 

 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias hugs his sister tightly, relief flooding his system. "Now I am"  he smiles at his brother.  "How are you? Are things are bas as they seem?"  
 

 "Daddy won't let us leave the shop,"  Rhea says, hugging Artorias back.  "I'm bored!"

"I haven't had a chance to go outside either,"  Laurent adds,  "But from what I hear the city is slipping into chaos. Things have gotten even worse since the storm a few days ago, as several buildings and pieces of infrastructure were damaged and have yet to be repaired. I think more people got sick after the storm, but I'm not sure."

"Mommy and Daddy are upstairs!"  Rhea says as she tugs on Artorias's wrist.  "You wanna see them?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneered from behind her cloth, her left arm was getting sore from holding it up to her face, and for whatever reason it was just uncomfortable holding it with her right. she could try and put some thread through it so it would cling to her face better, but she didn't have any, and like heck was she going to trust any local stuff for the next three months.  Still, sitting on the edge of the cart like this was starting to make  her butt hurt, and judging from the fact that everybody else just sort of scrambled away without doing anything... she GUESSED nobody cared if the cart got stolen?

Deciding that taking the cart would be the best way to stay as far from everyone else as possible, Elsee tumbled down from the edge of the cart and too the reigns of the horse,lashing them slightly to prompt it to start moving. she SUPPOSED she should go check out the docks, buuut that place was apparently hit the worst, sooo.... nuts to that. She'd travel a littler closer to them just to get a distant veiw, but if she didn't notice anything, or at the first signs of disease, she'd turn the cart around and go see how Feliks was doing.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Leif looks up from his desk and smiles, though there's a dark wryness to it. And a note of apology in his eyes.  "Welcome back, huh? And I'm sorry, but whatever happened on your vacation honestly isn't a priority at the moment. But you said you just got back--how much do you know?"  
 

 "We know it's cholera, sir.  Wasn't Deidre's pipes supposed to prevent that?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee sneered from behind her cloth, her left arm was getting sore from holding it up to her face, and for whatever reason it was just uncomfortable holding it with her right. she could try and put some thread through it so it would cling to her face better, but she didn't have any, and like heck was she going to trust any local stuff for the next three months.  Still, sitting on the edge of the cart like this was starting to make  her butt hurt, and judging from the fact that everybody else just sort of scrambled away without doing anything... she GUESSED nobody cared if the cart got stolen?

Deciding that taking the cart would be the best way to stay as far from everyone else as possible, Elsee tumbled down from the edge of the cart and too the reigns of the horse,lashing them slightly to prompt it to start moving. she SUPPOSED she should go check out the docks, buuut that place was apparently hit the worst, sooo.... nuts to that. She'd travel a littler closer to them just to get a distant veiw, but if she didn't notice anything, or at the first signs of disease, she'd turn the cart around and go see how Feliks was doing. 
 

  "I'll fly high and look,"   Kheel says, shuffling a little in the cart. He seems to be vaguely aware that he's not supposed to be in Runite, and the occasional shrieks of a passerby are probably making the sentiment less vague. He takes to the air with a few powerful wingbeats and is soon nothing more than a circling speck high above, easily mistaken for a long-tailed eagle or vulture at first glance.

The horses however are oblivious to the plight of the city--if anything they seem to appreciate the less crowded streets--and obligingly race towards the Docks. It gets worse the further south she goes, especially once she leaves the city center. The Docks themselves are a shadow of their normal selves. At least a third of the stalls are shut, many of the boats sit empty in their piers, and the remnants of a bad storm (possibly even a weaker hurricane) are evident in the blown-down buildings damaged by winds and storm surge. And--yes, there it is. Beggars and the poor curled up in the alleys like always, but this time laid low by disease.

As Elsee surveys the damage and prepares to see Feliks she hears a familiar voice call out her name.

 "ELSEE! You're alive, oh thank Golek!" 

He's on her before she can really react. But it's okay, because it's Darric, actually alive himself as he grabs Elsee in a hug and thanks all the deities that she's alive as he showers her in kisses.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "We know it's cholera, sir.  Wasn't Deidre's pipes supposed to prevent that?"  
 

Leif sighs.  "Supposedly, but that's the problem. We don't know if it's the water or the pipes, or where the pipes and wells are broken, or even if they're broken to begin with. Some people think that old epidemics came from bad air in the swamps, but that shouls haave been removed with Dierdre's projects as well." 
 "That theory is rubbish,"  Jadeite mutters.

An amused noise comes from the back of Leif's throat before he continues.  "Regardless, there hasn't been a clear solution and the hurricane a couple days ago only made things even worse. People are either panicking or about to. I think Dierdre said something about wanting to inspect her wells herself, but as you can imagine she's not exactly popular right now."  He sighs.  "I would lead an investigation on my own, but I'm too busy taking care of the guild, all the refugees and evacuees who are staying here, and watching over my own family to thoroughly investigate." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee all but shreaked and batted away at Darric, her left hand still clutching the cloth to her face tightly, leaving with only her right to do so.  "WOOAAH! woah hold on beg boy! How do i know you're not enfected!? There's a freakeng plauge going around if you haven't heard!" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Daddy won't let us leave the shop,"  Rhea says, hugging Artorias back.  "I'm bored!"  
 

 "I know it is hard to be cooped here all the time, but hey at least you have Laurent to keep you company"  Artorias ignores his younger sibling glare, he knows very well how tiring it can be to deal with a bored Rhea.


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "I haven't had a chance to go outside either,"  Laurent adds,  "But from what I hear the city is slipping into chaos. Things have gotten even worse since the storm a few days ago, as several buildings and pieces of infrastructure were damaged and have yet to be repaired. I think more people got sick after the storm, but I'm not sure."  
 

Artorias sighs and massages his temple  "Things are bad out there, has the council said anything?" 

 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 "Mommy and Daddy are upstairs!"[/B] Rhea says as she tugs on Artorias's wrist.  "You wanna see them?"  
 

Artorias gives in to his sister's wishes and allows her to drag him upstairs "Sure, let's go"  he says with a genuine smile.
super dark33
 Do you need us to investigate? Or look after the guild, or watch your family? 

Leif looked like he needed them to do all, They had their vacation, now its his turn. bed bed bed bed bed bed bed.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee all but shreaked and batted away at Darric, her left hand still clutching the cloth to her face tightly, leaving with only her right to do so.  "WOOAAH! woah hold on beg boy! How do i know you're not enfected!? There's a freakeng plauge going around if you haven't heard!"  
 

 "I know there is!"  Darric says, still hugging Elsee tightly.  "I got sick too!"  He opens his eyes and pulls himself off Elsee before she can smack him, holding her at arm's length.  "But it's okay--I got better. I'm just so glad you're alive too!" 

 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "I know it is hard to be cooped here all the time, but hey at least you have Laurent to keep you company"  Artorias ignores his younger sibling glare, he knows very well how tiring it can be to deal with a bored Rhea.


Artorias sighs and massages his temple  "Things are bad out there, has the council said anything?" 




Artorias gives in to his sister's wishes and allows her to drag him upstairs "Sure, let's go"  he says with a genuine smile. 
 

Rhea simply sticks her tongue out at Laurent, who pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose before saying,  "I'm not sure what exactly the Senate is saying. I do know they've set up some hospitals and...oh yeah, Leif's taking in refugees?"  He shrugs.  "I don't know most of the details. But a lot of people are angry at Dierdre, the dwarves who worked with her, and the Plavaan in general." 

When Artorias makes his way upstairs, Ciaran flying over head (he can feel the excitement at meeting the rest of his pack coming off of her) he hears Rhea open her mouth to ask something, but it's interrupted when his parents turn around from the stocks of metal.

 "Artorias!"  Both his parents say his name at the same time as they cross the room to hug him.

 "I'm glad you're safe,"  his father says, all traces of his normal gruffness gone. Ciaran flies over to the windowsill, tilts her head at the scene, and lets out a hoarse cry.

That startles everyone and as they all turn to the Harris Hawk in the window Artorias's mother is the first to ask,  "Artorias, where did you get that bird?"

"Aww, I was gonna ask him the same thing!" 

 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Do you need us to investigate? Or look after the guild, or watch your family? 

Leif looked like he needed them to do all, They had their vacation, now its his turn. bed bed bed bed bed bed bed. 
 

Leif couldn't look more relieved.  "That would be incredibly helpful. Your group seems to have a knack for dealing with this sort of thing..."  He trails off, really registering the exhausted expression on Surdrak's face.  "...But maybe you all should get some rest first." 
super dark33
 Yeah i assume stress might be what kept us awake this far in, fact im already feeling it, going. 

He rubbed his face, now he felt the need to go to bed in his stomech somhow, or maybe that would be a bad (normal) trail ration he ate.

 See you later Leif! when things calm down a bit, ill need to talk to you in private okay? Bye Iris! 

Walking out of the office, his thoughts started becoming incoherant. He softly spoke to Badger and Jadeite

 Well im off to my bed, i hope no refugees are there and if there are at least cute ones. Gnight!  
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Rhea simply sticks her tongue out at Laurent, who pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose before saying,  "I'm not sure what exactly the Senate is saying. I do know they've set up some hospitals and...oh yeah, Leif's taking in refugees?"  He shrugs.  "I don't know most of the details. But a lot of people are angry at Dierdre, the dwarves who worked with her, and the Plavaan in general." 

When Artorias makes his way upstairs, Ciaran flying over head (he can feel the excitement at meeting the rest of his pack coming off of her) he hears Rhea open her mouth to ask something, but it's interrupted when his parents turn around from the stocks of metal.

 "Artorias!"  Both his parents say his name at the same time as they cross the room to hug him.

 "I'm glad you're safe,"  his father says, all traces of his normal gruffness gone. Ciaran flies over to the windowsill, tilts her head at the scene, and lets out a hoarse cry.

That startles everyone and as they all turn to the Harris Hawk in the window Artorias's mother is the first to ask,  "Artorias, where did you get that bird?"

"Aww, I was gonna ask him the same thing!"  
 

Artorias offers his arm to the hawk  "Everyone, this is Ciaran, my familiar"  Ciaran gives a happy squawk* from her place on her master's arm.

 
 Spoiler: * 

I'm not sure if hawks squawk... so substitute for the appropriate sound
 
Silverraptor
 "I-I can cure about 3 people for today. Who are the sickest?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee had to fight the urge to retreat back further into the cart, still resisting Darric's touch.  "You could be a carrier! you could infect me!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee had to fight the urge to retreat back further into the cart, still resisting Darric's touch.  "You could be a carrier! you could infect me!"  
 

Darric draws back, hurt.  "Elsee, I...I don't think it works like that..." 

 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "I-I can cure about 3 people for today. Who are the sickest?"  
 

The cleric spreads out her hands helplessly. There's twelve people in this room, all near death. Four are elderly and four are children.


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias offers his arm to the hawk  "Everyone, this is Ciaran, my familiar"  Ciaran gives a happy squawk* from her place on her master's arm.

 
 Spoiler: * 

I'm not sure if hawks squawk... so substitute for the appropriate sound
 
 
 

 "She's beautiful,"  Artorias's mother says, reaching out for the hawk.  "You said familiar--when did you become a spellcaster?" 
 "You know magic now?!"  Rhea practically shrieks.  "That's so cool! Are you gonna make magic weapons? Do you think you can help everyone here? People are panicking outside!" 

 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Yeah i assume stress might be what kept us awake this far in, fact im already feeling it, going. 

He rubbed his face, now he felt the need to go to bed in his stomech somhow, or maybe that would be a bad (normal) trail ration he ate.

 See you later Leif! when things calm down a bit, ill need to talk to you in private okay? Bye Iris! 

Walking out of the office, his thoughts started becoming incoherant. He softly spoke to Badger and Jadeite

 Well im off to my bed, i hope no refugees are there and if there are at least cute ones. Gnight!   
 

 "We should probably rest too,"  Jadeite says. But before Surdrak or Badger can leave, he grabs both of them by the shoulders.  "Listen,"  he says.  "There are several theories on how cholera is contracted and spreads, but I personally believe in the contamination hypothesis. I do not want to see you or anyone on our team eating or drinking anything unless it has been magically purified." 

When Surdrak stumbles to his room, he finds it locked, with a couple people sleeping in the hallways outside. But his room is empty.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "She's beautiful,"  Artorias's mother says, reaching out for the hawk.  "You said familiar--when did you become a spellcaster?"  
 

 "Not sure... do you remember the Flesh Golem fiasco a couple of weeks ago?" , Artoria's family nods  "Well, we did a little more digging in and found a some spell-casters hiding in one of the laboratories' basements and after we arrested them I kept the Wizard's spell book"  Artorias begins to scratch the back of his head, his father and mother instantly recognizing the gestures, he did it all the time when he was embarrassed as a child  "I uh... studied it, I guess, for some time, Jadeite helped me to translate it, but nothing really clicked until we arrived at San de Sol, there is where I met Ciaran" 

 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "You know magic now?!"  Rhea practically shrieks.  "That's so cool! Are you gonna make magic weapons? Do you think you can help everyone here? People are panicking outside!"  
 

Artorias beams at his sister and produces a small green (Rhea's favourite) coloured flame on the palm of his free hand.  "Yep, your big brother is even more magical now"  he smothers the flame by closing his fist  "I already forged a magic scythe.... shame that Ced insisted on keeping it"  Artorias mumbles the last part under his breath.  "You should have seen the forges at San de Sol Dad, they were amazing."  Rhea's last comment brings back Artorias to reality.  "I.... I don't know if I can."  he finished in sombre voice.

 
 Spoiler: Edited to add: 

The flame is prestidigitation BTW
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Leif couldn't look more relieved.  "That would be incredibly helpful. Your group seems to have a knack for dealing with this sort of thing..."  He trails off, really registering the exhausted expression on Surdrak's face.  "...But maybe you all should get some rest first."  
 

Badger stood still, her hands at her side.   "Lief, not all of us are tired.  Naga needs a rest, but he knows where the kennels are.  I have some healing training, and I would like to speak to Deidre.  She is probably in hiding or something if she is smart, but you have a knack for knowing those things." 
Silverraptor
Sora looks at the 12 near death.
 "Can you tell me more about these people. Where they come from, who they are?" 
 
 Spoiler: To Coffee 
Not going to make  Sophie's  Sora's choice blind and randomly select nameless/faceless people.😉
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger stood still, her hands at her side.   "Lief, not all of us are tired.  Naga needs a rest, but he knows where the kennels are.  I have some healing training, and I would like to speak to Deidre.  She is probably in hiding or something if she is smart, but you have a knack for knowing those things."  
 

Leif pauses.  "I don't know if Dierdre would be willing to speak with you, unless you can get something to offer her, but...I'll see what I can do." 

 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "Not sure... do you remember the Flesh Golem fiasco a couple of weeks ago?" , Artoria's family nods  "Well, we did a little more digging in and found a some spell-casters hiding in one of the laboratories' basements and after we arrested them I kept the Wizard's spell book"  Artorias begins to scratch the back of his head, his father and mother instantly recognizing the gestures, he did it all the time when he was embarrassed as a child  "I uh... studied it, I guess, for some time, Jadeite helped me to translate it, but nothing really clicked until we arrived at San de Sol, there is where I met Ciaran" 

Artorias beams at his sister and produces a small green (Rhea's favourite) coloured flame on the palm of his free hand.  "Yep, your big brother is even more magical now"  he smothers the flame by closing his fist  "I already forged a magic scythe.... shame that Ced insisted on keeping it"  Artorias mumbles the last part under his breath.  "You should have seen the forges at San de Sol Dad, they were amazing."  Rhea's last comment brings back Artorias to reality.  "I.... I don't know if I can."  he finished in sombre voice.

 
 Spoiler: Edited to add: 

The flame is prestidigitation BTW
 
 
 

Rhea's eyes widen when she sees the flame. She gingerly moves her hand towards it, then, feeling the lack of heat, tries to grab it for herself. All of Artorias's family listens to his story (his father makes a crack about buying souvenirs), glad to be distracted by something actually entertaining for once. Of course, the levity is quickly broken by Rhea's last comment and Artorias's response. There's an awkward pause before his mother speaks up.

 "Art, it really is bad here--"

"Dad's only letting us drink the forge water! It tastes weird!"

"--Rhea, hush. But I know about what you and your group has done, both from what you've told me and in the news. You seem to have a knack for this sort of investigating."  She winks.  "Plus you're my son. I'm sure you can figure out something." 

EDIT:
 
 Spoiler: To Silver 
Can I please give you a rain check on that for tomorrow? I'm about to go to bed.
 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 EDIT:
 
 Spoiler: To Silver 
Can I please give you a rain check on that for tomorrow? I'm about to go to bed.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: To Coffee 
Of course. I understand that you would want to go to bed  to think up who all these people are  get proper rest for your day off tomorrow.😛
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Leif pauses.  "I don't know if Dierdre would be willing to speak with you, unless you can get something to offer her, but...I'll see what I can do."  
 

 "Tell her that I have been in her sewers before, and am willing to go down again." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Tell her that I have been in her sewers before, and am willing to go down again."  
 

Leif smiles.  "I'm not surprised you'd say something like that. I'll try to talk to her tomorrow. In the meantime, you should try to figure out a plan." 

 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  
 Spoiler: To Coffee 
Of course. I understand that you would want to go to bed  to think up who all these people are  get proper rest for your day off tomorrow.😛
 
 
 

The cleric shrugs helplessly, again.  "They're not really in much condition to talk. All I know is that they all live within a few blocks of each other, and these seven--"  she points to three of the children, two of the adults, and two of the elderly patients-- "Are all one family living in one household. The other child's father is here too." 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Darric draws back, hurt.  "Elsee, I...I don't think it works like that..."  
 

Elsee's grip on her rag over her nose and mouth grew tighter as she looked away from the hobgoblin in frustraition.  "Well how do we know that!? you could have infected me just by touching me already! you've already had it yourself you just said so!"  Elsee pulled on the reigns of the cart, indicating for the horses to turn around and head for Feliks' place.  "Get in but keep a few feet away from me. Theres someone else i  need to check on." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee's grip on her rag over her nose and mouth grew tighter as she looked away from the hobgoblin in frustraition.  "Well how do we know that!? you could have infected me just by touching me already! you've already had it yourself you just said so!"  Elsee pulled on the reigns of the cart, indicating for the horses to turn around and head for Feliks' place.  "Get in but keep a few feet away from me. Theres someone else i  need to check on."  
 

 "Uh, okay,"  Darric says.

The streets are again quiet as they head to Great Gate, and now that Elsee's really looking she can see trash piled up on the curbs, and several buildings smashed and boarded up and broken. Not all of it looks like storm damage. Great Gate is in similar condition, though it doesn't seem to be quite as bad as the Docks.

But Felix's block is nearly empty. His burnt-out shell of a house has only been half-repaired. And there's a red X on his door.

 Artorias: 

As Artorias looks out the window he sees a rock go through one belong to a house down the block.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee frowned through her cloth as she glared at the painted mark on the human's door.  "That's bad isn't it?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Artorias: 

As Artorias looks out the window he sees a rock go through one belong to a house down the block. 
 

 "Stay here"  Artorias tells hi family bfor running off to see what is happening.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Leif smiles.  "I'm not surprised you'd say something like that. I'll try to talk to her tomorrow. In the meantime, you should try to figure out a plan."  
 

 "I wish you could do it sooner.  The longer we tarry, the more die."   With that Badger turned away, taking Naga to the kennels and ordering him to stay with the other dogs.  He whined, but immediately fell asleep on the soft blanket she had put in there for him.  From there she went upstairs to her room to check on its condition.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee frowned through her cloth as she glared at the painted mark on the human's door.  "That's bad isn't it?"  
 

Darric pales slightly and bites his lower lip  "He's sick. They put it on people's houses when they get sick." 

 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "Stay here"  Artorias tells hi family bfor running off to see what is happening. 
 

Ciaran flies out the window as Artorias races down the stairs. She sees it first and Artorias can feel the alarm in her. It's not the alarm of seeing or being in a fight, but more a general wariness, protecting ones own territory...

When Artorias looks, with Ciaran's guidance, he can see a few shadowed figures creeping into the shattered window of a boarded-up shop. It's hard to see them against the dusky sky, but he can barely make them out.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "I wish you could do it sooner.  The longer we tarry, the more die."   With that Badger turned away, taking Naga to the kennels and ordering him to stay with the other dogs.  He whined, but immediately fell asleep on the soft blanket she had put in there for him.  From there she went upstairs to her room to check on its condition. 
 

 "I doubt even Deirdre is nocturnal,"  Leif says,  "And I wouldn't wander around at night for too long alone." 

Badgers room is locked and clean, except for a few traces of now-browned swamp plants, remnants of jaideite and Surdrak's pranks.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Darric pales slightly and bites his lower lip  "He's sick. They put it on people's houses when they get sick." 



Ciaran flies out the window as Artorias races down the stairs. She sees it first and Artorias can feel the alarm in her. It's not the alarm of seeing or being in a fight, but more a general wariness, protecting ones own territory...

When Artorias looks, with Ciaran's guidance, he can see a few shadowed figures creeping into the shattered window of a boarded-up shop. It's hard to see them against the dusky sky, but he can barely make them out.



 "I doubt even Deirdre is nocturnal,"  Leif says,  "And I wouldn't wander around at night for too long alone." 

Badgers room is locked and clean, except for a few traces of now-browned swamp plants, remnants of jaideite and Surdrak's pranks. 
 

Badger gathered what few belongings she had stored in the room, including prying up the floorboard and removing the last of the coin stored underneath.  Leaving her room she stepped out into the hall.   "More space is available, let children and elderly have the bed though, or I might have to drag you out."   She went down out of the hall and over to the nearest temple.  She hated those places, but she had some limited skills and they should be put to use.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee frowned and stared at the door for a moment before looking away and leading the horses back towards the guild.  "'m not goen en there then. Kheel might, hope he's immune if he does. Either way my arm is getting sore, 'm going home so i can hopefully grab a nap and some thread. i unno what to do with you though." 
super dark33
Surdrak pranced his way through the sleeping refugees into his room, where he put the bunny near the bullfrog, stripped down to wear his cute crimson and black Glames Star pajamas and lunged into bed.

 Gnight devs, ilu. 

Slowly he drifted off to sleep.

In his dream he saw the same thing again, the coral spires in the seabed and the various spirits, only this time metallic objects were chasing and blasting them down, destroying them and letting other metallic machines collect the remains. Under the great corals obalisks of stone grow, pushing them away and breaking them. The big spirit in the middle layed motionless as a great statue held its spear in it. It looked similiar to Surdrak, and it explained all that happened while he was unconcious to him, from the silly color arc to Badger's confession.

As he turned to leave, all the little mechanoids lined up and yelled praise at him, he beaten the spirits, now his mind is his own. Its time to redecorate it. Starting with less bad dreams.

 
 Spoiler 
Surdrak is now asleep and has the first good dreams he had in a long long time, expect him to be sunshiny funshiny for a while.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Ciaran flies out the window as Artorias races down the stairs. She sees it first and Artorias can feel the alarm in her. It's not the alarm of seeing or being in a fight, but more a general wariness, protecting ones own territory...

When Artorias looks, with Ciaran's guidance, he can see a few shadowed figures creeping into the shattered window of a boarded-up shop. It's hard to see them against the dusky sky, but he can barely make them out.  
 

 "What in the nine hells?" Artorias says to himself as he moves closer to the shop, once he sees them entering through the broken window it clicks  "Looters"  he mutters angrily.
 
 Spoiler 

Here is a list of my prepared spells:
Cantrips :Prestidigitation (Already cast)
Acid Splash
Detect Magic x 2

1st Level (4)
Enlarge Person
Blade of Blood
Karmic Aura
Shield.

Maneuvers Readied:
Rabid Wolf Strike
Sudden Leap
Steel Wind
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger gathered what few belongings she had stored in the room, including prying up the floorboard and removing the last of the coin stored underneath.  Leaving her room she stepped out into the hall.   "More space is available, let children and elderly have the bed though, or I might have to drag you out."   She went down out of the hall and over to the nearest temple.  She hated those places, but she had some limited skills and they should be put to use. 
 

The dozen or so people in the hallway stare at Badger. A few of them look in disbelief, some whisper words of thanks, and others rush to the now-open room.

It's dark outside, and Badger can feel the hidden eyes on her, looking out from the shadows, but the magical streetlights still work and enough light glints off her carefully conspicuous axes and bow that they keep their distance. She's left alone (too alone, the city center tends to quiet down at night but not like this, nothing like this) as she heads towards the cluster of temples and churches a few blocks over. There's one to every major god--where does she go first?


 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee frowned and stared at the door for a moment before looking away and leading the horses back towards the guild.  "'m not goen en there then. Kheel might, hope he's immune if he does. Either way my arm is getting sore, 'm going home so i can hopefully grab a nap and some thread. i unno what to do with you though."  
 

Kheel stares at the door with a confused look. He noses the cool wood and makes an odd noise from the back of his throat.

Darric shuffles uncomfortably, breaks his silence with a cough.  "Um, my house was pretty badly damaged by the storm and I don't really have anywhere to go...could I please stay with you? I mean, it's not like I haven't spent the night at your place before, I know this is different, but still... 

 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 Surdrak pranced his way through the sleeping refugees into his room, where he put the bunny near the bullfrog, stripped down to wear his cute crimson and black Glames Star pajamas and lunged into bed.

 Gnight devs, ilu. 

Slowly he drifted off to sleep.

In his dream he saw the same thing again, the coral spires in the seabed and the various spirits, only this time metallic objects were chasing and blasting them down, destroying them and letting other metallic machines collect the remains. Under the great corals obalisks of stone grow, pushing them away and breaking them. The big spirit in the middle layed motionless as a great statue held its spear in it. It looked similiar to Surdrak, and it explained all that happened while he was unconcious to him, from the silly color arc to Badger's confession.

As he turned to leave, all the little mechanoids lined up and yelled praise at him, he beaten the spirits, now his mind is his own. Its time to redecorate it. Starting with less bad dreams.

 
 Spoiler 
Surdrak is now asleep and has the first good dreams he had in a long long time, expect him to be sunshiny funshiny for a while.
 
 
 

Surdrak's dreams are, for once, peaceful and calm. He wakes up entirely of his own accord, comfortable and well-rested if a bit hot and sticky from the typical Runitian summer weather. It's a bright sunny day, which doesn't really fit with the chaos that the city's slipping into. When Surdrak focuses his eyes he sees his bullfrog in the tank staring at the bunny which is curled up a few feet from the edge of his bed.

 
 Spoiler: Super Dark 
You're about a day ahead of everyone else.
 


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "What in the nine hells?" Artorias says to himself as he moves closer to the shop, once he sees them entering through the broken window it clicks  "Looters"  he mutters angrily.
 
 Spoiler 

Here is a list of my prepared spells:
Cantrips :Prestidigitation (Already cast)
Acid Splash
Detect Magic x 2

1st Level (4)
Enlarge Person
Blade of Blood
Karmic Aura
Shield.

Maneuvers Readied:
Rabid Wolf Strike
Sudden Leap
Steel Wind
 
 
 

The looters don't seem to notice Artorias as they head inside...he knows this shop. It's a large bakery, run by a couple of dwarves. They make fantastic cream puffs. The place looks abandoned and damaged, beyond what a storm often does this far from the water.

 
 Spoiler: Dusk 
What do you want to do?
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias felt angry, how could this people dare to barge in and take everything the Dorics* had worked so hard for, he wouldn't let them get away with it. He focuses that anger before entering the ruined bakery; he wills thread of arcane magic to himself and weaves them in a sturdy patter, an unseen force guiding his hands as the magic takes shape, an enormous wolf head made of force floating protectively in front of him.
 
 Spoiler 

* Hope you don't mind me naming another set of NPCs

This will take 2 rounds
Swift Action: Enter Hunter's Sense Stance
Duration: 12 Rounds (Extended due Abjurant Champion)
Standard: Cast  Shield 
+5 Shield Bonus to AC (normal 4 +1 from Abj Champ 1)
Duration: 12 minutes (extended due Abjurant Champion)
 


Satisfied with his new spell he walks inside and addresses the 3 looters  "You have two options, punks you either come with me peacefully"   he takes his sword's grip  " or I'll make you"  he says as he fully draws the greatsword, if the criminals pay attention they can see the air surrounding him flicker and they can feel the temperature of the room drop ever so slightly. There is no underlying threat in his words, just a promise.

 
 Spoiler 

Free Action: Draw the Sword
Swift Action: Cast  Karmic Aura 
DC 13 if they damage Artorias or be fatigued for 3 rounds.
Duration 12 rounds (extended due Abjurant Champion)
Ready Action: Initiate  Rabid Wolf Strike  (non lethal) if anyone attacks him first

I'll throw in an initiative Roll just in case  (1d20+6)[ 7 ] 
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee nodded her head slowly, trying to take her mind off of Kheel as the cart continued back to the guild, she'd... let him deal with it himself... he knew where to find her.

 "I guess if ya didn't already infect me from that little makeout session earlier then you probably won't tonight. Just let me put the cart 'nd horses away and we'll get in through my window. Knowing Badger 'nd Leif they've probably got half the town in there already, just hope they did us both the favour of keepin my door locked." 

Elsee couldn't help but smirk to herself beneath her cloth, it was possible she'd still die from it, but at least she'd get the chance to de-stress from her "vacaition" like she was hoping for.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee nodded her head slowly, trying to take her mind off of Kheel as the cart continued back to the guild, she'd... let him deal with it himself... he knew where to find her.

 "I guess if ya didn't already infect me from that little makeout session earlier then you probably won't tonight. Just let me put the cart 'nd horses away and we'll get in through my window. Knowing Badger 'nd Leif they've probably got half the town in there already, just hope they did us both the favour of keepin my door locked." 
 "Thank you!"  Darric hugs Elsee and kisses her again.  "We should get back, things are getting pretty bad at night. I doubt they'll want trouble with you around though!" 

He's right, though Elsee can see shadows lurking in the streets a bit too close for her liking. Still, they seem to be intimidating enough that they make it back to Runite without incident. The door's locked but Elsee can pick the lock to her window easily--she's done it enough to do it with her eyes closed. Darric is slower, cautious as he climbs the rope and gratefully takes her hand. She was right, Leif had taken on dozens, maybe hundreds of refugees; she can hear them outside. But the door to her room is locked and her room is just as clean (that is, messy) as when she left it.

 
 Spoiler 
Skip to morning?
 


Elsee couldn't help but smirk to herself beneath her cloth, it was possible she'd still die from it, but at least she'd get the chance to de-stress from her "vacaition" like she was hoping for. 
 


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias felt angry, how could this people dare to barge in and take everything the Dorics* had worked so hard for, he wouldn't let them get away with it. He focuses that anger before entering the ruined bakery; he wills thread of arcane magic to himself and weaves them in a sturdy patter, an unseen force guiding his hands as the magic takes shape, an enormous wolf head made of force floating protectively in front of him.
 
 Spoiler 

* Hope you don't mind me naming another set of NPCs

This will take 2 rounds
Swift Action: Enter Hunter's Sense Stance
Duration: 12 Rounds (Extended due Abjurant Champion)
Standard: Cast  Shield 
+5 Shield Bonus to AC (normal 4 +1 from Abj Champ 1)
Duration: 12 minutes (extended due Abjurant Champion)
 


Satisfied with his new spell he walks inside and addresses the 3 looters  "You have two options, punks you either come with me peacefully"   he takes his sword's grip  " or I'll make you"  he says as he fully draws the greatsword, if the criminals pay attention they can see the air surrounding him flicker and they can feel the temperature of the room drop ever so slightly. There is no underlying threat in his words, just a promise.

 
 Spoiler 

Free Action: Draw the Sword
Swift Action: Cast  Karmic Aura 
DC 13 if they damage Artorias or be fatigued for 3 rounds.
Duration 12 rounds (extended due Abjurant Champion)
Ready Action: Initiate  Rabid Wolf Strike  (non lethal) if anyone attacks him first

I'll throw in an initiative Roll just in case [roll0]
 
 
 

Artorias can hear muttering inside, the sound of things being overturned and a few muffled curses. The bakery smells rancid, a stomach-turning combination of mildewing wood and rotting food. The milk, butter, cream, and eggs have been souring in the hot, humid, stagnant air of the boarded-up shop for several days and they stink.

 "You gotta be ****ing kidding me,"  one mutters.  "No money? No food? ****ing nothing?"

"...Uh...Hank?"

"What is it..."  Slowly all three turn around to see Artorias standing with his blade drawn, the spectral wolf head snarling at them. They fall silent, eyes widening as they drop their sacks. All three looters look filthy and hungry.

One doesn't even wait for Artorias to finish his threat before he runs away screaming, leaping out the window and tumbling into the street. The second isn't far behind him, and the third backs towards the window as well, knees quaking.

 "Please,"  he says,  "Have mercy...I just needed money and food..."

Sora: 

As Sora watches and agonizes over her decision, four people--one parent and three children, two of them part of the family--start seizing. Their breathing changes, harsher, gasping. They're dying right in front of her.
Draconi Redfir
 
 Spoiler 
 Yeah skip to morning for me. i don't think anyone wants to know what a pair of goblinoids who have been sepperated for a long time and who each went through stressful and potentually life-threataning ordeals are going to do all night.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Artorias can hear muttering inside, the sound of things being overturned and a few muffled curses. The bakery smells rancid, a stomach-turning combination of mildewing wood and rotting food. The milk, butter, cream, and eggs have been souring in the hot, humid, stagnant air of the boarded-up shop for several days and they stink.

 "You gotta be ****ing kidding me,"  one mutters.  "No money? No food? ****ing nothing?"

"...Uh...Hank?"

"What is it..."  Slowly all three turn around to see Artorias standing with his blade drawn, the spectral wolf head snarling at them. They fall silent, eyes widening as they drop their sacks. All three looters look filthy and hungry.

One doesn't even wait for Artorias to finish his threat before he runs away screaming, leaping out the window and tumbling into the street. The second isn't far behind him, and the third backs towards the window as well, knees quaking.

 "Please,"  he says, [B]"Have mercy...I just needed money and food..."

. 
 

  "These should help you a bit" Artorias let's the shield dissipate before offering him some trail rations from his survival pouch  ".... go.... just go" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The dozen or so people in the hallway stare at Badger. A few of them look in disbelief, some whisper words of thanks, and others rush to the now-open room.

It's dark outside, and Badger can feel the hidden eyes on her, looking out from the shadows, but the magical streetlights still work and enough light glints off her carefully conspicuous axes and bow that they keep their distance. She's left alone (too alone, the city center tends to quiet down at night but not like this, nothing like this) as she heads towards the cluster of temples and churches a few blocks over. There's one to every major god--where does she go first? 
 

Sora would go to Astrids temple, there were plenty of helpers who would follow her.  Badger turned to her gods, the ones that had sewed the threads of each persons life.  She had not been in the temple for years, but she took a deep breath and crossed the threshold.   "I have a little skill with healing.  Who can I help?" 
super dark33
Surdrak flies out of bed, using his eldritch limbs to summersault his body through the room. despite accidently bashing flat into the ceiling and then the floor, he ends up on his feet, still clad in pajamas, he just wants to open the door and yell GOOD MOOOORNING! but then he remembers there is plague and no one is in the mood to be good morninged so he keeps it to himself....

The frog and the rabbit looked at his failings at getting up.

 Oh good morning devs, how was your night? 

Silence.

 hehehe, youre getting a treat ye booth! extra feeding so you will be FAT AND SQUISHY. 

He opened his room door and looked around the hallway.


 
 Spoiler: Sunshiny funshiny 
This is going to get obnoxious very soon!
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "These should help you a bit" Artorias let's the shield dissipate before offering him some trail rations from his survival pouch  ".... go.... just go"  
 

The looter looks up at Artorias, grabs the food, and runs.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Sora would go to Astrids temple, there were plenty of helpers who would follow her.  Badger turned to her gods, the ones that had sewed the threads of each persons life.  She had not been in the temple for years, but she took a deep breath and crossed the threshold.   "I have a little skill with healing.  Who can I help?"  
 

The temple is split into three sections, all connected. Motifs ad thread and looms and wheels and scales can be found everywhere. Normally the main room would be a quiet, almost ethereal place, but instead the silence is shattered by the moans of the sick and dying, the stench of disease, and the sense of fear and desperation in the air. There are several hundred people there, and no way all of them worship the three. Some of the people who are sick also seem to be clerics, lying next to those not of the clergy.

It takes several minutes for a nurse to notice Badger, but when one does he runs over.  "You can treat the sick, not just injured?"  he asks.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The looter looks up at Artorias, grabs the food, and runs.



The temple is split into three sections, all connected. Motifs ad thread and looms and wheels and scales can be found everywhere. Normally the main room would be a quiet, almost ethereal place, but instead the silence is shattered by the moans of the sick and dying, the stench of disease, and the sense of fear and desperation in the air. There are several hundred people there, and no way all of them worship the three. Some of the people who are sick also seem to be clerics, lying next to those not of the clergy.

It takes several minutes for a nurse to notice Badger, but when one does he runs over.  "You can treat the sick, not just injured?"  he asks. 
 

 "A little, with limits.  I mostly have worked with injuries." 
CoffeeIncluded
The cleric sighs in relief.  "Great! We've had trouble wrk looters and fights too! A lot of people are taking advantage of the chaos. I've been praying to Fortune for then; hopefully she'll decide to respond..."  as he talks he takes Badger by the hand to a smaller room.

There's a couple dozen people here, all of whom bear several physical injuries. Most are beaten up; some have broken bones. A few more are more seriously injured, and over half of them are Plavaan.

 "We've had trouble giving them enough care because so many people are coming in sick..."  he says.
Silverraptor
Sora goes and casts Remove Disease on each of the 3 family members then checks on the last kid to see if there was anything she could do for him.

 
 Spoiler: Untrained Heal Check 
made in OOC thread because I goofed.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The cleric sighs in relief.  "Great! We've had trouble wrk looters and fights too! A lot of people are taking advantage of the chaos. I've been praying to Fortune for then; hopefully she'll decide to respond..."  as he talks he takes Badger by the hand to a smaller room.

There's a couple dozen people here, all of whom bear several physical injuries. Most are beaten up; some have broken bones. A few more are more seriously injured, and over half of them are Plavaan.

 "We've had trouble giving them enough care because so many people are coming in sick..."  he says. 
 

 "Any of you have knowledge of healing or sewers?"   Badger spoke to the injured people around her.  She placed preference on those who would be useful in this emergency over those who she could leave to heal slower.  She could do little but speed their natural recovery and attempt to save those about to die.   "Call me out if someone starts to go, I have more experience dealing with those lacking enough blood than water, but I might be able to splice their thread." 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias leaves the ruined bakery and returns home to spend some time with his family.
 
 Spoiler 

So... timeskip to the next morning?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
 Sora goes and casts Remove Disease on each of the 3 family members then checks on the last kid to see if there was anything she could do for him.

 
 Spoiler: Untrained Heal Check 
made in OOC thread because I goofed.
 
 
 

The three family members relax under Sora's spell. They're still unconscious and week, but less drained. THey need supportive care to replenish the lost fluid, but they should wake soon. While they rest, Sora struggles to stabilize the third, dying child. Nothing she's doing is working, until she remembers a time a family friend was sick for days. They couldn't keep anything down, and by the time they recovered, they were dehydrated and starving. The healer had given him a soupy mixture of mashed food in water. After a frantic search around the temple she finds a small amout of it left at the bottom of the bucket. She pours it down the child's throat and prays.

And prays. And after several hours, the child is still sick, but hasn't died.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Any of you have knowledge of healing or sewers?"   Badger spoke to the injured people around her.  She placed preference on those who would be useful in this emergency over those who she could leave to heal slower.  She could do little but speed their natural recovery and attempt to save those about to die.   "Call me out if someone starts to go, I have more experience dealing with those lacking enough blood than water, but I might be able to splice their thread."  
 

Those who are able to comprehend hat Badger is saying look at each other, and after a moment one goblin tentatively raises a hand.


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias leaves the ruined bakery and returns home to spend some time with his family.
 
 Spoiler 

So... timeskip to the next morning?
 
 
 

Artorias rushes back home, not wanting to spend more time outside than he has to. The nights here are almost wild now.

 
 Spoiler: Everyone 
A timeskip sounds good. I need to go work on my last vet school essays now--they're due in a week!
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Those who are able to comprehend hat Badger is saying look at each other, and after a moment one goblin tentatively raises a hand. 
 

Badger knelt down to treat the goblin and the next 5 worst injured who had a chance at recovery.   "Healing or sewers?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Long Term Care DC 15, up to 6 people
Heal Goblin:  (1d20+8)[ 13 ] 
1st Worst Injury:  (1d20+8)[ 24 ] 
2nd Worst Injury:  (1d20+8)[ 21 ] 
3rd Worst Injury:  (1d20+8)[ 16 ] 
4th Worst Injury:  (1d20+8)[ 12 ] 
5th Worst Injury:  (1d20+8)[ 11 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger:

"Healing,"  the goblin says, wincing. His arm is broken pretty badly but Badger thinks she manages to set it properly.  "Most of the people who know the sewers are dwarves, maybe some drow. Why?" 
 
 Spoiler: Athedia 
Can we do the rest of Badger's post later?
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Badger:

"Healing,"  the goblin says, wincing. His arm is broken pretty badly but Badger thinks she manages to set it properly.  "Most of the people who know the sewers are dwarves, maybe some drow. Why?" 
 
 Spoiler: Athedia 
Can we do the rest of Badger's post later?
 
 
 

 "Then I need you to start helping out with the people in here.  They need all the help they can get.  If anyone gives you trouble stop treating them and tell me." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Then I need you to start helping out with the people in here.  They need all the help they can get.  If anyone gives you trouble stop treating them and tell me."  
 

The cleric nods. His arm's in a sling but he still manages to balance a bucket of water and some clean cloths in his other hand with the aid of his knee. Badger helps assist some other people: a dwarf with a nasty infection on his leg (it looks like he was bitten or clawed up by something), two half-orcs who look like they were attacked by several people and sport multiple cuts, bruises, and broken bones, and a drow with a concussion--the same drow that the goblin pointed out. But two other people (another half-orc and a human) seem to have multiple internal injuries, and Badger isn't really sure where or how to fix those. She works late into the night, eventually passing out in a nearby chair as exhaustion overtakes her.

Several blocks away, Sora is in much the same state. The other clerics nearly fall to their knees in thanks as they see her heal the three family members, but then she's out of magic, and there are so many more who are sick, and Sora doesn't have the experience that the other clerics do. Soon it's just too much. She nods off in exhaustion several times before one of the clerics leads her to a quiet side room with several cots. Two of them are occupied by sleeping clerics, and the one who led Sora there says,  "You can't do anything else if you're exhausted, right? Rest, pray to Astrid, and she'll bless you and us again." 

All around Runite, everyone drifts off to sleep in one fashion or another.

 
 Spoiler: Everyone 
Skip to next morning? I've got to go to bed; I'll post after Raptors and stuff tomorrow!
 
CoffeeIncluded
 The next morning:

Elsee: 

Elsee wakes leisurely, warm and dry and not threatened by anyone or anything. It's sunny and hot and a little humid out, and she just wants to curl over and go back to sleep.

Of course, moments after she thinks that she's jolted awake by Kheel noisily flying up to Elsee's window, banging his wings and tail against the tail as he clumsily forces his way through the open window.

 "WAZZAT?!"  Darric shouts, shooting awake as he reflexively pulls up the blanket to cover himself.

 Sora: 

Sora isn't quite sure when she wakes up, or even if she wakes on her own. The moment the room comes into focus she feels hands jostling her.

 "Wake up!"  their owner says in a hushed excited voice.  "The people you helped yesterday, they woke up!" 
 
 Spoiler: everyone else 
I'll add in your things over brunch tomorrow. I'm exhausted and need to sleep. Night!
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger: 

Badger doesn't sleep well in the chair; only exhaustion keeps her unconscious. When she does wake the goblin is tending to the drow with the concussion; they're conversing in low voices. A few more people were brought in while she slept as well.
Dusk Eclipse
Come morning Artoria's family find him deep in thought, leafing through his spellbook, he seems to have been up for quite a while; he eats breakfast with  them.  "I'll go to the guild, I'm sure Leif will need help, besides I have to check on the others."  Artorias give everyone a hug before walking through the door.  "Rhea, you said dad only let you drink from the forge water right? I'll see if I can get a friend of mine to get some clean water for you, she knows just the right spell for that". 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Badger: 

Badger doesn't sleep well in the chair; only exhaustion keeps her unconscious. When she does wake the goblin is tending to the drow with the concussion; they're conversing in low voices. A few more people were brought in while she slept as well. 
 

Badger forced herself upright walking over to the goblin and drow.   "How is the arm?  Also you, can you tell me where to find Deidre?  I need to go into the sewers." 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  The next morning:

Elsee: 

Elsee wakes leisurely, warm and dry and not threatened by anyone or anything. It's sunny and hot and a little humid out, and she just wants to curl over and go back to sleep.

Of course, moments after she thinks that she's jolted awake by Kheel noisily flying up to Elsee's window, banging his wings and tail against the tail as he clumsily forces his way through the open window.

 "WAZZAT?!"  Darric shouts, shooting awake as he reflexively pulls up the blanket to cover himself. 
 


Elsee groaned as she reached ahnd over to calm down Darric,  "Just my other roomate, calm down."  Elsee then turned back to Kheel, her lips persing somewhat in concern.  "Just get back from Felik's place?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Come morning Artoria's family find him deep in thought, leafing through his spellbook, he seems to have been up for quite a while; he eats breakfast with  them.  "I'll go to the guild, I'm sure Leif will need help, besides I have to check on the others."  Artorias give everyone a hug before walking through the door.  "Rhea, you said dad only let you drink from the forge water right? I'll see if I can get a friend of mine to get some clean water for you, she knows just the right spell for that".  
 

Artorias's family is excited to hear about his story, and they share what they've been up to the past few weeks as well. Knce he returns to the guild ad makes his promise, the whole family gives him a hug.

 "I know you'll be fine, but don't do anything stupid,"  his father says.  "You can't hold a sword fight with disease. Fund another way to battle." 
 
 Spoiler: Dusk  
I don't have time right now, but I'll give you a summary of event from your family's perspective.ight my be until tonight or tomorrow night though.
 


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger forced herself upright walking over to the goblin and drow.   "How is the arm?  Also you, can you tell me where to find Deidre?  I need to go into the sewers."  
 

 "It should recover,"  the goblin says, though he doesn't try moving the arm.  "Thanks." 

The drow looks at Badger cautiously, though his gaze is still a bit unfocused.  "why do you want to go to the sewers?"  he asks.


 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee groaned as she reached ahnd over to calm down Darric,  "Just my other roomate, calm down."  Elsee then turned back to Kheel, her lips persing somewhat in concern.  "Just get back from Felik's place?"  
 

Kheel sort of wedges himself partway unto the window, anchoring his front claws on the inside of the window while his back half sticks out into the street. Darrick calms down, though he's unconsciously shifted away from Kheel.

 "I can't find Feliks!"  he says in Draconic.

 Surdrak: 

Once Surdrak gets dressed he hears a knock on the door.
super dark33
Surdrak twirls his way to the door and opens it with an elongated  Yeeeeeessssss~? 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "It should recover,"  the goblin says, though he doesn't try moving the arm.  "Thanks." 

The drow looks at Badger cautiously, though his gaze is still a bit unfocused.  "why do you want to go to the sewers?"  he asks.  
 

 "Something down there is doing this.  Leif said Deidre was looking for muscle to go down there.  Those gators pack quite a bite and no-one hurts my city."  
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 Surdrak twirls his way to the door and opens it with an elongated  Yeeeeeessssss~?  
 

Jadeite's hand is curled to knock again when Surdrak opens the door. He stares at the warlock a long moment before saying,  "Right then! Would you like go assiste in an investigation?" 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Something down there is doing this.  Leif said Deidre was looking for muscle to go down there.  Those gators pack quite a bite and no-one hurts my city."   
 

The drow scratches his head.  "Wait, you're saying it's in the sewers? My sister works for Dierdre and she hasn't said anything really...uh, certain on that."  he doesn't look entirely certain himself though.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Artorias's family is excited to hear about his story, and they share what they've been up to the past few weeks as well. Knce he returns to the guild ad makes his promise, the whole family gives him a hug.

 "I know you'll be fine, but don't do anything stupid,"  his father says.  "You can't hold a sword fight with disease. Fund another way to battle." 
 
 Spoiler: Dusk  
I don't have time right now, but I'll give you a summary of event from your family's perspective.ight my be until tonight or tomorrow night though.
 
 
 

Artorias smiles at his father's words  "I know, I'll see what I can do; I'll probably stay at the guild tonight so don't wait for me"  with those words, he starts the walk towards the guild with Ciaran flying lowand close to her master.
super dark33
 Ess ceast an invastijaytion? Of course i can! After, brukkfest ffcourse! 

He makes effort to pronounce every word weirdly. Hes having a jolly time.
Draconi Redfir
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Kheel sort of wedges himself partway unto the window, anchoring his front claws on the inside of the window while his back half sticks out into the street. Darrick calms down, though he's unconsciously shifted away from Kheel.

 "I can't find Feliks!"  he says in Draconic. 
 

Elsee frowned and shrugged a bit.  "probably dead 'er in some overcrowded church then. thenk he's one of those fire types, that's how the place burned down that first time right?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias smiles at his father's words  "I know, I'll see what I can do; I'll probably stay at the guild tonight so don't wait for me"  with those words, he starts the walk towards the guild with Ciaran flying lowand close to her master. 
 

The streets are busier than they were last night, but that isn't saying much. As Artorias walks back he sees people in madks, holding cloths to their faces, and wearing all sorts of protective charms.

He also doesn't see a single Plavaan walking alone.


 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Ess ceast an invastijaytion? Of course i can! After, brukkfest ffcourse! 

He makes effort to pronounce every word weirdly. Hes having a jolly time. 
 

 "...Right then. Are you sure you are well?" 

The mess hall is already packed to the gills, and even with the few windows thrown open it's oppressively stifling and hot. The benches are pretty much full and even the guild members walking in are forced to sit on the floor. The food is similarly meager, mostly consisting of cold vegetables and chilled soup to help against the heat, with some bread on the side. But it's nourishing, and the cook has managed to use spices and stock to make it more tasty.

Jadeite eats quickly, dabbing the corners of his mouth.  "Surdrak, do you know where I can get rats? Furthermore you possess surprisingly good cooking skills; do you know most of the fish vendors in Runite?" 

 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee frowned and shrugged a bit.  "probably dead 'er in some overcrowded church then. thenk he's one of those fire types, that's how the place burned down that first time right?"  
 

 "Aww,"  Kheel says, slumping down. His claws leave scratches in the wood.  "Should we get everyone and find him?"  he asks in Draconic.

 "Who's Feliks?"  Darric asks.

 
 Spoiler: Athedia and silver 
Athedia, the drow replied last update. Silver, I'll post after I shower. Watching the World Series right now. I usually don't but I really want the royals to win; it was so unexpected.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Sora: 

Sora rushes to the tent of the critically ill upon hearing that the four people she treated have woken up. By the time she's arrived a couple other clerics are ushering them out of the tent. If she looks outside another cleric, a young halfling boy, looks to be trying to move a few more in their place. Some of the people she did not treat last night are no longer there. One of the clerics notices Sora's gaze and quietly shakes her head.

The family and the young child look up at Sora.

 "Thank you for saving us,"  the older woman, the mother says as she bows to Sora.

 "But what about Grandpa?"  one of the children asks.

Still, despite the sadness mixed in with their relief and joy they seem to be more than willing to talk.

 
 Spoiler: Silver 
I need to go to bed so if Sora wants to talk go ahead. There's some info you can get by digging.
 
Silverraptor
 "Is everyone alright? Are you all feeling better?" 
super dark33
 Dont lie Jædæ, and i think i know some of them, cant say who the best ones are, its the same fish, but there was this handless legless eyeless plaavan one who was always fun to buy from. 
 
 Spoiler 
what im not forcing you to make a hammy pirate character im just asking nicely. 😛
 

 About rats, well any hole where they can get drunk or hide from the guard- or you mean the actual animal rat, in this case its any hole or corpse.


What do you need these for anyway? 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias walks towards the guild at a brisk pace, he takes note of how people around him act, specially when there are Plaavans involved.
Draconi Redfir
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Aww,"  Kheel says, slumping down. His claws leave scratches in the wood.  "Should we get everyone and find him?"  he asks in Draconic.

 "Who's Feliks?"  Darric asks.

 
 Spoiler: Athedia and silver 
Athedia, the drow replied last update. Silver, I'll post after I shower. Watching the World Series right now. I usually don't but I really want the royals to win; it was so unexpected.
 
 
 

 "Human dude who illiglely bought and hatched Kheel here 'till he was kidnaped 'nd milked for his venom to kill a bunch of clarics before we saved 'im. Just a freind."  Elsee stood out of the bed and walked over to Kheel, gently petting his head in comfort, thankfully she was wearing her nightgown so it wasn't horribly awkward. " If we see 'im we'll help. Knoweng the others though they'll be more focused on stopping thes thing from spreadeng further before helping anyone else out." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The drow scratches his head.  "Wait, you're saying it's in the sewers? My sister works for Dierdre and she hasn't said anything really...uh, certain on that."  he doesn't look entirely certain himself though. 
 

 "It is good to start there.  At the very least if any sick are down there we can clear the area." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Dont lie Jædæ, and i think i know some of them, cant say who the best ones are, its the same fish, but there was this handless legless eyeless plaavan one who was always fun to buy from. 
 
 Spoiler 
what im not forcing you to make a hammy pirate character im just asking nicely. 😛
 

 About rats, well any hole where they can get drunk or hide from the guard- or you mean the actual animal rat, in this case its any hole or corpse.


What do you need these for anyway?  
 

 "Oh how interesting! I simply must know how this disabled torso and head manages to run a legitimate business!"  Jadeite says. And then he's all business again. He leans closer to Surdrak and lowers his voice.  "I need to test a hypothesis I have: that cholera is caused by a contaminated substance--likely food or water. I considered collecting human volunteers for this experiment but sadly that is unethical and probably unwise given the current circumstances. Therefore, I need another kind of live subject, and rats would do nicely. They are quite easy to find and keep in captivity, and experiment on in controlled circumstances. I wish to feed them fish from every market and see if any in particular give them cholera. Would you assist me?" 

 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias walks towards the guild at a brisk pace, he takes note of how people around him act, specially when there are Plaavans involved. 
 

Everyone else is walking at a clipped pace, as though they don't want to be on the streets too long. Who knows, there might be something bad floating in the air. It's not the usual brisk walk of Runitians who have places to go to and things to do, but the fast walk of someone a little afraid who wants to get to--or out of--a place quickly.

Especially where the Plavaan are involved. They're walking even faster, and many people who pass them by either deliberately ignore them or give them withering, hating looks. It's not right. That happens in Runite, sometimes, but not this much and usually not so openly. It honestly reminds Artorias a little bit of San De Lune.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "It is good to start there.  At the very least if any sick are down there we can clear the area."  
 

 "Wait, you think there's sick people in the wells?"  The drow rubs his head again.  "Dierdre hires people to clean out the wells every day and they haven't really found sick people in there, unless my sister's hiding something..."  He groans; Badger remembers that concussions can take a while to heal.  "Have you been in the wells? I think she said they connect in places but I might not be remembering it right."  He breaks off, mumbling to himself in his native tongue.

 
 Spoiler: Silver and Draconi 
Your replies are gonna take a little while longer; I'll do them in the morning. Sorry I didn't post, it took me a bit longer to do my laundry than I thought. My last application is due this weekend though, so things should clear up considerably then! Thanks for being patient.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "Is everyone alright? Are you all feeling better?"  
 

All four nod, some more vigorously than others.

 "Thank you!"  one child says as she gives Sora a hug.  "But daddy's still sick. Everyone at home got sick, even Theo and he was just staying the night."  Theo, the unrelated child, gives Sora a weak wave.

Their mother speaks slowly, as if she's picking her words carefully or is still too weak to really speak.  "I heard some people say that bad air is making people sick. Are we able to return home?"
 

 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
  "Human dude who illiglely bought and hatched Kheel here 'till he was kidnaped 'nd milked for his venom to kill a bunch of clarics before we saved 'im. Just a freind."  Elsee stood out of the bed and walked over to Kheel, gently petting his head in comfort, thankfully she was wearing her nightgown so it wasn't horribly awkward. " If we see 'im we'll help. Knoweng the others though they'll be more focused on stopping thes thing from spreadeng further before helping anyone else out."  
 

Darric stares at Elsee, then buries his head in his hands.  "Wait, are you talking about the Cecil thing?"  He lets out a long low sigh.  "Maybe your friends can help? I talked to the girl...Natasha, right? On the ship back. I bet you can do both."  He kisses her again.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 [COLOR="#00cc99"] "Wait, you think there's sick people in the wells?"  The drow rubs his head again.  "Dierdre hires people to clean out the wells every day and they haven't really found sick people in there, unless my sister's hiding something..."  He groans; Badger remembers that concussions can take a while to heal.  "Have you been in the wells? I think she said they connect in places but I might not be remembering it right."  He breaks off, mumbling to himself in his native tongue. 
 

 "It wasn't so clean last time I jumped down a well.  Dragged a dead body out of there. Leif said Deidre was looking for guards, I will believe that.  Now no more talking, you are to rest until this concussion clears up.  When your done, help the clerics."   Badger left the room, feeling cramped.

 
 Spoiler 
Heal Check to see what she knows about Cholera:  (1d20+8)[ 11 ] 
More specifically does she know about boiling water?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger:

"Wait, you found a dead body?"  The drow reaches for a pencil and some paper, carefully noting down each letter. When he hands back the paper there's a barely legible name crossed out a few times before being carefully reprinted in large block letters:  KAYDA ONISSEY.

"That's my sister,"  he says.  "You should probably tell her about this stuff." 

When Badger leaves the room he says after her,  "But...I don't know how to heal people well," 
 
 Spoiler: Heal check results: 
Badger's never seen cholera before this, and has only heard of it in passing once or twice. She really has no clue how to go about treating it.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Badger:

"Wait, you found a dead body?"  The drow reaches for a pencil and some paper, carefully noting down each letter. When he hands back the paper there's a barely legible name crossed out a few times before being carefully reprinted in large block letters:  KAYDA ONISSEY.

"That's my sister,"  he says.  "You should probably tell her about this stuff." 

When Badger leaves the room he says after her,  "But...I don't know how to heal people well," 
 
 Spoiler: Heal check results: 
Badger's never seen cholera before this, and has only heard of it in passing once or twice. She really has no clue how to go about treating it.
 
 
 

 "Then just sit with them.  Even the dying need conversation." 

Badger said her goodbye's to a cleric with words that she would be back the next night.  She went over to the guild to meet with Leif again.
super dark33
 Of course! What will we start with, fish or rats? With all the abandoned buildings i bet there are rats everywhere. 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Then just sit with them.  Even the dying need conversation." 

Badger said her goodbye's to a cleric with words that she would be back the next night.  She went over to the guild to meet with Leif again. 
 

 "Uh, okay."  The drow awkwardly turns to the injured people, wincing against the light that filters in through the tall windows. As Badger leaves, the cleric from last night nods to her. He's pale with exhaustion, with deep bags under his eyes.

 "Thank you,"  he says.  "Fortune has decided to grant us a small boon with your presence." 

The walk back is quick. It's an almost disarmingly warm and beautiful day in Runite, but the effect is dampened with the knowledge of what's happening in the city. Even here she can see it with the way everyone walks briskly, the tension in the air, the way no Plavaan walks alone. When Badger makes it back to the guild it looks even more crowded than before, though that could be because people are awake now instead of dozing in the hallways. It's stuffy and stiflingly hot in here with so many bodies pressed together, but Badger can still make out Jadeite and Surdrak in the cafeteria, talking quietly over bowls of soup and bread.


 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Of course! What will we start with, fish or rats? With all the abandoned buildings i bet there are rats everywhere.  
 

Jadeite smiles and steeples his fingers together.  "Why, the rats of course. Fish spoils rather quickly, especially in the heat, and I believe I can still access the laboratories a few blocks over. And I am sure we can discover ways to amuse ourselves while searching for the cause of this epidemic. Speaking of which--hello, Badger! Where were you last night?"  He sits up, the picture of innocence.
Silverraptor
 "I'm not entirely sure if you guys can, or even should go back. I don't even know if you should remain... Uhhh..." 
She looks around completely at loss for what to do.
 "I'll ask the high cleric of the church for more information of what you all should do. But if you don't mind me asking, what did everyone here do during the moments before you all got sick?" 
super dark33
 I doubt theres much to do in a semi deserted city but partake at street violence or crime as one side or the oth- ohai Badger 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Darric stares at Elsee, then buries his head in his hands.  "Wait, are you talking about the Cecil thing?"  He lets out a long low sigh.  "Maybe your friends can help? I talked to the girl...Natasha, right? On the ship back. I bet you can do both."  He kisses her again. 
 

Elsee nodded and shrugged as she shuftled through some of her belongings, pulling out two of the emptyest, cleanest jars she could find before walking back to Kheel again.  "Thenk you could fly over to one of the rivers flying into the city, but not out of it? Supposedly this thing mainly spreads through water 'nd i'd rather not take my chances in here."  It would take while, but Elsee figured it would be worth it. in the meantime she could dig out some clean clothes and sew some threads onto them to cover her and Darric's nose and mouth with to let them wander about semi-freely, maybe dousing them in the river water, or just drinking it, she wasn't sure yet.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "I'm not entirely sure if you guys can, or even should go back. I don't even know if you should remain... Uhhh..." 
She looks around completely at loss for what to do.
 "I'll ask the high cleric of the church for more information of what you all should do. But if you don't mind me asking, what did everyone here do during the moments before you all got sick?"  
 

The family looks at each other, huddles, and whispers before returning their attention to Sora.

 "It's not like we all got sick at once,"  the mother begins.  "We fell ill throughout the day."

"Theo's house was damaged in the hurricane, so he was going to stay with us for the night,"  the daughter says.  "It was hot yesterday so mom made gazpacho." 

The son quickly explains,  "Thats a cold soup made with chilled, not boiled, water. It's quite tasty."

"I remember that I made a big pot for everyone in the family,"  the mother continues as horror slowly dawns.  "But tjat can't be it. The kids went out to play by the canal and they didn't get sick until a few hours after that. Then we got sick too." 

 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee nodded and shrugged as she shuftled through some of her belongings, pulling out two of the emptyest, cleanest jars she could find before walking back to Kheel again.  "Thenk you could fly over to one of the rivers flying into the city, but not out of it? Supposedly this thing mainly spreads through water 'nd i'd rather not take my chances in here."  It would take while, but Elsee figured it would be worth it. in the meantime she could dig out some clean clothes and sew some threads onto them to cover her and Darric's nose and mouth with to let them wander about semi-freely, maybe dousing them in the river water, or just drinking it, she wasn't sure yet. 
 

Kheel nods and grabs the jugs in his talons. He struggles to exit through the window without smashing the jugs, but somehow manages. A loud shriek comes up from below as Kheel takes to te air, and when it fades he's gone, a speck in the sky.

Darric is nothing but grateful for the masks Elsee makes, and he's sure to give her a kiss when he's done.  "So where to now, my brave lady?"  he asks, his playful nature starting to return.


 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  I doubt theres much to do in a semi deserted city but partake at street violence or crime as one side or the oth- ohai Badger  
 

Badger walks past the two; only the slight tilt of her head acknowledges their presence. Her stomach groans at the smell of food but she ignores it for the moment, pressing through the cramped stuffy hallways to Leif's office. The thick oak doors are closed, and when Badger knocks it takes a bit for the guild master to respond from within.

 "Come in,"  he says, sounding only a bit more rested than he sounded last night.
Athedia
Badger entered slowly stopping before his desk.   "I got the name of someone on Deidre's crew.  Kayda Onissey, a drow.  According to her brother they don't suspect the sewers, but apparently the body I found down there a few weeks ago wasn't known by them.  Admittedly, I arranged a quick and private funeral, didn't think about them not knowing.  I might have been able to prevent this if I had known." 
Draconi Redfir
elsee shrugged as she sewed up her own mask, juggling wether or not to soak it in the river water when it got here or not, she was going to be drinking half of it anyways when it got here so...  "I unno.  The Smart  theng to do would be to bail on the city 'nd leave the sick 'nd dying to be sick 'nd die until this whole thing blows over. Buuut knowing Badger 'nd Art, we're pretty unlikely to do that. Sooo, whatever the hell they're doen eye guess." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias: 

As Artorias makes his way back to the guild he sees a dark form fly overhead in a northern direction. The broad wings and long tail would confuse most people, but Artorias has seen Kheel enough to be fairly sure that it's the young wyvern.

When he arrives at the guild headquarters Artorias opens the door to find Elsee and Darric, her hobgoblin boyfriend, standing there. Both are wearing crude rectangles of cloth as masks which cover the lower half of their faces.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger entered slowly stopping before his desk.   "I got the name of someone on Deidre's crew.  Kayda Onissey, a drow.  According to her brother they don't suspect the sewers, but apparently the body I found down there a few weeks ago wasn't known by them.  Admittedly, I arranged a quick and private funeral, didn't think about them not knowing.  I might have been able to prevent this if I had known."  
 

Leif looks up at Badger. He rises to his feet and walks over to her, waiting for a sign of confirmation before placing a hand on her shoulder.  "This wasn't your fault, Badger. And anyway, in which well did you find the body? 

 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 elsee shrugged as she sewed up her own mask, juggling wether or not to soak it in the river water when it got here or not, she was going to be drinking half of it anyways when it got here so...  "I unno.  The Smart  theng to do would be to bail on the city 'nd leave the sick 'nd dying to be sick 'nd die until this whole thing blows over. Buuut knowing Badger 'nd Art, we're pretty unlikely to do that. Sooo, whatever the hell they're doen eye guess."  
 

Darric smiles, but there's a sadness to it.  "That might be a while, and I don't like what might happen in the meantime. But I'm sure you and your friends can do something!" 

His timing is perfect; by the time they reach the door it opens for them. Artorias is standing there with Ciaran on his shoulder, peering curiously at them.
Dusk Eclipse
As Artorias encounters Elsee and Darric he gives them a nod as a greeting and goes directly to Leif's office.
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias: 

The door to Leif's office is slightly open. Artorias can see Badger and Leif talking inside, though he's not close enough to hear unless he enter.

 
 Spoiler: Super Dark 
I'll reply later tonight.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Sora:

"Wait,"  the mother says, closing her eyes to collect her thoughts.  "Yesterday my husband took my kids to the north part of town for some shopping. They were near the Bogs."  Fear creeps into her voice. Could that have done it?

 Elsee, Jadeite, and Surdrak: 

Jadeite and Surdrak finish their meal an head outside. As they head out the front door they see Elsee and Darric outside on the sidewalk, discussing where to go and what to do. Both are wearing cloth masks over  their noses and mouths.

 
 Spoiler: Okay guys 
what do you want to do?
 
Draconi Redfir
the two goblinoids had exited via the window again, Elsee could hear the ruckus and voices below, and was unwilling to navigate such confined quarters. She was a little worried Kheel wouldn't be able to find her if she left the room, but the both of them were getting a little anstey with nothing to do. Soo... She guessed they just moved their weaiting from her room to outside the door, hoping that Badger or Artorias would come out sooner or later with something for them to do, with any luck Kheel would get back first so the two of them could get a morning drink and maybe a quick rinse or something first.
Silverraptor
 "The Bogs? Where exactly?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Leif looks up at Badger. He rises to his feet and walks over to her, waiting for a sign of confirmation before placing a hand on her shoulder.  "This wasn't your fault, Badger. And anyway, in which well did you find the body?  
 

 "In Great Gate sir, one of the larger ones.  I thought he had drowned or been killed by the crocodiles down there,but I don't know anymore." 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias respectfully knocks on Leifs door to get their attention  "Hey boss, are you busy?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "The Bogs? Where exactly?"  
 

She quickly shakes her head.  "Oh no, I'd never go to such a dangerous place, much less send my kids there! They were at a store a few blocks away, but do you think that was enough?" 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "In Great Gate sir, one of the larger ones.  I thought he had drowned or been killed by the crocodiles down there,but I don't know anymore."  
 

 "Great Gate..."  Leif returns to his desk and looks pver one of the files there. If Badger approaches, she can see that it's a map of Runite.

 "You might be looking down the wrong icehole,"  r says after a few moments.  "There haven't been too many cases in Great Gate, at least from what I've heard." 

 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias respectfully knocks on Leifs door to get their attention  "Hey boss, are you busy?"  
 

 "Artorias? Come in, I'm with Badger." 
 
 Spoiler: Draconi 
Sorry, I'm not entirely sure where you are or what you're trying to do.
 
Silverraptor
Sora thinks.
 "I'm not sure..." 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias enters the office  "Thank you sir, I just wanted to check in and see how I can help." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 She quickly shakes her head.  "Oh no, I'd never go to such a dangerous place, much less send my kids there! They were at a store a few blocks away, but do you think that was enough?" 
 "Great Gate..."  Leif returns to his desk and looks pver one of the files there. If Badger approaches, she can see that it's a map of Runite.

 "You might be looking down the wrong icehole,"  r says after a few moments.  "There haven't been too many cases in Great Gate, at least from what I've heard." 
 "Artorias? Come in, I'm with Badger." 
 
 Spoiler: Draconi 
Sorry, I'm not entirely sure where you are or what you're trying to do.
 
 
 

 "Oh, wh..where did it start?"   Badger moved up to examine the map, nodding to Artorias.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias nods back.  "Where did what start?"  suddenly a look of recognition crosses his face  "The Infection?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
 Sora thinks.
 "I'm not sure..."  
 

The woman crumples.  "I should have insisted,"  she says quietly.  "Then maybe my parents would still be alive..." 
 
 Spoiler: Silver 
What do you want to do? Her husband's still sick. And did you prepare your spells?
 


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Oh, wh..where did it start?"   Badger moved up to examine the map, nodding to Artorias. 
 


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias nods back.  "Where did what start?"  suddenly a look of recognition crosses his face  "The Infection?"  
 

 "Come on in,"  Leif says, waving Artorias into the room and motioning for both of them to follow him behind his desk. There's a map of Runite spread out on there with several circles and shapes drawn on it and shaded in. Some of them overlap.

 "The first cases were in the neighborhoods around the canal,"  he says.  "I believe the Bogs and the Docks were the next neighborhoods hit. The epidemic spread to the west part of the city after the hurricane a couple of days ago."  He sighs.  "I'm no epidemiologist and my hands are tied as it is. Artorias, what did you find? And what are the two of you planning to do?"

Elsee, Jadeite, and Surdrak:  

Jadeite and Surdrak finish their meal an head outside. As they head out the front door they see Elsee and Darric outside on the sidewalk, discussing where to go and what to do. Both are wearing cloth masks over their noses and mouths.

 "Surdrak and I are searching for materials for an experiment,"  Jadeite says,  "What are you doing?" 
 "Who's he?"  Darric asks, pointing at Surdrak.
super dark33
Surdrak Warlock,  mofo and gentleman,  Surdrak pal, mate and friend,  Surdrak Glames, Mighty spiritruler,
 Some dude. 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias scratches the back of his head in light embarrassment  "Uhh.... I wasn't looking, I went to see my family and spend the day wit them" . He regains his composure  "though I did notice that people were avoiding Plaavans.... well more so than usual."  he adds angrily  "And there also seems to be a looting problem 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Come on in,"  Leif says, waving Artorias into the room and motioning for both of them to follow him behind his desk. There's a map of Runite spread out on there with several circles and shapes drawn on it and shaded in. Some of them overlap.

 "The first cases were in the neighborhoods around the canal,"  he says.  "I believe the Bogs and the Docks were the next neighborhoods hit. The epidemic spread to the west part of the city after the hurricane a couple of days ago."  He sighs. [B]"I'm no epidemiologist and my hands are tied as it is. Artorias, what did you find? And what are the two of you planning to do?" 
 

 "So a string of bad luck... but if we can find and cleanse the source and then isolate the sick, could it be cured?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 Surdrak Warlock,  mofo and gentleman,  Surdrak pal, mate and friend,  Surdrak Glames, Mighty spiritruler,
 Some dude.  
 

 "Oh. Okay. I didn't see you on the boat so I was just wondering..."  Darric awkwardly scratches the back of his neck, then sticks out his hand.  "I'm Darric, Elsee's boyfriend." 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "So a string of bad luck... but if we can find and cleanse the source and then isolate the sick, could it be cured?"  
 

 "Hopefully yes, but it's not quite as easy as that. People have been looking for the source for the past few days, the hurricane interrupted efforts and made our efforts harder, and to top it off--" 

 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias scratches the back of his head in light embarrassment  "Uhh.... I wasn't looking, I went to see my family and spend the day wit them" . He regains his composure  "though I did notice that people were avoiding Plaavans.... well more so than usual."  he adds angrily  "And there also seems to be a looting problem  
 

 "--That."  Leif nods grimly; Artorias interrupted with pretty much exactly what the guildmaster was going to say.  "There's always looters in crises like this. Some people are just taking advantage of the chaos, but others are truly scared and desperate. The situation with the Plavaan is more troubling. Many people see them as unclean to start with, and with the theory that the wells are the cause of this epidemic they're quick to pin the blame on the Plavaan. Most of the stores still open are refusing to serve them and I've heard reports of fights."  He sighs.  "I've told the guild to keep an eye out with the watch, but a lot of them have sick families, damaged homes, or both. They're spread just as thin." 
Silverraptor
 
 Spoiler: To Coffee 
Well Sora needs to Pray to get spells, but otherwise they are the same. And I think Sora will tell the Clerics that trying to cure all these people is hopeless and her efforts are better spent trying to find the source to prevent more people from getting sick. She'll probably agree to using all her level 3 spells as cure disease on whomever they want her to use them on every morning while she tries to find the source of the disease, so she'll effectively only have level 1 and 2 spells when she groups up with the rest of the party.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  
 Spoiler: To Coffee 
Well Sora needs to Pray to get spells, but otherwise they are the same. And I think Sora will tell the Clerics that trying to cure all these people is hopeless and her efforts are better spent trying to find the source to prevent more people from getting sick. She'll probably agree to using all her level 3 spells as cure disease on whomever they want her to use them on every morning while she tries to find the source of the disease, so she'll effectively only have level 1 and 2 spells when she groups up with the rest of the party.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Silver 
Sounds good. Is Sora going to do that now?
 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  
 Spoiler: Silver 
Sounds good. Is Sora going to do that now?
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: To Coffee 
Yeah. I think so.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Hopefully yes, but it's not quite as easy as that. People have been looking for the source for the past few days, the hurricane interrupted efforts and made our efforts harder, and to top it off--" 
 "--That."  Leif nods grimly; Artorias interrupted with pretty much exactly what the guildmaster was going to say.  "There's always looters in crises like this. Some people are just taking advantage of the chaos, but others are truly scared and desperate. The situation with the Plavaan is more troubling. Many people see them as unclean to start with, and with the theory that the wells are the cause of this epidemic they're quick to pin the blame on the Plavaan. Most of the stores still open are refusing to serve them and I've heard reports of fights."  He sighs.  "I've told the guild to keep an eye out with the watch, but a lot of them have sick families, damaged homes, or both. They're spread just as thin."  
 

Artorias leans over the table to take a closer look at the map.  "So if we find the source, we could... in theory at the least stop it right there?"  he frowns  "Do you know if there are any sort of enchantments in the canal walls? You know to clean the water or something?" 
Silverraptor
 "Well, we don't know... Anyways, let me cure your husband. I'll need to get over to the top clerics to talk to them." 
super dark33
  wait, that boat? yeah that boat!  Oh ive been on that boat, maybe i didnt encounter you, well i didnt talk to any of the crew anyway...  aand he thinks about Pallsac again. nawww.
He shakes the thought away and continues
 Anyway, Jadeite and I are going on a little D- We are gathering some living rats to see what the plague is, wanna help?  

He leans his head above Jadeite and gives him some nudges. That "slip of the tongue" was intentional, he awaited to see Jadeite's reaction.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
   wait, that boat? yeah that boat!  Oh ive been on that boat, maybe i didnt encounter you, well i didnt talk to any of the crew anyway...  aand he thinks about Pallsac again. nawww.
He shakes the thought away and continues
 Anyway, Jadeite and I are going on a little D- We are gathering some living rats to see what the plague is, wanna help?  

He leans his head above Jadeite and gives him some nudges. That "slip of the tongue" was intentional, he awaited to see Jadeite's reaction. 
 

Darric's eyes widen in recognition.  "Oh yeah, I remember now! Sorry about that, you acted...really different. And...it was a bad time."  He subconsciously squeezes Elsee's hand.

For his part Jadeite seems nonplussed, though his smile tightens around the edges.  "And we're leaving now, in fact. Surdrak has kindly volunteered to search through the filthiest garbage pits so as to collect the most rats! He has become such a good team player." 
 "Do you want to help them, or do you want to look for Feliks?  Darric asks Elsee.


 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "Well, we don't know... Anyways, let me cure your husband. I'll need to get over to the top clerics to talk to them."  
 

The mother looks like she's about to burst into tears of joy.  "Thank you, thank you so much,"  she says.

Sora's healing is quick, and as she heals the father and two of the sickest patients their faces relax and their color returns. They're still unconscious or asleep, but that doesn't stop the two children from running over with cries of,  "Daddy!" 

After that, Sora leaves the room and goes off to the side area with the other clerics. They smile and look like they want to hug her. One does.  "Thank you,"  he says. "But what did you want to talk about to the head of the temple?" 

 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias leans over the table to take a closer look at the map.  "So if we find the source, we could... in theory at the least stop it right there?"  he frowns  "Do you know if there are any sort of enchantments in the canal walls? You know to clean the water or something?"  
 

Leif again pauses in thought.  "Assuming you could prevent it from getting contaminated again, probably. And I would assume there are enchantments, but I honestly wouldn't know anything about them. Magic isn't my forte, and Dierdre keeps a tight lid on her secrets."  He pauses, then pulls out another map under the first one, rolls it up, and gives it to Artorias and Badger.  "Somehow I have the feeling you two are going to do some street investigation,"  he says, cracking a smile.  "This might help. And honestly, I wouldn't pick anyone else for the job." 
 
 Spoiler: Athedia and Dusk 
I'm gonna go edit the map in now and post it OOC.
 
Silverraptor
Sora takes a deep breath.
 "While me being here is no doubt a huge help, it is in the long run futile. As long as the source of something is making all these people sick, it doesn't matter how many people I remove disease a day as long as more are coming in. The best bet is for me to go with the guild and try to find the source of the disease. If we can stop that, then we can get the outbreak under control. I promise I'll come here early every morning and cast all the Remove Disease spells I can, but afterwards, I'll be going out and trying to find the main cause of the outbreak, if that's okay with everyone." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee shook her head and waved off both offers,  "You go ahead if you want, 'm gunna wait fer Badger 'er art to come up with a plan, knowing those two they're already halfway into figuring out as is. Plus there's still Kheel to wait for." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee shook her head and waved off both offers,  "You go ahead if you want, 'm gunna wait fer Badger 'er art to come up with a plan, knowing those two they're already halfway into figuring out as is. Plus there's still Kheel to wait for."  
 

Darric scratches his head.  "Yeah, I guess that's true. Hey, are you going to go talk to your boss too? It's Leif, right?" 
 "Suit yourself,"  Jadeite says.  "Surdrak, where do you want to search for rats?" 
 
 Spoiler: Super Dark: 
If you want to find a lot of rats you can look for trash heaps, go to the canal to the east, to the Docks to the south, or to the Bogs to the north.
 


 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
 Sora takes a deep breath.
 "While me being here is no doubt a huge help, it is in the long run futile. As long as the source of something is making all these people sick, it doesn't matter how many people I remove disease a day as long as more are coming in. The best bet is for me to go with the guild and try to find the source of the disease. If we can stop that, then we can get the outbreak under control. I promise I'll come here early every morning and cast all the Remove Disease spells I can, but afterwards, I'll be going out and trying to find the main cause of the outbreak, if that's okay with everyone."  
 

The head of the temple, an older woman who wears the purple cloak and gold trim with an odd mix of humility and self-assurance, makes a noise at the back of her throat as she hears Sora's speech.  "You're right,"  she says.  "I've heard about you, Sora, and I know you'll keep your promise. We don't know for sure where the disease is coming from, but its source, one way or the other, is filth. I'd wager it's in the Docks...or more likely, the Bogs." 
Silverraptor
 "Thank you. And I will check those out!" 
She then goes and hurries off to the guild.
super dark33
Surdrak chuckles menecingly

 hehehe, you didnt even budge! *cough* well, as two scrawny non plaavans, going to the bogs will provide us with some fun action. Lets go there! 

he hits Jadeite in the upper arm.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Hmmmm  another option would be at the source, all wells are connected to the same network, aren't they?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "Thank you. And I will check those out!" 
She then goes and hurries off to the guild. 
 

As Sora returns to the guild she's again struck by how eerily quiet the streets are. The hustle and busle is nearly gone, and what people are present walk in the middle of the roads, avoiding the sidewalks as if to bypass the cries and illness within the houses. They only leave the center of the streets when a cart comes by, and there's only one occasion where they actually run to the edge of the sidewalks and press themselves up against houses and shops whether or not they have red X's on the doors. That one time a rank, sickly sweet stench announces what's inside before Sora can see it.

It's a cart of bodies, piled up on top of one another, being carted off to a mass grave.


 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 Surdrak chuckles menecingly

 hehehe, you didnt even budge! *cough* well, as two scrawny non plaavans, going to the bogs will provide us with some fun action. Lets go there! 

he hits Jadeite in the upper arm. 
 

Jadeite returns the punch, but with significantly less force.  "You first,"  he says.

The streets are nearly emptied, but Surdrak and Jadeite can hear someone shouting as they pass by the park. It's a cleric of some kind, shouting something about how the evil and sin of Runite brought this plague onto itself. He continues along this vein for a while, even after the two pass by.

If anything, the Bogs are even quieter than the rest of the city, as if the Plavaan withdrew in Jadeite and Surdrak's presence.


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "Hmmmm  another option would be at the source, all wells are connected to the same network, aren't they?"  
 

 "I don't know,"  Leif says, and he sounds so...helpless there.  "And I don't know how much it matters. More and more people believe the poor and Plavaan are the cause of this plague, and it doesn't need to be true for things to go bad. I need your help." 
super dark33
Surdrak chatted with Jadeite all the way to the bogs, a discussion filled with wise remarks and well thought sentences that would definetly qualify for "oh snap" values in certein circles of society.

The cleric seemed like a person paid to inturrupt peace, and Surdrak signled to Jadeite with hand motions what he thinks of that guy without speaking.

 Things definetly look less cheery and bustling here in the bogs. Id think at least two mobs would come out by now. Now rats should be hiding inside any heap of trash that isnt claimed by a hobo as their nest and kingdom. If merely walking in here like we own the place wouldnt agitate these guys, plowing through their junk definetly will. 
 
 Spoiler: Trouble? 
Pls trouble
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "I don't know,"  Leif says, and he sounds so...helpless there.  "And I don't know how much it matters. More and more people believe the poor and Plavaan are the cause of this plague, and it doesn't need to be true for things to go bad. I need your help."  
 

 "Well we won't know in here.  Art, want to canvass with me?  We can mark where people got sick, that is probably the source." 
 
 Spoiler 
Basically John Snow... yeah... anyway the Real Life John Snow's cholera investigation map from 1854.  Would that make sense?"
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I thought you'd never ask." 
Silverraptor
Sora stares for a moment at the cart of bodies before regaining herself and hurrying off to the Guild.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Well we won't know in here.  Art, want to canvass with me?  We can mark where people got sick, that is probably the source." 
 
 Spoiler 
Basically John Snow... yeah... anyway the Real Life John Snow's cholera investigation map from 1854.  Would that make sense?"
 
 
 


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "I thought you'd never ask."  
 

 "I knew you would say something like that."  Leif reaches into his desk and gives a notebook and a badge to the two.  "There's a lot of people sick though. The watch and temples may have partial records; I'll try to get a copy for you by tonight or tomorrow."  Leif sighs, and places a hand on their shoulders as he looks into their eyes.  "Stay safe. It's getting bad in more than one way and I don't want you coming back sick or dead. If anyone can get to the bottom of this it's you."  
 
 Spoiler: How it's gonna work 
pick a location (look at the neighborhoods on the first map), tell me how long you plan to spend there, then roll gather Information checks (one per hour). If you roll really well or badly the time it'll take to gather information may change. Leif will be able to get a partial list as insurance if the dice really hate you, but it's going to be incomplete.
 


 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
 Sora stares for a moment at the cart of bodies before regaining herself and hurrying off to the Guild. 
 

Sora isn't really concentrating and so several times she nearly stumbles over her feet. Sometimes she stumbles over a dead animal in the streets. One time it isn't an animal.

Additionally, it's not until she makes it back to the guild than Sora realizes she took the long way back. But Elsee and a me hobgoblin are there on a bench, seemingly waiting for someone.


 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 Surdrak chatted with Jadeite all the way to the bogs, a discussion filled with wise remarks and well thought sentences that would definetly qualify for "oh snap" values in certein circles of society.

The cleric seemed like a person paid to inturrupt peace, and Surdrak signled to Jadeite with hand motions what he thinks of that guy without speaking.

 Things definetly look less cheery and bustling here in the bogs. Id think at least two mobs would come out by now. Now rats should be hiding inside any heap of trash that isnt claimed by a hobo as their nest and kingdom. If merely walking in here like we own the place wouldnt agitate these guys, plowing through their junk definetly will. 
 
 Spoiler: Trouble? 
Pls trouble
 
 
 

 "I'll pass on that wager,"  Jadeite mutters.  "And if you're so certain, then take the first look yourself. I'm afraid my frail constitution may not be able to withstand the trash heaps! Oh, but don't worry. Hemlock will be more than happy to help you search for rats!" 

There's an angry hiss from inside his robes.

 "of course you can eat the excess rats." 

The hiss sounds more satisfied, and soon Surdrak can see the viper slither out to coil around the elf's wrist.

Their little conversation is soon interrupted, however, by a soft cackling sing-song voice coming from behind the building close to them. The building that smells like assorted herbs and chemicals.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias studies the ma for a moment,  " I think we should start here"  he points at the lake/pond/water body in the bogs.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias studies the ma for a moment,  " I think we should start here"  he points at the lake/pond/water body in the bogs. 
 

 "It seems to obvious to me.  I would rather start near the docks.  If someone came in ill that would be the first place they would be." 
CoffeeIncluded
As Badger and Artorias head outside, discussing what to do next, they see Sora, Elsee, and Darric outside the guild.

 
 Spoiler: Guys 
Where do you want to go and who do you want to go with you? ANd what do you guys want to say to each other?

Feel free to talk as much as you want; I have a prelim tomorrow morning and this week in general is bad until Wednesday or Thursday. But I'll be on.
 
super dark33
 Well lets find a trash heap first- Whats that smell, probably someone is making a traditional cure or whatever. blech. 

He inspected the neighborhood for trash, then met his gaze with Jadeite (Mental note, Surdrak thinks, save that joke for later.)

 You want to check out whats these smells right? 
Silverraptor
 "Are you guys going to look for the source of the disease?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "That is the plan, have you heard anything?" 
Silverraptor
 "Well, those in the church of Astrid think it originated in the Bogs." 
Athedia
 "And the Church of Astrid is an impartial source."  Badger unrolled the map and showed it to the others.   "I would like to check the docks, talk to people down there to see who got sick.  If we can record where the people with the  most cases were living then I think we can narrow down the search." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grinned beneath her masked and threw her thumb over her shoulder towards Darric.  "Thenk we can help with that, my freind here got it awhile ago apparently... How'd you get better anyways Darric? you get a cleric or somethin?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Well lets find a trash heap first- Whats that smell, probably someone is making a traditional cure or whatever. blech. 

He inspected the neighborhood for trash, then met his gaze with Jadeite (Mental note, Surdrak thinks, save that joke for later.)

 You want to check out whats these smells right?  
 

As Surdrak inspects the filthy trash and dung heap, he immediately hits...let's just call it pay dirt. There's clearly a nest of rats tunneled in a hole made of of sticks and potion residue. The rats squeak and run further into the trash pit, out of sight.

 "Meow." 

If Surdrak looks up he finds himself staring a thin black cat in the face.

 Everyone else: 

 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee grinned beneath her masked and threw her thumb over her shoulder towards Darric.  "Thenk we can help with that, my freind here got it awhile ago apparently... How'd you get better anyways Darric? you get a cleric or somethin?"  
 

Darric shakes his head.  "No. I just...got better. I think I managed to fight it off, and I got off easy too. Though a few of my friends helped"  He shudders.  "It...wasn't pretty. Honestly thought I was a goner."  He scratches the back of his head.  "But yeah, it's pretty bad in the Docks too." 
 
 Spoiler: If you're headed to the Docks 
Let me know and then roll some gather information checks. Headed to the gym; I'll add more or post in a bit.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Jadeite and Surdrak: 

The scrawny black cat hops off the trash heap, revealing an old goblin woman wearing goggles, gloves, and a patchwork apron stuffed with assorted herbs and items. She cracks a grin and chuckles.  "Now who're you and what are you doing here, nosing through my fine manure patch?" 
super dark33
 Oh hello, we are wizards here to get some rats for experiments. specifically about the plague. What are you doing here with all this.... manure? 

Surdrak wants to throw jadeite into the pile and laugh. But Eeaaarrgggghhhhhh.

 Spare a prestidigation, Jadae? 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Oh hello, we are wizards here to get some rats for experiments. specifically about the plague. What are you doing here with all this.... manure? 

Surdrak wants to throw jadeite into the pile and laugh. But Eeaaarrgggghhhhhh. 
 

The goblin woman laughs, startling the cat off a precariously-balanced half-rotten log.  "Now why do you need rats fer fighting plague? You're gonna want real medicine there, boys! And there ain't a better place to grow medical herbs than a nice manure pit!" 

She laughs again and bends over to scoop some manure into a bucket and pick mushrooms when something seems to come to her. She stops halfway through and peers up at the two. Her eyes narrow and seem to sparkle with thought.  "Unless...you're looking to find something, ain't you? I bet you're part of Alim's group!"  

  Spare a prestidigation, Jadae?  

 "Of course,"  Jadeite says.  "I prepared it multiple times." 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler: Time at Docks 
Badger plans to spend 4 hours there to try and survey at each household how many have gotten sick (asking neighbors as well) and passerby's.

Hour 1:  (1d20+13)[ 16 ] 
Hour 2:  (1d20+13)[ 28 ] 
Hour 3:  (1d20+13)[ 19 ] 
Hour 4:  (1d20+13)[ 24 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler: Docks 

Artorias knows this is Badger's domain, so he will abstain from making the inquires himself and will only try to help (aid another checks, though it will be a straight d20 since he doesn't have any charisma to speak of.)

Hour 1:  (1d20)[ 8 ] 
Hour 2:  (1d20)[ 12 ] 
Hour 3:  (1d20)[ 15 ] 
Hour 4:  (1d20)[ 11 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Jadeite and Surdrak:  

The first hour doesn't provide too much information, and more times than not the Wyvern's Fangs find doors slammed in their face by grieving people. But their reputation is well known through the city by now, and by the second hour they start making some headway. Some cases are easier to see, especially once they see the red X's on house after house and realize what they mean. And as they walk down street after street and mark down case after case, they start to see a pattern.

There are several clusters of cases in the Docks, mostly in a strip that starts by the actual docks, runs up next and parallel to the great open-air markets, and then seems to gently curve east before moving north again, out of the Docks.

People are becoming increasingly terrified, desperate, and despondent. There are public prayers in the streets, damaged and abandoned buildings and stalls, and as many people working together as they are not. The flooded noodle bar is busily being mopped out by a team of people of all races, but when they duck into another damaged building the party can find a thriving black market nestled among the broken water-logged walls and rafters. Apparently people have hoarded up now-depleted supplies and are now selling them at extremely high prices (for instance, Badger can buy another healers lot for triple the normal asking price), but other people are taking even more advantage of the situation.

When the Wyvern's Fangs head back to the normal market, they are saddened but not surprised to see it as a shadow of it's normal self, constricted to a block and a half at most. But those stalls are still trying to sell fish, spices, fruits and vegetables, crabs and frogs in buckets, oysters and mussels and clams kept in the cool. Oddly enough the party can also see a group of muscled hobgoblins and a veiled female (most likely female, anyway) drow move from stall to stall, methodically purchasing one of everything from each one.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Everyone but Jadeite and Surdrak:  

The first hour doesn't provide too much information, and more times than not the Wyvern's Fangs find doors slammed in their face by grieving people. But their reputation is well known through the city by now, and by the second hour they start making some headway. Some cases are easier to see, especially once they see the red X's on house after house and realize what they mean. And as they walk down street after street and mark down case after case, they start to see a pattern.

There are several clusters of cases in the Docks, mostly in a strip that starts by the actual docks, runs up next and parallel to the great open-air markets, and then seems to gently curve east before moving north again, out of the Docks.

People are becoming increasingly terrified, desperate, and despondent. There are public prayers in the streets, damaged and abandoned buildings and stalls, and as many people working together as they are not. The flooded noodle bar is busily being mopped out by a team of people of all races, but when they duck into another damaged building the party can find a thriving black market nestled among the broken water-logged walls and rafters. Apparently people have hoarded up now-depleted supplies and are now selling them at extremely high prices (for instance, Badger can buy another healers lot for triple the normal asking price), but other people are taking even more advantage of the situation.

When the Wyvern's Fangs head back to the normal market, they are saddened but not surprised to see it as a shadow of it's normal self, constricted to a block and a half at most. But those stalls are still trying to sell fish, spices, fruits and vegetables, crabs and frogs in buckets, oysters and mussels and clams kept in the cool. Oddly enough the party can also see a group of muscled hobgoblins and a veiled female (most likely female, anyway) drow move from stall to stall, methodically purchasing one of everything from each one. 
 

Badger made sure her weapons were put away before walking up to the group.  She stopped a good ten or more feet away from the veiled drow.  Looking the woman straight in the eye she bowed deeply.   "Would you be Deidre?  I heard you needed muscle, but I doubt that is true anymore.  Maybe you are in need of some people who have a little more success not being hated by those who see them?"   She gestured behind her to Artorias and Sora, leaving Elsee out of the gesture.  As amusing as she found the goblin she doubted that her presence had helped any.
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias mimics Badger's gesture of good will and raises his hands in a placating gesture, however he tries to ask Cyaran to circle the area, trying to get her to look out for immediate danger.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias mimics Badger's gesture of good will and raises his hands in a placating gesture, however he tries to ask Cyaran to circle the area, trying to get her to look out for immediate danger. 
 

Ciaran circles above, a strangely-colored speck in the sky, but she sees no danger at the moment.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger made sure her weapons were put away before walking up to the group.  She stopped a good ten or more feet away from the veiled drow.  Looking the woman straight in the eye she bowed deeply.   "Would you be Deidre?  I heard you needed muscle, but I doubt that is true anymore.  Maybe you are in need of some people who have a little more success not being hated by those who see them?"   She gestured behind her to Artorias and Sora, leaving Elsee out of the gesture.  As amusing as she found the goblin she doubted that her presence had helped any. 
 

The drow and half-dozen hobgoblins pause and turn as one to Badger. All the hobgoblins are tall and broad, with clean-shaven heads and armor that accentuates their muscles. The drow is slim, but Badger can see the circlet around her head and doesn't need to check to tell it's most likely magical. She raises a manicured hand to her mouth and says,  "I'm terribly sorry, but you have the wrong drow. I am...I suppose Lady Dierdre's servant would be the best way to describe it in your tongue."  She seems to look at the back of her hand but actually looks over her fingernails at Badger the whole time.  "Why are you looking for her?" 

Badger's last sarcastic comment leaves a hint of a smile on the drow's face. The largest guard, an enormous brute of a hobgoblin who looks like he probably has some ogre in him slowly grins and laughs in a deep booming voice.  "Heh heh heh. You are funny, little human."  He falls silent with a quick glance from the woman, though he's still smiling.

For her part, the drow seems more focused.  "I'm listening." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Ciaran circles above, a strangely-colored speck in the sky, but she sees no danger at the moment.



The drow and half-dozen hobgoblins pause and turn as one to Badger. All the hobgoblins are tall and broad, with clean-shaven heads and armor that accentuates their muscles. The drow is slim, but Badger can see the circlet around her head and doesn't need to check to tell it's most likely magical. She raises a manicured hand to her mouth and says,  "I'm terribly sorry, but you have the wrong drow. I am...I suppose Lady Dierdre's servant would be the best way to describe it in your tongue."  She seems to look at the back of her hand but actually looks over her fingernails at Badger the whole time.  "Why are you looking for her?" 

Badger's last sarcastic comment leaves a hint of a smile on the drow's face. The largest guard, an enormous brute of a hobgoblin who looks like he probably has some ogre in him slowly grins and laughs in a deep booming voice.  "Heh heh heh. You are funny, little human."  He falls silent with a quick glance from the woman, though he's still smiling.

For her part, the drow seems more focused.  "I'm listening."  
 

 "First of all I don't suppose you know Kayda Onissey?  Seeing as she is on Deidre's crew and what-not."   Badger raised an eyebrow at the hobgoblin, but didn't comment back.   "We are from Leif's guild and we were having a not so pleasant vacation before we came back to this."  She waved her hands indicating the city.   "So we are helping out while we can.  I think we offer unique talents that may help with those areas that are not as friendly toward the Plav.  Art here is a native,  Sora is an Astridian though I swear she is much to nice for it and I have a way of finding things out.  I like to think it is my withering charm.  I think the disease started over hear, probably brought in by one of the ships and we were trying to pinpoint the source."   She let out a smile and cracked her knuckles.   "Oh and we can fight in a pinch too.  Though I would rather let Not So Little Hobgoblin take care of that." 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Spoiler 
 thbbt should have included gather info checks myself, sorry
 


Elsee crossed her arms under her chest and pouted as she shot a glare at Badger for being left out of the conversaition, she and Darric could at least approach other Plav's withouth them running off in fear like they did with Sora. Still she stayed silent on the matter, instead opting to check out the hobgoblin bodyguards.

 
 Spoiler 


You know what i will do? i'll make some checks to see if Elsee knows who this lady might be since she's a plavaan, probly less then if she was a goblinoid, but still. if not she might know of one or two of the guards.

Use what's applicable:
Knowledge (local:) (d20+1)[ 19 ] 
Knowledge (local:) (d20+1)[ 8 ] 
Knowledge (local:) (d20+1)[ 2 ] 
Gather info: (d20+5)[ 14 ] 
Gather info: (d20+5)[ 24 ] 
Gather info: (d20+5)[ 12 ] 

if she knows anything she'll either chime up about it herself or whisper it to Artorius while Badger talks.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Darric did tell Elsee that Dierdre has hired hobgoblin bodyguards for herself and some of her servants, though not more than a dozen or so at most.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "First of all I don't suppose you know Kayda Onissey?  Seeing as she is on Deidre's crew and what-not."   Badger raised an eyebrow at the hobgoblin, but didn't comment back.   "We are from Leif's guild and we were having a not so pleasant vacation before we came back to this."  She waved her hands indicating the city.   "So we are helping out while we can.  I think we offer unique talents that may help with those areas that are not as friendly toward the Plav.  Art here is a native,  Sora is an Astridian though I swear she is much to nice for it and I have a way of finding things out.  I like to think it is my withering charm.  I think the disease started over hear, probably brought in by one of the ships and we were trying to pinpoint the source."   She let out a smile and cracked her knuckles.   "Oh and we can fight in a pinch too.  Though I would rather let Not So Little Hobgoblin take care of that."  
 

The drow's eyes widen imperceptibly.  "Of course I know Kayda Onissey--I am Kayda Onissey."  She steps into the shade and slightly pulls back her veil. Badger can at once see the resemblance.

She listens to Badger's story with interest and again allows herself to smile at the end of it.  "I suppose that's how you found us. And I've heard of you, all of you--you've become quite famous in some circles."  Kayda holds up a hand and looks at her nails again.  "How exactly do you plan to fight an epidemic though, and why were you searching for me and Lady Dierdre? It's rather difficult to stick a sword into disease." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "People say that about Shadows and I've killed them"  Artorias mutters to himself.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The drow's eyes widen imperceptibly.  "Of course I know Kayda Onissey--I am Kayda Onissey."  She steps into the shade and slightly pulls back her veil. Badger can at once see the resemblance.

She listens to Badger's story with interest and again allows herself to smile at the end of it.  "I suppose that's how you found us. And I've heard of you, all of you--you've become quite famous in some circles."  Kayda holds up a hand and looks at her nails again.  "How exactly do you plan to fight an epidemic though, and why were you searching for me and Lady Dierdre? It's rather difficult to stick a sword into disease."  
 

 "Hm, well your brother is doing all right now.  Minor concussion but the Three Gods Temple is taking care of him.  I am having him help treat the other injured, I think he is away from the sick people."   Badger shrugged at Kayda and nodded at Artorias's mumbling.   "Art is right, but I don't think the disease is our concern.  It doesn't seem odd to you that Deidre's sewers just stopped working?  That and the body we found down there while fishing for a runaway.  Seems to me that someone is trying to discredit her and the Plav.  After all the places that are hardest hit right now are the Bogs to the Docks, not so much the richer neighborhoods." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee blinked at the mnetion of the body, having had forgotten about it up until this point and not connecting the two incidents.

 "could it have been in the corpse itself? The sewers might have been designed to keep stuff from getting through the walls, but if somethin got through annother way it might just keep it locked in." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "People say that about Shadows and I've killed them"  Artorias mutters to himself. 
 

The enormous hobgoblin blinks.  "what do you mean you killed a shadow?"  he asks, looking down at his own.  "Is this one of those mind puzzles?"

"I doubt it. He likely means some sort of monster--probably incorporeal from the name,"  Kayda swiftly replies, though she remains focused on Artorias. She clearly looks impressed.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Hm, well your brother is doing all right now.  Minor concussion but the Three Gods Temple is taking care of him.  I am having him help treat the other injured, I think he is away from the sick people."  
 

The drow sighs and looks exasperated on the face of it, but something in her expression seems to soften.  "I told him not to travel alone in these times. Thank you for treating him."  

  Badger shrugged at Kayda and nodded at Artorias's mumbling.   "Art is right, but I don't think the disease is our concern.  It doesn't seem odd to you that Deidre's sewers just stopped working?  That and the body we found down there while fishing for a runaway.  Seems to me that someone is trying to discredit her and the Plav.  After all the places that are hardest hit right now are the Bogs to the Docks, not so much the richer neighborhoods."  


 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee blinked at the mnetion of the body, having had forgotten about it up until this point and not connecting the two incidents.

 "could it have been in the corpse itself? The sewers might have been designed to keep stuff from getting through the walls, but if somethin got through annother way it might just keep it locked in."  
 

Kayda seems to go stiff and she turns on a dime, the hobgoblins turning with her.  "Come,"  she says as we walks off without looking back. If the party is slow to follow she snaps her fingers in the air without pausing or turning around. They walk through the side streets swiftly and deftly, not stopping even as the few crowds thin out and the streets grow nearly silent. The drow pauses in front of a waterlogged shell of a building, so storm-damaged it's nearly impossible to trll what it once was.

 "In here,"  she says. And after a pause,  "I promise I will not attack you. I simply cannot say these things in public."  She steps inside with her bodyguards an waits for the party to follow.

 
 Spoiler: Everyone 
Just want to give you a chance to react or something. I was gonna bring you inside but I think that's too railroad-y.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee blinked and looked up at Darric and the others before shrugging and entering the building behind the drow, worse came to worse she always had her own hobgoblin bodyguard looking out for her, though she wouldn't bet money on him winning in a cage match with the big guy/
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias follows the Drow and her guards into the building, he mentally calls Cyaran to his shoulder before entering.
Athedia
Badger nodded and walked in.  If there was danger a handy use of her boots would let her leave.
CoffeeIncluded
The inside of the building is dark and dank and smells of mildew. The party can clearly see the floodline about six inches off the ground and the roof is partially blown in and patched up. Patches of light filter in here and there but it is definitely shadowed. Once they're inside and out of the sun Kayda lowers her veil, revealing her face. She's rather young, about Jadeite's age give or take a decade by the look of it.

 "Lady Dierdre's wells are enchanted to purify any water that leaves it,"  Kayda says once she looks around to ensure the building is abandoned.  "Even if someone were to dump a body or other filth in it, the miasma would be removed when the water reached the surface of the well."  She shakes her head.  "Do not ask me to tell you the nature of the wards; only Dierdre herself can tell you. However, I can assure you that the enchantments are not easily damaged, which is why we have been inspecting the food. Filth can come from places other than water and you know as well as I do that wealth and cleanliness go hand-in-hand."

"But, um..."  The huge hobgoblin shuffles uncomfortably and raises his hand.

Kayda sighs.  "What is it, Burk? Oh, you can ask anything; do not worry."

"It's just, well..."  He looks a lot smaller than a few minutes ago.  "What if it is the water? None of the food made me sick." 
Athedia
 "You...ate it?"   Badger looked aghast at the hobgoblin.
super dark33
 Why yes we are! You know him? 

He looked back at the pile.

 What are you growing there? Did i do damage by plowing through it? 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "You...ate it?"   Badger looked aghast at the hobgoblin. 
 

Burk shrugs and chuckles slightly.

 "Oh, don't worry about it,"  Kayda says, dismissing the look on Badger's face with a wave of her hand.  "Burk has a remarkably resilient constitution, and were he to fall ill Lady Dierdre would cure him at once. We simply need live subjects to test for the presence of disease."  She leans in a little.  "After all, I am sure you have heard this before."

"They're not all like that,"  Darric whispers to the party, an edge of nervousness in his voice.

 
 Spoiler: Super Dark 
I'll get to your response in a bit; I REALLY need to finish these readings.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee shrugged, the woman had basic logic on her side at least, eliminate what's safe and all that. "makes sense to me. what's been tested so far?"

Elsee never did get breakfast, though she was still wary about removing her mask.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee shrugged, the woman had basic logic on her side at least, eliminate what's safe and all that. "makes sense to me. what's been tested so far?"

Elsee never did get breakfast, though she was still wary about removing her mask. 
 

 "...Nearly all of the food in the market, and several restaurants...and the lake."  It takes a moment for Kayda to respond.

 "Then why haven't you tested the water yet?"  Darric asks, piping up for the first time. Elsee finds the omission rather conspicuous and curious as well.

Kayda stumbles over her words and looks momentarily lost.


 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Why yes we are! You know him? 

He looked back at the pile.

 What are you growing there? Did i do damage by plowing through it?  
 

 "Know him! He was one of my best customers! Where's he gone off to, anyhow?" 
 "I helped him secure a seat at the academy I attended in Almir,"  Jadeite replies.

 "Oh, really? Well, good on him, I'd always hear him talking about how much he wanted that fancy book learning!"  She laughs again, more a chortle than a cackle this time.  "And good that he got out when he did; things are getting awful hairy around here!"  She walks around the trash and manure heap as she speaks until she's next to Surdrak. Leaning in, she takes a good look (and whiff) before leaning back and saying,  "Nah, it all looks fine to me!" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "...Nearly all of the food in the market, and several restaurants...and the lake."  It takes a moment for Kayda to respond.

 "Then why haven't you tested the water yet?"  Darric asks, piping up for the first time. Elsee finds the omission rather conspicuous and curious as well.

Kayda stumbles over her words and looks momentarily lost. 
 

Badger put a hand on the drow woman's shoulder and raised Kayda's face to meet her eyes.   "Kayda, this wasn't your fault.  If it is the wells then someone has been tampering with them.  Someone powerful.  Don't tell me that Deidre, that the Plavaan, that they don't have enemies.  But if you don't look, if you ignore the wells completely.  In that case the deaths, those are on your head.  And if you have heard of me...  Here Badger grinned but her eyes were cold.   'Then you know I will hunt you down." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyor but Jadeite and Surdrak: 

Kayda grits her teeth and lowers her eyes for a moment before locking her gaze with Badger's.  "I know we have enemies, but why would they go after the wells?! There's no point to it, no purpose! It is utterly self-destructive! It makes no sense!"  She slumps.  "But we've checked nearly everything else, except for the fish from a couple of stands..." 
super dark33
No pushing Jadeite into an Old Ladie's farm it seems.

 I always knew he was bound to greatness.  Anyway, we are looking for rats to find out the source of the plague to better fight it. Do you know where we can find a big number of those? 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee rolled her eyes and glared at the Drow.  "The short of et? You're a plavaan. Despite what everyone says about toleraition 'nd cooperaition the pinkskins are just too freakeng childish to grow up over some dumb event that might not have even freaking happened ten hundred whatever years ago, and like children they only want to make sure we know how much we're pissed at 'em, doesn't matter if it gets 'em killed, so long as we get in trouble, they win. 'nd messing with the sewers, or hell, even intentionally introducing this thing into 'em? They don't care! they were made by a plavaan, so every life 'nd every moment of agony is on her head by default, 'nd on the rest of us by accosiaition. it doesn't matter how many kids die in the fire, so long as the one kid you hate gets the blame for it." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee rolled her eyes and glared at the Drow.  "The short of et? You're a plavaan. Despite what everyone says about toleraition 'nd cooperaition the pinkskins are just too freakeng childish to grow up over some dumb event that might not have even freaking happened ten hundred whatever years ago, and like children they only want to make sure we know how much we're pissed at 'em, doesn't matter if it gets 'em killed, so long as we get in trouble, they win. 'nd messing with the sewers, or hell, even intentionally introducing this thing into 'em? They don't care! they were made by a plavaan, so every life 'nd every moment of agony is on her head by default, 'nd on the rest of us by accosiaition. it doesn't matter how many kids die in the fire, so long as the one kid you hate gets the blame for it."  
 

Badger nodded at Elsee's remark.   "She gets the sum of it.  It doesn't even matter that Deidre is a higher nob then most, to the people here she is an outsider and we are never welcomed fully here.  If you aren't of Astrid or Runite you never quite belong and they will turn on you." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 No pushing Jadeite into an Old Ladie's farm it seems.

 I always knew he was bound to greatness.  Anyway, we are looking for rats to find out the source of the plague to better fight it. Do you know where we can find a big number of those?  
 

The goblin woman laughs again.  "Anywhere, of course! I bet they're hiding in everyone's attic's and cellars if you just ask around!" 
 Everyone but Jadeite and Surdrak: 

Kayda grits her teeth.  "You honestly think the Astridians had an easy time of it here? The first people here worshiped the Four! Just a few decades ago the Astridians were outsiders, and in a few decades more we will be accepted and it will be someone else. So my question is this: Why were you looking for me, beyond lecturing me?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "We weren't looking for you, we were looking for Deidre, and you are simply our beast lead to her right now"  Artorias answers brusquely.
Athedia
 "Well Artorias is partially right.  I did hope to find you to tell you your brother was all right.  But you can tell Deidre we are going to check the sewers and she can either come along and help or we can let ourselves down another well.' 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Jadeite and Surdrak: 

Kayda looks at her entourage of hobgoblins, then around the ruined building, then at the party again.  "I shall inform Lady Dierdre of our conversation and your request,"  she says, shifting her shoulders and standing up straighter.  "Though I should warn you: If Lady Dierdre does decide to meet you, I would recommend you have hard evidence rather than mere speculation."  
 
 Spoiler: In other words? 
You think it's the water? Then narrow it down. Prove it.
 
super dark33
 Alright. Thankes! It was nice chatting with you!  
CoffeeIncluded
 Jadeite and Surdrak:

"And you too!"  the goblin woman says.  "If you ever need any herbs or special, you know who to look for. Any friend of Alim's is good for me!"  She walks off, snapping her fingers for the scrawny black cat to follow.

Is Surdrak going to keep looking in the heap or search somewhere else?

 Everyone else: 

Kayda crosses her arms and taps her foot.  "If there is nothing else then we will be taking our leave. We have some investigating to do as well." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Jadeite and Surdrak:

"Well then, perhaps I shall see you soon."  And with that, Kayda clicks her fingers and leaves. The hobgoblins follow her out of the building, and soon the party is once again left alone with only the smell of mildew to keep them company. There's nothing more to do at the moment, so the party too soon leaves and heads north. It seems like there's a pattern, a direction to the location of the illnesses in the city.

The hunch is correct. Within just a few hours the party strikes gold, so to speak. They're only looking through the southeastern part of the city center and Canal Street, but Brent's parents--Marisa and Norton, whose only son was killed by Cecil--lives there. Everyone in the area knows the Wyvern's Fangs, and they're more than happy to give as much information as possible.

It's during this investigation that the party learns that both Yulian and Ilia, Brent's friends, have also fallen ill.



 Jadeite and Surdrak: 

Jadeite and Surdrak leave the apothecary's trash heap and travel deeper into the Bogs. They quickly see civilization thin out, to be replaced by half-overgrown fields, tangled mangrove and swamp cypress roots, and mosquito-filled bogs. There should be rat nests all over the place, but any niche or hollow could just as easily contain a snake.

 
 Spoiler: Jadeite and Surdrak 
Spot and listen checks please.

Jadeite spot:  (d20+4)[ 12 ] 
Jadeite listen: Take 10 for 14.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias turns to Sora  "Do you have any spell that could help them prepared?"  he asks the cleric with slight tremble in his voice, he hated feeling so useless, pit him against a monster and he would face it with a smile on his face, but this... as much as he joked about it, he truly understood how he couldn't stab a disease.
Silverraptor
 "Well no. The church of Astrid had me use all my remove disease spells today." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "Well no. The church of Astrid had me use all my remove disease spells today."  
 

 "Had?  They pin you down and hold a knife to your throat?" 
super dark33
 What beutiful growth! is this where you found the frog? 
 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+1)[ 15 ]  Listen
 (1d20+1)[ 18 ]  Spot
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee frowns a bit but doesn't do much else.  "If they make it they make it. Lets just keep going. Not gunna make it oursevles if we stop every ten minutes to coddle every sick person we see." 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "Well no. The church of Astrid had me use all my remove disease spells today."  
 


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Had?  They pin you down and hold a knife to your throat?"  
 

 "Badger.... not the time"  he says sombrely.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  What beutiful growth! is this where you found the frog? 
 
 Spoiler 
[roll0] Listen
[roll1] Spot
 
 
 

 "No, I looked under your bed,"  Jadeite says, not skipping a beat.

 
 Spoiler: Super Dark 
As Surdrak leans into the hollow he barely--just barely--sees two large yellow, slitted eyes staring back at him.
 
Athedia
 "Artorias, what if one of us had succumbed?  She relies completely on her magic to heal and knows nothing of the basics. She could have waited til tonight, instead of wasting her spells this morning on some people who will just catch sick again." 
 
 Spoiler 
Silver not at you, I thought that using the spells was very in character.  Badger just doesn't agree with me.

Also Coffee did we learn where those two are right now?
 
Silverraptor
 "Badger, there were a bunch of people in immediate danger of death that needed the spell casted on them! Its not my fault that most other clerics can't yet cast the spell and those that do also have theirs used up near immediately! If you want to criticize me for being a selfless idiot, go ahead, but can it wait until *after* we have this disease under control?" 
 
 Spoiler: To Athedia 
Yeah, I know. This isn't the first time Badger has spoken her mind about things, and it is pretty well known she disapproves of the Church of Astrid. You're just being in character as well, so it works.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Both of you knock it off! Artorias closes his eyes and massages his temples  "Look this is an extremely delicate situation and we are all stressed, but yelling at each other won't solve anything... let's go if we hurry we might be able to talk to a few more people tonight."   he walks up the street.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee just rolls her eyes and follows after Artorias, Darric likely follows her.  "So where we goin then, followin the sicky brick road?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Jadeite and Surdrak:

"Seems like it,"  Darric says, reappearing once the argument dies down.  "Didn't someone back there say those two were in Tiden's temple? That's honestly the best place to go because they have so much water. How do you know them anyway?" 
 
 Spoiler: Surdrak  
You get one action if you want.
 
super dark33
Surdrak abruptly cuts Jadeite's sentence by smacking him slightly in his chest, signelling "STOP".

 There are weird eyes in this hollow.   

He leans some more.

 Hello? 
CoffeeIncluded
 Surdrak and Jadeite: 

Jadeite's eyes widen as Surdrak pushes him aside and leans into the hole.  "Surdrak, what are you--" 

Whatever he was going to say is quickly drowned out as a line of corrosive acid shoots Surdrak right in the face.

 
 Spoiler: Surdrak 
Take  (8d6)[ 25 ]  acid damage, minus whatever resistance or damage reduction you have, reflex save DC 18 for half damage.
 
super dark33
 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+5)[ 12 ] 

Surdrak is down to 20 hp
 

 JÆDÆ LOOK OUT! 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: Initiative 
Hey, you wanted a fight!

Jadeite:  (d20+2)[ 10 ] 
Surdrak:  (d20+3)[ 20 ] 
???:  (d20+12)[ 19 ] [roll]

I'll try to upload a map in a few hours or tonight. Studying now, then feeding birds, then POKEMON! And seeing a movie tonight!

Either way, feel free to go now! You're looking into a waterlogged cavern made by dirt and roots and rocks. The area around you is marshy but doesn't really impede movement (you'll have trouble running though).
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Jadeite and Surdrak: 

As the party walks alongside the sluggish, muddy canal, Darric suddenly stops short.  "Hey, Elsee, didn't you say that Feliks guy who had Kheel before got sick too?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Jadeite and Surdrak: 
 "Jaedae, get out of here!"  badly wounded and smelling of caustic burns, Surdrak flees he entrance of the little cavern. He grabs jadeite and stumbles. !76 before he hits the swampy ground eldritch tentacles sprout from his back and seem to climb up the air as he takes flight, still holding on to the necromancer.

Inside the cavern there's a hissing growl and the sound of something moving. And then, it steps out into the light, and they can see it.

It looks like an enormous alligator, fifteen feet long with teeth to match. But its form is warped and twisted. Its scales are pitch black and drawn right over its body, its claws are several times longer than any normal alligator's, its legs are long and planted under its body instead of sprawled out, and horns jut from its head.

And, most frighteningly, once it is out in the open it unfurls huge warped orange wings that don't look like they belong, and clumsily takes flight after the two...heroes, for lack of a better word at the moment.

Jadeite's eyes go huge.  "Surdrak, that's a half dragon alligator! Fly!"  As he speaks he casts a spell, and it's clear his utterance is as much a spell as an imperative.

 
 Spoiler: Super dark 
jadeite cast fly on himself. The enemy is about 30 feet away. You're up and everyone is airborne. At a hockey game so no map at the moment.
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee stopped and turned to face Darric, looking at him as if he had just insisted that manure was a pretty tasty snack.  "Uhhh... no? You did. You're the one who explained the whole red X thing." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee stopped and turned to face Darric, looking at him as if he had just insisted that manure was a pretty tasty snack.  "Uhhh... no? You did. You're the one who explained the whole red X thing."  
 

Darric pause and scratche his neck.  "Oh, right...sorry, my mind's still a bit fuzzy from the cholera." 
 
 Spoiler: Sorry 
I honestly forgot for the moment. BUt it makes sense that Darric's still a bit out of sorts mentally.
 
super dark33
Surdrak keeps flying away.
CoffeeIncluded
Surdrak's tentacle-like appendages desperately claw the air, grappling thick tree trunks and branches and roots to propel him along. Jadeite isn't far behind, and with a shout Surdrak finds the appendages and his body accelerate.  "Do you have any ranged attacks?!"  he shouts, weaving through the growth.

The half-dragon alligator isn't far behind, crashing and banging into the stands of swamp forest. It doesn't really seem to know how to fly well.

 
 Spoiler: Super Dark 
Your turn again, Jadeite cast Haste. Where on the  map  do you want to go?
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Darric pause and scratche his neck.  "Oh, right...sorry, my mind's still a bit fuzzy from the cholera." 
 
 Spoiler: Sorry 
I honestly forgot for the moment. BUt it makes sense that Darric's still a bit out of sorts mentally.
 
 
 

  "Wait, what?"  Artorias asks  "Are you diseased right now?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Jadeite and Surdrak: 

Darric shakes his head.  "Not anymore. I shook it a few days back, though the clerics told me it might be a few days or weeks until I'm back to my normal self. I try not to show it,"  he adds, giving Elsee a wink and a nudge. Still, he does look tired and a bit dehydrated and drawn.
CoffeeIncluded
As Surdrak and Jadeite flee the half-dragon, everyone else stands by the shore of the slightly sludgy canal with a decision to make: Do they check on the sick people they know, possibly helping them, or keep investigating to find more information about the epidemic as a whole?

 
 Spoiler: Everyone 
Surdrak, it's your turn. I'm updating the map now. What's everyone else planning to do?
 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Everyone but Jadeite and Surdrak: 

Darric shakes his head.  "Not anymore. I shook it a few days back, though the clerics told me it might be a few days or weeks until I'm back to my normal self. I try not to show it,"  he adds, giving Elsee a wink and a nudge. Still, he does look tired and a bit dehydrated and drawn. 
 

Sora speaks up upon noticing Darric's slight dehydration.
 "Do you want some water? I can create some now, so it would be safe." 
super dark33
Surdrak takes a turn to the left and launches a blast with all his might.



 
 Spoiler 
Move to M6

 (1d20+8)[ 10 ] 
 (4d6)[ 19 ]  Eldritch +  (2d6)[ 8 ]  Bonus +  (2d6)[ 7 ]  Shock
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: Question  
ranged touch? I'll post once I get to my laptop.
 
super dark33
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  
 Spoiler: Question  
ranged touch? I'll post once I get to my laptop.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler 
Ranged touch.
 
CoffeeIncluded
If the half-dragon were smaller Surdrak's attack would have missed. As it is the electrified ray hits the creature in the chest. It roars in pain, electricity coursing out from the strike (Surdrak can feel the gloves tingling), then chases after Surdrak, who's flown into the thicket of trees. Surdrak is able to dodge and weave among the thick cypress trunks, but the half-dragon is slowed up, wedged in the growth. As it claws its way out of the thicket of trees it swipes a huge claw inches from Surdrak's face.

 "No you don't,"  Jadeite shouts, flying south of Surdrak to another stand of swamp growth.  "Eat fire!" 

Suddenly there's an earth-shattering  KABOOM!!!  as a fireball explodes right on top of the half-dragon, quickly followed by another. Any trees still standing after the first one are obliterated by the second. When Surdrak's ears stop ringing he can see several splintered trunks and a few sma,, fires.

 
 Spoiler: Attack and a note 
Super Dark, you're hasted so I moved you an extra 30 feet. I figured you'd want that.

Jadeite casts Fireball, circlets it, then follows up with another sudden Quickened Fireball.

Fireball 1 damage:  (7d6)[ 23 ] 
Fireball 1 reflex save:  (d20+6)[ 17 ] 

Fireball 2 damage:  (7d6)[ 21 ] 
Fireball 2 reflex save:  (d20+6)[ 26 ] 

If he's not down, then you're up again.

78 damage total. Just enough; he had 77 HP.
 


With a feeble roar, the half-dragon--scorched and battered and electrocuted--falls into the marsh with a splash.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee sneered slightly beneath her mask.  "sent Kheel out to grab some water from a river outside the city flowing in, that was early morning though, we probably left just before he got back 'nd now he's likely confused or lookin for us... So yeah actually, haven't had anything to drink all day, not since we came in yesterday." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
 Sora speaks up upon noticing Darric's slight dehydration.
 "Do you want some water? I can create some now, so it would be safe."  
 


 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee sneered slightly beneath her mask.  "sent Kheel out to grab some water from a river outside the city flowing in, that was early morning though, we probably left just before he got back 'nd now he's likely confused or lookin for us... So yeah actually, haven't had anything to drink all day, not since we came in yesterday."  
 

Darric smiles and sighs in relief. He holds out his hands automatically.  "Thank you,"  he says,  "I've been getting awfully thirsty, and Elsee has been too."  He pauses.  "Actually, can you give Elsee the water first? I've been going without it for a while so I can deal with it but..." 
Silverraptor
 "I've got several create water prepared. And I can do multiple gallons per each cast, so there's plenty for everyone." 

Once a proper storage container is produced, Sora will cast the spell of Create Water.
super dark33
Surdrak lands near the Aligator, takes his spear out of his pocket and stavs it at the base of it's skull.

 Owwww.. Do you think anything on this thing has any worth? 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "I've got several create water prepared. And I can do multiple gallons per each cast, so there's plenty for everyone." 

Once a proper storage container is produced, Sora will cast the spell of Create Water. 
 

For some reason Darric has a collapsible tub with him. He doesn't really comment on it as Sora fills the tub. Once Elsee drinks the hobgoblin cups his hands and drinks.

 "It's so fresh,"  he says.  "I thought it might, heh, burn me or something."  

 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 Surdrak lands near the Aligator, takes his spear out of his pocket and stavs it at the base of it's skull.

 Owwww.. Do you think anything on this thing has any worth?  
 

Surdrak quickly and easily dispatches the half-dragon. Jadeite's already inspecting it when Surdrak asks his question.

 "It might have had something in its den; are you well enough to go back and check?"  Jadeite pauses, then grins as he procures something from his pocket. [color="seagreen"[/color]"Although its body has value too. A half dragon alligator would be a fascinating biological specimen."[/color]

The thing he's holding is a black onyx stone.

 
 Spoiler: Just thought of it 
super dark, everyone, do you want it?
 
Silverraptor
Sora chuckles.
 "Well, you're not part undead, right?" 
Athedia
Badger had been silent thinking about what to do.   "Can I trust you to scour the next area.  I need to go check on them, I promised to keep them safe." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee quickly re-applied her mask the moment she had finished drinking, not wanting to risk getting infected herself reguardless if it wasn't airborn or not, better safe then sorry.  "to be honest i've got no idea what we'd really look for." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
 Sora chuckles.
 "Well, you're not part undead, right?"  
 

Darric makes a show of checking over his hands, legs, and arms.  "Well, my skin's not rotting, and I don't see any bones, so I don't think so." 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger had been silent thinking about what to do.   "Can I trust you to scour the next area.  I need to go check on them, I promised to keep them safe."  
 


 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee quickly re-applied her mask the moment she had finished drinking, not wanting to risk getting infected herself reguardless if it wasn't airborn or not, better safe then sorry.  "to be honest i've got no idea what we'd really look for."  
 

The hobgoblin takes the map, turning it every which way before saying, cautiously,  "You're just going door-to-door and asking who's sick and who's not, right? I think we can do that..." 
super dark33
Surdrak returns a grin.

While Jadeite does his handywork, Surdrak searches the hollow to maybe find a thing of worth.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 Surdrak returns a grin.

While Jadeite does his handywork, Surdrak searches the hollow to maybe find a thing of worth. 
 

As Surdrak leaves, out of the corner of his eye he can see Jadeite bow his head and begin to perform what might be a ritual. It's a bit harder making it back to the hollow because of all the broken trees on the ground and marsh elsewhere, but it's easier flying and so Surdrak manages.

The inside of the hollow is dank and dark and smells foul. A half-dragon alligator really should not exist and it's plain as day in the hollow. It's scratched out like what Surdark thinks an alligator nest would look like, but even filthier than he can imagine. Here and there, small coins, shiny stones, and even leaves and bits of rock are wedged into the undersides of the roots, as if the half-dragon was trying to make a hoard but couldn't really do it. And scattered all around the hollow are more signs of the conclusion: that was an alligator barely sentient, forced and trying to become self-aware, but couldn't really do it beyond a point.

After a moment he hears squeaking deep within the roots, Crouching down, crawling through some unidentifiable swamp muck (at least he hopes it's swamp much), Surdrak eventually comes across a smear of dried mud between two roots. It takes a bit of pressing to get it to crack and crumble, but inside he sees several dozen rats, pinned in, possibly stored for later meals.

 
 Spoiler: Everyone else: 
Once I get a bit more info on who's going where, or have breakfast, I'll go for you.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone but Jadeite and Surdrak: 

Badger decides to split off from the rest of the party to check up on three people who have fallen ill. After she leaves, the others continue their search...

 
 Spoiler: Okay guys 
I'm going to need to know where you're going and get the appropriate rolls. I'm not going to be on too much the next couple of days--I have a friend's 21st birthday party tomorrow and an exam on Monday, and then I'm going into finals week. But I promise I'll do what I can.
 
super dark33
 Jædæeeee, looks like the bomination did our job for us here! Come look! its in this pile of trash! 

He covered the rats to the way he found them before digging and waited for Jadeite to come in. Mischief running in his mind already.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  Jædæeeee, looks like the bomination did our job for us here! Come look! its in this pile of trash! 

He covered the rats to the way he found them before digging and waited for Jadeite to come in. Mischief running in his mind already. 
 

 "What is it?"  Jadeite asks once he approaches, carefully picking his way through the hollow down to Surdrak. The warlock can see the shambling figure of the zombie behind him.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler 

I'll just roll a couple Gather Info checks and then I'll figure an IC-description
 (1d20)[ 1 ] 
 (1d20)[ 13 ] 
 (1d20)[ 13 ] 
 (1d20)[ 9 ] 
 (1d20)[ 14 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Once Badger leaves, everyone else decides to inspect the Bogs, with Artorias leading the way. It would seem like a good idea, what with the rumors that the Bogs have also been badly hit and that the Plavaan are somehow responsible for the epidemic.

Of course, it's significantly less successful in practice. Even with Elsee and Darric coming along, most of the Plavaan are too scared or reluctant to speak to the group--especially with Sora in tow--and so Artorias and everyone are met with more than a few slammed doors and closed window. To make matters worse, many people have fled or in hiding, buildings are haphazardly spaced out, and the method of marking sick households with a red X on the door is haphazardly implemented at best in the Bogs. By the time that the sun is setting, low and red in the sky, and the mosquitoes come out with a vengeance, they have only received haphazard information at best.

 
 Spoiler: Everyone 
Athedia, I need to know what Badger's doing, and everyone else will reunite once their roleplaying posts are done.
 
super dark33
Surdrak mentions " Right there " without any actual descriptor of the location, instead he stands in front of Jadeite

 We'll need to shake it to make em loose 

With that Surdrat grabs Jadeite by his shoulders and begins shaking him nearly violently, laughing between sentences.

 Right there in the pile of trash, Jadee*! you are the pile of trash! youre trash Jadee! Thats why we all love you! 

Once Jadeite begins to show struggle, Surdrak pulls him over and wraps his arms around him for a big soft hug, and says as softly

 Thats why we all love you. Jadee. 
 
 Spoiler: * 
Jadee: 'Ja' as in Get, 'Dee' as in D.

 Jadeite you never told anyone how fun it is to hug you! 
 
Draconi Redfir
elsee frowns and pouts at the lack of any results.  "we're not getteng anything here, wanna check out the rivers?" 
 
 Spoiler 

some checks just for whatever, either here, the way to the river, and/or the river. one for each area maybe?
gather info:  (d20+5)[ 14 ] 
gather info:  (d20+5)[ 6 ] 
gather info:  (d20+5)[ 24 ] 

search:  (d20+3)[ 13 ] 
search:  (d20+3)[ 15 ] 
search:  (d20+3)[ 21 ] 

spot:  (d20+4)[ 17 ] 
spot:  (d20+4)[ 14 ] 
spot:  (d20+4)[ 7 ] 

listen:  (d20+2)[ 18 ] 
listen:  (d20+2)[ 22 ] 
listen:  (d20+2)[ 17 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
 Surdrak mentions " Right there " without any actual descriptor of the location, instead he stands in front of Jadeite

 We'll need to shake it to make em loose 

With that Surdrat grabs Jadeite by his shoulders and begins shaking him nearly violently, laughing between sentences.

 Right there in the pile of trash, Jadee*! you are the pile of trash! youre trash Jadee! Thats why we all love you! 

Once Jadeite begins to show struggle, Surdrak pulls him over and wraps his arms around him for a big soft hug, and says as softly

 Thats why we all love you. Jadee. 
 
 Spoiler: * 
Jadee: 'Ja' as in Get, 'Dee' as in D.

 Jadeite you never told anyone how fun it is to hug you! 
 
 
 

Jadeite flails rather ineffectually as Surdrak shakes him, but his resistance and protestations are rather fruitless. However, when Surdrak finishes and pulls him in for a hug, the elf stills.

 "Has nobody ever told you that calling someone a pile of trash is generally not considered a complement?"  he mutters. But he stays in the hug and places one hand on Surdrak's back all the same.


 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 elsee frowns and pouts at the lack of any results.  "we're not getteng anything here, wanna check out the rivers?" 
 
 Spoiler 

some checks just for whatever, either here, the way to the river, and/or the river. one for each area maybe?
gather info: [roll0]
gather info: [roll1]
gather info: [roll2]

search: [roll3]
search: [roll4]
search: [roll5]

spot: [roll6]
spot: [roll7]
spot: [roll8]

listen: [roll9]
listen: [roll10]
listen: [roll11]
 
 
 

The sun is setting, and in the swampy Bogs it's getting darker even faster. It's probably not a good idea to continue today...

 
 Spoiler: Guys 
You *can* stay and search all night, but it might not be the wisest idea. At the very least you're guaranteeing that you'll be fatigued tomorrow.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias stifles a yawn, they had been searching for hour and the weariness had begun to set in him "Guys, I think we should call it a night and head back, I don't think we will find anything useful tonight." 
Silverraptor
Sora nods.
 "Agreed. I should definitely get some rest tonight to prepare the remove disease spells tomorrow." 
Athedia
Badger went to the Tidens Temple to check on Yulian and Ilia.  She didn't know how much she could help but she would try.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias stifles a yawn, they had been searching for hour and the weariness had begun to set in him "Guys, I think we should call it a night and head back, I don't think we will find anything useful tonight."  
 


 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
 Sora nods.
 "Agreed. I should definitely get some rest tonight to prepare the remove disease spells tomorrow."  
 

The sun sinks lower in the sky as the party makes their way back to the guild. Their last data set was all over the place and nearly useless, but it seems like there is a good amount of other information available. By the time they return to the guild it's nearly dark, and the streets have again grown quiet to the point of being oppressive. A block or two away they run into Surdrak and Jadeite. Their clothes are tattered, they stink of smoke and muck, and Sudrak has some nasty-looking acid burns, but they are smiling and holding up sacks of squirming rats.

 
 Spoiler: Note 
I split things up like this so Surdrak can have some retroactive conversation with Jadeite and then everyone else when Super Dark can post.
 


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger went to the Tidens Temple to check on Yulian and Ilia.  She didn't know how much she could help but she would try. 
 

The temple to Tiden is filled with pools. Long narrow pools filled with copper, silver, and even a few gold pieces line the corners round reflecting pools stand in the center of the room, illuminated by the setting sun, and waterfalls lining the walls leave a fine cool mist in the air. It's refreshing, just walking through the atrium.

Of course, the back is still filled with the sick and dying, whose moans and cries pierce the air. Though at least here the clerics seem to have just enough water for everyone, so those desperately pleading for it at least have their thirst quenched relatively quickly. But because of that there are so many people that the clerics seem even more run down and ragged than in the temple to the Three.

After several minutes of searching, Badger finds Ilia in the corner, sitting up--or more accurately, propped up--against the wall. Her face is wan and waxy, her blue hair lies lank and limp over her face, and she's obviously dehydrated, but she's alive. A slightly crumpled newspaper lays in her lap. It takes her a moment to recognize Badger when she approaches, but when the half-elf does her eyes widen and her mouth opens a little.  "Y-you? Why are you here?"  she asks, a little apprehensive and confused, but not accusatory.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The sun sinks lower in the sky as the party makes their way back to the guild. Their last data set was all over the place and nearly useless, but it seems like there is a good amount of other information available. By the time they return to the guild it's nearly dark, and the streets have again grown quiet to the point of being oppressive. A block or two away they run into Surdrak and Jadeite. Their clothes are tattered, they stink of smoke and muck, and Sudrak has some nasty-looking acid burns, but they are smiling and holding up sacks of squirming rats.

 
 Spoiler: Note 
I split things up like this so Surdrak can have some retroactive conversation with Jadeite and then everyone else when Super Dark can post.
 




The temple to Tiden is filled with pools. Long narrow pools filled with copper, silver, and even a few gold pieces line the corners round reflecting pools stand in the center of the room, illuminated by the setting sun, and waterfalls lining the walls leave a fine cool mist in the air. It's refreshing, just walking through the atrium.

Of course, the back is still filled with the sick and dying, whose moans and cries pierce the air. Though at least here the clerics seem to have just enough water for everyone, so those desperately pleading for it at least have their thirst quenched relatively quickly. But because of that there are so many people that the clerics seem even more run down and ragged than in the temple to the Three.

After several minutes of searching, Badger finds Ilia in the corner, sitting up--or more accurately, propped up--against the wall. Her face is wan and waxy, her blue hair lies lank and limp over her face, and she's obviously dehydrated, but she's alive. A slightly crumpled newspaper lays in her lap. It takes her a moment to recognize Badger when she approaches, but when the half-elf does her eyes widen and her mouth opens a little.  "Y-you? Why are you here?"  she asks, a little apprehensive and confused, but not accusatory. 
 

 "Because I am needed.  Is.. is Yulia still alive?"   Badger spoke gently as she did a quick check of Ilia's condition.

 
 Spoiler: Heal 
Heal:  (1d20+8)[ 19 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger: 

Ilia is still quite sick and weak but she appears to be on the mend. At Badger's question she bites her lip and looks down, staring at the newspaper but not really reading it.  "I don't know,"  she whispers, and the pain is clear in her voice.   I can't lose Yulian too.  
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Badger: 

Ilia is still quite sick and weak but she appears to be on the mend. At Badger's question she bites her lip and looks down, staring at the newspaper but not really reading it.  "I don't know,"  she whispers, and the pain is clear in her voice.   I can't lose Yulian too.   
 

 "Right.  Okay if you are planning to drink any water I would say stay away from the canal district. And the Docks.  Actually that whole side of the city to be safe." 

Badger pushed herself up going back to the main area and grabbing the first person she could see who looked in charge.   "Yulian, short human probably wearing green.  Where is he?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Right.  Okay if you are planning to drink any water I would say stay away from the canal district. And the Docks.  Actually that whole side of the city to be safe."  
 

Ilia balls a fist, crumpling the newspaper in it.  "But that's where I live. The clerics said that if I keep getting better I have to go in a day or two. Where else can I go?" 

 Badger pushed herself up going back to the main area and grabbing the first person she could see who looked in charge.   "Yulian, short human probably wearing green.  Where is he?"  

The first cleric badger runs into is short and nervous, probably part halfling and almost certainly overwhelmed. Badger grabs him and turns him around so fast that his holy symbol snacks him in his nose.  "Um, there's a buncha people here with green clothes and there's too many people here for me to know all their names. Is he your hus--"  he looks down at her bare left hand, then quickly breaks off and looks back up  "--er, friend or brother or something?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Ilia balls a fist, crumpling the newspaper in it.  "But that's where I live. The clerics said that if I keep getting better I have to go in a day or two. Where else can I go?"  
 

 "I wish I could help but the guild is full, everywhere is.  But I will try to find you a place I promise." 

 The first cleric badger runs into is short and nervous, probably part halfling and almost certainly overwhelmed. Badger grabs him and turns him around so fast that his holy symbol snacks him in his nose.  "Um, there's a buncha people here with green clothes and there's too many people here for me to know all their names. Is he your hus--"  he looks down at her bare left hand, then quickly breaks off and looks back up  "--er, friend or brother or something?"  

 "Something."   She let the cleric go and cupped her hands around her mouth.    "I need to find Yulian, I have news for him."  
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "I wish I could help but the guild is full, everywhere is.  But I will try to find you a place I promise."  
 

Ilia smiles faintly at this, but remains silent.


  "Something."   She let the cleric go and cupped her hands around her mouth.    "I need to find Yulian, I have news for him."   

As Badger's shout echoes throughout the temple the entire room falls silent. There's a few groans, and one or two awkward coughs. Some people glare. The cleric shuffles awkwardly, mutters, "I'll go get Sasha," then runs off.

Badger's left alone in the room with the pools and fountains for a few minutes before the cleric returns with an older woman in tow. She's tall, with graying hair pinned back in a bun and sharply defined cheekbones.  "Come with me,"  she says, stern but not severe, with some softness in her voice.  "I must warn you though. He is very ill." 

With that she walks Badger past the rows of the ill, her shoes clicking against the floor with each step. Just as with the other temple, there's a separate area that houses the sickest cases. Here it's a whole room rather than a curtained-off section of the main area, but the people inside are just as deathly ill. It smells even worse here, with the dying lying face-up on rubber mats hoisted several inches off the ground. All of them are naked from the waist down, with only strategically-placed blankets and sheets to guard their privacy, and once Badger gets close enough to see the equally strategically-placed buckets under each mat it becomes clear why. The people here are still moaning in agony but there doesn't even seem to be much coherence to it anymore.

 "Yulian is over there,"  she says quietly, pointing to the corner. He's practically a withered husk compared to the young man Badger met before, with sunken eyes and bluish-gray skin. If not for the way his hands twitch she'd think he was dead. As she watches a nurse approaches, sighs, then pours some more water in his mouth and lifts the towel to wash him off. Even at this distance Badger can see--and smell--that it's not a pleasant task.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Ilia smiles faintly at this, but remains silent.



As Badger's shout echoes throughout the temple the entire room falls silent. There's a few groans, and one or two awkward coughs. Some people glare. The cleric shuffles awkwardly, mutters, "I'll go get Sasha," then runs off.

Badger's left alone in the room with the pools and fountains for a few minutes before the cleric returns with an older woman in tow. She's tall, with graying hair pinned back in a bun and sharply defined cheekbones.  "Come with me,"  she says, stern but not severe, with some softness in her voice.  "I must warn you though. He is very ill." 

With that she walks Badger past the rows of the ill, her shoes clicking against the floor with each step. Just as with the other temple, there's a separate area that houses the sickest cases. Here it's a whole room rather than a curtained-off section of the main area, but the people inside are just as deathly ill. It smells even worse here, with the dying lying face-up on rubber mats hoisted several inches off the ground. All of them are naked from the waist down, with only strategically-placed blankets and sheets to guard their privacy, and once Badger gets close enough to see the equally strategically-placed buckets under each mat it becomes clear why. The people here are still moaning in agony but there doesn't even seem to be much coherence to it anymore.

 "Yulian is over there,"  she says quietly, pointing to the corner. He's practically a withered husk compared to the young man Badger met before, with sunken eyes and bluish-gray skin. If not for the way his hands twitch she'd think he was dead. As she watches a nurse approaches, sighs, then pours some more water in his mouth and lifts the towel to wash him off. Even at this distance Badger can see--and smell--that it's not a pleasant task. 
 

Badger removed her leather armor top revealing the long sleeved shirt underneath.  Rolling her sleeves up she took the towel from the nurse.   "I will take care of him.  I have some experience with treating illness."   She knelt down by Yulian and started to clean him speaking to him all the while.   "Hey kid, are you leaving Ilia so fast?  She needs you right now.  Brent can wait for you.  But Ilia, she's all healed up now.  They say she can go home in a few days.  You really want her to beat you?  You're strong, you might not win but at least try to close the gap."   She continued talking to him as she cared for him, never stopping.  In the few moments she wasn't busy cleaning him, making him drink water or doing the other work associated with the sick she held his hands feeling them quiver in her much stronger grip.

As time went on she grew quieter, running out of things to say, things for him to hold onto.  Then something came to her, something that had not entered her thoughts in years.  Quietly and in a voice both hoarse from overuse and stumbling to remember how to form the notes she started to sing.  It was an old song, one her mother had sung when Badger had lain sick on the cold long nights of winter.

  Sleep on Little One
Snow quenches Fire
Rage on little One
Fire melts Snow

The Three are watching
Spinning, Spinning
The Three are watching
Hoping, Hoping
The Three are watching
Waiting, Waiting

Sleep on Little One
Snow quenches Fire
Rage on Little One
Fire melts Snow 
 
 
 Spoiler 
Will be admistering long term care:  (1d20+8)[ 26 ] 
And for his next disease resistance check:  (1d20+8)[ 25 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Sugar, salt, and mashed pawpaws. Mix them in water, and force-feed. That's what the healers did to Badger and her siblings when they got dysentery as children. There aren't pawpaws here, but there are bananas fresh from the Southern Islands.

Time seems to blur as Badger feeds and bathes Yulian. At some point the other nurse slips away to care for others, but she barely notices. Instead Badger keeps washing Yulian, and giving him the watery mash, and talking. She tells him stories throughout the night, shares funny and heartwarming tales as she scrubs him clean again and again, and when she runs out finally turns to song. Badger's singing voice is rusty from disuse, but the emotion in her lullaby is real. The softness gets to her too, and she's soon drifting...

Badger jerks awake with a start, pulling up from where she nodded off on Yulian's chest. She doesn't know whether she nodded off for a few minutes or a couple hours. But one thing is immediately clear. Though Yulian is still unconscious, he's stopped twitching and his skin is a less ghastly shade of bluish-gray.

 
 Spoiler: Badger 
150 Roleplaying experience for the lullaby and a generally excellent post.

Oh, and make two fort saves, please.
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler: Fort Saves 
1:  (1d20+7)[ 24 ] 
2:  (1d20+7)[ 24 ] 
 


She had done it.  He was still alive.  Exhausted she staggered upright and went to where she had last seen Ilia.   "He will live.  Will be weak but he will live." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Badger: 

Ilia stares at Badger in disbelief.  "He's alive?!"  she asks, frantically getting out of bed. But she can't make it more than a few steps before stumbling and doubling over in pain.

 Later: 

The sun slowly rises as Badger makes her way back to the guild. Fatigue rolls over her and threatens to turn into exhaustion. She powers through and keeps walking down the streets, forcing back the urge to just pass out on a bench or anywhere remotely soft. Her stomach growls to the point of pain, which seems to slowly build as she walks.

 
 Spoiler: Everyone 
Athedia, check facebook for the results of the rolls. Don't worry, they're good.

Everyone else, are you guys going to talk or reply to Jadeite and Surdrak or anything or do you just want me to move you forward to tomorrow?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Almost immediately Kheel appears, landing with a huge sloshing pail of water hanging from his jaws.

 "This good?"  he asks in Draconic.

It's too late to do any experiments on rats or collect water, so instead the Wyvern's Fangs sans Badger share data and their plans. The information from the Bogs is far too spread out and vague to do anything with, but the data from downtown...now that is useful. Especially when compounded with the encounter with Kayda.

Jadeite smiles ad explains the next part of his plan.  "I am already convinced that the water in these wells is somehow contaminated, but we must be absolutely sure. Tomorrow I plan to feed these rats water from all the wells in these two districts. If the water is contaminated, then only those rats will fall ill. Will you help me?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Of course, what do you need us to do?"  Artorias asks tiredly, he feels the soreness in his bones, and despite everything he just wants to get into bed and forget about the world for a few hours.
CoffeeIncluded
 "I need labeled water samples from these wells,"  he points to the ones within the range of the diseased cases in the Docks and Canal Street,  "And from these wells."  He points to the other ones.  "Any scientific experiment requires a control group, after all." 

Jadeite pauses, then looks around.  "Come to think of it, where is Badger?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Sounds easy enough, I'll get to it in the morning."  the swordsman answers the elf necromancer before yawning.  "Badger? She took off on her own, she will be fine.... I hope ; despite knowing that she can handle herself, Artorias can't help but feel anxious for her, Runite is no longer the place he grew up in and that scared him, a lot.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee took a moment to sniff the water to make sure it didn't have the smell of dead things in it before nodding, replying in a mix of goblin and draconic to the wyvvern.  "Should be. could you put et somewhere en my room? The three of us can have some tomorrow night if you had some before coming back." 
super dark33
 So we have rats, need water, and Jadeite is a lot of fun to hug and i reccomand it to all of you. Goodnight everybody! 
CoffeeIncluded
Jadeite's expression goes flat at Surdrak's comment.

Soon enough everyone goes to sleep and night passes withoigj incident. However, most of the party is awake shortly after dawn from nerves--and badger still hasn't returned.

It isn't until about 9 am that badger drags herself back to the guild. She looks utterly exhausted.

 
 Spoiler: Everyone  
a friend came up as a surprise so I'm posing this now because I may be gone all night.
 


EDIT: it's easy to see she hasn't slept more than an hour or two.

 
 Spoiler: dc 15 heal check  
somehow she seems to have picked up a mild case of cholera.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Most of the hallways are crowded with people, but this one is completely empty. And as soon as someone walks down the hall it quickly becomes clear why. There's shattered glass all over the floor, courtesy of a brick pitched through the window. It's lying on top of several sharp shards of broken glass, and there appears to be a note attached to it.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee awke alongside darric in her room once more, the door still locked from when she left for san de lune as she reffused to enter the main building due to the overabundance of people, as such they had once more entered through the window the previous night. With little to say Elsee got up out of bed and did her ususal morning routine to the best of her ability, her darric and kheel each taking a drink from the small supply Kheel had brought back the previous night, using most of what was left to clean themselves off to the best of their abilities, mainly focusing on prominent areas like their arms and chests.

Elsee leaves it up to Kheel if he wants to leave to get more water or hang around with them today, worse comes to worse she could probhably get Sora to make a bit of water for them again.
Athedia
Badger stopped at the note, carefully kneeling down and steadying herself on the wall while picking it up.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger stopped at the note, carefully kneeling down and steadying herself on the wall while picking it up. 
 

The note is...well, calling it a note, or any form of writing really, would be generous. A better description would be, "the barely legible remnants of a particularly nasty brain, scraped up with a rusted spatula and smeared all over the page."

What the note said isn't worth re-reading. The general gist is this: Elsee and Darric (at least Badger assumes that's who the note is referring to; it actually says "THOSE GOBLINS" in much larger letters and significantly less pleasant terms) have no business being Plavaan in Runite, much less Plavaan in Leif's guild, and if they and Leif (again, Badger can only assume the author is talking about Leif) don't sort this out in short order, then the letter writer would be more than happy to do so himself.
Athedia
 "I don't have the energy to put up with this."  Badger hefted the rock in her hand before slipping it into her pocket.  Looking out the window she tried to see where someone would have thrown it from.
CoffeeIncluded
This window is basically right next to the street. Elsee's room is one floor up and a room or two over, and Leif's office is around the corner and several rooms down.
Athedia
 "So they missed..."  Badger went down to Leif's office to show him the note.
CoffeeIncluded
The door is closed but it sounds like Leif is sweeping something up.  "Come in,"  he says, sounding absolutely exhausted.

 
 Spoiler: Athedia 
Okay, I gotta go study now. Feeding birds cut into my work time and I'm going to lose even more time with this meeting so I won't be back on until tonight. Sorry. But you've been awesome. 😁
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

Kheel happily dunks his head in his bucket of water, slurping it up and splashing some everywhere. He looks at Elsee expectantly, though he does pick up the bucket again.

 Badger: 

Badger can't see Leif at first when she enters the room, but a closer look shows that he's kneeling behind the his desk, sweeping up shattered glass from a broken window.
Athedia
 "Oh, you already got one.  Mind if I take a seat?"   Badger didn't wait for him to answer instead slumping into one of the waiting chairs.   "I am only back to say we found a contact for Deidre, and we have some evidence of a pattern.  Stupid pointed ears don't want to believe that their wells caused this.  I will find another place to stay at night, don't want to get any of the rest of you sick.  But we might be able to narrow this down." 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee grinned and nodded to the Wyvvern.  "up to you. eether way i'll see ef i can find some meat for you later today, might have an easier time hunting if you left the city though, imagine a lot of places shut down since this whole thing." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee grinned and nodded to the Wyvvern.  "up to you. eether way i'll see ef i can find some meat for you later today, might have an easier time hunting if you left the city though, imagine a lot of places shut down since this whole thing."  
 

Kheel leans forward and licks Elsee.  "I'll get some water and meat,"  he says in Draconic before grabbing the bucket in his jaws and again squeezing his way out the window. Again, there's a sudden piercing scream from outside.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Oh, you already got one.  Mind if I take a seat?"   Badger didn't wait for him to answer instead slumping into one of the waiting chairs.   "I am only back to say we found a contact for Deidre, and we have some evidence of a pattern.  Stupid pointed ears don't want to believe that their wells caused this.  I will find another place to stay at night, don't want to get any of the rest of you sick.  But we might be able to narrow this down."  
 

 "Are you sick?"  he says, looking up sharply. He looks over Badger for a moment, and only when he's sure the ranger isn't about to Keel over does he continue,  "You are to see a cleric right after this meeting; I don't care what you have to say." 

Leif leans over and picks up a rock on the floor. There's a note attached to it too.  "Did you also find a poorly-written threatening note?" 

The guildmaster sighs and looks out the window. As he turns Badger can see the hilt of a sheathed sword hanging off his belt.  "Badger, have you been reading the newspapers? Though I suppose several of them have made their opinions otherwise known." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Everyone else: 

Jadeite looks up from the map spread out on the crowded table.  "Where will everyone be going?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Kheel leans forward and licks Elsee.  "I'll get some water and meat,"  he says in Draconic before grabbing the bucket in his jaws and again squeezing his way out the window. Again, there's a sudden piercing scream from outside.



 "Are you sick?"  he says, looking up sharply. He looks over Badger for a moment, and only when he's sure the ranger isn't about to Keel over does he continue,  "You are to see a cleric right after this meeting; I don't care what you have to say." 

Leif leans over and picks up a rock on the floor. There's a note attached to it too.  "Did you also find a poorly-written threatening note?" 

The guildmaster sighs and looks out the window. As he turns Badger can see the hilt of a sheathed sword hanging off his belt.  "Badger, have you been reading the newspapers? Though I suppose several of them have made their opinions otherwise known."  
 

Badger grumbled at the mention of a cleric.  "I can take care of myself sir.  Don't need someone wasting magic on me when I know the right ways to treat something, to many folk are dying out there and much worse than me.  As for newspapers, I don't like them.  The news is always after it is old.  I have been listening on the street though, unrest on both sides.  People are angry and need someone to blame.  Most are just lashing out, won't escalate it, but the number that will is growing every day."   She sat up, puling the longbow she had found out of her quiver.   "Permission to use this sir?  It is from out of city but can put people down faster than my other bow." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger grumbled at the mention of a cleric.  "I can take care of myself sir.  Don't need someone wasting magic on me when I know the right ways to treat something, to many folk are dying out there and much worse than me."  
 

Leif's eyes flash and his voice is like a winter gale.  "And I will NOT risk you becoming one of them, and possibly infecting the entire guild to boot. Treat it without magic if you wish, but you need to at least follow up with a trained medic. Do you require it to be an order?" 

  "As for newspapers, I don't like them.  The news is always after it is old.  I have been listening on the street though, unrest on both sides.  People are angry and need someone to blame.  Most are just lashing out, won't escalate it, but the number that will is growing every day."  

 "Personally I always found them to be quite useful. But yes, that is the general atmosphere in the news as well. Some of the more...sensational voices seem to be guiding the rage."  He picks up the rock with the note and regards it with an almost morose expression.  "I'm doing everything I can, but..." 

 She sat up, puling the longbow she had found out of her quiver.   "Permission to use this sir?  It is from out of city but can put people down faster than my other bow."  

 "As long as it's enchanted."  Leif finally sits down and reshuffles his papers.  "Now, what exactly did you find?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Night everyone! Sorry I'm late to reply; it was midnight breakfast. Where's everyone else IC?
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Leif's eyes flash and his voice is like a winter gale.  "And I will NOT risk you becoming one of them, and possibly infecting the entire guild to boot. Treat it without magic if you wish, but you need to at least follow up with a trained medic. Do you require it to be an order?" 
 "Personally I always found them to be quite useful. But yes, that is the general atmosphere in the news as well. Some of the more...sensational voices seem to be guiding the rage."  He picks up the rock with the note and regards it with an almost morose expression.  "I'm doing everything I can, but..." 
 "As long as it's enchanted."  Leif finally sits down and reshuffles his papers.  "Now, what exactly did you find?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Night everyone! Sorry I'm late to reply; it was midnight breakfast. Where's everyone else IC?
 
 
 

 'I am a trained medic sir.  Not in a school but I had to learn to treat things on my own.  I certainly know more than some clerics in your employ and I will be lodging outside the guild til I am healed.  As for those voices, any I should be wary of?"   Badger put a hand on the bow, debating whether to lie or not, making up her mind she spoke.   "Well sir, it is enchanted.... But not the city standard.  But right now?  I don't rightly care for being nonlethal." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  'I am a trained medic sir.  Not in a school but I had to learn to treat things on my own.  I certainly know more than some clerics in your employ and I will be lodging outside the guild til I am healed.  As for those voices, any I should be wary of?"  
 

 "There is a quarantine in the entire city,"  Leif says.  "The new policy is to isolate and contain anyone ill with cholera, and there are calls to contain anyone suspected of being sick as well. Which of course would isolate most of the Docks and Bogs. I don't need to tell you which senators suggested that."  He glares at Badger.  "Which is why I will not have you risk your and our necks like that!" 

 Badger put a hand on the bow, debating whether to lie or not, making up her mind she spoke.   "Well sir, it is enchanted.... But not the city standard.  But right now?  I don't rightly care for being nonlethal."  

Leif buries his head in his hand.  "...You know my answer to that." 
 
 Spoiler: Athedia 
You don't have to.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "There is a quarantine in the entire city,"  Leif says.  "The new policy is to isolate and contain anyone ill with cholera, and there are calls to contain anyone suspected of being sick as well. Which of course would isolate most of the Docks and Bogs. I don't need to tell you which senators suggested that."  He glares at Badger.  "Which is why I will not have you risk your and our necks like that!" 



Leif buries his head in his hand.  "...You know my answer to that." 
 
 Spoiler: Athedia 
You don't have to.
 
 
 

 "It is my job to risk my life.  I do it every day ill or well.  I can make myself look well."   With this she adjusted her headband, as she did so the tired sickly look disappeared from her skin.   "As for those senators, I have dealt with them before.  They couldn't stop me then." 
CoffeeIncluded
Leif stares at Badger for a very long time, and then breaks his gaze to bend under the table. He comes up with a wand and two filled mugs. With a tap of the wand against each mug the liquid within becomes warm enough to let off steam. It smells like coffee, and as Badger smells it she realizes just how exhausted she is.

 "At the very least, have some coffee before you go, since I can't convince you to do anything else,"  Leif says.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Leif stares at Badger for a very long time, and then breaks his gaze to bend under the table. He comes up with a wand and two filled mugs. With a tap of the wand against each mug the liquid within becomes warm enough to let off steam. It smells like coffee, and as Badger smells it she realizes just how exhausted she is.

 "At the very least, have some coffee before you go, since I can't convince you to do anything else,"  Leif says. 
 

Badger took the coffee gratefully before sitting back to sip at it.   "Thank you.  Leif?  There was a clear pattern, right along the poorer side of town.  I don't know past Canal but it looks like it was a targeted attack."  She finished the coffee and set the mug down.  Exhausted she went to Sora's room and knocked on the door, hoping the cleric was in.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger took the coffee gratefully before sitting back to sip at it.   "Thank you.  Leif?  There was a clear pattern, right along the poorer side of town.  I don't know past Canal but it looks like it was a targeted attack."  
 

The coffee is delicious, hot and strong but not too bitter. Leif listens closely as Badger finishes the drink, but once she does...she feels the warm ward of a protective spell settle over her. She knows what it is, and can probably guess why Leif put it in the coffee.

 
 Spoiler: Athedia  
Protection from Evil. I figure badger had the spell cast on her before.
 

 "I'm sorry,"  Leif says, an he sounds truly sorry. The look on his face is the exact look of someone who knows he's risking a friendship but doesn't see many other choices.  "I'm truly sorry, but some of other senators--Cesare, the Polzins, and a few others--have been cagey. You can buy an enchanter's services easily here and I..."  He slumps.  "Did anyone attack or enchant you?" 

 She finished the coffee and set the mug down.  Exhausted she went to Sora's room and knocked on the door, hoping the cleric was in. 

Sora isn't in her room. Actually, everyone is out of their rooms.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The coffee is delicious, hot and strong but not too bitter. Leif listens closely as Badger finishes the drink, but once she does...she feels the warm ward of a protective spell settle over her. She knows what it is, and can probably guess why Leif put it in the coffee.

 
 Spoiler: Athedia  
Protection from Evil. I figure badger had the spell cast on her before.
 

 "I'm sorry,"  Leif says, an he sounds truly sorry. The look on his face is the exact look of someone who knows he's risking a friendship but doesn't see many other choices.  "I'm truly sorry, but some of other senators--Cesare, the Polzins, and a few others--have been cagey. You can buy an enchanter's services easily here and I..."  He slumps.  "Did anyone attack or enchant you?"  
 

Badger raised an eyebrow as she felt the spell fall over her.   "Really?  Other than you just now, I was not attacked or enchanted. And I would have reported if we were.  Two things, never pull a stunt like that again and be very grateful that I am tired right now."   She let out a tight smile before setting the mug down a little roughly and leaving the room.


 Sora isn't in her room. Actually, everyone is out of their rooms. 

Badger growled and kicked at the door.  She went downstairs to look for them asking until she managed to track the cleric down.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger raised an eyebrow as she felt the spell fall over her.   "Really?  Other than you just now, I was not attacked or enchanted. And I would have reported if we were.  Two things, never pull a stunt like that again and be very grateful that I am tired right now."   She let out a tight smile before setting the mug down a little roughly and leaving the room. 
 

 "That wasn't an attack,"  Leif says, but he is otherwise silent and apologetically accepting as Badger leaves the room. If she looks back over her shoulder she can see Leif updating his maps with her information, and burying his head in his hands.


 Badger growled and kicked at the door.  She went downstairs to look for them asking until she managed to track the cleric down. 

The door is hard and Badger stubs her toe on it. She marches down the hallway, kicking in door after door, until she finally makes her way to the cafeteria. It's crowded, and all the breakfast has been served, but the rest of the party is there. They're standing around a map laid out on a table, and seem to be strategizing.

 Everyone else: 

Badger finally storms in, though only her mood makes it "stormed" and not "dragged herself". She looks furious, and exhausted, and a bit shaky and pale.

 
 Spoiler: Everyone  
party is reunited. Feel free to Roleplay!
 
Silverraptor
Sora made her way quickly, yet cautiously, over to Badger.
 "Are you okay? What's wrong?" 
Athedia
 "Leif enchanted my coffee."   Badger sat down heavily and turned the map toward herself.   "And apparently you guys couldn't get anyone to talk to you, just great."   As Sora got closer she grabbed her shoulder and pulled her ear close.   "I will be needing one of those spells, you know the ones that treat this thing.  Saving lives comes at some cost." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Leif enchanted my coffee."   Badger sat down heavily and turned the map toward herself.   "And apparently you guys couldn't get anyone to talk to you, just great."   As Sora got closer she grabbed her shoulder and pulled her ear close.   "I will be needing one of those spells, you know the ones that treat this thing.  Saving lives comes at some cost."  
 

Jadeite blinks at Badger's explanation.  "That sounds rather unusual for him. He must have had a good reason for it.  Detect Magic. "  There's a pause as the necromancer scans Badger.  "Well, regardless, I don't see any spells on you right now. If he put a potion in your coffee it must have worn off. Are you sure it was an enchantment?" 

With that Jadeite invites Badger to the map and fills her in on their plan to test water samples on the rats that he and Surdrak collected from the Bogs.

 "And Jadae made a new zombie buddy there too!"  Surdrak chimes in. Jadeite immediately replies with a glare.

 
 Spoiler: Athedia and Silver 
You can continue this conversation as an aside while we get on with the main story.
 

 A bit later (we can continue the above conversation parallel to this if you guys want; I figured you've all been waiting for me long enough): 

Eventually everyone decides on a plan and heads off into Runite. Badger is the first to leave, running off alone the moment Sora heals her unless she's strong-armed into accompanying someone else. The Omnicarts are still running but they're nearly empty, and the people on them give each other a wide berth. Much to Badger's not-delight, the one that slows to pick her up is the one with the stylized rendition of her face on the side. Sure enough, Aaron is in there, boisterous as ever despite the mask over his face.

 "Badger! Always good to see you; where have you been?"  He opens up the door with the turn of a spinning lever.  "Where are you off to?" 
 
 Spoiler: Athedia 
Where are you off to?
 


Meanwhile, the rest of the party splits up to collect water samples and prepare the experiments. Jadeite and Surdrak immediately make to the labs, still being repaired from Tanner's rogue golem, to set up the experiments. They set up rats in separate cages, supplying each with identical amounts of food, bedding, and--for the moment--water. Artorias heads to the restaurants and residences of lower Canal Street and the shops that should be bustling on Market Road, and to the wells that supply water to all these businesses and homes. Sora, Elsee, and Darric head to the damaged Docks, where only Sora's presence seems to mute the hostile glares the toe Plavaan receive. Especially when they dip flasks into the wells.

 
 Spoiler: Everyone please read this 
If you have any objections to where you're going, please state them now. Otherwise, ple1ase give me a rundown of what you're doing, if you go anywhere else, and then...we'll see. I'm back now, though I'll be on a plane tomorrow.
 
Silverraptor
 "Um... S-Sure. What do you need?" 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee hardly noticed the glares from the others, or otherwise pretended she didn't, either way she and Darric were still wearing their facemasks, so they wouldn't spread (or catch) the thing unless something drastic happened. Sill the two of them plus sora did as they were told, gather water samples from different wells in the city and bring them back to jadeite and surdrak to analyze. Elsee couldn't help but notice the damage the docks were in, noting the smell of mildew and seaweed building up, and sevral peirs missing entirely from the hurricane's wind, she was pretty sure she even saw a small boat half-lodged into the side of a building, though it could have been a decoration before the hurricane.

Else would have been surprised had they not encountered a well like the one they faced now, torn apart, bucket missing, nothing but stone and mildew for at least fifty feet down, Elsee could see a faint glint wich she assumed was water beyond that point.

 "Either of you got a rope?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "Um... S-Sure. What do you need?"  
 

 "Remember those two you couldn't treat yesterday, well treat me in their stead.  Just don't tell Leif that I came to you." 
CoffeeIncluded
Darrkc alternates between looking at the collapsed well (where some people are still furtively drinking despite the signs warning otherwise), and staring in disbelief at the boat through the house. He shakes himself back into awareness and says,  "I always have some rope with me,"  as he hands Elsee a rough, sea worn length of rope.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee nods and ties the rope around her waist as she takes an empty water vial from Sora.  "just like last time, just don't drop the rope nnkay? ef it IS the water i'd rather not be covered in the stuff." 

with that said Elsee gripped the rope tight and slipped into the ruined opening of the well, walking backwards along the mildew-covered wall with Darric keeping the rope taught back at the surface. She just needed to get close enough to the water to grab a sample, and with any luck, not be infected herself.
CoffeeIncluded
Elsee slowly rappels down the rope, much sturdier than the flimsy one holding the bucket. The water level isn't that low, so Elsee doesn't need to Go that far down.

The water  smells  stale, and both water ad well a lot scummier than the other two she went down before. There's algae growing in the water and clingin to the side, and I identifiable foam and sheens cling to the surface. Something's seriously not right here.

 
 Spoiler: Draconi 
spot check for Elsee please?
 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Remember those two you couldn't treat yesterday, well treat me in their stead.  Just don't tell Leif that I came to you."  
 

 "T-Treat you in their stead? Why, are you sick?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "T-Treat you in their stead? Why, are you sick?"  
 

Badger glared at her and pulled her aside away from listening ears.   "Not badly, if I had the time I would just isolate myself and treat it alone.  But I am needed.  Obviously none of you could find a pattern if it were clearly labelled and I can't well go out right now exhausted and diseased." 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Badger glared at her and pulled her aside away from listening ears.   "Not badly, if I had the time I would just isolate myself and treat it alone.  But I am needed.  Obviously none of you could find a pattern if it were clearly labelled and I can't well go out right now exhausted and diseased."  
 

 "Oh, well alright. I can cast remove disease on you. Just be careful in the future." 
Sora goes and prepares the remove disease.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "Oh, well alright. I can cast remove disease on you. Just be careful in the future." 
Sora goes and prepares the remove disease. 
 

 "Be careful? I got sick saving lives." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee: 

The well itself seems to be badly damaged by the storm--parts of the masonry are cracked and falling in. There's a section of well-stone with carvings on it that seems to be partially obliterated.
Draconi Redfir
Elsee squinted a bit and took a moment to stare at the carving, some sort of rune or some such... she was almost positive she heard Jadeite mention these things one of the last two times she was down one of these things, something about them keeping creatures or something out of the strees? did it affect disease too?

Elsee continued down to the water's surface and dipped the vial into the wanter, being careful to let as little of her hand touch the water as physically possible. Elsee plugged up the vial and stowed it away in her belt once she was done, quickly climbing the rope once more to leave the well.

if nothing prevented her from leaving the well, Elsee would crawl out and wipe herself off loosely.  "Take a note, some busted runes down there. Jadeite probably knows what that means." 
CoffeeIncluded
 artorias: 

Several of the businesses are closed here, as it's close enough to the water that a few were flooded. And many people fled. It makes Artorias's investigation tough going...

 
 Spoiler: Something  
 (d100)[ 45 ] 

Of needed:  (d100)[ 17 ]   (d100)[ 35 ] 

I'll elaborate after breakfast.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias treks through the canal and market streets taking samples of water from the wells on his way, he makes sure to have his sword visible to discourage people of making a stupid move, he makes sure to label each sample. He may not be as smart as Jadeite, but he could be diligent when he put his mind to it. He walks confidently, smiling a little despite everything, as he can feel the sheer joy coming from his familiar as she flies overhead, looking out for her master.

 
 Spoiler: Spells Prepared/Maneuvers Readied 

Cause I forgot to do so in the OOC post 😳
Sells:
Cantrips:
Prestidigitation
Message
Acid Splash x2
Level 1 Spells
Enlarge Person
Blade of Blood
Path of Frost
Karmic Aura

Manuevers:
Rabid Wolf Strike
Steel Wind
Sudden Leap.
 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Be careful? I got sick saving lives."  
 

 "Yes, I know. And that is why I said to be careful. Helping people in this tragedy is the best thing anyone can do, but you also need to be careful at the same time. If you get sick in the process, that doesn't help anyone or the situation in the long run. That's what I mean on being careful, because I don't want anything to happen to you." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias: 

Artorias makes his way through the wells, dipping vials into each and coming up with samples. He would need to clearly mark them even if Jadeite didn't tell him to, because there doesn't seem to be much of a difference between the samples.

 
 Spoiler: If Artorias looks into the wells: 
There appear to be runes or writings on the sides of the wells. In some of the wells, the markings are heavily damaged, sometimes even carved or clawed out.
 

 
 Spoiler: Something else: 
 (d20)[ 15 ] 
 


It's lonely work; the area is nearly empty, the inhabitants all fled. There are very few people on the streets. About halfway through his collection, Artorias reaches down to put away a vial of water in his belt pouch...and finds that all the previous vials of water are missing.

Right on cue, Ciaran lets out a hoarse cry and he gets a mental picture of,   There, there! To the river!  
Dusk Eclipse
 "What the hell?"  Artorias exclaims before he receives the mental cry from Cyaran, running on instinct he begins chasing the the pickpocket, relying in his familiars directions and his own sharp sense of smell.

 
 Spoiler 


Initiate Hunter's sense stance.
Using double move to try and catch up.
Artorias spot  (1d20+15)[ 25 ] 
Cyaran spot  (1d20+16)[ 17 ] 
Wisdom check for scent  (1d20)[ 4 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The smells of disease and death permeate the air and throw off any chance Artorias has of tracking the pickpocket like that in this area. As Artorias run, and feels the coins jangle in his purse, he sees a quick shadow flit behind the back of a boarded-up store. A couple of the windows in front are damaged, but Artorias doesn't know about the back. Most of the roofs here are intact, and there are some trees with fairly sturdy branches to climb on or fairly study balconies to leap onto.

 
 Spoiler: Dusk 
I'm going to need another set of rolls, and do you want to follow on the ground, or on the rooftops?
 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias fights back the urge to gag on the smell, he should have known better than to try and use the Hunter's sense in this area of the city, spying the flickering shadow on the corner of his eye, he decides he needs a vantage point to get this pickpocket. With a mighty leap he jumps onto a balcony and continues the chase in the rooftops

 
 Spoiler 

Does this answers your question? 😛
Sudden Leap  (1d20+13)[ 21 ] 
Artorias Spot  (1d20+15)[ 18 ] 
Cyaran Spot  (1d20+16)[ 20 ] 
Scent check  (1d20)[ 12 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
As Artorias leaps he grabs the edge of the balcony and pulls himself up onto it. From there it's a short climb to the roof. There is a hole in it, just large enough for him to squeeze himself into and down; when he looks in it he can see the beams supporting the roof and the inside of the building. It appears to be a carpentry and woodshop; there's a half-finished cabinet on a platform which he can barely see. As Artorias peers into the hole he can hear a trip, a muffled curse, and several heavy objects fall to the ground. An awl rolls into view from the left side of the house interior.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Jadeite blinks at Badger's explanation.  "That sounds rather unusual for him. He must have had a good reason for it.  Detect Magic. "  There's a pause as the necromancer scans Badger.  "Well, regardless, I don't see any spells on you right now. If he put a potion in your coffee it must have worn off. Are you sure it was an enchantment?"  
 

 "It was a spell, beyond that it doesn't matter his intent." 

 Eventually everyone decides on a plan and heads off into Runite. Badger is the first to leave, running off alone the moment Sora heals her unless she's strong-armed into accompanying someone else. The Omnicarts are still running but they're nearly empty, and the people on them give each other a wide berth. Much to Badger's not-delight, the one that slows to pick her up is the one with the stylized rendition of her face on the side. Sure enough, Aaron is in there, boisterous as ever despite the mask over his face.

 "Badger! Always good to see you; where have you been?"  He opens up the door with the turn of a spinning lever.  "Where are you off to?"  

 "Aaron, I said no association with me. None, no names, no faces.  And take that silly mask off, the disease isn't carried through air."   Badger pulled herself onto the cart beside him and pointed on the map she had,  "there." 
 
 Spoiler 
She is picking up where she left off to see if she can track the pattern more.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "It was a spell, beyond that it doesn't matter his intent."  
 

 "Oh, but it does make a difference,"  Jadeite says.  "For instance, if I were to zombify your body, it would be to further the knowledge of science, not because I'm what you call a 'crazy necromancer'." 

  "Aaron, I said no association with me. None, no names, no faces.  And take that silly mask off, the disease isn't carried through air."   Badger pulled herself onto the cart beside him and pointed on the map she had,  "there." 
 
 Spoiler 
She is picking up where she left off to see if she can track the pattern more.
 
 

Aaron laughs and shakes his head.  "Why are you so set on hiding yourself?"  he asks.  "You can't do anything, hiding yourself away!"  Still, he cracks the horses' reins and sends them galloping through the streets. They're fairly empty and it's clear from Aaron's involuntary laugh that he's making the most of this chance to speed. And speed his does, only stopping once or twice to pick up other passengers, all of whom need to grip the wooden railings that Aaron has put up along the seats. It's not even twenty minutes when he pulls to a stop a couple blocks from where Badger said she needed to go.

 
 Spoiler: Athedia 
I'm going to need some exact neighborhoods and gather information checks please.

Also,
Something:  (d100)[ 31 ] 
Something else:  (d20)[ 3 ] 
Another something else:  (d30)[ 17 ] 
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Whichever neighborhood was next on that line that she saw growing.
 


As he stopped to let her off she grabbed his collar and pulled him closer.   "I can survive if I hide, which you aren't helping with."   She then let him go and jumped off going straight to the first door she saw to continue her questioning.

 
 Spoiler 
Gather Information 1:  (1d20+13)[ 30 ] 
Gather Information 2:  (1d20+13)[ 25 ] 
Gather Information 3:  (1d20+13)[ 17 ] 
Gather Information 4:  (1d20+13)[ 26 ] 
Gather Information 5:  (1d20+13)[ 14 ] 
Gather Information 6:  (1d20+13)[ 27 ] 
Gather Information 7:  (1d20+13)[ 19 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Aaron goes quiet, though he still looks a bit skeptical.  "If you say so,"  he says, though his tone is still a bit skeptical.  "Though I thing you should try to drop the sour vinegar act,"  he adds, trying to evade her grasp.

But Aaron's advertisements wouldn't have made a difference around middle and northern Canal Street. Word of her healing Yulian (much of the neighborhood had supported Brent's friends and family after he was murdered) has spread and even if Badger doesn't explicitly identify herself most people figure it out soon enough. And most of them are more than willing to help out. Within a couple hours Badger has a pretty good set of data.

 
 Spoiler: Updated map! 
After this I'm gonna walk the dog again.

 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Sora and Elsee: 

Sora can hear Elsee's comment about the runes, and well, she does have some experience with magic. Does she want to investigate?
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Sora and Elsee: 

Sora can hear Elsee's comment about the runes, and well, she does have some experience with magic. Does she want to investigate? 
 

 "Runes? Should I check if they're magical?" 
Dusk Eclipse
Artorias jumps into the hole landing with a soft thud.  "Ok, just give me back my vials and no one will get hurt"  he says while moving one hand towards the hilt of his sword and concentrates magic on the other one, he feels a slight shiver as the arcana begins to take form in his mind.

 
 Spoiler 

Jump check to avoid falling damage  (1d20+13)[ 26 ] 
Tumble check to avoid falling damage  (1d20+16)[ 32 ] 
Spot  (1d20+13)[ 19 ] 
Ready action: Cast Path of frost when/if the pickpocket comes into range
 
super dark33
 So next step is getting fish, right? I can show you some places and also the cool pirate man. What kind of fish will we need, the herbivores or predetors?  

Plague or not, Surdrak was loving life right now, lots of plans taking motion. Maybe he will combine his own plans with the guild's somhow, he still needs to call home, and Sora can do that.

But before that the elf needs to be bothered more.


 
 Spoiler 
His plans:
attempt to make Jadite's and His shopping trip seem like a date, or be a date. Yeah he likes to overstate himself a lot.
More details in PM.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Artorias jumps into the hole landing with a soft thud.  "Ok, just give me back my vials and no one will get hurt"  he says while moving one hand towards the hilt of his sword and concentrates magic on the other one, he feels a slight shiver as the arcana begins to take form in his mind.

 
 Spoiler 

Jump check to avoid falling damage [roll0]
Tumble check to avoid falling damage [roll1]
Spot [roll2]
Ready action: Cast Path of frost when/if the pickpocket comes into range
 
 
 

Artorias effortlessly hops to the ground. Light filters in from the hole and windows, enough for it to be relatively bright inside. The workshop seems fairly empty, with most of the smaller pieces of work gone. But there's a cracked shelf on the ground, with tools scattered all around it, and some rumpled cloth dragged down with it as well.

The rubble shifts, and a small figure scurries out of it towards the window.

 
 Spoiler: Sounds good! 
Let me go look up Path of Frost again though.
 


 
 Originally Posted by super dark33 
  So next step is getting fish, right? I can show you some places and also the cool pirate man. What kind of fish will we need, the herbivores or predetors?  

Plague or not, Surdrak was loving life right now, lots of plans taking motion. Maybe he will combine his own plans with the guild's somhow, he still needs to call home, and Sora can do that.

But before that the elf needs to be bothered more.


 
 Spoiler 
His plans:
attempt to make Jadite's and His shopping trip seem like a date, or be a date. Yeah he likes to overstate himself a lot.
More details in PM.
 
 
 

 "Mostly shellfish,"  Jadeite says, only looking up and turning around once he finishes setting up the cages.  "What pirate man are you talking about?" 
Draconi Redfir
 
 Originally Posted by Silverraptor 
  "Runes? Should I check if they're magical?"  
 


 "do you know any non-magical reason why a bunch of runes would be spesifically carved into the face of stone fourty feet down a pit where nobody can read it?" 
Silverraptor
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
  "do you know any non-magical reason why a bunch of runes would be spesifically carved into the face of stone fourty feet down a pit where nobody can read it?"  
 

 "For the people who would have to clean down there in the future? Detect Magic!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 Elsee and Sora: 

Sora gets the faintest trace of magic--but nothing more. She remembers that if a magic item--like runes--is damaged then their aura dissipates within a few hours. Sometimes auras linger longer if their source was especially powerful or had been in place for a long time. So it's not too surprising.

  
 Spoiler: Guys 
Don't worry, there's other things you can do. I'm thinking of things right now!
 

 Badger: 

As Badger walks down the street she hears a splashing not too far away. But the canal is several blocks away.

 Artorias: 
 
 Spoiler: NOTE 
I don't think you have a high enough caster level to get this guy with Path of Frost; he's a bit too far. Though this might just be in my head and not how it actually plays out. What's your caster level again? I'll make a map later tonight (I'm seeing my grandmother in a few minutes) and then we'll roll initiative and stuff.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Badger: 

As Badger walks down the street she hears a splashing not too far away. But the canal is several blocks away. 
 

Badger looked around for any source of water, was there a well nearby?
CoffeeIncluded
There are a couple of wells within a block, block and a half.
Athedia
Badger jogged to the nearest well in the direction of the sound.   "Hello?  Who's down there?" 
CoffeeIncluded
There's nobody in the well, but there's a dripping-wet man leaning against a nearby wall. His black hair is pasted against his skull. He's skinny and lean and looks familiar.

 "Whaddo want?"  he mutters when he glances at Badger.

 
 Spoiler: Badger  
if you look or stick around for a while you'll recogniE him as a drunk man who fell in another well a couple weeks ago.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 There's nobody in the well, but there's a dripping-wet man leaning against a nearby wall. His black hair is pasted against his skull. He's skinny and lean and looks familiar.

 "Whaddo want?"  he mutters when he glances at Badger.

 
 Spoiler: Badger  
if you look or stick around for a while you'll recogniE him as a drunk man who fell in another well a couple years ago.
 
 
 

Badger put a hand on the axe on her belt.   "And you fall down another well?  Interesting, especially in these times.  Mind staying here while I check that well?" 
CoffeeIncluded
The man tenses when he sees Badger reach for her axe but doesn't stop glaring.  "Whatvr,"  e slurs through gritted teeth.
Athedia
Badger pulled up a bucket on water to take a sample of it and marked the well on her map.  She never took her eyes off the map, dropping everything if he tried to leave.
CoffeeIncluded
The man watches Badger for te most part, propping himself up against the wall. When she finishes he yawns deeply and asks,  "Y'done with...Whatvr yrdoing? Canni go now?" 
Athedia
 "No, if just for the fact that there is a decent chance you have cholera now.  I can't let you infect your neighborhood." 
CoffeeIncluded
The mans gaze widens a bit.  "Wait, Whaddo you mean?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The mans gaze widens a bit.  "Wait, Whaddo you mean?"  
 

 "It isn't the air, let's get you to a temple to be checked up on." 
CoffeeIncluded
 Artorias:
  
 Spoiler: Initiative: 

Artorias:  (d20+6)[ 14 ] 
Thief:  (d20+4)[ 9 ] 
 

 Badger: 

The man falls silent, and doesn't protest much as Badger brings him to a temple. Though it might just be because he's drunk.
CoffeeIncluded
 Jadeite and Surdrak: 

The two make their way downtown to the Docks, where the heat is sticky and oppressive enough to actually be almost visible. But the few fishmongers still open are hawking their wares, and within a couple of hours Jadeite and Surdrak's bags are bulging with fish, clams, mollusks, oysters, and squid.

 
 Spoiler: Super Dark 
What else do you want to do?
 
Draconi Redfir
Elsee chewed on her lip a bit beneath her facemask, handing the water vial over to Darrric who had been carrying the lot.  "make a note of thes one, We'll talk to jadite about it when we see him. Wheres the next well?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  Badger: 

The man falls silent, and doesn't protest much as Badger brings him to a temple. Though it might just be because he's drunk. 
 

 "This man fell into one of the wells in the heavily infected area.  Could you keep an eye on him to see if he has any symptoms or until he at least sobers up?  He has a habit of ending up headfirst and underwater." 
Dusk Eclipse
As soon as the thief comes into his line of sight Artorias brings his hand to the floor releasing the cold magic, instantly creating a thin layer of ice extending from his hand to just below the unlucky humanoid.  "I really need those vials"  he says as he draws his blade

 
 Spoiler 

Artorias CL is 2 at the moment (unless we leveled up and I somehow missed it) so in order to get the path of frost to the Thief he needs to 5 ft. step to F6 (which he does)
DC is 13 (boo) but either way he takes 1 point of cold damage and must make a Balance check DC 10 or fall prone.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Draconi Redfir 
 Elsee chewed on her lip a bit beneath her facemask, handing the water vial over to Darrric who had been carrying the lot.  "make a note of thes one, We'll talk to jadite about it when we see him. Wheres the next well?"  
 

 "A few blocks down,"  Darric replies  "Though..."  he scrutinizes the map again,  "I don't think it's in this suck zone thing you described." 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "This man fell into one of the wells in the heavily infected area.  Could you keep an eye on him to see if he has any symptoms or until he at least sobers up?  He has a habit of ending up headfirst and underwater."  
 

 "Oh no,"  the clerics say as they take the black-haired man.  "well take a look at him--thank you so much." 
 
 Spoiler: Athedia 
I'll edit this post once I leave the gym and shower.
 


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 As soon as the thief comes into his line of sight Artorias brings his hand to the floor releasing the cold magic, instantly creating a thin layer of ice extending from his hand to just below the unlucky humanoid.  "I really need those vials"  he says as he draws his blade

 
 Spoiler 

Artorias CL is 2 at the moment (unless we leveled up and I somehow missed it) so in order to get the path of frost to the Thief he needs to 5 ft. step to F6 (which he does)
DC is 13 (boo) but either way he takes 1 point of cold damage and must make a Balance check DC 10 or fall prone.
 
 
 

The thief gasps as the damp ground freezes beneath his feet, and as he struggles to remain upright Artorias can identify him. He's a halfling, and a hint of armor glints under his clothes.

 
 Spoiler: Reflex save: 
  (d20+9)[ 14 ] 

He auto-passes the balance check, sorry.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Hey everyone, head on over to the new IC thread! 
flat_footed
  The Fullmetal Mod   : Raise Thread 