15 Felmont

14 Felmont -- 15 Felmont - 16 Felmont

Felmont 3Y21 -- Back to Logs

## Tumulus, Isonsall, Ascus

It's early in the morning. Pre-dawn early. Rukiya's been restless. At one point, she stepped out of the dome, explaining to whoever was awake that she needed space. Ryleigh followed for the sake of protection, and they returned after some time.

Chasan waited outside, a silent sentry in the snow. An early bedtime and an aura of anxiety means an early morning, so here you are. Rukiya looks like she hasn't gotten much sleep at all. You can still be asleep if you'd like.

[2:09 PM] Seirixori: Seir gets up from where she is and moves to sit next to Rukiya, taking her hand and squeezing it. She doesn't say anything, just a silent comfort.

[2:10 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh gets up and walks outside to chat with Chasan.

[2:11 PM] Brimeia: Bri is snoozing soundly.

[2:15 PM] Urrak: Urrak grumbles, and turns over. Though she got some sleep, it was light and restless. She sits up and can practically feel the drag of the deep bags under her eyes. She scans the dome, but finds it hard to look at Rukiya this morning. She can sense a familiar pain in Rukiya's heart, as she once felt when her father was taken from her. But she also knows this was a deeper than just loss. It's devastation.

She starts to ready her things in silence, stifling yawns as she works.

[2:17 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""I can Send, if you'd like.""

[2:23 PM] DM: Rukiya nods. ""I've been trying to prioritize options. There's just too much we don't know. I'd like to go straight to the Nightmaster, but without revealing who I am, I'm afraid he's not likely to share much. What about... Mavray?""

[2:23 PM] Seirixori: ""Too bad you can't send to Stool,"" Seir mutters as she yawns, leaning into Rukiya a bit.

[2:24 PM] DM: Gylfi smirks. ""Well, she's a gossip. If she knows anything, it won't be hard to get it.""

Rukiya nods. ""And she works downstairs... she might have seen..."" She stops short and swallows, closing her eyes.

[2:25 PM] DM: Gylfi's smile tightens and they pull out one of their notebooks, closing their eyes as their pencil scratches against the paper.

[2:29 PM] DM: After a couple dozen seconds, Gylfi's eyes open and their eyebrows push together in worry and compassion. ""She said that the... the resurrections failed. It wasn't just them. The Duchess and her family and several nobles and staff, too.""

[2:30 PM] Urrak: ""Fuckin' hells..."" Urrak mumbles

[2:31 PM] Seirixori: ""I wonder if it was the same thing that killed Alarys. With the poison or whatever it was?""

[2:32 PM] Urrak: ""T' get so many at once...an' stop them from resurrectin'..."" Urrak scratches her chin, ""Someone's trying t'...this is a coup, right? It has t' be.""

[2:34 PM] DM: Rukiya's not reacting at all. She's clearly deep in thought, compartmentalizing everything.

[2:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir kicks out her foot and nudges Brimeia awake.

[2:35 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh walks back into the dome. Her eyes land on Rukiya and she moves quickly to her, kneeling beside her. ""What is it?""

[2:38 PM] DM: She shakes her head. ""I don't know yet. I wish I could... Gylfi, do you remember Cunning? Would it be possible to send her a message?""

They think for a moment. ""Haven't thought of her in a while. She still in Riverrun? I could probably manage.""

[2:39 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""Tell her I'm asking, and... sedry'it laertri.""

[2:40 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia makes a grumbly 'huh' noise and swats at Seir before finally sitting up.

[2:42 PM] DM: Gylfi raises an eyebrow, then starts scratching in their notebook again. Another several seconds pass. ""She says 'we don't know anything specific about who yet, but the nobles are meeting right now to discuss response.' I... assume that means something to you.""

[2:46 PM] DM: Rukiya frowns. ""Not as much as I'd like."" She sighs. ""I need to get back. The sooner the better. I-- I think this is... this is bad.""

[2:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh stands, offering one of her hands to Rukiya and the other to Seir to help them up. ""Seirixori... we need you help us down the mountain and teleport us to Riverrun.""

[2:58 PM] Seirixori: ""I would like to reiterate, fuck this mountain because this is going to take a lot longer than I wanted,"" Seir kind of grumbles to herself. ""Well, guess it's time to fly then because there's not a faster way down."" She shifts into a giant eagle, expecting to have Rukiya on her back and carry Ry in one of her talons.

[2:59 PM] DM: Does she step outside of the dome first?

[2:59 PM] Seirixori: ((oh.... yes. lmao))

[2:59 PM] DM: Ok, then the dome does not immediately pop.

[3:00 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""Are... you sure you want to do this alone? Both of you?"""

"[3:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh looks at Rukiya. ""I... I don't think we have a choice. No offense, but most of this group isn't good at - blending in.""

[3:02 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""And the titan is too big a threat to ignore."" She looks at Gylfi. ""Would you stay with them? Keep them safe? We'll keep each other updated.""

[3:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir's feather's ruffle a little at the lack of blending in comment.

[3:05 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I need you all to stay. I need you to stop the titan... do find the nagpa. I can't be in two places at once and even thought this is my mess... I'm going with Rukiya.""

[3:05 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi smiles - a little sadly - and moves to hug Rukiya. ""Of course I'll stay if that's what you need.""

[3:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir sticks her head in and gives a low screech, tapping Ry on the head.

[3:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Ouch,"" she says, pulling the hat out of the bag and putting it on her head. ""It isn't my fault you shifted before the conversation was done.""

[3:09 PM] Urrak: ""Be safe ye two,"" Urrak half smiles, ""We'll take care of things out here an' find ye when it's done.""

[3:10 PM] Seirixori: ""Sorry, I forgot you were talking in your fancy language to Rukiya last night and not listening to Gylfi and I when we decided this already."" She whistles, a teasing lilt to it.

[3:12 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi looks humored. ""The hat makes her understand Seirixori? Nice."" They move to bird-Seir and add, ""In that case, I was also asking you if you were fine going down the mountain alone or if you wanted company for the journey back.""

[3:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head, ""Oh, I...am not sure I can carry all three of you. Maybe? Unless you guys want to try to find the nagpa without me.""

[3:14 PM] DM: Chasan stands. ""I, too, will be making my way down the mountain to track the titan. Though I expect I will be slower than a bird.""

[3:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Maybe one day you'll earn your wings back - then you'll be faster than a bird."" Ry smiles up at him.

[3:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh tells Gylfi that she's not sure she can carry them all.

[3:16 PM] DM: Chasan: ""Perhaps, though I will not rest my hopes upon it.""

[3:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""You'll earn more than you expect every day you work towards restitution... trust me.""

[3:21 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""I'm worried about you flying up and down the mountain by yourself. I can teleport up to six of us back to the temple. Could you bring us back from there?""

[3:22 PM] Seirixori: ""Well, yes. But then we'd all have to climb the mountain again. I'll be fine.""

[3:24 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Yes she can, but she says then you'll all have to climb the mountain again.""

[3:25 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""It's your decision. Be careful.""

[3:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir lightly nips Gylfi's shoulder in thanks, and get's situated so Rukiya can hop on and to grab Ry when they're ready.

[3:28 PM] DM: Rukiya mounts Seir with a short look of appreciation towards Gylfi and the rest of the group.

[3:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Thanks everyone,"" Ry says. Then stands where she needs to for Seir to grip onto her.

[3:32 PM] DM: As Seir lifts Ry and Rukiya and they fly off, what are the rest of you doing?

[3:34 PM] Urrak: Urrak folds her arms, ""Well, finding that nagpa is now of utmost importance. I feel like our best bet is back in those tunnels. In th' chamber. If it bled, we could track the blood, or maybe Seir could even track it's scent..."" she's just kind of throwing out ideas as her mind races

[3:35 PM] Brimeia: Bri stares. ""She.. literally just left.""

[3:36 PM] Brimeia: ""We'll have to look some other way for now.""

[3:37 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""She'll be back. We could wait. I don't think it'll be trackable though. If I had to guess, I'd say it left this plane. Bait might be a better idea.""

[3:38 PM] DM: The three of you, please roll perception.

[3:38 PM] Urrak: ""So the question is how trap a nagpa,"" Urrak hums, ""Any ideas?""

[3:38 PM] Urrak: ((16))

[3:38 PM] Brimeia: ((18))

[3:42 PM] DM: You all realize that Ry left with the bag of holding that had the magic books in it.

[3:44 PM] Brimeia: ""Uhhh... hey Gylfi, do you think you could ask Seirixori to bring the bag of holding back. We... might want that.""

[3:45 PM] Urrak: ""Th' bag...shit,"" Urrak rubs her face, ""Aye, or at least those books.""

[3:45 PM] DM: Gylfi chuckles. ""Those books would make good bait.""

[3:46 PM] DM: They pull out their notebook and start scratching away.

[3:46 PM] Urrak: ""I fuckin' hate this place,"" Urrak sighs and shakes her head.

[3:47 PM] DM: ""It's going to get colder soon. The dome will be disappearing unless we want to make another one to wait in.""

[3:48 PM] Urrak: ""Not much we can do but wait. Unless ye've got another ancient magical tome on ya.""

[3:52 PM] DM: Gylfi waves their notebook. ""This is the closest thing I have to that."" They kind of blink. ""Though it does have a lot of information in it. Ah, but it's not from a ruined place. Or would it be... if I threw it down the hall...""

[3:53 PM] Urrak: ""I'm willin' t' try almost anythin' once,"" Urrak shrugs

[3:54 PM] Brimeia: Bri snorts. ""I see why Seirixori likes you.""

[3:58 PM] DM: ""We should... probably wait, though, right?""

[3:58 PM] Brimeia: ""Boring, but .. probably.""

[3:59 PM] Urrak: Urrak nods. ""Seirixori would kill us if th' nagpa didn't.""

[4:01 PM] DM: ""Well... however shall we pass the time...."" they smirk.

[4:04 PM] Brimeia: ""I could think of a few things..."" Bri grins.

[4:07 PM] Urrak: ""If any o' those things involve ye two takin' yer clothes off, I'll stay out here,"" Urrak laughs.

[4:18 PM] DM: ""The best things to pass the time all involve taking your clothes off, but I suppose I can find something else to do.""

[4:20 PM] Brimeia: ""Spoilsport.""

[4:49 PM] Urrak: Urrak pulls out a bag of bone dice, ""Ye two ever play liar's dice?"" she grins, ""We even can make it strip-dice if yer itchin' t' disrobe. But anythin' beyond that's between th' two o' you."" she winks

[4:58 PM] Brimeia: ""Let me guess. There's lying involved?""

## Seir's Travel

[3:31 PM] DM: Seir takes off, carrying Ry and Rukiya down the mountain.

[3:32 PM] DM: I would like perception checks from Ry and Seir. Rukiya is too distracted to help.

[3:33 PM] Seirixori: ((23))

[3:34 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((25))

[3:36 PM] DM: Between the two of you, you manage to spot the white dragons still circling in the distance with enough time and space to avoid them and anything else... strange. It does still take time to fly to where there are trees, though, and it is cold even after the sun starts to rise, so I'll need two Constitution saves, with Ry's bonus.

[3:38 PM] Seirixori: ((12 and 15))

[3:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((14 and 20))

[3:41 PM] DM: Rukiya: 8, 10.

Anything less than a 15 is a failure, and the first failure is disadvantage on DEX checks from shivering. The second is speed -10 ft and a level of exhaustion from mild hypothermia.

[3:41 PM] DM: That's one failure for Seir and two for Rukiya.

[3:53 PM] DM: You get down the mountain after a couple hours, taking the scenic route a couple times to avoid detection.

[3:54 PM] DM: Give me one more perception check on your way down.

[3:55 PM] Seirixori: ((31))

[3:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir chirps to get Ry's attention towards something near the gate, ""Uh, Ry, those are really big fucking birds and that's weird.""

[4:00 PM] DM: They're on the body of the frost giant zombie outside the walls. On second glance, they're not really birds. They're wearing clothes.

[4:01 PM] Seirixori: ""Well that's just fucking inconvenient.""

[4:06 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""The nagpa,"" Ry says, gritting her teeth.

[4:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""If we stop at the castle maybe Heli can help us kill one, she thinks Ragna's being controlled by them too.""

[4:08 PM] DM: Give me another perception check.

[4:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 13

Rukiya: 21

[4:11 PM] Seirixori: ((25))

[4:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head a little, ""Oh, no they, uh, look more like ravens...""

[4:18 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Are you sure?"" Ry's voice is a little sharp.

[4:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir almost looks offended, ""Yes.""

[4:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Don't be upset, you thought it was the nagpa too at first.""

[4:26 PM] Seirixori: ""Yeah, yeah. I can ask Gyfli if they'll send to Heli later to ask about the ravens once I get back, unless you really want to stop.""

[4:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry's quiet for a long moment then says, ""No, we need to get to Riverrun.""

[4:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods and keeps flying.

[4:30 PM] DM: You get down to where the forests starts not too long after that.

[4:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir hovers briefly a few feet off the ground so that she can drop Ry without too much difficulty and then lands to let Rukiya down before she shifts into herself. ""I forgot how cold it was.""

[4:33 PM] DM: Rukiya takes Seir's hand. She's shivering, but she says, ""P-please... be careful.""

[4:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh presses Dawnbringer against Rukiya, using lesser resto to cure her coldness.

[4:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir squeezes Rukiya's hand and then pulls her into a quick hug, ""I will, and you too.""

[4:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Please take care of yourself, and the others... if you can, check in daily?"" Ryleigh hugs Seir, lingering there for a bit. ""I love you, homashoc.""

[4:42 PM] Seirixori: ""I love you too,"" Seir nods and hugs her back, ""Hey, could you try to find out if Stool is okay if you have time? Oh! And uh, the bag of holding. Gylfi asked if I could bring it back.""

[4:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Don't worry, I was going to give you the bag of holding, but I wanted to ask if I could have your bag - so we could take stuff back with us."" Ryleigh shifts nervously and hands Seir her sending stone that matches Rukiya's.

[4:46 PM] Seirixori: ""Of course,"" Seir takes the stone and then the bag of holding to pull her own bag out of it, ""It's pretty much empty--"" she stops and digs for her flute and then hands her bag over, ""Now it's pretty much empty. There's potions in there if you need them.""

[4:52 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry will switch over the things she thinks they need and then hands the bag of holding to Seirixori.

[4:55 PM] Seirixori: ""We'll see you soon,"" Seir says, not able to hide the worry in her voice or her face when she touches the tree to send them back to Riverrun.

[4:56 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""We will... try not to worry too much."" Ry gives Seir a soft smile before taking Rukiya's hand and walking through the tree.

[5:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir watches them go and stays there a few seconds longer, ""Try not to worry too much,"" she scoffs, ""Sure, because you're both not going into a murder spree and it's not like people don't die when I'm not there or anything. Why worry? I could just worry about the several other things I'm worried about that I haven't mentioned at all. But everything is fine."" Seir pauses, her hand drifting over two of her tattoos, ""Wow, maybe one day I'll also stop talking to myself."" She'll walk into town to warm up before flying off again.

[5:59 PM] DM: Are you going straight back up once you do?

[6:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir will shift into a giant snow owl and actually fly to the castle to see if they knew what those things were. A brief stop.

[6:14 PM] DM: Nobody you ask has any idea what you're talking about, and when you fly over the giant's body, you see ravens, but not human-sized, clothes-wearing ravens.

[6:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir is going to be kind of dumb and get closer.

[6:29 PM] DM: Give me a... nature/survival/animal handling check. Whichever you prefer.

[6:30 PM] Seirixori: ((15 ah))

[6:31 PM] DM: It strikes you as odd, the way the birds behave. They don't take flight as you near and they seem to just be waiting, even watching you.

[6:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir gets closer slightly closer and unshifts, ""Hello?"" She says in common and then for good measure uses her staff to cast speak with animals."

"2:35 PM] DM: As you approach, two of the birds hop backwards, but one stands firm. That one hops forward, putting her body between you and the giant as she shifts into an older human woman. She's short, stocky, and greying. ""Be about your business, please.""

[7:32 PM] Seirixori: She tilts her head, ""Who are you...and what are you doing?""

[8:56 PM] DM: ""I could ask the same thing.""

[9:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles a bit and grins, ""I'm helping a friend."" She nods towards the upper part of the mountain where she was headed.

[9:23 PM] DM: ""A friend? Up there?""

[9:33 PM] Seirixori: ""Unfortunately. And hopefully stop the big thing walking around.""

[9:42 PM] DM: Give me an insight check if you can.

[9:43 PM] Seirixori: ((17))

[9:46 PM] DM: ""There's a big thing here that has been stopped walking around. You know anything about it?"" She jerks her head in the dead giant zombie's direction.

[9:48 PM] Seirixori: ""A little...""

[9:49 PM] Seirixori: ""Though what I'm talking about is much, much bigger and pretty much demolished the town""

[9:53 PM] DM: She hums noncommittally. ""As important as that must be, it is not my most pressing concern. This creature was known to be in possession of a relic that appears to have gone missing. Am I to assume you know where it might be?""

[9:56 PM] Seirixori: She kind of frowns, thinking, ""I'm not sure. It's possible, may I ask what it is?""

[9:58 PM] DM: ""A book of great evil.""

[10:00 PM] Seirixori: ""Why would I hand over something like that to someone I don't know? Are you to protect it or use it?""

[10:02 PM] DM: She examines you for a moment. ""I belong to a society that seeks out evil relics with the intent to hide or destroy them so they cannot be used for their intended purposes.""

[10:04 PM] Seirixori: ((23 insight if she's being truthful))

[10:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir hesitates for a moment, then asks, ""What does it look like?"" She frowns again and she's starting to look worried.

[10:28 PM] DM: ""You would likely know it if you saw it.""

[10:42 PM] Seirixori: ""Okay, there are two or three possibilities and one of them is worse than the other two, because I don't recall any of us checking after we killed it. One, I could just be forgetting or I wasn't there if they looked. Two, the things we're hunting took it or three..."" Seir looks back at the castle, ""Someone I didn't need even more of a reason to be angry at currently has it.""

[10:47 PM] DM: She sighs. ""Unfortunate. I suppose we will have to seek it out once more.""

[10:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir does start to sift through the bag of holding just grabbing for any book they've found recently just in case, ""I would offer my assistance, but there is something else that needs my attention first... But I would ask you not to enter the castle, or try anything unless you have more help. There are three powerful mages inside and they...well I am not a fan."" She pauses, ""Assuming it's not these.""

[11:02 PM] DM: As Seir starts just thinking 'book' and reaching in, grabbing every book she can find in the bag, she pulls out several historical texts that Ry and Rukiya had taken to read, the two new books you found in the chamber under Tumulus, a flesh-covered book that gets a squinted look from the woman, and then as you pull your hand out once more, the other two birds shift into human form and draw hand crossbows. The one you've been talking to puts a hand out to tell them to hold.

[11:04 PM] Seirixori: ""Uh... is it this?"" Seir freezes as she looks at it, ""I am really not paying attention lately,"" she mutters to herself.

[11:07 PM] DM: The longer you hold it, the more unsettling it feels in your hand. It seems to be embossed with a skull shape that, if you look at it long enough, it starts to look like an actual skull.

""It is. Would you mind turning it over willingly?""

[11:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir nearly drops the book after looking at it too long, ""I don't know who any of you really are and I hope you are who you say, but I think it's better in your hands than anyone close to here..."" She pauses and holds it out, ""Also it's really fucking creepy please get it away from me.""

[11:14 PM] DM: The woman steps forward and slips it into her own satchel swiftly. ""Much appreciated.""

[11:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, ""Of course. ... I'm Seirixori.""

[11:38 PM] DM: She smiles slightly and the other two shift back into ravens."

"[12:26 AM] Seirixori: ""I really hope I was supposed to give you that,"" Seir says as she puts the other books back. ""I'm really tired of terrible shit happening.""

[12:32 AM] DM: ""We are in the business of stopping terrible shit happening. Perhaps we will meet again, Seirixori.""

[12:52 AM] Seirixori: Seir scrunches her nose in amusement, ""Perhaps... Ravens. Thanks for not shooting me."" She'll shift back into a snow owl to set on her way again.

[12:54 AM] DM: If you turn back, you see the three birds flying towards the east.

[1:13 AM] Seirixori: Keeping that in mind she heads back up the mountain to catch up with the others."

## Ryfika

"2:46 PM] DM: Ry and Rukiya appear in Riverrun, stepping through the tree at the edge of the Dawnguard property.

[7:09 PM] Gylfi: Ry looks around, checking their surroundings before moving out of the tree line.

[8:42 PM] DM: The city's skyline is hazy. Smoke still lingers over parts of the city like some of it might still be smoldering. Things here look fairly normal, though, for it being a cold, snow-covered day on a farm on the outskirts. The building's still whole. Nobody's around.

[9:27 PM] Gylfi: Turning to Rukiya, Ry says, “I know you might not like this... but while we’re here I’d like you to keep you cloak hood on, so you can keep your face covered.”

[9:41 PM] DM: ""I'm not eager to be identified except on my own terms. I have no reason to expect my cover is blown, but I will be careful. I know how to hide... in the shadows and in plain sight.""

[9:43 PM] Gylfi: “I know you do,” Ry says, bringing Rukiya’s hand to her lips. “I just...” she shakes her head. “Let’s get you inside where it’s warm.” Ry starts towards the guildhall.

[9:49 PM] DM: Your path is not obstructed. When you find your way to the main building, it's quiet. The Stormborn, Guardian, is standing at the entrance to the public room of the guildhall. They nod respectfully as the two of you enter.

[9:52 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh slows her pace, clearly torn between checking on Clemency and Avery and going to Tanjura.

[9:56 PM] DM: Guardian: ""Most of the guild is away at the moment. Tanjura expected that you would return and should check in before long.""

[10:10 PM] Gylfi: “Is everyone alright?” Ry asks Guardian. “The guildhall hasn’t come under attack or anything right?”

[10:14 PM] DM: ""No. I have been on watch all night. The chaos did not come this far. Tanjura and most of the others are assisting where they can."""

"[12:01 AM] Gylfi: She nods, almost absentmindedly. “Is there anyone here that can take you place so you can get some rest?”

[12:04 AM] DM: Guardian: ""I do not require rest. I do not wish to leave my post, but do you require anything?""

[12:20 AM] Gylfi: Smiling at him, she asks, “Is my sister and nephew here?”

[12:33 AM] DM: ""The children are downstairs, in the cellar, for safety while the rest are away. Miss Clemency is assisting in town.""

[12:34 AM] Gylfi: “Okay,” Ry says, clearly thinking. “I’m going to check on them and then we’ll head out to help too.”

[12:36 AM] DM: They nod.

[1:05 AM] Gylfi: Ry walks to the cellar, wanting to check on Avery before they change and head into town. Just as she reaches the cellar door, Ry touches her sending stone and sends to Tanjura that they’re back at the guildhall.

[11:41 PM] DM: Tanjura responds that she can return to the guildhall within the half hour if they would like to wait there for her."

"[11:35 AM] Gylfi: “Tanjura wants us to wait for her. She says she’ll be here in about a half an hour... is that okay?”

[11:38 AM] DM: Rukiya nods. ""It'll be good to get a bit more of an idea of what's been happening before we just rush off. I hate being so blind.""  She leans up and presses a kiss to Ry's lips. ""Go see Avery. I'll catch up with you in a few.""

[4:16 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh wraps her arms around Rukiya before she can slip away. “Are you sure? I don’t want you to be alone... unless that’s what you need.”"

"[9:34 PM] DM: ""I'm not going anywhere. Just upstairs.""

[11:00 PM] Gylfi: “Okay,” Ry says, her tone clearly worried. “I’ll see you in a little bit, sun’frada.” She lets her arms fall, and opens the door to the cellar."

"[11:10 AM] DM: The cellar appears to be empty at first, but as Ry steps inside, there's a moment of tension before Avery calls out, ""Auntie Ryleigh!"" and runs into your legs. Khalre steps out from behind some shelving, sheathing a shortsword at his side. Dak and Stool peek out from behind them.

[2:23 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh lifts Avery up into her arms. “You all okay?”

[2:44 PM] DM: He nods. ""Miss Tan said we should play down here until she got back and keep Stool company. Khalre said we should play hide and seek... but I lost cause I was excited to see you.""

[3:09 PM] Gylfi: Chuckling softly, Ry says, “Ah, well Miss Tanjura should be back in a little bit. She’s just helping the people in the city.”

[3:15 PM] DM: He frowns. ""We had to come home early and all the grown-ups were running around.""

Khalre takes a step forward. ""We were 'camping' down here, with Guardian upstairs while everyone's away.""

[4:17 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh kneels, setting Avery down as she does and she stays there, on their level. With a sad smile she says, “Something bad has happened and a lot of adults are scared and sad. That’s why you had to come home and why you’re down here right now. We don’t know what’s going to happen, so we want to make sure you’re all safe while we try to make sense of what’s happened.”

[4:32 PM] DM: Avery: ""Can we come out now? I want pancakes.""

[4:34 PM] Gylfi: Grinning a little, Ry asks, “anyone else want pancakes?”

[5:11 PM] DM: Dak pushes forward. ""I do! Uh... please, ma'am.""

[8:48 PM] Gylfi: “You get extra pancakes if you never call me ma’am again,” Ry tells Dak with a smile. She takes Avery’s hand and says, “Alright, let’s go make some pancakes.”

[8:51 PM] DM: As you walk up the stairs, you find yourself looking at Guardian with their blade arm extended and Rukiya talking to a half elf in leathers that fit the Moonguard aesthetic."

## Rae

"4:51 PM] DM: You head out, walking down streets littered with trash, snow grey with ash from the fires that seem to be out, but a haze lingers over the buildings. Your feet tread a path outside the walls of the inner city towards the north, and as you get further and further from the castle, closer and closer to the Wilds, the chaos falls away a bit. It's quiet out here. Calm. Almost empty compared to the hectic bustle of the city where people are wandering about looking for whatever's foremost on their minds at the moment- loved ones, help, food, answers. People rushing to bring supplies to those in need, putting out the last fires, helping those who are hurt find help, those whose buildings burned find shelter.

You find yourself face to face with the building from your dreams. Although you haven't lived in Riverrun for some time (if ever), you recognize the style and the symbol. It's the headquarters of an adventuring guild.

[5:26 PM] Seirixori: Rae's brow furrows slightly, curious and maybe a little put out. She raises her hand to knock but at the last second decides to just try and walk in.

[5:31 PM] DM: When you do, it's empty. Seats, tables, shelves make for a pleasant enough sitting room with a helmed suit of armor standing at the edge of the archway to the rest of the building, a reminder of the purpose of the building.

[6:31 PM] Seirixori: Rae inspects the armor briefly before leaving it to check the rest of the building to see if it truly is empty.

[6:40 PM] DM: A masculine voice behind you says,  ""What do you look for?""

[6:43 PM] Seirixori: She turns, her hand casually moves to rest on the hilt of her rapier. ""I... am unsure.""

[6:49 PM] DM: You see nothing different. ""Our staff is assisting in the city. You may find what you seek here later.""

[6:59 PM] Seirixori: Rae frowns, no liking that this would be the second time she can't see something in a short amount of time. ""Maybe, but I'd rather not miss the timing if I were to leave.""

[7:01 PM] DM: How are you dressed?

[7:14 PM] Seirixori: Not her formal-ish armor for events like the day before, in leather armor that looks basic enough but it's still very clear who she works for.

[7:50 PM] DM: A feminine voice speaks, now behind you again, ""It's all right, Guardian. Can I help you?"" When you turn, you see a dark skinned half-elf in purple and dark leather, coming down the stairs.

[7:59 PM] Seirixori: Rae nods her head slightly in greeting, ""Hello, I was... called,"" she hesitates and seems unsure even when she says the word, ""here.""

[8:02 PM] DM: ""Called...""

[8:13 PM] Seirixori: She shrugs, tilts her head slightly and sighs, ""...in a dream.""

[8:22 PM] DM: The woman gestures to one of the tables. ""Can I get you a drink?""

[8:33 PM] Seirixori: Rae moves to the table but she doesn't sit down, almost as if she's waiting for something, ""No, thank you. I apologize for any inconvenience, it was very difficult to ignore.""

[8:39 PM] DM: ""I understand.... You're Moonguard. I don't suppose you have any insight into what happened last night?""

[8:45 PM] Seirixori: She stiffens, her jaw clenching and her hand tightening on the hilt of her sword. ""I have some knowledge, yes. Though, as you know what I am, I'm sure you also understand there is not much I can share.""

[8:47 PM] DM: There's a slight squeak of metal on metal and she raises a hand to the side. ""I'd advise keeping your hand off your weapon so my friend doesn't get nervous.""

[8:56 PM] DM: (Head to seiryleigh)

[10:58 PM] Seirixori: she would have heard of the dawnguard yeah? ...and probably seen them But whatever lol

[10:59 PM] DM: Would probably have been briefed on them when they came up with the Moonborn but didn't meet them at the time"

"[8:52 PM] DM: A blonde human in plate comes up another set of stairs with a small human boy holding her hand, a couple others behind her.

[8:59 PM] Seirixori: Rae loosens her grip, slowly moving her hand away from her one of several weapons. She tracks the new group of people carefully, doing quick studies of them, ""My apologies.""

[8:59 PM] Gylfi: She looks at the newcomer but instead of walking towards them she heads a different direction with the children in tow.

[9:01 PM] DM: Two other children follow her.

[9:10 PM] DM: The dark skinned woman says, ""I understand that trust is in short supply... but if you don't know why you're here, I'm not sure how much we can help.""

[9:18 PM] Seirixori: Rae frowns, ""Because..."" she's clearly hesitant, despite being a Moonguard, somewhere in the midst of her years protecting the royal family it became more about them than her feelings for worship of Vydea. Her hand brushes over the ring she kept and Rae takes it from her pouch but she keeps it hidden in her fist, ""...because when Vydea sends you a dream it feels very, very real and extremely difficult to ignore. But coming here feels like the only way to figure out who did this.""

[9:22 PM] DM: She nods almost like confirmation. ""I only just arrived from being away this morning.  What can you share?""

[9:38 PM] Seirixori: Rae looks hesitant, but not because she is trying to figure out what to share, but because of how little is even known to her. ""I don't believe there really is much I can share without revealing too much to someone I do not know.""

[9:38 PM] Seirixori: There's a long pause, like she's going to leave it there, however she continues, ""Then again, I came here believing this is how I would find answers."" She absentmindedly starts to twist the ring in her fingers. Rae's voice switches from mild business to very irritated, ""Nothing, I can share nothing because there is nothing. It had to have been planned for a while now, no one saw anything. But they knew the castle. They knew how to get in and out when no one but a select few should know.""

[9:48 PM] DM: (Is the ring visible at all?)

[9:50 PM] Seirixori: (yeah there would be flashes of it as she does it)"

[10:06 PM] DM: Another human woman and a pale pink tiefling walk through the front door. "Oh... company?" The woman you've been talking to says, "Ry has the kids in the kitchen. If you wouldn't mind, could you ask her to join us?"

[10:08 PM] DM: The newcomers nod and give their greetings before heading towards the back. The tiefling puts her hand on the woman's arm briefly before walking away.

[10:09 PM] DM: "Sorry... I'm sure she'd love to be part of this conversation, too."

[10:11 PM] Seirixori: Rae nods, "Of course." Her eyes still follow anyone new, assessing.

[10:18 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh comes around the corner. She probably looks a tad silly in full plate with some flour dusting one of her cheeks. She comes to stand next to Rukiya, her arm wrapping around her waist as she presses a kiss to her cheek. “Sorry for the delay... I promised the kids pancakes.” Ry turns her attention the moonguard, her face turning expressionless. “I’m Ryleigh, and not to be rude but we aren’t hirable right now. Especially in light of what’s happening in the city - we’re needed here.”

[10:20 PM] DM: "She said she was called here. By a dream."

[10:22 PM] Seirixori: Rae raises an eyebrow and snorts at Ry's comment. "As if hiring a group of adventurer's for anything other than what is currently happening is on anyone's mind."

[10:25 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh’s eyes bounce to Rukiya as she says why this person is here. “If you aren’t here to hire us then what do you want? As part of the moonguard should you be out in Riverrun helping to restore peace to the city and its people.”

[10:36 PM] Seirixori: Rae looks a tad irritated, "There are many different roles in the Moonguard, if this were two decades ago or more, then yes, that would have been my role." She nods to Rukiya, "As she said, I was called here. For what exactly, I am unsure, but I hope it's to find answers."

[10:39 PM] Gylfi: “Hmmm,” Ry hums, her eyes slightly narrowed. “Why don’t we talk in the war room.” She puts her hand on Guardian’s shoulder, silently letting them know it’s okay to let the stranger follow them. Ryleigh strategically place herself between Rukiya and the moonguard. As they walk to the war room Ry asks, “So can we at least have your name, before you start drilling us for answers to your questions?”

[10:51 PM] Seirixori: Rae follows them, well to keep a respectable distance. "My name is Aurae Ilidove, Moonguard and--" she stops and her brow furrows. "And I apologize for not introducing myself sooner... or asking who you are."

[10:55 PM] DM: The warroom is well appointed, and across one wall is pinned a map of Ascus and sketches of various symbols and people. "We're two of the Dawnguard."

[10:57 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh closes the door behind them, and her hand casual rests on top of her sword’s hilt - which is made of light. “This room is magically enchanted so no one can scry on us or hear us. So, tell us what you want.”

"[11:07 PM] Seirixori: She takes her time to look around before she says anything, ""Dawnguard? ...Ah, yes, I do recall hearing of you once before."" Rae shifts, placing her hand on the table, effectively placing the ring on it, but keeping it covered. ""I want to know who's responsible for this level of treason and why Vydea sent me a dream so vivid and disorienting that lead to some random adventuring guild. ...That now does not seem so random, hearing who you are.""

[11:12 PM] Gylfi: “Depending on your station I wouldn’t doubt that you’ve heard of us. We were the ones who smuggled the moonborn out of Ascus, and as a thank you, we were invited to escort her to meet the Moonstreams.” Ryleigh turns to look at the map. “As for your dream - what was in it that led you here.”

[11:22 PM] Seirixori: There's a small twitch of her lips as Ryleigh explains, like Rae is well aware that was the case. ""I saw the slaughter that was yesterday, the frightened people, more than what I physically saw. And then this,"" she removes her hand that was covering the ring, ""and a road leading here with Vydea's symbol behind your building.""

[11:24 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh looks over her shoulder at what “this” is and she sees the ring. She turns to face Rae.

[11:25 PM] DM: ""Where did you get that?""

[11:30 PM] Seirixori: Rae studies Rukiya for a few moments before she answers, looking around again, as if she isn't sure to trust the privacy of this room. ""I found it on the King.""

[11:30 PM] DM: ""So it's true... he's dead?""

[11:31 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh moves to Rukiya and takes her hand. “And the others too? The Queen and princes?”

[11:35 PM] Seirixori: She clenches her jaw, as if there is emotion she's stopping from coming forward, ""Yes.""

[11:40 PM] DM: Rukiya sits in the nearby chair, her free hand coming up over her mouth.

[11:52 PM] Gylfi: There’s clear tension in Ryleigh’s jaw as she kneels down next to Rukiya. She softly says, just above a whisper, “I’m with you, sun’frada.”

[11:57 PM] Seirixori: Rae studies Rukiya more, as if she's trying to figure something out. ""I am sorry..."" she shifts, looking a tad uncomfortable. She looks ready to ask another question, but she waits letting the moment happen."

"[10:34 AM] DM: Rukiya collects herself but doesn't stand. ""We returned this morning on hearing the news with the intention of discovering the truth about the situation."" She pulls her cloak aside to reveal her symbol of Vydea, marking her as an acolyte. ""There will be others called here... but given the circumstances, I think it prudent to step carefully.""

[11:04 AM] Seirixori: The questions Rae has are still swirling around but she once again keeps it to herself, barely giving an acknowledgement to Rukiya's acolyte status. ""I agree. I am already not entirely ecstatic with what I've shared, even with how little it was.""

[11:18 AM] DM: There's a glimpse of a smile at the corners of Rukiya's mouth that disappears as quickly as it came. ""Not exactly what I meant, but I suppose you have no reason to trust me either... besides your dream."" She pauses for a moment. ""You've been a Moonguard for a long time. Loyal. You know she doesn't send messages lightly. We're meant to work together. My words were only a warning to be wary of others who may claim the same.""

[11:47 AM] Seirixori: Rae gives a slight nod, ""It is true, however experiencing them is... not something I am familiar with. It's a bit disorienting."" She rolls her shoulders before moving to finally sit down. ""However, if what you say about just arriving is true, and you were the ones with the Moonborn..."" Rae pauses her gaze calculating, ""there is possibly one more thing I can divulge, though I'm afraid I don't know any true details.""

[11:49 AM] DM: ""I'm listening.""

[11:54 AM] Seirixori: ""There was a dagger found, used to kill the Queen. It was covered in something, I believe it to be poisoned. I imagine we are working to identify it right now, if it has not been done already."""

"[12:08 PM] Gylfi: She sighs, and it’s clear that from her expression that she’s upset by the news. Then Ry murmurs, “The arrow that killed Alarys was also poisoned. Maybe it’s coincidence... but...”

[12:10 PM] DM: ""There's no such thing.""

[12:18 PM] Seirixori: Rae hums in agreement, ""Even with how big this is... I don't believe anything so far is coincidence."" There's another pause, clearly still uncomfortable with sharing her thoughts.

[12:33 PM] DM: Rukiya sighs. ""If you cannot trust us yet, can I at least ask that you not share our interest in the investigation with your people? I have reason to believe that the guard has been compromised.""

[12:43 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh stands, facing Rae, and it’s obvious she’s on the defensive. Her hand returns to the hilt of her sword and in a commanding tone she says, “I’m not as polite as my wife. So let me be clear, that’s not a request. You won’t tell the other moonguard that we’re interested in what happened to the Moonstreams. Do you understand?”

[12:45 PM] DM: Rukiya puts her hand on Ry's arm. ""Ry...""

[12:53 PM] Seirixori: Rae fights the urge to laugh. There's an amused raise of an eyebrow as she speaks, ""Child, please."" She stands and even though she is even shorter than Rukiya, her presence feels larger. ""Do not threaten me again. I did not need to tell you any of what I know. Of anyone in this room you are the most suspicious one."" She let's that hang in the air for a split second before continuing. ""However, I agree with your wife. There is someone in the guard that is not to be trusted. Enough so that no one even knows that I am here."""

"[1:07 PM] DM: ""Please, sit. Both of you. We're on the same side here.""

[1:09 PM] Gylfi: Ry glares at Rae for another few moments, but then she sits and takes Rukiya’s hand again. She leans in and whispers something to her, then sits back.

[1:31 PM] DM: Rukiya looks at Rae. ""The news has us on edge and my wife can have all the subtlety of a hammer when she feels the need to protect me."" She lifts Ry's hand and presses a kiss to it. ""Why don't you go check in with your sister and your uncle? See what else we've missed while we were away.""

[1:34 PM] Seirixori: Rae doesn't say anything but she does sit down again.

[2:59 PM] Gylfi: “I love you, and I trust you.” Ry gives her a measured look before she presses a quick kiss to Rukiya’s lips and stands to leave."

"[3:01 PM] DM: ""Su'amu, unsil'umun.""

[3:03 PM] Seirixori: Rae briefly covers her mouth with her hand, covering a grin and lightly clears her throat.

[3:10 PM] DM: After Ry steps out, Rukiya stands and leans against the table closer to where Rae is sitting, letting her finger brush over the ring. ""I'm sure you have your suspicions. She wouldn't have showed you what she did if she didn't think I could trust you.""

[3:25 PM] Seirixori: ""I had none until yesterday."" There's movement in her jaw as Rae works around a cacophony of emotion. ""But I can't think of any other reason, after seeing this ring day after day for so many years and then watching it dim one by one until only one remained..."" She turns her head away for a moment before looking back at Rukiya, ""It gave me hope in spite of everything I witnessed yesterday. It's why I took the ring. It's why I came here and it is why I have not left this guild yet. But you must know that even with the hope that I want to believe what I think, even with the dream, that there's a part of me that cannot trust it.""

[3:32 PM] DM: Rukiya nods. ""I understand that... I hope you understand when I tell you that it's extremely important that this conversation does not leave this room. Not until the right time.""

[3:42 PM] Seirixori: Rae stands and faces Rukiya, ""You have my word, for what use it is to you, that no one will hear of it, nor that I was even at this location.""

[3:54 PM] DM: Rukiya smiles sadly. ""I appreciate that, but... I'm afraid I have to ask for more."" She reaches up and unties the leather cord around her neck, slipping her own ring off and setting it gently on the table beside Ambrose's. It's smaller and has only four diamonds to his five, but three are dark and one still bright.

She pauses for a moment, looking at the two rings side by side. ""I remember you. Your hair was different then."" She looks up, her eyes glossy. ""I'm sorry for making it so difficult for you when you'd take over for Maerin."""

"[4:11 PM] Seirixori: Rae's eyes drift to both rings next to each other, swiftly picking up on why there are differences. There is that spark of hope in her eyes, but it's quickly followed by guilt and Rae looks down, bending to a knee with her right arm across her chest. She uses that moment to mask the guilt and shame she knows is on her face. ""Y-your highness. I--"" She chuckles through the thickness in her throat, ""I think making it difficult actually worked in my favor."" There's a brief pause and Rae's head is still bowed when she whispers, ""I am so sorry.""

[4:16 PM] DM: ""Please, just Rukiya. Sit with me?""

[4:46 PM] Seirixori: It takes her a moment but Rae does as Rukiya asks.

[4:55 PM] DM: Rukiya sits down in the chair next to her. ""I have to know what happened and why. I have to know how deep this goes and who thinks they'll benefit from it... and until I know there's no other way, I can't expose myself. I know you're an honorable person and I know what grief it will bring to be duplicitous, but I have to ask that you keep my secret as well as being my eyes and ears within the Moonguard."""

"[5:03 PM] Seirixori: Rae closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, to steady herself. When she opens them her gaze is steady and sincere, ""That grief would be incomparable to yesterday's. I give you my word, my honor, and whatever else you'll need that I will do this. I owe you that and so much more.""

[5:06 PM] DM: ""You don't owe me anything, but I appreciate your assistance.""

There's a knock at the door. Rukiya stands and opens it, listens for a moment, then says, ""Yes, give us just a moment, then you can show them in.""

[5:08 PM] DM: She shuts the door and turns to Rae. ""Well... it looks like there's another arrival called to be here. I would like to keep this between just us for now... until I know I can trust anyone else. My wife and a handful of the team know, but it is not common knowledge among the staff here. I trust you'll be discreet.""

[5:29 PM] Seirixori: Rae looks slightly conflicted from the earlier conversation but it fades when Rukiya returns. ""There is nothing to tell... Rukiya.""

[5:32 PM] DM: ""Thank you. You're welcome to stay and meet with the new arrival, if you'd like. A second pair of eyes and ears is always a benefit, though I understand if you're worried about being careful with your appearances. They seem to be wearing temple gear.""

[5:35 PM] Seirixori: Rae frowns, thinking it over, ""While it would be an advantage to remain unknown, if what you say is true, that we will be working together, it may be best to... read them now instead of later.""

[5:40 PM] DM: She nods and opens the door again, leaving it cracked.

[5:53 PM] DM: (side-5)"

## Hava

"[1:40 PM] Brimeia: Curious, Hava will get dressed and go check out the path.

[1:44 PM] DM: How are you dressing? Regular clothes or like an acolyte?

[1:45 PM] Brimeia: Acolyte clothes.

[1:50 PM] DM: You head out of the temple, down the streets of your dream. They lead you out through the city walls and north, almost to the edge of the city. When you find the building, you're almost surprised to see it's an adventuring guild... until you recognize the symbol on the sign. This is the guild that had brought Alarys to Vyon. If you're friendly with another acolyte, Yahya, he'd have even shared a story or two about them. I'll let you decide whether you are or not.

[1:51 PM] Brimeia: Totally friends.

[1:51 PM] Brimeia: ((Because why not :joy:))

[1:54 PM] Brimeia: Hava approaches the building and hesitates awkwardly before knocking on the door.

[3:41 PM] DM: After a few moments, a human woman opens the door widely, pale skin and darkish hair. ""Welcome. Would you like to come in?""

[3:43 PM] Brimeia: She blinks for a moment, surprised at being invited in so easily without question. ""Oh. Uh....yes please.""

[3:45 PM] DM: The woman smiles. ""You must not be accustomed to adventurer's guilds. Our guildhalls all have at least a sitting room that is open to the public. Please, have a seat. Can I get you a drink?""

[3:58 PM] Brimeia: Hava gives a small nervous laugh. ""I'm not. Could I speak to whomever is in charge?...And perhaps some water please.""

[4:00 PM] DM: ""Of course. I'll be right back."" She steps out, leaving you in a comfortable room with couches, tables, chairs, and a helmed suit of armor standing at the edge of the archway towards the rest of the building.

[4:06 PM] Brimeia: After the human leaves, Hava perches sideways in one of the chairs, near the edge of the seat, as if they might take off at any moment.

[4:08 PM] DM: She returns shortly with a mug of chilled water. ""My name is Tanjura. I'm the majordomo of Dawnguard."" She sits nearby. ""What can we help you with today?""

[4:10 PM] Brimeia: She takes the water with a murmured thanks and takes a sip. ""Right. Uh.. you're the ones who brought the Moonborn, aren't you?""

[4:17 PM] DM: ""Our lead team, did, yes.""

[4:33 PM] Brimeia: ""Are they here?""

[4:36 PM] DM: ""They are currently involved in a situation, but if you let me know what you need, I might be able to offer some assistance.""

[4:39 PM] Brimeia: ""Oh. Well... it has to do with what happened to the Moonborn. And... well... I'm not really sure what assistance it is I'm supposed to be seeking. I uh... dreamed about this place. I think maybe they're supposed to help....somehow. Do you know when they'll be back?""

[5:40 PM] DM: She smiles. ""I do. And I think they'll be happy you came by. The treasurer stepped out just a little while ago, but let me go see if the previous meeting is over.""

[5:53 PM] DM: Tanjura comes back and says, ""If you'd like to follow me to the warroom..."" and leads you to side-5"

"[5:45 PM] DM: Tanjura shows Hava(?) to the warroom. Inside are two half-elves in leather armor- one older with grey hair fashioned in a mohawk, wearing Moonguard colors. The other is dark-skinned, wearing purple, but you recognize her as Rukiya, another acolyte at the temple.

[5:46 PM] DM: If there's anything else you'd like to add to your descriptions, feel free. Hava is a blue dragonborn wearing temple clothes.

[6:07 PM] Seirixori: Rae stands, the two swords at her sides and the bow on her back are visible and she is a couple inches shorter than Rukiya. She gives a small nod of her head in greeting.

[6:32 PM] Brimeia: Hava greets Rukiya, glad to see a familiar face and waves back at Rae sheepishly. ""Are you looking for them too?""

[6:33 PM] DM: Tanjura excuses herself and shuts the door.

Rukiya: ""Them?""

[6:35 PM] Seirixori: Rae tilts her head curiously, as if to ask the same question as Rukiya.

[6:38 PM] Brimeia: ((wait, would hava know that rukiya is also a member of dawnguard? lol))

[6:42 PM] DM: Probably not. She's not really a member.

[6:43 PM] Brimeia: ""The adventurers... the Dawnguard?""

[6:44 PM] Brimeia: ""I assume that if you're here you must be looking for them too, since you aren't them?"" Hava gestures at Rae's clothes.

[6:49 PM] Seirixori: ""Ah..."" Rae nods again, ""Something like that, yes.""

[6:55 PM] Brimeia: Hava frowns a bit, not sure how it could be not exactly like that but decides not to ask that. ""Why are you looking for them? Were you there when the attack happened?""

[6:59 PM] Seirixori: With a raised brow she asks, ""Why are you?"" and does not answer the second question.

[7:17 PM] Brimeia: She pauses to consider the Moonguard a moment before answering

[7:25 PM] Brimeia: ""I was looking into what happened with the Moonborn. I think these adventurers can help. You never answered my question,"" they press.

[7:27 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""I actually help the Dawnguard from time to time. My wife is their treasurer... but Tanjura said you had a dream.""

[7:33 PM] Brimeia: Their eyes widen a bit with surprise but they recover quickly. ""Oh, I had no idea. Um. Yes. I'm not exactly sure what it all means, but I had a dream that the poison -- the one that killed the Moonborn -- covered everything, everywhere... except here. And I could see Vydea's symbol..."" They shrug.

[7:44 PM] Seirixori: Rae watches, still not answering anything.

[7:48 PM] DM: Rukiya glances at Rae but says, ""She's calling us together to find out what happened.""

[8:03 PM] Brimeia: ""Us?""

[8:04 PM] DM: ""I had one, too.""

[8:06 PM] Brimeia: ""Really? Was it the same? Did you see anything different that might explain what we're to do now?"" They look suddenly much more intrigued, their eyes lighting up.

[8:12 PM] DM: ""No, not exactly same... but we need to figure out what happened and why... and who is responsible.""

[8:17 PM] Brimeia: ""Agreed."" They glance over at Rae. ""Do...you have anything to add at all?""

[8:20 PM] Seirixori: ""No. But that does answer one of your questions. The answer to the other should be obvious.""

[8:21 PM] Brimeia: ""Uhh..do you just enjoy being mysterious?""

[8:26 PM] Seirixori: There is an amused eyebrow raise, but the rest of her expression stays neutral, ""Your questions have been answered, there is no mystery there.""

[8:36 PM] Brimeia: Hava opens their mouth, shuts it again without saying anything, and frowns. ""So... you ... also had a dream about the poison? And... you were there? There's always the possibility that you were on a different watch...""

[8:37 PM] Seirixori: ""The poison, no. A dream, yes.""

[8:40 PM] Brimeia: Hava sighs exasperatedly. ""Were you there or not? I'm hoping maybe you saw... anything at all that might help figure out who carried out the attack. If we were all called together by Vydea then we might as well collaborate.""

[8:53 PM] Seirixori: There is no visual change but there is a slight hardness, very slight, to her voice as she speaks, ""If I had seen anything I doubt I would be here."" She sighs quietly and moves to sit down, though there is a brief pause as it looks like she's waiting for something before sitting. When she realizes what she's doing she quickly takes a seat. ""The dagger the poison was on is the dagger I acquired, so yes, I was there.""

[8:57 PM] DM: Rukiya gestures to a chair and sits as well. ""You had the dagger...""

[9:11 PM] Seirixori: ""I found it, yes.""

[9:13 PM] Brimeia: There's a long pause as Hava considers the chair before they sit on it, slowly like they aren't sure they're supposed to.

[9:58 PM] DM: ""Is something wrong?""

[10:23 PM] Brimeia: ""Huh? Oh, no... well besides the obvious, of course."" They look sheepish."

"[2:14 PM] DM: ""Sorry... just lost in thought there for a moment.""

[2:16 PM] Brimeia: ""Copper for your thoughts?"" They try for a friendly grin.

[2:19 PM] DM: ""Just thinking about what this means for the country. Losing not just the king and the prince, but the duchess, too. I believe the next in line would be Ansketel in Muyar Harbor.""

[2:23 PM] Brimeia: ""And what do we think of Ansketel?""

[2:26 PM] DM: She shrugs. ""Vyon and Muyar Harbor are very different, but all the Moonstreams are raised to understand how to rule. I'm more interested in figuring out what's happening here... and whether they can be raised.""

[2:29 PM] Brimeia: Hava hums in thought. ""Doesn't seem promising, but doesn't hurt to look into it and see if we can't figure something out.""

[2:31 PM] Seirixori: Rae's voice is soft and gentle when she says, ""You know as well as I, if they could be it would have happened already.""

[2:38 PM] DM: ""With all due respect, High Sentinel... I'm not sure we know much of anything at this moment.""

[2:39 PM] Seirixori: Rae hums, ""As you say... Rukiya.""

[2:45 PM] Brimeia: Hava frowns a bit but doesn't add anything, not sure what to make of it."

## Ry's Walk

[4:44 PM] DM: Tanjura, Clemency, and the kids are all sitting at a table eating pancakes when Ry comes back upstairs.

[5:17 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh smiles, the bit of flour still on her cheek from earlier. “I see the pancakes managed without me.” She walks over to Avery and presses a kiss to the top of his head, then leans down and says to Clemency in infernal, “I’m going into town. Is there anything I need to know before I go?”

[5:23 PM] DM: She shakes her head. "It's pretty calm now. Just chaotic at first, but things settled."

[7:54 PM] Gylfi: She nods and kisses Clemency on the cheek. “I’ll be back in a bit,” she announces to everyone, in case there are any requests.

[8:00 PM] DM: The city's active. The smell of fire lingers and there's a haze in the air, ash on the snow. People are moving about carrying things, moving with purpose. Few people are just wandering in the places you go to get to Whispers.

Whispers, however, is like concentrated chaos. There's a constant murmur of conversation and papers rustling.

[8:23 PM] Gylfi: Ry looks for Berolt.

[8:28 PM] DM: He's in his office, looking at a board with several pieces of paper pinned to it.  When you walk in, he says,  "Ryleigh! I didn't think you'd be back so soon. Is that thing down south taken care of already?"

[8:31 PM] Gylfi: “No, but the rest of our group stayed behind to take care of it. Rukiya and I returned once our majordomo informed us of what happened.” She moves to look at the board. “Was it us?” She asks.

[8:33 PM] DM: "Not that I'm aware of. Rukiya was looking into the rumors of a coup, but I don't think even she expected this."

[8:35 PM] Gylfi: Ry shakes her head. “She didn’t. She was just as shocked as I was.” She rubs the back of her neck. “So with Katrina and her family gone too, who takes over now?”

[8:47 PM] DM: "It would be the next Moonstream... but word I'm hearing is there are none. Last word I got, the nobles got together and Estner took temporary control until things get figured out."

[9:03 PM] Gylfi: “Really?” Ry turns her head to look at Berolt. “All of them? I don’t think even we could coordinate something like that.”

[9:04 PM] DM: "It's... big. And other than maybe the Reunifiers, I don't have a clue about who,  and I'm not sure they have the manpower to do it either."

[9:07 PM] Gylfi: Ry brings her hand up to her chin in thought. “Maybe they didn’t, but now they do... which probably could only happen with help.” She pauses for a moment then asks, “Who would we go to if we wanted help taking out all the Moonstreams? Are there other organizations like us?”

[9:13 PM] DM: "Not like us, but assassins, murderers, less ethical mercs, sure... but the scale is something else. And the coordination. We're doing what we can to find out. You here to help? We could use Rukiya in the party circles to get the temperature of the nobles and maybe you could have some contacts with Ascus sympathizers?"

[9:22 PM] Gylfi: “Yes, we both came back to help. I’ll let her know you want her in the party circles. She just got caught up at our guildhall or she’d be here with me.” Ry sighs and nods. “I guess it’s time to get in touch with some of those people... it might led to me being able to infiltrate the reunifiers.”

[9:24 PM] DM: "Information is our friend. Let me know what you find."

[9:25 PM] Gylfi: “I will.” Ry puts her hand on his shoulder and with a small smile she says, “Try not to work yourself too hard.”

[9:54 PM] DM: You can find yourself back at the guildhall after stopping by Donny's.

[2:13 PM] DM: As you arrive at the guildhall, you see a tiefling man in nice clothes walking up the path to the building. (And you can go to side 4)

## Malphon

"2:25 PM] Gylfi: A blonde, human woman in full silver plate is walking behind you as you make your way to the Dawnguard's guildhall.

[2:35 PM] Malphon: Malphon's raven-feather adorned ears twitch at the clinking of metal behind him. He turns, and sees the woman. ""I assume you're a member of this guild?"" His blank eyes scan her frame. ""I am Malphon, I work for the Moonstreams."" His long black coat and grey trousers are crisp and ironed, a stark contrast to his azure skin and flaming red hair. His hands creak as he flexes his gloved hands. He tilts his horned head to the side, ""Something brought me here. To you. I wonder if you can tell me why.""

[2:38 PM] Gylfi: ""I'm Ryleigh, the guild's treasurer."" When she draws even with him she says, ""Follow me."" And she leads him to the guild and to the war room.

[2:39 PM] Malphon: He nods and follows"

## Warroom

"2:40 PM] DM: We'll all gather here now, in the Dawnguard warroom. You can all describe yourselves, including your current clothing and visible weaponry, then we can continue conversation.

[2:41 PM] DM: Rukiya, as you all know (but your characters may not) is a dark-skinned half-elf, fairly short (for an elf), with her hair pulled up into a natural curl at the top of her head, and is currently wearing black leather over purple. She has a few daggers visible at her waist, but no other weapons in sight. She's sitting at the table in the center of the room, but stands when the door opens again.

[2:46 PM] Seirixori: Aurae is a lightly tanned half-elf, a couple inches shorter than Rukiya and several decades older. Her naturally gray hair is styled in a front to back mohawk and she is wearing leathers, clearly styled and colored as the moonguard. She has a rapier and short sword on either hip and a bow strapped to her back. She sits in a seat a few down from Rukiya, she stands as well.

[2:49 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh, is a pale skinned human woman, with her blonde hair pulled away from her face by braids. She's wearing steel colored, full plate over purple, its adorned with the same patterns that are on Rukiya's armor - her shield has the same symbol on it - a sun and moon together as one and a beaming sword made of pure light hangs from her belt. Once she enters, she makes her way to Rukiya and takes her hand.

[2:50 PM] Malphon: Malphon enters behind Ryleigh. He's a tiefling man with pale blue skin, red hair, a goatee, and long dragon-like horns that sweep back from his brow. He's dressed in fine, dark clothes, and leather gloves. He has no weapons on him that can be seen, but he has an air of danger about him. From his ears hang raven feather earrings, and at his hip is an old, beat up tome in a satchel. He looks around the room and quirks an eyebrow, but says nothing.

[2:52 PM] Brimeia: Hava is a dragonborn wearing acolyte robes and spectacles.

[2:54 PM] DM: The warroom is comfortably designed, chairs around a table and a board to the side with a map of Ascus and several pieces of paper stuck to it that most of you wouldn't recognize.

[2:54 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""Please, take a seat. What brings you here?""

[2:56 PM] Gylfi: As they all take a seat Ryleigh waits to hear who the dragonborn is and why Malphon wanted to come to the guild.

[2:57 PM] Malphon: Malphon takes his seat and folds his hands on the table. ""Well, I'm sure you've heard what's happened.""

[2:58 PM] DM: Rukiya doesn't say anything else, just raises an eyebrow as if to say, ""Go on...""

[3:02 PM] Malphon: ""I work under the Spymaster to the royal family. I have taken several statements from those within the castle and the reports are...odd at best. It seems no one saw the attackers."" He takes a breath and leans back, ""Afterwards, I was...called here. In a dream. I believe it was Vydea herself, who sent the message. So my question to you is why did she bring me here? What about this guild is so worthy of a divine message?""

[3:03 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh looks mildly shocked at the amount of information that was given.

[3:04 PM] Seirixori: Rae raises an eyebrow for the same reason as Ryleigh's shock.

[3:05 PM] Brimeia: ""Well guess that answers that.."" Hava murmurs to themself.

[3:07 PM] Gylfi: ""Forgive me, but you're a spy?"" It's said with suspicion.

[3:08 PM] Malphon: ""I am many things,"" He says. ""And I don't intend to dally when it comes to national security.""

[3:09 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""We were all, with the exception of my wife here, called together by Vydea. My name is Rukiya. I'm an acolyte at her temple and sometimes assist the Dawnguard. Ryleigh is their treasurer. We just returned to the city this morning when we heard about the attack and we intend to find out who is responsible and why it happened.""

[3:10 PM] Gylfi: ""Speaking of the attack, I have bad news.""

[3:13 PM] Gylfi: ""My uncle said that this attack... it wasn't just in Riverrun. According to him, there aren't any more Moonstreams.""

[3:13 PM] Seirixori: Rae's gaze moves from Malphon to Ryleigh quickly, ""Excuse me?""

[3:14 PM] Malphon: Malphon frowns, ""I see.""

[3:14 PM] Brimeia: ""...you're sure?""

[3:15 PM] Brimeia: Hava frowns. ""That doesn't bode well.""

[3:16 PM] DM: Rukiya stares at Ryleigh for a moment, then stands. ""Would you all excuse me for a moment? I need to send a message."" She doesn't wait before swiftly walking out of the room, shutting the door behind her.

## Back to Tumulus

"""10:35 PM] DM: And this is about when you get the message from Rukiya through your sending stone.

[10:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks confused then her eyes widen. """"Uh..."""" Her brow furrows as her eyes dart around until they land on Gylfi. """"Hey can you um... Can you send a message to Cae?""""

[10:46 PM] DM: """"I could, but I don't think she's interested in a threesome anymore.""""

[10:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir is a little more rattled than she's used to so she doesn't immediately respond to the joke, she only stares, """"...oh. No. Pretty sure she's still set on killing me. I need you to ask her... Oh, wait, you did not mean..."""" Seir rubs at her head. """"I'm sorry."""" She looks around at the group and takes a deep breath, """"I need you to ask Cae if it's true that-- if anyone else is alive.""""

[10:56 PM] DM: """"What... do you mean?""""

[11:02 PM] Seirixori: There's a slight faraway look in her eyes before they focus again, """"There might not be any Moonstreams left.""""

[11:05 PM] DM: Gylfi frowns and pulls out their book, doodling as they cast Sending. After a while, they open their eyes. """"She and Misha are in the woods. She didn't say where. Her wife... didn't make it.""""

[11:06 PM] DM: """"I'll... tell Rukiya.""""

[11:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods. """"Okay."""" She starts to run her fingers over her shoulder but the lack of scar has her dropping her hand. It starts to rub at the the Frostbeard crest tied to her belt. """"So, uh, the Nagpa. Anything... Anything we're missing?""""

[11:14 PM] DM: """"Also, eventually, we'll need to circle back to that whole 'wanting to kill you' thing."""" They close their eyes again to send to Rukiya.

[11:20 PM] Seirixori: """"Do we?"""" Her voice lilts up at the end.

[11:41 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia looks from Seir to Gylfi and back. """"Hang on, what do you mean, 'there might not be any Moonstreams left'? What happened?"""""""

"""[12:04 AM] Seirixori: """"I think they all might have been killed. Not just Rukiya's immediate family.""""

[12:21 AM] Brimeia: """"Well...fuck.""""

[7:05 AM] Seirixori: """"Mhmm..."""""""

## Back in Riverrun

[3:16 PM] Brimeia: Hava watches Rukiya leave with a puzzled look.

[3:17 PM] Gylfi: Ry watches her go, worry played out on her face. Then she says, ""We aren't sure about anything right now, but that's what is being passed around.""

[3:17 PM] Seirixori: Rae is mid-way to standing when Rukiya got up then she slowly sits back down once Rukiya leaves the room.

[3:21 PM] Gylfi: ((All of you would recognize that Ryleigh is Ascan. She has the accent and well, she's a pale skinned human with a sun on her shield and armor.))

[3:21 PM] Brimeia: Hava frowns at Rae again, then looks around for a moment before looking back at Ryleigh. ""Um... you're the Dawnguard?""

[3:22 PM] Gylfi: ""I'm one of the guild members. There are more of us, but they're currently elsewhere dealing with other things.""

[3:24 PM] Malphon: ""Interesting."" He taps his fingers on the desk

[3:25 PM] Gylfi: ""I don't see how that's interesting. That's how guilds work. Multiple members, different jobs.""

[3:26 PM] Malphon: ""I wasn't talking about your guildmates.""

[3:27 PM] Gylfi: ""The what did you find interesting about me?"" Ryleigh asks, with a quirked eyebrow.

[3:28 PM] Brimeia: Hava seems noticeably more nervous without Rukiya's familiar face there. The growing tension only makes it worse, and they look like they're trying to shrink themself as small as possible, despite being definitely larger than Ryleigh.

[3:30 PM] Seirixori: Rae calmly leans over towards Hava and quietly says, ""If you wish to go unnoticed, that does not help, to trained eyes it is much more noticeable.""

[3:33 PM] Malphon: ""I find it interesting that an Ascan has come with reports of the death of every Moonstream from the tip of Vyon to it's feet."" He taps his fingers again, ""I find it interesting that this was all done in a day with no one seeing a thing. I find it interesting that the rest of your guild is conveniently away. But, there is something in my gut that is telling me to stay here. To give you part of the information that I have."" he sighs, ""I don't care for politics, I care for the hundreds of people fleeing the city and a castle in shambles.""

[3:34 PM] Brimeia: Hava jerks a bit, startled by Rae's voice. ""O-oh ... uh... thanks?"" They flash an uncertain smile. ""Your eyes are... trained then?""

[3:36 PM] Seirixori: The corner of Rae's lips twist up, ""Maybe, but you're also quite big."" Rae turns back to the conversation at hand.

[3:37 PM] Brimeia: ""Oh. Right."" They attempt to straighten up again, though it looks just as awkward as when they were slouching.

[3:37 PM] Seirixori: ""I believe we would do well to turn our attentions away from the guild itself. We would be wasting the little time we have.""

[3:38 PM] Malphon: ""I can't say I disagree."" he admits

[3:40 PM] Gylfi: ""Hundreds of people aren't fleeing city. Feeding us misleading information isn't helping anyone."" Ryleigh grins, but it's in a challenging way. ""It doesn't matter to me that you all feel I'm the suspicious one because I'm a human, who's also Ascan.""

[3:44 PM] Malphon: ""Misleading?"" he chuckles, ""I assure you, I am many things, but I am not a liar."" he sucks his teeth, ""Perhaps not as many have taken the initiative, but enough has happened to make the entire city a powder keg. I was bowled over and subsequently stabbed by a man fleeing the terror.""

[3:44 PM] Brimeia: Hava looks around like they're waiting to see if anyone else is gonna say anything.

[3:46 PM] DM: Rukiya returns, shutting the door behind her. ""At least one Moonstream survives. There may be more."" She looks around the room with a frown. ""What's... happening?""

[3:46 PM] Seirixori: ""Somehow I feel like everyone is talking about different things right now.""

[3:47 PM] Brimeia: Hava looks relieved to see Rukiya and gives her a small shrug.

[3:49 PM] Gylfi: ""As always the fact that I'm Ascan makes me the most suspicious person in the room, raisna'rila,"" Ryleigh says in elven.

[3:50 PM] DM: As everyone in the room speaks Elven, you all understand both what she said and that she called Rukiya 'moonlight' though you'd probably assume it's because she's an acolyte of Vydea as she claimed

[3:51 PM] Malphon: ""You should be more thoughtful about whom you're speaking around."" Malphon answers

[3:51 PM] Seirixori: ""I dare say the same goes for you. Was it not unwise to reveal yourself as a spymaster to a group of veritable strangers?""

[3:53 PM] Malphon: ""Desperate times,"" he smirks, ""I've no need of secrecy when my master is dead and many more might follow.""

[3:53 PM] Brimeia: Hava looks from one person to the next with a look of growing concern.

[3:53 PM] DM: ""That's enough. My wife may not have been called by Vydea, but this is her guildhall and she is involved if not through that, then through me. I have faith in every person in this room at this time and very few outside of it. We need to put this aside and focus.""

[3:54 PM] Malphon: Malphon stands, ""Yes, enough posturing, this situation could be worse than any of us truly understand.""

[3:56 PM] Malphon: ""I have reason to believe...there has been an attempt at a coup. And that the conspirators are the very same that once bowed to all named Moonstream. The wound I received, I healed it. But it still stings as if it was fresh."" he looks around, ""I can only assume...it was poisoned somehow. And that poison...prevents full healing.""

[3:59 PM] Brimeia: Hava perks up. ""Poison, you say? Do you still have it with you? The weapon?""

[3:59 PM] Malphon: ""I do not. The man ran and disappeared into the crowd.""

[4:01 PM] Malphon: He leans on the table, ""But I know my fair share about poisons, and it seems to be the only logical conclusion.""

[4:01 PM] Brimeia: They make a face like a child that's been told they can't go outside to play.

[4:02 PM] Malphon: ""Believe me, I am just as disappointed. It would be fascinating to study.""

[4:02 PM] Brimeia: ""I don't know about that. There could be magic.""

[4:02 PM] Seirixori: Rae whispers something to herself and then says, ""This is... still getting us nowhere. None of this is new information. So shall we instead move on to the doing something part?""

[4:03 PM] Brimeia: ""Right. Yes. That part.""

[4:04 PM] Malphon: ""Do you have new information to contribute?"" Malphon quirks a brow, ""Does anyone?"" he sits back down, ""I would love nothing more than to do something about it. But there is so much we don't know that it would be foolhardy to rush in without a plan.""

[4:05 PM] DM: Rukiya stands at an unused bulletin board. ""Hava, you've been working on the poison that killed the Moonborn, right?""

[4:06 PM] Brimeia: They perk up again. ""Yes, that's right. I have reason to believe the same poison was used on the king as well. Though I haven't been able to confirm it yet.""

[4:07 PM] DM: ""And you said the dagger you found with the queen was poisoned as well?""

[4:08 PM] DM: She writes ""POISON"" on a card and posts it on the board.

[4:09 PM] Seirixori: Rae nods, ""Yes. The king... I don't recall any poison, but the weapon used was that of a standard issue.""

[4:10 PM] DM: ""Moonguard?""

[4:11 PM] Gylfi: ""So we know it was an inside job."" She hands Rukiya a card so she can write that on it.

[4:12 PM] Seirixori: She nods, ""Yes, and I do know that whoever it was, the king wounded them. However, there was no way for me to find out who as many loyal or otherwise were wounded in the attack.""

[4:12 PM] Brimeia: ""Would it be possible for someone to simply have disguised themselves?""

[4:13 PM] Malphon: ""As surely as I stand before I can say it is possible. Which only makes our job harder,"" Malphon crosses his arms.

[4:13 PM] DM: Rukiya writes ""MOONGUARD"" and puts it up.

[4:14 PM] Seirixori: Rae shifts, mildly uncomfortable if not angry.

[4:15 PM] Gylfi: ""But do we think it was just the Moonguard or was other staff involved too?"" She looks at Rae and Malphon.

[4:16 PM] Malphon: ""I can tell you it is highly likely that there were others involved than the Moonguard rank and file.""

[4:16 PM] Seirixori: Rae doesn't answer right away as her gaze drifts off to the side. Eventually she says, ""It would indeed have to be more than just the Moonguard.""

[4:16 PM] Brimeia: Hava has their chin in their hand, frowning in thought.

[4:18 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""With this said, I think it goes without saying that we all act very carefully around people outside this room until we know who we can and cannot trust. Until we know otherwise, I would suggest not trusting anyone outside of the five of us.""

[4:19 PM] DM: ""CASTLE STAFF"" is added to the board, right next to MOONGUARD.

[4:19 PM] Brimeia: ""Who would have the reason and resources to do all this?""

[4:20 PM] Malphon: ""Who are the enemies of the Moonstreams?"" Malphon proffers

[4:21 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh laughs humorlessly. ""We'd be here forever if we listed out the enemies of the Moonstreams.""

[4:21 PM] Seirixori: ""As well as reason and resources.""

[4:22 PM] DM: Because Rae and Malphon are both part of the 'national security' hierarchy of Vyon, you both know the most obvious answer is Ascus, and you know that a group called the Reunifiers wants Ascus to overtake and regain Vyon's lands, but to your knowledge, they don't have the manpower or resources to take on such a large feat.

[4:24 PM] Malphon: ""Therein lies the rub,"" his hands creak in his gloves, ""The Reunifiers are tough little fuckers but they are not capable of such a delicate feat. And besides,"" he looks over to Ryleigh, ""It's simply too obvious. Someone wants a war.""

[4:25 PM] Brimeia: ""What makes you say that?""

[4:26 PM] Seirixori: ""A war does not start with the murder of the entire line of royals.""

[4:26 PM] Gylfi: ""Is it?"" Ry asks. ""With outside help and proper organization, they could.""

[4:27 PM] Malphon: ""Of course it does. Why else take out every Moonstream? The line of succession. It's been broken. Now every ambitious person will vye for that power.""

[4:27 PM] Seirixori: ""That would then be in-fighting, not a war.""

[4:27 PM] Gylfi: ""Speaking of which, I should also share that the nobles have gotten together and Estner has taken 'temporary' control."" She does air quotes around temporary. ""And uncle wishes us to get to work as soon as we're available,"" she says to Rukiya.

[4:28 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""It's a message. That Vydea can't protect her children.""

[4:28 PM] Brimeia: ""Who's Estner?""

[4:28 PM] Malphon: ""Not if Ascus or even Dhog Lodir wants a taste of conquest,"" Malphon says to Rae. ""And yes. An attack, on the Day of Vydea's Face. A proper insult.""

[4:29 PM] DM: ""The Estner family run the South Ward of Riverrun.""

[4:29 PM] Seirixori: Rae nods to Rukiya, ""Take out those who she is shown to favor most and her people start to lose faith.""

[4:30 PM] Brimeia: ""Rukiya, you mentioned at least one Moonstream is still living? Shouldn't we make sure they are safe? Along with any others who might have survived?""

[4:30 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh gets up and stands next to Rukiya at the board.

[4:32 PM] DM: She turns and frowns. ""Yes... I know of one who escaped and while I'd like nothing more than to go find her and bring her here for safety... I'm not sure that here is safer than where she is.""

[4:33 PM] Seirixori: ""I would advise against it. It would only draw attention.""

[4:33 PM] Brimeia: ""Hmm. Fair enough, I suppose.""

[4:33 PM] Malphon: ""The further she is from Vyon, the better.""

[4:33 PM] Seirixori: ""As it were, that sort of information should also not leave this room.""

[4:33 PM] Malphon: ""Agreed.""

[4:34 PM] DM: ""This room is protected from scrying and magical interference. We're safe to talk here, but nowhere else is guaranteed.""

[4:35 PM] DM: Rukiya adds ""ESTNER"" to the board, off to the side.

[4:37 PM] Brimeia: ""So if we can't protect the remaining Moonstreams and we don't really know who's responsible... what's the plan now?""

[4:38 PM] Gylfi: ""I can get in contact with some Ascan sympathizers. See if I can find any Reunifiers..."" Ry says, heavily.

[4:40 PM] Seirixori: ""To find out who is responsible. I could see if there is a list of wounded Moonguard and check on them, depending on the length of that list.""

[4:40 PM] DM: Rukiya adds another card marked ""ALARYS"" and connects it to the one marked POISON.

[4:40 PM] Malphon: ""I'll speak with my associates.""

[4:41 PM] Brimeia: ""I suppose i could check and see if there's been any progress on investigating the poison.""

[4:42 PM] Gylfi: ""Where it comes from or how it's made would be helpful. If we can trace it back to Ascus then it might help us know whether or not its the Reunifiers,"" she says to Hava.

[4:42 PM] Brimeia: ""Will do. Though I'm beginning to wonder if maybe our efforts have been sabotaged.""

[4:43 PM] Seirixori: Rae sighs quietly, ""Part of me wishes I'd kept the dagger a secret.""

[4:44 PM] Brimeia: ""Agreed. I handed off the shortsword after I found it, and perhaps I shouldnt' have.""

[4:44 PM] Gylfi: ""Everyone just needs to be careful. I'm sure that whoever is behind this is still around. If we go poking where we aren't supposed to then we might end up dead too. So be subtle in your information finding.""

[4:47 PM] Brimeia: ""I'll try, though at least my research was already what I was doing before.""

[4:47 PM] DM: Rukiya nods. ""My wife and I were taking care of things elsewhere when the attack happened, and we're still a bit in the dark. Would you each be willing to share what exactly you witnessed and know about what happened so that we can all be on the same page?""

[4:50 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh takes Rukiya's hand before the others start to speak.

[4:51 PM] Malphon: Malphon nods, ""I'm sorry to say that I did not see much. I was assigned to watch the crowds during the festival. When the castle alarms went off, there was chaos. The temple was closed, locked tight. And the castle as well. It took me quite a long time to just get back to my office.""

[4:52 PM] Seirixori: Rae's jaw tightens but she waits for Hava to answer before she does.

[4:55 PM] Brimeia: Seeing that no one else seems to be talking, they clear their throat. ""Well, I was trying to do more research on the poison when I heard the commotion. By the time I ran over, the king was already gone... The others were trying to raise him, but it failed. I looked at the shortsword they pulled from him. It was covered in what looked like the same black gooey substance that was used on the Moonborn.""

[4:56 PM] Brimeia: ""The Nightmaster came by shortly after. He was very distressed. They told him to get to safety and at first he protested... but then he just... teleported away or something.""

[5:08 PM] Seirixori: Rae moves her hands to her lap, ""The day was... very quiet. Something another guard mentioned to me while the King and Queen were taking a short rest. For all preparations we made, everything seemed so... quiet. It made me uneasy."" Her head is turned towards Ry and Rukiya, though her gaze falls past them. ""And then... as they were getting ready for King to address the people... the Queen was killed."" She's quiet for a moment. ""No one was even around to alert, the halls... the Princes rooms, empty. It was so quiet... I eventually found a dead guard, then a couple more, and finally the King. That's when I realized he'd managed to hurt someone. There was a trail of blood leading back to the castle but where it ended... there was too much foot traffic and there was no way to tell where it'd gone.""

[5:10 PM] Brimeia: ""Hmm. Whoever it is... they don't seem to want credit. At least not yet.""

[5:11 PM] Malphon: ""It seems all they want is chaos and fear. An enemy that can kill you where you sleep and leave not one trace."" he rests his chin on his hands

[5:11 PM] Brimeia: ""I'd suspected the Moonborn was .. a test of sorts. I'm sorry to see my suspicions confirmed.""

[5:12 PM] Gylfi: Ry stay quiet with her hand still in Rukiya's.

[5:12 PM] DM: When Rukiya speaks, it's quiet. ""Where are the bodies?""

[5:15 PM] Brimeia: ""I'm not sure. Last I saw, the king was in the ritual chambers, but they may have since moved him.""

[5:16 PM] Seirixori: ""I only know they gathered them in the throne room originally.""

[5:16 PM] Malphon: ""Them and everyone else who fell in the attack."" Malphon confirms

[5:18 PM] DM: ""They would have taken him and probably at least the crown prince through the tunnels to the temple to attempt the ritual."" She takes a breath and says, ""I think we're in fact-finding mode right now. See what you can find without exposing our true purpose and meet back here when you can. Hopefully by morning we will have a clearer picture.""

[5:19 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh moves to the door and opens it, gesturing for the others to follow her. ""I'll show you all out.""

[5:20 PM] Malphon: Malphon rises, places his hands behind his back and bows slightly, ""May Vydea guide us to the truth.""

[5:21 PM] Brimeia: ""Be careful everyone. If the attackers still aren't revealing themselves, this may only be the beginning of their plans.""

[5:21 PM] Seirixori: Rae sits quietly for a few more moments before she rises with the others to walk out.

[5:24 PM] DM: Everyone disperses as they wish and we'll move to individual rooms for what you're doing for a bit, then slow burn after that, but we're done with this room until you've done your thing. If you want to tag-team investigations, just coordinate it with me and the person you want to partner with and we'll make it happen."

## Ryfika

"[5:27 PM] DM: After everyone leaves, Ry would find that Rukiya's still in the warrom, now sitting against the wall on the floor with her hand over her mouth and her knees folded under her.

[5:34 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh walks over to Rukiya and lifts her up. She'll walk them out of the war room and to their bedroom. Once there, she gently puts Rukiya on their bed and with steady hands reaches out to start taking Rukiya's armor off, but she hesitates, and asks, ""Is it okay if I take off your armor?""

[5:39 PM] DM: Rukiya starts to pull it off herself, standing from the bed. ""I want to go see them.""

[5:39 PM] Gylfi: ""I know, but... you shouldn't.""

[5:41 PM] Gylfi: ""You should rest. I can draw you a bath, if you'd like.""

[5:42 PM] DM: ""They could have already been moved again. If I wait longer, I'll miss my chance."" She reaches into the closet for her acolyte robes.

[5:44 PM] Gylfi: ""Rukiya, just... stop for a moment."" Ryleigh follows her to the closet and rests her hand on Rukiya's shoulder. ""You shouldn't go. It'll be suspicious and you look just like your mom - someone might notice and - it's too dangerous.""

[5:51 PM] DM: Tears well in her eyes, but don't fall. ""I work there. What would be suspicious about a Lorekeeper in her temple? I-- I have to see them.""

[5:58 PM] Gylfi: ""I know how much you're hurting..."" Ryleigh sighs as she reaches up and cups Rukiya's face, her feature displaying her worry. ""If you really want to take this risk, then okay, but I'm coming with you.""

[6:04 PM] DM: She automatically rolls her eyes, but the motion causes the tears to fall. ""That would be suspicious."" She steps into Ry's space. ""What if this is the last chance I have?""

[6:10 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh wipes a few of Rukiya's tears away, then softly asks, ""Your last chance for what, l'auorphiem? It's just their bodies. They aren't there.""

[6:14 PM] DM: ""To see it. For myself. To know they're really gone. To say goodbye. To t-touch them."" Her voice breaks and shortly after that, she does too, falling into strangled sobs and flowing tears.

[6:18 PM] Gylfi: ""I'm here. I'm with you,"" Ry whispers, pulling Rukiya close.

[6:26 PM] Gylfi: ""I know you don't want to hear this, but when we lose the people we love, we have to learn to live without them and live with the love they left behind."" She presses a soft kiss to Rukiya's forehead and says, ""And they loved you so much, Rukiya.""

[6:29 PM] DM: There's a shuddering sob and Ry can feel Rukiya's hands gripping whatever fabric she can find. ""She knew, Ryleigh... she knew.""

[6:34 PM] Gylfi: A sharp intake of breath from Ry is the only indication that she hadn't put that together yet. ""Of course she did,"" Ry murmurs.

[6:44 PM] DM: ""I don't know what to do with this.""

[6:54 PM] Gylfi: ""I don't either."" Ry sighs and continues to hold Rukiya. ""I don't understand why she continues to hurt you... and then she sends us allies like that makes up for what she allowed to happen.""

[7:15 PM] DM: ""I don't know what she wants and I don't even know if I care."" She loosens her grip a little and there's a little more firmness to her voice. ""What I do know is that I want justice for my family, I want to know the people of Vyon are safe, and I want you.""

[7:21 PM] Gylfi: Even though it's tinted with sadness, Ry smiles and there's a faint blush on her cheeks. ""That's why we came back, l'auorphiem. To find out what happened to your family and make sure the people are safe.""

[7:23 PM] DM: ""Thank you for being here with me.""

[7:30 PM] Gylfi: ""Don't thank me. I know I should have stayed behind to make sure the people of Ascus are safe from the titan... but I couldn't stay there. Not when my heart is with you. Not when I know how hard it is to face this kind of hurt alone. It's selfish, but I choose you.""

[7:34 PM] DM: ""I don't mean just today. I mean thank you for choosing me... from the beginning, through everything.""

[7:38 PM] Gylfi: ""I'll always choose you."" Ryleigh leans her forehead against Rukiya's and she whispers, ""I'll always stand by you - where ever that might lead us.""

[8:01 PM] DM: She sniffles and sighs. ""I can't just stay here.""

[8:34 PM] Gylfi: “I know, but please Rukiya, think about this... you’re a dark skinned half elf and the people who killed your family are still out there. Most of them are probably still at their stations. It’s what we’d do... you’re still a target even if you think you aren’t.”

[8:39 PM] DM: ""What would you have me do? Sit in the war room and wait for everyone else to do my work for me? How long before the two of them who don't know who I am start questioning what I bring to the table?""

[8:46 PM] Gylfi: “I hoped you’d try to rest for a while. We had a long day yesterday and you hardly slept last night. We need you sharp, but...” Ry’s brow furrows. “Berolt wants you working the nobles to find out what they’re up too. Especially since Estner taken power.” She pulls out the set of sending stones she purchased at Donny’s and hands one to Rukiya.

[8:48 PM] DM: ""It's too dangerous to go to the temple where they know me, but not too dangerous to go undercover with the people who might have been masterminding it from this side?""

[8:59 PM] Gylfi: “No. Both are dangerous and I don’t want you doing either, but I’d have to tell you Berolt’s request eventually. I want you to rest... take a nap or a hot bath. Let yourself... unwind from all this.” It’s obvious that Ryleigh’s legitimately concerned.

[9:04 PM] DM: ""I know you're worried but I can't relax when there's so much that needs to be done... there's so much we don't know.""

[9:10 PM] Gylfi: “This is a marathon, sun’frada. Not a sprint. I know you and I know you’ll work yourself to death if I don’t insist you rest.”

[9:35 PM] DM: ""If I rest... I'll drown in my thoughts. I'm not ready for that.""

[10:25 PM] Gylfi: “You have to work through them at some point.” Ry sighs, continuing to look worried. “I won’t press you anymore, but try to remember that they wouldn’t want you to run yourself ragged.”"

"[10:24 AM] DM: ""I feel like I should be insulted by the implication that one night's bad sleep makes me ragged."" She sighs heavily, pulls away, and looks at the robes in her hand. ""I'm going to go for a walk. See the city. So by the temple. Hava asked me to help with research. I won't lie to you and pretend there's no chance I'll find myself in the catacombs, but if I do, I'll be careful."" She hangs her robes and pulls out dark colored common clothes instead- something that wouldn't call attention to her. ""My emotions are all over the place. I feel adrift and without purpose, but like I'm suffocating here. I know your arms are safe and with you, I'm protected and loved, but it's too much right now. I wish I had a rooftop to escape to, but... I don't want her comfort right now either."" She looks up at Ry, her eyes red-rimmed. ""I'm sorry... I love you. I just need some time.""

[11:30 AM] Gylfi: Ryleigh smiles sadly at Rukiya, and doesn’t attempt to move closer. “You have nothing to be sorry about, sun’frada. I shouldn’t be so protective... I know you can handle yourself, but...” Ry shrugs and sighs. “If you get in trouble, you have your new stone. I’ll be in town too.” Then her eyes widen and she’s asks, “Who else made it?”

[11:38 AM] DM: ""I had Gylfi send to Cae. They wouldn't have been in town last night, so I was hoping... She and Misha are in the Wilds somewhere.""

[11:45 AM] Gylfi: “Good, your favorite cousin. Now, you’re not alone.” Ryleigh starts taking off her armor so she can change into her common clothes. “I’m going to get into contact with some Ascus sympathizers that I know. See if I can weasel my way into the Reunifiers somehow. For once I might be useful to whispers,” she chuckles out, but it’s a tad nervous.

[11:50 AM] DM: Rukiya's brows pull together. ""Be careful. I can't lose you too.""

[11:54 AM] Gylfi: Ry turns as she pulls on a loose shirt and flashes her fake smirk - the one Rukiya knows well, as she’s seen it in action. “Don’t worry, I was born for this role. Literally.” Her face transitions to something much softer. “I can’t lose you either... can we agree on a time when we should start worrying for each other if we aren’t back at the guildhall.”

[11:57 AM] DM: It's probably around noon now, so she replies, ""Sundown? We can meet back and take a nice, long bath.""

[12:07 PM] Gylfi: “We can do whatever you want,” Ry says, a reassuring smile on her face. “I’ll wait to worry until sundown then.”

[12:51 PM] DM: Rukiya steps into Ry's space again and leans up to give her a gentle kiss. ""I love you.""

[2:13 PM] Gylfi: “I love you, too,” Ry whispers against Rukiya’s lips. “Be safe.”

[2:56 PM] DM: Rukiya finishes changing and heads out after one last apologetic kiss, leaving Ry to do what she's going to do.

[3:02 PM] Gylfi: Ry watches Rukiya go, finishes tying her boots, and stands as she says, “Damnit Vydea... you better be watching over her.” She’ll leave their room and go to check on Clemency before anything else.

## Nagpa

"""[2:15 PM] DM: You're finishing up Seir's short rest. Is anything else you'd like to do before heading back inside?

[2:18 PM] Gylfi: ((nope))

[2:21 PM] Seirixori: ((nah))

[2:24 PM] DM: You all head back into the tunnels, set your trap, and wait. The cavern you chose is a slightly wider opening in a tunnel. There are piles of rough stone in the alcoves around the edge.

[2:26 PM] DM: Let's just go ahead and start with initiative since you're all just... waiting.

[2:27 PM] Seirixori: ((10))

[2:30 PM] Brimeia: ((16))

[2:33 PM] Gylfi: ((19))

[2:36 PM] DM: Just as you're getting really bored and thinking that this was a pointless attempt at baiting a highly intelligent creature, a wall of fire bursts into existence, closing off the tunnel between Seir and the rest of the group.  As for Seir, she can sense feet on the ground directly on top of her.

[2:36 PM] DM: There's a rumble in the stones to the southeast as well.

[2:36 PM] DM: And we'll start with Gylfi.

[2:41 PM] Gylfi: Gylfi watches the fire wall spring up and they begin to cast a spell that makes the fire wall dissipate. ((4th level dispel magic))

[2:42 PM] DM: Ok. With the flames gone, you see the nagpa reaching down to grab the books sitting on top of Seir.

[2:42 PM] DM: You also see the rocks in the corner starting to move.

[2:44 PM] Gylfi: They then move closer to Seir but not too close.

[2:44 PM] DM: @Brimeia

[2:45 PM] Brimeia: Bri will run up, rage, and reckless with her flaming weapon.

[2:47 PM] Brimeia: ((30a - nat 20, 30 dmg+ 14 fire; 26a, 11dmg + 8 fire))

[2:48 PM] DM: It squawks with pain, and @Seirixori will be next.

[2:50 PM] Seirixori: Seir will pop out of the ground and bite it twice. ((nat 20 at, 13d+4 poison + 22a, 6d+4 poison and 2 DC 13 str saves for prone))

[2:51 PM] DM: It is definitely prone.

[2:51 PM] Seirixori: ((end))

[2:54 PM] DM: On Urrak's turn, she'll rush forward and do a full attack on the bird. She'll hit all three attacks for 11+12+8 damage, then action surge and hit with Booming Blade. There's a crack of thunder when the sword comes down, and the creature vibrates slightly with unexpended energy. That one's a crit for 25, 10 necrotic, and 12 thunder damage- 59 total damage.

[2:54 PM] DM: It is nearly dead... but it is its turn.

[2:56 PM] DM: The nagpa will stand and attempt to move, triggering the booming blade for 10 additional thunder damage.

[2:57 PM] DM: It shakes with thunder damage and falls. The shadowy aura around it fades and disappears.

[2:57 PM] DM: But... in the corner, the rocks all gather together and coalesce into a huge earth elemental.

[2:59 PM] DM: Its massive hand grabs a chunk of rock from its mass and hurls it at Urrak. It hits and bursts into a spray of rock for 18 damage before it too coalesces into another earth elemental. The giant one looks smaller.

"""

[3:00 PM] DM: And it will be Gylfi's turn. There is now a Large elemental in your melee range. [3:08 PM] Gylfi: Startled by the appearance of 2 rock creatures, Gylfi fumbles with their whip and attempts to slash at the monster. ((12H / 9D)) [3:09 PM] DM: That is a miss. Anything else? [3:14 PM] Gylfi: Seeing that they missed, Gylfi summons a sickle of magical energy. It slashes at the monster. ((29 - crit / 18 force damage - end turn)) [3:14 PM] DM: A solid blow! @Brimeia [3:15 PM] Brimeia: With the Nagpa down, Bri will run towards the bigger elemental and smack it. [3:16 PM] Brimeia: ((20a, 22dmg; 29a, 20dmg; reckless, ancestors)) [3:17 PM] DM: Those definitely both hit! [3:17 PM] DM: @Seirixori ! [3:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves to Gylfi's side, unshifts and places a hand on their shoulder. "You're starting to develop a habit of drawing the attention of big things aren't you?" She casts Thunder Step at 5th level ((DC 17 con save, 34 thunder for full)) and takes them both to the north east of the map, keeping everyone in view. [3:18 PM] DM: It does not save and takes full damage. [3:20 PM] DM: Urrak will grumble and attack the one next to her. Two misses and a crit that gives her 10 hp back, but the thing is still standing. It looks like it's about to fall apart, though. [3:20 PM] DM: And it is the elementals' turns. [3:22 PM] DM: The one up top will swing at Urrak- Two hits and a miss as Urrak gets sandblasted. [3:25 PM] DM: The one down below will swing at Bri! A miss, a crit, and a hit for 21 and 14, reduced to 17 total. [3:25 PM] DM: @Gylfi! [3:27 PM] Gylfi: Gylfi waves their hand and the sickle strikes at the elemental. ((15H / 12D)) [3:28 PM] DM: It strikes... and collapses. Then two smaller ones rise up in its space. [3:29 PM] Gylfi: When it collapses, Gylfi points at the one battling Bri and ominous bells toll. ((DC 17 Wisdom save / 20d necrotic damage on a fail)) [3:29 PM] DM: It shudders. [3:30 PM] DM: @Brimeia [3:31 PM] Brimeia: ((30a - nat 20, 19dmg + 16 fire; 23a, 17 dmg + 3 fire, reckless)) [3:32 PM] Brimeia: Bri continues hacking away at the earth elemental. [3:32 PM] DM: After the first blow, the elemental shatters and comes back together as two smaller ones, so the 2nd hit goes against the smaller one. [3:33 PM] DM: @Seirixori ! [3:33 PM] Brimeia: "Aw man..." Bri grumbles. [3:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir yells something in abyssal as she snaps her fingers towards the one to the left of Urrak and flames surround it. ((DC17 dex save, 23 fire damage for full)) [3:37 PM] DM: It is somehow on fire. The coal inside. [3:38 PM] DM: Urrak will smack the one that is not on fire. [3:39 PM] DM: The elemental manages to avoid one hit, but the other two strike it for 30 total. [3:40 PM] DM: The elementals turn- they will attack Bri and Urrak: [3:40 PM] DM: Urrak: 20, 14, nat 20, 17 and two misses [3:42 PM] DM: Bri: miss, 12 damage reduced to 6, then the other is 16 and a miss, reduced to 8, so a total of 14 damage to Bri [3:43 PM] DM: And the immolation save failed. [3:43 PM] Seirixori: ((18 fire damage)) [3:43 PM] Brimeia: Bri uses spirit shield to reduce Urrak's damage by 6! [3:44 PM] DM: Ok! [3:44 PM] DM: @Gylfi

"3:46 PM] Gylfi: Gylfi moves their spiritual weapon, then points at one of the elementals that's taken damage and casts toll the dead. ((DC 17 / 27D))

[3:46 PM] DM: Nat 20 on the save.

[3:46 PM] Gylfi: Their spiritual weapon will swing through the air and slash at the monster. ((14H / 13 force D - end turn))

[3:48 PM] DM: @Brimeia !

[3:49 PM] Brimeia: Bri smacks the ""new"" smaller elementals.

[3:50 PM] Brimeia: ((26a, 14 dmg +4 fire; 30 - nat 20, 28 dmg + 4 fire))

[3:50 PM] DM: One looks about ready to fall over.

[3:50 PM] DM: @Seirixori

[3:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir continues to hit the one on fire, with more fire and chucks a flame at it. ((Produce Flame: 15a, 11 fire. End))

[3:52 PM] DM: It hits! And... continues to burn.

[3:52 PM] DM: Urrak is a little hurt and that fire one is making her hot. She moves up just a little to get some space and attacks the not on fire one.

[3:52 PM] DM: And kills it. Then attacks the on fire one.

[3:53 PM] DM: And kills it.

[3:53 PM] DM: And moves down to Bri and attacks another one.

[3:53 PM] DM: But doesn't kill that one.

[3:53 PM] DM: The little ones fully collapse and do not move again.

[3:54 PM] DM: The elementals will attack Bri.

[3:55 PM] DM: 11d, miss, 12, 8... for a total of 31 reduced to 15.

[3:55 PM] DM: Gylfi!

[3:58 PM] Gylfi: Gylfi moves their spiritual weapon and hits the elemental ((22H / 11 force D)). Then they whisper something under their breath - bells toll once more - as a wave a necrotic energy moves towards the monster. ((DC 17 WIS / 12D))

[3:58 PM] DM: The force hits it and the necrotic damage kill it.

[3:58 PM] DM: @Brimeia !

[3:59 PM] Brimeia: Bri will try to destroy the last one.

"

[4:00 PM] DM: And she does. [4:00 PM] Brimeia: ((30a - nat 20, 37dmg + 12f; 17a, 14dmg +1 fire)) [4:02 PM] DM: And we'll end initiative [4:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir walks over to the Nagpa and take anything that might be useful. [4:04 PM] Gylfi: Gylfi will help Seir. [4:04 PM] DM: Urrak coughs up some dirt. "Think I need a vacation." [4:04 PM] DM: It has an iron flask on its belt. [4:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir grabs the books first and puts them away an then picks up the iron flask, looking it over. [4:08 PM] Brimeia: "Oh, it wasn't that bad." Bri smacks Urrak's arm playfully. [4:08 PM] DM: Urrak winces but tries to play it off. [4:08 PM] Brimeia: "Alright, we got the nag-thingy. Now what? [4:10 PM] Gylfi: "We got it. Hopefully it had some answers to our questions..." they say aloud, looking excited. [4:10 PM] Seirixori: "Answers that will have to wait. Now we have to find the titan...and... do... something. Did we ever get told how to do that?" [4:12 PM] Gylfi: Gylfi nods. "Ryleigh asked tall, broody, and handsome this morning. Then she told me what we needed to do." [4:13 PM] Brimeia: Bri chuckles at Gylfi's description. "Care to share?" [4:13 PM] Seirixori: "Perfect..." Seir groans, "and we have to go back down the mountain again." [4:14 PM] DM: Urrak: "Well, at least we don't have t' fall halfway down it this time." [4:14 PM] Gylfi: "Yay, back into the cold!" They mock shout, then proceed to explain what they need to do to destroy the titan.

"[4:14 PM] Brimeia: Bri gives Seir a sympathetic pat.

[4:19 PM] Seirixori: ""Well, we could fall halfway down..."" Seir grumbles. ""Okay, well, flying we go... unless we have anything else to do?"" She looks away briefly and sighs, then conjures a few giant snow owls for them.

[4:20 PM] DM: You successfully get to Isonsall!"

## Hava

"9:43 PM] DM: [8:59 PM] DM: Rukiya lets you know she'll be by the temple later and check in on you as Ryleigh leads you out, but for now, you're on your own.

[9:56 PM] Hava: Hava gives a small wave and heads back to the temple to see how the research is progressing.

[10:19 AM] DM: Give me a description of how you're going to collect information related to the poison and a roll of your choice to determine level of success.

[12:43 PM] Hava: They'll try to figure out what the poison is made of by looking into similarities to other poisons, ingredients of known poisons, or shared properties with any known substances even besides poisons.

[12:47 PM] DM: Roll?

[12:54 PM] Hava: ((30 medicine, nat 20, does this count?))

[9:43 PM] DM: [1:05 PM] DM: Sure! Taking a look back at everything you've gathered on known poisons, you determine that nothing exactly like this has ever been used before which is not the dead end you think it is at first. Instead, what it tells you is that you're looking for something on the cutting edge of poison technology. Additionally, since Malphon had mentioned that not only did it prevent raising, it was also causing his wound to not heal properly, you add healing inhibitors to your research. There are natural poisons, of course, like arsenic or belladonna, but magical healing always cures natural ails. To prevent magic healing, you have to find magic poisons. Narrowing all of this down, you find yourself looking for a very rare component. While you don't know exactly what this component might be, you do know a few things about it that must be true- it is rare which means it must be collected and prepared by a specialist, it is magical, so the specialist must be trained in some form of the magical arts (though you cannot tell if it would be arcane, divine, or primal), and with the rarity and expertise required, it is likely very expensive.

[11:08 PM] Hava: Hava tries to think of any groups that might have the money and magical resources to produce such a poison, making a list of 'has enough money', 'has the magic', and 'both'.

[9:43 PM] DM: 8:47 PM] DM: Unfortunately, that is not your realm of expertise and you will likely need to reach out to someone else to find the answers to those things. If you give me a History check, I can let you know some possible contacts who could help.

[8:56 PM] Hava: ((23))

[9:04 PM] DM: Being a religious scholar, your first thoughts are to the divine. Perhaps the followers of Betrex or Xilyra might be interested in poisons, and Magiri might be worth looking into for the magic side. You know that the Spellguard aren't far from Riverrun  in Ebedine, and they might have someone who specializes in magical concoctions or poisons. You're not as well-versed in the seedy underbelly of Riverrun, though, so even though you might know that there are merchants and mages and likely smugglers of all sorts, you're not exactly sure how you'd go about asking around for those things without alerting the wrong people.

[9:59 PM] DM: What does research and brainstorming look like for you? Are you a papers person? A cards on a board person? Chalk on the ground? Are you detailed and organized, scattered and messy?

[10:24 PM] Brimeia: Lots of scribbled notes in notebooks and scraps of paper shoved in them and random scrolls everywhere.

[11:18 PM] Brimeia: So organized chaos."

"[10:11 AM] DM: It's probably been a few hours that you've been engrossed in the search, but it flew by and you're almost surprised to see Rukiya so ""soon,"" but she sits next to you at the table, now dressed in the blues of her acolyte robes. ""Any luck?""

[10:36 AM] Brimeia: Hava startles a moment before greeting Rukiya with a smile. ""Ah you're back. Yes, I was trying to find anything the poison might be similar to to help narrow down what it's composed of. And I found nothing."" They put an excited emphasis on the word, eyes gleaming with eagerness.

[10:37 AM] DM: ""That's an odd thing to get so excited about.""

[10:49 AM] Brimeia: They blink and then shake their head. ""Oh. Right. I mean I couldn't find anything even remotely like it. Do you know what that means?""

[10:54 AM] DM: ""There's some new poison out there that we have no idea how to protect against?""

[11:00 AM] Brimeia: ""Ye--"" they begin excitedly before stopping short. ""Well ok, when you put it like that it sounds terrible, but it does help us narrow things down considerably. The culprit would have to be able to innovate something like that. Or pay, bribe, or threaten someone to anyway.""

[11:02 AM] Brimeia: ""And we know all the things it can't be?""    They shrug, offering an encouraging smile."

"[2:12 PM] DM: Rukiya gives them a small smile. ""At least one of us is optimistic.""

[2:22 PM] Brimeia: ""Ah well you know me. Love finally finding a promising clue to an inscrutable puzzle."" They give a little shrug. ""You find anything?"""

[8:45 PM] DM: "No... not since we last met." She pauses and thinks. "Resources. Knowledge. I wonder if everyone was killed by the poison or if it was just here."

12:08 PM] Brimeia: "Hmm. Do you think we could get reports from the other courts? Reliable ones?"

"[11:30 AM] DM: ""I might be able to arrange that. Or maybe Rae can get it from hers.""

[3:17 PM] Brimeia: ""Let's try both, just in case one doesn't work out or you find something different.""

[3:18 PM] Brimeia: ((Is finding a way to counteract/neutralize the poison something achievable? Lol))

[8:44 PM] DM: It would be a good idea, but would probably take time and a more practical knowledge of medicine and poisons/treatments than what you have. It would be something you'd find someone else to do.

[9:09 PM] Brimeia: Ok, Hava will finish sharing notes with Rukiya and then try to find someone at the castle who can help with that!

[10:52 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""I'm not sure the castle would be the best place to ask, maybe we should try a more healing-focused cleric like Takara... or tomorrow maybe we can contact the college if you think it's magical in nature."" She glances away, like she's distracted. ""Are you ok to continue without me?""

[11:00 PM] Brimeia: ""Hmm. I'd wager it's more likely magical, at least in part, seeing as it prevents restorative magics, but it might not hurt to ask clerics as well. ... Are you alright, Rukiya?"" They tilt their head slightly.

[11:34 PM] DM: Rukiya looks back at them. ""Yeah, just... I was thinking about taking a walk. Downstairs."""

## Malphon

"1:12 PM] Malphon: After the meeting at the guild, Malphon heads back towards his home. He'll look for his contacts within the followers of Xilyra at a local inn.

[2:11 PM] DM: At your leisure, give me a description of how you'll go about making contact and a roll of your choice associated with it."

[11:03 PM] Malphon: As he enters the inn, he looks around the room. He heads towards the bar area and orders a drink, which is actually a secret code. He sits and places the drink on the table, waiting for his contacts to come to him. ((Also I guess deception??))

9:05 PM] DM: Roll for it

"[12:23 AM] Malphon: ((23))

[10:29 AM] DM: You don't see how it happens, but there's a jingle and a key with a room number on it sits on the table in front of you.

[10:51 AM] Malphon: Malphon smirks and picks up the key. He tucks it into the breast pocket of his coat and head to the room

[10:55 AM] DM: The room's door is locked, but the key fits it.

[10:58 AM] Malphon: Malphon turns the key and slowly enters the room.

[11:02 AM] DM: The room is dark, but immediately you see a cloaked person, their hood fashioned like a spider's web draped over them, obscuring their face. As you step inside, the door is shut behind you by a person in leather, daggers visible at their waist. The webbed person says, ""Malphon. To what do we owe this visit?""

[11:12 AM] Malphon: Malphon turns his head towards the person in leathers. ""My are we being cautious these days,"" he looks them up and down and then back to his associate, ""I'm sure you've heard the news. Dreadful, all of it,"" he walks towards the web-cloaked figure, ""There are some very interesting strings being pulled within the castle walls. I'm hoping you can aid me in finding out who might be involved. Have there been any whisperings in the Web?"""

2:15 PM] DM: "If there were, what makes you think we'd share them with you, palace dog?"

"[1:47 PM] Malphon: ((is this the guard or the agent?))

[1:52 PM] DM: Agent. You'd know that the majority of people in this faction are not government-favorable.

[10:08 PM] Malphon: Malphon's face falls ""Because this palace dog is onto the scent of a very interesting secret."""

"[8:47 PM] DM: ""Oh? And what would that be?""

[9:01 PM] Malphon: ""Now, now, you know how this works. A secret for a secret. And I assure you, this one will change the world as we know it.""  He holds his hands behind his back, straightening his spine. ""You feel I am some kind of Moonstream loyalist. The reality could not be further from the truth. My position in the palace is nothing but a job. Resources. Palace-expensed gold. I care nothing for a pile of dead Royals."" He makes his scorn known in his tone. ""Though, if you wish to keep mum, then I will find a more cooperative fly to trap."""

"[11:24 AM] DM: ""A secret for a secret, hmm? And you think what you have is worth it?""

[8:37 PM] Malphon: ""Worth it? It's almost priceless."" He waves his hand as of swatting the question away.

[8:42 PM] DM: ""You'll forgive me if I don't take your word for it.""

[8:48 PM] Malphon: ""You require some kind of proof? A test of loyalty to our Lord? I'm afraid this information is far too sensitive for the former and I've no time for the second, "" He looks towards the door and back again. ""It seems I've wasted my time. Shame, really. ""

[8:53 PM] DM: The figure sits back, relaxed. ""No test of loyalty, simply a case of you show me yours and I'll show you mine... assuming you have anything of value. I'm not convinced you do.""

[9:10 PM] Malphon: Malphon removes his coat and lifts his shirt ""You see this wound? I healed it and yet,"" he touches it and winces, ""It's as if it's only just happened. The same kind of weapon was used against the Moonstreams. And the Moonborn before. I need to know who might have made it...so I can replicate it.  And I assure you, if anyone can , it's me.""  He tucks his shirt back into his trousers and picks up his coat. ""I'm sure you can imagine the ramifications. The benefits.""

[10:45 PM] DM: ""Is that what you're offering? Knowledge of the fact that you were stabbed? Darling, anyone could do that."" Also give me a persuasion check.

[10:59 PM] Malphon: ((25))

[11:10 PM] Malphon: He steps closer to the veiled agent.  He looks down at the seated figure, his face barely hiding his anger. ""I'm offering first rights to a weapon that can defy the will of the gods, for the simple exchange of information about those who might wish to see a royal lineage die. And those with the means to do so.""

[11:33 PM] DM: ""But you have no knowledge of this weapon. You may know it exists, but nothing more than that.""

[11:36 PM] Malphon: He takes a breath, ""That is... Correct."" his gloves squeak behind his back

[11:37 PM] DM: ""Then you have nothing to offer. Perhaps you might return once you do.""

[11:39 PM] Malphon: He pulls his lips into a smile, ""Perhaps I shall."" He bows slightly and heads towards the exit

[11:40 PM] DM: They make no attempt to stop him.

[11:47 PM] Malphon: He exits the inn and heads down the main road. ""Useless,"" he mutters to himself, ""Failure. ""

He calls Munnin to his side and pets the large bird when he lands on a gloved hand ""Keep an eye on them.""

As he keeps walking, eventually he finds himself at Vydea's temple. ""That dragonborn. They mentioned working on the Moonborn..."" He heads inside and looks for Hava"

"10:00 AM] DM: You probably don't make it a point of going to the temple very often. What are you wearing?

[12:17 PM] Malphon: He's dressed in the same garb as he was when visiting the agent of Xilyra, a long dark coat of fine make and his gloves that go half way up his arms. He'll probably look very out of place.

[12:17 PM] DM: When you enter, then, the acolyte at the front will greet you. ""Can I help you?""

[6:49 PM] Malphon: ""Yes, I'm looking for acolyte Hava.""

[6:54 PM] DM: ""They're doing research upstairs right now. Are they expecting you?""

[7:03 PM] Malphon: ""Most likely not. I'm here on behalf of the Castle."" He flashes a pin of the Moonstreams crest on the inside of his coat.

[7:13 PM] DM: The acolyte picks up a bell and rings it. Another person in blue robes walks up and the acolyte says, ""This is Gertry. He'll show you the way to Lorekeeper Hava.""

[7:14 PM] DM: Gertry shows you the way!

[7:15 PM] DM: (And you can go to Hava room)"

"7:14 PM] DM: A human in a blue robe you recognize as an usher named Gertry appears, Malphon in tow.

[8:27 PM] Malphon: Malphon bows his head slightly, ""Please forgive the intrusion.""

[8:57 PM] Brimeia: Hava looks up, blinks, and their eyes widen for a moment before they smooth their expression again. ""Oh. Uh, hello. How can I help you...?""

[9:04 PM] Malphon: Malphon turns to Gertry, ""If you'll excuse us.""

[9:06 PM] DM: Gertry gives a slight bow of the head to Hava and walks away."

"[5:57 AM] Malphon: Malphon stepa a bit closer to Hava, his eyes scanning the room. ""If I recall, you'd said you worked on the Moonborn, is that correct?""

[9:11 AM] DM: Rukiya: ""A private study room might be what you're looking for- with silence charms to provide the optimal experience."" She gestures towards one such, empty room.

[2:08 PM] Malphon: ""Very well,"" Malphon heads towards the empty room

[7:51 PM] Brimeia: Hava heads that way too with a baffled expression."

"12:41 AM] Malphon: Once the door is closed behind them, Malphon turns to Hava once more. ""I came in hopes of learning a bit more about the poison that killed the Moonborn.""

[10:41 PM] Brimeia: Hava frowns. ""Um... I'm not the spy here, but... weren't we waiting to gather back at that adventuring guild so as not to draw attention?"""

"12:35 AM] Malphon: ""Certain avenues need to be explored before the others,"" He walks to the center desk, ""Every poison crafter leaves their mark on their work. A calling card. Cultural, geographical, magical,"" He holds his hands behind his back, ""And if we can find that out, then the way towards justice becomes easier.""

"

"4:03 PM] Brimeia: Hava's frown only intensifies. ""That still doesn't explain why you're endangering us all by meeting me openly when you're not supposed to even know who I am. You already knew I'd investigated the Moonborn's case back at the guild. You could've asked then. Anything new, we agreed to wait until we were all together. You coming here now and asking to see me, specifically, directly, is going to get me killed and I rather like being alive.""

[10:41 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""Why don't we just... meet back at the guildhall in the morning and discuss this all there."""

"[7:29 PM] DM: Malphon: ""Very well. My apologies."" He walks out.

[10:49 PM] Brimeia: Even though the damage is already done, and they know it, they still let out a sigh of relief when he leaves.

[10:56 PM] DM: Rukiya puts a comforting hand on their shoulder. ""You ok? You're not used to being danger-adjacent, are you?""

[11:16 PM] Brimeia: They acknowledge Rukiya's hand with an appreciative pat and a small smile. ""Ha, not in the least. A little more excitement than I'm used to."" They pause for a moment, squint, and look at Rukiya. ""Are you saying you are?""

[11:18 PM] DM: ""I help my wife's adventuring guild sometimes. Had a few close calls. We were in Alderrath hunting vampires not too long ago.""

[11:23 PM] Brimeia: Their eyes widen. ""Vampires?""

[11:26 PM] DM: She nods with a little smile. ""I think you'll be ok. Still be careful, but... I think you're ok""

[11:41 PM] Brimeia: ""Thanks."" They flash another smile, this one a little sheepish, and they're surprised to find that it does make them just a little better, the tension easing a bit from their shoulders and tail.

[11:47 PM] DM: ""I-- Are you ok? Are you going to be able to sleep here tonight? I'm sure we can find room for you at the guildhall if you're worried.""

[11:55 PM] Brimeia: ""Oh,"" they murmur sounding a little surprised. ""That is very kind of you. But I should be alright. Besides, it'd probably be even more suspicious if I wandered off now."" They straighten, both body and expression. ""Anyway, I don't want to keep you from.. your walk? And uh... thanks. For being a good friend."" They lay a clawed hand on Rukiya's arm for a moment before tucking back into their robes."

[8:54 AM] DM: She says quietly, "More like a bad decision," then smiles. "I'll see you in the morning." Then she excuses herself and walks away.

"6:00 PM] Brimeia: Hava tilts their head at Rukiya's amendment, but before they can think what to ask or how or if they have any place to, Rukiya is gone. They take a deep breath, let it back out slowly, and turn back to their research, as always. They try to learn more about what could prevent healing and resurrection, as well as try to find out if there is any way to help someone who is afflicted by the strange poison. If not completely, then at least enough to heal, if not to heal then perhaps at least to stabilize.

[8:07 PM] DM: Give me another medicine or investigation check.

[8:28 PM] Brimeia: ((14 medicine))

[8:32 PM] Brimeia: ((used luck point to roll again, 26))

[8:55 PM] DM: You do research different things that might prevent healing and come across a few mentions of some necromancy spells that might fit the bill, associated with a name- Tzobun. However, you won't be able to find a way to counteract this specific poison without getting a good sample and performing experiments.

[8:56 PM] DM: By this time it's getting fairly late. Research takes time."

## Isonsall

"[4:24 PM] DM: As you're getting ready to rest in the shelter, Urrak comes to the group, rubbing the back of her neck. ""I think th' people here need more help than you do. Gonna help rebuild a little, make somethin' instead of breakin'. Maybe I'll catch up with ye someday.""

[4:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir frowns and after a moment nods, ""Okay... do you want us to tell Ryleigh for you?""

[4:27 PM] DM: ""If it comes up... I'll prob'ly see her 'fore ye do.""

[4:30 PM] Brimeia: ""This that vacation you were talking about? I thought you were joking...""

[4:30 PM] DM: ""Think I might try settlin' down an' workin' on me, like Seirixori said.""

[4:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks mildly surprised, ""...I hope you find what you need.""

[4:33 PM] Gylfi: Gylfi puts their hand on Seir's shoulder and smiles at Urrak as the group seems to be going their separate ways.

[4:33 PM] DM: She smiles a little crooked smile. ""Yeah... me too... Good luck out there. You'll do great.""

[4:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods again and will say a final goodbye before heading towards wherever they're resting.

[4:38 PM] DM: Urrak nods and straightens and walks away to find one of the authorities in the shelter to see where she can help."

"7:13 PM] DM: The rest of you find your way to rest.

[9:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir doesn't sit around for very long, looking a little restless. With a small huff she searches around for someone to see what things need to be done.

[10:03 PM] DM: She can find Yselda, the town's herbalist, coming back into the shelter with a basket not even half-full of ingredients as it darkens outside.

[10:06 PM] Seirixori: ""Would you like some help gathering more?"" Seir asks.

[10:07 PM] DM: ""Oh, well, it's dark and you know how dangerous the Timberlands are. I'll go back out tomorrow.""

[10:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods with a grin, ""I do, but I am particularly skilled at handling both of those things and it will give you some time to rest.""

[10:14 PM] DM: ""Oh... well... if you're sure... I could use some Ivory Safflower. Poor Pretock has come down with a nasty rash, but it's hard to find nearby. The closest patch I know of for sure is along the stream to the southeast. If you head out to the farms and go east from the second farmhouse, you should be able to find it... but do be careful, please. I'd feel terrible if something happened to you.""

[10:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir gives a nod and a smile, ""I will."" She heads back to the group before leaving. ""Hey, I'm going to go help find some herbs for the people here. I think there might be a few other things they need help with if any of you want something to do.""

[10:17 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""You're not skipping out too, are you?""

[10:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir shakes her head, ""Only for a few hours. Something to do until we head out tomorrow.""

[10:25 PM] Brimeia: Bri scratches her chin and gets up too. ""Guess we might as well see what else needs doing.""

[10:27 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""You want company? The forest can be dangerous. Even for you.""

[10:33 PM] Seirixori: Seir does actually stop to think before she responds, ""I wouldn't mind it, if you wanted to tag along.""

[10:38 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""I mean, I was going to see if my new friend wanted their coat back and maybe something else, but I guess I can go with you instead."" They grin to make sure Seir knows they're joking.

[10:42 PM] Seirixori: ""Oh, well, don't I feel important,"" Seir chuckles and grabs the bag of holding. ""Might be able to snag a few other things to stock them up on so they don't have to go out so often.""

[10:44 PM] DM: ""Well... let's get going, I suppose. I might not need the rest, but I'm sure you will."" They turn to Bri and say with a wink, ""Stay out of trouble.""

[10:44 PM] DM: What's Bri doing?

[10:45 PM] Brimeia: ""Me, get in trouble? Never."" She grins.

[10:48 PM] Brimeia: Bri will help with the fortifications.

[10:54 PM] DM: Bri ends up wandering around until she finds Silvain, the guard they'd talked to before, trying to restack some stones that they're using for temporary fortifications where the towers used to stand. She'll end up spending time into the night helping stack stone and holding things in place while others mortar it."

## Rae

"9:39 PM] DM: 5:47 PM] Rae: Rae's going to check in and then see if there's anyway to know who had been tended to for wounds.

[5:51 PM] DM: Checking in with Promise?

[5:51 PM] Rae: Yes.

[5:54 PM] DM: Back at the castle, things are subdued. There's a noticeable weight to the air that accompanies the smell of copper. Janitorial staff scrub at bloodstains with tears in their eyes while guards stand watch with bags under theirs.

Promise is in his office, swearing as he goes through list after list, paper after paper, account after account.

[5:54 PM] Rae: Rae enters with a small knock, ""Anything new?""

[5:59 PM] DM: ""Other than realizing I have no fucking clue who I can trust? No."" He grumbles, pauses, then looks at you. ""Where the hell have you been?""

[6:01 PM] Rae: ""I apologize for not coming in sooner, sir. I was... checking in with a few people in town.""

[6:04 PM] DM: ""You have anything new?""

[6:06 PM] Rae: ""Unfortunately, no. Everything still points... to inside.""

[6:12 PM] DM: He sighs and slumps back in his chair. ""We haven't had a ton of new recruits. Same hiring schedule as always.""

[6:13 PM] Rae: ""I believe it also involves the staff, not just the guard. Which I know does not make it any easier.""

[6:24 PM] DM: He leans forward and rubs his temples with his elbows on his desk. ""How are we supposed to keep the rest of the council safe when I don't even know what guards are going to try to kill them?"" He freezes for a moment. ""No, that's... just as ridiculous."" He sighs.

[6:24 PM] Rae: ""What is it?""

[9:40 PM] DM: [6:27 PM] DM: ""Just wondering if hiring adventurers and mercs as bodyguards might be a good replacement while we sort this out. At least you know they're loyal to gold.""

[6:30 PM] Rae: Her brow furrows as she thinks. After a few moments she asks, ""Wasn't there an adventuring guild that escorted the Moonborn and brought her back? I seem to recall a debriefing we had about it."" She pauses again, ""Riverrun has not had a good streak of luck lately, has it?"" She adds as an afterthought.

[6:34 PM] DM: ""Fat lot of good it did to bring her back here just to have her shot on our streets.""

[6:39 PM] Rae: She goes through the motion of thinking things over, ""Even if we were to hire the adventuring guilds, it is as you say, they may be more loyal to the gold but we still don't know who we are dealing with and they could be offered more. However..."" she trails off as if she's trying to find a way to use the idea anyway.

[6:45 PM] DM: ""Like I said... ridiculous.""

[6:46 PM] Rae: ""Unless there are only two people who know they were hired.""

[6:51 PM] DM: ""What are you on about?""

[7:00 PM] Rae: ""An idea of yours, however it might even be best if you do not know."" Rae pauses again and as a thought comes to her she straightens up. ""May I make a very vague request with the hope you trust me enough to believe I will do as I must to protect what is left and uncover what has happened and who is responsible?""

[7:16 PM] DM: He looks at you for a long moment. ""What kind of request?""

[7:19 PM] Rae: ""To hire a select group of people to help me in this endeavor, who have no ties to the guard or the staff.""

[7:22 PM] DM: ""You have someone in mind?""

[7:27 PM] Rae: ""I believe I have a few. Though considering the circumstances I believe that is all I should say on the matter."" Rae's stance relaxes slightly, a thing she does only around a select few when on duty. ""I have the utmost faith they are trustworthy.""

[9:40 PM] DM: 7:30 PM] DM: ""Investigators? Or bodyguards for the Council?""

[7:35 PM] Rae: ""Investigators. I'm unsure if adventurers for the council would work, but maybe that's something you could leave up to them.""

[7:39 PM] DM: ""Yeah... yeah, I suppose. Keep me updated. No sense in having multiple investigations that don't talk to each other. Think you can manage on 50 gold?""

[7:51 PM] Rae: ""I believe it should suffice for now.""

[7:58 PM] DM: He stands and pulls aside a map of Riverrun, exposing a wall safe. He pulls out a small bag and tosses it to Rae. You can see he sighs and slumps a little while his back is turned. ""This is the biggest failure in our history. I don't know how we come back from this.""

[8:11 PM] Rae: Rae puts the bag away in one of her side pouches. ""I know how poorly this looks, sir, but I believe we will come back from it. Not only because I have faith that we will, but because we must.""

[8:14 PM] DM: ""I hope you're right.""

[10:58 PM] Rae: She nods, ""I have one more question. Did we happen to keep track of all who were injured in the attack?""

[9:40 PM] DM: [10:25 AM] DM: ""I don't have that information, but you might ask the medics. They might be able to put together a list.""

[6:27 PM] Rae: ""So, should I act angry and storm out before I ask the medics or after?"" Rae grins. ""A High Sentinel who doesn't show up often without reason might be cause for concern.""

[6:37 PM] DM: ""As the ranking Sentinel now, I was going to assign you to Estner, but he has his own guard. You're on investigator duty for now. Unless you just really want to be Barham's body man instead.""

[6:41 PM] Rae: Rae does not at all make a face, ""Given the choice, I think I will have to pass on that, as much as it pains me to do so.""

[6:42 PM] DM: ""Yeah I didn't think so.""

[6:46 PM] Rae: Rae straightens to salute, ""I should get started. Too much time has already passed.""

[6:48 PM] DM: He kind of just sullenly waves her off.

[6:56 PM] Rae: Rae turns to leave and she pauses at the door, looking back. ""Sir? I know how bleak this looks, but believe me when I say this. There is hope and it is close."" Without waiting for a response she leaves to find the medics.

[7:52 PM] DM: You know there are a few Moonguard who are skilled in healing magic- clerics of Vydea and other practitioners. Heading to the castle's medical area, you find a very tired looking human, sorting and restocking supplies.

[8:36 PM] Rae: She clears her throat, not wanting to surprise them. ""Have you had any rest?"" Rae asks, her voice quiet and soft.

[8:42 PM] DM: The man chuckles slightly. ""Have any of us?"" He reaches for a bag. ""You hurt?""

[8:45 PM] Rae: Holding out her hand she shakes her head, ""No, no. Take your rest, I'm only here to ask a few things.""

[8:54 PM] DM: ""Sure, but I already told one of you what I saw. It wasn't much.""

[8:56 PM] Rae: ""My questions are not geared towards your expertise. Do you happen to keep record of who you treated in the last day?""

[9:40 PM] DM: [8:57 PM] DM: ""We usually would, but things were so hectic, I don't think it was very well documented. Just lists of the dead.""

[9:17 PM] Rae: ""I see... is it alright if I see what little was documented? I would ask about specific wounds, but I imagine that would be the last thing on anyone's mind.""

[9:28 PM] DM: ""Might just have to ask to see if anyone remembers specific things. Got a board there, though."" He points up at a wall where some sheets of paper are pinned. It looks like they typically document who they're treating as well as what resources were used and who was treating them. There are at least four different writing styles and everything gets very messy and scrawled, with what definitely looks like a smear of blood on part of the page.

[9:35 PM] Rae: ""Thank you,"" Rae moves to the board to go over it. ""Would you happen to remember anyone that had small wounds. Like from a dagger rather than a sword?""

[9:37 PM] DM: ""Like multiple?""

[9:38 PM] DM: ""Most of what I saw was shallow slashing wounds and punctures, but I couldn't tell you if they were daggers or shortswords.""

[9:39 PM] DM: He thinks for a second. ""I don't remember any arrows or bolts, either.""

[9:40 PM] Rae: She nods, taking stock of the names on the papers, ""Any that came with only one?""

[9:42 PM] DM: ""Most of them. You don't usually see people getting stabbed multiple times without bleeding out, and I was in here, dealing with people who had a chance.""

[9:41 PM] DM: [9:48 PM] Rae: ""Of course, did anything seem strange to you? Someone coming in later than most? Earlier than most? The tiniest thing that you'd push aside because it wasn't important at the time? I'm sorry if it's similar to the questioning you had yesterday, but maybe some time apart from the bulk of the chaos would have something click.""

[10:23 PM] DM: ""I don't know... the alarm startled me, but we didn't have anyone come here until after that, and we had folks coming in on their own for a bit, then we had folks who were found injured that were brought in. We had wounded coming in past our ability to magically heal them. Some just got patched up and told to come back in a day or two if it doesn't get better."" He sighs. ""I've never seen that much blood."" He pauses for a moment. ""Actually, maybe there was something you'd find interesting. There was one Moonguard that came in with a fairly minor hand laceration, but he had blood all over him. Said he'd fought an assassin.""

[10:32 PM] Rae: ""Hmm, maybe they'll know more about what we're dealing with. Do you remember aname or a description?""

[9:41 PM] DM: [10:54 PM] DM: ""Don't know his name. He was a human. Dark hair. He was a Defender. I remember thinking about how hard it was going to be for him to scrub the blood out of the white on his patch if he didn't have a presti charm.""

As a Moonguard yourself, you would definitely know that Defender is a relatively low rank, usually assigned to walls and gatehouses. Generally, you start in positions where you're asked to be a physical line of defense without much knowledge or insight. As you climb the hierarchy, you might start being placed on gate duty checking for credentials, and then on the interior where reading body language is more important.

[11:10 PM] Rae: Rae claps him lightly on the shoulder in thanks, ""I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me. Please do try and get some rest. Even if for a short time."" She will leave, to take a walk around the walls to see if she can spot this person.

[9:41 PM] DM: [12:59 AM] DM: Give me a perception or investigation check (and tell me which you used)

[1:01 AM] Rae: ((17 inv))

[10:16 AM] DM: You probably weren't ever stationed here in Riverrun, Vydenia's been the seat of power for about 50 years now, but patrolling the walls still brings you back. It's still pretty different now, though. Instead of looking over the bay and out past the forts at the mouth from the top of a cliff, you're looking out at a the early afternoon bustle of a city. The temple shines in the sun, but the light is still extinguished. As you walk the walls, taking in the appearance of any Moonguard you pass, you do end up finding a dark haired human Defender. Not that that particular combination would be particularly unusual. You'd probably guess there are at least a few of them.

[10:23 AM] Rae: Rae does not go to them straight away. Instead she goes to talk to a couple others first. Just small pleasantries and to see how they're holding up. Then she'll eventually make her way to the dark haired human for the same task.

[10:31 AM] DM: He's patrolling, walking along the walls on the north side of the castle, a crossbow on his back.

[10:40 AM] Rae: She tries to make sure he sees her talking to others and then approaches him. ""Defender,"" she greets, ""I wanted to check-in with some of you. See how we're all holding up.""

[9:41 PM] DM: [11:01 AM] DM: He salutes as you approach. ""Doing as well as I can, all things considered, High Sentinel.""

[11:07 AM] Rae: ""I know it's a silly question, but have you managed to get any rest as of yet?"" As Rae asks she tries to get a good look at the uniform, masking it as concern for his well-being.

[11:08 AM] Rae: To check if it's stained or if it's Too New.

[11:11 AM] DM: Give me a perception check.

[11:12 AM] DM: ""A little. Barracks has been restless, so it's hard to sleep.""

[11:13 AM] Rae: ((16))

[11:18 AM] DM: His uniform is clean... mostly. You spot just the slightest darkening of the fabric under his breastplate at his side, very slowly spreading as you talk.

You know that presti charms are in common use among the Moonguard to keep uniforms looking sharp, so it's not surprising that a bloodied uniform would be clean the next day, but you can probably surmise he has some sort of wound that hasn't been healed yet.

[11:27 AM] Rae: ""I imagine so."" Rae looks at the location of the possible wound, her concern sincere, ""I do wish you some rest, and do see to a healer when you can. We've lost too many good people already, I would wish to not add another to that list."" Also, because I can, with a 1 minute interaction Rae can use Know Your Enemy and would like to learn about his current hit points and class levels.

[9:41 PM] DM: [11:53 AM] DM: Why does this ability not take into account that most NPCs don't have class levels and give you a better option to look at? I would say he's sitting at around 35 hp with four class levels. With your understanding of the Moonguard, what that tells you is that he's either up for promotion soon or something is holding him back from it. He's higher level than what most Defenders would be. At least higher than most wall patrollers.

[11:53 AM] DM: He nods in deference. ""I'll see the healer after my shift.""

[11:59 AM] Rae: now's your chance to fuck around with it lmao Rae nods, ""At least try and keep it clean before then. Giving the healers more to deal with won't do well in your favor if you want to do more than just patrol these walls.""

[12:35 PM] DM: ""Yes, High Sentinel.""

[5:12 PM] Rae: She turns to leave but pauses and turns back, ""Ah, one more question..."" She lets a few moments pass to give him time to give his name before she continues.

[5:15 PM] DM: ""Yellowcrest, High Sentinel.""

[5:22 PM] Rae: ""Yellowcrest, thank you. Has anyone not come in today that you're certain was alive after the attack?"" Her voice is filled with concern. ""Do not worry about getting them into trouble, my only concern is the well-being of our people. It is understandable if any of us are having a rough time returning to 'normal' after the attack.""

[5:33 PM] DM: ""I don't think so. It'd be hard to shirk when you sleep at the castle.""

[9:42 PM] DM: [5:38 PM] Rae: ((11 insight if he's being truthful))

[5:40 PM] DM: You're not sure, but it makes sense. Most of the people who serve as Defenders live in the barracks in the castle, so it's not like they could just... stay home.

[5:43 PM] Rae: ""Thank you for your time, Yellowcrest."" Rae leaves him and continues her search.

[8:35 PM] DM: Are you looking for more dark-haired humans or anything else in particular?

[8:40 PM] Rae: More dark haired humans, though if I can tell if their armor is stained it Too Clean from afar that would be best instead of chatting up every one.

[8:56 PM] DM: For the sake of time, why not give me a straight d20 roll and we'll how much other information you gather from this hour or two long walk around the walls.

[8:58 PM] Rae: ((18))

[9:42 PM] DM: As you walk around, you find a lot of tired people on watch. Watches have been shortened so that people can take catnaps, but many positions have also been doubled up, probably as a way to police each other, though you don't get the feeling that these lower ranked folks see that as the point.

You end up putting your eyes on several Moonguard during the course of this walk. You make note of only a few other things- half of the Moonguard on the walls carry bows or crossbows, but they all carry a shortsword or a spear. Defender Yellowcrest, however, did not. Nobody else can think of anyone who has disappeared despite definitely surviving the attack. A couple of the guard had uniforms that were obviously not magically cleaned recently, but theirs were not bloodied.

[9:42 PM] DM: [9:50 PM] Rae: Rae files that away for when she meets with the others again. She doesn't want to draw too much attention to him so she makes her way back to the castle, intent on seeing if Astra is still there, or any of the other ladies that were in the room.

[9:53 PM] DM: One of the ladies in waiting, Osi, you recall, is there, tidying up the room slowly. Her eyes are puffy and red-rimmed, and as she crosses the room, she makes a point of avoiding the still stained spot on the carpet.

[9:55 PM] Rae: Rae heads in, knocking lightly on the door, ""Osi?"" Her eyes drift to the carpet momentarily before she forces them away.

[10:01 PM] DM: She fumbles a bit with the fabric in her hand as she startles a little, then puts her hand over her chest. ""Ah, High Sentinel. My apologies... I was lost in thought.""

[10:12 PM] Rae: Rae slowly moves forward, also making sure to avoid the spot on the carpet. She reaches out to take Osi's hands in her own, ""Are you sure you want to be back here so soon?""

[10:17 PM] DM: ""I'm here because I couldn't bear to go with the others to prepare her.""

[10:40 PM] Rae: ""I understand, would you like some help?"" ((And then I'm going to feel like an asshole for asking to insight her feelings~ lol OH but also the whole point in taking her hands was just to briefly see if Rae could tell whether there was like... calluses that match up with weapon handling))

[10:42 PM] Rae: ((insight - 15, uh if the other thing is investigation - 10))

[10:43 PM] DM: Her hands definitely aren't soft, but as a working class woman, that's not unexpected. You don't get any feelings like she's being deceptive.

[11:13 PM] Rae: Even without an immediate answer Rae stands there with Osi, not pushing. Giving whatever comfort she can. Though she is very much thinking of removing the carpet herself.

[9:42 PM] DM: [8:30 PM] DM: ""I-- I'll be all right."" She sniffles a little. ""I've been with her since she was a little lady, did you know that? Doesn't feel right to... see her off before me.""

[8:46 PM] Rae: There is the slightest hitch in Rae's breathing. Only noticable because of how close she is to Osi, ""I did not know that. I'm--I'm sorry I failed to protect her.""

[9:01 PM] DM: She gives Rae a motherly smile and pats one of your hands. ""I've no doubt she'd tell you not to blame yourself. She must have been blessed with Majere's heart and Zivilyn's wisdom.""

[9:16 PM] Rae: Rae's smile is genuine as she nods, tears fill her eyes but they do not fall. ""How are the other ladies doing? I--Astra stayed with her after-after-- while I tried to figure out what was happening.""

[9:27 PM] DM: ""She's shaken, but we're all holding on. Astra and Elyse took some of her things to the temple to prepare her for the ceremonies.""

[9:32 PM] Rae: ((Would I know how long the other two have been here?))

[9:34 PM] DM: Astra's come on since you were assigned to Nyota, but Elyse has been with her longer.

[10:10 PM] Seirixori: ""And Elyse? She's been with her longer than I have.""

[10:25 PM] DM: ""She's doing ok... she's always been the sort to keep to herself and isn't one to cry on my shoulder. Stronger than me.""

[10:35 PM] Seirixori: ""Of course. Will you keep an eye on them for me? I have been tasked with a few other things now that-- I want to make sure they're doing alright."""

"[10:07 AM] DM: She nods. ""We take care of each other. What about you? Do you have someone who takes care of you?""

[10:45 AM] Seirixori: Rae pauses and smiles, ""I do. A few."" Then she grimaces, ""Who are probably out of their minds with worry for not contacting them after everything that's happened.""

[10:48 AM] DM: Osi nods. ""You should let them know you're ok. Gods know it's a hard enough world to try navigating it alone.""

[11:08 AM] Seirixori: ""I will. Let me know if you need anything okay?"" She pauses, ""Like even removing this carpet."""

"2:12 PM] DM: ""Do you happen to know... we were supposed to go back to Vydenia in a few days. Do you know what's to happen now?""

[2:14 PM] Seirixori: Rae frowns, ""No. We're trying to figure out what happened but after that... if we ever do..."" She sighs, ""I can find out, if you'd like."""

"[8:43 PM] DM: ""Don't worry about it too much. We'll know when it's time. It's almost too much to bear thinking about going back without her. Not sure what I'd even do... maybe go back to Shetai. Oh, her poor Mama must be hurting so badly right now.""

[8:56 PM] Seirixori: Rae feels the guilt build back up and it's difficult for her to keep it off her face. ""If I do find out anything, I'll let you know. And if you need anything, feel free to ask, I'll do my best."" She doesn't really wait for a response as she quickly leaves the room. Rae looks over to where she slept the last couple days but the guilt starts to overwhelm her and she leaves to find somewhere quiet."

"[11:34 AM] DM: You can do that. If there's anything else you'd like to do before returning to the guildhall to report in, whether tonight or in the morning, let me know.

[11:39 AM] Seirixori: She'll walk around town for a bit before going to the guildhall tonight.

[8:15 PM] Seirixori: I lied, Rae is going to see if she can follow Yellowcrest for a bit, just to see where he goes, if he goes somewhere outside the castle itself.

[10:53 PM] DM: Ok, you relocate him and keep an eye on him for a while. Give me a stealth check.

[11:18 PM] Seirixori: ((24, used my ambush ability -1 superiority die))

"

[10:41 PM] DM: It takes a while, but you eventually find yourself following him out of the castle after his shift. He doesn't head to the medics, but you find him, dressed in common clothes, in the Sword Ward, walking into a guildhall.

6:06 PM] Seirixori: Rae makes a mental note of which guildhall and will hang around at the places nearby to see if she can get a look at who else might enter before discreetly heading to the Dawnguard's place.

"7:27 PM] DM: It's almost dusk when you return to the guildhall. It's much busier than it was this morning. Several people are moving around in the lower level of the guildhall.

[7:44 PM] DM: Tanjura approaches. ""Were they expecting you back tonight?""

[7:50 PM] Seirixori: Rae takes her eyes off the people milling about and focuses on Tanjura, ""No, I don't believe so. I wanted to inquire about possibly staying here tonight.""

[7:55 PM] DM: ""I'm sure we can make that happen. I have a room free, at the moment, actually. Follow me?""

[7:58 PM] Seirixori: Rae smiles gratefully and follows her.

[8:17 PM] DM: She leads you to a room with four empty beds. ""You remember the dining room where you met Rukiya before? There's food if you want it. I can see if Rukiya's back, if you'd like to speak to her.""

[8:29 PM] Seirixori: Rae sits on one of the beds. ""Thank you... and there's no rush, but it would be appreciated.""

[8:31 PM] DM: ""Of course. If you need anything, just flag someone down and they'll help."" She excuses herself and walks away.

[8:40 PM] Seirixori: Rae sits in the room for a while before heading to get something to eat. She's not particularly looking to have a conversation, only a place to rest that isn't the castle, but she won't say no to one.

[9:50 PM] DM: It's not particularly crowded in the dining hall at the moment. There's two women at one table, chatting as they eat- a goliath with massive muscles and a petite half-elf.

[10:04 PM] Seirixori: Rae heads in their direction and sits a few feet away from them not wanting to be completely alone, but also not wanting to intrude.

[10:59 PM] DM: They chat, talking about the assassination and the aftermath. It's not surprising. You wouldn't be surprised if it's all anyone can talk about for a week. It seems as though the goliath was helping put out a warehouse fire while the half-elf was trying to help people pick through the wreckage of a neighborhood that had gone up in flames. At one point, the goliath shows the half-elf a fresh burn on her already scarred arm.

""I'd say you should have Aid take a look at that, but I wouldn't want you to sacrifice your aesthetic.""

[11:04 PM] Seirixori: Rae snorts in amusement as she overhears them.

[11:12 PM] DM: The goliath looks at you with narrowed eyes. ""You think that's funny?""

[11:14 PM] Seirixori: Rae chuckles, ""Sacrificing your aesthetic? Never.""

[11:16 PM] DM: She chuckles too. ""You new here?""

[11:23 PM] Seirixori: ""Very, though not to stay. Helping out for a couple of days.""

[11:27 PM] DM: ""Well, I'm Lumbertwister and this is Zenya.""

[11:36 PM] Seirixori: ""Aurae. Have you been with the Dawnguard for long?""

[11:38 PM] DM: ""Not very, but we were both part of Tan's last guild. She brought us on when she was hired here.""

[11:43 PM] Seirixori: Rae nods, ""That's good, familiarity and all."" She pauses, like she isn't quite sure she should ask. ""How... bad was it, in the city?""

[11:46 PM] DM: The half-elf replies, ""Not as bad as it looked. A few fires, but it was mostly just chaotic.""

[11:53 PM] Seirixori: ""This might be a strange question and not something you would have thought to look for, but,"" Rae frowns, ""Were the fires around things that could easily be put out or not spread, or were they on things that could cause a lot of damage if not handled quickly?""

[11:54 PM] DM: Lumbertwister: ""The warehouse wasn't too bad. Just worried about it reaching the buildings on either side.""

[11:55 PM] DM: Zenya: ""I think there were darker motives behind the neighborhood. It was down by the walls, where there's that little Shetai enclave. I wouldn't be surprised if it was intentional."""

"[12:09 AM] Seirixori: Rae hums in acknowledgement, ""Hm, it most likely was... but as even more of a distraction or to cause damage or both?"" She rolls her eyes at herself. ""Wouldn't have happened to see anything strange while you were all helping would you?""

[12:42 AM] DM: ""I meant that they chose it... because of the queen. But no... just scared people.""

[12:50 AM] Seirixori: She nods, knowing she might have been reaching. ""Thank you, sorry for disturbing your meal time with a few weird questions.""

[8:57 AM] DM: The goliath shrugs. ""Zen here is house staff. I make shit. What's your thing? You with one of the away teams?""

[9:03 AM] Seirixori: There is a slight hesitation before she answers, ""No, I'm  here as a friend to Rukiya. She asked if I could help with something."" She shrugs.

[9:05 AM] DM: ""Oh... she back? Thought they were in Ascus.""

Zen: ""Yeah, I've been watching the plants for one of them. Haven't seen them back yet.""

[9:08 AM] Seirixori: Rae shrugs again, ""She asked for me to meet her here tomorrow. Thought I'd come by early, get situated.""

[9:26 AM] DM: ""Fair enough. Y'need anything, just give a shout.""

[9:32 AM] Seirixori: ""I will, thank you."" She stays a while longer, casually listening to whatever other conversations might be had. If Rukiya doesn't show, or wish to speak, she'll head back to the room and stay for the night.

[9:00 PM] DM: You see her slip through the front door and head towards the rooms after a few minutes.

[9:52 PM] Seirixori: Rae follows after her.

[9:55 PM] DM: She opens the door to a room, glance inside and turns back, a frown on her face, when she spots you. She relaxes her face. ""Rae. Everything ok?""

[10:01 PM] Seirixori: ""Well, in a manner of speaking. I only wanted a... different place to rest for the night. Are you ok?""

[10:03 PM] DM: ""I was just expecting Ry to be back by now.""

[10:03 PM] DM: ""I was going to check with her sister and nephew.""

[10:11 PM] Seirixori: ""Ah, my apologies for interrupting you then. I only wished to... check in.""

[10:27 PM] DM: ""Do you... need to talk? We can use my room. It's also safe.""

[10:33 PM] Seirixori: Rae's smile is a little sad, ""I do, but, and I mean no offense, you are certainly not the one I should speak to. The other things I have can wait for the group tomorrow.""

[10:34 PM] DM: ""Who are you looking for, then?""

[10:43 PM] Seirixori: ""I...don't know. I-- forgive me, I'm afraid it's difficult for me to not do what I've been assigned to the last couple of years."" Rae sighs.

[10:45 PM] DM: ""Come, please."" She opens the door again to her room, holding it open.

[10:57 PM] Seirixori: She clearly hesitates before she enters the room.

[11:01 PM] DM: She closes the door. ""I'm sorry... I'm just... overwhelmed and having trouble following when we can't just speak plainly. I'm not usually so..."" She exhales heavily. ""Is there something I can do for you? Someone I can find or something you need to say?""

[11:07 PM] Seirixori: ""No. Unless you want my continued apologies for failing to keep your family safe. However, I wonder if there's anything I can do for you? Anything that would help make you feel less overwhelmed.""

[11:12 PM] DM: She half chuckles and shakes her head. ""No, I don't think I'd be so lucky.""

[11:20 PM] Seirixori: Rae frowns, not sure what to think, but she nods. ""Okay. If...if you're sure. Your majordomo let me stay in a room here, if you do need anything.""

[11:23 PM] DM: ""You know where I am, too.""

[11:28 PM] Seirixori: Rae nods one more time as she heads out the door and pauses in the doorway. Her hand tightens on the frame of the door as she looks to turn back but she lets go of the door and leaves, returning to the room she was shown earlier."

## Sylfi

"[11:00 PM] DM: --------------

[11:00 PM] DM: Gylfi and Seir here

[11:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir is mostly quiet when they start their search for herbs. Every so often she pauses and looks unfocused before shaking her head with a small sigh and continues on.

"

"6:29 PM] Gylfi: Gylfi usually walks with a casual ease, and although it’s subtle they’re on alert, their fingers brushing against their whip. “So, you wanna talk about it?”

[6:36 PM] Seirixori: ""Hmm? Talk about what?"" Seir takes part of a plant and puts it in her bag.

[6:46 PM] Gylfi: “About whatever is bothering you...”

[6:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles, ""That's quite a few things. My wife, my Mama, Moki, Rukiya's thing, Urrak."" She shrugs, ""The usual.""

[7:09 PM] Gylfi: They hum in response. “There’s this old saying my people have... Stop worrying. You can either control something or you can’t.” They smile over at Seir. “Obviously if you can control it then cool, but if you can’t - there’s nothing you can do, so just accept it and make the best of it.”

[7:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir huffs, ""Yes well, at least one of those things is my fault so it's pretty difficult to not worry."" She looks briefly at Gylfi before focussing again on the task. ""It's hard to... accept so much in a such short time.""

[7:32 PM] Gylfi: They bump Seir’s shoulder gently. “Which is ‘your’ fault?”

[7:41 PM] Seirixori: Her hand immediately starts to go to her shoulder before she drops it just as quick, ""My Mama, she... well, she was safe-ish. And then I decided I wanted her to meet my wife and well..."" She motions to the mountain,""That certainly turned out great.""

[8:08 PM] Gylfi: ""I'm confused - what is your fault in that sentence?""

[8:21 PM] Seirixori: Seir grabs a few more plants before she answers, almost like she isn't going to. With a heavy sigh she stands up and continues walking, ""Do you want the long version or the short one?""

[8:26 PM] Gylfi: ""I'll take whichever version you're up to sharing."" Gylfi lays a hand on Seir's shoulder. ""If that's neither, that's okay.""

[9:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes their hand off her shoulder and holds it, ""Several years ago, everyone I knew, everyone I loved was killed. Except Mama. I don't know what happened exactly, I only heard them yell for her and then I didn't find her body when I went back."" She lets go of their hand to grab something that looks like a weed, ""I'm not sure how much time passed, but I knew I was dying."" She chuckles, ""Wasn't at all that great at the surviving thing yet. A wolf took me to this grove and this...goddess put her hand here,"" she motions to the place between her  neck and shoulder, ""and saved me, marked me. It kind of looked like a scar, only it was her symbol.

I learned later my Mama was working for the Queen of Air and Darkness and that she... she didn't know who I was. Turns out the mark was like a-a protection of sorts. It kept her, or them, from finding me in a sense, and it kept it so she stayed...loyal because she thought her imaginary daughter was dead. Before we first came to Isonsall we went to my home first and I asked the goddess...my mother, to remove it because I..."" Her eyes start to water, ""I wanted someone in my family to meet my wife. I wanted Gunnloda to meet Mama too and I knew time was running out, I just didn't realize how soon. Or that Mama would think she wasn't worthy of seeing me again."" She laughs, ""And now she's free and still where she was and I have no idea how she is anymore because Gunnloda was the only one that could talk to her and I can't get myself to look in on her anymore in case she--"" Seir doesn't finish. Instead she distracts herself again by picking up more plants. ""If I wasn't selfish she'd still be safe.""

[10:41 PM] Gylfi: “Question, what is it that’s happened that makes you think she’s not safe now that she - has her memory?” They say it like a question, to make sure they’re following what Seir is saying.

[10:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, ""If she's found out somehow...""

[10:58 PM] Gylfi: “Okay.” Gylfi is quiet for a long moment then frowns. “If she’s found out that’s still not your fault.”

[11:03 PM] Seirixori: ""How? How could it possibly not be? If I just left her alone, waited until we were done with this bull shit!"" Seir closes her eyes briefly and she whispers, ""If I had waited..."""

"11:31 AM] Gylfi: “Her knowing whether or not you’re alive may change her actions - but whatever choices she makes aren’t your fault.”

[11:40 AM] Seirixori: She lets the words linger for a bit before she responds.  ""Maybe..."" Seir shakes her head with a sigh, ""It's difficult to see it that way."""

"7:08 PM] Gylfi: “Not from where I’m standing.” Gylfi tilts their head looking at Seir with empathy filled eyes. “You put too much blame on yourself... especially with things that aren’t your fault.”

[7:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir gives a small smile and a shrug, ""Putting the fault on me was kind of a running theme this past year, if I'm honest. Or at least it felt that way. Earlier more so than later.""

[8:08 PM] Gylfi: Gylfi frowns a little. “I don’t follow.”

[8:11 PM] Seirixori: She waves her hand dismissing it, ""Nothing, just some early crap that happened during the whole Bellbury thing. It made it... difficult to not feel like everything was my fault. I'll... work on it.""

[11:15 PM] Gylfi: They smile and nod. “Good,” they say with a finality.

[11:25 PM] Seirixori: ""Thank you,"" she says softly. Seir slips her pinky finger around Gylfi's, ""This place makes me miss home. Partly due to how not home it feels.""

[11:39 PM] Gylfi: “Same. I left my friends and family to find out what happened to the other elves... but I know if I were to return that I wouldn’t be welcome back.” Their tone is a touch sad.

[11:44 PM] Seirixori: With a sad smile, Seir softly says, ""Their loss. ...I know it wouldn't be the same at all, but you're always welcome in mine.""

[11:48 PM] Gylfi: “Thanks. That... it actually means more than you think.” Then, after a few moments, their smile turns from something tender to something more sly. “You know, flattery is definitely one way to get me back into bed.”

[11:56 PM] Seirixori: Seir rolls her eyes and knocks her shoulder into theirs, ""Lots of things will get you back into bed. Even a coat, apparently."" Her smile stays soft and a little knowing, ""You know, you're allowed to have mushy feelings without trying to change it with a joke. I won't tell."" She winks."

"[12:00 AM] Gylfi: They puts up their hands in surrender. “Alright, you win.” They run their hand through their hair and say, with sincerity, “Thank you. I’ve lived a fairly nomadic life, it’s a constantly changing scene. Being in one place for too long feels a little strange.”

[12:04 AM] Seirixori: Seir laughs softly, ""I know exactly what you mean. But I've learned it's...nice when there's people waiting for you to come back, when there's people to go back to.""

[7:38 PM] Gylfi: They hum and give Seir a soft smile."

2:50 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins and squeezes their hand then she lets go and heads off the trail slightly to pick up another herb, "Come on, let's see how quickly we can finish this so I no longer have to be cold."

[10:28 PM] Seirixori: After some time Seir tilts her head, "Hey, did you ever see a little myconid in the very short time you were at our guildhall?"

"6:39 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""I don't think so. I didn't spend much time there before we left.""

[6:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir lets out a disappointed puff of air, ""Well, there goes that idea then."""

## Ryleigh

"[3:03 PM] DM: Clemency is napping after being up all night, but you can wake her if you'd like to.

[3:04 PM] Gylfi: ((No, Ry just wanted to make sure she was ‘okay’))

[3:08 PM] Gylfi: After peeking into Clemency’s room, Ry will let someone from the guild know she’s going into the city and should be back no later than sundown. Then heads into the city to find a few of the people she knows are pro-Ascus.

[3:18 PM] DM: Where are you looking?

[3:22 PM] Gylfi: ((Hmmm, let’s start at the Asten temple))

[9:08 PM] DM: When you arrive, Lydia's leading midday prayers with the acolytes and one or two visitors."""

"12:05 AM] Gylfi: Ryleigh sits near the others, waiting patiently for Lydia to finish, while also looking the part of devoted follower.

[9:25 AM] DM: Give me a perception check when you get a chance.

[3:06 PM] Gylfi: ((9 -\_-))

[3:26 PM] DM: What is your current appearance?

[3:48 PM] Gylfi: Ry is in common clothes. But she’s wearing a cloak that’s black on the outside and red on the inside - one that she acquired during her training in Ascus. One that looks similar to that of the Ashlords. She has Dawnbringer on her hip and she’s wearing the shard of the sun on chest.

[5:30 PM] DM: The two randos are simply dressed with nothing particularly standing out. One of them looks uncomfortable and slides further down the pew from you as you sit. After the sermon is over, it is customary for practitioners to linger in conversation and either approach or wait to be approached by the clergy for individual check-ins and blessings. The one who slid away from you heads straight towards Lydia once she brings the sermon to an end. The other sits and waits.

[5:46 PM] Gylfi: After a few moments, Ry gets up and walks towards Lydia. She’s actively trying to listen to what’s being said between her and the person.

[7:09 PM] Gylfi: ((Oh, do these two rando’s look like they know each other or are they random to each other?))

[8:33 PM] DM: They don't. They were sitting in different spots. The one talking to Lydia seems to be asking her to pray for someone he knows who was at the castle last night, but doesn't know if he's ok, asking for Asten to protect him or to take him to the Radiant Meadows if he was among the dead.

[9:14 PM] Gylfi: Ry hangs back, within ear shot, but not encroaching on his space with Lydia. While they talk, Ry looks at the other stranger ((are they still there?))

[9:28 PM] DM: They are. He's moved from the seats to leaning against the wall, looking in your direction, but you're not really sure if he's looking at Lydia, waiting his turn, or if he's looking at you.

[9:39 PM] Gylfi: ((Are the first guy and Lydia still talking?))

[9:42 PM] DM: Yes, though you can tell Lydia's wrapping up the conversation.

[10:56 PM] Gylfi: Ry will wait for Lydia to finish."

"[5:56 PM] DM: You chat with Lydia briefly, probably making sure to let her know you're 'back from Ascus' and any other truths that can also be overheard by the right sort of person, then head in the direction of the door, just 'happening' to catch that the man leaning against the wall is looking at you.

[6:05 PM] Gylfi: Ry walks over to him, a smile on her face. “I’m sorry for taking up so much of Lydia’s time. She’s all yours.”

[6:08 PM] DM: ""Not in a rush. What kind of business do you do in Ascus, if you don't mind my asking.""

[6:42 PM] Gylfi: “Not at all,” Ry answers, waving her hand casually. “Mostly mercenary stuff. I’m a hired sword that also helps others navigate Ascus.”

[6:44 PM] DM: ""With all that shiny on, I figured maybe you served the church.""

[6:46 PM] Gylfi: “I also serve the church. I’ve been an Asten paladin since I came of age, and I started my training prior to that. I was transferred here from the Manavik church about a year ago.”

[6:50 PM] DM: ""Really? My brother trained in Manavik. I uh... I'd ask how you wound up here and doing merc work instead of becoming an Ashlord, but I'd guess it's a sensitive subject.""

[6:58 PM] Gylfi: Ry’s smile falters, expressing that it’s a painful memory. “When did your brother do training? Perhaps I know him? It’s only been a few years for me.”

[6:59 PM] DM: ""Ah, it was a while ago. Decade or so.""

[7:01 PM] Gylfi: Chuckling a little, Ry says, “So that’s a no. Did he go on to become an Ashlord?”

[7:04 PM] Gylfi: She quickly looks around then amends her statement. “Actually don’t answer that. I apologize, now isn’t a good to discuss whether or not he was.”

[7:08 PM] DM: ""Well, I don't think it'd matter much now. He was killed on duty a few years ago during a riot.""

[7:46 PM] Gylfi: “Oh,” she pauses, frowning slightly as she adds, “I’m sorry for your loss.”

[7:50 PM] DM: ""Why don't I buy you a drink and we can toast to his memory.""

[7:51 PM] Gylfi: Ry smiles. “I’d like that.”

[7:56 PM] DM: He leads you out, walking out of the Temple Ward to the Docks Ward. There's a fairly small ""cozy"" tavern decorated in red and gold on the inside with the walls covered in paintings that evoke the towers of Arolis, the harbor of Thista, the snow capped mountains near Fareyri.

[7:58 PM] Gylfi: “Should I grab us a table or a seat at the bar?” Ry asks, allowing her face to visible relax when they step into the bar.

[8:10 PM] DM: ""Let's do a table. Coffee all right? Will was a stone brandy man.""

[9:08 PM] Gylfi: “That’s perfect,” Ry says and moves to grab them a table.

[9:11 PM] DM: He sits across from you a minute later, two mugs of coffee with brandy in one hand and a sampling of cheese and crackers in the other. He lifts his mug. ""To Will and all the other brave boys who died for king and country."""

"9:38 PM] DM: [9:08 PM] DM: When you arrive, Lydia's leading midday prayers with the acolytes and one or two visitors.

[12:05 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh sits near the others, waiting patiently for Lydia to finish, while also looking the part of devoted follower.

[9:25 AM] DM: Give me a perception check when you get a chance.

[3:06 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((9 -\_-))

[3:26 PM] DM: What is your current appearance?

[3:48 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry is in common clothes. But she’s wearing a cloak that’s black on the outside and red on the inside - one that she acquired during her training in Ascus. One that looks similar to that of the Ashlords. She has Dawnbringer on her hip and she’s wearing the shard of the sun on chest.

[5:30 PM] DM: The two randos are simply dressed with nothing particularly standing out. One of them looks uncomfortable and slides further down the pew from you as you sit. After the sermon is over, it is customary for practitioners to linger in conversation and either approach or wait to be approached by the clergy for individual check-ins and blessings. The one who slid away from you heads straight towards Lydia once she brings the sermon to an end. The other sits and waits.

[9:39 PM] DM: [5:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: After a few moments, Ry gets up and walks towards Lydia. She’s actively trying to listen to what’s being said between her and the person.

[7:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Oh, do these two rando’s look like they know each other or are they random to each other?))

[8:33 PM] DM: They don't. They were sitting in different spots. The one talking to Lydia seems to be asking her to pray for someone he knows who was at the castle last night, but doesn't know if he's ok, asking for Asten to protect him or to take him to the Radiant Meadows if he was among the dead.

[9:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry hangs back, within ear shot, but not encroaching on his space with Lydia. While they talk, Ry looks at the other stranger ((are they still there?))

[9:28 PM] DM: They are. He's moved from the seats to leaning against the wall, looking in your direction, but you're not really sure if he's looking at Lydia, waiting his turn, or if he's looking at you.

[9:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Are the first guy and Lydia still talking?))

[9:42 PM] DM: Yes, though you can tell Lydia's wrapping up the conversation.

[10:56 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry will wait for Lydia to finish.

[9:39 PM] DM: [5:56 PM] DM: You chat with Lydia briefly, probably making sure to let her know you're 'back from Ascus' and any other truths that can also be overheard by the right sort of person, then head in the direction of the door, just 'happening' to catch that the man leaning against the wall is looking at you.

[6:05 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry walks over to him, a smile on her face. “I’m sorry for taking up so much of Lydia’s time. She’s all yours.”

[6:08 PM] DM: ""Not in a rush. What kind of business do you do in Ascus, if you don't mind my asking.""

[6:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Not at all,” Ry answers, waving her hand casually. “Mostly mercenary stuff. I’m a hired sword that also helps others navigate Ascus.”

[6:44 PM] DM: ""With all that shiny on, I figured maybe you served the church.""

[6:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I also serve the church. I’ve been an Asten paladin since I came of age, and I started my training prior to that. I was transferred here from the Manavik church about a year ago.”

[6:50 PM] DM: ""Really? My brother trained in Manavik. I uh... I'd ask how you wound up here and doing merc work instead of becoming an Ashlord, but I'd guess it's a sensitive subject.""

[6:58 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry’s smile falters, expressing that it’s a painful memory. “When did your brother do training? Perhaps I know him? It’s only been a few years for me.”

[9:39 PM] DM: [6:59 PM] DM: ""Ah, it was a while ago. Decade or so.""

[7:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Chuckling a little, Ry says, “So that’s a no. Did he go on to become an Ashlord?”

[7:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: She quickly looks around then amends her statement. “Actually don’t answer that. I apologize, now isn’t a good to discuss whether or not he was.”

[7:08 PM] DM: ""Well, I don't think it'd matter much now. He was killed on duty a few years ago during a riot.""

[7:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Oh,” she pauses, frowning slightly as she adds, “I’m sorry for your loss.”

[7:50 PM] DM: ""Why don't I buy you a drink and we can toast to his memory.""

[7:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry smiles. “I’d like that.”

[7:56 PM] DM: He leads you out, walking out of the Temple Ward to the Docks Ward. There's a fairly small ""cozy"" tavern decorated in red and gold on the inside with the walls covered in paintings that evoke the towers of Arolis, the harbor of Thista, the snow capped mountains near Fareyri.

[7:58 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Should I grab us a table or a seat at the bar?” Ry asks, allowing her face to visible relax when they step into the bar.

[8:10 PM] DM: ""Let's do a table. Coffee all right? Will was a stone brandy man.""

[9:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “That’s perfect,” Ry says and moves to grab them a table.

[9:11 PM] DM: He sits across from you a minute later, two mugs of coffee with brandy in one hand and a sampling of cheese and crackers in the other. He lifts his mug. ""To Will and all the other brave boys who died for king and country."""

"[9:30 AM] Gylfi: “Here here,” Ry says, her mug tapping against his. She blows carefully on the coffee, knowing this is going to painful ((thanks new power)) and takes a sip - doing her best not to look like it’s burning her insides.

[9:37 AM] DM: Haha. Give me a Con save

[9:47 AM] Gylfi: ((6 - I'm doing so good on rolling))

[9:50 AM] DM: So as you take a single point of fire damage to the throat, you end up accidentally inhaling some of the coffee, coughing and spluttering with tears in your eyes and your companion's looking at you with some measure of concern and confusion.

[9:53 AM] Gylfi: ""S-sorry,"" she apologizes. ""I'm n-not-"" she chokes and splutters a little. When she finally manages to catch her breath, her eyes still watering, she says, her voice a little raspy, ""I don't usually drink alcohol, but I didn't want to be rude.""

[9:56 AM] DM: ""Ah, well, my apologies. Certainly didn't mean to cause an issue.""

[10:08 AM] Gylfi: ""N-no,"" she breathes. ""I know it makes me sound uptight. Not drinking alcohol makes socializing difficult... sorry for trying to fit in."" She smiles embarrassingly.

[10:44 AM] DM: ""Must have made it hard to fit in with the Ashlords, too. Will always had stories about getting off shift and grabbing a few rounds with his squad.""

[10:50 AM] Gylfi: Ryleigh nods. ""I watched my brother self medicate with alcohol. Ever since I just couldn't stomach it. I like being in control."" She quirks an eyebrow as she says it.

"

"2:10 PM] DM: ""Well, I promised you a drink, so what'll you have instead? We can toast both our brothers.""

[2:15 PM] Gylfi: “Allow me, it isn’t your fault I don’t drink alcohol. I’ll just grab a regular coffee.” She stands, walking to the bar, she’ll order a coffee, but ask for it to be luke warm, then she returns to the table. “To our brothers,” she raises her mug, with a smile."

"8:41 PM] DM: He toasts with her and drinks.

[8:47 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh drinks too - this time she doesn’t cough or splutter. “So, what brought you to Riverrun?” She asks as she leans back in the chair.

[8:57 PM] DM: ""Family business. Cousins have been here in Riverrun since practically the founding.""

[9:03 PM] Gylfi: She nods, looking politely interested. “You know, sometimes I’m still surprised by the size of this city. I’m from a smaller town in Ascus, so Manavik felt large, but it was nothing compared to this. It’s the perfect place to... get lost in.”"

"[11:35 AM] DM: ""It is quite a place. The kind of place where you can find anything you're looking for, even a bar for Ascans.""

[2:34 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh tips her glass toward him, a smirk on her face showing just before she takes a sip of her coffee. “Now, if only I could find a way to help. There were whispers, of course, but... I’m stunned by their success.” She runs her finger over the rim of her coffee mug, her eyes darting around to several of the other patrons eagerly.

[10:54 PM] DM: Give me an insight check.

[11:29 PM] Gylfi: ((12 - woohoo my highest roll so far eyeroll))"

"[11:42 PM] DM: He glances around and lowers his voice. ""Actually, if you're willing, I was going to ask the Lightbearer to come see to some injuries sustained... but her sermon made me think maybe someone so blessed by the Lord of Light as yourself would be better suited to the task. Think she's been too far north too long, if you know what I mean.""

[11:47 PM] Gylfi: “I’m not nearly as good of a healer the Lydia is, but I can still get the job done,” Ry says softly. “The temple gave me enough training on how not to die.”"

"4:12 PM] DM: ""Well, we'd appreciate it, I'm sure. There's not too many, but unfortunately, we got tapped out on critical needs.""

[6:47 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh takes another drink of her coffee, then says, “We can head out whenever you’re ready.”

[6:52 PM] DM: He drains his cup, leaves some coin on the table, and stands. ""Think you can be a little more discreet? You kind of draw attention, and right now... I don't want to bring that back with me.""

[7:59 PM] Gylfi: “Oh, right.” Ry tucks the shard of the sun into her shirt and situates Dawnbringer so she’s mostly concealed by her cloak. “Better?”"

7:19 PM] DM: He chuckles. "I suppose that'll have to do." He leads you not far away to the back room of a warehouse where you find a few human men sitting in bloodied bandages.

"6:25 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh let’s put a low whistle, and whispers, “You weren’t kidding.” ((Does Ry recognize anyone?))

[6:26 PM] DM: Nobody you would recognize. They look to be mostly young, around your own age, maybe even younger.

[6:35 PM] Gylfi: Ry walks over to the first of the group and grins at him. “Hello, I’m Ryleigh and I’m here to help.” She kneels down and allows radiant energy to pulse in her hands. ((While she’s healing them, she’ll take in their clothing and have casual conversation with them to collect what little she can without being suspicious))

[6:40 PM] DM: Give me a... persuasion or insight check.

[6:42 PM]

BOT

Avrae:

Ryleigh makes a Persuasion check!

1d20 (1) + 8 = 9

[6:45 PM] Gylfi: ((24))

[7:18 PM] DM: They're mostly reluctant to say much, but you catch a couple things. A couple make reference to Asten. One has a pretty obvious Ascus accent. None of them will talk about how they got injured.

[7:24 PM] Gylfi: Ry doesn’t press and instead tries to make them feel as at ease as she can while healing them. She’ll also tell them that if they need an additional curing that they can ask for her at the drunken watchman and word will make it’s way to her.

[7:29 PM] DM: How much of your healing are you willing to expend?

[7:38 PM] Gylfi: She’ll heal them up to 3/4 or full depending on how hurt they all are? I don’t know if that’s something she can tell.

[8:05 PM] DM: As she finishes up, another man approaches.  ""Ryleigh, is it? If you could, we have a... vip in the back who could use your help. If we can trust you.""

[8:11 PM] Gylfi: ""It'd be stupid of you to fully trust anyone, including me. However, in this instance, it'd be stupid of me to heal everyone then try to fight my way out of here.""

[8:47 PM] DM: ""I'm more worried about what is said after you leave."" He gestures.  ""Follow me, please.""

[8:53 PM] DM: He leads you to a small room where a young blonde man is standing, his back to the door.

[9:01 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh follows, and enters the room. She looks around then focuses on the man in the room.

[9:01 PM] DM: The door closes behind you, leaving you alone with the man.

[9:02 PM] Gylfi: “I was told you needed help,” Ry says.

[9:08 PM] DM: ""Your name?""

[9:08 PM] Gylfi: “Ryleigh,” she answers.

[9:11 PM] DM: ""Ryleigh....""

[9:13 PM] Gylfi: “It’s just Ryleigh. My family isn’t titled or important.”

[9:18 PM] DM: There's a brief chuckle before he turns, turning his blue eyes and vaguely familiar facial features on you. ""I think we both know that's not true... big sister.""

[9:25 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh smirks and casually crosses her arms, leaning against the door. “Can’t blame me. I didn’t know who you were, Aiden.”

[9:28 PM] DM: ""Funny. I didn't know who you were until recently.""

[9:29 PM] Gylfi: “I’m sure it wasn’t father who told you.”

[9:34 PM] DM: ""No. It wasn't. What a lucky turn of fate to bring you and me together, hmm?""

[9:36 PM] Gylfi: “Lucky. No. I believe it’s Asten’s will that brought us here.”

[9:39 PM] DM: ""How so?""

[9:41 PM] Gylfi: “I have contacts here. They notified me of what happened last night. I was taking care of some business in Ascus, but...” she shrugs. “I felt compelled to come back to Riverrun before my business was complete - it’s not good mercenary work to quit in the middle of job.”

[9:51 PM] DM: ""And you came to Riverrun for what, exactly?""

[9:55 PM] Gylfi: “For information, of course.” Ry pushes off the wall and walks a bit closer. “Why did you come to Riverrun, little brother.”

[10:02 PM] DM: ""Isn't it obvious?""

[10:07 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh chuckles. “No question is so difficult to answer as that to which the answer is obvious. And I never assume the obvious to be true.”

[10:13 PM] DM: ""What's far more interesting is that I'm here, in this room, because someone said there was a woman trying really hard to look Ascan poking around. But I still think it was quite the stroke of luck that she was you."" He steps forward, accentuating the inches of height he has on Ryleigh. ""I was expecting some Moonguard who doesn't know enough not to advertise they're a spy.""

[10:19 PM] Gylfi: She looks up at him, continuing to smile. “I came because I was needed. I won’t lie, it’s true I was ‘poking around’. But I’ve already admitted I came back to Riverrun for information. Those of us that work in the shadows need to know who’s in power and where our allegiance needs to be. It’s how we survive, and I’m a survivor.”

[10:26 PM] DM: He chuckles. ""A survivor... yes, I suppose so. Though I'm not sure how you can claim to work in the shadows with this by your side."" He reaches out to brush his fingers against Dawnbringer's hilt.

[10:37 PM] Gylfi: “I meant metaphorically, dear brother.” She doesn’t move to stop him as he touches Dawnbringer. “I’m obviously not the person they would send if a shadow was needed, but I have other purposes.”

[10:41 PM] DM: He hums. ""It is an exquisite weapon. May I?""

[10:43 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh rests her hand on Dawnbringer’s hilt, in doing so, she asks if that’s okay.

[10:44 PM] DM: Dawnbringer's response is basically that it's up to you but she doesn't trust him.

[10:48 PM] Gylfi: She steps back from him, her hand still on Dawnbringer’s hilt. She lets it fall, and says, “No. I’m sorry, but I can’t trust you anymore than you can trust me. It would be stupid of me of me to hand over my potential for survival. I haven’t decided if you feel my existence threatens you or not.”

[11:08 PM] DM: There's a flash of irritation across his features. ""Haven't decided? How would you feel if you were suddenly informed, on the eve of your biggest success, that there was someone making claims to your birthright?""

[11:17 PM] Gylfi: “And even now you believe me to be a threat, Aiden? Your people were successful in assassinating the Moonstreams and they were almost flawless in execution, escaping with minimal wounds. I was sent here by the church in Manavik 2 years ago and I’m hardly closer to achieving a coup then I was then.”

[11:21 PM] DM: He schools his features, but you can see the anger burning in his eyes well enough. ""Aren't you? Or are you going to pretend you weren't announcing your intent to take my throne in that shitty little town of your mother's?"""

"[11:28 AM] Gylfi: Ry quirks an eyebrow. “It was my birthright first, and the throne should be mine.” She brings her hand to her chin in thought. “However, maybe we can work together, instead of making enemies of one another. Besides, we both want what’s best for Ascus.”

[11:35 AM] DM: Give me a persuasion or deception roll, whichever is more appropriate.

[8:09 PM]

BOT

Avrae:

Ryleigh makes a Persuasion check!

1d20 (4) + 8 = 12

[8:14 PM] DM: ""And why under Asten's sun would I want or need to work with you?""

[8:14 PM] Gylfi: “Because I’m Asten’s chosen, and you’re not.” She removes the shard of sun from under shirt. ((22))

[9:07 PM] DM: He growls and pushes forward, attempting to push Ry up against the wall, his hand to her chest. Give me an athletics or acrobatics check to avoid the grapple.

[9:30 PM]

BOT

Avrae: @DM  :game\_die:

Result: 1d20 (17) + 8

Total: 25

[11:58 PM]

BOT

Avrae:

Ryleigh makes an Athletics check!

1d20 (14) + 4 = 18

"

"[10:18 AM] DM: He manages to catch her just enough off guard that she gets pushed against the wall of the small room. There's a flash of light, burning red and orange, and Ry realizes there's a fiery greatsword in his free hand. He growls, ""You will not take what is mine.""

[12:57 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh's sun sword pulses with divine energy as he slams her against the wall. ((DC 16 dex save / 19d - half on a save))

[1:00 PM] DM: He fails and takes full damage.

[1:06 PM] Gylfi: After the divine energy hits him, she casts hold person - her eye flash white for a moment then return to purple. ((DC 16 wisdom save))

[1:06 PM] DM: 11. He is held.

[1:13 PM] Gylfi: ""I'll do what's best for Ascus - not matter the cost, Aiden. I hope you reconsider someday, because I don't want the blood of another sibling on my hands."" Ryleigh slips from his grip, placing a hand on his shoulder and adds, “You can tell Father that I’m coming for everything they said I couldn’t have.” She steps away. “Goodbye, Aiden.” Ryleigh opens the door to leave.

[1:15 PM] DM: When you open the door, the man who had led you back is standing there with half a dozen of the men you'd healed. Half have crossbows pointed in your direction and the other half have swords at the ready.

[3:13 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh lifts her hands. “Whoa, easy guys, we were just talking.” If they try to move closer instead of letting her pass she will use thunderwave to push them out of the way and make a run for it.

[3:16 PM] DM: For the sake of narrative, we will say that that is exactly what happens. Ryleigh ends up racing out of the warehouse, bodies flying every direction. She spends some time running around the city, ducking through alleys and shortcuts to make sure she isn't followed and ends up feeling comfortable enough to return home, believing she isn't being followed, about an hour after dark.

[3:22 PM] Gylfi: ((Ry will stop by whispers and let Berolt know what she found out, and that’s she’s going to lie low for a while))"

"[4:31 PM] DM: OK. When you get back to the guildhall, you find Rukiya in Clemency's room. They're sitting on her bed, Clemency's hands on either side of Rukiya's.

[7:06 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh’s body language is tense and she’s in different clothes then when she left. “I’m sorry,” she blurts out.

[7:12 PM] DM: Rukiya turns her teary eyes towards Ry and frowns at her appearance. She stands and steps towards her. ""Are you OK?""

[7:16 PM] Gylfi: “Sort of... I ran into some trouble and... I had to make sure I wasn’t followed. That’s why I’m late. I’m so sorry for worrying you...” Ry doesn’t move closer, worrying clearing rolling off her.

[7:32 PM] DM: Rukiya shakes her head, then just steps into Ry's space, wrapping her arms around her and burying her face in her shoulder.

[7:33 PM] Gylfi: “Are you okay?” Ry whispers, wrapping her arms around Rukiya and glancing in Clemency’s direction.

[7:36 PM] DM: Rukiya says softly in elven, in a shaky voice, ""I saw them.""

[7:37 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh sighs and hugs Rukiya a little tighter. “I know who did it.”

[7:38 PM] DM: ""What?""

[7:43 PM] Gylfi: “I know who did it,” Ry repeats, this time in common. “That’s why I was late... I had a run in with Aiden and needless to say, he wasn’t happy to see me - news of my speech in Isonsall already reached him. I walked right into a den of wolves.”

[7:45 PM] DM: Clemency gasps and Rukiya pulls away enough to say, ""Not here,"" then pulls Ry to their room. Clemency declines to follow, instead going to check on Avery.

[7:47 PM] Gylfi: Ry let’s herself be pulled along. Once the door shuts behind them, she awkwardly stands there. Again, she looks worried.

[7:53 PM] DM: Rukiya sniffles a little and wipes her cheeks. ""Please stop looking at me like you're worried I'm going to be angry with you.""

[7:55 PM] Gylfi: Ry rubs at the back of her neck. “You’re not?”

[7:59 PM] DM: ""I'm too overwhelmed with everything to be upset with you for being attacked.""

[8:06 PM] Gylfi: “Right. Of course.” Ry moves to take Rukiya’s hand. “I’m sorry you had to see them alone... I mean... I know I couldn’t have been there but, I hate that you were there alone.”

[8:11 PM] DM: ""What happened?""

[8:20 PM] Gylfi: Ryleigh sighs, then starts explaining what happened. How she went to Asten’s temple, met a guy who took her to a Ascan bar, and how from there they went to the place where the men who were injuries were... and how Aiden was there. “I thought I could talk to him.” She frowns, her brows pulling together, causing her expression to sadden. “I wanted to make him see that we could work together... that we didn’t have to be enemies. I thought that maybe... it was stupid.” She waves her hand dismissively.

[8:22 PM] DM: She sniffles again.  ""Even as a kid, he was an insufferable little shit.""

[8:23 PM] Gylfi: “Did you... meet him?”

[8:30 PM] DM: ""A couple times... before. I thought we could work together, too.""

[8:32 PM] Gylfi: Ry manages a chuckle, but its humorless. “When he asked me why he should work with me... I told him it was because I was Asten’s chosen and he wasn’t. He got really pissed then.” She rubs at the spot on her chest when he presses her against the wall.

[8:50 PM] DM: ""You just have to poke the bear, hmm?""

[9:19 PM] DM: ""Are you hurt?""

[9:22 PM] Gylfi: ""I didn't mean to 'poke the bear'... I was hoping he'd see it as something he could use, instead he saw it as confirmation that I'm a threat."" Ryleigh wraps her arms around Rukiya. ""But yes, I'm fine. Lucky me, he didn't realize I've spent the last 6 years training to fight against people like him.""

[9:24 PM] DM: ""So he's responsible...""

[9:48 PM] Gylfi: ""Maybe he was boasting, but I honestly don't think he was. He got very upset about how I ruined his big moment by existing."" Ryleigh presses a kiss to Rukiya's forehead. ""I'm so sorry, l'auorphiem.""

[9:50 PM] DM: ""It answers a question.""

[10:25 PM] Gylfi: ""The question of who?"" Ry asks.

[10:52 PM] DM: ""And implies a why. I didn't actually think the Reunifiers were sanctioned.""

[11:08 PM] Gylfi: “Me either.” Ry sighs. “I told Berolt. He looked mildly surprised that I useful for once.”

"

"[8:02 AM] DM: ""I wish you didn't feel that way. Nobody else could have done what you just did.""

[6:17 PM] Gylfi: Ry sighs and then shrugs. “I don’t know... I just happened to be Ascan and look like an Asten. I wasn’t discreet and now I’ve put everyone here in danger.”

[6:25 PM] DM: ""You know how this works, minsriellu. We do dangerous work... but that's why we have dangerous friends. Why we have guards at the guildhall. Those who can protect those who can't. I was taught to lead because others would exploit. We had to find out. And we have to find out who knows. We don't have the luxury of doing nothing... even if it's dangerous.""

[7:33 PM] Gylfi: “I know. I do.” Ryleigh shifts, discomfort clearly in her body language. “You know that’s why I went... I was right there - born ready for this assignment, but I never thought this is what I’d find.”

[7:37 PM] DM: Rukiya leans in, putting her head on Ry's shoulder. ""We'll deal with it, one step at a time, just like everything else.""

[7:44 PM] Gylfi: “I know the news I brought was a lot, but did you need to talk about seeing them?”

[7:50 PM] DM: She sighs.  ""I just... don't know what I was expecting.""

[8:35 PM] Gylfi: “That they weren’t really gone,” Ry whispers, rubbing Rukiya’s back softly.

[8:39 PM] DM: ""It was silly.""

[9:40 PM] Gylfi: Ry pulls back enough to take Rukiya’s face in her hands. “It wasn’t silly. Their death was sudden and untimely and... unfair. It’s harder when it’s like that.”

[9:43 PM] DM: She sits with that for a moment. ""I think... it's bath time.""

[11:43 PM] Gylfi: “I’ll draw us one.” Ry presses a kiss to Rukiya’s forehead, lingering there for a solid moment, then she pulls away and says, “Unless you still need alone time... then I’ll draw you a bath.” Her smile is soft and understanding."

"[6:30 AM] DM: ""No... I want you with me.""

[9:39 AM] Gylfi: ((um, can Ry tell how that was said? like Rukiya's tone))

[9:53 AM] DM: (Like... she wants Ry to be with her? I'm not sure how you mean. she's seeking comfort, maybe a distraction)

[9:54 AM] Gylfi: ((That's what I mean lol))

[9:57 AM] Gylfi: ""I'm with you, Rukiya,"" Ryleigh answers, running her thumb over Rukiya's bottom lip."

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