suipokemon prologue 3

[22:32] <@Kaingaskhan> Prologue 3 - Soma's Story
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[22:35] <@Kaingaskhan> You feel the warm sands beneath your feet, the desert winds sweeping through your hair. Just a hint of a scent on the wind tells you that it'll rain today. You hear the hustle and the bustle of the people around you. Sand is now warm stone, you can smell delicious meals wafting from everywhere around. And then... you open your eyes, and all of it is gone. You lay on your back as the
[22:35] <@Kaingaskhan> cart slowly trundles through the much more moderate climate. Grey skies cast overhead, and the wind is cold. ...Has it already been 6 years?
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[22:37] <@Kaingaskhan> You hear voices talking. Gavin, the troupe leader, blabbing to one of the singers - Luna. You're in the back of the dance troupe's wagon, heading to your next performance. A little place called Loamvil or something, if you remember right.
06[22:39] * Somalakshmi holds her hand in front of her face and blinks a few times before pushing herself to sit up.
[22:40] <@Kaingaskhan> The cart is drawn by Gogoats, easier to find in this sort of climate than Ponyta or Zebstraika. Cheaper, too. Gavin's chatter fills your ears. "...So which performances are we using this time at the Festival of Founding? It's the biggest event these country people have over on this side of things, so we want to leave a memorable impression."
[22:41] <@Kaingaskhan> Unbroken Circle, a Dorak with a special Fire Breathing Rune and some mad performance skills, is walking along near the back of the wagon, humming to himself.
[22:43] <@Kaingaskhan> The lizardman notices you sit up and nods over at you. "You slept past us passing Oakbridge. Not that there was much you missed. These little hamlets tend to be all alike to me."
[22:44] <@Kaingaskhan> You've been traveling with this troupe for... a year? Two years? Some time now. It's small, but it makes money. The lot of you wander cross country from nation to nation.
[22:44] <@Kaingaskhan> At least you get to travel a lot.
06[22:46] * Somalakshmi smiles politely. "They do tend to blend together after a while. But it's the way they like things around here I suppose."
[22:48] <@Kaingaskhan> "Better than living a life of fear and uncertainty one might suppose." he answers back semi-crypitcally. Sometimes he could be friendly, sometimes distant and mysterious. That's just how the guy was.
[22:48] <@Kaingaskhan> Anything you want to confirm about your current situation as you regain your bearings?
[22:49] <@Kaingaskhan> Sevai has his trunk draped across your lap, you notice. He's still dozing, making tiny little trumpeting noises with each snore.
06[22:50] * Somalakshmi gently strokes Sevai's head as she looks forward to see the path ahead. Is anything in sight?
[22:53] <@Kaingaskhan> Climate is pretty european here.Rivers, grass, trees, trees, trees. Weird trees with those thick layers of needle-leaves. The path seems well-worn, a common trader's path, and in the distance, the land dips somewhat, passing through a bit of a vale. You seem to recall this particular valley can be flooded during heavy rains. Flooded! That's a thought. But it isn't flooded today, though
[22:53] <@Kaingaskhan> it does look like it could rain soon. Thankfully your wagon is covered.
[22:54] <@Kaingaskhan> Gavin: "Hey, Soma. Our stop's not long after passing through Oakloam Vale. ...Kind of a simple name, isn't it? A vale between Oakbridge and Loamvil."
06[22:55] * Somalakshmi chuckes lightly. "It's simple, but it's a bit cute I think."
[22:55] <@Kaingaskhan> Gavin is... a young man, about 24, with short, flaming red hair and freckles, as well as tanned skin - though from exposure, not hereditary.
[22:55] <@Kaingaskhan> The singer he was talking to, Luna, is a bit of a dreamy woman, with long blue hair and skin so pale you could swear she's lived in darkness all her life.
[22:56] <@Kaingaskhan> Unbroken Circle's scales are a colorful mix of green, blue and white.
[22:56] <@Kaingaskhan> And he has an amazing red, white and green frill.
[22:57] <@Kaingaskhan> The rest of the troupe is with a different wagon, some ways behind, you think.
[22:59] <@Kaingaskhan> Luna pipes up from where she's lazing at the front. "A simple life is the best, I think. Making things too complicated just... makes things complicated." She yawns.
[23:01] <Somalakshmi> "I suppose I can't disagree with that." Soma smiles playfully. "But you're right... as long as you have a meal every day and a place to sleep safely... isn't that enough?"
[23:03] <@Kaingaskhan> Gavin sort of sheepishly nods. "I guess, yeah. I've known how it's felt not to have either of those things. ...we all have, even after being a troupe together. It's how things go sometimes. We're lucky we can find work. I was curious though, Soma, did you have anything special in mind for the festival?"
[23:04] <@Kaingaskhan> Gavin: "From what I understand it's a large celebration marking the founding of Rivale itself, as well as the previous year's harvest and what's to come."
[23:05] <Somalakshmi> "Anything special? I'll just dance however you think is best."
[23:05] <@Kaingaskhan> Luna: "You know better than to ask her that, Gavin~" she wags a finger at him.
[23:06] <@Kaingaskhan> Gavin: "Well, I could think of a few nice things..."
[23:06] <@Kaingaskhan> Luna: "Get your mind out of the gutter, too, we don't want to be run out of town."
[23:07] <Somalakshmi> "Do you want me to dance naked?"
[23:07] <@Kaingaskhan> Gavin: "Well-"
[23:07] <@Kaingaskhan> Luna: "No, he doesn't."
[23:08] <@Kaingaskhan> Gavin pouts. "Alright, alright."
06[23:08] * Somalakshmi notices the look on Luna's face and smiles innocently. "It's fine. I was just playing with him."
[23:09] <@Kaingaskhan> Gavin: "We'll think of something." he grins a bit embarassed. "I'm just trying to think of something new and exciting. You're one of our better performers, I want to make sure your talents aren't put to waste at an event like this."
[23:10] <Somalakshmi> "You're a wonderful troupe leader, Gavin. I couldn't possibly go to waste under you."
[23:10] <@Kaingaskhan> Unbroken Circle chuckles a bit.
[23:10] <@Kaingaskhan> Gavin: "Shucks, Soma. You'll make me blush. ...That's it, I'm going to spend the rest of the trip drawing up a routine to practice."
[23:12] <Somalakshmi> "I'll be looking forward to it, Gavin."
[23:12] <@Kaingaskhan> He carefully gets out a slate and some chalk - much more affordable than quills, or pens and ink - and sets himself to work.
[23:14] <@Kaingaskhan> The cart rolls onward - you've entered Oakloam Vale now, the path leading down in elevation. The winding trail through the vale follows a small branch of the Nolgir river, one that runs parallel of the flow through Oakbridge then rejoins it further down. The walls around you look big enough to swallow you up, if only there was enough water.
[23:14] <@Kaingaskhan> Luna frowns a bit and slows the cart down, after a moment. "There's someone up ahead flagging us down."
06[23:15] * Somalakshmi briefly stops petting Sevai to crane her neck up and look to see them.
[23:17] <@Kaingaskhan> There are four men hanging about the middle of the road with some handmade wooden barricades behind them. They seem to be dressed in nonuniform leather armors, worn from weather, and a couple of them appear someone dirty. The man waving you down grins, his smile missing a few teeth.  ''scuse us miss, we'll need to stop your wagon a moment."
[23:17] <@Kaingaskhan> Luna: "May I ask... why?"
[23:18] <@Kaingaskhan> The wagon does come to a stop, if only because the men don't move out of the way.
[23:18] <@Kaingaskhan> Man: "We're helping keep the peace by looking for substances what are illegal like, to make sure they's not being smuggled."
[23:18] <@Kaingaskhan> Gavin: "...We're not traders. We're performers."
[23:19] <@Kaingaskhan> Unbroken Circle rolls his eyes. He has a clear idea of what this is.
[23:20] <@Kaingaskhan> Man: "You'll have to turn it over for inspection-like anyway." He walks around the wagon, leaving his other three companions in front, running his hand along the side. "..." He gets an eye full of Soma and grins. "An inspection of... all of it." He stops abruptly when he bumps into Unbroken Circle, who didn't move out of the way.
[23:21] <@Kaingaskhan> Unbroken Circle simply frowns. "Present your writs of search or kindly get the hell out of our way. I don't take kindly to bandits."
[23:22] <@Kaingaskhan> The man laughs. "Bandits, the lizard calls us. We ain't bandits, we're part of them White Wolves, and we're helping keep the peace."
[23:22] <@Kaingaskhan> Intuition.
[23:23] <Somalakshmi> 3d6
[23:23] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, 3d6: 12 [3d6=5,5,2]
[23:24] <@Kaingaskhan> Well, this guy's clearly lying. You -think- you've heard of the White Wolves before. A small but elite group of Ravarran mercenaries who tend to work for some order of knights based in Nolgranda. These guys don't look the least bit Ravarran either, and they have no uniforms.
[23:25] <@Kaingaskhan> Also, perception.
[23:25] <Somalakshmi> 2d6
[23:25] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, 2d6: 6 [2d6=3,3]
[23:26] <@Kaingaskhan> You notice one of the guys around the front of the wagon reaching for the flintlock pistol hanging on his front. The others seem edgy too. You think they're about to draw steel on you.
06[23:28] * Somalakshmi tries to quickly distract them. She smiles brightly and gasps, "You're really part of the white wolves? I've heard stories, but I never thought I'd really meet one..."
[23:29] <@Kaingaskhan> The bandit leader falters a bit and looks at you sort of stupidly. Roll Guile and Charm.
06[23:29] * Somalakshmi leans forward on her hands and knees while she talks to him, giving him a good angle while she talks...
[23:30] <Somalakshmi> 2d6 untrained guile
[23:30] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, untrained guile: 8 [2d6=4,4]
[23:30] <Somalakshmi> 4d6 adept charm
[23:30] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, adept charm: 15 [4d6=1,3,6,5]
[23:32] <@Kaingaskhan> Man: "Oh, uh... yeaaah." He grins, letting his eyes wander and he leans in a bit closer. "Defeated a hunnerd demons by m'self I did. ...If you wanna join the pack, I can show you what a real alpha male can do, hehe." Oh god, his breath stinks.
[23:33] <@Kaingaskhan> Unbroken Circle seems like he's going to take advantage of the distraction if you don't do anything further.
06[23:33] * Somalakshmi tries her best to sound naive and bubbly. "A hundred demons... do you have any scars? To be honest... I've kinda got a thing for guys with scars."
[23:35] <@Kaingaskhan> The bandit starts peeling off the uppet layer of his armor to show you the horrible pus-ridden scars he has.... Looks more like untreated battle wounds, ew.
[23:36] <Somalakshmi> "Ooh... those are pretty good..."
06[23:36] * Somalakshmi glances at Unbroken Circle and smiles
[23:37] <Somalakshmi> "They make you look pretty hot."
[23:38] <@Kaingaskhan> Unknown Circle takes the cue and braces himself, activating his Fire Breather rune. There's the telltale SCHWOOOON of Technique Rune use, and an intensely hot blast of flame scorches the idiot's exposed torso. The bandit leader screams, and so does Unbroken Circle - though the latter is more of a battle cry instead of 'oh god I'm on fire and pissing myself'. The Dorak also draws the
[23:38] <@Kaingaskhan> bandit's sword in one clean stroke as well, raising it.
[23:39] <@Kaingaskhan> The other three bandits  panic and start to draw their weapons, and you hear the far-off sound of movement on either side of the vale above - maybe they had friends just in case.
[23:39] <@Kaingaskhan> Better make this quick.
[23:40] <@Kaingaskhan> Gavin: "Oh shit, oh shit." He grabs a paring knife and hops out of the wagon, preparing to defend himself.
[23:40] <@Kaingaskhan> Luna sits firm.
[23:41] <@Kaingaskhan> One of the bandits looks towards Soma with a seething look of hatred and pulls out an apricorn ball, sending out a Scraggy.
[23:41] <@Kaingaskhan> Combat!
06[23:41] * Somalakshmi quickly looks to the sides. "They had allies?"
[23:42] <@Kaingaskhan> Gavin and Unbroken Circle seem to be locked in combat with two of the bandits. Luna seems ready to move the gogoats at a moment's notice. "Get these idiots out of our way and we can get a move on!"
[23:43] <@Kaingaskhan> Speeds!
[23:43] <Somalakshmi> Soma's speed is 16, Sevai's is 4
[23:43] <@Kaingaskhan> The lone bandit fighting you is at speed 5, putting him between the two of you, and his Scraggy is speed 9.
[23:44] <@Kaingaskhan> Soma, Scraggy, Bandit, Sevai
[23:44] <@Kaingaskhan> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0tYDtI-lF8
[23:45] <@Kaingaskhan> The bandit leader is on the ground, writing and screaming for the scant few more minutes he'll live.
[23:45] <@Kaingaskhan> *writhing
06[23:45] * Somalakshmi opens her mouth and activates her hidden rune, letting out a strange sonic cry!
[23:45] <Somalakshmi> 1d20 crit check for disarming voice
[23:45] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, crit check for disarming voice: 20 [1d20=20]
[23:45] <@Kaingaskhan> Sure is a crit.
[23:45] <Somalakshmi> at the scraggy
[23:46] <@Kaingaskhan> Mhm
[23:46] <Somalakshmi> 2d8+12+10
[23:46] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, 2d8+12+10: 30 [2d8=6,2]
[23:47] <@Kaingaskhan> that severely wounds the Scraggy, sending it reeling backwards!
[23:47] <@Kaingaskhan> In return, it tries to go for a Low Kick on Soma, leaping into the wagon!
[23:47] <@Kaingaskhan> 1d20 Low Kick
[23:47] <PsychoRoll> Kaingaskhan, Low Kick: 14 [1d20=14]
[23:48] <@Kaingaskhan> 2d8+10+12
[23:48] <PsychoRoll> Kaingaskhan, 2d8+10+12: 31 [2d8=6,3]
03[23:49] * Kaingaskhan is now known as SuikoGM
[23:49] <@SuikoGM> The bandit goes for the cute little pokerman instead!
[23:49] <@SuikoGM> 1d20 Thief
[23:49] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Thief: 16 [1d20=16]
[23:50] <@SuikoGM> 2d6+8+12 dark damage
[23:50] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, dark damage: 25 [2d6=3,2]
[23:51] <@SuikoGM> Pause
03[23:51] * Somalakshmi is now known as DamienLunas
Session Time: Mon Jun 01 00:00:00 2015
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03[03:03] * DamienLunas is now known as Somalakshmi
[03:04] <@SuikoGM> Unpause
[03:04] <@SuikoGM> Sevai takes 25 dark damage from the Bandit
[03:05] <@SuikoGM> Olifaunt turn
[03:08] <Somalakshmi> 1d20 tackle go
[03:08] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, tackle go: 3 [1d20=3]
[03:08] <Somalakshmi> on the bandit
[03:08] <@SuikoGM> That iiiiis
[03:08] <@SuikoGM> a hit!
[03:09] <Somalakshmi> 1d8+8+13
[03:09] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, 1d8+8+13: 22 [1d8=1]
[03:10] <@SuikoGM> Ouch! That hurt!
[03:10] <@SuikoGM> Soma!
[03:10] <@SuikoGM> either of them looks like they'll drop with another good blow
06[03:10] * Somalakshmi tries to finish the scraggy off!
[03:10] <Somalakshmi> 1d20 crit check disarming voice
[03:10] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, crit check disarming voice: 12 [1d20=12]
[03:10] <@SuikoGM> POW
[03:10] <Somalakshmi> 1d8+6+10
[03:10] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, 1d8+6+10: 17 [1d8=1]
[03:10] <@SuikoGM> Down the lizard goes!
[03:11] <@SuikoGM> 1d20 Thief the bandit tries to turn on Soma!
[03:11] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Thief the bandit tries to turn on Soma!: 1 [1d20=1]
[03:11] <@SuikoGM> swish
[03:11] <@SuikoGM> Sevai!
[03:12] <Somalakshmi> 1d20 another tackle because it's slightly stronger than ice shard!
[03:12] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, another tackle because it's slightly stronger than ice shard!: 3 [1d20=3]
[03:12] <Somalakshmi> 1d8+8+13
[03:12] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, 1d8+8+13: 22 [1d8=1]
[03:12] <@SuikoGM> aaaand just enough to put the bandit down!
06[03:12] * Somalakshmi looks over to see how the rest of them are faring!
[03:13] <@SuikoGM> Soma finishes her bandit off in time to see the others mopping up too. Unbroken Circle took about as long as you, Gavin doesn't really know how to fight very well but goddammit he's trying, and he eventually gets a lucky stab in, dropping his.
[03:15] <@SuikoGM> You can hear noises from up and to your left as some of the bandit's buddies are sliding roughly down the sheer side of the vale, or trying to without getting horribly injured. Some of them are trying to close off further ahead as well.
[03:15] <@SuikoGM> Luna: "Get in, we're going!"
[03:16] <@SuikoGM> Unbroken Circle roughly kicks aside the wooden barrier the bandits put up and steps to the side to make room.
06[03:16] * Somalakshmi scoops Sevai back into the wagon. "Go!"
[03:16] <@SuikoGM> Gavin haphazardly climbs back in and Luna hyaas the gogoats.
[03:16] <@SuikoGM> From up and your right, you hear sounds like drawing bowstrings...
[03:17] <@SuikoGM> Fwip! Fwip! Fwip! ...You brace for impact, but... The arrows embed themselves in the men standing in your way further down, sending them careening out of your wagon's way as you zoom past.
[03:18] <@SuikoGM> Unbroken Circle has to sort of jumpskip to hop onto the wagon from where he's been running alongside, then he turns his head back to look when he notices it was the bandits who got shot.
[03:18] <Somalakshmi> "They weren't..."
[03:18] <@SuikoGM> FWIP, FWIP FWIP!
[03:19] <@SuikoGM> More arrows from the upper right side of the canyon tear into bandits behind you, and you put the men out of sight shortly after.
[03:19] <@SuikoGM> Perception check!
[03:19] <Somalakshmi> 2d6
[03:19] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, 2d6: 5 [2d6=1,4]
[03:19] <@SuikoGM> ...just barely, you think you make out one of the figures with a bow on the far vale wall.
[03:20] <@SuikoGM> They seem to be well-dressed, whoever they are, and this one is a woman with dark hair and tanned skin, wielding a bow. You think you saw a standard of some kind for a moment.
[03:21] <Somalakshmi> "Circle, did you see them?"
[03:22] <@SuikoGM> Circle: "Yes... a second group intervened." He hrms. "...The bandits will not be following us."
[03:23] <@SuikoGM> Circle: "They had a flag with some sort of... teal fish on it."
[03:23] <@SuikoGM> General edu roll
06[03:23] * Somalakshmi tries to think if she knows any kind of teal fish house or country
[03:24] <Somalakshmi> 2d6
[03:24] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, 2d6: 12 [2d6=6,6]
[03:26] <@SuikoGM> Ravarran mercenary bands tend to name themselves after colors and things, as you know all too well from having heard of the 'Steel Onyx'. The White Wolves were such a one as well. ...You think you vaguely remembering of another such band, a much smaller one, called the Sapphire Sharpedos, who only take work that their command considers reputable.
[03:27] <@SuikoGM> *commander
[03:28] <Somalakshmi> "Ravarrans... it's a good thing they're not our enemies. How are your injuries, Circle?""
[03:29] <@SuikoGM> The lizardman shakes his head. "I'm fine. We managed to defeat the strongest of them in nigh a single blow thanks to your distraction."
[03:29] <@SuikoGM> Gavin breathes out a long breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Thank the gods you're so sexy."
[03:29] <@SuikoGM> Gavin: "I appreciate the quick thinking back there."
[03:30] <Somalakshmi> "I'm just glad you're all unharmed. I don't really find scars attractive like that after all."
[03:31] <@SuikoGM> Gavin: "..." He's actually gashed, now that he has a look. "Oh, shit. I didn't notice..."
[03:31] <@SuikoGM> Circle: "...Soma is hurt as well. We should possibly take a moment by the wayside to patch up."
[03:31] <@SuikoGM> Luna looks back and smiles a bit at Soma.
[03:32] <@SuikoGM> Luna: "...Yeah, let's pull over. I'll get us back on the road immediately if bandits approach."
[03:32] <Somalakshmi> "It's just a minor bruise. But I have a bit of medicine I hold onto just in case... feel free to use it if you need it."
[03:33] <@SuikoGM> Gaivn: "Thanks, Soma. I'll see if I can replace it for you once we're in town."
[03:33] <@SuikoGM> Luna stops on the roadside just as the path starts taking you out of the veil, and Circle looks over your and his injuries.
[03:34] <@SuikoGM> Luna: "Thank goodness you two have nice runes. We're performers, not warriors..."
[03:35] <@SuikoGM> Gavin: "Maybe we should look into learning to protect ourselves a bit more in the future. I've heard highwaymen are swelling in numbers of late, and this just seems to confirm that."
[03:36] <@SuikoGM> Circle: "I'll defend you all as best I can. ...There shouldn't be a need for ordinary people to learn to fight out of necessity."
[03:36] <Somalakshmi> "Well performers have their own way of fighting, but it's always good to have something for self defense like a rune."
[03:36] <@SuikoGM> Perception again.
[03:36] <Somalakshmi> 2d6
[03:36] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, 2d6: 6 [2d6=1,5]
[03:37] <@SuikoGM> You hear something approaching from the direction you came. ...No, maybe from the direction of the upper part of the vale. It sounds like a beast on all fours, but not a horse.
[03:37] <@SuikoGM> It's definitely even in pace, however.
06[03:38] * Somalakshmi looks around. "Do you hear something?"
[03:38] <@SuikoGM> And when you crane your neck a little to look, you can make out the figure of the woman you spied shooting some of the bandits. She's riding a small Arcanine toward you.
[03:39] <@SuikoGM> Dressed mostly in plate armor, the woman keeps her distance but calls out, hailing you from a distance so as to not to startle you. "Travelers, are you alright?"
[03:39] <@SuikoGM> Circle looks up, still somewhat guarded.
[03:41] <Somalakshmi> "We've sustained minor injuries, but our destination isn't too far."
[03:42] <Somalakshmi> "You're of the Sapphire Sharpedos, are you not?"
[03:43] <@SuikoGM> The woman pulls her Arcanine over and dismounts. "Yes,  miss." She seems to be.... hm, you'd say late twenties? And... Intuition.
[03:43] <Somalakshmi> 3d6
[03:43] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, 3d6: 9 [3d6=2,5,2]
[03:44] <@SuikoGM> ...You don't think she's just Ravarran. Her features remind you a lot of the people back home. Maybe half Sarangan?
[03:44] <@SuikoGM> "I'm Sumeru, vice-captain of the Sapphire Sharpedos. I wanted to make sure you were uninjured."
[03:45] <@SuikoGM> Dark skin, dark hair, startling green eyes. She sighs a little when she notices you took a few scapes. "I see... Will you be alright from here, or shall we escort you? These are dangerous times."
06[03:47] * Somalakshmi looks to Gavin hesitantly. She doesn't feel too confident in his ability to come out of the next one unscathed after seeing his combat skills.
[03:47] <@SuikoGM> Gavin thinks on it a moment, but nods. "We'd be grateful for the help, Sumeru."
[03:47] <@SuikoGM> Unbroken Circle speaks up. "What is your company doing here, exactly?"
[03:49] <@SuikoGM> She nods to Gavin, but then blinks at the Dorak. "We received a request for aid from the Nolgrandan monarchy, of all things. They seem to be concerned about increased demonic activity in the area. We decided to hunt around for likely spots they'd hide in, but we found bandits instead."
[03:50] <Somalakshmi> "I didn't realize there were demons about... I think it's best if we travel together in that case. My name is Somalakshmi. It's nice to meet you, Sumeru."
[03:54] <@SuikoGM> She smiles at you. "You as well, Somalakshmi." She seems somewhat comforted at the presence of another Sarangan, though if she was going to bring up the subject, she closes her mouth when she remembers how events unfolded.  Instead, she just holds her hands up - Sona notices that her gauntlets are made fingerless - probably to better assist with her archery - and blows on her fingers
[03:54] <@SuikoGM> to whistle. "Cornel! We're escorting this wagon to Loamvil. Let the others know." A young boy, probably... 16ish? with long white hair in a ponytail rides over on a gogoat. "Y-you got it, vice captain. Though there's another wagon still in the vale."
[03:54] <@SuikoGM> Circle waves a hand. "That's other members of our troupe."
[03:55] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru nods. "See to it their escorted as well then."
[03:56] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru remounts her Arcanine in the meantime. "I'll stay close. Let me know if any of your wounds re-open - I have a Water Rune."
[03:57] <@SuikoGM> Luna starts to get the wagon back on the road again as the detachment from the Sapphire Sharpedos joins you.
[03:57] <@SuikoGM> Is there anything you'd like to speak with Sumero or other members of her company about?
[03:57] <@SuikoGM> *Sumeru
06[03:58] * Somalakshmi will probably try to talk with Sumeru when no one else seems to be paying attention
[04:01] <Somalakshmi> "Miss Sumeru?"
[04:01] <@SuikoGM> You make good progress to Loamvil. You arrive before long. The little hamlet is getting ready for the big day tomorrow, and it's extremely apparent with all the merchant stalls and various games and activities prepared for. A stage is being prepared in the town square, which is where you understand you'll be performing. Loamvil is a small sort of burg with a focus on farming, like its
[04:01] <@SuikoGM> name might suggest, but soon it's going to be the talk of the country for a day.
[04:01] <@SuikoGM> Shortly after arriving, you manage to get Sumeru aside.
[04:01] <@SuikoGM> She blinks. "Yes, miss Somalakshmi?"
06[04:02] * Somalakshmi looks to the side. "Sorry, it's just... been a long time since I've seen a Sarangan."
[04:03] <@SuikoGM> "Ah." She nods, her face falling a little. "Yes. I'm half Sarangan, on my father's side."
[04:04] <@SuikoGM> "I lived in the western reaches of the desert as a child, near the border of Ravarra, one of the trading routes through to Ratna."
[04:05] <@SuikoGM> "I... didn't want to bring it up unless you did first. I'm sure you understand why."
06[04:06] * Somalakshmi smiles. "If anything, I'm just glad someone else remembers it."
[04:07] <@SuikoGM> She nods. "I have a few regrets aobut leaving. I never got to meet my father, for one."
[04:08] <Somalakshmi> "Sometimes... it all just feels like a dream I had."
[04:08] <@SuikoGM> "I was raised by my mother alone, and was told my father lived in Ratna, that he was a wonderful person. But when I asked to see him, she turned me down. It wasn't long before I suspected my father was married to another woman and my mother was his mistress. But then the siege happened, and..."
[04:09] <@SuikoGM> She shakes her head. "I was not there to witness it but there is nothing dreamworthy about that nightmare."
[04:09] <@SuikoGM> "The Steel Onyx are a disgrace to the Ravarran name."
[04:10] <Somalakshmi> "I don't think ill of the Ravarran for their actions."
[04:10] <@SuikoGM> "I was taught growing up about the principles of the line of Devas, including Deva Sachin, but also of the Ravarran heroes."
[04:10] <@SuikoGM> She nods. "For many Ravarrans, work is work. I believe Tasman Raeth was different, however."
[04:11] <Somalakshmi> "What do you mean?"
[04:12] <@SuikoGM> "He took the teachings of Orsinus the Unabashed and Aisaime the Unbreakable and twisted them into a sick creed that he teaches his men.  To simply things, Orsinus taught his followers to respect the feelings of their heart and to live a life without regret. Aisaime preached discipline, martial perfection."
[04:13] <@SuikoGM> "Tasman Raeth, the leader of the Steel Onyx... I have only heard stories, but he has taken those teachings and... 'creatively interpreted' them to suit his leadership. He teaches strict and absolute obedience within the ranks, and to do whatever one likes otherwise, regardless of society's rules."
[04:14] <@SuikoGM> She sighs. "I'm sorry. It's a bit of a sore subject, being a child of two worlds that intertwined like that."
[04:15] <@SuikoGM> "There is no denying the man and his men are skilled, however. Freakishly so. Which is why it worries me that I've heard rumors he has come east."
[04:15] <@SuikoGM> "I only dread what work the man has found."
[04:18] <Somalakshmi> "I don't know which is worse. That man, or those who would be willng to set him on others."
[04:18] <@SuikoGM> "A sentiment I share completely."
[04:20] <Somalakshmi> "I hope those rumors to be false..."
[04:20] <@SuikoGM> "As do I. In the meantime, let's focus on happier things in the present."
[04:20] <@SuikoGM> She smiles. "There is a festival tomorrow, after all. I for one, look forward to it. You'll be performing?"
06[04:21] * Somalakshmi readjusts her shawl and smiles. "Of course, seeing combat shook me for a bit, but I feel fine now. I'll be dancing. Gavin wishes for me to try a new dance for him."
[04:22] <@SuikoGM> "I can't wait to see it!"
[04:23] <@SuikoGM> "In the meantime, if there's anything else I can do for you while we're in town, please don't hesitate to let me know. We've set up lodgings in tents on the north side of town. I'm afraid the inn had no vacancies."
[04:25] <Somalakshmi> "Thank you, Sumeru. I'll put my heart into it if you're watching. I have to thank you for saving us somehow. If there's anything you need from me, please let me know."
[04:26] <@SuikoGM> "All I ask is that we meet again." She smiles. "Farewell, until then."
[04:27] <Somalakshmi> "Farewell, Sumeru."
[04:29] <@SuikoGM> She bows her head and takes her Arcanine to the north of town.
[04:29] <@SuikoGM> Anything else before we wrap things up?
06[04:30] * Somalakshmi is going to go thank Unbroken Circle and talk to him a bit.
[04:30] <Somalakshmi> (but we don't need to play that out since it's pretty late for you)
[04:31] <@SuikoGM> Oh, no big
[04:31] <@SuikoGM> (I feel fine so we can play that out if you like)
[04:31] <Somalakshmi> (let's do it then :D)
06[04:31] * Somalakshmi goes to find Unbroken Circle's tent.
[04:32] <@SuikoGM> (Just a sec thought)
[04:33] <@SuikoGM> (Okay)
[04:33] <@SuikoGM> You head over to where your own troupe is setting up tents. It's not that from from the Sapphire Sharpedo encampment, actually.
[04:34] <@SuikoGM> Unbroken Circle's tent is easy to find, a bright red.
06[04:35] * Somalakshmi steps up to the entrance and calls out softly, "Circle, may I come in?"
[04:36] <@SuikoGM> He speaks up from inside. "Come on in."
06[04:37] * Somalakshmi slips off her finely crafted shoes and steps in.
[04:37] <@SuikoGM> Inside, he's sitting on a bedroll, using a handmirror in one hand and a tool in his other to groom his frills. It's an activity you've seen him take very seriously, making sure nothing's accumulated under them, or torn.
[04:37] <@SuikoGM> He puts the things away when you enter and looks over.
06[04:39] * Somalakshmi smiles warmly. "You don't need to stop on my account. In fact, I could help you if you like. I just wanted to thank you for fighting so hard today. I think we all feel safe having you around."
[04:42] <@SuikoGM> A wide grin spreads across his face. "Certainly, if you find such a task appealing. And I'm glad to hear that." He scoots over a bit. "What would we do if the precious flowers of our troupe were blemished?" he jests a bit. "...but no. I am sincerely glad I can put those skills to use for the good of you all."
[04:42] <@SuikoGM> "In truth, I'm thankful to the lot of you as well."
[04:42] <Somalakshmi> "How so?"
[04:46] <@SuikoGM> "For the work and companionship. Such things I didn't have back home, at least not in the capacity I desired. And I fared little better in most places here when I came east, across the ocean. Back home... was another time. The homeland of the Dorak is not in a good way. Starvation... poverty... fighting. Lots of fighting. I was drawn into much of that. The scars I lack, I suppose are
[04:46] <@SuikoGM> a testament to the skill of my friends and their learned hands. ...One day I decided I had my fill of the death that awaited in that desolate land, and like many of my kin, sailed east to Ravarra."
[04:47] <@SuikoGM> "But work was hard to find. Unless you were willing to join a mercenary band, of course, then they were happy to have you. But I had come to leave that all behind."
[04:49] <@SuikoGM> "But during my travels I would come to meet Gavin, and eventually the rest of you as well. I... may have neglected to mention my past." he admits. "But it was a blessing that the magic rune I bore, and the agility and..." he thinks a moment for the right word. "Form of our combat styles lended themselves well to becoming a performer."
[04:49] <@SuikoGM> "For once I could use what I had learned to provide happiness to others instead of misery, or oblivion."
[04:50] <@SuikoGM> "Though it's simple work, I enjoy being with you all. I feel... fulfilled here."
[04:50] <@SuikoGM> "And for that, I thank each of you."
06[04:51] * Somalakshmi pauses a bit, thinking on what he said.
[04:53] <Somalakshmi> "I... I see. It's good that you feel that way. We're all very happy to have you with us too, Circle."
[04:53] <@SuikoGM> He smiles at you.
[04:56] <@SuikoGM> He seems satisfied that he's answered your question, but doesn't really have much of a follow-up to it.
06[04:58] * Somalakshmi tries to smile back, but seems to be having a bit of trouble this time...
[04:59] <Somalakshmi> "Circle..."
[04:59] <@SuikoGM> "Hm?" He looks a bit concerned.
[05:01] <Somalakshmi> "Do you ever... get the feeling like you're not sure if you're awake or if you're dreaming?"
[05:02] <@SuikoGM> He considers that question seriously for a moment.
[05:02] <@SuikoGM> And then with measure of understanding, he nods.
[05:04] <Somalakshmi> "You do?"
[05:04] <@SuikoGM> "I had. It is rare that I ever feel such a way now. But it is a feeling I know I have had before."
[05:06] <Somalakshmi> "I see..."
[05:06] <@SuikoGM> "When I was unsure of my path and of my future. Before I found a resolution within myself to take control. The battlefield itself can be as a living nightmare."
[05:09] <Somalakshmi> "For me... it's times like these that feel like a dream."
[05:10] <@SuikoGM> "You've become so curious as of late." he notes. "For one as young as you, maybe it is not such a bad thing to dream a while yet. And then perhaps you will look back on those dreams as fond memories. These peaceful days are very much like a dream."
06[05:13] * Somalakshmi puts on a smile. "You're right. It must be the stress of that battle getting to me. If it is a dream, then we should just enjoy it as best we can, right?"
[05:13] <@SuikoGM> "Well put, Soma."
[05:15] <Somalakshmi> "It's been a long day. Let me help you clean your frill and we can get some rest."
[05:15] <@SuikoGM> He nods. "I'd appreciate it."
[05:15] <@SuikoGM> You set to help him out as he teaches you the ins and outs of Dorak grooming.
[05:16] <@SuikoGM> And then, after some time... you decide to get some sleep.
[05:16] <@SuikoGM> After all, you have a big day tomorrow. ...Especially since you'll be spending most of the morning practicing the new routine Gavin's made.
[05:17] <@SuikoGM> And so, your travels, perhaps guided by fate, have brought you to a dream called Loamvil. What will come of that dream when the time comes to wake?
[05:17] <@SuikoGM> Prologue 3 - End