Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: MadPanda on 06-11-2015, 06:00:48</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>06-11-2015, 06:00:48</strong>
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				<em>(Opening cinematic sequence.&nbsp; The NARRATOR sounds a lot like Uncle Iroh...)</em><br><br>"I have told you, best beloved, about the Great Stone Monkey and his many mischievous antics in the Celestial Court.&nbsp; And I have told you how the other great spirits grew so tired of dealing with him that they cast him down to the mortal world to wander until he should learn some manners.&nbsp; In time, he managed this."<br><br><em>(A quick montage of a wiry little man with long arms, big ears, and an unruly shock of hair, demonstrating legendary prowess at the martial arts against a number of fantastic beasts and the occasional human, ending with a long shot of him trudging across a broad expanse of desert before fading out along with the last five words of the narration.)</em><br><br>"I have also told you of the Little Stone Monkey who, when she showed every sign of following in her father's footsteps, earned herself a trip down from the starry heavens and walked among mortals.&nbsp; In time, she too managed to return to the good graces of her peers."<br><br>(A second montage, this time of a figure quite similar to the first...but also quite female.&nbsp; While the opponents and her style are different, she's clearly both related to and taught by the first.)<br><br><em>NARRATOR laughs, and his voice is echoed by the giggles of small children.</em><br><br>"Now, however, it is time to speak of another such rascal!&nbsp; Did you not know, my darlings, that the Little Stone Monkey had sisters?&nbsp; For it was not just her famous sire from whom she got her naughty nature..."<br><br><em>Cue opening titles.</em><br><br>Opening music: https://youtu.be/LTI5v9kkYnk (https://youtu.be/LTI5v9kkYnk)<br><br><em>We open with a long establishing shot of a tiny forest village on a river.&nbsp; Toward the setting sun, the heavily wooded land rises to meet a mountain.&nbsp; The small cluster of buildings is held fast in the embrace of a log palisade, cut only by two simple gates on the landward side and the modest fishing docks along the water's edge.</em><br><br>You arrive just a few minutes before the gates are shut for the night.&nbsp; You get a few suspicious glances from the part-time guards, but nobody stops you from seeking out the village storyteller, whose invitation brought you here.&nbsp; His house is just to one side of the common area, and as you approach you see several children emerging from his front door, laughing and giggling with innocent happiness.&nbsp; He ushers the last of them out, then looks up to see you.&nbsp; With a smile, he beckons you closer.<br><br>"It is good to see you, my friends," he says.&nbsp; "Have you eaten?"<br><br><em>Mai, how do you know the old man?&nbsp; Is he as he seems?</em><br><br><em>Ling, why would you rather not have returned to this place?</em>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>06-11-2015, 08:48:53</strong>
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				A short silver haired girl just barely reaching five feet, dressed in high quality yet simple tan and green robes that were smudged and covered with dirt entered the village gate. Strapped to the girl’s back was a large wooden kanabo covered with iron studs that was almost as big as she was. Ling was grumbling a bit as they entered, not entirely happy about having to stay in this particular village. She’d might’ve made a teensy weensy mess the last time she was here. Said incident involving an important looking man who had a little too much to drink with grabby hands and the inability to take no for an answer.&nbsp; When that had been mixed with her rather prickly attitude and unwillingness to put up with his attentions, it hadn’t ended well with the young rich man stuck up to his neck in the earth and covered with both his beer and bruises. She might’ve left him unconscious as well although she didn’t remember that part that well other than leaving there feeling very satisfied with herself. Suffice to say she wasn’t exactly thrilled about the idea of being back in the village.<br><br>When they arrived at the story teller’s home she looked up at him and came closed when beckoned. “It good to see you too.” When he asked about whether or not they had eaten Ling shook her head. “Nope, haven’t gotten a chance to eat dinner yet. I’m starving.” She announced, never the one to potentially give up a free meal.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>07-11-2015, 01:33:12</strong>
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				The second to enter was a girl standing 5'8" with raven hair and deep black eyes. And a wolf. One mustn't forget the black wolf. Her clothes were lighter and in muted tones as befit the woods that she called her home. She rarely left the wood, but the old man was the one who invited her, and Mai felt it only right to agree to his invitation. After all, it had been many a time that he had visited her in the woods, and when he did so, he always bore himself kindly and politely, where most were apt simply to write her off as that "Wild Girl with the Wolf." She sought to protect the old man, but had learned, much to some bandits' chagrin, that he was more than able to take care of himself. He was no ordinary codger - and Mai felt much happier, and safer, to count him as a friend.<br><br>She smiled and returned the greeting. "I am happy to see you as well," presenting some venison from her recent hunt as an offering of gratitude. As she sat down, she also registered pleasure at seeing the other visitor. Ling had supported her in the lean times, and the huntress would never forget. "It has been a while since I have seen you as well, Ling. Far too long in fact..."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>07-11-2015, 20:02:33</strong>
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				He kneels to offer a hand to Hei, letting the wolf get his scent.<br><br>"Somehow, I had expected that you two would be traveling together!&nbsp; But you both got here, so I suppose it's perfectly all right."&nbsp; He straightens up again, showing his age a little.&nbsp; As he reaches to accept the offered venison, his grin grows.&nbsp; "I cannot promise a sumptuous and luxurious feast, but hot and filling are virtues in their own right.&nbsp; Come in, come in..."<br><br>His eyes flicker for a moment, drifting just off of Ling's shoulder.&nbsp; His voice grows a little more serious.<br><br>"Quickly."<br><br>Then he moves aside so that you may enter.&nbsp; Once you do, he closes the door firmly and waddles toward his tiny kitchen.<br><br>"First we eat, then I will explain why I asked for you to visit."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>07-11-2015, 22:26:45</strong>
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				Ling simply nodded her head when Mai greeted her. “Yeah, it’s good to see you again too Mai.” Ling greeted briskly, having always been a little prickly and not exactly the type who oozed polite manners if a good person at heart. She was happy to see Mai’s gift of venison to the old man and at the promise of food she couldn’t help but grin. “Great, I’m starving!”<br><br>When the old man suddenly changed his tone she frowned but did as he bid. She wasn’t quite sure what the reason for this was but Mai trusted him so she was willing to trust him. She’d already been invited to dinner and it would be rude to refuse it plus you know free food. “Great, can’t wait for dinner that venison looks good Mai.”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>08-11-2015, 19:25:00</strong>
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				While Ling may have been confused, Mai understood the meaning of the old man's tone very well. They were being followed. She hurried in and took her place at the table. "The hunt was good this season." She was happy to be able to provide. In the wood, it often was a touch and go thing. Nature was capricious at best, and choosing to live outside civilization had its rewards, but it also had its risks. <br><br>And as hungry as she was, Mai was also quite interested in seeing what exactly the old man had in store. He was, to say the least, full of surprises.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>08-11-2015, 19:36:55</strong>
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				He leads you to the tiny kitchen, where he sets the venison to grill over a low, slow flame alongside a pot of porridge.&nbsp; To tide all of you over, he serves bowls of the latter and makes small talk until the scent of cooking meat is enough to distract you.&nbsp; Cutting a part of it away and offering it to Hei, he cubes the rest and adds it to the pot to continue cooking.<br><br>"You know the forest better than any," he says to Mai soberly.&nbsp; "You know the stories of what lives higher on the mountain." He pauses.&nbsp; "They have been coming down from on high, moving away from the summit.&nbsp; Something is happening, and these brave young bucks have neither the cunning nor the courage to explore."<br><br>He casts a tight, wry smile at Ling.<br><br>"Someone taught their patron greater discretion a while back, I understand.&nbsp; The lesson seems to have been taken too far in the wrong direction."<br><br><em>Mai, what lives on the mountain?&nbsp; Are the stories mostly true, or mostly exaggerated?</em>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>08-11-2015, 21:24:14</strong>
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				Ling followed the old man into the kitchen as he led the way into the kitchen. She accepted the bowl of porridge and ate, occasionally chiming in with the small talk as she waited for the food to cook. As the scent of meat eventually reached her nose she sighed and her stomach let out a happy rumble and she eyed the pot hungrily, looking forward to the meal.<br><br>When the subject changed to what was going on in the forest she listened attentively to the story about how the creatures on the summit were leaving the summit of the mountain. That was worrisome. She wondered what it was that were making whatever lived on the summit come down. When the subject moved to her last visit to the village Lynn whistled innocently with an impish smile. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I just remember helping to deal with a wild pig problem the last time I was here.”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>10-11-2015, 02:35:55</strong>
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				Mai was not faint of heart. But even she gave a nervous glance out the window as the old man mentioned <em>them</em>. "The gray ones," she murmured. "Maybe human once, maybe not. Now they come and night to hunt and capture whosoever is so unlucky as to fall into their grasp. After that..."&nbsp; She shrugged and shivered. "...only the gods know."<br><br>Her eyes narrowed as she turned back towards the old man.<br><br>"Or maybe you as well..."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>11-11-2015, 04:48:21</strong>
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				"Me?&nbsp; I'm but a humble village storyteller," the aged fellow laughs in reply to Mai's comment, but he might be forcing it a bit.&nbsp; "I know nothing of such unpleasant matters.&nbsp; In any case, would it be too much to ask you and your spirited friend here to go and have a look?&nbsp; It is probably nothing, but the alternative is unlikely to prove fruitful in time."<br><br>He pauses, frowns into his meal.<br><br>"We would owe you a great debt, of course, if it proved to be more than nothing.&nbsp; It is not as though any of the great houses are like to worry overmuch about humble foresters."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>11-11-2015, 07:26:36</strong>
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				Ling continued to eat while the storyteller and Mai continue to discuss the forest. Listening carefully but not chiming in for now. When the old man got around to asking them to go and take a look of what was going on the forest she paused in her eating for a moment. “Eh, why not? I’ll do it after we finish the meal I got nothing better to do and besides I don’t want to stay too long in town anyway.” She declared as she continued her meal. Things had been a little boring on the way here anyway and she could use some action. She couldn’t show her father up if she sat around doing nothing.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>11-11-2015, 20:41:54</strong>
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				Mai would have done it for the old man anyway. But since Ling signed up for the adventure, her motivation doubled. Mai had sworn that Ling would not fear anything in the wood as long as she drew breath, and that definitely included the gray ones. "Yes - this must be done," she solemnly answered. "And as there is no one else to do it, it must be us."<br><br>Hei whimpered a bit, but found his place at Mai's side. It would be impossible to think otherwise.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>11-11-2015, 21:23:21</strong>
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				"I knew I could count on you," the old storyteller says, but he cannot disguise his relief at hearing that you are going to cooperate.&nbsp; "For now, let us eat and then rest.&nbsp; No point in going out this late."<br><br>Still, you can hear raised voices outside.&nbsp; Sounds like there's a crowd gathering.&nbsp; An angry crowd.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>11-11-2015, 21:43:49</strong>
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				Ling nodded her head&nbsp; when the old storyteller thanked them for accepting his request, "it's fine like I said I have nothing better to do anyway." She resumed eating&nbsp; peacefully until she heard an angry crowd gathering outside and it was pretty easy to guess why the crowd was outside.<br><br>Ling stood up and rolled her shoulders to limber up. "Just in time. I need to work off dinner anyway and it sounds like I got a whole group of pigs to deal with this time or maybe it would be better to call them a flock of chickens." She knew exactly what her father would say here, avoid conflict and hide away so she didn't cause trouble but that wasn't her. She was not going to let herself be scared off or let them think she was afraid. She wasn't going to budge an inch. Making her way to the door and exited the house to face the crowd. "Alright, you bunch of pansies! What's the big idea surrounding an old man's house like this!? Didn't your mommies teach you to respect your elders!?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>12-11-2015, 00:01:47</strong>
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				Mai was quieter but no less determined as she faced the crowd, Hei by her side. "Stand down and go home," she advised. As a rule, she had little use for towns and townspeople, but considering the mission ahead, they had better things to do than get in a fight with the locals. There would be enough of that in a little time anyway.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>12-11-2015, 03:53:45</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Yes, it's a crowd...and yes, they're pretty angry, and Ling's choice of words doesn't seem to help the situation at all.&nbsp; Mai's emergence, though, sends a ripple of recognition through the gathered toughs and militia-wanna-bes.&nbsp; A few of them, particularly at the edges of the crowd, decide that they have better things to do and go to find out what those other things are.<br><br>The crowd as a whole doesn't disperse, but Mai gets several bows with clasped hands: a warrior's gesture of respect for a fellow fighter.&nbsp; Finally, though, the last person Ling ever wants to see again manages to push himself to the fore and stands glaring at her, looking as haughty as he can possibly manage.<br><br>"Oh," he sneers.&nbsp; "It's only you.&nbsp; From the way the guards were talking it sounded like an actual problem had come to town."&nbsp; He turns.&nbsp; "Well?&nbsp; What are you all waiting for?&nbsp; Do as our noble huntress suggests.&nbsp; Nothing more to see.&nbsp; Just the old man entertaining a few guests."<br><br>More of the crowd drift away.&nbsp; Some linger, though, with an air of anticipation, as if sensing some potential street theater in the making.&nbsp; Their noble turns what might almost be a convincingly pleasant smile on Mai.<br><br>"But since you're here, I suppose you won't mind taking care of a little business on behalf of my noble clan?&nbsp; Nothing strenuous, I promise.&nbsp; Only I will need an Oath from you on the matter."<br><br><em>Ling, does this knucklehead have a name?</em>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>12-11-2015, 04:48:00</strong>
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				Ling was more than ready to take on the crowd if she had to. She wasn’t afraid of a fight and had been looking forward to getting a bit of a work out after that dinner but Mai dispersing the crowd worked as well she supposed. “Bunch of pansies.” She grumbled under her breath as the crowd finished dispersing. Suddenly a lone figure stepped out of the crowd with a face she’d rather have never seen again, Chao Yi, although she’d have made an exception if it was covered in blood and bruises so she could laugh at him for getting what he deserved.<br><br>Ling made a disgusted at Chao as he emerged from the crowd and sneered at her.&nbsp; “Guess you didn’t want the crowd to see you get your butt kicked again Chao.” She responded not any happier to see him than he was to see her. When he turned to Mai and tried to get her to do some work for him she was quick to speak. “Don’t do anything this oxygen thief asks Mai. It’ll only lead to trouble and he doesn’t deserve your help anyway.” She said as she glared at Chao.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>12-11-2015, 07:09:44</strong>
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				Perhaps it was his nonchalance. Perhaps it was the requirement of the oath. Perhaps it was Ling. Whatever it was, the whole thing left Mai feeling quite suspicious. So she turned and answered, "My apologies, but we already have a task ahead of us, and that must take precedence Lord Chao. That and I don't make oaths lightly, and certainly not without knowing the terms of the oath first."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-11-2015, 04:28:44</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"That is fair enough," Chao Yi seems to concede.&nbsp; "We shall discuss this at another time, like proper and civilized people.&nbsp; Over tea."<br><br>He gives Mai a nod that's just within the bounds of courtesy.<br><br>"I shall not detain you any further, huntress.&nbsp; But do keep your associate under control.&nbsp; I should hate to have anything untoward come about because of her temper."<br><br>He turns to leave.<br><br>"Oh, yes.&nbsp; One other thing.&nbsp; Without that oath...I'm afraid the House of Yi would take your presence here unkindly.&nbsp; Do be careful."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>13-11-2015, 05:19:31</strong>
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				“Yeah and your presence makes me want to kick your butt again. Why don’t you go back to kissing your cousin or whatever it is you people kiss to keep your bloodline pure?” Ling retorted as the nobleman took his leave, wanting oh so much to smack him upside the head with a rock and leave him for the thieves to find again. When he had left she turned back to Mai. “Either way we were bound to have trouble with that snake. Let’s get back to the house. We got a long day tomorrow.”
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				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>14-11-2015, 06:43:38</strong>
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				Mai rose one wary eyebrow. "Thank you for your concern. To be honest, I never feel quite safe until I have crossed back to the wood. I'm sure that you must feel the same way <em>when going in the other direction.</em>" It always struck her as odd that she, the huntress who shunned civilization, was the one who exchanged threats in the form of veiled courtesies with local nobility while her more cosmopolitan friend spoke more bluntly about what she thought of the rude scion of House Yi. Anyway, once the man was gone, she turned towards Ling and nodded. "Yes, the road ahead will not be easy. We should rest while we can and make for the mountain at first light."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>14-11-2015, 20:17:30</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Cut to...</em><br><br>Early the next morning, just before Dawn, you depart the tiny village and turn your steps toward the mountain and the lairs of the Grey Ones.&nbsp; The guard who lets you out through the gate takes a fair amount of care to raise his voice when he threatens you to watch your step if you dare insult the noble and generous House of Yi ever again.&nbsp; This is contrasted a moment later when, looking a bit sheepish, he lowers his voice and apologizes before adding that "it would be better for all if Chao Yi were to volunteer to throw himself off of a high cliff into whark-infested waters..."<br><br>Your course takes you through heavier and more tangled parts of the forest, away from the paths used by human feet.&nbsp; Eventually, a well-worn animal trail leads you to a clearing where you can rest for a moment and get a bit of refreshing sunlight.<br><br><em>Ling, what feels 'wrong' around the earth around here?</em><br><br><em>Mai, what lore would you want to pass on to Ling about the Grey Ones?</em>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>15-11-2015, 07:14:53</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling grumbled a bit and rubbed her eyes as she stepped through the gate. The short girl had never been much of a morning person. At the guard’s tirade about not insulting the Yi family again Ling just continued to walk away and lifted her hand. “Yeah, yeah, blah blah, I don’t give a crap about the Yi family.” Ling replied as she continued to walk. She could be polite and have good manners, they’d been drilled in her since a young age by her father but she just chose not to. She just didn’t like having to put on that polite, smiling, lying mask on her face.&nbsp; When she head the guard recant and echo her own opinion on Yi she nodded her head in agreement. “Yes it would. We can only hope.”<br><br>As they made their deeper into the forest Ling looked around, a bit more relaxed now that they were out of town and didn’t have to worry about mobs or militia attacking them because of Yi’s say so. That ease was short lived however since as they moved further deeper into the forest and towards the mountain the earth began to feel wrong and she didn’t like it. It felt foreign, just slightly different than earth was supposed to feel. Almost like there was some kind of presence mixed in. She was no spiritshaper so she didn’t know much about the spirit world but she’d put money on this place being close to it. It just didn’t feel right and it gave her the willies.<br><br>&nbsp;She hated ghosts but she absolutely was not scared of them at all, not one bit. They were just things that she couldn’t hit them with boulders or trap them in the earth, or fight.&nbsp; They didn’t even touch the earth. Nope, nothing at all to be scared of. She just took a step closer to Mai so they could cover each other better if something happened that was all. It wasn’t because she was afraid or anything. “Come on, Mai. Let’s hurry up. The sooner we finish the better for everybody.” And the sooner they would get out of this creepy place too.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>16-11-2015, 00:42:48</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai nodded again, a shiver running up her spine. "They say that the Grey Ones were human once. Just like you and me. But they succumbed to their own hubris and lust for power and were cursed for their efforts. Now they cannot bear sunlight and hide in the dark during the day. But at night they come out to exact their revenge on the gods that inflicted their punishment, and the humans that follow them. We should go."<br><br>And with that, she walked back into the forest, at a quicker pace.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>16-11-2015, 01:13:52</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				After another hour along, your climb has become much steeper and far rockier.&nbsp; The trail you now follow is now harder to spot (which is a polite way of saying that it isn't always there).&nbsp; Stranger still, the weather is turning--or at least some of it is turning!&nbsp; There's a storm cloud brewing away over the mountain.<br><br>Not the entire range.&nbsp; Just the top of this mountain.&nbsp; And it's a peculiarly circular storm cloud, slowly spreading out to cover more and more of the surrounding land.<br><br>But you do not have quite enough time to worry about meteorological peculiarities, because there's a cave at the head of the trail you're following and it cuts deep into the stone flanks of this mountain.&nbsp; It may well be that the Gray Ones lair here.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>16-11-2015, 04:05:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling stared at the cave suspiciously as they arrived at the top of the mountain. She hadn’t minded the rockier path on the way up, she actually liked it better than the travel through the forest although the earth still felt strange and ghostly. She wanted nothing more than to just collapse the cave and go but they had promised to investigate and that meant going inside the cave so they needed to. “Alright let’s get this over with. I don’t want to be stuck on the mountain top in the middle of a storm where the only shelter is a cave when the Gray Ones might live.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>22-11-2015, 01:35:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai nodded gravely, idly scratching Hei's ears in an attempt to calm the obviously nervous wolf. "Yes, there is no use in delay. As much we might not wish to do this, it has to be done." And with a deep breath, she led the way into the cave. She was the huntress after all, and she had promised to protect her friend, so to do otherwise was unthinkable.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>22-11-2015, 19:48:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				You plunge ahead into the all-concealing shadow of the cave, Hei jogging along with you.&nbsp; Almost at once the sense of menace, of wrongness, increases.&nbsp; It is nothing you can put your finger on, not yet, but for a mere hole in the side of a mountain, this particular cave is indeed daunting.&nbsp; More disturbing is the lack of any reason for this unease!&nbsp; There are no guards.&nbsp; There are no traps.&nbsp; Nothing seems to bar your way.&nbsp; It's just a perfectly ordinary cave...<br><br>Until it isn't.<br><br>After some time, you emerge into a larger, wider stretch.&nbsp; There is some light here, from lichen and fungi that glow softly.&nbsp; Here, you catch your first glimpse of the Gray Ones, and they seem to be waiting for you!&nbsp; With Hei around, there is no chance of surprise attack, but they do not seem to be lying in ambush.<br><br><em>What do you do?</em><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Hint!</div><div class="spoiler_body">Have a look at the Player Reference to check the Basic Moves.&nbsp; I'll re-send the link if you need it.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>23-11-2015, 05:48:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling did not like this cave one bit. Normally she was fine with caves, she liked caves. She could Earthshift just about anything in a cave and it made her feel pretty secure that she could handle just about anything. Despite that though this whole place made her feel unease, something wasn’t right here. It couldn’t be haunted though right? She was just imagining things, surely. The willies she was getting was only because it was a little cold in the cave that’s all. Eventually as they continued to move forward they emerged and some of the Gray Ones seemed to be standing around waiting for them. Normally she would just go in shift some rocks and be done with it but this place gave her the creeps and it made her cautious. She peeked her head into the cave and looked around. Something didn’t feel right about this place. There was something wrong here she was sure of it.<br><br><em>Observe Carefully: what here is not as it appears to be?</em><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>24-11-2015, 01:14:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai was as silent as Ling, even if there was little to be gained by way of surprise. But where Ling observed, Mai began to prepare, she stood by the door, ready to spring forward to protect her friend if necessary, or guard for an escape, should that become needed as well. <br><br><em>Move with Intention: 8</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>26-11-2015, 05:12:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling, the first and most obvious thing that hits your mind is that the Gray Ones are way too quiet and far too still--nothing living holds that still, stays that quiet.&nbsp; And something about the setup seems a bit odd, as if this is some manner of test.<br><br>Hei sneezes a couple of times before going back to sniffing about, indicating no alarm on his part.<br><br>Mai, you move with perfect, fluid grace to set up a possible response almost before Hei's lack of alarm registers...but you, too, notice the odd stillness.&nbsp; It does occur to you that the waiting figures are in sort of a v-shape, with you and Ling in the open part of the letter.<br><br>Oh.&nbsp; That would be the trap, if you were inclined to shoot without thinking.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>29-11-2015, 05:37:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling frowned as she noticed the particular shape of the formation that the Gray Ones had taken up and realized that they were in the middle of a trap. Of course they were that was just there luck. First, strange earth, then creepy cave, bad weather and now they were in the middle of a freaking trap or some kind of test.&nbsp; She was getting really tired of running into this kind of thing. “I know I’m the last person you’d expect to hear this from but I think we should be careful this time Mai. It looks like a trap.” Ling whispered quietly, doing a good job at masking her nerves and the fear that she completely didn’t have and was denying.&nbsp; Even as she spoke she continued to scan the cave to see if she could find a way out of this trap, without having to trip it.<br><br>Roll Result: Ling rolled: 2d6<br>Comment: <br>Result: 3, 5, <br>Total: 8<br><br><strong>Observe carefully question:</strong> <em>What do I need to do to be at an advantage here?</em><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>01-12-2015, 02:44:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai nodded back at her partner. She had already surmised the same, pointing out the V formation and softly noting, "Were someone to come in at us from behind, we would be in a most undesirable situation." She imperceptibly tugged at Ling's elbow as well to point out several piles of rubble that they could use for effective cover should things come to a head.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>03-12-2015, 04:59:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling, the easiest path to an advantage would be to clear some of those standing obstacles away!&nbsp; Only...living people don't stand that still.&nbsp; They sway slightly.&nbsp; They breathe.&nbsp; These don't.&nbsp; And this brings the second easiest path to a better position, which is to find a way to get outside that 'vee' shaped formation!&nbsp; That will require scrambling up onto the rubble.&nbsp; For you, this is not really going to be a problem.&nbsp; For anyone who can't Earthshape?&nbsp; That's another story.<br><br>Mai, something about this is really tickling your memory.&nbsp; This is probably a trap.&nbsp; No, this is <em>certainly</em> a trap.&nbsp; You're pretty sure that the smartest move is to ignore the figures entirely.&nbsp; In fact, you are also feeling very confident that this is set to cause problems for any overly aggressive intruders by giving them easy targets.&nbsp; If you couldn't see this well in the dark, you might have fallen for it.<br><br>Only...Hei sneezes again, looks up, and wuffs softly.&nbsp; You catch a glimpse of a shadow moving deeper in the cave.&nbsp; If you just barged through the figures, you'd be on it promptly!<br><br><em>What do you do?</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>05-12-2015, 08:31:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling stared at the various figures in the hall and she still didn’t like this one bit. They couldn’t possibly be alive. Stupid grey spirit things. She looked up at the wall and decided she very much wanted absolutely nothing to do with them and to avoid them if at all possible. The good news was this was cave, she could probably do that but the question was, could Mai? There weren’t exactly many places to hide in a place like this. Although she soon had an idea. It might backfire if she was too loud but they both needed to get across here, preferably without fighting spirit things. She just knew she shouldn’t have gone back to that village. Ugh, why’d it have to be spirit things?<br><br>Moving quietly she began to Earthshape, creating a series of small platforms from the wall leading above and around the Grey Ones so that they didn’t have to go through them. It would require some acrobatics to get across but it would hopefully be enough to help get Mai across even if she couldn’t Earthshape.&nbsp; “Mai, let’s go. I don’t like the looks of this place. Let’s get through this room fast okay?” She asked quietly.<br><br>Roll Result: Ling rolled: 2d6, adding 2 to the total<br>Comment: <br>Result: 2, 4, <br>Total: 8<br><br><strong>Earthshaping: </strong> <em>Add Environmental Tag Stone Platforms. </em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>06-12-2015, 19:25:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai's footing was less then sure as she made her way up the path that Ling had created. It was surely not for lack of interest. "Yes, out, around and through seems the best policy at the moment."<br><br>Roll Result: Idlewyld rolled: 2d6, adding 1 to the total<br>Comment: Move with intention - up the rocks<br>Result: 1, 4,<br>Total: 6
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>11-12-2015, 04:55:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling, you easily get to the other side.&nbsp; So does Hei, although he sneezes again and whines a bit, glancing back at Mai...<br><br>And at the worst moment you can possibly imagine, the world shakes as if a giant has brought a hammer down on the mountain!&nbsp; The very stone rings like some ancient gong, and dust swirls in the air.<br><br>Mai, you lose your footing and start to fall, only to catch yourself at the last moment by your fingertips.&nbsp; But you're not going to be safe for long, and your feet are coming very close indeed to the dummies just under foot.&nbsp; You have no idea what will happen if you knock one over, but you're pretty sure that would be a Bad Thing.<br><br>Hei's whine turns to a growl as something vaguely humanoid slinks out of the shadows.&nbsp; His hackles go up, but he does nothing but posture at the moment.&nbsp; Ling, you're pretty sure this is one of the Gray Ones that Mai was talking about earlier.&nbsp; At the moment, he isn't attacking or making any overtly hostile move, and the polished bone blade he wields isn't being pointed in your direction.<br><br><em>What do you do?</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>16-12-2015, 03:40:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling grew worried when it seemed like the whole mountain began to shake and as she saw Mai beginning to fall she went to help disregarding her own safety to go and help. She quickly leaped across the platforms she created to the same one that her friend was holding on to. The petite Earthshifter bent over and grabbed her friend by the arms. “Come on Wild Girl! Don’t go slipping on me now. Where’d all that hunter surefootedness go!? And you better not even think about falling!” She growled as she struggled to pull the hunter back on to the platform.<br><br><br>Roll Result: Ling rolled: 2d6, adding 2 to the total<br>Comment: Standfast roll<br>Result: 4, 1, <br>Total: 7<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>18-12-2015, 02:29:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With Ling's help, Mai regained her balance and then some. With a small kick of her foot, she was able to spring upward and after a full somersault, land firmly planted on the stone path Ling had created. Still just within the perimeter of what could be called her friend's personal space, she smiled with gratitude. "Thank you. That was... close. Even the surest of foot have times when they need someone to lean on. Had you not intervened when you did..." She looked down with a slight shudder. <br><br>"Anyway, we should definitely move ahead. There is someone... or something there. Probably with the answers to many questions our aged friend had asked us to investigate."<br><br>Roll Result: Idlewyld rolled: 2d6, adding 1 to the total<br>Comment: Move With Intention<br>Result: 6, 6,<br>Total: 13
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>18-12-2015, 22:04:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				By the time Ling gets her balance back--for one scary moment Mai's weight pulled her painfully flat against the stone, mashing her breasts in an uncomfortable way--the shadowy figure has vanished again.&nbsp; From here, though, Mai's well-honed skills easily sense the trail taken.&nbsp; A tunnel, barely visible in the shadowy depths of the cave, is the only clear line of departure, and faint footfalls can be heard on the stone floor.<br><br>Following should be simple.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>23-12-2015, 06:04:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling sighed as she managed to pull Mai back and fell back on her butt, panting a bit as she recovered her breath and stood up. She nodded her head as Mai. “Just don’t make it a habit. Don’t want to be worrying about you in this place.” Ling said as prickly as usual although there was a small smile in return. Not that she was annoyed or anything it was just her being her. It didn’t help that this whole place and these Grey Ones really creeped her out. “Let’s just keep going. I’ll follow your lead to wherever you saw that something moving. The sooner we get out of here the better.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>28-12-2015, 00:58:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The way leads up, up, up.&nbsp; Eventually it leads back to the surface, by which time the sky has changed.&nbsp; It's clear overhead, and the stars and moon are visible in the evening sky.&nbsp; But the top of the mountain is gone, blasted flat by something...trees, burned and toppled.&nbsp; Bare rock scoured.&nbsp; And there, not too far from where the tunnel opened, you can both see a crater near the center of the blasted area.<br><br>Which is as unexpected as the Grey One standing nearby, one arm hanging nearly useless, gawping at the same distant crater.<br><br><em>What do you do?</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>29-12-2015, 05:09:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Upon seeing the crater in front of her, and the stunned gray one, Mai's initial reaction was to get the pair of them hidden and observe quietly. However, the area around her left very little in the way of cover, and the situation itself occupied most of her attention, so that as she pulled Ling along to a safer place, kicked a rock. The sound of the stone's passage through the air reverberated for what felt like miles.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>03-01-2016, 20:34:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling grumbled a bit as Mai suddenly pulled her into hiding&nbsp; rather than letting her take care of herself and it seemed rather pointless thanks to the lack of cover and the sound of the rock skittering across the ground would’ve made their position obvious to anyone in the area. Still with the Grey One appearing quite stunned and Ling wanting to get through all of this as soon as possible was not in the mood to be cautious any longer. “We were asked to check what had caused this and quite frankly that crater seems pretty suspicious. Let’s just check this out and then get out of here.”&nbsp; She insisted before moving out of the hiding place and making her way over to the lip of the crater to peek inside to see what had caused it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>03-01-2016, 20:55:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				You are both aware of the Grey One snapping out of whatever fugue it's in and fleeing, whimpering softly as it hastens off...but it is the sight of the young woman in peculiar garb climbing out of the crater that draws your attention!&nbsp; By the time you are close enough to hear her grumbling, she is already out and standing, if a bit unsteady.&nbsp; She seems to be looking for something that must be on the ground, and by her tone she's not at all happy to be missing it.<br><br>Mai, you notice something odd--there's a squiggle or two in the rock at your feet, and it's still steaming.&nbsp; Or smoking.&nbsp; As if something burned this into the very earth not long ago!&nbsp; Hmmm.&nbsp; It's more than just a squiggle.&nbsp; It looks like some sort of script...<br><br>Ling, there's a sword lying here.&nbsp; Only it doesn't look quite right!&nbsp; Solid jade would be a poor choice for weaponsmithing.&nbsp; <em>What color is it?&nbsp; And why does it look even more unusual still?</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>09-01-2016, 09:49:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling was mildly relieved when the Grey One ran off without bothering to try to fight them. Of course that begged the question just what was it that had landed that could scare off these Grey Ones. They didn’t look like the type that scared easy. Looking up she glances at the woman climbing out of the pit, suspiciously. She was dressed strangely and looked quite alright even though she’d just crawled out of a smoking crater. Looking down further into the crater she soon noticed a sword laying there. It was a dark crystalline green with white lines forming a lattice like design running along it. The strange thing was she couldn’t get a solid feel of it at all. Crystal, iron, and even steel had earth in it that she could feel, even if she couldn’t manipulate metal herself quite yet she could still feel it but this whatever it was felt off and was harder to detect than even metal. Not only that but it looked strange too besides looking like it was made entirely out of that strange crystal it looked almost like the sword didn’t have an edge, but she had no doubts it was more than capable of cutting things if it&nbsp; was used properly. Looking up at the woman who had crawled out of the crater once more and decided that she wasn’t going to beat around the bush. “Oi! Who the hell are you and how’d you manage to survive whatever it was that made this crater!?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>09-01-2016, 19:01:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes, that question does seem like it needs answering." As much support as Mai was giving, she was actually more focused on reading the script at the moment. When the gods go around writing messages in the ground, it is usually fatal to try and ignore it. She wasn't the most proficient of academicians, living in the woods as she did, and she was better at reading a forest than she was a manuscript, but when it was important, Mai found she could put her mind to more scholarly affairs.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>09-01-2016, 19:36:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai, the letters seem to squirm and twist before your eyes, finally forming up into something you can more or less understand.<br><br>*And stay out!*<br><br>...whatever <em>that</em> means.<br><br>Ling, your new friend is rather scantily clad--as in 'how does that skimpy dancing-girl outfit stay on' and 'honey, ain't you cold?' bits of silky fabric that leave something, but not much, to the imagination.&nbsp; She's also (ahem) quite healthy, well-toned, and honesty demands that you report the tramp as awfully cute.&nbsp; Beside that, her emerald hair, pale jade eyes, and dark green skin with white-ink tattoos are easy to overlook.&nbsp; She yawns, stretches in a way that draws the eye to her ample bosom, and only then seems to realize you've addressed her.<br><br><strong>"Oh, hi!"</strong>&nbsp; She flashes you a grin that seems to be at least half-mischievous, half-predatory.&nbsp; <strong>"You found Little Brother!&nbsp; Thank you so much!&nbsp; How shall I ever thank you?"</strong><br><br>She holds her hand out, probably for the sword.<br><br><strong>"Stupid old fart!&nbsp; I coulda hit someone when I landed!&nbsp; Couldn't just ask me nicely to descend and stay here, nope, had to throw me out..."</strong><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>13-01-2016, 05:08:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling blushed a bit as she noticed how the stranger was dressed. As straightforward and blunt as Ling usually was, she’d never been all that good at dealing with the more sensual side of things. She had to admit that the girl whoever the hell she was, was quite beautiful and made it quite hard not to stare at her. When the girl suddenly turned to talk to her Ling quickly straightened up and put on her usual bluster as best she could. “Yeah, you’re welcome and all that.” She was a bit confused when she mentioned something or someone by the name of little brother but it’s clarified once she held out her hand for the sword. Reaching down she picked up the blade and passed it over to the strange girl in front of her. “Well, if you really want to thank me you can tell me just who and what you are.” She said doing her very best not to blatantly stare at the beautiful stranger.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-01-2016, 20:19:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The green-skinned girl accepts the blade back, takes two steps back, and performs a fluid sword kata that demonstrates that she knows how to use it.&nbsp; &nbsp;Then she nods, returns it to the scabbard slung across her shoulders, and strikes a pose that accentuates her assets.<br><br><strong>"Urvasi, styled the Qiling, at your service."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>14-01-2016, 02:49:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai looked at the words with a curious glance, wondering if it meant the lair of the Gray Ones. Anyway, for now there were more important mysteries to uncover. Like the woman in front of them. "Mai. Of the woods." Introductions done, the more detailed questions followed. "So exactly who threw you out, and for precisely which reasons?" There was a certain skeptical tone in her voice, and underneath, a bit of trepidation.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>15-01-2016, 16:35:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai, those pale jade eyes are now focused on you and you get the distinct impression that this Urvasi person is imagining how you will look without any clothes on. Then she lets her tongue peek out from between those luscious lips and you're sure that this is exactly what she's thinking.<br><br><strong>"I'm not sure.&nbsp; It might have been my overly enthusiastic greeting to the Benevolent Great Spirit.&nbsp; Or it may have been my flippant attitude about traditions and rules.&nbsp; It's possible it may have been that one of my little jests was not taken for playful and amusing banter.&nbsp; And of course Honorable Mother may have done something unfortunate.&nbsp; There's so much to choose from!"</strong><br><br>She makes a flirtatious little pout.<br><br><strong>"But mortal girls are much friendlier, I hope!&nbsp; Not quite so many stuck on pedestals and kept aloof and frigid by the demands of their role in the Spirit Court...yes?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>19-01-2016, 07:58:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling watched as Mai questioned Urvasi about who had kicked her out.&nbsp; Which was a surprising question now that she thought about it. How had Mai known that this person had gotten kicked out of someplace? Well she supposed it didn’t really matter now that she thought about it, she knew she could trust Mai and that was enough for now. Although things only got more confusing as the girl started staking about the Spirit Court and specified them as mortals. Of course she was mortal but what was all this about? “Yeah and I’m Ling by the way. Any way you still haven’t answered my other question yet. What are you? Why do you talk about the Spirit Court as if you were there and who is this Honorable Mother you mentioned? Make sense. I’m already fed with all this creepy ghost and grey one stuff as it is without adding trying to figure you out on top of it.” Ling stated bluntly, tired already of all this evasive stuff and just wanted to get to the heart of the matter as quick as possible.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>22-01-2016, 16:53:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"That's because I'm kind of sort of from there, duuuh,"</strong> Urvasi giggles as her eyes take a sensual walk all over Ling's body.&nbsp; <strong>"And they won't let me back in until I prove myself worthy of the honor.&nbsp; But I don't mind.&nbsp; Mortals are more interesting, and sitting around sniffing lotus petals all day is for losers."</strong><br><br>She kneels and holds a hand out to Hei to sniff, then ruffles his fur and talks to him in a high-pitched baby-voice that is almost as embarrassing for him as it likely is for Mai.<br><br><strong>"Ohhhh, who's a good boy?&nbsp; Who's a good boy?&nbsp; You are, yes...such a good puppy!&nbsp; Keeping your two-legs packmate safe, aren't you?&nbsp; Yes, you are!"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>24-01-2016, 02:10:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai was now just a little embarrassed for Hei, being treated that way, and a little embarrassed by him as he strode on forward and gladly took it. She did note, however, that not only did the wolf take to the strange woman/goddess/insane person/whatever, but that Urvasi understood the relationship between Mai and Hei the way she herself would. That didn't completely mollify her.<br><br>"So... how exactly does one prove that one should be allowed back into heaven? And why do I have the sinking feeling that it is going to involve the three of us?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>24-01-2016, 10:32:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling massaged her forehead, seemingly not noticing Urvasi rather obviously seemed to be trying to imagine her without her clothes. She was more focused on the whole claiming to be part of the Spirit Court thing and the massive headache that was likely to follow. Because this meant the other girl was either a crazy or b telling the truth and given the crater and the way that the grey one had just run off terrified she was inclined to believe the second as did Mai it seemed. This was probably going to be a headache but this could be her chance to show up her father as well. Helping someone return to the spirit court? Now that was an impressive feat even if it was probably going to involve headaches along the way.<br><br>"An explanation of what you want would be nice and I just want to clarify something for me. You did do all of this right?" She said gesturing towards the giant crater. They had agreed to help the old man after and they needed to finish that up at least before going back down the mountain to explain what had happened.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>25-01-2016, 05:40:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"So... how exactly does one prove that one should be allowed back into heaven? And why do I have the sinking feeling that it is going to involve the three of us?"</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><strong>"That might sorta assume I want to get back up there."</strong>&nbsp; Urvasi grins.&nbsp; <strong>"But no, it's a me thing, not a you thing and probably not an us thing.&nbsp; Unless of course you want it to be."</strong><br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"An explanation of what you want would be nice and I just want to clarify something for me. You did do all of this right?"</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><strong>"What do I want?&nbsp; I want to kick ass and eat rice and I'm all out of rice!&nbsp; Chasing tail is nice, too.&nbsp; Oh, and there's something Honorable Mother calls the Hundred Year Bonehead Law.&nbsp; I'm supposed to enforce that while I'm out and about...but that isn't what I want so much as what I've been quietly informed is sort of a family tradition."</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;She licks her lips, and there is no question anymore of her interest in Ling's breasts.&nbsp; <strong>"So if you would be so kind as to direct me to the nearest tea house with warm and friendly serving girls..."</strong><br><br>She straightens up, stretches.<br><br><strong>"Oh. Uhm.&nbsp; Sorry about the hole in your mountain.&nbsp; I kinda touched down a bit harder than I'd hoped.&nbsp; Sure hope I didn't land on anybody."</strong><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>27-01-2016, 00:51:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling’s eye twitched a bit as Urvasi continued to act like none of this was some kind of big deal and she could swear that she was starting to feel a bit of a headache coming on. Still the good news was that they were done with this job and they could get off this creepy mountain. “It’s fine. It’s not my mountain just wanted to make sure so we can report to a friend of mine. As for the nearest town, we’re on our way there now so you might as well come along.” It wasn’t long after she finished speaking that she noticed Urvasi staring at her breasts. She immediately blushed and was quick to respond. “As long as you stop staring otherwise I’ll fill in that crater with you still in it!” She replied, obviously rather embarrassed by the other girl’s obvious attentions.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>27-01-2016, 02:30:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"If you did land on someone, they were very bad... well I don't know if you'd call them <em>people</em>," Mai explained. "Anyway, there's a tea house with all that entails back in the town below." Then she shook her head. "Of course, neither Ling and I are particularly welcome in town right now, thanks to a certain idiot noble. Still, it's not like they can keep us out... I think. Just make things uncomfortable for us. Given I was never very fond of towns anyway."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>29-01-2016, 23:46:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Urvasi pouts at Ling before she carefully moves her eyes somewhere else.<br><br><strong>"But I'm enjoying the scenery!"</strong><br><br>With a sigh, she focuses on Mai for a moment.<br><br><strong>"Oh.&nbsp; So you need a bit of help back at your base, huh?&nbsp; I can help out, I guess.&nbsp; If that's okay and all."</strong>&nbsp; She rubs the back of her neck, laughs nervously.&nbsp; This causes her breasts to jiggle in a nosebleed-inducing way.&nbsp; <strong>"I know a thing about idiot nobles.&nbsp; What's his beef, anyway?"</strong><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>31-01-2016, 01:28:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling grumbled a bit as Urvasi protested being told to stop staring at her. When the other girl ended up asking what the noble’s problem was Ling was quick to respond. “I had the earth swallow him up to his neck and then dumped his drink on his head for being a drunken pig.” Ling explained, not at all ashamed of what she’d done. As far as she was concerned he had deserved it and she had enjoyed getting to put him in his place anyway. She’d do it again too if she was given half a chance.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>31-01-2016, 05:13:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"You did what?"</strong><br><br>Urvasi sounds scandalized for all of two seconds...and then she bursts out into laughter, hugging herself.<br><br><strong>"Oh...oh, I bet...thought he was the Heavens' Own gift to anything with boobs, didn't he?&nbsp; I know the type!"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>31-01-2016, 05:19:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes," Mai responded as she at least tried to maintain her acid tone (though it was difficult.) "That would summarize the situation quite nicely. Unfortunately, this is one of those situations where large quantities of money substitute adequately for lack of brains and manners, so a trip to town may be... let's call it eventful" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>31-01-2016, 05:29:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"Does this mean I get to kick some puffy, arrogant, noble butt? That's even more fun than flirting with tea girls!"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>02-02-2016, 08:05:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling blinked as Urvasi suddenly asked about whether she could kick the noble’s ass. The logical thing to do was to say no as it would likely end up just making things worse. But the logical choice wasn’t something Ling always took and she wouldn’t mind seeing him get his ass kicked again. “If you’d like. I won’t stop you. Just tell me when you plan to so I can watch.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>03-02-2016, 02:28:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai nodded. "I do have to say I can see the appeal in that. And we have to tell the old man about what we found on the mountain, so we'd best be heading off." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>03-02-2016, 18:23:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"What old man?"</strong><br><br>Urvasi tilts her head curiously.<br><br><strong>"You didn't find anything up on the mountain but me, I think.&nbsp; And that really big hole."</strong>&nbsp; She frowns in thought.&nbsp; <strong>"Unless you meant those grey people fleeing the area."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>07-02-2016, 09:48:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Ah, he’s the guy who asked to come up here. He gave us dinner and a place to stay for the night so we decided to help him out since nobody else was willing to check out what was going on.” Ling explained. “But let’s go ahead and get off creepy spirit mountain already and head back to town.” The sooner they got off of this mountain and she got to feel some real earth between her toes, none of this spirit touched stuff, the happier she would be.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>09-02-2016, 01:33:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"And yes," Mai answered, "you would be much of the answers that the old man is looking for, with the Gray Ones making up the rest. Shall we then?" And with that, she began leading the way back down the mountain.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>11-02-2016, 18:20:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The trip back takes a bit more time than the trip over, since you have to pick your trail down the mountain instead of simply going back through the tunnels...rockfall and a couple of collapses have rendered that particular route inaccessible for now.&nbsp; Thus it is evening when the village palisade comes into view.<br><br>The guards go through the usual challenge and response, but they recognize you (and while they don't know your new friend, you're pretty sure they're drooling way too hard to say anything).&nbsp; So the gates are not a problem!&nbsp; However, your progress is brought to a halt by the angry mob in the square, where your dear friend is haranguing them about your aged friend and his purported connection to the Grey Ones.<br><br>Which, of course, turns up a notch when he sees the two of you.<br><br>"And here they are now!&nbsp; The witches who have helped unleash this plague upon us!&nbsp; Did we not see the top of the mountain explode not long after they went forth on his orders to spread mischief?"<br><br>Urvasi blinks and turns to you, jerking a thumb at him and her expression saying, more or less, "what the fuck is he talking about?" without so many words.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>14-02-2016, 21:01:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling sighs when they return to the front gate glad to finally be off that weird mountain. Her relief didn’t last long though however because as soon as they arrived they were faced with both leering guards and an angry crowd. As she hears the group preparing to go after the old man she growls angrily. She was not about to let these people go after the old man. She tapped her foot on the ground a clear sign of her aggravation. She turned to Urvasi as she gestured to ask what was going and grit her teeth. “That’s what I would like to know but they seem to be saying that it’s the old man’s fault the Grey Ones are acting. She immediately turned back to the crowd and growled angrily, unable to sit back and let the old man be blamed for something he rather clearly had nothing to do with. “You need this big of a crowd to go and pick on a kind old man? I knew you people were a bunch of pansies but I didn’t realize that you were dogs with no honor as well! Now get out of here unless you think you’d like to take on somebody who can actually fight back!” She growled angrily. She had just gotten off a creepy mountain filled with Grey Ones and she had no qualms with bashing a few skulls if need be to save her friends or work out some of her frustrations. <br><br><strong>Act Dishonorably roll</strong><br>Roll Result: Avalon29 rolled: 2d6, adding -1 to the total<br>Comment: <br>Result: 4, 4, <br>Total: 7<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>15-02-2016, 23:10:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Faced with the equally distasteful possibilities of pissing off their resident asshole noble and facing the clear and present fury of someone they know can beat the crap out of the first ten of them to reach her, the crowd starts to bleed people from the furthest edges.&nbsp; By the time Ling is done, they're mostly gone except for a few of the die-hard supporters and His Snootiness's personal minions.&nbsp; And they don't look really happy to be here either.<br><br>"You insufferable wench," he cries out, pointing at Ling.&nbsp; "You need to learn your place!"<br><br><strong>"Oh, I <em>like</em> him,"</strong> Urvasi says.&nbsp; <strong>"Can I designate him tonight's special friend?"</strong><br><br>From the way she says this, it doesn't sound like her doing so would be at all healthy for him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>16-02-2016, 00:02:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai raised an eyebrow and drily commented, "As far as I'm concerned, he can be <em>this year's </em> special friend. Of course, that's assuming he'll live that long."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>16-02-2016, 00:59:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Are you mocking me?"&nbsp; Chao Yi puffs himself up importantly.&nbsp; "Are you daring to mock your superior?&nbsp; I am of noble birth, you wenches!&nbsp; You will show respect!"<br><br>This draws Urvasi's attention to him once again.<br><br><strong>"A man is not noble by his birth; a man is such by his deeds.&nbsp; Nor is a man a wretch by birth, but only by his deeds,"</strong>she says, distaste coming through in every syllable.&nbsp; <strong>"They clamor the loudest for honors that deserve them the least.&nbsp; And <em>you</em>, you miserable little cur's pizzle, just made me quote the Great Sage."</strong><br><br>Her hand drifts up over one shoulder to brush the hilt of her sword.&nbsp; Her voice simultaneously gets almost too-too innocent and much colder.<br><br><strong>"Know how I feel about that?&nbsp; Very, very angry.&nbsp; And I have a <em>little</em> bit of a problem expressing myself in a civilized manners."</strong><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Acting Dishonorably</div><div class="spoiler_body"><em>Aaaaaaaaaand</em> she blew the roll with a 3+2+1=6!&nbsp; So.&nbsp; How does this make your current situation worse?&nbsp; Either of you can answer.&nbsp; The only hard and fast rule is that it has to follow the fiction.&nbsp; This would also be a moment where I, as your MC, would get to make a Move of my own.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>26-02-2016, 06:34:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Urvasi’s finger’s brushed her sword the jade weapon’s hilt grew hot, burning the woman’s fingers a bit in warning. A bit of text soon appearing on the weapon in the same diving script that had appeared on the floor of the mountain that said. “Do not open until the underworld freezes over or until you learn to use your power with wisdom and responsibility. Whichever happens first.”<br><br>Unaware of what was going the threat did seem to at least have some effect on the nobleman enough to make him retreat a few step backs as well as call for a pair of his personal guards. Putting them between him and them in case things broke out into violence.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>26-02-2016, 18:01:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Urvasi looks a little unhappy for some reason, pausing in her standoff and turning her eyes skyward.<br><br><strong>"Really?&nbsp; <em>Really?</em>&nbsp; Gimme a break!&nbsp; This sorta crap is why Daddy stormed your gates the first two times, guys!"</strong>&nbsp; Then she returns her attention to the blustering Chao Yi and his new friends.&nbsp; Her grin is rather unpleasant.<br><br><strong>"Let's see, now...hey, Ling, you want the windbag while Mai and I take care of the minions?&nbsp; Or do I get to take care of him myself?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>27-02-2016, 07:38:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling looked over at Urvasi when she suddenly yelled up at the sky for some reason and wondered what&nbsp; was wrong but she didn’t think about it long though as&nbsp; she was wondering whether or not she wanted to take down&nbsp; Chao Yi herself. “Oh, no I want the pleasure of kicking his ass myself.” She said with a grin as she made her way over. “First things first we need to shake things up a bit don’t we?” She said as she pulled the large kanabo from her back and slammed the ground with the heavy club made the ground shift and quake beneath the group. beneath the group.<br><br><em>Add Environmental tag Shaking Earth</em><br>Roll Result: Avalon29 rolled: 2d6, adding 2 to the total<br>Comment: <br>Result: 4, 1, <br>Total: 7<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>02-03-2016, 02:14:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Sounds like a plan," Mai assented. Without a further word, she and Hei advanced forward into the crowd and pursued a policy of advanced ass-kicking.<br><br>Commit Open Violence 86233&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Idlewyld&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noone or Anyone&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2016-03-01 19:12:18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At 2016-03-01 19:12:18, Idlewyld (uid: 53605) rolls: 2d6 Result: 8 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=86233)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>06-03-2016, 17:57:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Resolution</div><div class="spoiler_body">Ling, tag applied!&nbsp; Shaking Earth it is.<br><br>Mai, choose 1 of the following:<br>~ You don’t Tag them,<br>~ You’re left in a disadvantageous position,<br>~ You’re left open to their counterattack.</div></div><br>With a whoop of joy, your strange companion throws herself into the fray, taking four paces and springing up...bouncing off one of Chao Yi's hired goons and using the large man as a springboard to carry her up and over in an impossibly graceful somersault that leaves her badly out of position...surrounded by the foe, at the back of the crowd, and most definitely unable to come to anyone else's aid if needed.<br><br><strong>"Oops!&nbsp; A little too oomph that time.&nbsp; C'n I get a do-over?"</strong><br><br>By the way she smoothly shifts into a defensive posture, she doesn't really expect an answer to that.&nbsp; For the moment, though, the goons are gaping at her wide-eyed and slack-jawed...<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Wire Fu</div><div class="spoiler_body">Result: 1, 2, <br>Total: 5...+1 Chi, Move With Intention +Fluid, but still chooses one option even on a failure.&nbsp; She is safe from imminent attack!</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>09-03-2016, 02:10:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mei swept in and took out a guard with a couple of simple swipes of her arm. If she chose to be fierce, then all should beware. Of course on the other hand, she wasn't really watching her own back all that well. And that always led to problems<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Complication</div><div class="spoiler_body">Mei leaves herself open to counterattack</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>11-03-2016, 04:39:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With an evil grin on her face she watched the earth quake beneath them all. She moved quickly and stomped the earth once more sending a boulder the size of someone’s torso into the air. Spinning about she struck the boulder with her trusty kanabo sending it hurtling at Chao Yi. The shaking earth made it difficult for the noble to evade and sent him crashing through a nearby vendor as well as knocking him flat on his ass. She winced a bit at the damage to the cart. “Don’t worry he’ll pay for it!” She called out, not sure if the owner was anywhere near but she felt better after promising to make Chao pay for it anyway. Turning back to the prone Chao Yi. “Oi, you still alive? I hope so! I’ve still got a hell of a lot of stress from climbing up that creepy mountain and this is good stress relief.<br><br><br><em>Commit open violence: Tag Yi with Knocked prone</em><br><br>Roll Result: Avalon29 rolled: 2d6, adding -1 to the total<br>Comment: <br>Result: 5, 6, <br>Total: 10<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-03-2016, 21:52:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai, while you and your furry sidekick give a pretty good account of yourselves, you quickly find your opponents adjusting to your usual style.&nbsp; Chao Yi probably briefed them closely after having someone spy on you or something...which would be about right for the little weasel's style, wouldn't it?&nbsp; &nbsp;although Ling would know for certain.&nbsp; Worse, they've also thought ahead!&nbsp; You're still faster, by a long shot, but you end up with a couple of near misses and glancing blows for your trouble, and you'll definitely be feeling this tomorrow.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Mai</div><div class="spoiler_body">Mild Tag!&nbsp; Bruised.</div></div><br>Ling, Chao Yi goes flying and lands flat on his back, the wind knocked out of him in one sudden whoosh as he crashes down.&nbsp; He seems a bit out of it, but still waves one arm as if trying to gesture grandly in your general direction.&nbsp; It looks pretty silly.<br><br>For her part, Urvasi takes advantage of her target rich environment and lashes out with another display of acrobatic grace with a strong hint of the ol' Chop Sockey that looks amazingly like Air Style without the elemental boost provided by bound chi.&nbsp; Even so, it's impressive.&nbsp; It's showy.&nbsp; It definitely speaks to the immediate witnesses, and what it says is something along the lines of 'the first dozen of you to reach me get tossed around by rag dolls, and there are only eleven of you'.&nbsp; <br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Wire Fu again...</div><div class="spoiler_body">Result: 6, 1, <br>Total: 9<br>Assigns Tag of "Over-awed" to the mook squad</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>18-03-2016, 07:12:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling laughed as she watched Chao Yi fly off and continued to act like he was some kind of threat. Still if she wasn’t ready to give up yet she was more than willing to beat up on him a little more. Of course now that he was on his back she was a bit freer to do what she wanted to do with him. Still it was time to put him out of the fight for now and help with the others. Lifting up a large rock she thrust her fist forward in a solid strike sending the medium size rock over to land on his chest and try to pin him to the ground.<br><br><em>Failed roll, chi now 2</em><br><br>Roll Result: Avalon29 rolled: 2d6, adding -1 to the total<br>Comment: <br>Result: 1, 6, <br>Total: 6<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>21-03-2016, 00:45:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai slipped around to try and gain position on the mob, who seemed to know what they were doing better than before. It took three turns and a very revealing pivot, but she eventually found her way to the top of a tree, which would certainly provide a good starting point for further attacks, even as Hei doubled back around the henchmen<br>[spoiler = Roll information]<br>Roll Result: Idlewyld rolled: 2d6, adding 1 to the total<br>Comment: Move with Intention<br>Result: 4, 2,<br>Total: 7<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">results</div><div class="spoiler_body">I'll take +1 on the next roll</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>25-03-2016, 05:55:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The strange green-haired girl who fell from the heavens crouches, her grin more feral than merry.<br><br><strong>"Say g'nite, boys!"</strong><br><br>Then she lashes out all around, fists and feet flying in a display of martial prowess sure to impress...<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Commit Open Violence</div><div class="spoiler_body">2d6, adding 1 to the total<br>Result: 6, 5, <br>Total: 12<br>They already had one tag, and this imposes a second, which takes them out.</div></div><br>...and briefly, it rains faceless minions and ronin as Chao Yi's bully boys learn the hard way that cute and petite does not necessarily also mean weak and helpless.<br><br><strong>Mai</strong>, you and Hei manage to get the other mook squad moving more or less as you wish, but there's still no more than a few bruises on either side.&nbsp; You can probably press your luck a bit since they also seem a bit rattled thanks to Urvasi's show of force--whatever Chao Yi is paying them, it's probably not worth the hit to their dignity that being beaten by a girl would inflict.<br><br><strong>Ling</strong>, your least favorite local nobleman proves more nimble than you'd like him to be, and he rolls out of the way of your 'gift' as he scrambles to his feet.&nbsp; Was that Drunken Monkey Style, or clumsy haste given greater encouragement from your Earthshaping?&nbsp; It's hard to tell.&nbsp; Of course, he also windmills a bit before fully regaining his feet and glaring at you.<br><br>"You ridiculous peasant!&nbsp; I should have you flogged before I give you to the troops for a night's entertainment!&nbsp; Not that they'll want you, ugly as you are."<br><br>Uh, if that's his idea of witty banter, it needs work.<br><br>"Perhaps I should have you bound and used by some wild boar instead!&nbsp; Yes, that would be more appropriate.&nbsp; Far closer to your station, you plain, flat-chested, unfeminine, low-born slattern."<br><br><em>That's</em> gonna leave a mark.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Oh my!</div><div class="spoiler_body">&nbsp; You're now Tagged as Chao Yi goes overboard on the insults--Mild:Angry.&nbsp; If you want to do anything other than Commit Open Violence on him, you'll need to Stand Fast first.&nbsp; Fortunately for you, that's 2d6+2.&nbsp; You're pretty Solid.</div></div><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>26-03-2016, 10:03:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling’s eye twitched a bit as she was insulted and threatened. She was done going easy on him. She’d just been toying with him a little, not planning anything more drastic than beating him into unconsciousness. Now though? Now she was going to make sure he regretted what he had said and understood just who the hell he was messing with. She could’ve shrugged off the insult to her bust size. She could’ve smirked at being called slattern and unfeminine but her family was a very sore subject. As much as she disliked her father and wanted to show him that her way of doing things was even better than his. She did have deep respect for his shaping prowess and his skills set the benchmark for her own goal. To say that Chao Yi had insulted the wrong thing was the understatement of the age.&nbsp; She no longer cared about what kind of condition he might be in by the time she was done other than him being alive at the end of it. <br><br>“My name is Ling Sun daughter of the Air Shaper Jian Sun, whose name is spoken of in tales across the land and you just royally pissed off the girl who’s going to kick his ass.” She dragged her club along the ground in an upward swing, a small wave which quickly grew larger and moved into three distinct shapes as it approached the noble until a trio of pillars suddenly rose up with all the momentum of the behind it and slamming into the noble’s chest in quick succession, once more sending him flying back once more although this time he was getting off worse than just being knocked on his ass. The noble would find it hard to breathe as that last blow surely caused some bruised ribs as he was unprotected by any kind of armor and quite frankly she doubted he did any kind of serious training. Of course she was so focused on hurting the noble she was no longer paying attention to her footing and was a bit unbalanced at the moment.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Commit Open Violence</div><div class="spoiler_body">Commit Open Violence: Chao Yi tagged with Bruised Ribs. <br>Ling is left in a disadvantageous position. <br><br>Roll Result: Avalon29 rolled: 2d6, adding -1 to the total<br>Comment: <br>Result: 2, 6, <br>Total: 7<br></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>26-03-2016, 17:52:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				From the top of the tree, Mai called out to the crowd. "You have fought well. And you know what will happen next. Why not just go back to your homes and enjoy the unpleasantness? I will not think any less of you."<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">speak honorably</div><div class="spoiler_body">Roll Result: Idlewyld rolled: 2d6, adding 1 to the total<br>Comment: Speak Honorably<br>Result: 2, 3,<br>Total: 6<br>Actually 7 with the extra plus one from the last roll</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>26-03-2016, 18:14:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Mai</strong>, you definitely get their attention...and the sworn guardsmen of the reprehensible Chao Yi start to pull back.&nbsp; Most of them do so under the guise of assisting their fallen comrades escape the immediate wrath of the Urvasi, who merely folds her hands and allows this to occur without interfering.&nbsp; She probably feels that she's made her point.&nbsp; But from the looks you're getting in return, there are hard feelings all around, and you will probably want to be careful the next time you visit this place.&nbsp; More careful than usual, that is.<br><br><strong>Ling</strong>, you have a whole 'nother problem.&nbsp; To retreat, the Yi guards have to come through your position and while they may be taking the excuse provided by your woodsy companion to carry off the wounded, it probably wouldn't take much for them to return to the gentle business of kicking the snot out of you on behalf of their esteemed patron...<br><br>Chao Yi, face flushed with fury even as he gasps for breath and tries to regain his balance, points at you imperiously.<br><br>"How dare you sully the great name of the exalted Jian Sun with your grubby base-born lies, you filthy peasant!&nbsp; I will avenge this insult, both upon my person and upon his good name!&nbsp; Mark my words!&nbsp; You will rue the day!"<br><br>Did he...was he even listening?&nbsp; Apparently not.&nbsp; Over his shoulder, Urvasi meets your eyes and gives you a long-suffering, understanding look.&nbsp; Then she walks up behind him, graceful as a tiger stalking through long grass, and taps him on the shoulder.<br><br><strong>"Hey."</strong><br><br>He turns...and she gives him a skull-rattling left hook that leaves him on the ground, limp and helpless.&nbsp; She gestures to two of his retreating minions, who are now looking at her with open awe and alarm.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Commit Open Violence</div><div class="spoiler_body">Result: 5, 5 <br>Total: 11</div></div><br><strong>"Take him home, clean him up, and get him to see reason before Clan Sun has to officially pay attention to his babbling."</strong>&nbsp; Although something in the way she says the clan name is a bit different than how you pronounce it, Ling.&nbsp; Just a bit.&nbsp; Just enough to change the meaning...then she stretches, and her intense battle-ready expression fades away as though it was never there.<br><br><strong>"So!&nbsp; That was fun.&nbsp; What do we do now? 'Cause I could really go for a hot bath with a couple of naked cuties, a good meal, and a bit of sleep."</strong><br><br><br><em>What do you do?</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>29-03-2016, 19:42:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling stood her ground as the group of Chao Yi’s lackey’s approached. Her. Picking up her weapon she slung it over her shoulder and widened her stance. She turned her gaze towards&nbsp; them and began to approach them without one word but her glare and posture said that if any of them tried anything they would receive the same treatment as their boss had and she wasn’t afraid to hit them all at once. Turning to Urvasi as the warrior questioned what they should do next. “We should report to the old man first. After that a meal and a place to sleep sounds good to me. Guess a bath works too but that can come after.” She in a dismissive way that made it sound like taking a bath was the least of her worries.<br><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Stand Fast</div><div class="spoiler_body">Roll Result: Avalon29 rolled: 2d6, adding 2 to the total<br>Comment: <br>Result: 4, 1, <br>Total: 7<br></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>29-03-2016, 19:46:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai nodded her assent as she came down from the tree. "Yes, we need to fulfill our promises. Then we can take care of personal needs. Though..." she added with circumspection, "we should probably limit our time in town only to what we need in terms of recuperation and resupply. We are not particularly welcome around here." Her aching muscles gave evidence to the need for the former, but those hostile eyes she saw gave equal weight to the argument for getting back to her home woods as quickly as possible.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>29-03-2016, 20:23:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"Huh.&nbsp; Well, okay.&nbsp; After you, then, since you know where you're going and to whom you'll be talking and I don't have a clue about either."</strong>&nbsp; Urvasi shrugs and lets you lead the way...<br><br>Ling, your old friend looks a bit worse for wear.&nbsp; Uninjured, mercifully, but unrested and frazzled.&nbsp; His eyes light up when he sees you, as if a great weight has suddenly lifted off his shoulders.<br><br>"You have returned!&nbsp; And you are all right!&nbsp; I thought that Chao Yi....ah, never mind.&nbsp; That is not important.&nbsp; What did you find?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>01-04-2016, 00:00:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling nodded her head as Urvasi told them to lead the way. Stepping forward she went to the old man’s home and let out a soft sigh of relief when she realized that he was alright. “Thank goodness you’re alright.. If you were hurt I would’ve had to do so much worse to them. Might still do it. Wonder what would happen if I went and broke the foundation of his house.”&nbsp; She said with a small smile coming to her face as she thought about it. When the topic changed to what they had found on the mountain she pointed her thumb towards Urvasi. “A big hole in the ground and her.” She said simply. “The explosion made the gray ones run off or something I think.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>01-04-2016, 00:21:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes," Mai added. "The Gray Ones are sufficiently cowed for the moment, I think... thanks to.,.. well... this woman..." She eyed Urvasi up and down, not quite fully able to explain what was going on, only that her presence was obviously going to make things interesting going forward.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>05-04-2016, 17:48:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ah.&nbsp; Is that so?"<br><br>Your friend seems to start a bit, as if he hadn't noticed Urvasi right away.&nbsp; He squints at her, frowns deeply.<br><br>"You found her in a big hole in the ground?"<br><br><strong>"Yeah, they did."</strong><br><br>"You are..."<br><br><strong>"Not happy about it, and the landing was rough, thanks for asking."</strong><br><br>The venerable elder goes pale and starts shaking, as if he knows something about your strange friend that scares the Kwanyin out of him.&nbsp; This is reinforced by the sidelong looks he gives both of you.<br><br><strong>"So this is where you ask these two sweet girls to haul me off to a bunch of sages who will ponder their navels and then try to lock me away, just like they did to Daddy, and then the Hundred Year Bonehead Law will kick in and they'll change their mind and offer me anything I want if only I will help save their bacon.&nbsp; Right?&nbsp; Because that's what happened the last time.&nbsp; And the time before that."</strong>&nbsp; She grins.&nbsp; <strong>"I'd just as soon skip the old farts blabbering and cut to the butt-kicking and personal harem if it's okay with you."</strong><br><br>None of this speech seems to make your old friend look any more relaxed.&nbsp; Finally, though, after he sips his tea with trembling hands, he manages to respond.<br><br>"I know nothing of this Hundred Year law of which you speak, but word has come that champions are needed.&nbsp; I thought to offer a longer term solution to the likes of Chao Yi to you both...to you three, I suppose.&nbsp; If you are willing..."&nbsp; He flushes.&nbsp; "Although it would possibly be a wise idea to at least ask one or two learned sages about your new friend..."<br><br>Urvasi makes a cheerfully rude noise, giving a fair idea of her opinion.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>07-04-2016, 02:30:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai nodded slowly. Somehow, she knew that they would never get Urvasi in front of a sage. And even if they did, gods help the poor sage that had to do the inspecting. But there was the other matter.<br><br>"I am certainly listening. What solution do you have for us? Does it involve putting him on a small raft and encouraging him to sail to another continent. Because I'm beginning to think I could really get behind that."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>08-04-2016, 01:20:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“I’m all for alternative means of getting rid of Chao Yi and I’m currently available for jobs in the estate deconstruction industry.” Ling added, savoring the idea of tearing down Chao Yi’s home for a few moments before thinking about the actual subject a bit more seriously. “Still if there’s a way to keep pompous idiots from getting power I’m willing to help find it especially if we can do it without sitting around listening to a lecture. I’ve already more than enough of those to fill up my lifetime quota.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>10-04-2016, 20:19:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Alas, no.&nbsp; I thought perhaps with you two and your new friend well out of the way, it would give the honorable and noble Chao Yi enough rope to find himself unable to annoy anyone else.&nbsp; I was going to suggest you take her to one of the Great Elemental Temples."<br><br><strong>"Oh, yeah, that'll go over really well,"</strong> Urvasi chirped.&nbsp; <strong>"See, the thing about sages and monastic types is, they're celibate.&nbsp; And making them deal with all this?"</strong>&nbsp; She flexed and gyrated her hips in a graceful display of dance.&nbsp; <strong>"Might give them some trouble."</strong><br><br>"Ah, yes, about that..."<br><br><strong>"Especially the chicks."</strong><br><br>"As I was saying..."<br><br><strong>"Got me into trouble up top all the time.&nbsp; Don't get me wrong, it isn't like I go out of my way to distract folks, but some people need to be allowed down off their pedestals and get out for a good time."</strong><br><br>The storyteller heaves a sigh and clears his throat.<br><br>"Anyway, it would probably be a good idea for you to move on soon, before the self-appointed defender of public decency can recover his wits."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>13-04-2016, 00:01:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sighed as the old man suggested that they head to one of the Great Elemental Temples to try to figure out what to do with Urvasi while they let Chao Yi dig his own grave. As the old man went on and the warrior continued to interrupt, talking about getting chicks the earthshaper just rolled her eyes while she waited for her old friend to finish explaining his plan. “Very well. As long as it’s not the great Airshaper temple, I’m fine with that.” She sighed. “Although I really wish we take down Chao Yi’s house before we go. Just for kicks of course.” She said as she turned to Mai. “You’re in this as deep as the rest of us. What do you think? Head to the nearest temple?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>13-04-2016, 01:37:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai nodded. "That may be the safest idea. Safe being a relative term..." She gave a bit of a sigh, whether it was about their new traveling companion or the general level of welcome she was now receiving in town was up for debate. "It may be wiser to find someplace to stay for the night and leave in the morning. Though, perhaps with Chao Yi's new attitude, we might just want to leave now."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>22-04-2016, 16:36:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">(Oops!&nbsp; Sorry for the delay--thought I'd posted.&nbsp; You guys can always ping me if I take more than a few days to get back to you...)</div></div><br>In the end, wise counsel wins out and you get some rest before traveling on...but not too much, because early morning interruptions by Chao Yi's goon squad are not something anybody wants.&nbsp; By mid-day, you are well clear of the heart of the forest and nearing a crossroads.&nbsp; One branch heads in the vague direction of the Great Earth Temple, and the other takes you toward a thriving city-state of cosmopolitan character and libertine repute.<br><br>Urvasi's opinion of where to go next is strangely muted.&nbsp; She was pretty vocal about not wanting to deal with the monks and sages if it could be avoided, but this is more your world than hers, and this morning she seems quiet and thoughtful for some reason.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>25-04-2016, 09:02:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling wasn’t all that happy about having to wake up early in the morning but as she didn’t wanted to make any more trouble for the old man she was willing to oblige. As they made it to the crossroad she paused and glanced down each path. Both ways were rather tempting. She wasn’t a fan of getting a bunch of lectures either at the same time though she might be able to pick up a few tricks. She sighed, as much as she hated old men and boring lectures her oath and desire to become a good enough shaper to show up her father were stronger. “I think we should head to the Earth Temple.&nbsp; I don’t want to endure their lectures but I’ve never been there before and I want to see if their Earthshaping is as good as it’s made out to be. Still if they try any kind of sealing thing we’ll just kick their ass and leave. What do you think Mai? You're the deciding vote since monkey girl over there doesn't want to go and we're split on the vote.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>27-04-2016, 06:10:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai eyed the road carefully. But it wasn't really a choice for her. She never liked cities. She never would. So it was without hesitation as she nodded and answered, "The Temple."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>27-04-2016, 06:18:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Urvasi rolls her eyes and pouts a little, but other than a bit of grumbling puts up no real resistance to your mutual vote.&nbsp; Apparently she was serious about letting you make the call.<br><br><em>Ling, what's one thing you've heard about the Earth Temple that's likely to make this visit a challenge?</em><br><br><em>Mai, you know these woods like the back of your hand.&nbsp; What lies between here and the Earth Temple that you'd just as soon avoid if you can?</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>30-04-2016, 09:50:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling nodded her head when Mai agreed to go to the temple. “Earth temple it is then. Let’s get going.” Of course she’d heard that the members of the Earth Temple were a bit eccentric. Often holding trials disguised as games and puzzles to test those who would try to gain entrance. It was supposed to be to test for worthiness or purity of hear or some such. She was pretty sure that the people at the Earth Temple just got bored and did it to amuse themselves though. Studying all the time had to get boring. She knew she would get bored being stuck in a stuffy old library all the time. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>01-05-2016, 01:20:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai started down the path with the others. Mentally, she mapped the route out and was dismayed to remember that as the crow flew, it would take them right past The Troubled Springs. The Springs part of the name wasn't really so bad - the waters were famed to be therapeutic to those that entered. It was the Troubled part that concerned her (thus the name.) For they were jealously guarded by a trio of demons who charged souls for admissions and generally liked to punish window shoppers by breaking them into little pieces like the aforementioned windows.<br><br>Still, she thought, they should be able to make a wide circle around the area and thus circumvent the problem.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>11-05-2016, 19:10:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Thus armed with a sketched out map and a plan, our heroines proceed...<br><br>It's a few days later.&nbsp; You've taken a wide sweep around the so-called Troubled Springs rather than deal with the rumored demons that are said to live there.&nbsp; This has taken time.&nbsp; It has also involved hearing a litany of supposition about said demons from your traveling companion who (to be fair to her) seems to have all the patience and focus of a young child at least on this particular topic.&nbsp; While she has eventually fallen quiet for as much as an hour at a time, she invariably comes back to wondering out loud about what sort of demons they are and whether they'd be a challenge to fight.&nbsp; If there's a bright side to all this, it's that she hasn't made the least effort to break off and go to the Troubled Springs, nor seems to mind that you two do not share her enthusiasm for a fight.<br><br>Now, as you come around a bend in the road, you see two things that were not here the last time Mai passed this way several months ago.&nbsp; First, there's a checkpoint in the roadway with several rough-looking soldiers manning it.&nbsp; What other traffic there is has lined up to patiently present their papers.&nbsp; Hmmm.&nbsp; Not that you have those.<br><br>The other thing is a ramshackle teahouse that probably does most of its business selling to the people delayed by the checkpoint.<br><br><strong>"Ooooo!&nbsp; Food!&nbsp; And booze!"</strong><br><br>Three guesses who that is, and where she's going.&nbsp; But her exuberant cry draws attention, and at least some of those rough soldiers are now paying very close attention to your tiny party.<br><br><em>What do you do?</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>13-05-2016, 02:18:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai did her best to catch up to their odd and impulsive new companion, but ran straight into a guard. While she tried explaining, "We are but humble travelers on the way to the temple for some down time and meditation," she wasn't all that particularly convincing. For one thing, there weren't too many travelers with large black wolves traveling at their side. For that matter, humble travelers didn't generally run around barely dressed, showing off large quantities of <em>green</em> skin. <br><br>A little voice inside Mai's head warned her that this probably wasn't going to work...<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Uh Oh</div><div class="spoiler_body">Roll Result: Idlewyld rolled: 2d6, adding 1 to the total<br>Comment: Speak Honorably We are but humble travelers<br>Result: 1, 3,<br>Total: 5</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>16-05-2016, 21:29:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling watched as Mai ran off after their new companion while Ling trailed behind the two to let them handle it. She frowned however when she noticed that the pair seemed to be having some trouble with the locals. She grimaced. It looked like she had to put on her high society noble daughter act. Ugh, she hated doing. Having to act like some well-behaved little rich girl always made her gag but manners and proper etiquette were something she’d had drilled into her from childhood as she was raised in a well-known family. Using earth-shaping to remove the dirt from her clothes she approached slowly with her back straight and her head held high with perfect posture. “Excuse me, I’m sorry for interrupting and I’m sure my servants done something to offend you but please ignore them. Miss Mai here is my guide through the forest although her manners could use a little work. As for my other servant please ignore her. She’s my bodyguard.” She leaned forward and spoke in a stage whisper as if she was sharing a secret. “You see she used to be an underground fighter and she was so skilled that I just had to have her for my bodyguard. The green skin and downright lewd outfit were gimmicks to get the attention from the crowd and she just can’t seem to let it go so please just ignore her. Okay?” She asked with a flutter of her eyelashes. Ugh, she made herself want to puke.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Ling makes the save</div><div class="spoiler_body">Roll Result: Avalon29 rolled: 2d6, adding +2 to the total<br>Comment: Help roll + 2 due to having Mai’s Respect.<br>Result: 6, 3, <br>Total: 11<br><br>Add 2 to Mai’s roll increasing it to 7.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>24-05-2016, 22:06:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling, your 'helpful' additions seem to assuage whatever suspicions the security detail may have had, and instead of pressing closer they stay where they are.&nbsp; This allows the two of you to catch up with your irrepressible associate.&nbsp; It does nothing about the concerned and/or lustful glances that come your way every now and again, but then that was probably going to happen in any case.<br><br>Mai, you have no doubt that Ling just saved your bacon.&nbsp; About the jade-green and seemingly oblivious Urvasi, there's probably nothing that can be done, particularly not when she acts very much like a soldier freshly sent on leave with six months' back pay in her coin purse and a raging thirst for more than water.<br><br>To your mutual relief, the lone member of the waitstaff is old enough to be your grandmother and has a personality to give any badger a run for its money: abrupt and brusque would be the polite way of putting it.&nbsp; Thus your companion ends up taking a seat, pouting like a small child, and consoling herself with a small bowl of noodle soup.<br><br><strong>"What a drag!&nbsp; No booze and no tail!&nbsp; And we still gotta go talk to the old bald boring people at the Temple!&nbsp; Honorable Father said there'd be years like this."</strong>&nbsp; She heaves a sigh.&nbsp; <strong>"Bet there's no bath-house around here, either.&nbsp; Maaaaaaaan..."</strong>&nbsp; She turns those big green eyes on both of you, attempting to sway you with her cuteness.&nbsp; <strong>"Can we at least hurry up so I can get it over with and find a couple of willing young beauties who're into sisterly understanding?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>28-05-2016, 08:55:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling was relieved when the guards seemed to leave them alone so they could catch up to their runaway party member. With a sigh the earth-shaper followed after her and joined her at a table in the teahouse.&nbsp; She ordered a small cup of green tea and then massaged her forehead. She was grateful to see that Urvasi seemed to be behaving herself at the moment and that they had a waitress that the warrior would not try to hit on. When she suddenly spoke up however she nodded her head in agreement. “We’ll go there fast, here what the sages have to say about your predicament, see if I can’t pick up a few tricks and then we’re gone. Hopefully before they get any funny ideas about trying to chain you up in a cave or something.” She turned her head to Mai after a moment and spoke again. “And Mai, you’re paying for our food and drink. You owe me one. You know how much I hate having to put on my sheltered little noble girl act. It makes me feel just yuck. I can’t believe there are people who actually enjoy acting like that.” Said as she took another sip from her tea to help relax after having to put on her earlier performance.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>28-05-2016, 15:38:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"They don't necessarily like acting like that - they enjoy the treatment that such acts earn them," Mai answered as she pulled out what little coin she had to pay for the meal. "Personally, I prefer people who don't think their birth automatically entitles them to privilege, but I guess that's why I'm here with you rather than back in town with them. Well, that and the general idea that I hate town... but I'm sure our... excitable friend has already deduced that. And don't worry," she added, turning to said excitable friend. "We aren't going to be spending that much time in the monastery. After all, we want the building to still be standing when we leave."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>05-06-2016, 22:30:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Unfortunately, with nobody else worth teasing, Urvasi alternates between the two of you with her flirtations, her suggestive comments, and her endless store of cheesy double-entendres...so it is probably something of a relief when the guards approach once again, giving all three of you a wary look.&nbsp; One of them, almost certainly the officer in charge by his fancier armor, looks rather unimpressed.<br><br>"You, there!&nbsp; Let's see your travel permits."<br><br>Urvasi just turns a leer on you, Ling.<br><br><strong>"You heard the man!&nbsp; Let's see the twins.&nbsp; I wanna kiss them hello.&nbsp; Mmmm.&nbsp; And suck on them.&nbsp; And nuzzle them..."</strong><br><br>The primary effect this has is to cause the two guards with their commander to look a little uneasy, and the nob himself looks downright irritated.&nbsp; It might be that he's not used to fallen celestials refusing to take him seriously.&nbsp; Maybe he doesn't like women?&nbsp; Or perhaps he's just a prude.<br><br>"Silence, perverted wench!"<br><br>Mai, by the grin on Urvasi's face, she's clearly hoping this escalates.<br><br><em>What do you do?</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>06-06-2016, 02:21:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai looked back and forth between the guards and her travel companions. This was not going to end well. Things ending well was probably something she should have parted a fond farewell to as soon as she met Urvasi. Desperately, she attempted to figure out how to get out of this situation without causing a major incident that would send imperial troops marching on their trail from now until her dying days, or whenever the authorities managed to capture the three of them, lock them in a cell, and throw away the key.<br><br>Unfortunately, she kept coming back to the same unnerving solution.<br><br>First, she quickly turned to the earthshaper and softly apologized. "Ling - you cannot possibly know how sorry I am for what's about to happen. Just rest assured that it's very very <strong>VERY</strong> sorry. If there were another way, I'd take it in a heartbeat."<br><br>Then she turned to Urvasi, still keeping her voice down. The guards <em>really</em> didn't need to hear this. "Get us out of this without a fight and we'll give you an hour topless." She turned back to Ling, cheeks a deep red, and her look more apologetic than ever.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>07-06-2016, 20:49:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai, you now have Urvasi's full attention.&nbsp; Urvasi's full, wide-eyed, blushing, fascinated attention.&nbsp; The only reason she isn't openly gawping at your breasts at the moment is probably because she's trying to decide whether or not she really and truly heard that...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>10-06-2016, 09:33:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling’s eyes widened when she heard Mai’s offer to Urvasi and blushed bright red. The stubborn girl immediately began to dig in her heels. It was something that Mai had probably run into by now when dealing with the Earth Shaper. Just like the earth she worked with she was very stubborn. She was not about to move or lower her dignity just because some guards wanted to see their credentials and Urvasi didn’t like them. “She leaned forward and whispered softly. “New deal, you get Mai for two hours topless and don’t get any time from me since she’s the one that suggested it. I will not put on some show just to avoid a fight with a pair of rude guards. I would rather show you how well an Earth Shape restricting herself to one leg would do in an ass kicking contest then walk around exposing myself.” She murmured. Maybe it was because she came from a respected family or just her pride as an Earth-Shaper but she did have her dignity and she wasn’t willing to compromise that just to avoid a fight. She was one stubborn girl that’s for sure.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>10-06-2016, 17:17:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Ling: +1 Chi for playing to your chakra in a way that makes life more interesting!</div></div><br>Ling, Urvasi turns the dreaded Puppy Eyes attack on you, which unfortunately means that she isn't looking at the guard officer anymore.<br><br><strong>"New deal,"</strong> she counters breathlessly.&nbsp; <strong>"She goes topless for one hour, and I get to watch you two make out for a few minutes.&nbsp; Including tongue!"</strong><br><br>She giggles and claps her hands, clearly confident that this is an offer you can't refuse.&nbsp; Unfortunately for her, the officer is tired of being ignored.<br><br>"Men!&nbsp; Arrest these trollops!"<br><br>...and now there's a fight on the way as the two guards share a look and move to take ahold of you with grim and resigned faces.<br><br><em>What do you do?</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>11-06-2016, 02:42:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai winced when Ling attempted to renegotiated. She should have expected as much. Not that she had anyone but herself to blame. And of course, then Urvasi had to renegotiate. The net result was that they ended up in the fight that she was willing to sacrifice so much to avoid in the first place. "Well," she concluded, "I guess we'll just have to make sure that what happens here doesn't get out of this room." She wasn't particularly optimistic about the probability of that, but she didn't really have that much of a choice. Being hunted by half the province was clearly not in their interests at this point. <br><br>So as soon as the officer ordered their arrest, she immediately kicked over the table, diving down and bringing her two traveling companions with here so that they would be in prime position to give the guards many painful reasons to regret calling them trollops.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Move With Intention</div><div class="spoiler_body">Roll Result: Idlewyld rolled: 2d6, overroll at 1<br>Comment: Move with Intention - Strategic Positioning<br>Result: 3, 6,<br>Total: 9<br>(I think this is actually a 10)</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>15-06-2016, 08:13:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling just glared at Urvasi as she tried to renegotiate the deal but instead she just dug her heels in even further. She would not debase herself for anybody’s amusement. She would much rather fight the guards before doing something like revealing herself or putting on a show for somebody’s amusement. “In your dreams.” She replied curtly. She immediately turned her angry gaze to guards as he called for their arrest and insulted them. “We’re in the middle of discussing something. Buzz off.” She stomped her foot and slid it towards the guard commander. A large rectangular block of stone emerging from the ground to hit him in the gut, hard enough to crush the armor and likely make it hard to breathe. She hadn’t even bothered to get out of her chair however so moving anywhere quickly was likely going to be difficult.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Roll Result: Avalon29 rolled: 2d6, adding -1 to the total<br>Comment: <br>Result: 5, 5, <br>Total: 9<br><br>Apply tag crushed armor to Guard Commander and Ling is left in a disadvantageous position.<br></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>15-06-2016, 17:15:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The officer goes down with a whoosh of expelled breath and effectively drops out of the fight he started, leaving only his men to carry on.<br><br>Urvasi makes more puppy eyes at you, Ling, only now she's pouting.&nbsp; Lower lip all a-tremble, she finally turns her attention to those soldiers and tilts her head to one side.<br><br><strong>"You really don't want to do this,"</strong> she says to them, but it isn't easy to tell if she means to threaten them or if she's making an observation instead.&nbsp; <strong>"I know it.&nbsp; You know it.&nbsp; But if you don't, Mister Prissypants is gonna give you all sorts of trouble.&nbsp; Am I right?"</strong><br><br>By the gods, she sounds <em>understanding</em>.&nbsp; This cannot be good.&nbsp; And then her battle aura lights up, flickering ominously as her eyes narrow and she cracks her knuckles.<br><br><strong>"So I gotta kick your asses for getting in the way of my nookie time.&nbsp; Stand still. This is gonna hurt a bit!"</strong><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Urvasi Acts Dishonorably</div><div class="spoiler_body">Roll +Hot<br>Result: 4, 3, <br>Total: <strong>8</strong><br>You guys choose what the mooks do!&nbsp; Do they...<br>~ Escalate with a counter-proposal,<br>~ Flee in cowardice,<br>~ Provide her with what they think she wants.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>16-06-2016, 01:03:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				I'm thinking they're going to head for the hills. What do you think, Avalon?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>16-06-2016, 02:31:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Given that the commander just had their armor caved in by a girl half their size who didn't even have to get out of their chair. I'd say running makes sense.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>16-06-2016, 05:34:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The two guards look towards one another as Urvasi finished her threat and then towards their downed commander then back up at the one who had put him under without even getting up from the table. “No, it’s fine really.” One of the guards says as they raise their hands in surrender. “I’m pretty sure I saw you’re travel permits when you arrived so we’ll just get out of your hair. Excuse us!” The other says quickly before they make a quick exit from the tea house, dragging their downed commander with them as they made their hasty retreat. They swore to themselves that the next time the captain decided to accost a group of strangers they were staying out of it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>16-06-2016, 05:47:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Urvasi pouts even more.<br><br><strong>"Awwwwwwww...first no nookie and now no fight? Maaaaaaaaan..."</strong><br><br>She turns a hopeful look to Mai.<br><br><strong>"Does it count if they started the fight before we'd actually agreed on anything?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>16-06-2016, 07:08:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai looked back at Urvasi, a little tic-tac-toe sign of stress wrinkling up in the corner of her brow. "I think the words <em>without a fight</em> leave fairly little room for interpretation, don't you?" Looking towards the retreating guards, she merely added, "Let's hope that they keep their mouths shut, at least on an official basis. As for you..." she added turning towards the downed captain before making a whistling noise, sending her wolf companion trotting over his prostrate form, sniffing without reservation. "Hei has your scent now, so if I were you, I would keep very quiet about what happened today. You don't him to have to go looking for you... let alone have me figure out exactly what to do with you once he finds you. Agreed?"<br><br>Her voice was dripping with the honey of sweet reason, but her eyes were telling a far more bitter story.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>16-06-2016, 15:51:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Urvasi kicks the floor like a disappointed child.<br><br><strong>"...maaaaaaaaaan..."</strong><br><br>Then she wanders out of the tiny inn, not even looking at the fallen officer, heading straight for the checkpoint, apparently bored with the situation and setting herself in motion in response.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>19-06-2016, 00:11:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling just shook her head as she watched Urvasi complained about not getting to see them topless or anything of the sort. Not that she had any plans of going along with the deal that Mai had tried to offer in the first place. With a sigh she just got up and prepared to head out the door. “Mai, we’re leaving.” She called out, not even bothering to check on the guard commander injured and instead just continued to make her way towards the door. The sooner they got to the temple at this point the better.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>19-06-2016, 05:45:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai nodded and followed. The sooner they got Urvasi to that temple, the less chance she'd have to cause trouble. Speaking of... Where was she?<br><br>A quick look around and a helpful wolf pointed the way. Heading right for the checkpoint. "Oh... please..." The huntress quickened her pace so she could ease the girl through the checkpoint and make sure the team was on their merry way with as little trouble as possible.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>23-06-2016, 05:54:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				By the time Urvasi wanders close enough to the checkpoint, hands behind her neck, toes kicking at a pebble with every step, the two who rushed out have already had enough time to explain to their comrades-in-arms that the Weird Green Girl and her companions are best allowed to proceed, papers or no papers.&nbsp; She doesn't even give them a second glance as she passes through, although a couple of dumpy merchants immediately start to protest that if some weirdly colored harlot is cutting ahead in line, then they deserve to be given preferential treatment as well...<br><br>One of the two who retreated just gives the loudmouth a weary look.<br><br>"Can you manifest a battle aura?"<br><br>"What?"<br><br>"I said, can you manifest a battle aura?"<br><br>"Those are nothing more than a children's tale!"<br><br>"That's what I thought, too.&nbsp; And then she flattened Captain Won like a rice-stalk training dummy.&nbsp; So if you want to get her mad at you, go right ahead and keep bleating."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>25-06-2016, 06:30:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When the group had wandered close enough to the checkpoint for them to overhear what the group was saying Ling couldn’t help but smirk a bit although she didn’t turn her head to look at the guards. From the sounds of things the guards wouldn’t be accosting any random travelers any time soon just because they didn’t think they were dressed conservatively enough. She couldn’t help but snort a bit at the mention of her having a battle aura. It had just been some rather basic earthshaping not even anything that fancy. But hey if they wanted to spread stories about her as an earthshaper with a battle aura she wasn’t going to complain. Getting a few stories out there was needed if she ever truly wanted to top her father and his accomplishments.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>26-06-2016, 01:57:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai just continued along as well. Like Ling, if their reputation was of people not to be trifled with, that suited her just fine. Of course, that could lead to trouble trying to find <em>them</em>, but she was already getting quite used to that anyway.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>05-07-2016, 02:01:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Urvasi wanders right through the checkpoint, not even bothering to officially notice the guards...and they, particularly given what has befallen their 'beloved' leader, are clearly disinclined to slow her down.&nbsp; As her companions, you all get the same courtesy, which puts you on the far side of the checkpoint, closer to the Temple of Earth and the really boring sages...<br><br>(swipe cut)<br><br><strong>"No tea.&nbsp; No booze.&nbsp; No pretty girls..."</strong><br><br>Three guesses who that is.<br><br><strong>"And on top of all that I gotta put up with these boring old baldies asking me a zillion questions.&nbsp; It's like they don't believe me!"</strong><br><br>And three guesses where you are.<br><br><strong>"I swear, if you hadn't promised me that one little thing..."</strong><br><br><em>Mai, who promised Urvasi something?</em><br><br><em>Ling, what did that person promise in exchange for Urvasi putting up with all this?</em><br><br><strong>"...I'd already be out of here!&nbsp; Talk about no-star accommodations!"</strong><br><br>Although in all candor, given that this is a temple, and technically cloistered, it is not that the rooms you've been assigned are poor or tiny or anything like that.&nbsp; Considering the situation, they've been most generous!&nbsp; So Urvasi is primarily complaining about the no booze, no meat, no nookie sort of policy that such an establishment imposes.&nbsp; Oh, and no fighting (with the obvious exception for sparring and training).<br><br>On the bright side, you made it here without mishap.&nbsp; On the mostly bright side, the sages have taken an interest in Urvasi. She doesn't care for it very much, but them's the breaks.&nbsp; No doubt if the sages were all comely young tea girls who enjoyed a woman's touch she'd be overjoyed.<br><br><em>Ling, second question: something around here feels off.&nbsp; What is it?</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>07-07-2016, 01:00:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai groaned ans she tried to figure out why she insisted on making these kinds of offers to the green girl. In the end, wouldn't it be better not to try and resort to bribery every time Urvasi got out of hand? But expedience trumped modesty at this point, so the die was cast, and she'd have to make good on her promise when the time was due. To be fair, the offer had gotten them to the monastery without incident.<br><br>And to be fair to Urvasi, their time there was tedious for the most part. Whether it was a good thing or a bad thing, these particular monks weren't known for lechery. And perhaps maybe, just maybe, they could tell her and Ling what actually was going on with this girl.<br><br>On the other hand, it might just turn out that Urvasi would get them all into more trouble. It probably would.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>09-07-2016, 10:21:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling grumbled as she listened to Urvasi complain about every little thing about their stop. Yes the constant questions were a bit annoying but for now they had safe place to rest for a while and figure things out, like just what in the world they should focus on trying to do next. She admittedly was also using this time to see if she couldn’t get one of the masters here to teach her a few tricks or get a few scrolls to learn how to get into the more difficult styles of earth-shaping. She still couldn’t help but shake her head as Mai had again agreed to go shirtless for Urvasi. She didn’t understand why she was so quick to offer that. Sure it had worked but it didn’t seem right. Ling would never offer such a thing herself. <br><br>Still if there was one thing Urvasi was right about it was that this place was a little boring outside of sparing with one of the priests here. But there was something else to. Things felt off. Whenever there was even a hint of an idea that they may be leaving the priests would give an excuse why they should stay here a little while longer. It was like the y were trying to keep them for some reason. They were also quite interested in her and Mai’s companion, maybe a little too interested. “Urvasi, look I promise to make sure the priests do nothing more than question you and if they try anything funny we’ll get you out of here no matter what. Besides you’ve already got Mai’s promise so relax a little bit, unless you’ve figure out just what you’re supposed to be doing now that you’re here.” And Ling didn’t mean the temple, she meant on the mortal plane.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>15-08-2016, 02:20:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Your solitude is interrupted by one of the junior acolytes.<br><br>"Excuse me," he blushes, putting a hand over his eyes even as he opens the door...not like he has a chance to see anything anyway, since you're all dressed, but with Urvasi one never knows.&nbsp; "Most Reverend is asking for the three of you.&nbsp; There's someone here to visit with you.&nbsp; Uhm."&nbsp; He swallows nervously.&nbsp; "The...loud one...in particular."<br><br><strong>"Who, me?"</strong><br><br>"Y-yes..."<br><br>Urvasi frowns, her pretty face scrunching up in thought.<br><br><strong>"Do we have a name or anything like that?"</strong><br><br>"I don't know," the boy replies, sounding only too hopeful that he will get out of here with his virtue un-assailed.&nbsp; "I think Master called him Honest Horse."<br><br>At that name, Urvasi turns an interesting shade of pale.<br><br><em>Ling, that name is vaguely familiar.&nbsp; What have you heard of this chivalrous fellow?</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>17-08-2016, 07:35:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling looked up at the&nbsp; acolyte and nodded her head as he mentioned that someone wanted to meet them. It was when they mentioned his name that Ling frowned. Perhaps it was best to leave and soon. "Thank you for telling us." Turning towards Urvasi and Mai she sighed. "I think it's time for us to leave. From what I remember Honest Horse is a powerful Earth-Shifter who specializes in old lore. Given what I know of the old legends letting Urvasi meet him might not be a good idea. " She massaged her head and looked towards the other two. "It's up to you two but I think we should get out of here before things start getting messy."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>24-08-2016, 02:09:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai looked back at Ling, then askance at Urvasi, who seemed even less excited than the earthshaper about meeting the mysterious sage. "If you two think it's a bad idea to meet this Honest Horse, then I'm inclined to agree with you. That being said, do either of you have an idea as to <em>how</em> to leave? This place really only has the exit in the front as far as I know."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>29-08-2016, 01:04:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"I know that name,"</strong> Urvasi whispers.&nbsp; <strong>"And I don't like it!&nbsp; Yeah.&nbsp; Uhm.&nbsp; Getting out of here would be a really good idea!&nbsp; Er..."</strong><br><br>She swallows nervously and looks at you two.<br><br><strong>"Only...uhm...you guys wouldn't happen to know how to get out of here without being noticed?&nbsp; Because I gotta feeling that if we're spotted leaving, it's gonna get you two into a world of hurt.&nbsp; Yeah.&nbsp; That's it.&nbsp; You guys will get in trouble.&nbsp; Me, I'm always in trouble so it's not like a big deal, but you two seem pretty, y'know, straightforward and normalish."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>02-09-2016, 08:34:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling nodded her head in agreement as Urvasi agreed with them getting out. As Urvasi asked for a way out that wouldn’t attract notice she frowned a little. “I’m not really good at the whole subtlety thing. This whole temple is made of stone so I could probably up a hole in the wall that that’s not exactly something that goes unnoticed. Other than that there’s the training ground for the Earth shifters. The ground is pretty soft there. I bet I could get us out by digging a tunnel but that could be slow and I would need someone to keep the others busy. The only other thing I can think of is searching for some kind of secret way out.” Ling said with a sigh. Mai, you got anything?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>05-09-2016, 05:50:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai pondered for a moment. "Well, officially there's only one way in and out. But..." her head cocked slightly as she considered the attitudes of the people they had been trapped with for a while now, "I think that these guys, for all their holier-than-thou attitudes, seem to need a break every once in a while. I haven't actually caught anyone sneaking away, but doesn't it seem mysterious that every so often, Brother So-and-So simply cannot be found as he is engrossed in his duties?"<br><br>She put a finger to her nose and winked. "So I'm betting there's a hidden way out of here somewhere in the back of the temple. The problem is it's going to be well hidden, since they don't want the Holy Abbot to find out. Still, we're fairly capable people, so I think we should be able to find it..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>05-09-2016, 20:19:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				On the one hand, this discussion has cheered Urvasi right up.<br><br><strong>"What're we waiting for?&nbsp; Let's go!"</strong><br><br>On the other hand, a cheerful Urvasi <em>is</em> likely more of a liability than an asset.&nbsp; So long as she's distracted, you aren't going to have to worry about suggestive comments or attempts to get you to undress and let her fondle you...not that she's done that yet, but it's only a matter of time.<br><br>So heading out is probably a good idea.&nbsp; Packing isn't hard to do--none of you have much stuff, after all--so only a few moments are required to get ready and head out the front door...ah, yeah.&nbsp; About that.&nbsp; It seems that the acolyte was only half right, because you walk right into the Abbot and a very angry elderly gentleman in the garb of a wandering warrior, complete with an epic and legendary weapon slung over one shoulder.<br><br>It's Honest Horse, come to meet you in person.<br><br><em>What do you do?</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>06-09-2016, 06:57:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh. Hi," said Mai to their two interlopers. This was exactly what she didn't want to happen. But now it had. "Um... we were... um... going to head to the bathroom?" She looked over her shoulder to Ling, to see if she had any better ideas.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>07-09-2016, 02:04:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling sighed as they ran straight into Honest Horse and Mai quickly tried to come up with an excuse for what the y were doing. It was no use lying to a master Earth-Shaper. They could feel whether or not people gave off by feeling people’s heartbeats and other physical reactions. She hadn’t mastered that trick quite yet though. Looking right up into the other male’s eyes she stood her ground. “We’re leaving. I’m not sure what you want Urvasi and quite frankly I don’t care. Thank you for hospitality but if you think that I will let you do whatever you want with my companions you’re dead wrong.” She declared stubbornly. She was an Earth-Shaper and when she wanted to be she could be as stubborn as a mountain. There was no way she was letting anything&nbsp; happen to anyone in their group especially not after she had sworn to make sure that Urvasi got out of the temple in one piece.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Speak Honorably Success</div><div class="spoiler_body">Roll Result: Avalon29 rolled: 2d6, adding 1 to the total<br>Comment: <br>Result: 5, 5, <br>Total: 11<br></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>17-09-2016, 21:34:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Honest Horse screws his face up in preparation for what is certain to be a loud and long scolding...which never comes.&nbsp; He meets Ling's gaze and slowly closes his mouth as she replies.&nbsp; One hand rises to stroke his long, wispy beard.&nbsp; His eyes slip sideways to study Urvasi.<br><br>"You are in earnest," he answers after a moment, nodding slowly.&nbsp; "But do you know who it is that you are protecting?"<br><br>The Abbot, also puffing himself up to retort, finds Honest Horse's other hand resting on his shoulder.&nbsp; That worthy stops, glances down at the heavy, calloused hand, and almost pouts.<br><br>"But you said she was a danger to all!"<br><br>"A clear and present danger to virtue and propriety, if not also life, limb, and property values," Honest Horse admits.<br><br><strong>"Family tradition,"</strong> Urvasi grumbles, arms crossing in a way that makes her ample bosom move in an eye-catching way.&nbsp; <strong>"Take it up with Honorable Father."</strong><br><br>"You intend to depart forthwith?"<br><br><strong>"Yeah.&nbsp; No point in hanging around.&nbsp; There's nothing these guys have that can help, which means I gotta go further afield."</strong>&nbsp; Urvasi blows bangs back from her face.&nbsp; <strong>"Plus I'm getting bored."</strong><br><br>Honest Horse strokes his beard some more.&nbsp; Then he bows to Ling...surprisingly low.<br><br>"I find no fault with you, disciple of Wudan, and honor your request to depart without further interference.&nbsp; May this worthy presume to accompany you on your path, the better to prevent any unfortunate misunderstandings?"<br><br>The Abbot looks like he's about to blow a gasket.<br><br><em>What do you do?</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>19-09-2016, 06:19:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling lets out a sigh of relief as Honest Horse agrees to let them go without a fight. She had been worried about that. She was good but she didn’t think she could take on an entire temple of Earth-Shapers, not to mention the famed Honest Horse as well. As the Abbot protests to their leaving however she gulped. It seemed that maybe they wouldn’t get out as easily as she had hoped. Urvasi wasn’t helping as she refused to deny not being a danger. She was surprised when Honest Horse suddenly bowed to her and she quickly raised up her hands in protest. “I’m not that great, well yet anyway. There’s’ no need to bow. I don’t like any of that stuffy formality stuff anyway.” <br><br>At the sudden offer to join them however she pauses. While having such a famed member join their group would be a boon, one glance at Urvasi’s face showed she wasn’t exactly thrilled with the idea. The Abbot didn’t exactly seemed thrilled with the idea either.&nbsp; “Thank you, just escort us to the exit please to make sure we get out without incident. It seems Mai and I are stuck escorting her for who knows how long. I’m sure you have better things to do than babysit and no offense but I don’t think the monkey girl likes the idea of having someone else travel along with us. If you’ve got a scroll or anything I can use that has a few tips and tricks I can use for my Earth-Shaping and the other styles I certainly wouldn’t refuse.” She said with a polite bow on her head. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>21-09-2016, 01:52:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai looked at the Abbot, who seemed about ready to scream. Then back at Urvasi who probably thought this was about as good an idea as the abbot did. Then she shrugged and added, "It's nice of you to ask, but as Ling said, I think this is really our fate rather than yours. The Gods can be quite picky about that sometimes. Some time, when all of this is over, I'm sure we can all meet and have a good laugh about this, but right now..." she shrugged again. "Better things, or maybe not. Maybe just things. Still, we'd better be heading on our way now..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>25-09-2016, 21:56:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Then I shall escort you as far as the front gates," Honest Horse nods thoughtfully, giving Urvasi another sidelong glance.&nbsp; "Abbot, thank you for your guidance.&nbsp; I wish to speak with you further once they are departed."<br><br>The Abbot seems to get himself under control, bows politely to Honest Horse.<br><br>"Very well.&nbsp; Warriors, depart in peace."<br><br>Urvasi doesn't seem too upset by all this.&nbsp; Instead, she folds her hands behind her neck and gambols toward the front gates as if all this is just another day in her odd little world.&nbsp; Maybe it is?<br><br>At the very gates, your escort pauses and speaks quietly to both Ling and Mai.<br><br>"You know who your friend is?&nbsp; Truly who she is?&nbsp; I would advise you both to greater caution."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>29-09-2016, 01:01:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai shook her head. "No, I don't suppose we know who she really is. But as you said, she is our friend. And that means we can't just leave her because she's a pain. Which she is. Truly."<br><br>With another deep breath, and her hand ruffling Hei's fur, she continued. "That being said, I've got a feeling you know more than we do, so maybe you can enlighten us? To be honest, we could probably use a bit of guidance of our own."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>01-10-2016, 06:14:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When asked if they knew who Urvasi was Ling nodded her head. “Don’t know exactly who she is. I know where she’s&nbsp; from though and that’s more than enough to tell me how much trouble she’s going to be. We found her though so I guess it’s our responsibility to see her through whatever it is she’s supposed to be doing.” She said simply. “Hopefully keep her from destroying too much property.” Of course she was known to do some property damage herself. When she did Earth Shaping it tended to get pretty big and when she missed well, sometimes a wall or two caved in, maybe a building if she accidentally a hit a support pillar, but at least she didn’t do it intentionally.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>02-10-2016, 23:30:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Honest Horse strokes his beard thoughtfully.&nbsp; When he answers, his voice is distant and soft as if he fears being overheard.<br><br>"You have heard the tales of the Great Stone Monkey and the Lesser Stone Monkey, yes?&nbsp; She is another such creature, fallen to the mortal world until such time as the Great Spirit Court permits her to return."&nbsp; He makes a face.&nbsp; "Given what the Great Stone Monkey did in his time, this does not bode well."<br><br><strong>"Relax,"</strong> you hear Urvasi saying over her shoulder.&nbsp; Just how good is her hearing?&nbsp; <strong>"I'm not interested in proving the Hundred Year Bonehead Rule.&nbsp; Kinda like I'm not interested in causing tons of trouble."</strong>&nbsp; She pauses, tilts her head to one side.&nbsp; <strong>"Which is not the same as saying trouble won't find me.&nbsp; Runs in the family."</strong><br><br>Honest Horse has the grace to blush at being overheard.<br><br>"She is an Apsara," he adds, still speaking softly.&nbsp; "One of the Dancers of Joy.&nbsp; It is a...most <em>euphemistic</em> epithet."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>03-10-2016, 01:59:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling nods his head when Honest Horse asks whether he had heard toe story of the Stone Monkey. Of course she had, pretty much everybody had. As he went on to mention that Urvasi was the same she sighed, somehow she wasn't too surprised though what with the green skin and the crater having the words stay out listed. Still she nodded her head once more as Urvasi assured them that she had no intention of causing problems or cause trouble. Ling doubted the last one she might intend too but she knew that the girl certainly would one way or the other. At the revelation that she was an Apsara she turned to look at Urvasi. "Why do I have a feeling that you like to do a different kind of dancing than simply&nbsp; normal dancing on a stage." She said before she turned her attention back to Honest Horse. "Thank you for the information Honest Horse. I think it's about time that we get on the road again though."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>06-10-2016, 06:40:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai nodded. "Yes, you've given us much to think about. And trouble follows this one like a lonely puppy. But... whatever happens, we'll deal with it. And let the stories tell what idiots we were centuries from now." She shrugged and smiled. "But thanks. And may the wood see you well, Honest Horse."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-10-2016, 04:56:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Then I bid you both farewell."&nbsp; He turns and frowns in concentration a moment longer, regarding Ling.&nbsp; "When next we meet, perhaps we could arrange a test or two?&nbsp; You have much potential, I think."<br><br>Urvasi lets out an odd little giggle, as if she has chosen to interpret his comment in ways that neither he nor Ling would likely appreciate.&nbsp; It is testament to the older warrior's patience that he does nothing more than roll his eyes skyward for a moment at this.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>13-10-2016, 06:51:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling smiled and nodded her head as the warrior bid her farewell before offering a test the next time they met. “I would be happy for the chance to train with a legend. I could use the practice. She said with a nod of her head as she prepared to depart with her companions.&nbsp; She sighed not a moment later though as she heard Urvasi giggling behind them, revealing that she probably wasn’t thinking about tests the same way she was. “You and I both know he didn’t mean it like that.” She said as he turned her gaze to Urvasi, a bit embarrassed but not showing it on her face. “Now let’s get going before Urvasi decides to try to tear down the temple for kicks or tries to get in the pants of any girl here.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>17-10-2016, 02:05:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai nodded. "The sooner, the better." She gave a look back to Urvasi before asking the next question. "But since we're leaving this august location, exactly where is it that we intend to go? Home isn't really an option right now, seeing as that idiot has probably got a large army waiting for us, and I'd like to avoid causing any collateral damage. Do you have any ideas where we can take a Dancer of Joy without making too much of a spectacle of ourselves?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>17-10-2016, 05:23:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"Uhm, not really.&nbsp; Being a spectacle kind of goes with the territory.&nbsp; I can't help being sexy enough to make statues sit up and take notice, now, can I?&nbsp; But I get not wanting to go back and deal with that bonehead.&nbsp; What was his problem, anyway?"</strong>&nbsp; Urvasi pouts.&nbsp; <strong>"Now, what I really want is to find a nice city with some cute tea-girls who don't mind a little fondling since neither one of you ever seems to wanna play..."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>17-10-2016, 06:06:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling sighed and rolled her eyes at Urvasi's stated reason to visit a city. A city was also a sure place to get them in trouble with the way the Dancer of Joy acted. At the same time though it was also one of the best places to find information and pick up rumors. It might give them a lead on where they should head next. She had to admit she did miss some of the luxuries of being in the city like good food and a bath. Well they didn't have anywhere else to go. Why not head to the city? "Alright, I think Urvasi's right in this case. Let's head to the city and see what we can find. We don't have any clues at the moment and a stay in the city will make a nice change of place."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>18-10-2016, 04:26:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai's face lost all its color and Hei instinctively drew in closer to her, sensing his companion's discomfort. "The city..." she half-whispered/half-mumbled. Mai was of the wood and the city was about as far from her comfort zone as one could get without going into the bowels of Hell or some other such location. She looked first to Ling and then to Urvasi hoping against all hope that either might come up with a better idea.<br><br>Unfortunately, they were right. The city was probably the best place to go right now, in terms of finding answers. That didn't keep her from shaking uncontrollably, but it did keep her from voicing any logically-reasoned objectives.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>31-10-2016, 05:48:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em><strong>Ling</strong>, where's the nearest city?&nbsp; What is it called?&nbsp; Why would you want to go there in general--what's interesting about it?</em><br><br><em><strong>Mai</strong>, we have already established that there is no problem that Urvasi can't make more interesting.&nbsp; What challenge does she put into overdrive that forces you to pause in the journey towards the city?</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>31-10-2016, 10:04:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling held her hands behind her head as they made their way down the road toward their next destination. “So Quyuan city should be our next stop I think. It’s to the east by the river.” She explained. She wasn’t really one for playing tour guide but she had traveled a lot and she knew this area pretty well since it was a good place to find earth shapers thanks to the nearness of the temple and a good place to find work in general. It was usually escorting caravans or something similar but the pay was good when she needed the money and it kept her moving around so she got to visit plenty of places with the caravan paying her way which was nice. <br><br>She’d only been to Quyuan once or twice but she had heard that they had a festival around this time of year from the leader of the caravan she had been escorting the last time she’d come. Apparently it was a big one too, lots of visitors, merchants, performance troupes, and all kinds of people set up stalls and stores. It would be a good place to pick up information. She was a little worried about what Urvasi would do in such a place admittedly but it would keep her happy and hopefully keep her from complaining too much on the way there. “There’s supposed to be some kind of big festival happening soon. It’ll be a good place to pick up news about what’s gone all over the world. It’ll be the best chance for us hear about any strange events or meet someone who knows more about Uravasi. We just need to make sure we don’t cause too much of a scene. Who knows what someone might do if they heard about our Dancer of Joy here?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>02-11-2016, 02:16:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Quyuan it is then..." Mai conceded with a sigh. The City. The Nasty Big Smelly City. Yes, she knew Ling was right, but Ling's being right didn't necessarily go hand-in-hand with Mai's being comfortable. She knew that she could keep the Earthshaper safe in the wood as she had vowed so long ago, less so about keeping her safe in the city.<br><br>What she <em>should</em> have been thinking of was how to get to the city safely in the first place. This particular issue didn't really rear its ugly head until about halfway through the second day of their trek, when they passed by a cave. Most people would have steered clear, thinking of the horrors that might lie instead. But of course, Ling and Mai weren't escorting most people, they were escorting Urvasi, the beautiful, powerful, and dangerously curious (not to mention immortal, unlike her earthly companions) Dancer of Joy. So when most would have thought of the dangers, Urvasi, no doubt was thinking only of the treasures within. And an obstacle that would have been much better avoided would instead become an intermediary destination.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>07-11-2016, 04:29:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It helps, of course, that by the time you are in the vicinity of the cave, it's also raining.&nbsp; Not heavily, not yet, but by the leaden look of the clouds drifting your way on the sullen breeze, it won't take much longer before you're more than soaked to the bone.&nbsp; And this, rather than any desire for treasure, would seem to be the primary reason why Urvasi points toward the dread cave of unspeakable horror, grins at Ling, and says:<br><br><strong>"How about we stop here?&nbsp; Build a fire, dry off these wet things, enjoy a little tea..."</strong><br><br>The forward edge of the heavier rain catches up to you.&nbsp; It won't take long for you to give Urvasi that 'wet tunic' contest she was teasing you about a few days ago.&nbsp; Maybe the cave really will be the lesser of two problems?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>09-11-2016, 08:44:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling shivered a bit from the rain and the breeze. Still that didn’t stop her from rolling her eyes at Urvasi’s words. They didn’t have much of a choice though. She just hoped the storm didn’t last too long and kept them from arriving in time for the festival in the city. “What is it with you and tea girls I swear.” She grumbled. “Still we should get inside before this storm gets any worse.” She hurriedly made her way inside of the cave.&nbsp; Once she was inside she waited for the others to enter as well and then did a bit of simple earth-shaping to create a small wall between the party and the cave entrance to block some of the wind in case the storm got bad later. Once that was done she turned to the group and sighed. “Anyone able to actually light a fire with wet wood and kindling or by some miracle have some dry wood?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>13-11-2016, 06:02:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai wasn't too particularly worried about the rain. She'd faced the elements before. Still, shelter was a good idea, and she and Hei ran into the cave just as quickly as everyone else. Caves were not in and of themselves bad shelters, as long as there wasn't a whole lot <em>in</em> them to worry about. Of course that was a really big if.<br><br>Fire, on the other hand, fire she could do. She'd certainly made enough of her own, from the tender age of four even. Huntresses learned their trade early. It wasn't easy with wet wood, but with good tinder, and a little elbow grease, she could get a fire up and roaring in no time. As the flame sputtered to life, she nodded and smiled. "There we go. I think now we can relax for a bit, though we should probably still keep our guard up."<br><br>She was still a little wary about the feeling that they might not be quite alone in this cave.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-11-2016, 06:09:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"Tea girls are generally pretty, polite, and pleasant,"</strong>&nbsp; Urvasi said.&nbsp; <strong>"That puts them a bit ahead of the usual frosty bitches up in the Greater Court, who are often too self-important to relax.&nbsp; Not that there aren't a few I'd like to play with anyway, but opportunity rarely presents itself."</strong>&nbsp; She rolled her eyes, already stripping out of her outer tunic, which was quite damp.&nbsp; <strong>"With tea girls, I at least get the illusion that my companionship is not all that horrible a burden, and they don't seem to mind the flirting so long as I don't get too hands-on and leave a good tip afterwards."</strong><br><br>Nose wrinkling at the smoke that resulted from Mai's firebuilding, she found a flat and clean-ish rock to use as a seat.<br><br><strong>"That's what's up with me and tea girls."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>14-11-2016, 10:18:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling finished her barrier against the weather and returned to the group while Ling explained her reason for her fascination with tea girls. She couldn’t help but roll her eyes a bit as she mentioned playing with girls at the Greater Court. Pulling off her wet robe she approached Mai’s building fire and hung it up so it could dry. She was a bit embarrassed by it but she didn’t want to catch cold. “Well, I’m sure you’ll find plenty of tea girls once we get to town. There’s supposed to be some kind of festival going on. I’m sure they’ll be eager for your business. Just don’t get us thrown out of town before we find some kind of information on where to go next.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>15-11-2016, 02:18:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai had a hunch that Urvasi's critique of certain people's attitudes were not directed solely at the members of the Greater Court. "That may be true," she responded, even as she peeled off her own drenched outer robes and hanging them up before returning to the fire. Hei had it easier - he merely had to remove himself to a corner of a cave and shake vigorously. "But you should ask yourself, would a tea girl willingly march off with you into the middle of the woods and find herself hiding from a massive downpour in the rain. And even if she did, what would she charge for the service?" She might have added something about tea girls being unwilling to traipse off into smelly and densely populated cities, but, of course, that's where most tea girls tended to be located in the first place, so it wouldn't have been much of an effective point. Frankly <em>in the woods</em> or even <em>in a cave</em> was far preferable to Mai than <em>in town.</em> "But since we're effectively stuck here for the night, why don't you tell us about some of the more interesting situations you've gotten yourself into <em>before</em> your fellow gods decided that you might need a little vacation down here on Earth?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>22-11-2016, 19:57:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Urvasi pouted.<br><br><strong>"I don't want tea girls, not really. Just that they're as close as I ever seem to get."</strong><br><br>Her blushing little sidelong look at Mai was not as subtle as she probably thought it was.<br><br><strong>"Why do you wanna hear about them? They're boring. And stuffy.&nbsp; And oh so very proper, so a girl can't get in a friendly kiss and playful fondle before being chastised for being a horrible deviant.&nbsp; As if the repressed and frustrated little housewives are all that quiet when they jill off in their lonely beds at night because their lords and masters are off drinking and playing martial arts hotshot with other guys."</strong>&nbsp; She snorted.&nbsp; <strong>"Not so much in the Celestial as down here, but it happens.&nbsp; I mean, I know Feng Hua likes me...and right now she's a she instead of a he, and doesn't mind so much.&nbsp; But trying to get on her schedule is, like, impossible."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>22-11-2016, 20:31:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling sighed as Urvasi mentioned that it wasn’t tea girls that she wanted before changing the subject to answer Mai’s question. She was curious about what life was like in the celestial court so she listened attentively to what her life had been like up there. She couldn’t help but grimace a bit as she heard though. It sounded a lot like constraining, rule laden, stuffy life of a noble that she had escaped from by going on her journey. “Look, I can’t speak for ai but I like you just fine otherwise I wouldn’t have stood up for you in that temple.” She chuckled a bit. “Then again I might have just to see that head priest turning purple after Honest Horse changed his mind about you.” She said with a soft laugh.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>22-11-2016, 20:34:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Urvasi turned her pout on Ling.<br><br><strong>"So how come you won't let me see your boobs?&nbsp; Or let me play with them?&nbsp; Or the rest of you?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>22-11-2016, 20:50:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling just rolled her eyes as Urvasi turned her pout on her instead. "Look I said I like you. That means were friends. Just because I don't let you do things doesn't mean I don't like you.There's a lot more to being friends than being physical with them. . In fact you'd probably have better luck with girls if you eased into that rather than starting with groping them and asking them to bed you." She sighed and took a seat by the fire. "Trust me on this when I say nobles prefer it when you take some time and play their games before trying to whisk them off to your bed. The courting before is just as much of a game to them as what happens after." She said trying to give a little bit of friendly advice even if the topic was a little embarrassing. She hoped she could get the dancer of joy to trust them just a little bit more rather than thinking they hated her or something like. The other girl might have penchant for getting them in trouble but it was the fun kind at least.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>22-11-2016, 20:52:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"I tried it that way.&nbsp; It never worked."</strong>&nbsp; The pout approached puppy-like proportions.&nbsp; <strong>"And actually courting...well, maybe that'll work better with mortals, 'cause it sure didn't do much for Celestials."</strong>&nbsp; She flopped back on the stone and groaned.&nbsp; <strong>"Sooooooo frustrated..."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>22-11-2016, 21:11:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling sighed. “Look I don’t know much about Celestials but you people live a long time right? It might be that you need to play their games longer since you live so long. All I know is that nobles here at least usually like to play for a while before they get to the bedding or at least a little bit of drink.” She said with a shrug of her shoulders. “Anyway like I said earlier there’s going to be a big festival in the city we’re going to. Lots of tea girls and women, late nights, festival mood. I’m sure you can find someone who can help you out with your frustration.” She said with a soft chuckle.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>22-11-2016, 23:41:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai shrugged. "She's right. With immortals, you have all the time in the world, and so much power, so investing time and effort doesn't matter so much. Here on earth, we mortals take that time and effort seriously. It makes us feel wanted." She stoked the fire for a bit, smiling for once. "And Ling's right about the other thing too. Sometimes being friends means waiting. And sometimes it means it's not going to happen at all. I mean Ling and I have known each other for who knows how long and we've never..."<br><br>She suddenly grew very quiet as she suddenly stumbled onto an idea that had never really come out into the open before.<br><br>"Anyway..." the huntress added, suddenly quite desperate to change the subject. "I'm sure you'll find lots of tea girls in the city, just like Ling said, right?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>23-11-2016, 00:41:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"I don't want tea girls."</strong><br><br>Still staring at the ceiling, Urvasi makes an unhappy noise.<br><br><strong>"I'm no good at courting.&nbsp; I say something wrong.&nbsp; Or I give the wrong presents.&nbsp; Or...well, it's always something.&nbsp; So it's easier to just proposition the pretty girls right away and get it over with."</strong><br><br>She turned to regard Mai.<br><br><strong>"Oh.&nbsp; You mean you haven't told her that you want to see her boobs, too?&nbsp; How's that working out for you?&nbsp; Being patient and stuff."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>23-11-2016, 02:50:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling just nodded her head as Mai reiterated her points about being patient and that friendship doesn't always end in sex. Still she sighed as Urvasi declared that she didn't want tea girls. "Well, there's somebody out there for you Urvasi. I'm sure of it." She said with a nod, assuming that would be the end of the conversation. However as the Dancer of Joy misconstrued Mai's reason for mentioning friendship she sputtered. "W-wait what?" She asked as she tried to get her mind around what in the world Urvasi was talking about. "We're just friends that's all. There's nothing like that going on." She insisted, her face blushing pink from the implication. It was something she didn't do very often.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>23-11-2016, 07:01:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No!" Which the huntress thought would be sufficient until it dawned on her that it might be construed as a failure of strategy than a lack of interest. "I mean yes!" Which of course carried precisely the opposite problem. "I mean..." suddenly Mai was very tongue tied indeed, not to mention sporting a deep shade of red on her cheeks. "I mean - like she said - we're just friends. It's not like I'm constantly thinking of Ling's boobs. I mean... I'm sure her boobs are nice... Not that I'm sure..."<br><br>Suddenly, she was very intent on staring at the fire. "Just... forget what I said, OK?" Of course, that wasn't likely to happen. And now she was probably going to spend half of the night trying NOT to think of Ling's chest. Well that and figure out how exactly did Urvasi become such an expert at making everything more complicated.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>23-11-2016, 22:41:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"You haven't even <em>kissed</em>,"</strong> Urvasi goes on, sounding almost depressed.&nbsp; <strong>"And you can't tell me that neither one of you has gotten any fun or stress relief this whole time!&nbsp; But you won't let me help you out either, which...is also frustrating.&nbsp; So there's that."</strong>&nbsp; She sighs again. <strong> "And I don't want to make you super uncomfortable, so I can't even take care of myself.&nbsp; Which I don't like to do 'cause it's more fun with someone else."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>23-11-2016, 23:26:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The blush on Ling’s face continued to grow as Urvasi goes about how they hadn’t kissed and how neither one of them had any fun this entire time. As she began to complain how they wouldn’t let her help with their stress relief was frustrating and that she couldn’t take care of herself either because it would make them uncomfortable Ling very quickly decided that it was time to change the subject and soon. “Look if you need to do that just go to the edge camp while we’re sleeping or something. You don’t have to worry about me.” She said quickly, given that she slept in a stone tent at night and was a pretty heavy sleeper at that Urvasi didn’t have to worry about her at least. “And as for the rest of it we don’t have that kind of relationship we’re just friends.” She insisted this whole topic making her rather uncomfortable. Talking about her feelings really wasn’t her strong suit or any of these other things either. “Now, then when we reach this city what should we be listening for? I know we’re supposed to help you do things but are there any signs or what not we should listen for as to tasks that might help you?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>25-11-2016, 20:19:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"I mean, is it too much to ask that you two kiss and touch?&nbsp; Not like I'm asking you to get married or anything...just...make out.&nbsp; Feel up.&nbsp; Maybe even let me help?"</strong><br><br>Urvasi sighs heavily.<br><br><strong>"Maybe I really do need to go all Dark Lady and stuff.&nbsp; Kidnap a whole harem's worth of pretty girls.&nbsp; But Mom would never forgive me if I did that."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>25-11-2016, 20:41:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai was turning ever redder at Urvasi's suggestions. "Let's just... talk about something else, OK?" Not that she'd be thinking of anything else for a while now...<br><br>And besides, the second suggestion gave her something to latch onto. "No, let's remain decent people. Sure, maybe doing the right thing doesn't have <em>immediate</em> rewards, but it's a lot easier to live with yourself in the morning, isn't it? In the meanwhile, what is it you need to do to get back? I mean when you're ready to get back? And in the meanwhile, short of the... um... advice you've given us, how can we help you fix your problems, or at least get along in this world?"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>25-11-2016, 21:02:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"Oh.&nbsp; Right.&nbsp; Help me get back in the good graces of those stuffy, repressed so-and-sos running the Celestial Bureaucracy."</strong>&nbsp; Urvasi snorts.&nbsp; <strong>"Great deeds of heroism and a demonstration of having learned whatever they thought I should learn would probably do it.&nbsp; Which means being really very terribly frustrated, and in any case would be kind of hypo-twit-ical of me.&nbsp; I mean, moral actions undertaken with expectation of reward aren't exactly moral, are they?"</strong>&nbsp; Another snort.&nbsp; <strong>"And as popular as I'm not, that's what they'll probably say no matter what my actual motivation.&nbsp; Jerks."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>26-11-2016, 00:54:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling's face turned bright red as Urvasi went on to list just what it was that she wanted from them. "I don't know how things work up there but here it's not that simple at least between people who know each other. Now as for this whole&nbsp; dark lady thing I don't think you would like it anyway. You want the girls to like you not be afraid of you." She sighed softly. "I don't blame you for not wanting to fit in with them if they're as stuffy as nobles here but I imagine you at least want to be on good enough terms for you to visit home whenever you want to. Still we'll keep an ear out for any trouble or notable issues we can help with or damsels who need rescuing. That sounds like a good start between our enjoying the festival."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>26-11-2016, 06:26:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"People do tend to think more highly of themselves than they do of others," commiserated the huntress. "I guess the Gods aren't that different." From the example she was given, could she imagine it any differently? "Still, you're our friend, Urvasi, so you can count on us to help you out, whatever it is you want to do, you know... beyond all the tea girl stuff. And I <em>suppose</em> the festival will be fun. In the city. Yes. Fun."<br><br>Mai's own voice got a little automatic with the last two words. As if she was forcing herself to look forward to the upcoming events.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>26-11-2016, 06:49:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"I don't even know what the festival's about,"</strong> she shrugs, still pouting over yet another lost opportunity to enjoy a good view of pert young breasts.&nbsp; <strong>"Probably commemorating some big thing that happened a thousand years ago, or maybe a massive feast in honor of some saint or other associated with abstemious restraint."</strong><br><br>She falls silent for a long moment.<br><br><strong>"Uhm, about what you did.&nbsp; Back at the temple.&nbsp; Thanks.&nbsp; I mean, I coulda gotten out of it, kicked plenty of ass, trashed the place...this way was better."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>26-11-2016, 08:43:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling shrugged her shoulders as Urvasi questioned what it was all about. "Probably some kind of harvest or some such. The important thing though is there will be lots of merchants, entertainers, and travelers from all over. We're bound to findlsome kind of big problem we can help with or issue we can handle." As Ling noticed the other pair's lack of enthusiasim she sighed. "You guys need to learn how to break. Festival food, alcohol, merchants selling interesting things, game stalls, all kinds of things. Surely there's at least one thing you find fun." She grumbled a bit.<br><br>As Urvasi changed the subject to what had happened at the temple Ling nodded her head. "I said I was going to make sure you got out of the temple in piece and I meant it. I'd have cracked the skulls of every monk and warrior there to keep you safe like I like promised. I always keep my word especially when I make a promise to a friend and traveling companion."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>26-11-2016, 20:07:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"Oh, I know how to have lots of fun,"</strong> Urvasi says, almost deadpan.&nbsp; <strong>"I just get turned down a lot.&nbsp; A lot a lot."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>26-11-2016, 20:15:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes, you're with us now," Mai added, "and we'll do what we can to keep you safe. You'd do the same for us." <br><br>She was quick with her own response to Ling as well. "I'm not allergic to fun either. I just have problems seeing why one can't have fun say, <em>outside</em> large, crowded, smelly urban centers. Heck, <em>this</em> is fun - just talking with friends by the fire. They don't have a stand for that at the fair, do they?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>27-11-2016, 03:12:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling sighed as Urvasi went on about being rejected and Mai brought up her distaste of villages. They were going to a festival and all the two could do was complain. “You could at least act like you’re a little excited or looking forward to something. I mean if we have to get information anywhere we might as well have a little fun at a festival. You two are such sticks in the mud.” She grumbled as she stamped her foot and created a pair of small earthen blocks hat leaned against one another to make a tent. If you two are just going to be so depressing I might as well get ready to head to bed."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>28-11-2016, 01:05:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"Look, it isn't that I'm not interested in the festival,"</strong> Urvasi grumbled, "I mean, I'm willing to go.&nbsp; And give me five minutes I'll get distracted from what's bugging me and probably have a great ol' time until you have to drag me out of there.&nbsp; Just..."<br><br>She sat up, leaned forward to rest her elbows on her knees.<br><br><strong>"I'm <em>homesick</em>, okay?&nbsp; I have about twelve sisters, and we usually hang out and do stuff even when we aren't off causing trouble, and nobody's so much as sent me a message to check in...and I get to run around down here with two really cute girls, neither of whom seems to be interested...which is fine, but..."</strong>&nbsp; Tears well up in her eyes.&nbsp; <strong>"I mean, not even Mom thought to...I understand Daddy not saying anything 'cause he's about as self-aware as any other monkey but..."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>29-11-2016, 05:00:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai stood up slowly and walked over to Urvasi. She placed what she hoped was a comforting hand on Urvasi's shoulder and softly said, "I'm sorry... I didn't know... But I should have..." While her own family didn't see each other particularly often, she at least had the comfort of knowing they were alive and that she could visit pretty much at will. Well, maybe not right now considering their current situation, but still she wasn't kept away from them.<br><br>"At any rate, for now <em>we'll</em> be your family Urvasi. I mean, we're not immortal or anything, but we do care about you. And maybe, when you do get back, you can keep an eye out for us. The Gods only know we need the help..." she added with a slight smirk.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>03-12-2016, 11:01:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling sighs as Urvasi began to talk about her family and how she was homesick. “Look, maybe your family just isn’t allowed to contact you as part of your test. I’m sure they miss you and would write to you if they could.” She tried to assure the other woman as best she could although she felt kind of like a jerk now.&nbsp; She had her own family issues so she knew how things like that felt. Coming over she wrapped an awkward arm around the other girl and squeezed her shoulder gently.&nbsp; “We’ll make sure you forget all about this when we get to village alright.” She said trying her best to make the other girl feel better despite not really being good at this whole talking about emotions thing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>04-12-2016, 19:19:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Urvasi sags into your embraces, relaxing a little...lets out a sad little noise.&nbsp; Against all expectations to the contrary, she makes no attempt to grope, fondle, kiss, or offer ribald suggestions.<br><br>Well, not for a few minutes, at least.<br><br>Which is probably a sign that she's feeling better.&nbsp; Which is a good thing, right?<br><br>But unless either one of you wants to escalate, nothing further happens that night except a light meal which Urvasi insists on cooking over the fire (and which turns out to be surprisingly good).<br><br><em>One of you wakes up with her cuddled up next to you and at least one hand near dangerous territory.&nbsp; Who wants the honors?</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>05-12-2016, 11:09:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling sighs as Urvasi sags into her embrace. Ling gives the girl another awkward one armed squeeze. Thankfully it seemed to be enough to get her to eventually calm down and start to feel better. After that things seemed to calm down and it was time to head to bed. Deciding that it would be best not to put up her usual stone tent for now she softened the ground with a stamp of her feet and pulled out her sleep things. Soon enough the girl was fast asleep. In the morning however she wakes up slowly and soon discovers something she was not planning on.<br><br>Ling blinks slowly a couple of times as she slowly wakes up. She feels a hand just millimeters away from her breasts and something warm against her side. As she wakes up and sees what’s going on she blushes bright pink. “W-what the hell are you doing!?” She shouted her cheeks glowing pink, embarrassed by what was happening. She stomped the ground with her foot and the earth beneath Urvasi began vibrate and then moved to try to flip the dance of joy over.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>07-12-2016, 01:57:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai woke up to rumbling. "Not now, Ling..." she mumbled. "Five more minutes." Then the rumbling got louder. And Hei started whining miserably. So she got up.<br><br>And it was fairly clear what had happened. Holding the bridge of her nose, Mai muttered, "I should have known...That green vixen is going to be the death of us yet..." Grumbling over, she ran over to the scene of the crime and tried to calm things down. "Ling... I know she's... well... we both know what she's like, but still... This is a pretty cramped cave and maybe you should calm down a bit before it comes down on us?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>11-12-2016, 23:37:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The shaking doesn't seem to have much effect on the jade-green pain in the butt at first, but after a few moments she yawns and stretches and seems to wake up.<br><br><strong>"...wha...?"</strong><br><br>At least Ling can be comforted by the thought that Urvasi wasn't deliberately trying to molest her or anything.&nbsp; Right?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>15-12-2016, 10:51:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling growled a bit and she stomped her foot again, the shaking intensifying. She immediately turned towards Mai as the other girl tried to get her to calm down before she caused a cave in. "Fine." She grumbled as the shaking began to ease off and fade. She began to get angry again though as Urvasi revealed that she didn't even know what she had been doing which just made Ling more embarrassed which she tried to cover up with anger. Her eyes narrowed just a bit. "It's nothing, other than you trying to grope me in your sleep. I really need to start putting up my damn stone tent again." She grumbled, clearly still a little angry but not likely to cause a cave in anytime soon. "If I find out that this was some attempt to purposely cop a feel I will cause a cave in and just leave you to deal with it. " She grumbled with another small stamp of her foot causing the cave to shake again for a moment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>16-12-2016, 03:56:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Urvasi blinked, as if Ling's answer was taking a while to filter through whatever dreams she was still shaking off.&nbsp; Then, as if covering for the blush that spread across her cheeks, she grinned in a cheeky fashion.<br><br><strong>"I did?&nbsp; I mean of course I did!&nbsp; You're just that hot, baby!"</strong><br><br>Which, on a scale of one to ten, was about an eleven in terms of 'things the apsara should not say right this moment'.&nbsp; But that was Urvasi in a nutshell.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>16-12-2016, 07:15:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai just looked from Ling to Urvasi, and then back to Ling displaying that kind of <em>Please don't kill her</em> look. Hei certainly didn't think it was going to work - the generally fearless wolf was busy slinking behind Mai's legs, putting as much brave huntress between her and the sure to be livid Ling as possible. Given, Mai would be hiding behind the wolf had she thought of it first.<br><br>And Mai had all sorts of experience seeing this kind of interaction and its consequences. And if things followed usual patterns, things were not going to be pretty.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>16-12-2016, 11:26:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling’s embarrassment only grew as Urvasi insisted that she had done it on purpose and of course to hide her embarrassment her anger began to as well. The earth in the cave began to shake again, this time though it was worse than before and loose dirt began to fall from the ceiling as her anger grew. At this rate the cave really might cave in. “What did I just say five seconds ago about what would happen if I found out it was on purpose?!” She thundered. The ground continued to shake and rumble as she stood there. “Now apologize or I will just let this cave shake and let what happen, happen.” Ling was a slow mover as far as anger goes. She might yell and be blunt but she was quick to let go at least until she got really angry and then she was like a boulder, picking up momentum until something happened to either divert her anger or soothe it. She was stubborn enough to keep her word and keep the cave shaking until she got her apology.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">act dishonorably fail</div><div class="spoiler_body">Roll Result: Avalon29 rolled: 2d6, adding -1 to the total<br>Comment: <br>Result: 6, 1, <br>Total: 6<br><br></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>21-01-2017, 19:15:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For a moment, just a moment, Urvasi looks very, very sad...but she rolls to her feet and falls into a deceptively relaxed fighting stance and faces off against Ling, her face suddenly an impassive mask.<br><br><strong>"Bring it, you frigid bitch, if you're hard enough!"</strong><br><br>Uh oh.&nbsp; This can't be good!
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>23-01-2017, 01:21:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai struggled to keep her footing and the cave shook. She knew she had to do something - she had promised to keep Ling safe in the wood. And that meant keeping Ling safe from herself as well. As self-induced cave-ins and fights with divine beings would tend to undermine that. So with a calm that she didn't actually feel, she stepped in between the two combatants and said simply, "No. Not here. Not anywhere. We all know this is a misunderstanding. One that Urvasi may have actually desired, but a misunderstanding nonetheless. So if you want to get to each other, you'll have to go through me. And since I'm not going to fight back against either one of you, that means you'll have to kill an unarmed innocent. Is that what you want? Is that how much your pride means to you?"<br><br>It took all Mai had just to keep from shaking, but she was implacable nonetheless.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Stand Fast Roll</div><div class="spoiler_body">99342&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Idlewyld&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noone or Anyone&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2017-01-22 18:15:59&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At 2017-01-22 18:15:59, Idlewyld (uid: 53605) rolls: 2d6a-1 Result: 9 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=99342) So I think that's a success but with a hard choice</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>18-03-2017, 23:54:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Urvasi, surprisingly, bends first.&nbsp; Without coming out of her stance, she risks a glance at Mai...just a little one.&nbsp; Brief.&nbsp; Barely a second's worth of distraction.&nbsp; And whatever she sees in the Hunter's eyes is enough to force her into motion.&nbsp; Without a word she turns and dashes deeper into the cave, and you're pretty sure you see a hint of tears as she goes...<br><br>Oops.&nbsp; Now what?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>30-03-2017, 08:47:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling swore to herself when she saw the tears in&nbsp; Urvasi's eyes as she took off. Damn it! This wasn't what she wanted but she couldn't just bend and apologize either. she wasn't the one in the wrong! It was Urvasi who had started all of this. The earth shaper had been willing to let things lie but then the other girl had opened her mouth and set her off. Ugh this wasn't her fault so why did she feel guilty when she was the warrior crying. Throwing her hands in the air in frustration she decided to store her feelings away for later. "Come on. Let's go after her. We can let her run off on her own. Who knows what kind of trouble she might cause." She&nbsp; said as she hung her head and shook it. Moving forward she made her way deeper into the cave. "And I'm not apologizing!" she grumbled as she continued to hurry along after the other. She was still worried despite everything that had happened.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>31-03-2017, 01:59:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				While Mai suspected that Urvasi could probably take much better care of herself than she and Ling combined could, there really was no question of what to do. Her companion was right. They had to follow. Even if Ling wasn't going to apologize (and Mai was damn well certain she wouldn't), they could at least demonstrate to their goddess-friend that they cared, and perhaps console her just a touch - for just like Ling, Mai was feeling a little bit guilty about the whole affair. <br><br>That being said, she didn't have to be happy about going deeper into the cave. This was the kind of thing that generally got one killed. Still, one could only go forward. "Let's find her quickly then. And after that, we can figure out how to make amends." With Hei by her side, Mai kept a quick pace in order to stay with Ling, who, she couldn't help but notice, was quite intent on hurrying herself, the clearest indicator of all as to how she really felt about the fleeing Urvasi.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>09-04-2017, 21:26:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				If not for Hei, you'd both be hard pressed to keep up with the strange girl from the heavens.&nbsp; Even with him, it isn't easy.&nbsp; She's fast, and it's really freakin' dark in here...but the wolf has no trouble tracking her, and you eventually catch up.<br><br>Sort of.<br><br>You're down here, and she's managed to get herself up on a ledge way above you.&nbsp; You can hear soft sniffles from her.<br><br><strong>"You don't want me.&nbsp; Go 'way,"</strong> she says, sounding utterly miserable.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>10-04-2017, 06:45:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling grumbled a bit as she made her way through the cave, cursing whenever she stubbed her toe or tripped over a rock. She really needed to find someone to teach her that seeing things with your feet trick that some other earth shapers had one of these days. Still soon enough they caught up to where&nbsp; Urvasi was hiding and sniffling above them. Her first instinct was to yell up at her and tell her to get her butt down there with them but she didn’t think that was the right approach this time. she would have to go with the noble’s daughter and sweetness approach. “Urvasi come down here please. You know that’s not true otherwise we wouldn’t have brought you with us and I wouldn’t have promised to protect you back at the temple. Now we’re in a cave and I’m an Earth Shaper so I can come get you or make you come down here but I’d rather not so just come on down. Please?” She asked softly.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Speak Honorably successful</div><div class="spoiler_body">Roll Result: Avalon29 rolled: 2d6<br>Comment: + 1 if Urvasi counts as a NPC or +2 if she counts as a player character<br>Result: 6, 1, <br>Total: 7<br>8 if Urvasi is a NPC<br>9 if she counts as a player.<br>If she is a player promising her one point of chi if she does as asked. (More chi to play with is always a good thing. ^^)<br></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>11-04-2017, 02:21:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai lent her arguments to Ling's. "See, you have to understand. We like you. We really do. I mean... if you think of it in a certain way... we even <em>love</em> you. That's why we keep by your side as much trouble as your are. It's just... maybe we're not ready for the more physical stuff that you're thinking of, but you shouldn't take that to mean we don't want you... um... around I mean. With us."<br><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header"> Speak Honorably</div><div class="spoiler_body">Roll Result: Idlewyld rolled: 2d6<br>Comment: Speak Honorably<br>Result: 4, 3,<br>Total: 7<br><br>I think that's an 8 if she's an NPC or a 7 if she's a PC, though from the way that Avalon's putting it, maybe it's more. Again, going for the 1 point of chi thing.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>30-04-2017, 19:44:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"I dunno,"</strong> she replies, sounding not entirely convinced and still pretty miserable.&nbsp; <strong>"I'll only make you mad again!&nbsp; I always seem to make people mad.&nbsp; I don't know why."</strong><br><br>You can hear the pout in her voice.&nbsp; At least she's complaining instead of just being weepy and upset.<br><br>"The pretty girls never want to play and the boys don't understand that I don't like them..."<br><br>She pauses for thought.<br><br><strong>"Promise me a kiss each and I'll come down,"</strong> she offers, a hint of the sly trickster peeking through her misery.&nbsp; <strong>"On the lips."</strong>&nbsp; A moment later, she modifies it again.&nbsp; <strong>"No tongue, I promise."</strong><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>13-05-2017, 06:10:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling stared up at the warrior above them as she made her counter proposal. Rubbing her forehead Ling tried to counter again, hoping to come up with a reasonable compromise. “I will kiss you on the forehead or the cheeks or you can do the same to me if you prefer. But I am not kissing you on the lips.” She insisted as she dug her heels into the ground, a sure sign that she would not move on that as her stubbornness began to show herself. She would not be blackmailed or guilted into giving away her first proper kiss as part of a negotiation.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>18-05-2017, 07:30:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mei looked at Ling, relieved that she had made the first move, and not entirely in Ling-y style. "I concur. One kiss on each cheek, with a real hug if you'll accept. It's probably the best offer on the table."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>21-05-2017, 20:42:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"See?"</strong><br><br>More sniffling, followed by a soft sob.<br><br><strong>"N-nobody wants me around!&nbsp; Nobody w-wants me..."</strong><br><br>Uhm.&nbsp; Well, that didn't work.<br><br><strong>"...so lonely..."</strong><br><br>Uhm.&nbsp; Wait.&nbsp; The air...is it supposed to feel this heavy?&nbsp; Like there's a thunderstorm brewing or something.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>28-05-2017, 08:53:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling frowned when Urvasi declared that she wasn’t wanted when they had done nothing but show they did want her around. It was starting to get on her nerves. She had been patiently mostly and had been willing to what had happened earlier go by without incident as long as she got an apology or a simple admission that it had been an accident but she was not going to give in and say this current situation was her fault. Digging her heels in she shouted up at the other girl not thinking through what she was about to say or she probably would’ve said something else. “I am not giving away my first kiss as part of some kind of bargain. No way No how!” She thundered as she stamped her foot, the cave beginning to shake again. “I’m trying to be reasonable here. I really am but what you’re asking for is unreasonable.” Seemingly oblivious to the rising pressure. Once the girl had dug her heels in it really was hard to convince her that it would be better to stop being stubborn. “We want you with us! I promised to help you and protect you or does that mean nothing!” She called out refusing to cave to the pressure or to just go and leave Urvasi behind. “I am not going to leave you. If that means I have to sit up camp here and just wait for you to get hungry enough to come down then so be it!"<br><br>Ling frowned when Urvasi declared that she wasn’t wanted when they had done nothing but show they did want her around. It was starting to get on her nerves. She had been patiently mostly and had been willing to what had happened earlier go by without incident as long as she got an apology or a simple admission that it had been an accident but she was not going to give in and say this current situation was her fault. Digging her heels in she shouted up at the other girl not thinking through what she was about to say or she probably would’ve said something else. “I am not giving away my first kiss as part of some kind of bargain. No way No how!” She thundered as she stamped her foot, the cave beginning to shake again. “I’m trying to be reasonable here. I really am but what you’re asking for is unreasonable.” Seemingly oblivious to the rising pressure. Once the girl had dug her heels in it really was hard to convince her that it would be better to stop being stubborn. “We want you with us! I promised to help you and protect you or does that mean nothing!” She called out refusing to cave to the pressure or to just go and leave Urvasi behind. “I am not going to leave you. If that means I have to sit up camp here and just wait for you to get hungry enough to come down then so be it.<br><br>[Stand fast roll to react to rising pressure and Urvasi's denial that she wants them around&nbsp; would like to spend 1 chi to improve result.]<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Full Result: Ling rolled: 2d6<br>Comment: <br>Result: 1, 5, <br>Total: 6<br>+ 2<br>Total: 8<br></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>28-05-2017, 23:05:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Chi spend accepted.)<br><br>The oppressive, pre-storm feel in the air goes away quickly, as if Urvasi has been distracted enough to stop whatever she was doing.<br><br><strong>"Y-yes, you promised.&nbsp; You...you <em>did</em> promise.&nbsp; You meant it.&nbsp; Both of you did."</strong><br><br>A moment later, she drops to the floor, still wiping tears out of her eyes with the back of one hand, looking about as miserable as she sounds.<br><br><strong>"I was just flirting, but you got so mad...and I tried to make a joke of it, but you got even madder...I always say something wrong! Like now!&nbsp; I don't want to steal your first kiss if you don't wanna give it to me like that.&nbsp; I just..."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>29-05-2017, 02:43:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was Mai who moved next, which was to take Urvasi in her arms and hold her tightly. "It's all right. We're your friends. Which means that we like you, irritating quirks and all. You should have seen what it was like when Ling and I first met." She chucked a little. There were a couple of misunderstandings in there, to put it mildly. "But being friends and being lovers are two entirely different things, at least for us humans. If the second happens, it happens. If not, well, perhaps it's for the best. I know I wouldn't want to throw away a friendship as close as ours simply because you didn't want to kiss me."<br><br>Again, this had far more relevance in her and Ling's relationship than she was willing to admit, <em>especially</em> to Ling, but living in the woods her whole life made her something of a stoic regarding these things. But she let that thought drop and instead gave a mischievous smile. "I mean, I've been friends with Hei longer than I've been with Ling, and I've never kissed <em>her</em>. Of course," she added, doing her best to at least <em>fake</em> stifling the giggle, "he's licked me on the face a lot - I'm sure he'd do the same for you. But I don't really think that counts..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>05-06-2017, 07:25:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling sighs softly as he watches Urvasi come down and the wind ceases.&nbsp; Coming over she awkwardly wraps an arm around the warrior. The earth shaper had never been very good with this whole feelings and emotions thing. Still she couldn’t just leave her like this. Ugh, she was meant for delicate things like this. “It’s fine.” She said with a cough as she tried to figure out how to put this. “Look you just went too far. It happens. we all have things to work on. I admit I can be a bit stubborn about things, especially if I get mad but that does not mean I hate you or not want you around or anything.” She said fidgeting a little and feeling incredibly awkward about this whole thing but deciding to go on. “So we both got things we need to work on and get used to about each other but that’s what happens when people journey and spend time with each other. There’s conflicts and stuff. So we just deal with it, we fight, then we move on. and laugh about it later. That’s all.” She says haltingly as she tries to support the other and what was also the closest thing the other would get to a proper apology.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>02-07-2017, 22:54:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Offering the irrepressible young green-haired woman has one obvious drawback in that she is now clinging to Ling and sobbing softly, murmuring yet another chorus along the lines of how difficult all this is to figure out.&nbsp; Unlike earlier, though, her hands stay in appropriately safe places, as the goal appears to be comfort instead of play.<br><br><strong>"Mom said it'd be hard.&nbsp; She didn't say it'd be this hard!"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>03-07-2017, 17:25:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mai shrugged. "Very few things in life are easy, especially the worthwhile ones. But they're easier when borne together. We'll help you through your problems, you'll help us through ours. Deal?" Though she offered the hand, she didn't think that Urvasi would release her grip on Ling in order to take it. But she'd take a verbal acknowledgment in its place.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>19-07-2017, 06:28:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling hugged Urvasi awkwardly as the immortal clung to her and cried. She wasn’t used to dealing with this kind of thing at all and had no idea how to deal with it so she did the only thing she could think of and continued to hug her for a bit. “It’s fine. We all make mistakes. I’ll uh, do my best to rein in my temper a bit more. No promises, just tone down on the pervy things a little okay, at least when it comes to me and Mai. we’re going to be with you for a long while so you don’t have to rely on that stuff with us. We like you just fine even without you inviting us into your bed.” 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>03-09-2017, 23:11:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"But I wanna..."</strong><br><br>Mercifully, Urvasi does not complete that sentence, for the earth trembles under your feet and there is a groaning from deeper inside the cave.&nbsp; Ominous, primal, as if some slumbering beast is now slouching to greater wakefulness with dire consequences for all.<br><br><strong>"Uh oh.&nbsp; We, uhm, might want to go.&nbsp; Like, right now.&nbsp; Quickly."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Avalon29</strong> on <strong>13-09-2017, 00:08:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ling gave Urvasi a gentle squeeze as she got more comfortable with the hug before they were interrupted by the trembling of the earth, something the currently barefoot Ling was quite attuned to, followed by the rumbling groan deep in the cave. She quickly nodded her head at Urvasi’s suggestion that they run. “I agree. Go now. I’ll take up the rear and seal up the cave if I have to. You two go first.” She insisted as she gave both of them a small push in direction of the exit before chasing after them, keeping one eye on the space behind them in case something appeared.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Legend of the Elements: Stones and Storms (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Idlewyld</strong> on <strong>13-09-2017, 02:34:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As much as she was pledged to protect Ling, and protect her she would, Mai decided this would not be the best time to engage in argument. Better to discuss who covered the rear when something nasty was not preparing to kill them in all sorts of nasty ways, as nasty things are intent on doing. Still she kept an eye out behind her, both to ensure her friend kept up, and also to look for any traces of whatever it was that was waking from its slumber. Hei was also in a more active mode, sniffing and looking ahead to act as guard, just in case the something behind might be working with something ahead.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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