12 Felmont

11 Felmont -- 12 Felmont -- 13 Felmont

Felmont 3Y21 - Discord logs

## Day 6 in the Gloom

Gylfi starts putting their notes and maps away as everyone gets ready for the day. ""You know, I said we have a plan, but there is one question. How are we going to get there? It's a long, long walk. Are we going through the Fytulk or through the 'Fell? We might need to touch base back in the normal world just to see what's happened since we've been gone.""

[5:46 PM] Brimeia: ""Maybe we should take a peek to at least make sure we haven't like, skipped a few hundred years or something.""

[5:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Can't you teleport us back to Isonsall, Seirixori?""

[5:47 PM] Seirixori: ""As long as there's a tree or plant big enough for a person to walk through, yes.""

[5:47 PM] DM: ""Although the amount of dilation changes, it's almost always that I spend more time here than passed back home, so we shouldn't be too far from when we left.""

[5:47 PM] Seirixori: ""Or we can do the cloud thing again.""

[5:50 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Okay, so let's find our way out of here and then we'll see what's going on and go from there?""

[5:50 PM] Seirixori: ""How exactly would we find out what's happening once we get out? And for the record I would much rather travel by tree to make it quicker.""

[5:51 PM] DM: ""Back to Alptaver then?""

[5:52 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Yup.""

[5:52 PM] DM: ""Depending on how fast news travels, Alptaver might know, and if not, Manavik isn't far. It's a large city.""

[5:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods and gets ready to head out, after remembering to give everyone a berry.

[5:57 PM] DM: So you head out towards shadow-Alptaver and the crossing you used before!

[5:58 PM] DM: Someone roll me a d20, please.

[5:59 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((9))

[6:01 PM] DM: As you travel, you start to feel the earth beneath your feet trembling. The nearby pools of water have small ripples spreading through them. Just when you start to think that it reminds you a bunch of when the titan was approaching Isonsall, those of you with darkvision spot the source- a massive giant that seems to be made partially out of necrotic energy.

[6:03 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""What's doing that?"" Ry asks, reaching for Dawnbringer but not pulling her out yet.

[6:03 PM] Seirixori: ""Whaaaat the fuck,"" Seir whispers. ""A.. uh... giant. Very very very big one.""

[6:03 PM] Brimeia: ""Oh no.""

[6:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Any way we can hide from it?"" Ry asks. ""Or can we run from it?""

[6:04 PM] Seirixori: ""Do you think maybe it will ignore us?""

[6:05 PM] DM: It takes another booming step and sweeps its massive arm across the land, uprooting trees and pushing aside chunks of earth. It appears to be moving in your general direction.

[6:05 PM] Brimeia: ""Let's try. That thing is full of...dead stuff. I do not wanna find out what happens if it touches us.""

[6:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir huffs a bit at the destruction of the already creepy trees. ""Let's just uh, definitely get out of the way and hope it doesn't not follow us?"" She starts to try and head out of the giant's path but still roughly in the direction they need to go.

[6:07 PM] DM: Let's do a group stealth roll then. All roll and if half of you succeed, you get away unspotted.

[6:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 8

Rukiya: 25

Gylfi: 21

[6:10 PM] Brimeia: ((8))

[6:10 PM] Seirixori: ((1))

[6:14 PM] DM: The sight of six creatures darting between the trees does indeed catch the attention of the very perceptive giant. It roars and throws a tree in your general direction, and as it gets ready to close, let's go ahead and roll initiative.

[6:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi: 20

Rukiya: 15

Ry: 9

[6:16 PM] Seirixori: ((5))

[6:17 PM] Brimeia: ((21))

[6:18 PM] DM: Urrak: 9

[6:19 PM] DM: @Brimeia ! Sixty feet to melee. The thing is easily 20' tall. What would you like to do?

[6:24 PM] Brimeia: Bri rages and chucks her weapon at it.

[6:25 PM] Brimeia: ((javelin form; 22a, 12 d; 18a, 11d. idt i get +dmg from rage on ranged, right?))

[6:25 PM] DM: No, melee only.

[6:26 PM] DM: But both of those hit! The javelin appears back in her hand and her ancestors post up on either side of the giant... very confused.

[6:27 PM] DM: Gylfi!

[6:31 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi says, ""I call upon Vydea to shed her light, and illuminate this plight."" ((Casting Faerie fire - dex save 17))

[6:32 PM] DM: It is a big glittery giant.

[6:33 PM] DM: Attacks against it have advantage until Gylfi loses concentration!

[6:33 PM] DM: Rukiya!

[6:35 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya will move to one of the shadow tree and hide. She will throw a dagger if the creature gets with her range. ((end turn))

[6:36 PM] DM: Ryleigh!

[6:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh moves away from Gyfli and the others, then pulls out the shard from inside her armor. She blasts a beam of sunlight at the giant. ((Nat 20/29 H / 9 radiant damage - end turn))

[6:40 PM] DM: @Urrak

[10:21 PM] Urrak: Urrak will take a few steps forward (20ft) and draw her bow. She nocks an arrow and fires at the giant ((16a, 6d, 19a, 6d, and 27a, 16d))"

"[8:54 AM] DM: All three stick.

[8:54 AM] DM: @Seirixori ! It's 70' away.

[9:19 AM] Seirixori: ""Oh this is probably a terrible idea."" Seir stays where she is and pats herself for a second before pulling out a pendant and holds it up in the air, shouting something in druidic that ends up making her giggle at the end of it. A 30' radius, 40' high cylinder of bright sunlight erupts in front of everyone, part of it landing on the creature. ((60' range spell so I think that means part of it should hit the big fucker lol))

((Con save 17, 16 dmg))

[9:35 AM] DM: A 30' radius dawn will basically affect the entire map, so yes. However, it has a very high Con save, so it will take half damage.

[9:36 AM] Seirixori: ((of course it doooes, end))

[9:39 AM] DM: The giant takes a step forward and inhales deeply before exhaling a long, thick line of noxious fumes. I need Urrak, Gylfi, and Seir to make Con saves. (DC 18, 27 necrotic damage or 13 if you make the save.)

[9:44 AM] Seirixori: ((22 and nat 20 to keep the spell And another con save 17 for 30 damage if it didn't move out of dawn))

[9:46 AM] DM: It is at half-hp.

[10:43 AM] Urrak: ((16 con))

[11:02 AM] DM: Full damage for Urrak.

[11:06 AM] DM: And Gylfi gets a nat 1.

[11:07 AM] DM: They do manage to keep concentration on their spell, though.

[11:09 AM] DM: And it will be @Brimeia 's turn. It's hurt. You can get to melee range in 45', but you will be in Seir's Dawn.

[1:41 PM] Brimeia: Bri runs a bit off to the side to pull the giant's attention away from the group, hopefully, then chucks some more magical javelins its way.

[1:43 PM] Brimeia: ((19a, 12d +3f; 16a, 9d +5 f, dunno if giant ignited the weapon but if not bri will do it herself this round))

[1:45 PM] DM: It did not, but ok!

[1:46 PM] DM: Both of those do hit.

[1:46 PM] DM: Then it will be Nicole's three turns...

[2:00 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi points at the creature and says, “Some words are wasted breath, but these ring out the toll of death.” ((Using toll the dead - needs to make a wisdom save of 17))

[2:02 PM] DM: 19.

[2:03 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Damnit,” Gylfi says. ((nothing happens - no half damage or anything.))

[2:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya, still in her hiding spot, readies a dagger if the monster moves within 20ft of her.

[2:12 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh with aim the sun shard at the creature and blast it with a bolt of sunlight. ((27 H / 9 radiant D))

[2:20 PM] DM: Boom. @Urrak You're 25' from melee, but Seir's dawn will hurt if you end your turn in it.

[2:49 PM] Urrak: Urrak will keep her distance and keep loosing arrows into the creature ((23a, 9d, 26a, 4d, 25a, 7d.))

[2:50 PM] DM: All three hit.

[3:01 PM] DM: @Seirixori

[3:12 PM] DM: It is badly wounded.

[4:09 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves to the edge of her very bright light spell and tosses a little ball of fire at the big guy. ((30a, 11d. End))

[7:00 PM] DM: The giant  staggers, but steps forward to try to take out at least one of you and attacks Seirixori since she's now closest. As its massive fists come down, Rukiya flings her dagger and it sticks right in its throat. It pauses, chokes a little, then falls right towards Seir, but instead of landing on her, it dissipates into a cloud of smoke and shadow.

[7:01 PM] DM: Meanwhile... two creatures appear, seemingly drawn by the light. Gaping maws open, they call out ""Huuuuuuungry....""

[7:18 PM] DM: Now it's Bri's turn. The closest one is 20' away.

[7:24 PM] Brimeia: Bri shifts the shape of her weapon into a glaive, pivots toward the gross thing next to her, and swings.

[7:25 PM] Brimeia: ((14a, 9d + 6 fire; 20a, 7d +6 fire, ancestors))

[7:26 PM] DM: The first attack actually misses, but the second hits and your ancestors take up positions against the thing.

[7:26 PM] DM: Then it will be Nicole's three turns again.

[7:53 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi moves to the northeast, to the creature Bri is fighting. They point their finger and repeat the chant from earlier. ((Using toll the dead - wisdom save 17))

[7:53 PM] DM: 11.

[7:59 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((22 damage))

[8:29 PM] DM: It hurts, but not much.

[8:33 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya moves within range of the monster  Bri is fighting and she tosses her dagger. ((18 H / 26 D)) Then hides again.

[8:34 PM] DM: That dagger nearly just grazes the creature, but a lucky turn and it catches it right in between the nearly exposed ribs.

[8:41 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh moves to the creature to the southwest, withdrawing Dawnbringer as she goes. From behind her shield Ryleigh tries to strike at the creature. ((15 H / 11 H - nat 1))

[8:41 PM] DM: A swing and a miss.

[8:44 PM] DM: @Urrak Ry's engaged with one 30' from you. The other has Bri on it, also 30' away.

[9:19 PM] Urrak: Urrak will attack the one Ryleigh is engaged with ((22a, 19d, 10a, 25d, 26a, 22d))

[9:20 PM] DM: Two big hits, but a whiff in the middle.

[9:22 PM] DM: The one nearest Ry and Urrak is going to reach out and grab hold of Ry with its thick claws before trying to eat her face. That's a 23a for 22 damage and Ry is grappled, and a crit on the bite for 11 piercing and 19 necrotic. A total of 46 damage after the armor reduction.

[9:23 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh screams out in pain as it bites her, but she manages to point her finger and radiant energy bursts from her. ((Dex save 16, takes half on a pass. 13d))

[9:24 PM] DM: And it will be @Seirixori 's turn. Dawn is still up. You've got one on Bri within 25' and one that just attacked Ry 30' away.

[9:38 PM] Seirixori: ""Yeah that was definitely stupid,"" Seir mutters with a sigh of relief that the big thing went down before it fucked her over. Seir turns to heal Gylfi but at Ryleigh's scream she quickly changes her mind.

Dawn drops quickly as Seir runs towards Ryleigh and yells, ""Anáil an tsaoil!"" A mix of pink and green aura surrounds Seir and the moment it brushes across Ryleigh she heals for 11hp. ((30' radius spell. She'll run behind Ry, keeping some distance. End))

[9:43 PM] DM: The creature does get a nice big radiant burst to the face from Ry as she gets bitten.

[9:45 PM] DM: The other Hungry tries to do the same to Bri and gets its claws on her, grappling her and giving her 13 damage reduced to 6, but the bite misses as it catches her horn and pokes itself in the roof of the mouth.

[9:46 PM] DM: @Brimeia ! You're grappled. Your speed is zero, but you are otherwise unaffected, so you can still attack if you'd like, or you can use your action to escape the grapple.

[9:50 PM] Brimeia: Bri hacks at the freaky thing that's got a hold of her.

[9:51 PM] Brimeia: ((13a, 10d+6f; 29a, 16d+6f))

[9:51 PM] DM: The first misses as it's just hard to get a polearm into close quarters, but you manage to bring it around and stab it in the emaciated gut.

[9:52 PM] DM: Gylfi Rukiya and @Ryleigh Alisdair !

[10:02 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi uses toll the dead again, on the one grappling Bri. (Wisdom save 17 on a fail it takes 12 necrotic damage)

[10:03 PM] DM: Failure!

[10:07 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya will throw another a dagger. ((18 H / 25 D)) If that doesn’t kill it Rukiya will shout something to aid Bri in fighting. ((Giving advantage on her next attack))

[10:11 PM] DM: It is barely half-dead.

[10:11 PM] DM: Bri has advantage on her first attack. Ry is still grappled.

[10:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: As it squeezes Ryleigh, trying its best to eat her head she yells a word in giant and lightning springs from her hand into the creature. ((24 H / 16 lightning D))

[10:17 PM] DM: Nice. It's still above half.

[10:21 PM] DM: @Urrak is up! The creature's still grappling Ry, but you're already in melee.

[10:38 PM] Urrak: Urrak hesitates, not wanting to hit Ryleigh, but attacks with her greatsword anyway ((12a, 11a, 13a))

[10:44 PM] DM: All three do miss."

"[12:02 PM] DM: When Ry was healed, the Hungry that was on her inhaled deeply, its eyes flashing with glee. It has advantage on attacks and will do extra necrotic damage as a result. It will dig in with its claws and continue trying to gnaw on Ry's head. Its claws don't dig in any deeper, but it crits the bite and deals 11 piercing reduced to 8 and... 58 necrotic damage. Which will knock her unconscious.

[12:05 PM] DM: @Seirixori . You're 15' from an unconscious Ry and 20' from the Hungry eating her.

[3:24 PM] Seirixori: Seir's eyes go wide and her healing aura flickers but stays up as she snarls angrily and rushes forward. ""Sorry, Urrak."" She reaches out to touch Ryleigh and uses thunder step ((dc 17 con save for @Urrak and the thing. 8 dmg for full)).

They disappear in a loud boom and reappear right behind Gylfi. ((Just a square south of Gylfi so that Ry is in the square directly south of them and Seir is 2 squares south of them.))

Seir then shifts into a Fire Elemental, ""Gylfi don't heal them if these raunnoms are biting them."" She then uses the rest of her movement to move back towards the thing that knocked out Ryleigh. ((I think it's 25' if she used half to get to Ry originally.))

[3:25 PM] Urrak: ((9 con save))

[3:39 PM] DM: Both Urrak and the Hungry take the 8 damage from the Thunderstep.

[3:40 PM] DM: The Hungry on Bri will attempt to claw and bite again. It does not manage to do any damage to Bri, though she is still grappled..

[3:40 PM] DM: But now it's @Brimeia 's turn

[3:52 PM] Brimeia: Bri continues to hack away at The Hungry Thing with her fiery glaive.

[3:52 PM] Brimeia: ((28a, 13d + 5f; 27a, 16d + 3f))

[4:32 PM] DM: Both solid hits!

[4:32 PM] DM: Gylfi, Rukiya, and Ryleigh are up next.

[4:35 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi looks at the unconscious Ryleigh and Bri’s struggle with the creature, they mutter something in elven and energy pushes out from them. ((They cast aura of life: Life-preserving energy radiates from you in an aura with a 30-foot radius.  Until the spell ends, the aura moves with you, centered on you. Each nonhostile creature in the aura (including you) has resistance to necrotic damage, and its hit point maximum can’t be reduced. In addition, a nonhostile, living creature regains 1 hit point when it starts its turn in the aura with 0 hit points.))

((Ps - if Gylfi can - they would move to get Bri in the aura as well as Ry))

[4:40 PM] DM: Ok!

[4:43 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya carefully aims another dagger at the creature. ((20 H / 23 D)) then moves to Ryleigh’s side and says, “Hang in there, Ry.”

[4:45 PM] DM: That'll hit! It is critically wounded (under 1/4 hp).

[4:45 PM] DM: And for Ry, you gain your 1 hp and don't have to roll a death save, but you do have one level of exhaustion.

[4:58 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh’s eyes blink open slowly, she smiles up at Rukiya. “Ow,” she says, and with Rukiya’s help she gingerly stands. Once she’s standing Ryleigh closes her eyes and hums a song of healing. ((Heals herself for 25hp)) Then Ry raises a hand and sings out an empowering song. A shimmering shield appears around Urrak, boosting her AC by 2.

[5:10 PM] DM: It'll be @Urrak 's turn.

[5:31 PM] Urrak: Urrak, now thoroughly pissed off, hacks at the Hungry that nearly ate Ry ((12a, 25d + 22a, 20d + 25a 24d))

[6:03 PM] DM: The first misses but two good hits. It is still standing.

[6:57 PM] Urrak: She'll take a breath and keep slicing at (action surge) it ""Eat this, fucker!"" ((24a, 22d + 20a, 20d + 24a 24d)) (end)

[8:04 PM] DM: Urrak hacks and hacks and hacks at the thing and then sticks the blade right down its throat and as it stiffens and then slides down the length of the blade, the blade itself pulses with red like a heartbeat and it draws shadowy mist from the body into it. @Urrak , the blade starts to quiver and shake and gets harder to hold onto. If you'd like to hold onto it, I need a Strength saving throw.

[8:49 PM] Urrak: ((24))

## Thanifex

[8:52 PM] DM: Urrak grips the sword even tighter as it trembles and shakes, and then, as the last of the shadows soaks into the blade, there's a sudden burst and Urrak manages to hold on as the sword jerks and a skeleton appears, shortsword in one hand, shield in the other. It glares at Urrak in challenge.

[8:53 PM] DM: @Seirixori ! There is now a skeleton where the Hungry was before Urrak killed it, and Bri is still fighting one about 45' away.

[9:35 PM] Seirixori: ""What the actual fuck?"" Seir's aura pulses and Ryleigh heals for 8 HP. She hesitates a moment wondering if she should change her plan but decides to continue and runs through the skeleton to set it on for and then attempts to bite it.

[9:47 PM] Seirixori: ((4 fire + 23a, 9f + 20a, 11f))

[9:49 PM] DM: After the first bite, Seir is left holding bones like a giant puppy made of fire playing with a chew toy.

[9:50 PM] DM: Nat 1's both the Hungry's attacks, which means Bri will certainly kill the other one and we can end combat.

[9:56 PM] Seirixori: ""I don't think I like your sword,"" Seir mumbles around the bone in her mouth. She rushes over to Ryleigh, letting the healing aura pulses over Ry every few seconds. She stops several feet away and pouts, remembering she is made of actual fire. ""Are you okay? I'm-I'm sorry, I-I didn't know that was going to happen.""

[9:57 PM] Seirixori: ((Ry is gonna get 35hp and Gylfi gets 20))

[9:57 PM] DM: Rukiya tries to wipe some of the blood away to see if the bite marks are healing. ""There's no way you could have.""

[10:05 PM] Seirixori: The aura shifts around Gylfi a few times before it finally fades and Seir sits. ""I should have turned you into a dinosaur.""

[10:17 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""Thank you..."" They glance at Rukiya, then look carefully at Ry. ""Are you ok, or do you need more healing?""

[10:31 PM] Urrak: ""What the fuck...?"" Urrak drops the sword like a hot iron. ""That skeleton-warrior-thing? Came from--...holy hells."" Urrak picks it back up, a bit warily and sheathes it

[10:37 PM] Urrak: She walks over to Ryleigh and the rest of the group, ""How's th' damage? Y'ok? I'm sorry I-I dunno I should've just hacked ye free of that thing. "" She rubs the back of her neck."

"[12:53 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh’s grin starts out pained, but as her wounds begin to heal it turns more bright. “I’m okay, thank you everyone.” Her eyes bounce between Rukiya and Seirixori. “I’m sorry for scaring you... it sort of just latched into me and wouldn’t let me go.” Ryleigh pulls Rukiya close and presses their lips together for a short kiss.

[1:06 AM] Seirixori: Seir's ears pull back in embarrassment as she remembers the giant just before Ryleigh was hurt and she gets Rukiya's attention and quietly says thank you."

"1:52 PM] DM: --------

[1:52 PM] DM: Still Day Six in the Gloom

You're picking up just after the combat ended. Ryleigh's mostly healed but has a level of exhaustion. Seir is still in fire wolf form. Urrak's sword just burped up a skeleton.

[1:57 PM] Brimeia: ""Ok, let's get the fuck out of here.""

[1:57 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh gingerly gets to her feet, still looking a little unnerved.

[1:57 PM] Brimeia: ""Before something else decides to join the party.""

[1:58 PM] Seirixori: Seir steps a bit closer to Ryleigh but once again stops short. She sighs and says, ""I probably should have been something other than on fire...""

[2:00 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Grinning up at elemental Seir, Ry shaking her head. ""I have an aversion to really hot things now - remember?"" She jokes.

[2:03 PM] Seirixori: ""I wasn't thinking-- I--"" she stops herself and takes a deep breath and releases it slowly. ""I'd offer to carry you but uh... I'd rather you not burn to death."" She looks back at Urrak, in particular her sword, and then back to the others, ""We should keep going, like Brimeia said.""

[2:04 PM] Brimeia: ""If you need help, I can carry you,"" Bri offers.

[2:05 PM] DM: Gylfi comes over and pokes at Ry a bit. When she squirms away, they grin, cast another healing spell, and say, ""She's fine.""

[2:07 PM] Urrak: ""A-aye, let's go."" Urrak folds her arms

[2:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry groans at one of Gylfi's pokes. ""No one's carrying me,"" Ry says, her eyes narrowing at Bri.

[2:08 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""Maybe while we walk, you can all tell me why that sword just pulled a skeleton out of the sorrowsworn like a rabbit from a hat.""

[2:08 PM] Brimeia: Bri raises her hands. ""I said if.""

[2:09 PM] Seirixori: Seir grumbles a little as she starts going in the direction they'd been traveling in.

[2:10 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Your sword did what?"" Ry asks.

[2:11 PM] Urrak: ""I wish I could tell ye. I felt a... pulling sensation so I held on an' then surprise! It's a skeleton. I swear those eye sockets leered at me...""

[2:13 PM] Brimeia: ""Are you gonna keep using that?""

[2:13 PM] Urrak: ""I should probably say no but...I dunno it's a vicious weapon that's been nothin' but a boon until, well, now. ""

[2:17 PM] Seirixori: ""I don't know, if my staff suddenly started spouting skeletons despite it being very helpful I would probably get rid of it. Well, if I didn't know where it came from that is.""

[2:18 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""Maybe it's a mama sword that was pregnant and wanted babies and then you just murdered its child...""

[2:18 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh chuckles lightly.

[2:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir nearly trips over her own feet and can't help the burst of surprised laughter at how absolutely ridiculous that was.

[2:19 PM] Brimeia: Bri blinks. ""What?""

[2:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I definitely think maybe you should hold off using that sword until someone at the temple can determine whether its safe or not. I'd hate to have to kill you.""

[2:21 PM] Urrak: ""Skeleton babies ain't th' kind I'm lookin' t' make, "" Urrak unsheathes the sword again, ""Suppose yer right, Ry. I'd hate t' die. Again. Fer th' third time. ""

[2:23 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""You've killed plenty of other things before. Wonder what changed.""

[2:24 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Maybe this place awakened something inside of it... which is why I'm concerned by its continued use.""

[2:25 PM] Brimeia: ""Another reason to get the hells out of here.""

[2:25 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""But you killed the vampire, right? Did it seem weird then?""

[2:27 PM] Urrak: ""Not at all... Everything was normal.""

[2:27 PM] Urrak: ""Killin' wise that is...""

[2:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Gylfi,"" Ryleigh says, tapping her finger to her chin. ""Do you know if the sorrowsworn are 'alive' or 'undead'?""

[2:29 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""I'm not sure I would call it a life worth living, but they're not undead. Or if they are, they're resistant to things like holy symbols.""

[2:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Hmmmm."" Ryleigh continues to look like she's thinking. ""Is that the first thing you've killed here, other than the vampire?""

[2:32 PM] Urrak: ""That creature that tried t' hang me. When we first crossed over.""

[2:33 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""The meazels were on the other side of the crossing.""

[2:34 PM] Urrak: Urrak thinks a moment ""Then no... I don't think I have.""

[2:36 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""Welp, there's only one way to find out if it's because it was alive!"" They clap their hands together. ""Who's volunteering?""

[2:36 PM] DM: Rukiya smacks them. ""Nobody.""

[2:36 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry chuckles.

[2:36 PM] Brimeia: Bri stares at Gylfi like she's waiting for them to tell the rest of the joke. ""...No.""

[2:37 PM] Seirixori: ""Yeah, right.""

[2:38 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""Well, I- for one- would like to learn more about the sword and encourage you to continue experimenting... until such a time that it becomes too dangerous to continue. A skeleton isn't so bad.""

[2:39 PM] Urrak: ""Guess we'll see how it goes..."" Urrak frowns

[2:39 PM] Seirixori: ""A skeleton isn't so bad,"" Seir quietly grumbles, ""Because there's no way it could get worse at the worst time and then kill all of us.""

[2:40 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""But the fun is in finding out!""

[2:40 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""Remind me again what you said about being careful and cautious and risk averse while in the Shadowfell?""

[2:41 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""How has curiosity not killed you yet?"" Ry says playfully.

[2:41 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""I flirted with Betrex and she agreed that it would be a shame to see my talents go to waste.""

[2:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir gags, and then tries to play it off like she's fake gagging.

[2:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Are they joking?"" Ry whispers in elven to Rukiya - likely loud enough for Gylfi to hear.

[2:43 PM] DM: Gylfi just winks at Ry.

[2:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry's grinning as she shakes head.

[2:44 PM] Seirixori: ""I wish I didn't have ears,"" Seir jokes."

"2:45 PM] Urrak: ""I believe it,"" Urrak laughs, now c'mon, we shouldn't keep th' Raven Queen waitin'. ""

[2:45 PM] DM: If there's nothing else that needs to be said... you come to rest at the end of the day.

[2:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((I'm good))

[2:46 PM] Brimeia: ((same))

[2:47 PM] DM: Gylfi ritual-casts Tiny Hut and you settle in for the night.

[2:49 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh starts to take her armor off, but she's definitely moving slowly. ""Wow, that thing hurt me more than I'd like to admit. I'm a bit sore.""

[2:50 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""Sorry, but to heal you more, I would definitely have to see you with your shirt off... you know, so I could access the chakras better.""

Rukiya throws a glove at them with a laugh.

[2:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks a little upset at the words but tries to hide it.

[2:51 PM] Urrak: ""I mean, it almost ate ye so, I'm not surprised.""

[2:52 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry quirks an inquiring eyebrow and a curious grin at the exchange between Gylfi and Rukiya.

[2:53 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""What's wrong, homashoc?""

[2:54 PM] Seirixori: She shrugs with a sad smile, ""It doesn't really seem to go so well when I try to heal anyone.""

[2:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""You couldn't have known that creature would hurt me more because you healed me. You're not all knowing,"" Ry says gently.

[2:56 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""Generally speaking, healing is usually better than not healing... unless you can somehow leverage it into seeing some impressive abs.""

[2:56 PM] Brimeia: ""Yeah, what they said.""

[2:57 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh laughs.

[2:57 PM] Seirixori: ""I think I still should have just turned you into a dinosaur.""

[2:57 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I'm okay, homashoc. Really.""

[2:57 PM] DM: Gylfi pauses, then says, ""I changed my mind. Dinosaurs are cooler than healing.""

[2:58 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""Unless abs are included.""

[2:58 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh leans over to Rukiya and whispers something in her ear, smiling the entire time.

[2:58 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes Ryleigh's hands and squeezes, she laughs at Gylfi. ""See, dinosaur.""

[2:59 PM] DM: Rukiya shrugs with a smile.

[2:59 PM] Brimeia: Bri chuckles. ""Can't argue with that.""

[2:59 PM] Urrak: ""Now I'm jus' picturin' a really buff dinosaur..."" Urrak chuckles

[3:00 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh squeezes Seir's hand in return and softly says, ""I'm fine. Just a bit sore."" She presses a kiss to Seir's forehead.

[3:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Seirixori can turn into a dinosaur... she showed Rukiya one time. There may be room in here for the little one,"" Ry says, looking around.

[3:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir puffs her cheeks a bit in frustration, ""Maybe in a little less than an hour... but then I reserve the right to not wear clothes. to sleep.""

[3:04 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""I am never one to pass up the opportunity for a Clothes Optional Slumber Party, but show and tell can wait until we're back on the Material Plane, if you'd prefer.""

[3:05 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""How much further do you think we have to go, Gylfi?""

[3:06 PM] DM: ""It took... four days? To get from Alptaver to the Fortress. Probably about that back.""

[3:06 PM] Seirixori: ""Do we want to be clouds again?"" Seir yawns.

[3:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""It's difficult for me to keep track of time in this place. I'm never sure how far we've actual traveled... or if we're making good time. Not having the sun as a guide is the worse.""

[3:09 PM] DM: Rukiya sticks a finger into the collar of Ry's shirt and pulls it down just enough for the shard to shine out. ""Found it."""

"[3:10 PM] Seirixori: ""Moon is a guide too,"" Seir yawns again and lies down to get comfortable.

[3:10 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh rolls her eyes, and presses a kiss a to Rukiya's cheek.

[3:12 PM] DM: Gylfi looks at Ry and Rukiya with a smirk. ""Wait, so you guys never turn the lights out?""

[3:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Dawnbringer is always in our room, shedding light. Besides... how else would Rukiya get to stare at all my abs,"" Ry says in elven to Gylfi.

[3:16 PM] DM: Gylfi and Rukiya both laugh.

Rukiya: ""I can see in the dark, but it's much better in the light anyway.""

Gyfli stage whispers in Common: ""She's a lights on kind of girl.""

[3:16 PM] Brimeia: ""...What?""

[3:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir groans in annoyance, lightly slapping whoever is next to her, ""Shhhhhh.""

[3:18 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh chuckles as Seir's hand slaps her.

[3:22 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""Gylfi and I were talking last night about relationships and I didn't want to explain what you two have incorrectly, so I thought it might be a good idea for the three of you to talk... but if Seirixori's too tired, I suppose it'll have to wait.""

[3:24 PM] Seirixori: Seir rolls over onto her back, ""I'm not. Not really. Going to sleep just meant we could leave here faster.""

[3:25 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""What were you wanting to know Gylfi?"" Ry asks.

[3:25 PM] Urrak: ""Nope."" Urrak turns over, back to the group

[3:28 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""I never thought of codifying a platonic relationship as long-term or significant to that level. Something more than friends without being romantic. Just kind of... had friends, but they all eventually leave because they get married or whatever. Never had the expectation that they'd stick around, but I'm realizing I might want that.""

[3:28 PM] Brimeia: ""What, scared of a little pillow talk?"" Bri snickers

[3:35 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Oh,"" Ry says, her features turning contemplative. ""Well, Rukiya was my person, but then things started to change between us - or on my end they did. I found myself wanting to do more than cuddle and exchange platonic kisses. That happened around the time I met Seirixori. For me, there was something about her that drew me to her. I knew I didn't want her the way I wanted Rukiya, but I did want to be close to her.""

[3:36 PM] DM: Rukiya, with obvious teasing to her voice: ""You replaced me?""

[3:37 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, ""Ooooh.""

[3:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Think of it as an upgrade,"" Ry says, pressing a kiss to Rukiya's lips. ""Now you get to do all the things you were dying to do when you were my person."" Ry chuckles a little.

[3:42 PM] DM: Rukiya just hums and settles back into Ry's side.

[3:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir's tail settles around Ryleigh, ""I'm not really sure how to... I grew up with a group of people who taught me many different forms of love and that they didn't actually need to be separate but they could be equal. One wasn't more important than the other. And sometimes the differences were very small, but... they're there."" She shrugs from her place on the ground. ""I may have never been interested, romantically, with anyone before a year ago, but my feelings aren't much different."" Seir frowns, ""I don't think I explained that well.""

[3:46 PM] Brimeia: ""Yeah, I don't get it. But hey, as long as it works for you."" Bri shrugs.

[3:47 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""It's not for you, though? Rukiya mentioned you might also be of a non-romantically inclined persuasion.""

[3:55 PM] Brimeia: ""Who me? Oh.. uh.. I guess I haven't really thought about it.""

[3:55 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia looks startled

[3:56 PM] DM: Gylfi raises a hand and chuckles. ""Calm down, I'm not about to get on one knee and propose platonic marriage or anything.""

[3:56 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh purses her lips and it looks like she's thinking. ""Let me put it like this... Rukiya would sleep with you or Trouble or one of the many other suitors who wanted her. But it was me who'd bring her clothes so she didn't have to do the 'walk of shame'."" She chuckles. ""Or it'd be my bed she'd crawl into to be held after a night of sex. It was her who I'd talk to and confide in. She was the person who'd patch me up after a night in the fighting ring. We took care of each other just as romantic partners do - except it was platonic.""

[3:58 PM] DM: ""And it didn't bother you knowing she'd been with someone else an hour before, but it does now?""

[3:59 PM] Urrak: ""Sounds exhausting. Multiple people to worry about an' take care of. One person at time is fine with me."" Urrak

[4:00 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Well now we're in a romantic and sexual relationship... which is new for me, so yes it bothers me now. And a lot of it has to do with my own insecurities of not being enough.""

[4:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I feel that... I should be enough for whoever I'm with - with or without sex. So it would bother me if she slept with you, because I should be enough.""

[4:01 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks absolutely confused at Urrak's statement. Then she focuses back on Ryleigh and Gylfi.

[4:02 PM] DM: Rukiya threads her fingers through Ry's.

[4:05 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""When Rukiya was my person the boundaries were different. I knew she wanted to have multiple lovers and kiss different people every other night,"" Ry says, chuckling a little. ""I didn't need either of those things, so our relationship worked. I wanted someone I could depend on, someone who'd love me no matter what I told them, someone to hold me on the nights I needed it. You don't have to be in romantic or sexual relationship to have that.""

[4:07 PM] Seirixori: ""Which also meant that I could talk them into a cuddle pile for sleeping like all the time.""

[4:08 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""But you don't think she wants that now?"" It's asked as an innocent question of clarification, not an accusation.

[4:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""If she did, I trust her to talk to me, and to come to me if she becomes unhappy with our relationship.""

[4:10 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""I needed different things then than I do now. Ry and I have discussed and agreed to our boundaries and I promised that if what I needed ever changed, we would discuss it.""

[4:10 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh smiles and brings Rukiya's hand to lips.

[4:14 PM] Urrak: ""Communication is key, they say. I'm jus' glad yer not as mopey as ye used t' be, Ry,"" Urrak winks and smiles. ""I'm jus' lookin' t' settle down with th' right woman. Have a kid or two. Do some farmin' or woodworkin'. A simple life. Though it looks like th' fates had a different idea fer me. At least right now.""

[4:15 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""That sounds terrible. I wish you happiness.""

[4:15 PM] Urrak: Urrak laughs loudly, ""Thank ye, Gylfi.""

[4:15 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs.

[4:17 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Does that help at all, Gylfi? Because... we want you to be happy.""

[4:18 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""I'll have to think on it, and let you know if I have any other questions. But thanks for indulging my curiosity.""

[4:19 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""Well, get some rest, everyone. We have another fun day of travel tomorrow. And the day after that. And the day after that. And the-- you get the picture.""

[4:19 PM] Brimeia: ""You're a strange one,"" Bri chuckles.

[4:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh nods, and grins, then says in elven, ""I might be broody and serious, but I'm open about the way my relationships work. So don't hesitant to ask if you do have more questions... okay?""

[4:21 PM] DM: Gylfi smiles."

## Day Seven in the Gloom

Who wants to roll the d20 today?

[4:21 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((19))

[4:23 PM] DM: As you travel today, you all feel a sense of impending doom, growing dread, like something really bad is just around the corner, just over the horizon, in a few days... whatever it is, it's a pit in your stomachs that fills you with fear and anxiety about the future.

[4:24 PM] DM: But you manage to walk until you're tired and rest once more."

## Day Eight in the Gloom

And another d20 roll, if you please.

[4:24 PM] Seirixori: ((3))

[4:26 PM] DM: After you've been walking for a while, Gylfi stops. ""Have we seen this ash tree before? Shit..."" They look around, at the sky, at the surroundings. ""I think I got turned around.""

[4:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""It's all right, Gylfi... it all looks the same to me,"" Ry answers. ""How much time do you think getting turned around will cost us?""

[4:27 PM] Urrak: ""What even is time in this place?"" Urrak grouses

[4:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes a look around herself to see if she can be of any help.

[4:30 PM] DM: ""I don't know... I didn't want to use my magic in case we had a situation but..."" They sigh and draw out their symbol of Vydea. They clasp their hands around the symbol and say a prayer of guidance. ""It's that way,"" they say, pointing slightly to the left. ""About two days travel.""

[4:31 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Don't stress about it. We know you're trying your best and we'd be completely lost without you."" Ryleigh grins at them. ""Let's get to it.""

[4:34 PM] Seirixori: ""Lost in the darkness~"" Seir sings a little while heading where they need to go.

[4:36 PM] DM: Gylfi sets off on the new path with more confidence, now knowing the way."

## Day Nine in the Gloom

Another d20 roll as you get started in the direction indicated by Gylfi's big arrow they carved into the ground before resting last night.

[4:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((9))

[4:39 PM] DM: You travel for some time... but Gylfi stops and puts up a hand. ""Did you hear that?""

[4:40 PM] DM: Perception checks, please.

[4:40 PM] Seirixori: ((27))

[4:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 20

Rukiya: 23

[4:41 PM] Urrak: ((4))

[4:42 PM] DM: The four perceptive ones all hear an incoherent babbling like the sound of multiple voices talking over each other, from somewhere in front of you.

[4:43 PM] Seirixori: ""Nope. No, no."" Seir says totally stepping just behind Ryleigh.

[4:43 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Any idea who they might be?"" Ry whispers to Gylfi. ""Should we go around?""

[4:44 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""I don't know. I can't make out any of the words. Around might be best.""

[4:45 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh nods. ""We're going around,"" she tells the group in a hushed tone.

[4:45 PM] DM: Let's get a group stealth check, then.

[4:45 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 12

Rukiya: 24

Gylfi: 19

[4:46 PM] Seirixori: ((2))

[4:46 PM] Urrak: ((5))

[4:49 PM] Brimeia: ((22, nat 20))

[4:49 PM] DM: Bri manages to catch Urrak as she trips over an exposed root so she doesn't clatter to the ground and you manage to evade the Nullifier on the prowl."

## Day Ten in the Gloom

It's almost an entire day of walking when you reach shadow-Alptaver once again. From a distance, Gylfi says, ""Well, there's the town, so the crossing is over that way. There's no guarantees that the crossing will be open during day on the Material Plane, but there's also no telling what time of day it is over there. Or what day. But... like I said, the crossings tend to act as a beacon for 'guardians' so we will likely need to deal with some kind of terrible creature before crossing.""

[4:54 PM] Seirixori: ""Yay..."" Seir says, though a little distracted now that they're near the shadow town.

[4:54 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Okay,"" Ry says. ""Should we go ahead and try looking for it?""

[4:55 PM] Urrak: ""Doubt we'll have to, knowing this place.""

[4:55 PM] DM: ""Unless there's unfinished business you have with the town,"" Gylfi says, glancing at Seir, ""Sure.""

[4:55 PM] Brimeia: ""I assume she meant the crossing.""

[4:57 PM] Seirixori: Seir closes her eyes momentarily and doesn't say anything else.

[4:57 PM] DM: Gylfi heads for the crossing.

[4:58 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry and the group follow

[5:01 PM] DM: Because you're all prepared to look for a creature, expecting to find one, I will say that as Gylfi grants you all darkvision, you manage to see the scene ahead of you before they are aware of you. The area of the crossing is, as expected, occupied. There are three humanoid corpses shambling around, a greyish medium sized creature with an excessively long tongue prowling about on all fours, and an 8 foot tall skeletal creature that looks like it has another humanoid stuck inside its rib cage like the world's most terrifying Baby Bjorn.

[5:03 PM] DM: You watch as the tall one plucks the creature from its chest and plops it on the ground, patting its head before it stands and starts shambling around like the others.

[5:03 PM] Urrak: ""I hate this place."" Urrak deadpans

[5:04 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""Remember how I made a joke about mamas making skeletons? I take it back.""

[5:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir does the panic thing again of casting wall of thorns from her staff around the big one (and possibly the tongue one if it fits), a definite whine coming from her throat.

[5:05 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh softly hums a tune. ""All undead, except that one - the big one is a fiend.""

[5:05 PM] DM: Welp, I guess that means you're going. Roll initiative, please.

[5:06 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 22

Rukiya: 11

Gylfi: 18

[5:07 PM] Seirixori: ((12))

[5:07 PM] Seirixori: ((17 dex save, 25d for full))

[5:08 PM] Brimeia: ((18.14))

[5:08 PM] DM: That is a resounding failure with a total of 3.

[5:10 PM] Urrak: ((8))

[5:12 PM] DM: Ok, the wall of thorns sprouts into existence, made of black ashy vines with sharp, jagged spikes. The greyish humanoid walking on all fours snaps its head toward you and dashes towards you, coming to a stop right in front of Seir, Ry, and Rukiya.

[5:12 PM] DM: Ryleigh!

[5:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh holds her shield up and will attempt to push the ghast away from Rukiya and Seir. ((nat 20 - 24))

[5:16 PM] DM: It stumbles backwards a couple steps, its tongue and limbs flailing.

[5:21 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: She'll then step up and slice Dawnbringer through it. ((14H / 23 D, 12 smite))

[5:22 PM] DM: Because it's radiant damage, that one last hit point that it was hanging on by disintegrates and the ghast collapses into a heap at Ry's glowing feet.

[5:23 PM] DM: @Brimeia ! You are 50' from the closest shambler and 65' from the big guy who is enclosed in thorns.

[5:26 PM] Brimeia: Bri will rage, run toward them, and chuck a javelin at the closest one.

[5:27 PM] Brimeia: ((25a, 8d; 15a, 7d))

[5:28 PM] DM: It is not hard to hit, but they can be difficult to bring down. It takes the javelin to the chest, twice, but still shambles on.

[5:29 PM] DM: And it has just enough speed to catch up to Bri and flail a limb at her ineffectually.

[5:29 PM] DM: Gylfi!

[5:33 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi points at the zombie Bri just hit and says a few words just as the sound of bells fill the air. Dark energy pulses around the zombie the sound of the bells growing louder until the zombie's head explodes - covering Bri is zombie brains.

[5:34 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Whoops, sorry,"" Gylfi says, not really looking it.

[5:34 PM] DM: The big boy will start moving out of the thorns and I need another damage roll on it, @Seirixori

[5:34 PM] Seirixori: ((34))

[5:34 PM] DM: Nice. And it will be Seir's turn.

[5:37 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes a few steps back to get farther away from what Ryleigh killed and grips her staff tightly as she watches the big thing try and walk out of the thorns. ((end))

[5:37 PM] DM: Rukiya!

[5:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya dashes around Bri and carefully aims a dagger at the big one - ready to throw it if it gets within 20ft. ""Focus the big one, Seirixori is too scared to help right now.""

[5:39 PM] DM: The zombies shamble forward and it is @Urrak 's turn.

[5:40 PM] DM: Sixty feet to the closest one.

[5:42 PM] Urrak: Urrak will dash towards the big boy and use her Action Surge to attack the closest zombie to her

[5:43 PM] Urrak: ((23a, 13d + 28a, 31d + 23a, 15d))

[5:43 PM] DM: If you dash, you can make it all the way to the big one if you'd rather attack it.

[5:44 PM] Urrak: ((yeah that, I wasn't sure if I could reach it))

[5:45 PM] DM: Urrak slashes and hacks and breaks some ribs and it is critically wounded.

[5:46 PM] Urrak: ((end turn))

[5:52 PM] DM: Ok! And the sword sucks some life essence away from the creature giving Urrak an extra 10 temporary hit points.

[5:07 PM] Seirixori: ((12))

[5:07 PM] Seirixori: ((17 dex save, 25d for full))

[5:08 PM] Brimeia: ((18.14))

[5:08 PM] DM: That is a resounding failure with a total of 3.

[5:10 PM] Urrak: ((8))

[5:12 PM] DM: Ok, the wall of thorns sprouts into existence, made of black ashy vines with sharp, jagged spikes. The greyish humanoid walking on all fours snaps its head toward you and dashes towards you, coming to a stop right in front of Seir, Ry, and Rukiya.

[5:12 PM] DM: Ryleigh!

[5:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh holds her shield up and will attempt to push the ghast away from Rukiya and Seir. ((nat 20 - 24))

[5:16 PM] DM: It stumbles backwards a couple steps, its tongue and limbs flailing.

[5:21 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: She'll then step up and slice Dawnbringer through it. ((14H / 23 D, 12 smite))

[5:22 PM] DM: Because it's radiant damage, that one last hit point that it was hanging on by disintegrates and the ghast collapses into a heap at Ry's glowing feet.

[5:23 PM] DM: @Brimeia ! You are 50' from the closest shambler and 65' from the big guy who is enclosed in thorns.

[5:26 PM] Brimeia: Bri will rage, run toward them, and chuck a javelin at the closest one.

[5:27 PM] Brimeia: ((25a, 8d; 15a, 7d))

[5:28 PM] DM: It is not hard to hit, but they can be difficult to bring down. It takes the javelin to the chest, twice, but still shambles on.

[5:29 PM] DM: And it has just enough speed to catch up to Bri and flail a limb at her ineffectually.

[5:29 PM] DM: Gylfi!

[5:33 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi points at the zombie Bri just hit and says a few words just as the sound of bells fill the air. Dark energy pulses around the zombie the sound of the bells growing louder until the zombie's head explodes - covering Bri is zombie brains.

[5:34 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Whoops, sorry,"" Gylfi says, not really looking it.

[5:34 PM] DM: The big boy will start moving out of the thorns and I need another damage roll on it, @Seirixori

[5:34 PM] Seirixori: ((34))

[5:34 PM] DM: Nice. And it will be Seir's turn.

[5:37 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes a few steps back to get farther away from what Ryleigh killed and grips her staff tightly as she watches the big thing try and walk out of the thorns. ((end))

[5:37 PM] DM: Rukiya!

[5:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya dashes around Bri and carefully aims a dagger at the big one - ready to throw it if it gets within 20ft. ""Focus the big one, Seirixori is too scared to help right now.""

[5:39 PM] DM: The zombies shamble forward and it is @Urrak 's turn.

[5:40 PM] DM: Sixty feet to the closest one.

[5:42 PM] Urrak: Urrak will dash towards the big boy and use her Action Surge to attack the closest zombie to her

[5:43 PM] Urrak: ((23a, 13d + 28a, 31d + 23a, 15d))

[5:43 PM] DM: If you dash, you can make it all the way to the big one if you'd rather attack it.

[5:44 PM] Urrak: ((yeah that, I wasn't sure if I could reach it))

[5:45 PM] DM: Urrak slashes and hacks and breaks some ribs and it is critically wounded.

[5:46 PM] Urrak: ((end turn))

[5:52 PM] DM: Ok! And the sword sucks some life essence away from the creature giving Urrak an extra 10 temporary hit points.

[5:52 PM] DM: @Ryleigh Alisdair

[5:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh moves up and sings a song of empowerment. A shimmering aura radiates from her and you all feel emboldened - and now get an extra 1d4 of radiant damage on your weapon attacks.

[5:57 PM] DM: @Brimeia !

[5:58 PM] DM: Fifteen feet away are 2 zombies.

[5:58 PM] DM: Big guy is another 15' beyond that, but you'd have to go past the zombies.

[5:58 PM] Brimeia: ((is weapon burning from zombie #1?))

[5:58 PM] DM: No.

[6:02 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia runs around the little guys to get to the big bad and her weapon shifts into a glaive as she swings.

[6:02 PM] Brimeia: ((27a, 15d+4 rad; 26a, 11d+3 radiant))

[6:03 PM] DM: Plus a d4 for radiant on both.

[6:03 PM] DM: It howls in pain.

[6:03 PM] DM: Gylfi!

[6:05 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi pulls out Vydea's symbol and whispers a few words. ((using destroy undead - When an undead fails - DC 17 - its saving throw against your Turn Undead feature, it is instantly destroyed if its CR is lower than the threshold for your level))

[6:06 PM] DM: All three zombies go up in a cloud of moondust.

[6:07 PM] DM: The devourer will lash out with two claw attacks against Bri because ancestors. That's a crit 30 for 19 slashing reduced to 9 and 37 necrotic damage, and the other misses.

[6:08 PM] DM: Then it will use its Soul Rend ability. A vortex of life-draining energy starts to swirl around it and I need Ry, Urrak, and Bri to make a Constitution save.

[6:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((keep up spell - 9 / for creature roll - 4))

[6:09 PM] DM: @Urrak and @Brimeia CON saves?

[6:09 PM] Urrak: ((17))

[6:12 PM] Urrak: ((AOO nat 1))

[6:12 PM] Brimeia: ((28))

[6:13 PM] DM: You feel your life forces being sucked from your very beings for 36 points of necrotic damage (18 for Bri)

[6:13 PM] DM: And it will die inside the vines most likely. Seir wanna roll that beautiful thorn damage?

[6:14 PM] Seirixori: ((23))

[6:15 PM] DM: That is exactly enough.

[6:15 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry groans a little, suddenly feeling a little weak.

[6:16 PM] DM: Rukiya runs over to her. ""Ry?""

[6:17 PM] DM: Gylfi casts aura of vitality to start healing people back up.

[6:17 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I'm okay,"" she says. ""It hit me with something that felt draining, that's all."" Ryleigh grins, replacing Dawnbringer under her cloak.

[6:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir is still way in the back with a tight grip on her staff, the thorns still up.

[6:18 PM] DM: Ry's full and Urrak gets 15.

[6:18 PM] Brimeia: ""Yeah... that did not feel good.""

[6:18 PM] Urrak: ""Score another fer th' wall of vines. Good job, Seirixori!"" Urrak raises her sword above her head trimphantly but then soon drops it, ""Ooof, fuck I feel a lil woozy...""

[6:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Thanks Gylfi. You were great with the zombies.""

[6:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh then turns, with Rukiya's hand in hers. ""Let's go get Seirixori.""

[6:19 PM] DM: Gylfi winks and finger guns at Ry.

[6:21 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh rolls her eyes at Gylfi, but she's grinning and then retrieves Seir. ""Homashoc, are you ready to get out of here?""

[6:21 PM] DM: The rest of you can give me a roll of your choice to attempt to find the crossing.

[6:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir's breathing is heavy and she nods. ""Y-yeah, yeah. S-sorry.""

[6:22 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi: 21

[6:23 PM] Urrak: ((2...))

[6:23 PM] Brimeia: ((5))

## Back to the Material Plane

[6:24 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry takes Seir's hand and gently squeezes it. Then Ry, Rukiya, and Seir all walk back over to the group.

[6:25 PM] DM: Gylfi finds the crossing! ""Ready to find out what day it is? Well... night.""

[6:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Definitely,"" Ry answers.

[6:26 PM] Urrak: ""I forgot what year it even is.""

[6:27 PM] DM: Gylfi ushers everyone through the crossing and it is night, but so much brighter as a nearly full moon greets you all on the other side.

Gylfi: ""She's never been more beautiful, huh?""

[6:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh grins, and leans over to kiss Rukiya.

[6:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir immediately relaxes. ""I really wish we didn't have to go back.""

[6:28 PM] Urrak: Urrak just smiles

[6:28 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""As nice as it would be to relax, this is still the Fytulk. Shall we Hut, head to Alptaver, or do you have alternate plans for rest?""

[6:31 PM] Seirixori: ""No, that sounds great, unless you want to go through a tree into daylight and day rest in a completely different area,"" Seir says with a weak grin.

[6:33 PM] Urrak: ""I say we hut,"" Urrak yawns

[6:35 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Homashoc, can't you just teleport us to Isonsall now?"" Ry asks.

[6:36 PM] Urrak: ""She can do that? Hells, that's perfect.""

[6:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir blinks and looks at Ryleigh before looking down and mumbling something in abyssal that sounds very exasperated. ""Uh.. right, yes. I- I can do that.""

[6:36 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""Handy.""

[6:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Very,"" Ry answers. ""Then let's do that. I'd like to check in with Gescha before resting.""

[6:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir clears her throat and looks for a tree to use to transport them all to Isonsall.

[6:38 PM] DM: You are surrounded by trees.

[6:39 PM] DM: You find one and teleport to the base of the mountain outside Isonsall and head up to the shelter to rest and we will do some Ry and Gescha squish and any other desired squish over the week and pick up in the morning next week."

## Seir, Takara, and Ry

"[1:11 PM] DM: We can do Seir and Takara before rest here.

[1:16 PM] Seirixori: Just before they get too close Seir stops and looks towards the forest and then back to the group, ""Hey, I'm going to go talk to Takara for a little bit before we rest.""

[1:17 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Would you mind asking her if she’d be willing to speak with me again?” Ry asks, giving Seir’s hand a quick squeeze.

[1:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks hesitant and confused but she nods, ""Of course.""

[1:24 PM] Seirixori: She takes Ry's hand and will lead them to a place she hopes can reach Takara.

[1:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry awkwardly waves to the others as they march off. ""Rukiya knows where to take you to rest. Tell Gescha I'll be there shortly.""

[1:29 PM] DM: The others head up the wide, broken staircase towards Isonsall while you two head into the Fytulk to a place where the snow is free of footprints.

[1:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir stops and squeezes Ry's hand. For a moment it looks like she's going to let go and move away but instead she gives a small shrug and a sigh. Seir pulls her braid to her front and lightly touches the flower weaved into it, ""Takara? Would you.. mind speaking to my friend for a moment?""

[1:47 PM] DM: Takara does appear, off to the side, where neither of you were looking, in her more human-like appearance. She's wearing muted colors and has holly and mistletoe woven around her head and through her hair.

[1:48 PM] DM: ""I suppose I can make an exception.""

[1:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir smiles at Takara's appearance and then nods to Ryleigh.

[1:50 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh turns to where Takara is, and bows deeply to her. ""Thank you, Mother of all Things. I won't take much of your time...""

[1:51 PM] DM: Takara sneaks a slight smile to Seir over shared eye-contact while Ry's bowing.

[1:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir manages to not laugh aloud.

[1:53 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""While we were in the shadowfell, I asked the Raven Queen if there was a way to restore a soul that went to the hells, and was destroyed."" Ryleigh is still bowing, as though she isn't worthy to look at Takara. ""She said that short of a god restoring their soul, there was no way. Is that possible?""

[1:57 PM] DM: ""You may stand. I don't require such pomp and circumstance. It is a difficult question with a complicated answer. Possible? Yes. Likely? No. There are a number of limits to our power.""

[2:00 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh does stand, and she looks at Takara. ""I apologize. You're the only god I've spoken to and while your relationship with Seirixori is casual I didn't want to assume the same goes for me."" Ryleigh sighs a little. ""I believe that the souls of my brother and my father went to the hells when they died, as mine did. I was hoping, to restore their souls... for my sister, so she could hope to see them again.""

[2:05 PM] DM: Snow starts falling gently. ""I am sorry for your loss and your sister's. Unfortunately, it is something that can only be done by the god that claims the soul, and then only in particular circumstances.""

[2:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks annoyed as she glares at the snow.

[2:10 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh swallows hard, and nods. Tears spring into her eyes and she shakes her head, not allowing them to fall. ""How could Asten do this to us,"" Ry mumbles looking up at the sky and letting the snow fall onto her face for a moment or two. She tries to clear her throat of the lump that's lodged there, but when she speak her voice cracks, ""Thank you for you time, and for answering my question.""

[2:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes Ry's hands and gives them a squeeze.

[2:11 PM] DM: Takara doesn't answer, just frowns a little and nods.

[2:15 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh lets go of Seir's hands and pulls her into a hug. ""I'll be in the shelter... speaking with Gescha."" She pull back and Seir can see a few tears falling down Ry's cheeks. ""Take your time... we aren't in a rush.""

[2:17 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: She inclines her head to Takara and gives her a sad smile, then turns to leave.

[2:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir pulls Ryleigh back for another hug and whispers, ""Are you sure?""

[2:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry nods. ""I'm sure. I've rushed you too much already. Tumulus will still be there. The Titan will still travel. We're doing all that we can... and I accept that that's good enough.""

[2:24 PM] Seirixori: Seir presses her lips to Ryleigh's cheek, ""Okay.""

[2:24 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Be safe. I’ll see soon.” Ryleigh continues out of the forest.

[2:29 PM] Seirixori: Seir watches her go and eventually turns to Takara. ""I--"" she pauses and looks around. ""Uh, maybe a weird question. What day is it?""

[2:34 PM] DM: She kind of looks around like the answer might be written in the trees somehow. ""Two days to the full moon? I do not mark time by the local calendars.""

[2:37 PM] Seirixori: ((Would I know how long we were gone for off that?))

[2:38 PM] DM: Want to make a wisdom check?

[2:38 PM] DM: Or nature/survival

[2:42 PM] Seirixori: ((17))

[2:43 PM] DM: You left the night of the ninth and returned the night of the 12th.

[2:46 PM] Seirixori: ""Oh right,"" she let's out a breath and looks up, ""Time really is different there."" When she looks down again it's at her hands, nervously picking at her own fingers. ""I- I know where Moki is but I--"" she stops and swallows hard. ""I--I don't know if-if I can get him.""

[2:48 PM] DM: Takara stands in front of Seir, taking her hands and covering them in her own. ""Where?""

[2:58 PM] Seirixori: ""In the Shadowfell. In the mists. He went in to save a Shadow Angel?"" She pauses, ""I should have asked what that was... The Raven Queen said the only way to get him is to defeat the lord who keeps it locked. I'm..."" she finally looks up a tear falling down her cheek. ""I'm not sure I can handle being in there much longer or-or if they'd help me.""

[3:00 PM] DM: She puts a chilled hand to Seir's cheek and brushes the tear away. ""You have done enough. Thank you.""

[3:03 PM] Seirixori: ""But I-- I want to help him.""

[3:10 PM] DM: She smiles softly. ""I cannot ask you to do more than you are capable of. If it is too much, then it is too much. You've found him, and with that knowledge, perhaps I will find another who will be willing to try. Your mother would be very upset if I were to lose you too.""

[3:16 PM] Seirixori: One corner of Seir's lips curl up, ""She wouldn't be the only one."" She shivers from the cold. ""I still want to try. But only if my friends are willing... or if I at least can find out what it'll take. Giving the Raven Queen some memories to ask where he was wasn't so bad."" She quietly adds, ""...A lot of the things in there scare me though.""

[3:21 PM] DM: ""What is it that scares you so?""

[3:31 PM] Seirixori: She is quiet for some time, ""The undead, usually the ones that look more human, but... some of the stranger ones also speak. I--"" Seir stops and sighs, not continuing.

[3:36 PM] DM: ""It is in your nature to fear that which is unnatural, and the false animation of that which should be dead is as unnatural as anything. It is not a failing of yours to be affected by it. Fear, disgust, anger... they are all valid and appropriate responses to their existence.""

[3:46 PM] Seirixori: ""The unnatural part doesn't really scare me."" She laughs, a little more harshly than she intended, ""No- I-- it-- there was an... incident with the druids not long after I was taken to them."" She huffs and rolls her eyes, ""Wish I'd thought of it before, but I think I'll ask the Raven Queen something ridiculous once we're done here and she can take that memory away from me.""

[4:06 PM] DM: ""How are you doing otherwise?""

[4:15 PM] Seirixori: Seir's eyes widen as she just remembered something, ""Oh! I--"" she pauses to answer the actual question. ""I'm... trying. It's been difficult trying to not think about everything for so long. Well, long in there. I thought maybe seeing my wife would make me feel better but I- it still hurts.""

[5:15 PM] DM: ""You saw her?""

[5:26 PM] Seirixori: ""I did..."" Seir tilts her head thinking about it. ""It was after, when we were all talking about what we saw, that I realized how strange that was. How real she seemed. No. How she was real. No one else was that real, unless we were physically there and obviously she wasn't so how..."" She frowns, ""I thought maybe... well, everyone kind of dismissed what I thought. I don't see how it was truly possible anyway.""

[5:38 PM] DM: ""You thought maybe she was there?""

[5:47 PM] Seirixori: ""Yes. I don't know how else to explain it. Then I had the silly idea that it could very well have been like-like her realm but that doesn't really make sense. Does it?"" Seir rubs her face, ""It felt too real to just be something of a trial but everyone else just thinks it was the same for them--"" she releases a huff of frustration. ""It couldn't have been the same.""

[5:49 PM] DM: ""Whether it was real or not, if it was real to you, that's what matters.""

[6:16 PM] Seirixori: The frustration is still evident but she only sighs. ""I suppose."" Her face scrunches and she mumbles something about the snow. Her eyes narrow as she studies Takara. ""Are you...wearing weeds?""

[6:23 PM] DM: ""Weeds,"" she scoffs. ""Are all children born beautiful and useful? But you love them just the same.""

[6:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, ""My kid is kind of like a mushroom."" She looks mildly surprised that the words left her mouth but she continues, ""And the shadow wolves were really neat. The shadow grove I made however, kind of creepy.""

[6:37 PM] DM: ""I am glad you seem to be feeling better.""

[6:39 PM] Seirixori: ""I am trying. ...It's hard not knowing how to help, or not being able to.""

[7:11 PM] Seirixori: She laughs, ""Including helping myself.""

[7:18 PM] DM: ""I know you are not a fan of the cold. Is there anything else I can help you with?""

[7:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir shakes her head, ""No. And normally I like being around you aside from whenever I have questions,"" she makes a face, ""But snow exists.""

[7:31 PM] DM: ""I understand, sia um."" She presses a kiss to Seir's forehead. ""Be safe.""

[7:35 PM] Seirixori: ""You too,"" She says turning away, laughing a little at her response. She heads back, but not before stopping just before the entrance to the town to stare up at the mountain. Seir runs a finger on the raised black lines on her chest, ""I miss you.""

## Ry and Gescha

"8:17 PM] DM: After speaking to Takara, Ry is going to look for Gescha?

[12:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Yup)) Ryleigh composes herself on the walk to the shelter. Once she enters, she’ll seek out Gescha.

[12:55 PM] DM: Rukiya's waiting for Ry to return and walks with her towards the room where Gescha has her office set up. ""You ok?""

[1:00 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry takes Rukiya’s hand and shakes her head. “But it has to wait, there’s other things that need my attention.”

[1:05 PM] DM: Rukiya pulls her to a stop and waits until Ry looks at her. ""You need your attention. Don't over extend yourself. There are other people who can be delegated to. Don't forget to take care of yourself, ok?""

[1:17 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: It takes a moment but Ry deflates. “Takara essentially said that only Asten could restore Avery and Kizer’s souls...” she shakes her head. “I know it was a long shot, but I wanted to do it for Clemency. She was... so distraught when I told her she’d never see them again.”

[1:24 PM] DM: Rukiya pulls Ry down into a hug. ""I'm sorry, unsil'umun. Maybe... maybe there's still a chance.""

[2:35 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh holds onto Rukiya a little tighter than she normally does, pressing a soft kiss to her neck. “Perhaps. I can’t imagine losing you and holding onto the hope that I’d see you in the afterlife only to find out I don’t get eternity with you.” Ry’s voices cracks. “They were ripped apart, and... and...” she buries her head further into Rukiya neck.

[2:41 PM] DM: Rukiya holds her a little tighter, but doesn't say anything. After a few seconds, Ry can probably feel tears where their skin meets.

[2:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh pulls back just enough to cup her face. “I love you, sun’frada.”

[2:58 PM] DM: She gives Ry a watery smile. ""I love you, too.""

[3:33 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Look what you did,” Ry teases. “Now Gescha is going to know we were crying.”

[3:39 PM] DM: ""What I did? These are your tears.""

[3:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You’re right... they are, but I couldn’t help it. I’m sorry for making you cry.” Despite her words, Ryleigh’s smiling. “At least they weren’t all sad tears?”

[3:52 PM] DM: Rukiya smiles despite herself and reaches up to wipe Ry's tears away, followed by her own. She takes a breath and seems to be re-centering herself. ""I guess I got used to not needing walls. There's... a lot... here.""

[4:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry frowns. “Do what you need to take care of yourself.” She sighs, then takes a deep breath. “Okay, we need to check in on Gescha... see how rebuilding is going and if they’ve had any contact with the castle yet.”

[4:22 PM] DM: Rukiya nods and the two of them had to Gescha's office. It's late, but she's still sitting at the table, looking through stacks of paper. When she sees it's you opening the door, she stands.  ""Your Majesty... I wasn't expecting to see you again so soon.""

[4:29 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh smiles and waves off the formality. “We aren’t intruding - are we? I’m sorry for the surprise visit. We had some spare time and I really wanted to check in on things here.”

[4:32 PM] DM: ""No, of course not. I can get you a room to rest in. Let me just get Rolfe and he'll get it ready for you."" She picks up a small bell on her desk, but when she rings it, it makes no noise.

[4:34 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “No no, we’ll sleep out with the others. A room isn’t necessary.” Ry continues to grin and moves to the table. “I’m sure whoever is in those rooms need them more than we do.”

[4:38 PM] DM: ""Your Majesty, with all due respect, I'm not sure sleeping with the people is the... safest option. The number of people discontent with the queen's response to the destruction is growing and I do not wish to see you or my-- our people harmed because of it. At least let Rolfe set up a space in the guard barracks so you'll be safer.""

[4:43 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Yes, okay... as long as we aren’t displacing anyone.” Ryleigh then frowns. “Has Ragna done anything about this?”

[5:01 PM] DM: ""I haven't had contact with her. Some of the people who make regular trips between the town and the castle checked in with them. The castle-dwellers seemed to be entirely unaware of the titan, its passing, or the destruction down here. This evening, however, almost all of the people with permanent residence in the castle left the castle to come to our shelter. We have been too busy trying to find space for them to find out why yet.""

[5:11 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh sighs. “I figured as much, my sister didn’t know anything had happened when I brought her and my nephew here from the castle.” She rubs at the back of her neck. “I was planning on going up there tomorrow... maybe I should speak with a few of the people who left first.”

[5:23 PM] DM: Rolfe knocks and enters with a cup of hot coffee. ""Oh, Your Majesty. Sorry, I would have brought more had I realized... I can get more."" He leaves the cup on Gescha's desk and turns to leave.

[5:25 PM] DM: Gescha: ""Rolfe, the princess and her wife will need somewhere to sleep in the barracks. Please see to their privacy.""

Rolfe bows. ""Yes, ma'am.""

[5:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I can’t have hot chocolate, Rolfe, but thank you. Rukiya, would you like some though?”

[5:45 PM] DM: ""No, thank you.""

[5:45 PM] DM: Rolfe bows again and dismisses himself.

[5:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “So other than lack of support from the castle, and the unrest that’s caused... how are things? Is there anything we can do to help?”

[5:55 PM] DM: Gescha shakes her head. ""The pot you left is working wonders, and we still have plenty of emergency stores. Mr. Brook has been doing a fine job of easing tensions even if he makes my to do list longer. We have privacy partitions set up and we're digging further in, making more living space and I have a crew attempting to make contact with one of the Dharn tunnels that passes through near here. It's just a matter of one step at a time until we're back on our feet.""

[5:58 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh nods, clearly thinking over what Gescha’s telling her. “I know it’ll never be enough, but I’m sorry. I wish there was more I could do.” She sighs. “Is there anything you’d like me to relay to Ragna? I intend on seeing her tomorrow... assuming the people from the castle don’t tell me she wants my head on a stake.”

[6:05 PM] DM: Gescha raises an eyebrow. ""Is... that a worry?""

[7:50 PM] DM: Rukiya squeezes Ry's hand and says in Elven, ""If you don't need me, I'm going to go make sure Seirixori made it back inside.""

[8:23 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry presses a kiss to Rukiya’s hand and whispers, “Go.”

[8:25 PM] DM: Rukiya excuses herself from the conversation politely before slipping out of the door.

[8:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: She turns her attention back to Gescha. “I’m not sure. I did what she asked of me, and in return I took my sister and nephew away from her... that was always the deal but...” she sighs and shrugs. “She was so wrapped up in what the Titan was doing that she didn’t give me the opportunity to formally ask if I could take them.”

[8:33 PM] DM: Gescha listens, but doesn't opine. ""I... If I do not receive instruction, guidance, or orders from the queen- or you, in her absence- then I will continue doing what I feel is in the best interest of Isonsall and the people in the shelter. If and when we do make contact with the Dharn tunnels, there may be a need for diplomatic relations, but if I am still the acting authority at that time, then so be it.""

[8:36 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I trust your judgement. You’re capable, and as you said last time... you’ve been running this town with minimal supervision for years. However, I need to think of way for you to reach me, in case you need me.”

[8:38 PM] DM: ""The mirror that connected my home to the castle was destroyed in the attack, unfortunately. We've been all but cut off from everywhere except for physical runners.""

[8:43 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I’ll chat with my party and see if there’s anything any of them can do. An enchanted object or something.” Ryleigh snaps her fingers and frowns. “I should I have purchased sending stones in town, but I didn’t think we’d be coming straight here. I’m sorry you’ve had to bear the weight of this alone. I wish I could stay and really help our people rebuild.”

[8:46 PM] DM: ""I mean this with all due respect, but there's nothing more you can do for us here. We're past the crisis point. It's just a matter of time and effort, barring further complications. Isonsall is a city of survivors. I hope someday for us to be more than that, but for now, survival is good enough.""

[8:48 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh nods, then says, without really thinking, “I don’t want to be the type of ruler who sits up in a castle and lets others deal with something like this. It’s just hard for me to accept that I can’t help, when I wish to so badly.”

[8:56 PM] DM: ""If you don't mind me saying, Your Majesty, it's a matter of capability and perspective. I don't know what you've gotten up to since you went missing all those years ago, but your armor and sword tell me you're more suited to being out there dealing with the titan than you are to being behind a desk looking at paperwork and making day-to-day decisions of where people will sleep and what they'll eat. And there's a world of difference between a ruler who sits in their castle lounging all day and one who sets their abilities to work for their people. Maybe eventually you'll get a chance to make the decision of what kind of ruler you want to be, but for now... if you don't find a way to stop that thing, there won't be a country for you to rule.""

[8:58 PM] DM: ""And to be frank, I'd rather live in a country ruled by someone who stopped the titan than one who let it free or one who sat by and did nothing. If you want people to follow you and believe in you and trust you... be worthy of it.""

[9:12 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I’m trying to be,” Ry says, looking determined. “And you’re right, I’m a warrior... I’ve been training for years to be the best fighter I can be so I could help others.” Ry exhales. “I didn’t know who I was until a month ago, and ever since, I’ve been trying to be something I’m not. Thank you for your honesty.”

[9:21 PM] DM: ""Thank you for letting me speak freely. You're young. You have time to learn the statesmanship and everything else that comes with the title. Hopefully you're not the sort of person who would tell a farmer how to plow just because you were their ruler. Trust people to know how to do what they do. Stick to the big picture. Your heart seems to be in the right place. The rest will follow.""

[9:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh grins. “I’ll keep that in mind, and I’m still learning how to be patient, so thanks for being so understanding.” She scratches the back of her neck. “Like I said earlier, I trust in your leadership. I know you have the people’s best interest at heart.” After a few moments Ry says, “Unless you need me for anything, I think I’ll turn in for the night.”

[9:34 PM] DM: She tilts her head in deference. ""Have a good night, Your Majesty. I'll be talking to some of the newcomers in the morning, if you'd like to join me.""

[9:35 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I would, thank you for the invitation.” Ry tilts her head and opens the door to the office, “If you need me, you know where I’ll be.” She smiles at Gescha and exits the office, heading towards where she’s bunking up for the night."

## Seir and Gylfi

[8:55 PM] Seirixori: The cold sets under her skin before she moves again. She finally heads into the town to search for the others, more specifically Gylfi.

[8:58 PM] DM: Gylfi's leaned against a wall somewhere, chatting with one of the locals, notebook in hand, but when you approach, you're not really sure if they're interviewing or flirting.

[9:01 PM] Seirixori: Seir stands nearby, watching for a few moments before she interrupts, ""And here I thought you might be bored. Should I come back later?"" She's clearly teasing.

[9:06 PM] DM: ""Bored? Have you seen this place?"" They thank the person they were speaking to and excuse themself before approaching Seir. ""Were you looking for me? Eager for show and tell?""

[9:14 PM] Seirixori: ""You should see the castle, though you might need one of the others to show you that."" Seir chuckles, ""Actually I was going to offer more answers as Ryleigh had offered... only not around them.""

[9:17 PM] DM: ""Oh? Something in particular you felt was missing?""

[9:29 PM] Seirixori: ""Not exactly. Now that I think of it, it's another thing I'm not sure would make sense. Or relative."" She shrugs, ""Though it might be more selfish than that.""

[9:31 PM] DM: ""Why don't we find someplace to sit? Despite not needing one, they said I could find a bed over there."" They point at part of the big open room, which you can now see has been partitioned by chunks of what was once probably walls of destroyed buildings, but is functioning to give some kind of privacy to those out in the common areas.

[9:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods and follows them there.

[9:40 PM] DM: The 'bed' is little more than some padding on the stone floor, but Gylfi has no complaint as they sit and pat the space next to them in invitation. ""I promise not to make any jokes tomorrow about getting you into my bed.""

[9:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts, ""The look on everyone's faces might be worth it.""

[9:47 PM] DM: ""So... what's on your mind?""

[9:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir sits and pulls her knees up to her chest. ""You might be questioning if you want a platonic type person, but I'm questioning if I want someone or someones romantically or sexually and Ryleigh is unfortunately not exactly the right person to ask. ...Though I'm not even sure what to ask.""

[10:00 PM] DM: ""Intriguing. Well... let's compare. I know I want sex. It's fun and I enjoy it. I know I don't want to be limited to one person. I know hearing Urrak speak about settling down with the right woman and having kids made my skin crawl."" They sigh and say, ""And I know that, thanks to my trial, there is part of me that wants something reliable, someone who I know will stick around with me even if our lives change and they get married or whatever happens. What about you?""

[10:26 PM] Seirixori: ""I have that last part and I never thought I'd want more, but I also had my wife at the time."" Seir is quiet for a moment as she thinks. ""I do want children--I have a child, technically-- but I want them whether or not I'm with someone."" She tilts her head to look at Gylfi, like she's studying them. ""Even broken down so easily, I still don't know."" She chews on her lip, ""It never occurred to me that I might want something else until someone else showed... interest.""

[10:34 PM] DM: ""Well... what do you think you might want? Someone to help raise that kid, if Ryleigh's not that person? Someone to help keep you warm every night? Someone to have a little fun with? Do they all have to be the same person?""

[10:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles, ""I'm usually the one keeping people warm."" She takes her tail and plays with the tip of it. ""No, I don't think they do have to be the same person and I rather like not having to sleep alone."" She then shrugs, ""Sex is nice but I don't know if I'd actively seek it out.""

[10:56 PM] DM: ""Well, if you're ever in the mood for a little experiment with casual sex, I come highly recommended,"" they grin, and though Seir can probably tell they're not joking, it doesn't come across as pushy or creepy.

[11:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs again, ""I'll keep you in mind. And if you want another friend who will stick around for a while, I might know someone.""

[11:07 PM] DM: They sigh and sit back, resting their head on the wall behind them. ""Friends are nice... I-- it sounds stupid, but I..."" They look frustrated, like the words aren't coming to them like they want.

[11:12 PM] Seirixori: Seir sits up and moves closer to Gylfi, leaning into them a bit just for some form of comfort, but enough to easily not be touching if they don't want to.

[11:13 PM] DM: ""My trial... I had something I discovered and I needed to share with someone. I felt like if I couldn't tell someone what I learned, I might just explode or something... but everyone I turned to had someone or something else that was more important. Caelynn had Eloise. Rukiya had Ryleigh. Trouble had a party to get to. I-- I didn't realize..."" They kind of pause for a moment to collect themselves. ""I'm nobody's most important person. I've ignored it for so long that I forgot how much it hurt.""

[11:21 PM] DM: ""I thought I was Caelynn's... until she fell for some noble from a city and left me and the rest of our clan. I thought maybe Trouble, but she's... too caught up in herself. And then Rukiya... when we met, she was so adamant about her boundaries and I thought it was because she was like me and that we could be friends and sleep together or around but have each others' backs, and then there was a girl... and then there were feelings, and then it was all she wanted to talk about or she needed a distraction from it, and then... well. I know she didn't mean to hurt me, but... "" They sigh. ""She just has a way of making you feel special, you know? You know.""

[11:40 PM] Seirixori: ""I--"" Seir's face grows warm. ""Yes. I think I do.""

[11:40 PM] DM: They kind of look over and say, ""Special can mean a lot of things.""

[11:52 PM] Seirixori: ""It can. I'm sorry you've had to be alone like that all this time. It's something I'm afraid of-- what my trial was."" Seir nudges Gylfi with her shoulder, ""You know, I think you'll be welcome at the guildhall whenever you like. There's a lot of people there. And I don't think there's a limit on how many most important people you can have.""

[11:56 PM] DM: They kind of smile. ""Rukiya said the same thing about the guildhall. It sounds silly because I'm not alone. I still have friends. It wasn't really until I talked to you that I realized that... there are people out there who won't just stop being your most important person because they get married. That maybe I don't have to find someone who won't get married to have that.""

[11:57 PM] DM: They shrug and grin. ""And now I know how to explain what I want so I can find someone who might be interested."""

"[12:05 AM] Seirixori: ""I'm glad something positive is coming out of all this mess.""

[12:10 AM] DM: ""But... none of that helps you figure out what you need.""

[12:18 AM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, ""I enjoy helping people... and I have time.""

[12:18 AM] DM: ""You sound like me.""

[12:27 AM] Seirixori: ""Guess it's a good thing I like you then.""

[12:31 AM] DM: ""I asked Rukiya how your relationship with Ryleigh made her feel... how does their relationship make you feel?... and how do you think your wife felt about it?""

[12:54 AM] Seirixori: ""I'm not entirely sure my wife understood, but she knew I loved her and my love for Ryleigh didn't interfere with any of that. As for Ryleigh and Rukiya..."" She tilts her head, ""...I love them both and I love them both together and I don't need it to be more than that.  My feelings...changed and I didn't really notice it, but it doesn't matter. Loving someone means wanting them to be happy, and that is my priority. Because in the end, that also makes me happy.""

[8:17 AM] DM: ""You're very sweet. She’s lucky to have you. Both of you.""

[9:29 AM] Seirixori: ""She has you too.""

[9:29 AM] DM: They chuckle a little. ""I meant Ryleigh.""

[9:36 AM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, ""I said what I said.""

[9:41 AM] DM: They kind of half chuckle, half scoff. ""Yeah, I don't know... I don't really get her.""

[9:48 AM] Seirixori: Seir laughs and teases, ""And here I thought you were smart and liked to figure things out.""

[9:59 AM] DM: ""I'm more determined than smart,"" they grin. ""Rukiya just seems so different. And their relationship? Being with someone who looks like that with no sex?  It would be like having wish spells and only using them to flavor your food. It just seems like such a waste of good muscles."" They laugh softly at their own joke, then look at their own hands. ""She says she's happy and that she has no regrets, but also that it's complicated and... I just worry for her. It's all so much and so fast. It's... uh...  all natural, right? No enchantment spells or anything?""

[10:06 AM] Seirixori: Seir gets serious, rather quickly, ""No. Ryleigh would never--"" Seir takes a steadying breath, ""Do yourself a favor and never even joke about that in front of her.""

[10:17 AM] DM: They kind of frown, taken aback by the sudden ferocity. ""That's... less than comforting. I've obviously touched a nerve here, and normally this is where I'd back off and apologize for over-stepping, but my concern for Rukiya's wellbeing is stronger. Is she safe? She's not going to make the wrong joke one day and end up hurt, right?""

[10:46 AM] Seirixori: ""Of course she's safe! Rukiya is well aware of..."" Seir trails off, the intensity fading slightly. ""I'm sorry."" Seir frowns clearly thinking it over. ""Ryleigh has her issues but the only way they hurt Rukiya is Ryleigh constantly thinking her life doesn't matter."" Seir is obviously not happy about it either. She turns and looks Gylfi in the eyes, ""It is not my right to tell you their secrets, and I don't care whether you believe me or not, because I know they're good for each other and I would never let either of them be with someone who would hurt them.""

[10:58 AM] DM: Gylfi doesn't look away, instead looking into Seir's eyes as much as she is, like they're looking for doubt. After a few seconds, Gylfi relaxes. ""OK. Look... I'm not trying to be an asshole. I'm just looking out for Rukiya. I don't know Ryleigh. I've seen her around a couple times and we just spent a week together where she's clearly trying to act like someone she's not. I should have known better than to talk about her with her person, but... my curiosity and concern got the better of me.   I can't apologize for asking because I'd do it again, but I do believe you, and I'm sorry if this exchange has soured our budding friendship.""

[11:12 AM] Seirixori: Seir takes a few moments to gather herself. Finally, with a small smile, she speaks, ""No. Far from it, I think. It proves you do care for her...and unlike some people, I believe your apology and your concern.""

[11:18 AM] DM: They smile back and pat Seir's leg. ""Good. I'd hate to ruin a centuries long friendship on day 12. Listen... I'm going to be honest with you... it's getting late and you should probably rest, but also now I'm all wound up and it would just be inappropriate and awkward if you were who I unwound with tonight.""

[11:31 AM] Seirixori: Seir let's out a surprised laugh and covers it quickly with her hands as it turns into her snickering. She lightly pushes Gylfi before she stands. ""Maybe one day, maybe not. Try not to have too much fun, Gylfi, I would hate for you to miss whatever we do tomorrow.""

[11:40 AM] DM: They also stand. ""Thanks for the talk.""

[11:43 AM] Seirixori: ""Any time."" And Seir will head off to find her place to sleep.

## Seir and Rukiya

[12:40 PM] DM: As Seir walks, Rukiya comes up behind her and hooks her arm around Seir's. ""Headed to bed? We've got a spot in the guard barracks.""

[12:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks over at Rukiya with a raised eyebrow and a small smile, ""As long as it is not outside...for once.""

[12:44 PM] DM: ""No... in the shelter. Ry's finishing up with Gescha, but I wanted to make sure you knew where to find us. Gescha's still worried about Ry's safety but Ry refused to take a private room. The others are probably already asleep.""

[12:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir shakes her head, ""Of course she did. Thank you, for coming to find me.""

[12:52 PM] DM: ""Of course. How was Takara?""

[12:58 PM] Seirixori: ""...She said she would try and find someone else to help Moki... because I wasn't sure anyo-- we could.""

[1:01 PM] DM: Rukiya takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. ""I know it's hard, and hopefully it won't be too late after the titan is dealt with, or Takara can find a more urgent solution, but... I understand why Ryleigh made that choice. I know that doesn't stop the pain though.""

[1:06 PM] Seirixori: ""He helped me. And Takara's done so much for me and I can't--"" Seir shakes her head, and sighs. ""And it all has to wait.""

[1:18 PM] DM: ""I know..."" She leads Seir into the barracks where one section has been hastily partitioned off, and an actual bed waits.

[1:34 PM] DM: She starts pulling off what little armor she wears, and there's a hint of exhaustion you recognize that wasn’t there the last time you saw her. She flops down onto the bed. ""Never thought I'd be so grateful for such a flimsy mattress.""

[5:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks mildly concerned. She starts to take her armor off but gets frustrated and decides to take a few seconds to shift it off and leave herself in what she wears underneath. ""Are you alright?"" She asks quietly as she sits on the bed next to Rukiya.

[5:51 PM] DM: ""Just tired. I'll be ok. We'll have to squish if all three of us are fitting on this bed."" She repositions herself and scoots over.

[6:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir teases lightly, ""The floor never bothered me."" She lies down next to Rukiya, her tail resting against Rukiya's leg. ""You weren't this tired earlier. Did something happen with Gescha?"" She asks softly.

[7:20 PM] DM: ""No..."" She sighs and props herself up on her elbow so Seir can see her lips so she can 'speak' silently. ""I can feel other people's emotions... but I couldn't in the Shadowfell, so I forgot how overwhelming it can get if I'm not careful.""

[7:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir blinks a few times as she processes that, her face reddening a little, ""...Oh. Uh... oh."" Her brow furrows for a moment before she sighs and focuses back on Rukiya, ""That's... a little unfortunate. Not exactly the greatest place to return to after that is it. Is-is there anything that makes it... better?""

[7:45 PM] DM: ""It kind of just fades into the background noise after a while. It's just a little jarring after relative silence. Honestly, there's less anxiety in the air than I would expect. It was Ry after talking to... your chat outside that was overwhelming, and there's a good chance that it wouldn't have mattered if we were just back or not. She's... well, I would use devastated, but she's right back to work, pushing it down for later.""

[7:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, ""I didn't think anything I'd have said would have made it hurt less... even if there's still a part of me that thinks we can do something.""

[7:58 PM] DM: ""Do you have ideas?""

[8:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, ""Short of going to the hells to find them ourselves? No, not really. I just have an annoying habit of thinking that nothing is impossible.""

[8:07 PM] DM: Rukiya chuckles. ""That's not necessarily a bad thing as long as you're not reckless about achieving it.""

[8:34 PM] Seirixori: ""Reckless? Me? Never.""

[8:42 PM] DM: Rukiya just hums a little and lies back down. ""...have a nice chat with Gylfi?""

[9:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts, ""An informative one at the very least. It was a little rocky in the end but it all worked out.""

[9:14 PM] DM: ""That's... good? They're not usually the 'rocky' kind. If you tell them you're not interested, they'll stop flirting with you,"" she adds with a quiet laugh.

[9:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles, ""Surprisingly, I don't mind it that much. No, it was about you and Ryleigh. They... wanted to make sure what you had was real and I may have gotten a bit defensive about it.""

[9:33 PM] DM: Rukiya hums. ""Like I told Ryleigh... they have a very specific view of who I am during a very specific time of my life. It's taking some time for them to adjust to learning more about who I really am... and even that is a very incomplete picture. That's actually part of why Ry was so insistent on telling me when she figured it out and by extension, why she wanted you to know. Gylfi knew more about me than anyone during that time, but even so, it was so little. She wanted me to have someone I could be myself with.""

[9:43 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh walks around the partition. Rukiya can feel Ry’s in a much better mood than when they entered Gescha’s office. “Hello my favorite people,” she says, starting to take off her armor. “Who wants the middle tonight?”

[9:50 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods to Rukiya, ""We worked it out."" She turns to Ryleigh, moving over and away from Rukiya. ""You can, a thaisce.""

[9:56 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry chuckles. “You sure?” She takes off the bit of armor and walks over to the bed.

[10:05 PM] DM: ""I'm sure I want heat back so one of you better get over here soon.""

[10:06 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh doesn’t have to be told twice, she shimmies into bed between them.

[10:09 PM] DM: Rukiya snuggles close to warm up. ""You're in a much better mood.""

[10:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir's tail moves over her sleeping companions as they all get comfortable.

[10:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Gescha gave me some really good advice.” Ry says quietly.

[10:35 PM] DM: ""Was it to go to bed?""

[10:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir giggles.

[10:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Ha ha.” Ryleigh presses a kiss to Rukiya’s forehead. “She basically said that I need to do what I’m good at and stop worrying about the rest. That diplomacy and such will come with time. To stick to the big picture.”

[10:39 PM] DM: ""That is pretty good advice.""

[10:43 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Since I found out my ‘birthright’ I’ve been trying my best to figure it all out, but the truth is... I wasn’t raised to rule. I was taught how to fight, so that’s what I need to do. Find a way to fight the Titan and forget the rest until it’s been destroyed.”

[10:46 PM] DM: ""So what's the plan for tomorrow?""

[10:46 PM] Seirixori: ""To not go into the snow?"""

"5:21 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh chuckles. “I’m afraid being in the snow is unavoidable, homashoc.”

[5:22 AM] Seirixori: Seir grumbles, clearly unhappy about it.

[5:23 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Gescha invited me to chat with a few of the people who left the castle... and based on what they say, I’ll determine if we’re walking past or if I need to go see Ragna.”

[5:34 AM] Seirixori: ""...I think I'll stay here and help clear out some space.""

[5:40 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “If it looks like it’ll be necessary for me to see Ragna then I think that’s be best,” Ry’s tone isn’t harsh, it’s just matter of fact.

[5:44 AM] Seirixori: ""I only slightly regret what I did, if only because I can't poke around the castle.""

[5:46 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh sighs. “I just hope it doesn’t cost me too much. Heli won’t be happy that all I have left is her journal and spell book. Assuming she puts it together that we took her stuff.”

[5:49 AM] Seirixori: ""Sorry,"" Seir grumbles, clearly more upset that it would effect Ryleigh than the actual act of taking the things.

[5:51 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “It’s okay... I know your were angry. I was too. I was just trying to make sure they didn’t come after us. That’s all.”

[8:27 AM] DM: Rukiya shifts and mumbles sleepily into Ry's shoulder, ""Maybe we should poke around the castle some while they're distracted talking to Ry. They have to know something about the titan. All her notes had to come from somewhere.""

[9:10 AM] Seirixori: ""Aw I wanted to punch some walls,"" Seir jokingly whines. ""I did sneak into and out of Heli's room as a spider the first time.""

[1:00 PM] DM: ""There'll be fewer people to stop us from wandering around the rest of the castle too, apparently.""

[2:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh inhales deeply and exhales slowly. “You’re right, it would be a good opportunity to see if there’s that could help us about the Titan.”

[3:06 PM] DM: Rukiya opens an eye to look at Ry. ""We'll be careful.""

[4:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I know you will be... doesn’t stop me from worrying,” Ry says, a slight grin on her lips.

[9:49 PM] DM: Rukiya leans up to press a kiss to Ry's cheek, then snuggles back down. ""Sleep now."""

11 Felmont -- 12 Felmont -- 13 Felmont

Felmont 3Y21 - Discord logs