Log 0023

[6:00 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Last we were, the adventurers met up (WIth some... Difficulties), before setting out to find Shadow and Recelle, who was sent to gather a force of paladins to take the Mage Tower in middle of the forest. Much to the party's dismay, they found the group of paladins and their allies to be near death, hanging onto life by a thin thread, the whole thing facilitated by the Ex-Chosen of Mask. The Ex-Chosen attacked, seemingly having lost his mind, before being dispatched by the party (Notably, via Razmik defenstrating the Ex-Chosen. Into a 60ft drop off the tower.). The Ex-Chosen left a curious dagger behind, one bounded to him...

Turns out, it's the Shard of the Wand of Orcus, repaired partially, and fused with a certain black blade, radiating aura of ill omens. The ... "Dagger" of Orcus, still holds the spirit of the Hero Who Broke It, Alexander, and Shadow has taken the ownership of the dagger, for the time being, erasing the Ex-Chosen's mark on it to the best of his capabilities.

It's the aftermath of battle, as Shadow performs a ritual to bring Doomwind Tot, his familiar imp-cat, back from the state of dead, and Alicia seemingly have an announcement to make.

--
[6:01 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... And, for those "falling awake", it's just another day in the nightmare.
[6:01 PM] Mizuki: (adding 4+2 hp, minor illusion cantrip, +2 to int, and flaming sphere)
[6:02 PM] Mizuki: (is flaming sphere good? :sadpopo:)
[6:02 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (>>>>>>>>flaming sphere)
[6:02 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (Yeah, it is)
[6:02 PM] Mizuki: (time to murder the frontline guys!)
[6:02 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (Note that since it's not Evocation, you can't sculpt it.)
[6:03 PM] Faerie: (I am glad to inform you that YOU are the frontline now. I'll be cheering for you!)
[6:03 PM] Mizuki: (I'm aware)
[6:03 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Anyways, the floor has been given to Alicia.
[6:04 PM] Mizuki: (damaging allies is fun though!)


[6:04 PM] Faerie: (It's all fun and games until someone eats an overchanneled crit)
[6:05 PM] Mizuki: ( @Players , you guys around?)
[6:05 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Recelle is by Alicia, seemingly giving her some support, while Azura seems to be interested more in Shadow's ritual.
[6:05 PM] Mizuki: (Also, Koga, one more thing)
[6:06 PM] Mizuki: (I can prepare one more spell now, right?)
[6:06 PM] Mizuki: (or two more?)
[6:06 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (Yeah, you prep equal to wiz level + ... like, int mod?)
[6:06 PM] Mizuki: (two more then!)
[6:06 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (So leveling gives you more prep)
[6:06 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (No feat, Mizu?)
[6:07 PM] Mizuki: (no feat this time, maybe next one)
[6:07 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: The paladins are making camp, their unfamiliar faces in this unfamiliar place strange.

[6:07 PM] Runic: (So I assume we still haven't taken a long rest yet since the paladins are making camp)
[6:07 PM] Faerie: For the time being, Razmik is resting on the floor. You can wake him up get his attention by asking, it's not like he'll object.
[6:08 PM] Mizuki: "E-Everyone..." - Started Alicia - "There's something I must tell you."
[6:08 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (Unless you decide to jump out of the window, or seek trouble yourself, you are able to spend the next few moments in relative safety.)

[6:08 PM] Bot Fodder: (Had to read up for a sec, sorry!)

[6:08 PM] Faerie: (Yeah. Alicia has Things To Say. Also, Mizu: spending an ASI on Feats is usually more an exception, rather than norm unless you play something like Fighter or can get away with a single ability score at 20)
[6:09 PM] Runic: Lexon still lying on the floor, could only groan in acknoledgement to Alicia's request; in his state of being half-dead, and almost burnt to a crisp from the last battle, it was understandable(edited)
[6:09 PM] Bot Fodder: John walks over and listens attentively, noting Alicia's grave tone.

[6:10 PM] Mizuki: Alicia then started explaining the situation of what happened ever since she stayed behind to activate the last tower, with Azura's help from time to time to fill up on the stuff she wasn't completely sure. Giving emphasis to the fact that she actually didn't remember any of them.
[6:11 PM] Mizuki: "I... I'm sorry for not telling you all right away. I wasn't completely sure if I could trust you people. But... This last fight changed my mind." - She finished with tears on her eyes
[6:12 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Azura mewls softly, licking her paw while troting around the uneasy Alicia. Azura doesn't seem overly concerned, for one reason or another, though she remains physically nearby Alicia.(edited)
[6:13 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Recelle merely grips onto Alicia's shoulder gently, as if to reassure her.
[6:13 PM] Faerie: ''But...'' Razmik is quick to interject, his own confusion adding to Alicia's. ''You greeted us all so naturally back at the shrine, it sounded like you knew us, and knew what had happened at the Keep!''
[6:14 PM] Bot Fodder: John's at a loss for words -- and, knowing better than to speak without any, keeps his mouth shut for the moment.
[6:14 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow's eyes dart toward Alicia, almost with a shine in his eyes. But most of his focus is in the summoning ritual itself.
[6:15 PM] Faerie: Razmik pauses for a bit, measuring, before pointing out the obvious: how could it be that they remembered Alicia just fine, himself included?
[6:16 PM] Mizuki: "Azura told me of you guys, I didn't really believe her at the start but... When I saw you all back in the shrine, I noticed something was strange, and decided to play along. Just to make sure..." - She explained.
[6:16 PM] Runic: Lexon with only worthless amount of energy left mutters a "whatever,". He figured something similar happened back at the tower for her to act strange back at the temple so it wasn't much of a suprise to hear the story. He'd have more concern if he had more energy in him(edited)
[6:17 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Azura looks directly at Razmik - almost as if she's looking directly into Razmik - ...  and softly mewls. The mysterious companion of the wizard seems unperturbed, almost seemingly to scoff at the paladin, as if asking for the paladin to not underestimate her.
[6:18 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Recelle reaches out and pets Azura's head, which quickly breaks the cat's posture and composure. Azura's tail swishes back and fro at that.
[6:20 PM] Faerie: ''...'' If Azura can write on the dirt, then Razmik realizes explaining things to Alicia must be nothing above her abilities. He guesses, you guess. It must have its uses!
[6:20 PM] Mizuki: (>Raz didn't notice Azura saved the entire party multiple times on the last encounter)
[6:20 PM] Faerie: But still, Razmik was hungry for details. What exactly had happened, and all that. Did Alicia explain all she knew about the Wish ritual?
[6:21 PM] Mizuki: yes
[6:21 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... There's a sudden, slight scent of burnt hair and bat.
[6:21 PM] Faerie: (Give us a frame of reference, here.
Oh, alright)
[6:22 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Tot seemingly slips out of Shadow's sleeve, coughing and fuming. He takes a quick peek around, giving Azura a paws-up, "Yo, fam.".
[6:22 PM] Faerie: (>It must have its uses!
That was a joke how Azura's always channeling DM protips)
[6:22 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Azura mewls softly in return.
[6:22 PM] Faerie: ''So, you're saying that...''
[6:23 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... Now, Alicia, you must understand." Shadow starts to speak, his eyes sparkling. "You might have lost part of your memories, but all great heroes must go through that once or twice in their life. It is but destiny, a trial to become greater than you were before. Seeming as you forgot your friends, surely you are going to obtain dark and terrible power!" Shadow spreads his arms, proclaiming greatness in his vision of Alicia's future.
[6:24 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... Also, does anyone have any bat guano? I ran out conjuring Doomwing."
[6:25 PM] Mizuki: Without saying anything, Alicia simply returned a sad smile to the young boy and started working on her stuff while sitting by the fire.
[6:26 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... Tot merely gazes at Alicia for a moment. Biting his lower lips as he communicates with Shadow via telepathy. Alicia, you sense obvious envy from the devil-cat, but it quickly abates. Tot sighs, trotting back to Shadow, nestling and recovering energy.
[6:26 PM] Faerie: Razmik finally pieces two and two together, pointing to the thing that should raise a question immediately after, all the while offering Alicia some s p a c e :
''Why did you forget everyone, and not the people you asked to raise? Nobody else here has died, but you don't seem to recall anyone. Any hunches on why, Alicia?''
[6:26 PM] Mizuki: (a-alright, so I'm recovering my spells slots, hp and everything, really)
NEW MESSAGES
[6:26 PM] Mizuki: (the ruby and wand charge as well)
[6:26 PM] Mizuki: (there was a special procedure to recharge the wand, wasn't it?)
[6:27 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (I don't remember. :sadpopo: )
[6:27 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (It should be as normal, as part of your rest.)
[6:27 PM] Faerie: (What wand?)
[6:27 PM] Mizuki: (alright)
[6:27 PM] Faerie: (Oh, shit, the ice ray wand? I forgot about that)

[6:28 PM] Mizuki: "I... have no idea, Razmik." - She said simply
[6:28 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Recelle shrugs helplessly. "Well... Is there anyway to undo the Wish?"
[6:28 PM] Faerie: roll 1d4+1 charges on wand at Dawn
[6:28 PM] BOTDiceBot: Dice: [1d4+1]: 1, Result: 2
[6:28 PM] Mizuki: (actually the player behind Alicia is pretty sure!)
[6:28 PM] Mizuki: (it's because our GM is mean!)
[6:28 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Tot looks at Recelle. "Yeah."
[6:29 PM] Faerie: (>1
Alright, we REALLY have to talk about this whole ''frontlining'' deal.)
[6:29 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Tot yawns lazily, leaning into Shadow for a bit... Even as Shadow starts posing Tot into a special "combat pose".
[6:30 PM] Faerie: ''Uh, what Recelle asked... but wouldn't that defeat the whole purpose of asking for something, in the first place?''
[6:30 PM] Bot Fodder: John shifts uneasily. He doesn't understand this magic stuff at all. "But, uh... could you use the other two wishes to fix it, then?"
[6:31 PM] Faerie: Razmik didn't feel like his input would be necessarily needed, either way.
[6:31 PM] Mizuki: "Undoing the wish might be a bad idea..." - said Alicia uneasy
[6:31 PM] Faerie: (>other two
Never heard that one before, ahaha)
[6:32 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Recelle stares at Tot, who lazily stares back. "Well, there's always ways, y'know? Those who takes a drink of River Styx... Well, the Lethe Water makes you forget more than just a few people. But in the same vein, from the River Styx, there are tales of ancient guardians that when devoured, will return one's memory... And then some. There are countless ways, but if it's a Wish, wouldn't it be the easiest to- Yeah, what John said."
[6:32 PM] Mizuki: "And there's only one wish, guess djins aren't as kind as they are in fairy tales in real life" - Replied Alicia turning to John.
[6:33 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "But I don't think any of you are taking a sightseeing trip down to River Styx anytime soon?" Tot grins toothily.
[6:33 PM] Bot Fodder: "Oh," the guard says. He looks away, slightly embarrassed. Welp, that's all he has to contribute to that.

[6:33 PM] Bot Fodder: "Oh," the guard says. He looks away, slightly embarrassed. Welp, that's all he has to contribute to that.
[6:33 PM] Faerie: Mumbling something about being sorry, Razmik grows a degree more restless...

[6:34 PM] Faerie: ''Wait, really? Where did you leave the lamp? We might be able to retrieve it.''
[6:34 PM] Mizuki: (I'll get a glass of water, brb)
[6:34 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Recelle frowns. ".... There should be easier ways to do that."
[6:35 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Uh." Shadow pulls out the dagger he obtained earlier, waving it around. "Sorry to interrupt, but... Y'know, fam, nevermind. We'll get to the other matter once we sort out what to do for Alicia."
[6:36 PM] Faerie: ''...Like a miracle?'', Razmik suggests to Rösel. If only he had taken more, ah, traditional vows, maybe?

[6:36 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "I said easier, Raz." Recelle chuckles.
[6:36 PM] Faerie: Razmik asks Shadow to speak up if he feels it's urgent. Just in case!
[6:37 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow shrugs. "The world can wait - we can hardly save the world if we, those saving it, ain't up to it wholly, fam."
[6:38 PM] Faerie: That's what he meant! Miracles are easier to understand than all that magicky stuff spellbooks and familiars and whateversuch brough to the table.
''I suppose you're right'', he simply nods.
[6:38 PM] Mizuki: "I just need to get some rest, for now." - Said Alicia with a sigh - "It's been a long day..."
[6:39 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Just sayin', we are done in the city. Give my uncle a heads-up, and we can go smash the wand and get rid of what's-his-face's influence over the entire realm. But yeah - I had vines draining my everything earlier, so I am not opposed to waiting for a night." Shadow seems to agree about the "rest" part. "We can figure out a plan on how to get to ... Wherever it was. Northward, I think? ... After we get a good night's rest."
[6:40 PM] Faerie: Before turning again to the Wizard.
''But first of all, do you want to be here? Personally speaking, Alicia.'', Razmik prods.

[6:40 PM] Faerie: Before turning again to the Wizard.
''But first of all, do you want to be here? Personally speaking, Alicia.'', Razmik prods.

[6:40 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Azura mewls at Alicia, herself interested, reminding her of the situation with the nightmare.
[6:41 PM] Faerie: ''I know no one here got a say on the matter at first, but I'm sure you had your reasons to stay, to some degree. Instead of, you know, scurrying off and waiting for everything to end?''
[6:41 PM] Bot Fodder: "I don't think any of us 'wanted' to be here, though," John points out. He's careful not to break the rule.
[6:41 PM] Mizuki: "Where else would I be?" - Asked Alicia confused. She still remembers about the nightmare situation, what the hell is Razmik even trying to imply?(edited)
[6:41 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Y'know, more the merrier." Recelle smiles, borrowing a line from way back then.
[6:42 PM] Faerie: ''Well, no, but...'' Razmik struggles to explain.

[6:42 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (Charisma 16 pls)
[6:43 PM] Faerie: (INT CHECKS TO -5 MANG)
[6:45 PM] Faerie: A reason for playing along with everything they had see so far? Out of necessity or whatever, even if it was something as simple as self-preservation. Wanting to make the best out of a terrible situation, or something like that?
[6:45 PM] Faerie: Like, what was stopping Alicia Ashwing from telling the rest of the group to 'piss off' and head elsewhere? Something like that, Raz reasons and tries to explain. TRIES.(edited)
[6:46 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... The night falls - not that the adventurers are able to tell much of the difference these days, what with an entire dome of undead crawling and covering the city sky. The undead's dispersing somewhat, though some are obviously tangled up and stuck "up there". The paladins are done setting up a camp, securing the tower, and reporting a distinct lack of undead in the vincinity, given a quick patrol.
[6:46 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... Recelle bursts out in a chuckle at Razmik,
[6:46 PM] Faerie: (Please tell me when we get the rest :sadpopo:)
[6:47 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "If today I am thrust upon an unfamiliar situation filled to the brim with undead, I'd rather travel with well-meaning folks instead of my own, y'know? Especially ones that can patch up wounds."
[6:47 PM] Mizuki: (I already restored all Alicia's stuff)
[6:48 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (Do consider this as your long rest.)
[6:49 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (There's nothing left to interrupt your rest unless you actively look for it, and that might require extensive effort.)

[6:49 PM] Faerie: (That's reassuring to hear, at least)
[6:49 PM] Mizuki: "According to my memories, I've always been alone." - Said Alicia laying down - "No friends or anything like that. But if I focus hard enough... I can feel blank spaces everywhere."
[6:50 PM] Mizuki: "Also, I don't think I would be able to survive on my own on a city like this. No matter how strong or skilled someone is, I would be overwhelmed by undead for sure."
[6:52 PM] Faerie: ''You'd say that, Recelle, being able to sniff out danger like you can, eh'', Razmik replies, hinting at his own lack of adventuring experience. He wonders what everyone else would be doing right now, if not for the mess they all were tangled up in. ''But still, well-meaning folk? Hm.'' Point taken.
[6:52 PM] Bot Fodder: After a thoughtful pause, John chimes in. "When we first met, it took a while for you to trust us, you know. But this time was different, so maybe it's not all gone? Like, what I mean is that you're still you, Alicia."
[6:53 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Well, well-meaning as far as Shadow goes." Recelle says dryly, to which Shadow merely tips an invisible fedora toward the elven sniper.
[6:53 PM] Faerie: (>a while
Oh, yeah. Like half our dudes were like ''aight, sounds good'')
[6:53 PM] Mizuki: Alicia grunts in response, still laying down.
[6:55 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... Well, we'll sort it out eventually. Worst case scenario, we'll go dive River Styx for you." Recelle says.
[6:56 PM] Faerie: ''That's true: we remember you, and that means those memories aren't lost still. You're you, right? Recelle was in a similar position not long ago, come to think of it.''
[6:57 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... Not to rush anyone, but... If we can save the world first before we go and trek into literal Abyss, that wouldn't be too bad a deal." Shadow says, furrowing his brows. "Not that I am not worried about Miss Ashwing, mind you."
[6:57 PM] Bot Fodder: John leans against a wall (his default pose for relaxing). He can't sleep here, but a little rest could be nice.
[6:57 PM] Bot Fodder: ... He's strangely tired.
[6:57 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Theoretically, you don't have to go into Abyss, fam." Tot muses, "River Styx's longer than that, but I digress."
[6:58 PM] Faerie: So far as Razmik could see, Recelle had made her peace with that, which was good! He offers Alicia a bit of encouragement, with a smile. ''What matters is that you're here: we can work on something after all this is sorted. Okay?''
[6:58 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "And yeah, getting rended apart by a dagger really gets to me - if I can clock in for the night, fam?" Tot suggests to Shadow.
[6:58 PM] Mizuki: "I guess you guys may be right" - Answered Alicia with a smile - "After all you all didn't even notice anything wrong about me, until I said, right...?"
[6:59 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow waves Tot away, as Tot slinks back into... Elsewhere.
[7:00 PM] Faerie: Problems like these, too, had their space within the Morninglord's teachings: Fret not for what has been lost, and focus on what can come into creation today instead. Because, renewal, or something.

[7:00 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Given the group is resting,
[7:00 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: We'll fast forward until morning unless anyone has anything to add?
[7:00 PM] Bot Fodder: (Not I.)
[7:01 PM] Faerie: Vote of confidence: Razmik actually didn't. For that matter, he didn't notice the dome of undead on his own, either.
[7:01 PM] Runic: (Lexon kind of already passed out a while ago, so not really)
[7:01 PM] Faerie: (Nothing here. Razmik will ask for the night off to rest, meditate, and pray instead of keeping watch, if that's fair.)
[7:02 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Given a healthy rotation of guards posed around the place, in form of paladin allies, the rest was one of the most secure that the adventurers were able to have in nights in the nightmare. Not that anyone were able to sleep a single wink even if they tried.
[7:02 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Comes morning, at the first relative-light, the group stirs awake, ready for....
[7:02 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... For whatever it is, adventurers - what will you do now?
[7:02 PM] Mizuki: (time to burn all my skills on the next fight!)
[7:03 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (360noscope followed by 420blaze-it-sphere?)
[7:03 PM] Mizuki: (feels good to have all my spells and items recharged :droolingpopo:)

[7:04 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Comes morning, Recelle prepares some sort of bread obtained from somewhere as morning rations, while Shadow takes up a small space, and starts a small set of physical exercise.
[7:04 PM] Faerie: (Alright, do we want the Aid this day? Alicia doesn't have such piss-poor HP now, so...)
[7:05 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (Almost everyone have over 40 HP, lowest at 39 via Lexon, so)
[7:05 PM] Runic: Lexon wakes up, fully recovering from the major lacerations and burns of the previous endeavor, feeling much more better he starts the day with a bottle of mead
[7:06 PM] Runic: (Now that's a suprise, but I am still at lvl 5 so makes sense)
[7:06 PM] Runic: Swigging a bottle of mead, he looks around if anyone else aside for the current positioned guards are awake
[7:06 PM] Faerie: (I might look into that one Feat with temp HP based on level and CHA mod, since using a level 2 spell slot for Aid is kid of painful right now. Also, I just realized you can upcast a level 1 spell at 2 to be able to cast more level 1 spells. Whoa!)
[7:07 PM] Bot Fodder: "So," John says to Shadow, "Can your uncle really fix all this just by destroying the shard?"
[7:08 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Uncle? Nah, he ain't gonna do shit, it'll be me. Us, if you'll lend me a hand." Shadow shakes his head. "Me and my dad here, at least."
[7:08 PM] Faerie: Having given up on sleep, Razmik finds himself staring out one of the nearby windows momentarily, having finished his weird morning ritual thing.
[7:09 PM] Mizuki: Alicia stops to think for a moment - "You know... I remember talking to someone, to deal with a lich. I don't remember who it was, but I remember talking to someone for sure. I wonder what happened."
[7:09 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... Methinks my uncle'll want to secure the city in the worst case scenario, y'know what I am sayin'?" Shadow looks down at his hand, wielding the Blade of Orcus and Godsbane.
[7:10 PM] Faerie: (Godsbane?)
[7:10 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... I shall name ye, dad, as Orcusbane for now. Considering what we must do here."
[7:10 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (Godsbane.)
[7:11 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (We did explain at the end of last session that the black blade is a portion of the Mask's church's artifact, Godsbane, the blade that Mask himself disguised as while under Cyric's possession, right? :sadpopo: )
[7:11 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (But that's an awkward length of past, and this is a replica anyhow.)
[7:12 PM] Faerie: ''What did you have in...'' Razmik coughs, and promtply apologizes. He thought he just heard something dumb. ''Anyways, any ideas on the Wand business, Shadow?''
[7:12 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Recelle rolls her eyes, polishing a set of daggers. She's without a primary weapon, it seems.
[7:12 PM] Faerie: (Ahh, yeah. I asked because it was a dumb-sounding name, but the kind of thing you'd find in official material anyways)
[7:12 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Sure thing, fam." Shadow nods.
[7:12 PM] Faerie: Ah, crud... Razmik asks Recelle where her musket went.
[7:12 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "We go find the altar where my dad fucked up at, and we do it right this time."
[7:13 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Uhhhhhh." Recelle shrugs. "I was busy getting tendrils stuck into my flesh, so... I don't know. The paladins looked for it, but they didn't find it for some reason."

[7:13 PM] Faerie: And would she be alright with daggers? Not Raz's thing, so he wasn't sure how many she'd need. He offers her some more javelins, just in case.
[7:14 PM] Faerie: (FUUUUUUCK, I HAVE LOCATE OBJECT BUT DID NOT PREPARE IT)
[7:14 PM] Bot Fodder: John suggests a spear! Again.
[7:14 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Recelle stares at Razmik for a moment, before shaking her heads, "I'll uh... manage. Somehow."
[7:15 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (The difference in str and dex for Recelle is around +5 total, so... Yeah... :firepopo: )

[7:15 PM] Bot Fodder: (I still find it so weird that only finesse thrown weapons use DEX, even if it makes sense.)
[7:15 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Wanna use Orcusbane?" Shadow suggests.
[7:15 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... Recelle visibly cringes at the name and the thought of the spirit inside that dagger.
[7:16 PM] Faerie: Pfffft. Orcusbane.
[7:16 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... Guess that's a no?" Shadow shrugs.
[7:16 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Tot trots around, pushing a paw at Alicia. "Hey, Wizard."
[7:16 PM] Faerie: Why not something tacky like 'Orcrussher', if you're already going for something over-the-top, Razmik thinks.
[7:17 PM] Mizuki: "What's up?" - She asked
[7:17 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Tot flutters up to Alicia's shoulder, leaning in and whispers into Alicia's ears.
[7:17 PM] Faerie: ''If we're alive by this time tomorrow, I can promise to find it for you.''
[7:18 PM] Mizuki: (oh god, I'm about to get bullied by an imp)
[7:18 PM] Faerie: Razmik casually gives his word. That is, if it's in the same general area after 24 hours. But that's an if, and you don't worry about those!
[7:18 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Tot slinks off Alicia, even as he's being nudged out of the spot by Azura, who's resuming her rightful position beside Alicia.
[7:20 PM] Faerie: (ACTUALLY)
[7:20 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Recelle scratches her head.
[7:21 PM] Faerie: (Question: Can I just shift my list now? According to the PHB it's done at the end of a long rest, and Preparing a new list of paladin spells
requires time spent in prayer and meditation: at least I
minute per spelllevel for each spell on your list.)
[7:21 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "I don't know if we have any real need to find it. I mean... It's not in the tower's vincinity, there's no reason for it to not be either, so someone must've taken it whlie I was unconscious."
[7:21 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (You can, yes, Fae.)
[7:22 PM] Faerie: ...
Razmik sits down. ''Just a few minutes, please''. There was truth to Recelle's words, it might not even in their vicinity. But Razmik already said he would, so boy, would he attempt to find that weapon!
[7:24 PM] Faerie: Yeah. It adds up to about 7 minutes, after which he'll cast the spell. :sadpopo:
[7:24 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: For the time being, the direction is "Recover Recelle's weapon"?
[7:24 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: In which case...
[7:25 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Razmik, after you cast the spell, describing the Elven Musket that Recelle always carried, the divination points toward... Deeper into the forest, down south.
[7:25 PM] Faerie: (I guess it's not ssssssuuuuper top of the list important, but we're not on any hard time constrains as far as we know right now)
[7:25 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Curious, as you've never been there as a group, nor was there any need to be there if Recelle is getting here from where the Complex is.
[7:25 PM] Mizuki: Alicia approaches Recelle and hands her the elven pistol - "Azura told me, you're the one who teached me how to shoot. Take mine for now, I probably won't be using it for a while, since I didn't craft any magical bullets."
[7:26 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Recelle smiles and gives Alicia a hug. "Thanks!", and holsters the pistol.

[7:27 PM] Faerie: ''...So that's that'', Razmik says after several minutes of sitting down, focusing on the spell for any perceived movement on the musket's part.
[7:27 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "I don't mind helping out; we need to be as prepared as possible for something like saving the world." Shadow suggests helpfully.
[7:27 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: It lies still, some couple hundred feet down south.

[7:28 PM] Faerie: ''We've got a general map or where it is, but well...''
[7:28 PM] Faerie: Wait, a couple hundred feet?
[7:28 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ayep.
[7:28 PM] Faerie: That's within walking distance![7:28 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Somewhere over yonder.
[7:29 PM] Faerie: ''Man, wish I would have waited until after breakfast. Still, Recelle!''
[7:29 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Recelle hands you a piece of half-eaten bread.
[7:29 PM] Faerie: Razmik gets up and begins to prepare, telling the sniper of the news
[7:29 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... Oh, uh. I thought when you called my name, you wanted breakfast."

[7:30 PM] Mizuki: Alicia quickly eats her part of the meal and gets ready to move.
[7:30 PM] Runic: Lexon finishes what's left of his flask of mead and comes along to
[7:30 PM] Runic: +1 Ki-point
[7:30 PM] Faerie: ''Oh, no, no! I mean, I don't mind, if you aren't going to eat that! But I can wait, that's all'', Razmik laughs, explaining bashfully.
[7:31 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Well, let's get going, bread's fast." Recelle says, hopeful in recovering her weapon.
[7:31 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ...
[7:31 PM] Runic: "I wonder if there's anything worth looting off the chosen guy's body, or what's left of him I guess" Lexon says, waiting for everyone else to get ready
[7:32 PM] Runic: "Has anyone actually checked?"
[7:32 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: The group travels southward, through the thicket, as the greenery thickens. Pushing through this and that, while keeping an eye out for anything of note, the adventurers ....
[7:32 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... Uh.
[7:32 PM] Mizuki: (he isn't dead!)
[7:32 PM] Mizuki: (he tried to recover the dagger from a portal, remember?)
[7:32 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: The Ex-Chosen seems to have left behind nothing but a plot of charred ground.
[7:32 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: And Orcusbane, that is.
[7:33 PM] Runic: (Nope not at all Mizu! I think I passed out at the end)

[7:33 PM] Mizuki: (he tried to recover the dagger, and then John kicked it away)
[7:33 PM] Runic: (I just figured since he got shoved off the tower and then got constantly burned, he'd be dead)
[7:33 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... anyways, the adventurers would come to a clearing.
[7:33 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: roll 1d20
[7:33 PM] BOTDiceBot: Dice: [1d20]: 13, Result: 13
[7:34 PM] Faerie: After setting out, Razmik engages Recelle again. ''And regarding your musket - well, it took you time and effort to learn how to operate it, so it's only fair we try and help you get back what's yours.''
[7:34 PM] Faerie: ''Besides, I don't know of anyone else able to work a weapon like that, so it'd be a shame to lose it!''
[7:34 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Your locate object spell points toward an oaken tree, growing vibrantly, a brilliant green against the dreary backdrop.
[7:34 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: roll 1d20
[7:34 PM] BOTDiceBot: Dice: [1d20]: 4, Result: 4
[7:35 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... There's a trail of tilted earth, or something, leading to the oak tree from southward direction.
[7:35 PM] Faerie: Like, yeah, firearms. They're alright for crossbows, but fuck if Razmik knew how they worked.
[7:36 PM] Faerie: Uh. ''It should be around here, I think'', Razmik points out at the tree, coming closer to it
[7:36 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Far enough, partner." A voice booms from the tree.
[7:36 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... The oak tree stands.
[7:36 PM] Faerie: But does't it look like something happened in the area? Razmik's much more interested in the tree itself...
[7:37 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: With a rumble, the tree stirres awake, two branches forming arms, keeping Razmik at a healthy distance.
[7:37 PM] Mizuki: (roll nature to find out what Alicia knows about ents?)
[7:37 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "You bear the scent of Mielikki, partner. What use have you of an old tree?" The tree... Speaks.
[7:37 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (Sure)
[7:38 PM] Mizuki: roll 1d20+4
[7:38 PM] BOTDiceBot: Dice: [1d20+4]: 5, Result: 9
[7:38 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: You know that trees don't usually talk and stand on their own.
[7:38 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: And that if trees do, they aren't normal trees.
[7:38 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: The proper term, as Azura informs you, are numerous, but treant or treefolk are both widely accepted.
[7:39 PM] Faerie: ''Uh.''

[7:40 PM] Faerie: Her scent? Razmik supposes they have had a few run-ins with her Priestess, so he answers. Still, the talking tree must have quiet a nose!
''We - well, I, wouldn't be here for Mielikki, in fact. I do owe her servitor my life.'', he addresses the... treant?
[7:41 PM] Faerie: roll 1d20-4 nature just in case :sadpopo:
[7:41 PM] BOTDiceBot: Dice: [1d20-4]: 5, Result: 1
[7:41 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: You know that...
[7:41 PM] Faerie: (Fuck, I need to go deeper)
[7:41 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... Yeah.
[7:41 PM] Faerie: (HOLY SHIT A TALKING TREE?)
[7:41 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Death has taken a toll; your mind clouds as you try to recall facts about talking trees.
[7:42 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: You really need a good month's sleep, Razmik, or perhaps a few more years.
[7:42 PM] Mizuki: (>-4)

[7:42 PM] Mizuki: (poor Raz)
[7:42 PM] Faerie: ''Ah, that aside -'' Razmik tries to ignore its branches - some looked overgrown, and in need of trimming.
[7:42 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (The penalty is lessened by 1, due to the former LONG rest, but well)(edited)

[7:43 PM] Faerie: (Yeah, that's with -1 to INT)
[7:43 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow whistles, looking at the tree with mild interest.
[7:43 PM] Faerie: ''Thing is - we are looking for a tool of our elven here over here. Maybe you should have a word with her?'', Razmik motions Recelle over, before going into detail
[7:43 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Recelle tilts her head. "... An alien?"
[7:44 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "...." The treant looks at Recelle for a moment. "Nope, never heard of Anealium. What you looking for, girlie?"
[7:45 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "I mean, uh. A musket, a rifle, a..." Recelle pauses. "A long tube of metal and oak that resemebles an iron staff with hole at one tip?"
[7:45 PM] Bot Fodder: (sorry, slightly sidetracked, will be active shortly.)
[7:45 PM] Mizuki: (>AND OAK)
[7:45 PM] Faerie: ''Either way, I take it you oversee over the area?'' Razmik assumes, not knowing a lick about treants. ''If we are intruding, you have our apologies, we are simply on our way through, and have no business with the forest.''
[7:45 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: The treant muses, and shrugs. "I may or may not have found something similar to which you describe, girlie."
[7:45 PM] Mizuki: (RECELLE)
[7:46 PM] Faerie: Razmik is not making a lot of sense, so he leaves it to Recelle.
[7:46 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Look, there's a ton of intrusion these days, I had to drag myself over here and all that, so you aren't the first." The treant complains.
[7:46 PM] Faerie: (BUT DRUIDS WEAR TREE ARMOR; EXPLAIN THAT)
[7:47 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "But what you are looking for, if you want it back - no deal. Finders keepers and all that." The treant refuses, digging around the crown of itself, with a set of barbed ivys.
[7:48 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... Pulling out a suspiciously familiar musket.

[7:48 PM] Faerie: ''Wait, what? What use would you have for such a device, friend?''

[7:49 PM] Faerie: Razmik doesn't understand, having thought tree-folk to be friendlier. Granted, Arisa wasn't a tree...
[7:49 PM] Mizuki: Alicia steps forward - "We're trying to stop this undead menace, we already managed to protect the entire city, see?" -  Said Alicia pointing at the sky. - "That staff would be really useful so we could continue our quest."
[7:49 PM] Mizuki: (persuasion)
[7:49 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (Shoot.)
[7:49 PM] Mizuki: roll 1d20+1
[7:49 PM] BOTDiceBot: Dice: [1d20+1]: 16, Result: 17
[7:50 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "No sell, partner." The treant refuse. "This may not have a lick of us for me, nor do I understand what it is - but the scent of it disturbs nature."
[7:50 PM] Faerie: (Well, that's pretty to the point)
[7:50 PM] Mizuki: "I bet an army of undead disturbs nature even more, wouldn't you agree?" - Asked Alicia
[7:50 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Unless you can prove to me that this is a tool to fight for us, rather than against us, I cannot allow such a device in your hands." The treant seems on guard.
[7:51 PM] Faerie: ''But doesn't that mean that most man-made things disturb nature, as well? Here, I'm sure we can explain...''
[7:51 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Hah! Back in my days, I crushed a giant underneath my roots!" The treant doesn't seem too threatened by the idea of an undead army. "A few skeletons is only a minor annoyance."
[7:52 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "This tool, it stinks of sulpher and fire! It is an affont to nature itself!" The treant grumpily complains to Razmik, who tries to explain.
[7:52 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Recelle bits her lower lips, as if thinking.
[7:52 PM] Mizuki: Alicia seems confused for a moment. A creature capable of squashing giants is afraid of a small tube of iron? Doesn't really makes sense to her.
[7:52 PM] Faerie: Razmik puts his hands in front of him, lowering them slowly in unison a few times. As if saying ''there, there''
[7:53 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow takes note of the treant's life story. "Crushing giant underneath roots... feet... Yes. Yes..."(edited)

[7:54 PM] Mizuki: "Uh... Recelle, maybe we could show him how it works?" - She whispered - "If we show him the pistol in action, he will probably understand it's basically just an enhanced crossbow."
[7:55 PM] Faerie: Razmik his sword from his side, scabbard and all, and -slowly- puts it in front of him, drawing it for the treegiant to see.
[7:55 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Uhhh." Recelle seems out of ideas. "Maybe? But it doesn't really quell its reasoning of the whole... Issue, with the scent and whatnot. He's probably just too old and doesn't understand technology well..."
[7:55 PM] Faerie: Wondering about its ways, Razmik asks if steel-made weapons were offensive as well.
[7:56 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "A sword? Bah. An axe in the hand of a woodcutter may either be a tool to doctor a forest, or to fell senselessly. This? This has the potential to set the world aflame. No, no, no sell, partner." The treant shoo's Razmik away.
[7:57 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... set the world aflame..." Shadow takes note. With a physical notebook.
[7:57 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... Isn't that his spellbook?
[7:57 PM] Mizuki: (shadow pls)

[7:57 PM] Faerie: Dang it. That's the exact same point Razmik was going to make, so he clicks his tongue and nods.
[7:58 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... Give me Insight, both of you who are engaged in the conversation.
[7:58 PM] Faerie: roll 1d20+1
[7:58 PM] BOTDiceBot: Dice: [1d20+1]: 1, Result: 2
[7:58 PM] Mizuki: "We should show him how it works." - Said Alicia - "It's just an enhanced crossbow, it isn't even capable of burning anything."(edited)
[7:59 PM] Runic: (jesus)
[7:59 PM] Faerie: (Whoa.)
[7:59 PM] Mizuki: roll 1d20
[7:59 PM] BOTDiceBot: Dice: [1d20]: 12, Result: 12
[7:59 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Alicia, you sense that there's something behind the treant's words.
[7:59 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: The motion of the tree, the sway of the voice, it seems to suggest... A form of test?
[8:00 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Alicia, you are unsure what the treant wants, beyond that he has a motive.
[8:00 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... She? It? Gender's hard to figure out for a tree that likely can reproduce by itself.

[8:01 PM] Faerie: Still, Razmik presses down on the treant, trying to find common ground. ''You said it yourself: a tool is nothing if not for the user's hands. And fire's part of natural order, no? I fail to see a difference between harnessed flame and a more conventional weapon.''
[8:01 PM] Faerie: So what exact point was it trying to make? That it's worse because it has the potential to burn down things?
[8:02 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Oh, you are real dense, aren't ya, partner?" The treant sniffs at Razmik. "Oh, I see... You got brought back by the girl from Mielikki's? No wonder you sound like a dunce, partner."
[8:03 PM] Mizuki: Alicia seems to think for a moment... And then turns to the treant again - "You know... I heard of real places where fire is a natural ocurrence. Something that happens every year to keep the balance of the local forest. Ever heard about that?"
[8:03 PM] Mizuki: (that's actually real, just saying :smugpopo:)
[8:04 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Look, take a hike - you ain't convincing me of some random heroics or simple philosophy." The treant scoffs. "I've lived longer than ya'll combined. Of course fire is an actual occurance, I meant this, this ... Technology, it and lit the world aflame. Not literal fire, you dunce!"
[8:04 PM] Faerie: (What about thunder striking wood and setting it in flames? Realist shit, and you don't even have to leave your country to see it!)
[8:04 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: The treant waves the rifle with his ivy. "I meant that this can cause war and strife, if it falls to the wrong hands!"
[8:04 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Recelle resists urge to roll her eyes, as a blood-soaked mercenary. :sadpopo:

[8:05 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... Hippies." Recelle whispers under her breath.
[8:05 PM] Mizuki: "But whatever, you should just tell us what you're planning." - Said Alicia - "Even though you lived ages, you aren't the best at hiding stuff."(edited)
[8:06 PM] Faerie: ''Look, I'd be right happy to just walk away and let you be - what you do or believe in is none of our business. But I can't, I told our friend we'd get her weapon back, and she needs that damn thing to defend herself.''
[8:06 PM] Faerie: Razmik simply gets the idea of out-treeing the rough-sounding treant.
[8:07 PM] Faerie: ''Get the point? You aren't getting rid of us by waving, sorry to say. I don't know how to convince you of seeing things our way, but we'll have to.''
[8:07 PM] Faerie: ''...Right?'', he says, looking at Alicia. Hiding what, now?
[8:07 PM] Mizuki: (truth is, I want to explode this guy with my new stuff!)
[8:07 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: The treant laughs. "You may be onto something there, partner. Well? What are you gonna do about it?"
[8:08 PM] Faerie: (What, no, we can't)
[8:08 PM] Bot Fodder: John thinks he knows this one! He starts to light a torch.
[8:09 PM] Bot Fodder: (You can stop him. lel)
[8:09 PM] Faerie: ''You said you weren't interested in talking, is that it...?'', Razmik hints at /some other means of conflict resolution/, before noticing John and wondering if-
[8:09 PM] Faerie: ''JOHN, NO''
[8:09 PM] Mizuki: (I have no clue what John is doing!)
[8:09 PM] Faerie: He brings his hand up to take the torch away.
[8:10 PM] Faerie: (Thanks, I thought you were referencing something)
[8:10 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Ya having a chuckle, mate, lighting a fire in front of a tree?" The treant scoffs. The trees rustle, as if upset.
[8:10 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... Indeed, the tree/s/ rustle.
[8:11 PM] Faerie: Oh god.
[8:11 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Two trees from beside you, formerly just normal-looking evergreens, uproots themselves, each looking like a treant, except... different.
[8:11 PM] Faerie: (CAN WE TAKE HIM TO COURT HE PROVOKED US)
[8:11 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "I don't suggest you swing that fire around the forest, without taking note of things, alright?"
[8:11 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: The treant mutters something about fire safety and bears.
[8:12 PM] Mizuki: "How about this: " - Suggested Alicia starting to lose her patience - "I'll cast a spell on you, and then Recelle shoots, you tell us which one hurts more, it surely will change your mind about the dangers of that metal tube!"(edited)
[8:12 PM] Faerie: ''Right. Sorry about that'', Razmik just utters, eyeing the other trees.
[8:12 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "You do that, I'll consider you an enemy of the forest, human." The treant's tone drops by a degree.
[8:13 PM] Faerie: ''Really? Incidentally, I could help you up if something happens, but... yeah, thought not.''
[8:13 PM] Mizuki: (guess Alicia is still Alicia :sadpopo:)
[8:14 PM] Mizuki: She shrugs. - "Well, the one selling is the one who sets a price. We can't do your test if you don't explain it first."
[8:14 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... Meanwhile, Shadow seems to be adapting his form to that of the treant, trying to study the plant in front of him.
[8:15 PM] Faerie: Selling? But 'no sell', the treant kept trying to sell them on the idea!
[8:16 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: The treant rustles. "... If there was a test, you've just failed it." The treant snorts, tossing the rifle to Recelle. "Here you go, girlie."
[8:16 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Recelle receives her musket, looking confused. "...?"
[8:17 PM] Faerie: ''Test? What, would you rather have us running errands? Because we've got anyone nearby beat on that''
[8:17 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Now begone, I have little use for you." The treant says, sinking its roots into the ground.
[8:17 PM] Faerie: Razmik raises his shoulders, in a shrug this time.

[8:17 PM] Faerie: ''What. Care to explain, at least?''
[8:18 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... Let's just go." Recelle shrugs. "We got what we came for, and things seem to be in order. Thanks for helping out, Razmik!"

[8:18 PM] Bot Fodder: John frowns. "What? Isn't it weird that we'd been looking all this time without a light? Anyway, we got it, so that's good!"
[8:19 PM] Mizuki: "Well... That works." - Said Alicia walking away with Recelle. Who cares about that grumpy tree anyway?
[8:19 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: With that, Recelle receives her primary weapon back, albeit somewhat confused as to what the whole thing is about.
[8:19 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Where do we go next?" Recelle asks.
[8:19 PM] Faerie: ''Whatever, I guess...''
[8:20 PM] Faerie: Razmik's curiosity was piqued by the non-answering treant, but what he said about not bothering it still stands.
[8:20 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Well, I've sent word to my uncle, and I don't really feel like going back until everything's fixed, so..." Shadow shrugs. "You lots go anything you want in the town still?"

[8:21 PM] Mizuki: Alicia wonders about the lich again. She mentioned it before, but no one said anything about it. Maybe she wasn't with them at that moment...?
[8:21 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (Between the spellcasters, you should have enough light sources in general.)
[8:21 PM] Faerie: ''I can't think of anything, unless you folks want to head to Aleswell for a round?''
[8:22 PM] Faerie: (Oh shit, I forgot when you asked about the Lich. Please bring that up)
[8:23 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: As of the moment you are literally in middle of nowhere, so...
[8:23 PM] Runic: "Well if we don't have anything urgent to do at the moment should we just explore mindlessly at the meantime?" Lexon suggests
[8:23 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Well, the earlier we save the world, the better." Shadow suggests.
[8:24 PM] Mizuki: "Do you guys remember dealing with a lich or something?" - Asked Alicia
[8:24 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... not that the entire world's in a rush."
[8:24 PM] Bot Fodder: "Yeah, that's what I was thinking, too! Saving the world is probably most important," John astutely points out.
[8:24 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "A lich? Ohh... Yeah.... About that...." Recelle pauses.
[8:24 PM] Runic: "Oh, yeah I kind of remember, you proposed we try to entertain the lich or something and try to get it on our side"
[8:24 PM] Faerie: ''Less than serious remarks aside...'' Upon hearing Alicia's words, Razmik springs up.
[8:25 PM] Runic: "We ended up getting some other people to go deal with him for the time being"(edited)
[8:25 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... We don't deal with liches, ok? Liches deal with adventurers, not the other way around." Recelle helpfully reminds.

[8:26 PM] Faerie: ''We knew where Claire and Shar were headed before heading into the Keep, but nothing after that.'' Just haven't had the time to keep tabs on them, Razmik figures, since everything after happened sort of fast.
[8:27 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow pauses. "Uh. Just personal preferences here, but Shar's... Uh."
[8:27 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... Like, given the chance, if we can uh, avoid having to meet with her..."
[8:27 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow looks uneasy at the thought.
[8:27 PM] Faerie: ''It's possible they did not survive, if push truly came to shove, but we went on our way finely, so...''
[8:27 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Like, I'd appreciate it, fam."
[8:27 PM] Mizuki: "Eh... I wonder if they managed to deal with the lich" - Wondered Alicia - "We aren't doing anything, so I don't mind checking on them. Getting a drink sounds good too."

[8:28 PM] Faerie: ''Shadow, how certain are you she'd know?'', Razmik asks flatly
[8:29 PM] Faerie: Before going back to the subject of Shadow's mother: ''but yes, since everything on our end went more or less seamlessly: it's fair to think they got least something right, right?''
[8:30 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... My dad's fuckup was kinnnnda big, on a global scale, and uh. Me and Shar, I don't, uh." Shadow fidgets. "If you lots are checking on Shar, that's fine. I am sure she's gonna be alright. I'lll just... keep a healthy distance behind you lots while you lot deal with her?"
[8:30 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "C-can that be a thing?"
[8:31 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow seems to be absolutely traumatized by some past experience with said Shar.
[8:31 PM] Faerie: ''I'm sure we can think of something on our way there. But, uh, are you alright?''
[8:31 PM] Faerie: Razmik offers to check Shadow in case the scarring is severe enough to need healing :smugpopo:
[8:31 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Y-yes, absolutely alright I am not shakened at the thought of oh god dad please stop." Shadow holds his hands down on the hilt of Orcusbane, which seems to be agitated.
[8:32 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Yes quite alright, now let's get going, I'll be right behind you. Five hundred feet behind y- Maybe a thousand. Yeah. No worries. Just Shar, no problem."
[8:33 PM] Faerie: ''...Hey, can I inspect your weapon for a moment?''
[8:33 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow's mannerism has completely eroded away at the mere thought of his mother, it seems.
[8:33 PM] Faerie: Razmik extends his hand to grasp for Orcusbane, just to check if keeping the hell away was Shadow's suggestion.
[8:33 PM] Mizuki: "Uh... I'm not sure if staying behind is a good idea with that guy still around."
[8:33 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow meekly hands Orcusbane to Razmik. It is trembling inside its sheath. Clanking almost comically.
[8:34 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "I am sure I'd rather deal with 2 or 3 of that Mask dude than Shar, see." Shadow helpfully suggested.
[8:34 PM] Faerie: 'I kind of don't wanna touch it', Razmik tells himself as he grasps the hilt, touching it.

[8:35 PM] Faerie: Razmik keeps an ear out for anything the shard might have to share on Shar... Shard... Shar? Huh. But besides that, guessing the shard's general disposition towards her ex-wife isn't that good?
[8:35 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: The weapon on par with an artifact, the fusion of two broken ones with the soul of a hero, trembles like a baby in your hand, Razmik.
[8:35 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: It is shaken, afraid, absolutely terrified, from what empathic link its able to share with you.

[8:36 PM] Faerie: ''Relax, whatever comes next, you're needed for it, so she won't do anything to you. Would it put you at ease if we promised not to let her touch you?'', the Paladin bargains.
[8:37 PM] Faerie: (DnD teaching people that ex-wives are scary)
[8:37 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Orcusbane merely shudders in fear.
[8:38 PM] Bot Fodder: John sighs and shakes his head. "It's not good to keep secrets from your parents, you know."
[8:38 PM] Faerie: So wait, when you say they're afraid
[8:38 PM] Faerie: Do you mean debilitatingly so?
[8:38 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... Shadow reaches out and takes it back. "Uh, yeah. Yeah. That's fine. Can I... Like..." Shadow blurts out a few unintelligible words.
[8:39 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Debilitating? Yeah, something on that line.
[8:39 PM] Faerie: ''Maybe you can hide and wait elsewhere while we talk, then?''
[8:40 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Y-yes, well, it's not like I would be able to escape if I try." Shadow seems to have accepted his death. "Or hide. Or run. There's no hope. Let's just go."

[8:40 PM] Faerie: ''Hey, Recelle, is Aureil still on you?'', Razmik off-handedly asks in-between snickers.
[8:40 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Orcusbane seems to have given up, lying still in the sheath.
[8:40 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Recelle blinks, checking her inventory.
[8:41 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... Nope."
[8:41 PM] Mizuki: "I don't really get it why you two are so afraid, but remember we're strong as well!" - Said Alicia - "We managed to turn on the city defenses, thing this Shar person didn't even try."
[8:41 PM] Faerie: If those two were reeeeally gonna be that way, there was no use trying to reason!
[8:41 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Ahahaha. Hahahaa. Hah. Don't say that in front of my mother, please." Shadow chuckles nervously. "Please."
[8:41 PM] Faerie: ''Huh. Interesting. I guess it must have happened around the same time you lost your musket?''
[8:42 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ...
[8:42 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Fiasco aside, the party will head toward where?
[8:42 PM] Faerie: Razmik, he felt, may have made a poor tactical decision. He could have spared to locate the archon's jar instead of the musket, probably.
[8:42 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: The arena seems like a place to go, or perhaps the Complex for information and a drink.
[8:43 PM] Faerie: (Arena sounds like the place for me, since we're fresh out of the oven)
[8:43 PM] Mizuki: "Also, Recelle, now that you got your musket back, can I take the pistol?" - Asked Alicia
[8:44 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Recelle nods, and hands Alicia the pistol back.

[8:44 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Toward the arena, then?
[8:44 PM] Mizuki: "Thanks."
[8:44 PM] Mizuki: (sounds good, lets go)
[8:45 PM] Faerie: Actually, Razmik feels bad now, for having acted so forgetful.
[8:45 PM] Mizuki: (also forgive me if I end up sleeping at some point :killmepopo:)
[8:45 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ...
[8:45 PM] Faerie: He wouldn't have the heart to blame it on the dreamscape messing with his sense of memory, though~
[8:45 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Fastforwarding, the party arrives at the arena part of the city without much issue. There is little on the street, with no signs of movement or life.
[8:46 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: There is, however, a segment of the wall missing in the arena.
[8:46 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: A segment of roughly 200ish feet is missing - not just wall, but a good part of the entire arena.
[8:46 PM] Faerie: A distinct lack of undead wasn't something to be glad about, generally. But here, it was! Thank the heavens.
[8:47 PM] Faerie: Missing? Like, blasted away?
[8:47 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Scorch marks of different elements, remnent of energy admixture, lingers and sizzles.
[8:47 PM] Faerie: Ahh, so good 'ol structure destruction.

[8:48 PM] Faerie: ''Look at that'', Razmik remarks. ''Looks like the place's seen some action since we visited.''
[8:48 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: As you approach the arena, you feel gaze upon you.
[8:48 PM] Runic: "Quite the battle they had it seems, hopefully it well"
[8:48 PM] Mizuki: "Probably the lich's work."
[8:48 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: And a familiar, raspy voice rings out, "Hail there!" Claire's voice. It's enlarged by magic, reaching toward you from atop the arena.
[8:49 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Claire leaps down, alongside another elven figure, seemingly drow in nature.
[8:49 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: The ghoul priest-monk of Lathander seems to be in tatters, but otherwise in good mood.
[8:50 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: The drow beside her bears an icy look to her face. She give a curt nod to the party, before turning her gaze toward Shadow.
[8:50 PM] Mizuki: On reflex, Alicia places her hand on the sword's hilt, but quickly remembers, at some point Azura mentioned a good, sentient undead.(edited)
[8:51 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow stumbles backward, losing his footing, and falls on the ground flat. He manages to scamper back up with Tot's help.
[8:51 PM] Faerie: ''Morning well met, Sister! The sun shines up high, today.'', the man greets back, happy to see her well. As for the figure - a drow? He'd never have pinned Alex for one of those people...
[8:52 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: The dark elf's dressed in what appear to be high quality mithril chain shirt, coupled with a cloak glinting with sets of daggers and blades hidden within.
[8:52 PM] Faerie: Oh, god, it was happening. Razmik looks over the scene, prepared to step in if need be.
[8:52 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... After a moment's gaze at Shadow, the drow studies the rest of you for a moment.
[8:52 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: What would you like to do, adventurers?
[8:53 PM] Mizuki: Alicia stays quiet, she doesn't remember any drows on Azura's summary.
[8:53 PM] Faerie: ''Awakened, of Lathander. Delighted (?) to make your acquaintance. We have heard of your impressive deeds.''
[8:54 PM] Faerie: Razmik wonders how much of what Shadow said was true, and if he should feel fearful.
[8:56 PM] Mizuki: "Did you two defeated the lich on your own?" - Asked Alicia breaking the silence - "Or managed to fight him and stay alive until the defense mechanism activated?"(edited)
[8:56 PM] Faerie: But yeah, on the topic of business, Razmik says that they're mostly there to see how everything went.
''Seeing as you're both standing, we come bearing thanks'', and proceeds to tell them of the operation, which from what he knows, was a success.
[8:56 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... While I have nothing to say to worthless men who does more harm than good, I saulte you, adventurers." Shar speaks quietly, "I am Sharestinlriee, of Eilistraee. As for the lich - the lich is defeated."
[8:57 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow shifts quietly behind a conveient shield. Yes, Razmik will do fine to block view from said dark elf.
[8:57 PM] Faerie: Razmik's jaw drops for a moment. ''Y-yes- truly?!''
[8:58 PM] Mizuki: It's pretty impresive to fight a lich and live to tell the tale, Alicia thought - "I'm Alicia Ashwing, nice to meet you."
[8:58 PM] Faerie: Those were both stupendous and unbelievable news, to Razmik, so after congratulating them for such a feat he's eager to get a rundown
[8:59 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "You have done the city a service in erecting the barrier, and informing me of this lich problem." Shar licks her lips. "He escaped via planar means, and is unable to return anytime soon. I made sure of it.... I make sure of things. Unlike a certain useless man of mine."
[8:59 PM] Mizuki: "And impresive, congratulations on your victory."(edited)
[8:59 PM] Faerie: He'll ask for details, too, trying to exercise a modicum of pertinence so they don't have to recall the whole thing over.
[8:59 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shar merely nods at the mention of your names.
[8:59 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Now, if you have no further business with me, I wish to speak with that male huddling behind you, paladin."
[8:59 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "In private." She stresses.
[9:00 PM] Runic: "!"
[9:00 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... I, I think I've left a stove unchecked! Silly me, I must fix that at once!" Shadow says, taking a step back. And two more.
[9:00 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Would be a shame if the pot boils over- y-yes!"
[9:00 PM] Runic: "I don't think there's a way for you to get out of this situation Shadow" Lexon says apoligetically
[9:01 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow sinks into a state of confusion and terror.
[9:01 PM] Faerie: ''Well... about that, uh. Our friend Shadow, he seems to be having second thoughts on that...''
[9:02 PM] Faerie: ''If you must, though, I suggest you make it quick.'', Razmik nods turning to Shadow.
[9:02 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Don't be silly. An useless male like him does not have any thoughts of value." Shar states, taking a step - from where she stands, to behind Shadow, grasping gently onto Shadow's wrist. "Come on now, boy."
[9:02 PM] Mizuki: Shadow survived a monstrosity draining his strenght with magic and tendrils. A talk with his mom can't be worse than that, thought Alicia.
[9:02 PM] Faerie: ''Sorry - that should be John for her.''
[9:02 PM] Faerie: Y'know
[9:02 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow slumps, seemignly lose all signs of vigor and life, eyes devoid of light and hope.
[9:03 PM] Faerie: Silly as the situation may be, Shadow must be feeling pretty awful.
[9:03 PM] Faerie: Besides, we did tell him we'd keep him safe. :sadpopo:
[9:03 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... While Shadow's dragged away, Claire walks up to the group.
[9:03 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... What is that about, brother?"

[9:04 PM] Faerie: Right. Before they head away, Razmik lightly punches shadow on the shoulder.
[9:04 PM] Faerie: And casts Heroism, as visions of great valor begin filling Shadow's mind, blurrying his vision back into normalcy. Hopefully :sadpopo:
[9:05 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: As it is not Calm Emotion, it has little impact.
[9:05 PM] Faerie: (But he's feeling BRAVE, right? The shitshow will surely make this worth it)
[9:06 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... I've never seen Lady Shares... est... Est... Lady Shar that way. And I've never felt cold ever since my state change."
[9:06 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Claire shakes her head. "Nevermind that. What of the situation, brother?"
[9:07 PM] Faerie: ''Ah, well. Family issues? Something they have to address in private, we suppose. How did the saying go, again? 'Hell hath no fury like a lover scorned'? ...Sorry, I don't know much else, Sister.''
[9:08 PM] Faerie: Razmik clears his throat. ''The ritual worked, as far as we can tell. And, as far as we can see you, it worked like intended.''
[9:08 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... Tot flies toward the group, and takes up Alicia's other shoulder.
[9:08 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Azura gazes over inquisitively.
[9:08 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "No." Tot merely says.
[9:09 PM] Faerie: Dancing across the other stuff that happened, he explains: ''there was some... collateral damage, yes, but our group was able to soldier through. All thanks to your aid, and the fine warriors over at the Complex.''
[9:09 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... Alicia's shoulders are balanced with two cats.
[9:09 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Claire gives a toothy grin.
[9:09 PM] Faerie: It was a bit more complicated than that, but that's what went down at the keep.
[9:10 PM] Mizuki: "Shouldn't you be with Shadow?" - Asked Alicia turning to the cat-imp
[9:10 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Looks like I'll have to do my converting outside the barrier, aye? But just as well."
[9:10 PM] Faerie: Razmik's chest swells with pride. ''Mighty honor having worked with you, let me say.''
[9:11 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "No." Tot states, snuggling closer to Alicia, his wings folded close. "I don't understand Drow and I am glad I don't."
[9:11 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "I am also trying to block out Shadow's pleas and screams, so if you would kindly move just a couple feet away..."
[9:12 PM] Mizuki: "U-Uh... It can't be that bad, they're just mother and son after all."
[9:12 PM] Faerie: Shadow has Razmik's Spiritual Support!, or something. Poor guy, Razmik felt bad even glancing in his general direction.(edited)
[9:12 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... That, and that woman doesn't consider me part of the matter, so there's that." Tot shrugs.
[9:12 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ...
[9:13 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Moments later, Shar and Shadow returns.
[9:13 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow seems... Pale.
[9:13 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Hey, fam." Shadow states meekly.
[9:14 PM] Faerie: Hoping they both/three had that due talk, acknowledges Shadow. ''Hey. Sorry I couldn't help much, heh.''
[9:14 PM] Runic: "H-hey Shadow, I hope things weren't as bad as expected"
[9:14 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "N-no, it's quite alright. Everything is alright. Life is wonderful. I am glad to be ali-"
[9:15 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shar gently squeezes Shadow's cheeks and stretches it, without so much as a smile.
[9:16 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Yes." Shar states. "I am sorry for all the trouble this useless son of mine have caused you." Shar says, and performs a gentle bow toward the group. "It is to my hope that you would be so kind, as to forgive this useless son of mine."
[9:17 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow freezes, muttering apologies. To what, you are unable to be certain.
[9:18 PM] Mizuki: "What are you talking about?" - Asked Alicia - "He helped many times"
[9:18 PM] Runic: "No no, your son has been a bunch of help for us, no need to apologize"(edited)
[9:18 PM] Mizuki: Alicia then waits for someone else to complete, since she doesn't really remember anything
[9:19 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "N, no no, I could've done so much better, I am sorry for being so useless, I will strive to become worthy of my father and especially my mother, I am so sorry for being a subpar mage and martial artist." Shadow apologizes quickly, in two breaths.
[9:19 PM] Faerie: Razmik saw an opening! This was what he was hoping for: ''In reality, we should be thanking him. Naming sense and mannerisms aside, it's likely we wouldn't all be here without his guidance. Besides, he sticks to his people.''
[9:19 PM] Faerie: ''Your son is good people!'', Razmik simply proclaims.
[9:20 PM] Faerie: (Jesus, I think my sound's busted. Be right back)
[9:20 PM] Bot Fodder: John recalls all the teenage delinquents he's had to escort home. The mothers weren't ALWAYS terrifying upon seeing their sons brought home by police, but... John can sympathize.
[9:20 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Yes, naming senses and mannerism..." Shar says, bowing again... Pressing Shadow's back down to an uncomfortable bow.
[9:21 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... Doomwing's a fine name." Shadow mutters.(edited)
[9:22 PM] Faerie: (But seriously, Shadow only costed us 5 HP worth of healing. It's a steal)
[9:22 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... I believe you have more things to do?" Shar speaks, bringing the topic back to the important matters at hand.
[9:23 PM] Faerie: ''Right, right.'' Razmik snaps back, organizing his thoughts. ''Surely you're aware, but there's unfinished business we need to take care about. How, we are still discussing.''
[9:24 PM] Faerie: ''...on the bright side, though, replicating the ritual should be easy enough now that there's not a Lich around. So thank you for that.''
[9:25 PM] Faerie: Whatever happened during or after the ritual was anyone's guess, though. Razmik bets it wouldn't be that easy.
[9:25 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... Shar gazes toward Tot. Tot stiffens, before fluttering back toward Shadow, landing on the poor half-elf's shoulder gingerly. Shar turns toward Razmik, gazing an angle down toward the paladin. "Yes, then.... Carry on."
[9:26 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow clears his throat. "Uh. Yes. So, uh."
[9:26 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "uh. ...."
[9:26 PM] Faerie: (What, is she that tall for an elf, or is she tilting her head back just to look smug?)
[9:26 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "..." Shadow mouths the words "HELP" toward the group, asking them to come up with a plan. Or something.
[9:27 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (She's tall, for an elf, for a drow, and wearing heels to appear taller, AND naturally seems to be looking down on most others.)
[9:28 PM] Faerie: ''As for our direct course of action, we headed here first, to check on the aftermath. Next, we agreed, we'd head to the Temple District to shed some light on what's happened...''
[9:28 PM] Faerie: Razmik goes on, making stuff along as he goes.
[9:29 PM] Faerie: ''Sharing intelligence after an operation of this caliber has been deemed important by our group, as we had two foci performing it: we need to clear any possible blanks on the matter, I'm sure you understand.''(edited)
[9:29 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shar gently moves a hand over Shadow's head, as if petting or caressing the poor chuuni's scalp. Shadow winces, eyes tearing up from pain, as the fingers and nails press into his scalp.
"That's all well and good - what of your future plan at large?" Shar states, looking at Alicia.
[9:31 PM] Faerie: (I never thought petting someone's hair could look so scary. Sheesh.)
[9:32 PM] Faerie: Razmik is not too sure, himself! Preparing for the ritual, gathering any necessities they'd need for the ritual, uh, coming up with a plan B in case the ritual goes south?
Even thinking long-term, you realize, most of Razmik's thoughts were on the ritual.
[9:34 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shar nods. "..."
[9:34 PM] Faerie: (test)
[9:35 PM] Runic: "Can't say for sure, if we everything ends up well, we'll probably move on and see if there's any help needed elsewear"
[9:35 PM] Runic: (I believe Mizu fell asleep)
[9:35 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow whimpers. "We, uh, should... Should plan out our actions?"
Shar's grip on Shadow's head tightens a bit. "Maybe. Do whatever it is that you need to do, then."
[9:35 PM] Faerie: (Oh. I thought my connection dropped for a bit)
[9:36 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow yelps, before trying to muffle himself. Too late, as Shar gives the poor half-elf a slap on the back. "Posture, young man."(edited)
[9:37 PM] Faerie: ''We do need to plan long and hard for this, I feel.'' Razmik warns, trying to mimic Alicia's way of thinking.
[9:37 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow crumbles and stumbles forward, before stiffening and standing tall. As tall as he's able.
[9:37 PM] Faerie: ''The world can endure a day or two more as it is, but failure on our end cannot be an option.''
[9:38 PM] Bot Fodder: (I can contribute for  real now! Really! Um, for a bit, anyway.)
[9:38 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shar pauses for a moment, before pulling out a small sac from her pocket. And breaths gently on it.
[9:38 PM] Faerie: ''...We'll be needing that dagger with Shadow and us, at any rate. Anything you know about Alexander's attempt to shatter the wand would be appreciated.''
[9:39 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: From the sac, a small insect sprouts - a winged beetle of some form, pure, deep black all over, with a glinting shell and a horn. She hands it toward Razmik.
[9:40 PM] Faerie: Razmik's attunement to the arcane is not deep enough! He cannot attempt to identify on the spot :sadpopo:
[9:40 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "You seem to be the one leading the group, Paladin. Take this beetle with you - she will find me given a need. I'll be nearby, clearing out the area. Should you have a need of me, let the beetle know."
[9:40 PM] Faerie: But he receives the... trinket, either way. Didn't look like a holy symbol.
[9:41 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: The beetle chirps, scampering and crawling up Razmik's arm into his armor.
[9:41 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... She's harmless and durable, do not worry for her."
[9:42 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... She's harmless to YOU, anyway." Shar states coolly.
[9:43 PM] Faerie: Razmik nods, examining his now empty hand towards his arm, putting up airs of competence,. ''Very well, Hunter. We'll keep it in mind: know that your aid is most welcome, and appreciated.''
[9:43 PM] Bot Fodder: John tilts his head, watching it scurry in. He's seen firsthand how Drow really do have a thing for spiders, but he hadn't figured it might extend to beetles too no stop it that's bad john don't be insensitive.
[9:43 PM] Faerie: He'd -really- have to ask Alicia about it later. But yeah, past the initial discomfort of having the bug claw up his armor, he didn't really feel much else from it.
[9:44 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Do not be fooled. I have little interest in helping you, or the worthless males here." She gently pats down on Shadow's head, who stumbles and shudders. "I merely do so because the quarry is good."
[9:46 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... If there's anything a particular male has done well in his years of mistakes, it is to make entertaining troubles for me." Shar licks her lips.
[9:46 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Orcusbane clatters within the sheath.
[9:47 PM] Faerie: ''Ah, so you say - but realize that your actions also further good cause.'', said Razmik looking Shaar up and down.
[9:49 PM] Faerie: The way she sounded, he thought, put some part of him off. That singleminded devotion to her job of wiping out undead was the slightest bit unnerving. Razmik wondered if she ever slept.
[9:49 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shar gazes coldly at Razmik. "... There are two large known dragons in the area, from what Claire told me." Shar speaks, "They have likely turned, and I will proceed to investigate and eliminate them. It should take the day's worth of work."
[9:50 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Please finalize your plan by that time, my child." Shar says, petting Shadow's head. Shadow whimpers softly.
[9:51 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Now then. I believe there are no further business?" Shar states, turning to Shadow, straightening his outfit.
[9:51 PM] Faerie: ''Is that so? If that's what you're after, we'll have to do our best to disappoint you, then.''
Having made that remark, Razmik interrupts the woman as she works on Shadow
[9:51 PM] Bot Fodder: The least notable male in the room shakes his head, not that it matters~

[9:52 PM] Faerie: ''Two dragons, you said? We came across one of them, and its nest.''
[9:52 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Oh?" Shar turns her attention toward Razmik, seemingly for the first time.
[9:53 PM] Faerie: ''It was dealt with, so to speak, and precautions were taken against its young.''
[9:53 PM] Faerie: Razmik won't mention Alicia's interest in the eggs, nor their current location.
[9:54 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Then you have four hours." Shar cracks a thin smile, gently pinching Shadow's cheek. Despite the seemingly gentleness, Shadow's eyes water and a bruise forms quickly on Shadow's cheek, as if he received a slap. "Do not disappoint me. That's an order, my child."
[9:54 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Yes, m-mother."

[9:55 PM] Faerie: ''My, a bit on the lenient side'', Razmik utters, challenging.
[9:55 PM] Bot Fodder: John feels now is not the time to give a lecture on DV, so he shrugs it off.
[9:55 PM] Faerie: ''Friendly advice: don't look at the tower near the Temple District if you don't want to be the one late. That's all!''
[9:56 PM] Faerie: (DV?)
[9:56 PM] Bot Fodder: (Short for domestic violence.)
[9:56 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shar's smile fades, as she takes a step back, and gives the adventurers a curt bow.
[9:56 PM] Faerie: (Oh.)
[9:57 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: And, with a turn and step of her high heels, she steps and strides away - at an impossibly fast speed for such shoes.
[9:57 PM] Faerie: Razmik nods and bows back, having gotten that bit of etiquette down.
[9:57 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ... Shadow slumps on the ground, breathing a sigh of relief.
[9:57 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... I have survived."
[9:57 PM] Faerie: ''Right.''
[9:57 PM] Faerie: Razmik waits for a bit, for Shadow to get his breath back, and for Shar to be out of hearing range, amongo others.
[9:58 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... Ok, fam, I think I am ready for anything in the world. I think I can just jump up and stab six Orcus dead now." Shadow comments.
[9:58 PM] Faerie: ''Morninglory almighty. How can she go around talking like that all day? I get the feeling we would have been overworked to death if she were traveling with-''
[9:58 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Nothing really scares me anymore." Shadow eyes, the light and hope in his eyes as bright as the eyes of dead, rotting sardines.
[9:59 PM] Faerie: ''No offense, Shadow.''
[9:59 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "No, no. None taken. There can be no offense. The world is a wonderful place. I am glad to be alive. Ahaha. Ahhaaha."
[9:59 PM] Faerie: Razmik then approaches the half-elf and inspects him, not trying to be subtle.
[9:59 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Tot lands on Shadow's head, giving a humph.
[10:00 PM] Bot Fodder: John whistles, not taking part in the conversation, nor reminding anyone of the fact that a dark elf can hear a drop of water in a mile wide chasm.
[10:00 PM] Faerie: Any lingering emotional and mental trauma? That can be fixed with healing, I mean. We don't work miracles that often here.
[10:00 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: While Shadow doesn't have any obvious injuries, even considering the bruise, the emotional and and mental trauma seems to... Not be something that you can fix with what powers you have, Razmik.
[10:01 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow seems rather out of it, capable of only weak, hollow chuckles, while gazing toward a faint distance across the space and time, as if looking at death itself.
[10:01 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "We have four hours. Let's come up with a plan. I want to live."
[10:02 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Strangely enough, it seems that Shadow has become a step more efficient and much more inspired to succeed.
[10:03 PM] Faerie: Uh. ''Where's Alicia when you need her, anyway?'', Razmik felt around his armor, proding, trying to locate the beetle. Carefully, though, we wouldn't want to activate it and get Shar back!
[10:03 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: The beetle gently shuffles up your arm, Razmik, climbing up your neck and resting in front of your eyes, on top of your nose.
[10:03 PM] Faerie: (She's got us bugged and is hearing everything anyway, I'm guessing :sadpopo:)
[10:04 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: It shrieks softly, almost... Intelligently.
[10:04 PM] Faerie: ''I wonder how it works...? Hey, you guys. What color would you say it is?'', Razmik asks while crossing his eyes to focus on the beetle and his nose.
[10:05 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Black like my mother's heart." Shadow jokes.
[10:05 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Tot silently flutters away from Shadow, as if expecting the half-elf to blow up into gore within the next six seconds.
[10:05 PM] Runic: "You should probably refrain from those jokes Shadow, not when this beetle is around..."
[10:05 PM] Runic: "Too late"
[10:05 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "..."
[10:06 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow momentarily looks down at Orcusbane.
[10:06 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... My father seems to have possessed me for a split second, what did I just say? Oh dear."
[10:06 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Orcusbane clatters angrily within the sheath.
[10:06 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "It seems to have completely slipped my mind. Oh well, no harm done!"
[10:06 PM] Faerie: ''I think it looks fairly cool. Reminds me of the Chosen's weapon, actually.''
[10:07 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: ....
[10:07 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Recelle blinks, studying the beetle.
[10:07 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: roll 1d20+7
[10:07 PM] BOTDiceBot: Dice: [1d20+7]: 4, Result: 11
[10:07 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... That's a... Uh..."
[10:08 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "... It's a beetle native to Astral Planes. Deadly, known to be capable to chew through silver cords. Quite rare."
[10:08 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Recelle pauses. "In other words, it's a known predator capable of killing travellers in the Astral Sea."
[10:08 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Smiling, Recelle pats Razmik's shoulder. "Good luck."
[10:09 PM] Faerie: ''Silver cords? The stuff keeping people linked to their bodies on there?''
[10:09 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: The beetle screeches softly, before scampering back down beneath Razmik's armor.
[10:09 PM] Faerie: Ahh, right. He got it just fine, thanks to Recelle. ''I guess this means none of us should think of heading there.''
[10:10 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "N-no, it's... Like..." Recelle struggles for words. "Just... Yeah. Yeah. Let's just..."
[10:10 PM] Faerie: Razmik shrugs, and smiles back. ''I don't feel wholly representative of luck as a virtue, but we'll see. Let's get going? Four hours.''
[10:11 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: "Three hours and fifty minutes or so, fam." Tot says.
[10:11 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow cringes.

[10:12 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (What now? This is a stopping point, or you may decide for whatever.)
[10:12 PM] Runic: "Alright, we should waste any more time for Shadow's sake, let's go"
[10:12 PM] Faerie: ''If that means we have to walk faster, all the better.''
[10:12 PM] Runic: (Maybe, feeling a bit tired, but I can keep going somewhat)(edited)
[10:12 PM] Faerie: (I had the Temple District in mind, for, uhh, PLEASE TELL US HOW2RITUAL purposes)
[10:13 PM] Faerie: (I think this'd be a fine stopping point, if people are tired and Mizu is dead)
[10:13 PM] Faerie: (RIP never 5get)
[10:13 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (You have the person that knows the ritual the best in the party atm)
[10:13 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (Namely, the blade itself :sadpopo: )
[10:13 PM] Faerie: (But he fucked it up, heh. He fucked it up bad, even)
[10:13 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (real bad)
[10:14 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Anyways, checking table,
[10:14 PM] Faerie: (There's also the issue of components: I think the ritual required some specific gemstones
[10:14 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: 900 XP
[10:14 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: (Each)
[10:14 PM] Faerie: I'm hoping we can procure anything of that sort at the District)
[10:15 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow can prepare the materials during the 4 hour of downtime, then.
[10:15 PM] Faerie: (Oh, wait, we are just 3 people. That's right.)
[10:15 PM] Faerie: (Is he going to steal them?)
[10:15 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Rest of the party have about 4 hours each person to finish their business in the city.
[10:16 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Shadow likely can resolve any and all matters via pouring his heart and soul for the sole purpose of survival.
[10:16 PM] Faerie: Oh, god.
[10:16 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: That is to say, ask uncle for halp
[10:17 PM] Faerie: Yeah, that works. No clue what we should do now, though!
[10:17 PM] Faerie: We're at the crossroads, with no pressing matter or direction other than ''get ready for ritual, share information, be ready within 4 hours''
[10:18 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Well, the entire city's free of hostiles.
[10:18 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: There are friendly paladins gathered in an area.
[10:18 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: Otherwise... What would adventurers do to an empty city?
[10:18 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: I have no idea.
[10:19 PM] Faerie: You'd ask me? :sadpopo:
[10:19 PM] Faerie: Farm rats in the sewers for XP?
[10:19 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: I'll leave the actions for the next 4 hours as homework for you lots, then.
[10:19 PM] KogasaGaSagasa: And write up some tables or something :sadpopo: