suipokemon part 4

[16:24] <@SuikoGM> --Chapter 2: In Oak Quenched--
[16:26] <@SuikoGM> After what feels like possibly the longest day you've ever had, the four of you eventually managed to get to sleep or at least otherwise rest in the temporary encampments made near Oakbridge.
[16:28] <@SuikoGM> The sun ever rises early, however, and it's not long before you're each woken up in turn by Cornell and asked to come by one of the tents.
[16:28] <@SuikoGM> It seems to be one of the ones they're using as a makeshift infirmary for the wounded.
06[16:30] * Lekha tosses some dirt over the cold remains of her fire, something she should have done last night, and heads over to see what's happening.
06[16:31] * Somalakshmi gets dressed, takes care of her hair, and heads on over.
06[16:31] * Iltani puts on her glasses and wakes up her two Pokemon. She hasn't slept well.
06[16:32] * KatsuoOfTsukinoshi tries to be angry at whoever woke him but can't, because he kind of needs someone to wake him. He gets Strider and Edge ready and makes sure all his things are on nice and tight before heading over.
[16:33] <Iltani> She makes her way over after donning a new set of clothes and asking one of the Absols to take watch.
[16:34] <@SuikoGM> The four of you, and Cornell head over to the infirmary. There's more than one, and plenty of men and women with severe injuries here. Everyone in here looks military, at least you think. Iltani's commanding officer, Garm, is also here, being treated for lightning burns and making sure there's no internal injuries. Nearby, Mayor McGraw is still sleeping, and though he's regained some
[16:34] <@SuikoGM> of the color in his face, he still looks to be in quite a bit of pain. Another man is sitting next to McGraw, and looks up when the lot of you enter. Muscular, with short white hair. http://safebooru.org/index.php?page=post&s=view&id=908067
[16:35] <@SuikoGM> The man nods at the four of you. "So you're the ones that brought the prisoners and this man in. I didn't expect most of you to be civillians."
[16:36] <@SuikoGM> "I'm Tarron, and I guess you can call me Captain of the Sapphire Sharpedos."
01[16:37] <Lekha> "A pleasure to meet you!"
[16:38] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> He gives a nod of acknowledgement.
[16:38] <Iltani> "Good to meet you. Iltani Isaacs."
[16:38] <Somalakshmi> "You're the captain? It's nice to meet you. I'm Somalakshmi."
[16:40] <@SuikoGM> "I'd shake your hands but I imagine the mood isn't quite right. I wanted to thank you guys for turning back to help. We also appreciate the support of the Relentless Absols. Fighting's our thing, but it's not often we have to mount evacuations."
[16:41] <@SuikoGM> "We're questioning the prisoners you brought in, at the moment, to try and figure out what the hell happened yesterday."
[16:41] <Iltani> "Any luck?"
[16:43] <@SuikoGM> He shakes his head. "Seems like a pretty obvious false flag op, but the bastards are being surprisingly tight-lipped."
01[16:45] <Lekha> "They must be very loyal to whomever they are setting the flags for, then."
[16:45] <@SuikoGM> "Could be Nolgranda, could be out-of-work sellswords trying to start shit to get jobs, could be an overseas power trying to start some chaos to take advantage of."
01[16:47] <Lekha> "I'm afraid I don't really know much about poltics myself, but if loyalty was an issue, it wouldn't be the second one, right?"
[16:47] <@SuikoGM> "Unlikely." he shakes his head. "But while we're trying to figure out exactly who and why, this man's life is in danger aside. You people know him? This is Hildon McGraw, the mayor of that little town. I was told he used to be a general in Nolgranda."
[16:48] <Somalakshmi> "Just what were they trying to accomplish? Why were they trying to take the mayor away like that?"
06[16:49] * Lekha shrugs.
01[16:49] <Lekha> "Perhaps we can debate that after we get him on his feet again, unless anyone else here has a clue?"
[16:49] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "Maybe he knew someting?"
[16:49] <@SuikoGM> "Maybe... Information, or bait seems like the two most likely avenues to me."
[16:50] <@SuikoGM> "The poison he's afflicted with doesn't seem to be anything natural, that's for sure. I'm told by Garm here that you tried to apply relief on-site with little effect."
06[16:51] * Lekha nods.
[16:51] <@SuikoGM> "I'm no expert in this kind of thing, but it seems to me if they wanted him dead, then he'd have croaked already. But at his age, something like this could still kill him if we don't hurry."
[16:51] <Somalakshmi> "I have an antidote spray, but it doesn't look like it will help him much."
[16:51] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "I already used one, and yeah, it didn't work."
[16:51] <@SuikoGM> "...I keep saying 'we', but let's just get down to it."
[16:52] <@SuikoGM> "I can't exactly ask you people to help further. You're all civillians and really, you've done more than your share already."
[16:52] <@SuikoGM> "But we -are- kind of short-handed at the moment. ...We lost a number of good men and women back at Loamvil."
01[16:52] <Lekha> "We're already dragged into this, yes."
01[16:52] <Lekha> "Ooooh, this is exciting~"
[16:53] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "I've nothing to lose from helping with this."
[16:54] <@SuikoGM> "We have a lot to gain from restoring the good mayor here back to health, so if we can impose on you I'd see you get compensated for your efforts. If you're unsure, think about it for a bit."
[16:55] <Somalakshmi> "I... don't think this is really something I can help with, Sir. I'm a dancer, and my place is with Gavin."
01[16:55] <Lekha> "... Soma, I imagine your troupe will need some time to recover?"
[16:55] <@SuikoGM> He thinks. "That the dance troupe leader? Fair enough. Like I said, I can't force your hand."
[16:57] <Somalakshmi> "I haven't heard that anyone is injured yet."
01[16:57] <Lekha> "But they have been through something stressful, right?"
[16:57] <@SuikoGM> "Maybe you should go talk with them."
01[16:57] <Lekha> "You might ask and see what their plans are before you decide."
[16:58] <@SuikoGM> "For those of you that are willing to help, though, let me go ahead and outline what I had in mind."
[17:00] <Somalakshmi> "I... yes, of course it must have been stressful for some of them. But Gavin is my employer. It's his decision, not mine."
[17:03] <@SuikoGM> "There's an old Ravarran remedy that's supposed to help clear impurities in your body and nourish your strength. The antidotes and magic you applied are probably still at work within his system, but if they could be helped any... We'll need to make a tea out of petlil and oddish leaves, and boil a chansey egg in them. ...The latter's the tough part, I wager."
06[17:03] * Iltani looks to Garm. He's the one that makes the call on jobs, not her."
[17:03] <Iltani> "If at all possible, I'd like to help."
[17:04] <@SuikoGM> Garm just nods. "I'm not going to be moving for a bit. ...Lightning took a bit more out of me than I thought. Go ahead and help them, Isaacs. It'll give me some time to think on our next move anyway, and I'd like to hear Tarron's own conclusions as well."
[17:05] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "I'll see what I can do to contribute."
01[17:05] <Lekha> 3d6 survival how plausible is this folk rememdy anyway
[17:05] <PsychoRoll> Lekha, survival how plausible is this folk rememdy anyway: 6 [3d6=1,2,3]
[17:05] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 3d6 ^
[17:05] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, ^: 11 [3d6=6,3,2]
[17:05] <@SuikoGM> Roll medicine too, Lekha.
[17:05] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 2d6 My medicine
[17:05] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, My medicine: 6 [2d6=4,2]
[17:05] <@SuikoGM> Just for trained
[17:06] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> aw, okay.
01[17:07] <Lekha> 3d6 :>
[17:07] <PsychoRoll> Lekha, :>: 11 [3d6=5,4,2]
[17:10] <@SuikoGM> You both think you've heard of the medicinal properties of Petlil leaves. They tend to be very bitter but have an energy-boosting effect. A tea made from them would be almost undrinkable without some kind of sweetener. Katsuo has heard of the sick and wounded being greatly nourished by Chansey eggs, as well - Chanseys lay a rather large number of eggs but only a small amount are
[17:10] <@SuikoGM> actually fertile, which, along with the healing properties of the infertile eggs (and subsequent poaching), contributes to their rareness.
[17:11] <@SuikoGM> Lekha knows that Oddish leaves are a common antidote ingredient, but mixed with the right ingredients can have a stronger effect.
[17:14] <@SuikoGM> Neither of you know exactly how such a remedy would fare on a poison that normal antidotes can't cleanse, but it could be worth a shot.
[17:18] <@SuikoGM> Tarron speaks up again. "Petlils and oddishes are definitely around in this area, but Chanseys... That's another story."
01[17:18] <Lekha> "I imagine that would be the difficult part."
[17:19] <@SuikoGM> 3d6
[17:19] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, 3d6: 9 [3d6=2,1,6]
[17:21] <@SuikoGM> Cornell speaks up. "I... -think- I remember reading that Audinos frequest the woods west of here, and they tend to be the favored mates of Chanseys. It's a long shot, but..."
[17:21] <@SuikoGM> *frequent
01[17:22] <Lekha> "What's an Audino?"
01[17:22] <Lekha> "Never heard of that one."
[17:22] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "I dunno'."
01[17:23] <Lekha> "Yeah, that. What is it?"
[17:23] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "I do not know."
01[17:24] <Lekha> "Oh."
[17:24] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "Audino?" The joke sinks in a moment. "They're a long-eared pink pokemon that are said to have empathic abilities.
01[17:25] <Lekha> "Oh, that's neat."
[17:25] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "Hm, I see."
[17:25] <@SuikoGM> "They're apparently really sensitive to hatching eggs, as well. Since Chanseys don't produce many fertile eggs, that's a desirable trait in a partner."
01[17:26] <Lekha> "So, we go and ask one for help?"
01[17:26] <Lekha> "Sounds like fu- a good idea!"
01[17:28] <Lekha> "I guess what we should do for now is make sure everyone's supplied and ready to head off."
06[17:28] * Lekha clearly looks excited at the idea of doing SOMETHING.
[17:29] <@SuikoGM> Tarron rubs his head. "Keep in mind that wild pokemon are dangerous. They're different from rune-bonded Pokemon. The smarter ones might trust humans more, but they're all still wild animals. Audino aren't really aggressive, at least."
[17:29] <@SuikoGM> Tarron: "Yeah, take your time and do what you need to before heading out. Cornell? You're with them as well."
[17:29] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "M-me?"
[17:30] <Iltani> "Sure, why not?"
[17:30] <@SuikoGM> Tarron: "They've got one of the Absols with them but I'd like extra hands on site just in case. Besides, you know a decent bit about Pokemon."
[17:30] <Iltani> "Think of it as a learning experience."
[17:31] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "But, I'm just..." He sighs and salutes. "I'll endeavor to do my best, sir."
[17:31] <@SuikoGM> Tarron: "Good."
[17:32] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "I just hope I won't slow you down."
01[17:32] <Lekha> "Don't worry, you won't."
[17:32] <@SuikoGM> Now might be a good time for Soma to go talk to Gavin and co.
06[17:32] * Lekha edges closer to Cornell. :D
06[17:32] * Somalakshmi goes to do that~
[17:32] <@SuikoGM> Cornell leans back ever so slightly.
[17:32] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "It would be hard to slow me down."
[17:33] <@SuikoGM> But he smiles a bit, after a moment. "I suppose it's settled then. I'll do my best to support you all."
[17:34] <@SuikoGM> "That saaaaid, should we wait for miss Soma?"
[17:34] <Iltani> "It's all we ask. We've got your back."
01[17:34] <Lekha> "Of course."
[17:34] <Iltani> "We should. Probably best if I can use this time to prepare. A little short on ammo."
[17:34] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "That is fine, I'll give my Pokemon their morning training while we're waiting."
[17:34] <@SuikoGM> Soma - You head over to the dance troupe's set of wagons.
01[17:34] <Lekha> "Oh, that sounds like a good idea. I'll join you."
01[17:34] <Lekha> "And, um."
01[17:34] <Lekha> "We should talk."
[17:35] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "...all right."  Here's hoping for good news!
[17:35] <@SuikoGM> Gavin, Luna, Unbroken Circle, and the four other dancers that I've neglected to name yet because I'm a shit are all there. Some of the latter seem to have minor burns from the incident yesterday but are otherwise fine.
[17:36] <Somalakshmi> "How is everyone feeling?"
[17:36] <@SuikoGM> Gavin looks up. "Oh, Soma... Exhausted and scared, more than anything."
[17:38] <@SuikoGM> Luna: "I didn't think I'd see -war- break out. That's what that was, right? It... it was a massacre."
[17:38] <@SuikoGM> Unbroken Circle shakes his head. "The days to come are uncertain. Someone will answer blood with blood, but we don't know whom."
[17:39] <Somalakshmi> "It seems we don't know what's really going on just yet, but things look like they're going to become dangerous around here. I don't know if it's war just yet. If the mayor makes it through, maybe he'll be able to clear up what really happened."
[17:40] <@SuikoGM> Unbroken Circle nods. "You were brave to stay and fight... though why, I'm uncertain of."
[17:40] <@SuikoGM> Unbroken Circle: "I would have gladly stayed in your place if you had asked."
06[17:41] * Somalakshmi looks down. "I'm not sure myself. Maybe... it just reminded me of something else. And I forgot where I was for a moment."
[17:42] <@SuikoGM> Gavin: "The mayor... I hope he pulls through. He was good to us, even though things didn't quite... pan out."
[17:42] <@SuikoGM> Unbroken Circle: "Mm. I am certain you had your reasons. Whether you acted on instinct or simply felt it right."
[17:43] <@SuikoGM> Gavin: "In any case, we're probably not going to leave Oakbridge just yet. ...Until we know who's attacking who, we have no idea where we should be fleeing to."
[17:44] <@SuikoGM> Gavin: "i'd rather stick near the guys with the means to defend us until we have that information."
[17:44] <@SuikoGM> Luna: "Should we be fleeing, though? ...I'm not suggesting we fight, exactly, but..."
[17:45] <@SuikoGM> Luna: "As performers, our job is to raise people's spirits. And the people who get drawn into this conflict might need that more than ever."
[17:46] <@SuikoGM> Gavin: "Yeah, I know. It's just... I don't want to get us involved in anything like that again, if I can help it. ...Most of us, we're not warriors. We don't know how to fight."
[17:46] <Somalakshmi> "If war breaks out, this is the sort of thing that's going to happen all the time. There's no point in risking our lives for no reason."
[17:46] <@SuikoGM> Unbroken Circle: "Is it for no reason?" he wonders.
[17:47] <Somalakshmi> "We're all just wanderers, aren't we? We don't hold any ties to these countries."
[17:48] <@SuikoGM> Luna: "Do we need to? That... what happened yesterday... that wasn't right. I can't feel that was right, no matter what country I'd owe my loyalty to."
[17:48] <@SuikoGM> Gavin: "I get what you guys are saying, but Soma's got a point..."
[17:48] <@SuikoGM> Gavin: "...Ugh. Well, in any case, we're not leaving just yet."
[17:48] <@SuikoGM> Gavin: "I'll need some time to think about this."
[17:49] <@SuikoGM> Gavin: "Though if an army's spotted on the horizon we're out of here."
[17:49] <Somalakshmi> "I don't think it's right either. But war doesn't care about right."
[17:50] <@SuikoGM> Unbroken Circle: "...."
[17:50] <@SuikoGM> Circle seems to be mulling things over deeply.
[17:50] <@SuikoGM> Gavin: "Did you have anything else on your mind in the meantime, Soma?"
[17:51] <Somalakshmi> "Well..."
[17:51] <Somalakshmi> "They asked me to help them find a cure for the mayor's poison."
[17:52] <@SuikoGM> Gavin: "Really. Guess because you got involved before? Seems to me like it's taking advantage of you a bit, but... well, what do you want to do?"
[17:52] <Somalakshmi> "I want to keep dancing for you, Gavin."
[17:52] <@SuikoGM> Gavin smiles. "That's sweet of you to say."
[17:53] <Somalakshmi> "Do you want me to help them?"
[17:54] <@SuikoGM> Gavin: "And I'd like to continue having you, Soma.  But... this does seem to be pretty important. Why don't you help them out for now, if you don't mind?"
[17:55] <@SuikoGM> Gavin: "If the mayor knows something, that could get us back on the road faster as well."
[17:55] <@SuikoGM> Gavin: "Everyone wins?"
[17:55] <Somalakshmi> "That's true... and I don't think it should be too dangerous."
[17:56] <@SuikoGM> Circle speaks up. "I think I would like to talk to the Ravarran leader myself in the meantime."
[17:56] <@SuikoGM> Gavin: "Huh? What's up?"
[17:56] <Somalakshmi> "You were right before, it's better if we know what's going on, so we know where to run to."
[17:56] <Somalakshmi> "You want to speak to him?"
[17:56] <@SuikoGM> Circle: "I have curiosities he may answer."
[17:59] <Somalakshmi> "Then I guess we'll be staying with the Sapphire Sharpedos for a little longer."
[18:01] <@SuikoGM> Gavin: "Looks that way."
[18:01] <@SuikoGM> Gavin: "And Soma..."
[18:01] <@SuikoGM> "Be careful out there."
[18:01] <Somalakshmi> "I'll let Captain Tarron know- hm?"
[18:02] <Somalakshmi> "We'll just be looking for some pokemon I think. I don't think I should be in much danger."
[18:02] <@SuikoGM> He nods.
[18:04] <@SuikoGM> On your way back...
[18:04] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru steps out of the prisoner's tent with a sour expression on her face, but then she notices you and waves you over.
[18:04] <@SuikoGM> "Somalakshmi!"
[18:04] <Somalakshmi> "Oh, Sumeru!"
06[18:05] * Somalakshmi runs over
[18:05] <@SuikoGM> "Hey! I'm glad to see you're alright."
[18:05] <@SuikoGM> She beckons you to come along with her a moment, as you talk.
[18:06] <Somalakshmi> "I can handle myself a bit when things get dangerous. I'm glad you're okay. I heard you were out on the front lines..."
[18:06] <@SuikoGM> "I was, for a short time. I was one of the ones who managed to make it out of there when Tarron gave the order to retreat."
[18:07] <@SuikoGM> "Others... weren't so lucky."
[18:07] <Somalakshmi> "I'm sorry to hear that. I saw the army as it marched in... they came with seige weapons and everything."
[18:08] <Somalakshmi> "Did they really just destroy the entire town?"
[18:08] <@SuikoGM> "Jackal was wounded as well, so I've been seeing to have him treated. There simply aren't enough apothecaries or healers here...."
[18:08] <@SuikoGM> She nods her head, sadly. "I don't think there will be much left of it."
[18:09] <Somalakshmi> "It's despicable."
[18:10] <@SuikoGM> "Though they didn't have siege. That was a warmage formation. They bundle together a number of mages with the same spell runes and have them cast Unite Magic to increase the distance and power of their spells."
[18:10] <@SuikoGM> "Such formations are easily routed by infantry, but we just didn't have the numbers."
[18:10] <@SuikoGM> (Er, let me rephrase that)
[18:11] <@SuikoGM> "Such formations are routed by simple archers, but we just didn't have the numbers."
[18:12] <Somalakshmi> "It was a surprise attack. The town is lucky that you were there at all."
[18:12] <@SuikoGM> "It was fortunate to have you as well, if I've heard correctly. I'm glad I could  buy time for all of you, though."
[18:13] <@SuikoGM> "I can't speak overlong, though. I've been interrogating the prisoners you captured."
[18:13] <@SuikoGM> "But while you're here, there's something I'd like to give you."
[18:13] <Somalakshmi> "Hm?"
[18:13] <@SuikoGM> She leads you to the tent she was staying in, and begins to rummage through her things.
[18:14] <@SuikoGM> "I hope you don't need this, but just in case you do..."
[18:14] <@SuikoGM> And after a moment, she pulls out a small, wooden chest and opens it. Inside is a sturdy-looking, flowing bright red garment.
[18:16] <Somalakshmi> "It looks very nice... what is it exactly?"
[18:16] <@SuikoGM> "This is a Sarangan-type armor my mother wore into battle. It's lightweight and sturdy, and I think it suits a dancer such as yourself. It belonged to her, and then to me, but then I, er, outgrew it."
[18:17] <@SuikoGM> "...I'd like to hear that you don't become endangered again, but just in case, I'd like to make sure you've got something protecting you."
06[18:17] * Somalakshmi suddenly hugs Sumeru
[18:18] <@SuikoGM> "An armor that isn't used simply goes to waste. The same could be said of any-"
[18:18] <@SuikoGM> "!"
[18:18] <Somalakshmi> "It's wonderful..."
[18:18] <@SuikoGM> She flushes a bit red. "I'm glad you like it."
[18:19] <Somalakshmi> "I never would have thought I could find something like that... thank you, Sumeru."
[18:20] <@SuikoGM> "Of course. It's my mother's momento, but... I'd rather see it protect someone's life than gather dust in this old chest of mine. I hope you like it."
[18:21] <@SuikoGM> Received Sarangan Battle-Dress! It's Light Armor.
[18:21] <Somalakshmi> "I do. I'll wear it proudly. And I hope I don't have to use it, but I'll be doing whatever I can to help while we're here together."
[18:22] <Somalakshmi> "Gavin wants to stay with your company for a bit until we know what's going on. And I'll do my best to help the mayor if I can."
[18:22] <@SuikoGM> She smiles.
[18:22] <@SuikoGM> "Thank you, Soma, we all appreciate it."
[18:22] <@SuikoGM> "That said I think I've kept you long enough."
[18:22] <Somalakshmi> "Right, I need to go tell Captain Tarron what Gavin decided."
[18:23] <@SuikoGM> She nods.
[18:23] <Somalakshmi> "I'm glad I'll be seeing you for a little longer, Sumeru."
[18:23] <Somalakshmi> "See you around then."
[18:23] <@SuikoGM> She laughs a bit at that.
[18:23] <@SuikoGM> "Fare you well."
06[18:23] * Somalakshmi heads off to see Tarron and tell him she's in.
[18:24] <@SuikoGM> With that.... did you want to actually say words to Tarron or can we gloss over this so you meet up with the others?
[18:24] <Somalakshmi> Gloss over!
[18:24] <@SuikoGM> Okay then! You speak with Tarron briefly and he promises that your troupe will be looked over for as long as they can while you stay around.
[18:25] <@SuikoGM> He directs you to find Cornell, who has been watching Iltani get ready.
[18:25] <@SuikoGM> That said
[18:25] <@SuikoGM> I think Lekha and Katsuo had something they needed to discuss
01[18:25] <Lekha> Yep!
[18:26] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> After a bit of a brutal training exercise for his mons, Katsuo puts them back in their balls.  "So, what is it you wanted to tell me?  It's about your dreaming, right?"
01[18:27] <Lekha> Lekha looks up from the frankly painful stretch she's doing (and Euphie is trying to imitate), and nods. "I don't think you're going to like what I have to say, though."
01[18:29] <Lekha> "To make a very long story a lot more on the short side - she knows that war is coming and is content to observe for now. Where she is... I do not know, but she is safe for now."
[18:31] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "She wishes to observe, hm?  In which case, that means keeping an eye on this war is the best way to find her..."  He pauses, thinking, his hand on his chin.  "...all right."
01[18:32] <Lekha> She finally gets up, wincing a bit. "So, what will you do now?"
[18:33] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "Find a way to keep tabs on the war.  Whether through the Sapphire Sharpedos, or through some other way...and I should probably stick with you, if you're this good at getting results..."
[18:33] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "...in which case, I should ask, what are you going to do?"
01[18:34] <Lekha> "Hmmm. That's a good question. For now, I think, I'm going to help where I can - and then, who knows what dreams may come?"
[18:34] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "If you'll continue to dream, I'll continue to stay around to make sure you can dream another day.  Fair?"
01[18:35] <Lekha> "Aww, that's nice of you."
01[18:35] <Lekha> "But don't assume all of my dreams are going to be nice ones."
[18:36] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "The truth isn't always pretty."  He tightens his scarf.  "Shall we check on the others?  I imagine it's time to go."
01[18:36] <Lekha> "Sounds like a good idea."
01[18:38] <Lekha> "...Just let me untangle poor Euphemia."
[18:38] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "...right."
[18:38] <@SuikoGM> Euphemia struggles weakly in her knot.
[18:39] <@SuikoGM> The two of you go and find the others! You arrive just as Soma does, finding Cornell silently watching Iltani get her ammunition prepared.
06[18:39] * Iltani has carefully attached quite a few speedloaders on various points on her clothing - some more obvious than others.
[18:40] <@SuikoGM> When the lot of you arrive, Cornell looks up. "Ah! There you are. And miss Soma as well."
[18:40] <Iltani> Anything to avoid having to reload manually, really.
[18:41] <Iltani> She's also taken the time to bring along a few healing items, to make up for her lack of prep earlier.
[18:42] <Somalakshmi> "Gavin agrees that I should help. We'll be travelling with the Sapphire Sharpedos until we have enough information to deicde what to do."
06[18:42] * Somalakshmi has donned the colorful battle dress Sumeru gave her.
06[18:42] * Lekha starts to say 'I told you', then realizes how unhelpful that'd be, coming from her. Also, shiny! "Oooooh."
[18:43] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "Good, I'm glad to have your assistance again."
[18:44] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "Surely the more the merrier in this case." he grabs his bo staff. "There's a bit of dense wood to the west of town, along the riverbank. I was thinking perhaps we could start our search there?"
[18:45] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "Where there's water, there's life."  He nods.  "Good idea."
[18:45] <Somalakshmi> "That works for me."
[18:45] <@SuikoGM> This would be the same spot Iltani caught Mistral and Levante, for the record.
[18:45] <Iltani> "...I've been there before."
[18:45] <Iltani> "That's where I met these two."
[18:46] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "Oh, really? In that case, I suppose it'll be a sort of homecoming. At least you'll be in familiar terrain."
[18:46] <@SuikoGM> Mistral looks curious, while Levante seems nervous and stays close to your leg.
01[18:47] <Lekha> "Oh! That means we won't get lost."
[18:47] <Somalakshmi> "But do any of you remember seeing any Audino while travelling through here?"
[18:47] <@SuikoGM> "I'm... afraid I don't have a Pokemon of my own, but perhaps I can catch one while we're there."
[18:47] <@SuikoGM> Iltani certainly didn't, but then again there was quite a large distraction there at the time.
[18:48] <Iltani> "You should be able to....I just hope we don't run into the same things I did when I was there last."
06[18:48] * Iltani pats Levante's head reassuringly. Everything's probably going to be okay.
01[18:48] <Lekha> "Like what?"
[18:48] <Iltani> "Demon Mightyena," she whispers to Lekha, so as not to worry Levante.
01[18:49] <Lekha> "...Hm."
[18:50] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "There's five of us, I hardly doubt there'd be anything that could really harm us together."
[18:50] <@SuikoGM> Ready?
[18:50] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> ret2go
01[18:50] <Lekha> rdy2go
[18:51] <Somalakshmi> ready!
[18:51] <@SuikoGM> Cornell takes you all to the west, along the riverbank.
[18:55] <@SuikoGM> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDpPMu8EApg  It's a pretty serene side of countryland. The grass under your shoes is still wet from yesterday's rain, and the sound of insects buzzing and birds chirping comes from all around. A Goldeen leaps out of the river at points, keeping a lazy pace to match your group, fisheyeing you. A bidoof continues to build a dam, though now it's contending
[18:55] <@SuikoGM> with a small group of diurnal Hoothoot flapping over and stealing sticks to make a nest with.
06[18:56] * Lekha channels Euphie and Zemmy, just in case.
01[18:58] <Lekha> "So, where's the best place to start looking? Probably the quietest place?"
[18:58] <@SuikoGM> As you get closer to the edge of the wood, you spy a small, white and black bear with a leaf in its mouth, leaning on a nearby tree and watching you head in. It starts to trundle off once you get close. Weedles crawl in the canopy overhead.
[18:58] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Katsuo keeps an eye out on where the bear goes.  Maybe...?   Hrm.
[18:59] <Somalakshmi> "What else do we know about Audino?"
[18:59] <Iltani> "That they are sensitive to hatching eggs; therefore, we would want to start looking in suitable places to build a nest."
01[18:59] <Lekha> "They're shy, though."
06[18:59] * Lekha looks up.
[18:59] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "Their hearing is sensitive, so yes, a quiet place should suffice..."
[19:00] <@SuikoGM> A weedle stares Lekha in the face and starts crawling backward, lifting its upper body and tail, and shaking them like a snake would rattle.
06[19:01] * Lekha looks down again. Nope, not gonna mess with poisonbug.
[19:02] <@SuikoGM> "A thicket, perhaps." Cornell suggests.
01[19:02] <Lekha> "Since the trees seem...occupied."
[19:02] <Somalakshmi> "If their hearing is sensitive... do you think we could maybe draw one out by singing?"
[19:03] <Iltani> "Assuming they like what their hear, perhaps."
[19:03] <Iltani> they*
01[19:03] <Lekha> "You could try!"
[19:04] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "At the very least, we could drive it out of hiding." he jokes.
[19:04] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "T-that was a jest."
[19:04] <Somalakshmi> "My singing was good enough for those judges. But if that's the way you feel..."
[19:05] <Somalakshmi> "Maybe it's time you showed us what you can do?"
01[19:05] <Lekha> "Oooooooooooh."
[19:05] <@SuikoGM> "But, I..."
[19:05] <@SuikoGM> He swallows hard and thinks.
[19:05] <@SuikoGM> "I'll... try. Let us find a suitable place first."
[19:05] <@SuikoGM> Let's see, roll... survival
01[19:06] <Lekha> 3d6
[19:06] <PsychoRoll> Lekha, 3d6: 6 [3d6=2,2,2]
01[19:06] <Lekha> wow.jpg
[19:06] <Somalakshmi> 2d6
[19:06] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, 2d6: 5 [2d6=1,4]
[19:06] <@SuikoGM> Such bad luck today Lekha
[19:06] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 3d6
[19:06] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, 3d6: 13 [3d6=6,3,4]
[19:06] <@SuikoGM> badlukha
[19:07] <Iltani> 2d6
[19:07] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, 2d6: 9 [2d6=4,5]
[19:09] <@SuikoGM> Katsuo uses his forestninja expertise to lead you through the dense woodland, and before long, you've entered a deeper section of the forest.
[19:10] <@SuikoGM> You're quite close to a large bramble thicket, the likes of which not much is certain to make their home in. Smaller pokemon however, tend to hide in these to avoid predators. ...The atmosphere around here seems quite peaceful.
[19:11] <@SuikoGM> Cornell looks around, seems satisfied with the location, and takes a few practice breaths.
[19:11] <@SuikoGM> And then he begins to sing.
[19:12] <@SuikoGM> 4d6
[19:12] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, 4d6: 13 [4d6=3,5,1,4]
06[19:12] * Lekha peers into the brambles while singing is going on
06[19:12] * KatsuoOfTsukinoshi is thinking about the path that bear took. Hmmmm.
[19:13] <@SuikoGM> His voice is a bit deeper pitched than this, but... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAcP9e1iz-I  "Fate... suddenly brought us closer than we'd ever really could see. Fate suddenly turned you to wander, wander together with me..."
[19:14] <@SuikoGM> "Fate taught us to share our secrets, to always keep fighting as one... Fate taught us that though you are grieving, always believe that we'll move on..."
[19:14] <@SuikoGM> "Face our fears together, and cry our tears together... through all these years together, you see... laughing out together, and being proud together, without a doubt together, we'll be you and me..."
[19:15] <@SuikoGM> Lekha, Katsuo, perception.
[19:15] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 2d6
[19:15] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, 2d6: 11 [2d6=5,6]
01[19:15] <Lekha> 4d6
[19:15] <PsychoRoll> Lekha, 4d6: 17 [4d6=6,3,4,4]
01[19:15] <Lekha> also: 1d20 pickup :V
01[19:15] <Lekha> 1d20
[19:15] <PsychoRoll> Lekha, 1d20: 12 [1d20=12]
01[19:16] <Lekha> a pokeball, which you may feel free to sub with something else that makes sense
[19:17] <@SuikoGM> Katsuo - looking back behind you, you notice the bear has been curiously following you, though has been keeping quite a bit of distance.
[19:20] <@SuikoGM> Lekha - you see and hear brambles move, and a flash of pink and tan within struggling to get a peek at Cornell. When it spies you spying it, though, it suddenly starts moving out of the thicket the opposite way. You move to try and follow its movements, but almost trip on a small nest at the edge of the thicket, in which a blue egg with yellow spots rests.
[19:20] <@SuikoGM> The nest... doesn't seem like it's been visited in quite some time, you think. Maybe the mother was killed.
[19:20] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> He pretends to not notice, and keeps an eye on the proceedings.  Best not to cause a ruckus trying to get it now.
06[19:22] * Lekha checks the egg to see if it's still warm. Has the audino been taking care of it? If so... She gently scoops the egg into her arms.
[19:22] <@SuikoGM> It seems to still be warm!
06[19:22] * Lekha takes it along, then!
[19:22] <@SuikoGM> The rest of you, perceptions now.
[19:23] <Somalakshmi> 2d6
[19:23] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, 2d6: 8 [2d6=6,2]
01[19:23] <Lekha> (also I'm gonna have to run for a bit, be back in maybe 20)
[19:23] <@SuikoGM> (Okay)
[19:23] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 2d6
[19:23] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, 2d6: 11 [2d6=5,6]
[19:24] <Iltani> 4d6
[19:24] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, 4d6: 18 [4d6=6,1,6,5]
[19:25] <@SuikoGM> Katsuo and Iltani now spy a small, rabbit-like creature flitting out of the back of the thicket! http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/f/f5/531Audino.png
[19:25] <@SuikoGM> It seems to be heading south, towards the river!
[19:26] <Iltani> "...over here. Try not to spook it."
[19:26] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "There."  He starts heading after it, trying not to make too much of a ruckus in the forest as he goes after it.
[19:26] <@SuikoGM> Stealth if you guys are gonna try creeping up on it.
[19:26] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 4d6+2
[19:26] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, 4d6+2: 12 [4d6=2,1,3,4]
[19:27] <@SuikoGM> (And give me a minute because I am still famished)
[19:31] <@SuikoGM> "Did... I do okay?" he whispers at Soma as you begin to give chase.
[19:31] <@SuikoGM> (Also Iltani and Soma stealth checks)
[19:31] <@SuikoGM> 2d6 Cornell
[19:31] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Cornell: 8 [2d6=4,4]
06[19:31] * Iltani will leave the stealthing to Katsuo, for the most part....
[19:31] <Iltani> 2d6 Stealth
[19:31] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, Stealth: 7 [2d6=6,1]
[19:31] <Somalakshmi> 2d6 stealth notgreat
[19:31] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, stealth notgreat: 5 [2d6=1,4]
[19:31] <Iltani> "Well, we found it again, so that's a good sign."
[19:35] <@SuikoGM> Most of you let Katsuo take the lead, and do find creeping along for the most part, though Soma in the back is pretty noisy. You follow the Audino's trail as best you can.
[19:36] <@SuikoGM> And soon you come to the edge of the river. Having snuck up on the creature, you find now a most curious sight.
[19:39] <@SuikoGM> The Audino has stopped fleeing for the moment, pausing next to a small, oval-shaped pink pokemon that almost seems to be wearing a set of pants. While normally jovial, this little thing is bawling its eyes now, sitting next to a large, iron cage trap. Inside the cage is a larger, egg-shaped pink pokemon lying on its side, dead, clutching a small white egg protectively in its pouch.
[19:39] <@SuikoGM> ...It looks like the Chansey was injured by whatever spring-loaded mechanism this cage trap uses to shut its door, as it was made for a smaller pokemon. The thing then died of its injuries. The smaller pokemon, a Happiny, is crying and trying to reach through the bars.
[19:40] <@SuikoGM> A few more cages of like make are scattered around.
[19:40] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "..."
[19:42] <Iltani> ".....oh, no."
[19:42] <Iltani> "Poachers. They might still be here."
[19:42] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "Right.  Let's be cautious."
[19:44] <Somalakshmi> "This is awful... putting out traps for such peaceful pokemon."
06[19:45] * Iltani looks around for signs of poachers still in the area.
[19:46] <@SuikoGM> Perception, Iltani.
[19:46] <@SuikoGM> Intuition, Soma
06[19:46] * KatsuoOfTsukinoshi as well. Best to approach when it's safe, or if it's not safe, find a way to get rid of unsafe elements.
[19:46] <Iltani> 4d6
[19:46] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, 4d6: 10 [4d6=1,4,3,2]
[19:46] <Iltani> welp
[19:46] <Somalakshmi> 3d6
[19:46] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, 3d6: 9 [3d6=1,4,4]
[19:46] <@SuikoGM> Perception as well, Katsuo.
[19:46] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 2d6 worth a shot
[19:46] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, worth a shot: 6 [2d6=2,4]
[19:47] <@SuikoGM> Soma, when you get a better look at the trap... it seems like it was more meant for a 4-legged type of pokemon, maybe? It's a wonder that fat Chansey squeezed in there to get the bait. Probably why the poacher's trap injured it. It was careless either way.
[19:48] <@SuikoGM> Also, it seems like the Audino is concerned about the Happiny, but not in the same way a parent would be concerned over their child. This chansey and Happiny don't seem to be this Audino's kin.
[19:48] <@SuikoGM> Katsuo, you don't see much.
[19:48] <Iltani> "....Levante, let's try to smooth things over with these two. I think you'll have better luck than I will."
[19:49] <@SuikoGM> Iltani, you spy a small, wolf-like insignia inscribed on one of the closer, emptier traps. But you don't see any sign of the poachers. In fact, they may not have been back recently to check their traps.
[19:49] <Somalakshmi> "No... perhaps it was just carelessness."
[19:49] <Iltani> "Maybe we found what we came for, but damn if I'm going to let whoever's responsible for this walk free."
[19:50] <Iltani> "....wolf emblem, wolf emblem." She mutters to herself, turning over the image in her mind and seeing if there's a connection.
[19:50] <Somalakshmi> "Wolf emblem?"
[19:50] <@SuikoGM> General edu, Iltani?
[19:51] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "Wolf?  Hrm."
[19:51] <Iltani> "On the trap."
[19:51] <Iltani> 3d6 General Edu
[19:51] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, General Edu: 12 [3d6=5,6,1]
[19:53] <@SuikoGM> This logo... you think it might belong to a mercenary group known as the White Wolves. They're known for a strict battle discipline and the fact that every member of their band has canine pokemon, which could include things like houndooms, mightyenas, arcanines, stoutlands...
[19:54] <@SuikoGM> Maybe their discipline doesn't extend to their capture methods, though.
[19:55] <@SuikoGM> They're a small but elite band of Ravarrans that tend to work for the Gracidean Order.
[19:56] <Iltani> "...White Wolves. That explains the nature of the trap."
[19:56] <Somalakshmi> "I've heard of them before... some bandits were masquerading as them in this forest earlier."
[19:56] <Iltani> "The trap was made for a four-legged creature, of which all of them own."
[19:56] <@SuikoGM> Not in this forest, Soma.
[19:57] <@SuikoGM> That was a bit southeast, at the vale leading to Loamvil.
[19:57] <Somalakshmi> (In insert forest name here then)
[19:57] <Iltani> "They tend to work with the Gracidean Order, but if that's so...."
[19:57] <Iltani> "I have to conclude that either they've been careless, or that those bandits got their hands on their traps and decided to use them."
[19:57] <@SuikoGM> As you talk...
[19:57] <@SuikoGM> 3d6+1
[19:57] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, 3d6+1: 8 [3d6=5,1,1]
[19:58] <@SuikoGM> The audino looks up in the direction of the less stealthy of you.
[19:58] <@SuikoGM> And begins to squeal a warning!
06[19:58] * KatsuoOfTsukinoshi crouches as soon as it turns its head. Looks like it's time for less talky, more action.
06[19:59] * Iltani immediately whips out both of her revolvers, scanning the forest lines for opposition.
[19:59] <@SuikoGM> Levante gulps and tries to step forward to calm down the Audino like you asked - One more check before any combat happens, Iltani. Levante's focus.
[20:00] <Iltani> 3d6 Raltsfocus
[20:00] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, Raltsfocus: 7 [3d6=3,2,2]
[20:00] <@SuikoGM> Levante tries to reason with the creature, but it's difficult since the Audno is still very much a wild pokemon.
[20:02] <Somalakshmi> 4d6+2 adept charm + action point
[20:02] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, adept charm + action point: 18 [4d6=1,5,4,6]
[20:03] <@SuikoGM> Fluff?
[20:03] <Somalakshmi> "Shhh, it's okay, we're not here to hurt you..."
[20:04] <@SuikoGM> You make calming noises at the critter and it looks at you wide-eyed and still afraid, but it doesn't seem as liable to lash out now.
[20:04] <@SuikoGM> The Happiny still hasn't taken notice either.
06[20:05] * Iltani breathes a sigh of relief, and holsters her revolvers.
[20:06] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "Hmm... what should we try to do?"
06[20:07] * KatsuoOfTsukinoshi inches over and whispers. "Distract them. The corpse might have an egg. I'll retrieve it."
[20:08] <Somalakshmi> "Cornell, can you start singing again?"
[20:08] <@SuikoGM> 3d6+1 Cornell thinks on the best distraction for a crying happiny.
[20:08] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Cornell thinks on the best distraction for a crying happiny.: 10 [3d6=3,5,1]
[20:08] <@SuikoGM> He nods and starts singing softly while looking through his things.
06[20:09] * Somalakshmi tries to improvice a dance along with his singing to distract them.
01[20:09] <Lekha> "The Gracidean Order?" Lekha chooses this point to show up, egg in arms.
[20:09] <@SuikoGM> 4d6 Roll Charm!
[20:09] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Roll Charm!: 8 [4d6=1,1,1,5]
[20:09] <Somalakshmi> 4d6 charm for dancing
[20:09] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, charm for dancing: 20 [4d6=6,3,5,6]
[20:09] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> shall I roll Stealth to swoop in?
[20:10] <@SuikoGM> Cornell kind of chokes on the singing due to his nervousness, but he manages to get their attention at least. Soma joining in provides a suitable distraction for the moment as they take their eyes off the cage.
[20:10] <@SuikoGM> Roll it, Katsuo!
[20:10] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 4d6+2+1 burning an AP
[20:10] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, burning an AP: 20 [4d6=6,4,5,2]
[20:10] <@SuikoGM> Iltani -
[20:12] <@SuikoGM> If I haven't mentioned it before to you, the Knights of the Gracidea, or the Gracidean Order, are a group of independant knights that seek to root out corruption in various places. They're mostly active in countries near Nolgranda, since they were historically founded there, but they hold no formal allegiance to the country. They allegedly possess the Rune of Purity, though the current
[20:12] <@SuikoGM> owner is said to be bedridden with illness.
[20:13] <Iltani> "Knights, essentially." She watches Katsuo's progress silently, ready to help him out by untangling the trap if needed.
[20:13] <@SuikoGM> Katsuo, you quietly move over to the cage and get it unlocked, before spiriting the Chansey egg away.
[20:14] <@SuikoGM> In the meantime, Cornell has taken a small empty rune crystal out of his belongings and is waving it at the Happiny. The curious creature has since stopped crying while watching Soma, and waddles over to take a look.
01[20:14] <Lekha> "Hmm. What would knights be doing traipsing around in the woods?"
[20:14] <@SuikoGM> It takes the crystal rather greedily and stuffs it into the empty pouch on its front and clutching it tightly, like the dead chansey clutched its egg.
[20:15] <@SuikoGM> The knights themselves might not be here, but who's to say what their mercenary hirelings are up to?
[20:15] <Iltani> "Not the knights themselves, but those who work with them often. Mercenaries, really."
[20:16] <@SuikoGM> Cornell uses the further distraction to tap the Happiny on the head with an apricorn ball.
[20:16] <Iltani> "I just can't imagine them associating with...well, people like this."
[20:16] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "...the Gracidean order had some knight in this area, but no business here."
01[20:16] <Lekha> "Oh. Huhhh."
[20:16] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> He says, once he returns, egg in hand.
01[20:16] <Lekha> "Anyway, look what I got!"
01[20:16] <Lekha> "It's got a friend in it, I think!" She holds up the blue egg.
[20:17] <@SuikoGM> The audino blinks, not sure where the happiny just went, bu t doesn't smell any blood or hear any panicked cries.
[20:17] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "We still need an oddish and a petilil."
[20:17] <Iltani> "...the Audino may be able to help, if someone wants to capture it."
[20:17] <Somalakshmi> "How so?"
[20:17] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "This little one likely lost its mother there. I'll take care of it for now, if there's no objections."
[20:18] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "None."
01[20:18] <Lekha> "None."
[20:18] <Somalakshmi> "It's fine with me."
06[20:18] * Lekha waves to the Audino as she shuffles closer. "Hello there. Can you tell me about this egg?"
01[20:18] <Lekha> Channeling!
[20:19] <@SuikoGM> It backs up cautiously, but then you activate whatever rune you fluff your channeling powers with. Possibly a Listening rune!
[20:19] <@SuikoGM> Those explicitly allow one to communicate their intentions to wild beasts.
[20:20] <@SuikoGM> Make an intuition check, Lekha.
[20:20] <@SuikoGM> The audino isn't hostile, buuut
[20:21] <@SuikoGM> It's still quite cautious.
04[20:23] <@SuikoGM> Anise?
01[20:23] <Lekha> 4d6
[20:23] <PsychoRoll> Lekha, 4d6: 17 [4d6=6,6,1,4]
01[20:23] <Lekha> sorry, was scrolled up
[20:23] <@SuikoGM> Is okay.
[20:24] <@SuikoGM> You channel the Audino and establish a link between it and you.
[20:24] <@SuikoGM> And you communicate your desire to know more about the egg.
[20:25] <@SuikoGM> The Audino is confused at being able to understand you for a moment, but recognizes the egg! It's been taking care of it since the mother was devoured by a wild pokemon. The mother was... an armored insect of some kind, is the general gist of what you get from it.
[20:26] <Iltani> "Any luck?"
[20:27] <@SuikoGM> It also seems really hesitant to let you have it, worried you'll eat it.
06[20:28] * Lekha communicates REALLY GROSSED OUT at the idea of eating an egg with something in it. Then she goes on a tangent about how all eggs technically have things in them, but just not friend-things. This could take a while.
[20:28] <@SuikoGM> The Audino became Confused!
[20:29] <@SuikoGM> But yeah, if you're not gonna eat it then the Audino seems fine with it.
01[20:31] <Lekha> She drops the link, then.
[20:31] <@SuikoGM> (Iltani did ask Lekha something, though)
01[20:31] <Lekha> "We talked about eggs."
01[20:32] <Lekha> "It says it doesn't mind my taking this one along."
[20:33] <Iltani> "Perhaps it can come along to help out with finding leaves."
01[20:33] <Lekha> "Oh, let me ask, I guess."
01[20:35] <Lekha> She turns to the Audino again, re-establishing the link. She thinks about Oddish and Petilil, and about a sick friend who needed shed leaves to get better. She then motions around them, and to the Audino itself.
[20:35] <@SuikoGM> The audino thinks, and then looks towards a place over to the west, where it remembers a clearing where plant pokemon tend to gather.
06[20:36] * Lekha nodnodnods. "Do you want to come along with us?" This is said aloud, for the benefit of everyone else.
[20:37] <Iltani> "That way, the Audino can keep an eye on the Happiny and the egg."
[20:38] <@SuikoGM> The Audino considers... it's still cautious, but you all seem nice...
[20:38] <@SuikoGM> It seems like it wouldn't mind. The wood have gotten dangerous of late anyway.
[20:38] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "Hm, who among us would care for it?"
[20:39] <Iltani> "Lekha seems like the best choice."
01[20:39] <Lekha> :D "I could."
01[20:39] <Lekha> "And I could use the help, as well."
[20:40] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "No problem with that."
[20:42] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "Shall we away? Miss Lekha, if you could lead the way?" he looks over.
01[20:42] <Lekha> "Sure, it's over this way."
01[20:43] <Lekha> She holds out the Luxury Ball she found earlier to the Audino.
[20:43] <@SuikoGM> Boop! Just like the Happiny, the Audino goes into the ball.
[20:43] <@SuikoGM> Snug as a bug in a rug.
[20:44] <@SuikoGM> Lekha begins to lead you westward!
[20:45] <@SuikoGM> Soon, you arrive at a clearing next to the riverbank, where many different types of plants are embedded in the moist soil. Perception, survival, or pokemon edu!
[20:45] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 3d6 Survival
[20:45] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, Survival: 4 [3d6=1,2,1]
[20:45] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> srs
01[20:45] <Lekha> 4d6 perception
[20:45] <PsychoRoll> Lekha, perception: 16 [4d6=3,6,5,2]
[20:46] <Iltani> 4d6 Perception
[20:46] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, Perception: 17 [4d6=2,6,3,6]
[20:46] <@SuikoGM> Katsuo don't see shit
[20:47] <Somalakshmi> 2d6 pokemon edu
[20:47] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, pokemon edu: 7 [2d6=1,6]
[20:47] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> He's too busy trying to keep tabs on Mr. Bear, obv
[20:49] <@SuikoGM> Alright, so
[20:50] <@SuikoGM> Lekha and Iltani...
[20:50] <@SuikoGM> Iltani notices some of the plants moving in their rooted spots. Light green shades under the leaves, possibly Petlils. The leaves are in bunches of threes.
[20:51] <Iltani> "What about these?"
[20:51] <@SuikoGM> Lekha spots clumps of five leaves on more still, darker-shaded plants. Probably Oddish! Lekha may have even used these for their, uh, medicinal properties before, who's to say, but either way she recognizes the Oddishes among the groups.
[20:52] <Iltani> She points out the leaf triplets in the dirt.
[20:52] <@SuikoGM> There's quite a bunch of different plant varieties here, though.
06[20:52] * Lekha knows that if there are leaves of three, one should let it be, so she points out the oddishes instead.
[20:54] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "Fortunate we've found both kinds here, then..."
[20:55] <@SuikoGM> Who's gonna try picking what?
[20:56] <@SuikoGM> Roll survival, whoever goes for the plants.
06[20:57] * Lekha looks for fresh dropped leaves before going to pick the oddishes.
01[20:57] <Lekha> 3d6+1 spending AP
[20:57] <PsychoRoll> Lekha, spending AP: 11 [3d6=4,4,2]
[20:57] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 3d6 He's going to look over both, but probably going to prioritize Oddish.
[20:57] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, He's going to look over both, but probably going to prioritize Oddish.: 13 [3d6=1,6,6]
[21:00] <@SuikoGM> Soma - you think you've heard of Petlils before. They look sort of onionish, but they eventually evolve into more elegant forms.
[21:01] <@SuikoGM> They're probably the three leaved that Iltani pointed out.
[21:02] <@SuikoGM> 1d100 shenanigans while Soma and Iltani maybe do things
[21:02] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, shenanigans while Soma and Iltani maybe do things: 99 [1d100=99]
[21:05] <@SuikoGM> Lekha finds a few freshly shed leaves and also manages to harvest some living ones without too much of a problem. Katsuno does the same with Petlil leaves but when he goes to focus on the Oddish, he accidentally pulls the entire thing out. http://i.imgur.com/4KVfpuY.png
[21:05] <@SuikoGM> Once out of the ground, the weirdly shaped Oddish begins to scream, giving clear reasons as to why these things are sometimes called mandrakes.
06[21:06] * Lekha nearly wrenches her own Oddish out of the ground, startled by the scream.
[21:06] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> He stares at it.
[21:07] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Normally he would flinch or something at it screaming, but potato
[21:07] <@SuikoGM> More oddishes pop out of the ground and begin to scream as well, disturbing petlils that begin to pop out one after the other, including  a small, pink one that's sprouted fruit instead of leaves. http://i.imgur.com/ygppsT2.png
[21:07] <@SuikoGM> The small plants begin to run around wildly.
[21:08] <Iltani> "We, uh...."
[21:08] <Iltani> "We may wish to run."
[21:08] <Iltani> "Now."
[21:08] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> He takes a look at the pink petilil.
[21:08] <Somalakshmi> "They don't seem to be interested in harming us, they're just scared..."
[21:08] <Iltani> "Snag the ones we need and go!"
[21:08] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> He takes a look at the potato.
[21:08] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> He holds on to the potato and then runs after the pink Petilil to scoop it up.
01[21:09] <Lekha> "I can't calm down a swarm like this!" Lekha stands stock still, trying not to step on or trip over a plantsphere.
[21:09] <@SuikoGM> Acrobatics, everyone!
[21:09] <Somalakshmi> "I..."
[21:09] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 3d6+1 AP burnin'
[21:09] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, AP burnin': 17 [3d6=6,6,4]
[21:09] <Somalakshmi> 4d6 dancer acrobatics GO
[21:09] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, dancer acrobatics GO: 14 [4d6=3,3,4,4]
[21:10] <Iltani> 4d6+1 AP
[21:10] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, AP: 15 [4d6=1,3,4,6]
[21:10] <@SuikoGM> Also, snatch pokemon if you're snatchin'em
[21:10] <@SuikoGM> 1d100 further shenanigans
[21:10] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, further shenanigans: 70 [1d100=70]
[21:12] <@SuikoGM> Lekha acrobatiiiics
01[21:12] <Lekha> 2d6 what is acrobatics
[21:12] <PsychoRoll> Lekha, what is acrobatics: 7 [2d6=6,1]
[21:12] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Can I
[21:13] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Roll Athletics to try and help Lekha out of here
[21:13] <@SuikoGM> Also among the Petlils runs this cute yellow thing.
[21:13] <@SuikoGM> http://imgur.com/miD5mv2
[21:13] <@SuikoGM> Lekha starts to trip as little plants swarm back and forth!
[21:14] <@SuikoGM> Katsuo, athletics!
01[21:14] <Lekha> "Heeeelp"
[21:14] <@SuikoGM> The rest of you manage to deftly dodge the chaotic tide of pokemon...
[21:14] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 3d6+1 Yet another AP burned, 3 left
[21:14] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, Yet another AP burned, 3 left: 8 [3d6=2,1,4]
[21:15] <@SuikoGM> You're holding a potato and a cherry blossom petlil.
[21:15] <@SuikoGM> And you're also trying to catch Lekha.
[21:15] <@SuikoGM> ...
01[21:15] <Lekha> DO A SHENANIGANS ROLL
[21:15] <@SuikoGM> 1d100
[21:15] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, 1d100: 83 [1d100=83]
[21:15] <@SuikoGM> our beloved dicemaid face
[21:16] <@SuikoGM> You weave through the plants, but trip, slamming into Lekha and falling on top of her in a clump as plants swarm all over you.
[21:16] <@SuikoGM> The potato is still screaming, the cherryblossom is trying to wiggle free...
06[21:17] * Lekha starts grabbing onto things wildly to keep from being swept away. SHENANIGANS
[21:17] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 3d6+1 C-combat to keep my hold on?
[21:17] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, C-combat to keep my hold on?: 14 [3d6=4,5,4]
[21:17] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 2 AP remain
01[21:17] <Lekha> 2d6 combat
[21:17] <PsychoRoll> Lekha, combat: 5 [2d6=3,2]
[21:17] <Somalakshmi> "I..."
[21:17] <@SuikoGM> You grapple that petlil!
[21:18] <@SuikoGM> As well as some of Lekha. Oops.
01[21:18] <Lekha> "Aaaah!"
[21:18] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "A-apologies!"
[21:18] <Somalakshmi> "Look at me, little pokemon!"
[21:18] <@SuikoGM> At about this point
06[21:19] * Somalakshmi starts trying to dance to distract them. It worked last time!
01[21:19] <Lekha> "Well, I can't say that I'm not flattered or anything, but just like I was telling Soma-" She shuts her mouth to keep an Oddish from stepping in it.
[21:19] <@SuikoGM> WUMPF
[21:19] <@SuikoGM> Soma, it doesn't seem like the plants are paying much attention.
[21:19] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "M-maybe we should try and help..."
[21:20] <@SuikoGM> 2d6 Cornell stumbles through.
[21:20] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Cornell stumbles through.: 10 [2d6=6,4]
[21:20] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> This is too much, there's only one thing left he can try.
[21:20] <@SuikoGM> He actually manages to wade through the swarm.
[21:20] <@SuikoGM> But here comes Katsuo...
[21:21] <@SuikoGM> Hmm, roll a Charm anyway, Soma.
[21:21] <Somalakshmi> 4d6
[21:21] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, 4d6: 14 [4d6=3,5,5,1]
[21:22] <@SuikoGM> You do manage to catch the eye of one of the little Petlils, which in its haste to get out of the chaos jumps up and starts trying to burrow its way into your bags.
[21:23] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Okay, since he's being swarmed, and there's barely any way to move now, and he's not going to try and end up groping Lekha again, so
[21:24] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 4d6+2+1 Burning AP to yell  "EVERYONE STOP", Intimidate
[21:24] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, Burning AP to yell  "EVERYONE STOP", Intimidate: 17 [4d6=1,4,6,3]
06[21:24] * Somalakshmi stops dancing
[21:24] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 1 AP remains
[21:27] <@SuikoGM> The swarm stops and stares.
[21:27] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "Good."
[21:27] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Now he runs like a little bitch out of there.
06[21:28] * Lekha gets to her feet, also runs like a little bitch
[21:28] <@SuikoGM> You all abscond like little bitches.
[21:28] <@SuikoGM> The bear runs like a little bitch too, despite being poised to try and steal the chansey egg from Katsuo during the chaos.
[21:28] <@SuikoGM> It didn't manage to get in a good moment.
[21:29] <@SuikoGM> You manage to get back to a quieter area of the forest.
[21:29] <@SuikoGM> ...Petlil and potato in hand.
[21:29] <@SuikoGM> And plenty of leaves.
[21:29] <@SuikoGM> Probably more than you wanted.
[21:30] <@SuikoGM> And probably places you didn't want them.
01[21:31] <Lekha> "Oooh, we should hold onto those." Lekha starts plucking leaves from the more polite places.
[21:32] <@SuikoGM> The scared petlil in Soma's bags also seems to be one of the pink ones. Maybe it was attracted to Soma's fairy-like nature?
01[21:33] <Lekha> "That was exciting though, wasn't it~"
[21:34] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "...that would be an adequate word to describe that, but not one I'd use."
01[21:34] <Lekha> "But we've got everything we wanted, and new friends!"
[21:36] <@SuikoGM> Cornell  breathes a sigh of relief.
[21:36] <@SuikoGM> "Rather this than most days we have." he smiles wearily. "I have to say, it actually was a bit of fun."
01[21:36] <Lekha> "I'm glad you had fun!" She sliiiides over. :D
[21:37] <@SuikoGM> He laughs a bit nervously.
[21:38] <Somalakshmi> "It was... interesting."
06[21:39] * Lekha sliiides over to Soma next. "I saw something run into your bag."
[21:40] <Somalakshmi> "Yes, I think I felt something jump in there too."
[21:40] <Somalakshmi> "I'm sorry I wasn't much use there. I... I've never actually caught a pokemon before, you see."
[21:41] <@SuikoGM> Well, maybe it was a trick of the light, but it seems the petlil in her bag is actually... yellow! It peeks out of the bag, trying to huddle down in the darkness to hide from Lekha.
06[21:41] * Lekha takes a hint and backs off.
01[21:41] <Lekha> "Well, now a pokemon's caught you!"
[21:41] <Somalakshmi> "It seems I have."
06[21:42] * Somalakshmi sets down her bag.
[21:42] <Somalakshmi> "Did you like my dance?"
01[21:42] <Lekha> "Yeah! You really helped!"
[21:43] <Somalakshmi> "I was... trying to talk to the pokemon, actually."
[21:43] <Somalakshmi> "But thank you too."
01[21:43] <Lekha> "O-oh."
[21:44] <@SuikoGM> Clearly it was hard to see in that swarm.
[21:46] <Iltani> "....that was, uh, unique."
[21:46] <Iltani> She's never really had to deal with a swarm like that before.
[21:47] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Katsuo is breathing heavily, a bit tired from running.  He's got the plants in his arms, looking over them to make sure he didn't suffocate them by squeezing too tightly.
06[21:47] * Lekha glances over to make sure the potato has stopped screaming.
[21:48] <@SuikoGM> It's a bit dazed from Katsuo's intimidation.
[21:49] <@SuikoGM> Iltani, perception.
[21:49] <Iltani> 4d6
[21:49] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, 4d6: 18 [4d6=2,6,4,6]
[21:49] <@SuikoGM> You notice... something rather odd has gotten tangled in your own bags.
[21:50] <Iltani> :|
[21:50] <@SuikoGM> Sometime during the swarm, it seems, this napping pokemon was carried up from its resting place and deposited on you. It's...
06[21:50] * Iltani takes some full gloves out of her pockets, puts them on, and carefully extracts the newcomer.
[21:51] <@SuikoGM> What the hell is it? Its body is black and red, and sharp. It's somewhat cold like metal, and seems to have an axe on its forehead.
[21:51] <@SuikoGM> It wakes up when you start meddling with it, flailing about.
[21:52] <@SuikoGM> http://img.pokemondb.net/artwork/pawniard.jpg
[21:54] <Iltani> :||||
[21:54] <Iltani> "And just what do you think you're doing?" she asks the Steel Pokemon.
[21:55] <@SuikoGM> It seems a bit annoyed. It was having such a good nap, and now this thing is asking it questions. It gives a few swings of its sharp little arms in defiance.
[21:56] <@SuikoGM> They come a bit short of your nose though.
[21:56] <Iltani> "Ugh."
[21:56] <Iltani> "I'll sort this out later."
06[21:56] * Iltani bops a Apricorn ball on its helmet.
[21:56] <@SuikoGM> BOOP.
[21:56] <@SuikoGM> Into the ball it goes.
[21:57] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Assuming the cherrilil and the potatish are still stunned, Katsuo pops them with Pokeballs too
[21:57] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "This has been a rapids ride from start to finish...."
[21:57] <@SuikoGM> Boopboop. That bear... seems like it may be stalking you Katsuo, but it doesn't get any closer, yet.
06[21:57] * Lekha checks to make sure the egg is okay D:
[21:57] <@SuikoGM> Maybe the chance to capture it will come later.
06[21:57] * Somalakshmi holds her bag open and looks down at the little yellow thing. "You liked my dance, right? Do you want to come with me?"
[21:57] <@SuikoGM> The egg is totally fine! It seems to be wiggling, though.
[21:58] <@SuikoGM> Maybe the excitement stirred the baby.
[21:58] <@SuikoGM> ...It should hatch soon! Maybe tonight or tomorrow.
[21:58] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> A good hunter waits for an opportune moment to get its prey.  He can wait.
06[21:58] * Somalakshmi holds out a basic apricorn ball to the sunflower petlil in her bag. "What do you say? Do you want to travel with me?"
[21:59] <Somalakshmi> 4d6 charman
[21:59] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, charman: 16 [4d6=4,5,6,1]
[21:59] <@SuikoGM> The little plant flails a bit. Maybe it got your intent, maybe it didn't, but whatever the case it manages to hit your apricorn ball in the process.
[21:59] <@SuikoGM> BOOP.
[22:01] <Iltani> "....I think we've all got what we needed, then."
[22:02] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> He nods.  "Despite the lack of elegance in our execution, this was definitely a success.  It was my fault the situation escalated, and for that I take responsibility."
01[22:02] <Lekha> "What's there to take responsibility for?"
01[22:03] <Lekha> "We're all in one piece, nothing was seriously hurt, and we've expanded our forces."
[22:03] <@SuikoGM> The experience for today will be 2 trainer experience, and another 75 pokemon experience, which you can distribute among whoever you like, including the freshly caught pokes.
[22:03] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "...grievances."
[22:03] <Somalakshmi> "I apologize for not being of much use. I thought this might happen again."
[22:04] <Iltani> "Let's just make the delivery. We shouldn't keep the mayor waiting."
01[22:04] <Lekha> "Good idea!"
[22:04] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "Not much use? I daresay we wouldn't have calmed the Audino if you hadn't intervened, Soma."
[22:05] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "I have a feeling it would have attacked otherwise."
01[22:05] <Lekha> "Or run."
01[22:05] <Lekha> "You gave me the time to talk to it."
[22:05] <@SuikoGM> He nods.
[22:06] <Somalakshmi> "But I froze up during that swarm. It's my fault. I've just always been like this."
[22:06] <Iltani> "That swarm was an unusual situation for all of us, really."
06[22:06] * Lekha pats Soma. "Don't worry, everything worked out for the best."
01[22:06] <Lekha> "...Yeah, that too."
[22:06] <Somalakshmi> "I guess... for most of my life, I've been used to always having someone there to tell me what to do."
[22:06] <@SuikoGM> Cornell considers. "...I froze up on the stage at Loamvil, whereas you performed beautifully."
[22:08] <@SuikoGM> He tilts his head. "Did you? Is that how life in your dance troupe is?"
[22:08] <Somalakshmi> "I've done that many times. When it comes things I'm not used to doing, if I don't have or... if I'm not... sure what to do, I end up having trouble."
[22:08] <Somalakshmi> "I... it's not exactly that. Gavin's very nice. Please don't get the wrong idea."
[22:08] <Somalakshmi> "This is just something from... my family, I guess."
01[22:09] <Lekha> "Oh?"
[22:09] <@SuikoGM> "Strict parents who expected a lot of you, I suppose." he nods, after a moment. "...I can relate. Maybe my own confidence issues are from such as well."
[22:09] <@SuikoGM> You all start to head back while talking.
[22:09] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "I am used to being given orders as well, although I also had training to work as a lone operative..."
[22:10] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "I am sure you can learn to manage with some effort."
[22:10] <@SuikoGM> "You're... what is the term? Ninja?"
01[22:10] <Lekha> "Hmm. It's funny, you all have been through so much."
[22:10] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "...yes."
[22:10] <Somalakshmi> "They were always fair. They understood my strengths and weaknesses. "
[22:13] <@SuikoGM> Cornell laughs a bit at Lekha's remark.
[22:13] <@SuikoGM> "Despite the company I've kept... I can't really make claim to that myself."
01[22:13] <Lekha> "No?"
01[22:13] <Lekha> "I just lived in the same place all my life."
01[22:14] <Lekha> "I just started traveling pretty recently."
[22:14] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "...I did not leave my village until recently either."
06[22:14] * Iltani sighs. "Have to be on the road often for my job."
[22:14] <@SuikoGM> "I had just started traveling as well, when I met Sumeru."
01[22:15] <Lekha> "Where are you from?"
[22:15] <@SuikoGM> He grimaces. "Nolgranda, to the east."
01[22:16] <Lekha> "Ooooh."
[22:16] <@SuikoGM> "When I think about home... I get to thinking a lot about regret. ....I apologize, it's not a subject I like speaking on overmuch."
[22:17] <@SuikoGM> He absentminded rubs his gloved hands together.
[22:17] <@SuikoGM> *absentmindedly
[22:17] <@SuikoGM> "What matters is the present, I suppose."
[22:17] <Somalakshmi> "I've been travelling for 6 years now. It's been 2 years since I met Gavin."
[22:18] <@SuikoGM> He nods at Soma.
01[22:18] <Lekha> "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to dig up anything bad."
[22:19] <@SuikoGM> He shakes his head.
[22:19] <Somalakshmi> "It seems we've all got difficult parts of our lives."
[22:19] <@SuikoGM> "It's certainly not you."
[22:20] <@SuikoGM> "You needn't be worried."
[22:20] <@SuikoGM> Now, you've left the forest and are almost back to Oakbridge.
[22:21] <@SuikoGM> "Six years... I couldn't imagine." he mentions to Soma.
[22:22] <Somalakshmi> "It sounds like a long time, but it feels..."
[22:22] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> He thinks a bit.  He wouldn't be looking for his sister for that long, would he?
[22:23] <@SuikoGM> You arrive back at the infirmary tent about now.
[22:23] <@SuikoGM> Tarron is outside, boiling a pot of water over a fire, which is not inside the infirmary because Tarron is a careful person.
[22:24] <@SuikoGM> He looks up as you arrive.
06[22:24] * Lekha waves the leaves!
[22:24] <@SuikoGM> "So you're all back. I assume you managed to find- yep, there they are."
[22:24] <@SuikoGM> "At the very least, egg or not, the tea will help."
[22:24] <Somalakshmi> "We have the egg too. Katsuo has it."
[22:25] <@SuikoGM> "...Huh. Did you have any trouble?"
[22:25] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> He presents the egg.  "There was a screaming potato."
[22:25] <@SuikoGM> "A screaming... nevermind, these sorts of stories are best served over hot food and cold ale."
[22:26] <@SuikoGM> He takes the leaves and sets things up to make the tea. The egg he looks over for a moment, before wrapping it in cloth and setting it aside.
[22:26] <Iltani> "It's a very, very long story."
[22:27] <@SuikoGM> "This should do. The mayor'll have a Ravarran Tea Egg in the hour. You first let them drink the tea, then feed them spoonfuls of egg when their strength returns."
[22:27] <Iltani> It's actually a -short- story, but one fraught with danger and strange occurrences.
[22:27] <@SuikoGM> "In the meantime, we managed to get a nugget of information from the prisoners."
01[22:27] <Lekha> "Hmmmm?"
[22:28] <Somalakshmi> "What did they say?"
[22:29] <@SuikoGM> "We still couldn't get their loyalties out of them. We discovered runes on their backs that seem to be physically preventing them from divulging that information. But we at the very least learned something interesting. The identity of the one who made the poison."
[22:29] <Iltani> "Do tell."
[22:30] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "What an inconvienient rune..."
01[22:30] <Lekha> "And we don't have a runemaster."
[22:31] <@SuikoGM> "A woman who goes by the moniker "Death Doctor". I did some asking around about her. Seems like she's a potions master for the Steel Onyx, a band of mercs with a reputation as black as their name."
[22:31] <Iltani> "Something about all of this bothers me."
01[22:32] <Lekha> "What's that?"
[22:32] <Iltani> "Even going into Loamvil, a cold shadow seemed to hang over the entire town."
[22:32] <Iltani> "The Absols were sent two letters going into Loamvil, both requesting security details."
01[22:32] <Lekha> "From whom?"
[22:32] <@SuikoGM> "The missive from Nolgranda. Aye. The Sharpedos got the same. ...Only one, though."
06[22:32] * Somalakshmi stares at the captain with wide eyes.
[22:33] <Iltani> "The first was addressed to the Absols as a whole, by request of the nolgrandan royal family."
[22:33] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "Hmmmm...seems suspicious."
[22:33] <Iltani> "....the second was directly addressed to me, specifically requesting my presence."
01[22:33] <Lekha> "...Huh."
01[22:33] <Lekha> "I just ended up here by chance."
[22:33] <Iltani> "A payment for every person saved, plus a payment up front....with another portion of that payment sent to my family in particular."
[22:33] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "...interesting.  I got here trying to follow my sister, myself."
[22:34] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "...Do you think this was Nolgranda's doing? Would they request us to be there and then launch an attack? For what purpose?"
[22:34] <@SuikoGM> He seems concerned.
[22:35] <@SuikoGM> Tarron: "I'm not sure who to point fingers at just yet, kid."
[22:35] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "Somebody is divvying up sides, I think."
[22:36] <Somalakshmi> "Captain Tarron..."
[22:36] <@SuikoGM> "Yeah?"
[22:36] <Somalakshmi> "What else did you hear about the Death Doctor?"
[22:37] <@SuikoGM> "She's some kind of poisons expert. From what tale I've heard of it, he's made use of her services for the past four years. Beyond that, I can't say. Not much is known about her, not even what she looks like, from what I understand, as she doesn't show her face."
[22:38] <Somalakshmi> "Where are the prisoners now?"
[22:38] <@SuikoGM> "'He' being Tasman Raeth, the leader of the Steel Onyx."
[22:38] <@SuikoGM> He thumbs towards the tent Sumaru came out of earlier.
[22:39] <@SuikoGM> "Don't expect much out of them. We're looking for a runemaster now, but-"
[22:39] <@SuikoGM> There's suddenly screams from the prisoner's tent.
[22:39] <@SuikoGM> "What the hell?"
06[22:39] * Somalakshmi runs over to the Prisoner tent!
06[22:39] * Lekha is hot on Soma's heels
[22:39] <@SuikoGM> Tarron pushes himself up and runs over to check things, himself.
[22:39] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Katsuo's running!
[22:40] <@SuikoGM> You force your way into the tent to find Sumaru and a few other Sharpedos staring dumbfoundedly at the floor.
[22:40] <@SuikoGM> The two prisoners you captured were sitting her, bound to chairs, but now are laying on the floor, motionless, still bound.
[22:41] <@SuikoGM> Blood is pooling from their backs.
[22:41] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "...runes on their backs, huh."
01[22:41] <Lekha> "Fortune save us..."
[22:41] <@SuikoGM> Tarron: "Sumeru, what...?"
06[22:41] * Lekha winces.
[22:41] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru: "The prisoners suddenly cried out and pain, then.... then they just..."
[22:42] <@SuikoGM> Tarron checks the bodies, frowning.
[22:42] <@SuikoGM> "Dead."
[22:42] <Somalakshmi> "No..."
[22:42] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "Whatever kept them silent also was meant to terminate them if they fell in the wrong hands, it seems."
[22:42] <@SuikoGM> "....Gods dammit."
[22:43] <@SuikoGM> "They were our only lead, too."
[22:43] <@SuikoGM> Tarron flips one of the bodies over onto its stomach, to look at their back.
[22:43] <@SuikoGM> The blood is still pouring out, but you can clearly see the rune embedded from which the blood is pouring.
[22:43] <@SuikoGM> It's in the shape of an eye.
[22:44] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Katsuo makes a mental note of it.
[22:44] <@SuikoGM> http://jenniferism.com/coursework/gd241/unit9/images/nwn_eye.jpg  Let's use this because I am a shit
[22:44] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "Perhaps... the runemaster can still identify whatever horrible rune this is."
[22:45] <@SuikoGM> Occult to try and identify this rune.
[22:45] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 3d6 Let's see.
[22:45] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, Let's see.: 8 [3d6=3,3,2]
[22:45] <Somalakshmi> 5d6+2 Expert occult with 2 action points.
[22:45] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, Expert occult with 2 action points.: 19 [5d6=6,4,2,3,2]
[22:45] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Can't burn 2 at once like that
[22:45] <Somalakshmi> well then 1
01[22:46] <Lekha> 4d6+1 also burning one
[22:46] <PsychoRoll> Lekha, also burning one: 14 [4d6=5,4,1,3]
[22:52] <@SuikoGM> Soma, you think you've heard of a rune that looked like this. It's usually borne by members of a cult called "Myriad Oculus". You don't really know a lot about it, however, apart from the fact that its members worship its leader, the aptly titled "Founder" as a god. Maybe that part stuck out to you as a Sarangan. You have no idea what the cult's other beliefs are, though.
[22:52] <@SuikoGM> Lekha - You think you've seen it before.... maybe in a dream...? Wait, you focus a bit, and you remember.
[22:53] <@SuikoGM> The dream you had last night... The person you saw near the end had a rune like this on his forehead.
[22:53] <Somalakshmi> "Myriad Oculus... some kind of cult that worships some person they call "Founder" as their god. That's where it's from, I think."
[22:54] <@SuikoGM> Tarron: "Myriad... That rings a bell, but I can't say where from."
01[22:54] <Lekha> "Do you know anything else about 'Founder'?"
[22:55] <Somalakshmi> "I don't know anything else."
[22:55] <@SuikoGM> Tarron: "So what, are these zealots? All of this is getting too complicated. Cornell, get a message out to 'xander, ask him if he knows anything about this cult, and to help pursue this lead on the Steel Onyx."
[22:56] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "This is all getting rather strange."
[22:56] <@SuikoGM> Cornell: "At once, sir."
[22:56] <@SuikoGM> Cornell excuses himself from the room.
01[22:56] <Lekha> "Hrmmm."
[22:56] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru: "We tried to get answers and instead we just got more questions."
[22:57] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru: "I can't begin to tell you how frustrating that is."
01[22:57] <Lekha> "I'm used to it."
[22:58] <@SuikoGM> Tarron sighs.
[22:58] <@SuikoGM> "We'll try to pursue what leads we can from here. In the meantime, thanks, all of you. We'll get the mayor his tea."
[22:58] <Iltani> "The Steel Onyx, Founder, Masaru, Killjoy, the writer of this letter..."
[22:58] <Iltani> "What a complicated web that has been woven here."
[22:59] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> He nods.  "We see the threads, but not what the weave is."
[22:59] <Somalakshmi> "None of this makes any sense..."
01[23:00] <Lekha> "I wish there was more I could do to help..."
[23:01] <Iltani> "Something I will think over tonight."
06[23:01] * Iltani sighs.
[23:01] <@SuikoGM> Tarron: "Webs of intrigue aren't exactly my thing. You point me at an enemy to cut, I'm fine. This, though?"
[23:01] <Iltani> "Should I look over the egg for you, Lekha? I don't think I will be getting much sleep tonight."
[23:01] <@SuikoGM> Tarron: "I'm just as mystified and frustrated as the rest of you."
01[23:02] <Lekha> "Oh! If you don't mind."
06[23:02] * Lekha produces the egg.
[23:02] <Iltani> "I think I have someone I may be able to ask about all this," Iltani notes, as she cradles the egg.
[23:02] <@SuikoGM> Tarron directs someone to store the corpses somewhere until they can be looked at.
[23:02] <Iltani> "She's in the area, and has been doing quite a bit of traveling. The type to have her ear to the ground, but if I knew exactly where she was...."
[23:03] <@SuikoGM> Tarron: "You're free to pursue your own avenues, of course. We'll help where we can."
[23:05] <Somalakshmi> 1d20
[23:05] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, 1d20: 7 [1d20=7]
[23:06] <Iltani> 1d100 shenanigansmancy
[23:06] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, shenanigansmancy: 37 [1d100=37]
[23:07] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "I'll keep an eye out."
[23:08] <@SuikoGM> Your cute little elephant, Soma, later brings you a Lesser Swords Dance scroll he found. This consumable item lets you increase a Pokemon's Attack by 2 stages (X-Attack)
[23:08] <@SuikoGM> Not quite shenanigansy enough for tonight.
[23:08] <@SuikoGM> (but perhaps soon)
[23:12] <@SuikoGM> In any case...
06[23:12] * Iltani retreats to her tent to take care of the egg and begin knitting again.
[23:12] <@SuikoGM> It seems like things are winding down again for now.
[23:12] <Iltani> She probably trades off body-warming duties with the hugfrog.
06[23:12] * Lekha makes herself a cup of tea before stopping in to assist Iltani. It's FRIENDSHIP time.
06[23:13] * Somalakshmi approaches Sumeru after everyone starts to leave.
[23:13] <Somalakshmi> "Sumeru..."
[23:13] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru: "...Hm?" she looks up, curious.
[23:14] <Somalakshmi> "The Steel Onyx..."
[23:14] <@SuikoGM> "..Yeah..."
[23:15] <@SuikoGM> "I had heard rumors Raeth had come east, but..."
[23:15] <@SuikoGM> "I wonder what the extent of their involvement with this is..."
06[23:16] * Iltani looks up from her needlework briefly as Lekha approaches.
[23:16] <Somalakshmi> "I don't know. None of this makes any sense."
01[23:16] <Lekha> "We haven't really talked much, have we? Hello!"
[23:16] <@SuikoGM> "There's something we're missing. I'm sure of it."
[23:18] <Iltani> "Greetings. What do you need?"
[23:18] <Somalakshmi> "There has to be. I thought I wasn't going to get involved with all this... but after hearing that, I don't know if I can turn away.'
01[23:19] <Lekha> "Not much. Just wanted to stop by and see how the egg and your little red friend are doing."
[23:20] <@SuikoGM> "You're worried about Rivale suffering the same fate as Saranga?"
[23:20] <@SuikoGM> "Yeah..."
[23:20] <Somalakshmi> "I am. I think history might be repeating itself. But there's..."
[23:20] <@SuikoGM> "...The Sharpedos can't stand up against Raeth's forces to any degree. Not by themselves. But still I want to try and figure out a way to stop..."
06[23:21] * Somalakshmi clenches her jaw nervously.
[23:21] <Iltani> "My red friend...haven't let it out yet. It seemed rather sour with me for disturbing its nap."
[23:21] <Iltani> "The egg is more or less as you left it."
[23:22] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru puts a hand on Soma's shoulder.
01[23:22] <Lekha> "Okay, well, um."
01[23:22] <Lekha> "How did you meet up with the Absols - it was the Absols, right?"
[23:23] <Iltani> "Yes."
[23:24] <Somalakshmi> "Sumeru..."
01[23:24] <Lekha> "S-so, how was it? Sounds like quite a story."
06[23:24] * Iltani pauses briefly, trying to recall simpler times. "I was in between jobs after I left the military. At the time I could only afford to do a few odd jobs, mostly repair work."
01[23:24] <Lekha> "And that weapon you use...Oh! You were in an army?"
06[23:25] * Iltani nods. "Nolgrandan, for a time."
01[23:25] <Lekha> "Like Cornell."
[23:26] <Iltani> "Right. My tour of duty didn't last very long, but I mostly did it to keep my family afloat during difficult times."
[23:26] <@SuikoGM> "What is it, Soma? You don't need to be afraid."
[23:26] <Iltani> "Repelling demon attacks her, aiding a ransacked village there, dealing with invasive tribes..."
06[23:26] * Iltani sighs.
01[23:27] <Lekha> "That sounds wonderful!"
01[23:27] <Lekha> "I...mostly painted."
06[23:27] * Iltani gives Lekha a tired, world-weary glance.
[23:27] <Somalakshmi> >"I... think I knew that Death Doctor. 6 years ago."
[23:28] <Iltani> "Not...very wonderful, actually."
[23:28] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru raises an eyebrow. "You did?"
[23:28] <Iltani> "Combat is pressing. It's frightening, it is demeaning, and it reduces strong men and women into something baser than even survival instinct would suggest."
01[23:28] <Lekha> "At least you were helping people."
01[23:28] <Lekha> "..."
06[23:28] * Lekha SQUIRMS.
[23:29] <Somalakshmi> "I think."
[23:29] <Iltani> "I did."
[23:29] <Somalakshmi> "But it doesn't make sense..."
[23:29] <Iltani> "But I think I'm in a better capacity to do that now."
[23:29] <Somalakshmi> "The girl I knew called the Death Doctor wore a mask, and dealt with all sorts of poisons and chemicals... but she was a Sarangan."
06[23:29] * Iltani puts her needles down. "The Absols specifically call themselves a retrieval specialist team for a reason. We are not mercenaries."
[23:29] <Iltani> "We are not soldiers."
[23:30] <Somalakshmi> "And she may have been a repulsive excuse for a human being... but she still loved Saranga as I did."
[23:30] <@SuikoGM> "Strange that someone would call herself that... but... even stranger for her to join forces with Raeth, I imagine."
[23:30] <Iltani> "We are just...here to help. Sometimes that involves bloodshed, but it's never unnecessary. Never something we revel in."
[23:30] <@SuikoGM> "...still, maybe it's not a coincidence."
[23:30] <Somalakshmi> "I don't understand how she could ever work with Raeth."
[23:31] <Iltani> "Never something treated lightly, especially for something so simple as coin."
01[23:31] <Lekha> "That sounds really nice." Lekha finally relaxes, leaning back against the wall of the tent. "Think they'd let me join?"
[23:31] <@SuikoGM> "Do you think the truth is worth pursuing?"
[23:31] <Somalakshmi> "I do."
[23:31] <Iltani> "You'd have to speak with Garm. Why do you wish to join up?"
[23:31] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru nods. "Then you should."
[23:32] <Somalakshmi> "It could still be someone else."
01[23:32] <Lekha> "I... Well, I don't really have much else, I guess."
[23:32] <Somalakshmi> "She does wear a mask after all."
01[23:32] <Lekha> "It's just me and Euphemia and Zemrude now."
[23:32] <Somalakshmi> "Someone could be using her pseudonym"
[23:32] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru: "Mocking her, perhaps?"
[23:33] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru: "Or even framing her."
[23:33] <Somalakshmi> "I'd sooner die than work with the Steel Onyx. And I would have been sure that she would too."
[23:33] <Somalakshmi> "But... there was something else."
[23:33] <Iltani> "Well, if you're capable in pressing situations, I suppose we could use the help."
[23:34] <Iltani> "Garm is...difficult to impress, however."
[23:34] <Iltani> "Which may seem strange, considering my companions."
[23:34] <Somalakshmi> "That ninja I encountered. He said something when I was fighting him."
[23:34] <@SuikoGM> She tilts her head.
01[23:34] <Lekha> "Hmmm."
[23:36] <Somalakshmi> "He made it sound like he'd met someone like me before."
[23:36] <Somalakshmi> "He ran away before I could hear any more."
01[23:37] <Lekha> "Well, I don't really know much about them - but just because they joke around when they can doesn't mean they're incompetent."
[23:37] <@SuikoGM> "There's a saying I've heard before. "When you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth." ...I wonder what lies at the core of this matter."
[23:38] <@SuikoGM> "...I think you should try and find out Soma, for your sake, and for the person you knew as well."
[23:38] <Iltani> "Right."
[23:39] <Iltani> "Bernard may be a little strange, and Merydia a rather *peculiar* ray of sunshine, but they are reliable and dependable when our hands are forced."
01[23:39] <Lekha> "People have fun in different ways!"
06[23:40] * Iltani picks up her needles again, continuing to work on the scarf. This was probably the closest she was able to get to 'fun.'
06[23:40] * Lekha watches intently.
[23:41] <Iltani> "What did you mean when you did not have much else left?"
01[23:41] <Lekha> "Well, I, um."
[23:41] <Somalakshmi> "I will find out."
01[23:41] <Lekha> "Don't really have much of a home any more. I thought I'd try and make it as a Rune Hunter, but... well, I'd barely gotten started on that when this all happened."
[23:42] <Somalakshmi> "If she really sold herself out to that monster, I won't show any mercy for either of them."
[23:42] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru reaches up and rubs Soma's head a bit. "I'm sure you will. And as long as I'm able, I'd like to help you."
[23:42] <Iltani> "What happened to your home?"
[23:43] <@SuikoGM> She looks a bit distant for a moment when you say that.
01[23:43] <Lekha> "Oh, nothing happened to it! I just, um, decided to move on." Squirm squirm.
06[23:44] * Somalakshmi looks away from Sumeru. "I'm sorry."
[23:44] <Somalakshmi> "It's just... I lost everything that mattered to me that day."
06[23:44] * Iltani decides not to press further. "Why a Rune Hunter, then?"
[23:45] <@SuikoGM> She shakes her head. "No, I get it."
[23:45] <@SuikoGM> She lowers her hand.
01[23:46] <Lekha> "Because it sounded like fun!"
01[23:46] <Lekha> "And something I could be good at."
[23:47] <Iltani> "Hm."
[23:48] <Iltani> "Well, a Rune Hunter is definitely of use in many different kinds of situations. I can see why you'd go for it - and how you might be of use to the Absols."
[23:49] <Somalakshmi> "I was very happy when you gave me this dress, Sumeru."
[23:49] <Somalakshmi> "It reminded me of the good times back then."
[23:49] <@SuikoGM> She smiles. "And hopefully you have many more."
01[23:50] <Lekha> "Then again, I guess we'll have to see where this whole journey takes us, huh?"
[23:50] <Somalakshmi> "But after what I heard... some of those not so good memories came back too."
06[23:50] * Iltani sighs. "Potentially nowhere good."
[23:51] <Iltani> "We are out of our depth here, considering the sheer scale of the schemes in play."
01[23:52] <Lekha> "It's true. But regardless, people aren't going to be happy that we know *anything*."
[23:53] <Iltani> "I can't help but wonder when they will make their next move on us."
06[23:53] * Iltani cradles a worrying Levante along with the egg before continuing her work on the scarf.
[23:55] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru seems confused. She's sympathetic, but doesn't really know how to help.
[23:56] <@SuikoGM> At this moment, in the tent with Lekha and Iltani...
[23:56] <@SuikoGM> The egg begins to crack.
01[23:56] <Lekha> :O
06[23:56] * Iltani looks down. "Ah, the miracle of birth."
[23:56] <Iltani> "Would ou mind letting our Audino friend join us?"
[23:56] <Iltani> you*
01[23:57] <Lekha> "Oh! Good idea!"
06[23:57] * Lekha calls the Audino out.
[23:58] <@SuikoGM> The Audino's disposition seems much improved now that it's rune-bonded to Lekha. It hops up and watches the egg with interest.
[23:59] <@SuikoGM> Crack... crack....
[23:59] <@SuikoGM> Spliiiiiit!
[23:59] <@SuikoGM> A tiny, rotund form begins to poke its way out  with a wrench-shaped horn.
[23:59] <@SuikoGM> http://img.pokemondb.net/artwork/karrablast.jpg
Session Time: Mon Jun 29 00:00:00 2015
01[00:00] <Lekha> "Awwwwww, loookititsfaaaace."
01[00:00] <Lekha> "Hi there, precious!"
[00:00] <@SuikoGM> The karrablast blinks up, confused, and :Os at Lekha, before beginning to crawl up her arm.
06[00:01] * Iltani is content to let Lekha do the talking.
06[00:01] * Lekha cuddles. "Hello! I'm Lekha, and over there is your Auntie Iltani!" Hahahahahahahahaha no she's not getting out of this that easily.
[00:01] <Iltani> "...."
[00:01] <Iltani> "Charmed."
06[00:02] * Iltani gentle scratches the Karrablast's head.
[00:03] <@SuikoGM> The karrablast makes an adorable little noise and starts teething at Iltani's hand with harmless little nubs.
[00:03] <Somalakshmi> "Sumeru... did you ever think about revenge?"
[00:04] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru: "...At times. Fantasies, more than things I thought could be reality."
06[00:04] * Iltani is content to let the Karrablast do its thing. "So you'll be taking care of it?"
[00:04] <Somalakshmi> "And now that we're hre and that man seems to be coming to us... what do you think now?"
01[00:05] <Lekha> "Its mother can't, so I'm hoping I can."
[00:05] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru: "I think.he'd better watch the skies for arrows."
[00:06] <Iltani> "Well....you're its mother now."
06[00:06] * Iltani looks at the Karrablast for any signs that would point to gender.
01[00:07] <Lekha> "Huh, I guess I am! And you're its aunt!"
[00:09] <Somalakshmi> "To be honest, revenge hadn't ever been on my mind very much."
[00:10] <Somalakshmi> "I didn't want to think about it at all. I wanted to forget."
[00:11] <Somalakshmi> "But now I think it's the only way to bring this nightmare to an end, Sumeru."
01[00:11] <Lekha> "....Is it a boy or a girl?"
[00:12] <@SuikoGM> 1d2 Are you a booooooy or a giiiiirl?
[00:12] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Are you a booooooy or a giiiiirl?: 1 [1d2=1]
[00:12] <@SuikoGM> It's a boy!
[00:12] <Iltani> "....looks like you're an adorable little boy, aren't you?" She continues to allow the Karrablast to nom on her finger.
[00:13] <@SuikoGM> "It's never very pleasant business, Somalakshmi. ...In any case, I think I may retire to the tavern for a bit. I've been wanting a drink since yesterday. You're welcome to join me if you like."
01[00:13] <Lekha> "I think I shall call him Valdrada."
[00:13] <Somalakshmi> "I'd love to, actually."
[00:13] <@SuikoGM> The karrablast lets off of Iltani's finger with a 'w'
[00:14] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru nods and begins to lead the way.
[00:15] <Iltani> "....a fine name, then."
06[00:15] * Iltani adjusts her glasses.
[00:32] <@SuikoGM> Are Iltani and Lekha done talking?
01[00:33] <Lekha> yep
01[00:33] <Lekha> I think so
[00:33] <@SuikoGM> Very well.
[00:33] <@SuikoGM> As the hours drag on after the zany antics and confusion earlier...
[00:34] <@SuikoGM> Something quite different is stirring further away.
[00:34] <@SuikoGM> http://pastebin.com/M73h10Mb
[00:38] <@SuikoGM> Chapter 2 - Quenched in Oak - End