Ashnabis session 51

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Session

Session date: April 25, 2021
Fair Cycle date:

Introduction

<AshnabisGM> If Fikho's heavy rains weren't enough, Khurar provides little respite. Long forgotten is last year's drought, and the Sestapor is bone-wettingly soggy. The Kaskos is running high which is good for easy boat travel, and not so good for those who claimed plots last year on lands now inundated.
<AshnabisGM> That hasn't stopped business at the registry from being active. Your new role is as yet not imposing on your old one, and Junan has not reported much directly from the general.
<AshnabisGM> Today, though, he is in meetings at the Fort, whose nature he of necessity had to be circumspect about. You can only wonder whether he suffered another mysterious injury.
<AshnabisGM> However, the work continues. Utus has received a report indicating possible squatters on a plot of land along the coast north of town, listed as unclaimed and uninhabited in the Land Registry's records, and has tasked you with investigating the matter.

They travel to the area and find the squatters, who are Irada, her son, and her new baby

<AshnabisGM> You can make the short journey along the coast by boat in an hour or two, keeping a watchful eye out for any unusual signs.
<Katenzhi> (Are we supposed to kick them out or just make a report?)
<AshnabisGM> (well, depends on what you find, of course)
<AshnabisGM> Indeed, as you approach the plot that you are supposed to be investigating, it's possible to see a faint line of smoke rising into the sky, darker grey against the clouds. It seems likely to be from a campfire or other small burn. In such damp weather, it's hard to see how it could be a natural occurrence.
<Jimba> Well, reports were right.
<Veznara> Who could it be?
<Jimba> Though it hardly seems like it could be called squatting if the plot is "unclaimed and uninhabited."
<Daifan> don' you know, it all belongs to the givernment until they agree that it does not
<Katenzhi> Well, hopefully we can get them to put in a claim.
* Llillilli grimaces.
<Katenzhi> Make it all nice and legal
<Daifan> what if someone is making money and they're not getting any?
<Jimba> Yeah, I'm hoping this ends with us just filing paperwork for these folks.
<Daifan> mmhmmm
<Daifan> we will see. I feel like it wudl be difficult not to know what the basic procedures are
<Jimba> Maybe they're new to the area.
<Daifan> more importantly - maybe they;ll share their fire
* Jimba smiles.
<Jimba> What? Tired of the refreshing Kaskind weather?
* Daifan smiles
<Daifan> the seasons need more variety ;)
<Katenzhi> Well, no one comes here for the weather.
<Jimba> What are you talking about? Last month it was [Aummesh word for lighter rain], this month it's [Aummesh word for heavier rain]. ;)
<Jimba> Totally different.
<Daifan> that was a whole month ago, Jimba
<Jimba> Exactly! Variety!
* Daifan shakes their head
* Jimba grins.
<Daifan> that kind of attitude is why you still don't have a boyfriend ;)
<Jimba> That you know of. ;)
* Daifan grins and touches their nose
<Jimba>
<quietly> That I know of...
<Jimba> >.>
<Veznara> Well, maybe you'll find somebody nice here.
<Jimba> That's the spirit!
<Jimba> (I guess we find a place to weigh anchor and go ashore?)
<AshnabisNarrator> (if you want to!)
<AshnabisGM> (yes, it's easy around here, within the Kaskind territory, there are lots of places to park your boat)
* Jimba will go ahead and do that.
<Jimba> Well, time to go see if I meet a nice, eligible squatter. That doesn't sound right...
<Katenzhi> heh
<Katenzhi> Alright, let's get this done then.
<AshnabisGM> You disembark and head towards the smoke. You hear a dog barking as you draw near, and you can see a small shelter that's been constructed painstakingly out of driftwood, rocks, and hides.
<AshnabisGM> The dog approaches you, and you recognize it (as do Bashi and Mogri, who greet it with wagging tails)!
<Daifan> (oh the ppl from Pashas?)
<AshnabisGM> It is Pichi, the dog belonging to the family of Batsrau and Irada and their children, who live in an isolated home on the island of Ruur.
<Daifan> (yeah them :)
<Jimba> Oh, hey there pup.
* Irada steps out of the shelter, calling off the dog when she sees you there. She looks haggard and tired, but seems relieved to see you (rather than someone else, perhaps).
* Jimba will greet the dog happily.
* Jimba waves to Irada.
<Irada> Oh, it's you, thank goodness.
* NPC3 is now known as Shappan
* Shappan comes out to see what the commotion is. He is a chubby boy of around nine years of age, with dark brown curls.
<Jimba> Howdy (or the Aummesh equivalent folksy greeting).
* Irada has a baby in a sling at her chest, you realize. It looks quite small, perhaps only a few months old.
<Daifan> hello!
<Daifan> what a surprise :o
* Katenzhi waves.
* Daifan will pet the doggo
<Jimba> Pleasant surprise to see you here.
<Irada> We've been here for a few weeks - maybe a month now.
<Irada> The pirates in Naguur have been rebuilding their fleet, after the big battle.
<Irada> They needed supplies, and workers - they came to our home and demanded we go to their town, to work. When my husband refused, they said if we didn't, they would... harm us.
* Irada speaks softly, and probably is being careful about how she phrases things in front of her son.
<Jimba> Is he all right?
<Irada> My husband defended us so we could escape, but he and my daughter Aula were taken. My son and my baby daughter Yega and I made it to the home of my father, but he and the rest of my family were already gone.
* Jimba asks gently.
<Irada> There had been a struggle, I assume the pirates took them too, but I don't know what happened. I took their fishing boat and we made our way here. I don't know if any of them are still... still alive...
<Katenzhi> Shit...
<Jimba> Oh no...
* Irada shudders, trying not to break down in front of her son.
<Shappan> It's all right, mama. They came to help us, and I bet they'll find everyone and bring them back soon.
* Jimba scowls (not at the kid).
* Irada puts a comforting hand on her son's shoulder.
<Daifan> We will do what we can
<Katenzhi> Do you know where they are now?
<Jimba> Cormorants...
<Irada> I assume in Naguur, but I don't know where.
<Daifan> (where is that? >.>)
<Jimba> (Over on Ruur)
<AshnabisNarrator> (it's the other village other than Pashas on Ruur, the one at the south, where the pirates are)
<Jimba> Well, I'm certainly going to look into it. (To the group) Any objections?
<Katenzhi> You know I'm in.
* Daifan nods to Katehzhi's statement
<Shappan> Yay! I knew it!
<Veznara> What were the pirates working on? Anything in particular?
<Jimba> Building ships, it sounds like. Is that right?
<Irada> New ships, I suppose. or repairing their damaged ones. I don't really know much more than that.
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> Are you doing all right here? (quietly) This is rough terrain and weather for children. :/
<Irada> We're making do, but it is difficult.
<Jimba> If you like, we can take you into Kaskind. I'm sure we can find you lodging there for the time being.
* Irada shakes her head.
<Irada> It would not be a good idea.
<Daifan> is there anything you need here?
<Jimba> (Is there an obvious reason why it would be a bad idea, or should I just ask?)
<Jimba> (Like, just making sure I, Josh, am not missing something glaring.)
<AshnabisGM> (no, nothing obvious)
<Jimba> Why would going to Kaskind not be a good idea?
* Irada looks uncomfortable.
<Irada> We're fine here. We appreciate the offer but we'll manage.
<Jimba> (Hey, can I test drive my new in-class Sense Motive?)
<AshnabisNarrator> (sure)
<Jimba> !roll 1d20+9
* Daifan rolls for Jimba: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 1 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 10 ].
<Jimba> (Womp womp)
<Llillilli> !roll 1d20+10
* Daifan rolls for Llillilli: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 20 ].
<Veznara> !roll 1d20+17
* Daifan rolls for Veznara: [ 1d20+17 ] getting [ 5 ] which, after the modifier [ 17 ] totals [ 22 ].
<AshnabisNarrator> (well, you're not sure. They could be corpseborn, or criminals, or something else which means they're uncomfortable going into a larger community. they clearly are accustomed to living in isolation.)
<Jimba> (Maybe Daifan should roll, too?)
* Daifan rolls [ 1d20+18 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 18 ] totals [ 24 ]
<Katenzhi> !roll 1d20+1
* Daifan rolls for Katenzhi: [ 1d20+1 ] getting [ 5 ] which, after the modifier [ 1 ] totals [ 6 ].
<AshnabisNarrator> (I'm sure you can all sense that they're uncomfortable or unwilling to go into Kaskind)
<Jimba> We've got friends in smaller communities, if that would be preferable. I'll be honest, I'd worry about you guys out here by yourselves.
<Daifan> it can be dangerous
* Daifan says, rememberig the bogwiggles with a frown
<Jimba> Trust us.
<Jimba> We kind of wander these swamps for a living.
<Irada> We're used to it. If you had any food that you could share, though, we would appreciate it.
<Katenzhi> Not to mention if the fort keeps getting reports of squatters they will eventually take more notice.
<Katenzhi> (I'm sure we can give them what food we have on the ship)
<Jimba> (Yeah)
<Jimba> Right, that too.
<Jimba> Though, if you wanted to stake a claim, we could get that started for you.
* Daifan considers
<Irada> If you're able to help rescue my husband and daughter - or if you can tell me what's become of them, if... if they are no more - then we'll decide then whether we can stay here or should leave.
* Katenzhi nods.
<Daifan> You coudl stay with my friends, while we are looking...
* Jimba looks concerned and sympathetic, but nods.
<Katenzhi> We'll do what we can.
<Daifan> no one would bother you there
<Daifan> and they're used to babies
* Irada considers that for a few moments
<Irada> where are your friends?
<Daifan> in Banei
<Irada> ... all right. We will go there, for a short while.
* Daifan smiles
<Daifan> Thanks you, that wkill give us one less thing to worry about while we focus on the rest of your family
* Irada still seem worried, but will get her few things together and get ready to go with you.
* Jimba smiles and will help her carry stuff, including children as necessary. :)
* Irada basically just has a few odds and ends she was presumably able to take with her, so it doesn't take long.

Daifan brings the family to Banei for security

* Daifan will pop her head into the hut to see who is home
<Daifan> Spider?
<Daifan> Sheepstealer?
<Daifan> (either wy is fne!)
<Chimi> Oh, hi Daifan - you're home early.
<Daifan> (wbut we know who wears the pants etc ;)
<Daifan> mmm, just briefly
<Chimi> What's going on?
<Daifan> Houseguests >.>
<Daifan> Just for a little bit
<Daifan> They've been harassed by pirates on Ruur, and we're going to go sort that out...
<Chimi> Oh, how awful.
<Daifan> Mmmhmm. They took Irada's husband to make him work for them, and her other child
<Chimi> Are they.... well, are they going to be comfortable with us here?
<Daifan> More than they would e in Kaskind.
<Chimi> All right.
<Daifan> I don't know exactly - I don't think they're like the other hedal.
* Chimi nods
<Chimi> I can find some space for them, they can use our room if they want.
<Daifan> Even on Ruur they ived alone... her husband, helped us when we wre attacked by some kind pf... crab creature, and he healed us >.>
* Chimi seems puzzled, but nods.
<Daifan> I'm sure they will be happy to help out with things too
<Daifan> It shouldn't be for very long
<Chimi> It sounds like they've been through a lot. We'll get them some food and a place to rest, and then we can worry about other things - they don't need to do more than that.
<Daifan> any if anyone gives them any trouble tell them to take it up with me when I am back
* Chimi nods
* Daifan will give her a hug, and then bring in Irada and Shappan and the baby to meet her
* Chimi is happy to help with the kids and will start getting some food ready for them.
<Irada> Thank you... we will try to be out of your way.
* Daifan can put pichi in with Useir (goat version ;)
* Irada says in hesitant Ombesh.
<Daifan> Don't worry about that. You don't have to be like that here.
<Chimi> It's all right.
* Chimi agrees.
<Daifan> That's how we all liver - elsewhere.
<Chimi> [a] And I can speak some Aummesh.
<Daifan> (live)
* Daifan can switch back and forth, much more comfortable in Aumesh these days
<Chimi> (okay, they can get settled in and you can head back to the boat)
<Daifan> (cool, thanks :)

Jimba talks to Kayibir about Naguur

<Jimba> Hey, Kayibir, do you have a second?
<Kayibir> I guess, what's going on?
<Jimba> I was wondering if you could tell me anything you know about Naguur.
<Kayibir> Well... I grew up there, so that's a lot. Anything specific?
<Jimba> Some of the Cormorant are regrouping there, and they've kidnapped some friends of mine.
<Jimba> So, really, anything you can tell me might be useful.
<Kayibir> Kidnapped them for what?
<Jimba> Any good hiding places nearby, approaches that might be less noticeable, that sort of thing.
<Jimba> Slave labor, it sounds like.
<Kayibir> Approaching from the water, anyone will notice you. If you want to approach without being caught, you should probably land somewhere else and come into the town by land.
<Jimba> That was my thought, yeah.
<Jimba> Anchor elsewhere on the island.
<Jimba> We have *some* experience moving surreptitiously on Pfaeshes.
<Kayibir> It's a very ... insular place, I guess. They don't see a lot of strangers, and would be suspicious of people they don't know.
<Jimba> Anything we can do to help with that?
<Kayibir> Don't let people see you, I guess?
* Jimba chuckles.
<Kayibir> If they're being kept as prisoners they will probably be near to the docks.
<Jimba> All right. Can you give me a sense of the town's layout? I've never been. (To the best of my knowledge.)
<Kayibir> Sure
* Kayibir can draw you a rough map 01
<AshnabisNarrator> (which I'm working on, sec :)
<Jimba> (Heh, fair. Sorry, not to put you on the spot) 01
<AshnabisNarrator> (no worries) 01
<AshnabisNarrator> - something like this but ignore the legend of course, and there aren't that many trees outside of the town (it's not heavily forested)
<Jimba> (*nod* )
<Jimba> Thanks, Kay, this is great.
<Kayibir> No problem. Hey, if you get caught, I never heard of you :)
<Kayibir> And you never heard of me, ok?
<Jimba> Who's Kayibir? ;)
* Kayibir nods
<Kayibir> That's right.
<Kayibir> Good luck finding your friends...
<Jimba> Thanks. If something happens to us...find Junan.
<Kayibir> Okay.
<Jimba> He'll make sure you're not left high and dry or anything.
<Kayibir> If you aren't back by... what, tomorrow? the next day?
<Jimba> Yeah, give it two days, just in case.
<Kayibir> Okay.
* Jimba smiles encouragingly.
<Jimba> Thanks for the help, Kayibir-who-I've-never-met-or-heard-of.
<Jimba> I'll let you get back to work.

The group make plans for how to approach Naguur and rescue the prisoners

<Katenzhi> You know, it would be a shame if something happened to those nice, new, freshly repaired ships while they were just sitting there in port and all.
<Jimba> Yeah, Kat, that would be just downright terrible.
<Llillilli> Tragic.
<Daifan> Mmmhmm
<Jimba> (So I guess we head back and drop them off in Banei?)
<AshnabisNarrator> (sure. I think we'll do a little scene for that with Daifan in gnomeland, while folks are planning how to approach this?)
<Llillilli> Could just put some holes below the waterline.
<Katenzhi> I might be able to make some alchemical items that could do that. Just rig them up and then bang.
<Jimba> That's simple enough. Llillilli and I can deliver them pretty easily.
* Llillilli nods.
<Veznara> ..and then they'd be stranded, and the General could send a force to wipe them out once and for all?
<Jimba> Wouldn't *that* be nice.
<Llillilli> We must make sure her family aren't on the boats before they sink.
<Jimba> So, we handle this like Pfaeshes? Go in at night, try to locate folks, then sabotage?
* Llillilli nods.
<Veznara> I don't know what use I can be in that kind of operation... is there anything I can do to help?
<Veznara> From what I remember, last time I just tried to stay out of the way. :/
<Jimba> Well, you can keep watch, and be there to guide the folks if we can extract them.
* Veznara nods
<Jimba> You and Daifan are better equipped to actually aid refugees. We Ghughife are more for the sneaking and destroying. ;)
<Daifan> MMhmm
<Veznara> I guess I can start by checking medical supplies...
<Jimba> That's a good idea. Kat, I'm guessing you'll need to get some supplies, too?
<Jimba> Maybe Bivizmi can help?
<Katenzhi> Yeah, I'll see what we can come up with.
<Jimba> Worse case scenario, you just hit them from a distance with magic, right?
<Katenzhi> Basically.
<Jimba> I mean, it's been raining. That helps with your lightning, right?
<Katenzhi> Yeah, but it hurts with any resulting fires.
<Jimba> Right, fair.
<Katenzhi> You know... there was one spell that Sajan told me about half-jokingly. I wonder...
<Jimba> Hmm?
<Katenzhi> You ever seen a tsunami before?
<Llillilli> THat sounds... destructive
* Katenzhi grins
<Daifan> to more than just the pirates
<Katenzhi> If I send it horizontal to the coast it will just take out the boats. Assuming they're not in a cove or something.
<Llillilli> Oh, I see...
<Daifan> hmmm
<Llillilli> There may be local people's boats too, though
<Katenzhi> We'll have to see the situation once we get there.
<Daifan> mmhmm
<Llillilli> Fair, yes.
<Jimba> (Can we say this conversation is after the Kayibir one?)
<Daifan> I understand that the distincions are not.... always clear
<Llillilli> IT would be something to see all of the pirate fleet wrecked.
<AshnabisNarrator> (sure)
<Katenzhi> Yeah, but if there's anyone else on board I'm not doing it.
* Llillilli nods.
<Jimba> Yeah. We're trying to save people here, not just kill pirates.
<Jimba> But, at least the coast runs pretty smoothly north-south.
* Jimba will have shared the drawing Kayibir did.
<Daifan> did she join the registry? She makes very nice maps
<Katenzhi> hmmm
<Veznara> Hmph.
<Katenzhi> I don't know. On this it looks curved. Once I set it off I can't change its direction.
<Veznara> If the 'tsunami' isn't possible, do we have a back-up plan for dealing with the ships?
<Jimba> How far does your tsunami go?
<Llillilli> Axes
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> Axes are always an option.
<Katenzhi> About 300 feet over water, I think. Never tried it before, though.
<Daifan> it looks like it would hit thier lineage house [chruch]
<Veznara> Isn't that on raised ground? Would it reach?
<Daifan> not 300 feet above
<Katenzhi> It would certainly hit some of the buildings. Maybe not the best idea.
<Jimba> Kay said we can't really count on communicating with the locals, though. We couldn't warn them or anything without risking the whole thing.
<Daifan> maybe we shold save that for if things go very desperately wrong, then, and go back to the axe plan....
<Daifan> first we need to get the prisoners, regardless
<Veznara> What if you started it from the other side? From the north, rather than the south?
<Katenzhi> I doubt we're gonna get very far with axes before someone notices.
<Katenzhi> It would still hit those buildings at the bottom of the map
<Daifan> whch may be where they are holding prisoners.
<Daifan> They are our primary goal here, yes?
<Jimba> Yes.
<Llillilli> Yes.
<Jimba> Get the prisoners out.
* Veznara nods
<Daifan> maybe we can steal one of the ships to do that?
<Jimba> Hurting or sabotaging the pirates is a nice secondary goal, but not my main concern.
<Jimba> Oh, huh, pirate the pirates. Not bad.
<Jimba> Depends on the conditions of the ships, I guess.
<Daifan> well, the prisoners may know which one is the best pick ;)
<Katenzhi> I can't imagine the ships will be empty.
<Veznara> How many prisoners are there, though?
<Daifan> unknown.
<Daifan> I don't imagine there were too many on ruur they could pull, but perhaps they had other captives from raiding
<Jimba> Yeah, a lot of this we won't know until we get there.
<Jimba> So, if folks are ready, let's set sail, yeah?
* Daifan nods
<AshnabisNarrator> OKay - you can set out, do you want to time it so you'll arrive after dark?
<Jimba> How big is Ruur again? Do we need to get to the island before dark so we can get near the town shortly after sundown?
<AshnabisGM> Ruur is small, maybe 5 miles a side, and is only probably 10 miles away by sea to the town of Naguur, from Kaskind
<AshnabisNarrator> It would depend on where you want to land - if you want to land far away from the town, you might need to arrive like an hour before sundown or so to make it to town by shortly after?
<Jimba> Yeah, lets aim for that.
<AshnabisGM> (https://rocksfall.org/wiki/Kaskind_Territory:_Map_and_Communities - Naguur is #6 - you can land on the east side of the island, or go around to the south and land there)
<Jimba> Land on the east side just before dusk and hike down.
* Daifan leave that planning to the others

They journey to Ruur and make their approach after dark

<AshnabisGM> You've made the trip to Ruur so many times over the past year that every wave seems almost familiar to you. But this time, it's not to the north and east of the island to Pashas, but to the south, to the village of Naguur, where the Cormorant Fleet once had its home, and where the country lineages of the Shotsers and others have their clan houses.
<AshnabisGM> Few come this way, if they want to escape with their lives, and even since the Fleet was defeated last year, this is no place for the unwary. In any case, you know very well where Yeggun and the main remnant of the fleet is, far west in Sednidze.
<AshnabisGM> The heavy rains and cloud cover give you some cover against being seen, but then again, while you're out in the open bay, no pirate vessel would be so foolish as to be out here where it could be spotted. Only near Naguur itself would an unfriendly vessel be likely, so you avoid the south side where the town itself lies, and land to the east.
<AshnabisGM> You find a suitable landing spot near enough to the town that it should only be a short walk, though not an easy one on the rocky island.
* Jimba waits for dark, keeping an eye out.
<AshnabisGM> Nothing but seabirds interrupts your wait. Dusk falls.
<AshnabisNarrator> Any spells or other things you want to do while you wait?
<Daifan> (sending yes)
<Veznara> (Ask his location, and the number of folks with him?)
<Veznara> (How they're guarded?0
<Katenzhi> "We are planning a rescue. Where are you? How many have been taken prisoner? How many guards? Anything else you can tell us?" 23 words.
<Katenzhi> (Ok, I will send that.)
<Katenzhi> !roll 1d20+11
* Daifan rolls for Katenzhi: [ 1d20+11 ] getting [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ 11 ] totals [ 20 ].
<Katenzhi> (Which should exactly be enough to cast it)
<AshnabisGM> (yup)
<AshnabisNarrator> (working on an answer, sec)
<AshnabisNarrator> Ok, the answer comes through as: "Thirty-five prisoners, held in long building at north end of docks. One old woman guards us, others nearby. Also bubun and priest."
<Daifan> hmm.
<Daifan> one woman we can handle
<Veznara> What?
<Katenzhi> But how do we sneak 35 prisoners out without anyone noticing?
<Jimba> We need to check out the ships.
<Jimba> Kat, do you have anything that can disguise us or help us keep a low profile?
<Daifan> a convenient fog I think
<Daifan> like we used in Pashas
<Katenzhi> hmmm
<Jimba> Invisibility, shapechange, anything like that? It'd need to last a while.
<Veznara> A bubun... and priest?
<Katenzhi> I doubt anything that could hide that many people
<Daifan> not perfectly
<Jimba> Well, we just need one person to scout. I don't mind going in.
<Jimba> One thing at a time, folks.
<Jimba> We still need to know more about the situation.
<Katenzhi> Oh one person for sure I can disguise
<AshnabisNarrator> Okay, so the plan is to disguise Jimba? and get him to scout out the area and come back?
<Jimba> (That works for me)
<Daifan> (sure)
<AshnabisNarrator> Okay, roll for the spell and we'll go from there.
<Katenzhi> !roll 1d20+16
* Daifan rolls for Katenzhi: [ 1d20+16 ] getting [ 20 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 36 ].
<Daifan> I could go with you... even in a town like this, people have trained themselves to ignore me and mine
<Jimba> (Oh dang)
<Katenzhi> (You are now the bestest dog ever)
<Jimba> Kayibir said they don't like outsiders...
<Jimba> It's up to you.
<AshnabisNarrator> Ok, are you going too, Daifan? or just dog-Jimba?
<Daifan> mmm...
<Daifan> I just don't lik you going alone, but you'll be okay
<Jimba> I could take Bashi and Mogri to help me blend. ;)
<Daifan> three strays mght attract more attention
<Jimba> That was mostly a joke. I'll be fine.
<Daifan> but..
* Daifan will cast message
* Daifan rolls [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 2 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 11 ]
<Daifan> (good thing that's a 0 lvl spell >.>)
<AshnabisGM> (ok, that succeeds)
<Jimba> Okay, I wander my adorable dog butt into town

Jimba scouts the town in dog form

<AshnabisNarrator> Okay - what are you looking for/where are you heading?
<Jimba> I'll start by strolling along the docks to get a look at the boats, and head for that building north of seven that I thought sounded likely.
<AshnabisGM> Along the silty beach, two great ships are under construction. You do see what you think is a large outbuilding near to the ships, but its purpose is not fully clear.
<AshnabisGM> As you approach, you can see that the outbuilding is long and large, like a clan longhouse, but newly built, and none too well by the looks of it, out of what looks to be a mix of local and imported lumber as well as clay, with a low slate roof. There is a single entrance, to the east, but no windows.
<Jimba> Anyone outside it?
<AshnabisGM> There are definitely people around and about in the town - it's dark but it's not the middle of the night, so people are still up. But no one is right outside the building, no.
<Jimba> Does the entrance have a door?
<AshnabisGM> Yes, there's a door.
<Jimba> I'll try to nudge it open.
<AshnabisGM> No, it's firmly closed.
<Jimba> (Can I hear anything within? I also have scent for the moment. Anything unusual, or even a general sense of 'a lot of people in here'?)
<AshnabisGM> You can certainly smell that there are a lot of people in there. They smell pretty ripe.
* Jimba tries scratching at the door and whimpering a little.
<AshnabisGM> You wait a minute, but there's no response.
<Jimba> (Is there a lock?)
<AshnabisGM> No lock as far as you can see.
<Jimba> Can I get a sense of what the buildings around this one are?
<AshnabisGM> Mostly this is like any other small coastal fishing village. Mostly seems to be houses.
<Jimba> Any sign of the old woman, priest, or bubun?
<AshnabisGM> Nope.
<Jimba> Is anyone in direct line of sight to the door of the place?
<AshnabisGM> Maybe now and again, but no, in general, no one directly looking at the door.
<AshnabisGM> There are occasional townsfolk around.
<Jimba> Okay. The spell lasts long enough, I'll head back to the others to discuss before taking further action.

He reports back to the others

* Jimba relates what he's found so far.
<Jimba> I'm *reasonably* certain that's where they are.
<Katenzhi> Sure sounds like it.
<Jimba> But I can't currently get in.
<Katenzhi> Now what?
<Daifan> we could look inside with magic?
<Jimba> Maybe if we wait until later tonight, we can try to get in.
* Jimba nods to Daifan.
<Jimba> If that's possible, I'm all for it.
<Llillilli> And then what?
<Jimba> Well, it doesn't look like the ships are complete. Could we try to create a diversion elsewhere and get the folks out?
<Katenzhi> That might work.
<Katenzhi> Let me see if I can get any more info from inside the building.
* Katenzhi will cast clairvoyance.
<Katenzhi> !roll 1d20+16
* Daifan rolls for Katenzhi: [ 1d20+16 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 19 ].
<AshnabisGM> (ok, so you would like to look inside the building? where exactly - just on the other side of the door? )
<Katenzhi> (The sensor is invisible, right?)
<AshnabisGM> (yes)
<Katenzhi> (Then lets say the middle of the building)
<AshnabisGM> OK, you find your sensor situated in the midst of a hallway that ends ahead of you in a T-junction. Rough wooden doors/rooms, about 10 feet apart, are all along the hallway. You don't see anything that looks like a guard or any of the people that Batsrau described.
<Katenzhi> (Can I see the front door?)
<AshnabisGM> Yes, turning the sensor around, you see that the hallway you're situated in leads directly back towards the entrance.
<Katenzhi> There's a long hall down the middle of the building. Rooms on either side.
<Katenzhi> At the end it splits of to either side.
<Katenzhi> No guards I can see.
<Daifan> can you see into any of the rooms?
<Jimba> So we still don't know if that's the right place necessarily, though it matches the description.
<Daifan> mmm.
<Katenzhi> You said you smelled a lot of people, right?
<Daifan> i don't like this, it reminds me of Galdai's place >.>
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> Yes, to both of those statements.
<Katenzhi> For now let's just worry about getting people out. A distraction at the ships will help, but what do we do while it's happening?
<Llillilli> :|
<Jimba> I actually think our better bet is a distraction elsewhere.
<Jimba> The ships are right there.
<Daifan> did you get asense of whether there is anyone on them?
<Jimba> (Did I?)
<AshnabisNarrator> (the ships that are under construction, no, they don't have people on them. the ships at dock, some of them presumably do.)
<Jimba> (Close to the building, is it the pirate ships, or more the fishing boats?)
<Daifan> are any of those ships put together enough to use?
<AshnabisGM> (probably a pirate ship is the closest, but they're all kind of mixed together at the docks)
<Jimba> (The three at dock, do they look whole? Especially the one nearest the building.)
<AshnabisGM> The only ships under construction are the two on the beach, and they are definitely not seaworthy
<AshnabisGM> The others at the dock look fine.
* Jimba relates that info.
<Daifan> okay. I think we should plan to take over the closest of the pirate ships, and get people there
<Jimba> That's what I was thinking, yeah.
<Daifan> if we can disable the other two first, good, otherwise we do what we can otherwise
<Jimba> If it comes to it, all we need is a little lead time and Kat can...
* Jimba mimes a big wave.
<Daifan> mmhmm
<Jimba> I should go check out that closest ship.
<Jimba> While the spell is still in effect.
<Jimba> Back in a bit.
* Jimba will go do that.

Again in dog form, Jimba commandeers a pirate ship, killing the sailors on board

<AshnabisGM> OK, so what are you going to look for?
<Jimba> Start by seeing if there's anyone obviously on or near it.
<AshnabisGM> You can definitely tell there are people on the ship, yes. Hard to tell exactly how many, but more than one.
<Jimba> Do they have a gangplank down right now?
<Jimba> If so, I'll try to walk up all friendly-like.
<AshnabisGM> Sure, let's say they do.
<AshnabisGM> You walk up and onto the deck as a good doggo then?
<Jimba> That's what I'm going for, yeah.
<AshnabisGM> OK, up you go, and there is a sailor there on deck, who sees you right away.
<Jimba> <happy bork>
<Sailor> Hey there pup, where did you come from?
<Sailor> Come here, then. Let's have a look at you. Come here, it's all right.
* Sailor extends his hand.
<Jimba> <bork>
* Jimba approaches and sniffs his hand.
* Sailor pets you.
<Sailor> Sorry, pup, I don't have any food for you.
* Jimba pants happily.
* Jimba gives him a look of complete trust and expectations of food.
<Jimba> <happy bork>
<AshnabisGM> (ok, you have had affection ... now what?)
* Jimba sniffs around on deck.
<Jimba> (Gotta sell it)
<Sailor> I haven't seen you around before. I wonder where you came from?
* Jimba makes himself at home.
<Jimba> (Is there anyone else on deck, or in clear sight?)
<Sailor> (no one else nearby)
* Jimba will find a feasible place to curl up and sit.
<Jimba> (Trying to lull the guy into ignoring me for just a little bit.)
<AshnabisGM> (ok that's not hard)
<Jimba> (Enough so I can get a round to change back into me, then sneak attack him?)
<AshnabisGM> (sure, I mean I may make you make a stealth roll, but sure)
<Jimba> !roll 1d20+18
* Daifan rolls for Jimba: [ 1d20+18 ] getting [ 16 ] which, after the modifier [ 18 ] totals [ 34 ].
<AshnabisGM> (ok, you can make a sneak attack)
<Jimba> (Is there a bonus for unaware target? They're just flat-footed or whatever?)
<Jimba> !roll 1d20+14
* Daifan rolls for Jimba: [ 1d20+14 ] getting [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ 14 ] totals [ 22 ].
<AshnabisGM> (ok you hit)
<Jimba> !roll 5d6+4
* Daifan rolls for Jimba: [ 5d6+4 ] getting [ 1 2 4 4 5 ] for a total of [ 16 ] which, after the modifier [ 4 ] totals [ 20 ].
<AshnabisGM> The sailor collapses to the deck with a heavy grunt, unconscious and/or dying.
<Jimba> (Can I feasible hide him somewhere?)
<Jimba> (Failing that, is there something heavy I could attack to him and drop him overboard as quietly as possible?)
<AshnabisGM> (I mean, there will be a long blood trail either way)
<AshnabisGM> (and at least some dragging noise)
<AshnabisGM> (bear in mind that it's shallow here, right at shore, so the body will just float in, most likely)
* Jimba will hide him as quietly as possible.
<Jimba> (Is this ship close enough to message back?)
<AshnabisGM> (is the message still active?)
<AshnabisGM> (or were you going to cast message?)
<Jimba> (Has it been 30 minutes?)
<Jimba> (I'm genuinely not sure in game)
<AshnabisGM> (you went out, came back, talked to them, went back to the ship, killed a man, hid the body ... yes)
<Jimba> (kk)
<Jimba> (Then I'll just try to go below decks quietly.)
<AshnabisGM> OK, make a Stealth roll.
<Jimba> !roll 1d20+18
* Daifan rolls for Jimba: [ 1d20+18 ] getting [ 17 ] which, after the modifier [ 18 ] totals [ 35 ].
<AshnabisGM> OK, you go below decks and there's another sailor, sleeping in a hammock.
<Jimba> (Murder time)
<Jimba> !roll 1d20+14
* Daifan rolls for Jimba: [ 1d20+14 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 14 ] totals [ 24 ].
<AshnabisGM> (okie dokie, that will do it)
<Jimba> !roll 5d6+4
* Daifan rolls for Jimba: [ 5d6+4 ] getting [ 1 6 1 3 6 ] for a total of [ 17 ] which, after the modifier [ 4 ] totals [ 21 ].
<AshnabisGM> The ship is now devoid of living crew.
* Jimba hides him quickly, then returns to the rest of the folks.

They venture into the holding cells for the prisoners, and charm the old woman keeping watch

<Jimba> Okay, that ship is clear for the moment. We have to move now.
<Daifan> okay
<Jimba> Kat, do you have something that can hide us going in, or are we just going to use mundane stealth?
<Katenzhi> I can I can get us in invisibly if we stick together
<Jimba> Sounds like a plan. People ready?
<Daifan> that will work to get to the building
<Katenzhi> !roll 1d20+16
* Daifan rolls for Katenzhi: [ 1d20+16 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 19 ].
<Daifan> then we can make some obscuring mist when it is time to get out
<AshnabisGM> Ok, you are all invisibilized.
<AshnabisGM> (as long as you stay close together)
* Jimba can show them the way to the building, though I imagine they could see it from where they were.
<AshnabisGM> All right, you find yourself in front of the door to the building.
* Daifan can try and cast knock
<AshnabisGM> (sure go ahead)
* Daifan rolls [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 15 ]
<AshnabisGM> ok, that'll do
<Jimba>
<quietly> I'll stand watch. You all free the prisoners.
<Daifan>
Got it
* Daifan will push the door open
<Daifan> (...or pull I guess ;p)
* Llillilli will go with Daifan to do that
<AshnabisGM> OK, you can go and open up the various doors to the 'cells', which are really just small walled areas, without locks or any real protection.
* Katenzhi will try to find Irada's family and make sure they are ok.
* Daifan will see if there is anyone too hurt to move on their own
* Veznara will assist Daifan
<Daifan> (just in case)
* Kayibir is now known as Batsrau
<AshnabisGM> As you start to rouse the prisoners, a middle-aged woman emerges in to the hall and shouts at them.
* Shappan is now known as Woman
<Woman> Hey, get back in there or you'll feel it!
<Katenzhi> (Charm Person)
* Woman is a stout woman of middle years, tending towards fat but with considerable muscle on her frame. She is wearing a thick leather jerkin, and on a belt at her left side is a nasty-looking iron flail.
<Jimba> (Is she near any of us?)
<Veznara> (Hold Person?)
<AshnabisGM> (not especially, no, she's down the hall)
<AshnabisGM> OK Katenzhi, make your roll for charm.
<Katenzhi> !roll 1d20+16
* Daifan rolls for Katenzhi: [ 1d20+16 ] getting [ 18 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 34 ].
<AshnabisGM> !roll 1d20+7
* Daifan rolls for AshnabisGM: [ 1d20+7 ] getting [ 4 ] which, after the modifier [ 7 ] totals [ 11 ].
<AshnabisGM> that is not a save.
<Woman> Ahh ... what is going on here? Who are you?
<Katenzhi> Hey there. Captain sent us. You're needed down at the ship yard.
<Woman> He's back? So soon?
<Katenzhi> ...yup.
<Katenzhi> We'll watch over things here for a while.
<Woman> That boy never did listen. Gonna get himself killed.
* Katenzhi will nod knowingly.
<Woman> Okay, you stay here. I'm going to go tell my nephew he can fuck himself with a broomstick if he thinks he can just order me around.
<Katenzhi> Will do.
* Woman goes off to find the Captain (???).

They liberate the prisoners and escape with them on board the stolen ship

<AshnabisNarrator> Okay, after she heads off, you're able to get prisoners out of the cells, including Batsrau and his daughter.
* Katenzhi will exhale.
* Batsrau looks very weary, with his plain grey dashi torn in several places, his beard and long brown hair unkempt, and his large hands rough and red.
* Sailor is now known as Aula
<Jimba> (To the prisoners) What did she mean if you leave you'll feel it?
* Aula has had her long hair chopped short, and her thin frame is clearly in need of a solid meal. She does not appear to be injured but she looks exhausted.
<Jimba> Did that mean magic, or just punishment?
<Veznara> (We're moving as he asks, I trust?)
<Katenzhi> Ok, let's get you folks onto the boat. Some fog ought to cover us enough without being too suspicious.
<Batsrau> Strange omens indeed, that we should meet here, of all places. You were not the help I had expected, though you are most welcome.
* Daifan can help wth the mist
<Jimba> (Well, I want a quick answer before we leave with them and something bad happens to them)
<Batsrau> Their punishments are usually beatings, nothing so complex.
<Daifan> they dont think you have anywhere to go.... but we do, so come on
<Jimba> Okay, great. We're headed for the nearest pirate big ship. Follow close, we'll go as soon as the fog is up.
<Batsrau> Or they tell us they will kill us and render us into their husks.
* Batsrau says with a grimace.
* Llillilli scowls.
<Jimba> Yeah, i think Sister Veznara here is going to have some questions about that...
<Katenzhi> !roll 1d20+16
* Daifan rolls for Katenzhi: [ 1d20+16 ] getting [ 16 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 32 ].
<Katenzhi> (For fog)
<Veznara> Indeed. :(
<Llillilli> Disgusting.
* Daifan rolls [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 14 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 23 ]
<Batsrau> Irada and the children, they went to Kaskind?
* Batsrau asks, concerned
<Katenzhi> They're safe
<Daifan> mmhmm
<Jimba> (Fog's rolled in, then?)
<Batsrau> Can we recover the bodies before we leave? I know it is not as important as rescuingthe living, but still...
<Daifan> (yup)
<Daifan> bodies?
<Katenzhi> Where are they?
<Batsrau> My wife's father, and her cousin... I'm not sure where they keep them when they are not having their corpses work in a foul mockery of life.
<Llillilli> . . .
<Veznara> Let's find them.
<Jimba> Veznara, we don't have time. Living first, then we'll figure out about the dead.
<Daifan> come on
<Katenzhi> If we don't leave soon that woman will be back, and not alone
* Veznara frowns, but acquiesces.
<Veznara> ...very well.
<Jimba> Batsaru, I'm sorry, but I promise we will try to figure out how to recover them once everyone here is safe.
<Katenzhi> I'm so sorry Batsrau... I don't think there's time.
* Batsrau also seems unhappy, but will agree to go with his daughter.
* Daifan looks to Batsrau. "We will do what we can - but for the living first."
<Jimba> (I mean, presumably there wasn't a room full of corpses in this building, right?)
<AshnabisNarrator> (no, not in this building)
<Jimba> We need to move, people.
* Daifan will start moving the others along towards th ship, through the mists
* Jimba will take up the rear to make sure they all get there.
* Katenzhi will toss the line and get us ready to go once we're on the ship.
<AshnabisNarrator> You can get the prisoners on board the ship, then prepare to set sail. So the plan is to sail for a short distance and then let Jimba jump off and recover the Menagerie?
<Jimba> (I believe so, yes.)
<Jimba> (Kat's not as good a swimmer as I am. ;) )
<Daifan> (yes I guess - I guess we don' have time t get the bubun :/)
<Jimba> (Well, I feel like we don't have time to get the bubun without a fight)
<AshnabisNarrator> (I think it would be more risky, yeah - you could try but it might be attracting more attention/commotion)
<Jimba> (And that puts the living in more danger)
<Daifan> (cool)
<AshnabisNarrator> OK, let's have Jimba and Kat make sailing checks to get out of here safely
<Katenzhi> !roll 1d20+17
* Daifan rolls for Katenzhi: [ 1d20+17 ] getting [ 19 ] which, after the modifier [ 17 ] totals [ 36 ].
<AshnabisNarrator> nice
<Veznara> (Woo!)
* Katenzhi shouts orders to hoist the yardarn and set the anchor to main sail!
* Jimba gives actual useful orders.
<Jimba> ( ;) )
<AshnabisNarrator> There is some commotion in the town as you set off, but you have a good head start on them and even if they pursue you, it would take time for them to get underway.
<Jimba> Be ready to stop them if it comes to it, Kat, but hopefully we can get away free and clear.
<Katenzhi> If they get close, they'll regret it.
<AshnabisNarrator> Okay - you manage your getaway with prisoners. They are largely people from the rural parts of Ruur, a few captives off ships, etc.
* Veznara helps tend to them, and listens to their stories as she does so.
<Katenzhi> That oughta set them back a little.

Solos

Jimba talks with Llillilli about murdering the pirates

* Jimba will be hanging around on the Menagerie after getting back from Naguur, significantly quieter than normal.
* Llillilli is on deck sunning herself with Llifesi.
* Llillilli glances at Jimba every so often when she sees him,
* Llillilli develops a deepening frown.
* Jimba goes about his work very somberly.
* Llillilli eventually picks up Llifesi and goes over to where Jimba is coiling some rope or something.
<Llillilli> Jimba, are you unwell?
<Jimba> Hmm? No, I'm fine.
* Jimba clearly isn't.
<Llillilli> THat is a lie.
* Llillilli thins her lips :|
* Jimba sighs.
<Jimba> It's...not entirely the truth, I guess.
<Llillilli> Mm hmm.
<Jimba> I'm, hmm, uncomfortable with how things went down in Naguur.
<Llillilli> Why?
<Jimba> I killed those pirates.
<Llillilli> ... Oh... Yes, I guess you must have.
* Llillilli sits down on the deck next to the rope coil.
<Llillilli> We saved so many people though.
<Jimba> I know.
<Jimba> That's why I did it, and that's how I justify it to myself, but...
<Jimba> I didn't hesitate.
<Llillilli> Hm.
<Jimba> They were people, and I just...killed them. Because it was easier than any alternative.
<Llillilli> Why is that, do you think?
<Llillilli> (scratch that I am slow0
<Llillilli> it doesn't seem like you are finding it easy now
<Jimba> Because if I'd tried being fancy with it, there was a good chance something would go wrong.
<Jimba> And we might not have gotten everyone out.
* Jimba sighs and shakes his head.
<Jimba> I'm really not.
<Jimba> I would do it again; I think the math in the moment made sense.
<Jimba> But I don't like it.
* Llillilli nods.
<Llillilli> I think I would have done the same.
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> It's just...
<Jimba> Like I said, they were just people. They'd done bad things, yes, but...the guy on the deck pet me as a dog. He was kind to a random animal that showed up. I don't think he was a bad person. I don't know...
<Llillilli> Do you think you are a bad person?
<Jimba> No...
<Jimba> I don't think so.
<Llillilli> That man pledged his loyalty to someone who murdered hatchlings... babies.
<Llillilli> That is not a good person, no matter how man dogs they pet.
<Llillilli> (many)
<Jimba> It's not that simple, though.
* Llillilli shrugs.
<Jimba> If he was from Naguur, that it's likely he had family in the fleet.
<Jimba> And I'm sure he joined long before Yeggun's atrocities.
<Jimba> It's...hard to shake loyalties like that.
* Llillilli frowns.
<Llillilli> I don't think that's an excuse.
<Jimba> It's not an excuse, just the reasoning.
<Jimba> I'm not defending them.
* Llillilli nods.
<Jimba> I'm not...concerned about them. I'm concerned about
* me
* , and how easy it was in the moment.
* Llillilli sighs.
<Jimba> I know it saved people and all, I know that. I just...I don't like how easy it is to end a life, I guess.
<Jimba> But there's nothing I can do about it.
<Llillilli> I am sorry you are struggling...
<Llillilli> I don't know how to help.
* Jimba gives a half-hearted smile.
<Jimba> This is helping.
<Llillilli> But I think you are a good person.
<Jimba> Thanks.
<Llillilli> If you find it hard...well, probably you're supposed to.
<Llillilli> If you like dit, you would be like Yeggun.
<Llillilli> (liked it)
* Jimba nods.
* Jimba 's face hardens.
<Jimba> I'm going to kill him.
* Llillilli looks briefly surprised, then nods.
<Llillilli> Yes.
<Jimba> I don't want killing to be easy, but, after what he's done.
<Jimba> I'm not a romantic. I know Liraula and the rest aren't exactly gentle, but they prefer it when no one gets hurt. Yeggun...is a monster.
<Llillilli> He can't be allowed to hurt other people.
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> I don't know what happened to him, but...yes. He has to be stopped, and I don't think there's another way.
* Llillilli nods.
* Llillilli sits quietly for a moment.
<Llillilli> Are you going to talk to Katenzhi?
<Jimba> ...I probably should, huh?
<Llillilli> Yes.
<Llillilli> But I don't recommend her ways of coping.
* Jimba nods.
* Jimba gives a short laugh.
<Jimba> No, I wasn't planning on that.
<Jimba> Sometimes I'm a little concerned about her 'coping.'
<Llillilli> Yes.
<Jimba> I just don't know how to say anything about it.
<Jimba> She's always liked to celebrate with a drink, but...
* Jimba trails off.
<Llillilli> :/
<Jimba> I wonder what Bivizmi thinks about it.
<Llillilli> Hmm.
<Llillilli> I also wonder.
* Jimba shrugs.
<Llillilli> I don't know her.
<Llillilli> Have you talked to her very much?
<Jimba> Just a little.
<Jimba> She seems nice.
* Llillilli nods.
<Jimba> More level-headed than Kat, at least. :)
<Llillilli> Good...
<Jimba> While we're on the subject of partners, how's Thelef doing? With all the tensions between the fort and the People, I mean.
<Llillilli> About the same as me.
<Jimba> Or just in general, really.
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> And that would be...?
<Llillilli> It is stressful. Frustrating.
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> Isn't everything these days?
<Jimba> Anything I can do?
<Llillilli> The solars think that I, or we want to take things from them...
* Jimba nods.
<Llillilli> They are so angry.
<Jimba> What is it they think you're going to take from them?
* Llillilli says sadly.
<Llillilli> The sun, among other things.
<Jimba> Yeah, I don't understand that.
<Jimba> Not to be flippant, but it seems like there's enough sun to go around.
<Llillilli> THat is what I said.
<Llillilli> I can't understand their thinking.
<Jimba> It's like the fort and the people around here. There's plenty for everyone if people would just share.
<Jimba> But even more so, because, like...the sun seems infinite?
<Jimba> Or close enough for the purpose of argument.
<Llillilli> I don't want to take anything away from anyone. I never asked to be selleluf. I didn't steal Llifesi or Heliae.
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> How's Heliae doing?
<Llillilli> They are just... afraid. Of something different.
<Llillilli> It's not even something *new*.
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> Yeah.
<Llillilli> The island, Loeluth's offspring...
<Llillilli> ANyway...
<Llillilli> Loeluth told me to use my power. So I am trying to.
<Llillilli> I don't know if it will help.
* Llillilli shrugs.
* Jimba smiles encouragingly.
<Jimba> I think it will.
* Llillilli smiles back.
<Jimba> Well, the deck isn't going to scrub itself, so I should get back to it.
<Llillilli> Do you want help?
* Jimba pats Llifesi.
<Jimba> Sure.
* Llillilli gets to her feet and sets Llifesi down.