Session 43

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This session was played on December 26, 2017. From the DF pre-start to the end, it lasted 13 hours, 10 minutes.

## Trivia

* This was the 21st combat encounter
* The highest attack roll for the night was 27 from Urrak's critical riposte.
* The highest damage in one attack was 24 from Ryleigh's smite.
* The highest damage in one turn was 36 from Urrak's sweeping blow and riposte. This breaks a record set in session 4.
* The highest damage in one session was 68 from Ryleigh.
* Safika had the most attacks hit with five, three of which were kill shots.
* The most kills this session were 3 from Ryleigh and Safika each.
* Gunnloda did the most healing with 16 points total.
* Ryleigh, and Urrak were targeted most with five attacks each. Ryleigh and Urrak had the most missed attacks against them with four.
* Safika took the most damage with 40 damage to her 28 hp, but Seirixori was close behind with 33.
* The highest kill count across the campaign is still Urrak, now with 18. Second place is Brimeia with 12.
* The most team damage in one round was 170 in the first round of combat with the war chief. This is a new record.
* There were a total of 23 spells cast, 18 of which were by players and allies.
* The most common spell cast was Cure Wounds cast once by Seirixori and twice by Gunnloda.
* Gunnloda cast the most spells at 8.
* Ravaphine did the most spell damage with 24.

## Transcript

*[*1:19 PM*]* DM*:* Day 14, Wedan 18 Jaqmont 3Y20, morning.

Both Seir and Gunnloda were exhausted after staying up through the night in the dungeon the day before and slept heavily (Gunnloda aided by several mugs of ale) before waking in the morning. By the time Seir wakes, Gunnloda's sitting up against the headboard, head in hands, currently trying to rub the soreness from her eyes.

*[*1:25 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "*Maidin, tor beag*," Seir mumbles sleepily. She pouts when she can't lay her head on Gunnloda's lap because her horns are in the way. "How are you feeling?" She asks, slouching heavily as she sits up.(edited)

*[*1:29 PM*]* DM*:* She takes a moment before she answers. "Like I had an orc on the inside of my skull all night. I'll be ok after breakfast."

*[*1:38 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir snorts, "That sounds very unfortunate." She leans over and places a kiss on Gunnloda's forehead. "Will you be okay to go back to the keep today?"

*[*1:47 PM*]* DM*:* "I'll be all right, love. At least for... I'll stay out of the prison if I can, just to be safe, but I think it was just the surprise that hit so hard. I can't let it stop me from keeping you all safe." She drops her hands and looks at Seir for a long moment. "I can't decide if I should be apologizing for hiding it all from you or for dumping it on you all at once."

*[*1:56 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir takes Gunnloda's hands and brings them up to her lips to give a lingering kiss, "... it might have been... well it might have been good to know before hand to... to warn you, to make sure you were okay? But..."Seir lowers their hands and bites her lip, "but, *a mhuirnín*, it's been... a little over two weeks? I wouldn't expect to know *everything* about you." Seir takes one of her hands and cups Gunnloda's cheek. "I enjoy finding out new things about you as the days go on, you don't ever need to apologize for dumping any of yourself on me."

*[*2:08 PM*]* DM*:* She winces a little. "That's... you're so..." She cuts herself off with something spoken in what's probably Dwarven, then takes a breath to try again. "I shouldn't have let this- us- happen without telling you. Do you remember what I said to you in Bleakmourne? I knew then that I was being selfish. How many times have you talked to me about Mielikki or Takara or asked about gods in general and... and I always just said what I'm supposed to say."

*[*2:29 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir shrugs, "I..." She pulls back, almost retreating into herself, but not quite, "I ... I think the only thing about that is you told me you believed me when I said I talked to them... so... I don't... do you think...?" She trails off, looking down at her hands and shrugs again. "I don't know what else to say because I just... I hurt you the other day and I'm pretty sure I still don't have control over the shifting if I get angry but I told you I'd try and I meant it and you came back without any solid proof that anything I said was true. You just... you *believed* me and I... how can I not believe that you'll let me in? How can I be mad at you for... for protecting yourself, when I'll probably do the same thing? When I have done the same?" She takes a shuddering breath, trying not to cry. She's not really sure about *what* but she feels all over the place and she can't quite settle on one feeling.

*[*2:44 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda sits up more and reaches out to take Seir's hand. "Seirixori... I do believe *you*. None of this is because of you except for decisions I made to try to avoid hurting you. People who... people don't like it much when you tell them you think the gods are false. The more they believe in them, the harder they take it." She looks up at Seir's watery eyes and looks away. "As much as I want to say I'd have told you eventually... I'm not sure I would have. About what happened in the cage, yes, of course, eventually, but the rest?"

*[*3:04 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "I mean... they aren't really my favorite people so that doesn't really bother me. I don't think I really gave them mind when I was younger anyway." Seir presses her hands to her eyes, trying to will the tears away. She takes a minute to watch Gunnloda and she can't help the smile, "You've... I mean you're... you've kind of been alive a lot longer than I have. Oh that sounds kind of weird..." she shakes her head. "I don't expect... I... maybe it's a good thing I don't really know how this works? Because I don't care. I mean, I care about you and I, I would love to know more but I just..." she takes a breath, trying to get her words in order, it doesn't really work, "but... I... but you *did* tell me.

"So does it matter if you're not sure you would have in other circumstances? I never planned on telling any of you about... about my mother but I... but you... I..." she blushes, her tail wrapping around her own arm as she grabs a piece of the blankets on the bed and starts to fidget with it. "I did. Half the things I tell you I never... I don't ever intend to it just sort of happens." She stops, almost abruptly because she's rambled for so long that she's starting to forget what she's said and what she hasn't.

*[*3:10 PM*]* DM*:* She looks up, a touch of confusion registering because that was not the easiest string of thoughts to untangle. "I didn't break it? Us, I mean."

*[*3:22 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "What? No? Of course not. I told you last night that there was very little you could do, or not do in this case, I guess, that won't stop me from loving you, wanting you... being with you, and this isn't one of those things." She reaches out and takes Gunnloda's hand, the one with the ring on it, running her thumb across it, "I know this means more than you... than you told me. And I hope you know, especially now, that you don't *have* to keep things from me. But I also won't *make* you tell me. I don't want to do that. I don't want to make you feel like you *have* to unless you *want* to. I'll still be here. So, as long as you aren't the one that killed everyone I know, you're fine." She jokes and then scoffs at herself for saying it. "Please pretend I didn't say that."

*[*3:47 PM*]* DM*:* She smiles and swallows a laugh. "I didn't hear a thing." She pauses a moment, then, more seriously she says, "I've been on my second chance longer than you've been alive, but it doesn't mean I know any more about this than you do. It hasn't been long, but time has never mattered much to my heart. All I know is that I love you in a way that is... different from any way I've felt before. The rings... they *are* spell components. In some cultures, people wear them to symbolize the love they share. I had them already because Kendall gave me one when we first met and... they grew to mean more eventually. She gave hers to me when she... ended things. I meant what I said. They don't mean anything more than what you want them to, and I hope you don't think they mean I'm confusing you for her or trying to use you to replace her. I just wanted to keep you safe and I couldn't get new ones quickly."(edited)

*[*3:59 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir shakes her head, "The thought never crossed my mind." Seir's tail uncurls enough to start wrapping around Gunnloda's wrist, and Seir doesn't stop it. She stares at their hands and her dumb ass tail that's trying to wrap around both. She's silent for a few moments before she whispers, "...and if I want them to mean *everything*?"(edited)

*[*4:03 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda smiles and pushes forward to kiss Seir, pausing just long enough to say, "Then they *mean* everything."

## Ryfika

*[*2:41 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh sleeps hard for nearly 6 hours, but then she starts to stir. Images of herself driving a silver dagger into Cae flash in her mind and Ryleigh's eyes fly open. Her breathing is uneven and there's a light layer of sweat on her forehead. Shaking her head and trying to even out her breathing, Ryleigh walks out of the bedroom.

*[*2:50 PM*]* DM*:* Safika's got two chairs sitting facing each other, resting her head against the back of one and using the other for her feet so she can curl up to sleep. Her cloak's wrapped around her and she's sleeping, but you can tell she's still tense like she's ready to jump into action immediately if she's awakened.

*[*2:54 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh frowns slightly, unsure if she *should* wake the other woman, but she looks uncomfortable. So Ryleigh kneels down beside the chair and gently whispers, "Rukiya" hoping the sound of her real name won't cause her to stab Ryleigh in the face.

*[*2:55 PM*]* DM*:* She doesn't even open her eyes. "You're supposed to be sleeping."

*[*2:58 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I know, but I'm awake now and I probably won't be going to back to sleep....bad dream." Ryleigh's voice is still gentle and low, "take the bedroom, you can't be comfortable here."

*[*3:04 PM*]* DM*:* She cracks one eye open. "Since when is comfort a priority?" She sits up and at this point, you're not even sure if she was actually asleep because she's not groggy or sleepy. "You ok?"

*[*3:13 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh looks away. "Yes" she replies too quickly, but then sighs and says, "I don't know." She looks back at Safika, "were you even asleep? you could have told me if you couldn't sleep out here..."

*[*3:15 PM*]* DM*:* She just grins. "Only a little. I heard you get up. I can sleep anywhere, but I'm a very light sleeper."

*[*3:24 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I usually am too, but after being up for 2 days I slept hard." Ryleigh smiles back, then quirks a playful eyebrow, "so, do you need me to carry you to the bedroom?" She chuckles, "but seriously, I know its easier to sleep when you don't feel exposed." Ryleigh pauses for a moment and then corrects herself, "not that you feel that way, that was an assumption. I know you can handle yourself. I didn't mean it to sound like...I mean...I know..." she laughs at herself, "I'm going to blame this one on lack of sleep."(edited)

*[*3:38 PM*]* DM*:* She laughs softly. "Blame it on whatever you want, but fine. If you insist. Wake me before you go?"

*[*3:43 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Of course." Ryleigh smiles and stands, offering her hand to help Safika up from the chair, "I thought I was going to have to forcefully carry you to bed - the bedroom!" She stutters and feels her face heat up at the implication.

*[*3:48 PM*]* DM*:* "Trying to tell me something, Asten?" she winks as she stands.

*[*3:52 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh covers her face with her hands and groans, "just, let me grab Dawnbringer so the light doesn't bother you...." still blushing.

*[*3:54 PM*]* DM*:* Safika intentionally flirting just to tease Ry aside, morning does come and she'll come out of the room as she's reattaching her cloak.

*[*3:56 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Sleep good?" Ryleigh asks from one of the chairs.

*[*3:57 PM*]* DM*:* She shrugs. "Sleep is sleep."

*[*4:00 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh stands, stretching while she does. She's still in a loose cotton shirt and sleep trousers, "it's better than no sleep I suppose. Let me get my armor on and then breakfast." she smiles at her companion as she disappears into the bedroom.

*[*4:03 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh returns dressed in her armor, Dawnbringer at her side. "Alright, lets go to the Cask to get breakfast."

*[*4:04 PM*]* DM*:* She chuckles. "I can't wait to see how you explain us showing up together."

*[*4:06 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Oh gods, that didn't occur to me." Ryleigh's eyes grow wide, "they already assume so much about us."

*[*4:07 PM*]* DM*:* "Can't imagine why."

*[*4:09 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh's brow furrow, "it's because I stammer and blush around you."

*[*4:15 PM*]* DM*:* She laughs as she gestures for you to walk out the door. "Of course. To most people that's a pretty clear indication of attraction."

*[*4:22 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh walks out of the door, straightening her posture, chin raised, looking more like the paladin she is, "well you *are* attractive and I *do* think you're beautiful." She says matter of factly as they walk to cask.

*[*4:23 PM*]* DM*:* She follows, just casually walking at her side. "You know saying that doesn't help their perceptions."

*[*4:25 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I don't care what they think." Ryleigh laughs, "but I care what you think. Does it bother you?"

*[*4:27 PM*]* DM*:* "No... does it bother you that I flirt back?"

*[*4:32 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "It makes me nervous, which is new but not unwanted." Ryleigh shrugs, "I want to get to know you. I want to be around you. I'm not sure what any of it means, but I don't mind the feelings."

## The Cask

*[*4:21 PM*]* DM*:* DAY 14, WEDAN 18 JAQMONT 3Y20, MORNING

The Cask is quiet as you all slowly rise from your evening activities to regroup.

*[*4:23 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak is seated at a far table, she's been there for the better part of an hour, unable to get further rest. There's a small basin of water on the table and a rag in her hand as she cleans off the dried blood from the small dagger that usually rests near her heart. She curses under her breath in orcish, upset with herself not only for using it in such a way, but for letting the blood congeal on the blade and stain the leather sheath.

*[*4:25 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda's busy in the kitchen, making a hangover breakfast (lots of eggs and toast with honey!) and cleaning up the mess she made the night before.(edited)

*[*4:30 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir's in there with her, kind of helping and kind of not. She eventually grabs a bite of something and leaves Gunnloda with a kiss and walks out, leaning on the bar. She spots Urrak, "Want anything to eat?" she asks.

*[*4:32 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak snaps out of what seems like a small trance. She turns to Seirixori and blinks, her mind taking a moment to process the question. "Oh, ah, yes that'd be great, Seir. Whatever is easiest fer ye and Gunnloda. Th-thank ye."

*[*4:35 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir chuckles, "Easiest?" She disappears for a moment then comes back out, sets some bread in front of Urrak and then sits down. "Gunnloda might have more in a little, but... uh... are you doing ok?"

*[*4:36 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak chuckles a bit but still graciously takes the bit of bread. "I'm...I'm ok. Yeah." she sighs a bit and takes a bite. "Or at least I will be. Soon enough. Don't worry about me, Seir." she tries on a smile and half makes it.(edited)

*[*4:37 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* The door the Cask opens and in walks Safika and Ryleigh. She spots Urrak and motions for Safika to follow her to the table. "Urrak. This is Safika. Safika, Urrak."

*[*4:38 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak stands and extends a hand "Well met. Been some time."

*[*4:39 PM*]* DM*:* Safika shakes her hand. "Same to you." She glances over the items on the table, but doesn't mention them.

*[*4:39 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir nods but doesn't say anymore when Ryleigh walks in. "Morning." she says to Ryleigh and Safika. "Did you guys want anything?"

*[*4:42 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Yes please, just bring out 2 plates of whatever delicious food Gunnloda is cooking up." Ryleigh grabs at Seir's sleeve and pulls her down to whisper in her ear, "she's ok, isn't she?" Ryleigh asks concerned.

*[*4:44 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir just nods, "She is now, yes." Seir goes back to the kitchen to let Gunnloda know who's arrived.

*[*4:41 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak awkwardly picks up the dagger and places it in its sheath as she sits again. She pushes the basin and cloth a bit down the table aways. "So, what brings ye round again, Safika? I see you an' Ry are familiar."

*[*4:43 PM*]* DM*:* Safika sits at the table. "Ryleigh invited me along to your expedition, if that's all right with the rest of you."

*[*4:45 PM*]* Urrak*:* "A'course. We'll need all th' help we can get. The keep was nearly th' death of us last time."

*[*4:41 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav quietly makes her way downstairs and sits next to her friends. "Morning everyone"

Urrak nods to Rav "Y'seem right cheery this mornin'" she elbows her playfully.

*[*4:59 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Ravs ears blush red, looking more embarrassed and uncomfortable than cheery. She starts shoving food in her mouth to ignore Urrak's questioning

*[*4:47 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh waves at Ravaphine and addresses Urrak, "You ok?"

*[*4:49 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak can't quite meet Ryleigh's gaze. Her face flushes "W-we can uh...talk about it later, alright? I'm fine."(edited)

*[*4:55 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh nods in understanding, "alright." She turns back to Safika and smiles, "Gunnloda is a great cook, we're lucky to have her."

*[*5:01 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak chuckles knowingly. "I see...." she finishes the bread Seirixori had brought before. "So Safika, I reckon Ryleigh's filled ye in on the details of our 'expedition'. Y'sure yer up to it? Not doubtin' any f yer abilities, it's just quite the task. Didn't get all these holes in me armor by accident"(edited)

*[*5:03 PM*]* DM*:* Safika smiles. "I can hold my own. Can't guarantee anyone else's safety though. That'd be Ryleigh's job."

*[*5:04 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak smiles a bit " Aye, an' she does a good job of it."

*[*5:06 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Someone has to make sure everyone comes back, or at least try to." Ryleigh smiles at the compliment.

*[*5:08 PM*]* DM*:* The door from outside opens and Eloise steps inside. She immediately spots your group, easy to do when you're the only ones awake. She walks over briskly.

*[*5:09 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir walks back in with food, pauses when she sees Eloise, goes to set the food down and backs up so she's out of the way.

*[*5:09 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Oh hey El--B-Baroness Moonstream." Urrak drums her fingers on the table, unsure of what to do with them. She bows her head awkwardly(edited)

*[*5:09 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav clears her throat and brushes the crumbs off herself to stand up and straighten herself out. "Baroness" she bows her head

*[*5:11 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh glances at Safika with wide eyes before standing and bowing slightly, "Good morning, Baroness Moonstream" attempting to draw attention to herself.

*[*5:10 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda follows, setting a huge serving of scrambled eggs and a platter of toast with honey on the table with plates and forks for everyone.

*[*5:14 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir starts slowly backing up to the kitchen.

*[*5:15 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda catches Seir with a hand on her lower back and gently nudges her towards the table and a seat.

*[*5:17 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir makes a small noise of distress but doesn't fight it and eventually sits down.

*[*5:14 PM*]* DM*:* Eloise nods in greeting. "Good morning. I wanted to thank you personally for..." she pauses, glancing around the table. "...what you did for us. I'd like to assure you that a proper reward is in order, but I have a rather pressing request to make of you. I'd like to hire you to go back and make sure there's nothing dangerous left behind."

*[*5:20 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I don't speak for the party, but I won't be accepting any reward, I was sent here to help. We we're planning to return to the keep and clear out the Orcs that remain, M'lady. I wouldn't let something that threatening loom over the people of Bellbury. We're leaving after breakfast."

*[*5:23 PM*]* DM*:* Eloise pulls her eyes from Safika back to Ryleigh when she speaks and she smiles gently. "I don't think you'll want to refuse this reward, but I'm glad to hear that you were already planning to go back. You have our thanks." Before she leaves, she looks directly at Seir and nods, then turns and walks out.

*[*5:24 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Gods, I can see why Cae married 'er..." Urrak mumbles to herself.(edited)

*[*5:26 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "And from the woods, we can see why she married Cae" Rav says quietly to Urrak

*[*5:26 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Truly a power couple, those two..." Urrak helps herself to breakfast to stop from saying anything else

*[*5:24 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir sinks down in her seat a little, "Was that a good look or a bad look?"

*[*5:27 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh sits cautiously and whispers in Elvish to Safika, "*I'm so sorry, I didn't think she would show up so early...I should have gone to the mansion first thing this morning.*"

*[*5:28 PM*]* DM*:* Safika waves her off. *"Don't worry about it."*

*[*5:30 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh searches Safika's face for a moment longer than acceptable then looks away and says to Seir, "I think she was acknowledging you and your help. It's a good sign."

*[*5:29 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda heaps a big chunk of eggs onto her plate. "Eat up, everyone."

*[*5:31 PM*]* Urrak*:* "It certainly could'a been a worse look, Seir. We got her wife back in one piece, after all. Can't imagine she could still harbor a grudge...at least not as intense of one I suppose..." she says around a bite of eggs.

*[*5:35 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "If you say so," She says, eating small bits here and there, keeping a hand and her tail on Gunnloda.

*[*5:36 PM*]* Urrak*:* "So what's the plan Ry. I'd hate t' get ambushed again. I doubt 'Loda an' I can survive another." she finishes her plate and fiddles a bit with the dagger on her chest.

*[*5:39 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh thinks for a moment, "I think we should head back the way we went while escorting Cae, then scope out what we're up against. You understand orc strongholds, they can't replenish their ranks within a day can they?"

*[*5:43 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Orcs mature fast, but not in a day, Ry" she chuckles. "An' since we found th' Chief, I'm fairly certain th' same group'll be there. We didn't explore nearly half o' that place though, there could be quite a lot more we just didn't come across. We need t'--" she swallows a bit, like she's forcing down an intrusive thought "We need t' be careful."

*[*5:44 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I agree. I invited Safika to come with us because I think we'll need the extra help."

*[*5:47 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Well, we know a bit more about what we're up against too. And you know, some of us slept this time." Seir chuckles, "We almost ready?"

*[*5:48 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Aye, an we're not harborin' a time bomb of an elf." Urrak looks back at the stairs a moment but turns back to the group "I'm ready when ye all are."

*[*5:52 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh nods and stands, "let's go."

*[*5:53 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav stuffs some more toast in her mouth before taking a few slices to go

*[*5:54 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos comes downstairs, stretching a bit as he walks. "Why's everyone off so soon?"

*[*5:55 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Gotta go back and take care of some orcs."

*[*5:58 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Of course, how could I forget? Sounds good."

*[*6:03 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav hands dragonboyo some toast and some fruit for the road, along with a kiss on the cheek

*[*5:58 PM*]* DM*:* You all head out, grabbing the rest of the group as you go. Brimeia is... distracted, following from the back.

*[*6:01 PM*]* DM*:* How are you getting there?

*[*6:07 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir recalls the general layout of how they got there last time and leads them there on foot.

*[*6:07 PM*]* DM*:* Give me a survival check, Seir.

*[*6:10 PM*]* Seirixori*:* ((nat 20-26))

*[*6:11 PM*]* DM*:* Instead of heading out of town first, Seir goes straight behind the Cask and heads into the woods, the rest of you following.

## The Keep

*[*6:17 PM*]* DM*:* Ok, so it's still daytime when Seir leads you to the crumbled keep. You all gather around the edge of the clearing, outside the walls, and now you notice that the bodies of those you killed, including the aurochs, are all lying in one place, waiting for burial. It's quiet outside.

*[*6:19 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak looks at the pile and mumbles a short orcish prayer. "They'll probably be on higher alert now that they know there's folk that can take 'em out." She looks pointedly at Ryleigh "No rushin' in this time."

*[*6:21 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh smirks, "taking all the fun out of life aren't you?" but she looks around, "maybe we should draw them out? instead of rushing inside."

*[*6:21 PM*]* Urrak*:* "I'm jus' tryin' t' keep yer ass alive, paladin. For yer friend's sake." she grins and continues " An' aye, we should, at least we'd get rid o' some grunts."(edited)

*[*6:22 PM*]* DM*:* Safika pulls her hood up over her head and brushes her fingers over the several daggers she has on her belt as if to make sure they were still there. "How many do you think you left behind?"

*[*6:22 PM*]* Urrak*:* "I'd say 15-20 at least...There were a lot of 'em last we were here."

*[*6:23 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Do you think they'll even fall for that? Drawing them out here?"

*[*6:26 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "We took out a little more than 10 when we were here last. Surely they'd come out here if we baited them...."

*[*6:26 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Can't hurt t' try, orcs ain't exactly a smart bunch. As I'm sure ye all know." she laughs at her own dumb joke "Can ye use yer thaumaturgy, Seir?"(edited)

*[*6:28 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I'll go, draw them out. Urrak, what is the title of the woman you tried to negotiate with?"

*[*6:28 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "I can make the ground shake or yell something if that works better."

*[*6:29 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Perfect, she can make me look like the type of target they really want."

*[*6:29 PM*]* Urrak*:* "An elf in shiny black armor, maybe?"(edited)

*[*6:30 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Want me to mangle some really bad orcish?" Seir jokes. "Oh I don't think I can do...*that*. I can't make her look different I don't think."

*[*6:33 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "No no, I meant a worthy opponent. Making the ground rumble when I yell should draw their attention. I'll throw out some Elvish, maybe they'll fall for it. Just, make sure to come get me...I may be armored but I can only take so many hits."

*[*6:34 PM*]* DM*:* Safika: "Are you sure you don't want to just check the door first? What if there's a whole army waiting for you?"

*[*6:34 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "I can give you a friend to stay by you if they hit you, so long as you're not *too* far away.""

*[*6:35 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Checking it out would be great, however we are terrible at the whole sneak thing so...."

*[*6:35 PM*]* DM*:* Safika grins. "It's a good thing you brought me, then, isn't it?"

*[*6:38 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh's mouth pull into a thin line at the idea, "but I think we'll have a better chance fighting them outside..." she's quiet for a a few moments then replies, "ok, go check it out and come back, and be careful."

*[*6:40 PM*]* DM*:* "I'm always careful." Safika winks at Ryleigh before slipping around the wall. If you're watching carefully, you can see her darting between the bits of wall, almost like a shadow, until she creeps up on the single entry to the keep.

*[*6:42 PM*]* DM*:* She slips inside the door and you see nothing more.

*[*6:42 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir hums, "I hate this part. The waiting."

*[*6:42 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh focuses on Safika moving from spot to spot and then lets out a breath she didn't realize she was holding when she disappears into the keep.(edited)

*[*6:43 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Hope yer girlfriend knows what she's doin..." Urrak picks a bit of dried blood off the sheath of her dagger.

*[*6:45 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "We're just friends." Ryleigh replies, still surveying their surroundings, waiting.

*[*6:46 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir just starts randomly giving everyone flower crowns while they wait.

*[*6:46 PM*]* DM*:* A minute passes.

*[*6:47 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh shifts from foot to foot.

*[*6:49 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak places a hand on Ryleigh's shoulder "It'll be alright. She seems perfectly capable."

*[*6:49 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "If we need to go in after her, I can help so the orcs can't see you"(edited)

*[*6:51 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh chuckles, "Oh, I *know* how capable she is. She's put me on my back plenty of times." A moment too late, Ryleigh's eyes grow wide at what she said and quickly adds, "WHEN SPARRING!"(edited)

*[*6:51 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Uh huh." Urrak pats her shoulder and grins

*[*6:51 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir starts laughing and nearly chokes on it when trying to keep quiet about it.

*[*6:52 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "I don't think the orcs want to know about what happens in your bedroom, Ry" Rav whispers while chuckling

*[*6:55 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh groans at the blush creeping up her neck, "by the gods, that's not what I meant." She shakes her head and says to the others, "She's swift, silent, and completely deadly. I'm confident she can handle herself, that doesn't mean I don't worry. She's still a half-Elf and orcs seem to really hate them."(edited)

*[*6:56 PM*]* DM*:* A second minute passes, but then the door opens and Safika closes it behind her before jogging back to the party across the open field.

*[*6:57 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "See, your girlfriend is fine" Rav jokes before Safika rejoins the group

*[*6:58 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh gives Ravaphine a *look* before returning her gaze to Safika.

*[*6:59 PM*]* DM*:* She catches up quickly. "I didn't want to put too many walls between me and out, so I didn't go far, but the first couple rooms are empty and I only heard some slight noise much further in. You sure there's a lot left?"

*[*7:00 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "We're not. We saw less than 10 on our way out."

*[*7:01 PM*]* DM*:* Safika: "Well, unless you have something to make an explosion, I doubt they're gonna hear you to draw them out."

*[*7:03 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Damn." Ryleigh taps her chin in thought, "alright, then let's head in."

*[*7:03 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak nods and draws her sword. "Lead th' way."

*[*7:04 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh walks to door and then opens it and heads in.

*[*7:06 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Before walking in Seir pulls Gunnloda to the side for just a moment. She bends to a knee and kisses her on the lips, mumbling a few things before winking and leading them in. "Now your 'little' legs can go a bit farther than the rest of us." (Longstrider yo)

*[*7:07 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda takes Seir's hand before she leaves and whispers, *"Darra kecrar zi kaemar kaesa zirucd, sor'odko."* Seir can feel that same current of magic flow through her skin as she felt the night of Cae's transformation. "Be careful, love."

*[*7:10 PM*]* DM*:* You head into the first room, and the bodies are gone, but the sacks against the southern wall, heaped in front of a wooden door, remain. There is still an archway, the remnant of a wooden door to the west.

*[*7:11 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((perception check?))(edited)

*[*7:11 PM*]* DM*:* Sure. All around. Include your passives

*[*7:12 PM*]* Seirixori*:* ((9, 21pp))

*[*7:12 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((5, 10pp))

*[*7:13 PM*]* DM*:* Nolanos 9/13, Brimeia 15, Safika 6/19, Gunnloda 19

*[*7:14 PM*]* DM*:* None of you hear or see anything other than what I already described.

*[*7:15 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* ((I just want to go the direction that Safika said she heard voices))

*[*7:15 PM*]* DM*:* Rav: 16

*[*7:15 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* ((13,10pp))

*[*7:18 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Let's keep movin'. Can't say I enjoy bein' back here." Urrak walks towards where Safika had heard voices(edited)

*[*7:18 PM*]* DM*:* Marching order?

*[*7:18 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* ((me))

*[*7:19 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((I'll be behind Ryleigh lol))

*[*7:19 PM*]* Seirixori*:* ((bahind urrak))

*[*7:19 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((behind Seir))

*[*7:20 PM*]* DM*:* You head into the second room. The archway that was once a portcullis that trapped you inside is still open. The door to the south has a splash of red across it. Other than that, it's empty.

*[*7:22 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* ((I assume she didn't go in this far right?))(edited)

*[*7:23 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh whispers back to Safika, "which direction were the voices?"

*[*7:24 PM*]* DM*:* Safika shrugs. "I'm not sure exactly, just further. I didn't open any doors."

*[*7:26 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "ok, I just didn't want to lead us the wrong way." Ryleigh walks to the door with the splash of red across it, "let's go this way."

*[*7:27 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos follows, slipping his goggles onto his face.

*[*7:28 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Please check for traps, they probably put more up after the other day"

*[*7:28 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Do you want a nose for that, uh to maybe pinpoint them a little more?"

*[*7:29 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "I can look for traps, if you like?" He's actually unsure if they would want him to look, considering how poorly it turned out last time

*[*7:31 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Go ahead."

*[*7:33 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh nods to him.

*[*7:33 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos nods and steps forward and checks for traps ahead of the group.

*[*7:41 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos pauses, looking at the ceiling, then moving to the doorway. With a moment of tinkering, he deactivates the trap ahead of the group. "That oughta do it..."(edited) (25 investigation, 19 TT disable trap)

*[*7:42 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Good job, move back, I'll go in first." Ryleigh opens the door.

*[*7:42 PM*]* DM*:* It doesn't open.

*[*7:43 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "May I?" He asks, gesturing to the lock.

*[*7:45 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Of course." Ryleigh steps back.(edited)

*[*7:46 PM*]* DM*:* Nolanos sets to work in the actual keyhole this time, but as he turns the last tumbler, there's a snap... and the lock is broken. (9 total)

*[*7:47 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Excellent. Alright, fuck this. I want t' get this over with as soon as possible." Urrak takes a few steps back and runs into the door, slamming into it with her shoulder.

*[*7:48 PM*]* DM*:* Athletics check

*[*7:48 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((10))

*[*7:49 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh groans, but then catches movement out of her eye and shoves Nolanos out of the way as she jumps back because of Urrak's charge.

*[*7:49 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Way to announce our presence," Seir mumbles.

*[*7:50 PM*]* DM*:* Urrak slams into the door, but it doesn't move.

*[*7:50 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak brushes her shoulder off, backs up and charges at it again

*[*7:50 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Christ Urrak, you're going to give me a heart attack one of these days."

*[*7:51 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((14))

*[*7:51 PM*]* DM*:* Roll a d6.

*[*7:51 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((3))

*[*7:51 PM*]* DM*:* Urrak's shoulder causes the door to creak, but it doesn't break or open.

*[*7:52 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Let me." Ryleigh kicks the door.

*[*7:53 PM*]* Urrak*: "A kvoul da dho Ovo Eavok ad urr didkavk kuavk dal dhak da hukkov..."* Urrak moves over as Ryleigh kicks and rubs her shoulder.(edited)

*[*7:53 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Stopstopstoppp!"

*[*7:53 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "We can just need the lock and open the blasted thing."(edited)

*[*7:54 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav casts mending on the lock.(edited)

*[*7:54 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh stops half way to kicking to the door.

*[*7:55 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "This is what I meant by the *terrible* sneaking."

*[*7:55 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "They're going to hear us if you beefcakes keep on drawing noise this way"

*[*7:56 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Want to try again, Nolanos?"

*[*7:57 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Well they're going to know we're here soon enough."

*[*7:58 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Yes but I'd rather we hold off on that for as long as possible," he says moving back to the door. He turns to Rav and smiles, " Thanks, love."(edited)

*[*8:00 PM*]* DM*:* Nolanos is distracted by Rav and manages to break it again. (Nat 1, 8)

*[*8:00 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "GOD.... *dammit*."(edited)

*[*8:01 PM*]* DM*:* It takes a couple minutes of mending and very careful lock work, but the door does eventually open.

*[*8:01 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh opens the door and peer in.

*[*8:02 PM*]* DM*:* This room looks relatively unspoiled by the orc presence. There’s clutter along the southern wall, a statue of an archer, some old, rotting furniture, a statue of a woman, her neck turned at an odd angle, and other items that were probably in storage while the keep was operational.

*[*8:02 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((history check?))

*[*8:03 PM*]* Nolanos*:* ((Investigation check?))

*[*8:03 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "There's a bunch of old stuff in here."

*[*8:03 PM*]* DM*:* You haven't actually entered to do a thorough search.

*[*8:04 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak pushes past Ryleigh to investigate, having only caught glimces of what's inside(edited)

*[*8:04 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos moves in, looking for traps and pretty things(edited)

*[*8:04 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav follows in behind them

*[*8:04 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh stays in the main room, just in case there's a threat.

*[*8:04 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((history check?))

*[*8:04 PM*]* DM*:* If you have History as a skill trained, you can roll it. Otherwise, perception if you're glancing, investigation if you're doing a thorough search.

*[*8:05 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((20 hist))

*[*8:05 PM*]* Nolanos*:* ((14 Investigation))(edited)

*[*8:06 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((17 investigation))

*[*8:06 PM*]* DM*:* Or if you have Religion trained, you can roll that.

*[*8:06 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((can I do both lol))

*[*8:06 PM*]* DM*:* Sure.

*[*8:06 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((17 religion))

*[*8:08 PM*]* DM*:* Nolanos rolled a 14.

*[*8:09 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak walks towards the statue of the woman and reaches towards it. She turns the statue's neck(edited)

*[*8:09 PM*]* DM*:* When you take the woman’s head and turn it to face forward, there’s a slight rumble, then a door opens in the southern wall, revealing a passage that continues into the darkness.

*[*8:10 PM*]* Urrak*:* "*Fancy...*"

*[*8:11 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "I don't like these *fancy* doors. But Ry was right. This is just some old Vatruvian stuff. Gunnloda will probably recognize the archer but that's about it from this room"

*[*8:11 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak waves Ryleigh in and walks into the passage

*[*8:12 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Alright." She blinks, "I was wrong, not a bunch of old stuff." She moves down the tunnel.

*[*8:11 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos's eyes get huge in excitement. "*Secret tunnel...*"

*[*8:12 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos also follows

*[*8:12 PM*]* DM*:* Urrak, give me perception and survival.

*[*8:13 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav starts quietly singing "*secret tunnel. Secret tunnel*" in elvish, an old folk song

*[*8:13 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((15 per, 3(nat1) survival...))(edited)

*[*8:14 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Hearing her singing, Nolanos turns and smiles "That's beautiful, Rav."

*[*8:15 PM*]* DM*:* CON save for Urrak. Nolanos, perception and survival. -nat 1 and 9 nature.

*[*8:16 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((12 con))

*[*8:17 PM*]* DM*:* Urrak starts coughing as she takes 8 points of poison damage as the mold on the wall spores in her face.

*[*8:17 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "I feel like this keep is giving us so many life lessons." Seir says as she leans over and watches Nolanos and Urrak.

*[*8:17 PM*]* DM*:* And you are poisoned for 1 minute, so disadvantage on pretty much anything.

*[*8:18 PM*]* Nolanos*:* ((Nolanos too?))

*[*8:18 PM*]* DM*:* No, you just didn't see it happen.

*[*8:19 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Fuck!" Urrak stumbles back a bit as she wipes at her face "D-Don't come in 'ere!" she coughs violently for a few moments

*[*8:19 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos turns at the sound of coughing, "what? What happened??"

*[*8:19 PM*]* DM*:* Give me another CON save, not at disadvantage.

*[*8:19 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "There we go again, with the noise. I was wrong about the life lessons." Seir mutters and turns so she's facing the door they came in.

*[*8:19 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((6))

*[*8:20 PM*]* DM*:* You cough more, 2 more points of poison damage.

*[*8:20 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "What's in there, Urrak? Are you okay?" Rav says and she rubs Urrak on the back

*[*8:21 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos covers his face and grabs Urrak by the scruff of her armor, pulling her out of the tunnel(edited)

*[*8:21 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda steps forward at the sound of coughing. "What's happened?"

*[*8:21 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak backs out of the tunnel "Some kinda...mold or somethin'"

*[*8:22 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Here, let's not waste any magic right now." Seir says, rummaging through her bag and taking out a healing potion, handing it to Urrak.

*[*8:22 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda puts her hand on Urrak's back and casts Resistance. "Are you ok?"

*[*8:22 PM*]* DM*:* Roll another CON save, plus a d4.

*[*8:22 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((history check on mold?))

*[*8:23 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((16+1))

*[*8:23 PM*]* DM*:* The coughing and damage stops, but you're still poisoned.

*[*8:23 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak holds on to the potion. "I'll be alright...ugh that was gross...."

*[*8:24 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Don't be a dumb ass, you said that last time and look what happened. Partly my fault, but still. Use the damn thing."(edited)

*[*8:24 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak begrudgingly drinks the potion

*[*8:25 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((16 nature check on mold))

*[*8:25 PM*]* DM*:* Roll perception too, Rav.

*[*8:26 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((7 perc))

*[*8:27 PM*]* DM*:* ....roll a CON save because you don't notice where the mold is until you're too close.

*[*8:27 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((10))

*[*8:27 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh walks over to Urrak, "I can stop the poison, hold on." She places a hand on Urrak and starts humming a prayer. ((expending 5 points of lay on hands for the day to neutralize the poison))(edited)

*[*8:27 PM*]* DM*:* Rav also starts coughing and takes 19 points of poison damage and is poisoned.

*[*8:29 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "We're all going to die and not by any of the orcs in here."

*[*8:29 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav backs out and starts hacking up a lung. "Yellow mold will do that to ya. It's too dark and damp in here. Sunlight and fire will do it if we want to pass through. But is there any other way around?"(edited)

*[*8:30 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Gruumsh,Rav, yer mad... Can't one of ye magic users burn that crap off th' walls?"(edited)

*[*8:30 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "I can burn whatever is in there."

*[*8:30 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Rav are you okay?? Why would-what were you thinking??"(edited)

*[*8:30 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda touches Rav and casts Resistance on her too.

*[*8:31 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Damnit Ravaphine." Ryleigh walks over to her and hums the same prayer she just used on Urrak (expending 5 points of lay on hands for the day to neutralize the poison).

*[*8:32 PM*]* DM*:* Urrak and Rav are both un-poisoned.

*[*8:33 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir shoves her other healing potion into Ravaphine's hands.

*[*8:33 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Curiosity killed the cat I guess. Sorry Ry, sorry everyone"

*[*8:33 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Everyone stand back." Ryleigh's voice is irritated and commanding. "Dawnbringer *is* sunlight - and this is why I should always go first." She withdraws Dawnbringer and steps into the tunnel.

*[*8:33 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "I could have just..." Seir rolls her eyes, "Why do I try?"

*[*8:34 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos reaches into a pouch at his hip and pulls out a health potion. "Here. Drink this, love. "

*[*8:34 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "You're welcome Ryleigh, but also thank you guys."

*[*8:34 PM*]* DM*:* Dawnbringer's light fills the tunnel, it almost seems to swell, and the mold shrivels away as the light pours over it.

*[*8:34 PM*]* DM*:* Nolanos's potion heals Rav 5 points.

*[*8:35 PM*]* DM*:* Ahead, Ryleigh can see that the tunnel turns to the left.

*[*8:36 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Come on you guys, the tunnel turns left up ahead."

*[*8:37 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak follows, cautiously

*[*8:37 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav takes Seir's potion (+7 hp) and follows "Thank you, Seir"(edited)

*[*8:37 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda calls ahead, "Be careful... that's a tight squeeze."

*[*8:38 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "You going to be okay?" she whispers to Gunnloda.

*[*8:40 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda nods at Seir and squeezes her hand in reassurance.

*[*8:38 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh continues forward, heeding Gunnloda's warning.

*[*8:40 PM*]* DM*:* Ryleigh finds a door at the end of the tunnel.

*[*8:42 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav follows in behind nolanos

*[*8:44 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos squeezes Rav's hand for a moment, "sorry I freaked out back there... I was worried, but I know you're an extremely smart person. You always do things with good reason. I'm sorry..."(edited)

*[*8:49 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav squeezes his hand back. "No, it's my fault. I'm sorry for not just trusting my gut. I wanted to just blast fire at those things but of course I had to get closer. Thank you for helping me though"

*[*8:50 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Nolanos, there's a door down here, would you mind checking it for traps?"

*[*8:53 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Oh, right. Um. Sorry." Nolanos says to Ryleigh, before squeezing Rav's hand again, "Of course, love." And he moves up to the door to see what's going on.

*[*8:56 PM*]* DM*:* Nolanos finds no traps (21), but has to try twice to get the lock to open (9, 10). The door is still closed.(edited)

*[*8:58 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Is this thing broken or something??" He says, inspecting his lockpick

*[*8:58 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "It just took more time than once, but let me go through first." Ryleigh opens the door cautiously and peeks in.(edited)

*[*9:00 PM*]* DM*:* This was apparently once a wizard’s laboratory. There are shelves of ancient magic tomes and materials, all crumbling to dust, tables and workstations, and a chest. What you notice first, though, are the two ghouls and the flying skull wreathed in green flame that are all looking in your direction as the door opens. Roll initiative.(edited)

*[*9:01 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((16))

*[*9:01 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* ((20))

*[*9:03 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((3))

*[*9:04 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda 14, Bri 20, Nolanos 22, Safika 5?!

*[*9:04 PM*]* Seirixori*:* ((4))

*[*9:04 PM*]* DM*:* @Nolanos !

*[*9:10 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos runs into the room, positioning himself so that he can line up the two ghouls, and uses his lightning breath against them.

*[*9:11 PM*]* Nolanos*:* ((8 dmg))

*[*9:12 PM*]* DM*:* They both save, but take 4 points of damage from the residual charge in the air.

*[*9:13 PM*]* DM*:* Anything else? Bonus action?

*[*9:15 PM*]* Nolanos*:* ((can he identify what the skull is?))

*[*9:15 PM*]* Nolanos*:* ((or is it literally just a flaming skull?))

*[*9:16 PM*]* DM*:* You can use your bonus to roll arcana or religion.

*[*9:17 PM*]* Nolanos*:* ((19 arcana))

*[*9:18 PM*]* DM*:* @Ryleigh !

*[*9:20 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh is going to move up the flame skull and strike it with Dawnbringer. ((17 hit, 12 dmg))

*[*9:21 PM*]* DM*:* The Flameskull hisses some lost language and Dawnbringer bounces from an invisible shield.

*[*9:21 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* ((end turn))

*[*9:21 PM*]* DM*:* (ty)

*[*9:22 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Just a heads up, that Flameskull has resistance to magic!" Nolanos yells back to the group. "Heh. Heads up..." he chuckles a bit, momentarily amused by his accidental pun.

*[*9:22 PM*]* DM*:* Brimeia will charge in and rage, but can't reach them.

*[*9:23 PM*]* DM*:* I need Ry, Bri, Nolanos, Urrak, and Rav to all make a DEX save and please forgive me as I roast all your asses.

*[*9:24 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* ((3))

*[*9:24 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((5.....))

*[*9:24 PM*]* DM*:* The flameskull's flames dim and the eyes get brighter, then a streak of red energy burst from its sockets and explodes in the hall behind Nolanos, causing the entire area to become engulfed in flame.

*[*9:24 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((10))

*[*9:24 PM*]* Nolanos*:* ((16))

*[*9:26 PM*]* DM*:* Bri takes 5 because save and resistance. Nolanos takes 10, Ry and Urrak, take 20 fire damage. Rav, roll a d4 because you still have that resistance from Gunnloda.

*[*9:26 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((3))

*[*9:26 PM*]* DM*:* Just enough. You take 10 points.

*[*9:27 PM*]* DM*:* @Urrak !

*[*9:28 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak is gonna run in and swing her greatsword at the nearest ghoul

*[*9:28 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((10, 12))

*[*9:29 PM*]* DM*:* The ghoul sidesteps the blade.

*[*9:30 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((end turn))

*[*9:31 PM*]* DM*:* Ghoul 2 will claw at Urrak.

*[*9:31 PM*]* DM*:* But it misses (10).

*[*9:35 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak attempts to use her riposte to attack the ghoul as it misses her, but the pain of her burns clouds her mind and she misses again ((10,17))

*[*9:35 PM*]* DM*:* At the sound of the explosion, Gunnloda glances at Seir then takes off in a ridiculously fast dash, crossing to the other corner of the room before casting healing word on Ryleigh. (8 hp)

*[*9:37 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh is breathing a little heavy but smiles at Gunnloda, "Thank you."

*[*9:38 PM*]* DM*:* Ghoul 1 rushes up to Brimeia. The claws sink in, but Bri's rage halves the damage to 4, and her CON 10 manages to prevent the paralysis from sinking in.

*[*9:39 PM*]* DM*:* Safika isn't dumb enough to cluster up with everyone, but she can't get real far, so she moves, uses her bonus action to disengage to slip past the ghouls, and dashes for her action to clear the group.

*[*9:39 PM*]* DM*:* Seir!

*[*9:41 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir walks up to Ravaphine and touches her shoulder as she moves past to stand in front of her, using cure wounds. "You seem to get yourself into a lot of trouble, Ravaphine." ((9 CW)) and then switches into Dinoseir but doesn't move any farther.(edited)

*[*9:45 PM*]* DM*:* Rav!

*[*9:48 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Thank you Seir. I wonder what else this shop of horrors has in store for us. Watch out, the flame skull has magic resistance" She walks up behind nolanos and casts 2 magic missiles at ghoul 1 and one at 2

*[*9:49 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((6dmg 1, 4 dmg 2))

*[*9:50 PM*]* DM*:* The bolts of force energy smack into them, but they don't look particularly fazed.

*[*9:51 PM*]* DM*:* Nolanos!

*[*9:55 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos scoots along the wall behind Ryleigh, pulls out his Thunder Cannon (name tbd), and fires at the Flameskull.(edited)

*[*9:56 PM*]* Nolanos*:* ((22a 11d))

*[*9:56 PM*]* Nolanos*:* As a bonus action, he reloads.

*[*9:56 PM*]* Nolanos*:* ((turn))

*[*9:57 PM*]* DM*:* There's a huge crack of what sounds like thunder when Nolanos raises the biggest fucking wand any of you have ever seen and there's a spray of bone shards as it catches the side of the flameskull and creates a big chunky hole in its side.

*[*10:00 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos blinks at the noise, not quite expecting it to be so... forceful. Gleeful, he mutters something excitedly in Draconic.

*[*9:57 PM*]* DM*:* Ryleigh!

*[*9:58 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh raises Dawnbringer again and tries to hit the skull once more! ((16 hit, 15 dmg))

*[*9:59 PM*]* DM*:* It casts Shield again and her attack bounces off.

*[*9:59 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* ((end turn))

*[*10:01 PM*]* DM*:* Brimeia takes advantage of the fact that the enemies are grouped together and squeezes past Urrak to take a swing at the flameskull without drawing an attack from ghoul 1. (20, 18 slashing)

*[*10:02 PM*]* DM*:* Two spectral human warriors with huge bulky muscles seem to step out of her body and surround the flameskull, their own giant axes in hand.

*[*10:05 PM*]* DM*:* The flameskull casts blur on itself and moves away, prompting attacks of opportunity at disadvantage from Ryleigh and Bri if they want to take them.

*[*10:06 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* ((11 hit, 14dmg - I am rolling low tonight ugh))(edited)

*[*10:06 PM*]* DM*:* (at disadvantage, but that misses anyway)

*[*10:06 PM*]* DM*:* Bri also misses with a 13.

*[*10:06 PM*]* DM*:* @Urrak !

*[*10:09 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak will swing her greatsword at the ghoul in front of her *"Budk da horr vadh avai!*"
 ((23,13)). She then sweeps the blade across to hit the other ghoul ((Sweep 1))(edited)

*[*10:10 PM*]* DM*:* The blade slashes right through ghoul 1, causing it to fall re-dead, and the ghoul next to it gets a papercut.

*[*10:11 PM*]* DM*:* Ghoul 2 is kinda mad though cause that *stung* so it's gonna claw at you again and miss.

*[*10:11 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((riposte....))

*[*10:13 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak takes advantage of the ghouls miss and runs it through with her greatsword ((27 (nat 20), 18dmg +4)) She curses it in orcish and spits on its re-dead corpse.(edited)

*[*10:13 PM*]* DM*:* It's not only dead or re-dead.. It's super-dead.

*[*10:16 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda hesitates... heal Urrak or stop the thing from killing everyone, but she closes with her hammer. (19, 7) The hammer smacks into the skull despite its blurry outline, and bounces off the wall, but it's still floating.

*[*10:17 PM*]* DM*:* Safika, though... now can use her sneak attack. She pulls a dagger from her belt and chucks it at the skull. And she pins it to the wall where it had bounced off. (21, 8+7)

*[*10:18 PM*]* DM*:* End initiative.

*[*10:19 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Well, that was unexpected... I wonder what it was guarding." ((inv?))(edited)

*[*10:19 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "I'm afraid to touch anything in this room"

*[*10:19 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir walks in, sees the dead bodies, rolls her dinoseir eyes and walks back out to watch the door.

*[*10:20 PM*]* DM*:* Go ahead, Nolanos.

*[*10:20 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda walks up to Urrak and heals her for 8 hp.

*[*10:20 PM*]* Nolanos*:* ((10))

*[*10:20 PM*]* Urrak*: "Fidkavk horr ad doork rako nav kkav ak kaavk da durr add..."* she tenderly touches a bit of singed skin "Thank ye, Gunnloda..."

*[*10:21 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((Can rav walk in and look but not touch anything lol))

*[*10:21 PM*]* DM*:* Sure. Investigation with disadvantage. lol

*[*10:21 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((14))

*[*10:22 PM*]* DM*:* Nolanos finds and opens the chest. Inside is 2200 cp, 800 sp, 60gp, two sets of engraved bone dice, 2 copper chalices, and a small gold bracelet (total value 287 gp) and a blue horn-shaped flask with a gold stopper.

*[*10:22 PM*]* DM*:* Rav finds two potions, both red.

*[*10:23 PM*]* Nolanos*:* ((!!!!!!!))

*[*10:25 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Frustrated that she didn't *really* contribute, Ryleigh follows Seir and leans against the wall, watching the door.

*[*10:25 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos takes all of these. ((does the flask seem to have any magical essence to it?))

*[*10:26 PM*]* DM*:* You can't tell unless you cast detect magic, but you can now do that with 10 minutes and 6 seconds and not use any spell slots or anything. You can also Identify an object in 11 minutes.(edited)

*[*10:27 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos sits were he's standing and casts detect magic.

*[*10:28 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Let's keep movin'. We can admire th' shinies back at th' Cask..." Urrak walks out of the room to collect Ryleigh

"C'mon, yer our light."(edited)

*[*10:28 PM*]* DM*:* Safika goes over and plucks her dagger out of the wall and the skull falls to the ground in pieces.

*[*10:28 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda follows Seir out of the room.

*[*10:28 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav pockets the potions and follows the others

*[*10:30 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir's tapping her sharp talon feet, cleary impatient.

*[*10:31 PM*]* DM*:* You guys leave Nolanos sitting in the room staring at nothing as he waves his hands and mutters under his breath. After ten minutes, he can see an aura around the flask, and a faint ring shape below Safika's collarbone. The Flameskull is glowing slightly, but everything else seems to have faded.

*[*10:32 PM*]* Nolanos*:* he investigates the Flameskull further ((19))(edited)

*[*10:32 PM*]* DM*:* It looks like pieces of a broken skull.

*[*10:33 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Shrugging, he gathers the pieces and puts them in his bag. He'll research it in Bellbury.

*[*10:34 PM*]* Nolanos*:* ((is the mold still active in the tunnel?))

*[*10:34 PM*]* DM*:* No.

*[*10:35 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos joins the rest of the party. "Sorry about that, guys."

*[*10:35 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Alright, let's get going, this way." Ryleigh motions to the other door. ((was this one just an arch that was open? or an actual door?))(edited)

*[*10:36 PM*]* DM*:* A door to the north, then there's an archway that was the portcullis.

*[*10:38 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh leads the others through the archway.

*[*10:39 PM*]* DM*:* The southern end of this room looks like another staging area, but this one composed of bodies. Judging by their clothes and items, it is the remains of a traveling trader and his bodyguards. There’s a chest sitting next to their bodies as well. There’s also another wooden door headed further west.

*[*10:39 PM*]* DM*:* The orc bodies have been removed, but these ones have been left to rot

*[*10:41 PM*]* Nolanos*:* ((we've been in this room before, right? this is the probably trapped chest room?))(edited)

*[*10:42 PM*]* DM*:* Yes.

*[*10:42 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak looks over the bodyguard's corpses. ((17inv))(edited)

*[*10:43 PM*]* DM*:* Urrak finds a total of 6 gp among them, but anything else of value, weapons, etc., has already been removed from their corpses.

*[*10:42 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos approaches the chest, keeping an eye out for any traps on/around it.((22))(edited

*[*10:44 PM*]* DM*:* The chest is trapped.

*[*10:45 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos attempts to disarm the trap then((12 thieves tools))(edited)

*[*10:43 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh clenches her fists at the sight and grits her teeth. She moves past the bodies and to the door, "Nolanos, can you check this door first?"

*[*10:44 PM*]* DM*:* Safika comes up to the door and checks it while Nolanos is distracted by the chest. "Looks clear, Ryleigh." (7)

*[*10:46 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh nods to Safika, her voice less commanding, "thank you..." and opens the door to peek inside.

*[*10:48 PM*]* DM*:* There's a lot of orc detritus in the next room and fresh blood from your previous fight, as well as a great bloody sword hung on the wall, but no orcs.... but that might change soon because when Nolanos tries to disarm the trapped chest, it magically starts clanging loudly enough to cause 1 point of thunder damage to Nolanos.

*[*10:48 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "shitshitshitshit"

*[*10:50 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh glares back at him, anger apparent in her eyes, "Are you fucking kidding me? Do you *want* everyone to know we're here. Gods! we need to move, now." She pushes through the door to the next room.(edited)

*[*10:50 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir follows her.

*[*10:50 PM*]* Urrak*:* "If yer sticky fingers get us killed, dragonboy, I will find ye in the afterlife and kill ye again!" Urrak follows Ryleigh(edited)

*[*10:52 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Goddammit." Nolanos gets up to leave with the group, leaving the chest closed, hoping it'll stop the noise.

*[*10:53 PM*]* DM*:* There's a door along the southern wall.

*[*10:53 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav places a hand on his shoulder while following him to the group. "*I'm sorry*" she whispers in draconic

*[*10:55 PM*]* Nolanos*:* He looks at her, surprised for a second that she even *knows* draconic, but then looks down, embarassed, "*No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that...*"(edited)

*[*10:54 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh rushes to the door and presses her ear to it, listening for any sound on the other side.

*[*10:54 PM*]* DM*:* Perception

*[*10:55 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* ((14))

*[*10:55 PM*]* DM*:* You don't hear anything.

*[*10:56 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Would you check for traps?" asking either of the two people who do that.

*[*10:56 PM*]* Nolanos*:* ((did the ringing stop?))

*[*10:56 PM*]* DM*:* No. Not yet.

*[*10:58 PM*]* DM*:* Safika approaches the door and looks it over. (15) She puts her hand on it and looks at Ryleigh. "Ready?"

*[*10:59 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* She nods and draws Dawnbringer just in case.

*[*11:00 PM*]* DM*:* Safika opens the door with herself on the other side like a shield so Ryleigh can see through... to a hallway. There's a portcullis on the other side of the hall that leads to where you had your big battle the last time. There's lots of blood, but no bodies.

*[*11:02 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh huffs, "its caved in, we can't get through."(edited)

*[*11:02 PM*]* DM*:* This hall is still collapsed.

*[*11:03 PM*]* Nolanos*:* ((is there a doorway down there?))

*[*11:03 PM*]* DM*:* Down the collapsed hallway? You have no idea.

*[*11:04 PM*]* DM*:* There's a portcullis across the hall from the door you're going through right now.

*[*11:05 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Let's double back and try a different way."

*[*11:06 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Aye, we're just re-tracin' our steps at this point..." Urrak kicks at a bit of rubble on the floor.

*[*11:11 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh turns to Nolanos, advancing on him, her voice is low and deadly, "*listen* I'm not here for treasure or reward. I'm here to do a job and to make sure the people of Bellbury are safe from this danger. I won't put my life or theirs at risk any longer because you like shiny things. You can either follow me or *leave*. I won't give you another warning."

*[*11:13 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* She turns and leaves the room to go back the way they came.

*[*11:13 PM*]* DM*:* The portcullis to the next room is on the south wall of the hall.

*[*11:15 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* ((is it closed?))

*[*11:17 PM*]* DM*:* Yes.

*[*11:18 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh walks over to the portcullis and looks for a way to open it.

*[*11:18 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos is very put off by this, and hangs in the back with Ravaphine.

*[*11:18 PM*]* DM*:* You remember it had to be lifted last time.

*[*11:18 PM*]* Urrak*:* "I'm done waitin'. Let's get the fuck on with it." Urrak attempts to lift the portcullis

*[*11:18 PM*]* DM*:* Athletics check.

*[*11:19 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((9))

*[*11:19 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* ((um can Ry help, since shes standing there?))

*[*11:19 PM*]* DM*:* Yes. Roll again for advantage, Urrak.

*[*11:19 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((21))

*[*11:20 PM*]* DM*:* The portcullis lifts into the space above it with a rattle and locks into place with a thunk.

*[*11:20 PM*]* DM*:* This room has a lot of blood on the floor, but no bodies, as you saw through the grates.

*[*11:20 PM*]* DM*:* There's an open archway to the south and a closed door to the west.

*[*11:22 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh walks through the now open gate, cautious in her steps as she walks through the room, "Let's try the door first, check for traps?"

*[*11:22 PM*]* Urrak*:* "I got yer traps right here." Urrak pushes past Ryleigh and kicks at the door

*[*11:23 PM*]* DM*:* Athletics.

*[*11:23 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh attempts to grab Urrak a little to late, "Urrak, no!"(edited)

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

*[*11:25 PM*]* DM*:* With Ryleigh's protest and the sudden memory of almost dying in the room behind this door thanks to a Red Fang of Shargaas and his minions, Urrak stumbles and almost falls over, but ends up crashing through the door anyway... into an empty room.

*[*11:25 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Ha! Fuck you, door." Urrak gets up clumsily and brushes herself off

*[*11:27 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh rushes forward stepping into the room and up to Urrak, "you idiot! have you learned nothing while we've been here? you can't go busting through doors. It *can* get you killed!"(edited)

*[*11:27 PM*]* Urrak*:* "What? It worked, didn't it?"

*[*11:27 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir ignores all that and slowly makes her way to the open doorway to the south to peek into the other room.

*[*11:28 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh huffs at Urrak's response and finally looks around the room to see if there's another door.

*[*11:30 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak smiles when she sees Ryleigh all worked up, but the memories of last night slowly form a pit in her stomach and wipes the grin from her face. "A-anythin' in there?"

*[*11:30 PM*]* DM*:* Seir can see into the room where the hall leads down the stairs to the cages, but also a door set into the eastern wall you hadn't opened before.

*[*11:30 PM*]* DM*:* Roll perception, Seir.

*[*11:31 PM*]* DM*:* There is nothing in the side room.

*[*11:31 PM*]* Seirixori*:* ((19))

*[*11:31 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* Brimeia looks to see if there are any other doors around the room besides the two

*[*11:32 PM*]* DM*:* There's the portcullis you opened to the north, the door Urrak broke to the east, and the archway Seir's at to the south.

*[*11:32 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Nothing here. Come on." She motions for Urrak to follow her out of the room, "and please stop being careless with your life. It pisses me off."

*[*11:34 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Well...alright then, Commander. I'll...be more careful." she's surprised and touched by Ryleigh's concern. She follows close behind(edited)

*[*11:34 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir growls and motions with her *little* arms to stop and points to a raised flagstone in front of the door she's at.

*[*11:36 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh raises an eyebrow at Seir, "I got the 'stop' part but are you saying there's a trap?"

*[*11:36 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* Brimeia pauses. "What is it?"

*[*11:36 PM*]* Seirixori*:* She just shrugs and waves her hand a bit, kind of like *maybe*?

*[*11:38 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav goes behind Seir takes a look at what she's looking at ((can I also roll perception?))

*[*11:38 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh smiles, "sharp eyes Seirixori, good job." Then turns to the others, "this might be a trap, would any of you check to see there's a way to disarm it?"(edited)

*[*11:38 PM*]* DM*:* Go ahead.

*[*11:39 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((21p))

*[*11:39 PM*]* DM*:* Safika gestures to Nolanos to ask if he wants to do the honors.

*[*11:39 PM*]* DM*:* You see a slightly raised flagstone in front of the door.

*[*11:40 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos gestures to her in return."I don't want to have all the fun."

*[*11:41 PM*]* DM*:* Safika shrugs and kneels down with her tools. There's a click. (11) Perception checks all around.

*[*11:41 PM*]* Seirixori*:* ((18))

*[*11:41 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((7))

*[*11:41 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((21))

*[*11:41 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* ((nat 20, but 19))

*[*11:42 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* ((5))

*[*11:42 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda 14, Safika 9

*[*11:43 PM*]* Nolanos*:* ((16))

*[*11:45 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleighs face looks puzzled before she announces to the others, "I heard something...it sounded like chain rattling and a thunk."(edited)

*[*11:45 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Knowin' this place...that can't be good."

*[*11:45 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Oh, joy."

*[*11:46 PM*]* DM*:* Though... now that you listen for it, you don't hear the chest clanging anymore at least.

*[*11:46 PM*]* DM*:* Safika stands. "That... might have been my fault. I'm not sure what it did, but... trap's done."

*[*11:47 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "It's fine, Safika. It happens. We should probably figure out whats going to happen though. Or avoid it, at least."(edited)

*[*11:48 PM*]* DM*:* Safika: "If it hasn't happened yet, it's probably something that happened somewhere else. We should keep going."

*[*11:49 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh nods, "at least you're learning, Nolanos. Lets keep moving" she walks through the portcullis.

*[*11:49 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak follows behind, sword ready

*[*11:49 PM*]* DM*:* This room is relatively empty save the blood splatters and general refuse. A hall leads east to a set of stairs going down. There’s also a door along the eastern wall.

*[*11:49 PM*]* Nolanos*:* He grimaces a bit at that, but carries on anyway.

*[*11:49 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir follows along going to the door along the wall.(edited)

*[*11:51 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh walks over to the door as well, "alright, no charging this door. Nolanos, do you want to check for traps?"(edited)

*[*11:53 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "...sure." He steps forward and checks.

*[*11:53 PM*]* DM*:* Investigation.

*[*11:54 PM*]* Nolanos*:* ((crit fail.))

*[*11:54 PM*]* DM*:* No traps. Seems to be unlocked.

*[*11:55 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Looks good to me, but knowing this place, there's probably something. Safika, can you take a look too?"

*[*11:57 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "If it looks fine to you than I'm sure it is." Ryleigh grabs the door knob and opens it.

*[*11:57 PM*]* DM*:* No traps. It's unlocked. However, with all the noise, the four orcs inside are ready and three javelins fly towards the open door and miss because Ryleigh raises her shield in time. Roll initiative.(edited)

*[*11:58 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* ((4))

*[*11:58 PM*]* Seirixori*:* ((10))

*[*11:58 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((13))

*[*11:58 PM*]* Urrak*:* ((16))

*[*11:58 PM*]* Nolanos*:* ((20))

*[*11:58 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* ((13))

December 27, 2017

*[*12:00 AM*]* DM*:* The war hearth burns here, a hole in the ceiling allowing for the smoke to clear. Along the eastern wall, are a wooden door and a massive demon’s face carved in the wall.

*[*12:00 AM*]* DM*:* (Gunnloda 7, Safika 10)

*[*12:00 AM*]* DM*:* Nolanos!

*[*12:02 AM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos moves into the doorway, Thunder Canon in hand, and shoots the most threatening looking one of the 4.

*[*12:03 AM*]* Nolanos*:* ((17a 12d))

*[*12:03 AM*]* Nolanos*:* ((which one would that be?))

*[*12:04 AM*]* DM*:* The war chief, a massive orc in chainmail with a greataxe jerks slightly as the bullet pierces his shoulder, but he just growls at the dragonborn.

*[*12:05 AM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos gives him a small, cheeky wave before backing out of the doorway, pressing his back against the wall and reloading.

*[*12:06 AM*]* Nolanos*:* ((turn))

*[*12:06 AM*]* DM*:* Myev will grab his other javelin rather than closing and chuck it at the thing standing in front of the doorway- a dinoseir. (19 a, 6 damage)(edited)

*[*12:06 AM*]* DM*:* The javelin's tip slices across Seir's torso, leaving a bloody stripe under one of her arms.

*[*12:08 AM*]* DM*:* The War Chief steps to the side and hucks a spear at the dinosaur too. And I forgot to turn off whisper, so you'll just have to believe me when I say that it also hits (23a, 8 piercing), catching her in the shoulder before falling to the ground.

*[*12:09 AM*]* DM*:* Urrak!

*[*12:13 AM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak runs forward and blocks the door with her large frame. She reaches into her bag and hurls a javelin at the nearest orc ((14, 10))

*[*12:13 AM*]* DM*:* It hits! He takes a javelin to the gut.

*[*12:14 AM*]* Urrak*: "Tremble before a warrior of D'Akshi!"* she bellows at the orc ((Menace +1)) (end turn)(edited)

*[*12:16 AM*]* DM*:* Mugrub is ascurred of Urrak.

*[*12:16 AM*]* DM*:* @Kyris - Brimeia !

*[*12:21 AM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* Brimeia runs up to stand with the others and growls as she enters rage and chucks a javelin at one of the orcs.

*[*12:21 AM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* ((24 atk, 10 dmg))

*[*12:21 AM*]* DM*:* Which orc?

*[*12:22 AM*]* DM*:* And remember, the first one you hit is the one that gets your ancestors

*[*12:22 AM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* Err, the chief guy

*[*12:23 AM*]* DM*:* As Brimeia enters her rage, the two spectral humans with their axes emerge from her and follow her javelin as it streaks through the room and hits the war chief. They heft their own weapons and take positions next to the chief.

*[*12:24 AM*]* DM*:* @Ravaphine !

*[*12:24 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav moves forward to see the inside of the room and casts web at the 3 orcs she can see and the fire

*[*12:24 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((turn))

*[*12:25 AM*]* DM*:* Roll your 2d4.

*[*12:26 AM*]* DM*:* The web blankets the area and immediately bursts into flame as it covers the fire... but it burns so fast that each orc only takes 2 damage.

*[*12:27 AM*]* DM*:* Mugrub is frightened of Urrak, so he can't move closer to her and has disadvantage on attacks, but he's almost dead so he's gonna chuck his last javelin anyway. At Urrak. But he misses because of course he does.

*[*12:29 AM*]* DM*:* Safika thinks twice about doing that dumbass move and gets behind the others to chuck a dagger. It sticks into Mugrub and he dies. (17, 7)

*[*12:29 AM*]* DM*:* Seir!

*[*12:32 AM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir gets past her friendos and goes for the war chief.

((1st claw 21a, 6dmg
 2nd :: 18a, 4dmg
 1st bite:: 12a, 6dmg
 bonus bite:: 23a, 4dmg))(edited)

*[*12:33 AM*]* DM*:* Suddenly this dinosaur with two bloody gashes just tears past the others and jumps on the war chief's face, knocking him down, digging her giant claws into his chest and snapping once on open air as she's surprised it hit at all, let alone knocked him over, but then she bites his face as she rides him to the ground. (14 total)

*[*12:36 AM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda points her hammer at the prone chief and shouts an invocation, but the chief manages to shrug it off. (Hold Person)

*[*12:37 AM*]* DM*:* Bajok is going to try to get the little weird lizard thing off his chief with his axe. What's Seir's AC?

*[*12:37 AM*]* Seirixori*:* ((13))

*[*12:38 AM*]* DM*:* Just hits for 13 damage.

*[*12:38 AM*]* DM*:* The axe slams into dinoseir and she instantly changes back to her tiefling form, taking one point of carryover damage.

*[*12:38 AM*]* DM*:* @Ryleigh !

*[*12:42 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh rushes into the room and moves to Seir's side saying, "don't worry, you're not alone." Then says to the war chief, "I show mercy only to those who deserve it, and I smite all those who do not - you will die by blade, Orc." As she rams Dawnbringer into his chest. ((21 hit, 13 + 11 smite dmg))(edited)

*[*12:46 AM*]* DM*:* Dawnbringer's blade pulses with radiant energy as it plunges into the chief's chest, and he howls with pain, but is still alive. He looks bad though.

*[*12:46 AM*]* DM*:* Nolanos!

*[*12:47 AM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos comes back into the room, another shot prepared, and fires at the chief again.

*[*12:47 AM*]* Nolanos*:* ((15a 7d))

*[*12:48 AM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos goes back around the wall, reloading his gun.

*[*12:48 AM*]* DM*:* Because he's prone, it should be at disadvantage, but 15 misses anyway. The shot strikes the ground near his body.

*[*12:48 AM*]* DM*:* Myev is going to use his axe against Ryleigh, and misses.

*[*12:51 AM*]* DM*:* The War Chief is going to stand up and shout his Battle Cry, giving all the orcs advantage until the next time it's his turn, then he's going to take a swing at the thing that bit his face, even if it's not a dinosaur anymore. The ancestral guardians try to intervene, but because he has advantage now, it cancels the disadvantage for a straight roll... which is a critical hit. Seir takes 6 damage as the axe cuts straight into her shoulder... and those of you in the back room see Gunnloda stagger and a bit of blood seeps from her shoulder in the same place.(edited)

*[*12:52 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* ((I want to use my reaction! I get to hit him because he didn't hit me))(edited)

*[*12:52 AM*]* DM*:* (Which one?)

*[*12:53 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* ((my feat, he hit seir and he's in melee range of me so I get to hit him))

*[*12:53 AM*]* DM*:* Go for it.

*[*12:53 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* ((NOOOOOO, 11 hit, 16dmg))

*[*12:55 AM*]* DM*:* Ryleigh swings wildly with Dawnbringer to try to retaliate after he hits Seir, but her anger makes her miss.

*[*12:56 AM*]* DM*:* Urrak!

*[*1:04 AM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak runs around the blazing war hearth and brings her greatsword down on the War Chief ((12, 17))

*[*1:05 AM*]* DM*:* The chief blocks it with his axe.

*[*1:05 AM*]* Urrak*:* She uses her Action Surge to take another swing

*[*1:06 AM*]* Urrak*:* ((10,15))

*[*1:06 AM*]* DM*:* He sidesteps it and chuckles in a low, gravelly voice and mutters something in Orc.

*[*1:07 AM*]* DM*:* Brimeia!

*[*1:08 AM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* Brimeia moves up and takes a swing at the nearest orc guy.

*[*1:09 AM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* ((nat 1, 7 atk))

*[*1:10 AM*]* DM*:* The axe slips from her grip and she has to lunge forward to get it back under control again, missing Myev.

*[*1:10 AM*]* DM*:* Ravaphine!

*[*1:10 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav gets to the doorway and casts magic missile at chief

*[*1:11 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((9dmg))

*[*1:11 AM*]* DM*:* The bolts smack into him, but he's working himself into a frenzy and barely feels it.

*[*1:12 AM*]* DM*:* Seir!

*[*1:16 AM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir shakes off the attack from before and places a hand to her chest, bark covering her skin as she shifts into a dire wolf.

*[*1:18 AM*]* DM*:* Safika is going to step inside and hurl a dagger at the chief, then she shouts to Ryleigh, "Left ribs!" (26a, 9d)(edited)

*[*1:20 AM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda felt the sting of that axe, but seeing Seir back in wild shape, she relaxes just a little and fires a Sacred Flame at the chief because she doesn't want to get closer just yet. (2dmg)

*[*1:20 AM*]* DM*:* However, as all this is happening...

*[*1:23 AM*]* DM*:* A sphere of darkness envelops the area around the door.

*[*1:23 AM*]* DM*:* Bajok takes a swing at Urrak (with advantage thanks to Battle Cry), but 15 misses, yes?

*[*1:24 AM*]* Urrak*:* yes

*[*1:24 AM*]* DM*:* Ryleigh!

*[*1:27 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Listening to Safika's suggestion Ryleigh thrusts Dawnbringer into the war chief's left-side ribs. ((19 hit, 11 dmg))

*[*1:27 AM*]* DM*:* The howl he gives is cut short as Dawnbringer burns his lung from the inside and he falls.

*[*1:28 AM*]* DM*:* Your old friend ~~Eggnog~~ Engong also comes around the corner from downstairs and enters the darkness.

*[*1:29 AM*]* DM*:* He can't double move, though, because he can't *see* the enemies.

*[*1:29 AM*]* DM*:* Nolanos!

*[*1:29 AM*]* Nolanos*:* ((does he know not-eggnog is there?))

*[*1:31 AM*]* DM*:* No. You are effectively blind.

*[*1:31 AM*]* DM*:* You know the ones in the other room are there, you know where the door is if you want to move, but you don't know about the two inside.(edited)

*[*1:34 AM*]* Nolanos*:* Then he'll shoot at the orc that is being flanked by Seir and Urrak from the doorway.

*[*1:34 AM*]* DM*:* Disadvantage.

*[*1:34 AM*]* Nolanos*:* ((7))

*[*1:35 AM*]* DM*:* Nolanos is trying so hard not to hit his friends where he thinks he remembers them being that he fires too high and misses.

*[*1:36 AM*]* Nolanos*:* And he's going to return to where he was and reload.

*[*1:36 AM*]* DM*:* Myev is going to take a swing at Bri. (22, 14 halved to 7).

*[*1:36 AM*]* DM*:* Urrak!

*[*1:37 AM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak is gonna take a stab at the closest orc

*[*1:37 AM*]* Urrak*:* ((12,14))

*[*1:37 AM*]* DM*:* That insult the chief used must have really gotten under her skin.

*[*1:37 AM*]* DM*:* Brimeia!

*[*1:39 AM*]* DM*:* She swings at Myev again, but misses once more. (12, 18)

*[*1:40 AM*]* DM*:* Rav! You did not see the two enter the darkness.(edited)

*[*1:41 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav moves up within range of Myev and casts poison spray on him

*[*1:42 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((3dmg))

*[*1:42 AM*]* DM*:* He coughs as he takes 3 poison damage to the face.

*[*1:43 AM*]* DM*:* Seir!

*[*1:44 AM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir bites at the orc to her left. ((14a, 5dmg))

*[*1:45 AM*]* DM*:* She gnaws on his leg a little.

*[*1:46 AM*]* DM*:* Safika will step into the light and feint at Myev before tossing a dagger at Bajok. (21, 13) Bajok falls with a dagger in his eye and Ryleigh gets advantage against Myev on her next turn.

*[*1:49 AM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda will also go toward where she remembered the light (and Seir), but that will prompt an attack from the Fang. It gets her for 14 damage as she enters the room.

*[*1:49 AM*]* DM*:* Once inside, she heals herself for 9 selfish points.

*[*1:50 AM*]* DM*:* The Fang, though. He's lost his favorite target... but there's someone else sitting here in the dark with him.

*[*1:50 AM*]* DM*:* Lucky for Nolanos, he misses both his scimitar attacks... but Nolanos knows there's someone in the dark now.

*[*1:51 AM*]* DM*:* Ryleigh!

*[*1:52 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh swings Dawnbringer at the remaining orc's neck. ((25 hit, 13 dmg))

*[*1:52 AM*]* DM*:* Thanks to him ducking away from Safika's feint, he was caught off balance and Ryleigh managed to swoop in and take his head.

*[*1:53 AM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos, now knowing that he's not alone, shoots at the space where the attacks came from

*[*1:53 AM*]* DM*:* Engong is going to attack at disadvantage first and misses.

*[*1:54 AM*]* DM*:* Go ahead Nolanos

*[*1:54 AM*]* Nolanos*:* ((OMG THATS 2 NAT 20S))(edited)

*[*1:55 AM*]* DM*:* The bullet catches the Fang, but he manages to save on concentration on the darkness.

*[*1:55 AM*]* Nolanos*:* ((20 DAMAGE))

*[*1:56 AM*]* DM*:* Do you dare move?

*[*1:56 AM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos reloads and stays put, yelling to the group, "A LITTLE HELP IN HERE WOULD BE GREAT, GUYS."

*[*1:56 AM*]* DM*:* Urrak!

*[*1:59 AM*]* Urrak*:* Upon hearing the gun blast and Nolanos' yell, Urrak runs to the door and uses her Javelin of Lightning at what she hopes are the enemies ((14))(edited)

*[*2:02 AM*]* DM*:* They both take half damage as they dodge the lightning (4 each)

*[*2:03 AM*]* DM*:* Brimeia will... come up and see if she can clear the doorway. (13, 16) Eggnog is no more and Bri gets a present from Eya.

*[*2:03 AM*]* DM*:* Rav!

*[*2:04 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav will turn around will cast firebolt into the darkness of the doorway

*[*2:05 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((13,5))(edited)

*[*2:05 AM*]* DM*:* roll again for disadvantage

*[*2:05 AM*]* DM*:* The flame misses, but you can't tell cause it vanishes into the darkness.

*[*2:06 AM*]* DM*:* Seir!

*[*2:08 AM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir takes a second to glance at Gunnloda and then rushes through the door, using her nose to guide her a little and takes a bite at something she hopes isn't Nolanos. ((8))(edited)

*[*2:08 AM*]* DM*:* She unfortunately bites down on air.

*[*2:11 AM*]* DM*:* Safika is going to get in close so she doesn't accidentally stab a friendly, then uses the dagger to sort of spin the fang around a little so Ryleigh has a better angle on him. (Ryleigh gets advantage on her next attack) "Now, Ry!" (21a, 15d) The darkness fades as the orc's concentration fails.(edited)

*[*2:12 AM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda can't do much at the moment, but she'll come closer to the cluster i the doorway. The Fang really didn't like being stabbed. He slashes at Safika for 40 points of damage and she is on the ground.

*[*2:13 AM*]* DM*:* Ryleigh!

*[*2:19 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh lets a scream tear from her throat as Safika falls to the ground. Enraged, Ryleigh drops her shield and grasps Dawnbringer with two hands charging the orc and aiming to take off its head. ((26 hit, 20 dmg))(edited)

*[*2:20 AM*]* DM*:* Take off its head, she does. Dawnbringer pulses with the smite's energy and almost seems to feed off Ryleigh's righteous anger and the orc never even knew what hit it before Ryleigh baseball swings and hits a home run.

*[*2:20 AM*]* DM*:* End of initiative.

*[*2:22 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav picks up Ryleigh's shield to make sure it doesn't get forgotten

*[*2:24 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh drops to her knees, her eyes brimmed with tears. She cradles Safika's face in her hands and she begins to hum a prayer, healing Safika for 10 HP, using the last of her holy power.(edited)

*[*2:26 AM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos silently goes into the room with the fire and slumps into the corner. It has been a long day and he just needs to *sit.*(edited)

*[*2:27 AM*]* DM*:* Safika's eyes fly open as she regains consciousness and she sees Ryleigh and realizes what must have happened. She covers one of Ryleigh's hands with hers. "See? Knew I'd be safe."(edited)

*[*2:29 AM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak looks at the two for a moment and feels a small bit of pain in her chest. She walks back into the room and stares into the war hearth, arms crossed. She doesn't speak.

## Devil's Food Redux

*[*2:33 AM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir nudges Gunnloda with her head and walks into the room with the fire. She takes a seat as she shifts back into tiefling-Seir, a question at the tip of the tongue but she hasn't quite figured out what it even is.

*[*3:01 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda follows her in, her eyes scanning for immediate injuries that need to be addressed.

*[*3:17 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir's tapping her thumb on her knee as she takes a look around at everyone. She's irritated and worried and confused. "...I....am so mad right now and confused and I do not like it." she grumbles.

*[*3:18 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda tilts her head and sets her shield down before sitting next to Seir. "About what, love?"

*[*3:22 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "They're all *so loud*." Seir takes her head in her hands, "I know I'm clumsy, but I know to try and not announce you're coming. *what the hells?*"

*[*3:26 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "And I was stupid and I *know* that I got hit but it didn't hurt as bad as it should have...and I don't know if that was you or whatever the *fuck* Brimeia did and what is she doing with her time away from us?" Seir let's out a frustrated growl, "Sorry...I'm just... sorry."

*[*3:27 PM*]* DM*:* She smiles softly and puts her hand on Seir's knee. "Breathe, love."

*[*3:29 PM*]* DM*:* "I can't speak for Brimeia. I've never seen... whatever that was before, but I did tell you that the rings would help me keep you safe. The spell helps you avoid some hits and if you get hit, it makes it not hurt as much as it would."

*[*3:37 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Is this..." Seir shakes her head again, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. "What does it do, exactly? Or do I not get to know that either?" It comes out pretty harsh and she winces, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that." she rubs her face in frustration.

*[*3:40 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda pulls her hand back into her own lap. "It's... not unwarranted." She pauses for a second and sighs. "It transfers some of the damage-- the pain-- to me."

*[*3:43 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir sucks in a sharp breath, and stares at her, "*What?* Why didn't... why didn't you tell me? I wouldn't have.... goddess I wouldn't have done *that* had I known." She gestures in the direction of the dead orc chief.

*[*3:46 PM*]* DM*:* "I don't know... I guess I just wanted to avoid an argument about whether or not to use it and I didn't think it would be needed except in an emergency anyway since it only works when you're... you."(edited)

*[*3:57 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "But now we're having an argument anyway because you *didn't* tell me." Seir sighs and just falls back so she's lying on the floor. She doesn't move for a few moments, but sits back up eventually. "I don't... I'm... Okay when I said this morning about not making you tell me things, I think there are now definitely some exceptions. I could have... I could've... I..." Seir starts to tear up. "I was being reckless because I was angry and I could have taken us both out because *I didn't know*."

*[*3:58 PM*]* DM*:* "I wouldn't have let that happen."

*[*4:07 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "You might not have had a choice!" Seir gestures to Safika. "Please... just ... I don't know. I don't know." Seir moves to put herself in front of Gunnloda, cupping her face, "*Please* I can handle it, I promise... and..." Seir shrugs, "--I don't know-- if I can't, I'll figure it out. But I just.... *please*, Gunnloda." Somewhere in the back of her head she's aware she's not explaining well enough, but she can't think clearly.

*[*4:14 PM*]* DM*:* She takes Seir's hands from her face, squeezing them between her own as she tries to will her own eyes from getting teary. "Breathe, love. We're both ok. We'll *be* ok."

*[*4:27 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir closes her eyes and rests her forehead on Gunnloda's. "I know, I know, I'm... just... they're stressing me out. And I'm worried and I'm *freaking out*." Seir groans because she was not going to say that.

*[*4:32 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda pulls back a little to look in Seir's eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm not very good at... I'm used to deflection and avoidance, but I don't want that to be us, so I'm going to make you a promise. Any question you ask, I will answer. Honestly."

*[*4:42 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "I didn't want you to... You'll tell me if you don't feel comfortable answering it?"

*[*4:47 PM*]* DM*:* "I didn't want to tell you things because I didn't want you to worry... I didn't want my past to burden you. It obviously doesn't work like that. I can't say I'd be comfortable with a lot of subjects, but I don't want to hide anything from you. I want you to know me. All of me... even the hard and ugly things. And I don't want to be part of the reason you're 'freaking out'.

*[*4:56 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Thank you." Seir whispers, "And you're not the reason, not exactly. It's... kind of everything and there isn't a lot of down time, or there wasn't and..." She shakes her head. "Well, maybe later. I think I need to have a *talk* with everyone else about how *loud* they are. *That fucking gun.*"

*[*4:59 PM*]* DM*:* "I'm always here for you. And... I'm going to keep using the spell. Just... so you know."

*[*5:06 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir chuckles, "Oh, I knew I couldn't stop you from using it. But now at least I will know not to run into something where I know I'll be surrounded and knocked out of a shift." She kisses Gunnloda, far longer than she knows she should with where they are. As she pulls back she tucks a stray hair behind Gunnloda's ear, "Thank you, *tor beag*."

*[*5:11 PM*]* DM*:* She smiles and puts her hand to Seir's jaw, running her thumb along her cheek. "Thank *you*... for making me feel like I can *be* honest and you'll still be there. I love you, *sor'odko*."

*[*5:14 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Always, *mo chroí*."

## Ryfika, Urryleigh, Ryfika

*[*5:52 PM*]* DM*:* Safika's eyes fly open as she regains consciousness and she sees Ryleigh and realizes what must have happened. She covers one of Ryleigh's hands with hers. "See? Knew I'd be safe."

*[*5:57 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh smiles - its one of relief. She lightly brushes her thumb on Safika's cheek, "you scared me."

*[*6:00 PM*]* DM*:* "Don't be such a softie. You've got a reputation to uphold." She sits up with a wink that turns into a wince.

*[*6:04 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh chuckles, but its cut short by Safika's wince, "take it easy" She puts a hand on Safika's shoulder to stop her from moving further. "That thing" Ryleigh points at the headless body, with anger in her eyes, "knocked you out with one blow."

*[*6:06 PM*]* DM*:* "And you killed it and brought me back." She grins, "My hero."

*[*6:12 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh rolls her eyes but there's a ghost of smile on her face, "you're too much sometimes, I swear." She looks over Safika then offers her hand, "do you want to stand? I think it'd be best if we get you back in with the others so you can rest a bit."(edited)

*[*6:14 PM*]* DM*:* She lets Ryleigh help her up. "I'll be fine. Just... gotta figure out where all my daggers ended up."

*[*6:15 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I know you will be" Ryleigh smiles at her "but that doesn't stop me from worrying."(edited)

*[*6:19 PM*]* DM*:* "I know." She smiles at Ryleigh, then goes inside to search the orcs for her daggers.

*[*6:20 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh huffs, "this group is going to be the end of me" she thinks as follows Safika into the room.(edited)

*[*6:28 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Once Ryleigh enters the room she sees how everyone's paired off, everyone except Urrak. She approaches her, "Urrak....are you alright?"

*[*6:29 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak keeps her eyes towards the fire. Her arms are crossed her and knuckles are resting on her lips. She asks in a low voice "She alright?"

*[*6:31 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "She's tough. And she's definitely hurt but she'll be ok." Ryleigh's eyes follow Safika as she wanders from body to body collecting her daggers.

*[*6:34 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Glad t' hear it." she looks over and gives a small smile. "I don't think I've ever seen ye so angry, Ry. It was...intense. An' I've been at the wrong end of yer dagger." she swallows, flashes of last night playing in her mind. Her face flushes a bit as she speaks. She hopes the paladin just thinks it's the heat from the war hearth.

*[*6:39 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh looks back at Urrak when she starts talking, "I don't usually react like that...its been a long time since I've been so...triggered." Suddenly, she realizes she doesn't have her shield and looks around for it, but spots it next to Ravaphine. "Urrak, why are you being weird with me today?"

*[*6:42 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak looks away quickly, her stomach turning at the question. "I-ah...Honestly Ry in th' face o' all this it seems a bit...trivial." She rubs at the back of her neck and furrows her brow. After a moment, she looks over at the group, at Seirixori and Gunnloda, at Ravaphine, Brimeia and Nolanos, and sighs. "But i-if ye really want t' know we can talk...elsewhere. This room's a bit...crowded."

*[*6:44 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh raises a questioning eyebrow, "Urrak, I don't want to leave the others, we're not sure whats in here. We can stand just outside the doorway, but I won't go any further. Will that suffice?"

*[*6:46 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Sure, Ry. I getcha." she leads them to the door, and stands with her back to the open doorway, steering Ryleigh to stand in front of her. She takes a deep breath "Alright....this is gonna be...mighty odd."

*[*6:48 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh just waits.

*[*6:51 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak takes a small step forward and lightly grabs the sides of Ryleigh's face. She places a hasty yet lingering kiss on her lips, pausing only a few seconds before pulling back. The expression on her face is quizzical, almost confused. She taps her knuckles against her lips, thinking.

"Huh...well now it makes even less sense t' me."

*[*6:54 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh slaps Urrak hard across the face, "What's wrong with you!?"

*[*6:57 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Fuckin' hells woman!" she rubs the side of her face. "I was just wonderin' why Malica would think I'd want t' bed *you*. S'far as I figured we were jus' friends." she thinks for a moment, remembering past interactions.
"Apparently folks have another idea...so I s'ppose I wanted t' make sure." she sort of smooshes her hand into her cheek "Godsdamn, y'hit like a lead pipe..."(edited)

*[*7:05 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh pushes Urrak into the door frame forcefully, "*how dare you*, nothing gives you the right to kiss me without my permission." Her voice is raised and her eyes are angry.

*[*7:07 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak bumps her head a bit on the stone behind her "Ack! Easy, now!" she puts her hands up "I-I'm sorry! *Nine hells yer strong*"

*[*7:11 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh is mad, but through the anger something clicks in her head, "wait....what do you *mean* Malica thinks you want to bed me? Why were you talking about me?"

*[*7:13 PM*]* Urrak*:* "*I* wasn't talkin' about ye! She jus'...well when we went back t' her room in th' Cask she...offered t' be ye. And Cae. But *that* one....that one I get." She wriggles a bit, out of discomfort over the topic and her position against the rough stone "C-Can ye let me go, Ry? I'll keep me lips t' m'self, I promise." she forces a chuckle

*[*7:17 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh steps back and releases Urrak, but she remains silent. She's taking deep, calming breaths and suddenly walks away.

*[*7:18 PM*]* Urrak*:* "R-Ry? Where are y' goin'?!" Urrak follows her after a few moments of shock "*Ry??*"

*[*7:21 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I *cant* believe you! You have a wife and a girlfriend and now you just kiss me!" Ryleigh's voice is rising again, "Why Urrak? Why would you do that!" She's visibly upset.

*[*7:29 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Whoa now, Malica's not--" she tries to stop her walking forward with a hand on her pauldron "I-I'm sorry Ry, I...wasn't thinkin clearly. All this," she gestures to the space around her "Has just...thrown me fer a loop I guess. I'm not tryin' t' collect a harem here I just...I-I don't know what...I..." she looks down at the floor. The changeling's offer runs through her mind "What I *want*..." She collects herself, letting out a sharp breath. "I wasn't tryin' t' make y' upset. But that ain't my decision. I upset ye, it was wrong, an' I'm sorry. Please feel free t' beat th' snot outta me...Jus' watch the nose ok? Been broken enough" she tries to lighten the mood, but feels it failing.

*[*7:31 PM*]* DM*:* Safika steps into Ryleigh's line of sight through the door. "Ryleigh? Everything ok out there?"

*[*7:33 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak starts to sweat a bit at the sound of Safika's voice

*[*7:36 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh’s mouth is drawn into a line and her brows are furrowed, her eyes are glassy as she looks at Safika, "No. It's not."(edited)

*[*7:38 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Ryleigh..." she withdraws her hand slowly and follows her gaze to Safika. She tries to look as non-threatening as a 6 foot 3 half-orc can.

*[*7:41 PM*]* DM*:* Safika (who, for the record is a whopping 5'5) takes a step forward and, though she keeps her eyes on Urrak, she puts her hand out towards Ryleigh and says, "Wanna come back in? Or do you need something else?"

*[*7:44 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh says to Urrak, "this is my fault, I've mislead you on what this is. I can't deal with this right now...I'm sorry." Ryleigh takes Safika's hand, "I need to come back in."

*[*7:46 PM*]* Urrak*:* "R-Ry it's not--" she watches them walk away. She finishes her thought to herself "It's not yer fault..."

*[*7:49 PM*]* DM*:* Safika leads Ryleigh to an unused corner of the room before putting her back to a wall and sinking down to a seated position with another wince. "You ok?"

*[*7:52 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh places her face in her hands, "no, I'm really not." She tries to breathe deeply again before answering further. Ryleigh whispers, "she kissed me."(edited)

*[*7:56 PM*]* DM*:* Safika takes one of her hands in hers in comfort, then after a few moments, leans in to whisper back with just the faintest hint of humor, "Want me to kill her for you?"

*[*7:59 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "No.." Ryleigh laughs lightly at the comment.

*[*8:01 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "It's my fault," she breathes out.

*[*8:02 PM*]* DM*:* "Ok, you're gonna have to explain that one to me because where I come from, people are responsible for their own actions."

*[*8:06 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "oh no, she is definitely at fault for kissing me without my permission. But...this has happened before. People I get close to misinterpret my intentions. I must have made her think that we weren't just friends."

*[*8:12 PM*]* DM*:* "That's still not on you." She thinks for a moment and frowns. "I'm not sure what to do for you, but you let me know what it is and I'll do it. From listening to hiding bodies," she adds with another wink.

*[*8:20 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh chuckles again, "thank you...for coming to get me. You are my hero" she smirks, then squeezes Safika's hand, but continues, "because I was about to have a melt down. I think I need a moment to sit before I face anymore emotionally charged things."

*[*8:23 PM*]* DM*:* "No problem. I couldn't quite make out the words, but I knew the tone you were using. Take your time. You should be resting anyway."

*[*8:24 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "*You* should be resting too." Ryleigh finally relaxes against the wall.(edited)

*[*8:25 PM*]* DM*:* "I'll rest when I'm-- wait..."

*[*8:27 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh looks at Safika and shakes her head, "I'm glad you didn't finish that sentence, I'm not in the mood the lecture you right now."

*[*8:28 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak, creeps back in, proverbial tail between her legs. She approaches cautiously, eyes on Safika. She takes a few steps towards the two and takes a knee in front of Ryleigh. She gently takes her hand and places its knuckles against her cheekbone. "If y' get me right 'ere hard enough, y'can break the zyg'matic bone. It'll make it real unpleasant to eat, talk, smile, pretty much anythin' t' do with th' face." she tries to meet her eyes but falters a bit and drops her hand. "Ry...this ain't yer fault, ok? Y'know I'm a wreck an a half. I guess I jus' really enjoy diggin' holes to throw m'self in."

*[*8:36 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Urrak...I." She sighs exasperatedly, "I don't get you and maybe I never will, but hurting you won't make me feel better and it won't erase what you did." Ryleigh doesn't move to touch Urrak in any way, "I'm upset and I just need time to process what happened. We can talk about it more once we're done here and back in Bellbury, but Urrak...." she waits a few moments searching Urrak's face, "don't *ever* kiss me again, unless you have my permission, do you understand me?"(edited)

*[*8:55 PM*]* Urrak*:* "A-aye. Aye, a'course, Ry." She nods, swallows and awkwardly stands "I'll uh, leave ye be then. Both of ye." She rubs at the back of her neck "S-sorry again..." She walks off and sits, her back to the wall and her eyes to the fire. After a minute she brings her knees up, crosses her arms on top of them and rests her chin on her arms. Her eyes scan the flames, as if looking for answers within them.

*[*9:09 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir stalks over to Urrak and kicks at her boot to make sure she gets her attention, "I swear to the two gods that talk to me that I will help Safika bury your body if you keep doing shit like that. You are doing the exact opposite of getting these stupid earrings back." She growls and then walks back to Gunnloda, continuing to pace.

*[*9:20 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak just sighs and buries her head in her arms. "*They aren't stupid...*" she mumbles into her skin.

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