3 Felmont

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

[2:06 PM] DM: 3 Felmont 3Y21

Tumulus Castle

It's another day here in the Free State of Isonsall, and you're all gathering in the dining room for breakfast before you head up the mountain to do... something. Ry has not arrived yet. Rukiya lets you all know she's speaking to her grandmother one more time before you go.

[2:07 PM] Seirixori: ((does the dining room have windows? lol))

[2:08 PM] Brimeia: Bri yawns and plops down on a chair.

[2:08 PM] DM: There are no windows in the keep.

[2:09 PM] Urrak: Urrak busies herself with downing as much coffee as possible. "Back int'a th' cold t'day..." she mumbles

[2:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir frowns and sits down. She lightly taps on the table, her focus elsewhere.

[2:19 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh enters the dining room, she presses a kiss to Clemency's cheek, then takes a seat next to Rukiya.

[2:20 PM] DM: Avery is not in the dining room at this moment.

[2:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir does not react to Ryleigh entering.

[2:21 PM] Ryleigh: "Where's Avery?" Ry causally asks, as one of the wait staff places an iced coffee in front of her.

[2:23 PM] DM: Clemency: "He's with the Radgivar."

[2:26 PM] DM: The staff places a plate down in front of Ry as she sits.

[2:27 PM] Ryleigh: Ry hums, and it sounds displeased. Ryleigh thanks them and starts to eat. After a few bites she says, "Do you know where the Radgivar is? I'd like to say goodbye him before we leave."

[2:29 PM] DM: "Her room, last I saw. The floor below the queen's."

[2:29 PM] Seirixori: Seir's eyes come back into focus and she asks, "Do we need to go today?"

[2:30 PM] Urrak: Urrak turns to Seir, surprised by her question, "Y'okay Seirixori?"

[2:31 PM] Ryleigh: "Is there a reason we shouldn't, homashoc?"

[2:33 PM] Seirixori: Seir barely stops herself from rolling her eyes, "Only because I have more questions than answers. And the answers I do have, I don't trust."

[2:35 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia frowns at Seirixori's words, not able to make sense of them.

[2:35 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh takes a long drink of her iced coffee. "I know, but there aren't answers to be found right now. So yes, we need to leave today."

[2:37 PM] Seirixori: "Maybe not in a few hours..." Seir trails off and sighs. She shakes her head and pokes at her food not saying anything more.

[2:38 PM] Urrak: Urrak quirks an eyebrow but says nothing else to Seir. "Hey, Clemency, are ye comin' with us up th' mountain?"

[2:38 PM] Ryleigh: "What?" Ry says alarmed. "Of course not."

[2:39 PM] DM: Clemency smiles softly at Ry's outburst. "I would probably do more harm than good. And I should be here for Avery."

[2:40 PM] Urrak: Urrak nods, "O'course, o'course."

[2:42 PM] Ryleigh: "I just got you back," Ry explains, feeling a little bad about it. "I don't want to risk your safety by taking you up the mountain."

[2:43 PM] DM: "I understand, homashoc."

[2:44 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh eats fairly quickly, like she's in a bit of a rush. When she's finished, and when Clemency is done eating, Ry will rise from her seat and offer her hand to Clemency. "Come on, you can show me where the Radgivar is with Avery."

[2:46 PM] Ryleigh: "Make you sure you all finish your food. You'll need the energy for the trek up the mountain. Also bundle up, it'll be very cold. I'll meet you all in the sitting room as soon as I say goodbye to Avery."

[2:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs again and continues poking at her food as Ryleigh leaves.

[2:49 PM] DM: Gunnloda nudges her. "Eat, darlin'."

[2:49 PM] Brimeia: Bri heartily scarfs down all her food.

[2:50 PM] Urrak: "Can't wait," Urrak deadpans. She scoops one last bit of breakfast up off of her plate and finishes it. "I'm gonna go grab my things."

[2:50 PM] Seirixori: Seir's halfway through the word "Why" before she stops and takes a bite of food.

## Ry and the Radgivar

[2:48 PM] DM: Clemency shows you to the Radgivar's room. She whispers a word and pushes the door open. It's set up like a studio apartment, almost- a bedroom space, a study space, and two doors off to the side. Avery's sitting in a chair far too big for him, kicking his feet while he's reciting something, but when the door opens, he interrupts himself and shouts, "Mama! Auntie Ryleigh!" Heli is standing near her desk, arms folded.

[2:50 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh makes her way to him. "Learning good stuff?" She asks, ruffling his hair.

[2:50 PM] DM: Avery: "Uh-huh! I'm learning more magic!"

[2:52 PM] Ryleigh: "Oh fun!" she says, leaning over to press a kiss to forehead. "I'm leaving to go up the mountain, but I wanted to say goodbye first."

[2:52 PM] DM: Avery: "Can I come too?"

[2:53 PM] Ryleigh: "Not this time," Ry says, smiling at him. "But once you're older I will, so you know where we come from too."

[2:53 PM] DM: Avery: "Yay! I wanna go BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM."

[2:54 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh chuckles. "Could I have hug before I go?"

[2:54 PM] DM: He crawls around so he's standing on the chair and puts his arms up.

[2:55 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will wrap him in her arms, then after a moment she'll spin him around, before setting him back down.

[2:56 PM] DM: He giggles. "When you come back can I play with your sword more?"

[2:57 PM] Ryleigh: "Sure," she answers, and presses another kiss to forehead. "Study hard and I'll see you in a few days."

[2:58 PM] DM: Avery: "A few days!? Awww, but that's so far awaaaay."

[2:58 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh laughs. "It is, but it'll pass by fast."

[3:09 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks over at Heli, her eyes locking onto hers. "I want you to understand exactly who I am before I depart, Heli. Because it's important that you know the consequences of any actions you may take while I'm away." Her tone is sharp and her gaze is piercing. "These two are my family, and they better be alive, and well, and here when I return. My name is Ryleigh Alisdair-Tilman, and if something happens to them, I will be true to my name. I've already told Ragna that all 9 hells will have no fury like that of mine; and I can assure you that there will no place you can run or hide from my wrath. And when I find you, you will be screaming for mercy and you will not receive any for what you'd taken from me." She tilts her head and quirks a challenging eyebrow. "Do I make myself clear?"

[3:11 PM] BOT Avrae: Ryleigh makes an Intimidation check! 1d20 (11) + 8 = 19

[3:14 PM] DM: She doesn't move, doesn't flinch, but when she speaks, all she says is, "The queen has no intention of anyone leaving this castle until your return or your demise."

[3:18 PM] Ryleigh: Ry's eyes narrow, her look still hard. It only softens when she looks back down at Avery and says, "Take care of your mama for me while I'm gone okay?"

[3:19 PM] DM: He's just looking up at her with wide eyes and nods.

[3:20 PM] Ryleigh: She presses a kiss to the top of his head, then walks over to Clemency and takes her hand, leading her out of the room.

[3:21 PM] DM: Clemency: "Be careful, homashoc."

[3:23 PM] Ryleigh: Once they're out of the room, she'll slip her sending stone into Clemency's hand. "I will. I also promised my wife I'd be here and me by the end of all this. I'll make it through, because I'm not leaving you or him here."

[3:24 PM] BOT Avrae: Ryleigh makes a Sleight Of Hand check! 1d20 (11) + 2 = 13

[3:26 PM] DM: She just squeezes Ry's hand then presses a soft kiss to her forehead. "I love you, raro a'o."

[3:27 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh pulls Clemency into a tight hug and mumbles, "I love you, too, sasom."

## Back to the Group

[2:58 PM] DM: Anyone wanting to do anything last minute before you gather up again?

[3:00 PM] Seirixori: ((nah))

[3:00 PM] Urrak: ((nopes))

[3:00 PM] Brimeia: ((I'm all good))

[3:28 PM] DM: Sorry, took longer than expected.

[3:29 PM] DM: So! You gather up. The journey up the mountain will be a challenge in itself, not to mention the threats you may face. Are there any precautions you're taking as you head out?

[3:30 PM] Seirixori: (The warm clothes we have, I think that's about it for me.)

[3:31 PM] Brimeia: ((Same))

[3:33 PM] Urrak: ((same.))

[3:35 PM] DM: Warm clothes will give everyone a -5 to the DC of the checks against cold weather.

[3:39 PM] Ryleigh: Ry will suggest they tie a rope to each of their waists just in case someone falls. She'd like the squishy people in between the beefy people so maybe marching order of Ry, Seir OR Rukiya for eyes, Gunnloda, Urrak, Bri.

[3:41 PM] DM: Ok. You're led to a 'back gate' of the courtyard that leads to a small path before you enter the wild mountain.

[3:42 PM] Ryleigh: ((PS we have 2 potions of climbing if we need them))

[3:42 PM] DM: The wind is still strong up here, blowing snow around so much that you're not entirely certain it isn't actually snowing. Any attempts to throw things will be at disadvantage, if it's possible at all.

[3:43 PM] DM: Are you moving quickly, normally, or slowly?

[3:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir isn't entirely sure the rope thing is a good idea for her specifically but will go with it for now.

[3:43 PM] Ryleigh: ((slowly))

[3:44 PM] DM: Slowly means more time in the elements, but advantage on perception checks.

[3:45 PM] Ryleigh: ((I think slowly to begin with since we don't really know what we're facing just yet))

[3:45 PM] DM: So, as you climb through your first hour, let's get CON saves. Base DC 12, but for all of you in warm clothing, it's DC 7.

[3:46 PM] Brimeia: ((20 con))

[3:47 PM] Seirixori: ((11 or 12 lol))

[3:47 PM] Urrak: ((21))

[3:47 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 14 / Rukiya: 15))

[3:47 PM] DM: Gunnloda: 18

[3:47 PM] DM: So everyone's good... for now.

[3:48 PM] Urrak: "I'm gonna need a long ass vacation after this..." Urrak grumbles

[3:49 PM] DM: As you climb, you have trouble seeing very far. You can't see down into the forest. You're not even sure you can see the castle. You're getting closer and closer to that storm cloud with purple lightning.

[3:49 PM] DM: And as you reach hour 2, let's do another set of checks. This time base DC 13, for those of you with warm clothing, 8.

[3:50 PM] Brimeia: ((28))

[3:51 PM] Urrak: ((23))

[3:51 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 11 / Rukiya: 19))

[3:51 PM] Seirixori: ((26))

[3:51 PM] Seirixori: Gunnloda: ((uh... 6))

[3:52 PM] DM: Gunnloda starts to shiver and will be at disadvantage for any DEX related rolls.

[3:53 PM] Ryleigh: ((Normal speed, once Ry realizes its affecting Gunnloda))

[3:54 PM] DM: Can I have perception checks from everyone?

[3:55 PM] Seirixori: (14))

Gunnloda: ((21))

[3:55 PM] Urrak: ((17))

[3:55 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry and Rukiya: 24))

[3:55 PM] Brimeia: ((17))

[3:58 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stops, then suddenly says, "Flee." ((using command))

[3:59 PM] DM: And everyone sees two creatures practically burst out of the snow.... then run in opposite directions away from the party.

[4:00 PM] Brimeia: "What was that?" Bri's hand is on her weapon.

[4:00 PM] Ryleigh: "I don't know... big hairy snow creatures."

[4:01 PM] Seirixori: "Well, as long as they ran in the direction where we're not going..."

[4:01 PM] DM: As hour 3 comes to a close, more CON saves. DC 14 base, 9 for warm clothes.

[4:02 PM] Urrak: ((15))

[4:02 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 20 / Rukiya: 4))

[4:02 PM] Seirixori: ((15))

Gunnloda: ((17))

[4:03 PM] DM: Perception checks, please. Rukiya is shivering.

[4:04 PM] Brimeia: ((18 con))

[4:04 PM] Brimeia: ((8 perception))

[4:04 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 24 / Rukiya: 21))

[4:04 PM] Urrak: ((13))

[4:04 PM] Seirixori: ((23))

Gunnloda: ((15))

[4:05 PM] Ryleigh: "There's a cave up ahead, if we need to stop and warm up or rest? Ragna said they might not be empty though, so there could be something inside," Ry yells over the wind towards the party.

[4:06 PM] DM: So you know the rules of the game... the DC will go up by one for every consecutive hour you're in the cold. If you spend an hour warming up by a fire, you reset the DC gain.

[4:06 PM] DM: But it is an hour you're not climbing.

[4:06 PM] DM: And the sun will be on the other side of the mountain soon, which means it will get colder.

[4:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir motions for the cave, "Better now than when we can't find a place!"

[4:07 PM] Urrak: "Aye, let's rest a bit!"

[4:08 PM] Ryleigh: Ry will lead them to the cave.

[4:09 PM] DM: Perception checks, please.

[4:09 PM] Urrak: ((5))

[4:09 PM] Brimeia: ((10))

[4:09 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 27 / Rukiya: 18))

[4:09 PM] Seirixori: ((13 - nat 1))

Gunnloda: ((7))

[4:11 PM] Ryleigh: "I don't think we should go in any further. It smells like... death." Ry says it quietly, then suggests the make a fire.

[4:12 PM] DM: Rukiya shivers. "D-do you want m-me to go ch-ch-check it out?"

[4:13 PM] Ryleigh: Ry takes off her cloak, wraps it around Rukiya, and pulls her close. "You don't have to. It might be better if you just warm up."

[4:14 PM] Urrak: "If anythin', me or Bri should check." Urrak offers

[4:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir easily starts a fire with her magic, she sticks to Gunnloda's side to help her warm up but she keeps her eyes on where the possible danger is.

[4:14 PM] DM: Rukiya rolls her eyes. "You're n-not quiet." Though it should be said the clacking of her teeth is pretty loud too.

[4:15 PM] Brimeia: "Let's just sit tight and try not to bother whatever it is."

[4:16 PM] DM: So... the plan is to try to just be unnoticed? Can I have one of you make a stealth check for the party, at disadvantage for fire.

[4:18 PM] Ryleigh: ((Rukiya: 28))

[4:19 PM] DM: Ten minutes pass...

[4:19 PM] DM: Twenty minutes...

[4:19 PM] DM: Is there anything you want to do during a short rest?

[4:20 PM] Ryleigh: ((nope))

[4:20 PM] Seirixori: (quick thing sec)

[4:21 PM] Seirixori: Near the end of the short rest Seir moves next to Ryleigh, pressing to her side, so she can touch Dawnbringer. After a few seconds she squeezes Ryleigh's hand and goes back to Gunnloda's side.

[4:21 PM] DM: 30...

[4:21 PM] DM: 45...

[4:24 PM] DM: And after an hour, Gunnloda and Rukiya are no longer shivering.

[4:25 PM] DM: It is noon now, as you exit the cave to continue your climb, managing to avoid being noticed by the cave's inhabitant.

[4:26 PM] DM: Still normal pace?

[4:27 PM] Urrak: ((yeah))

[4:28 PM] Seirixori: ((would Seir know whether or not it were stupid to shift into a fire elemental?))

[4:28 PM] DM: What would be the intent behind doing so?

[4:28 PM] Seirixori: ((warm? lol))

[4:29 PM] DM: Like to warm the others? Because fire elementals are not immune to cold.

[4:30 PM] Seirixori: ((eh ok nm not yet then))

[4:32 PM] DM: So, the sun dips behind the mountain's peak and this side of the mountain is plunged into shade. The DC will increase now. Base DC 17, 12 for warm clothes.

[4:32 PM] Urrak: ((24))

[4:33 PM] Brimeia: ((18))

[4:33 PM] Seirixori: ((26))

Gunnloda: ((15))

[4:33 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 9 / Rukiya:16))

[4:34 PM] DM: And perception checks.

[4:34 PM] Urrak: ((6 per))

[4:34 PM] Brimeia: ((10))

[4:35 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 21 / Rukiya: 13))

[4:35 PM] Seirixori: ((13))

Gunnloda: ((16))

[4:36 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stops, and looks around for a rock or something to throw? As she does she says, "Hold on, the ground doesn't look right up there."

[4:37 PM] Ryleigh: Finding nothing, Ry cautiously approaches and poke the ground with Dawnbringer.

[4:38 PM] Ryleigh: ((13 survival))

[4:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir huffs, "You could ask if someone else has something!"

[4:38 PM] DM: She pokes and suddenly, the ground ahead falls inwards as the thin sheet of ice that had been holding snow up collapses, revealing a crevasse about ten feet wide and dozens of feet deep.

[4:39 PM] Urrak: "Well, good thing we didn't step on that..."

[4:40 PM] Brimeia: Bri whistles. "That could've been nasty."

[4:40 PM] Ryleigh: "Good thing I'm paying attention," Ry says.

[4:40 PM] DM: The trouble now is... that you are at the edge of a long, jagged scar in the mountainside that is higher on the other side and long enough that you can't see the ends.

[4:42 PM] Ryleigh: "Maybe we should find a way around..."

[4:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir steps up towards the edge and examines the ground beneath and whatever she can see on the other side.

[4:42 PM] DM: A massive purple crack of lightning ahead reminds you just how close you are to the storm clouds that circle the peak.

[4:42 PM] Urrak: "Ain't like th' rest of us ain't tryin'. Jus' make sure ye keep all ur toes durin' this hike." She looks at the chasm, "Anyone have a rope or somethin'?"

[4:43 PM] Seirixori: "Fuck the rope," Seir murmurs as she kneels in the snow. ((is it solid ground beneath us and does it look like it across from us?))

[4:43 PM] Urrak: "Besides th' one teatherin' all us t'gether...y'sure this was a good move?"

[4:44 PM] DM: The snow and ice is a few feet deep, but below that, yes, it is solid stone. Same for the other side, but the stone is about eye-level with you because of the difference in height.

[4:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir digs one hand into the ground, the other tracing a pattern next to it as she mumbles a few words. She's attempting to cast Wall of Stone to make a bridge. (( it can be sideways))

[4:49 PM] DM: Ok! So a bridge made of stone grows out of one side of the chasm and into the other, giving you all a wide enough path to cross over.

[4:50 PM] Seirixori: Seir stands, shaking the snow off her hand. "Fuck the rope." She repeats, helping Gunnloda across.

[4:50 PM] Brimeia: "Oooo, nice"

[4:50 PM] Urrak: "Nice work!" Urrak grins at Seirixori and laughs, "And I can't say I disagree with ye..." Urrak tugs at the rope on her waist

[4:51 PM] Ryleigh: "That saved us so much time, homashoc," Ry says, excitedly. "Thank you."

[4:51 PM] DM: As you continue upwards, you start having trouble seeing as the clouds obscure sight. Flashes of purple brighten the area here and there.

[4:53 PM] Urrak: "This storm ain't lettin' up any time soon, I'm guessin'..." Urrak looks up at the sky

[4:54 PM] Seirixori: "How much longer are we going? I can maybe help with visibility for a short time, but if we're going a few more hours I'll wait."

[4:55 PM] DM: Let me get your CON checks for this hour real quick.

[4:56 PM] Brimeia: ((18))

[4:56 PM] DM: DC 18, 13 for clothes.

[4:56 PM] Urrak: ((16))

[4:56 PM] Seirixori: ((7))

Gunnloda: ((23))

[4:58 PM] DM: Ry: 11, Rukiya 13.

[4:58 PM] DM: Seir is shivering.

[4:59 PM] Urrak: "Y'want my scarf, Seirixori? It'll keep yer face warm." Urrak offers the thick strip of fabric to her, "I'll be alright."

[5:00 PM] Seirixori: "No. Don't be stupid."

[5:00 PM] DM: But almost immediately after Seir asks about visibility, the clouds part and a bolt of purple lightning strikes the ground ahead of you, and when you look back, a purple skinned giant, at least 20 feet tall stands before you, a greatsword made of lightning in his hand. There's a great rumble like thunder, but none of you understand what it means.

[5:01 PM] Seirixori: "Well, that's cool," Seir mumbles into her hands.

[5:01 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh asks, "Can you understand me?"

[5:02 PM] DM: There's more thunder.

[5:03 PM] Ryleigh: "I've come to complete the circle to free my family from Ragna Alisdair," Ry answers.

[5:04 PM] Urrak: Urrak unsheathes her sword, "Ryleigh, I don't think he speaks common...."

[5:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir mutters something under her breath as she tries to warm herself.

[5:05 PM] Ryleigh: "I understand him and he understands me," Ry says to Urrak, but her eyes never leave the giant.

[5:05 PM] Ryleigh: ((26 Persuasion))

[5:06 PM] DM: There's more thunder and the giant hefts his lightning sword.

[5:07 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh's head whips in the direction of Urrak. "Put your sword away," she demands.

[5:07 PM] Urrak: Urrak hesitates a moment, but does as she's told

[5:11 PM] DM: There's more thunder, then the clouds rush back into place and there's a bolt of lightning that flashes towards the party. I need DEX saves from everyone, disadvantage if you're shivering.

[5:11 PM] Urrak: ((18))

[5:12 PM] Seirixori: ((1))

Gunnloda: ((11))

[5:12 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 16 / Rukiya: 16))

[5:12 PM] Brimeia: ((21, adv from danger sense))

[5:15 PM] DM: Seir, Gunnloda, and Ry all take 19 lightning damage as they get tangled in the ropes at the front of the party. Rukiya takes 10 thanks to evasion.

[5:16 PM] Ryleigh: "He isn't going to fight us," Ry groans. "But he also isn't going to make it easy for us to get up the mountain." She'll attempt to stand. "So be on guard."

[5:17 PM] Brimeia: "Greeeat."

[5:19 PM] Seirixori: "Yeah well, fuck your lightning." Seir grits out and attempts to use Call Lightning. More of a way to control the storm itself than cause damage. To cause the bolts to hit away from them. ((why not try not exactly what spells are for...maybe? lol))

[5:20 PM] DM: I like it... let's say that's a contested check to see whose magic is stronger. Your spellcasting modifier and proficiency vs his.

[5:21 PM] Ryleigh: Ry sings a soft song and a shimming aura radiates from her. ((heals Rukiya this time for 8))

[5:22 PM] Ryleigh: "Everyone get moving! Come on," Ry shouts, and will basically start back up the mountain.

[5:23 PM] DM: Seir? (You can just roll any spell attack to get the right number)

[5:23 PM] Seirixori: ((sorry I spilled water lol. Will the staff help with this?))

[5:23 PM] DM: Does it?

[5:24 PM] DM: Yes.

[5:24 PM] Seirixori: ((it does for attack rolls for spells))

[5:24 PM] Seirixori: ((16))

[5:25 PM] DM: I rolled a 22 so the lightning stays purple.

[5:26 PM] Seirixori: ((It is 10 min concentration so if I can, I will try it that whole time lol))

[5:26 PM] DM: You scramble up the mountain. Are you staying grouped and tied together? Or are you risking splitting apart?

[5:26 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry would prefer to stay together - or split into pairs at least))

[5:34 PM] DM: If you stay tied, you will all be in AoE of the lightning. If you split up, it will be dispersed, but you might lose track of each other in the snow.

[5:35 PM] Brimeia: ((i vote for not getting lost from each other))

[5:36 PM] Ryleigh: ((Okay, so we're going to try to stay together lol))

[5:37 PM] DM: Ok. So since you are tied together, that means you move at the slowest person's speed- which if Seir is attempting to cast spells instead of dashing, that means half speed.

[5:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir grunts in frustration and slaps her hands together muttering a phrase as a warm shield of fire surrounds her so she has resistance to cold for about ten minutes. "I can keep trying with the lightning for a little under an hour or I can try and kill the wind for an hour!"

[5:41 PM] Ryleigh: "Keep trying with the lightning!" Ry shouts back, continuing to move the party forward.

[5:41 PM] DM: Ok, round 2. Everyone DEX saves.

[5:42 PM] Seirixori: Gunnloda: ((7))

[5:42 PM] Urrak: ((19))

[5:42 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry and Rukiya - 23))

[5:42 PM] Seirixori: ((does Seir still have disadvantage?))

[5:42 PM] DM: This round, yes.

[5:42 PM] Brimeia: ((19))

[5:43 PM] Seirixori: ((...0))

[5:43 PM] DM: Gunnloda and Seir take 31 lightning damage. And that's over 50 damage to the rope between them, so I think you are now split into two groups of three each- Ryfika/Seir and Mistelfoe/Gunnloda.

[5:44 PM] DM: And I need a concentration check dc 15.

[5:44 PM] Seirixori: ((so that's a 25 for con save for hte lightning... but that hurt lmao))

[5:45 PM] DM: Seir- are you taking an action to attempt to control the lightning again?

[5:45 PM] Seirixori: ((yep))

[5:45 PM] DM: 22 again.

[5:45 PM] Ryleigh: Ry's aura shimmers again healing Seir for 4.

[5:45 PM] Seirixori: ((23))

[5:46 PM] DM: Round 3, Seir manages to redirect the lightning away from the party as you continue to climb!

[5:46 PM] DM: Now that your rope is split, are you separating at all? Or are you still sticking fairly close?

[5:47 PM] Ryleigh: ((Still sticking close enough together))

[5:47 PM] Ryleigh: Ry heals Seir for 2 this time.

[5:49 PM] DM: Gunnloda heals anyone who's injured for 24.

[5:51 PM] DM: Another control lightning or are you changing it up?

[5:51 PM] Seirixori: ((at least one more))

[5:51 PM] DM: 15.

[5:51 PM] Seirixori: ((30))

[5:52 PM] DM: Would you like to describe what that looks like?

[5:54 PM] Seirixori: Where Seir had previously fallen to a knee fighting against the purple lightning this time she yells in frustration and makes a huge motion with her arms, the lightning almost looking pink now as it slams into the side of the mountain a few dozen feet away from them.

[5:55 PM] DM: Her cutting motion splits the very clouds above, opening them for the briefest seconds to open air and you can all see a glimpse of what's above... and that the storm clouds have an end not too far ahead.

[5:56 PM] DM: So Round 4, no lightning. Any changes to the plan?

[5:56 PM] Ryleigh: Ry heals Seir for another 6.

[5:57 PM] Seirixori: ((nyoom))

[5:57 PM] DM: (Did you heal the 24, Seir?)

[5:58 PM] Seirixori: ((yes))

[5:58 PM] Urrak: "Thank th' gods she's on our side..." Urrak mumbles to herself, "We gotta get outta here or we're all gonna get fried!"

[5:58 PM] DM: No more lightning control?

[5:59 PM] Ryleigh: "Everyone keep walking up!" Ry shouts back.

[5:59 PM] Seirixori: ((No, if we move fast she'll drop it))

[6:00 PM] DM: You can keep concentrating and dash. It's just if you're using an action to redirect.

[6:00 PM] Seirixori: ((ok then I would like to do that))

[6:00 PM] DM: Ok, Round 5, dex saves!

[6:01 PM] Urrak: ((11))

[6:01 PM] Brimeia: ((19))

[6:01 PM] Seirixori: ((8))

Gunnloda: ((11))

[6:01 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry -12 / Rukiya - 25))

[6:01 PM] DM: Urrak, Seir, Gunnloda, and Ry all take 18 lightning damage.

[6:02 PM] DM: Ry concentration, dc 10

[6:02 PM] Ryleigh: ((18))

[6:02 PM] DM: Seir concentration, dc 10

[6:02 PM] Seirixori: ((24))

[6:03 PM] Ryleigh: Ry heals Seir 8.

[6:03 PM] Ryleigh: "Keep moving everyone, we just have to reach the end of the cloud formation!"

[6:04 PM] DM: So Gunnloda could do another mass heal, but if she does, you have to slow down.

[6:04 PM] DM: How bad does Seir look?

[6:04 PM] Seirixori: ((Seir's fine 53/77))

[6:05 PM] Urrak: ((would gunnloda have had any chance to re-load the ring?))

[6:05 PM] DM: Yeah, you guys haven't been doing anything for like a month. lol

Ok, then you keep moving.

Round 6, the clouds are starting to thin. Dex save.

[6:06 PM] Brimeia: ((12))

[6:06 PM] Urrak: ((19))

[6:06 PM] Seirixori: ((2))

Gunnloda: ((7))

[6:07 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 25 / rukiya: 15))

[6:08 PM] DM: Bri, Seir, Gunnloda take 24, Rukiya takes 12 lightning damage.

[6:09 PM] DM: But you press through the last of the cloud cover into open air and you hear thunder below you.

[6:09 PM] Seirixori: Both Seir and Gunnloda look ...rather singed.

[6:11 PM] Urrak: "I've still got a couple o' Seirixori's potions if anyone needs 'em." Urrak offers. "Everyone's lookin' a little...crispy."

[6:11 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "Y'ok, darlin'?"

[6:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir falls to her hands and knees once they reach the open air, "That was so fun." Her sarcasm is thick.

[6:12 PM] Seirixori: "Depends on what happens next," she answers Gunnloda.

[6:12 PM] Ryleigh: Ry will heal Gunnloda for 16 and Seir for 16.

[6:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir mutters a tired thank you.

[6:13 PM] Ryleigh: "You did great back there, homashoc," Ry says, kneeling down and pressing a kiss to Seir's forehead.

[6:14 PM] DM: Gunnloda tries to pull her to her feet. "C'mon, darlin', we can try'n find a cave or somethin' and take a rest."

[6:15 PM] DM: As you all look around, you can see that the air is clear, though the ground is still covered in snow and you're in the shade of the mountain peak. The sky is blue and you can look out on the purple flashes of lightning in dark clouds like a roiling sea lapping at the white sand beaches.

[6:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir is shaky as she gets to her feet with Gunnloda's help.

[6:17 PM] DM: Looking up, though, you see an even more amazing sight- if you thought the towers of Tumulus were something, what stands before you is huge version of that castle, at least 4-5 times bigger. Several huge columns of stone rise out of the mountain's peak and on the closest one is a stone man, sitting, looking down towards you.

[6:18 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh reaches for Rukiya's hand, and through Dawnbringer says something.

[6:19 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh's eyes grow wide as she sees the castle before them. "Wow."

[6:19 PM] DM: It is still hours away.

[6:19 PM] Urrak: "Well ho-ly shit." Urrak stares at the massive statue

[6:20 PM] DM: It bears an interesting similarity to the giant who had just flung lightning at you, though much, much bigger.

[6:21 PM] Ryleigh: "We need to keep moving. It's still freezing out here." Ryleigh will then start guiding them up the mountain again.

[6:21 PM] Seirixori: "Wooo," Seir tries to sound enthusiastic but it falls very very short.

[6:22 PM] DM: So as the next hour passes in climbing, let's do another round of Constitution saves- Dc 19, 14 with clothes.

[6:22 PM] DM: Fire shield is gone, but Seir is back to 0 failures.

[6:23 PM] DM: And perception checks.

[6:23 PM] Urrak: ((7 nat 1))

[6:23 PM] Seirixori: ((12))

Gunnloda: ((23))

[6:23 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 11 / Rukiya: 14))

[6:23 PM] Urrak: ((13 per))

[6:23 PM] Seirixori: ((17p))

Gunnloda: ((24p))

[6:24 PM] DM: @Brimeia ?

[6:26 PM] Seirixori: Bri:: ((18 con/15 p))

[6:26 PM] DM: Urrak and Seir are shivering- disadvantage on DEX things.

[6:26 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 11 / Rukiya 23))

[6:27 PM] DM: Gunnloda and Rukiya point out a nearby cave.

[6:27 PM] Urrak: "L-l-looong ass vacation..." Urrak hugs her coat tighter around her

[6:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir doesn't wait or say anything as she immediately starts to head towards the cave.

[6:31 PM] DM: Perception checks!

[6:32 PM] Brimeia: ((11))

[6:32 PM] Seirixori: ((23))

Gunnloda: ((10))

[6:32 PM] Urrak: ((nat 1))

[6:32 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 9 / Rukiya 28))

[6:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir whines as they get closer, "Something either lives here or has been here."

[6:35 PM] DM: Rukiya: "At least two." She points at a spot on the other side of the mouth.

[6:35 PM] Urrak: "Fuck it, let's kill it. Too cold out 'ere." Urrak keeps walking towards the cave

[6:35 PM] Ryleigh: "Maybe we should just continue..."

[6:36 PM] Seirixori: Grumbling, Seir makes some motion and casts Detect Magic as she looks about the front of the cave.

[6:41 PM] DM: It's worth noting that where the last cave was made of stone on the inside, this one seems to be icy. There are several icicles, some as big as 5' around, hanging at the entry and others growing up from below.

[6:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes a step forward, her curiosity getting the better of her.

[6:41 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will lay a hand on her shoulder. "I really think we need to get keep going."

[6:42 PM] Seirixori: "And if we don't find somewhere else to rest?" Seir asks tiredly. "There is something there though," she mumbles.

[6:44 PM] Urrak: "We prepared t' fight so let's fuckin' f-f-f-fight!" she unsheathes her sword

[6:46 PM] Ryleigh: "Shut up, Urrak. We don't even know what's in there. We still have the rest of the way up the mountain. We can't waste our resources here."

[6:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs and uses a healing word on Gunnloda as she walks away from the cave. ((6))

[6:48 PM] Ryleigh: Before Seir steps away from Ry she heals her for 20 with lay on hands.

[6:49 PM] DM: Then with you turning your backs on the creepy ice cave, that's where we'll call it for today with the avoidance of a fourth potential combat encounter.

[2:02 PM] DM: -----------------

[2:04 PM] DM: You're continuing your journey up the mountain, now looking down over the massive storm cloud that encircles the mountain, the same cloud circled mountain that is currently emblazoned across Ry's shield. Urrak and Seir are shivering and you're standing outside an icicle encrusted mouth of a cave, still at least two hours from the massive castle at the peak.

[2:07 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh trudges on, adamant about not wanting to go into the cave.

[2:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir follows, shivering and grumbling.

[2:10 PM] Urrak: "Fuck this cold white bullshit," Urrak grumbles as she treks through the snow. "How much further ye plannin' t' go, Ryleigh?"

[2:10 PM] Brimeia: Bri follows, bringing up the rear.

[2:10 PM] DM: You're in the shade of the mountain, but it looks like there's still about three hours of light left.

[2:11 PM] Ryleigh: "To the castle," Ry replies. "That's been our destination since we left."

[2:13 PM] Urrak: "Ye know that's not what I m-m-meant," Urrak pulls her cloak tighter around her

[2:13 PM] Ryleigh: "Until dusk."

[2:14 PM] DM: Constitution saves at DC 19- 14 with clothes.

[2:15 PM] Seirixori: ((Seir + Gunnloda: 20))

[2:15 PM] Urrak: ((16))

[2:15 PM] Brimeia: ((28))

[2:16 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 26 / Rukiya: 19))

[2:18 PM] DM: Ok, everyone's good for another hour. But as the wind brings a haunting howl across the mountainside, I need you all to roll a Wisdom save.

[2:18 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 13 / Rukiya: 4 - nat 1))

[2:19 PM] Urrak: ((10))

[2:19 PM] Seirixori: ((10))

Gunnloda: ((18))

[2:19 PM] Brimeia: ((4))

[2:19 PM] DM: Good to know.

[2:20 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will continue to walk up the mountain towards the castle.

[2:24 PM] DM: Another hour passes. CON saves 20/15.

[2:25 PM] Urrak: ((19))

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

[2:25 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 16 / Rukiya: 2))

[2:25 PM] Seirixori: ((26))

Gunnloda: ((24))

[2:25 PM] DM: Rukiya is shivering.

[2:26 PM] DM: You are about an hour from losing the light.

[2:27 PM] DM: Are you still in the same marching order even though your ropes are broken?

[2:27 PM] Ryleigh: ((Yes, same marching order lol))

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

[2:27 PM] DM: So I need the first three of you- Ry, Rukiya, Seir- to make perception checks, Rukiya and Seir at disadvantage as the howl made you jumpy.

[2:28 PM] Seirixori: ((13 - nat 1))

[2:28 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 19 / Rukiya 12 - nat 1))

[2:31 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stops them and will poke the snow ahead of them with Dawnbringer.

[2:32 PM] DM: It doesn't feel weird from a poke.

[2:33 PM] Ryleigh: "Homashoc, Gunnloda... can either of you figure out if this is magical or not?" Ry asks.

[2:36 PM] Seirixori: It takes Seir a second to focus on something other than being cold and weirded out but she mumbles a few words and casts detect magic.

[2:37 PM] DM: Give me a Constitution save, Seir.

[2:37 PM] Seirixori: ((9))

[2:38 PM] DM: Seir's eyes go blank and her jaw goes slack.

[2:38 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh immediately steps up to her and takes her face in her hands. "Seirixori?"

[2:39 PM] DM: There's no answer.

[2:39 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will touch Seir with Dawnbringer and cast lesser restoration.

[2:40 PM] Ryleigh: "Seirixori?" Ry says again, more urgent.

[2:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir sucks in a deep breath, almost like she had stopped breathing. She staggers and blinks. She sounds strained and breathless as she says, "It-it's everywhere."

[2:42 PM] Ryleigh: "Magic?"

[2:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir manages to nod.

[2:42 PM] Ryleigh: With Dawnbringer still touching Seir, she'll say something to her.

[2:43 PM] Brimeia: "You ok?" Bri looks puzzled and worried.

[2:44 PM] Urrak: "What's goin' on up there?" Urrak walks forward through the group.

[2:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs weakly and nods. Closing her eyes trying to shake it off. She keeps them closed, "Can I stop looking?"

[2:44 PM] Ryleigh: "Yes, of course... I'm sorry."

[2:45 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh frowns, then she'll take out a rope and tie it around herself, then give the other part to Bri. "Don't let me fall to my death if this crumbles under my feet..." She smiles a little and walks onto the snow in front of them.

[2:45 PM] Brimeia: Bri nods and fastens the end around herself.

[2:46 PM] Brimeia: "Never. I got you."

[2:47 PM] DM: She takes a step, another, and just as she starts to think maybe this wasn't such a big deal after all, her third step causes her to sink and I need Ry to give me an Athletics check to see how well she can adjust.

[2:47 PM] Ryleigh: ((12))

[2:48 PM] DM: That is exactly the DC to not become submerged in the quickslush. Ry's got her head above... not water? Water? It's like she's in a giant slushie. Quicksand, but make it cold.

[2:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir drops her concentration on the magic detection and the pounding in her head is distracting enough that she isn't paying enough attention to what Ryleigh is doing.

[2:50 PM] Brimeia: Bri grips the rope tightly. "Ryleigh, can you pull yourself out?"

[2:51 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh takes a sharp breath as she slides into the quickslush. "I'm not sure." She will then try to swim? through it.

[2:51 PM] DM: Athletics check.

[2:51 PM] Ryleigh: ((14))

[2:51 PM] DM: She doesn't sink!

[2:51 PM] Urrak: "Let me know if ye need help draggin' her out, Bri." Urrak offers

[2:52 PM] Ryleigh: "Pull me back," Ry asks, looking a little frustrated.

[2:53 PM] Brimeia: Bri stands firm on her ground and starts pulling.

[2:53 PM] DM: Athletics.

[2:54 PM] Brimeia: ((11))

[2:55 PM] DM: There's a lot of drag on the rope with the weight of Ry, her equipment, and the slush, and that doesn't get her any closer. Ry, I need a CON save. Let's say DC 11 for you, at disadvantage since you're 'submerged'

[2:56 PM] Ryleigh: ((9))

[2:56 PM] DM: Ry is shivering.

[2:57 PM] Ryleigh: "S-Seirixori," she calls out. "Can y-you do the stone thing again?"

[2:57 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia grumbles under her breath. "Urrak can you help pull?"

[2:57 PM] Seirixori: Seir grumbles something but she takes a look at the area around them to see if it will even help Ryleigh.

[2:58 PM] DM: Perception check at disadvantage, Seir.

[2:58 PM] Urrak: Urrak grabs the rope "Ready?"

[2:58 PM] DM: One of you rolls athletics at advantage.

[2:58 PM] Seirixori: ((17))

[2:59 PM] Brimeia: ((15))

[3:00 PM] DM: Seir strikes her staff against the ground a few times, and there's snow for the first couple inches, then ice. You may have to find a way under the ice to get to stone.

[3:00 PM] DM: Bri and Urrak pull and pull, but their feet can't anchor well on the slick ground and they're having trouble pulling Ry's metal-covered ass from the slush.

[3:01 PM] DM: Ry, give me another CON save. DC 12 at disadvantage.

[3:01 PM] Ryleigh: ((11))

[3:03 PM] DM: That's a second failure. Ry's lips start to turn blue, she's at a 10 ft speed decrease and has mild hypothermia- a level of exhaustion which means it's a good thing her rope's tied around her because her fingers would find it hard to grip at this point.

[3:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir curses and then grunts as she shifts into a water elemental as they try to pull Ryleigh out. Immediately she starts to freeze over and she yelps in pain. There's several moments where nothing happens until she finally starts to move again. Her body now made of the ice that froze over and she jumps in the the slush to help push Ryleigh out.

[3:03 PM] Urrak: "Fuckin' godsdamn--," Urrak stomps a foot, "This slippery ass fuckin' garbage! One more time, Bri!"

[3:04 PM] DM: How about all four of you roll an athletics check and we'll take the highest one.

[3:04 PM] Urrak: ((29))

[3:04 PM] Ryleigh: ((5 - nat 1))

[3:04 PM] Seirixori: ((23))

[3:05 PM] Brimeia: ((16))

[3:06 PM] DM: Ry's head slips under the slush, but almost immediately after, Seir's icy form and the two pulling the rope manage to break her free and she comes sliding across the ground. With that athletics check, Seir is able to follow behind her.

[3:07 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh is shivering violently on the ground, her arms curled into herself and her breath coming in short bursts. "W-we need to f-find a way across..." she says weakly.

[3:07 PM] Urrak: "No, we're findin' a place t' stop here. Ye need t' get out of those wet clothes, you'll freeze t' death." Urrak looks around for a cave or some other kind of shelter

[3:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir nudges Ryleigh a bit more to make sure she's far enough away. "F-fuck." She grumbles and then stands fully and looks down at herself. "Didn't know I could do that."

[3:08 PM] Brimeia: "Thankfully it worked out. Was worried there for a bit."

[3:09 PM] DM: Rukiya pulls out one of the bottles that you bought in Croysa. "You should drink this."

[3:09 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks across the slush Ry made to see how far the gap is to what might look "safe".

[3:10 PM] Ryleigh: Ry doesn't fight it and with Rukiya's help she takes a few shaky sips.

[3:10 PM] DM: Perception check.

[3:10 PM] Seirixori: ((13 - nat 1))

[3:11 PM] DM: The potion immediately warms Ry from the inside. Mechanically speaking, it resets her DCs, but does not remove the exhaustion or the hypothermia. She is no longer shivering, but will need to properly  rest to recover fully.

[3:12 PM] Ryleigh: "Thank you," Ry says to Rukiya, her lips still tinted blue. "We need to find a way across and then look for shelter before the sun goes down." Slowly, she'll sit up, but she doesn't stand just yet.

[3:12 PM] DM: It's probably 40-50 feet to where the mountain starts its incline again, but you can't tell how much of that is solid or slush.

[3:13 PM] Brimeia: Bri looks around for a rock or something to throw.

[3:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts, "Fuck it." She tries to jump across.

[3:13 PM] DM: There seems to be a lack of rock in the area, but you can break a chunk of rock off.

[3:13 PM] Brimeia: "SEIRIXORI!" Bri's eyes go wide as she shouts.

[3:14 PM] DM: Before anyone can object, Seir jumps? She can jump her strength score in distance which is... 18 feet?

[3:15 PM] DM: However, because she is ice and has a swim speed and is immune to cold, I will say she won't suffer from any of the ill effects of the quickslush and can move as if in difficult terrain.

[3:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir will move to the other side, mostly to see how far it is and maybe if there's something to help.

[3:16 PM] DM: Investigation check.

[3:16 PM] DM: Or survival or perception

[3:17 PM] DM: I should have just said 'tell me how and give me a roll' lol

[3:17 PM] Seirixori: ((20 perc))

[3:18 PM] DM: So as you reach the edge of the slush, and the mountain starts to rise again, what do you find there that can help you do what you need to do to get your friends safely across?

[3:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir finds a chunk of ice that seems sturdy enough and large enough for them to serve as a stepping stone of sorts so they can try and jump across. She pushes it into the slush.

[3:22 PM] Seirixori: "Come on!" She yells over to them, "Jump across, I can try and help you across if you need it!"

[3:23 PM] Urrak: "Well, this should be fun..." Urrak steps up and tries to jump across

[3:23 PM] DM: So as we go, I need each of you in turn to make athletics or acrobatics checks to be able to utilize Seir's ice floes without slipping into the slush.

[3:24 PM] DM: Urrak's up first! (remember you are shivering so if you go DEX based, it's at disadvantage.)

[3:24 PM] Urrak: ((28))

[3:25 PM] Ryleigh: "I don't think I can jump," Ry says weakly to Rukiya. Then she'll stand, but it takes more effort than it should.

[3:25 PM] DM: Urrak can get across.

[3:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir makes her way back to try and help Ryleigh across. "Can you hold onto me? I don't know if I can jump with you but... I can swim with you, but you'll be back in the ice again."

[3:26 PM] Brimeia: "You should all go ahead. I'll go last. Make sure we all get over."

[3:27 PM] Urrak: "If ye can get her t' me, I can try an' carry her across!" Urrak calls from the first floe

[3:27 PM] DM: Because of the length of distance between edges, you won't be able to have the ropes tied to you as you jump.

[3:28 PM] Brimeia: Bri unties the rope from herself. "I can tie it to you instead if you think it'll help," she says to Seir.

[3:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir hums, "Maybe if you tie her to me so she doesn't fall or slip in."

[3:32 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods and grabs ahold of Seir.

[3:32 PM] Brimeia: Bri fastens the other end of the rope to iceSeir.

[3:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir will make sure Ry is stable enough and will help her across the fun slushy mess.

[3:35 PM] DM: Hopping across the ice or swimming?

[3:35 PM] Seirixori: ((that 21 is Gunnloda))

[3:35 PM] Ryleigh: ((rukiya - 13))

[3:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir will try to hop the first go around.

[3:36 PM] DM: So Seir's athetics or acrobatics at disadvantage.

[3:36 PM] Seirixori: ((14))

[3:37 PM] DM: Who's left? Bri?

[3:38 PM] Brimeia: Bri tries to hop across.

[3:38 PM] Brimeia: ((13))

[3:40 PM] DM: So all in all, we're going to simplify this to move forward. Rukiya and Bri both slid off the ice, but managed to get out again after just one negative mark, so Bri is shivering and Rukiya has mild hypothermia- level of exhaustion and -10 ft speed. But you're all on the other side of the slush.

[3:42 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will reach into the bag of holding and withdraw her cold potion and give it to Rukiya.

[3:43 PM] Ryleigh: "We need to find shelter, the sun is fading quick."

[3:43 PM] DM: Someone give me a survival check.

[3:43 PM] Seirixori: ((19))

[3:43 PM] DM: Rukiya takes the potion. "It's not coffee, but..."

[3:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs as she heads to the front of the group to search for a place to stay.

[3:44 PM] Ryleigh: "I know," Ry chuckles, and she pulls her closer as they walk more huddled against the cold.

[3:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs as she looks ahead of them, "About three hours to the top, half if we move quickly."

[3:46 PM] Seirixori: "There's nothing around here to shelter us," she adds.

[3:47 PM] Brimeia: "Let's hurry then."

[3:47 PM] Ryleigh: "Then we have to press through to the top," Ry says, sighing.

[3:48 PM] DM: After another hour, hustling up the mountain, the sun is gone. You have darkvision and Dawnbringer's cold light.

[3:49 PM] DM: Front person, perception check!

[3:49 PM] Seirixori: ((32- nat 20))

[3:50 PM] DM: The snow gets real.... lumpy.

[3:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir freezes in place momentarily and then takes a step back, "R-Ryleigh please tell me I did not just step on something dead but not dead. And maybe a-a bunch of them a good sixty feet ahead." She whispers to herself, "Oh please be dead dead."

[3:54 PM] Ryleigh: "Just keep your eyes ahead, homashoc. Just extra snow," she says comfortingly. (Uses divine sense))

[3:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir whines a little and continues moving forward.

[3:57 PM] DM: Ummmmm... Urrak, give me a dex save.

[3:57 PM] Urrak: ((6))

[3:58 PM] DM: Urrak's toe catches on something hard and she trips. Her fall causes snow to billow out around her, and when it clears, she's face to face with a frozen human's face, contorted in pain or fear.

[4:00 PM] Urrak: "Fuck!" Urrak scrambles backwards, "Holy--we're walkin' on fuckin' corpses!" she gets to her feet after another stumble.

[4:00 PM] Seirixori: "I did say dead things."

[4:00 PM] Ryleigh: "Damnit Urrak," Ryleigh says. "Just keep walking, homashoc."

[4:01 PM] Seirixori: Seir hadn't stopped, but she is very much not excited about this.

[4:01 PM] DM: Everyone give me a wisdom save.

[4:02 PM] Urrak: ((nat 1 :D))

[4:02 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry - 9 / Rukiya 15))

[4:02 PM] Seirixori: ((10))

Gunnloda: ((21))

[4:03 PM] Brimeia: ((9))

[4:04 PM] DM: Ryleigh, Urrak, Seir, and Bri... with every step that you take, you can't actually tell what that crunching sound is, but your minds run wild with imagination, frozen fingers, legs... faces being crushed under your boots causing you to become sickened for the next hour.

[4:08 PM] DM: You push forward one more time, trying to reach the massive statue that marks the beginning of the castle at the peak.

One more set of Constitution saves. The base DC is 22 because it's now dark. Bri's DC is 26, Rukiya's is DC 22, Ry's is 17, everyone else's is 25. Seir auto-saves, but needs to remove an hour from her wild shape.

[4:09 PM] Seirixori: Gunnloda: ((14))

[4:09 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry 17 / Rukiya 16))

[4:09 PM] Brimeia: ((23))

[4:09 PM] Seirixori: ((how long has it been, 2 hrs?))

[4:11 PM] DM: Wait. I messed up the math. Base 22, 17 with warm clothes, -5 more for Ry, Rukiya and Ry +1 for time, everyone else +4, Bri +5.

Rukiya 18, Ry 13, Bri 22, everyone else 21

[4:12 PM] DM: Yes.

[4:12 PM] DM: Urrak?

[4:14 PM] Urrak: ((26))

[4:15 PM] DM: So everyone but Ry is shivering.

[4:16 PM] DM: But you are standing at the massive feet of a giant built of stone.

[4:17 PM] DM: Standing there, looking up at it, you can't even see the rest of the body because of the angle, but you know that this thing has to be hundreds of feet tall. It's larger than any statue you've ever seen.

[4:17 PM] Ryleigh: Despite the cold, Ry does take a moment to just stare at it - awed by its enormity.

[4:17 PM] DM: There's a gateway between the feet, a door probably forty or fifty feet tall itself.

[4:18 PM] Ryleigh: "Wow," she breathes, her breath showing on the cold air.

[4:18 PM] Brimeia: "Th-that's a statue and not like... something that's gonna attack us, right?"

[4:18 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh shrugs. "Looks like stone. But we should find someone to get out of this weather."

[4:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir absolutely does not look at it, despite not being cold, she notices everyone else is and starts to look for a place to stay for the night.

[4:21 PM] DM: The castle, much like the smaller version down below the storm, looks like it grows straight out of the rocky spires here at the peak. There are at least half a dozen towers you could see as you climbed, though now it is just dark and all you can really see is this one with the massive door.

[4:22 PM] DM: The tower is probably at least 200 feet across.

[4:22 PM] Ryleigh: ((Is there a way for us to get inside that doesn't require us to open the door?))

[4:23 PM] DM: Give me a perception check.

[4:23 PM] Ryleigh: ((12))

[4:23 PM] DM: Not that you can see.

[4:24 PM] Ryleigh: "Help me look for a way inside," Ry says to everyone.

[4:24 PM] Ryleigh: "A crack in the wall, or something..."

[4:24 PM] Ryleigh: "I don't think we can move this door."

[4:25 PM] Seirixori: ((18 to help look))

[4:25 PM] Urrak: "Alright," Urrak helps look as well ((11))

[4:25 PM] Brimeia: ((18))

[4:26 PM] DM: There doesn't appear to be a human sized door or crack in the wall in the immediate vicinity.

[4:26 PM] Ryleigh: ((Rukiya investigation 11))

[4:28 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will walk away from the door and down the left side. She'll runs her hand along the wall as she does.

[4:29 PM] DM: It's really hard to do so because the ground is incredibly uneven around the edges, though it doesn't always look entirely natural. How far do you go?

[4:29 PM] Ryleigh: ((Until I can maybe find a way inside, or a place that we can camp out))

[4:31 PM] DM: Unless you want to group up in a stone equivalent of tree roots, there's nothing.

[4:33 PM] Urrak: "Maybe we can at least try th' door?"

[4:33 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh makes her way back to the door and starts saying a words - it sounds similar, like different variations that she's trying. She pauses each time after saying the words and frowns each time it doesn't work.

[4:33 PM] Seirixori: Gunnloda will try to use stone shape in the door to make a little square that we can maybe crawl through. ((I think that's the  spell can do that. I am in my car and can't look it up quickly lol))

[4:34 PM] DM: When Ry puts her hands out onto the doors, they disappear.

[4:34 PM] DM: Perception checks, please.

[4:35 PM] Urrak: ((16))

[4:35 PM] Brimeia: ((18))

[4:35 PM] Seirixori: ((21))

[4:35 PM] Ryleigh: ((Rukiya -13))

[4:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir hums and says to Ryleigh, "Guess that mark is good for something."

[4:39 PM] Ryleigh: "What?" Ry says, dropping one of her hands and touching the back of her neck.

[4:39 PM] DM: The door that Ry is no longer touching appears in place again. (They are double doors)

[4:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir blinks, "Yep. Good for something. Be surprised later, get us inside, pleae."

[4:41 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh blinks as the door appears. She'll wave them through the still open door.

[4:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir nudges her head against a shivering Gunnloda to get them inside quickly.

[4:43 PM] DM: Everyone inside?

[4:43 PM] Urrak: ((ye))

[4:44 PM] DM: As Ry steps inside and is no longer trying to touch the missing door, it appears in place again, but you are inside. Unfortunately for all of you, your darkvision and Dawnbringer's light are not enough to see across this area, and you can just barely make out what might be ceiling above.

[4:45 PM] DM: But there is worked stone beneath your feet and it is out of the elements.

[4:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir immediately starts walking around and searching their immediate area to make sure it is safe. ((like 30~50 feet ish))

[4:47 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will hold Dawnbringer out in front of her as she walks, staying fairly close to Rukiya, but also searching for a place for them to set up their tents and rest for.

[4:47 PM] Urrak: "Thank th' gods..." Urrak is still shivering, but she undoes her scarf from around her face, "Should we start a fire or does someone have another idea t' get warm?"

[4:48 PM] Ryleigh: "Let's find a spot to build one first."

[4:49 PM] Urrak: Urrak nods and helps look for a safe spot to camp

[4:51 PM] Brimeia: Bri helps to look around too without going too far from the others.

[4:54 PM] DM: So Seir's walking along the edges, Ry's going straight across, and at least you can all keep her in sight like a beacon in the night, though you can only see 60' in any direction. Let me get perception checks.

[4:55 PM] Seirixori: ((17))

[4:55 PM] Urrak: ((17))

[4:55 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 19 / Rukiya: 17))

[4:58 PM] Brimeia: ((6))

[4:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir shifts back to herself and trails her hand along the wall, coming to a stop at one point to staring at what's in front of her. "Ryleigh?" She calls out, though it isn't as loud as she intended.

[5:00 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh's brows furrow and she looks around, unsure if she actually heard her name or not.

[5:01 PM] Seirixori: Seir steps back and turns her head to look for Ryleigh, "Ry, come over here."

[5:02 PM] Ryleigh: She looks over at Seirixori and looks relieved that she's not hearing things. Ry will then walk to Seirixori.

[5:05 PM] DM: As Dawnbringer illuminates the wall, you can all see a big carved mural on display of the building of the castle. Huge giants stand over large giants as they build. Runic designs cover the blank spaces around the edges.

[5:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles a little, "So, are you like, descended from giants?"

[5:07 PM] Urrak: "Must be th' runt o' th' litter," Urrak jokes

[5:07 PM] Ryleigh: ((Rukiya 22))

[5:08 PM] DM: Rukiya points at one of the 'supervising' giants. "Ry... that's the one..."

[5:10 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh touches the back of her neck again as she looks at the runes on the giants. Then she looks between Seir and Rukiya and mumbles, "Is that... even possible?"

[5:11 PM] DM: Everyone else can give me a perception or investigation check too, if you'd like to examine the mural. If you're looking at/for something in particular, let me know.

5:12 PM] Seirixori: Seir smiles a little, squeezing Ryleigh's arm, "I think our group alone would tell you nothing seems to be impossible." She gives Ry a kiss on the cheek and goes back to searching the area. ((18))

[5:12 PM] Urrak: ((11 inv))

[5:15 PM] DM: Seir traces along the wall for another 60' or so, then returns to the group.

[5:16 PM] Seirixori: "Gunnloda?" Seir's voice hitches as she rushes over to her but keeps a few feet back as she sees her eyes.

[5:19 PM] DM: Those of you who turn to see what Seir sees can see that Gunnloda looks like she has sunken about thigh-deep into the stone floor, and her eyes are pitch black. She's- pardon the pun- stone-faced stoic, no emotion showing at all, but then she blinks and her green eyes are back. "Wh-what's everyo--" She throws her arms out to keep her balance as she wobbles and realizes her legs are stuck firm. She looks up at Seir, eyes wide. "What's happenin'?"

[5:22 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will reach out to Gunnloda, to see if she can pull her out.

[5:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir tries to laugh, but she looks worried, scared, though not of Gunnloda, "Your eyes did the-" she makes her own eyes go black as she tries to see if she can pull Gunnloda up.

[5:24 PM] Urrak: Urrak will offer to help pull if needed

[5:26 PM] DM: Pulling doesn't earn you anything but an annoyed Gunnloda swatting at you all. "You're gonna tear m'legs off like that."

[5:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir does actually giggle this time, "Sorry, tor beag."

[5:28 PM] Ryleigh: Trying not to chuckle, Ry will let go immediately.

[5:28 PM] DM: Gunnloda pushes on the ground around her and it is solid and firm. "What in the name of Akthor..."

[5:30 PM] Urrak: "Uh... can ye," Urrak rubs her chin, "Can ye...? Fuck I don't even know. This is somethin' else."

[5:30 PM] Seirixori: "Can you use a spell to get out, I don't know if that's what caused you to sink? I can turn the area into mud but... That would be... uh, a lot of area."

[5:31 PM] Ryleigh: "Can you move the stone around her?" Ry asks. "Like how you made the bridge earlier."

[5:34 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "Hold on, hold on... let me think." She closes her eyes and moves her hands around her. After a moment, she's almost forcibly explled from the stone with a pop and she lands backwards on her butt with a grunt.

[5:34 PM] DM: There is no evidence in the stonework to show she was once in it.

[5:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir is at her side immediately, of course. "You okay?"

[5:35 PM] Urrak: Urrak tries very hard to stifle a laugh

[5:35 PM] DM: "Physically or emotionally?" she chuckles in a wobbly voice. She takes Seir's hand to stand, and Seir can feel the near death grip she takes.

[5:36 PM] Urrak: "Well, that was somethin'. What...happened?"

[5:36 PM] Ryleigh: Ry and Rukiya are standing just behind Seirixori clearly worried about Gunnloda too.

[5:36 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Let's make camp. I think we might need to discuss some things."

[5:37 PM] Seirixori: "Both," Seir whispers as gives Gunnloda a soft kiss.

[5:38 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will start to take out their camping supplies - tents, cookware, etc - from the bag of holding.

[5:40 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "Yes and very not yes, I think..."

[5:41 PM] Urrak: "Ah, Ryleigh," Urrak picks up a folded up tent, "Could I grab somethin' real quick before ye put that away?"

[5:41 PM] Seirixori: Instead of helping with camp, Seir wraps Gunnloda in a tight hug.

[5:43 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh offers the bag to Urrak.

[5:43 PM] Urrak: Urrak places a hand inside and pulls out Malica's lute. She'll place it near her things as she starts to set up her tent

[5:44 PM] Urrak: She walks the bag back to Ryleigh when it's up

[5:46 PM] Ryleigh: She'll take it back, help make a fire, then take a seat. There are pokers for everyone, and sausages there to roast.

[5:47 PM] DM: All your shivering butts huddle close to the warmth there underneath the mural glorifying the builders of this castle and start to warm up.

[5:48 PM] Urrak: "Fire good." Urrak takes off her gloves to warm her fingies

[5:48 PM] DM: Rukiya: "I have reason to believe that this might be a place of importance... not just to whatever Ragna wants Ry to do... but for Gunnloda, too."

[5:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir has a Time trying to not look upset. "What do you mean." She shakes her head, "I know what you mean but... uh, how do you know?" Seir's not even exactly sure what she's asking.

[5:53 PM] DM: She looks at Seir with a quirked eyebrow. "Research."

[5:55 PM] Urrak: "I think she meant what did ye find out in yer research t' lead ye t' that conclusion. Pass me a sausage, would ye Ry?" She looks over the group with half-lidded eyes. "Anyway we can talk about all this in th' mornin'?"

[5:56 PM] Seirixori: Seir doesn't say anything, only nodding at Rukiya as her grip tightens around Gunnloda.

[5:58 PM] Seirixori: "Great timing." She eventually mumbles.

[6:00 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Sleep if you want, Urrak. You can take last watch."

[6:02 PM] Ryleigh: Ry moves the sausage plate to Urrak, and puts her arm around Rukiya while cooking 2 sausages on her stick.

[6:02 PM] Urrak: Urrak just makes a "go ahead" motion with her hand as she takes a sausage from the plate. She cooks it in silence.

[6:04 PM] Ryleigh: "Did your research say what might be in store for Gunnloda here?" Ry plucks one sausage off the end and hands it to Seir, and the other to Rukiya - giving them a 'eat it or else' look.

[6:05 PM] DM: She shakes her head. "I'm not sure what I can really say."

[6:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir tears it in half, giving one part to Gunnloda. She brings it up to at least take a tiny nibble but immediately drops her hand as she starts to feel nauseous.

[6:08 PM] DM: Gunnloda pulls a package out of her bag. It's still pretty much frozen, but once it thaws, it'll be bread and cheese. She hands it to Seir instead.

[6:08 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods, and presses a kiss to Rukiya's cheek. "Okay." She'll stand, but she leaves Dawnbringer in her seat between Rukiya and Seir and walks back to where the wall carving of the giant was.

[6:11 PM] DM: Rukiya: "The bad news is... whatever... happened... I'm not sure that was the end of it."

[6:13 PM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles nervously. "Have I ever mentioned how much I love bein' underground? I'm sure bein' under without movin' is just... wonderful."

[6:15 PM] Seirixori: "Just move the whole mountain," Seir whispers jokingly.

[6:18 PM] DM: Gunnloda pulls her knees up and wraps her arms around them. "D-do you know if the sinkin' is... part o'that? Like should we try'n stop it?"

[6:19 PM] DM: Rukiya looks at her with apologetic eyes. "I'm sorry. I just don't know. This is beyond the scope of anything I've ever seen."

[6:24 PM] Seirixori: Seir uses her own fire to thaw out the bread and cheese. She takes a piece for herself, setting the rest aside for whoever wants some. "If it's-If..." Seir swallows thickly, "Stopping it doesn't exactly seem possible. A-and if we did, it could force itself at a very bad time. ...It already feels like a bad time."

[6:29 PM] Urrak: "Aye, I think stress or at least big emotions seem t' make yer powers really go off th' charts." Urrak says around a mouthful of sausage, "Repressin' that might be a bad move."

[6:37 PM] DM: She's quiet for a long moment, then says in barely a whisper,  "What if I just get stuck down there?"

[6:38 PM] Seirixori: "I'll come get you out."

[6:39 PM] Ryleigh: Ry will continue to keep her distance, and just skirt the outside of Dawnbringer’s light.

[6:39 PM] Seirixori: It's the only thing Seir has said so far that sounds like she absolutely means it.

[6:46 PM] DM: Gunnloda leans into Seir.

[8:06 PM] Ryleigh: Eventually, when Ry believes its safe again, she'll make her way back to the fire and sit next to Rukiya - pulling her close and wrapping her cloak around her.

[8:07 PM] DM: Rukiya: "You haven't eaten."

[8:31 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh roasts a sausage and takes a bite. She hisses in pain and drops the sausage in her lap, letting it sit there for a while before she attempts to eat it again.

[8:33 PM] Seirixori: Seir pushes the bread and cheese over with a worried frown, "Did you forget that it was just in a fire?"

[8:35 PM] Ryleigh: Frowning a little, Ry says, "Actually... It's... well I can't eat hot food anymore." She rubs the back of her neck. "I'm just not used to that yet."

[8:36 PM] Seirixori: "...That is a weird side effect."

[8:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir whispers something to Gunnloda and starts to move, slowly standing and helping Gunnloda up as well, "We'll be right back." She moves them about thirty feet away from the group and purposefully puts her back to them as she kneels in front of Gunnloda and begins a whispered conversation.

[9:02 PM] Ryleigh: "It means no more coffee," Ry says sadly to Rukiya. "Although the iced coffee this morning wasn't terrible."

[9:03 PM] DM: Rukiya gives her an exaggerated sad look. "No more coffee for you," she says, punctuating the statement with a chilled finger against Ry's nose. It doesn't feel chilled to Ry.

[9:13 PM] Ryleigh: Ry chuckles. "I would never deprive you of coffee sun'frada." She leans in and kisses Rukiya's lips. "Are you still really cold? You had me worried."

[9:13 PM] DM: "I'm ok. Besides, you were in it much longer than I was."

[9:52 PM] Ryleigh: "I haven't been that cold since I fell through that thin ice when I was kid." Ry shivers at the thought. "Do I feel cold?" Ry asks, placing her hand on top of Rukiya's.

[9:54 PM] DM: She frowns a bit. "No... I don't think so, anyway. I might still be thawing though."

[9:55 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh breathes a sigh of relief, and her eyes bounce to where Seirixori and Gunnloda are. "I hope she'll be okay."

[10:12 PM] DM: Seir pulls Gunnloda into her arms and seems to be comforting her.

[10:57 PM] Urrak: Urrak's noodling with the lute as quietly as she can. It's less of a tune and more of her just kind of pressing and plucking strings to hear them.

[7:24 AM] Seirixori: Seir and Gunnloda are holding each other with only a few words whispered between them. Not long after, with tears in their eyes, they head into their tent without a word to anyone.

## Devil's Food

[9:15 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes Gunnloda's hands and stares at them while she tries to get her thoughts together. "Can you-- can you tell Mama-- I--" Seir's lips flatten into a straight line, again annoyed at herself for not being able to voice her racing thoughts.

[9:16 PM] DM: "Breathe, darlin'."

[9:24 PM] Seirixori: "Turns out this was a really bad time to free Mama," Seir laughs. She shakes her head and finally looks up with glassy, wet eyes, "Maybe let her know y-you might not be able to be in contact f-for a little bit."

[9:27 PM] DM: It's probably like you can watch the realization that it's about her, not Seir, hit Gunnloda and the strength she had to deal with the problem crumbles. "Right... um... how long should- should I tell 'er it might be?"

[9:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir cups Gunnloda's face in her hands, "I-I don't know, mo chuisle." She laughs a little and mumbles, "Tell her the truth and maybe then she'll come see me." Seir snorts. "I wish I could go with you, but I have a feeling it's not something that will let me... help." She removes one hand from Gunnloda's face and lightly strokes Gunnloda's own holy symbol. "Just- come back or let me know if you need me and I'll come find you, no matter what it takes."

[9:42 PM] DM: Her eyes fill with tears as she listens and in the quietest voice, she whispers, "'m scared."

[9:55 PM] Seirixori: "I know, tor beag. I'm--I believe you'll do exactly what you need maybe even more than you need. And then you'll c-come back, even more amazing than you already are."

[9:58 PM] DM: She takes Seir's hand and traces the pattern, her eyes closed. After several seconds, she chuckles, but through the tightness of her throat, it sounds more like a choking sound.

[10:00 PM] Seirixori: Seir pulls Gunnloda into her arms.

[10:01 PM] DM: She mumbles into Seir's shoulder, "Told 'er that I might not be able t'contact her for a bit and if it's been a while, she should try'n contact you... and she told me that I had t'come up with somethin' better'n that t' trick her with."

[10:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir releases a very deep, annoyed sigh. "Of course that's what she said. You would think I'd have something to tell her to get her to believe me--you but nothing is combing to mind right now."

[10:15 PM] DM: "It's not you... she just... needs t'believe in herself more... like you believe in her."

[10:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles and pulls back, looking at Gunnloda with a grin and a raised eyebrow, "Is that so?"

[10:19 PM] DM: She chuckles through a sniffle and makes a show of rolling watery eyes. "I heard it when I said it."

[10:23 PM] Seirixori: "Maybe you two can chat while you're off on your own adventure." Seir smiles warmly and then pulls Gunnloda in for a soft kiss. "Keep each other company."

[10:31 PM] DM: "Might be a little awkward without you there, darlin'."

[10:38 PM] Seirixori: "Nah, she can tell you short stories about me scaring her while I played in the forest with wild animals. And you can tell her about all of the times I decided to bite things that no one should ever take a bite of because they are disgusting."

[10:40 PM] DM: "And where would you be in this scenario?"

[10:48 PM] Seirixori: "Probably hiding. Or maybe off playing with more wild animals. Though, I really meant with your sending, or special fancy things you don't know you have yet. Dunno if you will even be able to do that while you're" she waves a little hand and her eyes turn black for a second, "but..." Seir shrugs. "I just don't want either of you to be alone and if you could at least talk to each other..."

[10:51 PM] DM: She smiles. "Thought you meant an adventure with the two of us... though no offense to your mama, but if I can Send while I'm," she waves her hand like Seir did, "she's not gonna be in my top two." She kind of sighs. "I should prob'ly let Kendall know, too."

[10:53 PM] DM: "Don't want her showin' up t'ask you where I disappeared to if I don't call for a couple days."

[10:56 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, "Mama would be so annoyed that she probably can't sneak up on me anymore."

[10:57 PM] Seirixori: Seir groans, "I was going to ask if you wanted me to send to Kendall with your stone, but she would probably just immediately come to me and demand answers."

[11:05 PM] DM: She pulls the stone out and looks at it for a few moments, pulling together her thoughts, then she inhales and closes her eyes, closing her hands over it. After several moments, she opens them, a bit teary eyed again, then hands the stone to Seir. "Just in case."

[11:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir carefully places it in her other pouch that does not have things in it for Stool. "This is one of the first times I'm seriously thinking of praying. To see if you'd hear me."

[11:14 PM] DM: She kind of huffs a laugh and she's quiet for another moment before she says, "I'm sorry, darlin'... I thought we'd have more time. If...if this is it..."

[11:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir's breath hitches and she can't get any words out nor can she stop the tears from falling. It takes her several long moments before she can speak, her voice shaky, her grip tightening considerably on Gunnloda, "...For those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation."

[11:58 PM] DM: She leans forward and brushes some of Seir's tears away, leaving her hand to rest at the side of Seir's face. She says something softly in Dwarven- the phrase sor'odko stands out- and then chuckles humorlessly. "Haven't given much stock t'Dharn words since I left, but this'n felt fittin'... roughly means 'may the stone keep and protect us until we're called back to each other.' I'll do my damndest t'find my way back t'you. I swear it."

[12:02 AM] Seirixori: "I know you will," Seir whispers into Gunnloda's hand letting the tears continue to fall. "And I'll be there to find you if you get lost."

[12:07 AM] DM: Unless there's more, that's probably a good point to leave it where they're just sitting with each other, trying to make what could be the last moments count. The question becomes... do they try to sleep?

[12:11 AM] Seirixori: ((Oh that's mean... Seir will probably try not to.))

[12:17 AM] DM: Gunnloda's probably too worked up to sleep at least for a bit, but when she notices Seir trying not to, she says, "Seems the consensus is there's nothin' we can do t'stop this... but Ry's gonna need you at your best. You've been savin' everyone all the way up this mountain and they might need you t'do it again before the day's out. Get some sleep and hopefully I'll still be here come mornin'."

[12:21 AM] Seirixori: Seir let's out a whine in the back of her throat, not entirely meaning to.

[12:23 AM] Seirixori: "You're right, but I--" Seir swallows, "I-I'll try."

[12:38 AM] DM: Gunnloda will cuddle up with Seir in their tent, both wanting to be a close as possible even if she can't sleep yet herself and figuring that if she does start to sink maybe Seir will notice.

[2:21 AM] Seirixori: There is a whispered, "I love you," before Seir ends up passing out.

## Ryfika

[8:58 PM] Ryleigh: As Seirixori and Gunnloda disappear, and Urrak fiddles with the lute, Ry stands and offers her hand to Rukiya. "We're going to take a look around, but don't worry we won't go far."

[8:59 PM] DM: Rukiya stands. "Go ahead and get some rest. We can take first watch."

[9:02 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will then lead them over to where the carving of the giants was.

[9:03 PM] DM: It's not far, just inside the glow of the fire.

[9:04 PM] DM: Of course the carving starts about 8 feet off the ground, so you don't get too close if you want to see it all.

[9:04 PM] Ryleigh: She'll hold up Dawnbringer as a kind of torch, and stare for a long while.

[9:05 PM] Ryleigh: "Do you think there's more of these around here?" Ry says softly, just above a whisper, like she's worried something might hear her.

[9:06 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Almost certainly."

[9:07 PM] Ryleigh: Ry will follow the wall in whatever direction isn't towards the door, searching for another one.

[9:08 PM] DM: Rukiya giggles softly. "I didn't mean in this room." She follows, though. "How are you doing so far?"

[9:12 PM] Ryleigh: "Oh," Ry says, shaking her head. "Right, of course. I'm sorry," she quickly rushes to say. "I'm just... I don't know. I thought I was normal until a month ago and now-" she gestures around them.

[9:15 PM] DM: "There are weirder things to be descended from," she grins and bumps her shoulder against Ry's arm. "But there also could be other explanations." She pauses for a minute. "I really hope it was magic babies. The logistics otherwise are terrifying."

[9:18 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh laughs. "Rukiya, ew. Whatever it was we'll probably never know. It seems like the Alisdairs are ancient... from what Ragna said, and what we read, and even this... granted, I'm not sure I need to know." Her smile is still in place.

[9:22 PM] DM: As you continue walking, you come across a short wall... that you suddenly realize is actually a stair that is probably as tall as Gunnloda. They continue up into the darkness, curving around the exterior wall.

[9:26 PM] Ryleigh: "Whoa." Ryleigh looks back to where the fire is and then back at the staircase.

[9:27 PM] DM: Rukiya looks at the stair that's almost eye-level with her. "That's going to be fun to climb..."

[9:28 PM] Ryleigh: "I'll boost you up, don't worry." Ryleigh's hand drop to Rukiya's waist, lifting her up and slowly bringing her down until their lips meet.

[9:30 PM] DM: She hums into the kiss for a few moments, then says, "I wish I could roll my eyes at you for such a blatant display, but I enjoy it too much."

[9:34 PM] Ryleigh: Chuckling lightly, Ry shrugs and her look of innocence definitely doesn't fool Rukiya. Instead she takes Rukiya's hand and continues to follow the wall around the room.

[9:37 PM] DM: There is another mural on the other side of the huge room, opposite the first one. It looks like it depicts the same thing, though it's slightly different- likely due to two different artists. Rukiya points at one of the smaller giants that's closer to the 'viewer' and more detailed. "That's the rune from the one that we killed. And the troll."

[9:37 PM] DM: It looks very similar to the one Ry now bears, but there are slight differences. Almost like the difference between a 2 with a flat bottom and a 2 with the looped bottom.

[9:41 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh touches her neck when the rune is and sighs. "It's such a small difference. Do you think..." she trails off then says, "that could happen to me?"

[9:42 PM] DM: "We don't even know what it means, Ry. Do I think you might turn into a purple glowy troll? I sure hope not. I'd still love you, but I don't think I'd wanna kiss you anymore."

[9:48 PM] Ryleigh: Ry tries to give Rukiya a smile, but it's clearly forced. "I did this because it what needed to be done... and I knew I'd have to live with whatever the consequences were but I never thought I might accidentally turn into a monster."

[9:50 PM] DM: Rukiya drops her grin and reaches up to place her hands on either side of Ry's face. "We're not going to let that happen, Ry. We've worked too hard for too long to get you to understand that there's no monster inside of you for you to just let one in now."

[10:02 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods and takes a deep breath. She covers Rukiya's hands with her own. "I know." She gives Rukiya a sad smile. "I just wanted to make sure Avery had someone to teach him, once he's away from this place. I didn't think about... all the negative things that could happen."

[10:06 PM] DM: Rukiya gives her a fond smile. "I can never fault you for the things you do for love." Ry can probably see the look in her eye change before she tilts her head and asks, "Does Ragna have one?"

[10:10 PM] Ryleigh: Thinking back, Ry nods. "Yes, she does. I saw it when I helped her back into bed."

[10:11 PM] DM: "Well... unless that's what turned her into... who she is today, you're probably safe from turning into a troll... of that kind."

[10:14 PM] DM: The last phrase is mumbled under her breath.

[10:15 PM] Ryleigh: Ry looks humored by Rukiya's words. "I love you," she says, leaning in and kissing Rukiya - lingering for a few moments. When she pulls away she whispers, "Thank you."

[10:20 PM] DM: She grins. "Any time."

[10:21 PM] DM: She looks back up at the mural. "We're pretty sure there's at least one more somewhere... the one of the rubbing."

[10:26 PM] Ryleigh: She follows Rukiya's gaze back to the mural. "I feel like everything we find leads to more questions... which I'm sure you love." There's humor in her tone.

[10:27 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs quietly. "Mmm... but I love answers even more."

[10:30 PM] Ryleigh: “Will it eat at you if we don’t find them?”

[10:33 PM] DM: Her brow furrows as she considers the question. "I've never really thought about it. The only questions that have really bothered me are the ones about why Vydea did what she did. There are a lot of questions I've wondered about that I've never answered. I guess they just sit around until I find the answer... or fade in time."

[10:42 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods. "I haven't decided if I need answers or not. Maybe I'll be satisfied just to have Clemency back, and to have Avery around..."

[10:43 PM] DM: She shrugs. "Maybe the answers you need are to questions you don't know yet."

[10:46 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh laughs lightly. "That's so... something you'd say." She leans in to steal a quick kiss, still laughing a little.

[10:47 PM] DM: "Are you mocking me?"

[10:52 PM] Ryleigh: "I would never." Ryleigh smirks, her hands coming up in surrender. "I'd be far too scared to mock you, sun'frada."

[10:53 PM] DM: She narrows her eyes playfully. "I know where you sleep, Princess."

[11:00 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh chuckles and wraps her arms around Rukiya. "You're definitely enjoying this 'Princess' stuff too much."

[11:01 PM] DM: She grins and just says, "Maybe."

[11:05 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh opens her mouth to say something, but then clearly stops herself. "At least flatter me with 'warrior princess'," Ry teases, obviously not saying whatever it was she wanted too.

[11:07 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs. "There's nothing wrong with being a princess."

[12:47 PM] Ryleigh: Her hands come up to cup Rukiya's cheeks, and she leans in, kissing her softly. Ryleigh whispers against her lips, "We'll need to talk about that soon."

[12:52 PM] DM: She glances away with a slight frown, then looks back. "You're too perceptive."

[1:05 PM] Ryleigh: "I think you've finally rubbed off on me." Ryleigh's thumb swipes over Rukiya's cheek, then she drops her hands.

[1:15 PM] DM: "I don't know why I ever thought I could hide anything from you."

[1:30 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smiles softly as takes Rukiya’s hand, and brings it to her lips. “Maybe it’s just that you didn’t want to... I could tell that you wanted to be close to me too.”

[1:34 PM] DM: She smiles, then the smile turns teasing. "You just couldn't tell how close."

[3:02 PM] Ryleigh: “Nope,” she says popping the ‘p’. “I wonder what would happened if you had told me how you felt before Bellbury...” she says it like she’s thinking, not in an accusatory way.

[3:05 PM] DM: "You would have tried to reciprocate and either it would have worked out and I'd wonder if I'd forced you, or it wouldn't have because you weren't ready and we wouldn't have what we have now."

[3:10 PM] Ryleigh: “I see you’ve put some thought into it.” Ryleigh grins, bringing her arms up to rest on Rukiya’s shoulders. “Did you ever come close to telling me?”

[3:14 PM] DM: "Once or twice... but I'm pretty good at self control. I was more worried about you catching on. But that night in Bellbury... if you hadn't pressed, I'm not sure what I would have done."

[3:15 PM] Ryleigh: “What do you mean?” Ry asks softly.

[3:20 PM] DM: "I'm not sure how much more of that I could have taken before I took matters into my own hands. Being friends was fine, but that weird middle ground where I couldn't tell what you wanted because you didn't know how you felt... trying to walk the line between pushing you away and encouraging you too much..."

[3:27 PM] Ryleigh: “I knew I loved you and that I wanted to be closer to you, but I had never felt anything like what we had.” She worries her lip. “I’m sorry for making it more difficult on you. Although...” Ry’s grin turns mischievous. “You made your intentions crystal clear after our first kiss.” She chuckles a little. “You were never as pushy and demanding as you were that night.”

[3:31 PM] DM: "Excuse you," she laughs. "It was all worth it in the end. You got there eventually and I don't have to wonder if you're just trying to give me what I want because you care about me. Well..." she narrows her eyes, "usually."

[3:38 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh’s smile is still there when she leans in and kisses Rukiya. It’s slow and soft, then when she pulls away she says, “If I’m willing then why would it matter if I’m just trying to give you what you want, every now and then, simply because I care about you?”

[3:45 PM] DM: "It's different when it's now and then... and when it's building a life together. We should be on the same page when it comes to that."

[3:53 PM] Ryleigh: “We usually are - aren’t we?” Ry asks, clearly unsure if she’s missed something.

[3:57 PM] DM: She chuckles. "We are now, yes."

[5:14 PM] Ryleigh: For a moment Ry awkwardly looks away, then says with a grin, “Good, because sometimes I’m stumbling in the dark. My experience with romantic relationships begins and ends with you.”

[5:21 PM] DM: "Don't feel self conscious about that... relationships are all different."

[5:26 PM] Ryleigh: “Sometimes I can’t help but feel self conscious... you always seem to have the answers when it comes to this.” She gestures between them with one hand before returning it to its resting position on Rukiya’s shoulders.

[6:06 PM] DM: "I have a lot fewer answers than you think, minsriellu."

[6:23 PM] DM: "I know you and I know me... and you know that too."

[9:23 PM] Ryleigh: “I love you.” Ryleigh presses her forehead to Rukiya’s. She inhales deeply and slowly exhales. “I thought we’d make better time today. I was prepared to do what I needed to, but now... I have to prep all over again.”

[9:25 PM] DM: "This place is so big. I think it could easily take us all day to get where we need to go... even if we knew where exactly that was. ...it almost seems too big to be possible."

[9:26 PM] DM: "But also those stairs," she laughs. "Poor Gunnloda's going to have a rough time with them."

[9:27 PM] DM: Her laughter and her smile fade pretty quickly once she realizes what she's said, and her eyes move back towards the firelight in the distance.

[9:30 PM] Ryleigh: Ry’s grin slips away too. “I feel for them. I wasn’t prepared for this place to be anything more then... a place of my ancestors.”

[9:34 PM] DM: "It's not easy... knowing you're going to live longer than the person you love. Harder when that time is suddenly shortened." Her eyes move back from the fire to Ry's. "It's even more important that whatever it is you do here... that you make it through. She can't bear to lose both of you."

[9:45 PM] Ryleigh: “I know.” Ry’s hands move to cup Rukiya’s face. “I’ve already promised you that I won’t die here. I’m not leaving you or Seirixori alone. Whatever it is... I’ll fight it.” She lets out a humorless chuckle. “The vultures have circled me for years. They always whisper that I’m out of time, and whenever people think I’ve had enough - I find a way to rise. This is no different. If anything the stakes are higher because I have so much to lose and I have their lives in my hands... I can’t fail. Not again. No one is losing me.”

[9:48 PM] DM: There's a near-imperceptible nod and she closes her eyes like she's letting Ry's words sink in. When they open again, they're shiny with unshed tears. She whispers, "I'm going to hold you to that."

[9:57 PM] Ryleigh: Ry gives Rukiya a gentle smile. “One day it’ll be easier to believe me when I say I’m not going anywhere.”

[9:59 PM] DM: "Someday... hopefully sooner, rather than later."

[10:02 PM] Ryleigh: “It’s just going to take time.” Ry leans in to capture Rukiya’s lips.

[10:15 PM] DM: She doesn't let Ry linger long. "I'll probably always worry... and speaking of worry... if we're going to watch the camp, it might be good for us to be at the camp."

[10:18 PM] Ryleigh: “I know,” Ry says seriously, a sad smile on her lips. “I always worried when you went off on solo missions. I’m sure Berolt could see my anxiety and that’s why he sent me to Bellbury instead of someone else.” She takes Rukiya’s hand and starts to walk them back to the camp fire.

[10:20 PM] DM: "Mine were never so dangerous."

[10:22 PM] Ryleigh: “You could have been teleported to Vydea-knows-where and it could have been dangerous.”

[10:27 PM] DM: Rukiya rolls her eyes and Ry can probably hear it in her voice. "There's always the possibility of something going horribly wrong... but there's a difference between using subterfuge or flattery to find information and swinging a sword at demons. Your work has always been more dangerous than mine."

[10:35 PM] Ryleigh: “Nobles and politicians can be just as deadly as demons...” Ry mutters, then sighs like she’s conceding. “But that’s the purpose I serve - a swinging sword.”

[11:06 PM] DM: "Not the only purpose."

[12:03 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh just hums in response.

[12:14 PM] DM: "Ryleigh."

[12:35 PM] Ryleigh: "Okay." she pauses, then adds sarcastically, "Sometimes I'm a swinging axe, or spear."

[12:37 PM] DM: Rukiya pulls Ry to a stop. "I've never even seen you use a spear." She looks at Ry, an expectant look on her face.

[12:40 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh lets herself be pulled to stop, and once she meets Rukiya's gaze she look down at her feet. "I used Bri's spear the other day..." she mumbles, obviously avoiding the actually conversation.

[12:42 PM] DM: Rukiya doesn't say anything and just continues to look at Ry.

[12:50 PM] Ryleigh: "Sorry..." she says, looking back up at Rukiya. "It was just... fleeting toxic thoughts."

[12:57 PM] DM: "You're so much more than that to so many people. I wish it was easier for you to remember that."

[12:58 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods, and she looks upset with herself for letting it get to her. "I guess... or hoped... that I wasn't expendable to this side of my family."

[12:59 PM] DM: "Blood doesn't make you family. You're not expendable to us. To Clemency or Avery."

[1:01 PM] Ryleigh: "I know. I do." Ry sighs, a sad smile on her lips. "It was just... a stupid sudden thought I had. It's more difficult to block it out when there's so much stress in the air."

[1:04 PM] DM: Rukiya nods and leans up to kiss Ry, then takes her hand and starts walking back towards the fire. "I just don't want those thoughts to go unchallenged. You deserve better than that."

[1:06 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh's smile turns from sad to authentic as they walk back to fire. "I'm learning that."

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