Ye Olde Adventure Worlde session 42
Summary
Laris rendezvous with the Turathi troops disembarking from the Iron Drake, and gets filled in on the plan to capture a demon. Meghan and Eyllia volunteer to do the capturing while Laris and Rufus work on relieving the Ankai. The battle goes well, with the help of the Kai Do Aratand one of the larger demons is isolated - Meghan is severely injured, but Eyllia managed to subdue it. Meanwhile, May and Induriel consult with Gladius about options for Induriel's blindness - he tells them it is damage. not a curse, and suggests seeking intervention from Corellon. Induriel expresses his disappointment that May opened the box, but they reconcile.
Session
- Session date: 2019-09-18
- In Game date: following on from the previous session
Session Start: Sun Aug 18 12:17:54 2019
Session Ident: #gnomeland
<YOAW_Narrator> Okay, I'm going to go ahead and get started.
<Laris> kk
Last minute finalization of plans before the battle
<YOAW_Narrator> Laris, you were setting up your troops' fallback position, iirc?
<Laris> Yes
<YOAW_Narrator> The folks from the Drake can make their way there after the elven scouts informed them of your position.
* NPC1 is now known as Kadanu
* Korivan is glad to be off the ocean :p
* Kadanu will march his troops there post-haste.
<Kadanu> I see we made it in time to assist, thank the gods.
<Laris> Thank you for coming so swiftly.
<Kadanu> Purely providence, but I'll take it. Captain D'Azzure came by the keep as we prepared to move out, and she was able to transport at least this much of our forces.
* Laris will recount what we've been able to determine about the enemies' composition
<Laris> (I forget the exact details, but 'X number of small ones, X number of big ones' etc.)
* Kadanu nods.
<Korivan> (I have told Kadanu that we need to acpture one)
<Kadanu> Well, we've got as good a defensive position as we can hope for, and they're not exactly strategic geniuses.
* Laris nods
<Kadanu> We do have a bit of a tactical wrinkle, however.
<Laris> Oh?
<Kadanu> Gaath Korivan?
* Kadanu will wave Korivan over if he's not already there.
* Korivan will come over
<Korivan> ...what?
<Kadanu> Can you tell Lugal Corvis what you told me?
<Korivan> Ahhh... yes @_@
<Korivan> Tere is a booyashag. Someone who made...a pact...with the dmones... to channel their power @_@
<Korivan> We will need to find them, to stop this.
<Korivan> To do that.... we need to capture a demon. Alive...is better @_@
<Laris> Very well. How do we find this person?
* Laris nods
<Korivan> then... there are rites.
<Laris> how alive? >.>
<Korivan> alive enough....to trace the power
<Korivan> Is... Auspex here?
<Laris> Yes.
* Korivan looks around for Rufus.
* Laris will call Rufus over if he's available
<Korivan> He could... help with that. With his mark
* NPC2 is now known as Rufus_Metillius
<Rufus_Metillius> Help with what now?
* Eyllia (vess@CPEbc4dfb296af3-CMbc4dfb296af0.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com) has joined #gnomeland
<Korivan> Tracking... connections of power.
* Rufus_Metillius nods.
<Rufus_Metillius> Yeah, that's workable.
<Rufus_Metillius> Trying to find who did this?
<Korivan> Yes.
* Rufus_Metillius nods again.
<Korivan> There is...a pact. Not just summoning.
<Rufus_Metillius> Well shit.
<Rufus_Metillius> I take it you had something in mind?
<Korivan> Yes.
<Korivan> We can track the connection... life to life @_@
* Rufus_Metillius sighs.
<Rufus_Metillius> I thought that might be the case.
* Korivan nods
<Rufus_Metillius> It's certainly workable.
<Korivan> Yes.
<Korivan> It's been...done before.
<Korivan> I know the rites @_@
<Rufus_Metillius> We'll have a better chance the greater the investiture, which means one of the bigger ones, but I'd prefer to err on the side of safety for our troops.
* Rufus_Metillius looks to Laris.
* Korivan nods
<Rufus_Metillius> Your call, sir.
<Laris> The big ones are more risky to try and capture. We can try to be open to an opportunity if we see one, and seize it, but I think our chances are better with one of the smaller ones.
<Korivan> We have...Eyllia. And Megan.
* Kadanu is now known as Meghan
<Meghan> Hmm?
* Meghan walks up to the growing conversation.
<Laris> We can try. As I said. But having something is better than nothing, if the big ones prove too dangerous.
<Meghan> Too dangerous for what?
<Laris> to capture alive
* Meghan raises her eyebrows.
<Meghan> How big are they?
* Laris will describe what we know
<Rufus_Metillius> Scouts say better than ten feet. Maybe up to fifteen for the biggest.
* Meghan blows out a breath.
<Meghan> How intact do they need to be? Demons can take a lot of punishment.
<Laris> Somewhat alive, is my understanding.
* Korivan nods
<Meghan> Just somewhat?
<Meghan> That's simpler.
<Korivan> they need to live ...long enough....for the rite
* Meghan nods.
<Meghan> Eyllia! You want to capture a demon?
<Eyllia> already sourcing some chains
* Meghan grins.
* Korivan shrugs at Laris
<Korivan> The Ankai still need.... deliverance.
* Laris sighs and nods
<Korivan> Give them some support...
* Korivan says, gesturing to Meghan and Eyllia
<Korivan> But your tropps...have other uses @_@
<Korivan> (troops)
<Laris> My aim is to draw the enemy in our direction, to allow the Ankai time to regroup or escape, whichever they decide.
* Korivan nods
<Rufus_Metillius> I guess we don't know enough about their current situation to know which it will be.
* Laris nods
<Laris> We can give them the opportunity, but what they do with it is up to them.
* Rufus_Metillius nods.
<Korivan> Yes. I expect...some of both @_@
<YOAW_Narrator> Folks will finish prepping for battle then. Question: How much of your force are you looking to make the initial engagement with? Everything and then pull back? Just a few to try to encourage the demons to follow opportunistically?
<Laris> I think we need to hit them hard enough to draw all or nearly all of them away.
<Korivan> (yeah - I would worry that becaue of hwo they are being directed that they might be focused enough on their goal not to be easily distracted)
<Laris> Just picking off a few who come in our direction isn't going to be enough, if there are still some blocking the Ankai's escape.
<YOAW_Narrator> All right.
<Laris> so - send in the bulk of our force for an attack, then pull back and hope they follow
<Korivan> (yes. If we even draw of most it would give Meghan and Eyllia a chance to isolate one of the bigger ones)
<YOAW_Narrator> Okie doke.
<Korivan> (I am not sure if I would do better to go with either a: troops, b: M&E or c: stay behind and prep stuff for the rite, so we can be ready to go)
<Laris> Also for me personally, I want to wait and summon the Kai Do Arat once we've already drawn them off (or hold them as a backup if we aren't able to draw them off successfully).
<Laris> Since it sounds like I won't be able to summon them for very long, or at least, I don't know how long, so save them for when we really need them most
<YOAW_Narrator> *nod*
<YOAW_Narrator> Heather, that's really up to you. Each of those options has their benefits and drawbacks.
<Korivan> (Maybe use them to cut off the demons so they can't just turn back on the Ankai?)
<Laris> (yeah that was my hope - that if we do draw them off, I can summon the KdA to hit them from the other side or flank, whatever works better in the terrain)
<YOAW_Narrator> Makes sense.
The Battle
<YOAW_Narrator> Julie, can I get a Warfare test from you please?
<YOAW_Narrator> Make that two. A Strategy test and a Command test.
<Laris> okay
<Laris> Strategy first, then command
<YOAW_Narrator> kk
<Laris> !roll 6d6
* Lan-werk rolls for Laris: [ 6d6 ] getting [ 5 1 6 3 6 2 ] for a total of [ 23 ].
<Laris> 22
<Laris> !roll 6d6
* Lan-werk rolls for Laris: [ 6d6 ] getting [ 3 3 5 4 5 6 ] for a total of [ 26 ].
<Laris> 23
<YOAW_Narrator> You deploy your troops perfectly to take advantage of the uneven terrain, and your soldiers move with practiced precision as they advance upon the enemy. Up ahead, you hear the sounds of battle, the demons assailing the Ankai redoubt. Rufus gives you a confident, encouraging nod as you give the signal for the assault.
* Laris orders the attack
<YOAW_Narrator> Your attacking force, mostly made up of Rufus's undead troops, rush into the demons' flank, swarming over some of the small outlying demons. It takes a few moments for the main force of the demons to realize the danger, then they turn and rush to meet you. A few remain focused on the Ankai, and you can see several of the insect-like demons attempting to herd their underlings towards your troops.
<YOAW_Narrator> How long are you wanting your people to engage before retreating?
<Laris> (I guess I will keep a close eye to see how we're doing? if we seem to be holding up pretty well against them then engage for maybe 5-10 minutes then draw back? if we are losing a lot of undead troops then draw back sooner to preserve our forces)
<YOAW_Narrator> Neither side seems to be gaining an advantage, and both are equally tireless, so it's a bit of a draw for the moment. Rufus has his skeletons deployed with an eye towards defense and the eventual withdrawal, so they're standing up well to the all-out assault of the demons, but they're making little headway.
* Rufus_Metillius leads from just behind the front, supporting and maintaining his troops, occasionally throwing an offensive spell over the line at the demons.
* Laris will have his bow ready so if he gets an opportunity, he can shoot at the demons, but otherwise is concentrating on directing the battle
* Rufus_Metillius has lost a few skeletons, and you see him sacrifice one in a spell that brings down one of the large bull demons.
<Laris> (nice!)
<YOAW_Narrator> Make me a Marksmanship test
<YOAW_Narrator> (Is Eyllia in this part of the battle as well?)
<Laris> !roll 4d6
* Lan-werk rolls for Laris: [ 4d6 ] getting [ 5 5 1 3 ] for a total of [ 14 ].
<Laris> (13)
<Eyllia> (are we demon-nabbing right away? if so yes)
<YOAW_Narrator> While you are focused on directing the battle, you manage a few shots at demons, several times managing to slow or freeze a demon that might have broken through the line. One particularly good shot goes through the multi-faceted eye of an insect demon, which doesn't kill it outright (demons being quite hardy ;)), but leaves an opening for two of your skeleton troops to finish it off.
<YOAW_Narrator> (I think the demon-nabbing is coming later, after the withdrawal to the defensive position)
<YOAW_Narrator> You're fairly certain you've got them committed, and they're beginning to pull the rest of the bull demons from assaulting the Ankai and towards your troops.
<Laris> (okay, then we can start to draw back and hope they follow us)
<YOAW_Narrator> Make another Command test, please.
<Laris> !roll 6d6
* Lan-werk rolls for Laris: [ 6d6 ] getting [ 2 5 3 2 2 6 ] for a total of [ 20 ].
<Laris> (18)
<YOAW_Narrator> Per their nature and your training, the skeletons conduct an orderly retreat with minimal casualties, keeping the demons hot on their heels. You fall back up the designated hill, and the troops there unleash the first volley of arrows into the pursuing demons. Many fall or are wounded, but they charge, heedless of the danger, right into your prepared trap.
<YOAW_Narrator> The demon force is more spread out at this point, just a few remaining focused on the Ankai for the moment, including two of the bull demons.
<Laris> Then if possible I'll try to summon the Kai do Arat (if I think I can take a few moments where I'm likely to be distracted from what's going on)
<YOAW_Narrator> You make the effort of will to call Ulkash as you have before. You have a sensation you can best compare to attempting to lift something and finding it much heavier than you thought. Your vision blacks out for just a moment, but it returns quickly and you see the Kai Do Arat among the demons, attacking with abandon. They lack the discipline of your troops, but they seem to exult in the combat, shouting and wailing.
<YOAW_Narrator> The demons roar in answer, and seem able to wound the Kai Do Arat, but both sides seem more interested in eliminating the other than in minimizing casualties.
Eyllia and Meghan battle a demon
<YOAW_Narrator> Eyllia, you and Meghan (and possibly others) have an opening to engage the more isolated demons.
<Laris> (okay - I'll pay close attention to how I'm feeling, since she warned me that it would drain me.)
* Eyllia will pick a one out that meets our requirements and move in with Meghan to disable it.
* Meghan can carry Eyllia over the battle to the bull demons near the Ankai.
<Meghan> How do you want to do this?
<Eyllia> Cut its legs out from under it then pin it and chain it
* lan_phone (uid135102@id-135102.brockwell.irccloud.com) Quit (Quit: Connection closed for inactivity)
<Meghan> It has the benefit of simplicity.
* Meghan grins.
<Meghan> Here we go.
<YOAW_Narrator> Eyllia, can I get an Agility test and a Fighting test?
<Eyllia> (acrobatics good for the Agility test?)
<YOAW_Narrator> (Yeah)
<Eyllia> !roll 6d6
* Lan-werk rolls for Eyllia: [ 6d6 ] getting [ 4 5 3 6 4 6 ] for a total of [ 28 ].
<Eyllia> (21+6 = 27)
<Eyllia> (agility)
<Eyllia> !roll 9d6
* Lan-werk rolls for Eyllia: [ 9d6 ] getting [ 6 5 6 1 1 4 6 4 3 ] for a total of [ 36 ].
<Eyllia> (31+1 = 32 fighting)
<YOAW_Narrator> (good lord. ;p)
* Meghan dives, releasing Eyllia at the last moment.
<YOAW_Narrator> Eyllia rolls, coming up running and dashing between the legs of the first of the demons, scoring deep cuts and bringing it crashing down. She avoids its flailing claws, rushing the second one. It bring one massive fist down at her, but she flows away from the attack and under its guard, plunging her swords quickly into its vulnerable legs in an echo of the first demon's fall. Turning as she reaches a moment of safety on
<YOAW_Narrator> the other side of the wounded beast, Eyllia sees Meghan fall from the sky, driving her spear into the head of the second demon and riding its dying body to the ground. A weary cheer goes up from the besieged Ankai overlooking the conflict.
<YOAW_Narrator> The first demon drags itself towards Meghan, roaring in fury and pain.
* Meghan is momentarily off-balance, stumbling off the fallen demon.
<YOAW_Narrator> Eyllia, what would you like to do?
* Eyllia will shout a warning to Meghan as she pounces at the demon, slashing with quick blows to hamper its attacks
<YOAW_Narrator> (I know it's going to be gross, but roll me Fighting again. :))
<Eyllia> !roll 9d6
* Lan-werk rolls for Eyllia: [ 9d6 ] getting [ 5 2 4 1 5 3 6 3 5 ] for a total of [ 34 ].
<Eyllia> (28+1 =29)
* Meghan turns at your shouted warning, managing to step partially out of the way of the beast's strike, but you see her fall as it's claws shred one of her wings.
<YOAW_Narrator> Eyllia darts forward, taking advantage of the demon's attention being elsewhere. A series of precise stabs and slashes carve up the creature's arms, leaving it largely immobile, howling and rolling its head back and forth in ineffectual rage.
* Eyllia dances to her friends side
<Eyllia> Meghan!
* Meghan grits her teeth and lets out a muffled scream as she attempts to push herself to her feet.
<Meghan> Is it down?
* Meghan pants, gathering herself.
<Eyllia> It's disabled and alive... not exactly as planned
<YOAW_Narrator> The last of the two bull demons at the caves taken down, a group of Ankai come out to drive off the remaining small demons in the area and protect the fallen warrior.
<Meghan> Well...ah!...that's still a win, right?
<Eyllia> Yeah, still a win
<Eyllia> Lets get you away from here...
<Eyllia> ...why do you have to be so big and heavy
<Meghan> If I wasn't...I couldn't carry you...into bat...
* Meghan passes out.
* Eyllia looks at the Ankai
<Eyllia> Can any of you do something to help her... I makes wounds, not fix them.
* Rufus_Metillius is now known as Ankai_Warrior
<Ankai_Warrior> Our gaath was wounded, but we have other healers.
<Eyllia> And don't kill that one... we need it alive
* Ankai_Warrior nods.
* Eyllia points to the crippled demon
<Ankai_Warrior> [goblin] You two, take her into the caves.
* Ankai_Warrior points to two bugbears her will carry Meghan up to the caves.
<YOAW_Narrator> The bugbears move to secure the demon as best they can.
* Eyllia will help secure the area now that Meghan is being tended to
Laris fights off the urge to join his ghostly troops in battle
<YOAW_Narrator> Back at the other part of the battle, your line is holding against the rush of demons. Many of them are occupied with the Kai Do Arat among them.
<YOAW_Narrator> Laris, can I get a Will test and an Endurance test?
<Laris> (does Dedication count for the Will test?)
<YOAW_Narrator> (Not in this instance, no)
<Laris> (ok)
<Laris> (will first, then endurance)
<Laris> !roll 4d6
* Lan-werk rolls for Laris: [ 4d6 ] getting [ 1 3 2 1 ] for a total of [ 7 ].
<Laris> !roll 3d6
* Lan-werk rolls for Laris: [ 3d6 ] getting [ 6 6 4 ] for a total of [ 16 ].
<Laris> (well at least endurance didn't suck...)
<YOAW_Narrator> You feel an overwhelming desire to join your people in the messier fighting, in amongst the demons, to plunge your swords into them, to feel their blood on your hands...
* Laris will drop his bow and draw his swords then, ready to move into battle
* Ankai_Warrior is now known as Rufus_Metillius
* Rufus_Metillius gives Laris an odd look as he sees him draw his swords.
* Laris is going to go for it, unless Rufus tries to stop me I suppose
* Rufus_Metillius will make his way over to you, though it will take a moment.
<Rufus_Metillius> What are you doing?!
<Laris> I need to fight with them...
* Rufus_Metillius shouts over the sounds of battle.
<Rufus_Metillius> What are you talking about? You are fighting with them?
<Laris> Not enough
<Laris> I need to feel the blood on my hands
<Rufus_Metillius> What?
<Rufus_Metillius> Laris, we're winning. You don't need to go charging in.
<Laris> That's why I need to. So I can be part of it... part of them.
<Rufus_Metillius> ...Is that an order?
* Laris shakes his head for a moment, confused
<Laris> !roll 5d6
* Lan-werk rolls for Laris: [ 5d6 ] getting [ 4 5 6 5 2 ] for a total of [ 22 ].
<Laris> (20)
<YOAW_Narrator> You shake off the influence of the Kai Do Arat's power, coming back to yourself clearly.
<Laris> I... no. It's not an order. I don't know what I was thinking.
* Laris will put away his swords only slightly reluctantly
<Rufus_Metillius> Are you all right?
<Laris> I think so.
* Rufus_Metillius frowns, still concerned.
* Laris knows it's pointless to tell him not to worry about me, so instead just gives him a brief smile and goes back to directing the battle.
<Rufus_Metillius> If the demons were more aware, this would be a rout. We can manage without the Kai Do Arat.
<Rufus_Metillius> You can let them go.
* Laris nods, seeing the wisdom in that, although he kind of doesn't want to. They look like they're having so much fun!
* Laris will release them, though, with thanks for their aid.
<YOAW_Narrator> Your troops are able to eliminate the rest of the demons. The bull demons and the smaller ones all fall under your weapons, but a few of the insect ones discorporate back to the Abyss.
* Laris looks to Korivan and co - your turn now
<Korivan> (Do we want an aside back in NA before Tuck has to go to bed?)
May and Induriel speak o Gladius about Induriel's blindness
<YOAW_Narrator> (Yeah, I was thinking we might should do that)
<YOAW_Narrator> May, you're at the keep awaiting news.
<YOAW_Narrator> About midday the next day, you'll be informed that sentries see Gladius approaching.
<May> (Have I had any news from the front? Like would I know about Meghan?)
<YOAW_Narrator> (Hmm. You can make a test for scrying.)
<May> !roll 4d6
* Lan-werk rolls for May: [ 4d6 ] getting [ 1 4 5 2 ] for a total of [ 12 ].
<May> (11)
<YOAW_Narrator> Who would you have been focusing on for your scrying?
<May> (Korivan, probably >.> )
<YOAW_Narrator> Then you'll know that his preparations went well, and that the fight in general seemed to be going in your side's favor.
<May> (ok)
<May> I'll go down to meet Gladius when he gets to the keep.
* Rufus_Metillius is now known as Gladius
* Gladius will land in the courtyard.
* Gladius bows his head for a moment when he sees you.
* May will return the bow.
<Gladius> Siru Lalu. I hope I am not intruding.
<May> My Lord Gladius, welcome.
<Gladius> I understand there is some danger in your lands.
<May> Of course not. I've been scrying on our battle and it seems to be going well.
<Gladius> Excellent. I wish your people a resounding victory.
<May> Thank you. Yes, our allies were being menaced by a horde of demons. We've sent troops to relieve them.
<May> Although having demons around at all is somewhat worrying.
<Gladius> So I have heard. I debated moving to join them, but it seemed you had sufficient forces for the task.
<Gladius> Indeed. It bears investigation.
<Gladius> They are difficult to uproot.
<May> Yes, and tenacious.
* Gladius will shift to his human form.
<May> But luckily, not terribly well versed in tactics.
<Gladius> If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to ask.
<May> Thank you for the offer. From what I saw the troops seem to have it in hand... but there was actually another matter that you might be able to assist me with.
<Gladius> Oh?
<May> Recently a friend of mine... Lord Antalanon... I believe you've met? Anyway, he was struck blind by a curse. One that may or may not have been meant for me. Either way I was wondering if you might have any insight into curing him. I know you've been around for a while and must have great experience and wisdom.
* Gladius smiles and shakes his head.
<Gladius> Experience, perhaps.
<Gladius> I'd be happy to see what I can do. I have dealt with a few curses in my time.
<Gladius> What is the origin of the curse?
<May> I'd be very grateful.
* Gladius will gesture for May to lead the way into the keep.
* May will lead him inside, towards Induriel's suite.
<May> (Sec, looking something up)
* Induriel is in his apartments, and will gladly receive them once they arrive
<May> It started with a gift from... a rival. It was contained in a box and Induriel tried to scry it to see if it was dangerous and... that's when he went blind.
<Gladius> Hmm. May I ask who this rival is?
* Induriel turns to them, so Gladius can see his black eyes.
<May> Are you familiar with Lady Morelos?
<Gladius> I know the name. Gloaming fae nobility, yes?
<May> Yes. Very dangerous.
<May> She seems to have taken an interest in me and our town, although I'm not sure why yet.
<Gladius> She would be, being a party of that court.
<Gladius> Dangerous, I mean.
<May> Yes.
<Gladius> Greetings, Lord Antalanon. I am sorry to hear of your recent troubles.
<Induriel> Thank you, Lord Gladius.
<Gladius> Can you tell me exactly what happened?
<Induriel> Ah. Well, after the battle with Kepeskmiiriv, I was contacted in my dreams by the Lady Morelos.
<Induriel> She was, or claimed to be, offended at my having channeled energies into her realm during the battle, and demanded compensation.
<Induriel> I was able to satisfy her demands. When we last parted, she presented me with a gift for Mamitu, in a box.
<Induriel> She warned me not to open it. However, I of course felt an obligation to take at least some security measures before passing it on.
* May shakes her head slowly.
<Induriel> So I attempted to find out indirectly, by scrying. I had a vision in which the box was opened... and it was through that vision that I was inflicted.
<Gladius> Hmm.
<Induriel> Since then, I have been as you see me now.
<Gladius> So it was merely in a vision that you witnessed the opening of the box?
<Induriel> Yes.
<Gladius> *Has
* the box been opened?
* May hesitates for a moment.
<May> Yes.
<Induriel> What?
<Gladius> May I ask what was inside?
<May> I'm sorry, Istyar, we had to know. I'm afraid that I can't tell you what it was at this moment. It's contents is very... If the wrong person found out it was here it would cause us... problems.
* Induriel sighs
* Gladius nods.
<Induriel> I wish I could say I was surprised.
<Induriel> I'm just glad you're safe.
<May> For now it's safe. We are trying to also keep it secret.
<Gladius> Of course.
<May> So I would appreciate your discretion.
<May> Thank you.
<Gladius> Can you speak at all towards its origin? Did it seem fae in nature, given its source?
<May> No. It was... infernal.
* Induriel nods
<May> I don't know how she came to have it.
<Induriel> In my vision, there was a flash and pain, and a smell of brimstone.
<Gladius> That seems consistent.
<Gladius> Lord Antalanon, may I touch you? I need to get a better look at your eyes.
* Induriel nods
<Induriel> Certainly, Lord Gladius. Thank you for your help.
* Induriel lets himself be guided into a position where Gladius can examine his eyes more closely
* Gladius will place a hand on either side of Induriel's head and take a look at his eyes.
<Gladius> Hmm, yes.
<Gladius> Well, I would say, strictly speaking, it's not a curse.
<May> Is that good?
* Gladius shakes his head noncommittally.
<Gladius> Yes and no.
<Gladius> A curse merely needs to be broken. This is lingering damage from exposure to infernal energies.
<Gladius> You've had difficulty finding a solution in your library, no?
<May> Yeah, nothing so far.
* Gladius nods.
<May> If it's just physical damage, wouldn't a simple healing have fixed it?
<Gladius> Turathi texts wouldn't consider it a problem. Most of your people wouldn't be affected by it, and for any who would be, it would be considered fitting punishment.
* Gladius shakes his head.
<Gladius> No, it's not solely physical.
<Gladius> It's a spiritual wound, as well.
<May> I see
<Gladius> It can be healed, but it will take time.
<May> That's... very good news.
<Induriel> Yes, thank you, Lord Gladius - that is a relief.
<Induriel> Is there anything I can do to accelerate the process?
<Gladius> Pray? Corellon is a god of healing, after all.
<May> Lord Gladius, I would very much appreciate your help in whatever rituals are necessary. Our resources would be at your disposal.
<Gladius> I will talk to Iosh. There may be more we can do to speed the process.
<Induriel> Thank you. In the meantime, I will certainly pray to Corellon daily.
<May> Thank you. I won't forget your assistance here.
<Gladius> I am happy to help, though of course wish it weren't needed.
* May smiles.
* May will take Induriel's hand and squeeze it reassuringly.
* Induriel squeezes back and smiles
<Induriel> Thank you again, Lord Gladius. You have given me hope.
* Gladius will put a reassuring hand on your shoulder.
<Gladius> All will be well, Lord Antalanon, I'm sure.
<May> If there's anything that I can do for you, Lord Gladius, please let me know.
* Gladius nods.
<Gladius> As I said, I should speak with Iosh.
<May> Yes, of course.
<Gladius> I'm assuming Meghan went with your troops to fight the demons?
<May> She did. She left with the Drake, I believe.
<May> I can try to scry her if you'd like.
<Gladius> I'm sure she's fine. I will await her return.
* May smiles.
<May> She can certainly take care of herself.
* Gladius smiles.
<May> And I'm sure Captain D'Azzure is watching out for her as well.
* Gladius nods.
<Gladius> I'm sure.
<Gladius> Lord Antalanon, Siru Lalu, if you'll excuse, I will go check on my charges.
<May> Of course. Thank you again.
<Induriel> Of course, Lord Gladius.
<Induriel> Thank you.
* Gladius nods his head respectfully towards May and will leave.
Induriel confronts May about having opened the box
<May> So, it looks like we won't have to put you down quite yet after all!
<Induriel> What a relief!
<Induriel> I was always hopeful that we'd find a cure eventually, but it's still good to hear another confirm it.
* May nods.
<May> You were right after all. I'm glad Lord Gladius decided to come by the keep today.
<Induriel> Oh? He came here unprompted?
<May> Yes. I'm guessing Meghan never told him she was leaving with the relief forces.
<May> He was probably looking for her.
<May> He mentioned hearing that we were having a problem down south.
<Induriel> Oh dear.. Still, from what he said just now, I take it he was not too surprised at her, ah, independent initiative...
<Induriel> Something that seems common to young people, who too often ignore their elders to rush into doing something dangerous.. :(
* May rolls her eyes.
<May> I know, I know...
* Induriel sighs and shakes his head
<May> But we had to know what we were dealing with. Even my uncle agreed when he found out.
<Induriel> Well, I trust you did take precautions before attempting anything.
<Induriel> And Sahirru knew?
<May> Of course I did! Fai... we spent all day setting up wards.
* Induriel raises an eyebrow
<May> Yes. He was there when we opened it.
<Induriel> Ah.
<Induriel> You like him, then?
<May> I have no idea what you're talking about.
<Induriel> (Oh, oops, she meant Sahirru. I thought she was admitting Faire was there. :P )
<May> (Oh, heh, no. Yeah, she meant Sahirru.)
<May> (Although he could maybe have guessed :) )
<Induriel> (Well, I did hear that abbreviated "Fai...")
<May> (Yeah)
<Induriel> (That's what the eyebrow was for. )
<May> (Right)
<Induriel> Ah. Perhaps I misheard - I thought you mentioned someone else.
* May clears her throat.
<May> No, just me and Uncle.
<Induriel> Ah. My apologies, then.
<Induriel> I'm glad Sahirru was there, at least. Of everyone here, he's the one who seems best suited to deal with any possible problems.
<May> Yes, I'm glad he was there.
<Induriel> I take it you did not find anything that would help with my condition, however.
<May> Not really, no. Although it's likely that the contents was the source of the blindness, not anything that Lady Morelos did.
<Induriel> I'm just surprised that it was able to affect me so in a *vision*. Whatever it was, I'm sure it involves great power.
<May> It does. More than you know. What she sent us is very dangerous. Not merely because of what it is, but because of who might want it.
* Induriel frowns
<Induriel> That does not surprise me.
<May> We can't keep it here forever, but I don't know if we can get rid of it either. Sahirru and I are still deciding what to do about it.
<Induriel> I am sorry to have brought this trouble upon you, then. Though it was perhaps better coming from me than someone else - I'm sure she would have found a way to present it to you one way or antoher.
<May> It's not your fault. You did everything you could. Too much, probably. I wish you had let us decide what to do before you tried to scry the box.
<Induriel> Yes, I'm not entirely pleased with my decision either. :/
<Induriel> I simply did not realize that it could be something *that
* powerful.
<May> Well, Well... it's something common to old people, who too often ignore their juniors to rush into doing something dangerous.
<Induriel> Hah!
* May smiles.
<Induriel> I am duly chastised, then.
<May> I'd say we're even, then?
<Induriel> Oh, I suppose. I shall *try
* not to nag you as much about your safety.
<Induriel> But I will still worry.
<May> And I'll *try
* to listen to your advice and not do anything too stupid.
<Induriel> Very well. We have a deal, then.
Korivan and the apprentices solicit assistance form Rufus to perform the ritual to find the Booyashag
<YOAW_Narrator> Korivan, Eyllia and Meghan (with some aid from the Ankai) have secured a 'live' demon for your ritual.
<Korivan> (great!)
<Korivan> (Can they bring it here or will we need to go to it?)
<YOAW_Narrator> Are you going to it, or having it brought to you?
<YOAW_Narrator> (heh)
<Korivan> (If they can bring it here that's better, but if its too dangerous we can go there)
<YOAW_Narrator> The Ankai warriors can drag the demon to where you've set up for the ritual.
<Korivan> (sweet)
<YOAW_Narrator> It's still struggling, but unable to really accomplish much at this point.
<Korivan> (good)
<Korivan> (Is rufus gonna come for this?)
* Meghan is now known as Rufus_Metillius
* Rufus_Metillius will make sure Laris is all right, then join you while they were hauling the demon over.
* Korivan will direct the warrior where to put our subject
<Rufus_Metillius> ...I hate to ask, but you're going to have to consume some of it for your ritual, aren't you? If I'm understanding how your magic works correctly?
* Korivan nods
* Rufus_Metillius frowns, but nods.
<Korivan> Yes.... I have been... preparing for this @_@
<Rufus_Metillius> All right.
<Korivan> I know what I face @_@
<Rufus_Metillius> Do you just need power lent for the ritual? Or maybe a life force anchor?
* Korivan considers
<Korivan> An anchor would be...wise.
* Rufus_Metillius nods.
<Korivan> But I need your power...and your sight @_@
<Rufus_Metillius> Ah, yes.
<Rufus_Metillius> Perhaps...
* Rufus_Metillius sighs.
<Korivan> What.
<Rufus_Metillius> Blood is the best medium for this.
<Rufus_Metillius> I think I can lend you my sight, and some power of course.
* Korivan nods
<Korivan> Good @_@
<Korivan> Then we should... begin @_@
* Rufus_Metillius nods.
<YOAW_Narrator> (Roll me a Will test, please.)
<YOAW_Narrator> (And add two bonus dice for assistance)
<Korivan> (I have dedication and rituals as well - do either of those help?)
<YOAW_Narrator> (Rituals will)
<Korivan> !roll 8d6
* Lan-werk rolls for Korivan: [ 8d6 ] getting [ 4 5 4 4 3 4 3 6 ] for a total of [ 33 ].
<Korivan> (23)
<YOAW_Narrator> Faasha and Halgalaz flank the demon, chanting in unison with you (and the ancestors alongside). Rufus will cut his palm with his dagger, bleeding into a horn you have for ritual purposes. You take your ceremonial knife and cut designs into the demon's chest. It writhes in fury more than pain, but is restrained. You lower the horn to collect blood from the demon as well, invoking Bane to lend you strength and guide you in
<YOAW_Narrator> pursuing his enemies.
<Korivan> @_@
<YOAW_Narrator> You raise the horn to your lips and drink. Both your dragonmark and Rufus's flare a moment, and you are momentarily overwhelmed with a greater perception of the magic running through the ritual and its participants. After a moment, you are able to discern the thread of power running from the demon, arcing off to the south.
<Korivan> (So from here, can I scry out the thread's other end? anchor it somehow so that I can follow it?)
<YOAW_Narrator> (It's essentially also anchored to you right now, so you can follow it)
<Korivan> (physically?)
<YOAW_Narrator> (Yes)
<YOAW_Narrator> (Though possibly also astrally, if you wanted to try that)
<Korivan> (Of course I do, Josh. Of course I do @_@)
<YOAW_Narrator> (Heh)
<Korivan> (just a little peek ;)
<YOAW_Narrator> (Okay, roll me Will again)
<Korivan> (rituals still? Anddo I still get other bonuses?)
<YOAW_Narrator> (Rituals yes, no on the others)
<Korivan> !roll 6d6
* Lan-werk rolls for Korivan: [ 6d6 ] getting [ 4 6 6 3 2 3 ] for a total of [ 24 ].
<Korivan> (22)
<YOAW_Narrator> Your spirit soars along the thread, over miles of terrain, into the mountains to the south. You find yourself in a cave lit by a small campfire glowing a sickly green. Sitting before it, staring into its depths is a goblin, one you would have thought a child, sickly and malnourished. Their eyes blaze with a mad light, however, echoing the flames.
<Korivan> (are they aware of me at all?)
<YOAW_Narrator> Not that you see.
<Korivan> (Could I do anything from here, potentially?)
<YOAW_Narrator> (I suppose you could try a curse or something, but you're already a bit strained from the ritual and previous will-working)
<Korivan> (Yeah, no, that's fine, now I know what to look for at least)
* Korivan will draw back, then
<Korivan> I've...seen... and can follow @_@
