4 Felmont

3 Felmont- 4 Felmont - 5 Felmont (Back to Logs)

## [2:08 PM] DM: Akthun, 4 Felmont 3Y21

[2:11 PM] DM: Although it's morning, it's not really easy to tell in here because there is no light source outside of your fire (which is petering out) and Dawnbringer.

[2:15 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh is doing her normal morning routine. Singing softly as she makes coffee. There's also something thick bubbling in a pot over the dying fire.

[2:16 PM] Urrak: Urrak is sitting by the fire, waiting for coffee to be ready so she can fully wake up. "Anyone else have a bit of trouble sleepin' in here? I dunno...Somethin' feels off about this place."

[2:17 PM] Brimeia: "Better in here than out there," Brimeia shrugs.

[2:17 PM] Urrak: "Can't argue with that." Urrak chuckles

[2:18 PM] Ryleigh: "It doesn't feel odd to me," Ry says as her song come to a close.

[2:19 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh then pours a cup of coffee and takes it to Rukiya, she leaves hers off to the side.

[2:21 PM] DM: Rukiya takes it gratefully.

[2:23 PM] Urrak: "Hey I could jus' be a paranoid ol' orc, but I can't shake th' feelin'," she shrugs and pours a cup of coffee for herself. "Bless this stuff."

[2:25 PM] DM: Rukiya sips her coffee and says, "We found stairs against the wall over there... but they're really tall. It's going to be a climb to get around. This place wasn't built for people our size."

[2:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir has just walked out of her tent, hand tightly intertwined with Gunnloda's, "Oh, I...forgot to mention those."

[2:26 PM] Urrak: "Bri an' me can give ye all a boost."

[2:27 PM] Ryleigh: Still not having touched her coffee, Ry points to the pot over the fire and says, “There’s also warm cereal there. For anyone who’s hungry or cold.”

[2:29 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves them over to join, sitting down and putting her arms around Gunnloda, nothing more.

[2:29 PM] DM: Gunnloda doesn't look like she slept much, if at all.

[2:30 PM] Urrak: Urrak makes herself a bowl, "So, we climb th' giant stairs. I get th' feelin' it's gonna take us quite awhile. Maybe we can come up with a quicker way t' scale 'em...Some kinda chain?"

[2:31 PM] Brimeia: Bri slurps down some warm cereal, glad for the warmth.

[2:31 PM] Ryleigh: "Some things just take time, Urrak." Ry doesn't look distracted, but it's also clear she's not 100% in the conversation.

[2:32 PM] Seirixori: "I don't want to waste something we might need to use later for something like stairs," Seir says quietly.

[2:33 PM] Urrak: "Aye, wasn't talkin' about usin' any kind o' magic. I just know our group tends t' be a bit...clumsy."

[2:33 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Judging by the size of this place, it might be a lot of stairs... but it's not like we brought a ladder with us. They aren't that tall, though. It'll just get tiring after a while."

[2:34 PM] Urrak: Urrak hums an acknowledgement and keeps eating

[2:34 PM] Ryleigh: "We don't really have another option." Finally, Ry picks up her coffee, blows on it, and takes a careful sip. She winces a little and sits it back down.

[2:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir mutters something under her breath with a small wave and a little tiny bit of snow pops up under Ryleigh's cup.

[2:36 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smiles and thanks Seir. "I'm still getting used to this." She gestures to the coffee and warm cereal.

[2:38 PM] Urrak: "T'...hot things?" Urrak knits her brows

[2:40 PM] Ryleigh: "Yes," Ry answers. "It's... it feels like everything warm is just too hot, and its uncomfortable for me now."

[2:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir pouts a little, "Does that mean you won't sleep with me anymore?"

[2:42 PM] Urrak: "Ever since ye died?" Urrak taps her chin, "I don't think I feel any different..."

[2:42 PM] DM: Rukiya snickers into her coffee.

[2:43 PM] DM: Gunnloda mumbles, "That's the opposite of the problem I had when I died."

[2:45 PM] Ryleigh: Ry nudges Rukiya with her shoulder. "I'm not sure. So far I've only noticed a change in the way my food or drink is..." Turning her head, Ry moves her hair aside to show them the rune. "This is how we got in here - or I assume that's why the door opened for me."

[2:45 PM] Brimeia: "What are y'all talking about?" Bri frowns.

[2:46 PM] DM: There's a runic tattoo on the back of her neck, a bright, vibrant purple shade.

[2:46 PM] Brimeia: "Woah. When'd that happen?"

[2:47 PM] Brimeia: "Hope your thing is less troublesome than mine."

[2:47 PM] Urrak: "Reminds me o' that troll..." Urrak leans forward a bit, stroking her chin

[2:48 PM] DM: Rukiya: "They're very similar. They're on the murals, too. The big giants have the one Ry has and the little ones have the ones we saw on the troll and the giant outside Isonsall."

[2:48 PM] Ryleigh: "That was what Heli came to get me for yesterday after we sparred," Ry answers Bri.

[2:50 PM] Urrak: "So it's like...a magical family mark? Ancestral somethin' er other?" Urrak asks Rukiya, looking genuinely interested.

[2:51 PM] DM: Rukiya shrugs. "I don't know."

[2:53 PM] Brimeia: "Do you... know what it does?"

[2:53 PM] Ryleigh: "Ragna and Avery have it too. It unlocks certain abilities that are specific to our ancestry... Ragna didn't go into a lot of detail other than the Alisdairs are some kind of ancient family." Ry's eyes stare at the mural on the wall near them, it still partially illuminated by Dawnbringer's light.

[2:54 PM] Seirixori: "This is why I wanted to wait," Seir mutters.

[2:54 PM] Urrak: "T' wait?"

[2:54 PM] Ryleigh: "We don't have time to wait." There's a bit of sharpness to Ry's tone.

[2:55 PM] Seirixori: There's no response from Seir.

[2:55 PM] Brimeia: Bri glances worriedly between the two.

[2:56 PM] DM: Rukiya: "There's a lot we don't know... that we might be able to learn here."

[2:58 PM] Ryleigh: The tension in Ry's jaw fades, and she drinks her coffee. "Whenever we're finished eating we should start on those stairs. We have no idea how far they go up and it's going to be time consuming."

[2:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir gets up and will move over to the stairs to wait.

[3:00 PM] DM: Breakfast is finished, camp is broken, and you all head for the stairs?

[3:00 PM] Ryleigh: (yes)

[3:02 PM] DM: They're shrouded in darkness, like the rest of the room. When you see them, it's a bit unnerving how big they are. They're probably four feet tall, each, and fifteen feet wide. Each step is five feet deep.

[3:02 PM] DM: Gunnloda's almost eye-level with the first step.

[3:03 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "Well... this oughta be fun."

[3:03 PM] Ryleigh: Ry places herself at the base of the first step, back pressed to it, and motions for Rukiya to leap up.

[3:03 PM] Seirixori: With a small laugh, Seir automatically tries to help Gunnloda.

[3:04 PM] DM: I will not be requiring checks to climb the stairs, though if you'd each like to describe how you're going about climbing, go ahead.

[3:05 PM] DM: Rukiya smirks and takes Ry's offer of help. "I'm a better climber than you are," she whispers as she jumps from Ry's hands to the ledge above.

[3:05 PM] Brimeia: Seeing that Gunnloda and Rukiya are being helped already, Bri runs up the step and kicks her feet over the top, parkour-style.

[3:06 PM] Ryleigh: Ry will then offer to help Seir and eventually pull herself up - repeating the process all the way to the top.

[3:06 PM] DM: Gunnloda struggles a bit with finding the right position or angle of approach, but with her gauntlets, she's strong enough to just pull herself up. It's just awkward with the height.

[3:07 PM] Urrak: Urrak pulls herself up the stairs

[3:09 PM] Seirixori: Seir sometimes takes Ry's help but not every time.

[3:09 PM] DM: And after 10-15 repetitions, as you reach the first landing... how's everyone feeling?

[3:10 PM] Ryleigh: "I clearly need to do more pull ups," Ry says with a grin, her breathing a little uneven.

[3:10 PM] Urrak: Urrak's gettin' real sweaty

[3:11 PM] Seirixori: "Or you could wear less armor," Seir says, shaking out her arms.

[3:11 PM] Brimeia: "This is pretty fun," Bri grins. "Come on, slowpokes!"

[3:12 PM] Ryleigh: "Nope," Ry answers Seir.

[3:12 PM] Urrak: "Youth, where have ye gone?" Urraks wipes her brow and keeps going

[3:12 PM] DM: Gunnloda's at least figured out how to get up each time, so it's smoother even though she's getting winded. Rukiya's not showing any signs of slowing down yet.

[3:13 PM] DM: As you reach the next floor, you can see- via darkvision or Dawnbringer's light- that there's a lot of... something... here. The stairs continue about 30' away.

[3:13 PM] Brimeia: "I'd say, 'Race you,' but I feel like that's asking for trouble," she chuckles at Rukiya

[3:14 PM] DM: There's pathways between the stuff, that extends as far as you can see, but all you can see at a glance is a jumble of wood and stone.

[3:15 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh cautiously follows the wall of the circular room, seeing if there's any murals or such.

[3:23 PM] DM: The stuff is piled up mostly against the walls and in the center of the room, leaving 15-20 foot walkways in most areas. As you get closer and look, the stuff appears to be huge bits of furniture. Most of it is rotted for wooden furniture or chipped and broken for the stone. It's piled piece on piece, with little care for stability or appearance like a junk drawer or a hoarder's room.

[3:24 PM] Seirixori: Seir walks behind Ryleigh, "This is all... kind of useless."

[3:25 PM] Ryleigh: "Yeah, it just looks like decay," Ry answers. ((20))

[3:25 PM] Brimeia: "Doesn't look like anyone's been here in a long time."

[3:27 PM] Ryleigh: "So, the next set of stairs?" Ry asks everyone, making sure they're ready to move on.

[3:28 PM] Urrak: "Ready when you are." Urrak puts her hands on her hips and takes a deep breath.

[3:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir pokes at a piece of rotten wood just because and then makes her way to the next set of stairs.

[3:29 PM] Brimeia: "Let's go," Bri nods.

[3:29 PM] DM: It crumbles a bit under her touch, but nothing else happens.

[3:30 PM] DM: So you start climbing. Half an hour later, you find much the same thing on the next floor, though it is a little more thoughtfully placed and the stuff doesn't look quite as broken.

[3:31 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves to look around anyway, because small breaks are good and she has to talk herself out of making this a hell of a lot easier.

[3:32 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will follow her, looking around again for anything that might tell her more about this place, or its residence and history.

[3:33 PM] DM: Give me some perception or investigation checks and if you're looking for anything specific.

[3:33 PM] Seirixori: ((22 perception, for anything not furniture-y things))

[3:34 PM] Ryleigh: ((27))

[3:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head and slowly walks towards a bench to look behind it.

[3:36 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stops at something. "Rukiya," she whispers, and starts to move some of the debris away.

[3:38 PM] DM: The stuff here is big and moving it will take effort. How would you like to make sure you can move it without it crashing down on top of you?

[3:39 PM] Brimeia: "You find something?" Bri asks Seir and Ry.

[3:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir bends down and looks like she might be looking through something.

[3:39 PM] Urrak: Urrak walks over to Ryleigh and Rukiya, "Need help?"

[3:40 PM] Ryleigh: "Bri, Urrak, if you guys will just help me move this stuff so I can see the writing, but we need to be careful - I don't want anyone getting trapped under a pile of rubbish."

[3:41 PM] Urrak: Urrak nods and gets ready to move the junk

[3:41 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry, Bri, and Urrak will move the stuff, while Seir watches to make sure nothing shifts and kills them lol))

[3:41 PM] Seirixori: ((Seir can't watch if she's looking at something else lol))

[3:42 PM] DM: Rukiya will keep watch.

[3:43 PM] DM: And as Ry, Urrak, and Bri start moving things, Rukiya does indeed 'watch' and shouts, "LOOK OUT!"

And I need the three of you to make Dex saves to jump out of the way of the falling chair.

[3:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir stands back up and moves away from where she was, cautiously flipping through a book. She glances at the others, figuring they have it in hand and goes over to Gunnloda to ask her something about dwarves.

[3:44 PM] Ryleigh: ((12))

[3:44 PM] Urrak: ((17))

[3:44 PM] DM: @Brimeia ?

[3:44 PM] Brimeia: ((14))

[3:45 PM] DM: Ry and Bri  take 11 bludgeoning damage as the chair's massive legs clip them before the chair rolls to a stop behind them.

[3:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir watches the chair roll, "You guys okay?"

[3:47 PM] Ryleigh: Ry rolls her shoulder where she got hit and flinches a little. "It could have been worse," Ry answers Seir.

[3:47 PM] Urrak: Urrak stumbles on her landing, but doesn't fall, "Fuckin' hells!" She pauses, to catch her breath, "I'm alright."

[3:48 PM] Seirixori: Seir now actually focuses on the book she found to see if there's anything useful in it.

[3:48 PM] DM: It's written in Dwarven.

[3:49 PM] Seirixori: She frowns and shows it to Gunnloda.

[3:49 PM] Brimeia: "Eh. Just a little bump. Damned piles of junk."

[3:50 PM] DM: Gunnloda takes it and flips through the pages with an increasing frown. "It's a journal. Last page is... oh... he over there?"

[3:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, "He is."

[3:52 PM] Urrak: "Ah."

[3:52 PM] DM: She takes a deep breath and sighs. "His name's Vonbin Dankil," she reads from the front page before flipping back to the last written page. "It's a letter t'someone named Thurnus. Sayin' sorry for not comin' home." She frowns as she continues reading to herself.

[3:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir places a hand on Gunnloda's shoulder while she reads. She says to everyone else, "There's a body over there. I didn't check to see how he died, though I was going to ask about how he got in here."

[3:55 PM] Brimeia: "That's comforting."

[3:56 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh is going to keep trying to move the stuff around the statue thing so she can see the writing.

[3:58 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "He mentions a group he came with, looking for... somethin'. Doesn't say what exactly. A room." She sighs and starts translating out loud. "Thurnus, I'm sorry. Shouldn't've followed Beldram here. Have half a mind t' just go back up and throw myself from the bridge so at least I'd die on the mountain and not here. If I thought I could climb these damn steps, maybe I would... course then I'd prob'ly just get caught up by one of the dragons."

[3:59 PM] Seirixori: "Dragons?"

[3:59 PM] DM: She continues, "We found the room Beldram'd talked about, but it was locked and he couldn't pick it. Some kind of magical rune key. We found one, but we got separated from him when one of the giants spotted us. Figured he'd just left us, so we kept on. We lost Rynvia to their undead. Akthor's might wasn't enough to save her. Maybe he just can't reach so high. Tishras thought maybe we could dig through and come up through the floor of the vault if we couldn't find Beldram and the key, but she was incinerated. I'm not sure which smell would haunt me longer... those bodies that took Rynvia or Tishras's flesh. I thought I could make it out, make it home... but I got hit on the bridge and I don't think I'm gonna make it to morning. You were right. I should've stayed home."

She closes the book and says quietly, "He na'pyi nimhe, sor'odko."

[4:00 PM] Urrak: "Undead..." Urrak mutters

[4:01 PM] Seirixori: Seir tenses a bit at the undead bit and kneels next to Gunnloda and gently takes the book.

[4:01 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh's brow furrows, her worry evident. "Is there anyway of knowing how long ago that was written?" She asks Gunnloda.

[4:02 PM] DM: "Last dated entry is from three weeks ago. I've heard of Dankil. It's a big family. Important."

[4:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves back to the body to search through the pack there to see if there's anything else in it that might be useful for this place.

[4:05 PM] Ryleigh: "So it was recent..." Ry worries her lip as she walks over to the stairs and leans against them - clearly thinking.

[4:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks up and over at Gunnloda, "He's got some pretty nice armor on, do... is this something that should be returned?"

[4:08 PM] DM: "T' be honest, I'm not real sure what the etiquette is. Beyond the Bastion, if y'find a fallen member, y'give 'em what y'can for markin' their final restin' place and bring anythin' identifyin' or real valuable back, but we don't have too many people who just venture out not that direction."

[4:09 PM] DM: "I think their families would appreciate bein' told what's happened, at least."

[4:09 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods and searches for anything small, like a trinket or something similar.

[4:12 PM] DM: He's wearing a stone crest like Gunnloda's, set into a belt. Where Gunnloda's is all hammers and snowflakes, his has concentric circles and something resembling lightning bolts.

[4:13 PM] Seirixori: She takes the crest and puts it into the pack and slings it onto her shoulder and heads back to Gunnloda.

[4:13 PM] Seirixori: "Did you want to keep trying?" She asks Ryleigh.

[4:15 PM] Ryleigh: Ry looks up and shakes her head. "No, I learned what I could. We... should keep going. Unless anyone has changed their mind?"

[4:15 PM] Urrak: "Let's get on then," Urrak nods and heads towards the stairs

[4:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir ignores the question and starts her way up the stairs.

[4:18 PM] DM: Another flight of tall stairs, and you're in another overly large room, though this one is shockingly empty after the last two, your darkvision and Dawnbringer's light reaching very little in the open space. There are some benches and chairs, but they're stacked neatly against the walls and still in decent shape. You cannot see all the way to the other side of the room.

[4:19 PM] DM: Some of you notice dried blood smears on some of the stairs. There's more blood the further down the stairs you are, but there's still a trickle at this floor.

[4:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir cautiously circles around the room looking for anything that might stand out again.

[4:20 PM] DM: It looks pretty empty otherwise. You do spot a couple more spots of dried blood on the stairs headed up.

[4:21 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will walk around the room, looking at the walls for anything.

[4:21 PM] Seirixori: "More blood going up."

[4:22 PM] Urrak: "Not a great sign," Urrak draws her sword as she looks around for any hostiles

[4:23 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will start up the stairs.

[4:23 PM] Seirixori: "Can't climb with that out, Urrak." Seir teases a little and heads up after Ryleigh.

[4:24 PM] DM: As you reach this, the 6th floor, it's empty again, though you see not just the stairs headed further up, but also a massive set of doors just on the edge of your vision. And let me get perception checks just for fun.

[4:25 PM] Urrak: ((19))

[4:25 PM] Seirixori: ((23))

[4:25 PM] Ryleigh: Ry: 8 (nat 1)

Rukiya: 29

[4:25 PM] Seirixori: Gunnloda: ((12))

[4:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir holds out her hand to stop everyone, "Shhh, upstairs. Movement," She whispers.

[4:29 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will quietly make her way over to the doors and touch them.

[4:29 PM] DM: They're doors!

[4:29 PM] DM: Give me a stealth check, though.

[4:29 PM] Brimeia: ((10 perc)

[4:29 PM] Seirixori: Seir keeps a few feet back from Ry and twists her staff lightly as she uses it to cast Pass without a trace.

[4:30 PM] Ryleigh: ((26 - 36))

[4:31 PM] Ryleigh: ((Can I tell if there's any way to open them? like does it need a key))

[4:32 PM] Ryleigh: ((20 - nat 20))

[4:32 PM] Ryleigh: "Urrak, Bri, will you help me push these open?"

[4:33 PM] Seirixori: Seir keeps her eyes on the stairs.

[4:33 PM] Urrak: Urrak goes to help Ryleigh

[4:34 PM] Brimeia: Bri moves to help too.

[4:35 PM] DM: The doors are suprisingly well weighted, swinging open easily with the three of you. They're heavy and would be a lot for just one person, but you're all strong enough to get it done together.

[4:36 PM] DM: However, with the door open, you're all hit with a frigid blast of cold air and wind as the door opens to the outside and you can see a stone bridge connecting this tower to one across the way. The sun is bright, but hidden behind clouds. You can see other towers and these skybridges connecting them, leading up to the tower at what would be the peak, the mountains fading into mist and snow far below.

[4:37 PM] Brimeia: Bri shivers. "We ready to head on?"

[4:37 PM] Ryleigh: "Should we continue up, or go this way?" Ry asks the others.

[4:37 PM] Seirixori: "Up has unknown noises and blood."

[4:38 PM] DM: The blood trail actually leads to the door.

[4:38 PM] DM: Though here, it's just spots.

[4:38 PM] Ryleigh: "Ragna said that the giants here work for her and won't hurt us..." Ry says.

[4:38 PM] Seirixori: "And the journal said something about undead."

[4:38 PM] Seirixori: "And dragons."

[4:39 PM] Brimeia: "Great."

[4:39 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks torn. "Why don't Rukiya and I just go check to see what's upstairs?"

[4:40 PM] Seirixori: "If they were regular stairs that would be fine, but they are not."

[4:40 PM] DM: "Unsil'umun, I know you think you're sneaky now, but maybe you should just let me do that."

[4:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs a little, "I can go with. Sneaky spell is up."

[4:41 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia snickers.

[4:41 PM] Ryleigh: Sighing, Ry relents. "I just want to check to see what's up there before we move on. I don't want to find our way back blocked."

[4:43 PM] Seirixori: "If you are to do so, do you want the help or will you be okay on your own?" Seir asks Rukiya.

[4:44 PM] DM: Rukiya: "I think I'll be ok. I can get up and down pretty easily. Wouldn't want your spell to run out partway up."

[4:45 PM] Seirixori: "It's an hour," Seir mumbles but doesn't argue.

[4:45 PM] DM: "I'll be careful." She presses a kiss to the corner of Ry's mouth before heading back to the stairs.

[4:48 PM] Ryleigh: Ry watches her go, a bit of worry on her face.

[4:49 PM] Brimeia: "Should we look around in the meantime?"

[4:53 PM] DM: She's gone 10 minutes.

[4:54 PM] DM: You see her leave your vision after 15, her feet disappearing into the darkness beyond Dawnbringer's light.

[4:55 PM] Ryleigh: "I don't know why I thought the castle would be easier than the trek up the mountain..." Ry murmurs, really to herself as she leans against the bottom stair.

[4:56 PM] Seirixori: Seir keeps her eyes up the stairs, "At least most of it is inside."

[4:58 PM] DM: Each floor has taken about 30 minutes for you all to get from the bottom of a set of stairs to the top, helping each other, resting, and making sure there's enough room for you all to stand as you go up the next. It's faster for just Rukiya, so she only takes 40 to get up and back down again. "Dragons. Young ones, but white. The top of the tower is open to the outside and they have a nest up there. There's at least one sleeping."

[4:59 PM] Seirixori: "Oh great, Dragons and a bunch of open space to cross."

[4:59 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks relieved when Rukiya returns. "Let's just try to take it slowly across the bridge then." She'll then make her way back to the doors.

[5:00 PM] Urrak: "I got a bad feelin' about this..." Urrak follows

[5:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir follows after Ryleigh.

[5:03 PM] Brimeia: Bri brings up the rear as usual.

[5:05 PM] DM: The bridge is several hundred feet long and probably a hundred or so feet up from the ground below. How are you making this journey?

[5:05 PM] DM: It's a stone bridge, about 30' across and has a bit of a railing, though you can see that the railing isn't all still intact.

[5:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir will use her staff again to refresh pass without a trace. "At least it isn't small?"

[5:07 PM] DM: Assuming that you are moving at speed, you should be able to make it across without needing to refresh.

[5:08 PM] Ryleigh: "Let's go." ((we'll cross cautiously, but not like super slowly. Just in a way that we hope doesn't draw too much attention lol))

[5:08 PM] Ryleigh: ((half speed))

[5:09 PM] DM: So the question is half speed with a normal stealth check or regular speed with disadvantage on stealth.

[5:09 PM] Seirixori: ((half, DF doesn't need even more terrible rolls lol))

[5:09 PM] DM: You head out, trying to draw as little attention to yourselves as possible, I assume your eyes on the skies.

[5:09 PM] DM: Let me get stealth checks, please

[5:10 PM] Brimeia: ((12+10 = 22))

[5:10 PM] Seirixori: ((add 10))

[5:10 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 24 / Rukiya: 38))

[5:11 PM] Urrak: ((24))

[5:11 PM] Seirixori: ((15))

Gunnloda: ((18))

[5:12 PM] DM: You reach the other end of the bridge without issue, but there are another set of huge doors blocking your path.

[5:13 PM] Urrak: Urrak motions for Bri to come help open the doors

[5:14 PM] DM: You can also see that this tower is built higher up on the mountain, and the mountaintop itself seems to be just below the bridge at this point.

[5:15 PM] DM: Urrak and Bri push the door open and you're probably a little surprised to see that the whole room is lit by tree-sized torches positioned along the walls.

[5:15 PM] DM: It's even a little warmer inside with these small bonfires burning along the walls.

[5:16 PM] DM: There's furniture here, sized for someone much larger than yourselves, though the room appears to be empty of creatures.

[5:17 PM] Seirixori: "I'm just going to keep this spell up," Seir whispers and refreshes it again.

[5:17 PM] DM: This tower is also much thinner than the first one, only about 100' across, with 40-50' ceilings instead of 200' and 60'.

[5:20 PM] DM: There are stairs along the wall, heading up.

[5:21 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will walk around this room, look again for any tapestries or engravings on the walls.

[5:21 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks about the room edging her way towards the stairs.

[5:22 PM] DM: The room is pretty bare, though there are a few places where there's carvings of far less quality in the wall, primarily of runic designs that are neither representational nor linguistic.

[5:23 PM] Ryleigh: After walking around it, Ry will then head to the stairs.

[5:24 PM] Seirixori: ((up up up))

[5:24 PM] Ryleigh: ((We closed the door on the way in - to keep the cold out))

[5:25 PM] DM: Ok. You head up the stairs. There's another room with not much in it, though you can see big cracks in the spaces between the stones along one wall. Let me get some perception checks here.

[5:26 PM] Seirixori: ((18))

Gunnloda: ((8))

[5:26 PM] Urrak: ((11))

[5:26 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 17 / Rukiya: 23))

[5:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks to Ryleigh while pointing up the next set of stairs.

[5:28 PM] Ryleigh: "Whoever is up there is speaking giant," Ry whispers to the others. "Ragna said they worked for her and shouldn't harm us... let me go first, just to make sure."

[5:29 PM] Seirixori: Seir frowns, but nods.

[5:32 PM] DM: How far ahead is Ryleigh than the rest of you?

[5:32 PM] Seirixori: ((Like halfway up?))

[5:33 PM] Ryleigh: ((3 or 4 stairs))

[5:36 PM] DM: So Ry gets to the 2nd to top stair, able to look into the room ahead, and sees a group of 6 ogres filling a hole in the wall with massive stones. A giant stands behind them, supervising. They all have purple runes on their visible skin, some more covered with the runes than others.

[5:37 PM] DM: The giant is easily 20-25 feet tall, at least twice as tall as the ogres.

[5:37 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will pull herself up and see if she's noticed.

[5:40 PM] DM: The giant says something else, almost in a bored tone, then looks at Ryleigh. It speaks again.... but before Ryleigh can respond, one of the ogres turns to see what he's talking about and spots Ry.

[5:41 PM] DM: He lifts one of the massive stones as if to throw it at Ryleigh, but the giant puts out one massive arm in the ogre's direction and the ogre falls to its knees howling in pain, clutching its head. The stone falls to the ground next to him with a heavy thump.

[5:41 PM] DM: The other ogres stop what they're doing and look to the giant, something like fear in their eyes.

[5:42 PM] Ryleigh: "My name is Ryleigh Alisdair, and my grandmother, has sent me to complete what she could not." Ryleigh will then move her hair aside and turn her head so the giant can see her rune.

[5:44 PM] DM: He seems to respond at least to the name 'Alisdair.' "Do you understand me, little one?" he asks in Giant.

[5:45 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods her head. "I do, but I assume you don't understand me?"

[5:47 PM] DM: "I do not speak the common tongue like these," he says, gesturing toward the ogres and releasing his mental grasp on the one that had tried to attack her. "You have come for the circle?"

[5:47 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods again.

[5:48 PM] DM: "Do you want a guide? I must stay and keep these from falling off the side or being eaten by dragons, but I can send one with you."

[5:49 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh holds up her hand in a 'just a second' way, then turns and says down the stairs, "It's safe. Do we want a guide to the where the circle is?"

[5:50 PM] Seirixori: "If we want to stop walking around every room!"

[5:50 PM] Urrak: "Nah I think we should just wing it!" Urrak responds sarcastically

[5:50 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will nods to the giant.

[5:52 PM] DM: "Orn. Take them to the circle."

One of the ogres lumbers over towards Ry. "Do not carry them. Show them the way." The giant sounds almost exasperated.

[5:53 PM] DM: The ogre turns and heads towards the massive doors behind the giant. "This way," he says in Common.

[5:53 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh lets out a chuckle, and then follows the ogre.

[5:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir makes her way up to follow Ryleigh... and wave to the giant.

[5:59 PM] DM: The giant barely recognizes your presence and starts giving orders again.

[6:00 PM] DM: Orn pushes the doors open and lumbers out into the cold, across another bridge.

[6:01 PM] DM: Perception checks, please.

[6:01 PM] Brimeia: ((15))

[6:02 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry:21 / Rukiya:18))

[6:02 PM] Seirixori: ((16))

Gunnloda:: ((6))

[6:02 PM] Urrak: ((nat 1))

[6:03 PM] DM: It's hard to tell when there's nothing around it to give context to size, and when the things you can see are so mind-bogglingly huge that it's hard to conceptualize, but most of you do see some sort of winged creature flying through the sky over one of the further towers.

[6:05 PM] DM: Orn opens the door on the other end of the bridge. This room is lit again, which means you immediately see the large wall that slices through part of the large room, a huge runic circle engraved throughout it with a space for a stone in the center. There are also stairs up, which Orn starts climbing. He's a bit faster than you, but does have to climb still, since they're about waist high for him.

[6:07 PM] Ryleigh: "Is this not the place?" Ryleigh asks him as him climbs onto the first stair.

[6:08 PM] DM: He stops, one leg in the air, and scratches his arm, setting his foot down. "This place? Uhh.... no?"

[6:08 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh quirks an eyebrow and instead of questioning him more - follows.

[6:09 PM] DM: "This way!" He keeps climbing.

[6:09 PM] Ryleigh: They do!

[6:10 PM] DM: You go up another level and Orn heads to another set of doors, opening them to another bridge.

[6:11 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will follow and say over her shoulder, "Be on guard."

[6:11 PM] DM: Although this tower appears to be much closer to the tall, thin tower just to the east, this bridge goes west to a further tower. In the distance behind this one, you can see a tower in disrepair.

[6:13 PM] DM: Continuing across the bridge, Orn pushes another door open and ushers you all inside before shutting it.

[6:13 PM] DM: "Still up!" Orn points to the stairs.

[6:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir groans. "Should have just been a spider."

[6:14 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will continue to follow Orn towards and then up the stairs.

[6:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir turns to help Gunnloda up the stairs when she sees her eyes black and chest deep into the floor. She immediately goes to kneel at her side, "Gunnloda?" Seir asks, her voice cracking.

[6:19 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will stop at Seir's scared voice. "Hold on, Orn," She calls.

[6:19 PM] DM: There's no response, no movement. Her expression is blank as she continues to sink, slowly.

[6:19 PM] DM: Orn: "Little people slow. Still up!" He keeps climbing.

[6:20 PM] Urrak: Urrak turns around to see what's happening. "Gunnloda?"

[6:21 PM] Seirixori: Seir is clearly fighting with herself and all she manages is a hand on Gunnloda's shoulder as tears fill her eyes. "I know we said we should let it happen, but I wish we hadn't," Seir whispers.

[6:22 PM] Ryleigh: "Orn, stop," Ryleigh commands, trying to give Seir the time she needs.

[6:22 PM] DM: Her shoulders sink beneath the stone, leaving the stone unmarked as if she'd never disturbed it.

[6:23 PM] DM: Orn freezes, mid-step.

[6:23 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia just watches with horror, unable to do anything.

[6:25 PM] DM: It's kind of surreal, seeing just Gunnloda's head sitting on the floor as if severed from her body, her eyes black as the void. Then her chin, her mouth, her nose. Before you know it, there's nothing there where she was except an unblemished piece of stone flooring.

[6:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir punches the ground once, her other hand covering her mouth as she tries to swallow a sob.

[6:26 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will hop down and come to Seir's side, laying a hand on her shoulder.

[6:27 PM] Urrak: Urrak sort of frantically looks around, wondering what to do

[6:29 PM] Seirixori: Seir reaches up and takes Ryleigh's hand, squeezing it tightly. "Ryleigh?"

[6:30 PM] Ryleigh: "I'm here," Ry whispers, slowly pulling Seir to her.

[6:30 PM] Seirixori: "Will... will you lie to me, just this once? Tell me she'll come back. Please."

[6:32 PM] Ryleigh: Pulling Seirixori into a hug, Ryleigh says, with conviction, "She'll be back in your arms before you know it, homashoc."

[6:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir cries softly in Ryleigh's arms. "I want to believe you," she whispers. "I don't, but I want to."

[6:35 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh presses a kiss to Seir's forehead. "I know..."

[6:39 PM] Seirixori: Eventually Seir gets up with the help of Ryleigh, "We should probably keep going," she whispers.

[6:39 PM] Ryleigh: "Just stay close to me and Rukiya, okay?" Ryleigh says, helping Seir up the stairs.

[6:40 PM] DM: Orn is still standing with his hands on top of a step, his leg lifted in mid-air.

[6:40 PM] Ryleigh: "Okay Orn, let's keep going."

[6:41 PM] DM: He starts climbing again.

[6:42 PM] Ryleigh: "Uhh, I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to... I didn't know you'd have to literally stop," she says to him.

[6:43 PM] DM: Perception checks for everyone as we reach the middle of this tower. There are huge cracks, sometimes even holes in the exterior of this room and the wind from outside causes the tree-sized torches' flames to dance wildly, casting odd shadows about the room.

[6:43 PM] DM: There's a door against one side of the tower and stairs up that Orn continues towards.

[6:43 PM] Urrak: ((2))

[6:43 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 12 / rukiya 26))

[6:44 PM] Seirixori: ((14))

[6:45 PM] Brimeia: ((2))

[6:45 PM] Ryleigh: "Orn, stop please. I need to look at something." Ryleigh will then go to where Rukiya saw the thing.

[6:45 PM] DM: "Look at what?"

[6:47 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will pull out a pack from behind the shelf, and she'll quickly search through it.

[6:49 PM] DM: The first thing that catches your eye, and the thing that sparkled and caught Rukiya's, is a giant-sized gold ring. There are three in the pack, one of which has a huge gem of some sort on it. There's also a small bag and a lantern inside.

[6:50 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will place the rings inside the bag of holding and peek into the small bag.

[6:50 PM] DM: There's about a dozen beans inside it.

[6:50 PM] Brimeia: "Shiny."

[6:50 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will also put that into the bag of holding. "Okay," she says. "Lets keep going, Orn."

[6:51 PM] Urrak: "Bet those are worth a cool copper, dear gods." Urrak laughs. She's still thinking about the rings as she climbs up after Ryleigh

[6:54 PM] DM: You all follow Orn up another set of stairs, this floor again has big chunks missing out of the walls and ceiling, leaving it open to the outside. As Orn moves towards the doors, there's a shriek from outside and a white dragon lands heavily on the stonework above you, sending loose stones down around the last to climb up. And as it stares down at potential lunch... I think that's where we'll end for today.

[3:00 PM] DM: --------

## [3:01 PM] DM: 4 Felmont 3Y21

Tumulus (The Real One)

You're here in an ancient castle of enormous stature apparently built by giants. You've climbed these steps, built for creatures far larger than you. You've found a body or two- dwarves seeking some sort of treasure room. You found a journal talking about the four dwarves and where they met their end- undead, fire traps, giants, and dragons- as well as a rune key found that might open that treasure room if you could only find the guy who found it.

You watched Gunnloda sink beneath the stone, eyes black as the void, and gave Seirixori the chance to say goodbye before pressing on, hoping this wouldn't be the last time you see her.

Following a day of lightning and ice, climbing a hostile mountain, this has already been one hell of a day... but now that you're following an ogre to the circle where Ryleigh believes her destiny may be unlocked, it's only going to get worse because as you look up at a collapsed segment of stone wall, you see a white dragon perched on the boulders, looking at its lunch.

Please roll for initiative.

[3:02 PM] Seirixori: ((3))

[3:02 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 19 / Rukiya: 16))

[3:03 PM] Urrak: ((10))

[3:04 PM] Brimeia: ((19.14))

[3:05 PM] DM: So... @Brimeia . Let's kick this off. The dragon's at the top of a small mountain of rubble, 90' away.

[3:07 PM] DM: That mountain of rubble, by the way, is like 20' tall and all of those boulders on the map are at least difficult terrain to climb. They would act as cover as well.

[3:12 PM] Brimeia: Bri will run up to the nearest rock, rage, and then chuck her magical spear at it.

[3:14 PM] Brimeia: ((12a, 15 pierce + 3 fire ?; 25a, 15 pierce + 2; ancestors on hit))

[3:15 PM] DM: No fire yet because you used your bonus to rage and it isn't humanoid so it doesn't ignite it. The first shot clatters against the stones but the second does find its mark and you can see the huff of breath crystallizing in the air as it snarls at Bri.

[3:16 PM] DM: @Ryleigh !

[3:18 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh slams Dawnbringer's hilt against her shield and shouts, "Flee!" ((using command DC 16))

[3:19 PM] DM: It rolled exactly a 16, so instead of leaving, it kind of chuckles and you hear a low growling voice. "You can flee... I like to play with my food."

[3:20 PM] Ryleigh: ((Damn you, end turn))

[3:26 PM] DM: Rukiya! Does not want to be clustered with everyone against a dragon, so she will use her action to dash to cover, then uses her bonus action to hide because she's not close enough to anyone to give advantage to them for their next attack.

[3:27 PM] DM: @Urrak !

[3:29 PM] Urrak: Urrak will dash to the base of the fallen building and take cover ((end turn))

[3:32 PM] DM: The dragon watches all the motion, almost gleefully tracking each of you, but fixes its gaze on the only one to hit it so far- Bri. It looks less like flying and more like a glide or a pounce as it leaps into the air and lands on another mound of rocks, spewing its cold breath over Bri and Ry. Give me CON saves, please!

[3:33 PM] Ryleigh: ((18))

[3:34 PM] Brimeia: ((19))

[3:35 PM] DM: You both save. Bri takes 24 cold damage and Ry takes 12.

[3:36 PM] Brimeia: ((Can I see Ryleigh?))

[3:36 PM] DM: No, the mound is between you.

[3:37 PM] DM: @Seirixori !

[3:38 PM] Ryleigh: (HOLD ON)

[3:41 PM] Ryleigh: You all see something you've never seen before... when Ryleigh get hit, she groans and then yells, sending a pulsing energy back towards the dragon. ((Using rebuke the violent - channel divinity))

[3:43 PM] DM: This shockwave pulses towards the dragon, pure radiant energy, and flashes through it, leaving it sizzling and snarling in pain. It looks around, debating its chances, but looks back in Ry's direction and growls.

[3:43 PM] DM: Now @Seirixori

[3:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir is very conflicted, "I don't want to kill a dragon," She mumbles to herself. She doesn't move to cover, only slightly farther away from everyone. She'll cast Moonbeam on it at level 4.(( Con save - 20 dmg))

[3:46 PM] DM: A 22 probably succeeds. Is it half on save?

[3:46 PM] Seirixori: ((yep))

[3:50 PM] DM: The glow of the moonbeam comes down and causes more radiant damage to the dragon.

[3:52 PM] DM: Orn looks at the dragon, looks at the door, looks at the bunch of you totally wrecking this dragon that might eat him on another day, looks at the door and laughs. "Dragon die!" And he'll walk up and pick up a stone to use as a weapon to throw, hitting the dragon right in the head for 11 damage.

[3:52 PM] DM: @Brimeia

[3:53 PM] Brimeia: ((Can i reach the dragon to hit it if i run up to it?))

[3:53 PM] DM: You have enough movement to climb up within range, yes.

[3:55 PM] Brimeia: Bri will run up, draw her weapon across her own arm to ignite it, and grab it with both hands before stabbing at the dragon.

[3:56 PM] Brimeia: ((18a, 17 pierce + 8; 14a, 10 pierce + fire))

[3:57 PM] DM: The first hit definitely does hit and it howls in pain, losing its footing a little, but the skittering rocks make Bri's feet unstable enough to cause the second to miss.

[3:57 PM] DM: It's at this moment though, that you realize the dragon's howls... are being answered. Two more dragons land heavily on the collapsed rock, roaring in anger.

[3:58 PM] DM: @Ryleigh

[4:00 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh shifts her attention to the two new dragons and sings a hypnotizing song that releases a twisting pattern of various colors. ((Wis Save DC 16))

[4:01 PM] DM: Bright, swirling colors appear around the new dragons and one starts to stare into middle space like it's contemplating its entire life existence to this point, a bit of drool becoming an icicle at the edge of its mouth. The other is unaffected.

[4:03 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh then moves around the boulders in hopes of proving herself with more cover. ((end turn))

[4:04 PM] DM: Rukiya... is not sure what she can do in this moment. Daggers are not exactly long range or powerful... so she will dash up towards the mountain of rubble, still hidden, so she's in range to be able to help Urrak.

[4:04 PM] Seirixori: At the start of it's turn the dragon by Brimeia and Orn needs to make another con save. ((23 radiant))

[4:04 PM] DM: It's not its turn yet, but thank you for the reminder.

[4:05 PM] Seirixori: ((I forgot it was later and not hte one coming up lmao))

[4:05 PM] DM: @Urrak !

[4:07 PM] Urrak: Urrak will climb up to the non-hypnotized dragon and slash at it with her greatsword ((25, 12 and 12, 13))

[4:10 PM] Urrak: ((17 dex))

[4:11 PM] DM: Urrak parkours her way up the mountain, hearing Rukiya's voice as she goes saying, "Aim for the belly." You don't need the advantage on your first strike as the blade slashes across the dragon's scales, but the second one bounces harmlessly away as the dragon parries with its wing.

[4:14 PM] Urrak: Recovering from the parry, Urrak takes a step back and catches her breath before pushing herself to attack again ((using Action Surge)) ((crit 31,33 and 15, 16. end turn))

[4:16 PM] DM: Urrak gains 10 temporary hit points as the blade sucks the life out of the dragon, transferring it to her.

[4:17 PM] DM: They may be necessary though, because now it's the dragon's turn.

[4:18 PM] DM: It bites down, hitting exactly Urrak's AC for 17 piercing and 7 cold damage, then rakes a claw against her  for 12 slashing damage. The second claw misses though, so that's a total of 36 damage.

[4:19 PM] DM: Whether it saves or not, the moonbeam roasts the dragon in front of Bri. It falls, lifeless, tumbling in a heap at the bottom of the rocks.

[4:19 PM] DM: @Seirixori !

[4:21 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves the beam on top of the dragon Urrak is attacking.

[4:21 PM] Seirixori: ((18 dmg for fail save))

[4:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir will also keep walking towards the bridge. ((end))

[4:23 PM] DM: DC?

[4:23 PM] DM: It rolled 17.

[4:23 PM] Seirixori: ((16))

[4:23 PM] Seirixori: ((booo saved, so half lol))

[4:23 PM] DM: It burns a bit and hisses.

[4:24 PM] DM: Orn laughs and kicks the dragon a bit before seeing more dragons on the hill. He'll start heading that way and throw another rock. "HAHA Stupid dragons!"

[4:25 PM] DM: His rock will pelt the dragon for 13 damage!

[4:26 PM] DM: The dragon looks around, seeing its hatchmate lying on the ground and the apparently well-equipped lunch fighting back, but steels itself.

[4:26 PM] DM: @Brimeia !

[4:28 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia will run towards the non-hypnotized dragon switch her weapon to a glaive and swipe at it.

[4:29 PM] Brimeia: ((14a, 18p + 5f; 23a, 10p + 1f))

[4:29 PM] DM: You have higher than 30 move speed too, right? You should be able to climb from there if you want to be in melee.

[4:29 PM] Brimeia: ((ooo! ok))

[4:29 PM] Brimeia: ((i have 40))

[4:30 PM] DM: That's enough.

[4:32 PM] DM: The first misses, unfortunately, but the second definitely hits and leaves the wing tattered.

[4:33 PM] DM: @Ryleigh !

[4:37 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh moves out from behind the rock and yells, "You should flee while you can, lizard." ((using vicious mockery - wis save DC 16))

[4:38 PM] DM: That's a nat 1.

[4:40 PM] Ryleigh: ((5 damage - disadvantage on next attack roll))

[4:40 PM] Ryleigh: Then she shouts to the others, "Once we kill this one, let's get out of here! Leave the other one." ((end turn))

[4:42 PM] DM: Two daggers fly past Urrak's head, sinking into the dragon's throat for a total of 32 damage. That dragon crumples.

[4:44 PM] DM: You hear a soft swear as Rukiya comes dashing up the mountain to grab her daggers. "Go!"

[4:44 PM] DM: The other dragon is still fascinated.

[4:44 PM] DM: @Urrak

[4:45 PM] Urrak: Urrak does as instructed and hops off the pile of rubble. She will dash towards the bridge

[4:46 PM] DM: That'll get you close the the other dead dragon.

[4:46 PM] DM: @Seirixori !

[4:48 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves closer to the bridge, but does not dash ahead, instead she moves her moonbeam somewhat towards her. ((end))

[4:48 PM] DM: Orn looks confused. "Kill dragon?"

[4:49 PM] Ryleigh: ((nat 1 - 9))

[4:51 PM] DM: He starts lumbering towards the mountain.

[4:51 PM] DM: @Brimeia

[4:52 PM] Brimeia: "Come on, big guy!" Bri tugs gently on him and then dashes as far toward the bridge as she can.

[4:52 PM] DM: @Ryleigh

[4:54 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stays put, waiting for Rukiya. "Orn! Leave it, guide us to the next section."

[4:54 PM] DM: Orn says, "Aww..." but turns around.

[4:55 PM] DM: Rukiya practically flies across the room.

[4:55 PM] DM: I assume you are all going to be dashing as far across the bridge as you can get before the dragon snaps out of it?

[4:56 PM] Seirixori: ((Seir is not, she's moving moonbeam which is an action))

[4:56 PM] Urrak: ((yup))

[4:56 PM] DM: Urrak reaches the door first, but cannot operate it. Seir reaches it second, but is moving her moonbeam.

[4:56 PM] Seirixori: ((the moonbeam can go 60, I just don't want it over anyone lol))

[4:57 PM] DM: Bri cannot reach the door and open it.

[4:57 PM] DM: @Ryleigh

[4:58 PM] DM: @Urrak Give me an athletics check to open this door.

[4:58 PM] Urrak: ((24))

[5:00 PM] DM: Urrak shoves the door open and you all run into the cold, wintry air... and see just how far the other tower is in the distance.

I need each of you to make a decision. Ry and Seir are the slowest people (since Gunnloda's not here) so... are you running as fast as you can as an individual, or are you keeping pace with Ry and Seir?

[5:01 PM] DM: And Seir, are you keeping Moonbeam with you, slowing yourself even more?

[5:02 PM] Seirixori: ((No, I'll leave it at the door once everyone is through))

[5:03 PM] Brimeia: ((Bri will dash her full movement ahead))

[5:03 PM] Urrak: ((Urrak will stay near the others as they run))

[5:05 PM] DM: Of course this is all just a thought experiment and trying to expose your characters' selfishness because you do manage to get to the other door, open it, get inside, and close it before Ry feels her concentration on the spell slip.

[5:09 PM] DM: This room is thinner than the others- part of a tall, thin tower. Also unlike the other towers, you didn't enter it near the base of the tower, instead entering close to the top. The room is anything but empty, though. There are several... you don't necessarily want to call them nests per se, but rough piles of what could be giant bedding sprawled across the room. There's a stairway down and another that climbs up, and you can tell that the stairway up opens to the sky.

Two giants with runes on their skin look at you curiously as you stand there panting before realizing they're there.

[5:10 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stands a little straighter, making her way to the front of the group and moving her hair to the side so they can see her rune. "Orn, can you tell them you're escorting us?"

[5:12 PM] Seirixori: Seir leans against the door, looking far more tired than she should, expecting that Ryleigh has a handle on the situation.

[5:13 PM] DM: Orn says, in Common, "Aozrym said Orn take them to circle."

One of the giants sighs and says something in a deep voice.

Orn says, "She says she understand you."

[5:15 PM] Ryleigh: "Oh, I apologize," Ry says to the giant. "The first giant we meet didn't speak common, so while I can understand you, I wasn't sure you could understand me."

[5:16 PM] DM: She steps forward, the ground trembling slightly with each step, then squats down to get a closer look. More rumbling speech.

[5:17 PM] Ryleigh: "There we're three dragons in the last tower. We took out 2 of them, and I used magic to stop the third from following us so we could escape."

[5:17 PM] DM: She tilts her head then speaks in rumbling Common.. "You little ones killed two of them?"

[5:18 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smiles up at her. "Yes, we did."

[5:18 PM] Seirixori: "Unfortunately," Seir mutters under her breath, moving to slide down to the floor.

[5:19 PM] DM: "You are Alisdair?" she asks, standing at her full, ridiculously tall, 20' height.

[5:21 PM] Ryleigh: Craning her neck as the giant stands, Ryleigh says, "I am..." although it isn't with pride or gusto, it's just a confirmation.

[5:24 PM] DM: "You are going to the snikradinok?"

[5:25 PM] Ryleigh: "Yes," Ry answers, her tone full of daring.

[5:27 PM] DM: She just hums, a deep rumbling that you swear you can feel. "It is up and across a bridge."

[5:29 PM] Ryleigh: There's clear hesitation in Ryleigh's face. "You may speak freely," she encourages the giant.

[5:29 PM] DM: She laughs but it's humorless. "No. I cannot."

[5:30 PM] Ryleigh: "I-" Ry hesitates again. "You're right. You can't." She sighs then asks, "Then... any advice for me?"

[5:31 PM] DM: "Watch the sky."

[5:32 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods. "Orn, lead us on."

[5:33 PM] DM: "Hokay." Orn starts making his way across the floor cluttered with skins and entire bales of hay towards the stairs. You can see from this side that the stairs down lead into darkness while the stairs up lead to grey skies and open air.

[5:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir will be the last to follow.

[5:36 PM] DM: He heads up the stairs, and at the top, the edges of the tower stand tall, though crumbled at the tops, and the roof is missing as though the entire top of the structure was just... peeled off. There are wooden fences here, though, making pens for several animals kept here. There's a makeshift bridge that leads to a nearby mountain peak, possibly used for taking the animals to graze, but Orn walks past them all (and the giant on watch here) and to the far older, far more sturdy looking, stone bridge that leads to the tower at the peak.

[5:37 PM] DM: Perception checks.

[5:38 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry - 14 / Rukiya - 23))

[5:38 PM] Urrak: ((6))

[5:38 PM] Seirixori: ((nat 1 - 13))

[5:39 PM] Brimeia: ((11)

[5:40 PM] DM: They aren't exactly trying to hide... so you can all see three winged shapes flying around the other towers- but not this one... and not the one across this bridge. Yet, anyway.

[5:40 PM] Ryleigh: "We should hurry," Ry says to Orn and the others.

[5:42 PM] DM: So you rush across the bridge, hoping to make it across before they notice you. This tower is not as tall as many of the others, and not as wide either, but it is nicer. There are far more decorations and the furniture here looks mostly intact.

[5:42 PM] DM: There is a staircase up.

[5:42 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will move to look at the decorations.

[5:43 PM] DM: Give me a history check.

[5:43 PM] Ryleigh: ((11))

[5:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir glances around, but her heart isn't in it and she waits by the next staircase.

[5:43 PM] DM: It's much the same as the murals that stood down in the very first room- giants constructing the castle under the careful watch of other, bigger giants.

[5:44 PM] Ryleigh: Taking in what she can, Ryleigh will then head to staircase and nod for Orn to continue.

[5:47 PM] DM: Orn leads you up another staircase, and this time you're led to a room with a massive stone throne. There's remnants on the floor of what might have been some sort of carpet, though it's rotted or faded or otherwise disintegrated over time. There is a door along one wall... but more interesting than the door is that the throne is currently in use.

A giant with blue-grey skin that seems to have shards of ice growing through it in parts and glowing blue eyes so bright they're almost white sits there, almost like he's waiting.

[5:50 PM] DM: His blue-grey skin is covered in runes, though none of them glow purple. He's flanked by two other giants also covered in not-glowing runes, but something about them seems... off.

[5:53 PM] Ryleigh: On instinct, Ryleigh grabs Rukiya's hand. After a moment or three, she gives it squeeze before letting it go and taking several steps forward. When she's close enough she'll kneel down onto one knee and bow her head, before looking back up and standing tall. "I apologize for the intrusion, but I've come to try my luck at the snikradinok."

[5:54 PM] DM: His voice is deep like the others, but there's something strained in it, like he doesn't speak often. "I know why you have come. What I don't know is whether you are a puppet like the others... or are you the new puppetmaster?"

[5:55 PM] DM: Orn practically whimpers, standing back by the door like he wishes he could just merge through it.

[5:59 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh takes a deep breath, like she's carefully considering her words. "I am here not by my own accord, but this is the only way I can save the people I love. So puppet or master, here I am."

[6:01 PM] DM: He gives her a long, measured look. "You have no idea what it does, do you?"

[6:02 PM] Ryleigh: "I was told it was unleash some kind of power, but she wouldn't tell me anything more." Ryleigh's brows furrow and she asks, "What does it do?"

[6:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir very much resists the urge to comment on her constant wanting to wait comment.

[6:07 PM] Urrak: "Oh jeez...here we go..." Urrak mumbles to herself

[6:08 PM] DM: He laughs, but it's a shuddering, unsettling sound. "That is an accurate, if understated statement. I have no desire to keep you from your destination, but I have come to make... a request." He stands, and you can hear the bones in his knees creak. "If you fail, nothing changes and I am free to continue my... plans. If you succeed..." He grins a little. "Well, that's not a bad thing, but it does change things. I'd like to ask you to give me a day to prepare for that change before you make your attempt."

[6:10 PM] Ryleigh: "And if I refuse?" Ry inquires, her voice still holding its strength.

[6:14 PM] DM: He kneels so he can come closer to really get a good look at Ry. "You have a lot of rkna for such a small body." He stands. "I do not wish to fight you, if that's what you ask. I will not stand in your way." He gestures and the two flanking giants step to opposite sides of the room, leaving a path to a space behind the throne open.

[6:17 PM] Ryleigh: "I won't fail. You need to make your preparations... but time is of the essence. So if you're willing, please enlighten me on what power I will be releasing, and why you need to prepare."

[6:20 PM] DM: He starts moving towards the door and the other two follow. "No, I don't think I will. I have an army to move."

[6:22 PM] Ryleigh: "Wait," Ry almost shouts. "Who will your army move on?"

[6:22 PM] Seirixori: "Ryleigh..."

[6:23 PM] DM: He pushes the door open. "Your puppetmaster, of course."

[6:25 PM] Ryleigh: She runs after him, raising her voice so she can be heard, "What about the innocent people who live in Isonsall?"

[6:26 PM] DM: He walks out onto the bridge, his followers between Ry and himself. "Isonsall is already dead."

[6:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir starts to follow, only to make sure Ry doesn't get too far away without her.

[6:29 PM] Ryleigh: "Why do you want revenge on Ragna?" Ryleigh shouts after him, coming right up to his followers.

[6:30 PM] Ryleigh: ((24 persuasion))

[6:30 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks confused at Ryleigh, only because she feels like it's a little obvious.

[6:33 PM] Urrak: Urrak just follows a few paces behind Ryleigh and Seir, ready to throw down if necessary

[6:34 PM] DM: He spins around, the glow in his eyes bright with fury. "Why? Because those that hold the chains must suffer for their cruelty. Because of what she has done to me and my people. Because any who bear that rune will be crushed beneath our boots. If we couldn't do it while we still breathed, we will do it now."

[6:36 PM] DM: Let me get a perception check from the rest of you.

[6:37 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh's eyes grow wide at his statement. "She's-" Ry's eyes meet his, "are the Alasdair's the reason for the fall of this place?"

[6:37 PM] DM: (Rukiya 21)

[6:38 PM] Seirixori: ((25))

[6:38 PM] DM: He growls. "I do not know, nor do I care."

[6:40 PM] Ryleigh: "Then what grudge are you holding onto? One from hundreds of years ago? Killing her isn't going to bring your people back or restore you to your former glory."

[6:43 PM] DM: He pushes past his followers and stands in front of Ry, his massive fists clenched. "My grudge is not one of the past. It is for the years I spent bending the knee to her until the day I died. This place is not mine, yet I was forced to protect it, to take care of it. She stole my life. It is only just that I take hers."

[6:53 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stands her ground, but only just. She finds her voice quickly, setting her jaw and answering, with an edge to her tone, "Tell me how to free them... and I will. So no one else will have to suffer the way you did. Let me right her wrongs. The world doesn't need more war and bloodshed because of the mistakes of leaders."

[6:58 PM] DM: He leans in close and you can all see that the ice isn't exactly pushed through his skin, but possibly holding it together in places. "If you want to free them, kill every puppetmaster with that rune. Now... you go deal with your challenge and I will deal with mine instead of assuming you bear one as well and starting with you."

[7:02 PM] Ryleigh: "I'm not like her," Ryleigh says. "I don't want the power the mountain holds. I don't to rule over anyone or command armies. I just want to save my sister and my nephew. Please," Ry says with such emotion, almost a plea, "tell me what will happen if I unlock the mountain's power... I don't want to be responsible for more violence."

[7:03 PM] DM: "Then go home." He turns and starts to walk away.

[7:04 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh lets him go this time, and she just stands there as he leaves.

[7:05 PM] DM: The three giants stride towards the distant tower and the wind howls.

[7:07 PM] Urrak: Urrak walks up and stands next to Ryleigh, "Whatever ye choose t' do, we're here with ye. " She pats her shoulder, "Just say th' word an' I'll gladly take down a giant.  Th' bigger they are..."

[7:08 PM] Seirixori: "Absolutely not," Seir says, her voice harsh.

[7:08 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia frowns at Urrak with confusion.

[7:11 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh flinches at Urrak's touch, like it scared her. Instead of acknowledging Urrak's words she moves back inside, so they aren't on the bridge in the cold. She looks at the giant stone throne and remains silent.

[7:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir glances at the dragons in the distance before heading back inside. She is quiet for a few moments before she says, "I can go back and move them."

[7:15 PM] DM: Rukiya just comes up and takes Ry's hand.

[7:16 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia joins Ryleigh and Seirixori inside. "So, now what?"

[7:16 PM] DM: Orn shuts the door once everyone's back inside. "Dragons."

[7:18 PM] Ryleigh: Ry wipes at her cheek, then asks Orn is a quiet voice, "Where are we supposed to go from here?"

[7:18 PM] DM: He points past the throne. "Still up."

[7:19 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will have Orn lead them up, to the next room.

[7:21 PM] DM: So everyone heads back behind the throne where there's a somewhat hidden staircase that goes upwards. Once you get up there, you're in another round room. In the center of the room, spreading across the whole floor except for a 30' border around the edges, are runes and sigils etched into the floor. At the center of the circle is an oddly shaped indentation, like a missing piece.

[7:21 PM] DM: And that's where we'll stop for slowburn.

[7:24 PM] Ryleigh: "Orn, you can stay if you'd like, or go back. It's your choice," Ryleigh says, as she leans against the wall and slides down it, putting her face into hands.

[7:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves towards Ryleigh and sits near her but with still a decent amount of space between them. She repeats, "I can go get them."

[7:34 PM] Ryleigh: "How?" Ry mumbles. When she removes her hands, Seir can see tears on her cheeks.

[7:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs and looks down at her hands, "I can fly there. Quickly. If I can't get both of them alone, I can take Clemency. You know they won't hurt Avery. After that... well I can get him whenever the attack starts... and hopefully get some of the people out too." She shrugs, "Or call Kendall to get them both out and... deal with Heli so she doesn't try to stop it."

[7:46 PM] Seirixori: "And then try to get people out," she adds again.

[7:46 PM] Ryleigh: "The wind on the mountain is too strong for you fly. You'll get hurt."

[7:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs a little, "Will it, if I'm also the wind?"

[7:50 PM] Ryleigh: "Oh right... I forgot about your new forms." Ry sighs, and she shakes her head. "I don't know what to do..." a few more tears roll down Ryleigh's cheeks.

[7:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir bites her tongue, literally, stopping her unkind response. She releases a slow breath, "If.. if this ritual is something only you can do... If we just stand around and watch..." Seir trails off, knowing what she's trying to say but not entirely comfortable with the thought either.

[7:55 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh reaches out a hand to Seir. "Why are you so far away?"

[7:56 PM] Seirixori: "Because I am afraid I will say something you don't need to hear."

[8:10 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods, and pulls her hand back to herself. She wipes at her cheeks, almost angrily. “I knew there was more to this, but starting a war wasn’t something I thought it’d be faced with.” She’s quiet for a moment and angry tears leak from her eyes.

[8:14 PM] DM: Rukiya sits next to Ry, on the opposite side from Seir. "What he does isn't your fault."

[8:20 PM] Ryleigh: "It sounds like if I complete the circle, it'll give him what he needs. That's feel a lot like it is my fault." Ryleigh takes Rukiya's hand, and leans into her. "He wants revenge on Ragna for forcing his people to be her puppets. Ragna wants revenge on Tilman for taking the lives of her husband and Taryn and leaving Isonsall in shambles." Ryleigh swallows hard. "Vengeance. It taints everything."

[8:22 PM] DM: "It does... but I don't think the circle has anything to do with his plans. He said that if you failed, his plans don't change."

[8:31 PM] Ryleigh: "I-" she thinks back to the conversation. "I guess you're right. He was already planning this, and probably has been for a long time. I suppose nothing I said would have made any difference."

[8:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir pulls up her knees and wraps her arms around them, her tail curling around her as well. "It wouldn't have. Though I was a little afraid you were going to start a fight."

[8:49 PM] DM: Rukiya nods. "You know what I'll suggest we do right now."

[8:51 PM] Ryleigh: "I'm sorry for worrying you. I-I just wanted answers," Ry says, looking over to Seir and putting her hand on the ground between them.

[8:53 PM] Ryleigh: When Ry looks back at Rukiya, there's a small grin on her face, but it flickers away quickly. "What do you suggest, sun'frada?"

[8:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs a little, her tail breaching the gap and resting against Ryleigh's hand.

[9:00 PM] DM: Rukiya shrugs like it's obvious. "Lay everything we know out and see if a solution appears."

[9:03 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh sighs. "I suppose we should. Do you need some paper and pen?" She tries to say it teasingly, but it's clear she's too riddled with worry.

[9:22 PM] DM: "I don't. Do you?"

[9:26 PM] Ryleigh: "Ha ha," Ry says, a small smile on her lips. "I think I can follow along."

[9:32 PM] DM: "I hope so since most of it is already in your head."

[9:39 PM] Ryleigh: "Okay, where do I even start..."

[9:39 PM] DM: "Well... how about here? What do we know about this?" She gestures towards the big runic circle carving in the floor.

[9:47 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh reaches into her armor, and withdraws the stone. "I need to place this in the center. Except there's some kind of trial I have to do."

[9:48 PM] DM: "And we don't have any idea what it might do?"

[9:49 PM] Ryleigh: Shaking her head, Ry squeezes Rukiya's hand. "She just said I was stronger than her so I would succeed."

[9:50 PM] DM: She shakes her head. "No, I mean what completing the circle might do. Awaken some sort of power. Something that would make Mr. Vengeance Zombie need a day to change his plans."

[9:53 PM] Ryleigh: "Oh, she said that it would give power to anyone who's been slighted by Tilman... but I don't see how that's possible and she didn't explain what kind of power."

[9:54 PM] DM: Rukiya frowns. "That doesn't make sense."

[9:58 PM] Ryleigh: "I just figured it was the rambles of an old woman."

[9:58 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts like she forgot to censor herself and she sighs after.

[5:12 PM] DM: "Maybe... maybe she lied or twisted truth. Or... well, it just seems something that is supposed to affect that many people would either be so diluted to not be worth anything or so massively powerful that-" she stops talking.

[5:29 PM] Ryleigh: “What?” Ry asks.

[5:37 PM] DM: Her eyes kind of dart towards Seir, then she says quietly in Elven, "That your chances of survival are low."

[5:41 PM] Ryleigh: To her credit, because Ry is a spy, she doesn’t react and answers in Elven, “Don’t... I’m coming back to the both of you.”

[5:46 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh leans in and presses a soft kiss to Rukiya’s lips. She pulls away and says, “I’m stronger than her because I don’t want the power for revenge. I’m not doing this out of vengeance or greed. I’m doing this to help the people I care for. I’m here because of love... and that makes me different than any other Alastair who’s tried to collect it.”

[5:52 PM] Seirixori: "Love... or fear?" Seir whispers, like it's more of a passing thought than one she meant to say aloud. Her hands are busy turning an object over and over as she stares blankly at the ground.

[6:02 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh sighs. “I’m here for love, but that doesn’t mean I’m not afraid. Look at Ragna... her body is broken because of-“ she gestures to the circle. “I know it’s a risk, but I abandoned Clemency for 5 years because of fear.” She worries her lip. “I didn’t want to face her after what I did to Avery, and I missed the birth of my nephew. I left Clemency to do it all alone in a terrible place where she has no one. So... I’m here because I love her and my nephew, and I owe my brother this... he wouldn’t want Avery to grow up like this.”

[6:09 PM] Seirixori: "You didn't abandon her." Her voice still soft and quiet.

[6:12 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh’s suddenly very focused on her knees. “I did... I should have come for after Avery died, but I didn’t. I told myself it was because I needed to get strong, and learn magic before I could help her. She needed me and I wasn’t there...”

[6:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, but there's no feeling behind it, "Ryleigh you would have died and then where would they be? You know the only reason she isn't wearing that collar is because you're here."

[6:39 PM] Ryleigh: “You don’t know that I would have died. I could have shown up and Ragna would have still put the rune on me and I could gone up the mountain with her and things would have been different because we’d be more prepared and and...” it’s all said quickly like several thoughts she’s been having are just pouring out of her.

[6:40 PM] DM: Rukiya squeezes Ry's hand. "Ry... there's no point to agonizing about what might have been. We need to figure out what we're doing now."

[6:42 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh physically deflates. “You’re right... I-I got carried away... sorry.”

[6:45 PM] Ryleigh: “I remember her saying that the power here is ancient, and supposedly, what it does and how it works has been lost to time.”

[6:46 PM] DM: Rukiya frowns and thinks on that for a minute.

[5:22 AM] Seirixori: Seir has once again stopped paying attention, her hands continuing to fiddle with an object.

[5:25 AM] Ryleigh: While Rukiya thinks, Ry glances at the circle then at Seirixori. “Homashoc,” Ry softly says, and waits until Seir looks at her.

[5:26 AM] Seirixori: When she looks over, Ryleigh can see the tears running down Seir's face, but Seir doesn't seem to notice them. "Hmm?"

[5:28 AM] Ryleigh: “Come here.” Ry pats the ground beside her and with one hand still in Rukiya’s she opens her other arm so Seir can sit and lean into her. “Please.”

[5:29 AM] Seirixori: "I-" Seir's voice cracks, "I'm not sure that's a good idea."

[5:31 AM] Ryleigh: “She wouldn’t want you to shut yourself off... and... no matter what happens when I step into that circle-“ she nods to it “...I’m coming back to you and Rukiya.”

[5:37 AM] Seirixori: "I-I know, but- but there, there are other things," she waves a hand towards the circle, the one with the object in it. It's a very rough duplicate of the holy symbol Gunnloda's been using. "that need- need attention." Seir uses her other arm to squeeze her knees closer to her chest, like she's afraid to get closer.

[5:44 AM] Ryleigh: “We’re taking a rest, and I can practically hear Rukiya’s brain thinking through everything. So... come here, talk to me, or cry... there wasn’t exactly time when it happened.”

[5:56 AM] Seirixori: Seir doesn't move right away, clearly fighting with herself. With a shaky breath she scoots closer to Ryleigh, the closer she gets the more she starts to fall apart. Seir starts bawling the moment she scoots into Ryleigh's side.

[6:02 AM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh pulls Seir to her, wrapping her arm around her. “You’re not alone in this,” Ry whispers.

[6:06 AM] Seirixori: It takes a few minutes before she can catch her breath, "I-I knew- I knew it would be soon, but I-I thought-- I don't know what I thought. And then--" she stops and shakes her head. "I don't know what to do, Ryleigh."

[6:16 AM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh releases Rukiya’s hand to gently brush some of Seir’s tears away. “Me either... but I’ve realized that so much of life is about not knowing. Instead it’s about changing, taking the moment and making the best of it...without knowing what’s going to happen next.” She presses a kiss to Seir’s forehead, and repeats, “You’re not alone.”

[6:23 AM] Seirixori: "I'm not sure I can do that right now," Seir whispers. She chews on her lip, debating on saying more. With a heavy sigh, she does. "I... I told you I had Mielikki remove my mark, but- but I didn't tell you what's been happening since."

[6:24 AM] Ryleigh: Recognizing the potential need for a topic change, Ryleigh nods and waits to see if Seir wants to continue.

[6:27 AM] Seirixori: "G-Gunnloda," her voice cracks again and it takes her a moment to continue. "She was sending to Mama nearly every night for me." She wipes at her face, "Mama... Mama's... she's," Seir closes her eyes. "I don't think she likes herself very much and doesn't think she deserves to be around me."

[7:28 AM] Seirixori: "I-I told her I could look in on her whenever I wanted... and I haven't. I-I can't. Knowing she's- she's free and I-I can't be with her and Gunnloda's gone and I don't know if she's coming back and you--." Seir stops, unable to continue.

[11:16 AM] Ryleigh: “Aren’t going anywhere,” Ry finishes the sentence for her. “Your mama will realize she’s already lost time with you and come back. I know it, because no matter how much she thinks she doesn’t deserve to be with you or how much she hates herself... she loves you and bond is stronger than the doubt and self hatred - trust me.” She holds Seir a little tighter. “Whether or not Gunnloda comes back... she’ll always be with you. In your memories and in your heart. And you aren’t losing me too. I can do this homashoc... because I must. I will find a way back to you. I will.”

[5:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir doesn't verbally respond. For someone who pushes people to believe in themselves and hope for greater things, it's something she struggles with for herself. Eventually she speaks up, in a very hushed whisper, "I want to go home."

[6:01 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh huffs out a humorless laugh. "I said the same thing to Rukiya when we were in Ardabeh..." She presses a kiss to the top of Seir's head. "You don't have to stay, homashoc. I know this has been a lot for you..."

[6:07 PM] Seirixori: "I do have to stay. It's... It's my fault for thinking I could just remove the mark and think it wouldn't affect me." She snorts, "That's beside the point. I can't leave you all here. Especially because she's gone." The last part is whispered.

[6:21 PM] Ryleigh: "It's not your fault... I pushed you to that decision too, remember? I'm sorry for neglecting how much it's been worrying you."

[6:24 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh leans her head against the stone behind her and closes her eyes. "Without you we'd be vulnerable because you're easily the powerful person in this room, but... we'd manage if it's too much. If you can't be here because this place has taken her from you."

[6:30 PM] DM: Rukiya suddenly speaks, "Do you think it's connected?" She gives Seir a compassionate, apologetic look. "Sorry, it just... I knew this place was special, but I thought it was because of this power Ry's after, not because of Gunnloda. But what if they're connected?"

[6:33 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh's eyes open and her brows furrow. "I-" she pulls her head away from the wall. "That didn't occur to me. Do you think it could be?"

[6:34 PM] DM: "It's an awfully big coincidence otherwise.... I just don't know how."

[6:37 PM] Ryleigh: Taking Rukiya's hand in hers, Ryleigh smiles and says with humor in her tone, "It's going to drive you mad now, isn't it?"

[6:43 PM] Seirixori: "The magic from this place..." Seir closes her eyes, like she's getting a phantom headache from just remembering when she saw all of it, "it could have sparked something in her to- to," she struggles with trying to figure it out. "To... activate it?"

[6:43 PM] DM: "Why are you so interested in seeing me go mad? No... actually I was trying to figure out something else when that popped into my head."

[6:46 PM] DM: "There's places... at least a few... with immense amounts of power. I didn't know why they were important to us, but... it makes more sense for it to be about Gunnloda than Ry. No offense," she says with a grin. "Maybe the power that Ragna wants is somehow related."

[6:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, "Could you imagine Ry trying to do this and instead all of that power Ragna seems to want ends up going to my wife instead."

[6:53 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh just grins at Rukiya's comments. Then sighs heavily and says, "I'd worry if that's the case... she may not let Clemency and Avery go thinking I didn't do what she asked."

[6:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir practically growls, "I'd like to see her try."

[7:00 PM] Ryleigh: Ry worries her lip then rubs the back of Rukiya's hand and asks, "What were you trying to figure out?" Clearly not wanting to think about that particular fight.

[7:03 PM] DM: "Something about all of this is bothering me. There was all that furniture in the first tower, but the giants here are sleeping on the ground. The carpet here is decayed, but there's no real damage to the castle like there is in your grandmother's castle and Isonsall. Then the dead guy was saying that this place isn't his... and have you noticed that all the runes we've seen on everyone here are those other runes? The murals have shown bigger giants with the Alisdair rune, but we haven't seen anyone with it here. Even the dead guy was covered in the other ones. So were his... companions."

[7:04 PM] DM: "So what happened here?"

[7:06 PM] Seirixori: "If only we had a quick way to get through the shadowfell," Seir says quietly.

[7:11 PM] Ryleigh: "We don't need her help," Ry says, but its obvious that she didn't even think about everything Rukiya put together.

[7:13 PM] Ryleigh: "How did I miss all that." She squeezes Rukiya's hand just for a moment the says, "Did... did he blame Ragna or did I just assume that's who he meant?"

[7:14 PM] DM: "I don't think he used her name, but that's the sense I got, too."

[7:15 PM] Seirixori: "Do you think the dragons are involved?"

[7:17 PM] DM: "I don't know. The giants seem to be guarding against them... they could have just wandered in. That top level of the tower looked like a nest and they're still pretty small. They could have hatched here. Which makes me wonder where their parents are."

[7:22 PM] Ryleigh: "I'm sorry..." Ry whispers. "I... I feel like we did all we could to prepare and it just wasn't enough."

[7:49 PM] Seirixori: "There's no use thinking about that now." Seir looks like she's trying to think of a few things, like a relief to have her thoughts to focus on something else. "I-What if--" she frowns as she gathers her thoughts. "What if the fight in Isonsall, with Tillman, killed the Alisdair runed giants and Ragna tried to get these other ones from... wherever they're from? Or maybe the Alisdair ones died long ago and they tried to keep their power? Or maybe even the forest has a hand in this somehow."

[7:52 PM] Ryleigh: “Maybe the giant who ruled here gave their power to the Alisdairs... or maybe they took it. At this point I wouldn’t put it past them.” Ry pauses, and sighs. “Everything here looks ancient and Ragna did day our family is ancient.”

[8:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir sits up and her brow furrows as she thinks. "I... I know it isn't safe and I know Heli is a problem but I...I think my shape can last long enough to get back to the castle or close to it. I can try and get to places to see if I can find anything. Or get your family out first and then try that..." she trails off, trying to think of ways to do several things.

[8:16 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh shakes her head. "There isn't time. If that undead giant is raising an army, I need to place this stone and face whatever challenge it hold. Then you can fly down to warn the city, and maybe start the evacuation... but even that'll be work because of how dangerous the Fytulk is and how much the people fear everything within it."

[8:18 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Where do you think the army is?" Her brow furrows. "And why would he need a day's delay based on what we do here? Armies can't move that fast. Even though undead don't eat, I have to imagine they don't move that much faster than live ones."

[8:22 PM] Ryleigh: “I don’t know...” Ry pulls her hands from both Rukiya and Seir and buried her face in them instead. “But I can’t risk the people of Isonsall suffering anything more because of m- my family.”

[8:26 PM] Seirixori: "Do you think whatever we do here might effect the runes on some of the giants they're using in the attack?"

[8:27 PM] Seirixori: "Or even the path back."

[8:27 PM] DM: "I don't know... but if they were all like the ones he had? Their runes weren't glowing. They probably don't work anymore after death."

[8:30 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks uncomfortable when she touches the place on her neck when her rune now marks her skin - yet another scar to add to her collection.

[8:34 PM] Seirixori: "Also... what do you mean there isn't time? What difference will it make if I go now instead of after?"

[8:35 PM] DM: Rukiya says softly, "If you aren't here... and something goes wrong, none of us can help her."

[8:38 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh takes Rukiya's hand again, and places her other on Seir's leg.

[8:39 PM] Seirixori: The small lapse in forgetting she is now the only one to bring anyone back or heal sends dread throughout her body. "Right," Seir manages to get out. There's a small pause before she acts like that didn't just happen, "Maybe the big guy knows a way to change the runes or cancel them out and wants the day to do that so he has more of an army and there are less to take control of."

[8:45 PM] DM: "The ones in the circle or the tattoos?"

[8:46 PM] Seirixori: "...Oh. I was thinking the tattoos. But now I'm wondering if he might be able to do both."

[8:50 PM] DM: "You know... all the giants have one rune, or a couple, but the one that attacked at the gate and the undead ones... they were all covered in them."

[8:52 PM] Seirixori: "Are they trying to- to overpower the other one? Or make sure it can't be given?"

[8:53 PM] DM: If anyone wants to try an arcana roll, you can.

[9:08 PM] Seirixori: ((big ol' 11))

[9:13 PM] Ryleigh: "Ragna calls them 'rune-scared' and those are outside her control. And according to what you overheard during my ritual... its a flaw in the rune that causes it."

[9:15 PM] DM: Rukiya thinks about that for a moment. "Do you think we might be able to get any information out of the giants back at the tower?"

[9:17 PM] Ryleigh: "Which tower? I was purposely looking for that information the entire way here... except for the one below here. I was- distracted.

[9:22 PM] DM: "The two you talked to in the tower after we ran from the dragon. Maybe we can ask them about the runes or where they came from. Or the dead guy. Or that big door at the bottom of the tower that Orn said wasn't the circle." She stops, closes her eyes, and takes a breath. "Sorry." She looks back at Ry. "I'm not sure what will be useful in figuring out what to do next and I'll support whatever you decide. I am... intensely curious about much of what's happening here, but not if it means Clemency will suffer for it."

[9:28 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh brings Rukiya's hand to her lips. "Don't be sorry... I want to know what happened here too, but it's difficult for me to put my safety before hers... and Avery needs his mama."

[9:32 PM] DM: Rukiya's brows pull together as she listens to Ry. "You feel pretty determined to go in there. Is there anything that would change your mind at this point?"

[9:39 PM] Ryleigh: "If I don't she'll have Clemency killed... and she won't let me take Avery with us and I can't leave him to be raised by her. I just... can't. I don't see a way around this..." Ryleigh's eyes watery a little. "I'm sorry, I don't know what else to do to free them. So much of my life has been filled with pain - what's a little more if it means I can have them safe in Riverrun with us?"

[9:41 PM] Seirixori: "What's to say she won't do that anyway," Seir whispers. "And..." She trails off with a heavy sigh.

[9:45 PM] Ryleigh: “I threatened her and Heli before I left. As little as it might mean, I was assured that nothing would happen to them and that I could take them with me if I succeeded. They seemed to be telling me the truth.” Ryleigh squeezes Seir’s leg, “And what?”

[9:51 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori looks very very reluctant to say the words that come out of her mouth, "I haven't explicitly said this because... every time I tried, you shut me down." She gently places a hand on Ryleigh's. "But it feels like the choice has always been... your family or the people in Isonsall." She shakes her head, "No matter what we do. People are going to die. And I-I don't want to say this, because I think they're entirely justified, but half of these giants are already dead."

[10:03 PM] DM: "I'm not sure I follow. Why does anyone have to die? Especially because of what we do? The undead going after Ragna aside, what threat is there to Isonsall?"

[10:09 PM] Seirixori: "You saw how bad their defenses are. We saw a rune scarred attack from the forest and not from up here. There's no guarantee whatever is going to happen here, or there, is going to leave that city alone. They are practically defenseless and I feel like Ragna would use them more than she'd protect them. And because I'm more afraid for them than anyone in that castle."

[10:13 PM] Ryleigh: “The people of Isonsall understand that they live in harsh conditions and in a dangerous place. I don’t intend to abandon them when the giants come. I hope we can possibly evacuate... Regardless, I expect someone to take my family out of Isonsall so I don’t have to worry about them too.”

[10:15 PM] DM: "Maybe we should shift priorities. Send a message to Ragna somehow that we have a new problem and figure out how to stop this army and maybe buy some time to figure out this circle. Or at least give her time to protect the town."

[10:16 PM] DM: "...assuming she isn't watching us right now."

[10:24 PM] Ryleigh: “I gave Clemency my sending stone, for safety purposes... I don’t know how happy she’ll be if she finds out, but with Gunnloda gone... that might be our only option.”

[10:29 PM] Seirixori: Seir bristles at Ryleigh's earlier words and for a moment she thinks about letting it go, but she can't. "They may understand their living conditions but so did the people in Kinetas and they were only able to leave because we helped them leave. Not everyone has that privilege." She continues, but it's through gritted teeth and shifting to what Rukiya switched to. "I can ask Kendall, but in doing so I'd be bringing her here to better explain."

[10:44 PM] Ryleigh: “You don’t need to explain to me about not having the privilege to leave, or have you forgotten my sister is a captive in the castle,” Ry tone is equally heated. “We lived in the slums in Falberk because we couldn’t live anywhere else and trying to make our way to another city wasn’t possible - we didn’t have the funds or means to do so. So please don’t lecture me on something I’ve lived through.” Ryleigh withdraws her hand. “I thought you understood that I’m human by appearance, but I feel like I’m one of you in here.” Ry points her heart. “I come from two worlds... where I fit into neither. Humans don’t like me because I don’t share their superiority complex, and non-humans are afraid of me because I’m human. But none of that mattered because I belonged with Kizer and Clemency, with Torynn and Drasken... just like I feel like I belong here with you all. But maybe I’m wrong and you all just see me as another human taking advantage of you.”

[10:45 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stands and adds, “you can’t bring Kendall here because she teleports to Gunnloda and we don’t know where she is.” Then she starts to walk around the room, inspecting it.

[10:47 PM] DM: Rukiya's up in a flash, standing in front of Ryleigh before she can leave. She puts her hands out on Ry's arms. "Ryleigh, nobody's attacking you right now. We all want what's best for everyone."

[10:55 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks like she’s fighting back some tears - whether they’re from hurt or anger is unclear. She allows Rukiya’s touch and doesn’t move away, but she does hang her head and in a broken voice says, “I don’t know what to do. I’ve already expressed my concern for the people Isonsall... so much so that I lost my mind back there and chased after giant to plead for him to leave them be.” Ryleigh takes a deep breath and adds, “That’s what being a leader is... it’s making tough choices. And my choice has never been between my family and the innocent people of Isonsall. It’s always been about the sacrifice I’ll have to make to protect everyone.”

[10:59 PM] Seirixori: "And you're so wrapped up in it, that only you can do this, that anything I've tried to help with has been shut down without any further thought. I'm here to help, but you still won't let me."

[11:01 PM] DM: "You're not alone. It's not just up to you. You keep defaulting to this circle because it's a way for you to put everything on your own shoulders."

[11:06 PM] Ryleigh: Ry wipes at her cheeks. “Tell me what other options we have? Because nothing we’ve come up with feels like it’ll work. Ragna was inpatient for us to leave... she made it clear to me that our stay was only welcome as long as I agreed to this. If I hadn’t it wouldn’t have just put clemency in danger but all of you too. Now there’s a giant who requested a day to gods knows what - prepare for war? We can’t wait and take that chance.” Ryleigh’s voice breaks. “I don’t want to do this - I’m scared. I’m 20 and I don’t want to end up like Ragna... but I don’t see another way.”

[11:08 PM] DM: Rukiya reaches up and puts her hands on Ry's jaw, then presses a soft kiss to her lips. "Take a walk. Take a breath. Collect yourself. Then we'll lay out the threats and figure out how to neutralize them. We can do this, together."

[11:10 PM] Ryleigh: A few more tears fall from Ryleigh’s eyes. She swallows hard and nods, then turns to walk back down the stairs to the room below.

[11:11 PM] DM: Rukiya calls after her, "Don't go too far!"

[11:11 PM] Ryleigh: “I won’t. Promise,” her voice echoes up the stairs.

[11:13 PM] DM: Rukiya sighs and sits next to Seir. "Are you ok?"

[11:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, "Of course not."

[11:15 PM] DM: Rukiya kind of laughs. "Silly question."

[11:16 PM] Seirixori: "I'm still very bad at talking to people," Seir mutters.

[11:17 PM] DM: Rukiya leans in and says quietly with a grin, "She's not the best at listening either."

[11:17 PM] DM: "What have you been thinking?"

[11:18 PM] Seirixori: "I don't know why she keeps thinking Kendall can only teleport to Gunnloda. The hat isn't like a sending stone."

[11:19 PM] DM: "How does it work? Do you know?"

[11:21 PM] Seirixori: "They explained it to me once, and I think Ryleigh even used it one time. I think it takes you to a place you know, like you have to think of that place, or person, and it'll take you there. The better you know it, the closer you'll get."

[11:21 PM] Seirixori: "It's why Kendall always pops up so close to Gunnloda."

[11:22 PM] DM: "But she wouldn't know this place, right? How do we make sure she comes here and not somewhere halfway down the mountain where she freezes to death?"

[11:25 PM] Seirixori: "I'd hope she'd come to me, honestly. But you're right, I don't know how close she'd get. I was thinking of making my way to the castle and calling her just outside of it. Making sure she knew how cold it was... and then...well it gets a little dicey after that. Getting Clemency feels like the easy part, getting Avery, however..."

[11:27 PM] Seirixori: "I can change one of them. My real concern is Heli and whether or not there's something that can stop people from teleporting."

[11:28 PM] Seirixori: "So yes, there's danger, and uncertainty, but what plan doesn't have those?"

[11:31 PM] DM: Rukiya nods and chews on her thoughts for a moment. "I wish we knew more. I'm half tempted to sneak across that bridge and see if I can find this 'army' to see what we're dealing with there. And I wish I knew more about this 'power' and what it really means. We found a partial rubbing in the library... I think the mural is here somewhere and... it feels important."

[11:41 PM] Seirixori: "I can get into tiny spaces. And be tiny... Though the tiny thing would take me longer. If we're waiting until the morning... but I don't think Ryleigh would be comfortable with both of us going."

[11:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir sits up suddenly, "She already knows. She has to already know. There's no other explanation for why she rushed this."

[11:42 PM] DM: Rukiya tilts her head. "Ragna knows about the undead, you mean?"

[11:42 PM] Seirixori: "Yes. Why else would she need this done now?"

[11:48 PM] DM: Rukiya thinks a moment longer. "Maybe... you think she thinks this power will take care of that problem? Or give her the ability to do it?" She frowns a bit, then smiles. "I think Ry might get her impatience from her."

[11:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles a little at that, "I think so. Especially since Ryleigh seems very easy to... to manipulate when it comes to people she loves. And--" Seir's eyes widen a little, "What if-- what if doing this gives Ragna the power to control Ryleigh?"

[11:54 PM] DM: "I can't say the thought hasn't crossed my mind... though if she wanted to do that, I think she could have just used the other rune. It seems like theirs has some sort control over the ones who have the other one... though I don't know what kind."

[11:55 PM] DM: She sits back and lets her head fall back against the wall with a sigh. "I hate not knowing so much."

[12:00 AM] Seirixori: "Welcome to my life," Seir jokes. "If I can't go today... the only productive thing is for us to sneak around."

[12:03 AM] DM: Rukiya chuckles. "If we do, nobody's here to stop Ry from going into that circle."

[12:04 AM] Seirixori: "Brimeia and Urrak are pretty strong."

[12:09 AM] Seirixori: Seir rests her arms on her knees, looking at Gunnloda's symbol that she made for herself. She lightly traces it with one hand. "I wish she could help us a little."

[12:11 AM] DM: "What are you planning to do about that? If... she's gone longer than we're here."

[12:14 AM] Seirixori: Seir's have clench tightly around the symbol. "I-- I don't know. Maybe stay but," she swallows thickly. "There's no guarantee that- that she'll c-come back."

[12:22 AM] DM: Rukiya rests her hand on Seir's arm. "Have faith... and know that we're here for you."

[12:31 AM] Seirixori: Seir laughs a little, "I have enough faith in her to last a lifetime." She leans into Rukiya, "Though I know that isn't exactly what you meant." She closes her eyes, relaxing and bringing the symbol to her chest. "I only wish for her to succeed... and pray it doesn't destroy the rest of my family."

[12:55 AM] DM: Seir can't see it, but Rukiya grins a little. "Pray? Do you do that?"

[1:00 AM] Seirixori: Seir snorts, "No. It never made any sense to me. Especially when all I've had to do was go to an empty space and say a name."

[1:00 AM] DM: "Do you think Takara might have something to say?"

[1:03 AM] Seirixori: "She might, but I couldn't contact her at the castle. I'm not sure I could do it here either. I did wonder if I could just fly a little away from this place and try."

[1:10 AM] DM: "I wonder if the same thing that stops her from being around Gunnloda stops her from being here."

[1:12 AM] Seirixori: "Maybe. I'd like to try again, but I wasn't really expecting there to be dragons outside."

[1:13 AM] DM: "Yeeeah.... that would be a problem. I don't want to have to explain to both our wives that you got eaten in their absence."

[1:14 AM] Seirixori: Seir laughs a little, "You never know, I could maybe get myself out of a dragon."

[1:15 AM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh walks back up the stairs, looking more far more composed than when she left. She walks over to Rukiya and Seir and awkwardly shuffles her feet. "I'm sorry for not listening to you two... for thinking this was the only way." She takes a seat next to Rukiya and asks them, "I'm listening now."

[1:16 AM] DM: "We were just discussing not being eaten by dragons."

[1:17 AM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh's eyebrow quirks, but she doesn't comment.

[1:19 AM] Seirixori: "I could try getting into contact with Takara again. But uh... It might involve going away from here."

[1:21 AM] DM: "Why don't we talk about what we already know? The threats we know we're facing and how we might handle them. Then maybe we can discuss learning more."

[1:23 AM] Ryleigh: "We don't exactly know what's going to happen if I place the stone... but we do know it's dangerous."

[1:24 AM] DM: "We know there's an undead giant who claims to have an army that wants to march on Isonsall... and we know that Ragna is holding Clemency and Avery."

[1:24 AM] Seirixori: "I don't think Ragna is entirely the issue, but Heli is."

[1:25 AM] Ryleigh: "Ragna just wants the power that's up here... I'm certain she'll let them go if I complete the circle. And the giant... if he does has an army, maybe we'll need this power to stop him from hurting the people of Isonsall."

[1:27 AM] DM: "He has to be close. Maybe we can do some reconnaissance to see what we're actually up against."

[1:30 AM] Ryleigh: Ry worries her lip. "And by we... I assume you don't mean me and you."

[1:33 AM] DM: "Honestly... I was thinking just her." She looks to Seir. "Do you think dragons would notice air?"

[1:36 AM] Seirixori: Seir blinks in surprise, "Uh, maybe not. If I'm careful. I don't have to be a wolf. And my staff will help for at least an hour."

[1:42 AM] Ryleigh: Even though Ry looks worried, she nods. "I still don't like it, but it seems like our safest move... and we'll know what's coming. Hopefully."

[1:47 AM] Seirixori: "Okay, so, I'm going outside towards where the giant went to see if there's an army somewhere?"

[1:48 AM] Ryleigh: "Or to see if you can find out what he plans to use to destroy Isonsall."

[1:54 AM] DM: Rukiya nods. "Maybe try to look around, but... don't shift back if you can help it." She frowns. "I can go, though. I know undead make you uncomfortable."

[1:58 AM] Seirixori: "I think I can do it. Hopefully I won't need to get too close. If anything I'll come back if-if it's too much. I can stay shifted for quite a while now."

[2:08 AM] Seirixori: Seir stands up and gets her staff ready, "Uh... now?" She looks a little unsure, though a lot of it has to do with the bit of shock she still has from actually being told she can go scout things alone.

[2:10 AM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stands and pulls Seir into a hug. She says in infernal, “Be careful... and I love you.”

[2:15 AM] DM: "Please don't make me regret this. Be safe."

[2:20 AM] Seirixori: Seir pulls back and cups Ryleigh's cheeks, "I love you too." She tilts her head and then whispers something in druidic, like a phrase she'd forgotten and only just remembered. After a moment she looks at the both of them and repeats the phrase in common, "It always seems darkest just before the dawn." She doesn't give them time to respond. She steps away from Ryleigh, twisting her staff to cast the Pass Without a Trace spell and then shifts into an air elemental and moves to the door the giant walked out of and slips through.

[2:22 AM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh takes Rukiya’s hand as Seir leaves. “I hope whatever she finds out is good news...”

[2:23 AM] DM: "That might be asking too much... but I hope so too."

[2:23 AM] Ryleigh: Pulling Rukiya closer, she wraps her arms around her. “I’m sorry for earlier... I shouldn’t have gotten upset.”

[2:26 AM] DM: "You shouldn't have, because you know she wouldn't say things like that to hurt you... but you're still working on it so it's easy to forgive. Do you feel better?"

[2:28 AM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh shrugs and sighs. “Wandering around downstairs didn’t help much, but I did notice that the symbol on the throne matches my rune.”

[2:29 AM] Ryleigh: “Maybe I should try to meditate for a bit...”

[2:42 AM] DM: "Couldn't hurt........ could it?"

[2:54 AM] Ryleigh: “I suppose not,” Ryleigh says, pulling them back to a seated position. She sits with her legs crossed, and lets go of Rukiya’s hand to place it in her lap. Ryleigh closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, slowly exhaling. “It feels strange doing this in front of anyone but you.” But she breathes again, repeating the process until eventually her body stills except for the slow and steady rise and fall of her chest.

## Seir's explorations

[2:48 AM] DM: So I would say that you're probably not going to have issue getting in and out and I'll have to check details tomorrow but there's about a dozen of the same kind of dudes that were with the one who chatted with Ry, all wandering or standing in the bottom level of a crumbling tower on the other side. (Far more crumbly than the rest. There's massive holes in some of the floors)  There's also a zombie dwarf. You found the main guy, putting some things into a portable hole, like he was packing.(edited)

[9:05 AM] DM: is there anything in particular you would try to investigate further?

[9:20 AM] Seirixori: Maybe see if there are any murals in the crumbly tower. Or any tower but not sure if "easily" doable because she does not want to linger anywhere

[9:27 AM] DM: The crumbly tower is easy to move around in because there are big gaps in the stonework. It wouldn't be too easy to get around in the rest. It's also the closest one to you, so it doesn't take long to get in and out. If you want to check out the next unknown tower, you can, but I'd need more rolls from you lol

as for murals... the crumbly tower doesn't seem to have much. There are places where there might have been some carvings, but the stone seems to have just sloughed off and turned to dust. You wouldn't be able to figure out what any of them once were.

[9:31 AM] Seirixori: Try to check the one everyone is currently in, the lower levels.

[9:37 AM] DM: Looking closer, you can see there are a dozen, plus the one dwarf. And they all appear to be fairly mindless- likely zombies. The giants are all covered in the lesser version of those runes like they don't have a spare foot of skin that isn't covered, and they're all stripped down to practically nothing- except the dwarf who wears really nice armor. You can see her shield and mace on a higher level, on the floor next to a collapsed section of floor. Her shield bears the symbol of Akthor.

[9:39 AM] Seirixori: Cool cool cool, thought soooo. Is there anything to see about the other towers that is more noticeable up here than when on the ground? Or do they all just look pretty similar?

[9:42 AM] DM: They're all a little different in size- some are shorter or taller, thinner or thicker, but they all seem to be the same construction. There's nothing that stands out about them being different except for how crumbly the one is and the top floor of the one you entered through being open and currently a dragon's nest. In the time you're out, you do only see three dragons- all the size of the young ones you faced before.

## Seir returns

[1:36 PM] Ryleigh: After 30 mins or so, Ryleigh opens her eyes and sighs. She leans back, her head resting against the wall behind her. Her face and body looks more relaxed.

[1:38 PM] DM: "Better?"

[1:53 PM] Ryleigh: "Much," Ry says, reaching for Rukiya's hand and bringing it to her lips. "I feel more prepared... to hear what alternatives we have, and if there isn't one, to do what must be done."

[2:34 PM] DM: She presses a kiss to Ry's forehead and peeks out the slightly ajar door. "The sun's starting to set. I hope she doesn't take much longer."

[2:42 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods, with a slight frown on her face. "Do you really think there's more information here we can find?" She asks hesitantly.

[2:51 PM] DM: "I think there's a good chance there's something, somewhere, even if it's hidden away, but... I admit I have no idea how useful it might be to the current problem. I just can't imagine something so important sitting in such an important place with nothing to tell us what or why."

[2:58 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh pulls Rukiya closer. “It’s been bothering me too... how little we know. I’m so sorry I’ve been so short sighted. I just want her and Avery safe.”

[3:11 PM] DM: "I know. I do, too. You're more of an action persona nd I'm more of a planning person and that's why we work well as a team, balancing each other out."

[3:15 PM] Ryleigh: A small smile makes its way onto Ryleigh’s lips. “Balancing each other out,” she repeats, her smile growing. She leans over and presses a kiss to Rukiya’s lips. “Sun’frada.”

[3:27 PM] DM: Rukiya lets herself enjoy the moment a little longer than she might normally, but as the sun starts  to set and this room grows dark, save Dawnbringer's light, Seirixori in air elemental form returns.

[4:24 PM] Seirixori: "Can undead turn the dead into more undead?" Is the first thing she says.

[4:25 PM] DM: Rukiya blinks, translating the question. "Are you asking if undead can raise undead? If they have spells to do it, sure."

[4:26 PM] Ryleigh: “Is that what you saw?” Ry asks, stiffening a little.

[4:32 PM] Seirixori: "Not actively." Her voice grows a little quieter, "One of the dwarves is with them." Despite being back, she stays in form instead of shifting back. "There's a tower that's more destroyed and open than the others. There's about a dozen zombie giants, all covered in the runes. Not really wearing anything either. The dwarf's weapon and shield got left on an upper floor... aw I should have grabbed them." She says as an after thought. "Oh and the big guy is putting stuff into some kind of portable hole thing. Like he's packing stuff up."

[4:36 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh sighs heavily. “So he is raising some kind of army... to make a last stand of some kind.”

[4:37 PM] DM: "And he's probably a necromancer... which doesn't surprise me."

[4:42 PM] Seirixori: There's a light ripple though her form as she shudders. She quickly moved on, "I tried looking in that one place with the other circle door. But even I couldn't get through it which makes me think it's magically shielded. I was going to try the other towers but figured I should check in first."

[4:43 PM] Ryleigh: “You mean the towers we walked through to get here? What do you expect find?”

[4:50 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh shakes her head and says, “Actually, that’s not what’s important right now.”

[4:51 PM] Seirixori: "Or if we missed one. And I don't know, a mural or something we missed."

[4:56 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh slowly gets to her feet and touches the back of her neck. “We’re running out of time. I don’t think we have another option now. I need to place the stone while your here in case something happens. Then you need to fly down the mountain to warn the town. It’ll be too dangerous for the rest of us to travel in this weather at night.”

[4:59 PM] Ryleigh: “Unless anyone can come up with a better choice, but the longer we wait... I don’t think the weather is going to effect the undead, which already puts us at a disadvantage...” Ry close her eyes and takes a deep breath. “What should we do?”

[5:00 PM] Seirixori: "That's kind of where this gets tricky. I can make it to the castle like this. But I'd have to rest before getting to the town, otherwise I'd be walking to it. As it is, if you need me to go tonight, I'll have to have a small rest as well."

[5:00 PM] DM: Rukiya tilts her head. "Do you think the big purple giant in the clouds will let them through? Or would he try to stop them?"

[5:02 PM] Ryleigh: “I don’t know... maybe? But maybe the storm giant would let them pass just because they’re leaving instead coming.”

[5:02 PM] DM: Rukiya says to Seir, "Reaching the castle should allow them to warn the town through whatever means they have to do so. Most castles and towns have some sort of alarm bell or fire or signal to warn each other of impending danger."

[5:03 PM] DM: "And... there's the option of warning Clemency and asking her to warn them."

[5:04 PM] Ryleigh: “I’m worried of the repercussions that might have. She isn’t supposed to have ‘unsupervised’ conversation with me.”

[5:05 PM] DM: "They wouldn't have to know it was a sending stone instead of just the spell... though they might be suspicious about why we didn't just send the message straight to them."

[5:05 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, "Okay." She shifts back and sits down. She immediately starts fiddling with Gunnloda's symbol. "I know where she sleeps." Seir pauses "That sounds kind of creepy."

[5:06 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks confused by the statement. “Okay?”

[5:08 PM] Seirixori: "I can tell her. I'm going in to tell them anyway, right? There's a chance I might not make it all the way to the castle in form. So if I rest again I can sneak in to her room. I know that seems like a lot of time but still faster than waiting until tomorrow. If not... You can always say that you were worried and she was the first you thought of."

[5:10 PM] Ryleigh: “I-“ Ry’s brows are still furrowed. “If you go to earn them there’s no need for you to go to Clemency’s room. She’d only be in danger if they knew I gave her a means of communicating with me without their knowledge.”

[5:12 PM] DM: "Maybe there will be a moment in time in the chaos to slip them away."

[5:13 PM] DM: "It would probably be safer for her to stay there and help with the preparations than to try to find us on our way back down again. Unless we're going to wait here for her."

[5:15 PM] Ryleigh: “No, I think Seirixori should stay and help them.” Ryleigh rubs at her forehead. “We’ll leave at first light and hopefully make it down the mountain and not run into the undead army along the way.”

[5:15 PM] DM: "It shouldn't be too hard to avoid that many creatures that are that big..."

[5:20 PM] Seirixori: "If you don't want me to meet you," Seir rubs at her temple, "Please, please be careful." Her breath catches in her throat, "I made it easier for us to get here but I won't be there to make it easier to get down."

[5:27 PM] Ryleigh: “I know it isn’t ideal but I feel so much better knowing you’re there with them.” She pulls Seir into a hug. “We’ll be careful and we’ll make it down the mountain okay.”

[5:29 PM] Seirixori: "Send to Clemency if you need help. Promise me that."

[5:33 PM] Ryleigh: “I promise.” Ryleigh pulls back and with her eyes closed she presses her forehead to Seir’s. “No matter what happens when I complete the circle... I’ll be alright, and if I’m not, you’ll be here to help me... but then you have to go, okay? You can’t let the people of Isonsall suffer more at the hands on my family.”

[5:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir's hands shake slightly, "If I wasn't worried about maybe needing Kendall later, or worried about her getting down this mountain, I'd ask her to come here now."

[5:47 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh reaches down and takes Seir’s hands in hers. “You might need to call her if something goes terribly wrong with this, but otherwise we’ll just have to manage.” She leans back and presses a lingering kiss to Seir’s forehead. “I love you.”

[5:53 PM] Seirixori: "I love you too," she whispers. "And I'm sorry... about earlier."

[5:56 PM] Ryleigh: “Don’t be... I know you didn’t mean it like that. I was on edge and overreacted.” When she pulls away, Ry’s smiling. “It’s okay now. I’ve... recentered myself.” She steps out of their embrace and with one last squeeze of Seir’s hands, she lets her go.

[6:03 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh walks right up to Rukiya, cupping her cheeks just before she kisses her - with more passion than she usually would have in present company.

[6:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir smiles slightly and if anyone is looking it looks a little strained. She sighs quietly and turns away, needing the rest to get her shapes back and maybe to talk herself into actually leaving everyone for so long.

[6:14 PM] Ryleigh: Slowly, Ryleigh pulls away from the kiss - a little breathless.

[6:16 PM] DM: It takes a few seconds for Rukiya to recover, then she says quietly, "You should have saved that for after so it didn't feel so much like goodbye."

[6:20 PM] Ryleigh: “It’s not a goodbye. It’s a promise that I’m coming back to finish what I started.” Ry smirks, and then her expression softens and she switches to elven, “Every spark returns to darkness. Every sound returns to silence. But the dance of the sun and moon is everlasting.”

[6:30 PM] DM: Rukiya closes her eyes and lets the words sink in, then smirks in her defensive, deflecting tone, "At least even if the worst happens, you'll still have your talented tongue."

[6:39 PM] Ryleigh: Ry chuckles softly and presses another kiss to Rukiya’s lips not lingering too long but also not rushing it. Then she hands Rukiya Dawnbringer and the bag of holding.

[7:03 PM] Ryleigh: Nodding to Bri and Urrak, she says, with an unsteady smile, “See you two in while.”

[7:15 PM] Brimeia: Bri nods back and gives a goofy thumbs up.

[7:20 PM] Ryleigh: With the stone in her hand, Ryleigh steps into the circle.

[7:22 PM] DM: As Ry steps over the runes, a brilliant white radiant fire erupts throughout the entire circle and a scream tears, unbidden, from Ry's throat.

[7:31 PM] Seirixori: Seir covers her ears. She briefly closes her eyes but they shoot back open to watch for when she's needed.

[7:31 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia's eyes shoot wide. "Uh... is that supposed to happen?"

[7:33 PM] DM: Rukiya's knuckles pale as she grips Dawnbringer's hilt.

The scream stops and after a moment, Ry seems to grit her teeth and take another step.

[7:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir uncovers her ears and grips Gunnloda's symbol. Her free hand pulls  a braid forward, the one with Takara's flower. Her eyes close again, clearly saying something under her breath.

[7:39 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia's whole body is tensed, but not knowing if or how she can help, she just clutches restlessly at her weapon's handle.

[7:40 PM] Brimeia: "How... how will we know if she's doing it or if it's... not going well?"

[7:40 PM] DM: Rukiya's eyes never leave Ry. "I don't know if we'll know until it's over."

[7:41 PM] DM: Ry closes her eyes and shakes her head, then takes another step. She's close to the center.

[7:52 PM] DM: She falls to one knee and stays there for what feels like ages before she stands again and takes the final step.

[8:03 PM] DM: The stone disappears from Ryleigh's hand and reappears in the indentation in the center of the circle. The radiant light bursts outward, but at the last moment before it hits each of you, it seems to part around you, leaving scorch marks in the walls around you save for an arched shape where each of you stood. When the energy fades, Ryleigh is there in the center of the room... and that's where we'll pick up on Sunday.

## [1:59 PM] DM: ------------

[2:00 PM] DM: Ryleigh's standing in the center of the circle, breathing hard, hand empty.

[2:01 PM] Brimeia: "So uh... did it work?"

[2:01 PM] Seirixori: "You're okay?" Seir asks, hesitating to move closer.

[2:03 PM] Ryleigh: There's a layer of sweat on her face, and she slowly turns to the others. "I guess so." Then she's moving to Seir and Rukiya and pulling them into a hug. "I'm fine..." she answers breathing a little heavy, like she's exerted herself.

[2:03 PM] DM: Suddenly, there's a rumble beneath your feet. I need everyone to give me a Dex save as the floor suddenly shifts and part of the wall behind you collapses.

[2:04 PM] Urrak: ((20))

[2:04 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 17 / Rukiya: 22))

[2:04 PM] Seirixori: ((17))

[2:06 PM] Brimeia: ((18))

[2:07 PM] DM: Hey you all manage to keep your feet!

[2:07 PM] DM: The wall crumbles, sending massive stones down hundreds of feet to the mountaintop. The sky is ablaze with the sunset, and it's fitting considering the view before you. The entire mountain seems to be heaving.

Not far off, the entire mountain seems to be collapsing... and it's spreading towards the tower you're in.

[2:08 PM] Brimeia: "UH. What just happened?"

[2:08 PM] Urrak: "Whatever it is, we need to get th' fuck outta here, an' fast"

[2:08 PM] Ryleigh: "I don't know," Ry answers in a panicked voice.

[2:10 PM] Seirixori: "Hold on!" Moving quickly Seir summons 4 of giant eagles. "Grab them, follow me!" Seir shifts into a wolf air elemental and flies just high enough to avoid the crumbling of everything to look for a place that... might be safe?

[2:10 PM] Brimeia: Bri does as she's told and hops on one of the eagles.

[2:11 PM] Seirixori: ((it might not be 8 but it should be enough let me double check lol))

[2:11 PM] Seirixori: ((it's 4, but that's fine lol))

[2:12 PM] DM: There are... five of you, but you're an elemental so.

[2:12 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will grab ahold of one, as soon as Rukiya settles on hers, and they follow Seir.

[2:12 PM] Urrak: Urrak hops onto another eagle, "We should go back t' th' castle, make sure everyone's ok," she looks around at the falling rubble, "This looks real bad."

[2:13 PM] DM: You start flying upwards as the tower you were in starts to collapse on itself and the mountain beneath you pitches and crumbles. Nothing close to you looks particularly 'safe.'

Everyone give me perception checks.

[2:13 PM] Seirixori: ((27))

*[2:15 PM] DM: While looking for a safe place to land, you notice something weird about the ground and the way it's moving. It's almost like some thing moving around underneath the mountain itself. Something huge.*

[2:13 PM] Urrak: ((7))

[2:14 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 8 - nat 1 / Rukiya 22))

[2:14 PM] Brimeia: ((4))

[2:15 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Those dragons are taking flight too. Hopefully they're more interested in fleeing than food."

[2:16 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh's head jerks in the direction of the dragons, worry splashed across her face.

[2:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir is staring at the mountain, and because she doesn't exactly have a face you cannot see how confused and surprised she looks. "Uh... I- I think there's something very very large in the mountain."

[2:17 PM] Ryleigh: Taking her eyes off the dragons, Ry looks down at the crumbling mountain.

[2:18 PM] Brimeia: "In? Does it look ... mad?"

[2:18 PM] DM: The tower you were in completely collapses and the bridges connecting it to the others tip and fall too. The other towers have started collapsing floor by floor like they imploded or tipping like dominoes.

[2:19 PM] Urrak: "Holy hells..." Urrak mumbles under her breath as she watches in awe

[2:21 PM] DM: There's a loud snap and several cracking sounds, and the deepest rumble you've ever heard before something moves beneath you- a piece of the mountain itself, it seems- stands and roars, its black eyes sweeping the area. It pulls itself out of the crater left behind by the earth that had been resting atop it and shoves the last tower over. Tumulus is gone.

[2:22 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks horrified.

[2:23 PM] Urrak: "What th' FUCK did ye jus' do, Ryleigh? Tell me that's friendly!"  Urrak yells over the wind and sounds of crumbling stone

[2:23 PM] Seirixori: Seir manages to tear her eyes from the creature and look towards where the undead giants were to see if they have already moved on or if they'd still been around.

[2:23 PM] DM: Give me a perception check!

[2:23 PM] Ryleigh: She doesn't answer, she just continues to stare.

[2:23 PM] Seirixori: ((16))

[2:24 PM] Urrak: ((15))

[2:24 PM] DM: Just Seir, to find the undead.

*[2:25 PM] DM: There does seem to be some sort of movement in that direction, but it's hard to tell what with all the chaos and rising dust plumes and snow.*

[2:25 PM] DM: The creature starts walking down the mountain.

[2:26 PM] DM: It is extremely slow but... it is also a being of immense size and power.

[2:26 PM] Seirixori: "Ry! Try to see if you can talk to it, otherwise the rest of you fly towards the castle! I'll catch up." Seir flies towards where the undead were to see if she can find out their current status.

2:30 PM] DM: Give me a perception or investigation roll.

[2:30 PM] Seirixori: ((30))

[2:37 PM] DM: Wow. Yeah. I think you see anything lol. The tower where they were is collapsed. You don't see any of the giants, but there is motion. With that check, you can probably surmise that they were in the tower when it fell and any that survived are trapped beneath it. For now at least.

[2:38 PM] Seirixori: ~~just gonna go and search for that weapon and shield~~ Seir will fly back to the others, at least know they have some time on that front.

[2:26 PM] DM: Each footfall seems to cause its own earthquake and avalanches are triggered by its movement, careening down the face of the mountain.

[2:27 PM] Brimeia: Bri hesitates, looking at Ry and Seir with concern. "If you can't talk to it, we'll run...er fly."

[2:28 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh was already thinking along the same lines as Seir, already in the process of changing the direction of her eagle towards the giant creature. Once she's close enough she'll shout over the wind, "Can you understand me?"

[2:29 PM] DM: There doesn't seem to be any recognition that someone is trying to talk to it.

[2:29 PM] Ryleigh: Ry will fly directly in front of its face, trying to see if it'll recognize something's there. "Please, stop!"

[2:31 PM] Urrak: Urrak will swoop around the creature to see if it has any kind of rune-scarring

[2:31 PM] DM: Give me a dex save, please. The eagle, too (+3)

[2:32 PM] Seirixori: ((19))

[2:32 PM] DM: Just Ry.

[2:33 PM] Ryleigh: ((7 - nat 1 - yay)

[2:34 PM] DM: The titan's hand brushes in front of its face like a man waving off a fly and Ryleigh's caught by it, flying off her eagle. She's falling towards the ground.

[2:34 PM] Urrak: Urrak will attempt to grab her

[2:35 PM] DM: Give me an animal handling check to see if you can get your eagle to get you close enough.

[2:37 PM] Urrak: ((6))

[2:38 PM] DM: The eagle's hesitant to go closer to the titan, instead veering away out of self-interest.

[2:38 PM] DM: Ryleigh continues plummeting towards the ground.

[2:40 PM] Seirixori: ((Can the eagle she fell from snatch her up?))

[2:41 PM] Ryleigh: An enormous boom emits from Ryleigh, and suddenly she's on the ground - looking totally confused for a moment, she grabs the back of her neck like she's in pain, but then she starts running down the mountain. ((22))

[2:43 PM] Urrak: "Fine, sure, ye can fall from fuckin' houxovk and be ok. Good t' know," Urrak readjusts herself on the eagle and flies towards the castle.

[2:44 PM] Brimeia: Bri stares for a moment, and when she sees that Ryleigh looks alright, she starts flying off to the castle like Seir said.

[2:44 PM] DM: Well, you can all start flying down anyway, but you can't see the castle since there's that big purple-lightning storm cloud between you and it.

[2:45 PM] DM: Ry's eagle soars down and picks her up to group up with the others.

[2:47 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will guide her eagle to dive right into the purple-lightning storm cloud, so they can back it to the castle.

[2:47 PM] DM: On the eagles you are faster than the titan... only the wind picks up more and more the closer you get to the clouds. If you are going to attempt to fly into them, I'll need you all to make Strength saves to hold on.

[2:48 PM] Urrak: ((19))

[2:48 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 11 / Rukiya: 4))

[2:49 PM] Brimeia: ((16))

[2:51 PM] Seirixori: "Wait!" Seir yells a little too late. "...well why the fuck not." Seir turns back to the titan and is going to see what happens when she tries to bite a knee.

[2:53 PM] DM: Ok, so Bri and Urrak fly into the storm ok, though the eagles are not pleased about it. However, Ry and Rukiya both lose grip on theirs and fall into the snow taking 17 bludgeoning damage each because I assume you were smart enough after falling once to not fly that high.

[2:53 PM] DM: Seir, roll an attack.

[2:54 PM] Seirixori: ((20a, 14 lightning))

[2:54 PM] Seirixori: ((pretty sure the rest of that doesn't really apply lol))

[2:55 PM] DM: Seir seeks a place to bite... and does but she is literally biting rock and the lightning force of her attack ends up pushing her back instead.

[2:56 PM] DM: Down in the clouds, a massive bolt of purple lightning strikes in front of where Ryleigh fell, (which is probably 30' from where Rukiya landed).

[2:56 PM] DM: When the electricity and snow clears, the purple giant is standing there, furious. He shouts in his rumbling tongue.

[2:59 PM] Ryleigh: "I'm sorry!" Ryleigh shouts, getting up quickly. If anyone were near enough they would hear the emotion in her voice and see her eyes water. "I-I..." but she doesn't give him an excuse. "I was stupid... can it be stopped?"

[3:01 PM] DM: He rumbles back, through gritted teeth. "It was once before. You'd better learn how quickly. I cannot hold it long."

And before Ryleigh knows what's happening, the giant is gone, then reappears with his lightning greatsword in hand, a massive bolt of lightning firing out of the cloud to crash against the titan's chest. A bolt of lightning that barely even leaves a mark on the titan.

[3:01 PM] DM: Urrak and Bri- are you still flying?

[3:01 PM] Brimeia: ((yes))

[3:01 PM] Urrak: ((yeah))

[3:01 PM] DM: Give me another Strength save to hold on.

[3:02 PM] Seirixori: ((question, is it magical rock, like all of it or just like... the pieces holding it together? ...or is it ice?))

[3:02 PM] Urrak: ((11))

[3:02 PM] Brimeia: ((10 nat 1))

[3:02 PM] DM: It looks like a massive elemental.

Seir- the purple lightning crashed above you, the biggest lightning bolt you've ever seen in your life. What are you doing?

[3:03 PM] DM: Bri and Urrak both come crashing down into the snow, taking 17 bludgeoning damage each.

[3:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir is going to fly around it to see if there might be anything on it that could be some kind of weakness or an 'off' switch.

[3:04 PM] DM: Give me a perception or investigation check.

[3:04 PM] Seirixori: ((27 p))

[3:05 PM] DM: Ryleigh- what are you doing?

[3:06 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will run to Rukiya, take her hand and drag her down the mountain towards the castle. She's muttering, "what have I done," over and over under breath.

[3:06 PM] DM: Bri and Urrak! You're lying in the snow. You heard the lightning crash and the thunder, and Ryleigh's dragging Rukiya down the mountain towards you. What are you doing?

[3:07 PM] Brimeia: Bri will try to meet up with them and take one of them on her eagle.

[3:08 PM] DM: Your eagles have fled or are hiding.

[3:08 PM] Brimeia: Then Bri will try to go over and help on foot anyway.

[3:08 PM] DM: Or were flung by the wind and poofed against a rock

[3:08 PM] Urrak: Urrak takes a moment to get up, both from pain and from dizziness caused by tumbling through the snow like a fucking log. "Gods--fuck--,"she looks over to Ryleigh and Rukiya and then to the monster. She starts to sprint towards the abomination and will try to grab onto one of it's legs.

[3:09 PM] DM: You can't actually see the titan from here. It's obscured by the clouds. It's also very far away from you at this point.

[3:10 PM] Urrak: Then she'll run towards the others instead, her dreams of climbing the Titan dashed for now

[3:10 PM] DM: Seir- you don't see any sort of weaknesses. It's hard to tell what you're looking at other than some embodiment of the earth and mountains itself. You do see the giant fling another purple lightning bolt at the titan and you can see that as massive as the giant was to you... the titan is even bigger to the giant.  What are you doing?

[3:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir will ty to fly in circles around it's head to try and maybe slow it even further as a distraction.

[3:12 PM] DM: Give me a dex save.

[3:13 PM] Seirixori: ((8))

[3:14 PM] DM: The titan waves its hand again and Seir takes 14 bludgeoning damage from the buffeting winds as she is missed by the hand itself, but she's tossed about in the wake of its passing.

[3:15 PM] DM: The four of you running down the mountain- you're still making your way through the clouds, running as fast as you can. The further you get from the giant, the less treacherous it seems, as though he's causing the clouds and winds to coalesce in his location. What are you doing?

[3:16 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry is going to continue to run, she wants to make it to the castle as quickly as they can...))

[3:16 PM] Urrak: ((Urrak is just following Ryleigh at this point))

[3:17 PM] Seirixori: ((Just fyi Seir is resistant to bludgeoning))

[3:17 PM] Brimeia: Bri is running for the castle. She figures the best thing they can do right now is just to get there quickly and warn everyone.

[3:17 PM] DM: Then take half that.

[3:17 PM] DM: Seirixori, what are you doing?

[3:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir lands somewhere within 60ft beside it and runs along side it and tries to see if Polymorph will work.

[3:21 PM] DM: It does not have an effect, though you can't tell if it's because it wouldn't work, if it saved, or if something else prevented it.

[3:22 PM] DM: The four of you break through the clouds much sooner than expected and you can see now, though the sky is dark and all you see is the flash of purple when lightning strikes above you, the black of the Fytulk stretching out before you... and the lights of Isonsall far below.

Give me a perception check, Ry's with advantage.

[3:23 PM] Urrak: ((10))

[3:24 PM] Brimeia: ((nat 20))

[3:24 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 26 / Rukiya 12, nat 1))

[3:25 PM] Ryleigh: "Why aren't there any lights on in the castle?" Ryleigh says as they break through the clouds, continuing to run as fast as she can - despite being hurt. "I swear to the gods, Ragna..."

[3:26 PM] Seirixori: ((20))

[3:26 PM] DM: Seir? What are you doing?

[3:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir curses and then uses transmute rock right under where the titan is going to step, turning the stone underneath to mud. ((40ft cube))

[3:28 PM] DM: When it steps, it doesn't seem to have any effect at all on its speed or balance.

[3:29 PM] DM: The rest of you- it is now dark and cold. Are you running at full speed or are you moving at a more cautious pace?

[3:30 PM] Urrak: ((Full speed ahead))

[3:30 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry is running at full speed, but if Rukiya doesn't want too, she'll let go of her hand))

[3:30 PM] Brimeia: ((Full speed))

[3:31 PM] DM: K. Seir?

[3:32 PM] Seirixori: She'll cast Moonbeam on it just to do a shitty amount of damage for a minute while she runs.

[3:34 PM] DM: Ok. You're trying to catch up?

[3:35 PM] Seirixori: ((Well, it's not much of catching up for a minute since moving moonbeam is an action, but essentially lol))

[3:36 PM] DM: The giant has started trying to attack the titan as it moves into the are close to the clouds, as well as firing its lightning bolts at it, but neither seem to be doing a whole lot of anything. The last thing Seir sees before she enters the clouds is that titan reaching down a hand to swat at the giant.

[3:37 PM] DM: Seir is much faster than the others, though, and will catch up right around the time I need you all to make a Con save at disadvantage- for the cold and for exertion.

[3:37 PM] Seirixori: ((no no, she isn't lol))

[3:38 PM] Brimeia: ((20))

[3:38 PM] Urrak: ((17))

[3:38 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 24 / Rukiya 9))

[3:42 PM] DM: Seir will need one too, even if she hasn't caught up. This one is a DC 22, which even with clothes, everyone but Ry fails and is now shivering. Disadvantage on dexterity checks.

[3:45 PM] Seirixori: ((18)) With the cold seeping in and anything she tries to attempt completely failing she grips Gunnloda's symbol as she runs, "If there's anything you can do, mo chuisle, now would be a great time."

[3:47 PM] DM: There's a great booming sound above you and the snow and ice starts to rush towards you in an avalanche. I need all of you to roll a Strength save to attempt to 'ride' it out.

[3:47 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 25 / Rukiya 19 - nat 20))

[3:48 PM] Urrak: ((21))

[3:48 PM] Seirixori: ((15))

[3:48 PM] Brimeia: ((23))

[3:50 PM] DM: You all manage to keep yourselves from being tumbled about, effectively riding the crashing ice and snow... but you are surrounded by it, so I'll need another Con save at DC 23.

[3:50 PM] DM: Straight rolls, for cold with your +5s etc.

[3:50 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry 30 / Rukiya 16))

[3:50 PM] Brimeia: ((17))

[3:51 PM] Urrak: ((10))

[3:51 PM] Seirixori: ((26))

[3:52 PM] DM: Rukiya, Bri, and Urrak all have mild hypothermia and their speed is reduced 10 feet and have a level of exhaustion.

[3:54 PM] DM: Give me perception checks at disadvantage.

[3:54 PM] Seirixori: ((15))

[3:54 PM] Urrak: ((nat 1))

[3:54 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry 13 / Rukiya 18))

[3:55 PM] Brimeia: ((10))

[3:56 PM] DM: Rukiya shouts, "Everyone, try to move to the north! The left! Quick!"

And for those of you who are going to listen, I'd like you all to make Athletics checks.

[3:56 PM] Seirixori: ((aaam I anywhere nearby lol))

[3:56 PM] DM: Disadvantage for those of you who are exhausted.

[3:56 PM] DM: Yes. lol

[3:56 PM] Urrak: ((12))

[3:56 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 17 / Rukiya: 12))

[3:57 PM] Brimeia: ((13))

[3:57 PM] Seirixori: ((8))

[3:58 PM] DM: Ry, seeing that she's the only person of the group who would have managed to get to the outcropping Rukiya spotted decides to stick with the group instead of getting out of the turmoil.

[3:59 PM] DM: And one more round of Strength saves for riding the avalanche.

[3:59 PM] Brimeia: ((13))

[3:59 PM] Seirixori: ((5))

[3:59 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 28 / Rukiya 18))

[3:59 PM] DM: This is not at disadvantage.

[4:06 PM] DM: What are you doing? You can attempt to dig free- a survival check to tell which way to dig and an athletics check to do it.

[4:07 PM] Seirixori: ~~I'm trying to decide on using fire shield or just DYING ... lmao~~ she'll try and dig lol

[4:07 PM] Seirixori: 20 surv and 12 athl

[4:08 PM] DM: You're pretty sure that you know which way is up, using things like seeing which way your spit goes to inform your choice, but unfortunately, that's just not enough to get your arms free enough to dig.

[4:08 PM] DM: Give me another CON save please.

[4:09 PM] Seirixori: ((total of 20 for clothes))

[4:09 PM] DM: Give me a perception check to see if you hear them.

[4:09 PM] Seirixori: Well Seir's gonna now try and use fire shield.

[4:10 PM] Seirixori: I think I do with a 32

[4:10 PM] DM: Flat d20 roll.

[4:10 PM] Seirixori: it's verbal. Only Verbal. lmao

[4:10 PM] DM: lmao then yeah, you lose the slot.

[4:10 PM] Seirixori: og I lied it's everything

[4:11 PM] Seirixori: I was thinking thunder step which I can't use because I can't see

[4:11 PM] DM: Give me... a Charisma save.

[4:11 PM] Seirixori: this is going so well 6

[4:11 PM] DM: That'll set the DC for what.... wow.

[4:12 PM] DM: Ok, do you want to try to muscle out again?

[4:12 PM] Seirixori: I am going to literally waste my last high level spell to try fire shield again lol

[4:12 PM] Seirixori: 11 for that

[4:13 PM] DM: That'll work.

[4:14 PM] DM: Speaking of, give me another con save, please

[4:14 PM] Seirixori: uuh 26?

[4:15 PM] DM: That is exactly the dc. You're still at level 4.

[4:11 PM] DM: Everyone give me a perception check.

[4:12 PM] Brimeia: ((13))

[4:12 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry 19 / Rukiya 25))

[4:13 PM] Urrak: ((9))

[4:13 PM] DM: Rukiya turns her head just in time for Ry to also notice that there's a spot in the snow that seems to be melting.

[4:14 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh immediately moves to it and starts digging. "Seirixori! Homashoc."

[4:15 PM] DM: Ry uncovers a slightly fiery Seirixori who has practically gone purple with the cold.

[4:15 PM] DM: You can pull her out with a little bit more digging.

[4:16 PM] Ryleigh: She'll dig through Seir's bag for the cold potion and once she finds it she uncorks it and practically pours it down Seir's throat.

[4:16 PM] Seirixori: ((it would be in the bag of holding))

[4:16 PM] Ryleigh: ((No she handed them to everyone for emergencies.))

[4:17 PM] Seirixori: ((oh fuck uh no

[4:17 PM] Seirixori: ((Seir's isn't there))

[4:17 PM] Seirixori: ((She gave it to Gunnloda))

[4:17 PM] Ryleigh: ((But Gunnloda had her own?))

[4:17 PM] Seirixori: ((She sure did.))

[4:18 PM] Urrak: ((Urrak still has hers if need be))

[4:18 PM] Brimeia: ((Bri still has hers too))

[4:20 PM] DM: Anyway because Nicole is dying I'm going to do some narration to get us closer to a good stopping point.

[4:21 PM] Ryleigh: "I think everyone should rest," Ry suggests, looking around at everyone shivering. "Rukiya, will you send to Clemency? Ask her where she and Avery are and if they're okay?"

[4:23 PM] DM: Rukiya nods and takes the stone out. After a few seconds, she looks at Ry with alarm. "There's nothing."

[4:23 PM] Seirixori: There's isn't a response from Seir other than chattering of teeth.

[4:24 PM] Brimeia: Bri will hand Seir her potion.

[4:24 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh's eyes widen with horror and she says, "Okay... you all rest. I'm going to continue down the mountain."

[4:24 PM] Brimeia: "Take it. You need it more than I do."

[4:24 PM] Urrak: Urrak tosses Ryleigh her cold potion, "Be careful."

[4:25 PM] Ryleigh: Catching it, Ry puts it away and nods.

[4:25 PM] DM: Rukiya moves to Ry's side. "You're not going alone."

[4:26 PM] Ryleigh: "But you shouldn't come. You're freezing and..." Ry shakes her head.

[4:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir doesn't even look at Brimeia or react to taking anything, or to Ryleigh's comment because she is way too cold and exhausted.

[4:26 PM] DM: The distant rumbles of the titan's footsteps echo down the mountainside every few seconds.

[4:27 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia blinks. "Seirixori...hello?"

[4:27 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh walks over to Seirixori and presses a kiss to her forehead. "Rest, and you three catch up as soon as you can." She'll walk back over to Rukiya and take her hand. "No chance I can convince you to stay," she says hopelessly.

[4:28 PM] DM: "For better or worse or world-ending titan."

[4:28 PM] Brimeia: "We will," Bri nods toward Ryleigh.

[4:29 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh let's out a huff, that's caught between a laugh and disbelief. "Take care of each other... we'll see you in Isonsall." Then Ry and Rukiya will start back down the mountain.

[4:30 PM] Urrak: Urrak watches them leave until she can no longer see them.

[4:31 PM] DM: We'll stop here for squish. You can have your rest in side-2 and we'll follow Ry and Rukiya in main.

## Short Rest

[4:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir, after ten minutes of her fire shield warming her up, groans, "I h-hate this fuc-fucking moun'n."

[4:57 PM] Urrak: Urrak nods enthusiastically and huddles up to stop her body from shivering.

[4:57 PM] Urrak: ((I'm gonna use hit dice later I'm gonna nap rn lol))

[8:25 PM] DM: Are you lighting a fire? Is going to be really hard to warm up if not.

[8:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir will at least try to if the other two do not.

[8:41 PM] Seirixori: ((Would it still be believed that the mountain itself has all the magic/power or if it's just the hole we just left?))

[8:41 PM] DM: I'm not sure I understand the question.

[8:42 PM] Seirixori: ((basically can Seir bother Takara lol))

[8:43 PM] DM: Ah. To do so you'd have to leave the fire, which would mean not resting and warming yourself. And no, it would not work here.

[8:44 PM] Seirixori: Then Seir will just whine about that too.

[9:06 PM] Urrak: Urrak will gather what she can to start a fire

[9:12 PM] Seirixori: "I think I c-can now s-say for certain Ryleigh is m-more impatient th-than I am."

[9:16 PM] Urrak: Urrak coughs out a laugh, "I d-dunno, ye might be t-tied."

[9:17 PM] Seirixori: "Nope. I refuse to believe that."

[9:19 PM] DM: Everyone's dcs reset over the short rest (though you keep any levels of exhaustion until you long rest as normal.) and when you're ready you can continue traveling.

[9:21 PM] Seirixori: ((is it real windy still or is it not too bad?))

[9:22 PM] DM: It's not terribly windy. As in will you be able to fly on big birds? Yeah I'll allow that.

[9:23 PM] DM: Actually... it's weirdly calm.

[9:24 PM] Seirixori: If you'll allow the giant bats, it will be those. Which Seir will be riding because possibly needing to recast it.

[9:25 PM] DM: Sure. As long as you have the slots. For an hour? What's their speed?

[9:27 PM] Seirixori: ((60, I can cast for a second hour and pick up our friends if they even catch up))

[9:29 PM] DM: You'll probably get to the point of the castle just after they left it then. And I'll need con saves for cold (with your +5s) dc 22 for each of you, but just one.

[9:31 PM] Brimeia: ((30))

[9:32 PM] Seirixori: ((well Seir failed that one again... 14))

[11:47 AM] Urrak: ((16))

[11:49 AM] DM: So by the time you all reach the place where the castle was, Seir and Urrak are shivering again.

[11:52 AM] DM: But, you reach the point where you can see a crevasse to the right that... looks a lot like the one that the bridge used to be over... and the castle should be right on the other side, right? And the path continues downwards to Isonsall ahead.

[11:55 AM] Urrak: "It's g-gone?!" Urrak sloshes through the snow to the edge of the crevasse. She looks around to see if there's any sign that the castle crumbled.

[11:56 AM] DM: You don't see any rubble or any sign that it once stood here. How much time are you spending looking? And you can roll an investigation check if you'd like to.

[12:01 PM] Urrak: ((a few minutes and 18))

[12:43 PM] DM: With that, you'd be able to do the same kind of 'throw a snowball' thing to see that there is something that appears to be an invisible bridge, though you don't know how far it goes or if the entire castle is the same. For all you know, it could just have a big hole in the middle of the bridge or the castle itself could be gone.

[12:45 PM] Urrak: "It's invi-vsible," she says to the others. She chucks another snowball, "We should t-take some snow with us, make sure th' bridge is still c-c-connected to th' castle. "

[12:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir studies it for a moment then looks up the mountain and then down towards the city. She doesn't respond at first as she attempts to figure out which direction Ry and Rukiya went.

[1:12 PM] DM: Give me a perception check.

[1:13 PM] Seirixori: ((30))

[1:14 PM] DM: Yeah, you can see that their footprints go to the edge of the bridge, then they turned and went towards the town. And you also find a little arrow or something in the snow that points to Isonsall.

[1:15 PM] Seirixori: "No. The castle isn't a priority." She motions towards the path leading to the city and the arrow, "Go, I'm going to catch up to Ryleigh and Rukiya, to see how far ahead they are. Maybe you guys can join them so we can all fucking freeze together."  Seir shifts into her wolf air form and flies in the direction of the footprints.

[1:38 PM] Urrak: Urrak watches her leave and then turns to Bri, "T' Isonsall, then, eh?" She grins, teeth chattering, and heads down to the town

[1:46 PM] Brimeia: Bri nods and starts running to the town.

[1:59 PM] DM: Because you both have faster speed, you will be able to catch up to Ry and Rukiya in an hour or so, if they keep walking instead of waiting.

## Ryfika to the castle

[8:05 PM] Ryleigh: As they walk away, Ry’s quiet but still keeping a steady, quick pace. After a little bit she says, “You should have stayed with them and rested. The cold is different for me.”

[8:09 PM] DM: "So you can fall into a crevasse and we'd never know where to find you? Not on my watch."

[8:12 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh puts her arm around Rukiya. “Thank you for braving the cold with me...” her voice is soft and Rukiya can feel how undeserving Ry feels of it.

[8:15 PM] DM: "You're worth it." Rukiya gives Ry a look before continuing to scan the terrain ahead.

[8:17 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh doesn’t say anything, and tries to keep an eye on as much as she can via Dawnbringer’s light, but it’s clear her mind is elsewhere as they walk.

[8:28 PM] DM: In the two more hours it takes to traverse the mountain, Ry fails a check and ends up with mild hypothermia- level of exhaustion -10 speed, disadv on Dex checks. Rukiya manages to fail three of two checks and has to roll to be understood if she speaks... but you reach the castle. Or at least... you're pretty sure this is where the castle was... but there's no trace of it. No stonework, no rubble, no bridges. Just a mountain and a big crevasse.

[8:29 PM] Ryleigh: “I... I don’t understand. It’s-“ she looks around just to be sure. “It was here, right?”

[8:30 PM] DM: Rukiya looks confused too, but is violently shaking and doesn't respond, instead continuing to move, stomping her feet.

[8:31 PM] Ryleigh: ((Is there any way around the crevasse? So when we do wanna go down the mountain we can? And is there anything that indicates what happened to the castle))

[8:37 PM] DM: The path down the mountain is clear.

[8:39 PM] DM: Rukiya drinks the potion Ry gives her and the two of them start investigating. Give me a dex save.

[8:39 PM] Ryleigh: ((15))

[8:39 PM] DM: Ry trips on something but manages not to fall over the edge of the ravine.

[8:41 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks down to see what she tripped over and her face fills with confusion. “R-Rukiya,” she calls, and then will - on her hands and knees - feel around to see if there’s something there she can’t see.

[8:42 PM] DM: There is!

[8:43 PM] Ryleigh: ((Nat 20 on investigation))

[8:44 PM] DM: Ry tosses a handful of snow out and it reveals part of a bridge.

[8:45 PM] DM: Rukiya:  "The whole thing is invisible?!"

[8:47 PM] Ryleigh: “I guess s-so,” Ry stutters. “I’m not sure how to make it across safely though. I don’t remember the layout well enough.”

[8:48 PM] DM: "Should we continue to Isonsall to warn them? It seems they might be safe enough here. Maybe."

[8:49 PM] Ryleigh: “Can you make it another 4 hours in this weather?” Ry asks seriously.

[8:49 PM] DM: "After that potion, I should be able to... and it wasn't so bad between the town and the castle."

[8:53 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks conflicted. “I want to confront her and check on Clemency.” She sighs. “Maybe this magic blocks all communication, which means there’s no way to warn the town if we don’t go. I-“ Ryleigh rubs at her face. “I did this... I put them in danger.”

[8:57 PM] DM: Rukiya takes Ry's face in her gloved hands.  "You didn't do this. You didn't know. If you blame yourself, you have to blame me for not stopping you. What's important right now is minimizing damage. Not assigning blame."

[8:58 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh definitely looks like she wants to cry, but she nods instead and covers Rukiya’s gloved hands with her own and says, “Then let’s go warn the town.”

[9:05 PM] DM: "We'll come back for her. I promise."

[9:06 PM] DM: Rukiya leans up and wraps her arms around Ry for a moment before turning to lead them down the mountain to Isonsall.

[9:08 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh allows herself to be held and take comfort in the embrace and then follows along.

[1:18 PM] DM: You're only walking down the slightly sheltered mountain path for 15 minutes or so when Seir's air wolf form comes racing towards you from behind. The small earthquakes every several seconds continue.

[1:43 PM] Seirixori: "Oh good," Seir rushes out. "The others aren't too far behind... would you mind waiting for them? I'm going to go up ahead... if that's alright?"

[1:55 PM] Ryleigh: “No,” Ry answers, no harshly, just simply. “There’s no point in you going ahead... I need to speak to the mayor about what’s best to do for the town. And... I don’t know if she’ll receive you without me at this late hour. If anything, it’d be more helpful if you told the others to meet us at the mayors house.”

[1:56 PM] Seirixori: Seir hesitates enough for it to be noticeable. "I wasn't going to the town," she states simply.

[1:58 PM] Ryleigh: "Oh," Ry says, her brows furrowing. "Then where are you going?"

[2:01 PM] Seirixori: She hesitates again, "...The forest."

[2:10 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods, as she and Rukiya continue to walk. "Good idea. Just meet us at the major's when you're done?"

[2:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir hesitates for the third time, looking like she wants to say something more, but after the brief pause she turns and flies off towards the forest where she hopes to get into contact with the Shadar-Kai.

[3:02 PM] DM: Not long after she leaves, Urrak and Bri catch up.

## Seir and Takara

[3:10 PM] DM: Seir flies down the mountain, but it still takes two hours at her (90'?) speed. As she reaches the town, she can see that there are a few people standing outside, some with torches, worriedly talking with each other and glancing back and forth between the mountain and the forest and the ground and the sky like they aren't sure what's happening.

[3:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir very much fights the urge to stop and warn them, knowing in her current form that panic might ensue and keeps going.

[3:15 PM] DM: Ok, then you can fly past the town and reach the forest shortly after that.

[3:17 PM] DM: It's the early hours of the morning at this point. Like around 2 am.

[3:17 PM] Seirixori: She stays as she is and calls out, "Shadar-Kai?" Then mutters to herself, "...fuck why did I not ask for an actual name?"

[3:31 PM] Seirixori: ((I had to go into Seiryleigh to find the conversation))

[3:34 PM] DM: How long do you spend looking?

[3:35 PM] Seirixori: ((About 15-20 min.))

[3:36 PM] DM: Give me just a straight d20 roll.

[3:36 PM] Seirixori: ((10))

[3:39 PM] DM: The forest seems eerily quiet. Other than the rumble of the ground, you don't hear anything, you don't see any creatures or elves.

[3:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir curses for a long moment before saying aloud, "I'm sure someone can hear me! I don't care who you are, but please listen! There is something coming, something we cannot stop and you all need to get as many out as you can! Or at least out of the path of this thing!" She turns to go, but stops and uses her windy paw to draw a druidic warning in the dirt and for good measure, if possible, a tree.

[3:45 PM] DM: Ok.

[3:48 PM] Seirixori: After she does that she will then move away from that area and call out to Takara.

[4:00 PM] DM: She appears, stepping out from behind a tree. "Is something wrong, sia um?"

[4:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir's emotions overwhelm her to a degree that she cannot respond immediately. When she is finally able, her voice struggles to stay even. "So, so many things." She tries to laugh, but it comes out as a sob and Seir actually starts to have trouble keeping her shape. "There's something coming. Something big. I can't-- we can't stop it and it's going to-to destroy so much. I-I don't even know if you can help but I need to try and get as many living things out of it's path as possible and--" she continues to stutter through, the rest is incomprehensible, the small emotional release she had earlier with Ryleigh clearly not even the tip of what she is feeling.

[4:14 PM] DM: Takara frowns and steps closer to Seir, kneeling so she can better see. "What do you mean?"

[4:21 PM] Seirixori: "There's... there's this- this thing coming down the mountain. It's huge and I couldn't even slow it down. I can only guess where it's headed and it almost doesn't matter because I don't think it's just going to walk over things."

[4:23 PM] DM: She looks at the mountain as if to look for it, but still looks confused.

[4:29 PM] Seirixori: Seir frowns and then her eyes widen, "Oh, oh. Fuck I forgot. There's... there's so much magic there. I couldn't call you there and my w-wife..." Seir swallows, struggling again. "Well, she's- I don't even know, she sank into the floor and the floor she sank into is now at the bottom of-of a chasm I guess and I don't know how to do this, not again." Seir can't hold onto it anymore and she slowly shifts back into herself, crying. "No, no, no, I have to get back." She's exhausted and more tapped out than she's ever been.

[4:59 PM] DM: Takara's arms draw Seir in, encircling her in a warm, comforting hug.

[5:15 PM] Seirixori: Seir almost struggles against it at first. In the end she clutches onto Takara as she sobs. "I'm s-sorry, I-I didn't call you to just cry on you."

[5:18 PM] DM: "Nonsense, sia um."

[5:19 PM] DM: "Let it out, then... tell me about what happened."

[5:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir explains, at times rushing it out and then slowing down again. She tells her about Ryleigh being manipulated into releasing the titan, Seir blaming herself for not forcing a different idea, what happened to Gunnloda, and quietly mentions her Mama and hopes she's at least safe. The last thing she says, quiet and ashamed is, "You know, I was adamant about not going to the Raven Queen, but if she were to show up here, as quickly as you do, I don't think I would have hesitated to take her offer to fix this."

[10:37 PM] DM: Takara frowns. "The Raven Queen has made you an offer?"

[10:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, sniffling away, "Her followers, the Shadar-Kai, said she could answer questions if we gave her our sorrow. Give us knowledge. I refused. But part of me wishes I hadn't."

[11:19 PM] DM: She sighs. "If you seek her assistance, promise me you'll be cautious. The Shadowfell is a dangerous place in more ways than one and I have no power there."

[11:20 PM] DM: Seir is very perceptive and she probably would notice that Takara was going to say more, but decided not to.

[11:25 PM] Seirixori: "What's the other part?" One side of Seir's lip quirks in a small smile, finding it a little amusing if Takara thought she wouldn't notice or press.

[11:27 PM] DM: She looks troubled as she says, "I do not wish to burden you further... but I worry for Moki. He has not returned from his journey into her realm."

[11:33 PM] Seirixori: Seir stiffens, "I will try to find him. If we truly cannot do anything about what's coming down that mountain... or we do what we can, I will try to help him."

[11:36 PM] DM: She shakes her head. "I would not ask, except that I have reason to believe she might have answers to... any or all of your questions. About your wife and this... titan. I cannot see them which makes me think they are related. The Raven Queen is powerful, but she is not a True God. Don't tell her that. But she may not be bound by the same restrictions I am. She is the keeper of many lost memories and perhaps she can guide you to knowledge you need... but be wary. The Shadowfell is home to a great many dark and terrible things. The Raven Queen chief among them."

[11:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, giggling slightly at the don't tell her that, before becoming serious again. "I would have, and did offer, whether you asked or not." She tightens her hold on Takara, needing the contact and trying to ignore just how tired she really is. "It's going to be interesting trying to explain to my friends that I now want to go." She sighs and mutters, "I would really like to go back to a not creepy forest."

[11:46 PM] DM: "It is late. You should find a safe place to rest."

[11:48 PM] Seirixori: "You're safe... and warm. It's cold here, I don't like it." Seir fights a yawn. "I have to go back. To the city. I have to help them."

[11:49 PM] DM: "I cannot protect you from something I cannot see, sia um. I do not even know if I can manifest near it. If it is like your wife, I cannot."

[11:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir grumbles, "I hate that rule." She hugs Takara again, "I will find somewhere safe and I will find Moki. ...Thank you, for taking care of me."

[11:58 PM] DM: She takes Seir's jaw in her hands and smiles softly. "You do not have to thank me." She leans forward and presses a kiss to Seir's forehead, and when Seir opens her eyes again, she's gone.

[12:06 AM] Seirixori: Seir whines as the warmth is gone, "The Shadowfell better not be cold." She heads back to Isonsall.

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