[User]
 Before you stands the thick canopy of the Forest of blades, the noonday sun glinting off the metallic green leaves, highlighting their razor sharp edge In the distance you can see a tall stone building barely clearing the top of the forest – your destination. Your guide turns to you, worry evident on his face “I apologise, sirs and madams, but this is as close as I get to the cursed forest” he says nervously, before pointing to a simple dirt track leading into the forest.
“If you stick to the track you should reach your destination within a number of days, so long as you go left when the path splits. I warn you, the right path may be faster is treacherous; the last group that wished to kill themselves in the forest found that to their peril, or so the one survivor says. I pray you survive your expedition, but I must go, many more fools are flocking to their deaths and I am to be the one to bring them to this threshold.”
Your guide turns around, following the path back to civilizations. As you can see in the forest itself the dirt path soon splits into three – one to the left that looks to be more tended and well-travelled, with signs of footprints A path directly ahead, which would take you to the temple as the crow fles, and the aforementioned right path.

 OOC Thread.

[User]
 An image of Argus's suffering village flashed through his mind.

 Somewhere in here is the Water of Life that will save my people.
 "Time is short.  I say we take the right path."

[User] Kerrack frowns, and says  "I have been here before, long ago, though I never entered the forest, and there was still about a couple hundred feet left before reaching the forest."  Kerrack sighs, and shakes his head.  "That is all I remember from that visit. I vote left, better safety than speed. I'd personally rather not walk off a cliff... again.

[User] Sharper looks about at the paths.  He sniffs the air, and sticks a finger in his mouth to test the air.  He then rubs his feet together and pokes Argus, giving him a light shock.   "Don't be so serious, gosh, what a downer...  I say lets go Left.  Death does not sound like what I want to do with my life!  Besides, there is only so much I can heal, and I doubt you want me shocking you back awake more than once.  I've been told it's rather unpleasant.  Like that time at that Shindig place..."   Sharper turns to face the woods and begins to ramble on a wild story involving a lightning rod, a rather improper daughter, and an angry father with a lack of climbing skills.

[User] "Right,"  says John,  "I'm feeling... lucky."


[User]
 It is the year 2012 on Earth, but it is not the Earth was we know. In this Earth, humanity has co-existed with the arcane and fantasy races; like elves and orcs.
This have effected the Earth in numerous ways. George Washington and the other founding fathers had an adventuring party; Frankenstein was based off a true story, and as such the book is hailed as a classic example of a tragic non-fiction novel; and the bullet  really  was magic.
You are modern-day adventurers, fighting the undead in a graveyard one day and catching an arsonist mage the next. You are also room-mates, living together in a fancy apartment building.
Right now you are in the office of police Lt. Jimmy Crenshaw to be hired for your next quest. Jimmy has hired you for several adventures in the past, and he's a fairly good cop.
He has dark red hair (a result of his Irish ancestry), bright blue eyes, and a crooked nose (the result of a childhood brawl).
 "Recently, people have been disappearing."  Jimmy says, in a grave tone of voice.  "On the day of each victim's disappearence, they were seen in the day before they vanished at night; without a trace. I want you to help investigate the disappearences. We'll give you $10,000 if you get to the bottom of this mystery. Are you interested?"

[User]
 Zehavi, her red hair pulled up into a loose braid that covered most of her hated ears, pretended to think about it, a partially gloved left hand to her lips which were pulled into a mischievous grin.
The girl loved mystery and adventure. This city she'd been in had been hard to adjust to, urban life nothing she had imagined. and these jobs were just what she needed.
Then she busted out quickly with a response, " you kiddin'? yall had me at  disappearances  ," her tone showing the eagerness and naiveness she still had, mixed with a slight accent of her home. She looked to the guys, her roommates, in an almost challenge to them. " sign me up !"

[User] "You had me at $10,000 reward."  Clark says.

[User] But the important question is, 10,000 each or 10,000 total?  Robert's joking tone makes it obvious that he will help either way.

[User] " Sill more than any of us have, I assume ," looking back to the man Jimmy,  reaching into her leather satchel and pulling out a sketch pad. Half of it was full of her art work, the back stuffed with notebook paper, " so...details ?" after he answers, one of her art pens out to write as she flipped to a blank notebook page.

[User] Quite true. Either way, I'm in.  Robert's hands gesture along with his words, making his jacket rumpled a bit. He smooths it out unconciously, too used to the movement to think about it.

[User]
 "The first victim was named Andrea Thompson. She was 23, and was last seen leaving her job as a fast food worker at 8:45 PM two weeks ago. The second victim was named Thomas Frankson. He was 55, and was last seen on a midnight stroll before vanishing, two days ago. The last victim was named Richard Johnson, 21, and he was last seen leaving a nightclub at 2:00 AM."
Jimmy pauses for a moment, before continuing.  "There are only two connections between each disappearence. They all happened late at night, and an open manhole was seen by where they disappeared. The LAPD would investigate this, but we're too busy dealing with the damned Magic Bolt serial killer."

[User] Zehavi, not the best at writing or spelling, forced her pen to cooperate as she wrote the important stuff down. " that has to be an interesting case, anyway. what has been checked out and what's not been investigated ?" preparing to write, underlining the connection between the missing, " or is our job to search the underground? "

[User]
 "There appeared to be no signs of a struggle."  Jimmy says.  "We want you to find these people, find out why they're disappearing, and capture whoever is ca-"
Jimmy is interupted by another officer bursting into his office. This new officer is young, probably his first week on his force, and has brown hair.  "Sir! It's Andrea Thompson! We just found her body in the middle of an alley."
 Jimmy sighs.   "I'm going to go ahead and take a guess: there's a manhole nearby?"
 "Yes, sir!"
 "Well gang,"  Clark says with a small smirk on his face,  "It's seem we have a mystery on our hands."

[User]
 Spoiler
((i watch too many crime shows...😛))

She wrote a few more things down, and some thoughts, before closing the sketch pad and placing it back into her backpack. " lets check out the underground first while those folks work on the...technical information gathering ?" Then looking to her moccasins, " um, do we need any supplies ?"

[User] "If we're going into the sewers, we're going to need our flashlights, and maybe rubber boots."  Clark says.

[User]
 Mathew 'Viper' Cortez

Having spent most of the discussion time building a house of cards using Jimmy Crenshaw's business cards. Viper knocks them down with a startle when the second officer enters rapidly.

Nodding slowly as the others talk Viper smiles at the thought of 10 thousand cool ones burning a hole in the Lt's pocket.

Probably some kind of sewer monster from the sounds of it.

 "How'd she get killed?"  Viper mutters deciding to join the conversation  "Stabbed? Shot? Magicked?"

[User] "That's the worst part, sir."  the rookie officer says.  "There's two bite marks on her neck, and she's drained of blood."

[User] " We have legends and stories of such beings the elders would tell us, but never did we see these. Well Geyohi thought she did once. Ironic, get to the big city and... " she laughed mirthlessly, then stood up straight, " alright, unless theres more to be known, we can head that way ." looking down to her moccasins, " after we pick up waterproof footwear and if someone could tell me how to find hunting goods shop ?"

[User] "The shoes should be at a nearby Home Depot, and there's a hunting store a couple blocks south."  Clark says.

[User] Brilliant. Vampires. Or vamp-wannabes. Not good either way.

[User]
 Mathew 'Viper' Cortez

Nodding casually Viper interjects again  "We should consider bringing some flares or UV lights. Lots of stuff hates bright light, and if its attacking at night, and lives underground it would give us a real advantage."

Tilting his head at the officers  "Of course we could also use some more firepower too. Any chance you could spare some men or weapons? If it gets ugly, it would be nice to have some support."

[User] Jimmy thinks about it for a moment.  "I can spare you one officer, and three kevlar vests; but that's it."

[User]
 Spoiler
((not sure what to post/say))

" like bullet proof vest from those movies? alright! tho do U'tl't beings ," then quickly changed phrases, " ...blood sucker beings, use rifles? er, any firearm ?"

[User] "I somehow doubt that any vampires down there are packing heat,"  Jimmy says  "but the Kevlar vest should protect you in that case, and from other dangers as well."

[User]
 " eh, help is help ," moving over to gather the vest.

 Spoiler
((ooc: yall there?))

[User] "I suppose we should go buy the boots and flares now."  Clark says.

[User]
 Spoiler
((im getting the impression the others forgot about this))

Zehavi nodded then headed twords the exit.

[User] ((I'll have to PM them))

[User]
 Mathew 'Viper' Cortez

With a quick nod to the police officers Viper makes his way for the exit and the equipment store. With a quick whisper Viper questions the group  "Vampires hate garlic right, maybe we should pick up some garlic..."

 Spoiler

Sorry, I thought this had died. Again. -_-' Sorry!

[User]
 " doesnt all that depend on whose versions are true ?" she replied as they walked (to where- vehicle? store?), " In our legends, U'tl't stole and ate the livers of her victims without their knowledge. She was eventually killed by an arrow shot into her hand, where her heart was ."
after a pause in thought, " there is still something ," looks around a moment, then in a hushed tone, "... suspecious ."

[User]
 Mathew 'Viper' Cortez

Looking guarded Viper leans in towards Zehavi  "What do you suspect?"  Looking around at the rest viper considers his options  "Maybe we should talk about this after we make it to the equipment store? I don't trust the fuzz."

[User]
 the girl slowed, looking back as if someone was following, then continued on as if nothing, but the hint was pretty clear.
" wait, the fuzz ?" not familar with the phraseology.

 Spoiler
((keeping this twords the top))

[User]
 Mathew 'Viper' Cortez
 "Well they were either the most informed and yet least competent police force in the world, or they know more than they are letting on. Surely they'd have at least sent someone down those sewers to have a look. I mean what about the towns sewer workers they could be in danger, those sewers require maintenance right? That means people, that means civilians down there who might not be turned. And yet they turn to us before checking on those folks themselves? I don't like it. Still I don't like missing a pay day even more."

[User]
 ((not sure if we should wait or kinda go on and say we enter the shop))

 "If this is some...set up, I aint going down easy. And theres some universal saying about scorning a female. Actually, that reminds me. since I might have enough, I hope I can get that 'Bear' recurve (bow) I been looking into. I left alot back home ," a bit of some nostalgia her in voice as she thought about them, missing her family. She tucked loose strands of her unusual hair behind her pointed ear as wind picked up and whipped it around. " But I agree, something about them, also... " looking back again to see if she spotted any faces possibly following.

[User] Nobody appears to be following you.

[User] ((wait for your direction/post? or just go ahead...?))

[User] ((Go ahead))

[User]
 (after however long it takes)
the girl walked up to the door of the store, paused, then opened and entered. She knew what she wanted and headed for the correct aisle. Zehavi picked a few felt the weight, even checked all the other details, length, draw strength, and lastly design. " California camo ?" she chuckled to a tye-dye looking one. plus it had what else she wanted in a bow.
then she walked over to pick out the other things needed, arrows, specific arrow heads, a temporary quiver (until she could make her own), the tools, ect.
after she knew she had what she wanted, she headed to another aisle, meeting up with the others.
" finding it ?"


[User]
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[User] You arrive at your HQ after a few nights of flying around on Nightwing, who's tired of the long trip. When they see you arrive and recognize your animal, many druids conglomerate to welcome you back from your pilgrimage.

[User] May the night be good to you, my fellow druids. Where is Jesain?

[User] And to you as well, brother. As usual, Jesain must be in his tent. , goes one of the adepts, and they all go back to their own tasks.

[User]
 As Rennil walks towards Jesain's tent, Nightwing flies over to hang in a nearby tree and get some rest.

 Jesain?  Rennil asks by the tent.  Are you there? I need to speak with you.

[User]
 You hear a muffled  One minute!  from the other side of his tent, followed by the sound of broken glass and some swear words in his native Elf. Then, the flap of the tent opens, revealing your middle aged mentor:

 So you're back from you pilgrimage! , he says trying unsuccessfully to sound enthusiastic.  To what do I owe the... pleasure?

[User] During my travels, i've started having disturbing dreams. I wouldn't bother you with this if i didn't think it important

[User] Come in , he says in his signature cold detachment, as he holds the flap to let you enter.  And tell me, Rennil, what are these dreams about?

[User] Destruction,  answers the halfling, sitting on a cushion on the floor.  Destruction, Cataclysms. Maybe even the end of the world. I've seen every country destroyed, be it by war or natural disaster.  Worry slowly creeps on Rennil's face.  A dream like that, once, I'd just ignore, but it's every night. Each night in more details.

[User]
 While usually cold and calculating, Jesain's face is now starting to show signs of anger.  This is impossible. Rennil, what kind of sick, sick joke is this? Who told you of these dreams? Was it Lookar?

 Spoiler
OOC: Lookar is the name of the previous High Druid, who died in the days right before you left for your pilgrimmage.

[User]
 Rennil raises an eyebrow, surprised.  Master, you know Lookar barely even spoke to me after that... incident with his daughter.  Rennil grins lightly as he remembers his night with sweet Janelle, but the gravity of the situation comes back to him.

 What's wrong master?

[User] Jesain quickly looks towards a small rune-covered wooden chest near his desk, then gazes deeply into Rennil's eyes, as if looking for something.  Rennil, I'll ask you to be honest, once in your pathetic lifetime: do you truly have those dreams? Do you truly not know what they are about?

[User]
 Rennil, who seems both outraged and insulted by Jesain's question, clearly concentrates to keep his calm.

 YES, "master", I do have these dreams, and NO, I do not know what they mean. My hopes were that you might know their meanings, or at least could teach me an infusion to get a few good nights of sleep, but this seems like a bad time.   Rennil glances quickly at the chest, then gets up and starts walking towards the tent flap.

 Good night "master"

[User]
 Quickly, the High Druid drops his staff in front of Rennil, blocking his path. He then takes a soft voice, too soft:

 I can't make those dreams go away, Rennil. These dreams are your destiny. These dreams are how the next High Druid of the Nightwatch is identified, but given that you have yet to be sworn in the Order after your pilgrimage, something bizarre has happened. I'll look into it, and we'll talk again about this when I have more to tell you.

While his mentor seemed truthful, Rennil has the clear impression that there's a lot he wasn't told.

 Oh, and Rennil... given some members'... ethical tendencies, I'd recommend that you don't say a word about these dreams to anyone on this Island, unless you want a dagger across your throat. Many here have served this Order for years before you were born, and many of them in impacting ways. Not many would understand your... selection. Especially over them. By the Night, I can't even understand it. Be careful, would you?

And he raises his staff, clearing Rennil's path to outside.

[User]
 As Rennil leaves the tent, he glances at the chest again, and heads for his own lot, where his typical halfling wagon is. As he walks, he notices Nightwing looking at him between his wings. Rennil nods and the giant bat goes back to sleep.

Rennil reflects on Jesain's words. "Dagger across your throat.", "Not many would understand your selection over them..."

when he gets to his wagon, he stuffs his bed with more pillows, so that it looks like he's sleeping in it, then signals Nightwing that he is ready to be picked-up by whistling at a particular pitch. The dire bat swoops down an instant later and takes the halfing to the highest branch nearby. There, Rennil lets the bat envelop him in his wings and stares at the wagon.

[User]
 The night, like most before, brings visions of destruction to Rennil, more vivid then those before. He also sees a book bound in black scales, which for some reason he believes he must find. Just before he wakes up, he hears one word: Blight.

During that time, in the real world, Rennil is woken up at sunrise by one of his mates getting close to his Wagon:  Hey, Rennil, we sure would like to hear what happened during your pilgrimmage!

[User]
 Waking up, Rennil stealthily climbs down the tree and sneaks his way on the opposite side of the wagon from where the other druids are calling to him. There, he starts walking casually, his usual grin on his face.

 Here I am. Just had to go relieve myself in the woods. Talk about answering nature's call, eh?

Rennil's lack of druidic tact and ceremony is no news to the fellow druids who take no offense.

 What do you want to know, brothers?

[User]
 Well, we wanted to hear about your adventures, you've been away for quite awhile! All the younger members are waiting for you at Yul's hole!

The young druid, Cale, who you trained with before the pilgrimmage, is enthusiastic, and almost jumps up and down. However, the sound of an Elder's voice behind him stops him in his tracks:

 You'll have all the time to talk while you go hunt. Rennil and Cale, go pick up Yul, today's your turn to bring back the meal for tonight.

[User]
 The druids and their animal companions head for Yul's hole. Rennil absent-mindedly answers some of the group's questions while they get there. During the walk, one word keeps coming back to the halfling's mind. Blight.

 Yul, get ready, we have to go hunting!

[User]
 Rennil, old friend! Hunting will be a perfect time to talk about your adventures! , Yul said as he saddled up his boar.

 Actually Yul, hunting is something that's better when done silently.  responded Cale. Turning towards Rennil, he whispers:  Those goblins can't do anything right. He almost impaled himself on a tree the other day. Stupid greenface.

Riding his boar, Yul got to the side of his companions. Cale was on foot, already swinging his arms widely to warm his muscles, his wolf by his side.

 Ready when you are Rennil.

[User]
 As Rennil motions to Nightwing to come pick him up, he explains to everybody their role.

 Alright friends. I'll take to the sky and survey the land. As soon as i find some good enough prey, i'll swoop down on it. That's your signal. You get to my position and bring the beast down mercifully. Cleanly. Swiftly. The one who gets the kill thanks the earth and the animal, and then we head back home. Now, this is gonna be my first meal here in a long while, so let's make it a FEAST!  Oh, and Yul? You're on berry and truffle duty. That pig of yours has a nose for it

As Nightwing takes to the skies with the halfling on his back, Rennil readies his war sling and grins towards his friends.

[User]
 Truffles again! By the Night! , sighs Yul.

Cale nods, cracks his neck, then starts running towards the wood.

[User]
 As Rennil flies, he keeps wondering about everything that has happened since his return. His dreams. The Blight. The chest in Jesain's tent.

As his thoughts wander though, Nightwing signals that he has found a prey...

[User] After nearly an hour of scouting, Rennil spots a few Elks drinking at a river below him. Seeing no druid of a rival faction in the vicinity is a good sign, meaning thatthese are no one's companions.

[User] Once he's flown around to make sure these were good prey, Rennil flies Nightwing down in an almost straight line, thus sending the signal to the others. As soon as he is within range he shoots a stone, hoping for it to rebound onto a second elk.

[User]
 Spoiler
You should put your attack roll and damage somewhere in there. Please put it in a Spoiler tag, with this code:

To hit: [r o l l]1d20+10[/ r o l l]
Damage: [r o l l]1d6+4[/ r o l l]
Crit Confirm (in case): [r o l l]1d20+10[/ r o l l]

You need to take out the spaces, and obviously put your actual to hit bonuses and damage rolls in there. Don't forget to put in the rolls for your rebound (I don't know if skiprocks use the same roll or not).

And make a new post, you can't put rolls in edits.

Also, when you write

 thus sending the signal to the others

I believe you sent Yul to get mushrooms and berries, leaving only Cale waiting for the signal. Did we misunderstand each other, or is it just a typo?


[User]
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[User]
 Episode 1: Trouble Comes to Azalea Town!

  Last night...

In one of Azalea Town's quaint, little homes, a restless teenager rolls inside his bed, his body shaking with pain.  " No...get away! "  the kid screams as he jolts awake with his arms shielding his face from some unseen and non-present danger. He pants heavily while wiping away cold sweat from his face.

Lightning crashes outside the window, revealing a face mixed with exhaustion and fear. Alf, one of the—if not, the—shortest boys of the town, frantically scans his bedroom before settling upon a lone pokeball standing on his bedside counter. He grabs it and runs out into the black-fogged town.

  This morning, outside Azalea Town

For a ranger, the Ilex Forest offers the best of wilderness for the Johto region with its sky-covering canopy of trees and abundance of forestry pokemon. As decent of a haven for pokemon, the Ilex Forest lacks plenty when it comes to humans, which is why rangers pass through the gate between the forest and Azalea Town to restock on supplies. For one of the younger rangers of the region, Sandy, a week of relocating pokemon to safer areas of the forest has left its toll in resources, leaving her with the mission of heading out of the forest.

As soon as she steps into the gatehouse between the forest and the town, she notices an odd sight: a dozen or so people are bunked up in sleeping bags. Walking becomes a challenge as Sandy has to maneuver her feet around the sprawled out bodies on the floor. A worn out service woman stands behind the main desk with her face resting on her hand. She makes minimal movement to follow Sandy with her eyes while discretely letting out a yawn.

[User]
 Sandy

With a look of utter concentration Sandy delicately tiptoes her way through the small minefield of sleeping bags. By the time she reaches the main desk she's far from amused by all the people crowded in here.  "Can you tell me what is going on here?"  She asks the tired looking woman behind the desk.

[User]
 Gatehouse

The reception lady looks at Sandy incredulously, unsure whether or not someone was in fact addressing her. Given a spare moment, however, the woman regains her composure and stands upright from her slouched over position.  " Uh, "  she begins most helpfully,  " outbreak of insomnia? I guess? "  She fumbles over the formation of her sentence, trying to make out the meaning herself.  " No one's had a decent night of sleep in town. So they sleep here now. "

[User]
 Sandy
 "Oh,"  she replied in a dumb fashion that left no doubt that she hadn't actually understood anything.  "So the gates aren't closed then?"  She continued as dumbly as she'd began, assuming that this woman would understand the train of thought that had brought her to that initial assumption.

[User]
 Gatehouse

The woman blinks, and then she blinks again.  " Yeah. You came in, right? Should mean you can walk on through. Yeah. "  She looks ahead towards the entrance towards Azalea Town and notes the bodies bundled up in blankets and sleeping bags.  " Here, I'll help out. "  The receptionist hobbles out from behind the desk and gently stirs awake a few people asking politely for them to move from entrance and exit ways. For obvious reasons, the Azaleans all move haggardly and mumble obscenities as they squish in with others making a clear path for Sandy to exit.

[User]
 Sandy
 "Thank you,"  she says timidly as she watches all the annoyed people shuffle out of her way. A little more boldly she makes her way through the gate and into Azalea Town.

[User]
 Azalea Town

With its log cabin homes and surrounding forestry, Azalea Town stands as the pinnacle of a cultivated land that continues a symbiosis with the natural world. Even the town's gym features wooden construction like its surrounding buildings; however, two buildings stood against the rest with their modern style and construction: the Pokemon Center and its neighboring Poke Mart. The latter of which Sandy finds herself entering for life's essentials.

Once the automated doors open, Sandy sees a uniformed woman handling the cash register. The woman appears to be in her early 40's, and she perks up as the doors open but quickly slouches in posture at the sight of Sandy. " Oh, " she says with a note of disappointment, " how may I help you, miss? "


[User]
 Chapter 0
    "The Ponderings of a War Torn Ninja"
 Spoiler


[User]
 The sun has already set as the horn rings over the fields, quickly followed by the crack of a whip as a wolf-mounted overseer calls out: "Alright, maggots! To the barracks!"
It has not rained in two weeks and between the mud of the pump-irrigated fields and the dust of the dry paths, everyone is caked in dirt half an inch thick by the time the last kobold has entered the low barracks.

There is no light and the only comfort is a foot of old straw on the floor and some tattered blankets, serving as the bedding for the fifty kobolds who live here. At least officially. But the estate is far from the capital, the family has not come up here for half a year and the overseers have become lax in enforcing the rules. From woven straw and dried mud, some of the kobolds have begun to build low walls separating the long hallway into what are almost rooms, giving them a little privacy. Others have dug shallow holes in the dusty ground beneath to hide their belongings.

And Vargle... well, Vargle had more than just a hole. He had a cave.

By law, a kobold who was too old to work was to be put down, often in the arena. Not only for economic reasons, but also to prevent too much organisation or oral history among the kobolds. But Vargle was special. His clan loved him and they had dug and dug and reinforced with the broken handles of shovles and branches dragged in from the garden outside and other detritus until they had a small cave to hide their warren eldest, entrace hidden under piles of straw and an old blanket.

Another seen has been comitted, down here. The walls are dried mud and Vargle has written on them. A simple writing system that he has invented and thought to some of the other kobolds, not much more than lines and dots. On one wall is a blanket and behind that, you know, are the diagrams and seals to call up the spirits he sometimes summons. But these, he won't show to you, you know.

The old kobold is leaning against the wall, sitting in front of a tiny fire of straw and thin sticks that barely gives off any light. His breath is thin and wheezing, his limbs atrophied even for a kobold, but his eyes are still bright.

He has called you down here, tonight. Not to tell tales of old times, as he does in other nights, to the entire clan. Just you three. For a message. There is a weary smile on his face as you arrive and he nods, as if to himself.

[User]
 Saadi is the first to slink in, wary of hobgoblin eyes.

She stops at a respectful distance from the fire and sits, cross-legged and aware that after the hard days work in the stables she is in desperate need of a bucket of water and whatever soap she can lay her hands on, if she's lucky.

She's a wiry thing, relatively strong for a kobold and nimble. She's neither the smartest nor the wisest kobold, but she's good at keeping the others on their feet in order to spare them lashings, and people - that is, other kobolds - listen to her.

She says nothing, noting the smile on the elder's face and waiting for her hatchmates to arrive.

[User]
 Tryx follows in after Saadi, hunched over to make his already small frame appear even smaller. A stolen scrap of hobgoblin cloak is wrapped around his upper body, masking the whip scars spread across his back.

Finding a corner of the elder's lair to rest in, Tryx slumps against the wall in exhaustion and closes his eyes. Coiling what remains of his tail about his body, he awaits the elder's reason for summoning them.

[User]
 The recent drought had been nearly catastrophic causing the hobgoblins to reallocate funds to compensate for the lack of rain. The consequence of such actions had been the reduction in water rations for his people...   Just enough to keep those scaly worms kicking   A small frown form over Zood's face as a dark thought passed through his mind. He himself had not been forced to feel the intense heat of the fields these past two weeks but he empathized with his brothers and sisters. With another form done, this one specifically a request for a greater portion of the local water supply, the tiny kobold scribe stands up, stretching out his sad excuse for muscles as he hears the evening horn sound. The elder had sent word that his presence was requested this evening, an odd event since he was there every night tending to his mentor, something must be happening.

Looking out at the dusty expanses of the plantation, Zood ponders on the purpose of the gathering; Vargle had already shown him everything he knew in regards to binding and that wouldn't be something he would make public anyways. Maybe... just maybe Vargle was officially naming him as his successor! A flood of thoughts danced through Zood's brain, visions of grandeur clouded his eyes as he walked directly into the wall of the barracks. Stunned momentarily the tiny kobold shakes his head and rubs his snout to ease the pain, he hoped no one was watching him. Now with his ego sufficiently deflated, Zood entered his home smiling as a swarm of hatchlings rushed him asking for sweets. Despite his taskmaster being extra watchful over resources, Zood was able to smuggle a tiny offering for the children. " Remember hatchlings: You are to be kind to one another and share this or I will not bring you any more. The day will come where you will need to rely on each other and our greatest strength is our unity! " The children chitter a vague agreement before snatching the candy and running away again. He walks by his own tiny corner of the barrack and squirrels away his findings: a few scraps of used paper and a semi functioning ink quill. The others wouldn't steal this contraband for it wasn't of any use to him but if a hobgoblin found any of this he would be murdered brutally on the spot and in front of others to serve as a warning. Zood had designs for the mass of paper he had collected these past few years, he intended to physically write the history and lore of his people a crime far more dangerous than most.

Sighing deeply, Zood continued walking towards Vargle's cave, his snout still throbbing from the recent injury. He stopped briefly to watch the fair Slithia walk by him, a dreamy expression crossed his face a second time as he imagined a season as her mate. The thought died as his face made sudden and rather forceful contact with the dirt floor. " Don't even think of it Squib, she is already called for this year and every year. If you know what's good for you you will keep your eyes where they belong. " Zood heard a burst of laughter and he knew what had happened, Deekin and his gang of thugs had caught sight of him. A momentary flare of rage ignited within the tiny kobold's heart, this was what was wrong with their people: bullies! Certain kobolds thought they were superior because they were larger and Zood was tempted to use the voice on this creep but he restrained himself. Deekin was a bootlicker, if Zood revealed his talents he would be ratted out immediately to the overlords and that just wouldn't do.

Picking himself off the ground, Zood keeps his eyes forward and ignores the brute and his lackies. Arriving at his destination, Zood nods at today's guard before entering the tiny but well structured cave. He notices two of his hatchmates are here before him: Tryx and Saadi.   Great Vargle is going to reprimend me for being tardy... AGAIN   Choosing his usual spot by the fire, the kobold apprentice waits for his master to begin speaking.

[User]
 Vargle coughs. Not a dry sound, like usual, this one is bubbling with phlegm deep down in the kobold's bony chest.
 "Everyone is here, then."
He pauses to cough again, then looks up, eyes golden in the light of the tiny fire.
 "Good. We'll make this short. I'm dying."

[User] Zood was too shocked to properly show emotion...   Oh know... what if the gods have cursed me for my foolish desires? I want to lead our people but I didn't want it to happen like this!   It took a while for his senses to return to him but slowly a gloomy expresion clouded his golden eyes " Do the others know yet master? How are we to handle the eventual uproar over this event, we cannot allow certain members of our brood to seize control once you have left us! What would you have us do, WE MUST DO SOMETHING! " Zood sadness was gradually turning into panick, he was picturing Deekin seizing control of the warren and if that tragic event came to pass Zood had better find a way to leave.

[User]
 Wukel only smiles, weakly.
 "You still want to control the tribe, little Zood? A great leader of the kobold people?"
He shakes his head and sighs.
 "I don't think you will be. You have a good head and a good heart. But the others won't listen to you."

[User]
 Saadi speaks for the first time since entering the room, taking care not to interrupt.

" Is there no medicine, elder, no herb or root which can ease your illness? To be helpless in the face of such, it is terrible, yes? "

She puts her hands to her head and shakes in a paroxysm of grief at the thought of the tribe losing their precious secret.

[User] Zood lowers his head, the sting of truth still lingering in his heart. Sure he dreamed of being a great leader but everyone brushed him off as a house pet nothing more. " What is your true purpose for calling us master, I have known you long enough that you have some other motive for calling us here otherwise you would simply make a public announcement.  "

[User]
 The old kobold's laugh is raspy, dry, more like a cough.
"Too smart for your own good, little one. By far. Yes, that is not all. Though I wouldn't want to worry the warren unnecessarily, either."
He pushes himself up higher against the wall.
"I have talked to the spirits again. They gave me one last vision. The elves of the Stormdiver and Lightweaver clans have made peace for the first time in two centuries. They have joined forces with the Eastern duchies. Last night, they sent raiding parties over the empire's borders in four places and burned several border forts.
These names probably won't mean anything to you. But the short version is this: the Empire will go to war. And I'm sure you all know what that means. Conscription."

[User]
 Tryx shudders at the thought.

" Still master, what can we do about it? If the hobs want to take some of us, we aren't strong enough to stop them ".

[User] Conscription...   The word caused an instaneous build up of panic for Zood, he by NO means a warrior and he sure as spit wasn't indisposable. If anything his task master would get sick satisfaction at sending him to the front lines to be butchered. Though he may not be sent right away, it would be more cruel for the hobgoblins to make Zood write out and hand the conscription notices personally before throwing him out like trash. The only way to get out of this was to flee... an equally dangerous prospect that held more uncertainty than dying on some stranger's spear. " So... Master what would you have us do? Rebel? Die here and take a few of the Hobs down with us? Would you have us run out into the wastelands to die in the heat? No matter what we choose our kind will always lose. "


[User]
 ((Intro note: In the source material Panem is postapocalyptic North America. I'm doing away with that. It is now set on an Earth-like world, though with similar ethnicities and cultures. The entire livable world is an island about the size of Greenland, surrounded by a vast ocean to the south and a Siberian-like wasteland just across the channel to the north.))

War. Terrible war. The world of was plunged into darkness. Factions used weapons and the forces of the planet itself against one another, driving themselves to the brink of extinction. From those ashes rose Panem. An island previously overlooked for its lack of strategic value soon became the only habitable land in the world. Refugees flocked to its offer of safety and survival. They were sorted into Districts, thirteen in all, to provide various necessary industries.  At the center of them was their government, their crown jewel, the Capitol. And for a time, there was peace.

Then came the Rebellion. Full of discontent and greed, the Districts rose up against the Capitol in an attempt to usurp its rule and riches. What they did not realize was that the Capitol was far better armed and supplied, and in order to put down these rebellions for the good of what remained of the world, many rebels died. An entire district, District 13, was reduced to rubble. These were the Dark Days.

Once order was restored, the Capitol was forced to take drastic steps to ensure such a rebellion never happened again. Laws became stricter. Punishments harsher. And then came the inception of the Hunger Games.

Once a year, each District faces a Reaping of their 12-18 year old children, one male and one female. These 24 adolescents, called Tributes, are then placed together in an arena, to face its challenges and each other. The last surviving tribute becomes the Victor. And to show that the Capitol still has mercy, the Victor's district is showered with gifts for the entire year and the Victor lives out the rest of his or her life in luxury and prestige, bringing honor to their district and hope to all of Panem.

I have made a rudimentary map to show the positioning of the districts. Yes, that is crayon and marker. You'll live.

[User]
 The Capitol. This is basically identical to the source material.

 Spoiler
 Industry: Medical, science, biology & chemistry
Economic level: Very High
Description: The Capitol is the government seat of Panem. Its citizens live in luxury, comfort and safety, free from diseases, and without fear of their children facing the Reaping. Their decadent environment lends itself to a focus on outlandish fashions, frequent celebrations and competitively high living. They clamor most for reality-type programming, though obviously the Hunger Games is the pinnacle of high entertainment. Has a larger population than any of the districts, weighing in at 29,000 inhabitants.

The Districts. These I have changed or elaborated upon as i saw fit, but largely the basic premise remains intact.

District 1

 Spoiler
 District 1: 10 Victors
Industry: Precious metals and luxury items
Economic level: High
Description: Called in low mutterings the “lapdog of the Capitol,” District 1 not only sits near a platinum mine, but also has a plant for the salvaging and recycling of precious gems and metals out of pre-war items salvaged by drones from the Waste. Some of these resources are sent to other Districts to be incorporated into the needs of their industries, but most is turned into the luxury goods that support the decadence of the Capitol.
Notes: Sits closest to the Capitol in the stony foothills of the mountains that border the west coast of Panem. Has a population of around 17,000.

District 2

 Spoiler
 District 2: 14 Victors
Industry: Military and weapons
Economic level: High
Description: This district's military academy provides the Peacekeepers that enforce the laws and safeguard the needs of Panem. They are also responsible for the refitting and maintenance of salvaged weapons, and production of ammunition. Few actual new weapons are produced because of a lack of resources. Military training does not begin until age 19, when cadets are no longer eligible for the Games. This is intended to avoid providing a potential unfair edge, though it is whispered that there is a clandestine training system for volunteer Tributes.
Notes: Sits to the Northwest of the Capitol, a ways into the mountains. Training in the thinner air and cooler weather enhances the military's abilities in lower lying, warmer areas. Has the largest district population at around 27,200, counting all active duty Peacekeepers. The number of Peacekeepers in any district usually hovers around 10% of that district's population, and only the Peacekeeper forces are permitted to wield firearms.

District 3

 Spoiler
 District 3: 6 Victors
Industry: Electronic technologies
Economic level: Medium-high
Description: Here is where all products of higher-end technology are researched, invented and produced. From the workers turning metals into wires and chips, to the technicians assembling the products, to the researchers developing and advancing technology ever further, this district itself seems to run like a precise machine.
Notes: Located southerly from District 1, 3 is geographically the smallest of the districts but still with a high population of around 22,000.

District 4

 Spoiler
 District 4: 9 Victors
Industry: Fishing/marine minerals, purified water, salt
Economic level: High
Description: This district provides Panem with all of its seafood, clean water, and salt thanks to the fishing industry, along with its desalinization and water treatment plants. After the war most of the ground water is horribly polluted or irradiated and the few sources of freshwater are closely guarded and partitioned. 4 provides most of the other districts with not only clean drinking water but also sewage treatment for the nearest neighboring districts.
Notes: Located on the southern coastline of Panem, 4 is a somewhat larger district that shares at least a small length of border with 5 other districts. Providing a need as basic as clean water has resulted in a relatively wealthy economy. Its population sits at around 14,500.

District 5

 Spoiler
 District 5: 4 Victors
Industry: Electrical power/processing plants/recycling plants
Economic level: Medium
Description: This district contains several plants. Production of electricity via coal and solar power, recycling of basic metals, glass and plastics, and production of fertilizers. They also process mined ores into useable raw metal. This is very much a blue collar district, but at the same time manages to keep a decent economy because of its relative importance. It is oft considered the 'beating heart' of Panem: not particularly prestigious but still the steady, constant support of all remaining civilization.
Notes: A medium-sized district with a modest population of 11,800. There are rumors that are plants for other sources of power besides those that are well-advertised, but these rumors are not spoken of frequently or loudly. There is at least one westward section that is technically part of the district, but is strictly off-limits.

District 6

 Spoiler
 District 6: 5 Victors
Industry: Transportation/communications
Economic level: Medium
Description: Between keeping up the railways between districts and the roads within them, district 6 keeps Panem moving. They are the main hub for transport of people, goods and supplies around Panem, as well as for keeping up a network of communication between districts. They also provide all construction and maintenance of transport vehicles- cars, trains, and hoverships. This has led to two distinct 'factions' of workers- mechs and techs, or blue and white collars respectively.
Notes: With a moderate population of 18,300, they are an average-sized district. They are also, along with District 2, one of the only districts whose workers can obtain permits to travel to other districts. This is for the purpose of maintenance of communication or transport lines. Only up to 250 permits are issued at a time, half each for mechs or techs, and can be revoked anytime, without warning for any reason, even if the worker is still out of district and liable for punishment for unlawful travel.

District 7

 Spoiler
 District 7: 6 Victors
Industry: Lumber/paper
Economic level: Medium-low
Description: The heavily forested regions of the north are prime land for the production of the raw lumber and paper products that this district provides. The population is more spread out and rural of any of the other districts, with only one central village with its lumber mills and recycling plants, and many satellite homesteads. This district has fairly little in the way of technology, but has adapted well to this with a more laid-back, self-sufficient society. It is policed largely by random Peacekeeper patrols and surveillance cameras scattered at strategic points.
Notes: A fairly large district, its population is smallest comparative to its size at 10,400. The inhabitants have also picked up somewhat on the existence of the cameras, noting when those skirting the laws are very suddenly and inexplicably rounded up and punished. It is treated as an open secret, and several blind spots have been uncovered and are used as a result.

District 8

 Spoiler
 District 8: 6 Victors
Industry: Textiles
Economic level: Medium
Description: This district produces all manner of textiles and dyes, with a peripheral focus on cosmetics  as these tend to be in high demand at the Capitol. They have many factories, including at least one dedicated factory for each other district and a separate Capitol plant for production of finer fabrics. They grow and cultivate their own plants and insects, as well as surface mining of various minerals. It is one of the stricter, more heavily regulated districts. It is also the most disparate in the difference between the goods it produces and its financial income, thanks to the intensive nature of it manufacturing processes. While its output and gross income are high, its economy still sags thanks to slim profit margins. This and the heavy hand of the Peacekeepers has produced a constant tension in the district.
Notes: Was one of the leaders in the rebellion during the Dark Days, with its access to Peacekeeper uniforms playing a key role in the uprisings, which fact is also surreptitiously blamed for its current predicament of being disproportionately oppressed. It is an average sized district with a population of 16,900.

District 9

 Spoiler
 District 9: 3 Victors
Industry: Masonry/building materials
Economic level: Medium-low
Description: With its location providing access to many various quarries, clay (for bricks), and sand (for glass), district 9 is well known for both its heavy laborers and skilled crafters. However, the need for building materials is low even as it is steady, and so the economy is relatively poor. Most of their output goes towards the upkeep of established buildings rather than new development, as the population of Panem grows very slowly if at all. Some focus has been directed to providing materials and structuring locales for arenas, which is not a terribly desirable job but at the same time is a source of income and cannot be totally avoided.
Notes: A relatively small district, there is a population of around 9,500. Called the “invisible” district, 9 is almost the furthest off the radar of the rest of Panem. With the second fewest Hunger Games Victors and the lowest demand for its industry, it is widely ignored and further suffers as a result. District 9 also has statues of each of its 3 victors in its central village's main square, and the names of all other Tributes inscribed on plaques on the bases.

District 10

 Spoiler
 District 10: 5 Victors
Industry: Livestock
Economic level: Medium-low
Description: Producers of the meat and dairy of Panem, district 10 clings to some semblance of relevance among the poorer districts. They still take pride in their work and are very focused on traditions and community. All manner of livestock are raised and slaughtered, although most actual butchering is left to the individual districts so mass production can be more streamlined. They do however manage to run a peripheral of custom sausages and cheeses and related food items. There is a definite air of productivity and perseverance in this district, and it also has the dubious notoriety of sporting the highest (successful) birth rate in Panem.
Notes: One of the few districts that sees a sort of honor in the games, district 10 participates willingly in helping the Gamemakers in raising mutated animals meant for the arena. There are around 13,600 inhabitants.

District 11

 Spoiler
 District 11: 4 Victors
Industry: Agriculture
Economic level: Low
Description: Another strictly regulated district, 11 is a paradox. Though it produces a large amount of fruits, vegetables and grain, the district itself is relatively poor and underfed. This is because its products are relatively cheap and do not fetch a large trade price, and therefore the vast majority must be sold to have any sort of net income. What little can be kept is usually only portions of grain and past-prime produce. Very little meat is typically seen, and virtually no oils or fats. What other food is available is typically scavenged or comes from what animals and goods families are able to purchase individually, leaving the most abject poor to suffer serious malnutrition.
Notes: This district is very strictly policed and regulated, and punishments for food theft are brutal. Bribery and corruption have snaked their way in, but many are willing to take the risk of greasing the wrong palms in the name of keeping their children fed. The population is large, which contributes to food deficits, and fluctuates more than any other district. This phenomenon seems to correspond with crop yield over a few years, and averages out around 21,700.

District 12

 Spoiler
 District 12: 2 Victors
Industry: Mining
Economic level: Low
Description: This district is responsible primarily for the production of coal, mined from deep under Panem with rudimentary technology and almost no actual machinery. It also has a handful of other mines that yield basic metals such as iron, copper and tin. District 12 is something of a joke to the other  districts, what with the fewest Victors, poorest economy and highest level of industry related accidents and deaths. The one advantage here is a kind of natural selection, where only those most suited for these harsh conditions survive, either by their wits or their hardiness. Still, it is unarguable that quality of living here is the lowest in all of Panem, with only rudimentary technology, barely enough food to not starve for half the population, and the lowest concentration of those in skilled professions such as medicine, dentistry and carpentry.
Notes: The Capitol occasionally does step in to provide support for epidemics and large scale mining accidents, but little else. The Peacekeeping forces are fairly lax here, either out of indifference or sympathy, and tend to turn a blind eye to poaching and people slipping outside the border fence, which is rarely electrified as it is. The sole exception is the eastern fence, which leads to the border of what was once District 13 and is under constant guard. It has the smallest population of all the districts, coming in at just 8,000.


[User]
 Several miles from the mountain town of Mondra, the allies find themselves standing in front of a large cave of grey-orange stone, partway up the side of a volcano. The trip wasn’t too difficult, aided with wings and magic, but the mayor’s agitated claims that ‘SOMETHING weird is up with the guys in there’ are neither comforting nor particularly helpful.

The only way forward is inwards, onwards, and upwards.

 Spoiler
OOC  here . Maps will be given IC.

{table=head]Player Name|Character Name
Me| Tia
Eldest| Gnosivax
Morcles| Felix Haladren
Supernerd| Norian Shieldheart [/table]

Sorry it took so long.

[User]
 Dull blue eyes under wavy grey hair, black coat over a blood red shirt, Felix Haladren yawns and looks about the cave entrance, a calm yet cautious expression on his face.  "Hm... this is certainly a nice little vacation spot we've got here."

He holds out his arm and a small crystalline cicada crawls out, wings slowly twitching.  "Now then... shall we enter?"

 Spoiler
Bardic Knowledge on the volcano:  (1d20+18)[ 20 ](38)

[User]
 Onsi peers around, idly wondering where the best place to nap would be.  I do wish the mayor knew what he wanted from us. Or even what is happening up here.

 Spoiler
See next post.

[User]
 Spoiler
[roll1d20+32[/roll] Know:History
[roll1d20+32[/roll] Know:Arcana
[roll1d20+32[/roll] Know:Nature
[roll1d20+32[/roll] Know:Religion
[roll1d20+32[/roll] Know:The Planes
Any of those get me anything? If there's something under a different knowledge skill I can still roll it, just those are my better ones. This post is being far more trouble than it should be.... ;_;

[User]
 Spoiler
[roll1d20+32[/roll] Know:History
 (1d20+32)[ 48 ]  Know:Arcana
 (1d20+32)[ 45 ]  Know:Nature
 (1d20+32)[ 36 ]  Know:Religion
 (1d20+32)[ 45 ]  Know:The Planes
Any of those get me anything? If there's something under a different knowledge skill I can still roll it, just those are my better ones. This post is being far more trouble than it should be.... ;_;

Take seven. Hopefully this will go right...

[User]
 Norian sighed as he looked into the cave, brushing his hair back,  "Either way, the only way is forward. Let's hope we'll run into something that will make this worth our while."

 Spoiler: Redundancy Rolls
Knowledge:
Arcana -  (1d20+30)[ 31 ]
Religion -  (1d20+30)[ 44 ]
Dungeoneering -  (1d20+28)[ 45 ]
The Planes -  (1d20+28)[ 46 ]

[User]
 " Yeah, let's head on in! " says Tia, cheerfully, striding forth into the cave. Three steps in she jumps backwards, hiding around the corner with distinctly excessive fear.
" Dragonkin! Two of them! " she exclaims, somewhere between fear and excitement.

[User]
 Norian smirked, "Only a single stride in and we run into something fun. Let's make this quick. Kuuki, Get them." The huge whipping of cold air rushes towards the beasts striking en passant and ending a good twenty feet past them, the breathy human beginning a song of beautious gales and drawing his weapon.

 Spoiler
Initiative:  (1d20+8)[ 9 ]  (Edit: Called it!!!)
For simplicity's sake my round has been posted and will be resolved when it becomes my turn.
Move: IC: +2 Attack/Damage
Move: Draw Longbow

Kuuki:
Full Round: Flyby/Spring Attack one of the guys
No AoO
to hit:  (1d20+21)[ 17 ](38)
Damage: Last die is cold.
 (3d8+8)[ 3 ][ 5 ][ 6 ](22)

[User]
 Onsi takes wing, flying past them but holding off on attacking the dragonkin until he knew they were hostile. After all, he was a dragon. They weren't all evil.

 Spoiler
initiative: (1d20+2)[ 9 ]  (Yay for team crappy initiative!)
Move to someplace past and above them inside the cave ( (1d20+16)[ 32 ]  spot,  (1d20+16)[ 33 ]  listen if it matters) and then a held action to use his breath weapon if they are hostile and the breath weapon wouldn't hit anyone he's friendly with.

[User]
 The two dragonkin, each heavily armoured, and wearing large axes, shout out in Ignan.
"Hey! Leave our land! NOW!"

 Spoiler
Initiative for them.
 (1d20+5)[ 14 ]

[User]
 Felix glares at the two chromatic dragonkin, and sighs.  "Ah... I'm afraid we can't do that. You see, we need to get in."

Flashing them a grin, he explodes forward, two bright green sabers extending from his outstretched hands, crashing into the closest enemy in a whirlwind of slashes.

 Spoiler: Initiative
Initiative (best of two rolls):  (1d20+10)[ 13 ](23)   (1d20+10)[ 7 ](17)

 Spoiler: Actions
Swift: Manifest Psionic Lion's Charge, augmented to ML 12.

Free: Manifest mind blades.

Full-round: Charge, with full attack and +9 to damage on all attacks.
Movement is to a place where I am only in reach of one of them.
Directing all attacks against the closest dragonkin.

 Spoiler: Attacks:

Attack R1:  (1d20+24)[ 17 ](41)
Damage:  (1d8+27)[ 29 ]  positive energy +  (1d4)[ 4 ]  dessication
Crit Confirmation (13-20/x3):  (1d20+24)[ 5 ](29)
Crit Damage:  (1d8+27)[ 31 ]  positive energy +  (1d6+2)[ 6 ]  Str damage

Attack R2:  (1d20+19)[ 5 ](24)
Damage:  (1d8+27)[ 33 ]  positive energy +  (1d4)[ 4 ]  dessication
Crit Confirmation (13-20/x3):  (1d20+19)[ 10 ](29)
Crit Damage:  (1d8+27)[ 29 ]  positive energy +  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]  Str damage

Attack R3:  (1d20+14)[ 19 ](33)
Damage:  (1d8+27)[ 33 ]  positive energy +  (1d4)[ 4 ]  dessication
Crit Confirmation (13-20/x3):  (1d20+14)[ 12 ](26)
Crit Damage:  (1d8+27)[ 31 ]  positive energy +  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]  Str damage

Attack L1:  (1d20+24)[ 13 ](37)
Damage:  (1d8+27)[ 35 ]  positive energy +  (1d4)[ 2 ]  dessication
Crit Confirmation (13-20/x3):  (1d20+19)[ 1 ](20)
Crit Damage:  (1d8+27)[ 29 ]  positive energy +  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]  Str damage

Attack L2:  (1d20+19)[ 7 ](26)
Damage:  (1d8+27)[ 33 ]  positive energy +  (1d4)[ 2 ]  dessication
Crit Confirmation (13-20/x3):  (1d20+24)[ 10 ](34)
Crit Damage:  (1d8+27)[ 30 ]  positive energy +  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]  Str damage

Attack L3:  (1d20+14)[ 17 ](31)
Damage:  (1d8+27)[ 28 ]  positive energy +  (1d4)[ 1 ]  dessication
Crit Confirmation (13-20/x3):  (1d20+14)[ 16 ](30)
Crit Damage:  (1d8+27)[ 30 ]  positive energy +  (1d6+2)[ 6 ]  Str damage

 Condition/Effects:

 Spoiler
HP: 93/93
PP: 151/163

Effects:
Roll initiative twice, take better of the two.
No need for food or drink.
Sleep 2 hours for the effects of 8.
Convert exhaustion into fatigue.

 Active Powers (ML 12):
Energy Adaptation- 4 hrs
Inertial Armor- 24 hrs

[User]
 Tia sighs, drawing her glimmering silver blade from her side, murmuring something as she caresses it. Then, with a deep breath, she begins to recite something, a long, complex phrase under her breath.

 Spoiler
 (1d20+6)[ 9 ]  Initiative.
Then on her turn, assuming there's a foe left, Extended Sharpen the Blade. Truespeak succeeds except on a 1.
 (1d20)[ 9 ]
After which she enters Recitation of the Harried Step, DC boosted four times. This succeeds except on a 1, and grants +50ft speed and +5 deflection bonus to AC.
 (1d20)[ 10 ]

Felix's ferocious charge strikes the first guard hard, disintegrating him in a flurry of destruction.

Howling with fury, the remaining guard charges the short distance to strike back, and his axe swings for the psion.

 Spoiler
In horror of your damage output he hits you. :P

 (1d20+22)[ 38 ]
 (5d6+14)[ 28 ]

Norian acts next. I'm not sure if a breath weapon can be positioned to hit them at this point.

[User]
 Norian chuckles,  "Looks like I've chosen my allies wisely, This should be fun."  He raised his bow to the remaining guard and ordered his elemental,  "Kuuki ike!"  and looses two arrows in the dragonkin's direction.

 Spoiler
Full Attack: Longbow
Attack:  (1d20+19)[ 16 ](35)
Damage:  (1d8+9)[ 5 ](14)

Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 5 ](19)
Damage:  (1d8+9)[ 5 ](14)

Kuuki
Charge the remaining guard
Attack:  (1d20+27)[ 20 ](47)
Damage:  (3d8+9)[ 6 ][ 4 ][ 7 ](26)  last die is Cold.


[User]
 Somehow, you managed to cross the chasm seperating the Starstone cathedral from the city of Absalom. Unfortunately, almost as soon as your feet touched the ground near the massive building, you fell through some sort of interdimensional trapdoor, and ended up...

Here.
A quick look reveals a small, empty room.

*There are two doors leading outside - one to the east and one to the south.

*The stone floor is rough and uneven - running or charging will require some skill(DC 10 Acrobatics).

*The walls show signs of superior masonry(DC 25 to Climb).

The room is dimly lit by a glowing patch of moss that grows on the ceiling, about 20' up. (Dim lighting level)

 Map:
{table=head] ||A_|B_|C_|
|#|#|#|#|#
1|#| @ |||+
2|#||||#
3|#||||#
|#|#|#|+|# [/table]

 Spoiler: Notes
I hope the map serves its purpose.

In true roguelike fashion, you are represented by the  @ . If you prefer a different color, please say so.
# denote walls
+ denote closed doors

Character Sheet:

 Spoiler: Drow Slayer

Firyin Volundiel
Male Drow Slayer 1 (Trickster 1)
CE Humanoid (Elf)
 Init  +6  Senses  Darkvision 120 ft; Perception +8
--------------------
 DEFENSE
--------------------
 AC  18, touch 14, flat-footed 14 (+4 Dex, +3 Armour, +1 shield)
 HP  13 (1d8+5) [+1 Con, +4 Mythic]
 Fort  +3,  Ref  +6  Will  +0 (+2 against enchantment spells and effects)
 Immune  sleep,  SR 7
 Weaknesses  Light Blindness
--------------------
 OFFENSE
--------------------
 Spd  30 ft
 Melee  .. Cold Iron Dagger +5 1d4+4 19-20/x2 P or S and
.. Tonfa +5 1d6+4 20/x2 B blocking
.. Shortsword +5 1d6+4 19-20/x2 P
 Ranged  Cold Iron Dagger +5 1d4+4 19-20/x2 10' P or S and
.. Hand Crossbow +5 1d4 19-20/x2 30' P
 Special Attacks  Favored Target (+1 attack, +1 damage), Fleet Charge
 Spell-like Abilities  (CL 5th)
At will --  detect magic
2/day --  dancing lights, deeper darkness, faerie fire, feather fall, levitate
--------------------
 STATISTICS
--------------------
 Str  10,  Dex  18,  Con  12,  Int  12,  Wis  11,  Cha  13
 BAB  +1,  CMB  +3,  CMD  +16
 Feats  Slayer Armour Proficiencies, Slayer Shield Proficiences, Slayer Weapon Proficiencies, Drow Nobility, Improved Drow Nobility (Mythic), Weapon Finesse, Weapon Finesse (Mythic)
 Traits  Killer, Warrior of Old
 Skills  Acrobatics +8, Appraise +2, Bluff +0 (+1 Favored Target), Climb +0, Craft +2, Diplomacy +7, Disguise +0, Escape Artist +4, Fly +4, Heal +0, Intimidate +0, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +4 (+1 Favored Target), Knowledge (geography) NA (+1 Favored Target), Knowledge (local) NA (+1 Favored Target), Perception +6 (+1 Favored Target), Profession +0, Ride +4, Sense Motive +0 (+1 Favored Target), Stealth +8, Survival +4 (+1 Favored Target), Swim +0  Racial Modifiers  Perception +2
 Languages  Common, Elvish, Undercommon
 Combat Gear  crossbow, hand, bolts (10), bolts, cold iron (10), bolts, silver (10), dagger, cold iron, shortsword, tonfa, buckler, lamellar cuirass, studded leather legs
 Gear bandolier x2, ear trumpet, earplugs, explorer's outfit, grappling hook, hollow pommel, poison, drow, rations, trail x5, rope 50', sack x2, signet ring, waterskin, weapon cord, whetstone, wristsheath, sprinloaded x2
 Total  1 sp 4 cp, 95.5 lbs.

 SQ  Antihero, Hard to Kill, Mythic Power 5/day, Poison Use, Surge +1d6

 Encumbrance  58 lbs.

 Carrying Capacity
Light 33, Medium 66, Heavy 100
Age: 137 yrs
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 120 lbs

[User]
 Posting to check the box.

Do you need for me to create a character sheet in Myth Weavers?

I am leaving work now.  I will return tonight at 11 pm CST.  I do most of my posting from work, but I will check when I get home and get you a character sheet if you need it.  I see you have been up all night, too (or day if you're on the opposite side of the world), so perhaps our posting schedules are in sync.  If not, please let me know your schedule and I can accommodate as I may.

As for getting in, I have grappling hook, rope and levitate as a spell-like ability.  If you feel that suffices, I can mark off one of my two daily uses of levitate.

I am really looking forward to this.  Thank you for the opportunity!

[User]
 Firyn lands on his feet.  Looking up for the hole he fell through, he sees naught but the ceiling covered in a strange luminescent fungus or lichen.  The dim light is a partial respite from the jarring glare of the surface world.  Crouching, he slowly scans the room, taking in the dichotomy of the rough floor and well crafted walls.  Very slowly, he begins to search his immediate area for any more concealed traps.

 Taking 20 to search square B1 for traps

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC
A character sheet on myth-weavers is appreciated, if you find the time for it.

Apparently, your stat totals are as follows:
Str 10(0 pts), Dex 18(10 pts, +2 racial), Con 12(5 pts, -2 racial), Int 12(2 pts), Wis 11(1 pts), Cha 13(1 pts, +2 racial).

This means you spent only 10+5+2+1+1= 19 pts, whereas the pointbuy for this game was at 20 points. You can increase Either Str/Wis/Int/Cha by one point, if you want.

Furthermore, it looks like you forgot to apply favored class bonuses. I assume your favored class is Slayer, and you gain either +1 HP or 1 Skillpoint per level in your favored class. If you intend to multiclass and have chosen a different class instead, please note your favored class on your sheet(or just tell me in a comment, and I'll change the statblock in the OP).

Finally, your flatfooted AC is wrong - you lose Dex to AC when flatfooted(unless you somehow have uncanny dodge or something similar already, and I've missed it on your statblock).

Finally, to save time, please state your Standard mode of exploration:
Do you use detect magic to look for magical traps?
Do you search for traps(taking 10/20) in every square of an empty room? Do you use 10-ft poles to poke around for traps?

You find no traps in B1.

-------------------------------
 Status of Drow Slayer:
Healthy, Paranoid

 Time passed:  0 days, 0 hours, 2 minutes, 0 seconds.
 Daily resources left:
SLA's: (CL 5)
Levitate 1/day
Deeper Darkness 2/day
Dancing lights 2/day
Faerie Fire 2/day
Feather Fall 2/day

Mythic:
Mythic power 5/day

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC

Apologies for the slow response.  This is the one night a month I really have to put in a full night's work.

  Sure enough, missed a point.  Added it to Wisdom to make it 12.  I adjusted my Will save, Heal, Perception, Sense Motive and Survival skills to reflect this change.

 I did not apply my favored class bonus.  It is slayer and I have added a skill point in Knowledge (local).

 Both my flatfooted and touch AC were wrong.  I have corrected both of them to 14 each.

 I also did not account for the Intelligence or Charisma modifier in my skills.  They have all been correctly adjusted.

 Another excellent point.  My standard mode of operation in unstressed times is to  detect magic , scanning the entire room (when possible) for three rounds for signs of magic, then take 20 on perception checks to the nearest door.  I will move stealthily whenever possible and use my ear trumpet to listen at doors.  Paranoid is a good description of this character.  He is a male raised in a female dominated culture yet still aspires to godhood.

[User]
 Just in case we are both waiting for one another...

Fyrin will step into B1 and again take his time checking C1 for traps before entering that square.  Once there, he will again detect magic (depending on the material making up the door, he may be able to detect spells and objects in the next room) then carefully check the door for traps before taking out his ear trumpet and listening at the door to find out what he can about the next room.

[User]
 You detect no traps in C1. As you detect magic, you sense a faint magical aura behind the wooden door. It appears to be unlocked...

As you glance south, you notice that the other door appears to be made of metal.

 Map:
{table=head] ||A|B|C|
|#|#|#|#|#
1|#||| @ | +
2|#||||#
3|#||||#
|#|#|#| + |# [/table]

# = stone wall
 +  = wooden door, unlocked
 +  = metal door

-------------------------------
 Status of Drow Slayer:
Healthy, Paranoid

 Time passed:  0 days, 0 hours, 4 minutes, 24 seconds.
 Daily resources left:
SLA's: (CL 5)
Levitate 1/day
Deeper Darkness 2/day
Dancing lights 2/day
Faerie Fire 2/day
Feather Fall 2/day

Mythic:
Mythic power 5/day

[User]
 Quietly replacing his ear trumpet, Firyn looks for traps just to his south before sidling over to the side of the door.  Drawing his hand crossbow, he loads and ***** it.

(Is there a handle and are the hinges visible on this side of the door?)

[User]
 You detect no traps in C2. As you search for traps, you hear more incomprehensible words behind the door..apparently, whoever is speaking moves around, as far as you can judge from the sound of his voice.

The door has a simple wooden handle that can be reached from your current position, and opens outward - the hinges appear to be on the other side.

 Map:
{table=head] ||A|B|C|
|#|#|#|#|#
1|#|||| +
2|#||| @ |#
3|#||||#
|#|#|#| + |# [/table]

# = stone wall
 +  = wooden door, unlocked
 +  = metal door

-------------------------------
 Status of Drow Slayer:
Healthy, Paranoid

 Time passed:  0 days, 0 hours, 6 minutes, 30 seconds.
 Daily resources left:
SLA's: (CL 5)
Levitate 1/day
Deeper Darkness 2/day
Dancing lights 2/day
Faerie Fire 2/day
Feather Fall 2/day

Mythic:
Mythic power 5/day

[User] Well, at this point, I may as well check C3 for traps and then use detect magic on the southern door and see if I can detect anything beyond the door before checking it for traps.

[User]
 You detect no traps in C3. You detect no traces of magic beyond the southern door. A search of the southern door reveals that it is made of iron. It has no lock, but has rusted shut. It isn't trapped as far as you can determine.

 Map:
{table=head] ||A|B|C|
|#|#|#|#|#
1|#|||| +
2|#||||#
3|#||| @ |#
|#|#|#| + |# [/table]

# = stone wall
 +  = wooden door, unlocked
 +  = metal door, stuck(DC 28 Strength check to force it open; Hardness 10, 60 HP)

-------------------------------
 Status of Drow Slayer:
Healthy, Paranoid

 Time passed:  0 days, 0 hours, 10 minutes, 48 seconds.
 Daily resources left:
SLA's: (CL 5)
Levitate 1/day
Deeper Darkness 2/day
Dancing lights 2/day
Faerie Fire 2/day
Feather Fall 2/day

Mythic:
Mythic power 5/day

[User] I quietly return to C1 and wait for the sounds of the creature in the next room to begin moving away from the door before carefully cracking open the door to see what is in there.  My hand crossbow is loaded, cocked and ready to fire at any hostile action.

[User]
 Upon opening the door, you see...

 Map:
{table=head] ||A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L
|#|#|#|#|#|#|#|#|#|#|#|#|#
1|#||| @ | _ ||||||||#
2|#||||#|||| P ||||#
3|#||||#||||||| D |#
4|#|#|#| + |#||||||||#
5|?|?|?|?|#||||||||#
6|?|?|?|?|#| + |#|#|#|#|#| + |# [/table]
# = stone wall
 _  = wooden door, open
 +  = wooden doors
 +  = metal door, stuck(DC 28 Strength check to force it open; Hardness 10, 60 HP)
 D  = Fat dwarf
 P  = Pink marble-like Pig

A fat dwarf sniffing at the opposite wall, talking to himself. His back is turned to you.
Accompanying him is a strange pig - it looks as if it has been carved from marble, then painted in a garish pink. It shuffles about with its snout close to the ground, as if searching for something.

As the door opens, it glances upwards and produces an extremely loud   Oink!  , alerting the dwarf.

 Initiative (Fat dwarf):  (1d20)[ 3 ]
 Intiative (Pink Marble pig):  (1d20+1)[ 19 ]
-------------------------------
 Status of Drow Slayer:
Healthy, Paranoid

 Time passed:  0 days, 0 hours, 10 minutes, 54 seconds.
 Daily resources left:
SLA's: (CL 5)
Levitate 1/day
Deeper Darkness 2/day
Dancing lights 2/day
Faerie Fire 2/day
Feather Fall 2/day

Mythic:
Mythic power 5/day

[User]
 Initiative:  (1d20+6)[ 18 ]

Firyn aims his crossbow at the dwarf, readied for any hostile movement from either of the creatures.

[User]
 The marble pig charges you.
 (1d20+3)[ 14 ]  vs AC 14
 (1d4)[ 1 ]  damage

As you ready your crossbow, you notice the aggressive pig that looks as if it would bite you again if you fired within its reach.

The dwarf looks surprised, pulls some pebbles from a pouch attached to his belt, and mumbles some words, imbueing the tiny stones with magical power.

 Map:
{table=head] ||A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L
|#|#|#|#|#|#|#|#|#|#|#|#|#
1|#||| @ |  P _ ||||||||#
2|#||||#||||||||#
3|#||||#||||||| D |#
4|#|#|#| + |#||||||||#
5|?|?|?|?|#||||||||#
6|?|?|?|?|#| + |#|#|#|#|#| + |# [/table]
# = stone wall
 _  = wooden door, open
 +  = wooden doors
 +  = metal door, stuck(DC 28 Strength check to force it open; Hardness 10, 60 HP)
 D  = Fat dwarf
 P  = Pink marble-like Pig

-------------------------------
 Status of Drow Slayer:
12/13 HP, Paranoid

 Time passed:  0 days, 0 hours, 11 minutes, 0 seconds.
 Daily resources left:
SLA's: (CL 5)
Levitate 1/day
Deeper Darkness 2/day
Dancing lights 2/day
Faerie Fire 2/day
Feather Fall 2/day

Mythic:
Mythic power 5/day

 Spoiler: Notes

If you define the casting of Magic stone as 'hostile action', your readied action triggers - you shoot at the dwarf, who has soft cover(+2 AC) because a small-sized pig is between you and him.
At the same time, you provoke an AoO from the pig for firing in melee.

If not, your readied action is wasted, and you may act normally on turn 2 - the pig delays its superior initiative to just 1 below yours.

[User]
 Readied action goes off.

Hand crossbow attack  (1d20+5)[ 6 ]
Damage (1d4)[ 4 ]

[User]
 The pig attempts to bite you, as you shoot at its master.
 (1d20+1)[ 11 ]  vs AC 18
 (1d4)[ 1 ]  damage

Though it misses, it manages to distract you enough to fumble your shot.

Then, it attempts to bite you again, as you are now firmly assigned the 'enemy' label in the piggy-mind.

 (1d20+1)[ 4 ]  vs AC 18
 (1d4)[ 1 ]  damage

-------------------------------
 Status of Drow Slayer:
12/13 HP, Paranoid

 Time passed:  0 days, 0 hours, 11 minutes, 6 seconds.
 Daily resources left:
SLA's: (CL 5)
Levitate 1/day
Deeper Darkness 2/day
Dancing lights 2/day
Faerie Fire 2/day
Feather Fall 2/day

Mythic:
Mythic power 5/day

 Spoiler: Notes

Your turn. Afterwards, the dwarf will act, then the marble pig.


[User]
 PROLOGUE
She'd stopped playing this cursed game weeks ago. Now, somehow, she was the only one left.

Other than  her .

The other girls -- some of whom she'd known, some of whom were  friends  -- they were the ones who hunted down the youma. She'd helped them do it. When she dropped out of the game, she gave away her share of the Oblivion Seeds to her truest friend, the girl who wore a pale blue dress and commanded the clouds to her liking. A few days later, she got them back when that girl was speared through the stomach.

Her killer hadn't fought a single youma. She ambushed each competitor when they least expected it and took the Seeds from their dead hands. The thought made her insides boil with fury. But she was not strong enough to face her. Not alone. Not at night.

She had to escape the town.

Every part of her screamed to transform. She could access all of her superhuman speed when she was transformed, and she wouldn't be so vulnerable, so unprotected. But despite herself, she held back. Untransformed, she was almost invisible to her pursuer. If she couldn't be found, she couldn't be harmed.

That didn't stop her from running, though. Through alleys and darkened streets, she ran. Ran until her lungs burned, ran until her muscles ached. God, the human body was weak without magic. The three Oblivion Seeds, which were light as a feather when transformed, pulled her down like weights. One of the Gamemaster's dirty tricks, no doubt. Sick bastard.

Her legs gave out from under her before she realized what was happening, and she plummeted to the wet concrete, scattering the black gems in front of her.  Damn,  she cursed, pushing herself onto her knees and reaching for the closest Seed.  God DAMN these stupid things. One wish is not worth-

She was dead before she could finish her thought. A thick spear jutted out of her throat, nearly severing her head from her body. The Seeds stayed exactly where they fell.

The winner didn't bother to pull her weapon out. Her locket began to glow, then released each of the ten Oblivion Seeds she'd been carrying with her. They began to circle her, glowing with the dimmest purple light.

An unmoving face appeared in the darkness in front of her.

  Congratulations. What is your wish?

The girl looked up. Opened her mouth.

Screamed.

[User]
 "The devil is in the details, is that not what they say?"

Her name was Evangeline. It has been a scant few days since  that  time, when the life she knew and enjoyed came tumbling down around her. Before then she was a simple student at Appleton's Garfield High School, moving up with her fellow students in anticipation of finally graduating. She had her club, her sister, and the few people she considered 'friends'. Life was relaxed, if a tad boring.

Now though? She has begun isolating herself from everything she cared about, both in depression and in fear. They don't understand what she does, haven't seen what she has seen.

  "What if I told you..there are  Monsters  among us?"

They call them Youma...or at least that's what the talking cat told her. Yes, you read that right, an unholy creature taking the guise of a friendly feline told Evangeline about even worse things that go bump in the night. It may look cute, but she knows just how cruel it can be. Its why she is in this sick game, the strings puppeteering this bizarre freakshow says that the Youma must be destroyed. They cause chaos and destruction, and the very knowledge of them would drive the populace insane. So the girl must kill them.

And why should she help in this suicide mission? Well for one thing the girl was slightly afraid of what would happen if she refused. What sealed the decision, though, was the end result..the reward. For collecting the 13 'Oblivion Seeds', or hearts of the Youma, she would receive one wish. Anything she could desire, something many a person would die for.

And as an added bonus? She could preform magic. MAGIC. To fight these monsters the feline creature known as the Gamemaster would give her supernatural powers, no drawbacks spoken of. After taking this deal, you would think life would be even better, a cakewalk with an easy victory yes? Of course not.

Finding Youma is fairly easy. All you have to do is find the havoc they cause, and the monster should be close by. Fighting it though..that's a whole other story. Inexperience mixed with overconfidence in her newly acquired abilities brought about a swift loss to the girl, and even though she did escape the Youma the damage was heavy.

  "Why do I feel so...Dirty?"

Taint seeped into Evangeline's wounds as they magically closed as the night's failure pressed down on her, ripping up what little optimism she had for this quest. As her outfit darkened, and her once dusty grey wings twisted and contorted into a blackened macabre mess, she soon realized that attempting to play the hero was a mistake.

Either through teamwork or through trickery success was the only option. If she couldnt defeat the Youma on her own, then she would have to gain others to suit her purposes. It was doubtful that she was the only one, the Gamemaster wouldn't settle for an 'me versus them' fight. He/She/It left her to her own devices, she would not do the same.

Secrecy is key, she thought. Having others know her identity would be a unneeded risk. So Evangeline decided to separate her identities entirely. For her new form comes a new name, and why not make it full of dramatic tension and flair? For when she fights the supernatural, she would be remembered as...
  Crimson Elegy Xi

[User]
 "Well, Laura..." a doctor sighed a little, twiddling his glasses, "Your parents' condition remains stable, so you've nothing to worry about... anyway, it's getting late, so you should go home before it gets dark..."

The girl nodded, even managed a faint smile - a true performer has to keep smiling no matter what - and walked out of the hospital. Once outside, though, she let her tears out.   Condition remains stable...   that means, of course, that they aren't any better. Laura broke into a run, hoping to push the frightening thoughts out of her mind. It was already rather dark, in fact, but it didn't bother Laura - had things been normal, it would be just the time for an evening show... had things been normal, right now she'd be stretching in the backstage, already in her purple leotard... had things been normal...

  I need to stop thinking about that... need to clear my mind, or it would drive me crazy... need to rest tonight... tomorrow, the social service would check on me... need to look good, can't face them after two nights without sleep, or they'll get me into a care for sure...

Laura passed the local playground. In this time of year and day, it was, of course, empty, a single lamppost casting a circle of light on the swings and jungle gyms, just like a spotlight...   I need to clear my mind  , she told herself again,   and there is a way that never failed me.

A minute later, Laura's sneakers were standing on the ground next to the jungle gym, and the girl herself stood on a horizontal bar about a yard off the ground, hands outstretched to the sides for balance. She walked along the bar one way, then another, getting a feel of its cold steel through her socks.   Now, to purge all thoughts... to concentrate only on my body and my surroundings...   she took a deep breath and jumped. Bending backwards, the girl pushed away from the bar with her hands and springed back to her feet. A quick swing of the left hand, a quick step with right foot... the girl straightened and allowed herself to breath again.   One more time.

Several minutes later.   Good. Now, a somersault.   Again, a deep breath, a jump, a flip through the air, a landi...   The bar wasn't slippery a moment ago!   that thought actually only came to Laura when she was catching her breath, lying on her back under the said gym apparatus. A minute later, she stood up, checked her condition (nothing serious, a couple bruises at worst - Laura's body knew how to fall safely, even without her mind interfering, plus, her jacket proved to be quite soft) and climbed the bar again.   When Mom and Dad get better, I want them to see me in the top shape. Now, one more time!


[User]
 The OOC Thread
  Through a Glass, Darkly
 Prologue
 Twas a brisk and windy eve in the small town of Hutton, summer had scarcely arrived and already autumn threatened to take it's place. A woman consoled her crying babe, just reaching her door, and quickly retreated to the shelter of her home. A portly man gathered his cloak about him, for even he respected the chill.

"Bloody weather," grumbled an old man through chattering teeth, as he flipped his collar up around his tightly-wound scarf. "Oye! You! McClaren!" he said, shaking his fist in the air at a young bearded man as he ran into his house, "I need to speak to ye!"
The door slammed shut and the bolt was heard slide into the catch in the stillness of the night. As he approached the yard, the shutters slammed closed as well, casting the small dirt road into darkness.
"The guards are gone now! And the magi are all wrapped up in their business in the cap'til! It'll be the stocks for ye if you don't abide! Pey me what ye owe!" His long sleeves flew about as he pounded on the door, exposing his knobby knuckles and age-spotted skin. "Come out! There's no wey out o' this! I'll call the constable sure!"

The sun set in earnest. Argyle came out of his house next door with naught but a blanket about his waist.
"Winston! QUIET!" he spat, "Some of us have children, who need to be sleeping, should we parents get any rest at all? GO HOME!"
"Quit your blathering you pervert!" the old man shouted back, and resumed pounding on the door, "Yer not worried bout your children!"
The younger man rolled his eyes and retreated back into his home, slamming the door quite forcefully as he did so.
"McClaren! Don't make me call the constable!! I'll do it!! I'll--"

A loud scream was the last anyone ever heard of Old Man Winston.

[User]
 Edmund
Life in the town of Eastwood is comfortable, albeit a bit chilly, and on warm days like today, a man has hardly a thing to complain about. The sunshine adds a warm glow to Edmund's already happy countenance. His fiance has been of good cheer, the autumn harvest and subsequent festival will be happening soon, and the traders have just brought a new shipment of wands. Most importantly, Edmund's pockets are full of coin to purchase such a wand. He smiles to him self.

"Where you off to mate?" says Neal, noticing the skip in his step.
"Nowhere's in peticular," answers Edmund, smiling all the more. Neal was a curious sort of fellow, and always up to no good, although usually by the unsavory company that he kept. Edmund liked him well enough; the man had a good heart.
"Bullocks!" says Neal, "You've got the twinkle in you're eye, you 'ave. Come out with it. Where you off to then?"
"Alright then," says Edmund, "But I'm not letting you touch it--I'm buying a wand!"
"Interesting. Which one?"
"Interesting?" repeats Edmund, "Bloody brilliant, more like! I'm buying an Instant Wagon!"
Neal begins to frown. "Those things are a waste, mate," he says. A smile creeps across Edmund's face.
"No," he pauses for dramatic effect, "I'm buying a  Pritchards  Instant Wagon."
"Bloody Hell! With who's money?"
"Mine of course!"
"The Invisible Coach and Table?"
"No of course not! I'm not a bloody noble!" says Edmund throwing up his hands.
"You're bloody right about that, but you're buying a Pritchard's anyway, aren't you? So? Which one then?"
"The Smooth Carry."
"What did Laselle say?"
An uneasy feeling builds in Edmund's stomach, and he doesn't look at his friend.
"Oh bollocks. Please tell me you told her. You did. You did tell her, didn't you? You didn't. Oh hell. Pelor's shining face. She's gonna kill you."
"It won't be so bad," reasons Edmund, but his voice breaks even as he speaks. "She won't have to know."
"She'll find out."
"I'll say I got it from a friend."
"You're raving mad if you think that'll fly. When you have no money for the wedding, and she asks why, then what? Where will you say it all went??"
"Look!" protests Edmund, "I never buy anything for myself, alright?? I just want this one thing and it'll be done with. What's the harm in a silly little wand? I worked doubly hard all year and earned enough I'll even have a little extra left over! I can earn more before the spring! Just help me think of something to say, will you?"

The pair walk in silence for a moment.

"What do you need a Pritchard's Smooth Carry for anyway?" asks Neal, "You're a cobbler's apprentice for Pelor's sake, you don't carry a thing that weighs over a pound. Those barrels of nails can be rolled around alright, I've seen you do it."
"It's cheaper than a cloak of flight."
"Come again?" Neal's eyebrows knit themselves together in confusion.
"The wand. It's cheaper than a cloak. After I learn to ride it well enough, and learn how the disc reacts to my weight I can get some dust of appearance and--"
Riotous laughter bursts from Neal's mouth, and birds jump into the sky at the noise. "You're going to kill yourself!"

Edmund quickens his pace, leaving Neal laughing in the street, holding his sides.

[User]
 Roy
The high pitched ring of steel on steel pierces the air in the small smithy as Roy Robertson finishes the edge on his newest blade; a short sword he has made for his good friend John Matthias. John is an eclectic sort of fellow, collecting bits of knowledge from all over the world, from scholars and peasants alike. It is access to this knowledge--and the stories, and laughter and light-hearted good cheer that accompany John's knowledge--that move Roy to fashion this blade free of charge. Roy is a serious and somewhat cynical sort of fellow that makes friends quickly, but then keeps them at arms length, as if to stave off the potential pain of loosing them.

Foggy breath billows from his large nostrils as the sun sets behind the forest, and he finally dons a shirt. The light dwindles but he does not slow in his work. The edge is not finished, and it must be perfect. As the night wears on he switches from stone to paper, and from paper to cloth, honing the edge to a mirror finish. He rolls yet another straw mat, and after cutting it cleanly in two, sits down with a heavy sigh and lights his pipe.

Wolves howl as his tobacco smoke curls upwards towards the full moon. Drunks shout obscenities from not that far away, and the potion fiends cackle as they run about in their semi-lucid fits of rage. Roy is unconcerned. He doesn't mind that the constable no longer posts guards here on the fringes of town. In fact he prefers it that way. It is usually more to his benefit if he is allowed to "fix" his own problems. Standing at least six foot, and every inch of his wide frame thickly covered with dense muscle, he fears nothing, not even the magi. No story of any vampire, werewolf, wererat, or any other man-eating beast has been enough to unnerve him, with perhaps the exception of ghosts. Ghosts and demon possession. Not that he or John believed in that sort of thing though.

Roy's eyes drift lazily across the blade he's crafted, and then catch sight of the moon. It's now on the other side of the sky. He supposes he'll go to bed. Tomorrow will be another long day.


[User] Liadra is sitting, awaiting her shipmates' arrivals, the bridge of her ship quiet and relaxed.  Her crew of Androids are scurrying around and manning the vessel as necessary.

[User] "Cap'n,"  says Aran, swaggering onto the bridge.   "Where to?"

[User] Revion enters the bridge, and takes the time to scan the ship and the various androids scurrying about.  "Well, I made it. This is one interest contraception. I wonder how one goes about forging this."

[User] Cerridwyn steps out of the shadows, while she narrows her eyes and observes everyone in the bridge  " So, yeah, what is the plan? "

[User]
 Last to arrive, the warrior medic Sophie keeps apologizing to the androids scurrying about as she invariably gets in their way, standing in back of everyone with her hands clasped together like she was sent to some Space-principle's office.

 "Um... If anyone needs me, I was going to just wait in the med bay..."  she explains,  not  explaining that it's the only place with a gurney that will fit her as a bed.

[User] "We're taking off right now."    Liadra says as she wheels around to face the crew.    "General Quarters until we leave Golarion's atmosphere."

[User] "Oh, alright then.  ...May I ask where we're headed, Captain?"   Sophie seems vaguely relieved, still looking down at her shoes mostly.

[User] "Akiton, more than likely.  The warp drive's a little busted."

[User] "Akiton, you say."  The blank look on Revion's face betrays his lack of knowledge about the destination. Realizing he had little to add to the conversation, he turns to exit the bridge.  "I will be heading back to my quarters then. By the way, you wouldn't happen to have any interesting reading material on board I can browse while we travel, would you? I particularly enjoy writings about the arcane. Or perhaps a book on, ah, Akiton history or culture if you have such a tome handy?"

[User] "Yes, I do.  The galley includes a well stocked database of knowledge for all of our potential destinations."    Liadra says.

[User] " Ah, the red planet. I was looking forward to deserts and cold. " Cerridwyn's tone is surprisingly neutral, even though the the sentence feels sarcastic. " What's the Estimated Time of Arrival? "

[User] "Akiton...red planet...it all sounds so familiar..."  Revion mutters to himself as he leaves the bridge, presumably to his quarters.

[User] "When we get there, Lt. Cerridwyn."    Liadra says.

[User]
 In the midst of the awkward silence that ensues, a sudden flutter echoes in the bridge as a tiny bird flies in and flits about the androids trying to do their job in the face of the sudden distraction.  "Vanya! Vanya! Get back here!"  The intrusion of the bird is followed by the intrusion of the franctic elf with outstretched hands. Revion pauses briefly with an apologetic nod to the captain.  "Ah, sorry captain, it appears my most uncooperative  P-E-T  is finding the room not to her liking."

As if in response to the derogatory tone, the hawk swings by and flicks the elf on the overly pointed left ear before continuing her unguided tour about the bridge.  "You did  NOT  just do that! Come back there!"  Revion resumes his chase with a string of utterances in a strange mixture of foreign languages perhaps best left untranslated.