14 Felmont

13 Felmont -- 14 Felmont -- 15 Felmont

Felmont 3Y21 -- Back to Logs

## Seiryleigh

[1:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir knocks on Ryleigh and Rukiya's room. She takes a step back and pulls her hair over her shoulder, making a loose braid while she waits.

[1:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: A few moments later, Ryleigh answers the door, dresses in loose pants and chest wrappings. She smiles when she sees Seirixori, and opens the door to let her in.

[1:31 PM] Seirixori: She steps in, looking relieved at Ryleigh's smile. "I thought you might have been upset with me."

[1:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "What?" Ry asks, her tone confused as she shuts the door behind Seir. "Why would I be upset with you?" She takes Seirs hand and leads her over to the bed so they can sit.

[1:35 PM] Seirixori: "I-I thought it might have been because I went around taking things again. You had a look on your face after I handed you the box." Seir pauses, "I was worried."

[1:38 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Oh," Ryleigh scratches the back of her neck. "I do wish you wouldn't take anything else, but I wasn't upset by that. I was..." she glances at Rukiya's trying to sleep form. "I was worried Glyfi was pushing you into things, but Rukiya assured me that they weren't like that. That if there was the slightest hesitation from you they'd stop."

[1:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir blinks, like that never would have occurred to her, "Oh... well, she is right. Uh, actually we were out there because of Gylfi. I didn't want to go into the room I had before and they said being friends was more important than anything else." She grins with a little shrug, "Definitely not the exact words, but they didn't push. Promise."

[1:47 PM] DM: A half-mumbled, tired voice says, "Told you."

[1:48 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh squeezes Seir's hand, and rolls her eyes at Rukiya's words. "Yeah yeah."

[1:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir waits a few beats before she asks, "So, what was on the scroll?"

[1:50 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Nothing," Ry answers. "Rukiya thinks whatever is on it is hidden by illusion magic."

[1:53 PM] Seirixori: "So kind of like the scroll we found with Brimeia's stuff? I can set it on fire." She jokes. "And the other things? The ring was really pretty."

[1:56 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "The shard's rune says 'ice' so I think it's just a chunk of everlasting ice... and as for the ring - I'm hoping maybe there an explanation about it on the parchment." Ry shrugs. "Neither of which are currently important though. I do have something that I need to share with you, now that you aren't indisposed," Ry's tone is playful.

[1:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir pouts, clearly interested in figuring out the items. She shoves Ry lightly, "Yeah, yeah." Seir goes back to working on her hair, "What is it?"

[2:00 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh moves to get Dawnbringer. Then she takes Seir's hand and lays in on top of Dawnbringer's hilt. ((Seir now knows the convo between Ry and Heli! Mainly the part about the nagpa maybe possessing Ragna))

[2:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir hums an acknowledgement and her eyes narrow. Through Dawnbringer she says, "Still don't like her, but I also cannot believe I never thought of that."

[2:05 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Me either," Ry answers out loud. "But maybe... maybe it was them pushing her to push me and not her." There's obvious hope in Ry's words.

[2:05 PM] Seirixori: "Hmm...  maybe."

[2:07 PM] DM: Rukiya rolls over, still wrapped in blankets. "We'll still love you even if your family's jerks."

[2:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles and nods.

[2:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry smiles and leans in to press a quick kiss to Rukiya's nose. "You need to start getting ready, raisna'rila. We need to make sure we're up the mountain in time to find shelter before nightfall."

[2:10 PM] DM: She doesn't move. "Warm." There's a pause, then she adds, "Naked."

[2:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts, "None of those things are an issue." She wiggles her fingers, and makes a whooshing noise. "Clouds."

[2:11 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry chuckles at Rukiya.

[2:13 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "I didn't think about traveling that way," Ry says, laying down, and snaking her arms under the covers to pull Rukiya close. "That'll cut our time down," she thinks aloud.

[2:14 PM] Seirixori: "Mhmm, though while more sleep is always nice... I think everyone else might be up and waiting."

[2:17 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "You know waking you and Rukiya up takes some time, but that I always manage it." Ryleigh grins, then quirks an eyebrow. "Although I am surprised Gylfi managed to get to you up so early."

[2:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts and rolls her eyes, though her cheeks do darken just a little, "I was worried."

[2:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "So you had a good night?" Ry teases.

[2:23 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head, "As new as it was... yes." She opens her mouth to say something and then frowns, "No, that would have sounded very weird. But yes."

[2:24 PM] Seirixori: She chuckles after a moment of looking at Ryleigh and says, "Also, you're welcome."

[2:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh shoves Seir playfully with her foot.

[2:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir finishes tying her braid and stands up. "Come on, I want to get this over with." She waits a total of two seconds before jumping on the bed and on top of Ryleigh and Rukiya to force Rukiya to wake up more.

[2:29 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Seirixori!" Ry half laughs, half shouts.

[2:31 PM] DM: Rukiya's narrowed eyes appear over the edge of the blanket. "I'll get you back for that. You better keep one eye open."

[2:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs and doesn't move right away, "Good luck." She then gets up and starts to head out, "Hurry up, the cold sucks and I hate this stupid mountain and would like to leave it."

[2:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "We'll be down shortly," Ry answers as Seirixori leaves.

[2:38 PM] DM: As Rukiya dresses, Ry would notice that she takes a quiet moment to herself, holding her necklace lightly in her closed hand before dropping it down her shirt. She'd then smile brightly at Ryleigh. "Ready?"

[2:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh places her hand over Rukiya's chest, where her necklace lays and whispers, "I'm sorry we aren't there today."

[2:41 PM] DM: She puts her hand over Ry's and smiles. "I'm where I need to be."

[2:43 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh kisses her, lingering for a little bit, just as an added 'thank you'. Then she pulls away and leads them out of the room.

[2:43 PM] DM: -------------

[2:01 PM] DM: 14 Felmont 3Y21

## Alisdair Castle, Free State of Isonsall

Happy Vydea's Face to all. It's a rare confluence of both Vydea's Holy Day and the celebration of Vyon's independence from Ascus, celebrated on the first Moonborn's birthday. It was 200 years ago that Lucas stood up to the Sun King.

Now, here in Isonsall, another 'freed state' from Ascus, you're waking to an empty castle and, even though there's no staff, no cooks, no Gunnloda to make you food, you gather in the dining room by habit, readying yourself for another trip up the mountain.

While we wait for Seir, Ry, and Rukiya to arrive, the rest of you can join Gylfi downstairs at your convenience.

[2:06 PM] Urrak: Urrak heads downstairs, bag in hand. She takes a seat at the table and yawns "Mornin'."

[2:08 PM] DM: Gylfi grins. "Morning."

[2:11 PM] Urrak: Urrak looks around at the empty hall, "Where's Seirixori?"

[2:11 PM] DM: Gylfi shrugs. "She went to find Ryleigh."

[2:13 PM] Brimeia: Bri shuffles into the room and plops into a chair to wait.

[2:14 PM] Urrak: "Ah, I see. That makes sense," Urrak yawns again and plops her elbows on the table, "Ready to freeze yer arse off again?"

[2:14 PM] Urrak: Urrak wavess to Bri when she sits

[2:18 PM] Brimeia: Bri gives a sleepy wave and rests her head on her hand.

[2:18 PM] DM: "Oh, that reminds me... I should probably pray. I don't think I'll need shadow-banishing spells today, right?"

[2:19 PM] Brimeia: "Mmf. Hope not," Bri mumbles sleepily. After a moment, she abruptly sits up, as if suddenly remembering something

[2:20 PM] Brimeia: There's a mischievous glint in her eyes as she asks, "So... did ya have fun last night, Gylfi?" She grins widely.

[2:21 PM] DM: Gylfi raises an eyebrow quizzically. "Of course?"

[2:22 PM] DM: They smile. "Oh! I see... is that supposed to be the embarrassing the newcomer thing? You will definitely have to try harder than that."

[2:24 PM] Urrak: "They're too powerful, too strong," Urrak says with a grin

[2:24 PM] Brimeia: "Who said anything about embarrassing you? I just wanna know," she laughs

[2:25 PM] DM: "Do you? Jealous or want to know when it's your turn?"

[2:26 PM] Brimeia: "Why not both?" she says back, clearly not the least bit bothered.

[2:30 PM] DM: Gylfi laughs. "Listen, I'm not one to turn down an invitation. Not usually, anyway."

[2:31 PM] Brimeia: "Likewise. Besides, gotta see what all the fuss is about."

[2:31 PM] Urrak: "Should I leave?" Urrak jokes

[2:33 PM] DM: Gylfi grins, "What, you wouldn't want to join in, too?" They wave a hand. "You're probably the type to catch feelings, though. But no... I need to stare into space for a few minutes so I'm not holding everyone up."

[2:34 PM] Urrak: "Guilty as charged," Urrak says with a nod. "Enjoy yer prayer."

2:35 PM] DM: They wink, then settle into a comfortable position, before their eyes go blank and their face relaxes.

[2:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir walks in and sits down nearish Gylfi and yawns. "Morning."

[2:41 PM] Brimeia: "Morning," Bri greets with another mischievous grin. "Wear yourself out?"

[2:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir's finger starts lightly tracing a pattern on the table, she laughs. "Nah."

[2:44 PM] Urrak: "I'm jus' glad ye had a good time," Urrak chuckles. "Can't give ye shit fer that. "

[2:46 PM] Brimeia: "I will," Bri laughs. "It's fun."

[2:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh and Rukiya enter the dining room hand in hand about 10 mins after Seir. "Are we all ready?"

[2:48 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head towards Gylfi, "Not yet. ...uh I should probably mention that I realized I can't actually locate what we're looking for, so we're going to have to do it the hard way. ...And getting back will be the slow way unless there's magically a tree up there."

[2:49 PM] DM: Gylfi blinks. "Oh, hey, you're here. And you! Everyone's here."

[2:50 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia chuckles. "Welcome back from staring."

[2:51 PM] DM: Gylfi: "Thanks. It was a good one. It's her holy day today, you know."

[2:54 PM] Brimeia: "I did not." Bri shrugs.

[2:54 PM] Urrak: "Aye. Happy, uh, Face Day."

[2:54 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "It's also Vyon's independence day," Ry says.

[2:55 PM] DM: Gylfi: "A good day to think about toppling evil empires and sticking your ass in Tilman's face. I think this place gets it."

[2:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir grumbles something under her breath, Gylfi probably able to make out the word 'praying', 'mom', and 'weird'. She looks confused about something after that but comes out of it quickly.

[2:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh chuckles. "I'm liking you more and more."

[2:56 PM] Urrak: "That is...certainly one way t' say that. But if we are gonna topple a tyrant King t'day, I'm ready as hells."

[2:57 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh stands from the table, and with Rukiya's hand in hers, she will lead them out of the castle.

[2:58 PM] Seirixori: "Time to be clouds~," Seir sing-songs as they go, "Up a shitty ass mountain."

[2:58 PM] Urrak: "Better than walkin'." Urrak stands and slings her pack onto her back.

[2:58 PM] Seirixori: "Going to have to walk back."

[2:59 PM] Brimeia: "Always wanted to be a cloud. Well, better back down than on the way up."

[2:59 PM] DM: Gylfi: "We could always just rest up there and come back in the morning. My hut can keep us warm."

[3:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "I forgot about your hut," Ry says. "That's going to be handy, because it gets really cold on the mountain once the sun sets."

[3:01 PM] Urrak: "Warm is very good."

[3:01 PM] Seirixori: Seir points to Gylfi, "Best idea. Now...you wait." She says as she starts the 1 minute casting to turn everyone to clouds.

## Floating Like Clouds

3:03 PM] DM: Before long, you're all soaring over the mountain. You travel ten times as fast before even taking into account the fact that there's no difficult terrain because of the snow, but that doesn't mean you can't catch sight of the things you pass below. Let me get some perception checks.

[3:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 24

Rukiya: 31 (nat 20)

Gylfi: 15

[3:04 PM] Seirixori: ((17))

[3:04 PM] Urrak: ((3))

[3:05 PM] Brimeia: ((2))

[3:07 PM] DM: You notice a couple yeti wandering, hunting. The shape of dragon wings in the sky to the north. You easily spot the deep gouges through the snow where the undead frost giant trudged down towards the castle before meeting his end. Further up, you find a place in the snow where the former guardian may have perished, though there is no body. And, speaking of bodies, you also find the field of icy dead with huge scrapes where it seems the giant had found the bodies he'd then launch over the walls to reanimate. Pieces of icy corpse stick out of the ground like the worst lawnmower accident in history.

Then you come to the crater. A place that had once held a titan, with a massive giant castle atop it, the titan removed, the castle fallen inward... but still it is not quite level, so big was the titan's absence. You can pretty easily follow the tracks made by the giant as he apparently dug his way out of the wreckage, leaving a tunnel behind.

Is there anything else you'd like to do before coming out of your cloud form?

[3:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((no))

[3:08 PM] Seirixori: ((nah))

[3:09 PM] DM: As cloud form drops at the edge of this tunnel, Rukiya bends down near the mouth, looking at shapes in the snow.

[3:10 PM] DM: Gylfi: "Wow, you weren't kidding about it being cold up here." They try to huddle into their over-sized borrowed jacket even more.

[3:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir stays away from the shapes as much as possible.

[3:11 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Yeah, sorry about the weather. The others complained about it last time," Ry says with humor.

[3:11 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Gylfi, what do the nagpa look like?"

[3:12 PM] Urrak: "An' I'll keep complainin' about it," Urrak says with a shiver "We're all vacationin' in Nampuli after this."

[3:12 PM] DM: Gylfi shrugs. "Hard to say. Best I can figure, big ugly birds."

[3:12 PM] DM: Rukiya stands. "Think we might have one, then. Claws in the snow."

[3:13 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Can you tell which way it went?"

[3:14 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Into the tunnel."

Gylfi: "Unless their feet are on backwards. Have you ever met a rakshasa? So unsettling."

[3:15 PM] Seirixori: "A what?"

[3:15 PM] DM: Gylfi: "Rakshasa. Tiger shaped fiends. Their hands are backwards."

[3:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks down at her hands, trying to imagine it,"...Not a fan."

[3:16 PM] Brimeia: "Ew." Bri makes a face.

[3:17 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "I've only seen drawings of them..." Ry says, withdrawing Dawnbringer and holding her out like a torch. "Gylfi, do they shy away from the light or is it okay that I have her out?"

[3:17 PM] DM: Gylfi: "I have to say that I am by no means an expert on nagpa, but since they are banished from the Shadowfell, I doubt they are sensitive to the light."

[3:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Okay." Ryleigh hesitates, then takes a step back from the tunnel. "Brimeia, want to go first?"

[3:20 PM] Brimeia: "On it," she says, poking a thumb at herself before heading in.

[3:21 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh will follow, with Dawnbringer out - if possible.

[3:21 PM] Seirixori: Seir will go last.

[3:22 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Nope lol marching order is Bri, Ry, Rukiya, Gylfi, Seir, Urrak - that way we have tanky people surrounding our squishy people))

[3:22 PM] Seirixori: ((how rude she is not squishy sometimes))

[3:23 PM] DM: The tunnel is alternately open and cramped and full of loose-ish boulders and carved stones from the castle's collapse. It's dark and cold and there's parts where the giant couldn't have possibly squeezed through because you have to squeeze, but most likely, he'd dislodged other stones and they'd rolled down until they got caught behind him. It's not easy but neither is it treacherous, though it is unsettling never really knowing if a stone you're stepping onto will give way or if the ceiling will hold... or if you'll all just be buried here under thousands of tons of stone.

[3:25 PM] DM: You travel this way for some time. More than an hour, sometimes traveling across natural rock, sometimes carved stone, sometimes ice.

[3:25 PM] Seirixori: "Real glad we didn't trek up the mountain and then do this."

[3:26 PM] Urrak: "Agreed," Urrak stumbles a bit on a chunk of stone, "Godsdamn death trap in here."

[3:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry stays quiet.

[3:27 PM] DM: After some more time, the tunnel opens into a room. Partially crushed, massive bones litter the floor here, among the rubble. There appear to be two tunnels that lead north or east.

[3:28 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia pauses. "Which way?" She turns back and looks at the others.

[3:29 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Are there tracks to see which way it went?))

[3:29 PM] DM: Perception check.

[3:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 21

Rukiya: 29

3:31 PM] DM: Ry notices that the walls show evidence of tunneling- digging with what might be claws.

Rukiya pauses and whispers, "Do you hear that? Scraping sounds to the east."

[3:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Tapping Bri on the shoulder, Ry points to the east tunnel and whispers, "Be careful, but Rukiya hears sound from that way and it looks like the tracks lead that way too."

[3:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir grits her teeth and whispers, "I don't know if this is the same or worst than Murias."

[3:32 PM] Brimeia: Bri draws her weapon and nods as she heads that way.

[3:33 PM] Urrak: Urrak draws her blade when she sees Bri do it. "Here we go..."

[3:34 PM] DM: As you head in that direction, you see that evidence of digging is everywhere here, and a solid stone pillar stands in the center of this area, holding the stones above up.

[3:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Step lightly... there might be falling rubble," Ry whispers.

[3:38 PM] DM: Give me perception checks, and if anyone has arcana, you can roll that too.

[3:38 PM] Seirixori: ((17p))

[3:39 PM] DM: Seir can roll an intelligence check.

[3:39 PM] Seirixori: ((16 int))

[3:39 PM] Urrak: ((9 per))

[3:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 8 (nat 1)

Rukiya: 22

Gylfi: 28

[3:40 PM] Brimeia: ((4 perception))

[3:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir hums, "Guess it shouldn't be a surprise they're using magic." She motions to the pillars.

[3:41 PM] DM: Rukiya and Gylfi spot piles of gold, gems, and other treasure sitting on the ground, near the 'walls' of the room.

[3:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi points to the treasure. "That's a lot of shiny stuff."

[3:43 PM] Brimeia: "Niiiice. Is it .. trapped or something?"

[3:43 PM] Urrak: "With it jus' sittin' there? Seems likely..."

[3:43 PM] DM: And another perception check, please.

[3:44 PM] Brimeia: ((8))

[3:44 PM] Seirixori: ((30))

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

[3:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 13

Rukiya: 25

Gylfi: 20

[3:44 PM] DM: Rukiya grabs Ry and shushs the group. "The scraping stopped."

[3:45 PM] Brimeia: "Is that good or bad?"

[3:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "They might know we're here," Ry whispers to Bri.

[3:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir grips her staff and after a second decides to cast Shillelagh on it just in case. "We never are good at quiet."

[3:47 PM] DM: So are you all just going to keep standing there?

[3:48 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((No, Ry will tell Bri to slowly move forward so they aren't in a hallway))

[3:48 PM] Brimeia: Bri moves forward cautiously, looking and listening for any signs of movement.

[3:49 PM] DM: Left or right around the pillar?

[3:49 PM] Seirixori: ((If they're moving slow enough can Seir see if there's anything she can see that might alert anyone if they touch the shiny things?))

[3:49 PM] Brimeia: Bri will step toward the right side.

[3:49 PM] DM: You are near the back. Unless you want to try to move up further, that's probably not possible?

[3:50 PM] Seirixori: ((nah, just if she passes it then))

[3:52 PM] DM: As you creep slowly through the cavern weapons at the ready, there's barely a grumble of warning before part of the wall seems to collapse in towards Seir... but it turns out it's a clawed arm. And I'd normally ask you to roll initiative, but I can actually do it all at once now. If you have advantage on initiative, you'll still need to roll the other one.

[3:55 PM] DM: Gylfi is first and is alerted to the rocks tumbling in towards them and Seir.

[3:56 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi will try to grab ahold of Seir and pull her away from the wall.

[3:56 PM] DM: Give me a grapple check- athletics or acrobatics. Seir are you resisting?

[3:57 PM] Seirixori: ((nah))

[3:58 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((9 le sigh))

[3:58 PM] DM: Unfortunately, with the uneven ground and the suddenness of the rock collapse, Gylfi doesn't manage to grab hold of Seir.

[4:00 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi fumbles in their attempt to grab Seir and then remembers - I'm the healer and should probably move - so they do.

[4:02 PM] DM: As that happens, there's another rumble to the south and a massive arm, bigger than the one that is attacking Seir, comes out of the wall to the south, swiping at Ry... and now at least the four of you can see the creature- a big, brown leathery skinned creature with three arms that end in claws, three stumpy legs, and where a neck would be, a gaping maw. If you would like to roll a lore check, the applicable lores would be: Arcana, Nature, Earth, Elemental, Mountain, Caves.

[4:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya: 22

Gylfi: 10

[4:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Ry isn't rolling because a giant arm is reaching out for her))

[4:06 PM] DM: Rukiya recognizes this creature as a Xorn. Xorn are from the Elemental Plane of Earth and can smell gemstones and precious metals, seeking them out to eat. They are known to be aggressive towards miners and treasure hunters when their food source is threatened. They are sapient. Resistances. Use magic, adamantine, or bludgeoning weapons. Immunities. None. Vulnerabilities. None.

[4:07 PM] DM: The three strikes all miss, but it reaches out and takes a big ol' bite out of Ry for 23 piercing, reduced to 20.

4:07 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry yells out as it bites down on her, radiant light bursts from Ry, but unfortunately, the creature seems to shake it off.

[4:08 PM] DM: Meanwhile, that claw does hit Seir, and while the other two miss, she also gets bitten. And that will be a total of 13 hp. And is Shillelagh a concentration spell? If it is, two saves for 10 each.

[4:09 PM] Seirixori: ((it isn't))

[4:09 PM] DM: Ok!

[4:10 PM] DM: Rukiya's up! She's right next to a monster gnawing on her wife. First thing she'll say, though, is, "Use hammers or magic!"

[4:15 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya stabs her dagger into the creature attacking Ry. ((21H / 31D))

[4:16 PM] DM: That will hit, for half damage. It growls.

[4:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((end turn))

[4:16 PM] DM: @Brimeia !

[4:17 PM] DM: You can squeeze past Ry or past Ry AND Rukiya to get close to either of the creatures.

[4:18 PM] Brimeia: Bri will step past them to get the the big one, rage, and smack it as hard as she can!

[4:20 PM] Brimeia: ((reckless, 26a, 18d; 30a - crit, 24d; ancestors))

[4:20 PM] DM: Those will definitely hit and it is definitely hurt and surrounded by ancestors.

[4:20 PM] DM: The weapon does not start burning.

[4:20 PM] DM: @Seirixori !

[4:21 PM] DM: You've got a big one to your right and a smaller one to your immediate left.

[4:23 PM] Seirixori: Seir makes a sound in the back of her throat and it's somewhere between annoyed and surprised. She takes a swing at the smaller one. ((18a, 11d))

[4:23 PM] DM: The staff bounces off harmlessly.

[4:24 PM] DM: Bonus action or move?

[4:24 PM] Seirixori: ((sorry, no, end))

[4:25 PM] DM: @Ryleigh Alisdair !

[4:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Surprised by the creatures sudden appearance, Ryleigh swings wildly at where she thinks the mouth is ((11 - nat 1 H)). Then she steadies herself and slashes Dawnbringer at the arm that lashed out at her ((27H / 19D))

[4:27 PM] DM: The second hits!

[4:28 PM] DM: @Urrak ! You're in the back, but you're still in range of the little one.

[4:31 PM] Urrak: Urrak grips her sword tightly and attacks the smaller Xorn ((11a, 9d + 15a, 14d + 30a, 37d))

[4:32 PM] DM: Unfortunately, the first two miss, but the third nearly takes one of its arms off.

[4:32 PM] DM: Bonus or move?

[4:32 PM] Urrak: ((nah end turn))

[4:34 PM] DM: Ok. A second little one pops out of the ground near Rukiya like a rocky daisy and swipes at her chest. It'll miss all the claw attacks, but bite at her collarbone area for 14 damage.

[4:35 PM] DM: And it will be Gylfi's turn.

[4:38 PM] DM: Gylfi will cast Bless on the three people they can see- Bri, Rukiya, and Ry get a d4 to attacks and saves.

[4:39 PM] DM: The big boy's mad at Bri and will attack her. Also because ancestors.

[4:39 PM] DM: Two hits and a miss for a total of 19 reduced to 10 slashing damage.

[4:40 PM] Seirixori: ((I'm gonna be that person, but they have advantage lol))

[4:40 PM] DM: Still misses.

[4:40 PM] DM: But thanks.

[4:40 PM] DM: The little one will... switch to Urrak.

[4:40 PM] DM: And miss all 4.

[4:41 PM] DM: Rukiya! Just got bit in the throat area.

[4:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya gasps and slashes at the creature with her dagger. ((21H / 31D))

[4:44 PM] DM: Again, she hits and the thing groans, grumbly rock sounds coming from its gaping maw.

[4:44 PM] DM: @Brimeia !

[4:45 PM] Brimeia: Bri keeps her focus on taking the big guy down, so she'll draw her own blood to ignite the glaive and hit it some more.

[4:46 PM] Brimeia: ((19a, 13d +1 fire; 29a, 19d + 6fire))

[4:46 PM] DM: The first will bring down the big one, so she can spin around and smack the little one too.

[4:47 PM] Brimeia: She will definitely do that

[4:47 PM] DM: Ok! @Seirixori ! Little guy near you is near death. There's also one on the other side of Rukiya.

[4:51 PM] Seirixori: She will be very fucking stupid, "You're not the only one that can bite." She growls and her teeth grow a little thicker and sharper as she uses her Primal Savagery to bite the one by her. ((29a, 21 acid))

((end))

[4:51 PM] DM: And it dies.

[4:51 PM] DM: @Ryleigh Alisdair ! Your wife got bit by one behind you.

[4:53 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh turns on the spot and drives Dawnbringer into the creature, then jerks her up and out of the creature. ((29H, 15D / 23H, 20D))

[4:53 PM] DM: Both solid hits. It's looking hurt.

[4:54 PM] DM: @Urrak ! There are three people between you and the last visible target. You could squeeze through with 35' of movement, or you can do something else.

[5:06 PM] Urrak: Urrak raises her sword, ready to charge in when she feels her sword thrum with arcane energy. She raises it and slashes the air, sending out 3 brilliant darts of light at the Xorn ((Casting Magic Missile, 13 dmg))

[5:08 PM] DM: The three missiles streak out and unerringly strike the xorn. It grumbles something and swipes at Rukiya again.

[5:10 PM] DM: The first hits her, tearing through the fabric covering her collarbone, but the second, as it hits, Ryleigh flinches instead.

[5:10 PM] DM: Rukiya takes 5 damage, Ry takes 8.

[5:11 PM] DM: Gylfi!

[5:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi says a few words, asking for Vydea's aid and healing energy pulses from them. ((healing Rukiya for 5))

[5:14 PM] DM: Rukiya!

[5:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya looks slightly puzzled, then slashes at the creature that attacked her. ((20H / 28D))

[5:16 PM] DM: That'll hit, though again, not as much as she'd like.

[5:16 PM] DM: @Brimeia ! You can squeeze through to get to the last one with 15' of movement.

[5:22 PM] Brimeia: Bri will go up to it and smack it!

[5:24 PM] Brimeia: ((25a, 19 +3 fire; 19a, 18 + 1 fire))

[5:24 PM] DM: It dies!

[5:25 PM] DM: And we'll exit from initiative.

[5:26 PM] Seirixori: While spitting weird rock whatever from her mouth Seir casts a healing word on Ryleigh. ((6hp)) "Ugh, I don't know why I always do that."

[5:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Biting things that you shouldn't?" Ry says, then thanks Seir.

[5:27 PM] DM: Gylfi puts up their hand. "Save your spells. Mine will last a bit longer."

[5:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods to Gylfi and answers Ry as she starts poking around at the body in front of her and now actually the shiny stuff on the floor. "It bit me first. And hitting it didn't work so...I bit it back."

[5:28 PM] Urrak: "Fuckin' hells Rukiya it was comin' at ye like ye were made o' gold," Urrak looks concerned

[5:29 PM] DM: (Seir is full, Ry is full, Bri's down 1, and Rukiya's down 3.)

[5:29 PM] DM: Everyone can give me perception checks, and Rukiya can roll Nature.

[5:30 PM] Urrak: ((16))

[5:30 PM] Seirixori: ((31))

[5:30 PM] DM: And now that you're not freaked out, if anyone else would like to roll those lore checks you passed on earlier, you can roll arcana or nature.

[5:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya Nature: 8

Ry: 12

Rukiya: 21

Gylfi: 27

[5:31 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((19 arcana))

[5:31 PM] DM: Urrak, Seir, and Gylfi all notice that behind those torn bits of fabric, a gold, diamond ring is visible under Rukiya's shirt... right about the time she does and tries to adjust it so it's not visible.

[5:31 PM] Seirixori: ((lol 9nature))

[5:32 PM] DM: Most of you also can put together that the tunneling marks were made by the xorn claws.

[5:33 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "I wonder why they were collecting and not eating all of this," Ry says out loud as she moves to Rukiya.

[5:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs and mumbles something to herself and, absolutely ignoring the magic from Urrak and the ring, decides instead that the loot on the ground needs more attention.

[5:35 PM] Brimeia: "So we're definitely taking all this, right?"

[5:36 PM] DM: As Seir and Bri head toward the loot, you notice there's a little alcove to the north with more piles of treasure on the ground.

[5:36 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Before she walks away, Ry hands Seir the bag of holding.

[5:37 PM] Urrak: "To make us more delicious? I like gold as much as th' next person but wouldn't takin' that make us a bigger target?" Urrak folds her arms, "Unless they can't smell th' Bag o' Holdin'..."

[5:37 PM] Seirixori: "Yes, definitely." She says to Brimeia. Seir looks suspiciously at the pile before she touches it. ((is it a fishy pile!? lol))

[5:37 PM] DM: Perception or Investigation?

[5:38 PM] Seirixori: ((well it's a nat 20 so... perception would be a 33 lol))

[5:38 PM] DM: Does not smell of fish.

[5:38 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: While the others gather the loot, Ry asks, "Rukiya, are you okay?"

[5:39 PM] Seirixori: "Honestly, we have a lot of people back home that could also use some of this and since we rarely ever bring any back..." Seir shrugs and starts to toss stuff into the bag, pausing to look at anything that isn't gold or gems.

[5:39 PM] Urrak: Urrak moves over to Rukiya, "Lemme help with that. Here," she touches her shoulder and her shirt starts to stitch itself back together.

[5:39 PM] Brimeia: "We already killed the thing, might as well," Bri shrugs as she helps Seir pack up the goodies lying around.

[5:39 PM] DM: Rukiya nods. "Yeah... just a little surprised. I'm not usually the one getting hit. Are you-- what happened?"

[5:40 PM] DM: Rukiya smiles at Urrak in thanks.

[5:41 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry blushes a little, and mumbles, "I can absorb attacks others take if I'm near enough to them."

[5:42 PM] Urrak: "Ye might want t' tuck that lil keepsake in th' Bag. Fer yer safety," Urrak smiles and walks back to her place in the rear of the party, "Well, everyone's in one piece, right? Let's scoop up some coin an' head on."

[5:43 PM] DM: The pile of gold and jewels contains 3,000 gp, 200 pp, and 4 gemstones.

[5:44 PM] DM: There is another one up north.

[5:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir heads to that one too. Checking again for anything that might seem off about it.

[5:46 PM] DM: Seems pretty normal, but there is a circlet included in this pile besides the money. 2,000 gp, 200 pp, and 2 more gems.

[5:46 PM] Brimeia: Bri goes over to help gather up the things.

[5:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes the circlet, not putting it in the bag, but adds the rest.

[5:47 PM] DM: Rukiya leans up and presses a quick kiss to Ry's lips. "Can we talk about it later?"

[5:47 PM] Brimeia: She puts the circlet on and does a silly regal impression.

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

[5:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs and goes to take the circlet off Brimeia. "Please don't, you don't know what it can do."

[5:50 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "So the markings were made by the xorn, does that mean the ones at the entrance were also made by the xorn and not the nagpa?"

[5:51 PM] DM: Rukiya shakes her head. "No, their feet are much larger than the ones in the snow. These might have just come through the stone. Look." She nudges the one that popped up next to her out of the way. "There's no hole. They can go straight through the earth."

[5:52 PM] Brimeia: "Aww... ok," Bri concedes, if a little reluctantly.

[5:52 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Oh, wow." Ry quirks an eyebrow. "That's good then... it means the nagpa might still be here."

[5:52 PM] Urrak: "This might seem weird but...can they make themselves invisible?"

[5:52 PM] Seirixori: "Magic is weird, remember?" Seir laughs and sticks it in the bag, figuring they'll look at everything later.

[5:53 PM] Urrak: "I ask cuz I finally bought some lamp oil back in Riverrun so we can actually use th' lantern, if need be."

[5:53 PM] Brimeia: Bri leans close to Seir, whispering like she's telling a secret. "Made me feel kinda smart for a moment there though."

[5:54 PM] DM: "Invisible?"

[5:54 PM] DM: Rukiya: "I don't think so. I think they just move through the earth."

[5:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head and looks back at the bag, "Hm... good to know."

[5:56 PM] Urrak: "I see," Urrak places her hands on her hips

[5:56 PM] Seirixori: Seir walks back to the others and pokes at a Xorn with her foot. "Kind of wish I could turn into one of those to get through here."

[5:57 PM] DM: Rukiya chuckles. "Can't you do that as an earth wolf?"

[5:57 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Hey, as a wolf could you smell the nagpa?" Ry looks excited.

[5:57 PM] Seirixori: "Yes, but then I could also have way too many arms and legs."

[5:58 PM] Seirixori: "Uh...probably? A regular wolf, senses aren't that fancy as an elemental one."

[5:58 PM] Urrak: "Smelly smelly Nagpa," Urrak chuckles at her own dumb joke

[5:58 PM] DM: Gylfi: "It only has one extra of each... probably useful for swimming through stone."

[6:00 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh looks around the room and says, "I say we go back, since we know these were the only things here." She nudges the rock monster with her foot.

[6:00 PM] DM: The passage does continue further to the east, though the tunnel becomes much smaller as it does.

[6:02 PM] Seirixori: "Put on your hat, or give it to whomever and I can do the nose thing." Seir says as she turns into regular wolf size.

[6:02 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh puts on the hat, and gestures for Seir to lead the way.

[6:04 PM] DM: Perception check. (Seir)

[6:04 PM] Seirixori: ((29))

[6:05 PM] DM: So you sniff around, getting a good smell of the creatures. How far around the area do you move?

[6:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir will move around most of the room without leaving anyone's sight.

[6:08 PM] DM: There is another smell here, that isn't the creatures, but it's throughout the room.

[6:09 PM] Seirixori: She'll hone in on that to see where it goes.

[6:09 PM] DM: It leads in both directions.

[6:09 PM] DM: east and west.

[6:09 PM] Seirixori: Seir tells Ry it goes both ways.

[6:11 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "She says that the scent of something else goes both directions. If we go further east it's going to be a tight squeeze, or we can try the west."

[6:12 PM] DM: Rukiya: "That means something came through here. It might have also gone north, but we know it was here. I can squeeze. You muscle-heads might have more problems." She grins.

[6:12 PM] Urrak: "Listen, pipsqueak....you're right." Urrak laughs, "I say west."

[6:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry chuckles good naturedly and shakes her head at Urrak's response. "Then let's go west first."

[6:15 PM] Seirixori: Seir heads west, smelling her way as she goes.

[6:16 PM] DM: You head back to the first chamber where the giant bones are. The smell is present heading south, back towards the opening of the tunnel on the mountain, but not to the north where you can see a tunnel and  something very dark in the floor.

[6:17 PM] Seirixori: "It's not that way to the creepy floor, but back outside."

[6:18 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "She says there's no scent coming for that way." Ry points to the north. "But there is going back out the way we came. So I guess we have no choice but to try and squeeze through?"

[6:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir shakes her head, "No...I don't smell it but... we have to go North."

[6:19 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Sounds about right."

[6:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "But why?" Ry asks Seir.

[6:21 PM] Seirixori: "I... I don't know." She starts to pace, like she's agitated at the thought of not going that way. "I can feel something, something important."

[6:22 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Seirixori says she feels like there's something important to the north... not the nagpa, but... what do we think? Head north or go east?"

[6:24 PM] Urrak: "I trust her, let's go North."

[6:24 PM] Brimeia: "Why not?"

[6:25 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "I don't think it's a matter of trust, but what we came here to do." Ryleigh rubs at the back of her neck and worries her lip. "But, if everyone whats to try north then..." she shrugs.

[6:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir barely waits for the confirmation before heading that way.

[6:27 PM] Urrak: "I meant her instincts, but yeah, let's go."

[6:27 PM] DM: You don't get far before you realize the weird floor... is a huge pit in the ground. It stretches side to side until it's blocked by fallen debris and goes down further than you can see. Give me a perception check, please. (Anyone who wants to examine the area)

[6:27 PM] Seirixori: ((nat 20- 33))

[6:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: nat 20 - 27

Rukiya: 27

Gylfi: nat 1 - 10

[6:28 PM] DM: The pit's 20 feet across and there's a thin pillar on the other side.

[6:29 PM] Urrak: ((14))

[6:29 PM] Seirixori: "There's something down there. A light."

[6:31 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "She says there's a light down there."

[6:32 PM] Urrak: "Not it," Urrak says

[6:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Seirixori, there's no way for us to safely get down there."

[6:33 PM] Brimeia: Bri scoffs and rolls her eyes. "I can check it out if we want to go down there. How far down is it?"

[6:33 PM] Seirixori: "I can, I can be tiny."

[6:33 PM] Seirixori: ((Is it too small for big bats to carry people?))

[6:33 PM] DM: Yeah, they probably don't have the ability to fly down a narrow chimney like that.

[6:34 PM] Seirixori: ((or giant spiders lol))

[6:34 PM] DM: Spiders are probably doable.

[6:34 PM] Seirixori: "I can be a small spider and if it's something we all need to see I can summon two big ones to take you all down."

[6:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh looks mildly worried, but says, "If you promise just to check it out and come back then I don't think we need to all go."

[6:38 PM] Seirixori: The wolf form nods quickly and all but disappears as a dark tiny spider starts to climb it's way down.

[6:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh paces as Seir slips down the hole.

[6:39 PM] DM: Give me a stealth check, and a perception check.

[6:39 PM] Seirixori: ((16 stealth, 25 perc))

[6:42 PM] DM: You get further down... it's a long way down... and at the bottom, the source of the glow, is a 10' tall angel with beautiful white feathered wings. He turns his beautiful smile in your direction. You hear a voice in your mind, soothing and calm. "You've come."

And that's where we'll end this week.

## Seir with the Angel

1:05 PM] DM: Ok, so you've come down the long, long hole. You found a 10' tall angel at the bottom, glowing with radiant energy, bright feathered wings, a beautiful smile. He looked at you, and you heard in your mind, "You've come."

[1:06 PM] DM: Oh, and a Religion check if you want to.

[1:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir freezes and it takes her a moment or five to respond and she does so, forgetting she's a tiny spider, "Wh-what?"

12

[1:09 PM] DM: He lifts a hand, palm up, and speaks aloud. "Do not be afraid to show your true form, sia um. There is no need for deception or hiding."

[1:11 PM] DM: In your discussions about champions with Takara, you'd recall that while the gods do have Champions, mortals who do their will, imbued with special abilities, they also have other celestials to do their bidding. However, these celestials are usually on the heavenly planes because the draw to the Material Plane is strong and angels who become corrupted lose their ability to return home... or worse- like Zariel. The risk is too high to send angels out on mundane tasks, so they are rarely used.

[1:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves off the wall to the ground and slowly shifts back. She looks very confused and a bit wary at the being in front of her, but there's also a very tiny spark of hope. "...why are you here?" She asks before realizing it might sound rude. "Wh-who are you here for?"

[1:21 PM] DM: He smiles and kneels, one sandaled foot moving back against the stone so he can be closer to eye-level. "These questions have so many answers... but they are not truly the questions you wish to ask."

[1:27 PM] Seirixori: There's a very slight shake of her head of a 'no', barely aware that she's lifted her hand to her chest, where Gunnloda's symbol is inked onto her skin. "I have a thousand questions," she sounds almost breathless, "and I know how it feels, but it seems to good to be true."

[1:32 PM] DM: "What you seek is near, cest'nor. Whether it is too good to be true or not."

[1:36 PM] Seirixori: Her brow furrows at the unknown word, as if she's trying to figure it out, despite her incredible lack of knowledge of the language. "She isn't the only thing I wan-- am seeking. I--" her eyes widen a fraction, "My-my friends, I forgot-- they're waiting."

[1:39 PM] DM: "They are. There is another... like you, but not." He closes his eyes for a moment and when he opens them, he smiles again. "The more the merrier; why not invite them down?"

[1:46 PM] Seirixori: She chuckles a little, but looks hesitant, "I-okay, one might be... a little aggressive." She summons two giant spiders behind her, only turning sideways so that the angel is still in her view. "Please go get my friends," she whispers motioning towards where she came from. She realizes a little too late that maybe she should have tied something to one. She sighs and turns back to face the angel. "...what's your name?"

[1:46 PM] DM: "Chasan."

[1:47 PM] DM: Give me a perception check, if you like.

[1:48 PM]BOTAvrae: Seirixori Iscitan makes a Perception check! 1d20 (15) + 13 = 28

[1:51 PM] DM: When you're summoning the spiders, you get a little bit better of a view of the room you're in. It's fairly spacious considering the cramped quarters you've been in, though Chasan might not think so, being as big as he is. You can see that the room is full of stuff. At a glance, you can see carvings on the walls, humanoid-sized equipment, and a weapon that looks entirely too big for a human to wield resting against a wall.

There's also tunnels that branch out from this room with large carved stairs.

[1:53 PM] Seirixori: "Are...are you living here? Or well, someone else this seems a bit... small for you."

[1:54 PM] DM: He chuckles a little. "I have been here for some time, but unlike your kind, I do not need much."

[1:55 PM] Seirixori: "Isn't that dangerous for you?" Her worry and hope get pushed aside for her curiosity.

[1:58 PM] DM: His smile widens. "Isn't it dangerous for you to be here? Sometimes acting in the face of danger is more important than safety."

[2:01 PM] Seirixori: She grins back and her eyes light up as it's very clear she wants to make a joke, but she doesn't and instead says, "Danger is everywhere."

[2:05 PM] DM: His eyes kind of unfocus like he's remembering something, then he smiles. "On this plane especially."

[2:08 PM] Seirixori: She nearly takes a step forward to offer a hand of comfort but instead nods. "Loads of fun."

[2:14 PM] DM: His eyes flicker towards the chimney where Seir descended and back to her. "Who is your sire, cest'nor?"

[2:17 PM] Seirixori: She's about to respond but then looks very hesitant to answer.

[2:19 PM] Seirixori: "...is that important?

[2:22 PM] DM: He smiles. "No... call it curiosity."

[2:22 PM] DM: (and now we can return to side 2)

## Back to the top

2:01 PM] DM: 14 Felmont 3Y21

Vydea's Face, Tumulus Ruins, Isonsall

You've come back to the ruins where the titan was once held seeking a nagpa in hopes that the Raven Queen might know how to stop the titan. Now that you're here, though, you've been staring down a seemingly bottomless pit that Seirixori went down, insisting there's something important there. The pit is deeper than any of you can see, but it is only 20' across and there appears to be an opening on the other side.

[2:03 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "What's taking her so long?" Ry says, her tone worried as she continues to pace in front of the hole Seir went down.

[2:05 PM] Urrak: "Ask her. Ye've still got th' hat, right?" Urrak squints at the pit as if it'll help her see anything. "Maybe there's some loot down there."

[2:06 PM] DM: Rukiya looks down the pit again. "Its only been a couple minutes. Maybe it was just further down than she thought."

[2:07 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "She too far for me to communicate with her." Ryleigh scratches the back of her neck and stops pacing.

[2:08 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Something's coming."

[2:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh peers into the hole expectantly.

[2:09 PM] DM: Two giant spiders crawl out of the hole and stand. Waiting.

[2:11 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Mounts," Ry says, immediately walking over to one of them.

[2:11 PM] DM: The spiders will only be able to carry one of you at a time, each.

[2:13 PM] Urrak: "Ach, gross...I wish more creatures could climb walls..." Urrak frowns, "I'll go last..."

[2:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: She stops in front of it. "Bri, you and Gylfi go first - just in case there's something wrong."

[2:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi nods and climbs up the spider, looking like it's something they do regularly.

[2:15 PM] Brimeia: "Got it." Bri flashes a thumbs up and clambers onto one.

[2:16 PM] DM: The spiders both shoot webs up towards the ceiling and start spinning webbing as they descend in a spiral around the walls, creating a fairly thick strand of webbing as an anchor as they move.

[2:21 PM] DM: The spiders and two of your party descend out of sight.

[2:22 PM] Urrak: "Here's hopin' there's nothin' too wild down there," Urrak bites her thumbnail anxiously. "It's a good sign that she sent mounts though."

[2:25 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Maybe... or it could be that she needs help."

[2:26 PM] Urrak: "Y'think we can climb down th' threads?"

[2:27 PM] DM: Rukiya: "I could try, if you'd like. I'm less likely to bring them crashing down."

[2:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Rukiya probably could... but I don't want to risk it," Ry says at the same time, then smiles at Rukiya.

[2:27 PM] Urrak: "True that, much lighter than th' two of us."

[2:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Gylfi will make sure no one dies, and Bri can suck up damage and deal it out in the mean time." Even though Ryleigh is clearly worried, she seems confident in her decision.

[2:29 PM] DM: After another couple minutes, the spiders return.

[2:29 PM] Urrak: "Seems t' be going well," Urrak says, seeing the spiders. "Ye two go ahead."

[2:29 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh will mount the spider.

[2:32 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Are you sure you'll be ok up here alone? Maybe one of us should go now, and then there are two here for the next trip."

[2:33 PM] Urrak: "I'll be fine, I know Ryleigh will wind herself up thinkin' about if yer safe or not up here. Please, go ahead."

[2:33 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "I dunno. We don't want anyone to be stuck up here alone." She frowns. "I'll stay with Urrak... you go," Ry says to Rukiya, getting off the spider.

[2:35 PM] Urrak: "How about this," Urrak climbs onto a spider with a shiver and heads down. "See ye down there!"

[2:36 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh rolls her eyes as Urrak and her spider disappear.

[2:37 PM] DM: "Well that's one way to get some alone time," Rukiya chuckles.

[2:38 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Quirking an eyebrow, Ry says, her tone teasing, "Already needing more alone time?"

[2:40 PM] DM: Rukiya rolls her eyes a little. "You know how much getting mauled turns me on.... though I suppose we could talk about what happened earlier."

[2:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh's brows furrow and she looks down at Dawnbringer's hilt.

[2:45 PM] DM: Rukiya puts her hand on Ry's chest and lifts her chin with the other. "I'm not saying it was the wrong choice. I'm just asking you to be careful. I couldn't bear being the reason I lose you. You and I walk a fine line. Please don't jump to the other side for me."

[2:48 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "It kept hurting you and I... I didn't know what else to do." Ryleigh's hand comes up to cover the one resting on her chest. "I promise not to take more than I can handle... but if it's between you falling and me - how can I pick me?" It's asked with such sincerity, that even Ry's voice is softer.

[2:50 PM] DM: "You've already died once, Ryleigh. You know it's harder to come back again. I can't... I don't want anyone to die for me, but especially you."

[2:54 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh presses her forehead to Rukiya's. "I know. I do, but..." she sighs. "I can't promise not to protect you, and I can't promise I won't get hurt doing so, but I will do my best not to be reckless or... self-sacrificing when it isn't necessary."

[2:55 PM] DM: The spider returns and joins the other still waiting.

[2:56 PM] DM: Rukiya leans up and presses a quick kiss to Ry's lips. She whispers, "I can't lose you."

[2:58 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "I know," Ry answers, and she stays pressed close for a moment... or three. She kisses Rukiya one more time, then pulls away. "We can talk more tonight, if you'd like, but right now we need to..." she points to the spiders.

[2:58 PM] DM: She nods. "Let's go then."

[2:59 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh gets back onto the spider.

[2:59 PM] DM: The two spiders and their riders descend.

## All together now

2:19 PM] DM: And if Gylfi and Bri could both roll a d20 for me.

[2:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((9))

[2:20 PM] Brimeia: ((10))

[2:22 PM] DM: Gylfi and Bri ride their spiders down to the bottom of the chimney where they find Seirixori, standing, and a huge angel, kneeling in front of her, chatting. The room is fairly spacious considering the cramped quarters you've been in, though the angel might not think so, being as big as he is. You can see that the room is full of stuff. At a glance, you can see carvings on the walls, humanoid-sized equipment, and a weapon that looks entirely too big for a human to wield resting against a wall.

The angel turns to you both with a smile. "Welcome, friends of the cest'nor."

[2:22 PM] Brimeia: "The who?"

[2:23 PM] DM: You can both also roll Religion if you'd like.

[2:23 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi hops off their spider and immediately pulls out their notebook - jotting down information and sketching things quickly.

[2:24 PM] Seirixori: Seir turns her head slightly to acknowledge them, though she does look a little surprised at who is down first. ((17 insight - to his 'curiosity' lol))

[2:24 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((20 religion))

[2:25 PM] DM: He seems genuinely curious.

[2:25 PM] Brimeia: ((4))

[2:25 PM] Seirixori: "...Mielikki."

[2:26 PM] Brimeia: Bri jumps down from the spider and walks over to Seir.

[2:26 PM] DM: He seems to think about that for a moment. "I don't think I recognize that name."

[2:26 PM] DM: The spiders head back up the chimney.

[2:27 PM] Seirixori: She tilts her head, curious, "...I am not from this area."

[2:28 PM] DM: He looks at her with a focused gaze. "Curious."

[2:28 PM] Brimeia: Bri leans in toward Seir and whispers, "Who's the big guy?"

[2:29 PM] DM: "My name is Chasan."

[2:29 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi turns their attention to the angel and with a smirk asks, "Do you mind if I sketch you?"

[2:30 PM] Brimeia: Bri looks startled. "Oh.. uh, hi there, Chasan." She scratches at her head

[2:31 PM] DM: His attention turned toward Gylfi, he smiles. "Make sure to get my good side."

[2:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "As if you have a bad side," they answer with a wink, quickly putting their pencil to paper.

[2:33 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts and still hasn't moved her attention from Chasan. "Is it so strange for me not being from around here?"

[2:34 PM] DM: "To be here, yes. This is not exactly a popular crossroad or port of entry. Nobody comes here without purpose."

[2:35 PM] Seirixori: "Crossroad?"

[2:36 PM] DM: "A place where travelers-- is my Common not fluent? I am out of practice."

[2:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir blushes a little, "A crossroad for what...to where?"

[2:39 PM] DM: "I am sorry for the misunderstanding. I simply meant that this is not a place where travelers pass through. It is a destination for very, very few special people, and those people are not generally from far away."

[2:40 PM] Brimeia: "Special, huh? Special how?"

[2:42 PM] Urrak: Urrak descends from above and hops off her spider, "Hullo th---whoa!"

[2:42 PM] DM: Give me a d20 roll, Urrak.

[2:42 PM] Urrak: ((7))

[2:42 PM] DM: "You needn't pretend you don't know what's here."

[2:45 PM] Urrak: Urrak is transfixed by the Angel "Holy hells..."

[2:45 PM] DM: The angel smiles. "Half right, anyway."

[2:47 PM] Seirixori: "We were looking for something else... but I- I could feel it. Something here." She says after a few moments of silence.

[2:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi closes their notebook and tucks it away. "I don't think my drawing could do your beauty justice, but damn, it'll be a nice reminder on those lonely nights," they say to the angel.

[2:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir cannot help but laugh at that.

[2:53 PM] Brimeia: Bri does too.

[2:53 PM] DM: "What is it you seek, if not what draws the rest?"

[2:55 PM] Seirixori: "Something called a nagpa."

[2:56 PM] DM: "I do not know this word. Nagpa."

[2:58 PM] Urrak: "They're bird-like mage creatures?" Urrak offers

[3:00 PM] DM: He shakes his head.

[3:03 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "They're mages that are attracted to destroyed civilizations," Gylfi offers, then they tilt their head in question. "What is here that typically 'draws the rest'?"

[3:04 PM] DM: "Ah... if you don't know, I'm not telling." The angel smiles and stands as Ry and Rukiya make their way down to the ground, and I need d20 rolls from both of them.

[3:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 6

Rukiya: 12

[3:05 PM] DM: Everyone can give me a perception check.

[3:06 PM] Seirixori: ((30))

[3:06 PM] Urrak: ((7))

[3:07 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 13

Rukiya: 26

Gylfi: 22

[3:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((18 - religion check))

[3:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head curiously as her gaze quickly shifts to Ry and then back to the angel.

[3:09 PM] DM: "Is this all your friends, then, cest'nor?"

[3:10 PM] Seirixori: She nods with a grin, "The ones with me, yes."

[3:10 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh's eyes grow wide at the sight of the being before her. She opens her mouth, then closes it, then opens it, and closes it again - she's literally speechless.

[3:11 PM] DM: "Welcome." His grin widens when he catches Ry's expression, but he turns to Rukiya instead. "And another cest'nor. You understand why I was surprised this is not your destination. Might I inquire about your sire?"

[3:13 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi looks at Rukiya, their eyes narrowing a little.

[3:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir makes a face and cringes just a little.

[3:13 PM] DM: Rukiya tilts her head. "Another time, maybe."

[3:15 PM] Urrak: "Cest--what?" Urrak quirks an eyebrow

[3:15 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Uh," Ryleigh starts, shaking her head a little. "What god do you represent?"

[3:21 PM] DM: His smile fades and he looks at Ry. "I might ask you the same thing, Lightbearer."

[3:23 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh clears her throat, trying to find her voice. "I don't represent any god anymore. I draw power from the light, freedom, truth, and song - and they are what I  represent."

[3:26 PM] DM: A smile slowly crawls across his face until he's practically beaming with pride. Well, literally, since he glows slightly. "I once served the Lord of Light. I no longer serve any master."

[3:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: After a sharp intake of breath, Ry asks, "May... may I ask why you don't serve him anymore?"

[3:28 PM] Urrak: "Cuz he's an asshole?" Urrak mumbles

[3:30 PM] DM: His expression darkens once more and he glances in the direction of his weapon. "I discovered a great sin and came here to seek the power to rectify it." He looks back to Ryleigh. "I have been trapped here ever since."

[3:31 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "You know," Ry says to the angel, her eyes wide.

[3:31 PM] Brimeia: "You're trapped? Why?"

[3:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles to herself, "I know a goddess, or two who might be able to help."

[3:33 PM] DM: He shakes his head. "I do not know why I cannot leave, but I do know the gods are of no help here. I can feel it."

[3:34 PM] Seirixori: "Oh, right yeah, that. I meant in general... I think."

[3:34 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Is there something we can do to release you?"

[3:36 PM] DM: "I don't know. I have tried everything I could think of, but I am... out of ideas and just outside of reach of my goal."

[3:37 PM] Brimeia: "What if we make you a way to climb out?"

[3:37 PM] Brimeia: "Like, what happens when you try to leave?"

[3:38 PM] Urrak: "Give th' man some room t' answer," Urrak chuckles

[3:38 PM] DM: He offers a sad smile to Brimeia and jumps upwards towards the chimney, but before he can flap his wings even once, bright glowing golden chains appear on his wrists and ankles, tethering him down to the ground. He lands heavily and the chains vanish.

[3:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Moving closer to the angel, Ry asks, "What is your goal?" Her hand tightens on Dawnbringer's hilt.

[3:40 PM] Brimeia: "Oh. Well, that's unfortunate."

[3:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves towards him as if to help him, but isn't sure he actually needs it.

[3:41 PM] DM: He stands again, his wings spreading out to either side, then drooping. "I came here to seek the power to take his place... to fix his mistake... but I cannot reach the ritual chamber."

[3:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh swallows hard and she looks down at her feet. "There isn't anything left up there... I-I made a mistake and awoke an ancient power. When it rose from the earth, everything was destroyed..."

[3:45 PM] DM: "I am not speaking of the runestone or the giants above. I speak of what the guardian was protecting."

[3:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Her head bolts upright, looking up into the angels face again. "The guardian?"

[3:48 PM] DM: "The slumbering titan recently awakened. It was the guardian of this place... and even its awakening could not free me."

[3:49 PM] Seirixori: "Where is the chamber?"

[3:50 PM] DM: He nods towards one of the tunnels.

[3:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh looks at Seirixori, a question clearly on her face.

[3:52 PM] Urrak: "If we somehow free you...could you help us take down th' Titan? Er, Guardian?" Urrak folds her arms

[3:53 PM] DM: "Is that why you are here? The guardian?"

[3:54 PM] Urrak: "Partially. We need t' stop it from leveling the country," Urrak frowns, "Our hunt fer th' nagpa is also a hunt for knowledge on how t' stop th' Guardian."

[3:57 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: At Urrak's explanation Ryleigh walks over to Rukiya and takes her hand.

[3:57 PM] DM: He looks like he's thinking for a moment, then he sits against the wall. "The Na'agh Mora... the runestone would have deactivated them temporarily, but if you can find them... They are what kept the guardian docile for so long."

[3:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks at Ryleigh, the current topic of conversation far from her mind. "Gods cannot help here and yet..." Seir pauses, "There is a ritual chamber and Gunnloda... that light when you released it... I--" she stops her self before getting farther into what she's thinking, unsure of it all.

[4:00 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "I think we should go look at the ritual chamber." Ryleigh stares down at her hand in Rukiya's as she says it.

[4:01 PM] DM: "The Na'agh Mora are through there," he says, pointing at a different tunnel. "Three of them."

[4:02 PM] DM: Rukiya whispers in elven.

[4:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh shrugs, then she looks at the others and explains, "The Na'agh Mora is jotun for... pins? Sorry, there's not really a common translation for the phrase, but that's what he means by 'kept the guardian'."

[4:05 PM] Seirixori: "Should we get them first?" Seir clearly doesn't want to, looking very much like she's ready to just bolt towards the chamber, but she is trying to keep the actual goal in mind.

[4:06 PM] Brimeia: "Maybe just in case? In case something weird happens in the chamber or whatever."

[4:07 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Do you think the Na'agh Mora could break your chains?"

[4:08 PM] DM: He sighs. "No. Even when the guardian awoke, nothing changed. Tunnels collapsed and the world trembled, but my binds were still unbreakable."

[4:10 PM] Urrak: "Those chains have got t' be serious magic t' keep a being like you down...but if findin' these Na'agh Mora can help even a bit, I'd say it's worth lookin' into."

[4:14 PM] DM: "If it weren't for the fact that the gods cannot reach here, I would think perhaps Asten himself chained me here for my sin of turning my back on him. Kept here in chains, in the dark, in the quiet, for so long... it's almost poetic."

[4:15 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "Could a devil have done this to you?"

[4:16 PM] Brimeia: Bri's eyes widen.

[4:16 PM] DM: "I don't think so. I-- I sometimes wonder if it is an act of the chamber itself. If I am just... too close to the gods to enter."

[4:18 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh scratches at the back of her neck and worries her lip. "Let's see if we can locate the Na'agh Mora and then we can try the ritual chamber. Maybe there's something we can do in the chamber that might set you free."

[4:19 PM] Seirixori: After bowing her head slightly in thanks, Seir immediately starts to head towards the tunnel Chasan motioned to where those were.

[4:23 PM] DM: The tunnel is wide enough for Chasan to walk through until it ends in a collapse. Chasan waited for a few seconds before pulling himself to his feet to follow, and now he says behind you all, "This is where the guardian rested. The cavern collapsed when he rose from it. The Na'agh Mora are under there, somewhere."

[4:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir huffs, "I can't go through it just yet."

[4:25 PM] Urrak: "Do ye need a rest? Ye've used a lot of magic t' get us here." Urrak asks, slightly concerned

[4:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Can Ry tell if they can just move some rock and stuff to get through or is totally collapsed?))

[4:26 PM] Seirixori: "I didn't use that much, it's the shapes I need back."

[4:27 PM] DM: It seems like the mountain has fallen inwards to replace the mass of the titan that's missing. Huge boulders. You might be able to move some of it aside, carefully, but it would take a significant amount of time and effort.

[4:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "I assume you wouldn't rest while we look at the ritual chamber?" Ry asks Seir.

[4:29 PM] Urrak: "She could rest while we clear th' way," Urrak offers. "Between you, me an' Brimeia we could probably get it done."

[4:29 PM] Seirixori: Seir's face makes an angry pout, "Assuming nothing bad is in there..." She obviously does not want but also knows she needs to be able to shift no matter what they end up doing.

[4:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh shakes her head, and says to Urrak, "By the time we moved enough rock it'd make more sense to have waited for Seirixori."

[4:31 PM] Urrak: Urrak hums, "Guess yer right..."

[4:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "We'll wait for you, homashoc," Ry says, a slight smile on her face. "We should take some time to collect ourselves before we press on anyway."

[4:33 PM] Urrak: "Aye, an' we'll keep our large friend company awhile longer," Urrak chuckles

## Seirixori

1:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir paces at first, needing to get out some restless energy. After a minute or two she starts to walk slowly around the room to check it,  and it's contents, out. While she does she asks, ""Chasan, how do you become an angel?""

[1:15 PM] DM: ""How do you become..."" he tilts his head a little like he's not sure what to call her. ""I was created an angel.""

[1:20 PM] Seirixori: She looks at him a moment and then whispers an 'oops' to herself. ""My name is Seirixori. And... angels are created? Not, I don't know, previously someone else?""

[1:21 PM] DM: ""On rare occasions, a god may take the soul of a mortal and fashion a celestial body for it, but generally we are eternal, as are the gods.""

[1:46 PM] Seirixori: She hums as she continues to walk around the room.  ""And can you visit the realms of other gods or is that a different entity?""

[1:49 PM] DM: ""We are imbued with the very essence of our god. I do not know if it is possible, but I imagine it would be very uncomfortable, especially the further from our own essence it is.""

[1:55 PM] Seirixori: ""Uncomfortable,"" she says more to herself than Chasan. She doesn't continue chatting, choosing instead to focus on the room.

[1:57 PM] DM: Give me a perception check.

2:04 PM] Seirixori: ((21))

[2:08 PM] DM: At first glance, you notice the carvings on the walls. Some look similar in style to the ones you saw in Tumulus, though different in content. Others appear to be runic writing. You also see the pile of humanoid sized equipment, all of it extremely old and in disrepair. The cloth is threadbare and faded or in tatters, the metals are rusted, the ropes are frayed. What you assume is Chasan's weapon is a huge flail with a sun-shaped weight on the end. It is still in pristine condition, resting against the wall near the equipment.

[2:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir pokes around a little more at the humanoid things to see if there's anything if actual interest, of not she'll stand in front of the weapon to look at it more closely.

[3:12 PM] DM: Investigation checks, one for each.

[3:13 PM] Seirixori: ((siiiigh that's a nat1- 6 and a 10))

[3:16 PM] DM: You don't see anything of particular interest in the gear. Just a bunch of old stuff. The weapon is sized for Chasan's use and looks like gold on white with clear Asten imagery in the metal.

[3:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir is going to reach out to touch it.

[3:37 PM] DM: It's solid. A little warm.  Chasan says, ""Just an old tool. Useless, now.""

[3:59 PM] Seirixori: ""No tool is ever useless. Just sometimes not what you need at the time... or sometimes you need to use it for something other than it's intended use.""

[4:11 PM] DM: Chasan doesn't respond.

[4:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir runs her hand along it one more time before sighing and stepping away. "" Too bad I don't think this will help you get out either. I assume you've tried.""

[4:31 PM] DM: ""It is not much use except hitting things. Hitting things will not free me. ""

[4:35 PM] Seirixori: ""Hmm sometimes makes you feel better though."" She looks towards where she wants to go and then quickly turns away and sits across from Chasan. Forcing herself to sit and do nothing more so not to tempt her curiosity.

[4:35 PM] DM: He looks at her curiously. ""You said she is what you seek... who is she?""

[4:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks away for a moment, a little embarrassed about her reaction earlier. ""My wife.""

[4:43 PM] DM: ""I see...""

[4:46 PM] Seirixori: ""I think she might have come down here... or maybe even still be down here..."" She sighs heavily. ""Or maybe I just want her to be."" Seir says quietly.

[4:58 PM] DM: ""She has the Spark..."" he says it almost to himself, but being so big, his voice carries further than he probably realizes. His eyes flicker back towards Ryleigh, then he closes his eyes and drops his head back against the wall.

[5:06 PM] Seirixori: ""The what?""

[5:11 PM] DM: He cracks an eye open to look at Seir and frowns. He sighs and says, ""The Divine Spark. Without it the ritual chamber is... useless. Like I said... only very rare, very special people come here. Accompanied by the blood of celestials to complete the ritual...""

[5:13 PM] Seirixori: ""... Wait. How exactly does it work? ...And is that why you keep looking at Ryleigh?""

[5:14 PM] DM: Hey look, I'm going to remember at the most inopportune time. Give me a persuasion roll.

[5:17 PM] Seirixori: ((20))

[5:21 PM] DM: He looks at Seir for a moment longer, then says, ""The Divine Spark is what the essence of a god is called. The thing that makes them what they are. That's what this place is... one of the places where the Spark can be realized.""

[5:23 PM] DM: ""It is... difficult to unleash. The gods can't access it-- apparently I cannot even do so-- but to realize the Spark, the ascendant must be accompanied by three individuals with celestial blood.""

[5:31 PM] Seirixori: ""...oh."" Seir stops and then possibly realizes something as she looks over at Ryleigh and Rukiya, ""Oh. ...are there three people here with it?""

[5:32 PM] DM: ""Four, if you're including me.""

[5:37 PM] Seirixori: Seir stands up, very eager to talk to Ryleigh and Rukiya but notices they're conversation looks some what serious and will wait for them to finish. She starts pacing again, talking to herself, ""Does that mean she's been down here alone?""

[5:41 PM] DM: He watches Seir for a few more moments. ""You didn't know any of this.""

[5:46 PM] Seirixori: ""No. We knew-- we only knew this place was a place of power and that gods couldn't see it or come to it. We knew it affected my wife, but I asked Tak-- I asked another god about the process and they didn't know anything about it. We've been trying to figure it out...I think, I think maybe there might have been a vision but I think we interpreted it wrong. I think it was showing us this. Or maybe I'm putting too much into it and it's coincidental but that's...""

[5:56 PM] DM: ""The gods wouldn't know... I'm not sure they can know."" He sighs and looks away. ""Maybe that's why I am trapped here. Forbidden knowledge. I stumbled on knowledge of this place and thought maybe a deva had enough Spark to ascend.""

"[6:12 PM] Seirixori: ""I'm certain they can't know. I was told they don't remember anything from their previous life... Is there a way we can maybe make you forget?"" She looks like she wants to ask something else, her gaze now also going from Chasan to Ryleigh.

[6:18 PM] DM: His face takes on a harder quality and his gaze is intense as he fixes it on Seir. ""I would refuse. If this is the penance I pay for refusing to fall in line, so be it.""

[6:19 PM] Seirixori: ""I-I didn't mean everything. Just about this place.""

[6:31 PM] DM: ""I don't know that they can be separated.""

## Ryfika

[12:37 PM] DM: Chasan returns to the room where you found him and sits against the wall again. His demeanor is more subdued, not as bright and smiley as it was.

[12:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh guides Rukiya a little away from the others so they can finish their conversation that they were having before they descended into the chamber. Occasionally, Ryleigh’s eyes land on Chasan and it’s obvious she struggles to pull her gaze away from him.

[12:54 PM] DM: For what it's worth, Ry would probably notice that frequently when she glances at him, he's either looking in her direction or looking away like he's trying not to be obvious about it.

[12:55 PM] DM: Ryfika can happen here if there's actual convo that needs to happen.

[12:59 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: She doesn’t let go of Rukiya’s hand as she chooses a spot to sit - a place where she can keep an eye on Chasan.

[1:00 PM] DM: Rukiya speaks softly, but doesn't bother with changing her language. ""Are you ok?""

[1:02 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I don’t know.” Ryleigh pulls her eyes from Chasan to look at Rukiya. “I feel... confused.”

[1:02 PM] DM: ""About what?""

[1:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “About this,” Ry says, her free hand gesturing to the space around them. “I woke the Titan - the guardian - whatever it is and...” she lowers her voice. “I exposed the place of power to the world and I don’t know how I feel about that... about him.” She nods her head in Chasan’s direction.

[1:09 PM] DM: ""Under a ton of rubble in a crater on top of an isolated mountain isn't exactly exposed, min sies. Don't be so hard on yourself.""

[4:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry hums a little, which to anyone other than Rukiya - and probably Seir - would sound like an agreement but they know it’s Ry’s way of appeasing. “Sun’frada,” she says softly, running her thumb over the back of Rukiya’s hand. “Redirecting damage from others to myself isn’t the only new thing I can do. I’ve also been practicing a spell that Gunnloda used a lot on Seirixori.” She worries her lip. “It creates a kind of link between us, and as long as you’re nearby it’ll protect you, but... it also has a draw back. One you may not like.”

[4:24 PM] DM: Rukiya doesn't say anything for a moment.  ""I remember. I also remember Seirixori having issue with it, but because it didn't really work while she was in another form, it didn't come up often... that I saw.""

[4:32 PM] DM: She takes a breath.  ""Do you think it's necessary?""

[4:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You usually stay safe and out of the way, but lately... you’ve been a target. It hasn’t just been those creatures upstairs, but also the one that disappeared with you then nearly gnawed your legs off before we went into the shadowfell.” Ryleigh sighs. “I know you can’t lose me, so I know you don’t like the idea of me taking hits to protect you, but raisna'rila, I can’t lose you either. I hate who I was before you.”

[5:01 PM] DM: She closes her eyes, putting her hand over Ry's. Her brow's slightly furrowed when she says, ""Promise me you'll be careful. If you're already hurt and it... please.""

[5:10 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Look at me,” Ry whispers in elven.

[5:11 PM] DM: She does, though her eyes are wet with unshed tears.

[5:25 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I know I’ve let you down in the past and that I’ve hurt you by being reckless. I know my words are empty, so I can only prove it to you with my actions.” Ryleigh cups Rukiya’s cheek. “I’m going to spend every day showing you that I believe I’m worthy to love you and be loved by you in return. I won’t leave you in loneliness ever again.”

[5:29 PM] DM: Rukiya nods and turns her head a bit to press a kiss to Ry's palm. ""I love you.""

[5:38 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I love you, too.” Then Ryleigh leans in and kisses Rukiya - maybe a little inappropriately given the present company.

[6:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh pulls away from the kiss breathing a little heavy. She presses her forehead to Rukiya’s and softly says, “Are you okay?”

[6:16 PM] DM: She whispers back, ""Better now.""

[6:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh nods, and slowly pulls back. “He keeps staring at me.”

[6:20 PM] DM: ""So do I. Maybe he thinks you're sexy.""

[6:21 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Chuckling lightly, Ry shakes her head. “Doubtful.”

[6:23 PM] DM: Rukiya takes a deep breath and releases it slowly, recentering herself. ""Why don't we ask him about it, then?""

[6:25 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh looks uncomfortable, but says, “Okay.” She squeezes Rukiya’s hand. “Watch him... sometimes you pick up on things I don’t.”

[6:30 PM] DM: She nods.

[6:31 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh stands and pulls Rukiya up with her. They’ll walk hand in hand over to Chasan.

## Seir, Chasan, and Ryfika

[6:34 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: As Ryleigh and Rukiya approach, Ry clears her throat. “I hope we aren’t interrupting.”

[6:38 PM] Seirixori: ""As it turns out, I was trying not to interrupt you two. ... You remember the four corner thing with all of us?""

[6:40 PM] DM: Rukiya nods.

[6:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “What about it?” Ry asks.

[6:42 PM] Seirixori: ""Think it might have been about the ritual... to help Gunnloda.""

[6:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “That makes sense...” Ryleigh shifts from foot to foot. “This is a place of power and we know there are more places like this.”

[6:51 PM] Seirixori: ""There was another thing..."" Seir looks directly at Ryleigh as she speaks. ""It requires the help of three people with celestial blood.""

[6:53 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “We only have two people though...”

[6:56 PM] Seirixori: ""No. We have three and I am not talking about our new friend,"" her gaze is intense and she has not looked away from Ryleigh."

"[7:12 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh looks from Seir to the angel to Rukiya, then around the room. “I don’t understand... it... it can’t be me?”

[7:22 PM] DM: Chasan: ""Why not?""

[7:30 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods towards Chasan, though she knows the answer Ryleigh would give and knowing she won't believe it, says,  ""You're the one that can see auras, right? Can you check your own?""

[7:31 PM] DM: ""It wouldn't work. Yours doesn't come from a god.""

[7:35 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh was laughing at how ridiculous it sounded for them to suggest she has celestial blood, but then her laughter stops abruptly. “What do you mean? You can only be born with a celestial aura - and I’m not special.”

[7:37 PM] Seirixori: Seir rolls her eyes, ""I swear I'm going to pinch you every time you say that."" And she does.

[7:38 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Ouch.” Ryleigh playfully shoves Seir away. “Stop. I’m just saying it doesn’t make sense. I might be special to you two but I’m not special like that.”

[7:42 PM] DM: ""You don't have an aura because you aren't a celestial and don't have a God's blood. You have mine."" His eyes widen and he mutters, ""No, not now."" And before it even registers, his appearance changes. His beautiful feathered wings disappear, replaced by bloody stumps. His clothes are tattered, and his hands are red as if they're covered in blood to just above his wrists.

[7:46 PM] Seirixori: ""... Suddenly the weapon thing makes a lot more sense."" Seir says, trying to pretend to ignore the fact that she didn't at all see that coming.

[7:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry pulls both Seir and Rukiya away from him as he transforms.

[7:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “What are you?” Ry demands.

[7:50 PM] DM: He doesn't stand. His body just slumps further against the wall. ""Everything I've said I am.""

[7:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir will pull out of Ryleigh's grasp if she can to move back to where she was, ""What do you mean she has yours-- how?""

[7:59 PM] DM: ""I can sense it. Faint, but there. She is descended from... the people who owned those things."" He nods towards the pile of stuff."

"[8:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I am... but what does that have to do with you?”

[8:29 PM] DM: ""The owners of those items followed me here to help me achieve my goals."" He looks at his hands, wet and red. ""I've done terrible things in the name of fixing Asten's sin."" His head falls back against the wall as a tear falls down his cheek."

"[9:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh swallows hard and takes several steps forward. She hesitates, then says gently, “I’ve done terrible things too...I have many people’s blood on hands - some were deserving and others were not.” Ryleigh touches Dawnbringer’s handle for reassurance. “What sin of Asten’s are you trying to fix? And how did that goal produce - me?”

[9:13 PM] DM: ""He's betrayed... everything."" He struggles to find the words he wants like he's not used to saying them out loud. ""I tried to get word to the others, but they weren't listening. I stumbled on knowledge of this place and brought loyal humans with me, in case I couldn't do what needed to be done. I'd hoped that this place could grant me the Spark. Instead... this happened.""

[9:15 PM] DM: ""They settled a town nearby, they told me... time passed. So much time. A generation, maybe two. Fewer and fewer people returned. I... grew desperate.""

[9:15 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh’s brows furrow.

[9:19 PM] DM: ""I'd learned much from the carvings here. A dead language. The last of the giants fell ages ago, but I know all language. I wanted to escape. To right his wrongs. To save humanity. The people who had stayed by my side and believed in my cause. I thought the guardian might be able to free me.""

[9:24 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “And what did you discover about the guardian?”

[9:30 PM] DM: ""How to temporarily disable the Na'agh Mora."" He looks at his hands again. ""With their help, I created a runestone that would fit into the protection circle. I used my own blood to connect the magic from the runes and the runestone to hers. The last one. She was going to place the runestone and free me... but she never returned. And I waited. And waited. I don't know how long its been. One day, the guardian awoke and I prayed this would be over. Instead..."" He lifts his hands like they are the result.

[9:33 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Who was she?” Ry asks, frowning a little at the explanation.

[9:34 PM] DM: ""The last of my followers. The last human to visit. The last one who believed in me. The first of a line with my blood... not by birth but by magic.""

[9:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Can Ry tell if he’s telling the truth?))

[9:37 PM] DM: Insight check.

[9:38 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((11 -\_-))

[9:39 PM] DM: Seems to believe what he's saying. (You can roll for Rukiya too)

[9:39 PM] DM: (+11)

[9:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Wtf. 16))

[9:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “My grandmother said that the mountain held the source of our power, but what that power was had been lost to time... it’s probably been centuries since you saw that human.”

[9:43 PM] DM: He chuckles humorlessly. ""I suppose that's one way to say it. It certainly has hold of me.""

[9:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I assumed she meant the Titan, not a fallen angel.” Ryleigh runs her hand over the rune at the base of her neck.

[9:46 PM] Seirixori: ""Wait, but that would mean that's how long Asten's been doing this, are we sure it's been that long?"" Seir frowns and then shakes her head, ""Okay maybe...it has, I don't remember dates.""

[9:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You said Asten betrayed everything. I have my theories, but... I need you tell me what he did. Please.”

[9:50 PM] DM: ""The Lord of Light is... or was in league with the Lord of Lies.""

[9:50 PM] DM: ""It's been so long... I... I hope it isn't true anymore.""

[9:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh’s hand comes up to cover her mouth, her eyes bouncing between each of his - as if he’s just confirmed what she believed.

[9:53 PM] DM: ""Ah."" His head droops.

[9:56 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I-“ Ryleigh takes a shaky breath and moves her hand. “I need to take care of the Titan first. The more people it destroys the more innocent souls go to the hells.”

[9:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs softly and steps away, sitting next to Gylfi.

"[10:00 PM] DM: ""It was a foolish, selfish mistake. Had it worked... maybe it would have been worth it. But the blood of every innocent killed by my blood or by the guardian... is literally on my hands.""

[10:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Can I tell if he’s telling the truth? lol))

[10:04 PM] DM: Sure.

[10:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Still insight?))

[10:05 PM] DM: Yep.

[10:06 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Ry: 20 / Rukiya: 24))

[10:08 PM] DM: As someone who makes the same kind of judgments, Ry would recognize the way he said it- that the ends justify the means. He's remorseful about the fact that it didn't work, but if he could have saved all those souls from the Hells, it would have been worth the sacrifice of their bodies. He seems to believe what he's saying.

[10:11 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “No it isn’t,” Ry says. “You made a choice... one that you thought would help people. It just didn’t, but you didn’t know it wouldn’t.” Ryleigh watches Seir go and frowns as she does. She sighs heavily and rubs at her forehead. “What would happen to you if you were freed?”

[10:17 PM] DM: He frowns. ""I don't think you understand. This is not an illusion,"" he says, holding his hands up again. ""It spreads. bit by bit. Sometimes it's not even noticeable. Sometimes it's by leaps and bounds."" He exhales and shakes his head. ""You're human. You wouldn't understand. My wings, my hands, my clothes... they're the physical manifestation of my sin. You may be able to hide yours... I don't have that choice. Not for long."""

"1:05 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You’re right,” Ry answers, her eyes sharp. “I don’t understand because I am human. I don’t have eternity to feel sorry for myself. Chasan... you paid a price for trying to do the right thing, but this place or whoever found you unworthy of the power. That doesn’t mean you can’t help the being who is worthy.” Ry grips onto Dawnbringer’s handle. “You called me ‘lightbearer’... and my wife calls me sunshine... but it hasn’t always been that way. I’ve looked deep into the darkness and I’ve seen it staring back at me, but I’ve chosen the light.” She steps up to Chasan and places a hand on his leg. “Regardless of your past failures you are still an angel of light and freedom. The people of Ascus are suffering and you can still help... even if it’s not in the way you wanted to... you just have to choose that and accept that this is how you look now.”

[1:06 PM] DM: Give me a persuasion roll.

[1:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((26))

[1:16 PM] DM: He looks at her for a long moment. ""I want to save them. I want to bring Asten to justice. ...I don't know how to do that from here."""

"[2:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I know.” Ryleigh sighs heavily and rubs at her neck. “I don’t know what we can do to free you... but if we did, how would you bring Asten to justice? He’s been withdrawn for centuries.”

[2:31 PM] DM: His eyes drift back towards the tunnel where the ritual chamber waits. ""I want to replace him.""

[2:38 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “And if you can’t? Would you be willing to help the person who could? Or help bring his lies to the people?”

[2:39 PM] DM: Give me an insight check.

[2:41 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Ry - 12 / Rukiya - 26))

[2:43 PM] DM: His brows furrow and Rukiya adds, ""What's more important to you? That they're safe or that you're the one who does it?""

[2:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh’s jaw tighten and her eyes narrow on Chasan as Rukiya asks.

[2:53 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""That's your sin, isn't it? Using a just cause for personal ambition.""

He doesn't respond, but looks away.

"[3:05 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: A humorless laugh escapes Ryleigh’s throat. “Of course - ambition. I should have known.” She shakes her head and walks back to Rukiya, taking her hand and facing Chasan. “You have an opportunity here, Chasan... and I believe that you have it in you to do the right thing for the people you claim to want to help. You have a chance for redemption... but the choice is yours and only yours.”

[3:29 PM] DM: ""The wife of the cest'nor... you think she is the one? The person who can replace him?""

[3:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Honestly? We don’t know. She could, or she could take the place of different god. What I do know that I won’t stand by and allow Asten to continue his reign of darkness - whether there’s someone to take his place or not - his time is coming to a close.”

[3:35 PM] DM: ""What can you do as a human to stop a god?""

[3:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I plan to stop the people’s belief in him.”

[3:42 PM] DM: He opens his mouth, then closes it with a frown. He's quiet for another couple seconds. ""If he is destroyed or fades... and is not replaced, his celestials will be destroyed too. That will likely include me.""

[3:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You said you wanted to stop Asten’s sin and save the souls of the people of Ascus - this might be the price of that.” Ryleigh takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. “I hope he’ll be replaced, because I can’t imagine a world where there isn’t a sun god, but not at the continued costs of my people’s souls.”

[3:48 PM] DM: One more Persuasion roll.

[3:48 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((23))

[3:51 PM] DM: He looks at Ryleigh again with an intense gaze, then he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before opening them again and says, ""What can I do to help?"""

"[4:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Well, first, I need to know the truth about what happened.”

[4:32 PM] DM: He takes a breath and nods slightly. ""I was a messenger. I was sent to the Material Plane to deliver a message to a human, but there was something off about it. It unsettled me. So instead of returning to the Meadows, I disguised myself and followed the human. He was a go-between. He met another and relayed the message... so I followed that one. Three times the message was passed along until it came to one with the stench of fiends on it."" His blood-soaked hands clench.

""I confronted it... but it wasn't just a cultist. It was Uketh... one of The Lord of the Ninth's generals. I barely escaped. I returned to Asten with my findings, but he... he tried to tell me I was mistaken. When I pressed, he cast me out. He claimed I was tainted by association with devils and banished me.""

[4:45 PM] DM: ""I wandered the Material Plane, looking for information. Looking for allies. I tried explaining what had happened to the other gods, but none would hear me. I even tried speaking to the head clerics of Asten and Vydea. I was dismissed at every turn."" He inhales and lets the breath out slowly before continuing.

""The only people who listened were mortals. In time I found a collection of humans willing to follow me instead of Asten, mostly because they were upset at Asten for some reason or another... but I set them about research and discovery, looking for any information that might help. It was a fluke, really, that I found a snippet of text from a dead language, undecipherable and stuck in a separate text, brought to me by one of my followers. It mentioned this place and set me on my quest to find it.""

""I brought my followers here... but I was trapped and my wings were taken. Everything I said was true, but it wasn't the whole truth. After I lost my wings, most of the humans stopped following me. I held tighter to those who didn't."""

"[5:04 PM] DM: ""My favorite, Alys... she called herself the high priestess of Chasan,"" he says, a slight smile on his lips, though it quickly turns to a frown. ""She helped me create the runestone. In return for her faithful service, I harnessed the magic of the runes and taught her to use them. I used my blood to bind the runes to her. Imbued her with some of my essence, my power. I gave her the runestone... but she didn't place it. The guardian slumbered on and I waited. She didn't return."" He looks sad when he says this, not quite disappointed, but like he missed her company.

""I don't know how long it was. No sun, no sleep... no way to tell the passage of time... but after some time, I saw the first..."" He opens his hand and runs one blood-soaked finger across a pad of his palm. ""The first evidence that I was responsible for the death and suffering of innocents. Sometimes it was spots... the day my palm dripped crimson, I can't imagine the horror that must have taken place. And it's only grown. I ran out of space on my hands... and the day the guardian awoke, it started spreading up over my wrists.""

""I've been out of contact for so long... I don't know what's happened out there. But I have to do what I can to make it right... and if all I can do from here is give you the information you need, then that's what I'll do. Even if it means I'm trapped here until I'm destroyed along with my sire.""

[5:07 PM] DM: As he finishes speaking, there's a glow around his wrists and ankles and the manacles and chains that bound him fall away. He lifts his hands and stares at them, his eyes filling with tears."

"6:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh smiles. “The truth and your acceptance of it has set you free, but seeking redemption is a journey. One that I truly hope you continue. It isn’t easy,” she looks at Rukiya and the others then back to Chasan, “but I promise it’s worth every difficult step.”

[8:53 PM] DM: Chasan offers a small smile. ""You give me faith that not all my decisions have been disastrous.""

[9:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I know I’m in no position to ask favors of you, but...” Ry pulls out the shard of the sun from within her armor, and glances at Gylfi. “I’m the heir to the Ascan throne and there might come a day where I’ll need to convince the people of Ascus that I’m not my bloodline - that I’m not in league with the Sun King or the Sun God and their ‘sins’ as you put it.”

[9:37 PM] DM: ""But you bear the sun on your shield and wield it as a sword... what would you ask of me?""

[9:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh hums a little, a slight smile on her lips. “I ask that you be a witness for me, if I am to need it? If Asten is truly in league with the Lord of Lies, the people should know, and perhaps our combined voice will do what one alone cannot.”

[9:43 PM] DM: ""I don't know what weight the voice of a disgraced angel would carry, but if you ask for it, I will grant it. His sins must be exposed.""

[9:49 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: With a nod and thankful grin, Ry says, “Chasan, even in disgrace you’ve done more to help the people than Asten. I know you lost your way, and I know you will continue to struggle because restitution isn’t an easy path, but always remember that you set out to help others. Focus on bringing the truth to those who only know lies and try not to give into your own selfish wants.”

[9:58 PM] DM: He glances down the tunnel, then back at the chimney. ""I don't even know where to start.""

[9:59 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Probably not where the ritual cavern is - that may be testing your newly found freedom too soon,"" Ry half laughs."

"[10:02 PM] DM: ""No... and I ache to feel the sun upon my skin once more, but I might wait for you to return to the surface before I find my way. I would like to know how it goes.""

[10:06 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh nods, tucking the sun shard back into her armor, then she points to the others. ""I'm going to go check on my friends.""

[10:07 PM] DM: ""The pins... they're about this long. Crystal. I can tell you how to use them once you find them.""

[10:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Thank you,"" Ry says, her tone completely sincere. ""I'm almost positive that you've just saved us precious time by telling us about the pins.""

[10:11 PM] DM: He nods. ""Thank you... for helping me see. Do you need me to wait?""

[10:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""You can tell me how to use the pins now, if you wish. However, if you're going to stay nearby to see how the ritual goes, then please... wonder around. You've been cooped up in here for far too long,"" Ry says, gesturing to the cavern they're in.

[10:21 PM] DM: ""I will meet you outside."" He stands, stretches a little, and looks up at the chimney. He scans the room once more, nodding at the rest of the party, then holds his hand out. His flail moves to his hand, then disappears. He smiles a little like he wasn't sure that would actually work, then starts climbing.

[10:22 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh watches him leave the cavern, smiling to herself. Then she looks at Rukiya and shakes her head. ""Wow.""

[10:23 PM] DM: Rukiya barely lets her get the word out before she has her hands on either side of Ry's face and her lips pressed against Ry's.

[10:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Taken completely by surprise, Ry stumbles backward and makes a noise of shock against Rukiya's lips, but she manages to steady them by wrapping her arms around Rukiya's waist.

[10:29 PM] DM: Rukiya pulls away enough to rest her forehead against Ry's. Her cheeks are wet and she whispers, ""Sorry... I just...""

[10:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""What's wrong, l'auorphiem?"" Ry asks worriedly.

[10:34 PM] DM: ""Nothing... nothing's wrong."" Her hands fall from Ry's face, one landing on her chest, fingers hooked over her breastplate with her palm over Ry's heart, the other on her arm. ""I'm so proud of you.""

[10:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh's eyes water, like her own words are sinking in. ""I didn't realize..."" she swallows hard and shakes her head in disbelief. Then Ryleigh smiles and in one swift motion, picks Rukiya up and kisses her again. When she stops to breathe, Ry whispers, ""Thank you.""

[10:50 PM] DM: ""Su'amu, unsil'umun.""

[10:53 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Su'amu, raisna'rila,"" Ry answers, smiling brightly despite the tears falling down her cheeks.

[10:59 PM] DM: Gylfi's voice rings through the cavern. ""Take it off! Let's see the abs!"""

"11:00 PM] Seirixori: As does Seir's laughter.

[11:02 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I think I might have to show Gylfi my abs just to get them to stop asking,"" Ry jokes, her lips brushing against Rukiya's in another kiss.

[11:03 PM] DM: ""That would only make it worse,"" Rukiya chuckles.

[11:05 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh laughs lightly. ""I could put you down and we could go over there... or we can go find a dark corner in one of these tunnels."" She wiggles her eyebrows playfully.

[11:09 PM] DM: ""Don't tempt me.""

[11:10 PM] Brimeia: Bri's voice can be heard egging them on as well.

[11:11 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""They wouldn't miss us..."" Ry says as Bri's voice echoes around the chamber. ""Although they might start missing the show we're putting on.""

[11:11 PM] DM: Rukiya steals one more kiss. ""Later.""

[11:13 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh smiles into the kiss and slowly lets Rukiya down. ""Okay.""

[11:33 PM] Urrak: Urrak wolf whistles, ""Th' hottest couple this side o' th' Fytulk, everybody!"" She laughs heartily, ""At least we know not t' worry too much of ye two decide t' disappear fer a bit. """

## Sylfi

"[10:01 PM] DM: Gylfi raises their eyebrows at Seir's arrival. They were trying to copy some of the carvings into their notebook until all the very juicy information started spilling out. ""Intense, huh?""

[10:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles, ""Nothing but.""

[10:08 PM] Seirixori: ""Came with us for Shadowfell stuff, and you get bonus information too.""

[10:09 PM] DM: ""Quite a bit more than I anticipated.""

[10:10 PM] Seirixori: ""But maybe the complicated bit is a little more understandable?""

[10:11 PM] DM: ""It's not every day you find out your friend is married to an angel-princess.""

[10:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir shakes her head, ""And to think, that's just the surface.""

[10:17 PM] DM: Gylfi just hums. ""Are you ok?""

[10:29 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts, ""If what he says is true... if she's been down here all this time alone I--"" she swallows thickly. ""I promised I would come find her but I-- I know all this other stuff is important-- fuck."" Seir wipes a tear she wasn't expecting. ""She must hate this place.""

[10:34 PM] DM: ""Hey... you couldn't have known. That's if she is down here. Do... do you want to go look?""

[10:34 PM] DM: ""I mean... if she was down here, she'd probably have come this way by now, right?""

[10:39 PM] Seirixori: ""I don't know,"" she grits her teeth in frustration, ""She didn't exactly sink into the floor because she wanted to."" Seir covers her face with her hands, ""All I've wanted to do since he mentioned what it was, was to go there. But we need to deal with the titan issue first.""

[10:40 PM] DM: ""Do you think it's something that will take a long time to look into?""

[10:42 PM] Seirixori: ""If we decide to kill a nagpa first and then go back to the Raven Queen. If we get it from this guy and I can find whatever it is we need... I imagine that would be faster. Hopefully.""

[10:43 PM] DM: ""I mean the ritual chamber. It's just down the tunnel, isn't it? Can't we do that first? At least look?""

[10:50 PM] Seirixori: ""Well of course--"" Seir stops and narrows her eyes. ""You--you are not good for my extreme lack of patience and sneaking off to look for things.""

[10:52 PM] DM: Gylfi laughs. ""I never said I was good at impulse control. Just that the Shadowfell is dangerous.""

[10:54 PM] Seirixori: ""We didn't go because I need to be able to shift and what if there's something in there?""

[10:56 PM] DM: ""I didn't really mean right this instant. I just meant before we go back up to find the nagpa or before we go back to the Raven Queen or before you go after the titan.""

[11:07 PM] Seirixori: ""Oh I am not leaving down here until we go there. They want me to go find those 'pins.' So I'm going to do that because no one else can.""

[11:09 PM] DM: ""For what it's worth... I hope you find her.""

[11:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir leans into Gylfi, ""I hope so too... thank you. I'm sorry you were kind of thrust into this...chaos.""

[11:21 PM] DM: They shrug just a little so as not to disrupt Seir's lean. ""I can't say it's less exciting than a normal day. Besides... when else am I ever going to see something like this? I'm trying to decide if he's actually hotter like this.""

[11:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir scrunches her nose, ""He's basically Ryleigh.""

[11:32 PM] DM: Gylfi laughs at that. ""Well, Rukiya said she's got the abs to back that up.""

[11:41 PM] DM: ""Wait... you don't think Ryleigh's hot?""

[11:44 PM] Seirixori: Her face scrunches up even more, ""I mean, I know she's beautiful...""

[11:46 PM] DM: Gylfi looks at her with an incredulous look. ""I don't understand.""

[11:47 PM] Seirixori: ""...what?""

[11:50 PM] DM: ""I know she's beautiful but ew.""

[11:53 PM] Seirixori: ""Well it's true! She's-she's like, I don't know, a sister?"" Seir even makes a face saying sister if only because it just really isn't the right word but she feels like it might explain it better."

"[12:00 AM] DM: They kind of narrow their eyes at her. ""What about the rest of them? Or Rukiya?""

[12:06 AM] Seirixori: Seir makes almost the same face, if not with a little more disgust. ""Absolutely not, not a chance, and...I've technically already mentioned it. ...although I'm not entirely sure hot is uh, what I'd...use. Maybe once or twice.""

[12:16 AM] DM: Gylfi laughs again. ""Yeah... I don't understand. At the risk of sounding shallow, all my friends are hot. I don't get not seeing that.""

[12:18 AM] Seirixori: ""They're pretty but..."" she shrugs and grins a little, ""My wife, however...""

[12:18 AM] DM: ""Hot, adventurous... she into threesomes?""

[12:20 AM] Seirixori: She laughs, ""I... do not know about that last part.""

[12:29 AM] DM: They grin and shrug. ""Worth a shot.""

[12:35 AM] Seirixori: Seir smiles, though there's a touch of sadness in it. She brings her knees up and rests her chin on them. ""Waiting is terrible,"" she grumbles.

[12:48 AM] DM: ""So... I take it most of this stuff is kind of hush-hush? I'm not used to needing to censor my notes.""

[12:48 AM] DM: ""But I figure I didn't know for a reason.""

[12:53 AM] Seirixori: ""It very much is... honestly this bit is rather new to us. Then again, you're only getting a third of the hush-hush. Maybe half if you count my wife. At some point there won't be a reason to hide it but until then... There's too much at stake for anyone to find out."" Seir turns her head to look at Gylfi, ""I don't exactly want to threaten you, or think I have to, but I will if I need to.""

[12:57 AM] DM: They grin and raise an eyebrow. ""What if i said you just got hotter?""

[1:05 AM] Seirixori: Seir snorts and turns back to watch the others, though she can't really hide the darker tinge to her cheeks. ""You're easy to impress.""

[8:33 PM] DM: Gylfi doesn't capitalize on the embarrassment because they're too distracted by the others.  ""Did... did she just talk an angel into redeeming himself?""

[8:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins, ""Welcome to the results of Ryleigh's fancy way with words.""

[8:49 PM] DM: ""Mmm I guess I get Rukiya a little more now.""

[9:05 PM] Seirixori: Seir just shakes her head in amusement while she watches the others and fiddles with the tip of her tail.

[9:40 PM] DM: Gylfi raises an eyebrow. ""Are we closer to half now? Or is that more like two-thirds?""

[9:47 PM] Seirixori: ""Ehh closer to half. I was really dividing it by people but considering some of us have more to keep secret than others, I think I might only account for like an eighth.""

[9:49 PM] DM: They pull their eyes from the very intriguing drama to peer at Seir. ""Are you a secret angel-princess too? Or are you just talking about the tentacles?""

[9:52 PM] Seirixori: ""You just want it to be tentacles."" Seir chuckles. ""My mama is just an assassin, my mother however...well where's the fun in just giving you that?""

[9:55 PM] DM: ""You know... you're already my friend. You don't have to keep inventing mystery to keep me interested."" Gylfi grins and looks back to the others.

[10:00 PM] Brimeia: ""Are you ever not interested?"" Bri teases as she plops down near them.

[10:02 PM] Seirixori: ""Inventing? Rude."" Seir grins, knowing what she's saying, ""How dare you think my mother being a goddess is me inventing things to keep you around."" She nods to Brimeia.

[10:03 PM] DM: Gylfi's head slooooowly turns back towards Seir.

[10:06 PM] DM: ""An eighth. I am questioning your math skills."" They look at Brimeia. ""You a secret angel-princess, too?""

[10:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, giving Brimeia time to answer.

[10:38 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia can't help but burst into laughter too.

[10:38 PM] Brimeia: ""Not exactly."" She catches Seir's eye, then Gylfi's and winks.

[10:43 PM] Seirixori: ""I lived in a forest until last year, what do I know about math?"" Seir finally manages, snickering here and there, giggling even more at Brimeia's answer.

[10:48 PM] Urrak: ""Clearly th' other angel-princess is me,"" Urrak winks and chuckles

[10:53 PM] DM: Gylfi shakes their head and turns back to watch the angel climb from the cavern. They raise an eyebrow at the scene taking place in front of them. ""Think they remember we're here?""

[10:55 PM] Brimeia: ""Don't think they care,"" she laughs.

[10:57 PM] Seirixori: ""Ryleigh might,"" Seir adds, still giggling.

[10:59 PM] DM: Gylfi calls out,  ""Take it off! Let's see the abs!""

[11:00 PM] Seirixori: Seir's laughter was dying down but now it's ramped back up as she struggles to catch her breath.

[11:10 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia bursts into raucous laughter too and eggs them on.

[11:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir leans more into Gylfi as she tries to control her breathing. She wipes a tear from her eye. ""Really, as if who my mother is has as much impact as this,"" she adds, bringing it back to earlier.

[11:28 PM] DM: They smile a little. ""You're very transparent, you know... but I applaud your loyalty.""

[11:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, ""Sometimes. Easy to do when none of it is a lie. And you're kind enough to not actually bring up what you want to.""

[11:38 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh and Rukiya finally walk over to the group hand in hand. When Ry sits, she guides Rukiya to sit in front of her, between her legs, and she wraps her arms around her - making sure to keep Rukiya close.

[11:39 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""Hey, I heard every time Ryleigh smiles, an angel gets his wings.""

[11:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh rolls her eyes and shakes her head. ""His wings didn't grow back,"" she says dryly.

[11:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir pokes their side, ""That wasn't even good.""

[11:42 PM] Urrak: ""Only Ryleigh could be humble about talkin' an Angel's curse away,"" Urrak says with a grin

[11:42 PM] DM: ""Tough crowd.""

[11:44 PM] Brimeia: ""Well you did manage to free the guy just by sweet talking him.""

[11:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""He freed himself. I just helped him see what he already knew.""

[11:48 PM] Urrak: ""Booooo,"" Urrak teases, ""It's ok t' be proud every so often, Ry.""

[11:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""It's not that I'm not proud for having helped him, but he did the hard part and deserves the credit. Not me.""

[11:53 PM] Urrak: ""I'm jus' glad we didn't have t' fight him,"" Urrak says as she takes a sip from her waterskin.

[11:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: After a few quiet moments, Ryleigh turns her attention to Gylfi and says, ""I know this probably isn't necessary, but I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention to anyone who I am. I told the people of Isonsall, so I'm sure it's only a matter of time before it gets out, but I don't want to put anyone in any unnecessary danger.""

[11:57 PM] DM: ""Is that the angel part, the princess part-- Ascan or Isonsall-- or the fact that you just charmed an angel back into his pants?""

[11:58 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh chuckles. ""I didn't know about the angel part until just now, so that's not the secret I'm worried about. I'm talking about my relationship to Tilman.""

[11:58 PM] Seirixori: Seir sits up at what Urrak said, ""Speaking of, you all seemed... not aggressive when you came down here. I was a little surprised.""

"[12:00 AM] DM: They tilt their head towards Ryleigh.

[12:03 AM] Urrak: ""I was jus'... Kind of in awe. His presence was weirdly... Comforting, is I guess a good weird fer it."" Urrak shrugs, "" Seemed like an ok guy.""

[12:06 AM] Seirixori: ""Hmm. Gonna be honest, I weirdly didn't think they were real, or at least actually looked like that? And yes, I also realize how that sounds, considering.""

[12:07 AM] Urrak: ""Angels?"" Urrak taps her chin, ""Guess I never really thought about their looks. Folks sculpt them all th' same.""

[12:08 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""From what I know there are varying degrees of 'fallen angels'. When I met Zariel in the hells, she was both terrifying and beautiful in an indescribable way.""

[12:09 AM] DM: Gylfi tilts their head again. ""You lead a fascinating life.""

[12:09 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Fascinating is certainly one way to describe it,"" Ryleigh says it with slight frown.

[12:10 AM] Urrak: Urrak laughs, ""An' t' think it only took a bitter old gnome an' his teleportation machine t' kick it all off. ""

[12:13 AM] Seirixori: Seir glares at that and makes disgruntled noises, grumbling a quiet, ""Fucking asshole.""

[12:14 AM] Urrak: ""Amen,"" Urrak mumbles before taking another drink

[12:33 AM] Urrak: Urrak pulls a small pouch out of her pack and examines its contents. ""Man some o' these things have been in th' Bag fer so long I forgot where we found 'em... "" She picks out one small bean from the pouch and rocks it back and forth between her fingers. After awhile her eyes go a bit wide, ""Jus' so we all know... These beans are weapons. Magic bean weapons. ""

[4:03 AM] Seirixori: ""...like turns into a sword or a fireball bean weapon or something else?""

[7:47 AM] Urrak: ""Fireball when thrown, but if ye plant them... Well, I suggest bein' real careful where and why.""

[7:58 AM] Seirixori: ""Throwing them sounds better. I've had... Mostly positive outcomes with that.""

[8:19 AM] Seirixori: After a slight pause of her fingering the one bead of her necklace she asks, ""Mind if I take them? Or is it something we want to sell? ... Should we sell something like that?""

[11:35 AM] Urrak: ""I'm fine either way,"" she shrugs, ""Nothin' wrong with expanding our arsenal a bit. Jus' in case. But these are either a one time thing or three random things.""

[11:44 AM] Seirixori: Seir grins and will hold out her hand for the bag, ""The great thing about fire not bothering me as much as other people is I can have fancy toys. ...or even not bothering me at all if I decide to be fire wolf.""

[11:49 AM] Urrak: Urrak passes the bag to her

[12:01 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes it and ties it to her belt, next to where she tied Gunnloda's Frostbeard crest. ""Fire fiiiire,"" she sings quietly to herself as she does so.

[12:27 PM] Brimeia: ""You're the best little weirdo,"" Bri chuckles.

[12:39 PM] DM: As the first short rest comes to a close, Seir regains her wild shapes and impatiently heads for the tunnel where the collapse is to seek the pins. The rest of you can accompany her or hang out here and continue chatting and identifying, regardless.

[12:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi stands and joins Ryfika, where they’re still wrapped in each other - occasionally exchanging kisses and talking softly to each other. “May I join you?” Gylfi asks is elven.

[12:40 PM] DM: Rukiya chuckles, ""Depends on what you mean by 'join'.""

[12:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi smirks, and teases, “I didn’t realize that was suddenly an option.”

[12:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh shakes her head, but she’s smiling.

[12:44 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""I promise it's not always this exciting to travel with us.""

[12:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Mhmmm.” Gylfi drops their voice a little and says, “Rukiya, you don’t have to tell me but... I assure you I won’t say anything to anyone.”

[12:49 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh’s expression doesn’t change from relaxed and cheerful, but Gylfi can see her eyes turn worried.

[12:53 PM] DM: Rukiya's smirk turns into a softer smile. ""Your discretion has never been in question, oor'lun.""

[12:56 PM] DM: Her eyes sweep over the others gathered around, and even though she looks comfortable, both Ry and Gylfi know her well enough to know when she's doing mental calculations.

[12:57 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi look at Ryleigh, almost like they’re following her lead.

Ryleigh presses a kiss to the back of Rukiya’s neck. “Sun’frada?”

[1:01 PM] DM: ""Sorry... it's just... always difficult to decide. It's why I tried so hard to keep boundaries up... until Ryleigh broke through them.""

[1:17 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Broke them?” Gylfi says, they’re tone slightly protective.

[1:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Yes,” answers Ry. “I wasn’t as tactful as you, but you know how she is... I was convinced she’d let the secret fester and destroy her... and our relationship. I-“ Ry sighs. “I loved her too much to let that happen, so I forced it out of her.”

[1:29 PM] DM: Rukiya rolls her eyes. ""Even now she wants to take more blame than is due. I let her get too close and she figured it out. The weight of secrecy was weighing on me. She didn't want me to suffer alone... so she asked me about it. Well... she made me hold a dagger to her heart and told me what she knew."" Rukiya smirks again, ""She's the most dramatic person I know."" She sighs and continues, ""I wouldn't have ever shared without that push, but I'm glad I did. ....even if now the numbers are growing. I feel like... it's ok. It's not as terrifying anymore.""

[1:31 PM] DM: She looks at the rest of the group and says in Common, ""Ryleigh was first, then Seirixori and Gunnloda because Seirixori's impossible to keep secrets from. The rest learned it from being part of my Trial in the Shadowfell."" She looks back at Gylfi. ""It's a very small, very exclusive collection of people who know. I don't think I have to tell you that I want the decision about who else will know to be mine.""

[1:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi nods and gently pats Rukiya’s hand, they share a non-verbal understanding. Then Gylfi is right back to being their usual joking self. “I’m sorry did you say she made you hold a knife to her chest? What I’m the hells for?”

[1:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh grumbles.

[1:48 PM] DM: Rukiya chuckles. ""I told her not to make me choose between her and Vyon, and that was her way of telling me she'd rather die than let me suffer in secrecy."" She pauses. ""Dramatic.""

[2:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I just wanted you to know how serious I was about it,” Ry murmurs, presses her nose to Rukiya’s neck.

[2:03 PM] DM: ""Then, she used a truth spell and swore an oath to me."" She lifts one of Ry's hands and presses a kiss to it. ""Very serious.""

[2:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “That is... the gayest shit,” Gylfi says with a laugh. “Although... I did just see that talented tongue in action so I can imagine you thought it was all very romantic.”

[2:15 PM] DM: Rukiya hums noncommittally. ""Maybe in retrospect.""

She sighs and says, ""I am the eldest child of Ambrose. I left before my investiture, in large part because of Vydea's... influence. And..."" she frowns a little, realizing she never actually said so to Ryleigh, ""I'm Vydea's Chosen.""

[2:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh runs her thumb over the back of Rukiya's hand and murmurs, ""I suspected as much when you started having visions in your sleep.""

Gylfi sort of shakes their head. ""So many secrets... and I thought I knew you best.""

[2:24 PM] DM: ""You did... until Ryleigh. I'm sorry for any negative feelings I might have caused keeping you at a distance, but... I hope you understand why.""

[2:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: There's a long pause, in which Gylfi really studies Ryleigh and instead of answering Rukiya, they ask, ""What exactly is your relationship with Tilman?""

[2:30 PM] DM: Before Ry can answer, Rukiya says, ""She didn't know until recently. It has nothing to do with what I've just told you.""

[2:36 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry smiles and presses a kiss to Rukiya's cheek. ""Thank you, raisna'rila.""

[2:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Then she looks at Gylfi, and to they're surprise, Ryleigh is smiling. ""I'd expect nothing less from one of Rukiya's oldest friends, but to answer your question... I'm the daughter of Queen Taryn Alisdair and King Ray Tilman.""

[2:44 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""I thought the queen and her daughter were both kille-- well, I guess I thought you were dead too, huh?"" They pause for a moment and think, before saying, ""Small world.""

[2:52 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh shrugs a little. ""I don't know what happened or why he killed Taryn. I just know that somehow my brother escaped with me and here I am."" She laughs a little. ""A Moonstream and a Tilman... who would have thought.""

[2:58 PM] DM: Rukiya catches Gylfi's look and says, ""I know Vydea has interfered in my life before. We know what it looks like and... how unlikely it is that all of this has come together. Not just myself and Ryleigh, but Seirixori and Gunnloda, too. I understand what you must be thinking right now. Believe me, I've had the same thoughts and worries."" She squeezes Ry's hand a little. ""We don't know what's coming, only that we're going to face it together and do the best that we can with what we have. We're going to do everything we can to make sure that the people of both Vyon and Ascus are safe and protected and able to thrive. That includes your people.""

[3:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi's eyebrows raise. ""Does it?"" They say, a little shocked. ""Usually we aren't included in anyone's plans for safety and protection. Of course... this is you we're talking about."" Gylfi sort of eyes Ryleigh though.

[3:16 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""Ryleigh shares my values. She wasn't raised by Tilman or the Alisdairs. She has a good heart and I trust her with everything I am.""

[3:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh grins and says to Gylfi, ""I know I look like the enemy. I get that a lot, especially here in Ascus, but Rukiya's right - we're going to do everything we can to help all of the people in Vyon and Ascus. Stick around and I’ll prove it to you.”

[3:45 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""So... not to be more curious than I have any right to be, but... how's that all going to work? I mean... there's already an heir for both your thrones and you're not exactly known.""

[4:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Well, we’re going to deal with the Titan first and then take it one step at a time.” Ryleigh starts to fiddle with Rukiya’s fingers. “But I intend to take Tilman’s throne, and I hope Rukiya will stand by me and be my Queen. As for Vyon, I’ve been working on building a friendship with Prince Kamari.”

[4:56 PM] DM: ""Is that what you're calling it?"" Rukiya teases.

[5:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh playfully pushes against Rukiya. “It’s not my fault your brother hit on me. I was just trying to make sure he felt heard.” She shrugs. “I know what it feels like to be the ‘other’ sibling.”

[5:50 PM] DM: Rukiya:  ""I don't know how it's all going to work. My parents know I'm still alive, but Kamari doesn't. One thing at a time.""

[5:50 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi hums, then says with a smile, “sounds complicated.”"

"[11:22 PM] Seirixori: At the very last moments of the second short rest Seir emerges seemlessly from the rocks, possibly a little faster than you might have expected, with three large railroad-like spikes with runes on them.

""Found them,"" she says in that gravelly rocky voice. Then, without hesitation, she drops them at Ryleigh's feet and heads directly for the ritual chamber."

"[2:01 PM] DM: 14 Felmont 3Y21

Vydea's Face and Vyon's Independence Day

## Late Afternoon in a deep pit underneath the remains of Tumulus, up the mountain from Isonsall.

You came back to this place to hunt a nagpa by request of the Raven Queen when Gylfi suggested that they might know information related to the Queen's past. You were hoping to trade this information for information about how to defeat the titan that rose from this very place and is ravaging the Ascus countryside. She imbued you each with a spell that, used on a bonus action with a 1 minute time span, would transfer a dying creature's memories to her.

When you got here, Seirixori found herself drawn to a pit that held a fallen angel, once angel of Asten himself, who had gotten too ambitious for his own good and was trapped down here. After learning that his blood runs through Ryleigh's veins and that he is the one who created the runestone that allowed the titan to wake, Ryleigh led him to the beginning of his redemption and freed him from his self-inflicted prison.

Seirixori went fishing for the pins that were once used to keep the titan in place, and having found them, has just dropped them at Ry's feet before heading straight for the ritual chamber where she hopes to find Gunnloda, now more than a week after she sank into the ground.

[2:05 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh picks up the pins and puts them into the bag of holding, then follows Seir to the ritual chamber.

[2:07 PM] Urrak: Urrak follows, scurrying to catch up

[2:09 PM] DM: The tunnel is wide and tall, far different from the kind of narrow crevices you had to crawl through to get here. The sides are covered in carvings of images and designs that might be language.

[2:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir does not stop to look at them and keeps going.

[2:11 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((can Ry look at the images as the pass - to gather what they are))

[2:11 PM] DM: Sure. As you're walking, give me a basic intelligence check, at disadvantage.

[2:13 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Ry: 12 / Rukiya: 8 / Gylfi: 3))

[2:13 PM] DM: Nothing jumps out at you as recognizable.

[2:14 PM] DM: As you come to an opening, three things are immediately obvious. The room's floors, walls, and ceiling are carved in geometric shapes, circles and angles everywhere. There is a section in the center where each concentric circle sits just a little higher than the one outside it like round steps headed up to a the peak of a round stepped pyramid. At the apex of that circular set of stairs is a familiar figure, standing with her arms slightly lifted at her sides, hands positioned palms forward, unmoving.

[2:16 PM] Urrak: ""Whoa,"" Urrak looks around the chamber, ""Wild...""

[2:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir immediately drops her shape and goes further in, calling out ""Gunnloda?""

[2:17 PM] DM: It does appear to be her, but there's no movement, no response.

[2:19 PM] Brimeia: ""Is that really..."" Bri stares.

[2:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir clenches her jaw and starts to head up.

[2:20 PM] Urrak: Urrak creeps a bit closer but keeps her distance. ""She's here...""

[2:22 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh follows Seir, staying fairly close to her. “I’m sure she’s fine, homashoc.”

[2:23 PM] DM: Rukiya follows too. ""It's not... exactly what I saw, but... I think this is what my vision was showing me. Or at least something similar.""

[2:24 PM] Brimeia: ""So that's really her then?"" she asks Rukiya.

[2:24 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""I... think so? I don't know.""

[2:25 PM] Seirixori: She doesn't respond or react to their words. Instead, Seir tries to make her way to be at level with Gunnloda.

[2:25 PM] DM: As Seir reaches the top, she can see Gunnloda's standing with her arms in a kind of mid-way position. Midway between level with the floor and at her sides. Midway between next to her and in front of her. Her eyes are closed. She doesn't appear to be breathing.

[2:26 PM] Seirixori: She will try and reach out to touch her.

[2:26 PM] DM: She's solid. Pink and warm and squishy like flesh, but if it weren't for that... you'd think she was a statue.

[2:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((is there anything obvious there that looks like a place where 3 people should stand?))

[2:27 PM] DM: She is to one side, not the center, and it is large enough to fit at least four people up there, but there's no ""STAND HERE"" circle on the ground or anything, no.

[2:29 PM] Seirixori: There are streaks of tears running down Seir's face while she stares at Gunnloda for a few more seconds, whispering her name before she turns to the others and asks, ""Wh-what are we supposed to do?""

[2:29 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi: ""Maybe you should mimic her. Stand like she is in a circle.""

[2:29 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh moves to Seir and takes her hand.

[2:31 PM] Urrak: ""All of us or jus' a few?"" Urrak quirks an eyebrow

[2:32 PM] DM: Rukiya takes Ry's other hand and stands between her and Gunnloda. Gunnloda's hands are slightly reaching out as if to take someone else's hands.

[2:32 PM] Brimeia: ""That angel dude said something about celestial blood right?""

[2:32 PM] Seirixori: There's brief hesitation before Seir takes Gunnloda's hand.

[2:32 PM] DM: Gylfi nods. ""Think it's just them. But we can hold hands too, if it makes you feel better.""

[2:33 PM] DM: Rukiya takes Gunnloda's other hand.

[2:33 PM] DM: Nothing happens.

[2:34 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Should we... pray?"" Ry asks.

[2:35 PM] Brimeia: Bri lets out a short chuckle at Gylfi. ""Do you use that line a lot?""

[2:35 PM] Urrak: ""Maybe ye need those pins?"" Urrak offers

[2:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts a little, it turns into a giggle at the end. ""We-we probably should have asked your friend before he left.""

[2:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Yeah... sorry. Of course, he didn't make it this far so maybe he wouldn't have known.""

[2:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""The pins are to stop the titan,"" Ry says to Urrak. She worries her lip then closes her eyes and starts to hum...

[2:39 PM] DM: No change.

[2:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Is there anything around us that would give us a hint as to what we're supposed to do?))

[2:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs and takes an actual real look around the room to see if there's anything on the walls.

[2:40 PM] DM: Investigation or Perception checks for those who are looking.

[2:40 PM] Brimeia: ""Don't suppose you saw any clues in your vision, Rukiya?""

[2:41 PM] Seirixori: ((32 perc))

[2:41 PM] Brimeia: ((18))

[2:42 PM] DM: Rukiya shakes her head. ""Just the three of us holding hands like this, with an empty space where Gunnloda is... but there was more light. I couldn't really see anything outside of us, but there was a glow around us. White glow.""

[2:43 PM] DM: Gylfi steps back into the tunnel.

[2:43 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya: 22

Gylfi: 29 - nat 20

[2:48 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi: ""These markings look a little like elven, or possibly sylvan... but I can't make out the rest.""

[2:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks frustrated until she focuses back on Gunnloda. She lets go of Ryleigh's hand, cupping Gunnloda's cheeks. She says something softly in druidic before placing a soft kiss to her lips and heads back down to check the tunnel with Gylfi.

[2:53 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi: ""Don't worry... I'm pretty smart, and Rukiya's really smart... we'll figure this out and get your wife back.""

[2:53 PM] DM: Anyone headed into the tunnels to examine the writing can make a basic intelligence check.

[2:53 PM] Seirixori: ((16))

[2:56 PM] Brimeia: ((17))

[2:58 PM] DM: You spend some time looking at the carvings, trying to figure out the patterns or the meaning behind them, but in time, after twenty or thirty minutes, you realize that this is a dead end and there's nothing you're going to be able to discover here at this time."

"[3:00 PM] Brimeia: Bri shuffles up to Seir and holds out the circlet she'd been wearing, kind of just for fun. ""Uh... I don't know if it'll help, but since I can't yanno, read, maybe you can use this instead.""

[3:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head at Brimeia, ""I don't know how much help it'll do, but sure."" She places it on her head. Seir then pulls out one of the journals she has and tears out several sheets from the back and starts to rub the carvings onto the paper.

[3:05 PM] DM: You get some rubbings!

[3:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh walks up to Seir and lays a hand on her shoulder. ""I know you're not okay... but there's nothing we can do right now.""

[3:09 PM] Seirixori: Seir pauses just a moment at Ryleigh's words before she  heads back into the room one more time, looking up at Gunnloda for a few moments before she heads back out, ignoring the tears on her face and back to the room where they rested.

[3:11 PM] DM: You return to the room where Chasan was trapped for generations on generations.

[3:11 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Once they reach the room, Ry pulls Seir into a hug.

[3:12 PM] DM: Rukiya joins the pair in a hug.

[3:12 PM] DM: Gylfi says, ""Group hug!"" and joins in too.

[3:13 PM] Brimeia: Bri just gives Seir's back a couple pats.

[3:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir was trying not to but she clenches the clothing of whoever her hands grab and she sobs into the hug.

[3:15 PM] Urrak: ""We'll figure this out. We've got enough memories between us t' give so we can get some answers fast.""

[3:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh softly starts to sing. ((casting calm emotions))

[3:18 PM] DM: I assume Seir will choose to fail? Or is she resistant?

[3:18 PM] Seirixori: She'll choose to fail but she's still crying a little.

[3:20 PM] Brimeia: Bri shifts awkwardly. ""So.... what's the plan now?""

[3:21 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I'd still like to find the nagpa and destroy it... if we're still up for it,"" Ry adds, specifically to Seir.

[3:22 PM] Urrak: ""An' we have th' pins now. Hopefully we can use them t' stop th' Titan.""

[3:24 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs ruefully, ""That's a silly question. The answer to it hasn't changed in weeks. We can go.""

[3:24 PM] Brimeia: ""Do we still need the nagpa now that we have the pins?""

[3:24 PM] Seirixori: ""No, but it's something I still want to do.""

[3:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Me too."" Ryleigh presses a kiss to Seir's forehead. ""Do you need more time or can we start searching for the nagpa again?""

[3:27 PM] Seirixori: ""I guess that depends on if you want to look for them with eyes or a nose.""

[3:31 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""The nose would be quicker, but... we can also just head back down the tunnel we started down the first time.""

[3:31 PM] Seirixori: ""The nose would take another hour of us sitting around, why not try the tunnel first?""

[3:34 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh nods and gives Seir a small smile. ""Thank you.""

[3:35 PM] DM: So, first thing's first... how are you getting back up the chimney?

[3:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir summons some giant lizards this time, enough for everyone. Despite how many there are Seir will absolutely wait for everyone to head up before she does.

[3:39 PM] DM: Ok!

[3:40 PM] DM: So you head back up the chimney. The tunnels here go north to a place you've never seen or south back towards the opening and where you fought the xorns the first time.

[3:43 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Alright, it's going to be a tight squeeze... Bri, do you want to go in first?""

[3:44 PM] Brimeia: ""Got it."" Bri pats the lizard she's on gently and goes on ahead with her hand on her weapon just in case

[3:44 PM] DM: So we're headed all the way back past the dead xorn...

[3:45 PM] DM: The tunnel here twists and turns, clearly not tunneled for ease, these spaces are haphazard and created by the natural collapse of stones atop each other.

[3:45 PM] DM: There is a path forward, but it is a tight squeeze. An athletics or acrobatics check will be required.

[3:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir, not having released the lizards yet, sends four to the north where they haven't been.

[3:47 PM] DM: Can they communicate with you at all? What is the intent in sending them up?

[3:47 PM] Seirixori: ((no, just if one of them dies lol))

[3:47 PM] DM: Just a 'go as far as you can' and see if they die? Ok.

[3:47 PM] Seirixori: ((oh she'll tell them to attack a bird-like thing lol))

[3:50 PM] Seirixori: ""I know I sent some of the lizards the other way, but would it make sense for a nagpa to even go through here?""

[3:52 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I don't know... maybe they can magic themselves through these difficult spots.""

[3:54 PM] Urrak: ""I'm lost as well."" Urrak looks down the crumbling passageway, ""Guess we'll know if those lizards find anything.""

[3:56 PM] Brimeia: ((10 athletics))

[3:56 PM] DM: Bri starts to squeeze through.

[3:57 PM] DM: It's a tight fit. You're moving slowly. Up ahead, in the dark, you can see a small pile of treasure, but it'll be another round or two of tight squeezing.

[3:57 PM] Seirixori: Seir's about to respond when she tilts her head, ""Hey uh, I think we need to go the other way.""

[3:58 PM] Brimeia: Bri, who's in the middle of trying to squish herself under some low-hanging rubble, grumbles. ""Now you tell us. You wanna turn around right now?""

[3:59 PM] Brimeia: ""Or should we go snag the treasure up there first?""

[3:59 PM] Seirixori: ""One of them just died, sorry,"" Seir shrugs, ""Go ahead and grab it if it's not too far."""

"[4:00 PM] Urrak: ""If ye can't turn around I can yank ye out, Bri.""

[4:00 PM] Brimeia: ""Alright. I can already see it, so I'm gonna go ahead get the goodies.""

[4:00 PM] Brimeia: Bri continues forward toward the treasure.

[4:02 PM] DM: After another several seconds of grunting and squeezing, Bri reaches the point where she can reach the treasure. Give me a flat dexterity check.

[4:03 PM] Brimeia: ((8))

[4:04 PM] DM: As Bri reaches for the gold, her weight causes the stones to shift and the gold and jewels all start falling down the stones, through the small cracks between stones and she winds up with only a handful of coins.

[4:05 PM] Brimeia: Bri huffs. ""Well so much for that."" She picks up what she can and pockets it before turning around and heading back.

[4:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir heads back to the hole and stares down it for a moment before looking to the other side to check about going across.

[4:08 PM] DM: You gain 5 gp.

[4:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh will follow, murmuring apologies.

[4:09 PM] DM: It's a 20' gap. There is a bit of a spur on the other side, probably ten feet beyond the edge, and the tunnel looks like it continues beyond that.

[4:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir, absolutely knowing how terrible it would go for her, has the four remaining lizards take them across.

[4:11 PM] Seirixori: ""There's a chance they might have gone that way, but..."" Seir says to Ryleigh as they go.

[4:12 PM] DM: You head across the pit, four at a time, until you can continue through.

[4:12 PM] DM: You reach a bit of an awkward opening, then the tunnel continues to the right, or back towards the pit.

[4:13 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: They will head right.

[4:14 PM] DM: The ceiling here looks very unstable, but a glint of metal catches your eye as Dawnbringer's light shines off it. It appears to be a backpack with a metallic pin with a feather sticking out of it... sticking out of a gap between two stones in the ceiling.

[4:15 PM] Brimeia: ""There's a pack here. Should I grab it?""

[4:15 PM] DM: It is in the ceiling, at least 15' up.

[4:16 PM] Urrak: ""Maybe ye can throw somethin' an' knock it down.""

[4:16 PM] Seirixori: ""That doesn't exactly look... safe.""

[4:17 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I don't think that's a good idea,"" Ry says at the same time as Seir.

[4:17 PM] Brimeia: ""We can worry about it later then. Maybe one of your fancy animals can help.""

[4:18 PM] DM: Do you continue into the chamber?

[4:19 PM] Seirixori: ((yep yep))

[4:19 PM] Brimeia: Bri continues.

[4:20 PM] DM: To this point, you have not seen the lizards who were sent ahead, nor have you seen any other creatures. Other than the backpack, this room seems empty... and there aren't any other exits you can see as you step in and start to look around.  Until, as you step into the center of the room, another xorn bursts up out of the floor to attack Bri.

[4:21 PM] DM: Initiatives please.

[4:22 PM] Seirixori: ((7))

[4:22 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 17

Rukiya: 11

Gylfi: 23

[4:23 PM] Brimeia: ((10))

[4:24 PM] Urrak: ((14))

[4:24 PM] DM: That is 3 hits on Bri for a total of 33 damage.

[4:24 PM] DM: And Gylfi's up first.

[4:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi moves up to Bri and lays their hand on her shoulder. After saying a few choice words, radiant light pulses from their hand healing Bri for 8 HP.

[4:28 PM] DM: Ryleigh!

[4:33 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Don't worry, I'll be careful,"" Ryleigh says to Rukiya and Seirixori, squeezing past the others to get closer to the creature. She attempts to slash out at the monster with Dawnbringer but instead, catches her handle on the rock, throwing Ry off balance and completely missing her target. ((15 H / 17D, 17D))

[4:33 PM] DM: @Urrak !

[4:34 PM] DM: You can reach the target with just a 5' step, or you can maneuver around to any of the other spaces around it.

[4:36 PM] Urrak: Urrak will slip past Seirixori and attack the Xorn ((24a + 15d, 20a + 13d, and 21a +14d))

[4:36 PM] DM: Three solid blows. It is hurt.

[4:36 PM] DM: Rukiya!

[4:41 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya, seeing that Ryleigh's danger, moves around for a better shot and tosses a dagger at the creature. ((25H, 32D)) It opens it mouth to yell in pain as Rukiya plants her foot on a nearby rock and jumps up to lob another dagger at it, striking it right in its open mouth. ((29H nat 20, 9D))

[4:42 PM] DM: The creature chokes a bit on the dagger, then collapses.

[4:42 PM] DM: You each gain 300 xp.

[4:42 PM] DM: End initiative.

[4:43 PM] DM: There does not appear to be another exit from this area.

[4:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head and says to Rukiya, ""You almost lost a dagger after it got smashed by a giant and now you threw one inside something.""

[4:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh stealths Dawnbringer, looking a little sheepish as she does. She mutters thanks to Rukiya and presses a quick to her lips.

[4:44 PM] DM: Rukiya puts her hands on her hips and frowns a little. ""Heat of the moment.""

[4:45 PM] Brimeia: ""Stupid mouth-things,"" Bri grumbles, rubbing at a sore spot.

[4:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir walks around the room and  runs her hand along the walls while she looks up at the ceiling.

[4:47 PM] DM: Looks like a dead-end made of collapsed stone chunks from the castle above.

[4:49 PM] Seirixori: ""We could go back the original way, ...though I don't know about these things attacking lizards."" Seir taps the body of the Xorn with her foot and then squats down to dig for Rukiya's dagger.

[4:52 PM] DM: It's not too hard to find. Just a little... slimy.

[4:53 PM] Urrak: ""I'm good with either, but do ye have enough magic t' summon more critters?"" Urrak taps her chin, ""Safest bet is out th' way we came, if nothin's moved around too much.""

[4:53 PM] Brimeia: ""Hmm. Only one of your lizards got killed?""

[4:53 PM] Seirixori: ""No, they all did, just one after the other.""

[4:54 PM] Brimeia: ""What if they all got eaten by the ugly thing we just fought?""

[4:54 PM] Seirixori: ((there's still 4 with us, probably along the walls and ceiling))

[4:55 PM] Seirixori: ""Like I said, I don't know why it would go after them, plus,"" she points up to the bag with the feather. ""Little suspicious, but if we try and move that we're probably get buried under some rock.""

[4:56 PM] Brimeia: ""You do not have good luck with rocks, so...""

[4:57 PM] Seirixori: To Urrak she says, ""Summoning more is a waste. And we might need the others to get back across.""

[4:59 PM] DM: Gylfi smirks. ""Does that mean going back to squeeze into tight spaces?"""

"[5:00 PM] Seirixori: Seir smiles a little, ""It does, unless you like rocks more.""

[5:00 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""A typical Asdun evening for you, isn't it?""

[5:00 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh blushes at the banter.

[5:02 PM] DM: So you are all returning to the squeezy part?

[5:04 PM] Brimeia: ((yes))

[5:05 PM] Seirixori: Seir is going to have everyone get across before telling two of the lizards to go back for the backpack. One to grab/throw it to the other, in hopes that if there is a cave-in one can get the bag back to them.

[5:05 PM] DM: Sure. roll a Dex save for the lizards.

[5:06 PM] Seirixori: ((13))

[5:06 PM] DM: They both poof out of existence.

[5:06 PM] DM: The rest of you hear a rumble.

[5:07 PM] Urrak: ""Uuuuh....that can't be good...""

[5:07 PM] DM: In the interest of moving forward so you guys aren't going back and forth and back and forth, you all squeeze through the tunnels back where you were originally, past the dead xorns and the place where Bri squeezed.

[5:07 PM] DM: Tunnels branch off here like fingers. Piles of treasure sit at the ends of some fingers.

[5:09 PM] Seirixori: ""Hm..."" Is only Seir's response to the rumble. She does head to one of the piles, checking to make sure the area is sturdy around it.

[5:09 PM] DM: About as sturdy as anything else you've seen today.

[5:10 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry will also walk down one of the tunnels.

[5:11 PM] DM: Besides the two piles of treasures, as you turn the corner, you see a large, circular door with rune carvings standing in the way, bisecting this space. You remember seeing it while Orn was showing you through the towers.

[5:11 PM] Seirixori: She'll gather the treasure (the southern pile), having the remaining two lizards next to her.

[5:11 PM] DM: The south pile has 3000 gp, 800 pp, 4 gems, and a ring.

[5:12 PM] Brimeia: Bri will try her luck again if there are any more piles of treasure.

[5:12 PM] Seirixori: Seir puts everything in the bag of holding, except the ring, that she keeps in her hand, twisting it around.

[5:12 PM] DM: The other one Bri collects. 600 pp, a potion, and 2 gems.

[5:13 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry will walk up to the door and put her hand on it, running it over the stone until she reaches the center. She reaches into the bag of holding and withdraws a runestone. Glancing down at it, then to the others she says, ""This opens the door to the treasure room.""

[5:16 PM] Seirixori: ""Think that's where they're gathering all of this from?""

[5:17 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""Not much of this has been giant-sized. It might just be stuff from the collapse.""

[5:17 PM] DM: Everyone give me a perception check.

[5:17 PM] Seirixori: ((25))

[5:17 PM] Brimeia: ((12))

[5:18 PM] Urrak: ((.....1))

[5:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 17

Rukiya: 31

Gylfi: 14

[5:21 PM] Seirixori: Seir walks towards the door, practically sticking her face against the wall next to the doorway.

[5:22 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh places the stone into the door.

[5:22 PM] Seirixori: ""Something's inside.""

[5:23 PM] DM: As the stone fits into the space, the door shudders and slides away. A hunched, birdlike figure is standing over a pile of books, flipping through the pages. When it sees the door opening, it stashes the book in its bag and grabs its staff.

[5:24 PM] DM: And that will be initiative.

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

[5:24 PM] Brimeia: ((19))

[5:24 PM] Urrak: ((25.16))

[5:25 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 16

Rukiya: 25 - nat 20

Gylfi: 16

[5:27 PM] DM: Ok! @Urrak is up first. You can reach the nagpa if you'd like to.

[5:32 PM] Urrak: Urrak rushes in, sword drawn. ""Finally got one o' ya bastards,"" she says and attacks with her greatsword ((25a 10d +14a 15d + 26a 14d))

[5:33 PM] DM: Two attacks hit! It squawks.

[5:33 PM] DM: End of your turn?

[5:34 PM] Urrak: ""That's right ye feathered fuck, squawk all ye like!"" Urrak re-positions her grip and slashes at the creature again ((using Action Surge))

[5:36 PM] Urrak: ((11a 15d + 13a 14d + 20a 14d))

[5:36 PM] DM: Just one more for 14.

[5:37 PM] Urrak: ((end))

[5:38 PM] DM: Rukiya moves into the chamber and throws a dagger, then uses her bonus action to give advantage to Ry's first attack

[5:38 PM] DM: @Brimeia

[5:39 PM] DM: You would have to dash to get all the way to the nagpa.

[5:51 PM] Brimeia: In that case, Bri will run up just regular movement, rage, and chuck her weapon at it.

[5:53 PM] Urrak: -

[5:53 PM] Brimeia: ((spear; 20a, 7d; 21a, 8d; ancestors on hit))

[5:57 PM] DM: Those both hit!"

"[6:00 PM] Brimeia: ((end turn))

[6:01 PM] DM: @Ryleigh Alisdair will be next.

[6:02 PM] DM: You can reach the nagpa if you'd like and you have advantage on your first attack"

"4:49 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh moves to the nagpa and swings Dawnbringer up into it ((24H / 13D)), then from behind her shield she stabs at the nagpa ((20H / 14D)).

[4:49 PM] DM: They both hit!

[4:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi moves into the cavern where the nagpa is, they move their hand and say, ""your time is limited."" Suddenly, bells toll, ringing around the nagpa. ((DC 17 / 16 necrotic damage if it hits))

[4:56 PM] DM: That is a 7, so it does hit!

[5:03 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Once it hits, Gylfi summons a spectral sickle next to the nagpa, commanding it to lash out at the creature. ((29H - nat 20 / 14 force damage - end turn))

[5:06 PM] DM: As a bonus action, the nagpa inhales and screams and I will need Urrak, Ry, Rukiya, Gylfi, and Bri to make a DC 20 Wisdom save or be paralyzed for 1 minute. You can repeat the save at the end of each turn.

It then grabs a flask at its hip and opens it. Smoke pours out, that then coalesces into pebbles, then rocks, until it forms into a dao. In addition to your Wisdom saves, if you'd like to do a Lore check (Arcana, Nature, Elementals), you can do that now.

[5:10 PM] DM: We don't have to wait for all of everyone to give me Wis saves/Lore checks, but you will need to give it to me before your turn.

[5:10 PM] DM: @Seirixori !

[5:14 PM] DM: You would not be able to get past Bri with your movement, but you can stand behind Bri and still see both the nagpa and the dao.

[5:19 PM] Seirixori: ((I don't actually have any of that lore but I rolled an 11! lol))

[5:23 PM] Seirixori: ((the bonus action we were given from the RQ, is their a range and can I still cast a spell as an action if I use it?))

[5:26 PM] DM: 30 feet, and sure

[5:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir gets in range of the Nagpa and casts the spell the Raven Queen gave to them on it. Then she will take a few steps back and cast Moonbeam (5th level) to try and hit the Nagpa and the Dao, but avoid her friends. And the two remaining lizards disappear. ((22dmg, Con save 17, end))

[5:36 PM] DM: Both save. Is it half or none?

[5:36 PM] Seirixori: ((half))

[5:38 PM] DM: So as Seir starts channeling the magic, it coalesces around her arm like black smoke, then turns into ravens as it flies towards the nagpa, and once there, it turns back into a kind of hazy black mist that drifts around it.

[5:43 PM] DM: Rukiya is paralyzed. Gylfi nat 20s their resistance.

[5:44 PM] DM: Ry is also not paralyzed.

[5:44 PM] DM: The dao will take two swings- one at Gylfi, the other at Ryleigh.

[5:45 PM] DM: Both will hit. Gylfi takes 22 bludgeoning damage. Ryleigh takes 19 reduced to 16.

[5:45 PM] DM: Both need to make a DC 18 Strength save. (It says check but I overrule it)

[5:46 PM] DM: Gylfi rolls a 17 to 16 and fails... Ry rolls a 27(!) and stays on her feet.

[5:47 PM] DM: And it will be @Urrak 's turn. A Wisdom save and optional Lore check first.

[5:49 PM] DM: Gylfi's concentration holds.

[6:00 PM] Brimeia: ((11 wis))

[6:00 PM] DM: Bri is paralyzed

[11:33 PM] Urrak: ((4 WIS, how can I roll lore from discord?))

[11:36 PM] DM: It's just a arcana or nature check or just straight Int.

[11:37 PM] Urrak: ((15))

[11:39 PM] DM: Urrak is paralyzed. At the end of your turn, you can attempt a new save, so go ahead and roll again.

[11:39 PM] Urrak: ((13))

[11:40 PM] DM: Still paralyzed.

[11:43 PM] DM: Rukiya is also paralyzed. And with a 3+3+Ry's aura, she rolls a whopping 10 and is still paralyzed.

[11:43 PM] DM: And it will be @Brimeia 's turn... and she is also still paralyzed. Wisdom save at the end of your turn, please. No aura.

[11:55 PM] Brimeia: ((16 wis))

[11:58 PM] DM: Still paralyzed."

"[12:00 AM] DM: It will be Ryleigh's turn.

[12:04 AM] DM: Ryleigh shrugs off the maul attack and focuses on the nagpa, hitting it once for 19, but missing the second attack.

[12:07 AM] DM: Gylfi's spiritual weapon misses, but they lean over and smack Bri in the face gently. ""I know I'm stunning, but snap out of it."" And they cast Lesser Restoration. Bri is no longer paralyzed.

[12:14 AM] DM: The nagpa tries to use Corruption on the one that hit it last- Ryleigh- but she rolls a 25, so she's fine.

It then starts casting a spell, and Ryleigh attempts to use Counterspell on it, but it just... disappears. The nagpa is gone.

[12:24 AM] Seirixori: Seir makes a small motion with her wrist and fingers as a few droplets of water start forming in the air and she curses as the Nagpa disappears and she quickly changes directions and chucks an Ice Knife ((5th level)) at the Dao, causing her to curse again as she realizes that Gylfi is a little too close. ((Nat 20a, 8 piercing dmg + dex save for anyone within 5ft of it for 25 cold damage or none if they make it))

[12:25 AM] DM: Ry, Gyfli, and the dao all fail.

[12:28 AM] Seirixori: ""Shit! I'm so sorry!"" Seir cries out. ((and if you want to do it now the Dao takes 36 damage for the moonbeam if it fails con save or half if saves))

[12:28 AM] DM: It saves on Moonbeam.

[6:16 PM] DM: On the dao's turn, they rear up with their maul and attempt to swing at both Ry and Urrak, but Ry's shield deflects the attack and it misses both of them.

[6:17 PM] DM: It will be @Urrak 's turn to roll a Wisdom save for paralysis with Ry's aura.

[10:25 PM] Urrak: ((12))

[10:26 PM] DM: Still paralyzed."

"[8:54 AM] DM: Hey Rukiya saved! She is no longer paralyzed, but her turn is over.

[8:55 AM] DM: It will be @Brimeia 's turn. She is no longer raging, and Gylfi is badly hurt directly in front of her. She's a step or two away from the massive dao, depending on where she wants to go.

[8:55 AM] DM: The nagpa is no longer visible.

[12:28 PM] Brimeia: Bri will squeeze past Gylfi with a thankful thumbs up, rage, and stab the Dao.

[12:29 PM] Brimeia: ((22a, 10d; 24a, 13d; ancestors on hit))

[11:19 PM] DM: Two good hits. Next up will be @Ryleigh Alisdair who is in melee with the dao, between paralyzed Urrak and raging Bri. Gylfi is on the other side of Bri and hurt badly. Rukiya is no longer paralyzed. Seir is back down the tunnel a bit."

"4:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh groans in frustration as she attempts to figure out what happened to the nagpa ((nat 1 int check - I is smart)). When she’s looking around the room Ry notices how banged up Gylfi is... she keeps her shield between her and the dao and will move to Gylfi.

[4:51 PM] DM: The dao's maul will glance off Ry's shield and she can move to them.

[4:53 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Laying a hand on Gylfi, Ry sings a short phrase of healing then says with a slight smile, “My wife would be very upset if you died, so try not to.” ((Lay on hands for 25hp))

[4:54 PM] DM: Up to 36! Anything else before Gylfi's turn?

[4:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((No, end turn))

[5:13 PM] DM: Gylfi grins. ""You'd be sad too, don't lie."" They clap their hands and the room explodes in blue and silver glitter that drifts down and collects around the dao, illuminating them slightly with blue light. They frown. ""The nagpa either moved or left.""

Until further notice, attacks against the dao have advantage.

[5:13 PM] DM: They step away from the dao now that Ry has cleared the way, and stand near Rukiya instead.

[5:15 PM] DM: @Seirixori !

[5:17 PM] DM: (I forgot spiritual weapon also, but it missed)

[5:18 PM] Seirixori: ((is there a chance to maybe spot the nagpa))

[5:20 PM] DM: No, and unfortunately, you wouldn't have recognized the spell either.

[5:37 PM] Seirixori: Seir grumbles under her breath about the disappearing annoyance and chucks a flame at the dao. ((26a, 3 fire dmg))

[5:44 PM] DM: Three. Whole. Damage.

[5:48 PM] DM: The dao was going to swing one at each, but because of ancestors, goes double at Bri, with one miss and one for 16 damage reduced to 8. (123 hp)

[5:49 PM] DM: @Seirixori Moonbeam damage?

[5:50 PM] Seirixori: ((30))

[5:50 PM] DM: Halved, but ok!

[5:50 PM] DM: It'll be @Urrak 's turn for another Wisdom save.

[5:57 PM] Urrak: ((12))

[6:01 PM] DM: Rukiya looks around, freshly unparalyzed and says to Gylfi, ""Would you please do something about that?"" nodding at Urrak. Then she throws two daggers at the dao. The first goes far wide, and she frowns and shrugs her shoulders to loosen up before throwing the second... which also glances off the wall behind the dao. ""That... is not good.""

[6:01 PM] DM: @Brimeia You're up. Advantage for attacks on the dao.

[6:17 PM] Brimeia: Bri will smack the Dao some more, so that maybe it will stop hitting her friends.

[6:18 PM] Brimeia: ((22a, 15d + 9 fire; 19a, 15d + 3 fire))

[6:18 PM] DM: Both of those will hit!

[6:19 PM] DM: Solid hits and it is looking pretty hurt.

[6:20 PM] DM: And we are all the way back to @Ryleigh Alisdair .

"

"8:36 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh will move back to the Dao, ducking under Bri’s swinging arms to stab Dawnbringer into it. ((15h / 15d)) then she’ll throw her shield up to protect herself and slash Dawnbringer at it from a more protected position. ((28h / 15d))

[9:20 PM] DM: The second one hits!

[9:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((End turn))

[9:22 PM] DM: Gylfi's sickle slashes at the genie while they step forward and tap Urrak. ""Hey, wakie wakie time!"" And they'll cast Lesser Restoration to unparalyze her then step back again.

[9:23 PM] DM: Wait. the dao has faerie fire on it, so @Ryleigh Alisdair you can roll another d20 to see if that first hit landed.

[9:28 PM] DM: @Seirixori ! It's almost dead.

[9:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves to see the Dao and flings another flame at it. ((23a, 10 fire damage)) She then moves back to where she was. ""Sorry!"" She yells again as a healing word makes it way to Gylfi. ((16hp))

((And if it isn't dead from that fun 10, the Moonbeam is  40 dmg for full))

[9:40 PM] DM: The Moonbeam will, indeed, kill it whether it saves or not! And there are no further visible enemies on the field.

[9:42 PM] DM: The dao crumbles into fine dust, leaving a pile of gems and the maul behind. And you all gain 1200 xp for defeating the dao.

[11:56 PM] DM: Anyone who would like to can do an arcana or history check and perception or investigation(let me know which numbers are for which roll)."

"[12:04 AM] Seirixori: ((2 history, 31 perc))

[10:19 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((4 history / 12 perception))

[10:26 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh’s head wips around and she hurriedly says, “Damnit, where did it go? We have to find it!”

[12:52 PM] Urrak: ((15 his, 2 per))

[12:52 PM] Urrak: ((also are we still in initiative? ))

[12:53 PM] DM: Yes-ish. I don't want to get too far ahead, but brief statements are ok.

[4:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir, who still hasn't come completely into the room, says, ""As an aside, we should probably grab anything in here that's not damaged."" She chews on her bottom lip for a moment, and there's a brief waver in Moonbeam but she decides to leave it up for it's full minute duration. She turns her focus to see if she can figure out where the Nagpa went."

"[2:09 PM] DM: 14 Felmont 3Y21

A couple hundred feet below the ruins of Tumulus on the mountaintop above Isonsall

You've come on the hunt for a nagpa, hoping to find one raiding the lost knowledge of Giants after they seemingly manipulated Ryleigh and Ragna to bring about the destruction of a great citadel which happened to house a massive titan that might have been a guardian for a place of power- a place where a once deva of Asten has been trapped for centuries until Ryleigh helped him redeem himself.

Now, though, the dao the nagpa summoned is dead, a pile of gems and a massive maul are all that remain, and the nagpa has disappeared and all you know is that it is not still in the chamber but invisible. Something else must be at work.

[2:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir's eyes narrow a bit as she looks around, ""We should put that,"" she motions to what the dao dropped, ""and all of that,"" she motions to anything still intact, ""into the bag."" She still hasn't fully come into the chamber.

[2:15 PM] Urrak: Urrak shakes her head, ""Fuckin' genies."" she walks over and picks up the maul, ""Never thought I'd see one around these parts.""

[2:17 PM] DM: It's well crafted, made of a dense metal and carved intricately, but also too large for a medium creature to use effectively.

[2:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh hands the bag of holding to Urrak, and looks around the room, mumbling to herself.

[2:22 PM] Urrak: After placing the maul into the BoH, Urrak takes it around as she scoops the treasure into it. ""If we make it out alive, we're gonna be set for awhile,"" she holds up a gem and smirks before tossing it in the bag. She hands the bag to Ryleigh, ""You ok?""

[2:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir taps a finger on her arm as she stares at her Moonbeam. Seconds later the spell drops and she blinks, looking over at Gylfi, ""I'm... really sorry,"" she says again, still not walking into the chamber.

[2:23 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""We need to destroy it,"" Ry says, taking the bag of holding absentmindedly from her. ""I can't let it get away.""

[2:23 PM] DM: They kind of grin. ""It happens.... but I appreciate the recovery.""

[2:25 PM] DM: Besides the jewels, there are also two books and a small, rectangular package lying in the rubble, undamaged.

[2:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir bites her lip, like she wants to say something else, but she doesn't. Instead she turns away and looks out into where they came from. ""I can't try to find it by smell until we rest again.""

[2:25 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""It'll be too late if we just wait around,"" Ry says impatiently... kicking at some of the treasure on the ground.

[2:26 PM] Urrak: ""Th' nagpa is gone, at least from this room, but hopefully it hasn't gone too far. That dao was quite t' distraction. Can ye detect it's aura or somethin'?""

[2:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""It would only work if it was still in this room.""

[2:28 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""My spell would've caught it if it were.""

[2:29 PM] Urrak: She also reaches into her pouch and pulls out the Lantern of Revealing, ""Here,"" she hands it to Ryleigh. ""Light th' way, we'll smoke it out.""

[2:30 PM] Seirixori: Seir closes her eyes, her hand on her chest and mumbles a few words to herself. Then she slowly opens them with a heavy sigh and she summons two dire wolves. ""Can you track the scent that's not us?""

[2:32 PM] DM: The wolves sniff around the chamber, then start walking back the way you came from.

[2:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh passes the lantern to Bri, and nods for her to go first.

[2:32 PM] Brimeia: Bri scoops up the rest of the stuff that was lying around -- the books and package -- before they leave

[2:33 PM] Seirixori: Seir trails the wolves.

[2:34 PM] DM: They sniff along, following the same path you took to get here. Give me an insight or animal handling check.

[2:35 PM] Seirixori: ((20 animal handling))

[2:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir rubs her face in frustration, ""Yeah that was a stupid thing to do wasn't it."" She steps up to them, pressing her face to one, almost like she's trying to make herself feel better. ""I don't know how to find it. I don't know how to find the current one more than just the fact that it's walked through here before.""

[2:41 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry groans, then she sighs and says softly to Seir, ""It's my fault for letting it get away. I should have practiced my defensive magic more before coming here.""

[2:41 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""Don't get too discouraged yet... what do we know about them?""

[2:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir smirks a bit, ""That they'll probably want what we just took.""

[2:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""They like being in places that are destroyed to collect information.""

[2:42 PM] Brimeia: ""So you think it'll stick around here or find some other place like that?""

[2:43 PM] DM: She nods and gestures to the books in Bri's arms. ""One or the other. There's still some here. I don't think it was done.""

[2:44 PM] Seirixori: ""I can see later if I can grab that bag that's probably in the pile of rubble where we were earlier.""

[2:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Frowning slightly, Ry looks at the books. ""Maybe we should go back to the main chamber and wait for it. We can take a look through those while we do.""

[2:46 PM] Seirixori: ""Maybe,"" Seir is clearly distracted as she looks off into the tunnels.

[2:46 PM] Brimeia: ""Something on your mind?""

[2:48 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi nudges Seir and with a grin says, ""Go on if you wanna take a look. I can come with you."" They wiggle their eyebrows.

[2:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir smiles slightly, ""As much fun as that sounds... it doesn't matter right now.""

[2:54 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi nods, giving Seir a sad smile, then wanders over to Bri, asking to look at one of the books.

[2:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh watches the interaction between Gylfi and Seir. After a moment or two, she walks over to Seir, takes her hand and in infernal asks, ""Talk to me?""

[2:57 PM] Seirixori: ""...we don't have time for that.""

[2:58 PM] Urrak: ""Think we can lure it it with either of those books? Set some Nagpa bait?"""

"[3:00 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: As Gylfi flips through the book with the black cover and their expression grows curious, a smile slowly forming on their lips. They close it and ask Bri for the other one.

[3:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: ""I know it feels like I'm rushing us, but... I'll always have time for you.""

[3:01 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""It might be possible, Urrak.... but how?""

[3:02 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi: ""Huh, not as interesting as I hoped,"" they say skimming the second book too, but their eyes are narrowed.

[3:04 PM] Brimeia: ""Those are never interesting to me,"" Bri jokes, ""but I'll take your word for it.""

[3:04 PM] Urrak: ""I'm jus' spitballin', but clearly it came here for a reason. An' those tomes look pretty appealin' to a knowledge-lovin' creature.""

[3:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir presses into her the wolf at her side, ""We don't have time for me to-- we'll rest. We'll do what we came here for and then we can talk all you want.""

[3:07 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi: ""Actually, at a glance, neither one of these are appealing to a 'knowledge-loving' creature. One is basically a self-help book and the other is about diet and exercise. Granted, if I had more time to spend with them maybe I could see something that's hidden.""

[3:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh: ""It's not about if I want to talk... I just... I know you're not okay but I don't want you to silently suffer alone.""

[3:10 PM] Urrak: ""I can't see somethin' done up so fancy t' jus' be a self-help book. Maybe we should rest, so Gylfi an' Rukiya can try an' see between th' lines. An' for Seirixori t' gain some forms back.""

[3:12 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks like she wants to say so much, instead a few tears fall and she whispers, ""That's all there's time for right now."" She turns and heads into the chamber.

[3:13 PM] DM: Is that back where you fought the dao and nagpa or elsewhere?

[3:14 PM] Seirixori: ((yeah back there))

[3:14 PM] DM: Ok, so you turn around and head back to the mostly destroyed remains of the giants' treasure vault.

[3:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry continues to stand at the entrance and frowns after Seir. She sighs and scratches at the back of her neck.

[3:16 PM] DM: To investigate these books fully will require identification during a short rest. If that's what you're doing, there are some other items that could also be identified while you do or do not discuss matters.

[3:16 PM] Seirixori: ((Seir's gonna attune to that headband, I dunno if that means she can't look at anything else))

[3:17 PM] DM: Those are things that require your focus, so you cannot do both.

[3:18 PM] Seirixori: ((gotcha))

[3:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi will pick on of the books and identify it. Rukiya will identify the other. Ryleigh will identify the package.

[3:24 PM] DM: If there's nothing that will be said, we can move to the end of the rest.

[3:24 PM] Brimeia: Bri will check out the ring

[3:25 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((I don't need to say anything))

[3:25 PM] Urrak: Urrak will check out the other lantern and that's it

[3:27 PM] DM: Rukiya closes her book. ""This is actually a pretty powerful enchantment that will make someone more able to influence - or manipulate - people if you read it all fast enough.""

[3:29 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi hums and says, ""This one actually gives more stamina to the reader, but once it's read the enchantment locks for a century."" They say 'century' think it's no big deal.

[3:29 PM] Seirixori: Seir's brow furrows, ""Well that's a weird feeling."" She pulls out her rubbings from the chamber earlier just to look at them.

[3:30 PM] Brimeia: ""I think this thing helps you move more freely,"" Bri says, twirling the ring.

[3:31 PM] DM: Give me an intelligence check, Seir.

[3:31 PM] Seirixori: ((21))

[3:32 PM] Urrak: ""This lantern has a helpful lil spirit that can flash a bright light or use it's on version of Mage Hand. It'll also keep ye stable if yer on death's door,"" she holds it up to look inside at the tiny spirit, ""Hullo, small one.""

[3:35 PM] DM: The spirit flies in circles inside the glass.

[3:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh puts the package she examined carefully into the bag of holding.

[3:37 PM] Seirixori: Seir spreads the papers out, ""Hey, uh, what languages do you guys know? This is... there's a pattern. It's old, but I know it isn't the languages I know. But I've...I've seen it before I think.""

[3:38 PM] Urrak: ""Jus' Common an' Orc. Though we use th' same alphabet as th' Dwarves."" Urrak shrugs her shoulders

[3:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I don't recognize any of these either... and neither does Dawnbringer.""

[3:41 PM] Brimeia: ""I can't read."" Bri shrugs.

[3:42 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""I know Sylvan and Elven... but those don't really match.""

[3:42 PM] DM: Rukiya hands Ry the book then sits next to Seir. ""What do you see?""

[3:46 PM] Seirixori: ""I don't really know, I noticed the patterns first and that it was kind of weird. But then I realized that it was just old, older than common.""

[3:49 PM] DM: Rukiya points to different pages. ""Look... they're not the same. Unless it's like... different handwriting, but I think they might be multiple languages.""

[3:49 PM] Urrak: ""Some kind of code, maybe?""

[3:50 PM] Brimeia: ""Ah... great,"" Bri grumbles. ""Do we even know anyone who could help with this?""

[3:50 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""More like... maybe the same thing written in different ways so no matter who saw it, they'd be able to read it.""

[3:51 PM] DM: ""Like these ones look kind of like Dwarven if you squint... and these could be Elven. I just... can't read them.""

[3:52 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""The Temple would be my first thought.""

[3:54 PM] Urrak: ""Guess we'll jus' hold on to it then..."" Urrak looks around the chamber. ""Since we're still nagpa hunting.""

[3:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks frustrated that they'd have to leave to figure it out.

[3:55 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""Not to be the damp rag, but is this something the temple should be made aware of? The whole point of this place is the secrecy, isn't it?""

[3:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh frowns when Rukiya suggests the temple, then looks at Gylfi in surprise. ""I was actually going to say the same thing.""

[3:56 PM] DM: Rukiya blinks. ""Does it matter? If I know about it... once we leave this mountain...""

[3:57 PM] Brimeia: ""What?"" Bri looks confused.

[3:58 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""She's one thing, but other people are another, sun'frada.""

[3:59 PM] Seirixori: ""Takara told me she wouldn't do anything and that... well you wouldn't, but Betrex already knows and who knows if she's told anyone else..."""

"[4:02 PM] DM: Rukiya kind of furrows her brow. ""You,"" she says looking at Ry, ""are dedicated to exposing secrets. You,"" she says looking at Gylfi, ""are dedicated to learning truth... and you,"" she turns to Seir, ""would have done anything to learn what we learned here so you could help your wife. But bringing this to the temple to add to the collective knowledge of the world is too much?""

[4:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh grins and shakes her head. ""As you know... the point of secrets is knowing which ones to keep and which ones to reveal. Is the world ready for this... I don't know...""

[4:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir clenches her jaw but stays silent.

[4:06 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""It's not like we'd be telling bards to spread the word. It'd just be in our archives so the next time a Gunnloda goes searching for information, they might be able to find it without having to trek to the Shadowfell and ask the Raven Queen.""

[4:07 PM] Urrak: ""Are ye saying that book could tell someone how to become a god?""

[4:08 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""What? No... these are rubbings from the wall of the ritual chamber down the hole.""

[4:08 PM] Seirixori: ""Because other people couldn't go into the archives and find it? No one knows about these things for a reason.""

[4:09 PM] DM: ""Nobody knows a lot of things for many reasons, but that doesn't mean the reasons are good.""

[4:10 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""They don't know because the gods have kept it a secret."" Ryleigh's brows pull together, and she rubs her chin. ""You're right. We should give it to the temple.""

[4:12 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""That easy huh? The question is who benefits from it being a secret and who benefits from it being exposed. Secrets are usually kept as a form of protection. Who is this protecting?""

[4:14 PM] Urrak: ""Information is a double-edged sword. But I'd rather be armed than weapon-less."" Urrak adds, but soon shrugs, ""But what do I know about gods an' high society?""

[4:15 PM] Seirixori: ""Maybe ask the elves who tried, maybe ask the people who helped the angel, maybe ask the people in that cult! Maybe ask all of those people who would take that and use it--"" Seir stops and grunts and just loosk frustrated and doesn't finish.

[4:15 PM] Brimeia: ""How bad would it be if someone nasty found it?""

[4:16 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""I don't think the Raven Queen used this to ascend.""

[4:17 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""It's protecting the gods,"" Ry says calmly. ""I don't typically trust people, but I trust the gods even less."" Her tone darkens. ""If another god is born and rises then some of the gods lose power or cease to exist. They've protected this secret to keep power to themselves - power that's often abused.""

[4:21 PM] Seirixori: Seir struggles to say something and it doesn't take long for her to quickly stand and head towards the opening. She stands there for a few moments with her hand against the wall before sinking to her knees and sobbing quietly.

"4:45 PM] DM: [4:32 PM] Urrak: Urrak folds her arms and turns to Rukiya, ""If we're still lookin' fer that nagpa, we're running outta time,"" she furrows her brows, ""It bled, didn't it? Would we be able t' track it that way?"" she sighs, ""That's probably too easy...""

[4:45 PM] DM: [4:33 PM] DM: Rukiya turns from looking in Seir's direction with a frown and blinks. ""I- don't know. I'm not a tracker.""

[4:46 PM] DM: [4:37 PM] DM: ""...I wonder if the nagpa knew about the chamber below.""

[4:46 PM] DM: [4:42 PM] Urrak: ""If it didn't, then it probably will find out. Th' ultimate hidden knowledge...th' Ascension of a new god."" she quirks an eyebrow

[5:20 PM] Urrak: ""Hell, Gunnloda is her own tome of magic. She's a treasure trove,"" Urrak rubs her chin, aware that she's mostly talking to herself as everyone else is focused on other things.

[5:31 PM] DM: ""I'm not sure that's the kind of knowledge they can utilize."""

[4:23 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh quickly moves to Seirixori, almost at the same time Gylfi does, but Gylfi stops and lets Ryleigh to go to her instead. ""Homashoc,"" she says, kneeling beside her and pulling her close.

[4:28 PM] Seirixori: ""I know you're right, I know. And there's always the chance she'll end up competing for Takara's domain, or even my mom, if it even works that way. I keep hoping she'll just take what Asten fucked up but we don't really know. So there's a chance that helping her would mean I'd lose one of them but I can't not help her, but if that means also having other people try to interfere... I can't leave her in the dark forever, Ryleigh, I can't.""

[4:36 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Homashoc, I think we should give it to the temple so people trying to ascend can find the information. Look at everything we've gone through so Gunnloda doesn't have to BE in the dark forever. Think of everyone that came before her that the god's champions got to first... they died and went to their empty realms - stuck in the void for all of eternity. That would have been Gunnloda if not for Kendall and if we had not protected her from Kola.""

[4:41 PM] Seirixori: ""But what about other people trying to find it that aren't doing it for ...for good?"" She whispers. Then she asks, ""Couldn't we just ask Chasan? I thought he knew? I don't--I don't-- I can't keep waiting to help her.""

[4:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""We can ask if he knows, but... he didn't make it that far... remember?""

[4:48 PM] Seirixori: ""He couldn't enter, but that doesn't exactly mean he doesn't know how to do it.""

[4:54 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh nods, and she cups Seir's cheek. ""We'll ask him. You know we aren't planning on leaving her here."" She drops her hand and sighs. ""I'm the first person to doubt other people's intensions, but... look at Asten. Look at what he's gotten away with all this time, and he's not the only one manipulating people. It isn't right for the gods to use their champions to snuff out possibly gods just because they can."""

"[5:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir lets out a watery laugh, ""Well, it isn't exactly because they can, but I understand.""

[5:09 PM] DM: Rukiya looks at Gylfi. They raise their hands in mock defeat. ""Listen... I'm not disagreeing. I'm just reminding you all that there are secrets that are worth keeping. Like the ones you yourselves hold. Not all secrets are bad.""

[5:15 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “But why keep this a secret?” Ry asks Gylfi. “Are you seeing something we aren’t?”

[5:18 PM] DM: They shrug. ""Probably not. I don't have nearly the amount of context you all do. I just know it's secret and unless we have good reason, we might want to keep it that way... but I'm usually of the opinion that if Rukiya can see the problem, she usually has the right answer, so I don't mind deferring to her expertise, either.""

[5:23 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Hmmm, but she’s not always the best at knowing when secrets should be revealed, only which ones to keep,” Ry says, with a slight tease in her tone. “And she has a weak spot for Vydea’s temple.”

[5:28 PM] DM: Rukiya mumbles something in Elven.

[5:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh moves to her and swiftly kisses her cheek. ""I love you, and I'm teasing... with some truth.""

[5:33 PM] Seirixori: Seir wipes at her face, a little annoyed at herself, ""So this is great and everything, but this is why I said we didn't have time for this, it isn't accomplishing anything.""

[5:36 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""And it's something we need to decide right now. Why don't we go talk to Chasan.""

[5:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir gets up and starts to head out.

[5:45 PM] DM: Is everyone following?

[5:45 PM] Brimeia: ((yes))

[5:45 PM] Urrak: ((ye))

# Meanwhile, in Riverrun

## Rae

"9:21 PM] DM: It's the 14th. Vydea's Face. The celebration of Vyon's Independence. Lucas's birthday. A once-in-a-lifetime convergence of dates for most people... and you're on duty. Of course you are. You're pretty sure every Moonguard in the country is on duty tonight unless they're just resting between shifts.

You've been at this kind of work for a long time. You're pretty senior in the organization. Third ranked field agent, only behind the personal guard for Ambrose and that of the crown prince, Kamari. Guarding Nyota is both more and less stressful than guarding the king or the prince. Less in that the threat to Nyota is not as high, but more because of the way those threats are likely to appear- disguised in silks.

How would you describe your relationship with the queen? Do you prefer to keep it strictly formal or do you allow yourself some small lapses in decorum for the sake of the queen's comfort? Does she see you as a suit of armor or as a confidante?"

"4:33 AM] Seirixori: It started out as strictly formal, but eventually turned into small lapses, especially if there were any lengthy journeys or periods she was alone for a time.

[10:24 AM] DM: There are definitely times when you're alone with the queen, or at least only in the presence of her and her ladies in waiting. Quite a lot, really, and it's not uncommon to be actually alone with her.

You're not her only personal guard, of course. You get time off, too, but you are both the most senior of her guards and her primary guard. You have a small pool of alternates to pull from when she needs extra protection or when you need a break- primarily a human woman with dark skin named Sivoh and a half-elf of high elf descent named Kysrila- as well as the rest of the rank-and-file Moonguard.

You really only answer to the head of the Moonguard himself, a tiefling named Promise. He relays the information you need to properly do your job including threat briefings and Nyota's schedules. While Nyota has a personal assistant to handle scheduling her various events and meetings, in practice the responsibility for making sure her schedule is kept usually falls to you as the person who is always at her side.

[10:31 AM] DM: Most days you're dressed in a smart uniform with a single, masterfully crafted rapier at your side. On days when you're at elevated threat levels, you prefer your leather to chain or plate. You do have ceremonial plate, but as the queen's personal attendant, you let the rank-and-file handle plate, preferring a more maneuverable armor. You're more likely to be escorting her majesty through tunnels in a rush than to be standing in front of her as a shield.

You came to Riverrun a week or two ago and were paired with a local Moonguard named Belenas who gave you the customary tour of the castle grounds and the secret tunnels. Of course, this is far from your first visit here with the queen and he soon departed for his own duties.

[10:44 AM] DM: Now though, the big day is here. Nyota, as always, takes in the festivities with grace and a small amount of good humor. You know she sees it all as a bit over-wrought, but the people seem to enjoy it and her husband is always in high spirits when he gets to be Fun King. You know today will be a lot of escorting Nyota from conversation to conversation between other Moonstreams and various other important people from across the kingdom. You have also become accustomed to the signals she uses when she wants you to interrupt the conversation with a polite reminder of an engagement she needs to attend to so she can make a courteous escape.

When you start your day, you find her standing at a balcony, her thumb brushing across a diamond ring she wears, looking out over the city. You know this is something she does absent-mindedly when she's thinking about her eldest child, lost almost two years ago to the Wilds. She'd explained to you once that the ring, and the matching one worn by Ambrose, was a gift from the king as a way to carry his memory.

As you enter the room, she turns and smiles gently, though you can see that there's a sadness to it. ""Good morning. Are you prepared for a busy day?""

[10:55 AM] Seirixori: ""Of course."" Rae's tone is all business, but seconds later there's a softness in her eyes and voice when she asks, ""Are you, my Queen?""

[11:05 AM] DM: ""I'll manage. It seems the more of our family that gathers, the more it draws attention to who is missing. Today would have been a big day for him, if he were still with us."" She takes a bit of an unsteady breath and tries to recenter herself. ""I might rely on you a bit more than normal to rescue me from these conversations. I suspect I am not the only one with such thoughts and it wouldn't do to have a joyous day like today sullied by a sobbing queen.""

[11:24 AM] Seirixori: Rae gives a smile and a small bow, ""I will make it my top priority. Shall we?"" She holds out her arm to walk them out of the room.

[11:45 AM] DM: The events of the day pertinent to the queen are mostly constrained to the castle grounds, though you and an entire entourage do escort the royal family to the Temple of Vydea for a meeting with the Nightmaster and a brief religious ceremony. The rest of the morning and much of the afternoon are spent accompanying her to conversations with other nobility.

She appears effortlessly charming to most of the people she speaks with and you're only prompted to interrupt twice, though she effectively shuts down one noble's conversation herself when he says something distasteful. You make a mental note to mark it down later in your debriefing- the Barham heir. He was making some comment about how the baroness from Bellbury and her family wouldn't be attending because of the influx of 'immigrants' that she has to keep an eye on. With as much sharpness as you've heard from her in public, but all the grace of a sugar-coated knife, she reminded him that the new residents of Bellbury were already living in Vyon before their arrival and that his statement was inappropriate and unappreciated. She swept away without another word, but you made sure to take stock of his attitude as she did. You judged him not an immediate threat at the time.

[11:51 AM] DM: As afternoon turns to evening, you take post with Saraya, the king's guard, outside the royal chambers while the king and queen take some private respite behind closed doors. She appears to be wearing her uniform, but you know her uniform is actually a glamered chain shirt. She speaks softly. ""With as many warnings as we were given, today's been almost abnormally boring on our end. Yours?""

[11:56 AM] Seirixori: ""Dull as well. With a minor enjoyable sight of the Queen shutting down a fool for a rather undesirable comment about the new citizens of Bellbury."" Rae takes a look around for a moment, ""The quietness of the day worries me more than if there were a commotion.""

[12:07 PM] DM: She hums in agreement. ""I suppose Promise's plan was effective enough, but the king is not very happy about not being allowed to leave the castle today.""

Promise's plan was to basically keep the Moonstreams inside the castle where they can be defended and keeping tight control over who is allowed in, including restricting weapons.

[12:14 PM] Seirixori: Rae releases a breath that almost sounds like a laugh she's trying to cover, ""He does enjoy his fun on these days, especially with the people.""

[12:23 PM] DM: ""It's an interesting feeling to have to tell a king that he can go out to play tomorrow instead.""

[12:35 PM] Seirixori: ""I imagine so,"" she gives a partial smile at the image.

[2:28 PM] DM: After a few more pleasantries, the king and Saraya depart for the final preparations before he addresses the people and you step inside the door with the ladies-in-waiting who arrive to help the queen to change into her formal gown for the evening's festivities.

As they work, a flurry of hands and fabric, a gasp catches your ear and before you know what's happening, the queen staggers, one of the ladies screams, pulling a bloody hand from beneath the fabric, and chaos erupts.

[2:32 PM] Seirixori: Rae rushes to the queen's side, her heart in her throat as she looks frantically about the room and the ladies-in-waiting, ""Who did this?"" She doesn't shout, but her voice is stern and hard as she searches for the wound."

"[2:44 PM] DM: All three of the women jump back from you as the queen collapses into your arms. They all look frightened and shocked, but your attention is drawn to the hard lump your hand brushes as you catch Nyota.

[2:46 PM] DM: A dagger, small and narrow, has been thrust into and left between her ribs. Her breath is labored as she tries to regain her feet, her hands clasping at your uniform. She wheezes, ""Ambrose...""

[2:50 PM] Seirixori: Rae curses under her breath, ""Your highness you need to stay still."" She can't keep the worry out of her eyes as she starts to check the wound and the dagger, unsure if she should leave it or pull it out. She turns her head and calls out to a guard outside the door, ""Find the King, quickly!""

[3:18 PM] DM: Nobody responds in the hall right away, so one of the women volunteers to find him. ""I-- I can find help.""

[3:28 PM] Seirixori: Rae's eyes narrow as she looks at the three there, ""You two, go, now! You, help me."" She carefully lays the queen on the ground, quickly trying to make the access to the wound easier. ""My Queen, please..."" her voice trails off, unable to hide the pain and failure in her voice. She takes a quick breath and pulls hte dagger out, keeping it in one hand while the other grabs some of the fabric nearby and presses it against the wound.

[3:42 PM] DM: Besides the rapidly spreading blood, you notice a black coating on the dagger itself. The woman, a human you recall being named Astra, asks shakily, ""What can I do?""

[3:47 PM] Seirixori: ""Keep pressure here,"" Rae says, waiting for her to take her spot so she can look at the dagger more closely. ""Did you see anything? Anything at all?""

[3:48 PM] DM: She does as she's told and shakes her head. ""I just felt the- the blood and when I saw what it was... is she going to be ok?""

[3:54 PM] Seirixori: Rae takes a quick glance at the queen's face, the wound, and then the dagger, ""No, no I don't think so.""

[3:58 PM] DM: Astra's eyes well up and she reaches down to take Nyota's hand in hers. ""We're here, your majesty.""

[4:30 PM] Seirixori: Rae grits her teeth, her eyes a little watery as she moves to the other side, taking the queen's other hand. ""My-- Nyota,"" she says softly.

[4:35 PM] DM: She has tears dripping from her eyes, blood on her lips, and she's struggling to draw breath. Her eyes meet yours, then her face relaxes and her eyes close. She stills.

[4:45 PM] DM: There's a moment of silence and then you hear metal-covered footsteps pounding through the halls at a rush. Before you realize they're running past the door instead of to it, you hear a loud ringing sound- an alarm enchantment. Suddenly it occurs to you that this wasn't just about Nyota. The castle is under attack.

[4:54 PM] Seirixori: Rae stands quickly, wrapping the dagger in one of the linens nearby and she tucks it away. ""Astra, you need to get somewhere safe, now, or I'm going to lock you in this room. Choose quickly."" She rushes to the door and she stands there very briefly, barely enough time if Astra wants to leave the room before shutting the door to find out what is happening and to inform someone of what has happened to Nyota.

[5:01 PM] DM: You barely register that she doesn't move, saying, ""She shouldn't be alone,"" before you've locked the door. The halls are eerily quiet. The alarm has silenced- normal. It will ring again every minute until the danger has passed or until one of a handful of people- including the king and Promise- order it silenced. You know that if you turn left down the hall, you'll find the prince's room. Across the hall is Atieno's nursery. The guards you heard were running right- in the direction the king had headed when he and Saraya left not fifteen minutes ago.

[5:05 PM] Seirixori: Rae checks the nursery first, then the prince's room, then towards where the direction the king went.

[5:41 PM] DM: The nursery is empty. You're not sure where Atieno's nurse might have been with him. You haven't seen them for a couple hours.

Likewise, Kamari's room is empty, though that is less of a surprise. The last you saw the prince, he was deep in conversation with some of the Riverrun nobles.

You head down the hall in the other direction and turn a corner. There's a man in a Moonguard uniform slumped in a corner, part of his tunic stained dark. He doesn't appear to be moving. Further down the hall, you come to a decision point. You can head towards the stairs where you can reach other parts of the castle, such as the throne room or the armory, where Promise's temporary office is, or you can head in the direction you guess the king was headed, towards the balcony that overlooks the square. Alternately, you know there is an entrance to the secret tunnels that cross the castle, known only to the Moonstreams and a handful of their closest advisors and guards, such as yourself.

[6:08 PM] Seirixori: Rae's hand rests on her rapier as her mind works quickly on what she needs to do. The throne room or the armory aren't useful, the assassin or assassins, wouldn't head that way. There could be a fight on the balcony, but it wouldn't be Nyota's killer, but she could help... or the king could already be dead. With her jaw set, she heads towards the entrance to the secret tunnels.

[6:20 PM] DM: The alarm rings again, just a short few second burst, then it's silent. When you reach the hidden door, there's another Moonguard slumped on the floor in front of it. The smears of blood seem to indicate that he had fallen against the wall, then he was pushed out of the way. The hidden door is slightly open.

Stepping inside, it's dark but you (and the Moonstreams) have darkvision, so it's not difficult to find your way. The tunnels twist and turn, circling around rooms and down passages. You know that there are more hidden entrances down some of these shorter passages, but you continue towards the exit, anticipating that Saraya led the king this direction, towards the secret escape that would lead them out into a farmhouse in the Western Ward.

Your intuition was right, but your timing was not. You see Saraya, lying face down on the floor, smears of wet blood beneath her as if she'd crawled a good twenty feet before collapsing. Another twenty feet further, and you see Ambrose, though you're only able to recognize him from his build and his clothes. He has defensive wounds on his hands and arms, and his face is a bloody mess. A shortsword is sticking out of his chest. His hand, the same one that bears his matching ring- gold with five diamonds- rests on the blade."

"6:41 PM] Seirixori: She rushes to his side despite what she already knows to be true, though her eyes stay partially on her surroundings.

[6:57 PM] DM: He is dead. In your brief examination, you can see that his personal dagger is unsheathed and lying on the floor nearby. It is bloodied, so you expect that he did manage to hit at least one of his attackers before he was taken down. His ring catches your eye too- not just that such a very expensive item was left behind, but four of the five diamonds are dark. You can't see color in the dark, so you're not sure if maybe there's blood in the stones' settings or something else, but the difference between the two on either side and the one in the middle is stark.

[7:07 PM] Seirixori: Rae says her apologies as she pulls out the sword to examine it. Then she focuses on the ring, more curious now, having seen it countless times on Ambrose and the one with Nyota to know they aren't usually dark. There's confusion mostly, but it also sparks a small amount of hope that she isn't sure is useful right at this moment, nor is she entirely sure what it means.

[7:10 PM] DM: It's dark, so again, you can't really see color. What sparks your attention, though, is that the sword is familiar. The hilt design is the same as standard-issue Moonguard weaponry.

[7:21 PM] Seirixori: She studies the blade more closely and she quickly gets up to check over Saraya's body. To check for anything missing, or even another blade or similar wounds.

[7:24 PM] DM: It's a standard-issue shortsword. Nothing else really stands out to you at this point.

Saraya has matching wounds in her stomach and at her back like she was probably run through with a single thrust. Her sword is lying about ten feet behind her, also bloodied. You don't know what kind of gear she usually carries, but nothing obvious stands out.

[7:49 PM] Seirixori: Cursing Rae continues to look around for a sign of anything else out of the ordinary. She doesn't wish to leave the Ambrose alone but she needs to find Promise... hopes to find Promise.

[7:54 PM] DM: There's nothing in the immediate area. Do you want to head back into the castle or continue towards the escape?

[7:55 PM] Seirixori: Continue towards the escape.

[7:58 PM] DM: A few turns later, you find wet drops, likely blood, in a trail heading towards the escape, winding around and heading down a couple flights of stairs. You come to another intersection in the tunnels. You know one way will take you further down under ground towards the farmhouse. The other heads back towards the castle, a tunnel entrance near the armory. The blood trail seems to have turned towards the castle.

[7:58 PM] Seirixori: Rae follows the blood trail.

[8:02 PM] DM: As you slip out of the secret tunnel, you're thrust back into chaos. The quiet tunnels and darkness are replaced by the alarm sounding again and dozens of armored feet running one direction or another with orders being shouted. The blood trail is smeared and distorted by bootprints before being lost in a haze.

[8:03 PM] DM: You hear Promise's voice over the tumult. ""Somebody find the king!""

[8:09 PM] Seirixori: Her eyes frantically try to catch something in the chaos and as she hears Promise's voice. She thinks about shouting, but quickly changes her mind. Instead she forces her way through the chaos to get to him. To tell him of the king... and queen's demise and where they are.

[8:12 PM] DM: He's standing at the entry to the armory, directing traffic. A handful of Moonguard are being tended to by healers inside. As you approach, he sighs. ""Ilidove, thank Vydea. Where's the queen?""

[8:16 PM] Seirixori: She doesn't answer him right away, choosing instead to look over those who are being tended to, to remember their faces. When she faces him she is all business and her tone is even when she says, ""Dead. As is the king.""

[8:26 PM] DM: He mutters under his breath, probably swearing in Infernal. ""Have you seen the princes?""

[8:28 PM] Seirixori: ""No... but I believe their fate is the same.""

[8:33 PM] DM: ""The Duchess, too. Come with me."" He steps into the armory and opens the door to his office, holding it open for you.

[8:34 PM] Seirixori: She enters.

[8:38 PM] DM: He closes the door behind him. ""What have you seen?""

[8:40 PM] Seirixori: ""The blade in the king... it was one of ours.""

[8:45 PM] DM: He doesn't look surprised. ""Where is he?""

[8:47 PM] Seirixori: ""In the tunnels. The blood leads here."" Rae then pulls out the dagger, ""This was in the queen.""

[9:40 PM] DM: ""Have you identified anyone?""

[9:47 PM] Seirixori: Her jaw clenches, clearly unhappy with what she has to say, ""No, sir. I haven't seen anyone. I seem to be one step behind.""

[9:59 PM] DM: He nods. ""The queen's body?""

[10:00 PM] Seirixori: Her hand then tightens around the hilt of her rapier, ""Her chambers, Astra stayed with her.""

[10:15 PM] DM: ""We need to find the princes. We've been infiltrated, but I don't know who to trust so all I can do is try to pair people off and hope that more eyes will be better in the end. If you have any idea where they might be...""

[10:20 PM] Seirixori: ""I have not seen prince Atieno and his nurse for a couple of hours, last I saw prince Kamari he was speaking to some nobles.""

[10:24 PM] DM: He frowns. ""I haven't heard anything other than that either."" He glances at you. ""Are you hurt? Feeling up to a search party?""

[10:29 PM] Seirixori: ""I am fine and very willing."" She pauses, ""Though, if we have anyone to spare, I believe we should see to Astra and the Queen.""

[10:32 PM] DM: Promise nods. ""If you learn anything or find either of them, let me know at once. And Aurae? Watch out for yourself. We'll do a full debrief once we can catch our breath.""

He's interrupted by the alarm again and he grumbles.

[10:39 PM] Seirixori: She gives him the equivalent of what their salute is, ""Yes, sir!""

[10:45 PM] Seirixori: ""Watch out for yourself too, sir,"" Rae says just before she leaves.

[11:33 PM] DM: The next few hours are spent scouring the castle. You probably haven't seen this many corpses in one day in your life. Dead royalty, dead nobles, dead Moonguard, dead servants. You aren't the first to find Atieno and his nurse, and thankfully when you find her body, his has already been moved. You keep your eyes peeled for not only obvious threats, but suspicious acting Moonguard, too. Unfortunately, it seems they got better at covering their tracks. It takes a while for you to realize that the alarm hasn't sounded in a while... which means that Kamari must have been located or that Promise or one of the other senior staff decided to stand down.

You head back towards the armory. The rush is faded now and the Moonguard, as a whole, seem sullen. Promise's deep voice carries over the collected group. ""Today's tragedy was unacceptable and the blame rests in our hands. Get comfortable. Nobody leaves the castle grounds until everyone has given a full statement. Round up every person still within the walls- every noble, every guard, every staff member, every guest- to give their statements in the great hall and then we need to collect the bodies. Bring them all to the throne room so they can be examined. Make sure to check in with me for your debrief before you're done."""

"[11:45 PM] Seirixori: Rae doesn't go to Promise immediately, helping where she can. After a short time she returns to his side.

[11:48 PM] DM: You knock and let yourself into his office where he's questioning a young stableboy. He waves you in, then dismisses the boy, telling him to get some rest. Once the boy is gone, Promise rubs his temples.

[11:50 PM] DM: He grunts and stands, peeking out his door before shutting it and speaking in a low voice. ""Every. Damn. One of them. And nobody has seen a damned thing."""

"[7:00 AM] Seirixori: ""I would say how impossible that is except...I was right there and there was nothing."" Her tone is a little harsh, her frustration peaking through.

[10:04 AM] DM: ""Walk me through everything."" And for the sake of not repeating the whole thing, we can say you do. Is there anything specific you want to call attention to or omit? What did you do with the evidence you've found?

[10:13 AM] Seirixori: She will mention specifically is the dagger and whatever was on it and they clearly knew where the tunnels were. And I think she's going to keep the dagger if they don't need it.

[10:16 AM] DM: If he knows you have it, he will ask for it. Evidence collection for the investigation.

[10:17 AM] Seirixori: Then she'll hand it over, could I say she took one of the rings or is that too obvious to take?

[10:18 AM] DM: Up to you. You could have pocketed Ambrose's while you were in the tunnel. You were never alone with Nyota to do so.

[10:18 AM] Seirixori: Then she did that with Ambrose's.

[10:25 AM] DM: Is there anything else you'd like to do before you end up collapsing in your bed in the morning?

[10:27 AM] Seirixori: No.

[11:19 AM] DM: You'd been so preoccupied with what was happening here within the castle that you hadn't really considered what was happening outside, but at one point you caught sight of fires burning outside the walls. When you asked Promise if the city was under attack, he replied that it was nothing to worry about.

Returning to your temporary chambers to sleep is surreal. Your room is just off the royal chambers, close enough to respond to an emergency in the night... but there's a brief moment before you fall asleep when your exhausted brain conjures an unsettling realization that there is nobody at rest in that room. It lies empty.

When you do fall asleep, you have a vivid dream. Vivid but disorienting. It's abstract but so real. Colors, shapes, ephemeral feelings mixed with images from the day- the blood and carnage. The sight of frightened children looking for their parents. The brief view of the fires with silhouettes of people walking through the flames, unbothered. Ambrose's ring appears near the end and the single white diamond draws you in until you find yourself walking down a road, and another, and another until you're standing in front of a building, Vydea's crescent moon blazing behind it. When you wake, the path you'd taken in your dream is as fresh in your mind as a recent memory.

[11:29 AM] Seirixori: Rae dresses quickly, making sure to tuck the ring safely away on her person, though she does spend an unknown amount of time staring at it before doing so. When she looks away she has no other goal then to walk that same path in her dream.

[11:31 AM] DM: You'd have noticed this once you were looking at it in light, but the diamonds are indeed dark, not just a trick of the blood. But..."

## Hava

"[9:29 PM] DM: So Sora is a Lorekeeper at the temple, studying the poison that was found on the bolts that killed Alarys, the Moonborn, another silver dragonborn. It's been determined that the poison likely interfered with the ability to raise the Moonborn and it's been up to you to determine how, but unfortunately, your scholarly pursuits have been in vain to this point. There is nothing in any of the texts you've scoured that mentions such a thing, but there's something that claws at the back of your mind, an anxious thought that Alarys might have been a test run and that the king and his family are in Riverrun for the celebrations. It feels like you're on a time crunch and it is not helping you think.

Most of the other acolytes have been excited, almost giddy, about the upcoming holiday and celebrations. They chatter on about the festivities they're helping to prepare for and talking about what they plan to do to celebrate. One of the new trainees won't stop talking about how he met Kamari once. How are you spending the last couple days before the celebrations?

[10:04 PM] Brimeia: Obsessively continuing the research and trying to connect the dots.

[10:11 PM] DM: By the time the day comes, you're pretty certain you've scanned every book in the temple that discusses poisons. The history of their use, the manufacturing process, the symptoms and antidotes associated with dozens of known poisons natural, manufactured, exotic, and supernatural. But nothing that talks about preventing raise dead from working. You're carrying yet another obscure book to the table you're using when you bump into a pair of acolytes too distracted to avoid you.

""Sorry, Sora,"" one giggles. You recognize her as Valin, a young human girl from one of the smaller towns in southern Vyon. She spots your book. ""You're not still working are you? The festivities are already happening! You're going to miss it all! We're going to head to the Castle Ward to see if we can find a spot to hear the king's speech. Okuzor said they have enchantments set up all over the square so we can all hear him. Do you want to come with us?""

[10:18 PM] Brimeia: Sora blinks a few times before recognition kicks in. ""Oh, hi. Uh... you go ahead. I still have a lot to do.""

[10:19 PM] DM: She shrugs. ""Suit yourself, but you are allowed to have fun sometimes, too."" She and the tiefling walk away.

[10:23 PM] DM: Will you be continuing to study through the next few hours or will you eventually go out to enjoy the festivities?

[10:28 PM] Brimeia: Hmm is there anyone Sora might've talked to about their suspicions?

[10:43 PM] DM: You'd have discussed the matter with several of the other Lorekeepers in trying to cast as wide a net as possible to find more texts, notably Resdove and Maxipha, but other than pointing you towards historical uses of poison in assassinations in history and notable poisons found in Dhog Lodir and beyond the Bastion, respectively, neither was particular helpful. You also were able to discuss matters with your direct supervisor, the Loremaster, Elvalor. While most Lorekeepers are actually more custodians of the books, reshelving and repairing them and the shelves they sit on, some- you included- are scholars that study and compile information into reports that can be used like an encyclopedia or purchased for personal use. The scholars answer to Elvalor and he is who tasked you with this research. However, as a higher ranking member of the Vydean Temple, he is preoccupied with the festivities and is not in the temple at this time."

"[4:11 PM] Brimeia: They feel like they are so close -- to being close -- that they focus so hard on their research that the time just flies by.

[4:14 PM] DM: Ok. As you're studying, you're suddenly alerted to a huge amount of noise- shouting and movement- from downstairs.

[4:19 PM] Brimeia: At first they don't really notice, then they try to ignore it, but finally it registers that the noise isn't just the sound of the celebration. Curious and confused they decide to go see what the fuss is about.

[4:19 PM] Brimeia: ((ps also I kinda want to change the name again if that's ok :joy: ))

[4:20 PM] DM: (That's fine lol)

[4:20 PM] DM: (I keep getting sora confused for felicia bc it's so close to seir)

[4:21 PM] DM: The Nightmaster is downstairs in the lobby, shouting orders to close, lock, and barricade all the entrances to the temple.

[4:37 PM] Brimeia: They scurry over to the Nightmaster. ""What happened? Why are we locking down?""

[4:38 PM] DM: ""There's been an attack. Head downstairs. Help them with the resurrection.""

[4:39 PM] DM: You know 'downstairs' is where the ritual rooms and the morgue for this temple are located.

[4:43 PM] Brimeia: There's a moment of shock, but they recover quickly. ""Of course."" They nod and head quickly downstairs.

[4:44 PM] Brimeia: ((uhhh i know you said the name confused you but ... the current  running contender is Sefer lol))

[4:44 PM] DM: (lol)

[4:46 PM] DM: Downstairs is chaos. There are bloodied people everywhere- nobles by dress, Moonguard in uniform, other acolytes trying to corral everyone. Pressing through to the ritual chambers, you find the king lying on a table, a huge spread of blood across his chest and a shortsword sticking out of it. You've seen him before, but this... is different. There's a swarm of acolytes moving around him, anointing him with oils, removing the sword, placing a diamond on his chest.

[4:49 PM] Brimeia: They grab whoever is taking the sword, asking to see it.

[4:50 PM] DM: It's a pretty standard shortsword, but under the blood, it is coated in black.

[4:52 PM] Brimeia: Since there are so many acolytes already busying themselves with the ritual, if it doesn't look like they actually need help with it, they'll examine the shortsword instead, seeing if it is the same substance as the one they were studying.

[4:52 PM] DM: It's hard to tell at a glance. Without proper analysis, it could be any black goo, but it does look similar at least.

[4:53 PM] DM: There's a flurry of movement, and everything stills. The diamond sits inert on the king's chest. The ritual failed.

[4:55 PM] Brimeia: They realize it won't work, just before reality confirms it. So it's not a surprise, but it's still a shock to see it happen in front of them.

[4:56 PM] Brimeia: ""I was right... but it's too late...""

[4:57 PM] Brimeia: They try to find Elvalor.

[5:00 PM] DM: You go off in search.

[6:00 PM] DM: Things are really chaotic and you don't find him right away. How long do you search before you seek something else?

[6:47 PM] Brimeia: Not terribly long. Who would be the next person it would make sense to notify?

[7:00 PM] DM: You spot the Nightmaster rushing down towards where the king is lying, if you want to interrupt him. Otherwise, it seems like most of the academics are not down here and you'd have to head back upstairs to find them.

[7:07 PM] Brimeia: Is the Nightmaster a reasonable person to tell instead of Elvalor?

[7:08 PM] DM: He is the pope of Vydea's temple. If you think it's important enough to tell him, then yes.

[7:13 PM] Brimeia: Sefer rushes forward. ""Nightmaster. The weapon they found in the King."" They hold the weapon out. ""It'll take time to be sure, but it's possible that the same poison that killed the Moonborn was used.""

[7:15 PM] DM: He was already stressed and worried and that just makes him even more horrified. ""We have to stop them from attempting to raise."" He rushes past, shouting at first, then casting Thaumaturgy to make his voice louder. ""DO NOT RAISE THEM! STOP THE RITUALS!""

[7:16 PM] DM: You can hear the order echoing down the halls as others pass the word along. ""Stop raising!"" ""Stop the rituals!""

[7:23 PM] Brimeia: Sefer walks up to him slowly. ""Nightmaster."" Their voice is relatively quiet and calm, but tinged with sadness. ""It's too late. They already failed."""

"[2:38 PM] DM: An armored Moonguard approaches as the Nightmaster reaches out to stabilize his weak knees with a wall. ""Nightmaster... we should get you to safety. We don't know if you're at risk.""

The Nightmaster waves his hand. ""Vydea won't allow--""

[2:39 PM] DM: The Moonguard interrupts. ""Sir, Vydea didn't stop her champion or her children from being murdered. Please take shelter."""

"12:16 AM] Brimeia: ""If I'd only realized a moment sooner... I'm sorry.""

[12:20 PM] Brimeia: She folds her hands anxiously. ""The guard is right. Vyon can't afford to lose you, especially now."""

"[10:29 AM] DM: The NIghtmaster sighs. He waves his hands and disappears. The guard looks surprised and turns to you. ""Where did he go?""

[4:57 PM] Brimeia: ((Would I know?))

[4:58 PM] DM: Nope. And you're not a cleric, so you wouldn't necessarily know which spells he'd have access to.

[5:02 PM] Brimeia: Hava shrugs. ""No idea. What's the plan now?"""

[10:23 AM] DM: He just looks frustrated and turns away, walking back up the hallway. Broad strokes, what kind of things would you want to look into before you call it a night? (My apologies. I must have gotten called away from my desk before hitting enter on this yeseterday) [1:29 PM] Brimeia: Try to look into who was there and might've seen what happened. Ways to neutralize or remove the poison. ((No worries!)) [1:39 PM] DM: Unfortunately, neither of those trains of thought lead you anywhere before you find yourself falling into bed, exhausted. As you sleep, you find yourself in a dream where the black goo coats everything, drowning people in it. You find yourself walking down a path through the city, the only path clear of the goo, until you're standing outside a building with Vydea's symbol blazing behind it. When you wake, it's late in the morning, but the dream, the path to the building, are still fresh in your mind.

## Malphon

"[9:40 PM] DM: ----------------------

Among the castle spies, rumors of attempts on the duchess's life are never-ending. The Spymaster, a half-elf named Imloriona, is tasked with determining which of these threats is real and which is not. As someone who works for her, you are often chasing leads and 'scouting' threats. With the king and his family as well as several other prominent Moonstreams in town for the celebrations, the last two weeks have been more hectic than any you've seen since you made your pact.

The Spymaster has had you observing a young pair of Ascans, dark-skinned half-elves who came to Vyon recently. One is an acolyte in training at the temple while the other has been working as a merchant's guard in the Sword Ward. You're fairly certain that they're harmless, but the Spymaster has insisted that you follow them and document their every move. Best you can figure, since they came from Ascus so recently and were friendly with the late Moonborn, the Spymaster thinks they might have had something to do with her death.

How do you feel about this situation? Do you follow your orders?"

"[8:25 PM] Malphon: Malphon sighs in frustration at his task. Following a couple of travelers seemed hardly worth his time, when threats to the Moonstreams could be in far more obvious places and perhaps even closer to their target than anyone knew. Still, he followed the pair, marking down any kind of movement he felt the Spymaster would deem ""suspicious"" in a small leather notebook. After a time he stops and calls ""Muninn, to me,"" in a low tone, and summons his familiar. The large crow apparates on his gloved hand and squawks. ""Follow the boy,"" he commands, ""I shall shadow the other.""

[9:56 PM] DM: The crow flies off. You have a pretty uneventful day.

The day of the event comes and even though you've heard other members talking about threats and plans and the amount of activity coming through the Spymaster's offices has increased, Imloriona is still sending you out to keep an eye on what you consider to be insignificant targets. How will you spend the day of the festivities?"

"[10:48 AM] Malphon: To even be outside the castle's keep seems entirely foolish to Malphon as he winds his way through the crowded festival. As perceptive as he is, finding anything within the throngs of people seems impossible. He's but one blue coated and silver decorated reveler amoung many.

With a resigned sigh, he sends Munnin airborne again to survey the area but has little hope in anything exciting. Even if subterfuge did happen, the culprit would be gone within the noise in seconds.

Hells, he knew he could easily slip something in the dough of the fried churros and Vydea buns and poison hundreds before the effects started to take hold.

""Gods, I hate crowds.""

[11:32 AM] DM: So you'll just be hanging out in the crowds, eyes open?

[12:29 PM] Malphon: He'll stay in the crowd with the intention to head back to the Spymaster's office once the main ceremonies end.

[12:56 PM] DM: Ok. You don't really see much out of the ordinary, other than the number of people and the extravagance of the day. For such a big anniversary to fall on Vydea's Face... even the common people feel like it means something big. As it gets later in the day, people start to head towards the castle. You know that they've restricted access to the castle itself- nobody is authorized to bring in weapons and you have to have an invitation or be staff to be let through the entry- but that the king is expected to address the people from the Grand Balcony just after nightfall. There are apparently enchantments set throughout the square so that his voice will carry throughout.

You find yourself in the square, your eye catching not only the armored guards, but also some unarmored ones keeping an eye on the festivities much as you are. As the sun sets on one horizon, the moon rises on the other. Anticipation rises in the crowd. As the suns last rays extinguish, you expect the king to step outside any  moment, but there's nothing.

Suddenly a loud alarm goes off inside the castle, loud enough to travel out into the square. There's panic in the crowd. Most of them have no idea what it means, but that it must be bad. People start moving, pushing, shoving, trying to leave the square. You, however, know that the alarm means that the castle is under attack. The unarmored guards you spotted before are standing at the gate, talking to the armored ones who look bewildered or stern. You also know standard operating procedure is to lock down all exits and entryways- you're not getting back into the castle until the alarms stop.

You get jostled by the crowd, shoved out of your thoughts, and the rising tumult of people shouting for their friends and family so as not to get separated is pierced by a scream. Looking in that direction, you see a column of smoke rising over the city, somewhere towards the Temple Ward."

"4:11 PM] Malphon: Malphon takes a moment to re-situate himself and get his wits about him. He starts to move through the crowd towards the column of smoke, hoping to find out the cause of it and reconnect with the clergy. He sends calls Munnin down to send him forward, ""Tell me what you see.""

[4:17 PM] DM: It's quite far in the distance, over two bridges to get there on foot. In time, though, you do get clear of the panicking townsfolk. The smell of smoke is heavy in the air and you start to realize that there are a few fires burning in the city- you can see the glow against the smoke that's rising from them. Munnin returns and lets you know that there are people attempting to put out the fire he'd gone to- it was a warehouse.

[4:28 PM] Malphon: Malphon keeps heading towards the temple, looking to get some  information on what exactly is happening.

[4:29 PM] DM: Sure. By the time you get there, the temple doors are locked. Something you've never seen. There are people outside, scared, praying, shouting, a few even banging on the doors.

[4:37 PM] Malphon: ""Find someone to open this door immediately,"" Malphon sends his familiar off to find an open window or any place Munnin can squeeze into

[4:37 PM] DM: He flies off.

[4:40 PM] DM: After several minutes he comes back, impressing on you the idea that he couldn't find a way in. The whole tmeple has been closed off.

[4:44 PM] Malphon: Malphon curses and decides to find his way back to the Spymaster's.

[4:48 PM] DM: Are you dressed as an official or as a reveler?

[4:49 PM] Malphon: An official

[4:50 PM] DM: As you start to head back, an older human woman grabs your arm. ""Please, sir. What's happening? What should we do?""

[4:55 PM] Malphon: Malphon pulls his arm away, startled. Once he realizes who it was that touched him, his face goes blank, ""Get out of the city. I am on my way to find out what happened. It is not safe here. That much I can tell you. The temple is also locked down, so you will find no refuge there. Go, and may Vydea be with you.""

[5:00 PM] DM: She looks horrified and recoils. You start moving through the crowd again, moving back over the bridge into the Castle Ward, but as you're headed towards the bridge to the castle proper, a human man runs full into you like he wasn't looking at where he was going.

[5:09 PM] Malphon: Malphon falls backwards, hard. The surprise, the pain, and the sheer recklessness of man makes his face sour into a scowl. He picks himself and then the man off of the ground by his shirt, ""Get a hold of yourself! Do you want more chaos around you? Find your family and leave this city at once,"" he swallows and composes himself, ""For your own safety."" he adds, letting the man's collar go.

[6:33 PM] DM: It's not until he disappears into the crowd and you turn to head back towards the castle that you feel the sharp pain in your side, and when you put your hand to it, it comes away wet with blood.

[8:34 PM] Malphon: Malphon sucks in a breath and looks around, trying to see if he can pick out the attacker"

2:40 PM] DM: Other than guessing it was probably the guy who ran into you, in all the chaos around you, you can't pick him out from the crowd.

[2:55 PM] Malphon: "Bloody swine," he places his hand back on the wound and seals it closed. He takes a look around at the chaos, sighs and uses Disguise Self to blend in with the commoners, hoping to avoid another random stabbing. He takes the form of an old woman and weaves his way through the crowd, back to the Spymaster's.

[10:36 AM] DM: Between your knowledge of the castle, its systems, and the ability to disguise yourself, after a while, you find yourself back inside the walls. From what you've gathered, everyone within is being questioned before they can leave. Bodies from around the grounds are being gathered in the throne room- staff, Moonguard, nobles, and Moonstreams alike. Rumor is that all the Moonstreams are dead- Ambrose and his family as well as Katarina's. When you get back to the Spymaster's offices, there's nobody inside. Not entirely surprising- your coworkers are likely out gathering information.

"[10:22 AM] DM: This could be a great opportunity for you to take a look at the Spymaster's office. It's bothered you how much you've been sidelined and kept away over the last couple weeks.

[9:34 PM] Malphon: After finally reaching the Spymaster's office, Malphon takes a moment to collect himself. He had known something terrible had happened, but to know that the entire royal family was dead was an incredible thing to conceptualize. ""And they had me traipsing around in the crowds...Gods."" He shakes his head and starts to look around. ""So, Imloriona, what is it you did not want me to see?""

[9:51 PM] DM: In the few minutes you have to rifle through her things, you find a note forgotten in a crack between desk and wall.

70k.

T

It's written on fancy paper, and the T is in gold ink. You hear footsteps coming and manage to cover your tracks just in time to see the Spymaster herself return.

""Malphon. It's about time you showed up. The others are taking statements in the Great Hall. Go help them."""

"4:09 AM] Malphon: ""Forgive my tardiness. I was busy being trampled by the adoring  public,"" he quirks his eyebrow as he speaks to punctuate his words. He starts to walk out but stops midway, ""Do we have... Did anyone survive?""

[4:16 AM] DM: ""None of the Moonstreams, no.""

[11:34 AM] Malphon: He nods, ""I see,"" he heads out of the office and towards the Great Hall

[11:50 AM] DM: For the sake of being ready when we start in a couple hours, I'm going to narrate the rest of your intro-

You head back to the Great Hall. It seems most of the so-called important people have already forced their way to the head of the line to be let out of the castle grounds and all that's left are the staff and the Moonguard themselves. You take down several statements, but what stands out to you is that nobody claims to have seen any of the attacks. Whether the attackers were invisible, hidden, or some of these people are lying, you're not entirely sure... but what you do know is that your side still hurts after being stabbed, even though you tried to heal it, and you're exhausted. By the time you fall asleep in midmorning, you're not sure you'll ever want to wake again.

But then you have a dream. You've received messages from your own patron before, but not like this. Those are often symbols or words spelled out in spiderwebs real, illusory, or in dreams. But this still has that same feeling- the feeling that something bigger than you is speaking. You find yourself walking down a street in the city- a street you know- and as you walk, you see faceless figures in blue and silver- Moonguard, castle staff, even your own regalia- knives dripping with black and grins splitting their darkened faces. You've never been particularly trusting of others, and these visions seem to validate your mistrust. But your feet keep walking, and eventually, after walking through the castle walls and beyond, you find yourself at a building with Vydea's symbol blazing behind it. When you wake, your dream is clear in your mind, including the path taken to get to the building."

## Back at Tumulus

[5:46 PM] DM: Ok! So you all squeeze back through the tunnels, then head to the left, away from the pit.

[5:47 PM] DM: You head up through all the rubble and tunnels towards the open air. Eventually you reach the blistering cold of the outside... where you see Chasan lying on his back in the snow, making a giant snow angel.

[5:48 PM] DM: The sun has already dipped below the other side of the mountain's peak and it's getting dark.

[5:49 PM] Seirixori: ""Hey, do you know how to do the ritual?"" Seir asks without any kind of greeting.

[5:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh smiles at him apologetically. ""What we found in the ritual chamber was our friend, but she was frozen.""

[5:52 PM] DM: He sits up. ""Not specifically. I thought I could figure it out once I found it, or that there might be guidance.""

[5:53 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Guidance..."" Ry mumbles, then she snaps. ""The rubbing... he can read it!"" She says excitedly. ""Chasan, could you read something for us, please?""

[5:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir had already been in the process of taking them out.

[5:55 PM] DM: He takes the papers gently. ""These are warnings. Where are they from?""

[5:56 PM] Urrak: ""Inside th' hall leadin' into th' chamber itself,"" Urrak says, ""There's more, o' course.""

[5:59 PM] DM: Chasan: ""They warn of... well, the loss of soul. Death even for immortals."" He looks at another one. ""Probably to keep people from entering, though once you've gotten that far, I don't know how these would stop you. If there are others, it is possible some might explain how to perform the ritual... or maybe it is something that just... happens. That is not uncommon with rituals like these. Not unlike simply bringing the ingredients together to make something else.""

[5:59 PM] Seirixori: ""So we just... stand there for a while?"""

"6:02 PM] Urrak: ""An' ye can't enter the chamber itself, right Chasan? If not, we should make some more rubbin's and bring them back t' him,"" Urrak says to the group

[6:03 PM] DM: ""I'm afraid I don't know for sure, but I would be willing to read anything you bring me. I... don't know if going there is the best option.""

[6:05 PM] Seirixori: ""Great,"" Seir turns away and starts to head back inside.

[6:06 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Probably not,"" Ry says to him. ""We have to go back and find the nagpa anyway... it escaped once we found it...""

[6:08 PM] Urrak: ""What if th' nagpa is in th' chamber?"" Urrak offers

[6:09 PM] DM: ""Should I wait here?""

[6:12 PM] Urrak: Urrak turns to Ryleigh, ""Should he? What's th' plan?""

[6:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I don't want you to feel obligated to return to the place you were locked in for centuries... and I don't think its a good idea either. We can return with more rubbings..."" She says it all very hesitantly.

[6:20 PM] DM: ""I will wait, then.""

[6:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""So... to the chamber? Maybe the nagpa fled there...""

[6:21 PM] DM: Gylfi turns to look back at Seir and spins in place a bit. ""Um... I think Seirixori got a head start.""

[6:22 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""What?"" Ry says alarmed. She turns and seeing Seirixori is gone and runs after her.

[6:22 PM] Brimeia: Bri shakes her head and runs the same way

[6:23 PM] DM: To speed things along just a bit, you get back down to the hole, but by the time you do, Seirixori as an earth elemental is already heading back up from below with new rubbings.

[6:26 PM] DM: And as you return to Chasan, he studies the rubbings for a few moments before he says, ""The guardian is a test. It's... difficult to understand, but I think the guardian's supposed to be quelled with the gifts of the divine. Once it is quelled, the ritual can take place.""

[6:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir throws up her rocky hands and immediately heads back inside again without saying anything. This time actively trying to sense the nagpa.

[6:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""So we have to defeat the titan to free Gunnloda?""

[6:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Damnit Seirixori,"" Ry says watching her go.

[6:28 PM] Brimeia: ""Should I go with her?""

"6:29 PM] DM to Ryleigh: You hear Tanjura's voice in your head. ""Ryleigh... something terrible happened. Vyon may be under attack. Moonstreams are dead. Temple is dark. The city is in chaos. We will defend the guildhall.""

[6:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""We'll be there as soon as we can. Stay safe."""

[6:31 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh's eyes grow wide and she literally shouts at Seirixori, ""Wait, come back!"" her voice cracking as she does. Then she looks at Rukiya, her expression stony, but her eyes clearly giving away to her that there's something terribly wrong.

[6:34 PM] Seirixori: She's already mostly inside, she does stop, but doesn't come back, just waits impatiently.

[6:37 PM] DM: Rukiya looks at Ry with worry.

[6:38 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh walks over to Rukiya and wraps her arms around her, then says as gently as she can to the entire group. ""Tanjura just sent to me... something's happened in Riverrun. The Moonstreams..."" She takes a deep breath. ""Are dead.""

[6:40 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""W-what?""

[6:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""There's a way to know if it's true..."" Ry glances down at where Rukiya's ring sits under her armor.

[6:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir quickly walks forward, still an earth elemental, not having heard it, but able to read it.

[6:42 PM] DM: Rukiya pulls the strap from around her neck to look at the gold and diamond ring, now with three black stones and one clear diamond. She whispers, ""No...""

[6:42 PM] Brimeia: Bri just blinks in shock. ""Did she say how?""

[6:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh pulls Rukiya a little closer, seeing the truth in the necklace. Then she addresses Bri. ""No, but Riverrun is in chaos...""

[6:46 PM] Urrak: Urrak looks stunned, ""Oh fuck. "" she balls her fists, ""What--what should we do? Everything is...""

[6:47 PM] Brimeia: ""Does it change our plans?""

[6:49 PM] DM: Rukiya's knees buckle and she sags against Ryleigh. ""They'll... they'll be raised. They...""

[6:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks away from the group, one hand balled into a fist. The sound of rock grinding against each itself is made itself very well known before she speaks, ""You should go."" Her voice cracks as she says it.

[6:50 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh lifts Rukiya into her arms and presses a kiss to her forehead. ""I think we need to make camp. It's too cold to travel down the mountain and I'm not leaving Rukiya to find the nagpa right now.""

[6:52 PM] Urrak: ""Then don't, go with her. We can figure things out here. I'm sure of it,"" Urrak looks to Seirixori, ""Would ye be able t' do yer tree magic? ""

[6:53 PM] Seirixori: ""Not to where they need to go. Not tonight.""

[6:54 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi walks over to Ryleigh and Rukiya and just stands near them, letting their presence be known to Rukiya.

[6:54 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh: ""We shouldn't be hasty. We need to talk about what's next... but right now... I just need to be here for my wife.""

[6:56 PM] Urrak: Urrak bites her lips and nods. ""O'course.""

[6:57 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""I can make the dome.""

[6:57 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Please,"" Ry says to Gyfli.

[6:58 PM] DM: Gylfi nods and gets ready to do the ritual. First they glance at Chasan. ""Sorry, big guy. I'm not sure you'll fit.""

[6:58 PM] Seirixori: Seir quietly unshifts and stands next to Ryleigh.

[6:58 PM] DM: Chasan: ""I do not require rest or warmth. Don't worry about me.""

[7:00 PM] DM: So Gylfi starts the ten minute ritual, Rukiya sobs quietly in Ry's arms, and we'll stop here for some extra-curriculars until next week."

## Ryfika

"[11:45 AM] DM: Ryfika here so the others can talk or do things too.

[7:57 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh sits away from the others with Rukiya in her lap. She holds her close and occasionally presses a kiss to her forehead or cheek, whispering soft ‘I’m here’ and ‘you’re not alone’ as well as other reassurances. While she knows she could calm Rukiya’s emotions, Ry won’t unless asked, so instead she softly hums until Rukiya regains the ability to speak.

[7:59 PM] DM: ""What did-- What did she say?""

[8:03 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: It takes a moment for Ry to answer, like she’s thinking about the exact words Tanjura used. “She said Vyon might be under attack... that the temple went dark and the city was in chaos. That-“ again Ry hesitates. “The Moonstreams were dead and she’d make she to protect the guildhall and everyone inside.”

[8:08 PM] DM: ""We-- I have to get back. I have to find out what's happening.""

[8:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You don’t seriously believe I’m not going to go with you?” Ry asks, her tone exasperated.

[8:37 PM] DM: ""I... I know you want to stop the titan as soon as possible. And help your grandmother. I can go and learn what I can and keep you updated. I don't want to ask you to choose between me and your people.""

[11:56 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: A sad smile appears on Ryleigh’s face, and depending on Rukiya’s current state, she’d be able to sense Ryleigh’s hurt. “You aren’t asking me to choose. My decision is already made, and I choose you.”

[11:59 PM] DM: Rukiya's tears start all over again and she buries her face in Ry's shoulder, holding herself close. ""I don't know what to do. They... they can't be gone."""

"[12:13 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I wish I could tell you the pain goes away, but...” she worries her lip in a knowing way, “it will fade... sometimes for weeks or months, but then it can hit you in the most unexpected places.” Then she softly says, “The people we love are never truly gone. They live on... in here.” Ry places her hand against Rukiya’s heart. “I know it isn’t the same, and it’ll never be the same... but even if they are gone, you’ll see them again in Athenaeum and someday that will give you some kind of peace, l'auorphiem.”

[12:19 AM] DM: ""I knew I'd never be able to truly see them again but this..."" She sniffles, and even though you know and you know she knows that the temple only turns out its light after the attempted resurrection, she says, ""Vydea will send them back. The Nightmaster will raise them.""

[12:26 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh presses a kiss to Rukiya’s forehead. “We’ll find out what happened to them and I promise to be by your side no matter what happens.”

[10:02 AM] DM: She's quiet for a little while then she says, ""I'm sorry... I didn't mean to make you feel unwanted. I just didn't want you to feel bad for choosing to stay... but I don't know how to do this without you.""

[10:51 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You’ve never made me feel unwanted,” Ry answers sincerely."

[9:07 PM] DM: "I know what fixing this all means to you. I want to, too."

"[12:44 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “And it will get fixed, but... maybe I have to accept that it won’t be me doing the fixing.” For the first time since they enter the hut, Ry’s eyes leave Rukiya and she looks around the hut. “I’ll have to trust they’ll do it in my stead... because I know what your family means to you, and want to know what happened to them too.” Ry voice cracks at the tail end of the sentence, but she swallows hard to make up for it.

[12:53 AM] DM: ""I... thank you.""

[1:02 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh cups Rukiya’s cheek, wiping a few stray tears away. “You don’t have to thank me for choosing you - ever... because I know I always will.”

[1:30 PM] DM: Rukiya leans up to give Ry a gentle kiss then settles back down.

[1:34 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I wish you never had to feel this kind of pain,” Ry whispers, her arms holding Rukiya in a protective type of bubble.

[5:04 PM] DM: She whispers, ""I wish I'd had more time with them."""

[10:41 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Do you feel like you made the most of the time you had?” Ry‘a brows furrow and she mumbles, “I’m happy they got to meet me... that we had that stolen time in Vydenia. At least they passed knowing you weren’t alone.”

"12:11 PM] DM: ""I spent the last three years avoiding them instead of making the most of our time together."" She frowns. ""And I know that's not really my fault, but... I could have done more. I should have. I knew there were threats. There were rumors of assassination plots. Alarys's murder. All of it. What if I could have stopped it?""

[1:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Maybe you could have if you hadn’t chosen to follow me. Or maybe you’d be dead because you uncovered something you shouldn’t have. Or maybe you would have figured it out and it wouldn’t have mattered at all.” Ryleigh sighs. “You know there are too many variables to think in what if’s. Right now, what we need to focus on... is mourning their departure from this plane. Then we can plan our next move.”

[3:13 PM] DM: ""I don't... want to mourn them.""

[11:57 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Take it from me, l'auorphiem... if you don’t it’ll turn into bitterness and regret and anger... and it’ll lead you down a path you don’t want to go.”

[11:59 PM] DM: She shakes her head and Ry can see her tear-red eyes are drier and determined. ""I will mourn them when I know there is something to mourn."""

"[12:18 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh sighs heavily and nods her head. “Okay.” She leans in and presses a soft kiss to Rukiya’s lips, whispering, “Whatever you need.”

[12:58 AM] DM: ""I just... can't.""

[1:03 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I understand.” Ry presses another kiss to Rukiya’s lips, keeping them short. “I’m here and I support you, however that may be.”"

## Sylfi

[9:14 PM] DM: At some point, Ry and Rukiya start whispering in elven, obviously trying to have some amount of privacy even though there is none to be had. Rukiya's tear-soaked and she hasn't stopped clutching her ring in her hand.

"[4:48 AM] Seirixori: Seir is off to one side, hugging her knees to herself as she quietly watches them. Clearly worried and upset, she has a few tears of her own.

[11:43 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi will move to where Seirixori is, sitting close to her so their sides are touching. They don’t take her hand or put their arm around her, instead they wait for Seir to determine how much comfort she needs or if she wants it at all.

[11:47 AM] Seirixori: Seir leans into Gylfi, almost as if on instinct, and it takes her a few more seconds before her tail moves to settle behind them. She makes a motion to lean her head on them when she quickly remembers she can't do that and releases a heavy sigh instead.

[2:45 PM] Seirixori: After some silence, Seir quietly asks, ""Will you go with them?""

[2:47 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""Are you requesting that I do or asking if I intend to?""

[2:50 PM] Seirixori: ""If you intend to.""

[3:16 PM] DM: They're quiet for a moment. ""I don't know yet. We don't really know anything. I'll prepare Sending and see what we can learn in the morning. It will probably depend on what Rukiya needs.""

[3:21 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, one hand rubbing the fabric on her pants between her fingers. ""I can't go."" Her voice cracks and it sounds pained.

[3:22 PM] DM: ""Why not?""

[3:30 PM] Seirixori: ""The titan still needs to be dealt with... and the nagpa.""

[3:31 PM] DM: ""Is that your responsibility?""

[3:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir's brow furrows and she finally turns her head to look at Gylfi, ""Who else will do it?""

[3:37 PM] DM: ""That's not what I asked,"" they say quietly. There's a slight pause, then they add with a smirk, ""I mean, the Ashlords could get off their ashes and do something about it.""

[3:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir scoffs, ""Right. They're about as useful as I am blue.""

[4:48 PM] Seirixori: She then sighs, ""They don't have what we have and I-- I can't-- I don't want to leave her here.""

[4:54 PM] DM: They hum a little then take a deep breath. ""Well... I'm more loyal to people than places or ideals. Riverrun is just a place I don't sleep. Besides Caelynn and Rukiya I don't know any Moonstreams. The titan is threatening my people, too, and dealing with the nagpa helps me helps them. So unless she needs me, which I doubt she will, I'll stay with you.""

[5:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir closes her eyes briefly, ""I would appreciate that... so much.""

[10:30 PM] DM: They waggle their eyebrows. ""How much?""

[10:48 PM] Seirixori: Seir rolls her eyes, but she doesn't hide the tiny smile. ""Enough to not pinch you.""

[10:49 PM] DM: ""I guess that's acceptable.""

[11:26 PM] Seirixori: ""I'm always acceptable."""

"[11:19 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi chuckles a little and takes Seir’s hand. They squeeze it gently then let it go and softly say, “So that was your wife back there. When she wakes, is she going to be okay with what happened between us? And with us continuing to be friends?” They’re tone turns teasing, “Because... I’m starting to get used to having you around.”

[11:34 AM] Seirixori: ""It was."" Seir takes their hand back into her own, like she needs the contact. ""I believe she will."" She laughs a little, ""She did tell me during the Raven Queen thing if I needed to wrap myself around someone that it's ok.""

[11:39 AM] Seirixori: Seir uses her other hand to nervously fiddle with the fabric of her pants again, ""...And there's no guarantee she will wake up.""

[11:41 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi rubs their thumb across the back of Seir’s hand. “There’s also no guarantee that she won’t. I just don’t want a ‘potential’ god to smite me for sleeping with her wife. I enjoy being alive.”

[11:45 AM] Seirixori: Seir grins, ""There's only been two people she's looked ready to smite and neither have been for that reason... not that I've had that reason but..."" she shrugs, ""you're good.""

[11:47 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Are you saying you’ll defend me if she tries to smite me?” They bring their hand to their heart and dramatically lean into Seir. “My hero.”

[11:54 AM] Seirixori: Seir rolls her eyes, lightly shoving Gylfi, ""As if you need to be.""

[1:33 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “True, why worry about your wife when you nearly murdered me back there, which I think you might have to make up to me.” They quirk an eyebrow mischievously.

[2:12 PM] Seirixori: Seir groans, hiding her face in her one free hand, ""I'm really, really sorry. I was aiming for the nagpa and then it was gone and I didn't realize you were so close to the other thing. I was expecting to just hit Urrak and Ryleigh.""

[2:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I’m teasing. Well, about the murder part, not the making it up to me part.” They smirk, then tap their chin in mock thought. “Should I be concerned that you’re okay with annihilating Urrak and Ryleigh.”

[2:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir scrunches her nose, ""They would have been fine. You're just a lot squishier.""

[4:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir bites her lip for a moment, ""At this point it feels like that's how you know I like you."" She pauses, ""Okay that doesn't apply to everyone but... let's just say I think Brimeia might be the only one who I haven't hit with something and maybe Rukiya? I don't really know because it's possible it is everyone.""

[4:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “So you’re saying you nearly kill all the people you like?” Gylfi chuckles a little then adds, “Except Rukiya because Ryleigh literally jumps on top of her when she might in trouble. Although that makes more sense to me now... her protective nature of Rukiya.”

[4:49 PM] Seirixori: ""Rukiya's usually good at not being close to things that will murder her. Unlike some people.""

[4:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi bites their hand to not laugh, but there’s a laugh in their tone with they say, “It seems you and Rukiya agree that Ryleigh is reckless - regardless of how heroic it might be.”

[4:54 PM] Seirixori: ""In this instance I was kind of talking about you, but yes."" Seir grumbles nonsense to herself then says, ""Though to be fair, I am usually not much better.""

[4:56 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Me?” Gylfi feigns hurt. “You don’t get to be 300 years old by being reckless! How dare you.”

[5:00 PM] Seirixori: Seir scoffs, ""You were the one that ran all close to a creepy bird thing and then didn't leave when the thing with a weapon larger than all of us popped up.""

[5:07 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Firstly, I was not ready to have a huge being with a maul pop into existence and secondly, I’m flattered you care whether I live or die.” They wink.

[5:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir pouts, ""You didn't need to get that close to begin with and I don't know if you've heard, but I prefer my friends to be alive.""

[5:34 PM] Seirixori: Her words have some added heat on the end, the current topic quickly working her up.

[8:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: They hum and in a smooth tone say, ""I like it when you're feisty.""

[8:58 PM] Seirixori: Seir growls and leans into Gylfi, a flash of irritation and something else crosses her features ""You...ugh, you're infuriating!"" She looks mildly conflicted, her eyes drifting down to their lips very briefly before she forces them back up to glare at them."

"[12:51 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi leans in, still smirking, and whispers so only Seir can hear, “That glare is sexy and it makes me want you.”

[2:30 AM] Seirixori: There is the briefest flash of confusion, the compliment still feeling strange to her, and then her eyes narrow and she growls again. Seir surges forward, straddling Gylfi's lap and pressing herself against them and, something that's probably going to become second nature, she nips at their bottom lip as their lips meet in a rough kiss.

[1:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Seirixori can feel Gylfi’s smirk against her lips as she initiates the kiss. Their hands run up Seir’s thighs slowly and eventually come to settle on her waist. When Gylfi breaks the kiss they quirk an eyebrow and say against Seir’s lips, “A little bit of praise and you’re like putty in my hands.”

[1:56 PM] Seirixori: Seir's face reddens considerably and she does her best to hide her face in their shoulder without nicking them with her horns. ""Shut up,"" she says quietly. There's a sheepish grin on her face and it at least doesn't look like she's drowning in as much sadness anymore.  ""It's annoying that I can believe you did that on purpose.""

[4:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi’s hands cup either side of Seir’s face, their smirk is gone, it’s replaced with the soft smile that she’d seen the night before in the bedroom. Their voice is gentle when they say, “I’m happy I could help. You’ve been upset and that’s what friends are for...” then they chuckle a little. “Although I suppose no one in this group would think that’s what friends are for.”

[8:37 PM] Seirixori: ""No, I think not. Thank you."" Laughing, Seir kisses their forehead briefly. ""A little bit easier to remember than the other way I make myself feel better... sometimes less noisy."""

"[6:07 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “What’s the other way you make yourself feel better?”

[6:48 PM] Seirixori: ""Playing the flute. Not exactly something you can do in areas where things want to kill you.""

[6:56 PM] DM: Gylfi smirks like you know they've got some dirty comment on the tip of their tongue but chose not to share it.

[6:58 PM] Seirixori: ""What?""

[6:59 PM] DM: ""Nothing, nothing... that's just what I sometimes call my favorite way to feel better.""

[7:01 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks confused, ""A... flute?""

[7:07 PM] DM: They chuckle and shake their head.

[7:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir's face scrunches a bit as she thinks about it. ""... Okay."" She moves off them to sit back beside them. ""I'd ask if your little bubble kept sound inside but my stuff is in the bag..."" She motions to Ryleigh. She looks like she's about to say more but Seir briefly closes her eyes, not wanting to go down that route right now."

"[11:14 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi pats Seir’s leg with their hand. “They be okay... I hope.” Their worries eyes are focused on Rukiya.

[11:18 AM] Seirixori: ""They better be,"" Seir's eyes narrow and she lightly snarls. ""Because whoever is the cause of this will not have a good time when I find them."" She huffs and then blinks, ""Uh... unless you meant not physically because I can... maybe still have the same threat. Maybe.""

[11:20 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Chuckling slightly, Gylfi says, “I meant in general. Rukiya is one of my closest friends... she was my closest friend at one point. She has Ryleigh now, but I’m still worried for her. Losing family is always hard - chosen or blood.”

[11:29 AM] Seirixori: Seir's eyes dart away quickly, ""Yes... it is."" She sighs and looks back at them. ""They'll be okay, though. They have each other and they have us.""

[12:57 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “They do,” Gylfi says with a smile. “And we have each other too.” They bump their shoulder against Seir with a playful grin.

[3:25 PM] Seirixori: ""Yeah..."" Seir returns a small smile, grateful, ""we do."" She takes one of their hands on her own and intertwines their fingers. She starts to hum quietly, her fingers almost moving instinctually as she plays a tune in her head.

[4:00 PM] Seirixori: A couple minutes pass before Seir abruptly stops and curses. She fumbles around for something in one of her pouches. Eventually she pulls out a sending stone and... just stares at it. ""Shit... why is this spell so short!?""

[4:01 PM] DM: Gylfi chuckles. ""Who's on the other end?""

[4:06 PM] Seirixori: ""Gunnloda's ...uh ex, but not anymore an ex? They were working things out.""

[4:10 PM] DM: ""That sounds like a story that will take more than a couple dozen words.""

[4:16 PM] Seirixori: ""She knows, about most of it. Not sure how much she actually believes, but telling her I found Gunnloda but can't do anything... that'll go over well.""

[4:21 PM] DM: ""Well, at least you have one thing on your side right now. Distance."" They chuckle.

[4:31 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts and mutters under her breath, ""We'll see."" With a heavy sigh she squeezes Gyfli's hand and closes her eyes. We found her. She's frozen. There's a ritual we have to complete but... it'll take time, we have to stop something first. ...I'm sorry.

[5:22 PM] Seirixori: After a few moments Seir sighs again, ""Too bad I can't use this again and ask her to go to Riverrun to help there. Though I'm sure she'd rather be here if that were the case.""

[5:32 PM] DM: ""You could in the morning if you still wanted to.""

[5:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir doesn't even pause to think about it when she answers, ""No, she doesn't need to be in danger as well. Asking her to do some research if she could, I think might have already done that and I don't want to tell Gunnloda, 'hey accidentally got the other love of your life killed, sorry.'"" Seir laughs, ""She's more of a 'hey I fucked up can you please come save our asses', kind of call anyway.""

[5:46 PM] DM: ""Good to have one of those handy.""

[6:22 PM] Seirixori: ""Mmm, it is. I mean, you're kind of doing that for us right now, though a lot more involved.""

[6:32 PM] DM: ""Well, there are at least two asses here that are definitely worth saving.... plus Ryleigh's if I take Rukiya's word for it, which I do tend to do.""

[6:53 PM] Seirixori: ""I was going to make a joke about my tail covering my ass, but you've seen it...well and technically everyone here has as well."" Seir then laughs, ""Rukiya does not have to try that hard to get us to do that...""

[8:10 PM] DM: They chuckle. ""No, no she does not."""

## Urrak

[1:31 PM] Urrak: Urrak sits quietly, though worry is plain on her face. She sighs and watches the little spirit flit about, trying to keep her mind off of the situation, but failing miserably. "I have a terrible feelin' about all this,  skorr aro." She looks over to Seir and Gylfi, to Brimeia, and finally to Ryleigh and Rukiya, "Two huge threats, pullin' us apart..."

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