A Handful of Dust Session 50

[06:30.25] <DM> Alright, so we begin.
[06:30.44] <DM> Finally. :p
[06:32.27] <DM> Akvan returns late at night, with an armful of books from the royal library, his thoughts known only to himself. Landing on the roof (or the dock, as he chooses) of the Marcelian Fort with his wings of flame, the blue-cloaked guards with their hawk helms escort him back to the guest rooms, with their hall of stained glass showing the deeds of Calcis, and the small courtyard garden below.
[06:32.55] <+Akvan> (roof)
[06:33.58] <DM> The hall is silent, as it is very late. Previously, Repriever and Melchior spoke late into the night, and a third voice joined them, as keen-eared Penumbra may have heard as she meditated.
[06:34.36] <DM> Shala is tormented through the night by the dream of dancing demons.
[06:34.48] * DM changes topic to: A Handful of Dust Session 50: Fevered Dreams - ＋https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyknBTm_YyM，
[06:34.55] <DM> Kir dreams only of potato.
[06:35.14] <DM> Or whatever he pleases. :p
[06:35.26] <+Kir> [u latvii nyet ;)]
[06:35.40] <DM> Hey, don't call me a Latvian, that's insulting.
[06:36.08] <+Melchior> [Latvians are great, have you even SEEN Arturs Irbe?]
[06:36.10] <+Repriever> [to latvia]
[06:36.41] <+Repriever> ?roll 1d20+9
[06:36.41] <%tBot> Repriever: 24 ([15] +9)
[06:36.51] <+Kir> [it means latvia has none (of potatos) :P]
[06:37.02] <+Kir> [learn the language of our new imperial overlords already]
[06:37.40] <DM> Repriever tosses and turns in his sleep, mumbling.
[06:38.30] <DM> And where he sleeps is also of note, curled up on the bearskin rug before the dying embers of the fire, in Melchior's room.
[06:38.35] <DM> Roll a perception check, Mel.
[06:39.10] <+Melchior> ?roll 1d20+6
[06:39.10] <%tBot> Melchior: 19 ([13] +6)
[06:40.13] <DM> You are stirred from your sleep, slowly, by the sound of another, close to you. For a moment you reach out, thinking it was the troubled dreams of your husband, Sovi...
[06:40.22] <DM> But no.
[06:40.33] * Melchior groans, then looks at Repriever, tossing and turning on the fur before the fire.
[06:40.59] * Melchior wraps her blanket around herself and gets up.
[06:41.04] * Melchior pokes Repriever with a toe.
[06:41.08] <+Melchior> "You alright?"
[06:41.42] <+Penumbra> ?roll 1d20+2
[06:41.42] <%tBot> Penumbra: 9 ([7] +2)
[06:43.38] <DM> Your poking is efficacious.
[06:43.50] * Repriever jerks awake, sitting up and panting for breath.
[06:43.55] <+Melchior> "You're dreaming."
[06:43.56] <+Melchior> "Here."
[06:44.15] * Repriever takes a moment to get his bearings, then sees Melchior and relaxes.
[06:44.18] * Melchior spends a focus point to generate a magic circle against evil around Repriever.
[06:44.21] <+Repriever> "Sorry..."
[06:44.21] <+Melchior> "Don't worry."
[06:44.26] * Akvan (IceChat77@c-73-204-192-192.hsd1.fl.comcast.net) Quit (Ping timeout: 121 seconds)
[06:44.32] * Melchior pats him on the shoulder and shuffles back to bed.
[06:45.05] * Repriever blinks at the faint glow of the runes around him.
[06:45.17] * Akvan (IceChat77@c-73-204-192-192.hsd1.fl.comcast.net) has joined channel #nesdnd
[06:45.46] * DM sets mode +v Akvan for #nesdnd
[06:45.56] * Repriever rakes his hand through his hair, catching the mithril star brooch. He unlatches it and clasps it close to his heart as he lays back down.
[06:46.13] <DM> It has been a long several days for all of you.
[06:46.33] <+Akvan> (sorry)
[06:46.55] <DM> In the two and a half days since coming to Tetraea, you have seen a binding, a death, and an unlikely resurrection. An audience before the Queen, and thousands, and the revelation of her helplessness. A dinner, a ball, and an audience with a god.
[06:47.26] <DM> You have become heroes to thousands. Perhaps even millions.
[06:47.43] <DM> If there are that many left upon this dying earth.
[06:49.09] <DM> Even for the Six, a heavy schedule.
[06:49.34] <DM> So you sleep the rest of the night without event.
[06:50.30] * Repriever wakes in the morning within a circle, by a long dead fire, but doesn't immediately move from the fur. He just takes it all in, one breath at a time.
[06:50.45] * Akvan didn't read much
[06:50.54] <+Akvan> sleep*
[06:51.04] * Akvan read, slowly, but still parsing our the words
[06:51.16] <+Akvan> and figuring out the meanings and context
[06:51.24] <DM> Even with the assistance of your new patron, making out the letters is still sometimes elusive.
[06:52.13] <+Penumbra> ?roll 1d20+13
[06:52.13] <%tBot> Penumbra: 29 ([16] +13)
[06:52.36] <DM> But you find that the exhaustion of your ascension the previous night, the fire you felt course through your veins as you found the power to pull back Shala's soul, is weighing on your body still.
[06:52.41] <DM> Roll a fortitude save.
[06:53.08] <+Shala> [even me, the dead girl]
[06:53.09] <+Akvan> ?roll 1d20+8
[06:53.09] <%tBot> Akvan: 12 ([4] +8)
[06:53.25] <+Akvan> sorry, that was meant to be 9
[06:53.28] <+Akvan> 13
[06:54.27] <DM> [That was mostly for Akvan, the fire guy. :p]
[06:54.43] <DM> You fail, Akvan.
[06:54.47] <DM> In the middle of a sentence..
[06:55.02] <DM> "The seventh heaven is said to be emptiness and non..."
[06:55.23] <DM> The book slumps onto your nose, as you fall asleep without noticing.
[06:55.48] * Akvan snores lightly
[06:56.25] <DM> Repriever wakes first, the next morning, and Shala second.
[06:56.34] <DM> Soaked in sweat as a demonic faux-conjurer torments her with a whiplash spin.
[06:57.06] * Repriever will not move from the fur until Melchior is up and about. He doesn't want to disturb her rest, nor break the quiet.
[06:57.23] <DM> Penumbra, of course, is already risen.
[06:57.52] * Melchior sleeps restfully.
[06:57.59] <DM> The sound of Madei flumping onto her back and stretching with a little yawn greets you as you complete your meditations.
[06:58.06] * You are now known as Madei
[06:58.20] <Madei> "raaaaaaaa."
[06:58.42] * Shala rakes her hand through her clumped curly locks, in a shockingly Reprieveresque fashion
[06:58.52] <Madei> "goob mornink, ama!"
[06:58.53] <+Shala> "I will drink myself to sleep if I have to..."
[06:58.55] * Shala mutters
[06:58.57] <+Penumbra> "Good morning, madei!"
[06:59.10] <Madei> "Did yous have a nice sleeps too?"
[06:59.27] * Penumbra rises
[06:59.44] <+Penumbra> "Yes, I am well rested. Yours?"
[07:00.13] <Madei> "yeps. I dreamped of talking with my friend cow."
[07:00.46] <Madei> Shala, your stomach growls fitfully.
[07:00.50] <+Penumbra> "Oh that's nice. What did you talk about?"
[07:01.17] * Shala groans and looks for FOOD
[07:01.18] <+Melchior> [Still can't recall if Madei knows that cows are beefs]
[07:01.28] <+Penumbra> [I didn't tell her nothing]
[07:01.32] <Madei> "he was teatsing me about people"
[07:01.49] <Madei> "there are lops of kinds"
[07:02.37] <Madei> Shala, there is no food to be found in your room.
[07:02.41] <+Penumbra> "You miss him?"
[07:02.49] <Madei> None. A travesty.
[07:03.00] * Shala makes a flipping the table motion
[07:03.04] <Madei> "noo. he's here!"
[07:03.12] <Madei> "so I am not lonely."
[07:03.14] * tBot (tBot@h227.33.190.173.dynamic.ip.windstream.net) Quit (Ping timeout: 121 seconds)
[07:03.23] <Madei> "thaps when you are alone."
[07:03.32] * Shala moves the cursor to open the door and look for food
[07:03.39] <+Shala> "Maybe the others are up..."
[07:03.41] * Penumbra 's gentle smile loosens a bit
[07:03.43] * Repriever (Lucky@h227.33.190.173.dynamic.ip.windstream.net) Quit (Ping timeout: 121 seconds)
[07:04.05] <Madei> "but I always has ama!"
[07:04.25] * Madei giggles and runs into the hallway, where she sees Shala
[07:04.43] * Madei runs too fast and plows into the wall.
[07:04.46] * Repriever (Lucky@h169.209.89.75.dynamic.ip.windstream.net) has joined channel #nesdnd
[07:04.46] <Madei> "oof."
[07:04.51] <Madei> "hi, sala."
[07:04.52] <+Shala> "Oh!!"
[07:04.54] * Penumbra follows closely behind
[07:04.56] <Repriever> [sorry]
[07:05.09] <+Shala> "Morning, Maddy. Um, be careful."
[07:05.09] * tBot (tBot@h169.209.89.75.dynamic.ip.windstream.net) has joined channel #nesdnd
[07:05.29] * Madei rubs her legs where she fell.
[07:05.32] * Madei sets mode +v Repriever for #nesdnd
[07:05.36] <Madei> "i can run too fast."
[07:05.43] * tBot_ (tBot@h169.209.89.75.dynamic.ip.windstream.net) has joined channel #nesdnd
[07:05.53] * tBot_ (tBot@h169.209.89.75.dynamic.ip.windstream.net) Quit (Quit: Someone asked nicely.)
[07:06.02] <Madei> "sala, we needs a bred."
[07:06.09] <Madei> "i'm hungry!"
[07:06.10] <+Shala> "Oh there's no such thing! You just need to learn to dodge better."
[07:06.14] <+Shala> "Yes. Yes we do."
[07:06.30] <+Shala> "But where?"
[07:06.51] * Shala looks around, exaggerating her eybrow scrunching and exasperation
[07:06.55] <Madei> "umm."
[07:07.04] <Madei> "is thap a person?"
[07:07.21] * Penumbra looks
[07:07.21] * Madei points to the figure of Kallias, advancing in his grey robes.
[07:07.27] * You are now known as Kallias
[07:07.33] <+Shala> "Yes, so we can't eat him."
[07:07.37] <+Shala> "Probably"
[07:08.00] <Kallias> "Good morning, Lord Penumbra. Magus Shala. Madei."
[07:08.25] <+Penumbra> "Good morning, Kallias."
[07:08.42] <Kallias> "I detect a note of hunger in the air."
[07:08.51] <+Shala> "Morning. Where is the food in this godsforsaken fortress?"
[07:08.55] * Kallias smiles
[07:09.27] <Kallias> "As an incentive for you to all actually be on time today, Plainchant will escort you to the feasting hall when you are all awake."
[07:09.43] <+Shala> "Maddy, go wake everyone up!"
[07:09.51] * You are now known as Madei
[07:09.53] <Madei> "raaahhhh!!"
[07:10.06] * Shala scoots her along as she jogs down the hall with her
[07:10.11] * Madei runs down the hall and wildly bangs on the doors to Kir, Akvan, Repriever and Melchior's rooms.
[07:10.35] <Madei> "wakes!"
[07:10.59] * Melchior yawns and gets out of bed.
[07:11.07] <+Melchior> "Didja sleep well Ducky?
[07:11.08] <+Melchior> "
[07:11.10] * You are now known as Kallias
[07:11.20] * Repriever makes some affirming noises.
[07:11.26] <+Repriever> "Thank you."
[07:11.54] * You are now known as DM
[07:11.59] <DM> Madei's voice rings out from outside your door.
[07:12.04] <DM> "we neebs to go to food!"
[07:12.06] * Melchior heads out to join the rest.
[07:12.12] <+Melchior> "Do you have Kallias' amulet, Madei?"
[07:12.30] * Kir turns in sleep
[07:12.39] * Repriever comes out of the room a few moments later.
[07:12.48] <DM> "ummmm."
[07:12.50] * Repriever clips the brooch back in his morning hair.
[07:12.50] <DM> "ama?"
[07:12.54] * Penumbra laughs and and stays with Kallias
[07:13.03] <+Penumbra> [whoops, forgot to press enter]
[07:13.14] <+Repriever> [lol]
[07:13.52] <+Shala> "Yes, apparently they're using it as blackmail."
[07:13.58] <+Shala> [the food]
[07:14.02] <+Shala> [not the amulet]
[07:14.23] <+Melchior> "Will disguises be needed?"
[07:14.36] * You are now known as Kallias
[07:14.57] <Kallias> "I have cleared the lower levels of the fortress of the common Bladesong, but there is always the chance of an errant novice seeing something they should not."
[07:15.29] <+Melchior> "Well, we'll have to put this on later anyways."
[07:15.35] * Melchior disguises herself and Madei.
[07:15.39] * Melchior is now known as Tasham
[07:15.46] * Repriever gives Penumbra a sad look, then relaxes into calm palatine mode.
[07:16.45] <+Repriever> "What's on the docket for today?"
[07:16.58] <Kallias> "Just the parade. I know you have work to do this evening."
[07:17.05] <+Tasham> "Food, parades, arms."
[07:17.31] <+Tasham> "You're a part of that, aren'tcha Kallias?"
[07:17.31] <Kallias> "Following the parade, there are no more public events, although I am sure the invitations from the nobles and the guilds will be flying thick and fast."
[07:17.39] * Kallias smiles
[07:17.43] <Kallias> "In securing it, certainly."
[07:17.44] <+Repriever> "Ironrose told me there were a few Astarans still in the city, is that true?"
[07:17.55] * Kallias looks at Repriever and nods.
[07:18.07] <+Repriever> "Could meetings be arranged?"
[07:18.10] <Kallias> "Technically, all of the Calcissi show veneration to all of the lesser divines."
[07:18.32] <+Repriever> "Try not to use that sort of language around me."
[07:18.39] <Kallias> "But there is a community of those who hold the Goddess of Stars in special regards, as well as her priesthood."
[07:18.45] * Kallias smiles
[07:19.01] <Kallias> "It was only twenty five percent an attempt to annoy you, Lord Repriever."
[07:19.13] <+Repriever> "It's not me you should worry about."
[07:19.37] <+Repriever> "I'd like a list of the priests remaining, if you would?"
[07:20.00] <Kallias> "Certainly. As for a meeting, I believe that could be arranged by tomorrow."
[07:20.17] <Kallias> "Since you're their especial savior, they will want a little time to prepare."
[07:20.29] <+Repriever> "Fine. I'll need the time to mentally work over a way not to schism the church anyhow."
[07:21.01] <+Repriever> "They've likely... drifted."
[07:21.21] * Repriever takes Kallias' jokes as serious talk and just ignores the humor.
[07:21.34] <Kallias> "Yes, well."
[07:21.48] <Kallias> "I will not be far, although if you see me during the parade, I am doing my job poorly."
[07:22.11] * Repriever nods to Shala.
[07:22.15] <+Repriever> "Protect her most of all."
[07:22.27] <+Repriever> "No more mistakes."
[07:22.42] <Kallias> "Plainchant will take you to the mustering area. The Queen herself will not be in attendance, due to the taxation of the Voice."
[07:22.46] * Shala smiles pertly
[07:23.20] <Kallias> "Well, we can always just keep bringing her back, that seems like a viable solution."
[07:23.33] * Kallias smiles back.
[07:23.37] <+Repriever> "And my guard will need a set of clean plate. Black on black, if you can find any."
[07:24.01] <Kallias> "I will pass the message to Lord Commander Plainchant. Ah, there she is now."
[07:24.04] * Tasham perks up at the mention.
[07:24.05] * You are now known as Plainchant
[07:24.21] * Repriever braces himself.
[07:25.12] * Plainchant approaches, resplendent in shining silver plate armor that gives off a faint aura of good, as well as a blue cloak bearing the Rose of Calcis in silver.
[07:25.32] <Plainchant> "Kallias convinced me to leave for the front after today's parade."
[07:25.47] <Plainchant> "Going to miss you all, though."
[07:25.54] <+Repriever> "We won't be far behind."
[07:25.57] * Plainchant looks at Repriever longer than the others.
[07:26.08] <Plainchant> "He's just toying with us, at any rate."
[07:26.12] * You are now known as Kallias
[07:26.13] <+Repriever> "Just a quick stop underground."
[07:26.35] <Kallias> "Yes, his main focus is to the north. If what you claimed is true, we have eight months until his full assault."
[07:26.50] <+Tasham> "Won'tcha be around for Repriever's thingy?"
[07:27.00] * Tasham gestures at her arm, waving it limply.
[07:27.09] <+Repriever> "My thingy... oh."
[07:27.13] * Kallias smiles.
[07:27.19] * You are now known as Plainchant
[07:27.33] <Plainchant> "From what Whitelay reported to me, the three of you seem to have the matter...well in hand."
[07:27.41] * Kir is still sleeping, unless he has been woken
[07:27.52] * Repriever inhales so deeply.
[07:28.27] * Repriever approaches Plainchant, placing a hand on her shoulder.
[07:28.44] <+Repriever> "Be careful. If you're taken with frost, you need to burn it out. Calcis can't help you there."
[07:29.09] <Plainchant> "I've seen the curse take hold."
[07:29.15] <+Repriever> "And trust no one."
[07:29.24] <+Repriever> "He has eyes everywhere."
[07:29.41] <Plainchant> "So do I."
[07:29.49] <Plainchant> "Every daughter of Calcis marches as one against that fiend."
[07:29.52] <Plainchant> "But thank you."
[07:29.54] * Repriever chews on that.
[07:30.04] * Plainchant clasps his shoulder, squeezing it.
[07:30.08] <Plainchant> "So, breakfast?"
[07:30.09] <+Repriever> "If you see a dulahan with white hair and a halberd... just run."
[07:30.16] * Shala wonders how many people have eyes everywhere
[07:30.17] <Plainchant> "Hm."
[07:30.22] <+Repriever> "You're not good enough."
[07:30.22] <Plainchant> "Oddly specific."
[07:30.40] <Plainchant> "Sadly, I think I might be the best fighter left on the isles."
[07:30.50] <Plainchant> "I need a good hill to die on anyways."
[07:30.54] <Plainchant> "Maybe they'll make a statue of me."
[07:31.08] * Plainchant stares off at the stained glass.
[07:31.13] <+Akvan> circle
[07:31.15] <Plainchant> "We'll see,  hm."
[07:31.20] <+Akvan> sorry, wrong conversation
[07:31.31] <+Repriever> "You're not allowed to die. Not yet, at any rate. So don't."
[07:31.33] <+Shala> [konami code?]
[07:31.48] <+Repriever> "I'll see you at the final battle."
[07:32.08] <Plainchant> "Hopefully before then."
[07:32.18] <Plainchant> "Let's eat some breakfast first, and talk strategy."
[07:32.27] * You are now known as DM
[07:32.59] <DM> Plainchant leads you down the halls, only the occasional distant silhouette of a palatine keeping the novices and servants out of sight.
[07:33.20] <DM> You come back to the hall with the statues of Aridai and Repriever, on one side.
[07:33.36] <DM> And, Kallos and Sael on the other.
[07:33.48] <DM> The hall where Shala died.
[07:33.52] <+Repriever> Is there a new table?
[07:33.56] <DM> The tables have been fixed and the blood cleaned up, yes.
[07:34.16] * You are now known as Kallias
[07:34.19] * Repriever sets into the food to avoid conversation.
[07:34.28] <Kallias> "I must be away."
[07:34.35] <+Shala> "Oh, this place."
[07:34.50] * Shala shrugs it off
[07:35.05] <Kallias> "Good luck to you all."
[07:35.22] <Kallias> "If I am not needed, we will see each other tomorrow morning for that meeting, Repriever."
[07:35.30] * Repriever nods.
[07:35.36] <Kallias> "If I am needed, send word."
[07:36.00] * Kallias vanishes into the hidden passageway behind one of the statues.
[07:36.05] * Repriever chews on some food, then asks Plainchant where Ironrose is.
[07:36.25] * Tasham digs in to all the savouries she can find.
[07:36.29] * You are now known as Plainchant
[07:36.44] * NK (Halcyon@c-98-206-162-171.hsd1.il.comcast.net) Quit (Ping timeout: 121 seconds)
[07:36.52] <Plainchant> "Since her return, she has been teaching healing skills to our novices with Rasmin."
[07:37.10] <+Repriever> "Can you have her brought here? We have something to discuss."
[07:37.27] <Plainchant> "I believe you may."
[07:37.27] * Penumbra eats with Madei
[07:37.39] <Plainchant> "Her and I have had much to discuss, as well."
[07:37.52] <+Repriever> "And you..."
[07:38.09] <+Repriever> "I apologize."
[07:38.15] <Plainchant> Lol, did Kir get left behind?
[07:38.28] <+Repriever> [he's too stealthy]
[07:39.04] <+Kir> [yes >.>]
[07:39.34] <+Shala> [more food for us D: ]
[07:39.39] <+Tasham> "Narm narm narm."
[07:39.43] * Tasham eats.
[07:39.45] <Plainchant> Lol, Kir awakens to an empty hallway until one of the palatines on guard takes him abashedly to the dining hall twenty minutes late.
[07:40.00] <Plainchant> He shows up with bed head, looking utterly confused.
[07:40.01] * Kir rubs his eyes absentmindedly
[07:40.07] <+Repriever> "We've had a confusing couple of days."
[07:40.09] <+Kir> "...hi"
[07:40.23] <+Repriever> "Oh... I forgot about him."
[07:40.36] * Shala laughs
[07:40.56] <+Shala> "Come share breakfast! In the room where I died."
[07:40.57] * Akvan is still asleep
[07:41.05] * Shala blinks blankly for a few seconds
[07:41.14] <+Shala> "Not that it bothers me any!"
[07:41.17] * Shala digs in
[07:41.18] <Plainchant> "I sort of thought it would be a good way to get over the trauma."
[07:41.22] <Plainchant> "It was hard for us, too."
[07:41.30] * Kir shakes his head a moment
[07:41.30] <Plainchant> "We had to watch you die."
[07:41.38] <Plainchant> "...I didn't think this through, fully."
[07:41.46] * Kir widens his eyes and yawns
[07:41.55] * Penumbra pauses in chewing a bit, before resuming
[07:41.56] <+Kir> "....sure..?"
[07:42.00] <+Shala> "Apparently I went to hell. I dream of it every night. A *room* is nothing."
[07:42.03] <+Repriever> "Wouldn't have mattered if you had. Plans break into pieces when put into action."
[07:42.31] <Plainchant> "As do tables."
[07:42.50] <Plainchant> "I'm going to extinguish that brat's troops from this isle."
[07:42.52] <+Repriever> "You went somewhere, I didn't." He smiles at the table joke. "Or if I did, I can't remember it."
[07:43.08] * Repriever says to Shala.
[07:43.24] <Plainchant> "Pyleth is one thing, but the home isles are sacred."
[07:43.34] * Tasham continues eating.
[07:43.40] <+Shala> "Very exciting place. You were msising out."
[07:43.47] <+Repriever> "It only took the death of a god to bring me back, though, so let's be thankful for that."
[07:43.59] * Repriever tips his cup at Shala.
[07:44.26] <+Shala> "I'm thankful for my irreplaceability...and tremendous friends."
[07:44.29] * Shala tips her cup
[07:44.46] * You are now known as Ironrose
[07:44.48] <+Repriever> "Which reminds me... The Apastron said a lot of things I can't imagine are right, now."
[07:45.00] <+Repriever> "Not with our experiences to go on."
[07:45.14] * Ironrose slowly sneaks into the back end of the hall, trying to avoid attention.
[07:45.33] * You are now known as Plainchant
[07:45.35] <Plainchant> "Such as?"
[07:45.45] * Plainchant is focused on a sausage link.
[07:46.06] <+Repriever> "I don't remember anything--only darkness. Shala can hardly seem to remember where she was, though we know it was hell."
[07:46.33] <+Repriever> "Before he... did what he did, he bragged of a vision at the moment of his death that can't possible have happened."
[07:46.37] <+Repriever> [possibly]
[07:46.50] <Plainchant> "Why is that?"
[07:47.11] <+Repriever> "Because we don't remember, so neither should Aridai."
[07:47.31] <Plainchant> "And you, Penumbra?"
[07:47.45] * Akvan walks into the room, bleary eyed and rubbing a sore neck
[07:47.48] <+Penumbra> ?roll 1d20+13
[07:47.48] <tBot> Penumbra: 31 ([18] +13)
[07:47.51] <Plainchant> "Do you have memories of your time after death?"
[07:48.44] * Penumbra slowly puts her eating utensils down and deliberately swallows
[07:49.19] <+Repriever> "I can remember every step, every breath, every. single. thought. leading up to my death on the field at Azhedat. But what came after my heart stopped beating was nothing, until I woke again in Her arms."
[07:49.28] * Repriever says as he awaits Penumbra's words.
[07:49.51] <+Penumbra> "The enemy."
[07:50.14] <+Penumbra> ...
[07:50.17] * Repriever slows his eating.
[07:50.39] * Kir eats quickyl
[07:50.53] <+Repriever> "What enemy?"
[07:51.28] <+Repriever> "Which," he sighs. "We have so many."
[07:51.36] <Plainchant> A silence fills the room after Penumbra's words, as Ironrose quietly creaks into a chair at the end of the table.
[07:51.40] <+Akvan> "Nobody but us"
[07:52.07] * Tasham slows down in her eating as the silence gradually descends.
[07:52.18] * You are now known as Ironrose
[07:52.28] * Repriever sees Ironrose out of the corner of his eye.
[07:52.29] <Ironrose> "Nice to see you're all so cheerful without me."
[07:52.35] * Ironrose smiles, sadly.
[07:52.48] * Repriever locks his gaze on her.
[07:52.52] * NK (Halcyon@c-98-206-162-171.hsd1.il.comcast.net) has joined channel #nesdnd
[07:53.07] <+Penumbra> "Breakfast was delicious. Have you eaten?"
[07:53.15] * Penumbra uses craft:small talk
[07:53.19] <+Repriever> "You disappointed me, Ironrose."
[07:53.30] * Akvan shakes his head, then pokes at sausages with a claw
[07:53.36] * Akvan raises it to his nose
[07:53.47] <+Akvan> ?roll 1d20+5
[07:53.47] <tBot> Akvan: 12 ([7] +5)
[07:53.48] <+Akvan> perception
[07:53.59] <Ironrose> "I disappoint myself every day, so I suppose that's in keeping with the theme."
[07:54.02] <Ironrose> "Ooh, eggs."
[07:54.24] <+Tasham> "Ey are 'ery 'ood."
[07:54.27] * Tasham says through a full mouth.
[07:54.30] * Repriever softens.
[07:54.42] <+Repriever> "I know why you did it, and I forgive you."
[07:54.50] * Ironrose sighs
[07:55.01] <Ironrose> "I deserve your criticism."
[07:55.17] <+Repriever> "But had Shala remained in hell, you would've soon followed."
[07:55.17] <Ironrose> "For passing messages to Tetraea, and for not telling you of it."
[07:55.29] <Ironrose> "I had..."
[07:55.32] * You are now known as Plainchant
[07:55.35] <Plainchant> "She had a higher loyalty."
[07:55.42] <Plainchant> "The blame lies with me, Repriever."
[07:56.08] <+Repriever> "The blame lies entirely with me, actually."
[07:56.22] * Shala eats awkwardly, resisting the urge to also take all the blame, you know, for dying
[07:56.25] <+Repriever> "So don't beat yourselves up about it."
[07:56.38] * Akvan smiles contentedly and pops the sausage into his mouth
[07:56.49] * You are now known as Ironrose
[07:57.00] <Ironrose> "This is probably the most awkward time and place to say this."
[07:57.12] <Ironrose> "But it needs saying."
[07:57.16] * You are now known as Plainchant
[07:57.19] <+Repriever> "Oh? Can't get worse."
[07:57.22] * Plainchant quietly chews on her eggs.
[07:57.27] * You are now known as Ironrose
[07:57.45] <Ironrose> "I have offered my resignation from the Order of the Bladesong to the Lord Commander, and she has accepted it."
[07:58.03] * Repriever stiffens, setting his jaw.
[07:58.04] <+Repriever> "Why?"
[07:58.35] <Ironrose> "On the night..."
[07:58.42] * Ironrose pauses.
[07:58.52] <Ironrose> "On the night the angels fell."
[07:59.21] <Ironrose> "The night the dome of light appeared over the city of water."
[07:59.45] * Repriever flexes his fingers, then clenches the fist.
[07:59.52] <Ironrose> "I felt you use that power."
[08:00.04] <Ironrose> "I felt...Her."
[08:00.36] <Ironrose> "For the first time in my long life, I was no longer solely faithful to Calcis."
[08:00.45] <+Repriever> "I placed doubt in your heart."
[08:01.02] * You are now known as Plainchant
[08:01.13] <+Repriever> "That was not my intention."
[08:01.15] <Plainchant> "As I said."
[08:01.18] <Plainchant> "A higher loyalty."
[08:01.28] * You are now known as Ironrose
[08:01.40] <Ironrose> "It was the culmination of everything that had occurred since I encountered you on the walls at Pyleth."
[08:01.53] <Ironrose> "A place where I was preparing to sacrifice myself."
[08:02.35] <Ironrose> "From that day on, I was conflicted."
[08:02.41] <Ironrose> "I knew what you carried."
[08:02.46] <Ironrose> "The threat you carried..."
[08:02.53] <Ironrose> "But I felt...I truly...believed, in you."
[08:02.54] <+Repriever> "Threat?"
[08:03.03] <Ironrose> "Atrament."
[08:03.12] * Repriever rakes his hair.
[08:03.22] * Repriever sits back in the chair. It creaks.
[08:03.24] <+Repriever> "Of course..."
[08:03.55] <+Repriever> "So you've come here to tell me you've resigned from your duty, because you want another?"
[08:04.14] <Ironrose> "Before I was a palatine, of Calcis, I was a basket-weaver."
[08:04.19] <+Repriever> "Palatines don't resign, you know that."
[08:04.22] <Ironrose> "I suppose I can-"
[08:04.27] * Ironrose sniffs, slightly.
[08:04.31] <Ironrose> "I can always go back to that."
[08:04.41] <Ironrose> "But yes...if you would...consider having me."
[08:04.45] <Ironrose> "An old woman long past her prime."
[08:04.50] <+Repriever> "Our duty is never finished, Ironrose."
[08:04.56] <Ironrose> "Maria has been good enough...to release me."
[08:04.57] <+Repriever> "We serve until our last."
[08:05.14] <Ironrose> "The Lord Commander shows grace I will never have."
[08:05.24] <Ironrose> "I could not have imagined a greater destiny for my squire..."
[08:05.33] <Ironrose> "I just hope she, too, will not lose her faith."
[08:05.40] * You are now known as Plainchant
[08:05.46] * Plainchant puts down her knife and fork.
[08:05.48] * Repriever chuckles.
[08:05.51] <+Repriever> "I don't think so."
[08:06.14] <Plainchant> "That's quite enough, Ironrose."
[08:06.26] <Plainchant> "We all know Calcis' voice is far too loud in my ears to ever ignore."
[08:06.31] <+Repriever> "But I will have you under one condition, Ironrose. A condition you must vow for life."
[08:06.53] * You are now known as Ironrose
[08:07.00] <Ironrose> "Yes..."
[08:07.45] <+Repriever> "To never raise your blade again, and to serve within the hospitals and orphanages well behind the front. To train children, to feed them, to care for the sick and dying. But never again to face the enemy in battle."
[08:08.49] * Ironrose looks, face forward, at the empty tables.
[08:08.55] * Repriever maintains eye contact.
[08:09.05] * Ironrose turns to face him again.
[08:09.19] <Ironrose> "I swear it on my soul."
[08:09.31] <Ironrose> "And on my honor."
[08:09.41] * Repriever relaxes and smiles, then goes back to eating.
[08:09.46] <+Repriever> "Good."
[08:10.02] * You are now known as Plainchant
[08:10.18] <Plainchant> "So you're taking my old master, the Spear of Calcis, and most of our treasure."
[08:10.30] <Plainchant> "Do you want the furniture too, since you're still here?"
[08:10.44] * Akvan looks at the table, appraising
[08:10.50] * You are now known as DM
[08:10.50] <+Shala> "Damn! I wanted another healer, to be honest."
[08:10.53] <DM> Pretty nice table.
[08:11.02] * Repriever looks at Akvan, then the table.
[08:11.12] <+Repriever> "Do you want the table?" he jokes.
[08:11.22] <+Akvan> "The reme could always have another"
[08:11.38] * Akvan shrugs
[08:12.05] <+Repriever> "Right, and your bed, too, Maria."
[08:12.12] * Repriever laughs.
[08:12.36] * You are now known as Plainchant
[08:12.40] <Plainchant> "That's an option."
[08:12.54] * Plainchant slowly smiles at Repriever.
[08:12.56] * Repriever clears his throat.
[08:13.14] * Plainchant tucks a lock of fire-red hair behind her ear.
[08:13.22] <+Repriever> "There is another condition to your acceptance of my offer, Ironrose, but it is private. I'll need to know your true name."
[08:13.40] * You are now known as Ironrose
[08:13.45] * Ironrose purses her lips.
[08:13.45] * Repriever avoids looking at Plainchant.
[08:14.05] <+Repriever> "Not here, of course."
[08:14.11] <Ironrose> "I..."
[08:14.16] <Ironrose> "It has been a long time."
[08:14.24] <Ironrose> "If you'll give me a few days, I will..."
[08:14.42] <+Repriever> "You've forgotten your name?"
[08:14.53] * You are now known as Plainchant
[08:14.54] * Repriever tilts his head, concerned.
[08:14.58] <Plainchant> "It is an effective technique."
[08:15.10] <Plainchant> "Against enemies who can gain mastery of the mind."
[08:15.22] <Plainchant> "To bury one's name so deep that it is difficult to find."
[08:15.24] <+Repriever> "A weakness for the Order, too."
[08:15.46] <Plainchant> "Naturally it is only taught to those thought incorruptible."
[08:15.58] <Plainchant> "It isn't easy. It requires years of work."
[08:15.59] <+Repriever> "Without a true name the divines have less hold over you, less touch between here and their heaven."
[08:16.14] <Plainchant> "Our names always belong to Calcis."
[08:16.17] <+Repriever> "It is effective, but it is damning as well."
[08:16.21] <Plainchant> "As do our bodies."
[08:16.33] <Plainchant> "Some of them, anyway."
[08:17.00] * Repriever looks around the table at the others.
[08:17.26] <+Repriever> "We'll discuss it later."
[08:18.15] * Shala ignores most of this silly name talk for her own thoughts, and these eggs
[08:18.26] <Plainchant> "We've got about an hour until the parade muster, so I recommend you avail yourselves of the officers' bath."
[08:18.45] <+Repriever> "When tomorrow will you be leaving?"
[08:19.02] <Plainchant> "I plan to ride at first light."
[08:19.21] <+Repriever> "The dawn of the fourth day."
[08:20.27] <+Repriever> "You and I are going to spar at dawn, then you may leave. And with that settled, I'm off to freshen up."
[08:20.49] * Repriever gets up and prepares to head to dunk himself in some Lethe.
[08:21.06] * Akvan follows
[08:21.20] <+Akvan> to clean himsel
[08:21.40] <Plainchant> "We're equals, Repriever."
[08:21.47] <Plainchant> "Don't presume to order me around."
[08:21.51] * Akvan scoffs
[08:21.58] <Plainchant> "Unless you're coming for that bed after all."
[08:22.13] * Plainchant calls after him as he leaves.
[08:22.27] * Repriever ignores that.
[08:22.28] * Tasham quietly drums her fingers on the table, badumtish.
[08:22.58] * You are now known as DM
[08:23.00] <DM> Alright.
[08:23.03] * Repriever sticks his head back in down the hall, and shouts.
[08:23.08] <+Repriever> "First among equals."
[08:23.13] * Repriever then ducks away before she can reply.
[08:23.32] <DM> Plainchant grumbles something about Astaran arrogance under her breath.
[08:23.51] <DM> Alright.
[08:24.03] <DM> So the baths are nice, asian-style collective bathing areas partitioned by gender.
[08:24.13] <DM> Anyone want to do anything in particular or have any conversations before parading?
[08:24.20] <+Repriever> [yeah, just one thing]
[08:24.29] <+Repriever> "Did you find Taris?"
[08:24.50] * Tasham tidies up and polishes up her 'parade' armour.
[08:25.09] <+Tasham> "Unless we were planning on nabbing me some fancier gear for this thing."
[08:25.20] <DM> Since neither Madei or Penumbra need to bathe, they change into parade clothes, where Penumbra finds a grey-robed messenger from Kallias.
[08:25.32] <DM> Technically, since Tasham's armor is an illusion...can't she just illuse it to be more paradey?
[08:25.36] <DM> >_>
[08:25.40] <+Repriever> [I assumed the info was run by Plainchant?]
[08:25.47] <+Repriever> [the black on black on black]
[08:25.57] <+Tasham> Technically yes, but only if we're cool with inauthenticity.
[08:26.04] <DM> Kallias mentioned that your adventuring clothes are acceptable for the parade.
[08:26.07] <+Akvan> DM, PM, so I can answer preev, please? :p
[08:26.09] <DM> Since the people want to see you in your cool gear.
[08:26.19] * Tasham hems up the cloth and makes it more colourful and patterned, and shines up her armour to a gleam.
[08:26.27] <+Akvan> "I did"
[08:26.35] <+Repriever> "And?"
[08:26.35] <+Penumbra> "Hello. Do you have something for me?"
[08:26.36] <+Tasham> "Ready and all that."
[08:26.59] <DM> The woman has dark bangs and dark brown eyes underneath, a good looking but plain woman.
[08:27.06] <DM> Typical inquisitor fare.
[08:27.20] * Repriever sits in the waters with Akvan, just two naked dudes enjoying each other's company.
[08:27.31] <DM> "From Father Kallias," she says, softly, and hands over a little glass dome with black moss under it.
[08:27.32] <+Akvan> ?roll 1d20+16
[08:27.33] <tBot> Akvan: 17 ([1] +16)
[08:27.42] <+Akvan> D:
[08:27.46] <+Akvan> "ehhh"
[08:27.55] * Penumbra receives it with both hands
[08:28.10] <+Akvan> (I got cocky with that modifier,dammit)
[08:28.13] <+Penumbra> "Thank you."
[08:28.22] <+Repriever> "Did she turn you down?"
[08:28.23] <+Akvan> "It was nice. We talked"
[08:28.27] <+Akvan> "Alot."
[08:28.39] <+Akvan> "She's a quick girl. I think I helped her with her stories
[08:28.40] <+Akvan> "
[08:28.49] <+Shala> [do i have a bath to myself? :p ]
[08:28.50] <+Repriever> "Oh, yeah? Quick girl, huh?"
[08:29.01] * Kir dresses, and grabs a rifle
[08:29.02] <+Akvan> "Very"
[08:29.09] <+Kir> "Old Man, fire flasks?"
[08:29.17] <DM> Let's see...
[08:29.21] * Kir gestures to the grenades
[08:29.29] <+Repriever> "I'm bringing mine."
[08:30.05] * Kir collects two grenades
[08:30.10] <DM> "Also...Father Kallias has a message..."
[08:30.30] <DM> "A woman claiming to be your follower...one Julia of Pyleth, has been taken into our custody..."
[08:30.46] <DM> "Some of her words were seen as subversive to the state."
[08:30.56] <DM> "He is wondering if she is yours, or merely a malcontent."
[08:31.15] <DM> says the bland inquisitress.
[08:31.30] * Akvan dips under the water
[08:31.49] * Akvan runs his hands through his long hair
[08:31.54] * Kir sits up abruptly while preparing
[08:31.54] <+Penumbra> ... "Ah. Yes, she is a follower of mine."
[08:32.23] * Kir enters the hallways with his armor half on, his helmet half on his head, and a rifle in his hand
[08:32.28] <+Kir> "Targets somewhere?"
[08:32.39] <+Kir> "I want to try something"
[08:32.46] <DM> "We respect all gods, but her attempts to make Umbrea supreme..."
[08:32.51] <DM> "Are not well received here."
[08:33.50] <+Penumbra> "I understand. Have her sent to me... after dinner time. If I am free earlier, may I visit and bring her here myself?"
[08:34.06] <+Penumbra> [Would there be a place for her to stay in these chambers?]
[08:34.20] <+Repriever> "Are you refreshed," he says to Akvan. "Did she enliven your spirits?"
[08:34.22] * Repriever winks.
[08:34.34] * Akvan just smiles and leans back
[08:34.46] <+Akvan> "Thank you"
[08:34.46] <DM> "Father Kallias...considers it best if she be returned to the Reme."
[08:34.51] <DM> "If that is acceptable to you."
[08:34.53] <+Akvan> "For your advice"
[08:34.57] <+Akvan> "It was good"
[08:35.24] <+Repriever> "I'm a hopeless romantic, but you know that now. All my dirty secrets spilled out."
[08:35.31] <+Repriever> "Enjoy yourself."
[08:35.37] <+Akvan> "I think there's still a mystery there"
[08:36.09] * Penumbra considers Kallias' advise
[08:36.10] <+Repriever> "Maybe a few."
[08:36.17] <+Repriever> "But less now than ever."
[08:36.57] * Repriever loses his joviality for a second, then decides he's had enough of a bath and gets out.
[08:37.26] <+Penumbra> "Was she... processed with the others?"
[08:37.29] <DM> Kir, one of the palatines sets you up in the guest garden with a few clay pots and some stumps.
[08:38.03] * Kir puts on the helmet, shoulders the rifle, and connects it to the helmet with the sphere
[08:38.05] * Repriever returns to the common area to await the ladies.
[08:38.16] * Akvan finishes up and follows
[08:38.19] * Kir looks to see if anything changes in the display, but draws a bead and fires regardless
[08:38.33] * Repriever slips into his Lethic plate, keeping the Katadei helm at his side.
[08:38.45] <DM> "Her affinities were located prior, and she was separated, on suspicion of consorting with the Apastron."
[08:38.56] <DM> "Following interrogation, it was determined that this was not the case."
[08:39.08] <DM> "Her memories have not been altered, Lord Penumbra."
[08:39.09] <+Repriever> [am I out there with this convo?]
[08:39.13] <DM> [no]
[08:39.33] <DM> Kir.
[08:39.55] * Penumbra nods
[08:40.00] <+Penumbra> "And where is she being held?"
[08:40.03] <DM> With some of the sphere-material fed into the spinal tap at the back of the helmet, when you take aim and shoot, the following happens.
[08:40.37] <DM> Not only do reticles appear in your head-up display, but you feel a subtle pressure in your suit, slightly course-correcting your aim as you pull the trigger.
[08:41.09] <DM> [+1 to hit with firearms when wearing the helmet connected]
[08:41.24] <DM> It explodes in a cloud of ancient pottery shards.
[08:41.29] <+Shala> [nice, cod mode]
[08:42.55] * Tasham poses.
[08:43.15] <DM> "A location she will be brought from shortly, my lord."
[08:43.57] * Kir runs in breathless, yelling after a guard
[08:44.19] <+Kir> "Hey!!"
[08:44.59] <+Penumbra> "How is she being held?"
[08:45.10] * Repriever grabs the Shield of Calcis in his sword hand and does a few stretches and poses in the common area.
[08:45.14] <DM> "In comfort, as befitting a possible follower of Lord Penumbra."
[08:45.28] <DM> "And securely."
[08:45.34] * Penumbra nods
[08:45.44] * Repriever is lookin' swole.
[08:45.46] <+Kir> "When I say, strike at me"
[08:45.54] <+Kir> "Don't ask, just do, ok?"
[08:46.24] <DM> She immediately attempts to punch you in the chest.
[08:46.33] * Kir makes sure the sphere is linked to the helmet, then prepares to meet the incoming strike with the sphere as a shield
[08:46.40] <DM> ?roll 1d20+4
[08:46.40] <tBot> DM: 15 ([11] +4)
[08:47.00] <+Penumbra> "I accept Kallias' advise. Have her brought to the Reme once it arrives - I want to meet her there."
[08:47.11] <+Kir> [that fails anyway]
[08:47.21] <+Kir> [AC is 21 with sphere shield]
[08:47.23] <+Kir> {
[08:47.28] <DM> The sphere opens into a buckler-sized shield with studs, and her mailed fist meets it with a cling of suddenly hardened liquid metal
[08:47.45] * Kir is trying to find out if the helmet provides assistance or guidance to the shield function
[08:48.08] <DM> You feel a similar course correction, altering your stance slightly to make the most efficient resistance.
[08:48.17] <DM> [+1 AC to sphere shield]
[08:48.32] <+Kir> [nice]
[08:48.58] <+Kir> "Thanks!"
[08:49.03] <+Kir> "Big help, really"
[08:49.13] * Kir gives a broad smile before dashing off to find Repriever
[08:49.20] <DM> The guard salutes in your wake.
[08:49.33] * Repriever is trying out the weight of the shield in the common area.
[08:49.43] <+Penumbra> "Oh, and tell her about the plan, so she doesn't... go crazy with worry. Take care.
[08:49.55] <+Kir> "Old Man!"
[08:50.04] <+Kir> "Spar with me?"
[08:50.11] <+Kir> "Nonlethal, first strike wins"
[08:50.12] <DM> "Much appreciated, my lady. We did not judge her a serious threat, merely...impassioned."
[08:50.13] <+Repriever> "I just took a bath..."
[08:50.18] <+Kir> "Need to try something"
[08:50.29] <DM> my lord*
[08:50.30] * Repriever has no weapon, only the shield in his one arm.
[08:50.31] <+Akvan> "I'll hit you"
[08:50.46] <+Repriever> "No, no. I have this."
[08:50.51] <+Kir> "Necessary to hit someone else"
[08:50.52] <+Repriever> "Don't sully your claws."
[08:51.01] <+Kir> "I strike"
[08:51.14] * Repriever holds the shield.
[08:51.18] <+Repriever> "Hit me then."
[08:51.23] * Kir forms the sphere into a nonlethal shape, and makes sure the helmet is linked
[08:51.39] * Penumbra nods and dismisses her, heading back out to the main area after placing the moss in a likely looking cubby and finishing up
[08:51.56] <DM> The moss mosses it up inconspicuously in the corner.
[08:51.58] * Kir sees if the interface helps guide his arm as he attempts to check Repriever's flank, then strike the other side
[08:52.10] * Repriever spreads his feet out, readying.
[08:52.19] <+Kir> ?roll 1d20+11
[08:52.19] <tBot> Kir: 30 ([19] +11)
[08:52.32] <+Repriever> [crit threat?]
[08:52.33] <DM> Most impressive, young Kirwalker
[08:52.39] <+Kir> [more if the helmet gives an additional bonus when linked
[08:52.41] <+Kir> ]
[08:52.47] <+Kir> ?roll 1d20+11
[08:52.47] <tBot> Kir: 31 ([20] +11)
[08:52.49] <DM> I believe the sphere crits on 19/20, yes
[08:53.05] * Repriever tries to hunker down to take the blow, but is far, far too slow for this kid.
[08:53.06] <+Penumbra> [don
[08:53.18] <+Kir> [it's a x3 crit, but I believe does less damage in nonlethal form]
[08:53.24] <+Repriever> [actually]
[08:53.32] <+Kir> [and the point isn't to hurt him]
[08:53.38] * Kir tries to pull the blow
[08:53.39] * Repriever realizes what is coming, and at the last moment twists his body.
[08:53.45] <DM> Kir, all sphereblade and sphere-linked attacks get a +2 bonus when using the helmet.
[08:53.45] <+Repriever> [cancel the crit with survivor, normal hit]
[08:54.02] <+Kir> [as opposed to +1 general bonus?]
[08:54.06] <+Kir> [sweet]
[08:54.13] <+Repriever> "Shit!"
[08:54.23] <DM> It's +3 total
[08:54.30] <+Kir> [nice]
[08:54.34] <DM> This time you find the entire suit twisting, not just the arm.
[08:55.05] <DM> It gives you superhuman speed as you twist around the curve of Repriever's shield, rising a metallic fist up in a rocket punchu
[08:55.10] <DM> *clang*
[08:55.15] <DM> Roll nonlethal damage for a normal hit
[08:55.30] <+Kir> [so that's whatever the normal damage is -4?]
[08:55.47] <+Repriever> [no, it's normal damage]
[08:55.52] <+Repriever> [just nonlethal]
[08:55.52] <+Kir> ?roll 2d8+3
[08:55.53] <tBot> Kir: 7 ([3 1] +3)
[08:55.57] * Tasham fiddles with her sword impatiently.
[08:56.18] <DM> Repriever's neck snaps back. Gonna have a sore neck for a bit.
[08:56.24] * You are now known as Plainchant
[08:56.28] * Kir pulls the blow but the suit has a mind of its own
[08:56.32] * Repriever takes a solid punch to the side of the head, but negated the worst of it.
[08:56.41] <+Kir> "Wow!"
[08:56.49] <Plainchant> "Playtime is over, my friends. It's time to see the people."
[08:56.49] * Repriever slides backwards, stumbling with palatine style.
[08:56.58] <+Kir> "..Sorry, I hope it doesn't hurt much"
[08:57.14] <+Repriever> "Like the prick of a rose."
[08:57.17] <Plainchant> "You all look properly adventurous."
[08:57.28] <Plainchant> "Yes, a few things..."
[08:57.39] * Plainchant ushers forward Whitelay, who has his hands full with some weaponry.
[08:57.42] <+Tasham> "What's the layout cap'n?"
[08:57.50] * You are now known as Whitelay
[08:58.16] <Whitelay> "These are dress-swords, but believe me, they will cut."
[08:58.31] <Whitelay> "I have two, for any who seeks one. They are enchanted with holiness."
[08:58.43] <+Repriever> "I don't need one," he says, pointing to the empty black lacquered scabbard on his hip.
[08:58.43] <+Tasham> "Ooh, extra-holy."
[08:59.01] * Tasham takes one in her gauntleted hand.
[08:59.03] <+Shala> "I promise not to set anything on fire, but there will be fireworks..."
[08:59.07] * Kir finishes dressing, and ties the invisibility disc into his belt
[08:59.28] * Kir checks the rifle's action and other such important things
[08:59.39] <Whitelay> "But then, what sword will you wield, Lord Repriever?"
[08:59.45] * Tasham has two swords now.
[08:59.59] <+Repriever> "I've one hand and a shield."
[09:00.16] * Repriever smiles.
[09:00.35] <+Repriever> "I won't wield another sword until I have my own."
[09:00.49] <+Repriever> "I'll bash a daywalker's brains out with this, if it comes to it."
[09:01.07] <Whitelay> "As you wish, my lord."
[09:01.26] <Whitelay> "Also, here is..."
[09:01.42] * Whitelay places down a large hemp bag with a clank.
[09:01.51] <Whitelay> "Some dress armor."
[09:02.00] <Whitelay> "I believe black was requested."
[09:02.11] <Whitelay> "And plate."
[09:02.11] <+Repriever> "Ah..."
[09:02.13] <+Kir> "Plan - I shadow parade, yes?"
[09:02.21] <+Kir> "Or I go on parade?"
[09:02.22] <+Repriever> [is this for tasham?]
[09:02.26] <+Repriever> "Up to you."
[09:02.33] <Whitelay> [it can be for whoever]
[09:02.46] * You are now known as Plainchant
[09:02.47] <+Repriever> "Wanna change?"
[09:02.50] <Plainchant> "The people would love to see you, Kir."
[09:02.54] * Repriever asks Tasham.
[09:02.56] <+Tasham> "I'm good."
[09:03.07] <Plainchant> "Kallias is handling security from the shadows, although if you wish to join them, you may."
[09:03.39] <+Repriever> "Stand with Shala, she needs the support."
[09:03.53] <+Repriever> "She'll be so full of herself she might float away."
[09:03.59] * Kir nods
[09:04.07] * Shala smiles
[09:04.11] * Plainchant changes topic to: A Handful of Dust Session 50: Fevered Dreams - The Parade - ＋https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZiLNfcaTzE，
[09:04.13] <+Shala> "Mad I'm going to upstage you?"
[09:04.20] <+Shala> angry*
[09:04.25] <+Shala> [a little ooc to say u mad :p ]
[09:04.39] <+Kir> "I stay in shadows anyway"
[09:04.40] <Plainchant> [art thou enraged, good fellow]
[09:04.47] <Plainchant> "I'll also be standing behind Shala."
[09:04.49] <+Kir> "Just a few less on parade"
[09:04.59] <+Kir> [give me some oats, brother]
[09:05.01] <+Repriever> "This is your show, kiddo."
[09:05.11] <Plainchant> "In the sense of, in front of her."
[09:05.32] <Plainchant> "I don't like to repeat my mistakes."
[09:05.37] * Plainchant looks apologetically at Shala.
[09:06.09] <+Repriever> "Good. I'll be beside you, then, with Tasham at my side."
[09:06.18] <+Tasham> "Aye."
[09:06.32] <+Repriever> "She'll keep us grounded."
[09:06.43] <+Tasham> *snk*
[09:07.26] * Tasham pulls out some rope.
[09:07.26] <+Repriever> "Time to be nobody."
[09:07.37] <+Tasham> "I'll lasso her if needs be."
[09:07.54] <+Tasham> "Let's mosey."
[09:07.59] <Plainchant> "Alright."
[09:08.12] <+Repriever> "Tentacles and rope. We're digging deeper holes for ourselves."
[09:08.57] * Plainchant pushes open a pair of ironbound wooden doors, and beyond is a mustering hall, filled with caped palatines, soldiers, and even the novices.
[09:09.13] <Plainchant> "I give you...the Six!"
[09:09.25] * You are now known as DM
[09:09.27] * Repriever whispers, "And Tasham."
[09:09.47] <DM> The collected Bladesong, more than you have seen in any one place, measure at least two hundred.
[09:10.14] <+Shala> [this is the procession before the parade?]
[09:10.19] <DM> They roar a lusty cheer that echoes to the hall, as you pass between their ranks, holding up their spears in salute.
[09:10.28] * You are now known as Plainchant
[09:10.30] * Repriever nudges Shala to the front.
[09:10.38] <Plainchant> "From here, we'll process to the parade."
[09:10.45] <Plainchant> [good timing]
[09:11.01] * Shala quickly takes her position, as unnearned a leadership position as there could be
[09:11.24] <Plainchant> Once you all reach the front, a pair of wide doors open, and you're out on the ledge with the great frieze of Calcis battling Zathindra.
[09:11.37] * Repriever makes sure to keep himself in a lower position than the women, so as to not upset the matriarchy with his ambitions.
[09:12.06] <Plainchant> Although the keen among you will notice that you took a slightly different pathway to get to this spot, almost as if the fortress itself has changed its paths.
[09:12.55] <Plainchant> Although the awful stench of abjuration dissipates as you pass out onto the bridge, Shala. :p
[09:13.08] * You are now known as DM
[09:13.09] * Penumbra walks forth bearing the Spear of Calcis, with Atrament on her back, the black spear peering out from her cape
[09:13.25] * Shala 's face sours for a moment, dissolving as the theatricality of the moment overtakes her
[09:14.53] * Kir shrinks to the center of the float, leaning into any vertical protrusion there might be
[09:15.37] <DM> No float yet, Kir, but you'll get to some after you cross the bridge.
[09:15.37] * Tasham keeps an eye out, watching for physical threats and troubling auras.
[09:15.45] <+Tasham> ?roll 1d20+6
[09:15.45] <tBot> Tasham: 23 ([17] +6)
[09:16.12] <DM> As you cross the long, narrow bridge that connects Marcelian to the city proper, the novices step forward, and you see Silvernote shyly wave at Repriever & company.
[09:16.15] * Kir keeps visor down
[09:16.28] * Repriever rustles Silvernote's hair.
[09:16.53] <DM> One of the novices steps forward and begins to play a solitary but hopeful trumpet tune, as Plainchant orders the order to fall in and march behind you all.
[09:17.17] * Akvan waves
[09:17.40] * DM changes topic to: A Handful of Dust Session 50: Fevered Dreams - The Parade - ＋https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWyrLnkDf-Y，
[09:18.13] <DM> After you cross the bridge, you walk through the gatehouse, and then through the tunnel, to reach a huge avenue where other large groups of troops are mustering, as well as the large floats.
[09:18.30] * Repriever searches for the float with Delia on it.
[09:19.23] <DM> A float bearing the green of house Celtari with Delia wearing formal green dress armor, as well as a silver Circlet befitting her status, is a few hundred feet ahead.
[09:19.36] <DM> There are also floats for each of the divines, obviously Calcis' coming first and largest.
[09:19.47] <+Repriever> "And where are we to go?"
[09:20.07] * You are now known as Plainchant
[09:20.07] * Repriever keeps his eyes out for the Astaran float.
[09:20.36] <Plainchant> "We're serving as your honor guard, as guests of the Queen, and we're marching in the rear."
[09:20.50] <Plainchant> "Everyone will be waiting to see you, so having you last prevents a stampede to follow if you're first."
[09:21.17] <+Repriever> "Ah."
[09:22.15] <Plainchant> Here and there, faint calls of "The Six!" and "The Six of the Stars!" and "Lord Penumbra!" float down.
[09:22.29] <Plainchant> Although you have yet to begin the parade in earnest, there are a few people watching from tall towers.
[09:22.47] * You are now known as DM
[09:23.27] <DM> The Astaran float is a night-blue dome speckled with stars, surrounded by women bearing bright torches, and one imitating Astara with a star on her forehead.
[09:23.37] <DM> She stands atop the dome, looking imperious and regal.
[09:23.59] * Repriever whispers to his side, "Look how pretty you are."
[09:24.52] * Repriever smirks and snerks.
[09:26.01] <DM> Arta, a long, golden-haired woman, raises a field of golden wheat with golden mountains behind her.
[09:26.03] * Tasham watches around as the group proceeds.
[09:26.14] <+Tasham> "Noice."
[09:26.17] * Tasham says, quietly.
[09:26.34] <DM> Now, the floats grind into motion, and you prepare to cross another bridge, downstream of Marcelian, as the city grows older, and taller.
[09:26.35] <+Repriever> "Not nearly full enough, is she?"
[09:26.44] <+Tasham> "Who knows?"
[09:27.16] <DM> In the distance, you see vast walls just inland of the harbor, overcrowded with slums.
[09:27.40] <+Tasham> [How tall are the buildings?]
[09:27.50] <DM> And as you cross the bridge, the great Titan of Calcis bestrides the harbor, taller than any of the buildings.
[09:27.52] * Kir scans
[09:27.52] <+Repriever> [also where is Ilia, for I much desire to look at her]
[09:27.59] <+Kir> ?roll 1d20+13
[09:27.59] <tBot> Kir: 23 ([10] +13)
[09:28.22] <DM> Kir, you see immense crowds waiting on the other side of the bridge, as well as a collection of small boats in the water below the bridge
[09:28.34] <DM> They are beating gongs, ringing bells, and otherwise making a ruckus.
[09:29.07] * Shala taps the side of her leg, going through her prepared spells
[09:29.12] <+Shala> [in her head]
[09:29.16] <DM> Tasham, the buildings are quite tall. On the other side of the river, what looks to be the financial and residential core, there is a huge, canyon-like street surrounded by towers that are hundreds of feet tall.
[09:29.43] <+Repriever> "Kallos' work."
[09:30.20] <DM> You also see signs of elevated tramways, rumbling in a circle between the tower, although it seems now that huge teams of horses pull them on their loops.
[09:30.33] <DM> The smoke and smell of industry rises from closer to the harbor, and there are countless strange smells and sights.
[09:31.09] <DM> Everywhere though, there are banners, most bearing Calcis' rose over crossed spears.
[09:31.20] <DM> And colored lanterns and flags strung overhead as you pass beneath.
[09:31.35] <DM> between the towers*
[09:31.50] * Repriever hasn't seen a city like this that wasn't on fire in centuries.
[09:32.10] <DM> Now, the waves of adulation begin.
[09:32.13] <+Tasham> [You're just not looking hard enough]
[09:32.32] * Akvan waves again, and launches a pillar a flame up into the air, not to high, but just enough to give a show
[09:32.34] <DM> Flowers are thrown from rooftops, and the pink petals surround you, floating like confetti as a warm updraft carries them through the air.
[09:32.37] * Shala is impressed with how ordered and clean everything appears, for mostly nonmagically gifted people
[09:32.53] <DM> There is a vast wave of applause after you do so, Akvan.
[09:33.04] * Repriever reaches out to catch a petal in his gauntlet.
[09:33.10] * Shala waves a staff, shooting Color Sprays into the sky
[09:33.24] <DM> As for Ilia's float, she is a woman with a tall, flaming head-dress standing atop a smouldering volcano which produces real steam.
[09:33.27] * Akvan weaves the flames and sparks through the colors
[09:33.34] <DM> She acts appropriately grandiose.
[09:33.44] * Shala throws kisses, offers twirls, putting on a performance
[09:33.53] * Akvan whispers to Preev, even as the flames twirl with shala
[09:33.59] <+Akvan> "they don't know about her, yet, right?"
[09:34.06] * Repriever is as mellow and amused as a man can be in this atmosphere.
[09:34.24] <+Repriever> "I don't imagine they do."
[09:34.38] * Akvan grimaces
[09:34.59] <+Shala> "Akvan! I can make you a bloody torch to be seen from the stars if you want!"
[09:35.05] <+Shala> [pyrotechnics]
[09:35.09] <+Shala> "REALLY put on a show!"
[09:35.13] <DM> Lethe, for her part, walks over an imaginary sea-bed, filled with the undulating papier-mache creatures of the deep.
[09:35.19] * Akvan answers with wings of flame
[09:35.22] <+Akvan> "Lets DO it!"
[09:35.27] * Shala 's face brightens up, sweat glistening
[09:35.34] <+Shala> "ALRIGHT!"
[09:35.41] * NK (Halcyon@c-98-206-162-171.hsd1.il.comcast.net) Quit (Ping timeout: 121 seconds)
[09:36.06] <+Repriever> "Take the shadows to the sky," he whispers to Penumbra.
[09:36.16] <+Repriever> "Give the little girls what they want."
[09:36.17] * Shala clasps her feet together, tapping her staff on the "float" and shooting a ray of energy to make Akvan alight
[09:36.55] <+Shala> "All the fun of Pyleth without all the grim parts!"
[09:37.00] * Penumbra smiles a little and prepares herself, waiting after Shala and Akvan's show
[09:37.23] * NK (Halcyon@c-98-206-162-171.hsd1.il.comcast.net) has joined channel #nesdnd
[09:38.15] * Repriever offers Plainchant a caught petal with a smile.
[09:38.29] <+Repriever> "Don't be too serious."
[09:38.37] * Tasham looks around, straw-blonde hair blowing in her face a little, eyes peeled.
[09:39.31] <+Repriever> "We are the weapons that protect, but to them we're shiny things to adore."
[09:39.47] <+Repriever> "Don't remind them of the sad parts. Never let them see that."
[09:40.13] * DM changes topic to: A Handful of Dust Session 50: Fevered Dreams - The Parade - ＋https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9L-QzakeiM，
[09:40.24] <DM> Alright, Akvan and Shala, care to describe your antics?
[09:40.40] * You are now known as Plainchant
[09:40.52] * Plainchant bows graciously.
[09:40.58] <+Shala> [i described the spell, akvan can describe the acrobatics]
[09:40.59] <Plainchant> "You should be aware what that means in our culture."
[09:41.07] * Plainchant winks at Repriever.
[09:41.57] <Plainchant> Ah, perhaps Akvan and Penumbra can coordinate?
[09:42.02] * You are now known as DM
[09:42.45] <DM> As for Umbrea's float, well...
[09:43.02] * Akvan flies high above the crowd, sweeping down above them, showing them with sparks
[09:43.05] <+Akvan> and color
[09:43.16] <DM> A small woman, clad mostly in soot, hides within a dark cave, occasionally poking her head out to gaze longingly at a fake moon.
[09:43.21] <+Akvan> (if penny's up here, then fly with her)
[09:44.25] * Penumbra launches up behind Akvan in a moment - she leaps unto the air, and just as she seems to be falling back down she unfurls her wings from behind her cape and speeds upwards
[09:44.53] * Repriever uses the cover of their antics to press forward in the parade toward the Umbrea float.
[09:46.09] <DM> The crowd roars with adulation and excitement as Penumbra and Akvan, trailing colored sparks and curtains of smoky shadow, curl around one another, soaring over the heads of the children and the elderly alike.
[09:46.38] * Akvan remembers the last time we did this
[09:47.16] <DM> You pass before a massive, domed building on one side, huge towers on the other, cheering people practically hanging from the windows on each level.
[09:47.34] <DM> The domed building has a huge staircase before it, one of the biggest you have ever seen, and the tramway actually passes through it.
[09:47.40] * Tasham steps alongside Repriever and taps his arm.
[09:47.44] <DM> The light catches the dome and you see that it is made of glass, one of Kallos' old creations.
[09:47.52] * Repriever turns.
[09:47.57] <DM> Repriever and Tasham both remember, this was the royal academy.
[09:48.10] <DM> The repository of knowledge he created for his wife and queen.
[09:48.10] <+Tasham> "Shiny things to adore, Ducky."
[09:48.14] * Tasham says under her breath.
[09:48.34] <+Tasham> "Pick yer fights."
[09:48.37] * Repriever looks back toward the Umbrea float unhappily.
[09:48.45] <+Repriever> "It's /not/ right."
[09:48.57] <+Tasham> "Neither is disguise. But they're lesser wrongs."
[09:49.08] <DM> The actor quickly scampers out of a hole, looks around like a scared rabbit, and then dances into another.
[09:49.19] <+Tasham> "Oh god."
[09:49.30] <+Repriever> "You don't understand..."
[09:49.34] <+Tasham> "I'll cover you."
[09:50.18] * Repriever understands, and presses forward again, leaving their float for the Umbrea one.
[09:50.41] * Tasham dutifully bodyguards behind Repriever.
[09:50.54] * You are now known as Plainchant
[09:51.05] <Plainchant> "...what is he doing..."
[09:51.21] * Tasham says back "Don't think he's pleased with the Umbrea float."
[09:51.44] * Repriever makes sure Penumbra is still busy floating around and not noticing this.
[09:52.14] * Repriever climbs up on the Umbrea float.
[09:52.25] * Shala also doesnt notice, as she is filling the sky with magic
[09:52.32] <Plainchant> "Sweet Calcis..."
[09:53.00] * You are now known as DM
[09:53.10] * Repriever approaches the center of the float, standing near the hole where the actress is hiding, and proffers his hand to her.
[09:53.19] <DM> The crowd is roaring with approval, although some of them notice Repriever's advance.
[09:53.28] * You are now known as Umbrea_Actress
[09:53.32] <Umbrea_Actress> "W-what are you doing?"
[09:53.39] <Umbrea_Actress> "My lord?"
[09:53.48] <+Repriever> "Luvanashi aren't this way. Take my hand, come into the light."
[09:53.54] * Umbrea_Actress grabs it tentatively.
[09:53.55] <+Tasham> "Stand proud, do not hide."
[09:54.08] <Umbrea_Actress> "But they told me that hiding is what Umbrea does!"
[09:54.15] * Umbrea_Actress looks extremely distressed
[09:54.20] * Repriever smiles sadly.
[09:54.31] <+Repriever> "She's not cowering. She's not afraid."
[09:54.41] <+Tasham> "She's a cannier lady than that, don'tcha worry."
[09:54.44] <Umbrea_Actress> "Then what is she?"
[09:54.58] * Umbrea_Actress looks to Repriever, as she steps into the light.
[09:55.07] * Tasham looks to Repriever.
[09:55.16] <+Repriever> "She is the dark between the stars. She sits aside Astara herself."
[09:55.24] <Umbrea_Actress> Repriever, as you say this...
[09:55.37] <Umbrea_Actress> You feel something on your nose.
[09:55.39] * You are now known as DM
[09:55.56] * Repriever scrunches it.
[09:55.59] <DM> It is a snowflake.
[09:56.06] <DM> And it melts between your fingertips.
[09:56.35] * Repriever looks around.
[09:56.47] <DM> A light scattering of flurries, here and there, drifts through the air.
[09:57.16] <+Repriever> "Come on."
[09:57.23] * Repriever pulls the actress out, to the light.
[09:57.41] * Tasham smiles to her, and continues to scan the area.
[09:57.43] * You are now known as Umbrea_Actress
[09:57.46] <Umbrea_Actress> "What are we doing?"
[09:57.52] <+Tasham> ?roll 1d20+6
[09:57.53] <tBot> Tasham: 24 ([18] +6)
[09:58.02] <+Repriever> "Serving the divines."
[09:58.15] * Repriever instructs her to be happy, as the others are.
[09:58.30] <Umbrea_Actress> "Alright, happy, but...shadowy. I can do this."
[09:58.41] * Repriever whistles to Penumbra.
[09:58.45] * Umbrea_Actress tries her best to look mysteriously happy.
[09:59.12] <Umbrea_Actress> But a shiver runs down her back as the flurries continue to fall.
[09:59.43] * You are now known as DM
[09:59.46] <DM> The crowd loves it, though.
[09:59.56] * Tasham whispers to Repriever. "This ain't seasonal is it?"
[09:59.57] <DM> Counter-stereotypical as it might be.
[10:00.07] <+Tasham> "I can't spot anything off."
[10:00.11] * Penumbra finally notices the clear note cut through the air and glides down beside Repriever on the float
[10:00.22] * Akvan joins penny
[10:00.22] * Repriever hands the actress' hand to Penumbra.
[10:00.40] * Shala spots Repriever ON the float
[10:00.42] <+Repriever> "It's not unseasonal. It's Her."
[10:00.45] <+Shala> "Oh...for gods sake!"
[10:01.14] <DM> "Penumbra and Umbrea!"
[10:01.21] * Penumbra smiles and reaches out to Umbrea_actor
[10:01.23] * Repriever bows out for Penumbra to take over, taking Tasham with him back to the Shala float.
[10:01.36] <+Tasham> "Maybe we should visit the rest of the floats?"
[10:01.37] <DM> The actor shrugs and smiles, totally owning the moment.
[10:01.43] * Akvan nods
[10:01.49] <+Repriever> "The others seem fine to me."
[10:02.04] * Repriever keeps his eyes out for unwanted auras.
[10:02.19] * You are now known as Plainchant
[10:02.23] <Plainchant> "Repriever."
[10:02.25] * Repriever hops back up with Plainchant.
[10:02.29] <+Tasham> "Sure enough!"
[10:02.33] <+Repriever> "Lord Commander."
[10:03.05] <Plainchant> "Something feels..."
[10:03.27] * Plainchant 's hand drifts towards her sword hilt.
[10:03.39] * Repriever narrows his eyes, feeling for whatever it is.
[10:03.50] <Plainchant> And then, a shadow glides high over the parade route. But not Penumbra's.
[10:03.53] * You are now known as DM
[10:04.17] <DM> All of the palatines feel it, simultaneously, a malevolent aura, up.
[10:04.31] <+Akvan> ?roll 1d20+5
[10:04.31] <tBot> Akvan: 7 ([2] +5)
[10:04.36] <+Penumbra> ?roll 1d20+6
[10:04.37] <tBot> Penumbra: 15 ([9] +6)
[10:04.49] <+Tasham> "Ey boss, looks like we might have some more friends in attendance."
[10:04.56] <+Repriever> "I see..."
[10:05.09] * Repriever dons the shield of Calcis, rolling his shoulders.
[10:05.13] * Kir looks to the newcomer
[10:05.17] <DM> The invisibility disappears, as a skeletal tarcirath, silently glides over the crowd.
[10:05.18] <+Kir> ?roll 1d20+13
[10:05.18] <tBot> Kir: 21 ([8] +13)
[10:05.20] <+Repriever> "Shala stay low."
[10:05.25] <DM> And then another, and another.
[10:05.40] <+Repriever> "No... no..."
[10:05.48] * Kir loads and prepares to fire
[10:05.52] * DM changes topic to: A Handful of Dust Session 50: Fevered Dreams - The Parade - ＋https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHZ_apAW-4c&t=20s，
[10:05.55] * Penumbra 's allows her aura to flow through
[10:06.00] <DM> And then, the first of the cheers begin to turn to screams.
[10:06.01] * Kir also looks for shooting positions
[10:06.09] * Shala gets low and moves to be protected by her bodyguards
[10:06.25] <DM> But the tarcirath glide away from you, not dive bombing, or attacking, or screaming...they glide north...towards the harbor.
[10:06.35] <DM> And then there are distant rumbling sounds.
[10:06.50] * Penumbra gives Repriever a look that asks "Should I follow?" as she lifts off from the float to gain some height
[10:06.57] * Repriever shakes his head.
[10:07.01] <+Repriever> "To me!"
[10:07.02] <DM> The crowd breaks, swarming into the parade route, as all hell breaks loose, and the bladesong immediately move to form a perimeter.
[10:07.13] * Tasham discreetly casts lead blades.
[10:07.31] <DM> They efficiently form a circle, as Kallias' grey-robed agents glide through the crowd.
[10:07.44] * Penumbra nods, helping the Umbrea_Actor to the ground and taking position over the circle
[10:07.48] <+Penumbra> ?roll 1d20
[10:07.48] <tBot> Penumbra: 8 [8]
[10:07.54] * Akvan has flames ready
[10:08.00] <DM> A woman lifts her hands to her mouth, and her voice is amplified magically.
[10:08.21] <DM> "Remain calm, return to your homes in an orderly fashion."
[10:08.49] <+Repriever> "It's too early... this is too soon."
[10:09.02] <+Tasham> "Terror raid maybe?"
[10:09.06] <+Penumbra> "Ships in the harbor."
[10:09.21] <+Shala> "Can he reach here so effortlessly?"
[10:09.27] <+Repriever> [are we blocked by the buildings?]
[10:10.00] <+Penumbra> "Not enough to take the city... but there may still be more!"
[10:10.26] <+Penumbra> [I was flying up to get a better view]
[10:10.29] * Akvan takes to the air
[10:10.32] <+Repriever> "Get everyone off the streets," he says to the Bladesong. "Now!"
[10:10.35] <+Penumbra> "I see eight."
[10:10.38] * Akvan scans the city, to see what intel he can get
[10:10.41] * You are now known as Plainchant
[10:10.43] <+Akvan> ?roll 1d20+5
[10:10.43] <tBot> Akvan: 17 ([12] +5)
[10:10.44] <Plainchant> "Hold that order!"
[10:10.45] <+Akvan> perception
[10:10.48] <Plainchant> "Your protection is our priority."
[10:11.02] <Plainchant> "The army and the city guards are attending to this."
[10:11.09] <Plainchant> "I won't leave you open for an assassination attempt."
[10:11.14] * Penumbra spins the Spear of Calcis, feeling the smooth metal beneath her fingertips as she descends from her overwatch
[10:11.18] * Repriever growls at Plainchant.
[10:11.22] <+Repriever> "Stay with Shala."
[10:11.31] * Repriever jumps off the float and helps usher people into buildings himself.
[10:11.40] <Plainchant> "Repriever, wait!"
[10:11.43] <Plainchant> "This is what they want!"
[10:11.56] <+Repriever> "I know!"
[10:12.05] * You are now known as DM
[10:13.14] <+Penumbra> ?roll 1d20+6
[10:13.14] <tBot> Penumbra: 8 ([2] +6)
[10:13.38] <DM> Repriever, as you meet the outer ring of Bladesong steel, you see Kallias, hand to his temple as he speaks instructions to someone unseen.
[10:13.40] * Kir looks to the company, to Repriever, and starts to move after him
[10:13.46] * Akvan lands infront of preev
[10:13.51] <+Akvan> "Nine ships, full of undead"
[10:13.58] <+Repriever> "Stay with Shala, dammit."
[10:14.01] <+Tasham> "Yuff."
[10:14.01] <+Akvan> "They don't look like they'll be able to get into the city."
[10:14.10] <+Akvan> "But they'll burn the docks"
[10:14.17] <+Shala> "Yes, stay with me! I can teleport our asses out of here!"
[10:14.29] <+Repriever> "They timed this. It's terrorism."
[10:14.34] * Repriever agrees with Tasham.
[10:14.48] <+Penumbra> ?roll 1d20+6
[10:14.48] <tBot> Penumbra: 22 ([16] +6)
[10:15.05] <+Repriever> "It's not the Apastron..."
[10:15.10] * Repriever looks skyward.
[10:15.28] * Tasham continues to quietly cast buffs with a few (disguised) enchanted items.
[10:15.28] <+Repriever> "It's Couplet."
[10:15.37] <+Tasham> "Fuckin' course."
[10:15.49] * You are now known as Kallias
[10:15.59] <Kallias> "I am getting intelligence from the harbor..."
[10:16.01] * Kallias winces
[10:16.03] <Kallias> "Was."
[10:16.13] * Shala taps her left wrist, shuddering as a magic force field inhabits her body in the form of a revenent armor
[10:16.15] <Kallias> "She has been spotted."
[10:16.21] <Kallias> "It is a raid."
[10:16.29] <+Tasham> "Lord Repriever, it'll be a damned honour to slaughter the dead at your side once again."
[10:16.41] <Kallias> "They are taking hostages, and limiting damage to military targets."
[10:16.42] * Penumbra looks out for Madei
[10:16.46] <+Akvan> "I'm with you."
[10:16.49] <+Repriever> "We have to get to the harbor."
[10:16.55] <+Akvan> "Want me to fly ahead, burn their ships?"
[10:17.04] <Kallias> "Civilians."
[10:17.04] <+Repriever> "No! They'll kill you."
[10:17.16] <+Repriever> "Shala!"
[10:17.21] <+Penumbra> "What if the two of us go together?"
[10:17.24] <Kallias> "I can get us quickly to the closest gate to their fleet."
[10:17.28] * Penumbra keeps looking for Madei
[10:17.38] <+Shala> "I can do it even quicker!"
[10:17.42] * You are now known as DM
[10:17.59] <DM> For a moment, Penumbra, you lost her in the swarming crowds, but you see her now.
[10:18.09] <DM> She's with the other novices, in the midst of the ring of Bladesong troops
[10:18.14] <+Akvan> "Me and Penny, together"
[10:18.18] <+Akvan> "We've done this before"
[10:18.33] <+Repriever> "We stick together!"
[10:18.47] * Penumbra nods, but goes off to the side to make sure Madei's safe
[10:18.52] <+Repriever> "Kallias, how quick? Faster than a mancer's way?"
[10:18.52] <+Tasham> "Then the bunch of us can take to the air to the air and get to the docks."
[10:19.02] <+Tasham> "Prevent them from taking any hostages."
[10:19.08] <DM> "If she can teleport, no."
[10:19.13] <DM> "If you can fly, also no."
[10:19.17] <DM> "Ten minutes is my route."
[10:19.30] <+Repriever> "We don't have ten minutes. Shala how many of us can you take?"
[10:19.59] <+Shala> [calculating]
[10:20.23] * You are now known as Kallias
[10:20.37] <Kallias> "We need to decide, now."
[10:20.42] <+Shala> [where do i find my maxmium load]
[10:20.46] <+Repriever> "Penumbra and Akvan take flight, meet us at the harbor. Shala jump."
[10:20.53] <+Repriever> [I don't think you can take us all]
[10:20.57] <+Repriever> [only 3?]
[10:21.10] <Kallias> "Wait, no."
[10:21.22] <Kallias> "The harbor is swarming with enemies. The inner gate, just north of the harbor, is still secure."
[10:21.27] <+Repriever> [1+3]
[10:21.33] * Akvan nods, then looks at penny, nodding to her
[10:21.39] <+Tasham> "I can fly by the way."
[10:21.42] <+Akvan> At her signal, Akvan leaps into the air
[10:21.46] <+Repriever> [so yourself, preev, tasham, kir]
[10:21.52] * Penumbra is chatting with Madei
[10:21.53] <+Repriever> "You can fly?"
[10:21.57] <+Repriever> "Since when?"
[10:22.02] <+Tasham> "Gauntlet bullshit."
[10:22.08] <+Penumbra> (and maybe someone nearby)
[10:22.08] * Repriever shakes his head, thinking.
[10:22.10] * Kallias holds up his fingers, and projects an illusory image of the gate.
[10:22.14] <+Repriever> "Plainchant, with us!"
[10:22.23] <+Tasham> "To us, to us!"
[10:22.28] <Kallias> "Harbor Gate Six!"
[10:22.30] * Kallias points
[10:22.34] <Kallias> "That direction!"
[10:22.35] <+Shala> "Kir too, get over here!"
[10:22.37] <+Repriever> [Tasham, Penny, Akvan fly]
[10:22.43] * Shala thinks
[10:22.44] * You are now known as Plainchant
[10:22.49] <+Shala> "Ok I've...seen that area."
[10:22.53] <Plainchant> "Whitelay, you have the Order!"
[10:22.54] * Shala gathers a magical energy
[10:22.54] * Kir runs to the folks
[10:23.05] <Plainchant> "Get the novices back to Marcelian! Then assist the evacuation!"
[10:23.10] <+Repriever> "Haste us first."
[10:23.15] * Kir activates the invisibility disk
[10:23.15] <+Repriever> "This'll go down quick."
[10:23.26] <+Kir> "Not gone, just vanished"
[10:23.32] <+Kir> [says the air]
[10:23.32] <+Shala> "I am going to stab you with cronomantic energy. Be prepared. It will be sudden. We can't have you dry heaving with the undead hordes around."
[10:23.41] <Plainchant> Kir says, as his optical camouflage winks on.
[10:23.44] * Shala threads a haste spell onto them
[10:23.50] <Plainchant> And he blurs out of visual perception.
[10:24.06] * Penumbra flies with Tasham and Akvan, spreading out our consciousness like a net to detect threats as well as to help avoid or confound detection (shadowplanes)
[10:24.10] <+Penumbra> ?roll 1d20+6
[10:24.10] <tBot> Penumbra: 16 ([10] +6)
[10:24.20] <+Shala> "Now....we go! To the inner gate!"
[10:24.26] <+Shala> [now for the roll :p ]
[10:24.33] <+Shala> ?roll 1d100
[10:24.33] <tBot> Shala: 71 [71]
[10:24.39] <+Tasham> "See you soon."
[10:24.41] <+Shala> [on target!]
[10:24.42] <+Repriever> [on target]
[10:25.07] * Shala stabs Kir and Repriever, jumping through folds of time and space
[10:25.22] <+Repriever> [you did what now?]
[10:25.29] <Plainchant> Yeah, you're going to have to describe it better than that. :p
[10:25.31] <+Shala> [ARTISTIC LICENSE]
[10:25.32] * Tasham clenches her fist, the gauntlet warping earth and gravity, and thrusts herself into the sky.
[10:25.44] <Plainchant> Tasham does not fly, so much as...
[10:25.49] <Plainchant> Fall with a direction other than down.
[10:26.00] <+Shala> [it's like a refreshing mint flavor in your entire body :p ]
[10:26.05] <Plainchant> Roll a fortitude save, Tasham.
[10:26.09] <+Tasham> [FUCK YOU GRAVITYYYYYyyyyyyy........]
[10:26.30] <+Tasham> ?roll 1d20+9
[10:26.30] <tBot> Tasham: 10 ([1] +9)
[10:26.49] <+Tasham> [Pfmf]
[10:27.07] <+Repriever> [right on into orbit]
[10:27.14] * Penumbra uses her speed to help Tasham
[10:27.17] <Plainchant> As you soar through the air, you feel the gauntlet greedily suck blood, as you as it to throw you several miles in a parabolic trajectory.
[10:27.39] <Plainchant> You soar past Akvan and Penumbra like a five hundred pound leaded crossbow bolt.
[10:27.41] <Plainchant> ask*
[10:27.43] <+Penumbra> [What roll to help direct her?]
[10:27.48] <Plainchant> Reflex save.
[10:28.13] <+Penumbra> ?roll 1d20+12
[10:28.13] <tBot> Penumbra: 24 ([12] +12)
[10:28.23] * Akvan flinches
[10:28.39] * Penumbra reacts
[10:28.48] <Plainchant> You have half a second to make a decision as you see Melchior on a trajectory that will take down a tower full of people.
[10:28.50] * Repriever calls on the aid of Calcis to defend her city as he's pulled into the teleport, infusing the shield with crackling electricity.
[10:29.06] <Plainchant> Throw her into the ground or throw her over the gate.
[10:29.13] <+Akvan> ?roll 1d20+6
[10:29.13] <tBot> Akvan: 17 ([11] +6)
[10:29.24] <Plainchant> Choose now, Penumbra.
[10:29.25] * Penumbra grabs hold instead and straings mightily to slow down her speed to land beside it
[10:29.36] <Plainchant> Way too fast for that.
[10:29.43] <+Penumbra> ?roll 1d20+13
[10:29.43] <tBot> Penumbra: 24 ([11] +13)
[10:29.57] <+Penumbra> [ok, ground!]
[10:30.18] <Plainchant> She's already gone, but she's zipping towards the target area.
[10:30.24] <Plainchant> Just with way too much speed and way too little control.
[10:30.43] <Plainchant> Melchior, you take...
[10:30.48] <Plainchant> ?roll 2d8
[10:30.48] <tBot> Plainchant: 10 [5 5]
[10:31.02] * Penumbra has an urge to chase after her but hangs back with Akvan instead - gotta arrive as a group and stay cohesive
[10:31.04] <Plainchant> 10 damage, and roll another fortitude save to regain control of the gauntlet's power.
[10:31.35] <+Tasham> ?roll 1d20+9
[10:31.36] <tBot> Tasham: 18 ([9] +9)
[10:32.04] <Plainchant> You regain control of the gauntlet's power, but Penumbra has thrown you onto a trajectory that will crash you into the ground short of the gate.
[10:32.07] <Plainchant> Roll a reflex save.
[10:32.16] <+Tasham> [prescience preroll]
[10:32.17] <+Tasham> ?roll 1d20
[10:32.18] <tBot> Tasham: 5 [5]
[10:32.28] <+Tasham> ?roll 1d20+2
[10:32.29] <tBot> Tasham: 18 ([16] +2)
[10:33.46] <Plainchant> You are able to crash into the ground at an angle that does less than terminal falling damage.
[10:34.14] <Plainchant> It's not incredibly pretty, though.
[10:34.45] <Plainchant> You land a few meters short of the harbor wall, hard, a stop drop and roll from hell. Calcissi guards don't know what to make of the smoking crater you just produced.
[10:34.59] * You are now known as DM
[10:35.09] <+Tasham> "When they offer to throw you, do NOT accept it."
[10:35.28] <DM> Plainchant, Repriever, Shala, Kir, you all gate out safely, on top of the gatehouse behind the wall.
[10:35.48] <DM> Right? You didn't roll anything awful.
[10:36.02] <+Repriever> [she rolled perfectly on target]
[10:36.21] <+Shala> [ ;) ]
[10:36.35] <+Shala> "Here we are...no incidents...no missing organs?"
[10:36.41] <DM> Tasham...
[10:36.44] <DM> You take a lot of damage.
[10:36.46] <+Shala> "Haha...just kidding..."
[10:36.46] <DM> Let's say 4d10
[10:36.46] <+Kir> "I think not"
[10:36.49] <DM> ?roll 4d10
[10:36.50] <tBot> DM: 13 [2 1 6 4]
[10:37.00] <DM> Broken shoulder, cracked rib, not as bad as it could have been.
[10:37.13] <+Shala> "Oh good, I've really never done that before!"
[10:37.17] * Kir loads his rifle and peers over the wall
[10:37.23] <+Kir> ?roll 1d20+13
[10:37.23] <tBot> Kir: 21 ([8] +13)
[10:37.25] <+Kir> perception
[10:37.30] <DM> Roll a reflex save, Kir.
[10:37.54] <+Kir> ?roll 1d20+10
[10:37.54] <tBot> Kir: 17 ([7] +10)
[10:38.08] <+Kir> [do bear in mind I'm invisible :P]
[10:38.16] <DM> An arrow whistles through the air inches away from your face.
[10:38.38] <DM> It appears to be aimed at the other guards on the walltop, who are returning fire.
[10:38.47] <DM> And.
[10:39.05] <DM> Penumbra and Akvan arrive without incident, although nervously viewing the Mel-crater as they do.
[10:39.12] * Akvan gingerly lands on it's edge
[10:39.23] <+Shala> "I can put up a crystal wall, and then we could puncture holes to shoot through?"
[10:39.25] * Shala thinks
[10:39.34] * Repriever is a-crackle with energy, anger burning in his eyes.
[10:39.42] * Shala is talking at a HASTED speed
[10:39.45] <DM> As you look over the wall, you see a war-zone.
[10:39.46] <+Repriever> "Motherfuckers."
[10:40.08] <DM> Active combat is occurring in the warren of warehouses and crowded slum buildings between the walls and a run-down section of harbor.
[10:40.22] <DM> This less-defended area, away from the core city, is where Couplet chose to strike.
[10:40.42] <+Penumbra> [Is she bombarding the walls from her ship?]
[10:40.44] <DM> And in the distance, Repriever, from your vantage point you see undead troops, herding civilians onto their warships.
[10:40.50] <+Akvan> "Mel, are you OK?"
[10:40.56] <+Akvan> "Need anything?"
[10:41.01] <+Repriever> "There! We have to go!"
[10:41.05] <DM> And now.
[10:41.06] * Tasham doesn't respond to 'Mel'.
[10:41.07] <+Akvan> "Say, a spark of health?"
[10:41.13] * Akvan shrugs
[10:41.14] <+Penumbra> "Help her."
[10:41.15] <DM> Everyone, roll initiative.
[10:41.17] * Penumbra flies up onto the wall
[10:41.19] <+Akvan> at her ignoring me
[10:41.23] <+Akvan> and walks up to the wal
[10:41.24] <+Akvan> l
[10:41.25] <+Penumbra> ?roll 1d20+4
[10:41.26] <+Kir> ?roll 1d20+7
[10:41.26] <tBot> Penumbra: 9 ([5] +4)
[10:41.26] <tBot> Kir: 20 ([13] +7)
[10:41.36] <+Repriever> ?roll 1d20
[10:41.36] <tBot> Repriever: 16 [16]
[10:41.37] <+Tasham> "Could stand a touch up, don't cuss."
[10:41.38] <+Akvan> ?roll1 d20+7
[10:41.39] <tBot> Not understood: roll1 d20+7
[10:41.40] <+Shala> ?roll 1d20+11
[10:41.40] <tBot> Shala: 24 ([13] +11)
[10:41.46] <+Tasham> ?roll 1d20
[10:41.46] <tBot> Tasham: 6 [6]
[10:41.54] <+Akvan> ?roll 1d20+7
[10:41.54] <tBot> Akvan: 21 ([14] +7)
[10:41.54] <DM> ＋https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HwXDMKG5B9nBW6pcFZOypvxCqij9SN-ZfsSWhN1EPek/edit?usp=sharing，
[10:42.10] <DM> Place yourselves at the top of the map, order yourselves in initiative, and...
[10:42.10] <+Repriever> [it's almost as if you prepped this]
[10:42.15] <DM> End! Session!