[User]
 The Imperial City was once the crown jewel of the Realm. Eight hundred years of Creation's greatest architects forged a wonder of stone and jade that awed the world. Its million or more inhabitants had been the wealthiest and most sophisticated people seen in an Age or more. Now it lies a wounded beast, still majestic in its death throes but surely dying.

The proud people of the Imperial City are but slaves to the will of the Empress. Their minds stolen from them by hellish magic, they toil day and night to feed her armies, construct great engines of war and aid in fell rituals that often cost them their own lives. Demons openly walk the streets, numbering as many or more as the human residents, and are treated with reverence by those who look upon them. Magnificent structures of jade have been ransacked, torn down into shells of their once glorious selves to provide weapons and armour for the Dragon-blooded armies of the Queen of Hell. The ground itself trembles softly under the pressure of the twisted geomantic energies coursing through it, and a strange shadow fills the sky, turning day into soft twilight. In the centre of it all lies the Imperial Palace.

Through five magnificent gates do the forces of the Realm enter and leave the Palace. Kept flawlessly intact amidst the looting, perhaps due to vanity on the part of its ruler, the Palace stands apart from its surroundings more than ever. But even here are signs of war, and of the evil work that goes on within. A small army camps around the Palace, well-drilled mortals and their Dragon-blooded commands ever vigilant for intruders. For every human there stands two demons, their alien eyes watching for threats both material and incorporeal.

Within the grounds of the Palace lies another ring of guards, atop and around a mighty wall. This ugly fortification hides both the Imperial Manse and the excavation that exposes its lower layers. A horde of demons and their human supervisors work constantly on new additions of brass, vitriol-tainted materials and, perhaps most unsettling, still-living demons fused into the workings of the Manse. It is these excavations that may allow sufficiently determined heroes to break into the lower levels of the Manse, bypassing many of its defences.

Presently these heroes wait outside the Imperial Palace, as of yet unnoticed by the legions of the Scarlet Empress.

[User]
 "So many!"  Moon-in-the-Ice exclaims softly, as she scans the fortifications. One might reasonably expect such words to be uttered in a tone of despair or shock or anger, given the situation - but in fact the once-Fae-Blood sounds quite cheerful, almost gleeful.

 "Would a distraction be beneficial, lady Sky?"  Her voice sounds rather worryingly anticipatory.  "Or perhaps we should just attack swiftly - a lightning-bolt from the sky - get into the excavations, and then collapse the entrance behind us."

 Spoiler
I do not  think  anyone claimed colors yet, so I'm grabbing Indigo, unless someone else wants it. Happy to edit if necessary.

[User] After seeing the state of the Scarlet Empress' former subjects, Slanaitheior is seething. This is exactly the kind of behavior that led to her trying to overthrow the Realm in the first place, the arrogant Dragonblooded treating their subjects like slaves rather than protecting them like they should.  "I don't care how we get in, " she growls, "but let's do it quickly, the sooner She is dead, the better."

[User]
 Sky

" Ah... "

The lady in question blinks at Moon's query.

" ...I feel it would be best if we raise as few alarms as possible. I can cause my own distraction - with fewer lightning bolts - and see you all inside the excavations. "

[User]
 Moon-in-the-Ice frowns at the Sidereal.  "You wish to go alone? I could accompany you, to see to your safety. I could pretend to be Dragon-Blooded, or akuma or Infernal."  She twitches her sleeves.  "My mantle even lets me pretend the anima, for the former."
 "If you are sure you will not need it - well, it is your choice. But I will admit it... irks me, the thought of sending you into danger while we sidle sneakingly past."  She eyes the fortifications again.  "And even if the guards are drawn away,  subtle  entry might still be a little challenging. Can we all get over the wall swiftly? And does anyone have any information on the layout within the inner ring?"

 Spoiler
I was waiting for someone else to post, but let's move this along.

Also, industrious, I think it was said that Cat could lay Destinies on other PCs before starting the attack on the manse, if she wanted (since Shards destinies take 12 hours to craft, iirc).

[User]
 A week ago Lianfen would have scoffed at the notion of venturing so close to the Imperial Manse without being detected, let alone getting inside. But a week ago she would likewise have dismissed the idea of crossing the Blessed Isle in stealth, demon-infested as it is, and yet here they are. She is too accustomed to thinking in terms of armies on the march, perhaps. Or simply has no instinct for subterfuge. It's never been her strong point.

And the enigmatic Sky (as Moon-in-the-Ice calls her, and Lianfen has no reason to think different)  is . Presumably. She must be; certainly she has no knack for speaking straight. That makes her the expert here, to be deferred to.  "Tell us what to do,"  she commands.

[User]
 Unbodied Cat

The Sidereal's laugh chimes like a chorus of ringing bells as she politely declines Moon-in-the-Ice's request.

" Don't worry about me, Moon-in-the-Ice. you're a bit too...martial to be my escort. "

The woman known as Sky lightly touches the tip of the Solar's nose.

" The Imperial Manse has a number of internal defenses; I intend to disable them, and will meet you beneath the excavations. "

Her gaze moves over the other Exalts, a slight frown appearing on her face.

" Please don't raise any alarms until then. "

[User] "You want us to get beneath the excavations without raising any alarms?"  Moon-in-the-Ice sounds doubtful.  "Or simply wait until you are ready before we attack? If the latter... can we arrange a time for our assault, or can you send up some sort of signal? If the former, I think we may need that distraction."

[User]
 Unbodied Cat

" ]No worries, " Sky grins.

" My approach will be distraction enough. "

[User] "How long?"  Lianfen asks flatly.  "If we stay here too long we will be noticed. We are not subtle."  It's not entirely clear who she includes among  we , but Moon-in-the-Ice, Slanaitheior and herself all stand out - though the latter two could pass for demons of some ilk.

[User] "I might suggest an aerial approach; it'll be guarded, but perhaps less so than the walls,"  Moon-in-the-Ice says.  "Lianfen is right, though; we should move quickly, unless there are any other preparations we need to make."


[User]
 You wake up to find yourself still asleep. Your body isn't your own. Apart from anything else, it's far smaller.

You seem to be in a featureless, dark plane, but quickly you notice that you're standing on a hill. The hill is black, the valleys around are black, the horizon is black, and the dragon and rider that are barreling towards you are also black. Oh hell...

Your body reacts with speed that is not your own, and a healthy dose of luck as well, and you act before dragon or rider has time to do much more than pose.

[User]
 this doesn't feel like a normal dream..
 "Hello, Sir?"  Emma manages weakly at the night, testing her tiny voice more than anything else.

[User] The rider doesn't respond to your questioning; he seems too preoccupied with his attack.

[User]
 Hes charging me!?

The petrified girl throws her hands up in self defense, and twelve flashes of lightning spears out in response. Much to Emmas shock.
She then feels her eyes flicker with a mind that isnt her own and suddenly a horde or horses spring into existence around the knight

 What!? Im a sorcerer!?

 Spoiler: Actions

 Standard Action:
Moonbow (Maximized, Admixed x2, Fell Draining, Twin, Repeat, Empower, Improved enlarge, Improved Heighten, Fell Animate)
 (d20+224)[ 230 ]  vs touch for 2961 damage 1/3 cold 2/3 electric. Ignoring spell resistance, energy resistance. Dealing half damage to creature immune to energy
 (d20+224)[ 233 ]  vs touch for 2961 " " "
 (d20+224)[ 226 ]  vs touch for 2961 " " "
 (d20+224)[ 235 ]  vs touch for 2961 " " "
 (d20+224)[ 235 ]  vs touch for 2961 " " "
 (d20+224)[ 232 ]  vs touch for 2961 " " "
 (d20+224)[ 242 ]  vs touch for 2961 " " "
 (d20+224)[ 231 ]  vs touch for 2961 " " "
 (d20+224)[ 240 ]  vs touch for 2961 " " "
 (d20+224)[ 243 ]  vs touch for 2961 " " "
 (d20+224)[ 236 ]  vs touch for 2961 " " "
 (d20+224)[ 229 ]  vs touch for 2961 " " "
If he is a living creature and he took damage he takes 2 negative levels.
As the spell is repeated he will take another 12 hits next round

 Schism Action
Twin Synchronicity linked to a Twin Synchronicity (22pp)

 Crystal Action
Manifest Regal procession to summon 93 horses in a sphere or circle around the dragon knight to hamper his movement (93pp)

 Owl Action
Manifest  hypercognition  to learn what it can about the knight and his weakness or attacks. (15pp)

[User]
 The rider collapses off his mount. He didn't stand a chance.

The dragon screams, and a blast of fire emanates from around it, clearing the horses. It then starts to blast you with meteors, and finally, raises what appears to be some kind of natural hood around its head.

The sword on the dead rider starts to glow ominously.

 Spoiler: OOC
You and each of the horses takes 64 points of fire damage, or 48 if you'd normally be immune. You then take another 288, or 216 through immunity.

Hypercognition reveals that the man was probably heavily invested in his dragon, to the extent that it's far, far more powerful than him. It seems to be a mutated version of a Rattelyr dragon, which despite their black colouration normally specialise in fire attacks. Then again,  normally  rattelyrs are wingless and not the size of a small castle. It's not quite possible to tell the extent of the changes, though.

[User]
 I killed him  Emma reels. She reels again a moment later as the flames wash over her, it hurts but shes ok. A voice whispers information about the dragon in her head and she somehow the voice is a friend. She tries to think how to kill a dragon, but she doesn't know.
She has a feeling she has weapons in her pockets so she retrieves and hurls them, they shatter all around the dragon in huge explosions.
The little voice behind her eyes are doing a myriad things too but she cant keep track.

 Spoiler: OOC
Before turn starts:

Owls Synchronicty 1:  Time Hop on the glowing sword to send it forward in time 93 rounds (5pp)
Owls Synchronicty 2:  Wall of Iron to create a 10cu ft lump of iron inbetween emma and dragon
Emmas Synchronicity 1: Twin Synchronicity linked to a Twin Synchronicity (22pp)
Crsytals Synchronicty 1:  no action
Crsytals Synchronicty 2: no action
Emmas Synchronicity 2: Twinned Bestow Power SLA (+232pp)

On Emmas turn count:

Full attack:
Throw 400 of her pre prepped discs at the square adjacent to the dragon, empty square has AC 10 and even if they miss and scatter a little dragon should still be in blast radius of all 100 discs.
Each disc is 2x DC 44 reflex half for 5670 damage 1/3 cold 2/3 fire. Ignores resistance and half damage to immune targets
So thats 800 reflex saves please.

Schism: Twin Synchronicity linked to a Twin Synchronicity

Owls Synchronicty 1:  Microcosm  on the dragon effecting up to 940HP (93pp)
Owls Synchronicty 2:  Dismissal   on the dragon, Special save DC = 117 - dragons HD (13pp)
Owls Synchronicty 3:  Energy Drain   (d20+180)[ 182 ]  vs touch for  (2d4)[ 5 ]  negative levels (17pp)
Owls Synchronicty 4: Lesser Telepathic Bond
Owls Action: Fabricate on the lump of iron to turn it into 10cu ft worth of Fine daggers

Emmas Synchronicity 1: Chain Greater Magic Weapon on the daggers
Emmas Synchronicity 2: Twin Synchronicity linked to a Twin Synchronicity
Emmas Synchronicity 3: Temporal Reiteration
Emmas Synchronicity 4: Twinned Bestow Power SLA (+232pp)

Crsytals Synchronicty 1: Telekenetic Thrust on 15 of the daggers
 Spoiler: rolls

 (d20+93)[ 107 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 56 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 111 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 55 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 103 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 56 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 112 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 56 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 96 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 55 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 98 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 55 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 113 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 56 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 105 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 56 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 105 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 55 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 100 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 56 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 98 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 56 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 94 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 55 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 94 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 55 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 94 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 56 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 99 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 55 ]  damage

Crsytals Synchronicty 2: Telekenetic Thrust on 15 of the daggers
 Spoiler: rolls

 (d20+93)[ 99 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 56 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 96 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 55 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 96 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 56 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 113 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 55 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 102 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 55 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 96 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 56 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 101 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 55 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 98 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 56 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 109 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 56 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 95 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 55 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 104 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 55 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 108 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 56 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 102 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 56 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 108 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 55 ]  damage
 (d20+93)[ 102 ]  to hit  (1d2+54)[ 55 ]  damage

Crsytals Synchronicty 3: Manifest Superior Invisibility on Emma
Crystals Action: Manifest Hide from dragons on self, Emma and owl.
Crsytals Synchronicty 4: Dimension Hop Emma, self and owl to other side of dragon.


[User]
 You wake up to find yourself still asleep. Your body isn't your own, although it's... similar. Just a healthy dose better.

You seem to be in a featureless, dark plane, but quickly you notice that you're standing on a hill. The hill is black, the valleys around are black, the horizon is black, and the dragon and rider that are barreling towards you are also black. Oh hell...

Your body reacts with speed that is not your own. There's no chance for either of your adversaries to act before you.

[User]
 Originally Posted by Unavenger
 You wake up to find yourself still asleep. Your body isn't your own, although it's... similar. Just a healthy dose better.

You seem to be in a featureless, dark plane, but quickly you notice that you're standing on a hill. The hill is black, the valleys around are black, the horizon is black, and the dragon and rider that are barreling towards you are also black. Oh hell...

Your body reacts with speed that is not your own. There's no chance for either of your adversaries to act before you.

Question what range are they at from Evye, when the body reacts with great speed?
I am going to presume hostile intent on their part, Sot it is just a matter of what action to take based on that range

[User] The dragon seems to be bounding towards you from about 100 feet away, but it looks as though it can easily cover that distance.

[User]
 hrm lets try the less obvious -

Evye Pinches herself to wake from the dream state.

[User]
 related Con save to wake up
Con +20  (1d20+20)[ 32 ]
Concentration  +76  (1d20+76)[ 79 ]

Edit if Evye realizes this is real and niot a dream then the action is to run/fyl at max speed away 1410 L 1410 F (perfect) x5 with run feat


[User] Drifting high above Itea, the Vilari flagship  Serenity Dogma  glittered amid the shattered remnants of the battles recently won.  Below, the people of the conquered system roiled in uncertainty as both their faith and their sovereignty buckled under inexorable forces.  Some might have looked to the sky in hope, guessing which of the countless new stars was an aid ship or peacekeeping force, only to be met with serene and terrifying silence.  Some in the Sodality and the Unified Churches no doubt would have supported such an effort, but Fleet Master Dyrma-Thal had not come on a mission of mercy.  Instead, the central bay of the command ship had been cleared of all equipment save a raised platform, where the Rothuun Galactic Holdings and the Syndrome would soon offer their surrender.  Vanguard wings of the Star League Defense fleet burned in distant orbit around the Itean star, ready to escort the ships of the coming delegations to their historic destination.  Pacing his command bridge, the Vilari admiral’s eyes scanned the vast black horizon, awaiting both his enemies and the representatives of the equally aggrieved Federated Churches and Ninurtine Empire, that he might finally return home and begin the long task of national healing.

[User]
 From such a high vantage point, the planet of Itea would look rather unremarkable to the occupying forces. The planet is dominated by a single ocean, with a single continent upon which the Iteans humans reside. Its moon orbits the planet lazily, while in the distance a white star bathes the planet in light. It would make for an ideally calm backdrop for such a brokering of peace, were it not for the new information that had been gained on it after the battle.

Over the period of time since the Star League's victory, numerous disturbing reports have been flooding in in regards to the state of the planet. Initial scans demonstrate far more sapient life signs than had been officially registered in Itea's census records, millions of humanoid beings churning within the planet's vast ocean. Above the waves, the various sovereign nations under the Church of Iteus' sway have collapsed into anarchy, though seemingly the battle in the cosmos had very little to do with it. The human population has been corrupted by some apparent virus, mutating them into abominations that are as much cephalopod as man. The Vilari's passive approach to the occupation has yielded little in the way of an explanation for this madness, though it is generally assumed that the Church had some hand in it.

Any attempts to hail the Grand Cathedral have been met with silence, and there has been no indication of the whereabouts of Pontiff Provis. Some suspect that he has fled the system, though there have been no escape craft launched since the battle. With the destruction of their fleet and the dissolution of their puppet states, the Church seems to have been effectively crippled as a faction. Even Altea, the Church's beloved "Heir of Iteus," has not made any public moves against the occupation.

However, ever since arriving in the Itean system, the atmosphere (mood, not planetary) has been different, a lingering sense that something is 'off' about the region. At first, many could dismiss it as anxiousness about the upcoming battle, yet even in victory that dread has persisted. There is a general sentiment that nowhere is private, that no matter where one goes they are not alone, that they are being watched by malevolent unseen eyes. As the time for the capitulation draws nearer, many of the occupiers will be happy to leave this wretched system behind for good.

[User]
 Xixis stood at the bridge of the  Great Crusade , his hands clasped behind his back, impeccable dress uniform freshly smoothed. He watched the occupied world grow slowly larger in the distance, until a comms query came from the Vilari pickets. “ First Admiral Xixis Ilhith, representative of the Federation of Free Systems, requesting passage to the peace conference. ” His voice was calm, smooth, and unmistakably authoritative. His accent was different to the other leading Dasari, that of the Dreider heartlands, never fully stamped out by the old ‘Dominion. More deliberate, a lengthier drawl. His mane of greying hair swayed as he turned to the XO. “ Don’t break my ship, Simmons. I don’t want to have to hotfoot out of here in a shuttle if things get messy. ” He saluted, and went below.

As the shuttle hove into view of the  Serenity Dogma , Xixis slowed it to a cruise, taking in the roiling wonder of Iteus above him. He hoped Corris had found something of worth up in that Ibx place. For a long while, he sat and considered the tumultous events that had led from the discovery of a multitude of galactic civilisations when he was a mere Flight Leader through the wrenching of a galaxy apart and whole twice over, to flying a shuttle solo into the maw of a Vilari flagship, to watch two powers he barely knew surrender three years after sending the quadrant into an uproar. He barely noticed the Vilari escort come to guide him in. It was the hiss of his cockpit opening that drew him out of his reverie.

Proud, tall, and alone, the ageing First Admiral stood in the doorway, and waited for the combatants to arrive.

[User]
 The Rothuun delegation arrived with great reluctance. The minotaurs themselves had refused to attend, with one notable exception.

Within the iron warship descending over Itean, a trio of dignitaries sat around a square table. At the head of the table was Mitka Vashnyet, representing the Ogatvezhiy of Baryshev. Despite his ursine body and frightening teeth, Mitka is dressed impeccably in a silk suit, bow tie, and silver cuff links, with a large briefcase resting at his side. At the Ogatvezhiy's left was God-King Baphomet, representing the Kurucu of Kuk Reyen. Approximately twenty-five feet tall, he crouched uncomfortably   on the floor. Baphomet's lower body, clad in a mechanical kilt which occasionally releases a burst of sparks, is humanoid, but his chest and head are that of a monstrous black-furred goat. His narrow, slit-like eyes gaze out the window at the Vilari vessel. The final member of the diplomatic expedition is Dahlia Jones, representing Niconia. A pale-skinned, ethereal human woman dressed in an ornate white gown, she slumps against the table, fanning her face and drinking a mint julep. All three of the dignitaries are clearly quite bored, but dead-set on their mission.

At long last, the ship lands on the platform of the Vilari ship. Baphomet is the first to emerge from the hatch, squeezing himself through with an agonized groan. Mitka emerges next, followed by Dahlia. A few moments pass, and then one last group exits the craft. Five Rainbow Octopi, one each in red, orange, yellow, green, and purple, surround a chained and scarred Rothuun. His face has been marred by severe bruising and scarring, but he is still recognizable as Markath Frostfur, the former King of Thurtal. Seeing the sunlight of Itean, he suddenly bolts forward, smashing his way past the orange Octopus and attempting to escape. Unfortunately, his chains constrict his momentum, and the Octopi quickly catch up to him, locking onto his body with their tentacles. Markath convulses once, then is motionless. A few moments pass before he again staggers to his feet.

[User]
 Peace was peace, and there was little doubt that the Star League had the Itean system under control, but the history of the Empire with its western neighbours was fraught with mistrust, and surprise Syndrome attacks on Imperial space were far from forgotten. So as the Imperial navy arrived around Itea it was not the  Liberator  nor even one of her sisters with a military escort, but a full battlegroup, clustered around the hulking  Leviathan  and her equal in length, though not in bulk, the  Terminus , from which the hail came.

" Lord Admiral Anguradeshib of the Imperial Navy, requesting permission to come aboard. "

Since the assassination attempt before the Battle of the Heart-Beacons, the Lord Admiral displayed an eyepatch and scars, whether for affectation or in reflection of real injury less clear, but the result was that her visage, which had always been stern, was now diamond-hard. Along with her military escort was a rather younger man in a formal diplomatic uniform.

She and her staff saluted as they reached the bridge. " Fleet Admiral, " she said to Dyrma-Thal, " an honour to meet you finally. With me to witness the end to the war is the Imperial Prince-Elector, Councillor Renahimith. "

[User]
 The Duenem delegation was fairly small, this being the far side of the war. However, a small ship duen, Polarity Armour, headed towards the Vilari ship, broadcasting messages of truce and greeting. Of course the Duenem would do all they could to ensure the war ended, even while they patrolled their own boarders, on the slim chance that affairs reignited.

On Armour, Lighter Lighter, far more focused than she had in a while. Although it had been very touch and go, the Duenem were within hours of achieving their objective: a quick and peaceful end to the war. Although many had died, this would ensure many more would live.

As she was escorted in, Lighter flickered her Amber diodes at the Vilari leader.  "Greetings Fleet-Admiral,"  she began.  "I am Lighter Lighter, head of the Diplomatic Task for the Duenem. It is good to see that this war is near it's end. I shall ensure a recording of the event reaches the Duenem forthwith."

[User]
 As is so frequently the case for the semi-aquatic Rass, they are the last to arrive. On prior occasions, this has been the result of the notoriously unreliable nature of Rhoshan ships - but on this occasion, it is due to the ongoing demands of wartime occupation. The Vigilant-Admiral Sorren Caxton Elien strides onto deck, wearing full officer's dress in the - adjusted - style of the Federated Churches, one considerably more akin to the uniform worn by First Admiral Xixis Ilhith than either of the two were likely to be perfectly comfortable with. Sorren's eyes are bloodshot, her reactions delayed, responses disproportionate - but her gaze is as alert and intense as it has ever been. Some part of her mind, detached and aloof from the concerns of fuel management and redistribution, orbital alignment coverage, and the necessities of the coming meeting, remarked internally on how suitable her title really was, now.

An occupation of the planet was no trivial task, especially one in the throes of such a situation as this. While Sorren catalogued each of the delegations in turn on her path towards her position by the Fleet Master, as local commander of the combined force operations that had resulted in the Star League's victory in this sector. And where the Vilari were reluctant to commit personnel and resources to a doomed world so recently removed from enemy hands, the Revered Ones - and so, the Vigilant-Admiral - would not approve of callousness. Her legs itched, begging her to return to her orbital command post on board the  Scrutiny , where reports of further activity and fresh developments even now were piling up as the situation continued to snowball.

Four  Adversity -class K-Rifters were in geosynchronous orbit above key locations on Itea's surface, including the Grand Cathedral, ready to launch multi-ton projectiles at extreme velocities and reduce those locations to dust if necessary. Two more swung silently in polar orbits, opposite one another in their watchful, deadly paths. The  Pearlescent  and  Coraline 's pilots were running themselves ragged working double-shifts providing air cover for the few communities remaining that had not succumbed to the looming wave of...whatever this was. One common factor among the survivors had become clear to them already: it was only those communities whom had rejected the knowledge parasites - and by extension, the Itean Church - who were spared the mutations in full. Instead, they were besieged by those who  had  succumbed, torn apart by those whose former bodies had once merely shunned them.

Sorren's hands were fists as she saluted the Fleet Master - this was still their ship, after all - and took her position. Even so, her hands shook, just barely. This was a wretched system - and that was all the more reason she could not leave those on Itea to their fate. It would be no small relief when the remainder of Alpha-Fleet was freed of it's patrol duties to join them, and a greater relief still when the Kombuch supply of Sprite fighters arrived as per the terms of their arms supply deal slightly under a year ago. Whether their arrival would be of any help to the survivors on the planet, though, was an entirely different question. But perhaps most importantly of all would be the arrival of the  Unanswerable Prayer , whose salvage capabilities and emergency management personnel, along with consultants from the Sodality, Federated Churches, and more, would be invaluable in the months to come. If Itea experienced a Kessler Event, the communities on the surface were almost certainly doomed.

Sleep could afford to wait for at least one more night. There was vigil to keep.

[User] Xixis watched the combatants of the conflict filter in, and pushed reluctantly off the wall, striding over to the platform and standing to the side, outwardly relaxed. He doffed his cap, and saluted the approaching Star League delegates, eyes briefly lingering on Sorren, then saluted the Sanguinary League delegates. “ Xixis Ilhith, observer and delegate for the Federation of Free Systems, ready to begin .” His voice was smooth, languid even. His eyes told a different story, intent and piercing, studying the assembled diplomats. He waited.


[User]
 It was spring in the Dalelands, and the wild grass that grew in green clumps and waves at the side of the dirt paths that blew in the gentle morning breeze, re-grown now from a long cold winter - soft fluffy white clouds dotted a rich blue sky, and the sun warmed your skin, as you walked in and out of its patches dotting the well worn ruts of the paths.

 Spoiler: OOC
Post a character intrduction and description please.

[User]
 She was small for her age, standing just a few feet short of the average dwarf. Given that she was too lithe and lacked any 'adult' features that would identify her as a halfling, she clearly was a child, probably around 9-10 years of age estimate. The girl had shoulder length reddish brown hair and mysterious hazel eyes. Her attire consisted of a light blue shirt, brown pants, a pair of black boots and a hooded red cloak which partially concealed a backpack. There was a sheathed dagger and a sling attached to her belt.

Nothing unusual and strange here. Just a regular human traveller, walking the beaten path. Except one very important exception. She was travelling alone. No adult escort which was unusual. The girl was heading to Shadowdale but was pretty much lost. But she kept going, trying not to panic and heading in a straight line. Surely she must stumble upon a town somewhere.

[User]
 A tall elf with a muscular build, Llwellyn was clearly a warrior of some sort.  Particularly when you took into account the leather armor he wore, the two swords at his hips and the longbow slung over his shoulder.  Clad in a mix of browns and greens, he blended in reasonably well with the surroundings...as any elf would.

He had found himself on this particular road out of a desire to find adventure and, hopefully, a pile of wealth.  Thus far, he had managed to find neither, so that was unfortunate.  As the small dwarf approached, he was seated at the side of the road taking a short break in his travels to have a bite to eat and a drink from his waterskin.

He watched with some interest as she approached along the road, all alone.  It wasn't often you saw a child traveling alone without any adults to guide and protect them.  He gives a small wave of the hand to her; a hello to a fellow traveler.

[User]
 OOC: Maria is not a dwarf. She is an actual human child. :) Sorry did not mean to confuse.

Maria is normally taught not to talk to strangers. But she is not in normal circumstances. She looks the elf over as if trying to gage his intentions before saying,   Hello. By any chance would you know the way to Shadowdale?

[User]
 The elf replies with a smile,  "I do indeed.  Just continue along this road and you should reach it eventually."

He takes a sip from his waterskin and then offers,  "If you're hungry, you're welcome to join me.  Nothing but trail rations, but I don't know how far you've traveled or when you last ate."

[User]
 Form the south comes lots of thunping and crashing noises, that slowly grow louder.

In the woods, heading in a somewhat vague north bound direction is a trope of thirteeen goblins and seven wolves.

Each goblin has a short knoby body with spoty green and gray skin.  The goblins eats, noses, fingers and toes are all long and pointy.  Each is dressed in mismatched scraps of fur clothing and crude hide armor.  Each goblin has a verity of weapons including clubs, spears and axes.  Each has a dirty gray tabbard(a cloth worn over the armor) with a crude broken dagger symbol dyed on to it.  The wolves are quite skinny and mangie.

The first goblin leads the trope alone, and right behind him are two more goblins, each with a wolf.  Then comes four goblins carrying a large five foot long wooden trunk. Two goblins walk together, watching the woods. Three goblins behind them have several sacks tied to thier backs.  And one goblin with a large spear brings up the rear.

They are moving through the woods, nearby......but don't seem to notice either of you or react in any way.

[User] As Maria was about to answer, the goblins came. Immediately she became somewhat scared though remarkably she manages to hold her composure. Not that she was a fool, she knew goblins were evil and she knew that she and the elf were in trouble. She beckons the elf to follow and move as far away from the goblins as possible, looking for a hiding place.

[User]
 A young knight, of average hight and clad in chainmail crouches  behind a thicket of brambles. He has been tracking these goblins since their raid on a nearby village. Since he left Cormyr he has been travelling the Dalelands seeking to defend those too weak to defend themselves and slay the evil that threatens them.

As his gaze falls on the young girl and the elf, he gestures for them to join him in his hiding place, whistling the hoot of an owl to get their attention.

[User] Maria sees Dallahan and beckons the elf to follow her as she moves to Dallahan's hiding place and hides with him. She whispers,   We should warn Shadowdale and any nearby towns about these goblins.

[User]
 The elf also maneuvers over to where the knight is, doing his best to stay hidden.

 Spoiler: Sneaking
Move Silently: 60%
Hide: 55%

[User]
 The trope of goblins moves along, slowly.  They are heading more or less northward, but sure are wandering from side to side a lot.

The goblins while alert and watching, they don't seem to notice or react to any of you nearby.

[User] Maria remains silent, alertly ready for trouble, crouching as low as possible behind the bushes. She watches the goblins carefully and particularly looks over the trunk they are carrying from a distance. She wonders what is in it.

[User] The group of goblins continues moving on, into the woods, until they walk out of sight.

[User] The elf whispers to his new companions,  "Should we...follow them?"

[User]
 Maria shakes her head. Unlike most 9 year olds, Maria has had personal experiences with dealing with monsters, especially dead ones, and even though she had her mother to protect her, she knew that facing them outnumbered was a bad idea.

  No. I think the best course of action is to head straight to Shadowdale. I can only cast so many magic missiles at once to help support you two if we end up in a fight.  , Maria continues to whisper.


[User]
 Many have walked through the halls of the Thunspeaker’s palace in years before. But though they have often been thrown open for state functions and grand events, never have they seemed so full as they do today. A long queue of merchants, mercenaries and mixed-up riff-raff trails outside the building and across many streets, with dozens of enterprising souls hawking their wares from impromptu stalls to either side of the crowd. Just inside the building, a number of desks sit manned by Scrim bureaucrats, meting out payment on behalf of the Thunspeaker for the common folk, while Scrim guards keep order.

Further in, in an area only accessible by those important enough to merit personal attention from the Thunspeaker, is the banquet hall of the palace. In the back, the throne still holding the body of the Thunspeaker before the last, Ulun, sits in silent and impassive judgment, while the newest Thunspeaker, Atir, stands alongside the throne on the dais, looking down at the room. Tables laden down with food and drink, including fine wine from the Southernmost reaches of Mamut, stand across the hall, with chairs provided for any wishing to sit and refresh themselves while they wait to speak with the Thunspeaker. The tables are also laid out such that those wishing to negotiate between themselves may make use of Thun’s hospitality.


[User]
 Great Hall of Nalav
 Late Spring, Seventy-fourth Year of the Phoenix
It was unseasonably warm in Aran Viska, the heat creating an almost oppressive atmosphere as the envoys of foreign powers approached the remote hall of Tanrak Nalavan, Aranin of All Viskari. Despite the vibrant colours of the thick carpets of wildflowers that flanked the road and the singing of small songbirds amidst the foliage, the Viskari guides seemed reserved and guarded, their usually hospitable nature dampened by the nature of the impending council.

The Aranin's hall was built in a clearing in the midst of an ancient grove of conifers, many of which had silver charms and ribbons hanging from their branches. Banners of blue and red hung from the entrance towers and beyond the gate was a paved court with the hall itself standing opposite. Like all Viskari Halls it was a finely crafted building adorned with charms and carvings, including a large silver crescent over the main door. But the doors were closed and there was no sound of music or merriment from within. Instead it seemed a table had been set up outside with three Viskari seated at the head in ornate chairs.

At the left was the Aranin, Tanrak Nalavan. His chest was bare and he wore a long cape of bear fur despite the heat, though the head was down. His greying hair was braided with golden wire and he said nothing as his golden yellow eyes surveyed the arrivals. On the right was a Viskari in a red hooded cloak with a silver skull mask that concealed their identity entirely. Between them was a Viskari woman of advanced years. She was wrapped in woven shawls as though the Sun did nothing to warm her. She watched each arrival with a single red eye, the other completely milky white. When it came time for the meeting to begin she stood with the help of the two Viskari flanking her.

 "Noble Lords and Ladies of Tarandi..."  she said in a soft voice that nevertheless carried to all in attendance,  "I am Variza, Sarak of Aer Caladon and Eldest of the Moot and we have been gathered here to discuss a matter of grave importance. I speak, of course, of the Agent of Ruin. We of the Viskari feel that a united response to rid Tarandi of this threat is in order."


[User]
 STAR WARS: EDGE OF THE EMPIRE
Adventures on the Rim
Chapter 1 - That Old Gang of Mine

Out here on the Rim, you lived and died by the Word. The Word was son and father, drug and pusher, shield and trap, thorn and flower. In the streets, the cantinas, all along the alleyways and dirt-strewn lived the Word. The old timers said you gotta get with the Word or the Word will be your end. The Word told you who was in, who was out, who was dead already and who was dead and just didn't know it yet.

And sure, they had the Word in the Core. But in the Core the Word was careful electrical pulses along careful secured lines. In the Core the Word was double-checked by committee and custom-designed and verified and sent out into the world spell-checked with proper grammar, like a holovid idol taking the stage for adoring fans.

On the Rim the Word was smaller. Quieter. Equal parts lies and truth. Equal parts tonic and poison. One the Rim, the art wasn't catching the Word (the Word was everywhere, all the time, wherever you might be), it was sifting the true Word from all the wishful thoughts and bravado and ego and malice. The art wasn't finding the Word, the art was hearing it.

Just because you couldn't hear it, didn't mean it wouldn't knock you dead in a heartbeat and then pass to another ear with only your final death rattle to mark its passing.

Out on the Rim, on the planet Tattoine, in the city of Nal Shudda, the had the Word. And the Word said that Teemo the Hutt, flush with confidence over his new alliance with the Genosians, has gone to war with the Pyke syndicate. Word around Nal Shuuda was that Teemo was looking for a few freelancer operatives with steady aim, questionable ethics, and who don't ask a whole lot of questions.

Word said there was heavy cred on the far end, heavy cred and the well-wishes of Teemo, poised as he is to solidify the entire sector under his rule.

And all you had to do, said the Word, was find your way to the Dreaming Gundark cantina. And there the Word would come to you.

Inside it's cool and dark compared to the sun baked hell of the streets. There's a shockingly tall Devaronian tending bar. A few patrons tucked away in the corners, too tired and wasted to think of anything but their next drink. In the back, a stage, and on it a trio of strung-out Rodians dancing with more apathy than skill.

Around the tables sit a few others like you. Alert. Hardened. Ready for whatever came next. A Wookie with a face full teeth and scars. A human clad in heavy armour and a mechanical arm. A Bothan sitting with a bulky driod, eying the door. A Gand standing near the bar, still, not moving, watching.

And others...

 Spoiler: OOC
Welcome, everyone, to Adventures on the Rim! In your opening post, feel free to tell us how you heard about this job, how you came to be on Tattoine, and some of what other people see and sense when you enter the room.

Feel free to ask if you have any questions!

[User]
 Kal enters the cantina, his reputation as a no-nonsense gunslinger while hard earned, doesn't yet precede him, though he is known for having a sense of Honour. He walks up to the barkeep, the poncho he often wears flowing down and covering his hips.

"Hey Vokla... I'll a jabba juice..." his slightly gruff voice and relaxed body language would usually seem at odds with his clean face and styled light brown hair, which is kept in a very small ponytail (at most a couple of inches) at the base of his skull.

He turns around and drinks in his surroundings, looking for sign of the Word, while Vokla fetches him his drink. His poncho falls on one side, almost deliberately, revealing a very heavy blaster. He'd come as he frequented this Cantina for quite some time, and someone mentioned to him it might be up his street, and he had thought  What the hell? I could do with some extra credits.

He waits and drinks his drink, sipping it slowly and looking out for anything that seems out of place, or looking to draw his attention, his hazel eyes scanning the cantina and lingering on each person, just long enough to size them up, but not long enough to be threatening.

[User]
 Sebak was a newcomer to these parts - it wasn't that long ago that he'd barely left his the planet he was born on, yet here he was out in Tatooine looking for work with one of the biggest bosses around. It was funny how things went sometimes. These days, circumstances were a little more urgent when it came to needing money and work, so he'd come here, hitching a ride with a smuggler who had the space on his ship, volatile cargo he appreciated an expert eye on, and a tip on where to go once they arrived. So here he was, sitting in a Tattooine cantina to work for a Hutt.

Although his demeanour is generally quite calm, he seems quite protective of the backpack on the ground next to him, keeping his tail on the big bulky thing, but any keen-eyed prospective thieves seemed to so far be dissuaded by the glimpses they may have gotten of the pack's contents. It wasn't his entire stockpile of grenades and explosives of course (not even all he could carry, really), a fair amount stashed away elsewhere, but he still brought a fair amount just in case. You heard stories about places like this, and there was no harm in being prepared. Other than that, his gear didn't seem that unusual - a more or less standard pistol and the kind of clothing that takes a good look to spot the armoured parts. He didn't particularly enjoy drawing attention to himself when it wasn't necessary for him to do his job.

Sitting at his table, he sips his drink calmly and looks around. The person who recommended this just said that he had to come here, so...did he just wait? Did Teemo have someone here watching him and judging him? He wasn't sure exactly how this worked but wasn't too concerned. For now, he was content to stay here until something happened.

 Spoiler

Explosives-wise, let's say he's got 1 Detonite (just in case), a heavy frag grenade, an ion grenade, a glop grenade and...(had to go remind myself of the difference between concussion, stun and knockout) a knockout and a stun grenade (total 8 Encumbrance with the pistol, which he can carry with capacity to spare with his military pack).

[User]
 Kodos has been sitting at his table for nearly a half hour now. Looking casual. Hopefully. Just need someone with a big gun who wants to get off this rock enough, but won't turn me in for quick credits the second they figure out the deal. Not like they'd get anything but a slit throat anyway, but they wouldn't know that until it's too late and any warnings would ring hollow. Anyway, someone who also has something to lose. Jeez, this is bad, the only ones I can trust are the same ones who would only turn the heat up on any bounties. Welp, too late now. Got the ship, got the droid, need the protection and either something to do or somewhere to hide.

That human looks promising. Big gun.


[User]
 Trigger Warning: Suicide
Kimiko was sitting in the Student Council Office of Yamamura Academy. There were papers scattered over her desk, a calendar she needed to re-organize and a new campaign for leniency on student uniforms some other Council Members were planning.

Then she was home, her original home, standing across the street as a gaggle of pumpkin-headed creatures hurled fireballs at the apartment building. She hears the screams of her father, the ones she's imagined all too many times, his burned body somewhere inside the smoke. The flames suddenly die away, leaving a burned out husk. She sees her eight year old self, standing at the top of the building, and leaping.

There's a sickening crack.

She's still in the Student Council Office, and she feels her arm burning. She looks down to see burned flesh, obviously healed quite some time ago, but still there, still marking her. The door opens and she sees Kobayashi Niko walk in, the youngest member of the Student Council. She approaches with a smile, oblivious to the scars on Kimiko's arm as she perches on the edge of her desk with her usual boyish swagger.

 "Hey, Kimiko! I've got good news! Y'know Yamazaki Ayane? The pretty noble girl? She's agreed to join the Student Counil!"  Niko grinned a little too widely.  "And that's just, so good for us, y'know? But, since there's only a few spots here and all, one of us has to go, and I think that's you! I mean, it's not like you do much anyway, we'd probably get by fine without you here at all!"  She laughs.  "And, well, she's much more useful than you, 'cause I don't know what it is with you, but you're not noble, and she is, and she's pretty - I think most of the  girls  here would marry her if they could. I mean, just put her next to you, she's got money, looks, social status, both her parents are still alive..."  She makes a face and shifts on the desk.  "Something's under my foot here..."

She lifts up her foot and Kimiko can see the splayed-out corpse her eight year old self had just become, before her eyes, in the moment before.  "Meh, just a piece of trash. You really need to clean up before you go, Kimiko."

Kimiko's standing in the hospital corridor, looking in on her brother, pale and almost-lifeless on the hospital bed. A younger her is stood beside her. The door is slammed in both their faces and the other her walks down the corridor, people walking passed her like they can't see the tears on her face, her dirty clothes, the distinctly parent-shaped hole beside her. Her eyes follow the girl into an open closet, a noose hanging from the ceiling. She watches as she stands on the stool, wraps the noose tightly around her neck, and falls.

There's a stomach-churning snap.

Kimiko is back in the Student Council Room, Niko is still sitting on her desk, her body is still on the floor, and the scars on her arm have spread up over her shoulder, up half of her face, and they burn. The door opens again and Kimiko's mother walks in, but something's different about her. It's not her hair, or her clothes, and it takes a moment to figure out what the difference is. She's smiling, and she dips to the side of a shape hanging from the ceiling fan - the cadaver Kimiko just saw in the hospital closet.

 "There you are, Kimiko."  Rin says.  "I've got good news; I've found a man who can solve our problems! Our problems, by which I mean, mine and Riku's. This gentleman is more than happy to provide for a woman like myself, and a boy with Leukemia? All that needs is money, and he's got plenty of that, but he can't be dealing with some sad, broken little girl."  Her mother says.  "I think, for the sake of your brother and I, it would be best if you weren't here. Think of how much happier we'd be without having to worry about you and your education. Your brother might even be better now, or I might have a better job, if I didn't have to worry about your education so much."  She laughs.  "And it's not like you do much for us when you're alive."

Kimiko is standing in the showers of her middle-school. She sees herself standing in the showers, later than all of the other girls; most of them have gone by now. The bag with all of her things, from her showering supplies to her paperwork, is there. One form stands out in particular - a letter from Yamamura Academy. The rush of joy that came with her acceptance was soon met with a cold dash of reality. There wasn't any room in the dorms. Another three years of homelessness, of having to scrape by, sneak around, make excuses about why she can't spend time with people who could be her friends... The other her, one not much younger, holds a razor in her hands. She cradles it in trembling fingers, then brings it up to her arm...

Crimson floods the drains.

Kimiko is in the Student Council Office again. This time, the door doesn't open. The corpse under Niko's feet reaches out and grabs Kimiko's leg, where the scars have started to spread.   "It's not hard, Kimiko."   A smile spreads across her mangled face as she tightens her grip.

  "Think of how happy they'll be..."   This voice comes from the Kimiko hanging from the ceiling fan, before the noose snaps and she starts to crawl towards the still-sitting girl.

  "Without you..."   Another finishes, as she sees her blood-drained body sitting against the wall, slowly rise, her pale skin almost glowing in the fluorescent light as she staggers her way towards Kimiko.

  "You don't have to do it like us..."   The sound of the Yamamura Bullet Train rockets passed the window and she feels a hand on her shoulder. The voice is unmistakably her own, however mangled the hand.

  "Don't be selfish..."   Another Kimiko crawls out from under one of the desks, her clothes laden with water, her skin pallid and bloated.

  "Just do it."   Another Kimiko comes out from behind her oblivious mother, a red cord making the flesh on her neck bulge out, but the words come from all of them, a chorus, who crawl or stumble closer to Kimiko, grasping at her, pulling at her, with more and more of them appearing out of the shadows.

  "Just do it..."
  "Just do it..."

[User]
 "I..."

Kimiko recoils from her alternate selves as they close in.

 "I... I'm not done yet. I've got to return my books, and Riku's, and there's still study hall... at least to the end of the year..."

Of course her mind already has an answer prepared.

  Not a problem. It's all been taken care of.

No more obligations, no more responsibilities. No one needs you, and no one will miss you.

They've all finally figured out what a fraud you were.

"But... I..."  She sweats and struggles for breath as she takes a slow step backwards.

  Where are you going? This is what you've always wanted, isn't it?

Kimiko feels her alternate selves tugging at her. Burning, raking, choking. She tries to take another step back, but it's no use. As horrifying as it is, they're not telling her anything she doesn't already know. Nothing she hasn't told herself every night for eight years. How could she hope to escape from herself?

 "Shinkyo Kimiko. You have forgotten who you are."

Another voice among the chorus. But, it's... different. Stronger, somehow.

 "You're here because you've seen something that many people never understand. You've made yourself into many Things, but to the extent that you're smart, or pretty, or helpful, or any of those useful Things you've made of yourself, you can also outlive that usefulness and be replaced."
 "Nnn..."  It's all the struggling girl can say as the specters pick at her eyes.

 "You see the Things, but you're blinded to yourself that wields them. You that remains when the world falls away, and you who have the power to find it and pick it up again."

Kimiko blinks, and either her eyes fail to open or the world has gone dark. The burns have spread and rendered most of her body numb.   There's... nothing left for me...

A part of her tenses up. She can't accept that judgement. Not completely.

 "No... there's nothing for me out there, but... somewhere else..."

Her eyes itch. She reaches with numb hands and touches something.

 "Then our contract has been signed. I am thou, thou art I. Remove your blinders, and find life for yourself!"

With that, Kimiko rips the patch off of her eye, and splits into two beings. Herself, with a bleeding eye that really should probably be patched again, and another figure, clad in a tattered robe and a soot-stained muffler, with one empty eye socket and an empty bandage in place of one arm. Miaoshan extends her good hand and shrouds them both in a cloud of smoke and cinders as she prepares to put some much-needed distance between Kimiko and her dead doppelgangers.

[User]
 Even as she's pulled out of the fray, Kimiko can barely walk unassisted. Her body is almost as battered and bloody as her dead counterparts, and her mind is in a haze of introduction and dream logic from her newly-bound spirit. As the smoke clears, the shadows' pleading expressions change to jealousy and anger.

  No! What are you doing?!
You don't have a plan!
You can't go on without us!

They turn and rush in pursuit, the more mangled forms crawling and oozing more quickly than they ever could have run. The living Kimiko watches anxiously as her persona unfurls her bandage arm. The disembodied cloth is long and strong enough to trip the attackers and toss them into each other, leaving only a couple stragglers for Kimiko to deal with herself.

One of the hissing shadows leaps up to scratch her with a mangled, bony hand. On something like instinct, she draws a long knife from her coat's lining to parry it and another to swipe at the monsters in retaliation. The new gash blends right in with their scars, but it's enough to force them back in surprise.

  Hchh! You idiot!
 You're just killing yourself again!

"No, I don't think so. I think I get it now."

The one from the bus station rushes towards her. She remembers this one. She remembers how the test crinkled in her hands when she felt it, and how her tears smudged her own pencil marks but couldn't budge the damning red pen.

Kimiko twists aside and lets the shadow run into the knife in her left hand.  "I'm not a perfect student..."

She slashes at another version of herself, the slit-wristed one from the gym.  "I don't have a normal life..."

The eight-year-old runs up and grabs Kimiko by the waist. She shakes her off and pushes her away into the other two.  "I'm not an innocent little kid anymore."

The three lie still, no deader than they were previously but nonetheless defeated. When Kimiko turns to face the rest of the monsters, she's standing up straight. Her wounds have healed, her coat has been repaired, and a gleam in her eye pierces through a snazzy new eyepatch. The hanging Kimiko from the hospital rises eerily into the air, leading the rest of the undead horde to confront their enemy.

 "...and I know I'll never be the savior who can just wave a wand and fix everything. But those parts of me were always just Things. It hurts when they die, but  I  still live. I won't let you take me down with them!"

With that, her persona returns to her side and slowly sweeps its good hand across the room. With a slow crescendo of hisses and pops, furniture and floorboards burst into flame around the monsters.

 "We should go."
 "Let's."

Miaoshan vanishes, leaving only a vague understanding of their contract in the back of her partner's mind. Kimiko expertly jimmies open the window and makes her escape. She sprints along the now-empty subway track back to the cafe as her palace crackles and burns down behind her.


[User]
 The home away for home for many of our group, or in a few instances home in lieu of anything else, "The Smashed Psyche" is full or regulars tonight.  The proprietor Haggard Sinclair, the mountain of a man who was once an adventurer, is tending the bar.  His beautiful teenage daughter Hope is cheerfully waiting tables and bringing out meals that her dear grandmother, Eunice prepares back in the kitchen.  One table has six dock workers their, eating their meal as they do every evening and downing a few ales and meades.  Another table is full of locals who are ordering pitcher after pitcher of beer celebrating a birthday.  The bar has 7 or 8 people at it, including two dwarves boisterously telling stories, and two ales giving rather snobbish glances at the dwarves while they sip on wine.

As usual, Haggard has reserved the corner table near the fireplace for the six of you.  Hope greets each of you as she takes meal and drink orders.

[User]
 Folmun smiles warmly at hope, before ordering a simple fare, preferring to have a cheap bland meal to save copper for a finer ale.

Once the drinks arrived he dived onto telling the story he had been holding on all day.  "My youngest brother went an said his first word today, guess what it was? Hops! The little menace is gonna grow upta be like his eldest I'll bet!"  Folmun takes a moment to keep himself from shedding a prideful tear, covering it as best he could with a swig.  "Course now we have all taken to callin him that, so I'm pretty glad he didn't say nothin troublin like 'bung' cause that ain't a nickname you want to stick"

[User]
 Tangle avoids looking at the dwarves altogether. Call it an old habit, but she prefers to keep her dealings with them to individuals she feels she can trust. She can count off that list with one claw. In fact, all of them are sitting at this very table.

But tonight, she feels like living it up. Who knows if they'll manage to gather enough gold. Might as well enjoy it while it lasts. "  What's the strongest spirit-drink?  " she asks with as much politeness as she knows. It's not a lot, but the spirit is what counts.

She listens to Folmun's story and...doesn't really grasp why it's causing him so much emotion. "  Fast-quick, tell me why 'hops' is such a good name. Is jumping so heart-dear to you?"  "

[User] Hope smiles to Tangle and responds,  "Probably either the Dwarven 'Shroom Votka or the Orcish Rotgut would be the strongest drink we have in back.  Which would you like?"

[User]
 Tangle thinks for a moment. Dwarven or orcish? Rotgut didn't sound terribly good for her insides, but she'd had good experiences with mushrooms before. In the end, the choice was clear.

"  One shroom vodka, please and thank you,  " she says.

[User]
 Hope quickly returns with a small metal tumbler full of a clearish liquid with a cloudy greyish tinge.  It has almost no odor save for a stale smell. The dwarven "votka" appears to be very similar to more traditional vodka's.   "Best of luck dear"  Hope says with a smile.

Tangle:
 Spoiler
 Fort Save x2 please when/if you drink it.

[User]
 Maybe this wasn't the best idea. Oh well. The drink was sitting in front of her and Tangle wasn't going to refuse it now. She raised it to her lips and drank.

 Spoiler
 (1d20+3)[ 13 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 10 ]

[User]
 Lea scans the room when her group enters the tavern. She takes a seat at the same table as her group and orders a simple meal with an ale when it comes her turn to order. She brushes a stray strand of her hair out of her eyes as the dwarf in her party starts telling them of his family.

Smiling as Tangle voices the question before her, Lea waits till after Tangle is served and chimes in.   "I'm also curious why hops is a good name."   Then looks to Tangle.   "Can you handle dwarven brew? I hear it's some strong stuff..."

[User] The burn that Tangle experiences as the spirit goes down her throat it agonizing.  She manages to keep it down and somewhat maintain her composure, but she feels like she just swallowed the burning end of a lit torch.  She feels the spirit course through her body though and feels a bit more care free and confident than usual.

[User]
 Tangle coughs first. It was a little strong. Then the fire races down her throat and she gasps. Then it reaches her stomach and she falls out of her chair. "  It's great  ," she says, voice transformed into that of someone who'd smoked way too much tobacco throughout their life, "  Everyone should get some  ." She lays there for a moment and lets out a wheeze.

Shakily, she clambers back into her seat and sips the rest of the mug instead of trying to gulp it.

[User]
 "Hops are one of the key ingredients to makin an ale. You use the hops to give it flavor and aroma. It's got me swellin up with pride cause it means the little tyke has been listenin to me round the house and just might become a brewery himself one day"  Folmun laughs easily at the misunderstanding .  "Let's hope that's the party he takes and not that he is gonna be bouncin round the house all the time. There are plenty other siblings who do that."

"You be careful with that stuff Tangle, us dwarves take our drinks strong!"

[User] Percy slaps his knee, laughing at Tangle's antics.   "Okay, I have got to try that stuff for myself! Hope, pour me a glass as well!"   The investigator can't resist a brew that strong.   "Hope it knocks me off my feet, too!"   he says, heartily chuckling, and placing a silver piece on the bar counter.


[User]
 It's strange how friendships develop.  Less than a week ago, none of the four of you had even met.  A chance meeting on the road between like-minded men of faith, a choice in a run-down tavern, a few days (and towns) on the road together, and a bond is birthed.  Still tenuous, sure.  But a bond nonetheless.

You enter Ilsurian now in late spring.  There is an easy comradery between you and your companions as you walk down the well trodden path from Whistledown, a joking, teasing comradery that only the young and (mildly) foolish can pull off without sounding mean-spirited.

Ilsurian is an orderly town, as towns go.  The buildings and the people seem sturdy.  Permanent.  Like they have withstood the storms, and will again, if called upon.  They are about their evening chores, trying to be finished with the day before darkness falls so they can enjoy a pint at the local watering hole or an evening at home with the children before they get up to do it all again tomorrow.  It seems a peaceful place, like many other towns across Varisia.

 Spoiler: Knowledge Local or Diplomacy: Ilsurian DC 15
lsurian is a trading town in central Varisia, situated on the bank of Lake Syrantula next to the mouth of Skull River.

 Spoiler: Knowledge Local or Diplomacy: Ilsurian DC 20
 Ilsurian is a trading town in central Varisia, situated on the bank of Lake Syrantula next to the mouth of Skull River. Many of the inhabitants of the town descended from ethnic Chelaxians, and most of them have the strong features, pale skin, and dark hair of that group. Most also harbor prejudice against the native Varisians, and believe the stereotypes that Varisians are thieves and layabouts.

 Spoiler: Knowledge Local or Diplomacy: Ilsurian DC 25
 Ilsurian is a trading town in central Varisia, situated on the bank of Lake Syrantula next to the mouth of Skull River. Many of the inhabitants of the town descended from ethnic Chelaxians, and most of them have the strong features, pale skin, and dark hair of that group. Most also harbor prejudice against the native Varisians, and believe the stereotypes that Varisians are thieves and layabouts.

The town was named for its founder Ilsur, a Knight of Aroden from the city of Korvosa. With the crumbling of the Chelish Empire, Ilsur wanted a militant-leaning meritocracy to replace noble rule in Korvosa, but had to eventually concede defeat roughly 80 years ago. He marched his troops to the west bank of the Skull River where it empties into Lake Syrantula, and awaited a chance to return and seize Korvosa by military force. He died waiting for the opportunity, and his army gradually transformed into a strong community of independent fishers and foresters.

[User]
 Todd was amazed as he entered into the town. It was his first time at this place and wondered if it was more than just aesthetics the reason behind its appearance. " I think this place pretty unique in its design choices, dont you think? Where should we go first to? Get some food? Find a place to stay? Go shopping? Our options are endless. " He speaks while rising his hands above his head in excitement and wanderlust.

Equinox wasnt as excited as Todd about the whole thing. Walking through the town meant he would have to remain quiet to avoid attracting the wrong type of atention. He yawns for a bit and then stretches his whole body like a dog.

[User]
 Spoiler: ooc
diplomacy  (1d20+9)[ 14 ]
take 10 on know (local) for 15

.....hold on, so if you don't make the first check then you don't even know where you are? that doesn't make sense.

Despite it being a major stop on the road, Cris has never really been to Ilsurian before, only passing through briefly on his many trips up and down the lake.   Something about.....hmm.   He racks his brain, but can't remember what his father had told him about the town. Either way, it seems welcoming enough.

Cris finds himself yawning with Equinox as Todd lights up like a firecracker - for all the travelling he's done, he still isn't used to walking so much. Still, with a smile at his fellow's enthusiasm, he suggests:   "Maybe we should find a place to stay first. Then we can all go out and explore without having to worry."

[User]
 Elyn
  "... and then the farmer said: That's no donkey!"   Elyn laughs a little too loudly at her own joke as the adventurers make their way into town.

 Spoiler: OOC
Roll first: knowledge (local):  (1d20+3)[ 10 ]

Having been raised in a small backwater town with little knowledge of the outside world, Elyn knows very little about Varisia. Nor does she know much about Ilsurian.   "Well, uh... we're here?"   She looks at Cris and nods.   "A place to stay should uh... be our first priority. Anyone know any good inns around here?"

[User]
 Originally Posted by BramsesII
  Elyn
  "... and then the farmer said: That's no donkey!"   Elyn laughs a little too loudly at her own joke as the adventurers make their way into town.

 Spoiler: OOC
Roll first: knowledge (local): [roll0]

Having been raised in a small backwater town with little knowledge of the outside world, Elyn knows very little about Varisia. Nor does she know much about Ilsurian.   "Well, uh... we're here?"   She looks at Cris and nods.   "A place to stay should uh... be our first priority. Anyone know any good inns around here?"

One of the villagers, hearing your last question, points towards the center of town.   "The Two Waters Tavern is just off the village green.  They will have rooms.  And a good meal, if you have coin."

[User]
 Todd nods in agreement to Elyn´s suggestion. It was probably the right idea since they just arrived. He thinks about making a nice gesture for the rest. " Depending on how much it is, I can help cover the expenses for everyone. Hopefully, I will have more enough for the 4 of us. And if not, maybe I can get some extra money performing for the people there. It is really convenient that Equinox doesnt need a place to stay at night. " He finishes teasingly as playfully taunts by sticking his tongue out. Grim shakes his head but smiles back. The two share a couple of thoughts with Equinox and Todd´s laugh turns to sound a bit more nervous.

" Anyway, what do you guys think? Should we head to the Two Waters Tavern? " Todd asks the rest on their opinions.

[User]
 Elyn

Elyn nods.   "Sounds like a uh.. plan."   She rubs the back of her neck.   "I haven't had a good night's sleep since that brawl. He gave me nightmares with his... bugs."   The alchemist shivers involuntarily, remembering all the bugs.   "Oh, and if it's not too uh... expensive, I can pay for my own stay."

[User] " Well, then what are we waiting for? Lets go and check it out. " Todd replies to her knowing the rest are most likely as interested in sleeping in a nice place as her. Todd then starts walking to Two Waters Tavern following the directions given by the villagers. Equinox keeps moving forward as he follows Todd around hoping the place isnt far away from their current position.

[User] "Sure, let's go. And don't worry about the money - I'm sure I can handle my own."   Cris heads out behind Todd.

[User]
 William Sendor

Despite living relatively close by, Ilsurian was more of mystery to William than he had expected. Looking at the others, he hoped one of them would be able to find their way through the city.

---

William nods and smiles at Todd's offer.

 "Thank you for the offer."

He hadn't been travelling with these folks for very long, but he felt he could trust them as travelling companions.

Feeling around for his coin pouch, he notices that it is empty.

 "I hope to repay your kindness in the future."

[User] Entering the Two Waters, you are struck by the size of the crowd.  Apparently this is the happening spot, considering the early hour.  A handsome, middle aged woman is standing at the corner of the bar overlooking the goings on with the satisfied air of ownership.  She turns and smiles as a younger woman walks by, making a comment and nodding towards the four of you, standing in the door.  The first woman begins walking your way, guesturing expansively, taking in the whole room with a wave.    "Welcome strangers.  As you can see, we are busy early this evening.  But I believe there is a table available over in the corner by those sailors, there.  I am Noria, the owner here.  What will you have?"

[User]
 Elyn

Elyn smiles slightly nervously at the woman.   "Well met, uh... Miss Noria. We'll have uh..."   She looks at the others.   "What're we having?"

[User] " We would like a couple of rooms. One for the lady and another one for us three. We would also greatly appreciate it if you could give us the cost for the rooms. Maybe not in that particular order though. " Todd reples joining in to make the request himself while giving a wide smile to whom he guessed was the receptionist.

[User]
 She looks at you shrewdly, clearly noting your hesitance.    "The lot of you can sleep on pallets in the common room for 5 silver bits.  For 6 silver bits, I'll throw in a bowl of stew and a mug of traveler's friend.  A room would cost you dearly, being as how they are all full, what with the circus coming to town and all.

Y'all better grab that table, before the rest of the farmers get the stock put up for the night."

[User]
 William Sendor
 Circus? I didn't know that would be occurring now...

"Excuse me."  William attempts to get Noria's attention.

 "What circus is this? Where are they travelling from...and where are they heading next?"

[User] " It seems we might be getting a really poor bed. Still, it could be nice to at least check the circus out if they are so popular. " Todd replies with curiosity on the circus. He then turns to William as he hears him speak with interest about it for some more practical uses. " That could be useful. " He turns to the receptionist and asks " Do you know where could we find them? "

[User]
 Spoiler: ooc
Uh...I posted something a while ago but it seems like it didn't end up going through. Anyways...

knowledge (local)  (1d20+5)[ 8 ]  for information about said circus.

  "A circus? Now, come to think of it, I did hear something about that earlier...uh...I don't remember, though."   Cris seems to be struggling with his memory somewhat recently - must be the rigors of his trip.

[User] " Still, I am kinda sorry. I wish I could have gotten us a room. I suppose it Will be for the next time. " Todd apologizes to the rest. Equinox nods silently in agreement.

[User]
 Elyn

The alchemist shudders as the atmosphere in the room reminds her of the creep with the bugs.   "Yeesh. No rooms. I uh... hope there's no bugs or uh... other creepies."

"I would like to uh... see the circus, though. Sounds... interesting."

[User]
 Noria smiles, her eyes crinkling at the corners, as she takes in the various responses from the lot of you.   "Haven't you heard?  The Umbra Carnival is coming to town.  They've got a menagerie, a fortune teller, even a Sphinx!  I figured you all for folks visiting to see them."

 Spoiler: Knowledge (Local) or Diplomacy (Umbra Carnival)

 Spoiler: DC 5
“A traveling carnival? Beware my friend! These things are just a front for criminal activity. The games are rigged, the sideshows are farcical and the food is filthy. Sure the women are comely, but their welcome smiles and scant costumes are a distraction for the menfolk to cut your purse. My cousin got lured behind a wagon by a likely wench and got his head cracked open for his
trouble. Blasted dancers! Now he’s dumb and broke. Trust me, keep your distance!”

 Spoiler: DC 10
“Traveling carnivals are wicked fun! Even if you don’t have much coin, here’s always something to see. Harrowers, savage beasts, all manner of freaks and the dancing ladies—oh my! The smell of perfume, roasting meat and pipeweed makes me delightfully dizzy. There’s usually a good fight to watch, too. My uncle told me about this time he won 10 gold Sails wrestling Khoshut
the Backbreaker, an exiled Shoanti warchief. I only wish they came more often.”

 Spoiler: DC 15
 The Umbra Carnival is one of the many traveling shows that circulate around Varisian towns and cities providing entertainment in exchange for a bit of coin. Some believe these troupes are a front for Sczarni crime families who fleece as many locals as they can before
hitting the road ahead of an angry mob. They feature freakshows, games of skill and chance, a menagerie of exotic or dangerous creatures, acrobats, musicians and fortune-tellers. The workers are often all part of an extended family, but there are always a few collected castoffs of society.

 Spoiler: DC 20
The Umbra Carnival began over ten years ago. It grew gradually into the size of a small village, with a diverse array of attractions and amusements from all over Avistan. The sincere intent of the carnival is to provide much-needed entertainment at a price communities can afford. One of the center-stage attractions is Jherizhana, a sphinx captured in Thuvia and bought by the carnival.

 Spoiler: DC 25
The former adventurer Almara Delisen founded the Umbra Carnival over a decade ago. She uses her illusion magic as the centerpiece of a traveling show that passes through small towns starved for entertainment and a glimpse of life beyond their borders. With time, other performers, acts, and attractions joined her circus— lost souls and lonely hearts, eager to see the world or leave some part of it behind.

[User]
 Elyn

The alchemist offers the woman a small smile in return.   "We uh.. we had no idea. Or I didn't, uh... at least. But maybe we'll go and have a uh... a look. Sounds fun, right guys?"

 Spoiler: Roll:
Knowledge (local): (1d20+3)[ 18 ]

[User]
 Spoiler: ooc
err...let's try diplomacy  (1d20+9)[ 20 ]

At the innkeeper's words, Cris's memory is finally jogged, and he breaks out in a grin.   "I knew there was a circus around, but I didn't know it was here. And the one with the sphinx! Always wanted to see it. Just my luck, I guess."

[User]
 Spoiler: Dice Roll
 (1d20+4)[ 17 ]

" It could definitely be a good chance. Where can we find them? " Todd replies wondering if they could go there and check them out early. He hadnt seen in one before and it could be a good chance to finally know one. " I hope you all are as excited as I am. "

[User]
 William Sendor

"I, too, would like to see what the have. The circus was one of the few times I got an experience that felt foreign or different from home."  William ponders for a moment.

 "It definitely is in line with my wanting to see more of the world...but what is a Sphinx?"

[User] "Well, they'll be here tomorrow.  So you better grab that table before someone else does and enjoy the evening."    She smiles again, waving you through.    "Will you be staying the night then? 6 silver for the lot of you, plus stew and a mug.  Ale after that will cost you 2 coppers a mug."

[User] " Yeah, we will take them. We need somewhere to sleep anyway. I´ll pay for the four of us. " He replies as he hands over the money to the receptionist. It wasnt much but a place to stay was necessary and it wasnt like they could get anything better. He gives his name and makes the reservation. " Well, who wants to come and check out the town with me? We might even get a glance of the circus.  " He then waits at the front door for anyone who decides to join.

[User] Cris shakes his head as Todd ends up paying for everyone after all.   "Thanks, you really didn't have to"  , he says with a warm smile. Then, after Todd heads back towards the door, he adds through a yawn or two:   "I think I'll stay here and hold our spot, just in case someone tries to take it, and see what news is coming through the tavern here. Let me know if you find anything interesting!"

[User]
 Elyn

The alchemist nods.   "That's very uh... kind of you."   She looks at Cris, then Todd, before making a decision.   "I think I'll uh... head into town with you. Who knows what we'll uh... find."

[User]
 William Sendor

William nods his head in thanks.  "I hope to repay your benevolence."  He says to Todd.

 "As for exploring the town, I think I would rather start that in the morning. I'll stay here with Chris and enjoy some food and rest."

He then heads over to the table to join Chris.

[User]
 William and Chris settle down at their table, and soon are filling their bellies with a thick, hearty stew.  The cold ale washes it down nicely.  As the stew fills in the corners of your hunger and you lean back, contented, you begin to overhear the conversations around you.  The town is abuzz with the knowledge of the Umbra Carnival.  Folks are clearly excited.

Elyn and Todd wander the almost empty streets of Ilsurian looking for something interesting to do.  And although they see an occasional local finishing up his chores and the like, the town seems larely empty.  On the southwestern edge of town, you do come across a large field cordoned off.  Good, old-fashioned common sense tells you this is the circus site.

What do you wish to do?

[User] Todd looks around as they walk the streets. He quite enjoyed the calm environment of the place especially since it wasnt crowded. Streets were always better when you didnt have to push your way through. He took a look at a couple of stores but decided to keep moving forward. As he notices the place that was cordoned. " Wow, do you think this Will be the place where they put up the circus? It is a shame that is not ready yet. It must be quite the experience. Shall we take a look? " He speaks playfully.

[User]
 Elyn

Elyn is quiet as they make their way through the streets. She prefers the quiet, as that is something she's used to in the town she grew up in. The alchemist nods when Todd speaks.   "Would've been good to uh... get a sneak peek. I uh... say we go for it and uh... see."