Nawain/Logs/20260425

---- NAWAIN ----

[General] Your mind hears Jaelia thinking, Has anyone heard any updates on Nawain? I've heard some rumors of some attempts to organize a group to search for her again... but just rumors...

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, I hope it works! Feel free to reach out if another set of eyes is helpful when things get organized.

[General] Your mind hears Jaelia thinking, Will do, if anyone sees or hears anything, let us know - If you see something say something!!

You sing in a mezzo-soprano voice:

    Soon... night will come...

You sing in a mezzo-soprano voice:

    Quieting... the sun...

You hum sadly to yourself.

Knight of Chaos Davrion came out of a door.

You sing in a mezzo-soprano voice:

    Silent, the sound.... of the night, coming through...

You hum sadly to yourself.

You glance at Davrion, a male Human.

You smile at Davrion.

Davrion smiles at you.

Davrion quietly says, Ello there.

You sit up.

You nod to Davrion.

You quietly say in a Rakash accent, H'lo, Sir Davrion.

Davrion sweeps a glimmering helm surmounted by a radiant crown of icesteel off his head and in front of him in a large arc, fluidly stepping backward and bowing to you at the same time.

You smile at Davrion.

(Nawain's eyes sort of glaze over every few moments as she grows distracted by nothing at all.)

Davrion quietly asks, How are you doing this fine eve?

You say in a Rakash accent, Mmm? Oh, I.. I have no complaints.

You smile at Davrion.

You say in a Rakash accent, And lots of alcohol.

You give a slight nod.

Davrion chuckles.

Davrion quietly says, Lots of alcohol is a good thing.

Davrion nods.

(Nawain kicks her feet, gazing at the floor.)

You glance at Davrion, a male Human.

You see Knight of Chaos Davrion Van'dahurst, Joustmaster, a Human.

Davrion has an angular face, pointed ears, stormy grey eyes and a straight nose.  His brown hair is shoulder length and thick, and is worn shaved on the sides and pulled back into a ponytail.  He has tanned skin and a massive build.

He is tall for a Human.

He appears to be venerable.

He has a tattoo of a seven-sided snowflake on his neck.

He is in good shape.

He is wearing a jet black damite armet shaped like a howling wolf's head, some burnished everdusk damite full plate embellished with scorpion diamonds, an effervescent eddy of honey-hued light captured by a sungold frame, a pair of burnished everdusk damite gauntlets embellished with scorpion diamonds and a white silk surcoat with the crest of the Paladins' Guild on the front.

You quietly ask Davrion in a Rakash accent, I hope you are well?

Davrion quietly says, Sorry a bit in my head tonight, so far so good.

You smile at Davrion.

You nod.

Davrion quietly asks, So how has your further testing with combat went?

Davrion grins at you.

You say in a Rakash accent, Mmm, haven't really practiced much the last few andu. I did sort of murder Cambin. With holy fire.

(Nawain looks guilty.)

Davrion laughs!

Davrion quietly says, A little death now and then does a Paladin good. reminds us we're not invincible.

[Personal][Zemfreed] <to you>  Are you safe? Jaelia has been worried about you.

You chuckle.

(Nawain's smile slowly fades as she goes back to gazing at a speck of nothing near her feet.)

You are Enelne's Champion Nawain Augtaire, Sfarns del Dzive of Siksraja, a Rakash Cleric.

You have a high-cheekboned kite-shaped face with an inexorable streak of splaying black veins spreading along the neck, delicate ears, haunted abyssal black eyes and a freckled nose.  Your abyssal black-streaked ginger hair is hip length and frizzy with Katamba-black tips, and is worn ratted into a tangled mess.  You have pale skin dusted with a constellation of freckles and a coltish figure.

You are tiny for a Rakash.

A luminous lavender butterfly graced by prismatic lilac moonsilver wings floats lazily around your head, glowing with a lustrous sheen against your skin.

You appear to be an underdog.

Whimsical gnarled truegold branches are embellished with dozens of delicate filigree butterflies, each paper-thin form awash in a golden nimbus of light.  The vibrant blue-green wings of a massive Enelne's Eye rest just above your eyes.

Your right palm has a tattoo of a stylized butterfly sketched in thick inky black lines.

A luminous orb formed by a starry murder of crows hovers like a will-o-wisp, following you diligently.

You are in good shape.

You are holding a muracite compass set with a single demantoid garnet leaf in your right hand.

You are wearing a wispy whisperlayne uaro's'sugi trimmed with midnight onyx that is loosely wound around the head and neck, a finely wrought truegold shoulder necklace flaunting a large Enelne's eye, a backless plum whisperlayne safos with airy layered gossamer skirts, a grey leather armband adorned with onyx carvings, a polished asini oath ring graced with a large glittering avene and a substantial ka'hurst signet ring set with a goldenglow glaes intaglio crest.

You gaze at your compass.

You get an itsy-bitsy Ilithic applewood keg reinforced with howlite-studded leather straps from inside your slender rugursora.

Grinning, you pull a large swig from an itsy-bitsy Ilithic applewood keg reinforced with howlite-studded leather straps.  The taste of fermented apples and black peppercorns maul your senses as the viscous blue fratvarit pours down your gullet.  The urge to howl at the moons is quickly quelled by the sickly honey-sweet aftertaste and strong burning sensation that fills your mouth.

[WARNING:  Drinking large quantities of this could make you unconscious!]

You gaze off into the distance blankly.

Grinning, you pull a large swig from an itsy-bitsy Ilithic applewood keg reinforced with howlite-studded leather straps.  The taste of fermented apples and black peppercorns maul your senses as the viscous blue fratvarit pours down your gullet.  The urge to howl at the moons is quickly quelled by the sickly honey-sweet aftertaste and strong burning sensation that fills your mouth.

Grinning, you pull a large swig from an itsy-bitsy Ilithic applewood keg reinforced with howlite-studded leather straps.  The taste of fermented apples and black peppercorns maul your senses as the viscous blue fratvarit pours down your gullet.  The urge to howl at the moons is quickly quelled by the sickly honey-sweet aftertaste and strong burning sensation that fills your mouth.

You put your keg in your slender rugursora.

You get an enormous whiskey bottle of dark green glass from inside your slender rugursora.

You put your bottle in your beverage holster.

You get an enormous whiskey bottle of dark green glass from inside your slender rugursora.

You put your bottle in your beverage holster.

You get an enormous whiskey bottle of dark green glass from inside your slender rugursora.

You put your bottle in your beverage holster.

Cambin came out of a door.

You gaze off into the distance blankly.

Cambin says, Greetings one and all.

Cambin glances at you.

You smile at Cambin.

You quietly say to Cambin in a Rakash accent, Vrali.

Davrion quietly says, Ello ello.

You let out a long breath of alcohol-laden air.

You lie down on the hammock.

You ponder.

You gaze at your compass.

Cambin asks you, How you holding up today?

You say in a Rakash accent, Tek moved the boat.

You frown.

Cambin asks, Did he?

You say to Cambin in a Rakash accent, Hunh? Oh. I have been drinking. And sleeping. And drinking.

You blush a bright red color.

You exclaim to Cambin in a Rakash accent, And studying!

You get a black-bordered parchment from inside your slender rugursora.

You wave your black-bordered parchment around.

You gaze at your parchment.

You say in a Rakash accent, And studying.

Cambin says, Today just like yesterday just like the day before, then.

Cambin grins.

You give a slight nod.

Cambin asks, Oh? What are you studying?

You sadly say in a Rakash accent, Just like tomorrow.

You sigh.

You say in a Rakash accent, Our enemies. The faces Dioe gave me.

Cambin nods.

Grinning, you pull a large swig from an itsy-bitsy Ilithic applewood keg reinforced with howlite-studded leather straps.  The taste of fermented apples and black peppercorns maul your senses as the viscous blue fratvarit pours down your gullet.  The urge to howl at the moons is quickly quelled by the sickly honey-sweet aftertaste and strong burning sensation that fills your mouth.

In Common, it reads:

     Bold lines sketch the wiry frame of a Human man, his square face marked with smooth skin, cropped auburn hair, and keen hazel eyes set beneath a classical nose. Dark ink captures the steel great helm and plate cuirass, both stylized with snarling wolverine motifs, while a loosely wound woolen scarf softens the edges. Simple strokes suggest a long-sleeved light tunic belted with dark, thigh-length reinforced boots, and doeskin breeches.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, Evening, mates.

Cambin says, Evening, Dioe.

Davrion shakes Dioe's hand.

You nod to Dioe.

Davrion quietly says, Ello ello.

You frown.

You sit up.

Dioe shakes Davrion's hand.

Dioe asks in a nautical accent, Ah, Nawain. How are you faring, love?

You show Dioe your black-bordered parchment.

You say to Dioe in a Rakash accent, I am studying. And drinking.

You give a slight nod.

Grinning, you pull a large swig from an itsy-bitsy Ilithic applewood keg reinforced with howlite-studded leather straps.  The taste of fermented apples and black peppercorns maul your senses as the viscous blue fratvarit pours down your gullet.  The urge to howl at the moons is quickly quelled by the sickly honey-sweet aftertaste and strong burning sensation that fills your mouth.

Dioe smiles.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, Excellent.

You say in a Rakash accent, And these are good things. So I am good.

You nod.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, We promised you ye would be home soon, and the time draws nigh.

(Nawain flinches noticeably at the word soon.)

You ask in a Rakash accent, Nigh, hunh?

You glance at Dioe, a male Elf.

You nibble on your lip.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, Aye.

You wistfully say in a Rakash accent, Nigh sounds nice.

Grinning, you pull a large swig from an itsy-bitsy Ilithic applewood keg reinforced with howlite-studded leather straps.  The taste of fermented apples and black peppercorns maul your senses as the viscous blue fratvarit pours down your gullet.  The urge to howl at the moons is quickly quelled by the sickly honey-sweet aftertaste and strong burning sensation that fills your mouth.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, Ye will be welcomed home by those ye love, but you will not forget what ye have learned.

You nod at Dioe, in complete agreement with his views.

You say in a Rakash accent, I will not forget. We will free them all.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, This world is cruel, dark and corrupt, but you are the light.

You gaze at Dioe.

Dioe nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, Ye have grown wise.

You nibble on your lip.

Dioe asks Davrion in a nautical accent, Will Ophiliah be joining us?

Davrion nods to Dioe.

Dioe smiles.

Davrion quietly says, She should be here momentarily.

Dioe leans against a table.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, Excellent.

(Nawain looks confused by all the activity, but busies herself gazing at her sketches and trying to find the bottom of her keg.)

Dioe asks in a nautical accent, Nawain, ye do well to study your sketches. Davrion, Cambin, will ye join me on deck a moment?

Dioe went into a door.

You gaze at your parchment.

Grinning, you pull a large swig from an itsy-bitsy Ilithic applewood keg reinforced with howlite-studded leather straps.  The taste of fermented apples and black peppercorns maul your senses as the viscous blue fratvarit pours down your gullet.  The urge to howl at the moons is quickly quelled by the sickly honey-sweet aftertaste and strong burning sensation that fills your mouth.

[General][Jaelia] I am starting to get suspicious. Didn't we have an attack on Xings before Nawain got attacked and abducted?

Cambin went into a door.

Grinning, you pull a large swig from an itsy-bitsy Ilithic applewood keg reinforced with howlite-studded leather straps.  The taste of fermented apples and black peppercorns maul your senses as the viscous blue fratvarit pours down your gullet.  The urge to howl at the moons is quickly quelled by the sickly honey-sweet aftertaste and strong burning sensation that fills your mouth.

You sigh.

[General][Aemaranth] If memory serves Jaelia, one of those attacks that night was conducted by Nawain herself.

[General][Ophiliah] fascinating.

[General][Jaelia] That is an interesting theory. So do we think that it is possible that Nawain .. sort of invited the attack upon herself? That is an idea I hadn't considered. But .. that sounds a bit harsh. I didn't like her attacking Ellywen after she invited people to a Gala but...

[General][Jaelia] Either way, we need to find out who really abducted her to stop the speculation!

Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah came out of a door.

Ophiliah says, Evening.

[General][Aemaranth] I am not a detective or anything but I am willing to bet whoever it was, they were someone she upset.

Ophiliah asks, Did you wish to go into the house?

You blink dazedly for a moment as you try to figure out what you were just doing.

You ask in a Rakash accent, Hmmm?

You say in a Rakash accent, Mmmhmm.

You stand back up.

You join Ophiliah's group.

Ophiliah nods.

You lean on Ophiliah.

Steeling yourself, you tilt an itsy-bitsy Ilithic applewood keg reinforced with howlite-studded leather straps back and down the entire thing!  Spluttering, the taste of fermented apples and black peppercorns maul your senses as the viscous blue fratvarit pours down your gullet.  The urge to howl at the moons is quickly quelled by the sickly honey-sweet aftertaste and strong burning sensation that fills your mouth as some of the keg spills out of your mouth.

Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah went into a door.

[General][Jaelia] I would certainly venture to say she upset someone .... most people don't just randomly attack someone and drag them off and say nothing....

Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah came out of a door.

Ophiliah says, Interesting.

You join Ophiliah's group.

You blush a bright red color.

[General][Jaelia] Not without a good reason

Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah's group went into a door.

[You are aboard the Gnautical Fortress which is afloat in The Faldesu River facing north and is moored to the Desu pier.]

[The Gnautical Fortress, Bow] (**)

The bowsprit stretches forward from the ship where the starboard and port gunnels meet.  An iron-banded oak capstan is bolted securely to the deck for use in hauling up the anchor, setting the shrouds, or any other work where great purchases are required.

You also see the fore mast, the fore course, the fore topsail, the flying jib and a hatch.

Also here: Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah, Cambin, Dioe, Knight of Chaos Davrion, Deathbeing and Swamp Shaman Jorvand.

Ship paths: aft.

Nearby in the water you see: the Lybadel (adjacent), Mazrian's Last Dance (close: north), the Maelstrom (close: north), the Skegikmewr (adjacent), the Star's Grace (close: north), the Bloodworm Comet (adjacent), the White Water Paladin (adjacent), the Black Storm (adjacent), Serenity (adjacent), Dragon's Last Dance (very far: south), Rolling Thunder (adjacent), the Maiden's Kiss (close: north), Treasure Seeker (close: north), a sleek dark-wood cutter with crimson sails named the Midnight Ruby (close: north), the Desu pier (adjacent), the Middle Desu pier (close: north), the Greater Fist (just over the horizon: south), Riverhaven (somewhat far: north), the north bank (adjacent: north), the south bank (adjacent: south), the North Road Ferry dock (very far: south).

Ophiliah says, I will be back.

You blink.

You rub your neck.

Jorvand nods to you.

Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah's group moves aft.

Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah's group moves aft.

[General][Sukidesu] good reason is subjective

Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah's group moves aft.

[You are aboard the Gnautical Fortress which is afloat in The Faldesu River facing north and is moored to the Desu pier.]

[The Gnautical Fortress, Quarterdeck] (**)

In the middle of the quarterdeck is the ship's wheel mounted on a slightly higher platform.  Shrouds, running from mast to cleats on the bulwark, are ran overhead along with sheets from the ship's rigging.

You also see a large spoked wheel, the ship's bell, the spanker mast, the lower spanker, the upper spanker, the gaff topsail, a hatch and Pilot Trimboltz.

Also here: Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah.

Ship paths: forward.

Nearby in the water you see: the Lybadel (adjacent), Mazrian's Last Dance (close: north), the Maelstrom (close: north), the Skegikmewr (adjacent), the Star's Grace (close: north), the Bloodworm Comet (adjacent), the White Water Paladin (adjacent), the Black Storm (adjacent), Serenity (adjacent), Dragon's Last Dance (very far: south), Rolling Thunder (adjacent), the Maiden's Kiss (close: north), Treasure Seeker (close: north), a sleek dark-wood cutter with crimson sails named the Midnight Ruby (close: north), the Desu pier (adjacent), the Middle Desu pier (close: north), the Greater Fist (just over the horizon: south), Riverhaven (somewhat far: north), the north bank (adjacent: north), the south bank (adjacent: south), the North Road Ferry dock (very far: south).

[General][Kethrai] I disagree with that, Jaelia. But the people we're talking about are also the ones she was likely to have made upset.

Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah's group went into a hatch.

[The Gnautical Fortress, Captain's Cabin] (**)

A dark cherrywood desk with sword-notched legs is bolted to the ship's deck against the cabin's covered wall and under a brass-trimmed porthole.  The scent of pitch caulk is fairly strong in this tightly enclosed room.  Small though the cabin may seem, it still has enough space for an oak footlocker at the foot of a plain oak box bed.

You also see a hatch and a sturdy metal door affixed with the carved vignette of a wolf howling at a trio of moons.

Also here: Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah.

Ship paths: none.

Ophiliah taps a sturdy metal door.

Ophiliah unlocks a sturdy metal door.

You give a slight nod.

Ophiliah nods to you.

[General][Jaelia] Yes, good reason being.. very subjective and not necessarily agreeing with it....

Ophiliah says, Please make yourself comfortable.

You open a sturdy metal door.

You nod.

You ask in a Rakash accent, In there?

Ophiliah says, Yes of course.

You walk in a sturdy metal door.

[Thanator's Home]

Walls of damask and a black pine floor covered by a shadow-black rug showing wolves howling at a crescent Katamba enclose this room.  In one corner lies a small ebonwood bed with a headboard carved into twin dragons, and near the bed sits an elegant black ebonwood bar with blackened moonsilver filigree with some stuff on it.  A small firepit sits beneath a slim spiritwood liquor cabinet with a hammered windsteel lock.  The room holds a mild scent of lavender.

You also see a short-haired smoke tuxedo cat, an arrow-pierced window, a door, a dagger-riddled hickory chair and an ebonwood weapon rack carved with wolves in bas-relief.

Obvious exits: none.

Ophiliah walks in.

You look around, trying to appear nonchalant.

Ophiliah smiles at you.

You say in a Rakash accent, Very nice.

Ophiliah says, I will be back shortly.

[General][Jaelia] It sure is a way to make a statement though.

You nod to Ophiliah.

Ophiliah smiles.

Ophiliah walks through the door.

You sit down.

You get an odd feeling that someone is watching you.  It quickly passes.

[General][Aemaranth] There is no such thing as a good reason for anything. Do I think she behaves exactly as the things she hates? Yeah, she really does. But for the sake of her Husband, I hope she is found.

[General][Kethrai] Does she make pacts with demons in the hopes of becoming immortal regardless of the costs to anyone else and the world around her? That's news to me.

[General][Aemaranth] Kethrai, I will not debate with you.

[General][Anuril] It's good to know when you're beaten.

You hang a honeycomb opal pendant suspended from a braided onyx hide cord around your neck.

The world around you seems to shudder briefly as the lunar enchantment takes hold of you.

[General][Jaelia] I think we all agree we want her to be found and returend.

--------TEAM TEK-------

(POV: Anariam)

[General] Your mind hears Aemaranth thinking, I don't want to feel dumber when talking to your husband Anuril.

[The Crossing Docks, South End] (**)

A cacophony of smells erupt from this bustling area, most notably those of ripe fish and new wood.  Created especially for handling passengers arriving from or departing to outlying towns and provinces, the dock is often lined with ships of varying types and sizes.

You also see the Buried Treasure, Anchor Management, the Miner Fortune, the Black Rose, the Asaran Alaca, the White Raven, the Laughing Gnome, the Golden Nimbus, the War Witch, the Raging Tempest, the Bloody Stalker, Lil' Jonn, Nauta Kaerna World, the Spirit of Katamba, the Silver Mermaid, the Brazen Head, the Floating Locksmith, the Son of Damaris, Phantom Sapphire Corsair, the Day Tripper, the Island Dancer, the Black Plague, the Rimefang, M'Riss Behavin', the Tipsy Gypsy, Sunk Cost, the World Dragon, the Captain's Delight, the King's Buccaneer, the Lunar Guardian, Knot Yours, a news stand with a couple of things on it, The Skirr'lolasu Schedule and an ebony slate.

Also here: Serial Killer Damiza who is surrounded by a purple cloud of glitter, Doctor of Kittens Sukidesu and Legendary Empath Sheearyn.

Obvious paths: out.

Nearby in the water you see: a fleet of ships.

Sheearyn waves to you.

[General] Your mind hears Anuril thinking, I imagine it would be quite hard for you to feel that way.

You wave to Sheearyn.

[General] Your mind hears Aemaranth thinking, But you are also the one who says the servants of the Dark Aspects are evil, so I already feel dumber for talking with you.

[General] Your mind hears Sukidesu thinking, I may not be Rakash, but Nawain is Pack. She's as much my family as my own wives are. She WILL be found.

[General] Your mind hears Aemaranth thinking, And if memory serves, Nawain is guilty of the use of antinomic sorcery.

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, Anti-Gnomic sorcery? That does sound bad.

Sheearyn asks you, Are you here to help rescue Nawain?

Sheearyn assumes a rigid stance, concentrating on something.

You nod to Sheearyn.

Lady of Frostbite Siendra just arrived.

Sheearyn nods.

Sheearyn waves to Siendra.

Sukidesu hugs Siendra, who wraps her arms around Sukidesu with a warm smile.

Siendra smiles.

[General] Your mind hears Aemaranth thinking, It is. Cleric's should avoid trying to create divine beings with their pride and sorcery.

Siendra hugs Sukidesu, who wraps his arms around Siendra with a warm smile.

Siendra nods to Sheearyn.

[General] Your mind hears Jaelia thinking, I am starting to think gnomes get away with a lot of stuff because everyone just assumes they are small so they must be cute and safe. I wonder if there isn't more going on in their little gnome minds...

[General] Your mind hears Aemaranth thinking, Feels rather demonic.

[General] Your mind hears Kethrai thinking, But not demonic enough for you to excuse it as you do the necromancers.

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, I've seen gnomes do some amazing uncute things

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, Maybe gnomes are the divine beings that are created? Hmm

Siendra inhales a great swallow of air.

Strawberry Nurse Illiya's group just arrived.

Efrate exclaims, At least half of it went into my eddy but still!  I did empty it!

Illiya snuggles up to Damiza.

Sheearyn exclaims, Jelly!

Damiza snuggles up to Illiya.

Damiza grins at Illiya.

Siendra smiles.

Siendra hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Illiya beams at Siendra!

Sheearyn waves to Jaelia.

[General] Your mind hears Aemaranth thinking, I say only this: When society makes pariahs of those already dwelling near death and decay, it should not marvel when some become hard enough to survive as monsters.

Sheearyn waves to Illiya.

Illiya lays her hand on Siendra's arm.

Jaelia beams at Sheearyn!

Illiya says, So many prettyy ladies here.

Sheearyn asks Jaelia, No alcohol today, k?

Damiza beams at Illiya!

Siendra beams at Illiya!

Damiza exclaims in a S'Kra accent, There are!

Damiza nods at Illiya, obviously agreeing with her views.

[General] Your mind hears Zemfreed thinking, I was able to locate her recently. She is in Thanator's home, if someone knows him.

Siendra says to Illiya, Thank you.

Sukidesu says in a Shardian accent, Oh thank you.

Sukidesu winks at Illiya.

Sukidesu snickers.

Illiya grins at Sukidesu, her dimples flashing into view.

Illiya says to Sukidesu, Well..

Sukidesu chuckles.

[General] Your mind hears Zemfreed thinking, Though another attempt just a roisan ago failed to locate her.

[General] Your mind hears Anuril thinking, They made pariahs of themselves, Aemaranth.

The Heke'mary ties off to the Crossing docks!

Illiya gazes at Slo Heke'mary.

Tekhelet arrives from the Slo Heke'mary.

Illiya takes a seat.

Jaelia smiles at Tekhelet.

Sukidesu nods politely to Tekhelet.

Efrate says, M'Riss Behavin' is an excellent vessel name.

Siendra rubs Tekhelet gently, massaging his muscles.

Illiya asks, Gonna collect it?

Efrate says, I wish.

Sheearyn waves to Tekhelet.

Illiya stands up.

Efrate says, Ships out my budget.

Illiya says, Hey Tek.

[General] Your mind hears Aemaranth thinking, There is no holiness in helping create the evil one later claims the right to destroy.

Sheearyn asks Tekhelet, Any new information?

The gentle rain patters down on the surface of Tekhelet's Katamba-black zills.

[General] Your mind hears Dioe thinking, Tekhelet and friends of the Cleric Nawain, I have a message for you: Nawain is safe. We have recovered her, cared for her, and opened her eyes to the truth.

Heart Tender Kethrai's group just arrived.

Anuril nods to Tekhelet.

Anuril casually observes the area.

[General] Your mind hears Jaelia thinking, I think it is interesting that Nawain was taken just right after she had caused a bit of a rift in opinion. It seems it's been easier to let that wedge grow on its own. Someone is taking advantage of our differences in opinions, ethnics, whatever. Which is not helpful.

Anuril studies the faces around him.

Anuril nods to Illiya.

Sukidesu glances about with a murderous look in his eyes.

Anuril nods to Damiza.

Anuril nods to Sheearyn.

Tekhelet says to Sheearyn in a Rakash accent, No  but I can feel her. I haven t stopped searching since the moment she vanished.

[General] Your mind hears Aemaranth thinking, See! the pretend pirate has her. Go kill him.

Damiza nods to Anuril.

Kethrai nods to Tekhelet.

[General] Your mind hears Dioe thinking, We will return her to you, but our services are not free. Ye must do your part to see her safely home.

Sheearyn nods to Tekhelet.

Sheearyn hugs Kethrai, who wraps his arms around Sheearyn with a warm smile.

Sheearyn just hugged Anuril.

Anuril smiles at Sheearyn.

Siendra narrows her eyes.

Jaelia says, Excuse me for a few rois.

(Tekhelet descends from the ship slowly, shadows under his eyes and tension in his jaw betraying sleepless nights spent searching.)

Sukidesu frowns.

Anuril says to Sheearyn, I would have thought you too gentle for this excursion.

Tekhelet blinks.

Illiya blinks at Anuril.

You gaze at Tekhelet.

[General] Your mind hears Dioe thinking, Bring me the head of a Therengian noble. I will be waiting at Neh Dock in Ratha aboard the Gnautical Fortress. Tarry not, mate. She is waiting for you.

Tekhelet frowns.

[General] Your mind hears Kethrai thinking, Attacking Ellywen is probably the least controversial thing Nawain ever did. As for her bit of sorcery a few years ago -- Enelne has already taken recompense for that.

Anuril praises Kethrai.

You also see some riolur leaves, a lilac linen headband, a large silver nugget, Slo Heke'mary, the Buried Treasure, Anchor Management, the Miner Fortune, the Black Rose, the Asaran Alaca, the White Raven, the Laughing Gnome, the Golden Nimbus, the War Witch, the Raging Tempest, the Bloody Stalker, Lil' Jonn, Nauta Kaerna World, the Spirit of Katamba, the Silver Mermaid, the Brazen Head, the Floating Locksmith, the Son of Damaris, Phantom Sapphire Corsair, the Day Tripper, the Island Dancer, the Black Plague, the Rimefang, M'Riss Behavin', the Tipsy Gypsy, Sunk Cost, the World Dragon, the Captain's Delight, the King's Buccaneer, the Lunar Guardian, Knot Yours, a news stand with a couple of things on it, The Skirr'lolasu Schedule and an ebony slate.

Also here: Primal World Ender Anuril who has a fiery visage, Heart Tender Kethrai, Elemental Aegis Tekhelet who has a stony visage, Elemental Juggernaut Efrate, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Lady of Frostbite Siendra who is camouflaged in a swirling fog of frigid arctic currents, Serial Killer Damiza who is surrounded by a purple cloud of glitter, Doctor of Kittens Sukidesu and Legendary Empath Sheearyn.

Obvious paths: out.

Kethrai says, Ratha...

Siendra says to Kethrai, I appreciate your words of logic in times like this, Kethrai.

Bacon Bandit Malorna just arrived.

Sheearyn asks, Wait...they want us to kill a Therengian noble?

Anuril smiles at Siendra.

Kethrai gives Siendra a slight nod.

Efrate says, Least rebels pay well for as easy as they are.

Anuril nods to Sheearyn.

[General] Your mind hears Illiya thinking, You speak like Therengian nobles are just walking around for us to behead

(Tekhelet stiffens at the gweth, a low growl rumbling in his chest as his grip tightens.)

Sukidesu says in a Shardian accent, That makes absolutely no sense.

Kethrai says to Sheearyn, Either way, they've given us a destination.

[General] Your mind hears Aemaranth thinking, Sure. Gods forgive Kethrai, but society doesn't. I believe that is the heart of your feeble minded arguement, use your own logic please.

Efrate asks, The...Ravens?

Siendra nods.

Efrate asks, Are they not oft threngian nobles?

Sheearyn joins Kethrai's group.

Kethrai says to Efrate, These aren't the Ravens. Different group, but just as dangerous when provoked.

Malorna says, The group asking is not ravens.

[General] Your mind hears Dioe thinking, Be decisive, Commander. I believe in you, and so does Nawain.

Siendra says, So we go to Ratha.

[General] Your mind hears Tekhelet thinking, Dioe, You ve  cared  for her? Then why can I still smell her fear on the wind.

Imroth just arrived.

Efrate says, I know they are not, but I though many Ravens were threngian nobles.

[General] Your mind hears Anuril thinking, I'm sorry, was Ellywen redeemed by the immortals and I didn't notice?

Imroth raises his Imperial spear in a quick salute.

[General] Your mind hears Kethrai thinking, You can't be forgiven for an action until you've stopped doing it, Aemaranth.

Malorna says, Jsut cuz one would stick his nose in the air did not make him noble.

Efrate begins chortling at Malorna.

Efrate says, True.

Siendra laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

(Tekhelet clenches his fists so tightly his knuckles pale, a low growl rumbling in his throat.)

Anuril pats Tekhelet on the back.

Illiya rubs Tekhelet in a friendly manner.

Efrate says, If only Atuen were around, everyone would be happy with his head.

Imroth chortles softly at some secret joke.

Sukidesu laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement.

Damiza chuckles.

Illiya says, We need a boat or gate to Ratha.

The rain stops, leaving only an overcast sky.

[General] Your mind hears Aemaranth thinking, You are right Kethrai, at least in that. When you stop behaving as a beast, we can talk.

Kethrai nods at Illiya, obviously agreeing with her views.

[General] Your mind hears Dioe thinking, Focus on the task at hand, Tekhelet. There will be nothing to fear, when ye bring me the head of a Theregian noble, and ye hold Nawain again in your arms.

[General] Your mind hears Anuril thinking, I kind of like him as a beast...

Malorna says, Who are are joining.

Kethrai gives Anuril a gentle poke in the ribs.

(Tekhelet walks back and forth with slow, deliberate steps, eyes fixed on the ground as thoughts churn behind them.)

Anuril coughs.

Anuril appears to be trying hard not to grin.

[General] Your mind hears Sukidesu thinking, Nawain is well loved. How many of us can say we'd have such a group looking for us?

Efrate says, I will leave this to stronger and better folks.

Illiya says, You should come.

Imroth ponders.

[General] Your mind hears Aemaranth thinking, We don't want to know that Anuril, please, private thoughts should be private!

[General] Your mind hears Fahrein thinking, Dumb question, how was he acting a beast? Seemed pretty... normal to me?

Malorna exclaims, Im not strong or better!

Efrate says, I doubt I will be of service and Ratha and I have...history.

Kethrai asks Tekhelet, Are you leading us?

Siendra says to Efrate, There is an old saying, it is not the size of the dog in the fight - it is the size of the fight in the dog.

Imroth exclaims to Efrate, All should join! One does not become strong by leaving the work to others!

Illiya nods at Imroth, obviously agreeing with his views.

[General] Your mind hears Tekhelet thinking, You expect me to take your word on where you are? Tell me where you ve taken her, Dioe.

Mother Jaelia just arrived.

Damiza nods in agreement.

Jaelia joins Illiya's group.

Imroth says, Want me to lead? I have no boat nor moongate.

Imroth joins Illiya's group.

Imroth grins at Illiya.

Efrate says, Wish ye well.  Safe travels.

Imroth shrugs.

Jaelia says, I am very concerned. IF they feel they have taught Nawain the error of her ways that is a bad thing.

Sukidesu asks in a Shardian accent, Are we joining someone?

Siendra looks at Sukidesu and sighs.

[General] Your mind hears Roxxana thinking, yes she is Mother Rakash

Jaelia says, Their ways are very bad.

Illiya says, Join me I guess.

A pained expression crosses Sukidesu's face.

Kethrai says to Jaelia, Nawain's will is stronger than they think it is, if they think they've broken it.

Kethrai joins Illiya's group.

With a waver like a mirage, Zersha fades into view.

Jaelia nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.

Sukidesu rubs his head.

Zersha joins Illiya's group.

Sheearyn joins Illiya's group.

Illiya hugs Zersha, getting a smile in return.

Anuril joins Illiya's group.

Zersha hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Sukidesu joins Illiya's group.

Zersha grins at Illiya, her dimples flashing into view.

You join Illiya's group.

Jaelia says, I agree - but I don't like hearing those words.

Damiza joins Illiya's group.

Tekhelet says to Kethrai in a Rakash accent, Not yet. Dioe s still playing games. Once he gives a real location, I ll lead us there.

Zersha pulls Malorna to her in a tight hug.

Efrate says, I can offer some warmie spells if'n any of ye want it.

Jaelia says, Those are very bad people.

Anuril nods to Tekhelet.

[General] Your mind hears Dioe thinking, Neh Dock in Ratha. She is alive and well. You will see her for yourself when you toss the bloody head of a tyrant on the deck.

Siendra gives Sukidesu a slight nod.

[General] Your mind hears Illiya thinking, Anyone who wants to help rescue Nawain, we are forming a group at The Crossing Docks, South End

[General] Your mind hears Chrysagon thinking, I want to hear her voice first

Sheearyn asks, Do you think Dioe would count his own head as the bloody head of a tyrant?

Zersha grins at Sheearyn, her dimples flashing into view.

Sukidesu says in a Shardian accent, I mean we could try.

Siendra quietly says to Sheearyn, I was thinking the same...

Kethrai says to Sheearyn, Worth a test.

Sheearyn nods.

Sukidesu creates a loud Swoosh! as he cuts a graceful arc through the air with his steel tanto.

[General] Your mind hears Tekhelet thinking, You say she's safe, but you haven't said where she is. If youve truly cared for her, name the place.

Kethrai says, Power raised here.

[General] Your mind hears Roxxana thinking, be nice Dioe shes nice

Tekhelet asks in a Rakash accent, Ratha?

[General] Your mind hears Jaelia thinking, Quick, to the Docks In Crossings - I am tired of Dioe and his ramblings that are more inane than mine, and his attempts to brainwash people into killing nobility so he can sit back and laugh. These people are dumb and annoying and should be dead.

Damiza nods to Tekhelet.

Hub Storyteller Sneeky's group just arrived.

Siendra praises Jaelia.

Illiya grins at Jaelia, her dimples flashing into view.

Fahrein yawns expansively.

[General] Your mind hears Illiya thinking, Let us know if you are on your way and we will wait for you

Lukka's group just arrived.

Lukka climbs aboard the Brazen Head.

Sneeky says in a Prydaenese accent, So this be where th' miscreants are loungin' about.

[General] Your mind hears Tekhelet thinking, You say she s safe   prove it.

Anuril nods to Sneeky.

Imroth glances at Sneeky.

[General] Your mind hears Sheearyn thinking, Uh-oh, I'm concerned if being dumb and annoying is enough reason for someone to deserve to be dead...

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, I'm just here to point and laugh.

Kethrai says, I feel like we should approach the Neh docks from both the land and sea. If that's truly where they are, better to cut off escape from either angle.

Sneeky flashes a wide grin.

Jaelia cackles at Sheearyn!

Fahrein offers Damiza a spidersilk clutch shaped like a spider's eggsac.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, I'm not a miscreant!  I haven't broken a single law that anyone can prove.

Zersha gazes at her fingernails.

Fahrein grabs Damiza by the shoulders and shakes her!

[General] Your mind hears Dioe thinking, She is, and wiser now than before. Nawain is free of the illusions she was once under, and knows truths hidden since the foundation of the world. Come to Ratha, and you will see, but do not forget to bring what I have asked.

Sukidesu says in a Shardian accent, Yet.

Siendra says, Tek, we should prepare to leave.  Whether they are there or not, time is of the essence to begin this.

Sneeky says to Zersha in a Prydaenese accent, Nor I.

Efrate asks, Anyone else need a bit of magical oomph just in case?

Zersha grins at Sneeky, her dimples flashing into view.

Imroth ponders.

[General] Your mind hears Chrysagon thinking, brain washed more like

Fahrein asks in an Ilithic accent, What're laws?

Sheearyn giggles at Fahrein.

[General] Your mind hears Siendra thinking, You think awfully high of yourself, Dioe.

Illiya asks, Do we have a moon mage?

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, Spend too much time out and about in the swamp.

Efrate says, 100 mana should be decent for a bit.  Anyone else?  Substatum or near any warmie spell?  No veil saly.

[General] Your mind hears Dioe thinking, I do not. I am a monster, but I have come to feed on the nobility that spawned me, and I will not rest until I have destroyed them all.

Hoarfrost Navesi just arrived.

Imroth nods to Efrate.

Navesi gives a slight nod.

Illiya just hugged Navesi.

Storm Bringer Kalderen just arrived.

Sneeky nods to Navesi.

Sailors pull up the gangplank and make ready to sail!

Navesi nods politely to Illiya.

Illiya lets out a hearty cheer for Kalderen!

Sheearyn looks at Kalderen and applauds!

[General] Your mind hears Jaelia thinking, Do any others wish to join us? If only to mock this group who wish to destory society, by killing innocents, abducting citizens, burning and rioting and vadalising and killing our civilization then demanding we turn on the nobility because they are so much better?

Kalderen says, No moons are out tonight, I suppose the slow way is the only way.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, I won t lose her. Not today. Not ever. If you re with me, come   the ship s ready.

Sheearyn nods to Tekhelet.

Sneeky joins Tekhelet's group.

You join Tekhelet's group.

(Tekhelet strides to the front of the gathered group, shoulders squared, gaze burning with purpose as he leads the way toward his ship.)

Navesi nods to Tekhelet.

[General] Your mind hears Roxxana thinking, Dioe your a big teddy bear

Aaiyaah just arrived.

Imroth lets out a loud Huzzah! for Tekhelet!

Malorna joins Tekhelet's group.

Illiya says, Join Tek please.

Sukidesu joins Tekhelet's group.

Imroth joins Tekhelet's group.

Navesi joins Tekhelet's group.

Zersha joins Tekhelet's group.

Illiya joins Tekhelet's group.

Damiza joins Tekhelet's group.

Sheearyn joins Tekhelet's group.

Jaelia joins Tekhelet's group.

Kethrai assumes a rigid stance, concentrating on something.

Anuril smiles at Navesi.

Aaiyaah joins Tekhelet's group.

Kethrai joins Tekhelet's group.

Anuril joins Tekhelet's group.

Kalderen joins Tekhelet's group.

Navesi's fearsome determination inspires you to stand fast and strong against all that assails you.  The chaos of the outside world seems to fade into nothingness as a detached calmness settles over you, the sound of your heartbeat reverberating within you, pounding with conviction and unwavering resolve.

Navesi smiles at Anuril.

Illiya just hugged Aaiyaah.

Fahrein joins Tekhelet's group.

Sheearyn praises Aaiyaah.

Illiya lays her hand on Aaiyaah's arm.

You continue to feel an uncanny confidence, bolstered by Kalderen's fearlessness.

Aaiyaah hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, Nawain s in Ratha, and every moment we waste is another she spends in that pirate s hands.

Aaiyaah grins at Illiya.

[General] Your mind hears Siendra thinking, Distaste for nobility does not make you a monster.  Kidnapping and brainwashing does.  And that is what you will pay for.

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, Sure, why not. Let's see what this fuss about laws is.

Siendra joins Tekhelet's group.

Members of your group:

   Aaiyaah: Healthy.

   Kalderen: Healthy.

   Navesi: Healthy.

   Fahrein: Healthy.

   Sneeky: Healthy.

   Jaelia: Healthy.

   Imroth: Healthy.

   Malorna: Healthy.

   Anuril: Invigorated.

   Kethrai: Healthy.

   Tekhelet (Leader): Healthy.

   Illiya: Healthy.

   Siendra: Healthy.

   You: Healthy.

   Damiza: Healthy.

   Zersha: Healthy.

   Sukidesu: Healthy.

   Sheearyn: Healthy.

There are 18 members in your group.

Sheearyn puts her sphere in her thigh pocket.

Navesi asks in a refined accent, Someone catch me up on what happened to her?

Fahrein looks at Navesi and shrugs.

Illiya says, Jaelia can give a good explanation.

Sheearyn asks Navesi, She got kidnapped, and then cared for by Dioe and his crew?

Damiza says, She was kidnapped by Dioe it seems.

[General] Your mind hears Ophiliah thinking, have not killed anyone today do not make empty claims...

Siendra says to Navesi, Taken by Dioe, a few weeks back.

Navesi frowns.

Anuril says to Navesi, It gladdens my heart to see you here, editor.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, Our path is clear   Ratha. If you stand with me, fall in. The Slo Heke Mary is waiting. We sail now.

Sheearyn says to Navesi, They're claiming that they've shown her the error of her ways, which can't possibly be good.

Navesi asks in a refined accent, Dioe, the known Necromancer?

Efrate asks, Anyone else need substratum?

Jaelia says, Yes. The last time they attacked Xings to free the debts of the citizens by burning town hall and destroying debt books.

Sukidesu nods to Navesi.

Tekhelet climbs aboard the Slo Heke'mary.

You follow Tekhelet onboard the ship.

[You are aboard Slo Heke'mary which is afloat in the Segoltha river estuary facing north and is moored to The Crossing docks on the north bank.]

[Slo Heke'mary, Aft Waist] (**)

A brass-hinged gangway is inset into the starboard bulwark, allowing for a boarding plank to be ran in and out from there with ease.  The ship's rigging hangs above like an intricate spider's web.

You also see The Crossing Docks, the mizzen mast, the crossjack, the mizzen lower topsail and the mizzen upper topsail.

Also here: Lady of Frostbite Siendra who is camouflaged in a swirling fog of frigid arctic currents, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Heart Tender Kethrai, Primal World Ender Anuril who has a fiery visage, Bacon Bandit Malorna, Imroth who is shining with a dark golden glow, Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Hub Storyteller Sneeky, Mist Fahrein, Hoarfrost Navesi, Storm Bringer Kalderen who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, Aaiyaah and Elemental Aegis Tekhelet who has a stony visage.

Ship paths: forward, aft, down.

Sheearyn nods to Navesi.

Jaelia says, Nawain walked home, she never made it home.

Kethrai asks, Dioe? Isn't he a Paladin?

Jaelia says, She was attacked and abducted outside the Drogor Shrine.

Kethrai sweeps his triquetra through the air with slow, contemplative gestures.

Sheearyn asks Kethrai, Can paladins summon undead?

Navesi says to Anuril in a refined accent, Thank you, but I'm no longer an editor. And it's good to see you and Kethrai too.

Imroth chuckles.

Elemental Aegis Tekhelet's group moves aft.

[You are aboard Slo Heke'mary which is afloat in the Segoltha river estuary facing north and is moored to The Crossing docks on the north bank.]

[Slo Heke'mary, Quarterdeck] (**)

In the middle of the quarterdeck is the ship's wheel mounted on a slightly higher platform.  Shrouds, running from mast to cleats on the bulwark, are ran overhead along with sheets from the ship's rigging.

You also see a large spoked wheel, the ship's bell, the spanker mast, the lower spanker, the upper spanker, the gaff topsail, a hatch and Pilot Anisvo.

Also here: Serial Killer Damiza who is surrounded by a purple cloud of glitter, Desert Blossom Zersha who is followed by a spectral rainbow kitten with shimmering prismatic fur, Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Primal World Ender Anuril who has a fiery visage, Heart Tender Kethrai, Legendary Empath Sheearyn, Hoarfrost Navesi, Hub Storyteller Sneeky, Doctor of Kittens Sukidesu and Elemental Aegis Tekhelet who has a stony visage.

Ship paths: forward.

Imroth says, He is a necromancer I believe.

Illiya looks at Navesi and sighs.

Anuril raises an eyebrow.

Anuril nods.

Illiya asks, Does anyone need a heal before we set off?

Aaiyaah whistles a merry tune.

Malorna exclaims, Oh me!

[General] Your mind hears Dioe thinking, Ye prattle on, Alpha, but ye take no action. I have had enough of talk and promises and platitudes. Bring me the head of a Therengian noble, and Nawain will be with you. Do not fail.

Malorna grins at Illiya.

(Tekhelet draws a slow breath, shoulders tightening as he steadies his resolve)

Kalderen puts his talisman in his watersilk bag.

Illiya grins at Malorna, her dimples flashing into view.

Zersha giggles at Malorna.

Kethrai says, Well, he's a kidnapper either way.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, Dioe's asking for a head of a Noble.

Anuril nods to Kethrai.

Kalderen's staff steadily brightens, until it burns like a vivid and fiery torch!

Illiya says, We can give him a head.

Anuril lays his palms against Aaiyaah's in a quick, yet deliberate movement.

Sukidesu nods at Illiya, obviously agreeing with her views.

Anuril smiles.

Kethrai snorts at Illiya.

Fahrein asks in an Ilithic accent, Does he want an actual noble, or one of these holier-than-thou people I keep hearing on the gweth?

Imroth clears his throat.

Aaiyaah says, Just so we are clear....before anyone gets all in the mood to remove Therengian heads....do not be looking over my way.

Illiya says, Probably not the head he wants.

Aaiyaah winks.

Anuril snorts, loudly.

Sukidesu grins at Aaiyaah, his dimples flashing into view.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, Setting sail.

Anuril says to Aaiyaah, No one believed you were a noble, you're safe.

Anuril appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Illiya grins at Aaiyaah, her dimples flashing into view.

Kalderen says to Aaiyaah, He didn't say it need be unattached.

Aaiyaah chuckles.

Kethrai gives Anuril a wry grin.

Pilot Anisvo says, Very well, Captain, I will pilot the Slo Heke'mary to the city of Ratha.

Pilot Anisvo says, We launch in 2 minutes.

Kalderen winks at Aaiyaah.

Sheearyn asks, Didn't he just say nobility spawned  him?

Malorna chuckles at Aaiyaah.

Zersha glances at Aaiyaah.

Aaiyaah laughs!

Siendra asks, Perhaps if we ask the Baron real nice he would offer his?

Illiya says, Some assembly required.

Kethrai says to Siendra, Careful. He'd probably offer Rossman's but require us to take it.

Tekhelet asks in a Rakash accent, Maybe he would take a Ransom instead?

Illiya says, Aaiyaah needs to do his best Baron impersonation.

Jaelia gives Fahrein a formal hug, pressing first her right cheek, then her left, against Fahrein's.

Siendra laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Kalderen settles into a comfortable position and closes his eyes.

Siendra says to Kethrai, BRick by brick, probably.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, Put him in a robe and crown and I bet he could pull it off.

Kalderen stands up.

Aaiyaah grins at Zersha.

Sneeky grasps his lower back and twists roughly from side to side.  You hear a loud pop and see him visibly relax.

Zersha grins at Aaiyaah, her dimples flashing into view.

[General] Your mind hears Tekhelet thinking, I m on my way to Ratha, Dioe. This ends face-to-face.

Jaelia asks, Were there any others joining us?

Illiya says, Not that I know of.

Anuril glances up at the sky.

Sukidesu wrings his hands.

Kethrai closes his eyes for a moment and grows still.

Jaelia says, Let me check with Ishimmer.

Jaelia says, One rois....

Illiya says, Thoughts one moment.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, Listen up. Dioe wants the head of a Therengian noble   and we don t have one, and we re not taking one. Our goal is Nawain, not his vendetta.

[General] Your mind hears Dioe thinking, Aye. Make sure the head is recognizable. Nawain will be happy to see you.

Pilot Anisvo calls out, Cast off!

The Slo Heke'mary appears busy with activity as sailors begin hoisting in the tie-lines.

Anuril observes Tekhelet with fascination.

Sneeky nods at Tekhelet, obviously agreeing with his views.

Anuril nods.

Pilot Anisvo turns the wheel, making a course correction.

The Heke'mary turns slowly as it changes its heading.

Pilot Anisvo centers the wheel.

Kethrai nods to Tekhelet.

(Tekhelet steps to the front of the group, gaze sweeping over each face as he steadies his voice.)

Jaelia says, Saph wants to join.

Jaelia asks, Can... we grab a few more people?

Anuril says to Jaelia, The arrow seems to already be flown.

Kethrai says to Jaelia, Stragglers should probably meet us in Ratha.

Jaelia says, That works.

Imroth asks, Do they happen to be Therengian nobles?

Anuril snorts at Imroth.

Damiza says, Surely they have translocation orbs.

Navesi says in a refined accent, We've destroyed a lot greater villains than this fool. It's laughable that he thinks he can make such demands.

Sneeky laughs at Damiza.

Navesi says in a refined accent, Orbs fail to work without moons.

Kalderen says to Damiza, Which do not work while the moons are down.

[General] Your mind hears Jaelia thinking, Ok... If any of you wish to join us, Head to Ratha... we are in route. Let us see ife we have some Moon Mages or other options to join!

Damiza gazes up at the sky.

The Slo Heke'mary plows strongly through the water.

Sneeky says to Damiza in a Prydaenese accent, If they know how ta use 'em.

Damiza exclaims, Doh!

Anuril turns his gaze to the sky for a few moments.

Anuril makes a grunting noise.

Jaelia glances up at the sky.

Kalderen says, Which they will be for a while yet.

Navesi says in a refined accent, The fastest way to Ratha is likely the mammoths.

Kethrai nods at Navesi, obviously agreeing with her views.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, We don't have what Dioe wants. So we improvise. Ideas   now. Anything that gets us to Nawain.

Damiza says, And that is why I didn't join Moon Mage guild.

Damiza hums to herself.

[General] Your mind hears Jaelia thinking, Oh - no Moons, keep an eye out for moons, otherwise Get on the Mammoths to join!

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, Just go there. Stab him.

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, Simple simple.

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, Kidnap his children.

[General] Your mind hears Ishimmer thinking, i want a AirShip!

Kalderen says to Tekhelet, Dioe hasn't mentiooned the head needs to be unattached from the rest of the noble's body.

Siendra says, Go in teeth bared.

Kalderen winks at Tekhelet.

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, Torture them til he comes running.

Illiya grins at Fahrein, her dimples flashing into view.

Fahrein shrugs.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, Put an orc head in a bag, do the trade.

Navesi fixes Fahrein with a silent, frosty glare, a hard glint shining in her eyes.  The temperature around you momentarily drops a few degrees.

Imroth says, I hear justice is on the menu today.

[General] Your mind hears Jaelia thinking, Or if someone else wants to bring a ship to Ratha... gather some and come join!!

Malorna chuckles at Kalderen.

General] Your mind hears Roxxana thinking, whats in ratha

Navesi coldly says to Fahrein in a refined accent, I know you didn't just involve children.

The Slo Heke'mary plows strongly through the water.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, If anyone has an idea - any idea - now s the time to share it.

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, Oh no... children.

Illiya says, We don't even have a noble though, all we have is  Aaiyaah.

Fahrein rolls his eyes.

You pass into Segoltha Bay.

Malorna asks, Are there any nobles here we should protect?

Sheearyn says, I vote that Aaiyaah promotes Dioe to some minor Therengian nobility.

Sheearyn says, And then we kill Dioe.

Navesi says in a refined accent, Good.

Anuril grins at Illiya.

Siendra looks at Sheearyn, obviously trying not to grin.

Sneeky nods to Sheearyn.

Anuril grins at Sheearyn.

Imroth grins at Sheearyn.

Aaiyaah grins.

(Tekhelet turns to the group, gaze sharp and expectant, inviting their thoughts without losing an ounce of resolve.)

Sukidesu gazes up at the sky.

You ponder.

[General] Your mind hears Punmietz thinking, Nawain apparently

You timidly say in a melodic accent, Lirums have a head on them. Probably of a noble.

(Anariam holds out a lirum.)

Kethrai says in intelligible Rakash, I say occupy their ship, find Nawain, and bring her back.

[General] Your mind hears Jaelia thinking, The Shadow Buddies who like burning down Cities and trying to get us to turn on one another so they can laugh at us. We are getting Nawain back.

The Slo Heke'mary plows strongly through the water.

You ask in a melodic accent, I don't know about the blood, but it's a head?

Siendra says to you, That...would be an incredible way to go in.

Siendra says, Someone flip the man a lirum and say the deal is done.

Sukidesu says in a Shardian accent, He wants to be a pirate, we show him what pirates do.

Navesi says in a refined accent, As long as we can track this man, we can kill him and his crew. The real difficulty will be gently supporting Nawain as she emerges from captivity. It can... change a person.

[General] Your mind hears Roxxana thinking, shes by me

Kethrai gives Navesi a slight nod.

Tekhelet asks in a Rakash accent, I have an idea - maybe we trick him into gambling for a ransom instead of demanding a noble's head. It's a risk, but it might buy us leverage. Thoughts?

Imroth asks, What if Nawain doesn't want to leave him?

Illiya lays her hand on Navesi's arm.

Malorna nods to Tekhelet.

Navesi frowns at Imroth.

Malorna says, Tek this is YOUR wife.. you decide how we proceed.

Pilot Anisvo turns the wheel hard to port.

The Heke'mary turns slowly until it is heading northeast.

Pilot Anisvo centers the wheel.

Jaelia says, I think he wants to return her and know what damage was done.

Kethrai nods to Malorna.

Navesi says to Imroth in a refined accent, I don't like how much that worries me.

Malorna says, No one else leads this.

Anuril asks, You think we have enough time to gather a ransom?

Sukidesu nods at Navesi, obviously agreeing with her views.

Sheearyn asks, I think I can Hodierna link 1 more person - who wants me to link them?

Anuril says, I've got... 3 platinums.

Sukidesu says in a Shardian accent, Brainwashing is a difficult issue.

Kethrai says, One and a half here...

Sukidesu says in a Shardian accent, I left all my money in the bank.

Kalderen says to Tekhelet, Name the price for the ransom. My family will happily pay.

Imroth ponders.

Imroth says, Don't negotiate with pirates.

Kalderen says, My father and uncle have saved quite a bit over the years.

Illiya says, I don't like the idea of bargaining with bad guys.

Navesi asks in a refined accent, Why ransom when we can simply kill the man?

Illiya nods to Imroth.

Siendra nods in agreement.

Sheearyn laughs at Fahrein.

Anuril nods at Navesi, obviously agreeing with her views.

Jaelia says, They don't want a real ransome. They want our civilization destroyed.

Jaelia says, To liberate everyone.

The Slo Heke'mary plows strongly through the water.

Kethrai says to Navesi, Unusually enough, I agree.

Aaiyaah stands up.

Navesi raises an eyebrow in Kethrai's direction.

Anuril smirks.

Sheearyn grins at Fahrein.

Illiya grins at Kethrai, her dimples flashing into view.

Fahrein emits a rumbling purr, like a large mountain cat.

Fahrein grins at Sheearyn.

Sneeky's tail undulates lazily through the air.

Aaiyaah murmurs praise of thanks as his icon glows softly, casting an aura of serenity over the area for the briefest of moments.

Sheearyn giggles at Fahrein.

Navesi says to Kethrai in a refined accent, Kethrai, in favor of violence? You must truly disapprove of this Necromancer.

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, Oh yeah. I did have ouchies.

Fahrein laughs!

Sneeky laughs at Fahrein.

Damiza pats Fahrein on the back.

Kethrai says to Navesi, All of them. But if they've kidnapped and are threatening my allies, even more so.

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, It's good to have friends who are empaths.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, He wants leverage. If we bait him with a wager, we might get close enough to take control of the situation. But I need your minds on this. We also need to be prepared for a fight, Dioe is a pirate and a Necromancer.

Fahrein nods.

Sheearyn says to Fahrein, It's good to have friends with different skills than we have.

Fahrein says to Sheearyn in an Ilithic accent, That's literally everyone around me.

Fahrein grins.

(Tekhelet walks a tight, controlled line across the planks, boots thudding softly as his thoughts churn behind a hard stare.)

The Slo Heke'mary plows strongly through the water.

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, My skills are just pointing, and laughing.

Damiza begins chortling at Fahrein.

Sheearyn laughs at Fahrein.

Damiza pats Fahrein on the back.

Illiya says, Pretty sure we are prepared for a fight.

Sheearyn exclaims to Fahrein, Important skills!

Sheearyn says to Fahrein, And you were very helpful to me, recently.

Sheearyn smiles at Fahrein.

Pilot Anisvo turns the wheel hard to starboard.

The Heke'mary turns slowly until it is heading east.

Pilot Anisvo centers the wheel.

Fahrein grins at Sheearyn.

Navesi says to Fahrein in a refined accent, Every Bard needs an audience.

Fahrein asks in an Ilithic accent, You mean by almost drowning in the river and making my way to ye old crate?

Kalderen stands up.

Sheearyn asks Navesi, The kind that points and laughs?

Damiza begins chortling at Fahrein.

Sheearyn says to Fahrein, No, after that...

Fahrein grins at Sheearyn.

Navesi says in a refined accent, Ideally not at the Bard...

Sheearyn giggles at Navesi.

Illiya grins at Navesi, her dimples flashing into view.

Fahrein says to Sheearyn in an Ilithic accent, I am good at pointing out jerks.

Fahrein nods.

Kalderen moves an animite ingot to his left hand.

Sheearyn says to Fahrein, And taking care of me after Jelly made too many drinks.

Fahrein laughs!

Kalderen begins to carefully examine an electric lance.

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, Far too many.

Sheearyn nods to Fahrein.

Pilot Anisvo turns the wheel hard to port.

The Heke'mary turns slowly until it is heading north.

Pilot Anisvo centers the wheel.

Sheearyn asks Fahrein, If she makes drinks today, don't let me have any?

Fahrein says to Sheearyn in an Ilithic accent, I'll leave that to Sneeky. He's more intimidating with his advanced age.

Fahrein ducks his head.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, If there s even a chance to win her back without blades drawn, I ll take it. A wager might be the one thing Dioe can t resist. But a fight may come to us despite anything.

Damiza begins chortling at Fahrein.

Tekhelet looks steadier.

Sheearyn laughs!

Sheearyn says to Fahrein, Might take both of you...

Malorna nods to Tekhelet.

Fahrein says to Sheearyn in an Ilithic accent, I promise I'll ask Damiza to sleep you.

Fahrein winks.

Sheearyn laughs!

The Slo Heke'mary plows strongly through the water.

Malorna says, We support you in this Tek!  must be super stresseful.

Malorna nods to Tekhelet.

Fahrein hums to himself.

Imroth nods at Malorna, obviously agreeing with her views.

Anuril casually observes the area.

Kethrai says, We're approaching the port... rather quickly.

[General] Your mind hears Tekhelet thinking, I m on my way, Dioe. I hope you re ready to stand behind every word you ve spoken.

[You are aboard Slo Heke'mary which is afloat in The Reshal Sea facing north.]

[Slo Heke'mary, Quarterdeck] (**)

In the middle of the quarterdeck is the ship's wheel mounted on a slightly higher platform.  Shrouds, running from mast to cleats on the bulwark, are ran overhead along with sheets from the ship's rigging.

You also see an aqueous fissure, a large spoked wheel, the ship's bell, the spanker mast, the lower spanker, the upper spanker, the gaff topsail, a hatch and Pilot Anisvo.

Also here: Elemental Aegis Tekhelet who has a stony visage, Bacon Bandit Malorna, Heart Tender Kethrai, Herald of Justice Aaiyaah, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Imroth who is shining with a dark golden glow, Legendary Empath Sheearyn, Storm Bringer Kalderen who has a stony visage, Mist Fahrein, Serial Killer Damiza who is surrounded by a purple cloud of glitter, Lady of Frostbite Siendra who is camouflaged in a swirling fog of frigid arctic currents, Doctor of Kittens Sukidesu, Primal World Ender Anuril who has a fiery visage, Hoarfrost Navesi, Hub Storyteller Sneeky, Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura and Desert Blossom Zersha who is followed by a spectral rainbow kitten with shimmering prismatic fur.

Ship paths: forward.

Nearby in the water you see: The Night Sky (at horizon: north), the port of Ratha on the southern edge of Reshalia (at horizon: north).

Fahrein stares blankly into the distance.

Navesi says to Kethrai in a refined accent, Thank you for the notice.

The Slo Heke'mary plows strongly through the water.

Sheearyn nods in agreement.

Aaiyaah moves into position to cover Tekhelet from harm.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, Good. The sooner we dock, the sooner we face Dioe on our terms.

Sukidesu says in a Shardian accent, I've never turned my blade on a person before, but I feel today will be the exception.

[General] Your mind hears Dioe thinking, Every word. I am waiting.

Kethrai says to Tekhelet, As long as the ship survives the docking...

Fahrein says to Sukidesu in an Ilithic accent, It's fun. Remember, pointy bit out.

Fahrein winks.

Aaiyaah moves into position to block attacks against Tekhelet!

Sukidesu nods to Fahrein.

Sukidesu grins, revealing his dimples.

Kalderen says, If you haven't fought Necromancers recently, be on the lookout for their insect minion. It is even harder to see than the necromancer is when hiding.

Kethrai nods to Kalderen.

Anuril nods to Kalderen.

Kethrai says, And it casts spells.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, The Slo Heke Mary's taken worse than a fast approach. She'll hold.

Navesi says in a refined accent, Nasty ones, if I recall.

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, Could just do a duel, you know.

Kalderen says, And pay attention to if your spells are being met by a churning mist. Worm's Mist will block magics, but often the necromancer has cast it far enough from their body to affect you with spells when within arm's reach.

(Tekhelet shoots a quick look toward the front of the ship, gauging the speed and distance with a practiced eye.)

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, One on one style.

The Slo Heke'mary plows strongly through the water.

Imroth says, I don't think pirates do fair fights.

Siendra shakes her head at Imroth.

Kalderen says, If you see the mist churning when you cast, close the distance and try again,.

Sheearyn smiles at Kalderen.

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, Never know if you don't ask.

Navesi says in a refined accent, Last time we attempted diplomacy with a pirate it... did not go well.

Fahrein winks.

Imroth chuckles.

Imroth exclaims, I suppose you are right. We could ask!

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, I see Ratha. Everyone brace - this is where everything changes.

Sheearyn nods to Tekhelet.

Fahrein hums to himself.

Zersha smiles at Illiya, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Navesi exclaims in a refined accent, Brace for impact!

You continue to feel an uncanny confidence, bolstered by Sukidesu's fearlessness.

Imroth strikes a heroic pose.

Anuril smiles.

Siendra leans forward.

Anuril stretches his arms.

The Slo Heke'mary plows strongly through the water.

Kalderen says to Tekhelet, It will all be well. You are in good company, and there is nothing our opponents can do to keep us from our objective.

Sheearyn says, Maybe someone should just look for Nawain while we discract them.

Pilot Anisvo barks the order to tie off the Heke'mary to the docks.

Sheearyn says, And re-kidnap her.

Imroth nods to Sheearyn.

Imroth says to Sheearyn, Good idea.

Kethrai says, We're at the docks.

You join Tekhelet's group.

Sheearyn joins Tekhelet's group.

Kalderen joins Tekhelet's group.

Siendra joins Tekhelet's group.

You say in a melodic accent, Rejoin.

Illiya joins Tekhelet's group.

Kethrai joins Tekhelet's group.

Anuril joins Tekhelet's group.

Sukidesu joins Tekhelet's group.

Imroth joins Tekhelet's group.

Kalderen says to Tekhelet, It will all be well. You are in good company, and there is nothing our opponents can do to keep us from our objective.

Sneeky joins Tekhelet's group.

Zersha joins Tekhelet's group.

Kalderen says to Tekhelet, Be calm. Think. Breathe. Then act.

Damiza joins Tekhelet's group.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, Rejoin me.

Sheearyn praises Kalderen.

Navesi joins Tekhelet's group.

Jaelia joins Tekhelet's group.

Malorna joins Tekhelet's group.

Kalderen gestures.

Aaiyaah moves over to guard Tekhelet.

Kalderen points overboard at the Oyit Neh Dock.

Siendra throws her head back and howls!

Sukidesu throws his head back and howls!

Kalderen says, We're there, Tek.

Kethrai nods to Tekhelet.

Anuril asks Imroth, Shield on Keth?

Imroth nods to Anuril.

Anuril nods to Imroth.

[General] Your mind hears Roxxana thinking, can i have my mother back now please

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, We re docked. We go now - stay close and stay sharp.

Kethrai says to Imroth, On Sheearyn if you would.

Fahrein hums to himself.

Anuril nods to Tekhelet.

Navesi nods politely to Kalderen.

Imroth says, Sharp is my middle name.

Sheearyn says to Kethrai, You surviving is more important than me.

Imroth narrows his eyes.

Elemental Aegis Tekhelet's group moves forward.

[You are aboard Slo Heke'mary which is afloat in the Port of Ratha facing north and is moored to The Middle Neh dock.]

[Slo Heke'mary, Aft Waist] (**)

A brass-hinged gangway is inset into the starboard bulwark, allowing for a boarding plank to be ran in and out from there with ease.  The ship's rigging hangs above like an intricate spider's web.

You also see Neh Dock, the mizzen mast, the crossjack, the mizzen lower topsail and the mizzen upper topsail.

Also here: Doctor of Kittens Sukidesu, Desert Blossom Zersha who is followed by a spectral rainbow kitten with shimmering prismatic fur, Serial Killer Damiza who is surrounded by a purple cloud of glitter, Hub Storyteller Sneeky, Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Heart Tender Kethrai, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Primal World Ender Anuril who has a fiery visage, Storm Bringer Kalderen who has a stony visage, Hoarfrost Navesi, Herald of Justice Aaiyaah, Legendary Empath Sheearyn, Bacon Bandit Malorna, Imroth who is shining with a dark golden glow and Elemental Aegis Tekhelet who has a stony visage.

Ship paths: forward, aft, down.

Nearby in the water you see: The Night Sky (close: east), the Brazen Head (adjacent), the Kree'la (close: north), the Gnautical Fortress (close: north), the Skirr'lolasu (not far: northeast), Berengaria's Blessings (adjacent), the Crimson Blight (adjacent), the Reshal Queen (close: north), Theren Back Again (adjacent), the Barnacle (adjacent), the Damaris' Revenge (adjacent), the open ocean (distant: south), the Oyit Neh Dock (close: north), the Uaro Dock (far: east), The Middle Neh dock (adjacent), the main docks (adjacent).

Kalderen nods to Navesi.

Tekhelet just disembarked.

You follow Tekhelet off of the ship.

[Neh Dock, Port of Ratha] (**)

Though night turns the sea to black and turns the majority of Rathan citizens inside, work on the dock never seems to cease entirely as workers continue to ply their trade.

You also see The Night Sky, Slo Heke'mary, the Brazen Head, Berengaria's Blessings, the Barnacle, The Night Sky's Schedule and an ebony slate.

Also here: Lady of Frostbite Siendra who is surrounded by five circling blades of ice, Storm Bringer Kalderen who has a stony visage, Bacon Bandit Malorna and Elemental Aegis Tekhelet who has a stony visage.

Obvious paths: north, south.

Nearby in the water you see: the open ocean (distant), the Oyit Neh Dock (close), the Uaro Dock (far), the main docks (adjacent), a small fleet of ships.

Kethrai says to Sheearyn, Also more likely, to be honest.

Kethrai winks at Sheearyn.

Sheearyn laughs at Kethrai.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, There on the Gnautical Fortress.

Anuril makes a grunting noise.

An Elven puppet says, Rescue party, you say? How very dramatic.

Imroth says, I will keep my head on a swivel to protect.

A white falcon glides in, its eyes locked on Kalderen, and lands with a loud screech.

You say in a melodic accent, North.

You follow Tekhelet north.

[Neh Dock, Port of Ratha] (**)

Wide and well-built, this dock was made to accommodate the heavy caravans that pass over it daily.  A few workers continue loading and unloading rush shipments into the night.

You also see the Kree'la, the Gnautical Fortress, the Reshal Queen, the Kree'la's schedule and an ebony slate.

Also here: Bacon Bandit Malorna, Storm Bringer Kalderen who has a stony visage, Lady of Frostbite Siendra who is surrounded by five circling blades of ice, Doctor of Kittens Sukidesu, Desert Blossom Zersha who is followed by a spectral rainbow kitten with shimmering prismatic fur, Serial Killer Damiza who is surrounded by a purple cloud of glitter, Hub Storyteller Sneeky, Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Heart Tender Kethrai, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Primal World Ender Anuril who has a fiery visage, Hoarfrost Navesi, Herald of Justice Aaiyaah, Legendary Empath Sheearyn, Imroth who is shining with a dark golden glow and Elemental Aegis Tekhelet who has a stony visage.

Obvious paths: north, south.

Nearby in the water you see: the open ocean (distant), the Uaro Dock (far), The Middle Neh dock (adjacent), the main docks (adjacent), a small fleet of ships.

An Elven puppet says, Almost as if someone important is missing.

You notice as a spotted cream and gold owl studies the ground intently.

Imroth ponders.

Kalderen gets a distant look on his face.

Kethrai climbs aboard the Gnautical Fortress.

Tekhelet climbs aboard the Gnautical Fortress.

You follow Tekhelet onboard the ship.

[You are aboard the Gnautical Fortress which is afloat in the Port of Ratha facing north and is moored to the Oyit Neh Dock.]

[The Gnautical Fortress, Aft Waist] (**)

A brass-hinged gangway is inset into the starboard bulwark, allowing for a boarding plank to be ran in and out from there with ease.  The ship's rigging hangs above like an intricate spider's web.

You also see a veiled house spirit, Neh Dock, the mizzen mast, the crossjack, the mizzen lower topsail and the mizzen upper topsail.

Also here: Lady of Frostbite Siendra who is surrounded by five circling blades of ice, Storm Bringer Kalderen who has a stony visage, Bacon Bandit Malorna, Elemental Aegis Tekhelet who has a stony visage, Heart Tender Kethrai, Heritage Keeper Zemfreed, Dioe who is covered with whitened ridges, Swamp Shaman Jorvand who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Knight of Chaos Davrion, Sacrificer Zakarii, Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah, Cambin who is shining with a dark golden glow, Lukka, Wanderer Torlent and Deathbeing.

Ship paths: forward, aft, down.

Nearby in the water you see: The Night Sky (close: southeast), Slo Heke'mary (close: south), the Brazen Head (close: south), the Kree'la (adjacent), the Skirr'lolasu (close: northeast), Berengaria's Blessings (close: south), the Crimson Blight (close: south), the Reshal Queen (adjacent), Theren Back Again (close: south), the Barnacle (close: south), the Damaris' Revenge (close: south), the open ocean (distant: south), the Oyit Neh Dock (adjacent), the Uaro Dock (far: east), The Middle Neh dock (adjacent), the main docks (adjacent).

Anuril moves over to guard Kethrai.

Kethrai waves.

Dioe smiles.

Jaelia hugs Zemfreed, getting a smile in return.

Ophiliah casually observes the area.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, Welcome aboard, mates.

Navesi fixes Dioe with a silent, frosty glare, a hard glint shining in her eyes.  The temperature around you momentarily drops a few degrees.

Davrion sweeps a glimmering helm surmounted by a radiant crown of icesteel off his head and in front of him in a large arc, fluidly stepping backward and bowing to Kethrai at the same time.

Siendra glares at Dioe.

Zemfreed hugs Jaelia, who wraps her arms around Zemfreed with a warm smile.

Aaiyaah leans on his axe.

Imroth smirks.

The dull orange glow fades from Cambin.

Illiya asks, Where's Nawain?

Davrion leans on his pilum.

Imroth points at Illiya.

Sheearyn gestures at Cambin.

Yellow sparks flicker around Cambin's limbs.

Cambin seems to struggle against some kind of invisible weight.

(Tekhelet plants a firm boot on Dioe's deck, shoulders squared, gaze sweeping the ship with unflinching resolve.)

An Elven puppet says, I do hope you brought the proper gift for this gathering.

Ophiliah glances at Illiya.

Cambin bows his head and chants a prayer.

Jorvand nods.

Dioe asks in a nautical accent, Ye brought quite a horde. Where is the head that pays for all we've done for her?

Sheearyn gestures at Cambin.

Red tendrils shoot from Sheearyn's fingertips and arc towards Cambin, wrapping themselves about his limbs.

(Zakarii leans against the mast, watching the goingons)

Cambin says, Stop.

Dioe yanks his tricorn hat down on his head, giving a more piratical appearance.

Cambin says, This is a peaceful exchange.

Anuril smirks.

Cambin continues to move with a curious lethargy, as if there was some invisible weight on him.

Davrion quietly says to Illiya, She is safe, you have my word i'd let no harm come to her.

Anuril pats Sheearyn on the back.

Imroth says, I don't think handing off severed heads is a peaceful exchange.

Kethrai says to Cambin, Strange definition of peaceful you have.

Cambin says, And oyu're already being provocative.

Ophiliah glances at Sheearyn.

Ophiliah asks, Are you speaking for tek?

Jorvand asks Illiya, Where's the head?

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, You'll get no head from me, Dioe. I came with a different offer.

Illiya gazes at Davrion.

Dioe narrows his eyes.

Jorvand says, Disappointing.

Jorvand frowns at Dioe.

(Tekhelet act crosses his arms over his chest, making it clear he s not intimidated by the demand.)

An Elven puppet droops its little face into a frown.

Dioe angrily says to Tekhelet in a nautical accent, I told you the conditions under which we would deliver her safely to you, Tek. She loves you... I hope ye did not let her down.

Jorvand frowns at Tekhelet.

Illiya says, If it makes you feel better, we did bring an Aaiyaah. And he does have a head.

Kalderen grins at Illiya.

Ophiliah begins chortling at Illiya.

Dioe laughs!

(Aaiyaah points at his head.)

Aaiyaah winks.

Illiya nods to Aaiyaah.

Imroth chuckles.

Zakarii chuckles at Illiya.

Kalderen says to Dioe, You didn't actually mention the heard needed to be separated...

Jaelia hugs Lukka, who wraps her arms around Jaelia with a warm smile.

Kalderen winks at Dioe.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, There is no head, Dioe. I won't give you that. But I've brought a wager - one bold enough for a pirate, if you've the spine to take it.

Jaelia just hugged Torlent.

Jaelia nods.

Kethrai whispers to your group, Deathbeing is the only Empath they seem to have.

Ophiliah raises an eyebrow in Tekhelet's direction.

Dioe says to Illiya in a nautical accent, Behead him, and Nawain will be yours.

Tekhelet nods to Kethrai.

Lukka leans on Jaelia.

Aaiyaah grins.

Jaelia wrings her hands nervously.

Imroth glances at Aaiyaah.

Dioe asks Tekhelet in a nautical accent, A wager, eh? What do ye have in mind?

Damiza left the group.

Damiza blinks.

Sheearyn blinks at Damiza.

Sheearyn whispers to your group, Watch Damiza, too. I don't trust her loyalties.

(Tekhelet studies Dioe with a cool, measuring look, as if weighing how bold the pirate truly is.)

Anuril raises an eyebrow in Sheearyn's direction.

Anuril nods.

Damiza tilts her head, clearly curious about something.

Siendra shifts her weight.

(Tekhelet lets his eyes sweep the ship, acknowledging the crew watching before returning his gaze to Dioe.)

Jorvand casually observes the area.

Dioe asks Illiya in a nautical accent, Why is the maggot still alive?

nuril observes Damiza with fascination.

Lukka gives Damiza a most suspicious look.

Dioe gestures at Aaiyaah.

Kalderen nods to Illiya.

Aaiyaah says, Oh, thats a new one.

Sheearyn asks, Why is the Pirate still alive?

Aaiyaah says, Has a nice ring to it..

Malorna glowers.

Jorvand glances at Damiza.

Malorna pulls Damiza towards her!

Fahrein climbs aboard.

Jorvand looks over Damiza very closely.

Damiza observes Jorvand with fascination.

In the blink of an eye, Zersha disappears into her surroundings.

Sheearyn waves to Fahrein.

Fahrein joins Tekhelet's group.

Illiya says to Dioe, Well, you didn't specify..

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, I'm real good at finding my way.

Jorvand glares at Illiya.

Imroth looks steadier.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, I have an enticing way to settle this, something that should speak to your pirate blood, instead of just spilling it.

Kethrai observes Tekhelet with fascination.

(Tekhelet adopts a calm, almost formal posture, projecting confidence rather than aggression.)

Kethrai whispers to your group, Going to put down a Circle of Sympathy.

Anuril nods to Kethrai.

Sheearyn praises Kethrai.

An Elven puppet says, Therengian noble head for a Cleric seems like a fair exchange.

Dioe says to Illiya in a nautical accent, I'm not here for games, Commander. I want the head at my feet, severed from the body. I didn't specify it should be living, nor is that fool a noble, but merely their tool.

Ophiliah says, I think its reasonable.

Dioe says to Tekhelet in a nautical accent, Tell me.

Tekhelet says to Dioe in a Rakash accent, Beat me at dice, and twenty thousand platinum Kronars are yours. Lose, and you agree to expedite Nawain back to me safely.

Anuril raises an eyebrow.

Dioe laughs!

Siendra gazes up at the sky.

Imroth blinks.

(Tekhelet studies Dioe with a cool, assessing look, testing the pirate's pride.)

Dioe asks Tekhelet in a nautical accent, Twenty thousand platinum Kronars? Do ye have that kind of money?

Siendra whispers to your group, Can we not...just storm the rest of this ship...

Tekhelet nods to Kalderen.

Anuril grins at Siendra.

Sheearyn nods to Siendra.

Siendra hums to herself.

Kethrai whispers to your group, If we can achieve it without a fight, all the better.

Sheearyn whispers to your group, Someone should just go get Nawain, while they're busy chatting...

Siendra nods emphatically at Sheearyn.

Sheearyn smiles at Siendra.

Sheearyn points at Siendra.

Navesi whispers to your group, I'm told husbands sometimes take on a mind of their own when their wives go missing...

Anuril whispers to your group, Can any empaths sense her nearby?

Imroth whispers to your group, Anyone know where she is?

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, If I didn t, I wouldn t have named the price. I don t bluff with numbers that large.

Deathbeing takes a deep breath, looking serene and determined.

Illiya grins at Navesi, her dimples flashing into view.

(Dioe's emerald eyes flash with greed upon hearing Tekhelet's words.)

Malorna whispers to your group, its teks call he in charge

Siendra grins at Navesi.

Kalderen nods to Malorna.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, I came prepared, Dioe. Twenty thousand platinum is already set aside. All you have to do is win it.

Tekhelet whispers to your group, I'm sure there will be fighting.

Jorvand grins at Dioe.

Aaiyaah says, Thats a good deal. I'd take that deal.

Illiya whispers to your group, Prepare for fighting!

Ophiliah asks, Vs your head?

Navesi whispers to your group, Who are the higher strength targets?

Ophiliah squints at Aaiyaah.

Kalderen stands up.

Kethrai whispers to your group, There is a presence to the aft of us, hidden.

Jaelia whispers to your group, I would not dare to be the one to stand in the way of Tekhelet and dicing... he is very serious about his gambling, and more serious about Nawain. I don't know if the Immortals could save you from that scenario.

(Tekhelet acknowledges the greed in Dioe s eyes as if he expected nothing less.)

Kalderen whispers to your group, Davrion is their strongest.

Sheearyn nods to Kethrai.

Kalderen whispers to your group, Leave him to me.

Siendra gives a slight nod.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, Mmm. Fair. But ye came all this way, and ye failed to bring what I asked. Let us enjoy a bit of entertainment then. Nawain will be free if ye win, ye have my word. But first, ye must choose someone who supports you to fight someone who supports me.

Damiza glances at an Elven puppet and grins.

You continue to feel an uncanny confidence, bolstered by Illiya's fearlessness.

Zakarii chortles softly at some secret joke.

(Tekhelet examines the pirate s expression, searching for the angle behind the demand.)

Illiya searches around for a moment.

Illiya searches around for a moment.

Illiya searches around for a moment.

Kalderen raises an eyebrow.

Illiya searches around for a moment.

Kalderen searches around for a moment.

Anuril rummages through his runestone pocket.

Illiya searches around for a moment.

Kalderen whispers to your group, ZSersha and a centipede are hidden.

Dioe asks Tekhelet in a nautical accent, Do ye have someone who will fight on your behalf?

Kalderen raises an eyebrow in Tekhelet's direction.

Kalderen smiles.

Illiya whispers to your group, Ah I couldn't see the centipede

Siendra says to Dioe, Clearly all of us.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, You want a spectacle before the wager. Fine. But the terms stand - Nawain walks free if I win.

Siendra snorts, loudly.

Dioe laughs!

Kalderen's darkened eyes return to normal.

Dioe says to Tekhelet in a nautical accent, Aye, on the wager of twenty thousand platinums, but first, we watch one of yours fight one of ours.

(Tekhelet looks from face to face, acknowledging each person s presence and strength.)

Dioe asks Siendra in a nautical accent, Do ye wish to fight, Alpha?

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, This isn t an order. Dioe demands a champion. If one of you is willing to step forward, speak now.

Kalderen says to Tekhelet, I'll happily fight on your behalf, Tek.

Kalderen smiles.

Anuril grins.

Navesi says in a refined accent, I'll fight.

Kethrai asks, Would any of us not?

Kalderen nods to Kethrai.

Malorna says, Ill eat bacon for you.

Illiya grins at Malorna, her dimples flashing into view.

Sheearyn laughs at Malorna.

Zersha grins at Malorna, her dimples flashing into view.

Zersha stands near Malorna.

Zersha says to Malorna in a Velakan accent, I'll help.

Malorna grins.

Torlent grins at Malorna, his dimples flashing into view.

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, I mean, I probably won't unless it's necessary. I'm just a lil fella.

Sheearyn says, I think probably there'd be some regrets if they chose me to fight...

(Tekhelet rests a hand briefly on Kalderen's shoulder, a gesture of trust and solidarity.)

Dioe grins.

Kethrai pats Sheearyn on the back.

Kalderen grins at Tekhelet.

Malorna mutters to herself.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, Thank you, Kalderen. Your strength will speak for all of us today.

Navesi says to Fahrein in a refined accent, You can point and laugh. Just be sure you're pointing at them.

Dioe asks Davrion in a nautical accent, Would you like to fight this one, or that one?

Anuril's cambrinth spiderling emits a startled hiss!

Malorna offers Zersha a strip of deep-fried bacon drizzled with maple syrup.

Siendra says to Dioe, Oh, I would love to fight.  But not when you send in a pawn.

Dioe gestures at Kalderen.

Zersha accepts Malorna's deep-fried bacon.

Davrion nods to Dioe.

Zersha beams at Malorna!

Fahrein chuckles.

Davrion quietly says, My pleasure.

Dioe gestures at Navesi.

Kalderen says to Davrion, Always good to fight you, Davrion.

Navesi cracks her knuckles.

Imroth darkly says, I think we should just kill them all.

Zersha moves a strip of deep-fried bacon drizzled with maple syrup to her left hand.

Davrion sweeps a glimmering helm surmounted by a radiant crown of icesteel off his head and in front of him in a large arc, fluidly stepping backward and bowing to Kalderen at the same time.

Tekhelet says to Kalderen in a Rakash accent, You honor me by stepping forward. I accept your support - and your courage.

Damiza gets some popcorn from inside her haversack.

Damiza takes a bite of the popcorn.

Sheearyn nods to Imroth.

Kethrai says to Imroth, The less bloodshed the better... generally.

Kalderen asks Davrion, Do you prefer a challenge? Or to the death, Knight?

Sukidesu pops his knuckles and breathes deep, trying to look calm.

An Elven puppet exclaims, To the death!

Dioe says to Siendra in a nautical accent, Unlike the nobility, I have no pawns, only trusted mates. You should understand that. Nawain speaks highly of you.

Damiza takes a bite of the popcorn.

Davrion quietly says, A challenge sounds in order as it's a duel of champions.

Jaelia says, I would bring back the soul of any should it be to the Death. I am neutral on those regards.

Dioe nods.

Jaelia nods.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, You hear him, Dioe. My champion stands. Choose yours. Kalderen will appeas you.

Kalderen asks Davrion, Any terms? Do we remain stationary? Move about?

Jorvand praises Davrion.

[General] Your mind hears Ruea thinking, I simply must know what happened, did she get her mother back? Did Dioe back his words?

Davrion quietly says to Kalderen, I'll let you choose the terms as the guest.

Navesi says in a refined accent, Nawain brought godly wrath in her attempts to rescue me, and I intended to return the favor. Wise not to fight me.

Dioe smiles.

[General] Your mind hears Zemfreed thinking, That is currently being decided.

[General] Your mind hears Kethrai thinking, We're working on it. There may be some single combat of champions.

Navesi fixes Davrion with a proud, defiant stare.

Ophiliah fixes Navesi with a serene, lofty stare.

(Tekhelet shifts just enough to give Kalderen the space and spotlight of a true champion.)

Kalderen says, While I think they might all like to watch, I'm afraid of the collateral damage.

Kalderen winks.

[General] Your mind hears Chrysagon thinking, I don't see any dying yet

Davrion nods at Kalderen, obviously agreeing with his views.

Kalderen shrugs.

[General] Your mind hears Zestachi thinking, It's a cliffhanger.

[General] Your mind hears Souv thinking, blood makes the empaths grow Kill Kill Kill

Navesi asks in a refined accent, Do we have a Moon Mage who can Shadewatch?

Kalderen says, I am ready when you are.

Dioe says to Davrion in a nautical accent, Fight with honor, my friend. Truth and righteousness are with you.

Davrion quietly says, I wish no harm to bystanders so I have adjusted my spells as such.

Zemfreed warmly says, I could.

Imroth fixes Dioe with a solid, steady stare.

Kalderen says, I've now done the same.

Davrion pivots in Kalderen's direction and salutes him with his legionary's pilum, bringing the weapon downwards in a precise, fluid movement.

Davrion steps up to Kalderen and says, I challenge you to The Pain in a contest of skill!

Kalderen pivots in Davrion's direction and salutes him with his electric lance, bringing the weapon downwards in a precise, fluid movement.

Siendra shifts her weight.

Ophiliah just kissed Davrion.

Kalderen accepts Davrion's challenge.

Kalderen begins to focus intently on Davrion.

Kalderen smiles.

Sukidesu stands near Siendra.

Jorvand lets out a hearty cheer for Davrion!

Kalderen begins to advance on Davrion.

Fahrein shifts his weight.

Anuril applauds.

[General] Your mind hears Roxxana thinking, more killing, more pouches for traders

(Tekhelet adopts a composed, authoritative posture as the tension builds.)

Kalderen closes to pole weapon range on Davrion.

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, such drama in real time, they should make some sort of machine that can send words in some sort of sound waves that everyone can hear, even if they don't have a gweth.

Kalderen gets a twisted frozen-bone wand ensnaring a faceted Syrin's heart from inside his watersilk bag.

Kalderen points a twisted frozen-bone wand ensnaring a faceted Syrin's heart at Davrion.

Kalderen closes to melee range on Davrion.

Kalderen puts his wand in his watersilk bag.

Torlent leans on Lukka.

Kalderen gets a twisted frozen-bone wand ensnaring a faceted Syrin's heart from inside his watersilk bag.

Kalderen points a twisted frozen-bone wand ensnaring a faceted Syrin's heart at Davrion.

Kalderen puts his wand in his watersilk bag.

(Tekhelet retreats a measured pace, creating a clear arena for the duel.)

Davrion sweeps a foot at Kalderen, knocking him off his feet!

Kalderen gestures at Davrion with a casual flick of his wrists.

A fierce wind blows off to Davrion's side, kicking up a cloud of dirt but leaving him unharmed.

Kalderen stands up.

Kalderen gets a twisted frozen-bone wand ensnaring a faceted Syrin's heart from inside his watersilk bag.

Kalderen points a twisted frozen-bone wand ensnaring a faceted Syrin's heart at Davrion.

A sheet of slippery ice forms beneath Davrion!

Davrion slips and falls forward, slamming his face on the ice.

Kalderen puts his wand in his watersilk bag.

Kalderen's darkened eyes return to normal.

Tiny fingers of lightning course rapidly along Kalderen's lance, disappearing almost immediately.

The air around Davrion solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence and intercepts the attack with a shower of coruscating light.

Kalderen's lance lands a strong hit to Davrion's right leg.  

Kalderen reaches out toward Davrion with his left hand.

Five blasts of electricity arc from Kalderen to Davrion!

The first blast glances off his heater shield, causing a shower of sparks.

Davrion grits his teeth as his right hand clenches into a fist.

The second blast glances off his heater shield, causing a shower of sparks.

Davrion squeezes his left eye shut as tightly as possible as sparks dance over his face.

The third blast glances off his heater shield, causing a shower of sparks.

Tendrils of smoke rise from his scorched back.

Davrion deflects the fourth blast with his heater shield!

The final blast glances off his heater shield, causing a shower of sparks.

Davrion yelps as his left leg is wrapped briefly in a net of lightning.

Davrion looks grim, but his wounds seem better.

(Dioe leans forward, watching intently.)

Kalderen takes a step back and angles his lance behind him.

The air around Davrion solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence and throws off bright waves of light as it resists the attack.

Kalderen dashes quickly at Davrion, attacking him with blows meant to impale!

Kalderen's electric lance lands a strong hit to Davrion's left arm!

Davrion looks grim, but his wounds seem better.

Davrion gasps and regains control of his breathing.

Davrion thrusts his palm toward Kalderen.

Uncomfortable-looking twists pull at Kalderen's skin, but no noticeable harm is done.

Kalderen concentrates for a moment and an electric lance he is holding is replaced with an electric quarterstaff.

Kalderen lowers his shoulders and begins to twirl his quarterstaff.

The air around Davrion solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence and throws off shimmering light in the wake of the attack.

Kalderen dashes quickly at Davrion, attacking him with twirling blows!

Kalderen's electric quarterstaff lands a good strike to Davrion's chest!

Davrion looks grim, but his wounds seem better.

Davrion leaps to his feet!

Kalderen concentrates for a moment and an electric quarterstaff he is holding is replaced with an electric maul.

You see Knight of Chaos Davrion Van'dahurst, Joustmaster, a Human.

Davrion has an angular face, pointed ears, stormy grey eyes and a straight nose.  His brown hair is shoulder length and thick, and is worn shaved on the sides and pulled back into a ponytail.  He has tanned skin and a massive build.

He is tall for a Human.

He appears to be venerable.

He has a tattoo of a seven-sided snowflake on his neck.

He has a severely swollen and deeply bruised left arm compounded by deep cuts across the left arm, faint scuffing to the left leg, faint scuffing to the right hand, severely swollen and bruised chest area compounded by deep cuts across the chest area, faint scuffing to the back, faint scuffing to the left eye.

He is bleeding with slight bruising in the left arm, slightly from the left arm, with discoloration in the chest and lightly from the chest.

He is holding an oak-hafted legionary's pilum carved with the image of a shrike in his right hand.

He is wearing a jet black damite armet shaped like a howling wolf's head, some burnished everdusk damite full plate embellished with scorpion diamonds, an effervescent eddy of honey-hued light captured by a sungold frame, a pair of burnished everdusk damite gauntlets embellished with scorpion diamonds and a white silk surcoat with the crest of the Paladins' Guild on the front.

Kalderen lowers his shoulders and steadies his weapon.

The air around Davrion solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence, buckling and losing much of its mass under the force of the attack.

Kalderen dashes quickly at Davrion, attacking him with crashing blows!

Kalderen's electric maul lands a strong hit to Davrion's left hand!

Davrion looks grim, but his wounds seem better.

Kalderen's electric maul suddenly bursts into flames.

Kalderen concentrates for a moment and an electric maul he is holding is replaced with an electric marauder blade.

Kalderen takes a step back and readies his blade behind him.

The air around Davrion solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence, losing most of its mass under the force of the attack.

Kalderen makes an agile leap towards Davrion, attacking him with a mighty cleave!

Kalderen's marauder blade lands a strong hit to Davrion's right leg!

Kalderen backs off Davrion who collapses into unconsciousness.  The challenge has been satisfied.

Davrion looks grim, but his wounds seem better.

Kalderen's marauder blade suddenly bursts into flames.

Kalderen concentrates for a moment and an electric marauder blade he is holding is replaced with an electric lance.

Illiya lays her hand on Kalderen's arm.

Kalderen nods.

Deathbeing lays his hand on Davrion's arm.

Anuril gets an impish expression on his face, and lets out a hearty cheer.

Kalderen's electric lance suddenly bursts into flames.

Imroth groans.

Dioe praises Davrion.

Anuril mumbles a word of general praise.

Kalderen bows to Tekhelet.

Navesi says to Kalderen in a refined accent, Well done.

An almost visible connection between Illiya and Kalderen seems to thrum through the air.

Siendra looks at Kalderen and applauds!

(Tekhelet watches the pirate's face more than the duel, reading every flicker of greed, worry, or calculation.)

Dioe scowls at Navesi.

Kethrai praises Kalderen.

Davrion looks healthier and Deathbeing appears to weaken.

Navesi fixes Dioe with a silent, frosty glare, a hard glint shining in her eyes.  The temperature around you momentarily drops a few degrees.

Deathbeing assumes a calm stance, concentrating on something.

Kalderen says to Tekhelet, For you, and for Nawain.

Anuril lets out a hearty cheer for Kalderen!

Damiza takes a bite of the popcorn.

Dioe says to Davrion in a nautical accent, Ye have unbreakable courage, Davrion.

[General] Your mind hears Zemfreed thinking, The trial of combat has commenced and been concluded. With Tekhelet's champion being victorious.

Jorvand glares at Tekhelet.

Lukka gets a bottle of Blosu Lorel wine from inside her haversack.

Lukka takes a sip of her wine.

Damiza gestures toward Davrion's head.

Davrion slowly opens his eyes.

Davrion stirs and wakes up moaning.

Davrion leaps to his feet!

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, GIve us step by step details!

Davrion bows to Kalderen.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, Kalderen, your precision speaks for itself. Thank you. You've honored us all with that clean victory.

Jorvand lets out a resounding Boo!

Torlent gets a Hangman's Noose from inside his rucksack.

Davrion quietly says to Kalderen, Well struck.

Kalderen pivots in Davrion's direction and salutes him with his electric lance, bringing the weapon downwards in a precise, fluid movement.

Torlent takes a sip of his Noose.

[General] Your mind hears Zemfreed thinking, I'm sorry, it was over quickly.

Lukka takes a sip of her wine.

Kalderen says to Davrion, Well challenged. It was my honor and pleasure.

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, awe.

Kalderen bows to Davrion.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, The duel is finished, Dioe. My champion stood, yours fell. Honor your word   we gamble.

[General] Your mind hears Fahrein thinking, The one guy hit the other guy unconscious. The end.

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, which guy was which guy and was the cleric rescued?

Dioe makes a grunting noise.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, Let us gamble.

[General] Your mind hears Jopler thinking, Where's the moonies with the mirror thingy when you need em?

Dioe grins.

[General] Your mind hears Zemfreed thinking, Now Tekhelet and Dioe are having a game of chance to finish it.

Damiza gazes at her surroundings with a curious look on her face.

(Tekhelet reads the grunt for what it is: reluctant acknowledgment.)

[General] Your mind hears Fahrein thinking, Tek's guy knocked Dioe's guy out. It was flashy and lightning-filled.

[General] Your mind hears Chrysagon thinking, well timed with no moons on their part

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, Dice? Roshambo?

(Tekhelet studies Dioe's reaction, calm and analytical.)

[General] Your mind hears Zemfreed thinking, A game of dice.

Ophiliah joins Davrion's group.

Jorvand joins Davrion's group.

Lukka takes a sip of her wine.

Deathbeing joins Davrion's group.

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, Nice

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, This just became much less interesting.

Cambin joins Davrion's group.

Damiza takes a bite of the popcorn.

[General] Your mind hears Ellywen thinking, A game of chance? All that talk and he went out there to roshambo?! For his kidnapped wife!?

Tekhelet whispers to your group, Be ready if this turns south. He won't be happy to loose to me.

(Dioe's face is cold and focused, a slight eagerness and thrill of risk evident in his face.)

Anuril nods.

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, That's what I was thinking!

Damiza clears her throat.

[General] Your mind hears Zemfreed thinking, There was combat of champions.

Kethrai whispers to your group, Been ready since we got here.

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, Don't fret, there was a murder. This sounds like just extra

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, But apparently the combat didn't decide anything.

(Dioe turns to his companions.)

(Tekhelet watches the shift in Dioe's face, noting the thrill of risk like a spark behind the cold exterior.)

(Siendra leans against the mast, watching with a scowl and an impatient tap of her fingers against her crossed arms.)

[General] Your mind hears Zemfreed thinking, I say it satisfied the thirst for blood to be spilled.

Kalderen stands up.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, Start thinking about how to spend twenty thousand platinums, mates.

Dioe grins at Tekhelet.

Damiza chuckles.

[General] Your mind hears Ellywen thinking, Champions feels like a stretch.. combat of something..

Jorvand winks at Dioe.

Dioe joins Davrion's group.

Aaiyaah whispers to your group, if this goes south and we fight, move group lead to me and I will lead. They are ready to lead with Davrion.

Anuril nods to Navesi.

(Tekhelet watches the pirate's bravado like a man observing a predictable tide.)

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, How would you have preferred it to go, Ellywen?

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, Combat of um....slap fights?

[General] Your mind hears Kethrai thinking, You're right Ellywen, there was clearly only one champion on that stage.

[General] Your mind hears Zakarii thinking, well yeah, no Therengian Leaders heads were sacrificed

Imroth bows his head and chants a prayer.

[General] Your mind hears Chrysagon thinking, pillows

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, You're eager to spend my platinum already. Good. That means you re ready to honor your word - bring Nawain forward. We will know she's alive.

Kalderen smiles at Anuril.

Dioe glances at Ophiliah.

Dioe nods to Ophiliah.

Aaiyaah's morgawr bone armband flares with radiant light, and he looks more at ease than before.

Anuril bows to Kalderen.

[General] Your mind hears Chrysagon thinking, no one I know I hope

[General] Your mind hears Ellywen thinking, If someone kidnapped my wife? I wouldn't be playing dice.. I would be ripping out eyeballs of everyone involved. That's how, Rylnaren.

Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah moves forward.

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, I'm glad I don't have a man that plays Roshambo if I was kidnapped....just saying.

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, Seems reasonable, I imagine that's why the Immortals made eyeballs to be honest

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, Maybe the dice are eyeballs?

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, I'd say that's wishfull thinking.

[General] Your mind hears Chrysagon thinking, snake eyes

[General] Your mind hears Dartwin thinking, if you wouldn't do anything to get your wife back, She married the wrong one. Or is that just me? Play those dice Tek!

Dioe says to Kalderen in a nautical accent, Ye should rethink whom ye serve, mate.

[General] Your mind hears Souv thinking, combat followed by dice with the loser's eyes would make for a suitable climax

Fahrein rubs his left ear.

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, Was an annoying sound, that.

Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah's group just arrived.

Kalderen says to Dioe, Whom I serve? I serve as instructor at the Praxiu,.

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, Depends who you ask.

(Nawain shuffles in at Ophiliah's side, shoulders hunched against the ruckus. She frowns in confusion and scrubs exhausted eyes, then gasps as her eyes arrow in on Tekhelet's blessedly familiar shape.)

Anuril raises his bolt up, and an orange glow surrounds it.

Nawain quickly clasps both hands over her mouth, eyes widening in surprise.

(Tekhelet says her name softly, a private moment slipping through the tension. He moves a pace toward her before stopping himself, keeping composure in front of Dioe.)

Navesi says in a refined accent, Not everyone is so easily swayed, Necromancer.

Illiya gasps!

Nawain frantically exclaims to Tekhelet in a Rakash accent, Tek!!

Kethrai trills softly at Nawain.

(Nawain throws herself towards Tekhelet, but is hauled back by Ophiliah.)

Siendra gazes at Nawain.

Dioe smiles.

Ophiliah says, Hold a moment.

Imroth glances at Nawain.

Jorvand glances at Nawain.

Ophiliah nods to Nawain.

Jorvand looks over Nawain very closely.

Dioe asks Tekhelet in a nautical accent, Are ye satisfied?

Imroth says, Oh good. She is safe.

Anuril observes Nawain with fascination.

Siendra growls low in the back of her throat.

Sukidesu asks in polished Rakash, Are you okay, dear Nawain?

Imroth bows his head and chants a prayer.

The air around Dioe solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence and intercepts the attack with a shower of coruscating light.

Imroth's spear suddenly cries out Justice! as it flares white hot and lands a hard hit to Dioe's right leg.  

The Imperial spear lodges itself shallowly into Dioe!

Illiya asks Nawain, Nawain! Are you hurt? Did they do anything to you?

Nawain looks like she is exercising her thumb -- how odd.

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, All this makes me wonder if the dragonshield thing is more interesting tonight.

The bone spine lands nearby!

The bone spine lands nearby!

Aaiyaah gestures.

Imroth gestures at Dioe.

Imroth bows his head and chants a prayer.

The air around Imroth reverberates unnaturally, hindering the attack.

The air around Imroth solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence and intercepts the attack with a shower of coruscating light.

An acid-green skeletal centipede with an elongated body lands a gentle hit to Imroth's left arm.  

The bone spine falls to the ground!

The bone spine lands nearby!

The air around Dioe solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence and throws off bright waves of light as it resists the attack.

Imroth's spear suddenly cries out Justice! as it flares white hot and lands a hard hit to Dioe's abdomen.  

The Imperial spear lodges itself shallowly into Dioe!

Nawain says in a Rakash accent, I'm.. I have no c-complaints.

Dark golden light glares forth from Imroth, moderately stunning an acid-green skeletal centipede with an elongated body!

Kalderen raises an eyebrow in Imroth's direction.

You notice a soft silver glow fade from a sungold-inlaid Imperial spear with a gleaming split-blade tip that Dioe is carrying.

Kalderen gestures.

Kalderen's watersilk bag emits a loud *snap*.

A network of thin lines form around him, then quickly fade away.

Nawain glances at Dioe.

The bone spine lands nearby!

The bone spine lands nearby!

Kethrai says in intelligible Rakash, We're here to get you out.

Nawain asks in a Rakash accent, Is it soon now?

The air around Dioe solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence and throws off shimmering light in the wake of the attack.

Imroth's spear suddenly cries out Justice! as it flares white hot and lands a heavy strike to Dioe's left leg.  

The Imperial spear lodges itself shallowly into Dioe!

Ophiliah says, Why are you fighting.

Anuril gestures at Dioe.

Bands of opaque iridescence appear around Dioe in a concentric hexad.   Each begins to revolve along a different axis, soon collectively fading into a colored blur that obscures him for several moments.

The bone spine lands nearby!

The bone spine lands nearby!

Kalderen asks, What are you doing, Imroth?

Davrion moves into position to block attacks against Dioe!

Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah's group moves aft.

The bone spine lands nearby!

The bone spine lands nearby!

Imroth gestures at Dioe.

A brilliant stream of pure white light jumps toward Dioe from Imroth, which warps into a spiraling force as it slams into him!

Dioe is blasted back, reeling backwards in complete disarray from the blow!

The light silently explodes.

Jorvand moves over to guard Dioe.

* Knocking Dioe aside, Davrion deflects Imroth's attack with his heater shield!

Anuril gestures at Dioe.

Bands of opaque iridescence appear around Dioe in a concentric hexad.   Each begins to revolve along a different axis, soon collectively fading into a colored blur that obscures him for several moments.

The air around Dioe shimmers with a weak yellow light that quickly disperses.

Dioe twitches several times as the ridges encompassing his form recede and vanish.

Creeping out of hiding, an acid-green skeletal centipede with an elongated body extrudes a dozen arrowlike spines from inside its body.

Illiya says, Imroth is just Imroth'ing.

The bone spine lands nearby!

The bone spine lands nearby!

Anuril grins at Illiya.

Imroth asks, Are you ok with kidnappers not facing justice??

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, Seems like a good thought, let's say yes. The dragon shield thing is definitely more interesting tonight!

The bone spine lands nearby!

The bone spine lands nearby!

Anuril hums to himself.

The bone spine lands nearby!

The bone spine lands nearby!

[General] Your mind hears Ellywen thinking, If Miskton shows up and brings food? Absolutely it will be.

Kalderen says to Imroth, Tek had a plan to settle this.

Jaelia says to Imroth, It is Tek's decision. It is his vengence, not yours.

Jorvand gestures, muttering a quiet riddle.

A pair of immense ghostly hands sweep forward to grasp Imroth in a translucent embrace!

With a bit of a struggle, he throws off the ghostly hands before they can lock around him.

Dioe comes out of hiding.

Dioe moves aft.

An acid-green skeletal centipede with an elongated body runs off.

Kalderen nods to Jaelia.

[General] Your mind hears Chrysagon thinking, meet us at the dragon shield

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, it hasn't even started yet?

Zemfreed nods to Jaelia.

Imroth says, We got Nawain.

Imroth says, That was the plan.

[General] Your mind hears Chrysagon thinking, soon

Jaelia says to Imroth, Not right now, later, then yes.

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, So soon

Sheearyn says, I've other duties I have to attend to.

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, Last time I went, I got boo'ed out the building.

Sheearyn waves.

Kethrai says, We don't have Nawain, not any more.

Dioe just arrived.

Anuril nods to Sheearyn.

Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah just arrived.

Jorvand bows his head and chants a prayer.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, Ye hsould rethink your strategy, mate.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, Hold. No more chaos. We settle this with a gamble.

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, That seems medal worthy

Ophiliah nods to Tekhelet.

Imroth exclaims, I might be on the wrong side if you do not seek justice!

Sheearyn just disembarked.

Damiza gazes at Imroth.

Dioe says to Imroth in a nautical accent, Silence, tool.

Aaiyaah gazes down at the ground.

Imroth exclaims, The only reason to hold was the captive!

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, I didn't get a medal, so I don't think they thought so at the time.

Ophiliah says, We have not harmed her.

Imroth exclaims, You still kidnapped her!!!

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, They just didn't know they needed to have that medal on hand is all!

Kalderen says to Imroth, You idiot. If your selfish arrogance puts Nawain in further danger, you're no better than they are.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, We protected her, and helped her see the truth.

Jorvand says, Imroth is just like the Nobles, can't keep to their word.

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, Will they have medals on hand tonight?

Jorvand nods at Dioe, obviously agreeing with his views.

Aaiyaah says, Imroth, please. Patience. Trust in your friends and allies.

Ophiliah nods to Jorvand.

Dioe nods to Jorvand.

Kalderen nods to Aaiyaah.

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, You can count on it

Illiya says, Imroth is just impulsive. His heart is in a good place.

[General] Your mind hears Sheearyn thinking, Empath on duty at the crate in Riverhaven for 65 roisaen.

Jaelia rests her hand on Imroth's arm with a soft smile.

Dioe says to Tekhelet in a nautical accent, Let us gamble if ye wish.

Navesi says to Imroth in a refined accent, We share your desire for a reckoning. But patience.

Davrion quietly says, Kidnapped? she was here of her own choice.

Illiya says, But they've taken Nawain again in the confusion, so we need to wait again.

Zersha blinks at Davrion.

Anuril raises an eyebrow.

Ophiliah says, She did walk onto the boat.

Imroth says, For what?? To play some dice!?! This is madness.

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, I meant to think, will this be like when I was told there will be bacon and then there wasn't?

Ophiliah nods to Davrion.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, '@dioe We each pick a different number between two and twelve. Roll your number twice before I roll my number twice and you win. Rounds are one roll each person, and we roll simultaneously with each other.

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, Maybe more like whee

Lukka gazes at her fingernails.

Jaelia says to Imroth, Justice is meaningless if we do not consider the spirit as well as the letter.

Dioe holds out his arms to his sides in a preparatory gesture.

Dioe shudders slightly as streams of black energy slide up across his arms from his fingertips before arcing out along his entire body.

Whitened ridges rise up from beneath Dioe's skin all across his limbs and torso.

Kalderen stands up.

Imroth fixes Jaelia with a solid, steady stare.

Anuril quietly says to Tekhelet, Pick seven.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, 'You can use your own dice if you have them.

Dioe gestures.

Several translucent sacs sprout in Dioe's eye, opaquing their membranes as they roll about the pupil.

Navesi nods at Anuril, obviously agreeing with his views.

Dioe nods to Tekhelet.

Dioe gestures.

Dioe trembles briefly as the pallid mask upon his face roils.

Kalderen raises an eyebrow in Tekhelet's direction.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, Let's roll.

Kalderen says to Tekhelet, Bold move.

Dioe grins.

Tekhelet asks in a Rakash accent, 'I'll take my lucky number, seven. You can roll as soon as I do, agree?

Narrowing his eyes, Dioe presses his fingertips against the side of his neck.

Seams of reddish-black energy spread from Dioe's hand, burrowing into his body.

Anuril lets out a hearty cheer for Tekhelet!

Ophiliah asks, Anyone else find it funny... we are the bad guys and they attack?

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, And there's always bacon if you bring it

Ophiliah scratches her head.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, Get wood dice.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, I'll take the number 4.

Damiza says, Would appear so.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, Get wood dice.

Damiza takes a bite of the popcorn.

Kalderen asks Ophiliah, They?

Illiya says to Ophiliah, You're still the ones with a hostage.

Kalderen grins at Ophiliah.

Ophiliah stands near Damiza.

Dioe gestures.

A smoky film of grey mist exudes from Dioe's palms as he draws them close to his face.  Breathing in deeply, his mouth remains open as he trembles for a second.  He recovers after a moment and looks pleased.

An Elven puppet says, And they call us murderers.

Ophiliah asks, Popcorn to share?

Tekhelet gets a pair of wooden dice painted with opalescent butterfly pips from inside a fuzzy dice pouch with black cording.

Damiza nods to an Elven puppet.

Dioe grins at Ophiliah.

Ophiliah says, I lvoe whovers puppet.

Cambin says to Ophiliah, I was thinking the same thing. As soon as they arrived, too.'.

Tekhelet cups his pristine wood dice and jiggles them noisily.

Damiza offers Ophiliah some popcorn.

Kethrai says, Let's see how this goes...

Ophiliah accepts Damiza's popcorn.

Anuril nods to Kethrai.

Kalderen puts his limb in his watersilk bag.

Ophiliah takes a bite of the popcorn.

Dioe says to Tekhelet in a nautical accent, I'll roll the same dice as you.

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, Yes well, I was told that the bacon would be provided and I didn't need to bring any. I was lied to! That's the last time I go to some rainbow thingy.

Ophiliah says, Oh last bite.. sorry.

Dioe grins.

Aaiyaah says, If you were such good guys, you would have just alerted us to Nawains location and given her to us immediately.

Damiza says, It's ok.

Tekhelet asks in a Rakash accent, Any questions?

Damiza grins at Ophiliah.

Aaiyaah says, But no, we are here in this...situation.

Illiya gets a huge bucket of popcorn smothered in butter from inside her encompassing shadows.

Tekhelet offers Dioe a pair of wooden dice painted with opalescent butterfly pips.

Illiya offers Ophiliah a huge bucket of popcorn smothered in butter.

Dioe accepts Tekhelet's wooden dice.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, I assure you the dice are fair.

Ophiliah accepts Illiya's buttery popcorn.

Ophiliah says, Thank you.

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, Good instincts, alternatively, just bring bacon next time?

Jorvand says to Aaiyaah, A Puppet of the Nobles speaks.

[General] Your mind hears Chrysagon thinking, it goes fast

Torlent gets some popcorn from inside his rucksack.

Jorvand frowns at Aaiyaah.

Torlent offers Damiza some popcorn.

Damiza accepts Torlent's popcorn.

Damiza says, Oh, thank you.

Aaiyaah says, I do not even know who you are.

Damiza takes a bite of the popcorn.

Lukka takes a sip of her wine.

Dioe says to Tekhelet in a nautical accent, You ready? I'll throw now.

Torlent bows to Damiza.

Ophiliah says, Im sorry i may have been busy saving crossing from invasions to reach out to you.

Ophiliah fixes Aaiyaah with a serene, lofty stare.

Jorvand glares at Aaiyaah.

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, if I had some to bring, I wouldn't need to go places in the hopes they have it.

Anuril praises Aaiyaah.

Illiya whispers to your group, Don't forget to keep buffing

Tekhelet nods to Dioe.

An Elven puppet laughs.

Dioe squints.

Kalderen nods to Illiya.

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, True, one stop is better than two.

Tekhelet offers Dioe a pair of wooden dice painted with opalescent butterfly pips.

Dioe accepts Tekhelet's wooden dice.

Dioe tosses his dice with a clatter!  They come up showing 6 and 6!

He scoops up his wood dice before anyone else can touch them.

rimson mist briefly appears around Sukidesu's arms.

Ophiliah smiles at Illiya.

Dioe offers Tekhelet a pair of wooden dice painted with opalescent butterfly pips.

Tekhelet accepts Dioe's wooden dice.

(Tekhelet gives a single, purposeful shake, no theatrics, just intent.)

Ophiliah says, Thank you delicious.

Tekhelet tosses his dice with a clatter!  They come up showing 4 and 6!

He scoops up his wood dice before anyone else can touch them.

Illiya grins at Ophiliah, her dimples flashing into view.

Tekhelet offers Dioe a pair of wooden dice painted with opalescent butterfly pips.

Ophiliah takes a bite of the popcorn.

Dioe accepts Tekhelet's wooden dice.

Dioe tosses his dice with a clatter!  They come up showing 5 and 4!

He scoops up his wood dice before anyone else can touch them.

Sneeky leans back.

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, what's even better is if someone brings bacon to you.

Dioe offers Tekhelet a pair of wooden dice painted with opalescent butterfly pips.

Ophiliah leans on Davrion.

Lukka leans on Torlent.

Tekhelet accepts Dioe's wooden dice.

Lukka takes a sip of her wine.

Damiza takes a bite of the popcorn.

Deathbeing gets a generous snifter of Jackal's Reserve whiskey from inside his backpack.

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, That does sound better

Deathbeing offers Jorvand a generous snifter of Jackal's Reserve whiskey.

Torlent gently kisses Lukka on the cheek.

Jorvand accepts Deathbeing's Jackal's whiskey.

Jorvand takes a sip of his whiskey.

(Tekhelet hides the tension behind a composed exterior.)

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, No stops is better than one?

Tekhelet tosses his dice with a clatter!  They come up showing 1 and 1!

He scoops up his wood dice before anyone else can touch them.

Anuril shakes his head at Tekhelet.

Dioe grins.

Tekhelet offers Dioe a pair of wooden dice painted with opalescent butterfly pips.

Anuril gazes up at the sky.

Dioe accepts Tekhelet's wooden dice.

Tekhelet nods to Dioe.

You wince.

Dioe tosses his dice with a clatter!  They come up showing 6 and 6!

He scoops up his wood dice before anyone else can touch them.

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, the less effort you have to put out, the better.

Kethrai quietly says to Anuril, I didn't touch them...

Dioe offers Tekhelet a pair of wooden dice painted with opalescent butterfly pips.

Anuril nods to Kethrai.

Jorvand nods to Dioe.

Tekhelet accepts Dioe's wooden dice.

Tekhelet tosses his dice with a clatter!  They come up showing 5 and 6!

He scoops up his wood dice before anyone else can touch them.

Tekhelet shakes his head.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, The coin is mine...

Tekhelet offers Dioe a pair of wooden dice painted with opalescent butterfly pips.

Dioe accepts Tekhelet's wooden dice.

Dioe tosses his dice with a clatter!  They come up showing 1 and 3!

He scoops up his wood dice before anyone else can touch them.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, Drat.

Dioe grins.

Anuril gasps!

Jorvand lets out a hearty cheer for Dioe!

Siendra gazes at Tekhelet.

Dioe offers Tekhelet a pair of wooden dice painted with opalescent butterfly pips.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, Pay up, mate.

[Tekhelet accepts Dioe's wooden dice.

Anuril dryly says, I thought it was best 2 of 3.

Illiya grins at Anuril, her dimples flashing into view.

Tekhelet says to Dioe in a Rakash accent, If you're as confident as you pretend, you won't hesitate. Double or nothing.

Illiya says to Anuril, That's what I heard too.

Anuril nods at Illiya, obviously agreeing with her views.

Dioe says to Tekhelet in a nautical accent, Mmm... Ye must prove ye have the coin, and put in my hand. The head of Therengian noble was the price, and ye failed. I have humored you enough.

Lukka takes a sip of her wine.

Jorvand takes a sip of his whiskey.

Torlent gets a bottle of Blosu Lorel wine from inside his rucksack.

Torlent offers Lukka a bottle of Blosu Lorel wine.

Lukka accepts Torlent's Blosu Lorel wine.

Kethrai's cambrinth kitten emits a loud *snap*.

Jaelia glances up at the sky.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, Everyone know my reputation. I have the coin.

Torlent grins at Lukka, his dimples flashing into view.

Lukka takes a sip of her wine.

Aaiyaah says, I ll cosign.

Anuril grins at Aaiyaah.

Anuril says, Me too.

Anuril nods to Aaiyaah.

Kalderen says, The Targonian family provides financial assurance to the wager as well.

[General] Your mind hears Zemfreed thinking, Well it seems that Tekhelet has lost the game of chance and Nawain will be released should he pay. He strikes me as a person of his word.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, If you're so certain you'll win, why hesitate? Double or nothing costs you nothing... unless you fear the roll.

Navesi says to Anuril in a refined accent, You do not have enough plats for that.

Aaiyaah chuckles.

Anuril laughs at Navesi.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, Fair enough.

(Tekhelet holds Dioe's gaze without a flicker of doubt.)

Tekhelet offers Dioe a pair of wooden dice painted with opalescent butterfly pips.

Dioe accepts Tekhelet's wooden dice.

Dioe tosses his dice with a clatter!  They come up showing 1 and 2!

He scoops up his wood dice before anyone else can touch them.

Tekhelet smiles.

Dioe offers Tekhelet a pair of wooden dice painted with opalescent butterfly pips.

Tekhelet accepts Dioe's wooden dice.

Tekhelet tosses his dice with a clatter!  They come up showing 2 and 5!

He scoops up his wood dice before anyone else can touch them.

Ophiliah joins Davrion's group.

[General] Your mind hears Souv thinking, this seems like this would be a lot simpler if we found out how many favors with the gods Dior has

Tekhelet exclaims in a Rakash accent, Ha!

Anuril lets out a hearty cheer for Tekhelet!

[General] Your mind hears Zemfreed thinking, We have a twist, double or nothing has been challenged and accepted.

Dioe grins.

Jaelia grins at Zemfreed.

Kalderen stands up.

Cambin's cambrinth prism emits a loud *snap*.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, Greed is a true evil.

Dioe glances at Ophiliah.

Cambin nods to Dioe.

Dioe nods.

(Tekhelet meets Dioe's eyes, unblinking, letting the pirate feel the weight of the loss.)

Ophiliah says, Liek the nobles.

Navesi says to Dioe in a refined accent, And it comes so naturally to you.

Ophiliah nods to Dioe.

Sukidesu puts his statuette in his multi-strapped carryall.

[General] Your mind hears Ezathiel thinking, so he has the chance of getting two Nawains?

[General] Your mind hears Chrysagon thinking, the dragon shield will donate a treasure cheset

[General] Your mind hears Cherisse thinking, I think someone might have a serious gambing problem.

Lukka ponders.

Dioe says to Navesi in a nautical accent, Ye know nothing of me, Bard.

Tekhelet says to Dioe in a Rakash accent, Chance favored me. The deal stands.

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, It's only a problem if it's a problem

Kalderen grins at Illiya.

[General] Your mind hears Janalynn thinking, Where is the thing ayway?

Dioe says to Tekhelet in a nautical accent, Aye.

An Elven puppet droops its little face into a frown.

Tekhelet whispers to your group, I don't trust him.

[General] Your mind hears Jaelia thinking, It isn't a problem until you run out of coin...

[General] Your mind hears Rylnaren thinking, Ratha docks I think, Neh dock they said

Navesi says in a refined accent, Pretty sure you jumped quickly at the thought of a few thousand plats.

Sukidesu whispers to your group, nor should you

Ophiliah asks, Would you not?

Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah moves aft.

[General] Your mind hears Fahrein thinking, I can stop gambling at any time. But I know the moment I quit, it's just one roll from a win.

(Tekhelet signals caution to his group without drawing a weapon.)

Kalderen nods to Illiya.

An Elven puppet says, It was a nice thought. All that coin.

Navesi says in a refined accent, I'm not the one preaching the evils of greed.

[General] Your mind hears Souv thinking, anyone else think they are just stalling?

(Tekhelet studies every movement Dioe makes, making his distrust obvious.)

Cambin says, I'd have given my share away.

Cambin shrugs.

[General] Your mind hears Souv thinking, where is the proof of life?

Aaiyaah nods to Kalderen.

Kalderen nods to Aaiyaah.

Kalderen grins at Anuril.

[General] Your mind hears Chrysagon thinking, yea cut off a finger

[General] Your mind hears Sheearyn thinking, The proof of life was on the boat...Nawain did show her face.

[General] Your mind hears Zemfreed thinking, I have seen her alive here on the boat.

Kalderen says, Great minds.

Anuril nods to Kalderen.

Kalderen winks at Anuril.

(Tekhelet shows tension and readiness without speaking.)

--- NAWAIN ---

(Earlier, and elsewhere..)

Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah's group moves aft.

You exclaim in a Rakash accent, Noo!

You fret.

You exclaim in a Rakash accent, Ophi, they're here for me!

Ophiliah unlocks a sturdy metal door.

Ophiliah opens a sturdy metal door.

Ophiliah enters a sturdy metal door.

Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah's group went through the door.

[Thanator's Home]

Walls of damask and a black pine floor covered by a shadow-black rug showing wolves howling at a crescent Katamba enclose this room.  In one corner lies a small ebonwood bed with a headboard carved into twin dragons, and near the bed sits an elegant black ebonwood bar with blackened moonsilver filigree with some stuff on it.  A small firepit sits beneath a slim spiritwood liquor cabinet with a hammered windsteel lock.  The room holds a mild scent of lavender.  You also see an arrow-pierced window, a door, a dagger-riddled hickory chair, an ebonwood weapon rack carved with wolves in bas-relief and a short-haired smoke tuxedo cat.

Also here: Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah.

Obvious exits: none

Ophiliah says, Hang out things happened.

Ophiliah walks through the door.

You fret.

You sob.

You shake your head, trying to clear it.  Oddly enough, you don't feel quite so drunk any more.

You kick the door!

You sit down.

(Nawain rocks, gazing at the door like staring will open it.)

You rub your nose with the back of your hand as you snivel miserably.

The door suddenly opens!

Ophiliah walks in.

(Nawain sits in the middle of the room, arms wrapped around her knees, shaking with anxiety and waiting with very little patience.)

Ophiliah says, Ready to join them>.

You nod.

You nod.

You leap to your feet!

Ophiliah beams!

[General][Souv] anyone else think they are just stalling?

You join Ophiliah's group.

Ophiliah hugs you.

You're now allowing attempts to drag.

Ophiliah says, Pleasure having you aboard.

You're now allowing attempts to hold.

You're now allowing attempts to join.

Ophiliah says, Move door.

Ophiliah walks through the door.

You walk through the door.

[The Gnautical Fortress, Captain's Cabin] (**)

A dark cherrywood desk with sword-notched legs is bolted to the ship's deck against the cabin's covered wall and under a brass-trimmed porthole.  The scent of pitch caulk is fairly strong in this tightly enclosed room.  Small though the cabin may seem, it still has enough space for an oak footlocker at the foot of a plain oak box bed.

You also see a hatch and a sturdy metal door affixed with the carved vignette of a wolf howling at a trio of moons.

Also here: Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah.

Ship paths: none.

[General][Souv] where is the proof of life?

You're now avoiding attempts to drag.

You're now avoiding attempts to hold.

Ophiliah just tried to take your hand, but you politely pulled away.

You join Ophiliah's group.

[General][Chrysagon] yea cut off a finger

[General][Sheearyn] The proof of life was on the boat...Nawain did show her face.

[General][Zemfreed] I have seen her alive here on the boat.

Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah's group went into a hatch.

[You are aboard the Gnautical Fortress which is afloat in the Port of Ratha facing north and is moored to the Oyit Neh Dock.]

[The Gnautical Fortress, Quarterdeck] (**)

In the middle of the quarterdeck is the ship's wheel mounted on a slightly higher platform.  Shrouds, running from mast to cleats on the bulwark, are ran overhead along with sheets from the ship's rigging.

You also see a large spoked wheel, the ship's bell, the spanker mast, the lower spanker, the upper spanker, the gaff topsail, a hatch and Pilot Trimboltz.

Also here: Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah.

Ship paths: forward.

Nearby in the water you see: The Halasa Selhin (far: east), Slo Heke'mary (close: south), the Brazen Head (close: south), Berengaria's Blessings (close: south), the Crimson Blight (close: south), the Reshal Queen (adjacent), Theren Back Again (close: south), the Barnacle (close: south), the Damaris' Revenge (close: south), the open ocean (distant: south), the Oyit Neh Dock (adjacent), the Uaro Dock (far: east), The Middle Neh dock (adjacent), the main docks (adjacent).

Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah's group moves forward.

[You are aboard the Gnautical Fortress which is afloat in the Port of Ratha facing north and is moored to the Oyit Neh Dock.]

[The Gnautical Fortress, Aft Waist] (**)

A brass-hinged gangway is inset into the starboard bulwark, allowing for a boarding plank to be ran in and out from there with ease.  The ship's rigging hangs above like an intricate spider's web.

You also see a veiled house spirit, an azure poplar tree, Neh Dock, the mizzen mast, the crossjack, the mizzen lower topsail, the mizzen upper topsail and some junk.

Also here: Shadow of Chaos Ophiliah, Strawberry .reNurse Illiya, Cambin, Elemental Aegis Tekhelet, Storm Bringer Kalderen, Primal World Ender Anuril, Heritage Keeper Zemfreed, Herald of Justice Aaiyaah, Doctor of Kittens Sukidesu, Heart Tender Kethrai, Hoarfrost Navesi, Serial Killer Damiza, Mist Fahrein, Lukka, Dioe, Mother Jaelia, Bacon Bandit Malorna, Swamp Shaman Jorvand, Imroth, Wanderer Torlent, Lady of Frostbite Siendra, Deathbeing, Hub Storyteller Sneeky, Desert Blossom Zersha, Knight of Chaos Davrion, Sacrificer Zakarii and Accompanist Anariam.

Ship paths: forward, aft, down.

Nearby in the water you see: The Halasa Selhin (far: east), Slo Heke'mary (close: south), the Brazen Head (close: south), Berengaria's Blessings (close: south), the Crimson Blight (close: south), the Reshal Queen (adjacent), Theren Back Again (close: south), the Barnacle (close: south), the Damaris' Revenge (close: south), the open ocean (distant: south), the Oyit Neh Dock (adjacent), the Uaro Dock (far: east), The Middle Neh dock (adjacent), the main docks (adjacent).

Ophiliah smiles at you.

Illiya exclaims, Nawain!

Siendra lightly says, Tell you what, we will buy you all something pretty once Nawain is back with us.

Dioe says to Navesi in a nautical accent, I am, and I admit that I am no one to admire. I wish for a free world, and I will see it, however long it takes, whomever stands in my way.

You gaze at Tekhelet.

You glance at Ophiliah.  Her features are hard to make out.

Cambin says to Dioe, No gods,no masters.

Fahrein waves to you.

Navesi gazes up at the sky.

Anuril looks over Ophiliah very closely.

Ophiliah says, Your love is there.

Dioe nods at Cambin, obviously agreeing with his views.

Ophiliah nods to you.

(Tekhelet freezes for a heartbeat, the sight of her hitting him harder than he expected.)

Ophiliah just nudged you.

Ophiliah nods to Tekhelet.

Dioe says to you in a nautical accent, Fair winds, Nawain.

You ask Ophiliah in a Rakash accent, I can..?

(Tekhelet lets a flicker of relief break through his controlled exterior.)

Ophiliah says, Of course you can.

Davrion sweeps a glimmering helm surmounted by a radiant crown of icesteel off his head and in front of him in a large arc, fluidly stepping backward and bowing to you at the same time.

Cambin says to you, You are free.

Anuril raises an eyebrow.

Ophiliah says, It was a pleasure sailign with you.

(Nawain takes a few steps towards Tekhelet, then runs the rest of the way.)

Cambin nods to you.

You take your rightful place beside Tekhelet.

Navesi says in a refined accent, Honestly, your witty banter needs work. I suggest hiring a Bard.

Jorvand nods to you.

You stand near Tekhelet.

Illiya grins at Navesi, her dimples flashing into view.

(Nawain throws herself into  Tekhelet's arms.)

Kethrai nods at Navesi, obviously agreeing with her views.

Navesi comes and stands near you.

Anuril grins.

You whisper to Tekhelet, I am so, so sorry!

Sukidesu comes and stands near you.

[General][Souv] then we just need to kidnap her back it would seem

[General][Zemfreed] Nawain has been released.

You kiss Tekhelet, letting your lips linger.

Dioe joins Davrion's group.

You gently kiss Tekhelet on the neck.

Ophiliah joins Davrion's group.

You shudder.

Kethrai asks, Should we make our way to the dock, post haste?

Ophiliah nods to Tekhelet.

Jorvand nods to Dioe.

(Tekhelet moves instinctively, bracing himself so she doesn t fall, and catching her in his arms.)

Ophiliah says, She spoke a lot of you.

Cambin nods to Dioe.

Damiza takes a bite of the popcorn.

A tear runs down your face.

Siendra inhales a great swallow of air.

Ophiliah takes a bite of the popcorn.

(Tekhelet looks her over quickly, making sure she's conscious and unharmed.)

You kiss Tekhelet, letting your lips linger.

Dioe says in a nautical accent, Now, by the abyss, leave or die.

Tekhelet kisses you, letting his lips linger.

Tekhelet kisses you, letting his lips linger.

Tekhelet kisses you, letting his lips linger.

You whisper to Tekhelet, I'm alright. I'm okay.

You kiss Tekhelet, letting your lips linger.

You pull Tekhelet to you in a tight hug.

Zakarii just disembarked.

Dioe gets a blade-bone skull inset with demon gaze agate eyes from inside his sailcloth seabag.

Zersha just disembarked.

Imroth just disembarked.

Ophiliah takes a bite of the popcorn.

A veiled house spirit bleeds bits of a silvery substance that diffuse into the air.

Jaelia just disembarked.

Dioe gestures.

Dioe waves a blade-bone skull inset with demon gaze agate eyes around.

Lukka looks at Torlent and shrugs.

Dioe waves a blade-bone skull inset with demon gaze agate eyes around.

Dioe waves a blade-bone skull inset with demon gaze agate eyes around.

A shiver runs up your spine.

Sukidesu glances at Tekhelet.

Torlent grins at Lukka, his dimples flashing into view.

Dioe begins to advance on Navesi.

Kalderen says to Tekhelet, I go when you go.

Illiya says, Let's go Tek, we have Nawain.

Navesi raises an eyebrow.

Aaiyaah moves into position to block attacks against Navesi!

Lukka says to Torlent, Hardly worth the nice wine.

* Aaiyaah halts the skeletal  centipede's assault on Navesi with his ceremonial aegis!

Tekhelet whispers, Easy... I ve got you.

Dioe closes to pole weapon range on Navesi.

Kethrai observes Dioe with fascination.

Dioe closes to melee range on Navesi.

Navesi puts her axe in her weapon case.

Aaiyaah says, No.

Navesi draws forth a radiant spiritwood staff engulfed by fractal arrays of lucent moonsilver.

Anuril raises an eyebrow in Dioe's direction.

* Knocking Navesi aside, Aaiyaah deflects the skeletal  centipede's attack with his ceremonial aegis!

* The skeletal  centipede's strike is caught by Aaiyaah, bouncing harmlessly off his ceremonial aegis and narrowly missing Navesi!

Zemfreed's otter snuffles about its harness and makes a mewling, squeaking noise as it hunts for something to eat.

Navesi's fierce determination continues to inspire you to stand strong against all that assails you, the chaos of the world around you seeming small and insignificant.

Navesi takes a step back and sets her staff into a twirling motion.

The air around Dioe solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence and intercepts the attack with a shower of coruscating light.

Navesi unleashes her twirling staff down upon Dioe!

Navesi's spiritwood staff lands a solid hit (4/23) to Dioe's chest!

Dioe is lightly stunned!

Kethrai touches Navesi with a confident grace and heartfelt smile.

Jorvand gets a generous snifter of Jackal's Reserve whiskey from inside his backpack.

Dioe tremors suddenly and rouses from his stupor.

Dioe retreats from combat.

Dioe retreats from combat.

Dioe loosens the straps securing his sorcerer's shield and removes it.

You whisper to Tekhelet, We should... We should g-go..

Jorvand takes a sip of his whiskey.

Kalderen raises an eyebrow.

Dioe begins to advance on Navesi.

Dioe stops advancing on Navesi.

* Aaiyaah halts the skeletal  centipede's attack with his ceremonial aegis, harboring Navesi from danger!

* Aaiyaah halts the skeletal  centipede's attack with his ceremonial aegis, harboring Navesi from danger!

A shiver runs up your spine.

Torlent leans on Lukka.

Navesi asks in a refined accent, You want this?

Illiya lays her hand on Navesi's arm.

Navesi's voice soars into the high reaches of the spectrum, each note ringing purely as she continues to sing her enchante.

Dioe begins to advance on Navesi.

An almost visible connection between Illiya and Navesi seems to thrum through the air.

Fahrein asks in an Ilithic accent, Anyways. I wanna go find some fo--oh. Violence is happening?

Navesi juts her chin at Dioe.

The air bubbles in a line between Navesi and Dioe, intensifying as it travels forward.  A luminous lesser naga shimmering in aethereal hues and trailing wispy threads lurches into visibility, tatters of pastel colors wrapped around its serpentine length like a second skin.  A sublime, sibilant melody fills the area.

The lesser naga searches around for a moment.

Jorvand puts his whiskey in his backpack.

Anuril assesses his combat situation.

Creeping out of hiding, an acid-green skeletal centipede with an elongated body extrudes a dozen arrowlike spines from inside its body.

Navesi shifts her balance as she readies her staff, a look of determination etched in her features.

Dioe puts his skull in his sailcloth seabag.

Dioe pushes the release catch on his rum bottle, releasing some dirt into his hand.

Dioe grinds his dirt brutally into the palm of his hand without flinching, blood and soil forming a viscous paste.

A carnelian cloud billows forth from Dioe's grasp, accompanied by the stench of burning flesh.  Dioe clenches his fist and the swirling torrent of particles responds, coalescing into an immense humanoid construct of sodden loam.

Abruptly the exterior of the being solidifies into a rocky shell, trapping a smattering of liquid on the outside.  The viscous fluid runs labyrinthine trails down the front of the creature before being reabsorbed by its skin.  Its head mechanically snaps up and it immediately scans the area for targets.

The dirt construct begins to advance on a luminous lesser naga shimmering in aethereal hues and trailing wispy threads.

The faces on Ophiliah's stick look up, and eyes wide, all slide to the bottom of the stick, shaking and quivering in mock terror.  After a moment, the faces break into huge grins and settle back to normal.

Anuril gestures at Dioe.

Bands of opaque iridescence appear around Dioe in a concentric hexad.   Each begins to revolve along a different axis, soon collectively fading into a colored blur that obscures him for several moments.

Dioe twitches several times as the ridges encompassing his form recede and vanish.

The air around Dioe shimmers with a weak yellow light that quickly disperses.

Dioe stops advancing on Navesi.

Jorvand bows his head and chants a prayer.

You recognize the familiar mnemonics of the Hand of Tenemlor spell. [Cleric (Holy Evocations): intermediate targeted]

Dioe retreats from combat.

Navesi puts her staff in her weapon case.

Dioe retreats from combat.

Navesi sidesteps and adjusts her footing.

Navesi begins to advance on Dioe.

Fahrein sighs.

Ophiliah says, You were told to leave.

The lesser naga begins to advance on Dioe.

Dioe begins to advance on Navesi.

Dioe stops advancing on Navesi.

* The skeletal centipede's strike is caught by Aaiyaah, bouncing harmlessly off his ceremonial aegis and narrowly missing Navesi!

* Navesi scarcely avoids the skeletal centipede's attack as Aaiyaah fends off the onslaught with his ceremonial aegis!

The dirt construct closes to pole weapon range on a luminous lesser naga shimmering in aethereal hues and trailing wispy threads.

Navesi loosens the straps securing her fire-hued shield and removes it.

(Tekhelet plants himself between her and the chaos, body angled to take the brunt of anything coming their way.)

Jorvand begins to focus intently on Navesi.

Zemfreed just disembarked.

The lesser naga closes to pole weapon range on Dioe.

Navesi angles her fire-hued shield at Dioe and charges forwards!

Navesi's fire-hued shield lands a good strike (3/23) to Dioe's left arm!

An immense dirt construct jerks its head abruptly and looks directly at a luminous lesser naga shimmering in aethereal hues and trailing wispy threads.  It plunges a grasping hand into its own chest, pulling forth a clotted mass of dripping soil.  Spinning, it hucks the glob directly at the lesser naga!

Moving swiftly, a luminous lesser naga shimmering in aethereal hues and trailing wispy threads avoids the projectile and it spatters into a carnelian smear on the ground.

Dioe gets a blade-bone skull inset with demon gaze agate eyes from inside his sailcloth seabag.

You continue to feel an uncanny confidence, bolstered by Navesi's fearlessness.

As Dioe extends his right hand towards the shadows, there is a dry chitter in response.

Dioe rubs some of his flamestalk potion on himself.

Dioe rubs some of his marram salve on himself.

Appearing to have lost sight of its target, a luminous lesser naga shimmering in aethereal hues and trailing wispy threads stops advancing.

Dioe rubs some of his belradi elixir on himself.

Dioe rubs some of his dioica poultices on himself.

* Aaiyaah rushes the skeletal  centipede with his ceremonial aegis, thwarting the blow aimed at Navesi!

* Aaiyaah swings his ceremonial aegis, obstructing the skeletal  centipede's strike from reaching Navesi!

Dioe rubs some of his plovik unguent on himself.

The dirt construct closes to melee range on a luminous lesser naga shimmering in aethereal hues and trailing wispy threads.

Dioe rubs some of his nilos unguent on himself.

Dioe rubs some of his jadice unguent on himself.

Dioe rubs some of his ithor tonic on himself.

Dioe reveals a tiny weakness in Navesi's defense.

Navesi slides her left arm through the straps on her fire-hued shield and flexes.

Navesi draws forth a frosted-over icesteel war mallet shot through with wispy hues of fire.

A luminous lesser naga shimmering in aethereal hues and trailing wispy threads turns to face an immense dirt construct.

A luminous lesser naga shimmering in aethereal hues and trailing wispy threads lands a hard hit (5/23) to the construct's left arm.  

Navesi takes a full step back and plants her feet firmly.

Kethrai says, We're not leaving till Nawain is off the ship.

An Elven puppet says, Damiza, don't just stand there.

Jorvand's hand suddenly burns to a crisp!

Jorvand gestures at Navesi with his withered claw for a hand.

The veil of ice surrounding Navesi's face shatters with a loud *CRACK* as it absorbs Jorvand's spell pattern.

Dioe fades into visibility.

Sweeping his hand in a wide arc, Dioe throws a cloud of dirt at Navesi's face!

* Aaiyaah hurls himself in front of Navesi, taking the brunt of Dioe's blow against his ceremonial aegis!

Anuril begins to advance on Dioe.

You whimper.

An Elven puppet exclaims, Show them why you're not to be underestimated!

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, Here I was, just following along, and now people are violencing.

Navesi puts her mallet in her weapon case.

A luminous lesser naga shimmering in aethereal hues and trailing wispy threads lands a heavy strike (7/23) that breaks the right arm.  

Navesi draws forth a sparkling uthamar mace with a lotus blossom head.

* Aaiyaah rushes the skeletal  centipede with his ceremonial aegis, thwarting the blow aimed at Navesi!

* The skeletal  centipede attempts to attack Navesi but Aaiyaah intercepts the strike with his ceremonial aegis!

Jorvand gets a balsa Elf totem from inside his sable greatcloak.

Navesi draws forth an icesteel scimitar with a lapis lazuli hilt.

[07:12:13 PM] The jagged edges of an immense dirt construct's wounds ripple tumultuously as greyish-red particles spill out of them.  The edges writhe and stretch, inching closer together until gelatinous clots staunch the flow.

[07:12:14 PM] Damiza joins Davrion's group.

Navesi steps to the side and adjusts her stance.

Navesi rushes at Dioe, lashing out with her mace!

Navesi's uthamar mace lands a good strike (3/23) to Dioe's head!

Dioe is lightly stunned!

Navesi's attack momentum continues with a second strike from her scimitar!

Navesi's icesteel scimitar lands a good strike (3/23) to Dioe's left hand!

Jorvand raises his totem up, and a black glow surrounds it.

Damiza holds out her arms, then brings them down evenly.

Fahrein wobbles slightly, then collapses into sleep.

You feel a wave of lethargy wash over you, and fall into a forcible sleep.

Torlent wobbles slightly, then collapses into sleep.

A luminous lesser naga shimmering in aethereal hues and trailing wispy threads lands a strong hit (6/23) that knocks the construct's breath away with a loud *Whuff* as the stomach takes full force of the blow.  

Anuril puts his bolt in his leather haversack.

Anuril closes to pole weapon range on Dioe.

Fahrein yawns and stretches, coming out of his sleep.

Unspoken words of valor resembling Aaiyaah's voice resonate in your ears, and your balance improves.

A sudden warmth embraces you as you feel restored by Aaiyaah's presence.

You feel your forcible slumber fall away.

You continue to feel an uncanny confidence, bolstered by Kalderen's fearlessness.

* The skeletal  centipede attempts to attack Navesi but Aaiyaah intercepts the strike with his ceremonial aegis!

* The skeletal  centipede attempts to attack Navesi but Aaiyaah intercepts the strike with his ceremonial aegis!

Anuril closes to melee range on Dioe.

Dioe retreats from combat.

Dioe retreats from combat.

A luminous lesser naga shimmering in aethereal hues and trailing wispy threads lands a very heavy hit (8/23) that knocks him down and out with a blow to the nether regions (Total loss of bowel control accompanies a twitching death!).  

An immense dirt construct halts mid-action and topples to the ground, motionless.

You continue to feel an uncanny confidence, bolstered by Illiya's fearlessness.

Anuril takes a full step back and plants his feet firmly.

Anuril's palm is engulfed by fire as bright as the noontime sun!

Anuril begins to advance on Dioe.

Kalderen gestures.

The earth beneath your feet begins to shake violently!

Damiza manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly!

Dioe is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth!

Davrion manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly!

Fahrein shakes with the movement of the ground.

A luminous lesser naga shimmering in aethereal hues and trailing wispy threads manages to remain upright, but looks a bit wobbly.

Jorvand manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly!

Kethrai touches Navesi with a confident grace and heartfelt smile.

A veiled house spirit near Jorvand glides over to Kalderen, glowing brighter and brighter!

The house spirit passes through Kalderen's body with no discernible effect.

Davrion moves into position to block attacks against Damiza!

Dioe stands up.

Cambin assesses his combat situation.

Dioe begins to advance on Navesi.

Dioe stops advancing on Navesi.

The force holding an immense dirt construct together abruptly gives way and a carnelian liquid wells up from rapidly spreading cracks in its hardened exterior.  In the blink of an eye, the remaining shell collapses into the merest handful of dust, scattering on the breeze almost immediately.

Kethrai touches Anuril with a confident grace and heartfelt smile.

Navesi begins to advance on Dioe.

* The skeletal  centipede's strike is caught by Aaiyaah, bouncing harmlessly off his ceremonial aegis and narrowly missing Navesi!

* Aaiyaah swings his ceremonial aegis, obstructing the skeletal  centipede's strike from reaching Navesi!

A luminous lesser naga shimmering in aethereal hues and trailing wispy threads wheels about and propels itself onward, the air rippling under the pressure of its passage.

The lesser naga begins to advance on Dioe.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.

Malorna manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly!

Kethrai manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly!

Sneeky manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly!

Fahrein shakes with the movement of the ground.

Navesi manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly!

Davrion is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth!

Unspoken words of valor resembling Aaiyaah's voice resonate in your ears, and your balance improves.

Anuril closes to pole weapon range on Dioe.

Dioe begins to advance on Navesi.

Dioe holds out his arms to his sides in a preparatory gesture.

Dioe shudders slightly as streams of black energy slide up across his arms from his fingertips before arcing out along his entire body.

Whitened ridges rise up from beneath Dioe's skin all across his limbs and torso.

Several of the charms on Aaiyaah's anklet flare brightly for a moment.

The lesser naga closes to pole weapon range on Dioe.

Dioe stops advancing on Navesi.

Elizzibiana climbs aboard.

Dioe stares at the lesser naga coming after him, hypnotized.

Dioe stares at the lesser naga coming after him, hypnotized.

Fahrein stands up.

You notice Damiza attempting to conceal her spell preparations.

Damiza assumes a calm stance, concentrating on something.

You are unable to decipher anything about the spell.

Kalderen says, We have Nawain.

Torlent yawns and stretches, coming out of his sleep.

Appearing to have lost sight of his target, Anuril stops advancing.

* Navesi scarcely avoids the skeletal  centipede's attack as Aaiyaah fends off the onslaught with his ceremonial aegis!

* Aaiyaah hurls himself in front of Navesi, taking the brunt of the skeletal  centipede's blow against his ceremonial aegis!

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.

Siendra manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly!

Deathbeing is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth!

Lukka is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth!

Sukidesu manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly!

Illiya manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly!

Elizzibiana is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth!

Appearing to have lost sight of her target, Navesi stops advancing.

Navesi puts her mace in her weapon case.

Davrion leaps to his feet!

Jorvand bows his head and chants a prayer.

You recognize the familiar mnemonics of the Aesrela Everild spell. [signature Cleric (Divine Intervention): intermediate targeted]

Illiya grins at Fahrein, her dimples flashing into view.

Navesi draws forth a lifesculpted glaive clutching moonsilver-inlaid stones.

The lesser naga searches around for a moment.

The lesser naga discovers Dioe, ruining his hiding place!

Anuril begins to advance on Dioe.

The lesser naga closes to melee range on Dioe.

Navesi puts her scimitar in her weapon case.

Navesi has corrected the openings in her defenses.

A veiled house spirit dematerializes in a waft of sage and lavender.

Navesi's fierce determination continues to inspire you to stand strong against all that assails you, the chaos of the world around you seeming small and insignificant.

Dioe gets a blade-bone skull inset with demon gaze agate eyes from inside his sailcloth seabag.

Dioe gestures.

The air around Dioe shimmers with a blinding yellow luminescence.  The scintillating light writhes and twists, abruptly coalescing into a translucent field before blinking out of sight.

Navesi lowers her shoulders and steadies her weapon.

Navesi begins to advance on Dioe.

[General][Miskton] Wonderful to hear.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.

Jorvand manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly!

Ophiliah is revealed!

Ophiliah is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth!

Anuril manages to remain upright!

Deathbeing shakes with the movement of the ground.

Kethrai manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly!

Sukidesu gestures.

Elizzibiana leaps to her feet!

[You stand back up.

Lukka leaps to her feet!

Navesi raises her fire-hued shield suddenly to fend off something you cannot see.

Torlent rises to his feet fluidly, like a large, graceful cat.

Dioe fades into view.

Anuril closes to melee range on Dioe.

Fahrein sighs.

Ophiliah puts her popcorn in her rucksack.

Unspoken words of valor resembling Aaiyaah's voice resonate in your ears, and your balance improves.

Cambin assesses his combat situation.

Dioe puts his phoenix in his sailcloth seabag.

Kethrai exclaims, Then take her off the ship!

Dioe gets a blade-bone skull inset with demon gaze agate eyes from inside his sailcloth seabag.

You are already following Tekhelet!

Creeping out of hiding, an acid-green skeletal centipede with an elongated body extrudes a dozen arrowlike spines from inside its body.

Dragon Fanatic Elizzibiana moves aft.

Jorvand begins to focus intently on Navesi.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.

An acid-green skeletal centipede with an elongated body manages to remain upright, but looks a bit wobbly.

Jorvand is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth!

Sukidesu manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly!

Dioe manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly!

Lukka is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth!

Ophiliah shakes with the movement of the ground.

Navesi closes to pole weapon range on Dioe.

The air around Dioe solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence and intercepts the attack with a shower of coruscating light.

A luminous lesser naga shimmering in aethereal hues and trailing wispy threads redoubles its ethereal song as it undulates, swooping down with a deafening whipcrack at Dioe.  The sonic boom lands a strong hit (6/23) that bruises the chest with a blow to the ribcage!  

Jorvand stands up.

Dioe retreats from combat.

Dioe retreats from combat.

Damiza holds out her arms, then brings them down evenly.

Sukidesu wobbles slightly, then collapses into sleep.

Anariam wobbles slightly, then collapses into sleep.

Dioe gestures at Navesi.

Navesi seems unfazed.

Kethrai holds out his arms, then brings them down evenly.

Torlent wobbles slightly, then collapses into sleep.

Lukka wobbles slightly, then collapses into sleep.

Dioe wobbles slightly, then collapses into sleep.

Ophiliah wobbles slightly, then collapses into sleep.

* Aaiyaah halts the skeletal centipede's attack with his ceremonial aegis, harboring Navesi

* Aaiyaah hurls himself in front of Navesi, taking the brunt of the skeletal centipede's blow against his ceremonial aegis!

Navesi closes to pole weapon range on Dioe.

Siendra nods emphatically.

You fret.

Tekhelet just disembarked.

You follow Tekhelet off of the ship.

[Neh Dock, Port of Ratha] (**)

Wide and well-built, this dock was made to accommodate the heavy caravans that pass over it daily.

You also see the Gnautical Fortress, the Reshal Queen, the Kree'la's schedule and an ebony slate.

Also here: Heart Tender Kethrai, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Primal World Ender Anuril, Lady of Frostbite Siendra, Elemental Aegis Tekhelet, Heritage Keeper Zemfreed and Desert Blossom Zersha.

Obvious paths: north, south.

Nearby in the water you see: the open ocean (distant), the Uaro Dock (far), The Middle Neh dock (adjacent), the main docks (adjacent), several ships.

Room Number: 4598

Kalderen says, Nawain. Tek. Leave.

You notice a spotted cream and gold owl appear overhead, circling.

You notice a white falcon appear overhead, circling.

[Neh Dock, Port of Ratha] (**)

Wide and well-built, this dock was made to accommodate the heavy caravans that pass over it daily.

You also see a white falcon (flying), a spotted cream and gold owl (flying), the Gnautical Fortress, the Reshal Queen, the Kree'la's schedule and an ebony slate.

Also here: Hub Storyteller Sneeky, Bacon Bandit Malorna, Herald of Justice Aaiyaah, Mist Fahrein, Storm Bringer Kalderen, Heart Tender Kethrai, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Primal World Ender Anuril, Lady of Frostbite Siendra, Elemental Aegis Tekhelet, Heritage Keeper Zemfreed and Desert Blossom Zersha.

Obvious paths: north, south.

Nearby in the water you see: the open ocean (distant), the Uaro Dock (far), The Middle Neh dock (adjacent), the main docks (adjacent), several ships.

Room Number: 4598

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, I swear. Why does nobody just--there we go.

Zersha joins Tekhelet's group.

You shudder.

[General][Janalynn] Hope she doesn't have any.....strange dreams after her ordeal.

You are already following Tekhelet!

Sneeky nods.

Illiya says, Navesi is still there.

Anuril says, We're missing navesi.

Illiya climbs aboard the Gnautical Fortress.

Zemfreed warmly says, I hope you both stay safe.

Siendra climbs aboard the Gnautical Fortress.

Zemfreed bows to you.

Anariam arrives from the Gnautical Fortress.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, We can't leave anyone behind, but I must get nawain to safety.

Zemfreed bows to Tekhelet.

Sukidesu arrives from the Gnautical Fortress.

Sukidesu comes and stands near you.

Kethrai climbs aboard the Gnautical Fortress.

(Nawain keeps her face pressed to Tekhelet's chest, listening to his heartbeat and ignoring everything else.)

Anuril climbs aboard the Gnautical Fortress.

(Tekhelet checks the chaos behind him, torn but focused.)

Kethrai just came through the Gnautical Fortress, dragging Navesi behind him.

Siendra arrives from the Gnautical Fortress.

Appearing to have lost sight of her target, Navesi stops advancing.

With a great leap, a spotted cream and gold owl launches into the air.

Kethrai climbs aboard the Gnautical Fortress.

Kethrai just came through the Gnautical Fortress, dragging Anuril behind him.

Anariam joins Tekhelet's group.

Kethrai climbs aboard the Gnautical Fortress.

Anuril smirks.

Siendra asks, Do we have everyone?

Sukidesu joins Tekhelet's group.

Kethrai just came through the Gnautical Fortress, dragging Damiza behind him.

Navesi says in a refined accent, What? I had him.

A sudden shout of The woman's dangerous! heralds a nearby citizen to run for the guards.

Kethrai climbs aboard the Gnautical Fortress.

Navesi sheathes her war mallet.

Kethrai just came through the Gnautical Fortress, dragging Illiya behind him.

Illiya laughs!

Anuril grins.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, Stay and fight for Navesi, or go with me.

Lukka arrives from the Gnautical Fortress.

You notice as a white falcon cocks its head intelligently.

Aaiyaah says, Everyone join Tek.

Sukidesu points at Navesi.

Kalderen gestures at Navesi with a casual flick of his wrists.

The air around Navesi reverberates unnaturally, hindering the attack.

With a crescendoing hum, sonic forces lash out at Kalderen!

Navesi's fire-hued shield jerks around as a gale blows past it.

Navesi is struck by a violent wind that lands a glancing (0/23) strike to her chest, sending a sharp chill through the area.

Illiya joins Tekhelet's group.

Kethrai joins Tekhelet's group.

Sukidesu says in polished Rakash, She's here.

Lukka takes a sip of her wine.

Anuril says, I think Keth dragged everyone off.

Anuril joins Tekhelet's group.

Kalderen says, We've got her.

Navesi appears stronger, while Illiya seems to weaken.

Anuril moves over to guard Kethrai.

Torlent takes a sip of his Noose.

Navesi joins Tekhelet's group.

Damiza joins Tekhelet's group.

You follow Tekhelet south.

[Neh Dock, Port of Ratha] (**)

Though night turns the sea to black and turns the majority of Rathan citizens inside, work on the dock never seems to cease entirely as workers continue to ply their trade.

You also see Slo Heke'mary, the Brazen Head, Berengaria's Blessings, the Barnacle, The Night Sky's Schedule and an ebony slate.

Also here: Desert Blossom Zersha, Storm Bringer Kalderen, Mist Fahrein, Herald of Justice Aaiyaah, Bacon Bandit Malorna, Hub Storyteller Sneeky, Accompanist Anariam, Doctor of Kittens Sukidesu, Hoarfrost Navesi, Lady of Frostbite Siendra, Primal World Ender Anuril, Serial Killer Damiza, Heart Tender Kethrai, Strawberry Nurse Illiya and Elemental Aegis Tekhelet.

Obvious paths: north, south.

Nearby in the water you see: the open ocean (distant), the Oyit Neh Dock (close), the Uaro Dock (far), the main docks (adjacent), several ships.

Room Number: 4599

You notice a spotted cream and gold owl appear overhead, circling.

Tekhelet climbs aboard the Slo Heke'mary.

You follow Tekhelet onboard the ship.

[You are aboard Slo Heke'mary which is afloat in the Port of Ratha facing north and is moored to The Middle Neh dock.]

[Slo Heke'mary, Aft Waist] (**)

A brass-hinged gangway is inset into the starboard bulwark, allowing for a boarding plank to be ran in and out from there with ease.  The ship's rigging hangs above like an intricate spider's web.

[You also see Neh Dock, the mizzen mast, the crossjack, the mizzen lower topsail and the mizzen upper topsail.

Also here: Desert Blossom Zersha and Elemental Aegis Tekhelet.

Ship paths: forward, aft, down.

Nearby in the water you see: The Halasa Selhin (far: east), the Brazen Head (adjacent), the Gnautical Fortress (close: north), Berengaria's Blessings (adjacent), the Crimson Blight (adjacent), the Reshal Queen (close: north), Theren Back Again (adjacent), the Barnacle (adjacent), the Damaris' Revenge (adjacent), the open ocean (distant: south), the Oyit Neh Dock (close: north), the Uaro Dock (far: east), The Middle Neh dock (adjacent), the main docks (adjacent).

Elemental Aegis Tekhelet's group moves aft.

[You are aboard Slo Heke'mary which is afloat in the Port of Ratha facing north and is moored to The Middle Neh dock.]

[Slo Heke'mary, Quarterdeck] (**)

In the middle of the quarterdeck is the ship's wheel mounted on a slightly higher platform.  Shrouds, running from mast to cleats on the bulwark, are ran overhead along with sheets from the ship's rigging.

You also see a large spoked wheel, the ship's bell, the spanker mast, the lower spanker, the upper spanker, the gaff topsail, a hatch and Pilot Anisvo.

Also here: Storm Bringer Kalderen, Mist Fahrein, Herald of Justice Aaiyaah, Bacon Bandit Malorna, Hub Storyteller Sneeky, Accompanist Anariam, Doctor of Kittens Sukidesu, Hoarfrost Navesi, Lady of Frostbite Siendra, Serial Killer Damiza, Heart Tender Kethrai, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Primal World Ender Anuril and Elemental Aegis Tekhelet.

Ship paths: forward.

Nearby in the water you see: The Halasa Selhin (far: east), the Brazen Head (adjacent), the Gnautical Fortress (close: north), Berengaria's Blessings (adjacent), the Crimson Blight (adjacent), the Reshal Queen (close: north), Theren Back Again (adjacent), the Barnacle (adjacent), the Damaris' Revenge (adjacent), the open ocean (distant: south), the Oyit Neh Dock (close: north), the Uaro Dock (far: east), The Middle Neh dock (adjacent), the main docks (adjacent).

Malorna takes a bite of the bonbon.

You continue to feel an uncanny confidence, bolstered by Navesi's fearlessness.

Pilot Anisvo says, Very well, Captain, I will pilot the Slo Heke'mary to the city of Crossing.

Pilot Anisvo says, We launch in 2 minutes.

Anuril adds to Kethrai's praises.

Aaiyaah asks, Do we have everyone?

Anuril holds his hand out towards Navesi for a highfive.

Kalderen searches around for a moment.

Navesi and Anuril highfive each other.

Damiza takes a bite of the popcorn.

Sneeky leans on Damiza.

Damiza leans on Sneeky.

You breathe as quietly as you can.

Illiya asks, Damiza is like totally on their side though right?

Kalderen's darkened eyes return to normal.

Illiya gives Damiza a little prod between the shoulder blades.

Damiza asks, I am?

Illiya asks, Are you?

Sukidesu says in polished Rakash, I think Damiza is on Damiza's side.

Siendra laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

[General][Navesi] You're lucky they dragged me away, Necromancer.

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, As most should be, on their own sides.

[General][Etasia] Welcome home Nawain, you better watch for when shes rested, she might jest get even

An Elven puppet nods its little head.

Damiza blinks.

Kethrai says, Damiza was with us since Crossing.

[General][Etasia] way to go Tekhe, congrats

Damiza says, I think this thing is cursed.

Kalderen says to you, I am pleased you are safe.

Tekhelet whispers, You're alright  breathe. I've got you. You re safe with me.

Illiya nods to Aaiyaah.

You give Tekhelet a slight nod.

Anuril nods to you.

Kalderen says to Tekhelet, You honored me much today. My appreciation for the opportunity.

[General][Etasia] i wouldn't want to run into her twice.....

Siendra rubs you gently, massaging your sore muscles.

Kalderen says, It did not matter who their champion was. The result would've been the same.

Sukidesu asks in a Shardian accent, Nawain dear?

(Nawain peers at the faces, trying to shake her exhaustion enough to focus.)

Pilot Anisvo calls out, Cast off!

The Slo Heke'mary appears busy with activity as sailors begin hoisting in the tie-lines.

Damiza begins chortling at Sneeky.

Damiza nods to Sneeky.

Pilot Anisvo turns the wheel hard to starboard.

The Heke'mary turns slowly until it is heading south.

Pilot Anisvo centers the wheel.

(Tekhelet lowers his head beside hers, close enough for her to breathe him in.)

Damiza grins at Sneeky.

Sneeky laughs!

[General][Etasia] quite deadly

You quietly say in a Rakash accent, I'm here. I'm listening.

Sukidesu asks in a Shardian accent, May I hug?

You glance at Sukidesu, a male Kaldar.

You nod to Sukidesu.

Sukidesu hugs you.

You rub your nose with the back of your hand as you snivel miserably.

You pull Sukidesu to you in a tight hug.

Navesi fixes Aaiyaah with a proud, defiant stare.

Kethrai asks you in intelligible Rakash, May I check your health?

Sukidesu rubs you gently, massaging your sore muscles.

You nod to Kethrai.

Navesi says to Aaiyaah in a refined accent, Not necessary, sir.

Kethrai touches you with a confident grace and heartfelt smile.

You feel a warmth radiate from Kethrai's touch.

You have a brief sensation that leaves your wounds tingling.

You gaze at Siendra.

Kethrai gives a slight nod.

You sniffle.

You pull Siendra towards you!

You pull Siendra to you in a tight hug.

Siendra pulls you to her in a tight hug.

Kethrai quietly says, Medically, fine...

(Tekhelet meets Kalderen's eyes with calm resolve, and acknowledges the bond forged in the fight.)

[General][Marconias] Are there any elder empaths out there willing to teach me the link ability?

[General][Sheearyn] Are you able to come up to Haven's Crate?

[General][Janalynn] Do you mean elder or bigger?

Illiya looks with concern at you.

Siendra says to you, I am sorry, I did not want to scare you with a hug.  Are you well?  Do you need anything?  Tell me, we are here.

[General][Souv] I can teach you Marconias, come to the doors in the crossing forging society

[General][Marconias] I can yes. I'll have to take the ferry.

You pass into the open ocean.

Pilot Anisvo turns the wheel hard to starboard.

The Heke'mary turns slowly until it is heading southwest.

Pilot Anisvo centers the wheel.

[General][Marconias] I mean bigger and better than me.

Navesi comes and stands near you.

You say to Siendra in a Rakash accent, I'm so sorry. You were worried, Tek was worried...

Damiza asks you, Need an Emotional Support Puff?

[General][Sheearyn] I'm at the crate and would be happy to teach you if you come up here. Souv's closer, though.

Damiza gets a wrought iron scale brush from inside her hitman's backpack.

Damiza offers you a wrought iron scale brush.  Enter ACCEPT to accept the offer or DECLINE to decline it.  The offer will expire in 30 seconds.

You glance at Damiza, a female S'Kra Mur.

You nod to Damiza.

Aaiyaah asks, Did Imroth not accompany us back?

You accept Damiza's offer and are now holding a wrought iron scale brush.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, We have her safe. Nawain's with us, and she's staying that way. We re heading back to Crossing, regroup there, catch your breath.

[General][Marconias] Okay Souv! Thanks.

You move a wrought iron scale brush to your right hand.

You rub Damiza.

You rub Damiza.

Kethrai nods to Tekhelet.

You rub Damiza.

Fahrein says to you in an Ilithic accent, Nice to see ya again.

Damiza whispers, OOC: brush damiza is the syntax for the brush

You whisper to Damiza, OOC: boo, rub dami with scale brush?

Sneeky nods at Fahrein, obviously agreeing with his views.

You apply the scale brush with vigorous arm movements, making Damiza's scales gleam.

Malorna rubs you gently, massaging your sore muscles.

Damiza whispers, OOC: Works like a regular hairbrush hehe

Damiza grins at you.

You nibble on your lip.

Illiya asks you, Are you okay? Did they hurt you or do anything to harm you?

Kethrai says to Navesi, I'm sorry for pulling you away. Tekhelet wasn't going to leave part of our group behind.

Pilot Anisvo turns the wheel hard to starboard.

The Heke'mary turns slowly until it is heading west.

Pilot Anisvo centers the wheel.

You gaze at Illiya.

Navesi says to Kethrai in a refined accent, It's all right. It's the Necromancer who's lucky.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, I'm not letting her out of my sight again. If anyone wants her, they go through me first.

(Nawain swallows, and her expression fades into an odd neutrality as she nods to Illiya. I have no complaints.)

Kethrai gives Navesi a slight nod.

A shiver runs up your spine.

Kalderen smiles at Tekhelet.

Damiza grins at you.

You gaze down at the ground.

Illiya says to you, You keep saying that, and yet..

[General][Elizzibiana] thank you

Kethrai quietly says to you, As you said earlier...

You lean back against Tekhelet with a tender smile.

The Slo Heke'mary plows strongly through the water.

Illiya says to you, You are safe now, you can talk to us.

Navesi glances up at the sky.

Damiza says to you, Brush the scales.  Sooth your tensions.

You glance at Illiya and quickly look away.  Sweat coats your brow as you debate how to properly deal with her.

Kethrai nods to Illiya.

(Siendra stays close by Nawain, gently petting her hair.)

Damiza stretches her neck and adopts a regal stance, tail swaying gracefully, inviting all to bask in her glory.  What a maroon.

You apply the scale brush with vigorous arm movements, making Damiza's scales gleam.

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, May not wanna talk, ya know. What with the just released and such.

Kalderen says to you, We also understand if you need time. As I said to Tek earlier....be calm. Breathe. You are safe.

Sukidesu rubs you gently, massaging your sore muscles.

(Navesi says nothing to Nawain, simply stands near her and begins to play a soft melody, delicately plucking at her lute.)

You nod to Kalderen.

Sneeky ponders.

(Tekhelet keeps Nawain close with a steady, protective arm, positioning himself so she's sheltered at his side while he stands tall before the group. His posture is unshaken, shoulders squared and gaze alert, making it unmistakably clear to everyone present that she is safe under his protection.)

Illiya gazes thoughtfully at Aaiyaah.

Kalderen says to you, Just know that many of us remember the Vigil you stood for others. We stand Vigil for you as well, at a distance that you feel comfortable with.

Pilot Anisvo turns the wheel, making a course correction.

The Heke'mary turns slowly as it changes its heading.

Pilot Anisvo centers the wheel.

Kalderen chuckles.

Kalderen says, But no new gods from us.

(Nawain's lip quivers as she gazes at Kalderen, but she just nods slightly.)

Kalderen winks at you.

Illiya nods to Aaiyaah.

Kethrai nods at Kalderen, obviously agreeing with his views.

(Nawain can't hide the grin that creeps across her face.)

You say in a Rakash accent, No new gods.

You nod at Kalderen, in complete agreement with his views.

Sukidesu chuckles.

Kalderen says, We draw the line at no new gods.

Kalderen chuckles.

Kethrai laughs!

Kalderen says, Anything up to that, though.

You say in a Rakash accent, That's a good line.

Kalderen winks at you.

You nod to Kalderen.

You gaze at Tekhelet.

You pull Tekhelet close in a slow, lingering kiss.

Tekhelet gazes at you.

The Slo Heke'mary plows strongly through the water.

Tekhelet blinks in amazement at you.  Good heavens, dear!

Kethrai says to you, We'll be back at the mainland soon. You're safe from them.

Kalderen says, I guess I don't need this anymore...

Siendra rubs your right hand.

Tekhelet says to Kethrai in a Rakash accent, You made the right call. All of you did.

Anuril makes a grunting noise.

Kalderen says to Tekhelet, You stayed the course on the plan well. That's not easy when loved ones are threatened.

Kalderen asks, Illiya, a word?

[You are aboard Slo Heke'mary which is afloat in Segoltha Bay facing southwest.]

[Slo Heke'mary, Quarterdeck] (**)

In the middle of the quarterdeck is the ship's wheel mounted on a slightly higher platform.  Shrouds, running from mast to cleats on the bulwark, are ran overhead along with sheets from the ship's rigging.

You also see a large spoked wheel, the ship's bell, the spanker mast, the lower spanker, the upper spanker, the gaff topsail, a hatch and Pilot Anisvo.

Also here: Desert Blossom Zersha, Storm Bringer Kalderen, Mist Fahrein, Elemental Aegis Tekhelet, Herald of Justice Aaiyaah, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Heart Tender Kethrai, Doctor of Kittens Sukidesu, Hoarfrost Navesi, Primal World Ender Anuril, Serial Killer Damiza, Lady of Frostbite Siendra, Hub Storyteller Sneeky, Bacon Bandit Malorna and Accompanist Anariam.

Ship paths: forward.

Nearby in the water you see: Arthe Bay (at horizon: south), the Boot (at horizon: south), the north shore (at horizon: south), the south shore (at horizon: south), the Segoltha estuary (at horizon: southwest).

Illiya says, Of course.

Navesi's fierce determination continues to inspire you to stand strong against all that assails you, the chaos of the world around you seeming small and insignificant.

A shiver runs up your spine.

The Slo Heke'mary plows strongly through the water.

Kethrai says, Thankfully, we came in overwhelming numbers.

Siendra gets an incredibly soft stuffed panther hued a burnished chestnut from inside her steelsilk backpack.

Kalderen left the group.

Illiya left the group.

Kalderen reaches over and holds hands with Illiya.

Storm Bringer Kalderen's group moves forward.

Siendra puts her skefne in her icesilk satchel.

Kethrai says, It's easier to avoid violence when both sides know how the violence would go.

You quietly say to Tekhelet in a Rakash accent, I'm so very sorry that... That I couldn't come back.

Anuril grins at Kethrai.

Sukidesu nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.

Pilot Anisvo turns the wheel, making a course correction.

The Heke'mary turns slowly as it changes its heading.

Pilot Anisvo centers the wheel.

You frown at Tekhelet.

Damiza gets some popcorn from inside her hitman's backpack.

Damiza takes a bite of the popcorn.

Anuril quietly says, We got a little violence in.

Siendra moves an incredibly soft stuffed panther hued a burnished chestnut to her right hand.

Siendra offers you an incredibly soft stuffed panther hued a burnished chestnut.  Enter ACCEPT to accept the offer or DECLINE to decline it.  The offer will expire in 30 seconds.

You say to Tekhelet in a Rakash accent, I wanted to, but...

[General][Dioe] Ye are not merely a researcher, Navesi Daerthon. We will meet again.

You offer your scale brush to Damiza, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer.  Type CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer.

You put your stone in your slender rugursora.

You accept Siendra's offer and are now holding an incredibly soft stuffed panther hued a burnished chestnut.

Damiza has accepted your offer and is now holding a wrought iron scale brush.

Damiza vigorously brushes at her scales, giving tiny quivers of pleasure as she smoothes down her scale pattern.

You give an incredibly soft stuffed panther hued a burnished chestnut a hug.  I'm quite sure that the panther appreciates the sentiment.

[General][Elizzibiana] and in my rush I forgot to name myself, its Elizzibiana or most just call me Elizz. May Ushnish guide you on your paths as peacefully as he may.

Sneeky says in a Prydaenese accent, I was pretty sure it'd end with splattered me bits, but was willin' ta give it my best effort.

You smile at Siendra.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, It wasn't easy. Every instinct said run to her. But the plan mattered - all of you mattered.

Siendra smiles at you.

Anuril praises Sneeky.

Sneeky grins at Kethrai.

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, No worse than I'd be, Sneeky. No worse than I'd be.

Siendra says to you, For comfort.

Sukidesu says in a Shardian accent, I was prepared to kill if necessary...even if that meant dying myself.

Malorna says, Was fascinating watching.

You nod to Siendra.

You give an incredibly soft stuffed panther hued a burnished chestnut a hug.  I'm quite sure that the panther appreciates the sentiment.

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, I'd probably end up that worm's meal.

Navesi's fierce determination continues to inspire you to stand strong against all that assails you, the chaos of the world around you seeming small and insignificant.

Fahrein asks in an Ilithic accent, Worm? Many legged worm?

Malorna says, I dont think we have heard the last from that group.

Pilot Anisvo turns the wheel, making a course correction.

The Heke'mary turns slowly as it changes its heading.

Pilot Anisvo centers the wheel.

(Nawain closes her eyes and squeezes the stuffed panther hard.)

(Tekhelet keeps Nawain close, his posture strong for the group but his voice lowered just enough for her to hear the steadiness in it. There's no judgment in his expression - only relief and a fierce kind of protectiveness.)

Navesi's voice soars into the high reaches of the spectrum, each note ringing purely as she continues to sing her enchante.

Kethrai says, They had one Empath and we had six. I think we would have been all right.

Sukidesu grins at Kethrai, his dimples flashing into view.

Anuril grins.

Anuril mumbles a word of general praise.

Storm Bringer Kalderen's group just arrived.

Fahrein shakes his head.

Kalderen joins Tekhelet's group.

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, I'd have s'ploded.

Illiya joins Tekhelet's group.

Tekhelet says to you in a Rakash accent, Hey... no. You don't apologize for surviving. You were taken from us - you didn't choose that. What matters is you're here now, and I've got you. I m not letting anything pull you away again.

You gaze at Tekhelet.

Kethrai nods at Tekhelet, obviously agreeing with his views.

Navesi's fierce determination continues to inspire you to stand strong against all that assails you, the chaos of the world around you seeming small and insignificant.

[General][Siendra] Can we meet again sometime Dioe?  I have something for you.

The Slo Heke'mary plows strongly through the water.

You pass into the Segoltha estuary.

(Nawain burrows her face back against Tekhelet's chest again.)

You whisper to Tekhelet, Gods, you smell so good.

You continue to feel an uncanny confidence, bolstered by Anuril's fearlessness.

Navesi's fierce determination continues to inspire you to stand strong against all that assails you, the chaos of the world around you seeming small and insignificant.

An uplifting lilt colors Navesi's voice as she continues to sing her enchante.

Navesi nods to Aaiyaah.

Anuril rummages about his person, looking for something.

Navesi smiles at Aaiyaah.

Tekhelet whispers, Easy... I ve got you. You re safe now. Nothing s pulling you from me again.

You pull Tekhelet to you in a tight hug.

You nod to Tekhelet.

The Slo Heke'mary plows strongly through the water.

(Tekhelet steadies himself as Nawain burrows her face against his chest, one arm wrapping around her with a firm, protective certainty. His stance stays tall and unshaken for the group, but the way he holds her is gentler - a quiet shelter carved out in the aftermath of chaos.)

Siendra gazes at you.

[General][Kethrai] I'd love to be in the audience for that, Dioe. Make sure to sell tickets.

[General][Dioe] Aye, so long as the Baron learns that your pack kneels to no man.

You continue to feel an uncanny confidence, bolstered by Anuril's fearlessness.

Navesi's fierce determination continues to inspire you to stand strong against all that assails you, the chaos of the world around you seeming small and insignificant.

A strident theme keeps Navesi's enchante lively, skipping from note to note with the stern rapidity of a beating heart.

You hear a strange noise around Navesi wind down and fade away.

Sailors quickly tie the Slo Heke'mary to the Crossing docks.

Pilot Anisvo turns the wheel, making a course correction.

The Heke'mary turns slowly as it changes its heading.

Pilot Anisvo centers the wheel.

Kalderen searches around for a moment.

Tekhelet whispers, OOC: I need to leave ASAP after this.

Illiya closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

You whisper to Tekhelet, OOC: Yep!!

[General][Siendra] I will tend my pack just fine, thank you, as we know that quite well.  You mind yours.

Fahrein says in an Ilithic accent, Someone needs to buy that man a straw hat.

You glance at Siendra, a female Rakash.

Sukidesu laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement.

Mist Fahrein moves forward.

Siendra gently kisses you on the forehead.

Tekhelet says in a Rakash accent, All of you... thank you. For coming. For standing your ground. For being willing to do whatever it took to bring us out of that alive. You didn t hesitate, not once. You fought for each other, and you fought for her. That s the kind of strength that keeps us walking out of places others don t.

Damiza says, Oh that was a fast boat ride back.

Damiza curtsies to Tekhelet.

Anuril nods to Tekhelet.

Sneeky nods to Tekhelet.

Zersha hugs Malorna, who wraps her arms around Zersha with a warm smile.

Zersha hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Desert Blossom Zersha moves forward.

Aaiyaah says, Always happy to serve Tekhelet. They are lucky you have patience and was willing to talk with them.

Kalderen says to Tekhelet, I'm always available, should you need aid.

Kalderen nods to Aaiyaah.

Tekhelet nods to Kalderen.

Damiza says to you, I'll leave you to your rest.  Just remember to reach out if you ever need your... Emotional Support Puff.

Malorna says, Was exciting.

Illiya says to Tekhelet, No thanks needed, we're all glad to get Nawain back.

Damiza taps her head.

Serial Killer Damiza moves forward.

(Tekhelet shifts his stance just enough to face Kalderen fully, still keeping Nawain close and protected at his side. His expression carries that same calm resolve he s held since the fight   the kind that acknowledges strength when he sees it.)

Sneeky waves.

Malorna says, Nawain if you need someone to talk with.

Hub Storyteller Sneeky moves forward.

Malorna nods to you.

Aaiyaah says, Nawain, we are so thankful you are back with us and safe. We are your friends and love you. Do not ever forget that. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Kalderen shakes Tekhelet's hand.

You nod to Malorna.

Malorna hugs you.

You nod to Aaiyaah.

Kalderen bows to you.

Illiya nods to Aaiyaah.

You hug Malorna who wraps her arms around you with a warm smile.  A faint scent of fried bacon clings to her skin.

You smile at Kalderen.

Anuril smiles.

Navesi leans over and whispers, Not everyone will be able to understand what you went through. If you ever need to talk... I'm here.

Malorna offers you a pig-shaped chocolate bonbon topped with tiny bacon wings.  Enter ACCEPT to accept the offer or DECLINE to decline it.  The offer will expire in 30 seconds.

Kalderen says to you, Remember, we stand Vigil for you.

Sukidesu says in a Shardian accent, I have a quest I must go on, but you can call out to me if you ever need me.

You accept Malorna's offer and are now holding a pig-shaped chocolate bonbon topped with tiny bacon wings.

Aaiyaah says, With that, take care folks. oh and thanks for not trying to take my head.

Sukidesu hugs you.

Malorna says, Specual.

Illiya says to you, We're always here for you, whenever you need us.

You nod to Navesi.

Kalderen snaps to attention and hails you with a crisp hand salute.

Aaiyaah winks.

Anuril laughs!

Aaiyaah says, Have a great night everyone.

Anuril nods to Aaiyaah.

Malorna waves.

Storm Bringer Kalderen moves forward.

Aaiyaah waves.

(Nawain just starts nodding to everyone, obviously a bit overwhelmed.)

Bacon Bandit Malorna moves forward.

You hug Sukidesu who wraps his arms around you with a warm smile.  A faint scent of fresh herbs clings to his skin.

[You are aboard Slo Heke'mary which is afloat in the Segoltha river estuary facing north and is moored to The Crossing docks on the north bank.]

[Slo Heke'mary, Quarterdeck] (**)

In the middle of the quarterdeck is the ship's wheel mounted on a slightly higher platform.  Shrouds, running from mast to cleats on the bulwark, are ran overhead along with sheets from the ship's rigging.

You also see a large spoked wheel, the ship's bell, the spanker mast, the lower spanker, the upper spanker, the gaff topsail, a hatch and Pilot Anisvo.

Also here: Hoarfrost Navesi, Primal World Ender Anuril, Herald of Justice Aaiyaah, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Doctor of Kittens Sukidesu, Elemental Aegis Tekhelet, Lady of Frostbite Siendra, Heart Tender Kethrai and Accompanist Anariam.

Ship paths: forward.

Herald of Justice Aaiyaah moves forward.

Navesi gently sets a polished dragonwood lute into her instrument case.

Aaiyaah is no longer protecting you.

Sukidesu says in a Shardian accent, Be well, dear.

Sukidesu waves.

Navesi says in a refined accent, Time to leave her be. Take care, everyone.

(Tekhelet shifts Nawain closer under his arm, turning his body to shield her as he steps toward the path out.)

Accompanist Anariam moves forward.

Anuril nods at Navesi, obviously agreeing with her views.

Siendra softly says to Tekhelet, Take her to rest, Tek.  We can talk later.

Doctor of Kittens Sukidesu moves forward.

Tekhelet says to you in a Rakash accent, We're leaving. I m getting her away from this place.

You nod to Tekhelet.

Tekhelet nods to Siendra.

You are already following Tekhelet!

Siendra pulls you to her in a tight hug.

Kethrai quietly says, Be safe, Tek and Nawain. We're always here to shield you as you are for us.

Illiya nods to Tekhelet.

Illiya says to Tekhelet, You two get some rest.

You hug Siendra who wraps her arms around you with a warm smile.  A faint scent of cloves clings to her skin.

Siendra says to you, Rest, and then find me when you are ready.  Whatever you need, I am here.

You nod to Siendra.

(Tekhelet shifts his grip just enough to gather Nawain fully against him, one arm secure around her back as he turns away from the group and the battlefield behind them. His movements are smooth, decisive - not rushed, but purposeful, the kind of motion that tells everyone watching that the danger is over and he's taking her somewhere safe.)

Heart Tender Kethrai moves forward.

Primal World Ender Anuril moves forward.

Hoarfrost Navesi moves forward.

Illiya says, Good evening everyone.

Strawberry Nurse Illiya moves forward.

Tekhelet disbanded the group.

Tekhelet just tried to take your hand, but you politely pulled away.

You take your rightful place beside Tekhelet.

You whisper to Tekhelet, OOC: You did great!!

You pull Tekhelet to you in a tight hug.

Elemental Aegis Tekhelet's group went into a hatch.

[Slo Heke'mary, Captain's Cabin] (**)

A deeply-scratched redwood table is bolted to the ship's deck against the cabin's covered wall and under a brass-trimmed porthole.  The scent of pitch caulk is fairly strong in this tightly enclosed room.  Small though the cabin may seem, it still has enough space for a warped cherry cabinet at the foot of an overstuffed leather sofa with patched cushions and a missing leg.

You also see a door.

Also here: Elemental Aegis Tekhelet.

Ship paths: none.

Tekhelet closes a door.

Tekhelet whispers, OOC: Thanks. I do have to run now. Sorry, talk soon.

Tekhelet kisses you, letting his lips linger.

Tekhelet kisses you, letting his lips linger.

You whisper to Tekhelet, OOC: absolutely!!

Tekhelet kisses you, letting his lips linger.

You kiss Tekhelet, letting your lips linger.

Tekhelet pulls you to him in a tight hug.

You pull Tekhelet to you in a tight hug.

(Tekhelet guides Nawain just a few steps into the quiet cabin, the door clicking shut behind them. The moment they're alone, he draws her in close again - not out of urgency now, but out of sheer relief. His arms wrap around her with a steady, enveloping hold, one hand coming up to the back of her head as she settles against him. He lowers his forehead to rest gently against her hair, breathing out a long, quiet breath he d been holding since the moment she vanished.)

(Nawain goes entirely limp in your arms, finally relaxing after what feels like years, a quiet sob coming from her lips. She clings to you, utterly unable to let go.)

(Tekhelet draws Nawain in gently as the cabin settles into silence around them. He holds her close, breathing with her until their rhythms fall into the same slow, steady pace. One hand moves up to cradle the back of her head, fingers slipping through her hair in long, soothing strokes meant to calm the last of her trembling. He lowers his head slightly, brushing his cheek against her hair as he breathes her in - possessive, grounding her in the simple fact that he's here, she's safe in his arms at last. The tension in his shoulders eases with every breath they share, the scene closing on the quiet, steady comfort of the moment.)

Tekhelet whispers, OOC: Bye!

You whisper to Tekhelet, OOC: Heheh, bye!!

Tekhelet salutes before turning and wandering off to find some rest.

[Slo Heke'mary, Captain's Cabin] (**)

A deeply-scratched redwood table is bolted to the ship's deck against the cabin's covered wall and under a brass-trimmed porthole.  The scent of pitch caulk is fairly strong in this tightly enclosed room.  Small though the cabin may seem, it still has enough space for a warped cherry cabinet at the foot of an overstuffed leather sofa with patched cushions and a missing leg.

You also see a door.

Ship paths: none.

You are Enelne's Champion Nawain Augtaire, Sfarns del Dzive of Siksraja, a Rakash Cleric.

A bright aura of holy energy emanates from you, standing tall and shining with a powerful inner fortitude.

You have a high-cheekboned kite-shaped face with an inexorable streak of splaying black veins spreading along the neck, delicate ears accented by some Ilithic applewood-carved gatekeeper butterflies dangling upon leather cords, haunted abyssal black eyes and a freckled nose.  Your abyssal black-streaked ginger hair is hip length and frizzy with Katamba-black tips, and is worn ratted into a tangled mess.  You have pale skin dusted with a constellation of freckles and a deeply cowled cloak of dark jadeleaf cloth partially obscuring a coltish figure.

You are tiny for a Rakash.

A luminous lavender butterfly graced by prismatic lilac moonsilver wings floats lazily around your head, glowing with a lustrous sheen against your skin.

You appear to be an underdog.

Whimsical gnarled truegold branches are embellished with dozens of delicate filigree butterflies, each paper-thin form awash in a golden nimbus of light.  The vibrant blue-green wings of a massive Enelne's Eye rest just above your eyes.

Your right palm has a tattoo of a stylized butterfly sketched in thick inky black lines.

A luminous orb formed by a starry murder of crows hovers like a will-o-wisp, following you diligently.

You are in good shape.

You are wearing a wispy whisperlayne uaro's'sugi trimmed with midnight onyx that is loosely wound around the head and neck, a finely wrought truegold shoulder necklace flaunting a large Enelne's eye, a sunfire sateen clerical stole with cambrinth and goldenglow glaes butterflies, a backless plum whisperlayne safos with airy layered gossamer skirts, a grey leather armband adorned with onyx carvings, a substantial ka'hurst signet ring set with a goldenglow glaes intaglio crest and a polished asini oath ring graced with a large glittering avene.

You nibble on your lip.

A buzzing sound comes from inside your a jewel-toned uzil pack studded with mistglass wolves.

You get a demonbone writing slate backed with demonscale from inside your uzil pack.

The slate reads, Free.

A shiver runs up your spine.

You wipe the slate clean.

write slate My heart is singing and my head is finally quiet. I am home. Free.

You write on your writing slate.