Diablotin 3 session 24

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Session

Session date: November 8, 2015

Diablotin date:

Prologue

<DiablotinNarrator> It is the beginning of Third-month, a time of year when the weather should be growing mild and spring-like, but Diablotin remains locked in the grip of winter.

<DiablotinNarrator> Food supplies are running low, with goods having to be imported from further afield where the weather is less severe.

Dorien nearly kills Misery with his newest drug

<DiablotinNarrator> Dorien, you've been studying the fungus samples you took, so I'd like you to make an alchemy roll to see what you've been able to learn about them.

<Dorien> (ok, sec)

<Dorien> (22)

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay. You are able to determine that the black and sickly fungus from the trees is poisonous to humans if ingested, at least.

<Dorien> (good to know)

<DiablotinNarrator> (I like to assume that Dorien found this out by eating some ;p)

<Dorien> (...likely.)

<DiablotinNarrator> The effects are alarming and frightening hallucinations, and a decrease in Wisdom.

<Dorien> (iiiinteresting)

<DiablotinNarrator> After ingestion, you also found that even when the primary effects had disappeared, you suffered from nightmares and disturbed sleep for a night afterwards.

• Dorien is not sure whether to chalk that up to the fungus or just his normal bad dreams :P

<DiablotinNarrator> (fair)

<DiablotinNarrator> What effects it might have on non-humans... well. have you tested it on Misery? ;)

• Dorien was just about to say he would tell Misery about his experiments and see what she thinks >.>
• Dorien is not going to dose his girlfriend with poison against her will

<Misery> (That's very noble of you)

<Dorien> (I try)

<Misery> What sort of hallucinations?

• Misery inquires curiously

<Dorien> (Good question...)

<DiablotinNarrator> (answer: things like your body melting, or being attacked by swarms of spiders, or similarly alarming things)

<Dorien> Weird ones. very visceral.

<Misery> Well... if you'll keep an eye on me, I'm willing to try it, anyway. What's the worst that could happen :p

<Dorien> Well... your liver could shut down and your brain could aneurysm.

<Dorien> But otherwiuse... not much.

<Misery> heh

<Misery> You say that like it's a bad thing :p

<Dorien> ...it is.

<Misery> Maybe we can get something to neutralize poisons before we experiment with it more.

<Misery> in case it turns really bad.

<Dorien> That's not a bad idea. I have a few healing potions handy, but I could whip up some anti-fungal potions real quick, just in case.

• Misery nods
• Dorien will do so.

<Misery> Meanwhile... My father talked to Tilkiira, and she wants to meet with us.

• Dorien will nod.

<Dorien> Do you trust her?

<Misery> Not really. But I'm pretty sure that if anyone can put Puce in his place, it'd be her.

<Dorien> Well, that alone is worth the chance, then.

<Misery> She'll want something in exchange. I just don't know what it'll be.

<Dorien> We'll burn that bridge when we get there.

<Misery> I wonder if this stuff could be useful to them.

• Misery says, idly eyeing the fungus.

<Misery> Maybe we could make a deal for it.

<Dorien> It's possible. For now at least it would be undetectable. Until someone besides us identifies it.

<Misery> Right. And it doesn't seem like it kills people - at least, not humans.

<Dorien> So far...

<Misery> So I wouldn't feel too terrible about it :p

<Dorien> Yeah.

<Misery> It needs a catchy name for marketing :p

<Dorien> Heh

<Dorien> Any ideas?

<Misery> Ah... Blackblight?

<Misery> it's suitably ominous-sounding

<Dorien> Hmmm

<Dorien> Not bad.

<Misery> Also, we might need to figure out how to grow it somewhere else other than 'on a magic tree'.

<Dorien> That's next on my list

<Dorien> cultivation

• Misery nods

<Dorien> It's not too useful if this is all we ever get.

• Dorien shakes the petri dish

<Misery> So... Mme. Korisse had a Serious Talk with me.

• Dorien will turn slightly paler.

<Dorien> Oh.

<Dorien> What about?

<Misery> She found out about the drugs, somehow...

<Dorien> Fuck...

<Misery> She didn't say it meant I couldn't work with her.

<Misery> But she had Concerns.

<Dorien> How did she find out?

<Misery> She didn't say.

<Dorien> What did you tell her?

<Misery> well, she wanted to know why.

• Dorien nods

<Misery> So I told her about the situation, some... about my mother's debts and having to find a way to pay them back that wasn't whoring.

<Misery> I think she was a little bit sympathetic to that, anyway. She said things like 'how awful', like nice rich ladies do.

• Dorien will sigh.

<Dorien> I'm sorry.

<Misery> it's okay... she's honestly nice. I don't think she really understands, but she tries.

<Dorien> Yeah. She's good people. But she comes from money. I know firsthand how that colors your outlook.

<Misery> racist :p

<Dorien> Said the kettle.

<Dorien> ;)

• Misery says, kicking you affectionately from where she sits on the side of the bed

<Misery> now that's definitely racist :p

<Dorien> Hah!

<Misery> Anyway... basically she wants me to not be a drug dealer anymore. She didn't say anything about you - I think she figures that's not her business.

<Dorien> Well... we're working on that :/

<Misery> Yeah...

<Misery> I didn't say 'well if you care so much, you could pay off my mother's debts, it's probably pocket change for you'

<Misery> I thought about it really hard though.

<Dorien> Yeah, I think that's probably a good thing to not say.

<Misery> Not if I want to keep working for her.

<Dorien> Yeah.

<Misery> Which I do.

<Dorien> How has the actual work been?

<Misery> It's pretty good.

<Misery> Interesting things to work on...

<Dorien> I thought it would be kind of up your alley.

<Misery> I think she and I are good for now, anyway - as long as nothing else goes wrong.

<Dorien> Let's hope.

• Misery nods

<Dorien> Speaking of... I think everything's ready.

<Misery> Okay. Well, let's give it a shot.

<Dorien> Just make sure you take a safe dose. less than half a milligram should do it. I took more than that so you should be fine.

• Misery nods

<Dorien> I'll be right here the whole time

• Dorien squeezes your hand

<Misery> I'm not going to try to resist it. I want to see what all it can do.

• Misery squeezes back

<Dorien> Ok.

<Dorien> If you get too far under I'll does you with everything I have.

<Dorien> (dose)

• Misery nods
• Misery gives you a kiss
• Dorien returns the kiss, lingering for a moment

<Misery> If I die, you can have my chemistry set, since you gave it to me anyway.

<Dorien> You'll be fine.

<Dorien> Have a good trip.

• Misery takes a tiny piece of the fungus, then

<Misery> (for you, it had a somewhat delayed effect- took about 10 minutes to kick in)

• Dorien will lay her down and stroke her head until it kicks in, then.
• Misery almost immediately grabs at her throat, as if she can't breathe

<Dorien> (Oh...)

<Dorien> Shit...

<Dorien> Misery?

• Dorien will grab for one of the potions
• Misery flails her arms, writhing as if trying to claw her way out of something

<Dorien> Fuck!

<Misery> n-no

• Misery tries to wave you back, you think?

<Dorien> Misery, can you hear me?

• Misery then goes very still. she's still breathing, but just lying almost rigid

<Dorien> Ok... fuck this...

• Dorien will attempt to get her to drink the potion
• Misery can be forced to swallow it, although it takes a bit of effort

<Dorien> (Any effect?)

• Misery groans, rolls over, and pukes on your bed :p

<Misery> that sucks

• Dorien will hold her and keep reassuring her.

<Dorien> It's ok. You're ok...

• Misery says after she's able to talk again

<Dorien> What happened?

<Misery> ah.. I felt like I was choking... then like the bed was sucking me into it

<Misery> maybe hallucinations?

<Dorien> It all happened so quick... I'm sorry, I never should have let you try that.

• Misery shakes her head weakly

<Misery> it's okay...

<Misery> it must affect me faster I guess

<Dorien> I'll say...

• Dorien will grab another nearby bottle.

<Dorien> Here, drink some of this.

<Dorien> (It's gin)

• Misery eyes it, then will take a swig

<Misery> blech

<Misery> ... sorry about the blanket

<Dorien> That should help with the headache you're about to have.

<Dorien> No problem... it was old anyway.

<Dorien> Here, let me get you to the couch and I'll clean up.

• Misery will spend the rest of the day recovering on the couch, but seems (for now) not to have any lingering serious effects

<Dorien> O_O

• Dorien will do everything he can to pamper her for the rest of the day.

<DiablotinNarrator> (aww)

Zola and Hugo attend Geffrard and Osmyn's wedding, and catch the metal-armed man after he attempts to assassinate Osmyn

<DiablotinNarrator> Zola and Hugo, you've done your part for getting the club ready for Geff and Osmyn's wedding ceremony.

• Zola is fluttering everywhere making things perfect.
• Hugonel will keep a close eye on the staff, while adjusting his new copper-orange scarf.
• Zola swoops by occasionally to give Hugo a peck on the cheek :3

<DiablotinNarrator> There aren't a lot of guests, just a few close friends, and the staff who are helping out.

<DiablotinNarrator> Rather a lot of warforged, perhaps not surprisingly.

• Zola has prepared a selection of achingly romantic songs, including a couple from Psyra
• Geffrard has nerves, but Osmyn seems fine
• Zola exudes supportive excitement at Geff
• Geffrard does have a very nice suit, though, thanks to Hugo's fashion advice ;p
• Zola does watch to see what Osmyn thinks of it

<Osmyn> You look lovely :)

<Zola> .oO( Squeeeee )

• Hugonel nods enthusiastically.
• Osmyn tells him, picking an invisible bit of fluff off his lapel

<Hugonel> Zola, my dear, I don't know what is more lovely, you or this wonderful event you've put together.

<Hugonel> Not to mention our lovebirds here.

<Zola> Oh but we must mention them :3:3:3

• Zola strokes the arm of Hugo's jacket, though, not entirely discarding his praise...

<Zola> You've chosen well yourself... complementing the groom ^_^

<Zola> Well, Geff.

<Hugonel> Why, thank you.

• Zola plucks at his scarf a bit until it's a shape she likes.

<Hugonel> I think, though, given the recent events, a little checking around might be warranted at this point.

<Zola> Hmm?

<Zola> Checking for what?

<Hugonel> Trouble.

<Zola> You don't think?

<Hugonel> It's been on my mind.

• Zola frowns in concern.

<Zola> Do you think I should get my gun?

• Zola whispers

<Hugonel> If the club really is some sort of nexus or attractor for fey ... who knows? Warforged are not well-loved among them, I'm sure.

<Hugonel> It can't hurt.

• Zola sighs... "I suppose..."

<Zola> I'll be back in a flash.

• Zola scurries away to aquire her tiny pistol
• Hugonel will cast Detect Magic in the club, at least
• Zola will also cast Detect Magic just before re-entering the main area.

<DiablotinNarrator> I'm sure there is magic on some people (people's magic items that they are wearing, that sort of thing) but nothing that seems out of the ordinary?

<Hugonel> Hmm ... well, there's nothing to be done, really, but be alert.

• Zola nods
• Zola has her pistol in a thigh holster so as not to accidentally alarm anyone she hugs exuberantly

<DiablotinNarrator> (heh)

• Valeen will move up to take her place so that the ceremony can begin
• Valeen is wearing an adorable red dress ;)
• Zola gives her an excited wave :D
• Zola is also presumably in a red dress if Geff and Osmyn didn't have a preferred colour theme :P
• Geffrard and Osmyn join hands, making their way together to front of the stage which is serving as an altar ;)
• Zola is presumably singing

<Zola> (at some point)

<Zola> (Seems like the right point :P)

<DiablotinNarrator> (sure :)

<DiablotinNarrator> (you can make a roll to see how awesome you do ;)

<Zola> (23 boo)

<DiablotinNarrator> (that's perfectly adequate, anyway :)

• Valeen smiles, and will give the traditional blessing to begin the ceremony

<Valeen> Today, we are gathered to join Geffrard and Osmyn in the bonds of marriage.

• Zola forgets to be alert, watching Valeen and the two grooms :3

<Valeen> Gentlemen, may your marriage bring you all the joy a marriage should bring, and may life grant you patience, tolerance, and understanding for one another.

<Valeen> May you always need one another - not to fill your emptiness but to help you to know your completion.

<Valeen> When frustration, difficulties, and fear assail your relationship - as they threaten all relationships at one time or another - remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong.

<Valeen> Together, you can withstand the storms that will sometimes that hide the stars - remembering that even if you lose sight of them for a moment, the stars are still there.

<Valeen> May your lives together be marked by abundance and delight, as you are reminded each day and each night of the love that brought you together.

<Valeen> Geffrard, do you take this man to be your husband, to love and honour him for as long as you live?

<Geffrard> I do.

<Valeen> Osmyn, do you take this man to be your husband, to love and honour him for as long as you live?

• Zola shimmies discreetly.
• Osmyn nods, and then realizes he probably has to say it out loud, so clears his throat slightly and says 'Yes'.
• Zola shimmies less discreetly :D

<Valeen> Then I hereby bless your marriage in the name of the Seven.

<Valeen> You may now kiss one another :)

• Hugonel tries to keep an eye out for trouble, but there's some water in there ...
• Geffrard shares a kiss with his new husband :3
• Zola applauds!

<DiablotinNarrator> Afterwards, there is of course refreshments and music. Zola can have a dance with Haft ;)

• Zola flirts with all the warforged!
• Zola does dance with Haft FIRST though.

<DiablotinNarrator> (aw :)

<DiablotinNarrator> The celebrations last for a couple of hours, but soon enough things will have to wrap up in order for the club to open as usual in the evening.

<DiablotinNarrator> Tits has, of course, given Geff the night off ;p

<DiablotinNarrator> You gather to see off the happy couple

<DiablotinNarrator> Their car is waiting outside the front door, but they hesitate for a little while, offering their thanks

• Geffrard gives you a hug, Zola
• Zola celebrates effusively
• Zola hugs tight!

<Zola> So happy!

<Geffrard> Thank you for all your help :)

• Zola wiggles with him during the hug
• Hugonel smiles.

<Zola> You're welcome!

<Hugonel> It was our pleasure. Enjoy your night!

<Zola> Yes! Do :D

<Geffrard> Well, we'll try :)

<Zola> Try lots!

<Zola> :D

• Zola allows herself a lascivious moment
• Geffrard blushes a little

<DiablotinNarrator> At that moment, a shot rings out, and Osmyn gives a cry as he slumps over on the ground.

<Zola> ... oh!

• Zola rushes over to him
• Osmyn 's arms are suddenly wreathed with crackling electricity
• Zola will Cure Light Wounds
• Hugonel looks around to see if he can see where the shooter is coming from.
• Zola will perhaps not cure light wounds
• Geffrard does too, scanning the buildings across the street.

<Geffrard> Haft, up there!

<Zola> (I do if he's still down, but if he's getting up to fuck with people, not)

• Geffrard says, pointing to a shadowy figure on one of the rooftops
• Osmyn seems injured but not dying (yet anyway), and seriously pissed

<Hugonel> (is it less than 35 feet away?)

• Zola will go with the heal then
• Hugonel casts Hideous Laughter, if so.

<DiablotinNarrator> you can try it, Hugo

<Hugonel> (ok, save DC 19, 20 if the target is human)

<DiablotinNarrator> 'kk

<DiablotinNarrator> Hugo, you hear an echoing, eerie laughter

• Zola is so mad she's not an evoker right now.

<Hugonel> Up there - I got him!

• Zola pulls her pistol.
• Hugonel will run up there and hope that he's not the only one.

<Zola> How do we get up there?

• Geffrard draws his gun and will attempt to fire at the figure, and Haft is already running for the building

<Hugonel> (good question!)

<DiablotinNarrator> (probably by going inside the building across the street, which is a cafe)

<DiablotinNarrator> Haft seems inclined to scale the wall, though - probably that is less of an option for you

<Hugonel> (ok, you know what, I'm going to keep an eye on alleys / possible exits rather than running up there. If I see it/him move, time for an Ear-Piercing Scream)

• Osmyn 's eyes are also glowing blue, like the electricity that flickers over his arms
• Zola will insire courage :3

<DiablotinNarrator> The laughter stops before Haft makes it up the side of the building - possibly the target is now free of the effects of your spell

• Hugonel will cast Ear-Piercing Scream if I see a target

<Zola> (Yeah, if dude peeks at us at any point he is kinda fucked.)

• Zola will fascinate his ass.

<DiablotinNarrator> By the sounds of things, whoever it was is now running away, over the rooftops

<DiablotinNarrator> You can each see the figure long enough to try and cast your spells, depending on the range they have?

<Hugonel> (35 feet)

<Hugonel> (is that enough?)

<Zola> (Well, how far away are they? In theory, I can cast Allegro, and get 5 rounds at ouble-speed to catch up, and then fascinate the target once I get around in front.)

<DiablotinNarrator> (that is briefly enough, yes)

<Hugonel> (fine, Ear-Piercing Scream, Fort save DC 16)

• Zola kicks off her heeled shoes and casts Allegro

<DiablotinNarrator> They are 35 feet for the moment, but they'll be running

• Zola begins to chase him

<Zola> (or her)

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, Hugo, you cast your spell, Zola you can give chase along the street

<Hugonel> (if save: 1d6 damage; if fail: 2d6 damage and dazed for 1 round to let people catch up)

<DiablotinNarrator> ('kk)

<DiablotinNarrator> Haft is also in pursuit at rooftop level

• Geffrard goes to his husband's side, rather than trying to pursue

<Geffrard> it's okay...

<DiablotinNarrator> Zola - you reach the end of the street before he does, and you can try your fascinate

• Osmyn 's eyes seem to flicker for a moment, and the lighting fades away, leaving him pale and still obviously injured
• Hugonel will then stay near Osmyn in case there is more trouble there - if (as it seems) they didn't manage to kill him, they may be back
• Zola will sing a song about bastards.

<Zola> DC 18

• Hugonel will get someone to go inside and call the police, but he will stay near Geff and Osmyn.

<DiablotinNarrator> Zola - your song causes the fleeing figure to pause, and Haft tackles it to the ground. literally to the ground, from off the top of a roof.

<Zola> :o

<DiablotinNarrator> Zola, the warforged lands more or less at your (cold) feet, with a man underneath him

• Zola aims her pistol

<Zola> Haft you OK?

<DiablotinNarrator> You're able to see that the man, whoever he is, has a metallic arm

<Zola> (I don't know about this dude at all do I?)

<Haft> I'm quite all right, thank you

<Zola> Is ... he?

• Zola pokes him with her toe
• Haft gives him a look as the man stirs and groans, and punches him in the side of the head

<Haft> He'll live.

<Zola> Good.

• Zola says in a not entirely well meaning way.
• Zola looks around to make sure he doesn't have any friends as Haft gets him under hand.

<DiablotinNarrator> The guards will arrive, having been called, and matters will be dealt with - I'm sure you'll all have to answer some questions.

• Zola steals his shoes

<Zola> (for the walk back)

<DiablotinNarrator> (lol)

• Zola charms him for good measure >_>

<Zola> (Oh hey I have share memory guys)

<Haft> He's Bloodforged.

• Haft says to you, Zola, since you're nearest

<Zola> What's that?

• Haft points to his arm

<Zola> Like ... half warforged?

• Haft nods
• Zola walks uncomfortably in the stranger's boots

<Zola> I didn't know that was a thing...

<Haft> I only heard rumours about it.

<Hugonel> Well, you know, Zola, when a human and a warforged love each other very much ... no?

<Haft> I didn't know they were real.

• Zola does NOT know, despite trying all day.
• Haft will haul him back for the guards, in any case

<Zola> Wait, Haft...

• Haft turns back to you for a moment

<Zola> I could uh... try to fish some memories from him?

<Haft> I think we should take him to the guards before he wakes up again.

<Zola> OK.

<Zola> You know where to find me :)

• Haft nods
• Zola rushes back to the grooms.
• Neva has healed Osmyn up the rest of the way, it seems

<Zola> We got the bastard!

<Geffrard> Good.

• Geffrard has his arm around Osmyn protectively
• Zola gives Geff a side-hug on his spare side

<DiablotinNarrator> The guards will take it from there, but the grooms and the rest of you will no doubt have to spend the next couple hours answering questions.

<DiablotinNarrator> So for now, we'll move on...

• Hugonel will alert Tits to what's going on and try to keep calm around the club so we can still open on time that evening.
• Zola tosses the boots in the trash spitefully
• Zola sighs and digs them out and donates them instead.

Lathra agrees to a date with Leiris

<DiablotinNarrator> Lathra, you are at home one afternoon, and there's a knock at your door

• Lathra peeks outside
• Leiris stands there with a bouquet of flowers and a bottle

<Lathra> Oh!

• Lathra checks her clothes and sniffs herself

<Lathra> . o O (Ugh... well, whatever)

<Leiris> (you're fine, hopefully!)

• Lathra answers the door.

<Leiris> Hello... :)

<Lathra> (Fine for staying in probably, probably not for a date :P)

<Leiris> (heh)

<Lathra> Lieris! What a lovely surprise!

<Lathra> Will you come in?

<Leiris> I hope I'm not interrupting you at work or anything?

<Lathra> Nothing I can't take a break from, I assure you.

• Leiris will step inside, then, and offer you the flowers (a non-ostentatious yellow and orange bouquet) and the bottle, which is gin

<Lathra> Why it's lovely, thank you!

• Lathra admires the bottle

<Lathra> And uh...

• Lathra retrieves the candlestick holding the dried-up flowers that Gen gave her, and quickly disposes of them to make room for the new ones.

<Leiris> I, ah, heard about the unfortunate incident... I wanted to see if you were all right.

<Lathra> Oh I'm fiiine, dear. It takes more than that, as they say!

<Lathra> Oh, these are still fine... I shall have to secure a real vase I suppose.

<Leiris> I'm glad you're okay.

• Lathra grins and makes a "pshaw" gesture with her hand

<Leiris> This city... sometimes isn't very friendly to strangers. Or people who look like strangers, no matter how long they've been here.

<Lathra> Yes, well... honestly I've been pleasantly surprised that I haven't had more of that sort of thing.

<Lathra> I mean, it's terrible of course and I shouldn't make like of it. But I'm fine, really.

<Lathra> (*light)

• Leiris nods

<Leiris> Well, other than that, how have you been?

<Lathra> Oh, simply overwhelmed, really. With all these political goings-on on top of my regular jobs...

<Lathra> I'm sorry, I haven't been very... outgoing... as a result.

<Leiris> that's quite understandable

<Leiris> My boss is out of town, so I have a bit more flexibility - although I have to keep things running, at least I'm not being asked to stay after work 'just to finish up these three books'.

<Leiris> I mean, I might do that on my own, but at least then it's my decision ;)

<Lathra> Yes, I know what you mean. It's quite different doing extra work when it's for yourself.

• Leiris nods

<Leiris> I wondered if you might like to go out again sometime? I know with all that's going on it's difficult to find the time, but... I would very much like to see you again.

<Lathra> Well now I would like that, yes. Let's arrange that... and I have another idea, if you'd like to hear it?

<Leiris> All right?

<Lathra> Well if you're *really* interested in getting to know me - would you like to come along on the next suitable expedition that arises? The last two have really been quite something.

<Leiris> Oh! Yes, I'd like that very much :) It's been a while since I've gotten to go on an expedition.

<Lathra> Wonderful! It's settled then. I shall let you know as soon as I hear of something - it may be short notice though, these things sometimes are.

<Leiris> I think Xan will understand if I need to leave on short notice, assuming he's even around himself ;)

<Lathra> And as for going out - I think the sooner we can arrange something, the less likely it is that something Terribly Important will occur and postpone it.

• Leiris nods

<Leiris> Well, what would you like to do? We could go to the Imperial Museum, I think we'd talked about that last time - or to Oracle's, if you'd rather something a bit more flashy :)

<Lathra> Oh let's do the museum - you must know a few stories about some of the things there?

<Leiris> Indeed, I do. One of them is actually about the last expedition I was able to go on :)

<Leiris> How would ... hmm, sometime next week work for you?

<Lathra> Well then I simply demand that we go to the museum.

• Leiris smiles

<DiablotinNarrator> (I'll assume you can come to some agreement on a time that will work for both of you)

<Lathra> (Yeah, I don't have an IC calendar ;) )

<DiablotinNarrator> (Heh)

<Leiris> Well.. it was good to see you again, Lathra. I'll look forward to visiting the museum with you.

<Lathra> And I will look forward to opening your thoughtful gift!

<Lathra> Wink!

• Lathra winks
• Leiris seems completely charmed by that ;)
• Leiris will bid farewell, and take his leave
• Lathra waves him off, and then carries the bottle around the house trying to find somewhere to keep it where she'll save it for a special occasion.

Hettie, Denise, and Argent return to the undercity and meet the ghost of Ander's grandfather

<DiablotinNarrator> Hettie and Denise, along with Enver and Nycki you are able to coordinate times and gather supplies to make a return expedition into the sewers

<DiablotinNarrator> Denise has also asked Argent to go, for further reinforcements (and 'cause it's cool)

<Denise>  :D :D :D

<Argent> (yeah! 5th wheel!)

<DiablotinNarrator> (strangely, Mireva was not up for this as a date idea)

<Denise> (heh)

<Argent> (lol)

<Enver> (I assume you've filled Argent in on what you encountered last time?)

<Denise> (yes!)

• Denise has brought rope and possibly other dungeoneering type things?

<DiablotinNarrator> (yes, lots of rope for everyone)

• Denise isn't sure if thee i anything we could get tob help resist poison/diseasey type stuff in case we encounter more blighty musroomy things?

<DiablotinNarrator> (apparently you could talk to Dorien? ;)

<Hettienne> (we can wear like cloths over our mouths & noses at least)

<Denise> (yeah)

<Denise> (to both of those ;p)

<DiablotinNarrator> (I'll assume Dorien is helpful enough to give you a couple of those anti-fungal things he's working on)

<Argent> (ill pick up a healers kit, just in case)

<Denise> (cool)

<DiablotinNarrator> You are able to return to the point where you encountered the fungus rats, and the grate is still intact

<Denise> that's good, anyway

• Enver takes a look at it
• Denise can help leverage it out of the way again

<Enver> It doesn't look like they were gnawing at it any more

<Denise> (after he looks at it >.>)

<Denise> good

<Hettienne> Maybe that were all of 'em...

<Denise> un less they found another way in...

<Hettienne> Ugh.

<Nycki> Maybe we can find out what they were lookin' for, anyway...

<Denise> yeah

• Argent will look around for signs of anyone else being here
• Denise will *now* help get the grate out of the ay >.>
• Enver will work on getting the rope secured

<DiablotinNarrator> Argent, you can make a Perception check to look around the area

<Argent> (28)

<DiablotinNarrator> There is a faint lingering sort of moldy smell, but you don't pick up on any recent tracks or anything like that.

<Argent> don't think anyone else has been here to look at it

<Nycki> I'm gonna hope that's a good thing.

<DiablotinNarrator> Once Enver has fastened the rope securely, you can begin to descend into the large cavern below...

<Denise> I guess we'll see :D

<DiablotinNarrator> Climb checks for everyone

<DiablotinNarrator> also it would be good to know what order you're going in

<Denise> !roll 1d20+10

• Zola rolls for Denise: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 14 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 24 ].
• Denise can also assist other if needed?

<Denise> (maybe I shoudl go first?)

<Denise> (both for climbing and also for beefyness?)

<Argent> (im an ok climber (+7))

<Argent> (I can go second... unlikely I would fall)

<Argent> (boo only 13)

<DiablotinNarrator> (I'm just checking on N and E's scores)

<Hettienne> (also 13)

<DiablotinNarrator> (Enver has a +9, Nycki also forgot to buy it ;)

<Hettienne> (lol)

<DiablotinNarrator> !roll 1d20+9

• Zola rolls for DiablotinNarrator: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 19 ].

<Denise> (well lemme know if I can make assist rolls ;p)

<DiablotinNarrator> !roll 1d20

• Zola rolls for DiablotinNarrator: [ 1d20 ] getting [ 17 ].

<DiablotinNarrator> (however she did okay without it ;)

<DiablotinNarrator> (I guess the Thundercunts never did second-story jobs ;)

<Denise> (heh)

<Denise> (they just took the stairs ;p)

<DiablotinNarrator> You manage to descend the long rope, although there are a couple of worrying moments, nobody slips or falls

<DiablotinNarrator> Denise, you reach the bottom first, and your feet crunch on something hard and brittle at the same time.

<Denise> . o O (That better not be bones but I bet it is >.>)

<DiablotinNarrator> (I put you on the map in roll20 :)

• Denise will look

<DiablotinNarrator> (admire my piles of booones)

<DiablotinNarrator> You are standing in a field of bones, bare of flesh but some still with remains of tattered clothing and wisps of hair.

<Denise> D:

<Denise> ...

<Hettienne> Fuuuuuck me

<Denise> Well I guess we know what happened to the folks who stayed behind...

<Hettienne> THe boneyard, I guess.

<Enver> That's why they call it the Boneyard...

<Hettienne> DId they all die here, or did they get put here?

<Enver> I think it's not the folks who stayed behind, Denise... or not all, anyway. Our folks buried 'em here.

<Enver> Well, not 'buried' exactly >.>

<Denise> I thought there catacombs were like... more put there, but this is more like... piles?

<Denise> huh

• Enver says, stepping carefully over someone's skeleton
• Denise will tread carefully

<Enver> I think they used to be more... neatened up.

<Denise> :/

<Enver> Dunno why it's such a mess...

<Denise> what's up there?

• Denise looks up at the dias-y thing

<Denise> (and is there really a clear-ish area?

<DiablotinNarrator> It is, as you surmised, a platform kind of thing, that looks deliberately carved, not a natural formation. It is at the edge of a deep crevasse.

<DiablotinNarrator> Yes there's an area where you can walk without stepping on dead people constantly - it isn't completely clear, but more scattered bits than full skeletons.

• Denise will stick to that part
• Argent will look around for any movement or threats
• Denise will look, and also sniff the air?

<Hettienne> (samesies)

<DiablotinNarrator> And there's the sound of flowing water, as a stream runs along and falls into the hole in a waterfall.

<Denise> (per then scent)

<Denise> !roll 2d20+8

• Zola rolls for Denise: [ 2d20+8 ] getting [ 6 20 ] for a total of [ 26 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 34 ].

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, you can roll for 'em

<Hettienne> !roll 1d20+10

• Zola rolls for Hettienne: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 5 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 15 ].

<Hettienne> !roll 1d20+10

• Zola rolls for Hettienne: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 20 ].

<Hettienne> (15/20 per/scent)

<Denise> (whoops, but I'm happy to count that as an 14 and a 28 ;p)

<DiablotinNarrator> (heh)

<Argent> (36 Per)

<Denise> (both skills are at 8)

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, not going to bother to roll for Enver and Nycki since you guys did well enough on your own

<DiablotinNarrator> There are signs that someone or something else has been in here. The way the bodies are disarrayed is one clue, but you can also pick up on subtler signs - some tracks in the dust, a faint odour of living humans instead of long-dead ones.

<Denise> (recent?)

• Denise looks Concerned

<Denise> Someone's been down here - I can smell 'em

<DiablotinNarrator> Yes, probably fairly recent.

<DiablotinNarrator> But like, a few days ago, not two minutes ago - that sort of recent.

<Denise> Maybe a few days?

• Argent will try to get a sense of the origin of the tracks and see if he would be able to follow them

<DiablotinNarrator> You can do that, Argent

<Argent> (33 survival, and they are considered 1 day fresher from Celestial Hunter trait)

<DiablotinNarrator> You are able to see the path they make through the cavern - they seem to lead in the direction of the far wall from where you descended. The tracks are human, or humanoid anyway - not rodents.

• Argent will pass the information to the group

<DiablotinNarrator> Before you can get too far away, though, something odd happens...

<DiablotinNarrator> Hettie, you notice it first - a glowing ball of light appears, hovering over the crevasse but slowly drifting closer to you.

<Hettienne> Whoah...

<Enver> (it's small, like about the size of a hand, say)

• Denise turns to watch

<Denise> huh :o

<Hettienne> ANyone got an idea?

• Nycki draws her gun - that's an idea >.>

<Denise> it's gotta be some kinda magic...

• Denise eyes Argent

<Argent> (dancing lights? Spellcraft? Wisp or Undead K>?)

• Denise takes a defensive stance though she doesn't know ho you can punch a ball of light.....

<Hettienne> It don't look like a mushroom, at least

<Denise> yeah

<DiablotinNarrator> Above the platform, the ball of light shifts and expands, becoming the translucent, faintly glowing figure of a man. He wears what look like old-fashioned, simply-made clothing, and carries a staff. His hair is long, and his eyes are white and shine as if from a light within.

<Denise> :o

<Hettienne> Uh.

<Denise> a ghost? :o

<Ghost> <w> Leave this place.

<Ghost> <w> Too many have trespassed here.

<Argent> (Do I figure its a Ghost? K:Religion?)

<Hettienne> We ain't trespassin'. This is where we come from. :|

<Denise> yeha - this is our place too

<Denise> who are you? :o

<DiablotinNarrator> (sure, you can make a check, Argent)

<Argent> (12... no idea unless its really common)

<DiablotinNarrator> Yeah, you don't know - it would be hard to tell the difference between various types of ethereal or insubstantial creatures unless it attacks you or uses some power, anyway

• Ghost drifts slightly closer, as if it's ... examining you somehow
• Argent will detect evil
• Denise stands firm though her first instinct is to lean away

<DiablotinNarrator> The entity does not radiate evil, Argent

<Argent> Are you the protector or watcher of this place?

<Ghost> <w> Who am I? I am the last guardian of this sacred place.

• Ghost turns to you, Argent

<Ghost> <w> Who are you? You have the mother's blood within you.

• Ghost floats right up to you, Argent
• Hettienne eyes Argent.
• Argent does not shrink back
• Denise watches this carefully

<Argent> I am called Argent. What happened here, who desicrated this place?

• Ghost peers into your face, its dead eyes meeting yours

<Ghost> <w> The builders from the surface

<Ghost> <w> They come with tools that destroy, not create

<Argent> do you know what they were looking for?

<Ghost> <w> A path through

<Denise> ...for the subway, maybe?

• Denise remembers her da mentioning that >.>

<Enver> Maybe, yeah. I know they're doin' work on that.

<Denise> were they just... humanfolk?

• Denise asks

<Hettienne> They can't just plow a train track through our graveyards!!!

• Hettienne sputters
• Ghost is speaking in Rat by the way - I should have mentioned that earlier, but I think you can all speak it anyway?

<Denise> yeah >:/

<Denise> I

<Denise> 'll let the boss know, for sure.

<Hettienne> I bet we'd never have even found out if this see-through bird weren't here!!

<Ghost> <w> Humans, yes... they do not know what else lurks here

<Denise> ...

<Hettienne> ...

<Denise> what else does lurk here? o_O

<Hettienne> Mushrooms?

<Ghost> <w> When the fungus destroys them, my children will gnaw their bones.

<Hettienne> <m> God damn mushrooms

<Enver> Uh.. that seems ... not so good.

<Denise> what iof the musrooms take over your children >.>

<Ghost> <w> My children will not be taken by the invaders... they know how to scurry and hide

<Denise> we saw some rats what were all infected when we came down here before

<Denise> well, when we tried >.>

• Ghost raises his hand and there is a rustling, unsettling sound from somewhere in the midst of the bones

<Denise> ...

<Argent> what do the invaders want here? we believe they seek this place.

<Ghost> <w> I guard the mother's tomb and the resting place of all our dead - if they do not seek that, then I have no quarrel with them.

<Denise> ...is the mother Emkathon?

<Denise> Isn't she already gone?

<Ghost> <w> Her resting place is a sacred site... I chose to stay, to guard it forever...

<Hettienne> We just came lookin' for something that's supposed to be here... like some kinda piece of our heritage

<Nycki> Who are you? I mean, do you have a name, so that we can be... on friendly terms, like?

<Ghost> <w> Name... yes. I had a name once. My name was Jann.

• Ghost says as if it's been a long time since he's had to use it, or even think about it

<Hettienne> (does that mean anything to us scrubs)

<DiablotinNarrator> (ahh, I guess if anyone has k:history? or Denise, I think Ander's told you that particular story...)

<Denise> (he did't use the name)

<DiablotinNarrator> (okay)

<Denise> (though I can guess still :p)

<Denise> YOu're the ones who stayed back when the others left

<Ghost> <w> Yes... my children and I...

<Denise> ....not all your children >.>

<Argent> Jann, we fear the servants of the Fungus Queen seek something here. May we approach the alter and examine it?

• Hettienne gives Den a look like 'what are you on about, girl'

<Denise> Didn't I tell you the story I had from Ander?

• Denise whispers to her aunt

<Ghost> <w> You may.

<Hettienne> noooope

• Ghost says with an emphasis on the 'you', to Argent.

<Denise> ...

<Denise> :|

• Argent shrugs
• Denise says when Aregnt can go

<Argent> any hints?

• Argent asks before he goes
• Ghost is going with you... he drifts along beside you, Argent, peering at you with unsettling blank eyes
• Argent will go up to the alter and "check it out" as best he can... use detect magic and stuff...not really sure what he is looking for.

<DiablotinNarrator> (You can make a Perception roll, too)

• Denise shuffles over towards the others to confer while he does that

<Hettienne> Well while he's gettin' a tour o' the tomb...

<Hettienne> ANyone see anything what looks like a red road?

<Denise> Ander said there were a bunch of folks who stayed behind at the emergence....

<Argent> (31)

<Denise> That it was his granda who led them >.>

<Denise> They were stayin' to rotect somethin' - he thought it was Emkathon, but no oenwver knew what happened to em @_@

<Hettienne> So this ghost it Ander's...?

<Hettienne> (is)

<Denise> I guess so :o

<Denise> he said all the sons satyed with theier da, but all the girls came out with their mam

<Hettienne> Huh.

<Nycki> We could check out the stream, maybe... that's the only thing even at all like a road that I see here.

• Nycki says in answer to your question, Hettie
• Denise nods

<Denise> yeah

<Hettienne> Maybe if you told him you're tight with his grandkid he'd help us more :p

<Hettienne> Yeah...

• Hettienne ambles over towards the water/
• Nycki sticks close with you

<Denise> Maybe, but like, I dunno of it were a friendy split >.>

• Denise goes too, dividing her attention between picking her way through the bones with you guys and keeping an eye on Argent

<Denise> His gran is still alive though, but she's like really old @_@

<DiablotinNarrator> Hettie, the water has a reddish tint to it - maybe there's clay in it or something like that, but it's definitely a rusty shade.

<Hettienne> Hey hey.

<Hettienne> Red road.

<Denise> yeah

<Hettienne> What's the next bit?

<Nycki> I'm not sure how we're gonna follow it

<Hettienne> Is it deep?

• Nycki points to the crevasse it flows into

<Hettienne> Hmmm...

<Nycki> Uh, door locked with a feather.

• Nycki says re. the next bit

<Hettienne> Well, we got rope.

<Denise> do we got a boat? >.>

<Nycki> Yeah... but not sure Spooky there is gonna let us go down, if that's where he's guarding.

<Denise> :|

<Hettienne> Well let's have a chat when he's done with the boy.

<Denise> Argent

<DiablotinNarrator> Argent - you examine the raised platform carefully, but you don't find anything magical or especially strange about it, other than that it is sort of hanging right at the edge of this deep hole.

• Argent looks back to the group when he hears his name
• Argent ask Jenn

<Argent> Do you know what is down the hole?

<Ghost> <w> The mother's tomb.

<Ghost> <w> Your mother's mother's tomb.

• Argent will go back to the group near the river

<Ghost> <w> You could join me here...

• Ghost whispers after you as you go
• Ghost drifts along after you

<Argent> <w> I cannot join you, there is too much for me to do still

<Argent> So nothing special on the alter... but down the pit...

<Ghost> <w> what could be more important than this?

<Ghost> <w> all of you could stay... you are all my children...

<Denise> ...

<Hettienne> Uhhhh what?

<Denise> like no way dude

<Denise> We got to take care of folks who are still livin' >:/

<Nycki> Yeah, thanks for the offer an' all, but we gotta be goin'

• Enver holds on to Denise's hand, edging away from creepy dead grandpa.

<Nycki> Been real good talkin' with you though

<Denise> yeah...

• Denise squeeaes Enver's hand, but will extricate herself from his grip incase she needs her hands >.>

<Argent> Jann, we cannot stay with you.

• Ghost raises his hand again, and a cluster of ghostly rats emerge from the bones, approaching you on stealthy, insubstantial paws

<Hettienne> Awww nawwww man. -_-

<Ghost> <w> My duty will never be done... my children can never sleep.

<Denise> @_@

<Nycki> Okay fuck that.

• Nycki is heading back to the noperope.

<Denise> yeah well.... looks like you got plenty to help you out @_@

<Denise> we're just gonna... go @_@

• Hettienne will go with Nycki!

<Hettienne> We are out

• Denise also, keeping herslef between the others and the ghostrats
• Enver will make sure Denise is coming too, backing away carefully in the direction of the exit
• Ghost will not pursue you further, then, as you depart from his territory
• Argent goes with the group

<Argent> well that was... strange.

<Nycki> creepy as fuck, you mean?

<Hettienne> So much for treasure :/

<Hettienne> Let's go get drunk.

<Enver> Man, I don't wanna fight that guy... I just feel kinda sorry for him :/

<Denise> yeah @_@

<Denise> That's gonna be fun to tell the boss about later >.>

<Argent> at least we have an idea of what is down there

<Denise> yeah

<Denise> and

<Denise> like

<Enver> Maybe we can figure out some other way to get around him.

<Denise> we really can't let 'em build threogh there @_@

<Denise> first, that just ain't right

<Enver> Or like... get him to ... go to wherever dead folks go >.>

<Denise> \plus, like, folks'll just get et by ghostrats @_@

<Hettienne> Yeah.

<Hettienne> We gotta stop that.

• Nycki nods

<Argent> there is likely a way we can get him to move on

<Denise> well though, if the treasure really were Emkathon's tomb then there ain't nothin' there

<Argent> are you certain?

<Denise> well... I now she ain't there

<Denise> I guess maybe there was stuff?

<Denise> I guess I figure if there were anythin', by now the folks who run that big temple woulda come got it?

<Nycki> Maybe they don't know about it?

<Hettienne> So what, we need a priest? Or a channel?

• Nycki shrugs

<Argent> a priest

<Nycki> Maybe a channel might have better luck with this fella... dunno that he'd have much use for a priest.

<Nycki> but depends what they're gonna do, I guess

<Nycki> if it's to talk some sense into him, yeah :p

<Denise> I can let Mickey know and see that the channels think?

<Denise> Liek, they may wanna deal with it anyway?>

• Nycki nods

<Denise> they can sort out a proest if that's what's right

<Denise> (priest)

Gen and Madds establish that neither of them is up for anything more than friendship

• Madds will meet you at the Eleusinian Museum, Gen, since it's free and warm ;)
• Genevriel is in the lobby reading a book called "Teach Yourself Celestial!" by Sister Grace Charlevoix, when he arrives.

<Madds> Hello :)

• Genevriel tucks it away in her satchel and smiles for Madds.

<Genevriel> Hi... You've probably been here a million times before, but it's my first. So... anything you recommend seeing?

<Genevriel> If not, I'd be interested in checking out the Eastern Empire gallery.

<Madds> All right, sure.

• Madds will lead the way in that direction, then.
• Genevriel will head there and check out statues of ancient Psyrene gods, among others.

<Madds> How are you doing?

• Genevriel silently asks in Celestial "Are you the One?" as she makes her rounds, chats a bit with Madds, and keeps an eye on him in case he needs to stop standing/walking, so that she can sit down with him before he has to ask.

<Genevriel> (It's the only phrase she has mastered so far.)

<Genevriel> Pretty good - and you?

<Madds> I'm all right.

<Genevriel> How's work?

<Madds> Busy.

<Genevriel> There were that many of us wrongdoers, were there?

• Madds smiles slightly

<Madds> Well, even in cases where there wasn't actually wrongdoing, we still need to investigate what happened.

• Genevriel nods.

<Genevriel> So, I've been wondering, given the restrictions placed on me - how far out is your uncle's farm? Will I need to get permission to leave the city overnight, or something like that? Whenever we decide to go.

<Madds> Well, it's about three or four hours' drive - but that's in good weather.

<Genevriel> I suspect we can't count on good weather.

• Madds nods

<Madds> Maybe by the time the weather is better, the limitations on your travel will also have been lifted.

<Genevriel> If the weather gets better...

<Madds> Well, surely it has to eventually...

<Genevriel> I've been reading my uncle's papers - the winter is unusually bad, isn't it? And curiously, only within a certain distance of the city, where these ice fey happen to be settling in.

<Madds> Yes, that does seem to be the case.

<Madds> But that means there's something to be done about it, hopefully. If it was just natural, but awful, weather, we might be stuck with it ;)

<Genevriel> Perhaps.

<Genevriel> Madds... You mentioned last time that you have nightmares. Every night?

<Madds> Not every night... Some nights I don't sleep.

<Genevriel> ... Why?

<Madds> Because if I don't sleep, then I don't have nightmares. Duh ;)

• Madds says with a faint hint of his old teasing smile
• Genevriel looks a little embarrassed for having asked.

<Genevriel> I might be able to help with that, if you like.

• Genevriel says in a rush.

<Madds> Oh? How?

• Genevriel finds a gallery with nothing worth looking at and sits on a bench there.
• Madds will sit down beside you, carefully because of his leg.

<Genevriel> This will sound crazy, and believe me, I did think I was probably crazy for the longest time after the war ended...

• Madds listens

<Genevriel> When I rescued that Psyrene child soldier, I didn't do it alone... He was so badly burnt. He was dying. I asked the stars for help, and an entity I call the One answered. The One healed him. And... I can still call on it to heal people. A little. I wouldn't be able to fix your leg, I don't think.

<Genevriel> But I have learned a spell that lets me sleep through the night. I can cast it on you, if you like.

• Madds nods slowly

<Madds> All right. I don't see how it could hurt, anyway.

• Genevriel nods.

<Genevriel> And it will also be some proof for you that I really am not crazy.

• Genevriel smiles slightly.

<Madds> I don't think you're crazy, Genny.

• Genevriel will call on The One to cast Pleasant Dreams on Madds.

<Madds> I... suppose I won't know if it works until tonight?

<Genevriel> (Well, if he feels the tingling raw power like Dorien did, he'll know something weird just happened.  ;) )

<DiablotinNarrator> (he'll know something happened, but whether it fixes his nightmares, he won't know until later)

<Genevriel> Not unless you decide to take a nap sooner.

• Genevriel smiles a little.
• Madds smiles back

<Genevriel> It will last until this time tomorrow, but then it will have worn off.

<Madds> Well, thank you for trying, regardless. I'll let you know if it's effective.

<Genevriel> You're welcome. I wish I could make it last longer.

<Madds> It would be a good excuse to see you more often :)

• Genevriel smiles a little nervously.

<Genevriel> About that... I think you know that some of your words last time scared me a little.

• Madds nods

<Genevriel> I asked August - you remember him? - for advice, which boiled down to my having to speak with you about it.

• Madds nods again

<Madds> That's usually sensible advice.

<Genevriel> Yes... but I am not always the most sensible person when it comes to feelings or understanding other people.

<Genevriel> So...

<Madds> Yes?

<Genevriel> I'm just wondering whether we're just friends, or if you would, ideally, like for us to be something more.

• Genevriel says in a nervous rush.

<Madds> ...

<Madds> I don't know.

<Madds> I don't know whether I can be something more.

<Genevriel> Well, that makes two of us, then!

<Madds> I do know that I'm glad we found one another again, and that I enjoy spending time with you.

• Genevriel nods.

<Madds> I know I've thought about you a lot over the years.

• Genevriel nods again.

<Madds> But, ah... it wasn't only my leg that was injured. If you see what I mean.

• Madds says quietly.

<Genevriel> (SM: he got castrated, or something else...?)

<DiablotinNarrator> (I don't know how you would know? he is suggesting he has some other sort of injury that would make intimacy difficult)

<DiablotinNarrator> (but that could be mental as much as physical)

<Genevriel> Oh, well...

<Genevriel> To be honest, that probably isn't such a big deal, for me.

<Madds> It's sort of a big deal for me, though.

<Genevriel> Yes, of course.

<Madds> And I might not be in any sort of shape to be a ... romantic partner for anyone.

• Genevriel nods, mixed relief and regret evident in her features.

<Genevriel> I don't know if I could, either.

• Madds nods

<Madds> For now, I think being friends is for the best.

• Genevriel nods.

<Genevriel> That's good; I was going to tell you I needed time to get to know you again, anyway.

• Madds nods

<Madds> All right. Thank you.

<Genevriel> Thank you, too.

• Madds seems a bit relieved and regretful as well

<Genevriel> Um... May I hug you, at least?

<Madds> Yes, of course.

• Madds will hug you
• Genevriel hugs him tight. He still smells so good. ^-^

Aubrienne stops Jean-Faust from murdering Dasra and Raimond

<DiablotinNarrator> Aubrienne, your phone rings at an unacceptably early hour.

• Aubrienne will wait a few rings to see if Jed will get it, then grumble as she gets up to get it herself.

<Aubrienne> Hello?

<Ethaine> He's gone!

• Ethaine sounds panicky and upset over the phone line

<Aubrienne> Who's gone, Mama?

<Aubrienne> Jean-Faust?

<Ethaine> Your brother!

<Aubrienne> Void!

<Aubrienne> I mean, dang.

<Aubrienne> Do you know when he left? Like, recently?

<Ethaine> He didn't come to breakfast this morning. I thought maybe he was sleeping in, so I let him rest...

<Ethaine> But then I stepped outside to pick up the milk and I saw that his bedroom window was open, and it's so cold, I thought that was odd...

<Ethaine> And he wasn't in his room at all!

<Ethaine> I already called the Orecalos and they said he hasn't come there, but they're keeping an eye out in case he does. Your father's out looking for him.

<Aubrienne> Huh, I thought for sure he'd be at the Orecalos' if he wasn't home...

<Aubrienne> I'll be there as soon as I can and I'll help Papa look.

<Ethaine> They - or someone else? I don't know - might be able to scry on him, but it'll take some time.

<Ethaine> Thank you, please, come as soon as you can!

• Aubrienne will go get dressed
• Jedrezej stirs groggily

<Aubrienne> (Is Jed home? Also, is my car fixed?)

<Jedrezej> Something wrong?

<Aubrienne> (Answers the one :))

<DiablotinNarrator> (your car should be fixed by now, yeah)

• Aubrienne throws a coat onto Jed

<Jedrezej> uhh

<Aubrienne> I need your help.

<Jedrezej> 'kay?

<Aubrienne> Jean-Faust is missing,

• Jedrezej will pull it on, also some pants >.>

<Jedrezej> Oh. Shit.

<Aubrienne> (Pants? Meh,)

<Jedrezej> (man, it's cold out there, he has to protect his assets)

<Aubrienne> (The moneymaker, as it were?)

<Jedrezej> (indeed)

• Jedrezej gets ready to go, then
• Aubrienne will head down to the car and race over to her parents' house

<Jedrezej> I don't have any spells... I mean, I barely got any rest. So I hope I don't need them...

<Aubrienne> (I assume Aubrienne is pretty tapped out, too?)

<Jedrezej> (yeah, probably - whatever you use in the show, anyway)

<Aubrienne> You and me both, pal.

<Jedrezej> Any idea where to start looking?

<Aubrienne> I just can't imagine where he would go.

• Jedrezej thinks about it for a bit

<Jedrezej> What about the creepy trees?

<Aubrienne> It's certainly possible. Let's let my mother know and then we'll head that way.

<Jedrezej> Or... maybe to talk to other soldiers from his unit? I don't know.

• Jedrezej nods

<Aubrienne> Possibly Raimond, if he still has trees in his head...

<Jedrezej> that seems bad, either way

• Aubrienne will call some of the neighborhood patrol folks/people who helped rescue her brother when she gets to her parents' house.

<Aubrienne> (Just to let them know what's going on)

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, I'll assume you can get some of them anyway - those who have phones, and are home

<DiablotinNarrator> (Zola gets an early morning phone call ;)

• Zola stumbles around a bit cursing Hector
• Aubrienne will apologize profusely for the hour

<Zola> Aubrienne? O_o

<Aubrienne> Zola, I'm really sorry to be calling right now, it's just there may be something of an emergency.

<Zola> What is it, honey?

<Aubrienne> My brother is missing.

<Zola> He is? What about Eirlys?

<Aubrienne> He's not at home and he's not at the Orecalos', and he didn't tell anyone where he was going.

• Zola wishes Bastien could make coffee.

<Aubrienne> (Unseen servant could, if you have that spell. ;))

<Zola> Oh no :/

<Zola> Is there something I can do?

<Aubrienne> I guess I just wanted to let people know. He's so wrapped up in all this fey stuff, and it seems like we do better when everyone is informed, so...

<Aubrienne> I'm not sure? I don't want to ask everyone to drop what they're doing and look for him, but I guess keep an eye out? If he visits the club, maybe?

<Zola> Sure...

• Aubrienne makes a mental note to ask Lathra to check in on Raimond.

<Zola> I'll get my things together in case we need to go after him.

<Aubrienne> I appreciate it, Zola. You're a doll.

<Zola> Do you have somewhere to look?

<Aubrienne> Jed and I are going to check the growth in the Shade, and then call on Raimond. I guess we'll see from there.

<Zola> OK, you give me a call when you have a plan. And if I'm not here, try me the club or Hugo's. I might go get him prepped too.

<Aubrienne> Okay. Thanks again.

<Zola> Hugs!

<Aubrienne> Likewise. Stay safe! And warm!

<Zola> You too.

• Aubrienne will get ready to head out

<Zola> Hey, don't do anything unsafe at the mushroom farms OK?

<Zola> Call us first.

<Aubrienne> I'll do my best.

<Jedrezej> So, first stop, the creepy forest?

<Aubrienne> (Which I almost typed as 'I'll do my beast', which is a whole other thing...)

<Aubrienne> It's as good an idea as any, unless there was anything in his room that might indicate his plans.

• Ethaine didn't find any note or obvious sign of that - his coat and boots are missing, so at least he's dressed for the weather, but otherwise nothing taken

<Jedrezej> Maybe you should let me drive... that way you can be on lookout duty.

• Jedrezej politely does not say 'you're too upset to drive' ;p

<Aubrienne> Sure.

• Aubrienne tosses him her keys.

<Aubrienne> Mama, we'll find him.

• Aubrienne gives her a hug.
• Ethaine gives you a tight hug back

<Ethaine> I'll stay here, in case he comes back, or anyone calls...

<Aubrienne> That's a good plan. Hopefully he just wanted some time to himself and he'll be back on his own.

• Aubrienne doesn't sound convinced, but tries to make it sound plausible for her mom.
• Ethaine nods
• Jedrezej will drive us to creepy trees, then
• Aubrienne will keep a lookout

<DiablotinNarrator> The trees look taller, and still creepy, but you don't see your brother anywhere near them.

<Aubrienne> Jean-Faust!

<Aubrienne> Hello?!

<DiablotinNarrator> The branches whisper softly to you, unhelpfully.

<DiablotinNarrator> A pair of guards walks by and gives you a puzzled look.

<Aubrienne> I don't suppose you've seen anyone around here?

<Aubrienne> Looks like this?

• Aubrienne produces a photo.

<DiablotinNarrator> The guards look at it and shake their heads. "You need some help, miss?" one of them asks.

<Aubrienne> It's rather a lot to explain, but my brother is missing, and he has a connection to the fey, and these trees are also related...we're just trying to find him.

<DiablotinNarrator> "Well, we patrol along here. We can keep an eye out if we see him in the area."

<Aubrienne> I'd really appreciate it, thank you.

• Aubrienne will give him their parents' number and her and Jed's.

<Aubrienne> (Which might not be the best idea, but she's distraught)

<Jedrezej> To M. Treebrain's house next?

• Jedrezej asks you

<Aubrienne> Yes, but be careful. If we have an accident, there will be rumors about me and shadar-kai passengers.

<Jedrezej> Well as long as it doesn't involve an axe to the fender, it should be fine.

• Jedrezej will drive us across the river, then, to the Grand

<Aubrienne> I'm just saying, we weren't expecting it last time.

• Aubrienne rides along keeping a pointless lookout

<DiablotinNarrator> You arrive at Dasra and Raimond's house. The door is slightly ajar, which is odd given the weather.

<Jedrezej> ...

<Aubrienne> Well, shit.

<Aubrienne> Give me a moment.

• Jedrezej nods
• Aubrienne will open her spellbook to switch out for some useful spells

<Aubrienne> (I'm assuming she had it along specifically for this. She keeps it on her more since the got the thing that lets her change her prepared spells)

<DiablotinNarrator> ('kk)

• Aubrienne will Mage Armor us both up (unless he has one prepped and available), and give him Invisibility before we go inside.

<DiablotinNarrator> He can probably manage his own Mage Armor - he's low but not totally tapped out, anyway.

<Aubrienne> (Heh. Is it human privilege to think you wouldn't need Mage Armor prepped for a normal day? ;))

<DiablotinNarrator> (heh)

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay - heading inside, then?

• Aubrienne will try to be as quiet as possible heading in, keeping any eye (and ear, and...nostril, I guess out)

<Aubrienne> (Again with scent being a weird power)

<DiablotinNarrator> (heh)

<DiablotinNarrator> (roll Perception and Scent I guess?)

<Aubrienne> !roll 1d20+8

• Zola rolls for Aubrienne: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 13 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 21 ].

<Aubrienne> !roll 1d20+5

• Zola rolls for Aubrienne: [ 1d20+5 ] getting [ 2 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 7 ].

<Aubrienne> (per then scent)

<DiablotinNarrator> Once you make it inside the door, you can hear some sounds from upstairs - probably in the direction of Raimond's room.

<Dasra> please... please don't...

• Dasra begs, sounding distraught
• Aubrienne will rush up the stairs

<Aubrienne> Dasra!

• Dasra is standing across the doorway, with Jean-Faust pointing a gun at her.

<Jean-Faust> I'm sorry... I don't want to hurt you.

<Aubrienne> Jean-Faust!

• Jean-Faust says, sounding as if he's crying

<Aubrienne> What are you doing?

• Jean-Faust turns in your direction

<Jean-Faust> the seed needs to grow

<Aubrienne> Okay...

<Aubrienne> What does that mean, bratic?

• Aubrienne tries to sound as soothing as possible

<Jean-Faust> It's inside him... it needs to come out.

<Aubrienne> All right, I can understand that.

• Aubrienne will try to get closer, edging towards Dasra.

<Aubrienne> Is this something we can talk about?

<Jean-Faust> Don't try to stop me!

• Jedrezej invisibly circles around Jean-Faust, and will tackle him from behind, becoming visible when he does so.
• Aubrienne will push Dasra out of the way and go for the gun
• Jean-Faust 's gun goes off, fortunately only injuring the wallpaper
• Jean-Faust struggles, but between you and Jed, you can manage to pin him down, and soon he just starts sobbing instead of fighting back

<Aubrienne> (Once he's not fighting back, Aubrienne will try to wrangle him into more of a hug-hold.)

<Aubrienne> <rat> It'll be okay, little brother, it will be all right.

• Dasra goes to grab the phone
• Dasra will call the guards, unless you want to try and prevent her from doing so

<Aubrienne> Dasra, please, don't.

• Dasra hesitates
• Dasra hangs up again, slowly

<Aubrienne> I'm sorry, but he needs help, and the guards will just get him to them eventually.

<Dasra> Who should I call?

<Aubrienne> We can get him some assistance sooner.

<Aubrienne> (Wait a sec, aren't the Orecalos' out of town?)

<DiablotinNarrator> (Xan and Justen are, but San and co. are home)

<Aubrienne> (Ah, okay)

• Aubrienne will give Dasra their number,
• Dasra will phone them, then.

<Aubrienne> It may mean guards are sent, but they'll know more what's going on.

<Aubrienne> Dasra, I'm so sorry.

<Dasra> He... he said he didn't want to hurt me...

<Dasra> but what was he going to do to Raimond?

<Aubrienne> I'm not sure, but I don't think anything good.

<Aubrienne> We need to find a solution to Raimond's problem, and sooner rather than later.

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, once she phones, San will show up basically immediately, teleporting in - he's polite enough to teleport to the front door and walk in, at least ;)

<DiablotinNarrator> Probably San can put Jean-Faust out cold if that's easiest - he will probably think that's easiest anyway >.>

<Aubrienne> Seems fair.

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay - then he'll subdue him, and say he's taking him to his house, and suggest you let your parents know where he is.

• Jedrezej will make sure you're okay
• Aubrienne will stay to try to calm Dasra as best she can and help Raimond if necessary, then phone her parents and head over to pick them up and head to the Orecalos'

<Aubrienne> I'm okay, Jed. Are you?

<Jedrezej> I'm okay... not really built for full-contact sports though.

<Jedrezej> Other than the fun ones.

<Aubrienne> You were quite dashing, though. Shame no one else saw you do it.

<Jedrezej> You can spread the tale of my glory far and wide.

<Jedrezej> C'mon... let me get you home?

<Aubrienne> Least I can do, I suppose.

<Aubrienne> Sure.