Dantia/Logs/20230408 Log

[Empaths' Guild, Courtyard Garden]
Open to the sky, this spot is sheltered from the worst of the weather and elements by a rich cedar arbor.  In the center of the courtyard, a small fountain, filled with the darting forms of tiny fish, babbles to itself.  Several elaborately-carved cedar benches are placed at one edge of the garden, directly across from a cushioned swing hanging from the arbor by wrought iron chains.  A riot of seasonal plants compete for the attention of those who pass here, and a whispering willow tree looms overhead as if creating a protective mantle.You also see a small stone firepit, a simple covered sideboard, an Empath renown scroll, some shallow stone stairs, a marble statue of an elegant Elven woman carrying a shallow basin in her arms, a large vela'tohr plant and a silver tea cart.
You also see a small stone firepit, a simple covered sideboard, an Empath renown scroll, some shallow stone stairs, a marble statue of an elegant Elven woman carrying a shallow basin in her arms, a large vela'tohr plant and a silver tea cart.
Also here: Xianbao, Hvinir, Emerald Knight Grymmlen, Rinest, Elysan, Empath Sparkr, Bolibolibonakin (kneeling), Black Fox Pyppa, Lord of the Sands Feizy, Shadow's Touch Narash, Tomioka, Klaff, Master Healer Geothst, Spatoris, Cossarkoboam, Khatia and Coob.
Obvious paths: northeast, east, west, down, out.

Sfarns del Dzive Nawain just arrived.

> smile naw
You smile at Nawain.

Nawain waves to you.

Nawain beams!

Crobin waves to Nawain.

Nawain waves to Crobin.

> say }Nawai I'm glad to see you. We have two, maybe three others that will be joining us.
You say to Nawain, "I'm glad to see you. We have two, maybe three others that will be joining us."

Nawain nods to you.

> perc health
You close your eyes, drawing all your thoughts inward, and then slowly reach out to sense the life essences of those around you...
You sense:
    The presence of Rinest.
    The presence of Nawain.
    The presence of Droxul.
    The presence of Dayuna.
    The presence of Nyandoma, a fellow Empath.
    The presence of Sonshi.
    The presence of Eshul.
    The presence of Crobin.
    The presence of Klaff.
    The presence of Bolibolibonakin.
    The presence of Zentarias, a fellow Empath.
    The presence of Elysan.
    The presence of Geothst, a fellow Empath.
    The presence of Kathae, a fellow Empath.
    The presence of Xianbao.
    The presence of Hvinir.
    The presence of Grymmlen.
    The presence of Pyppa, a fellow Empath.
    The presence of Feizy.
    The presence of Narash.
    The presence of Tomioka.
    The presence of Cossarkoboam.
    The presence of Coob.
    The presence of a shadowy watchsoul.
You sense (NE) from your current position:
    The presence of Guildleader Salvur, a fellow Empath.
You sense (OUT) from your current position:
    The presence of Huebald, a fellow Empath.
    The presence of a town guard.
You sense (OUT, E) from your current position:
    The presence of a wandering minstrel.
You sense (OUT, W, N, W, S) from your current position:
    The presence of a grizzled old war veteran.
You sense (OUT, E, N, N, W, N, N, N) from your current position:
    The presence of Kizu, a fellow Empath.
    The presence of a paladin guard.
You sense (OUT, S, W, W, S, S, S, E) from your current position:
    The presence of Spydertrap.
    The presence of Serrsi.
You sense (OUT, S, W, W, S, S, S, SE) from your current position:
    The presence of Talonyne.
    The presence of a young alchemist student.
You sense (OUT, S, W, W, S, S, S, SW) from your current position:
    The presence of Alexzander.
    The presence of a wispy watchsoul.
    The presence of a street urchin.
You sense (OUT, S, W, W, S, S, S, SW, W) from your current position:
    The presence of an old blind beggar.
You sense (OUT, E, E, S, E, S, SW, W, W, S) from your current position:
    The presence of a shaggy mutt.
You sense (OUT, S, W, W, S, S, S, S, S, S) from your current position:
    The presence of Yha.
You sense (OUT, S, W, W, W, W, N, N, N, N) from your current position:
    The presence of Lanthieh.
    The presence of a monk.
You sense (OUT, E, E, S, E, S, SW, W, W, S, S) from your current position:
    The presence of Tirost.
    The presence of Wrathicant.
You sense (OUT, S, W, W, S, S, S, S, S, S, W, S) from your current position:
    The presence of Forest Warden Hengwild.
You sense (OUT, E, E, S, E, S, SW, S, S, S, W, W, S) from your current position:
    The presence of Dracarys.
Roundtime: 3 seconds

Crobin just tried to join you, but you avoided him.

Crobin nods.

> smile crob
You smile at Crobin.

You whisper to Crobin, "OOC: Avoids will come down once we get started."

> wealth
Debt:
  You owe 3 gold, 1 silver and 5 bronze Lirums to the Province of Therengia. (3150 copper Lirums)
  [You can pay off this debt in person at the respective provincial debt office or by calling for an urchin runner with BANK DEBT.]
Wealth:
  1 gold, 4 silver, 6 bronze, and 2 copper Kronars (1462 copper Kronars).
  No Lirums.
  12 copper Dokoras (12 copper Dokoras).

> push swing
You push with your feet, causing the swing to sway from the arbor with a rhythmic creaking noise.

Crobin says, "Dantia."

Crobin says, "Do try and be safe."

> smile crob
You smile at Crobin.

Crobin winks at you.

Narash asks, "What's goin on?"

> say }Crob We will certainly try. And that's what I have Nawain for.
You say to Crobin, "We will certainly try. And that's what I have Nawain for."

Nawain chuckles.

> grin nawa
You grin at Nawain.

Crobin says, "Aww excellent."

Nawain says to you, "I hope your money is insured."

Nawain grins at you.

Crobin winks at Nawain.

> laugh
You laugh!

Nawain grins at Crobin.

Nawain draws forth a braided smokewhorl whip from the ties on her thigh straps.

Nawain waves a braided smokewhorl whip with fire whirl rubies set into a long tapered handle around.

Narash asks, "Oohs, are you doing the movey money thing tonight?"

Narash peers quizzically at you.

Nawain squints at Crobin.

> say }nawai You -were- my insurance!
You exclaim to Nawain, "You -were- my insurance!"

Nawain sheathes her smokewhorl whip and ties it to her thigh straps.

Nawain cackles!

> nod narash
You nod to Narash.

Fearless Crobin saunters out.

Narash asks, "Still looksin for people?"

Narash giggles.

> say }Narash Yes, I am lucky that several folks reached out and offered their services.
You say to Narash, "Yes, I am lucky that several folks reached out and offered their services."

Narash nods to you.

Nawain just tried to join you, but you avoided her.

Eshul chuckles.

> hold naw
You reach over and hold Nawain's hand.

Nawain grins.

Narash asks you, "Is that a no?"

Narash grins.

> grin nar
You grin at Narash.

> say }Narash I'm afraid if we bring any more people it might draw -too- much attention to ourselves.
You say to Narash, "I'm afraid if we bring any more people it might draw -too- much attention to ourselves."

Narash nods to you.

Eshul says, "It will if you bring that one."

Eshul chuckles.

Nawain casually observes the area.

Nawain comes and stands near you.

Glitterbug Kalinandra just arrived.

>say }Narash But I will certainly remember that for the future, if you are offering.
You say to Narash, "But I will certainly remember that for the future, if you are offering."

> smile narash
You smile at Narash.

Narash says, "I am."

> smile
You smile.

> say That is very much appreciated!
You exclaim, "That is very much appreciated!"

> stand
You stand back up.

Knight of Meraud Tirost just arrived.

> smile tirost
You smile at Tirost.

Tirost smiles at you.

Tirost bows.

Eshul says, "Tirost."

> say Ahh, and here is the second who will be accompanying us.
You say, "Ahh, and here is the second who will be accompanying us."

> curt tirost
You curtsy to Tirost.

Tirost waves to Eshul.

Eshul bows to Tirost.

Tirost bows to Eshul.

You notice several citizens of the city glancing at you conspicuously. 

> cough dantia
You clear your throat.

Nawain whispers, "How clever do we want to be? I've a boat moored near Arthe Dale. We could bypass the public ferries and sail to Acenemera, then come into Leth from the west... Anyone looking to ambush wouldn't be looking in the right place!"

Tirost nods to you.

Eshul blinks.

> say }Tirost Any final preparations you may need?
You ask Tirost, "Any final preparations you may need?"

Tirost says to you, "Just the magical sort."

Tirost asks, "Shall I prepare now?"

Kalinandra squints.

> say We are still waiting on Etasia, who promises she is hurrying.
You say, "We are still waiting on Etasia, who promises she is hurrying."

Nawain says to Tirost, "Watch out for the angry townspeople."

Nawain winces.

> grin
You grin.

Tirost grins at Nawain.

Tirost nods to you.

Kalinandra asks, "Oh is it time for the scenic alternate?"

Kalinandra grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

> grin kali
You grin at Kalinandra.

An errand boy walks across the courtyard holding a message, but keeps glancing at you.  Weird.

Tirost smiles at Kalinandra.

> ponder
You ponder.

Kalinandra says, "Just asking!?  I'm reformed these days."

A large calico cat, clearly a familiar, sits atop some stacked crates and stares at you, its tail swishing in boredom.

> act watches as an errand boy walks across the courtyard, her head tilted curiously.
(Dantia watches as an errand boy walks across the courtyard, her head tilted curiously.)

Tirost asks Nawain, "How have you been, Nawain?"

> ooc nawa Unsure if it's going only to me, but we are getting a little GM response. I am seeing various passing citizens looking at my conspicuously.
You whisper to Nawain, "OOC: Unsure if it's going only to me, but we are getting a little GM response. I am seeing various passing citizens looking at my conspicuously."

A group of three non-descript individuals walk through the courtyard, talking animatedly and curiously at least one of the party always looking your way.

> say /warily I do hope Etasia arrives soon. I'm growing quite nervous.
You warily say, "I do hope Etasia arrives soon. I'm growing quite nervous."

Nawain says to Tirost, "Quite well! Been training like there's no tomorrow. Someday soon I'll be able to hunt with Tekhelet."

Tirost smiles at Nawain.

> touch Tiros
You touch Tirost with a confident grace and familiar smile.
You sense a successful empathic link has been forged between you and Tirost.
You feel the burning fire of pain and suffering building slowly as you instinctively draw out the truth behind Tirost's injuries.

Tirost's injuries include...
Wounds to the RIGHT ARM:
  Fresh External:  light scratches -- insignificant
  Fresh Internal:  slightly tender -- insignificant
Wounds to the SKIN:
  Fresh Internal:  slightly tender -- negligible
Tirost has normal vitality.

> touch nawa
You touch Nawain with a confident grace and familiar smile.
You sense a successful empathic link has been forged between you and Nawain.
You feel the burning fire of pain and suffering building slowly as you instinctively draw out the truth behind Nawain's injuries.

Nawain's injuries include...
... no injuries to speak of.
Nawain has normal vitality.
You sense nothing wrong with Nawain.

> take Tir everything quick
You feel the transfer beginning as a cold stillness settles in the center of your being and you steel yourself for the impending explosion of pain.

Tirost asks Nawain, "You are still together then?"

> prep regen 25
With meditative movements you prepare your body for the Regenerate spell.

Nawain nods to Tirost.

You sense that Tirost's external right arm and chest wounds are fully healed.
You sense that Tirost's internal right arm, chest and skin wounds are fully healed.
You sense that Tirost's external right arm and chest scars are fully healed.
You sense that Tirost's internal right arm, chest and skin scars are fully healed.

> cast
Rutilant sparks of light encircle you, bathing you in a warm glow as your body begins to tingle with energy.

You feel a surge of life energy as your regeneration pulses, the spell pattern manifesting as a cascade of rutilant sparks that bathe you in a warm glow.
The external wounds to your chest and right arm are fully healed.
The internal wounds to your skin, right arm and chest are fully healed.
The external scars to your chest and right arm are fully healed.
The internal scars to your right arm, chest and skin are fully healed.

> get coin purse from shad
You get a gold coin purse from inside your encompassing shadows.

Tirost says, "...I was curious, but didn't want to ask in case..."

A nearly painful prickling sensation surges through you as your protective healing matrix focuses on the worst hurts to your body.
The internal scars on your nerves appear completely healed.
The external scars on your chest appear completely healed.
The internal scars on your chest appear completely healed.
The external scars on your right arm appear completely healed.

Nawain smiles at Tirost.

[Personal] Your mind hears Etasia thinking, "<to you> i am getting my armor am in the crossing, be a moment "

You feel a surge of life energy as your regeneration pulses, the spell pattern manifesting as a cascade of rutilant sparks that bathe you in a warm glow.
The internal scars to your right arm are fully healed.

> send Etasia Do please hurry, we are drawing a bit more attention here than I would have liked already.
[Personal] You hear your mental voice echo to Etasia, Do please hurry, we are drawing a bit more attention here than I would have liked already.
You project your thoughts to Etasia.

Tirost says, "I'm glad. He's a good one: always treated me and others well."

> say /quietly Etasia is a few moments out.
You quietly say, "Etasia is a few moments out."

> pace
You pace back and forth.

Kalinandra exclaims to you, "I'll protect you!"

Tirost nods to you.

Kalinandra struts around, her chaosknit skirt swirling around her legs as she paces arrogantly around.

Kalinandra snickers.

> grin kali
You grin at Kalinandra.

Tirost grins at Kalinandra.

> hold tiros
You reach over and hold Tirost's hand.

> ooc group Sorry Tirost, didn't have you grouped up. I'm getting some GM sends about citizens eyeing me curiously.
You whisper to Tirost and Nawain, "OOC: Sorry Tirost, didn't have you grouped up. I'm getting some GM sends about citizens eyeing me curiously.

> rub purse
You rub a gold coin purse.

Tirost whispers to your group, "OOC: No worries! That's... awesome."

Nawain hums happily to herself.

Nawain draws forth a braided smokewhorl whip from the ties on her thigh straps.

Nawain moves a braided smokewhorl whip with fire whirl rubies set into a long tapered handle to her left hand.

Nawain draws forth an elegant tyrium nodachi from the ties on her thigh straps.

> say /quietly I would suggest preparing any spells you may want up.
You quietly say, "I would suggest preparing any spells you may want up."

Kalinandra exclaims, "All dressed!"

Kalinandra grins, revealing her dimples.

> act watches the comings and goings of people more closely than she had been before.
(Dantia watches the comings and goings of people more closely than she had been before.)

Tirost nods to Nawain.

> whisper group Ah, Nawain, I apologize. You asked about how clever we want to be with our plans.
You whisper to Tirost and Nawain, "Ah, Nawain, I apologize. You asked about how clever we want to be with our plans."

Nawain nods to you.

Nawain sheathes her smokewhorl whip and ties it to her thigh straps.

War Wizard Etasia just arrived.

Etasia joins your group.

Tirost smiles at Etasia.

Etasia smiles at Tirost, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Tirost says to Etasia, "Fashionably late."

Etasia smiles at Nawain, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

> whisper group I would feel most comfortable if we stuck to a straight path there. I have had... less than ideal experiences on boats, and think it may be less risk to stay to public roads.
You whisper to Etasia, "Tirost, and Nawain, I would feel most comfortable if we stuck to a straight path there. I have had... less than ideal experiences on boats, and think it may be less risk to stay to public roads."

> smile etasia
You smile at Etasia.

Tirost nods to you.

Nawain nods to you.

Etasia says, "Aye apologies."

Tirost grins.

> say Wonderful, everyone is here that we expected. Does anyone need to make any final arrangements before I move us to the bank?
You ask, "Wonderful, everyone is here that we expected. Does anyone need to make any final arrangements before I move us to the bank?"

> shake my coin purse
You shake your coin purse.

Kalinandra joins your group.

Kalinandra hums to herself.

Rinest says, "Best of luck with the transfer."

Nawain asks, "Final arrangements?"

Tirost says to you, "I'm ready."

Nawain gulps.

Etasia whispers to your group, "surely Dantia"

Nawain sheathes her tyrium nodachi and ties it to her thigh straps.

> grin naw
You grin at Nawain.

Nawain rummages about her person, looking for something.

Tirost says to Nawain, "Meraud's blood, you have some amazing weapons."

> say Great, let us head to the bank.
You say, "Great, let us head to the bank."

Nawain beams at Tirost!

> out
You go out, leading your group.
[The Crossing, Magen Road]
The whitewashed building before you is stark and functional.  A sign mounted on it is hand painted and carved with cunning skill.  White-robed figures and all manner of injured and infirm people stream in and out of a double door, leaving thin trails of blood on the spotless pavement.
You also see a wide arch and a stone urn.
Also here: Eyskin and the body of Nanntrina.
Obvious paths: east, south, west.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Etasia whispers, "who is leading"

> s
You go south, leading your group.
[The Crossing, Champions' Square]
Statues of famous barbarians and arena champions form an arcade leading to the arched steel-clad door of the Barbarians' Guild.  The building itself is high and massive, and the roof rises into a dome towards the east, covering the Champions' Arena.  Through narrow, slit windows you can hear the clang of weapon on shield, and the voice of the trainers barking out instructions to the would-be fighters, gladiators, knights and mercenaries within.
You also see a sturdy stone structure.
Obvious paths: north, south, west.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> west
You go west, leading your group.
[The Crossing, Clanthew Boulevard]
Intimidatingly large passersby crowd around you, and you gulp as you notice most of the men and women here of all races tower above their average counterparts.  They also tend to dress differently - fully equipped, even in the midst of the city - in leathers, hide and armor, weapons drawn or at the ready over shoulders or at their sides.  Carefully you make your way through the throng, since something tells you this would not be a good spot to step on anyone's toes.
You also see a city meeting hall.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Nawain moves over to guard you.

> south
You go south, leading your group.
[The Crossing, Cheopman Lane]
Large clay urns and willow baskets spill out onto the footpath here, filled with riotous displays of bright flowers in full bloom, sprigs of emerald green foliage, and ornamental reeds, boughs and branches.  A young girl leans nonchalantly against the entrance to the Florist's Shop, watching over the wares.  Smiling shyly, she beckons enticingly to potential customers.
You also see a grizzled old war veteran.
Obvious paths: north, south.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Nawain hums to herself.

Etasia whispers, "you have your coin already?"

Etasia moves over to guard you.

> act stays to the sides of the street, letting the hustle and bustle of the crowds pass around her while she walks in a straight line for her destination.
(Dantia stays to the sides of the street, letting the hustle and bustle of the crowds pass around her while she walks in a straight line for her destination.)

> shake head etasia
You shake your head at Etasia.

> south
You go south, leading your group.
[The Crossing, Cheopman Lane]
Ragtag merchants and vendors lug heavily-laden sacks and bundles south, while others leave, heading north with empty pushcarts and baskets.  The town's less well-off citizenry stroll by, looking for good deals in the impromptu flea market of Mongers' Bazaar.  Others proudly show off their new purchases and hard-won bargains.
You also see a grizzled old war veteran.
Obvious paths: north.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> go bazaar
[The Crossing, Mongers' Bazaar]
Some ramshackle stalls and tattered tents comprise the informal flea market known as Mongers' Bazaar.  The springy grass of the Green has been trampled into foot-sucking muck by folk seeking bargains, black-market goods, or unusual trinkets.  Exotic items of rare power and value are sometimes sold here by the itinerant vendors who flock to The Crossing from all corners of Elanthia.
You also see a trodden dirt path, Rartan's Collegium of Inner Juggling and Reflexes and the firewood peddler Mags.
Obvious paths: north, southeast.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> go path
The Crossing, Town Green Northeast]
The cool, welcome expanse of the Town Green is a pleasant place to gather and exchange news, gossip and adventuring pointers with all the folk and races of Elanthia who are drawn to town.  A soft, spongy carpet of well-manicured grass underfoot affords a comfortable cushion for sitting or sprawling beneath the star-studded night sky.  An ancient oak tree provides shelter for those so inclined.
You also see a pile of branches, a pile of branches, some carved wooden benches, a stone water trough, a small cobblestone walkway and a trodden dirt path.
Also here: Prowler Spydertrap.
Obvious paths: south, southwest, west.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> south
You go south, leading your group.
[The Crossing, Town Green Southeast]
This tranquil corner of the Green has a small bower of entwined modwyn vines, laden with tempting, grape-like clusters.  A limestone bench and some sawed-off sections of trees that serve as rustic stools make up an open-air performance space, where bards, musicians and poets can demonstrate their talents.
You also see a clay tablet, a young alchemist student, a waste bin, a grass path leading behind the amphitheater, the Amphitheater gate, a gilded walkway and a strong and stately mature oak.
Also here: Talonyne.
Obvious paths: north, west, northwest.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Etasia slips a triple-fullered haralun broadsword bearing a nacre hilt out of her back harness.

> west
You go west, leading your group.
[The Crossing, Town Green South]
A gap in the stand of lunat trees leads south into Lunat Shade Road.  In that general direction the lights shining from Berolt's Dry Goods, the Town Hall, the soaring presence of the Temple, the Provincial Bank and other key structures can be seen.  A few loafers loll on the grass, watching those entering and leaving the green, or laying back to gaze at the night sky.  A lone nightingale serenades from the hedges bordering the park, unaware of its appreciative audience.
Obvious paths: north, northeast, east, south, west, northwest.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> south
You go south, leading your group.
[The Crossing, Lunat Shade Road]
Majestic lunat trees line this byway, donated by the town's prosperous traders, a reminder of how their Guild delights in improving the quality of life for beings all over Elanthia.  One such wealthy merchant, though not as ostentatious as most, is Berolt, the dry goods dealer.  His venerable general store here outfits adventurers with all the basic necessities.  The row of trees on the north side of the street also serves to shade the south half of Town Green.
Also here: Ookay.
Obvious paths: north, east, south.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

(Tirost keeps a vigilant eye on those around Dantia.)

> whisper group Should we get separated, I plan to move slowly, so just step a few more rooms and you should catch up.
You whisper to Kalinandra, Tirost, Nawain, and Etasia, "Should we get separated, I plan to move slowly, so just step a few more rooms and you should catch up."

> south
You go south, leading your group.
[The Crossing, Alamhif Trace]
This pivotal junction connects many of the Crossing's key locations.  Blazing to the south in the night sky are the flames on the Temple's three towers, while the lights of Town Green and Town Hall can be seen off towards the north and northeast.  The babble of many languages, clan and guild and folk fill the air here, busy at every hour.  Travelers dressed in all manner of costume, garb and battle gear amble past, admiring the darkened outlines of the buildings, or looking about to get their bearings.
You also see the Carousel square.
Obvious paths: north, southeast, west.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Nawain nods in agreement.

Nawain sniffs the air around her.

> southeast
You go southeast, leading your group.
[The Crossing, Hodierna Way]
The hustle of crowds making their way between the secular and religious centers of town that converge here carries you along with its momentum.  The granite and marble facade of the First Provincial Bank catches your eye, standing before you as solid as its name.  A Gor'Tog guard armed with pike and crossbow is posted at the door, while a few well-dressed merchants congregate outside.
You also see an old blind beggar (sitting), Forest Warden Hengwild, a big orange sign with a picture of a smiling Dwarf and a large parchment.
Obvious paths: east, southwest, northwest.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Etasia nods.

Nawain draws forth a braided smokewhorl whip from the ties on her thigh straps.

> go bank
[First Provincial Bank, Lobby]
Marble tiled floors covered with heavy rugs and walls of polished jasper that gleam a cool blue mark this bank as solid and secure (and expensive).  An official money-changing booth is to one side and a row of tellers windows faces you.  Several guards, armed and armored, stand ready for trouble of any sort.  Near the tellers stands a table of fine wood for those who need to do some writing.
You also see the tellers' windows, a bucket of viscous gloop and a money-changer's booth.
Also here: Independent Contractor Poddi and Valze.
Obvious exits: out.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

>inhale
You take in a great breath of air.

> exhale
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

> go window
[Provincial Bank, Teller]
A neat row of barred windows faces you along a marble counter.  Several patrons are already busy but there seems to be one window available.  The clerk smiles at you and beckons you over.
You also see a freshly painted sign and a small calendar.
Also here: Eledion.
Obvious exits: out.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> whisper group As promised, I will pay each of you a quarter of the fee now, and the remaining 300 plat on arrival.
You whisper to Nawain, Tirost, Kalinandra, and Etasia, "As promised, I will pay each of you a quarter of the fee now, and the remaining 300 plat on arrival."

Kalinandra nods.

Etasia moves over to guard you.

Tirost nods.

Nawain draws forth a scarlet glaes pasabas from the ties on her thigh straps.

> withdraw 3000 plat
The clerk counts out 3000 platinum Kronars and hands them over, making a notation in her ledger.

> give Tirost 100 plat k
You give 100 platinum Kronars to Tirost.

> give Nawain 100 plat k
You give 100 platinum Kronars to Nawain.

Tirost speaks with the clerk.

Tirost and the clerk share a few words.

Etasia whispers to your group, "i require no payment please, i would be unhappy"

Etasia shakes her head.

> smile etas
You smile quietly to yourself.

Nawain speaks with the clerk.

Nawain and the clerk share a few words.

Etasia whispers to your group, "is my honor to guard ye as was discussed"

Tirost whispers to your group, "Thank you, Dantia."

> give Kalinandra 100 plat k
You give 100 platinum Kronars to Kalinandra.

>whisper group It is my pleasure. And I will owe you a favor then, in that case, Etasia.
You whisper to Nawain, Tirost, Kalinandra, and Etasia, "It is my pleasure. And I will owe you a favor then, in that case, Etasia."

> wealth
Debt:
  You owe 3 gold, 1 silver and 5 bronze Lirums to the Province of Therengia. (3150 copper Lirums)
  [You can pay off this debt in person at the respective provincial debt office or by calling for an urchin runner with BANK DEBT.]
Wealth:
  2700 platinum, 1 gold, 4 silver, 6 bronze, and 2 copper Kronars (27001462 copper Kronars).
  No Lirums.
  12 copper Dokoras (12 copper Dokoras).

> out
You go out, leading your group.
[First Provincial Bank, Lobby]
Marble tiled floors covered with heavy rugs and walls of polished jasper that gleam a cool blue mark this bank as solid and secure (and expensive).  An official money-changing booth is to one side and a row of tellers windows faces you.  Several guards, armed and armored, stand ready for trouble of any sort.  Near the tellers stands a table of fine wood for those who need to do some writing.
You also see the tellers' windows, a bucket of viscous gloop and a money-changer's booth.
Obvious exits: out.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> out
You go out, leading your group.
[The Crossing, Hodierna Way]
The hustle of crowds making their way between the secular and religious centers of town that converge here carries you along with its momentum.  The granite and marble facade of the First Provincial Bank catches your eye, standing before you as solid as its name.  A Gor'Tog guard armed with pike and crossbow is posted at the door, while a few well-dressed merchants congregate outside.
You also see an old blind beggar (sitting), Forest Warden Hengwild, a big orange sign with a picture of a smiling Dwarf and a large parchment.
Also here: Bloodwraith Luach and Sanchico.
Obvious paths: east, southwest, northwest.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Etasia whispers to your group, "thank you but again, my honor to be here"

> sw
You go southwest, leading your group.
[The Crossing, Immortals' Approach]
This stretch of road is wide and paved with smooth stone blocks.  Cherry trees in carved stone planters border the sweeping approach while softening the exterior walls surrounding the Temple grounds.  Flames brightly visible in the dark flare from the tops of three tall towers standing guard over the orb of the Main Temple.  Fragile walkways lash the towers to each other high above the orb.
You also see some shattered glass, some shattered glass, a high granite wall surrounding the temple grounds, the locked almsbox and the Longbow Bridge.
Also here: Time Warden Wenavai.
Obvious paths: northeast, northwest.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> smile etasia
You smile at Etasia.

Etasia smiles at you, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

> whisper group Now, my plan is to take us to the ferry and ride that south. Does everyone have coin?
You whisper to Etasia, Kalinandra, Tirost, and Nawain, "Now, my plan is to take us to the ferry and ride that south. Does everyone have coin?"

Nawain nods.

Etasia nods.

Kalinandra ponders.

Tirost whispers, "I don't, but I'm a citizen."

Kalinandra rummages about her person, looking for something.

Kalinandra nods.

Etasia whispers, "we are going to Leth bank? apolgies just makin sure of things"

> raise eye tirost
You raise an eyebrow in Tirost's direction.

> nod etasia
You nod to Etasia.

> whisper group Does being a citizen make the ferry free? I did not know that.
You whisper to Etasia, Kalinandra, Tirost, and Nawain, "Does being a citizen make the ferry free? I did not know that."

Tirost grins at you.

Nawain nods to you.

Kalinandra nods to you.

>say Amazing!
You exclaim, "Amazing!"

> smile
You smile.

Tirost whispers, "One of the very few perks for my taxes."

> chuckle
You chuckle.

> go bridge
[The Crossing, Chieftain Walk]
This busy threeway is a vital link.  The Longbow Bridge feeds into it from the northeast, and the warehouse and dock district which stand to the south and west bustle with activity.  The commercial district to the northwest, and the pleasant and populous beach resort are to the southeast, just at the mouth of the River Oxenwaithe, where it empties into the Segoltha.
Obvious paths: north, southeast, southwest.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Etasia smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

> sw
You go southwest, leading your group.
[The Crossing, Chieftain Walk]
The warehouses and low buildings to the northwest resolve into a flat, open stretch of turf to the south, where the two rivers that shape the Crossing begin to come together.  This level alluvial delta is home to the Crossing's main shipyard, where many of the barges, ferries, frigates, merchant ships, and corsairs that ply the rivers and seas of Elanthia are built.  The weathered shipyard gate leads southeast.
Obvious paths: northeast, west.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> w
You go west, leading your group.
[The Crossing, Esplanade Eluned]
The promenade here is a pleasant place to stroll along the riverbank and watch the activities on the broad and swift Segoltha River.  The walkway is broad and clean, paved with bright red bricks forming whimsical patterns and abstract designs.  The breeze off the river is invigorating.  Several young hawkers try to peddle snacks and flowers to families or couples out taking the air, while merchants and seamen rush by.
You also see Timekeeper Raerethrew.
Obvious paths: east, west.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> w
You go west, leading your group.
[The Crossing, Esplanade Eluned]
Hustling businessmen mingle with grimy dockworkers and indolent strollers here, all proceeding at very different paces.  Handcarts filled with baskets and burlap bundles are pushed by stout, young lads past ladies decked in their finery.  Most of the well-heeled leisure set seems to be headed to and from the freshly painted dock here.  Some private boats and pleasure craft are moored to it.
Obvious paths: east, west.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> w
You go west, leading your group.
[The Crossing, Esplanade Eluned]
The path here runs right along the river bank, as the shore curves into the land to form a small protected inlet.  Directly south, a few small craft are beached, anchored by heavy rocks.  One has oars but no rudder, another has a rudder but no bottom, and yet another has a bottom riddled with holes.  Several tattered nets are hung on driftwood frames to dry, and alongside them, a few gutted fish.
Obvious paths: north, east, west.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> w
You go west, leading your group.
[The Crossing, Esplanade Eluned]
An apparent contradiction, the toney esplanade here is right in the midst of a group of warehouses to the north and the customs and storage house of Riverfront Portage to the west.  The strollers and workers mingle, with most of the leisure traffic centering around the noisy amusement pier to the south.
You also see a small mahogany building.
Obvious paths: east, southwest, west, northwest.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> sw
You go southwest, leading your group.
[The Crossing, Lemicus Square]
This corner of Lemicus Square is dotted with litter and looks a bit neglected.  The hulk of Riverfront Portage looms along the north edge of the square and extends for several blocks west.  To the south is a wooden pier with a painted sign arched over the entrance.
Obvious paths: northeast, southwest, west.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> go pier
[The Crossing, Alfren's Ferry]
Alfren's Ferry is a privately owned and operated ferry that carries folks over the broad and swift Segoltha River.  The ferry does a brisk business, since the trade route to the Elven forest reaches lies south across the river.  In the face of hostile assaults, the river serves as a formidable barrier.
You also see some shattered glass, Lemicus Square, the ferry Hodierna's Grace and a news stand.
Also here: Elysan.
Obvious paths: none.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> go ferry
[Assuming you mean the ferry Hodierna's Grace.]
The Captain stops you and requests a transportation fee of 35 kronars as you board the craft.
You hand him your kronars and climb aboard.

["Hodierna's Grace"]
A few weary travelers lean against a railing at the bow of this ferry, anxiously waiting to reach the opposite bank.  An elderly S'Kra Mur stands alone at the stern, thoughtfully watching the shallow wake of the ferry shiver and become still.
You also see the north bank docks.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Elysan just arrived.

> say Well, if that isn't a good sign, I don't know what would be.
You say, "Well, if that isn't a good sign, I don't know what would be."

> smile
You smile.

Nawain searches around for a moment.

Etasia grins, revealing her dimples.

Etasia searches around for a moment.

You hear a bell ring out three times and a voice calling, "All ashore who's going ashore!"

Nawain rummages about her person, looking for something.

Elysan asks, "Good sign?"

Tirost searches around for a moment.

Elysan smiles at you.

You hear a shrill whistle sound and a voice call out, "Cast off!"

> smile ely
You smile at Elysan.

Elysan asks, "At this time of night?"

> say }Ely Catching the ferry just before it leaves.
You say to Elysan, "Catching the ferry just before it leaves."

Kalinandra grins, revealing her dimples.

You feel the ferry Hodierna's Grace shudder slightly as it shoves off.

Elysan nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

Elysan says, "Ah."

Kalinandra says, "Mustn't stand in one spot toooo long."

Kalinandra grins, revealing her dimples.

You are about a fourth of the way across.

> say It's a rare occurance.
You say, "It's a rare occurance."

Elysan says, "Heard reports of trouble on the south road."

> frown elysan
You frown at Elysan.

Tirost asks Elysan, "Oh?"

Elysan nods to you.

> say What sort of troubles?
You ask, "What sort of troubles?"

You can see a ferry approaching on the left side.

Etasia raises an eyebrow.

Elysan says, "Someone has been making it hard on the traders."

Nawain frowns.

> nibble dantia
You nibble your lip thoughtfully.

Etasia ponders.

Elysan says, "Trees fallen, caltrops and other surprises."

Kalinandra squints.

> glance nawa
You glance at Nawain, a female Rakash.

> glance etasia
You glance at Etasia, a female Human.

Elysan says, "Messing up the caravan routes."

Nawain ponders.

Elysan says, "Trader guild is investigating though."

Kalinandra folds her arms across her chest.

You are nearing the docks.

> say Well, with a group like this perhaps anyone looking to cause trouble will look the other way.
You say, "Well, with a group like this perhaps anyone looking to cause trouble will look the other way."

Elysan shrugs.

Elysan says, "Maybe....maybe not."

Nawain says, "We can hope."

> say }Elys I appreciate the information.
You say to Elysan, "I appreciate the information."

Kalinandra exclaims, "If anyone starts any funny business, I'll knock them down and you guys get 'em!"

Elysan nods to you.

You hear a bell ring out and a voice calling, "Next departure in 1 minute!"

Etasia nods to Elysan.

Kalinandra grins, revealing her dimples.

> go dock
[Southern Trade Route, Segoltha South Bank]
The southern bank of the Segoltha River presents a wide, flat flood plain far to the east and west.  The alluvial soil here is deep brown and fertile, nourished by the unpredictable rains that cause the river to rise rapidly and without warning.  Off in the distance to the south, you can spy the crests of trees.  This marks the boundary of the Endrus Forest, which surrounds the fabled Elven stronghold of Leth Deriel.
You also see the Mistbringer, the Bloody Dawg, the Wandering Fae, the Rissan Revenge, Rose Huntress, the Maverick, the ferry Hodierna's Grace and Alfren's Tollbridge.
Obvious paths: south.
Nearby in the water you see: a fleet of ships.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

>inhale
You take in a great breath of air.

Crobin wavers into view for a moment.
Crobin joins your group.

Elysan just arrived.

> adjust rose
You adjust your Therengian rose into place.

Elysan goes south.

Nawain whispers to your group, "Ahem. Is that one with us?"

>nod
You nod.

Nawain nods.

Tirost grins.

> whisper group Extra insurance.
You whisper to Nawain, Tirost, Kalinandra, and Etasia, "Extra insurance."

> grin naw
You grin at Nawain.

You hear a bell ring out three times and a voice calling, "All aboard who's going aboard!"

Tirost whispers to your group, "And a skilled fighter in his own right."

Kalinandra grins, revealing her dimples.

Nawain whispers to your group, "I won't try to bring 'im into the light, then."

Etasia's haralun broadsword suddenly bursts into flames!

Nawain grins.

You hear a shrill whistle sound and a voice call out, Cast off!

>say Well, that was certainly not the news I was hoping to get, but better than being caught completely unaware I suppose.
You say, "Well, that was certainly not the news I was hoping to get, but better than being caught completely unaware I suppose."

The ferry Hodierna's Grace pulls away from the dock.

Nawain nods to you.

Tirost nods in agreement.

Etasia nods in agreement.

Tirost blinks.

The ferry Hodierna's Grace disappears from view as it moves toward the center of the river.

> say I would suggest we all keep our eye out for anything that looks suspicious.
You say, "I would suggest we all keep our eye out for anything that looks suspicious."

Kalinandra nods.

Tirost says, "That better be you, O protective shadow."

>say And if you see something and want me to slow or stop, please say so.
You say, "And if you see something and want me to slow or stop, please say so."

(Tirost rubs his side where he was tickled.)

> say Shall we then?
You ask, "Shall we then?"

Tirost nods to you.

Etasia nods.

> nod
You nod.

Nawain nods in agreement.

Nawain inhales a great swallow of air.

> s
You go south, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Segoltha Plain]
Sparse grass, weeds and a few hardy shrubs grow along this flat stretch of land that lies between the river bluffs and the nearby woodland.  The angry floods sweep away most of the vegetation, and each time the waters subside, life must begin here anew.  To the northeast lie the outskirts of Chelsea Overlook, a small community overlooking the south bank of the Segoltha.
You also see a footpath that leads northwest.
Also here: Wild Archer Arcsicsin.
Obvious paths: north, northeast, south.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Arcsicsin says, "I can't believe that caravan just dumped all those limbs in the road."

Kalinandra squints.

Arcsicsin says, "Some traders are soo rude."

Wild Archer Arcsicsin goes south.

> ponder
You ponder.

Tirost quietly says to you, "Surely a trap."

Nawain frowns.

> frown tiros
You frown at Tirost.

Kalinandra says, "Yeah that wasn't sketchy at all."

Kalinandra grins, revealing her dimples.

> say Let us continue then, the longer we wait, the more of a target we become...
You say, "Let us continue then, the longer we wait, the more of a target we become..."

Etasia raises an eyebrow.

> s
You go south, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Segoltha Plain]
The shouts of traders, caravan drivers, soldiers of fortune, scoundrels, thieves, bards, and less unsavory travelers echo across the flood plain along the road here as it narrows.  Everyone must jostle each other to pass.  Occasionally, a full-blown caravan or war party thunders by, which causes all the foot traffic to leap to the side of the road and turns the shouting to swearing.
Obvious paths: north, south.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Kalinandra nods.

Etasia nods to you.

> nibble dantia
You nibble your lip thoughtfully.

> s
You go south, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
The grassy, weed-choked flood plain of the Segoltha River to the north transitions into the forest of Endrus.  The fringe of the woods here, growing ever denser as you gaze southward, consists mainly of oak and beech, interlaced with whitethorn, tangled briars and low-growing shrubs.
You also see a broad-limbed oak tree.
Obvious exits: north, south.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> say I'm really quite thankful to you all for accompanying me on this.
You say, "I'm really quite thankful to you all for accompanying me on this."

> s
You go south, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
The growth here is deciduous forest, with branches mingling high overhead.  A leafy canopy traps the natural moisture given off by the soil and foliage, encouraging mosses, ferns, lichen and fungi to flourish.  Deep ruts in the damp roadbed, caused by carts, hooves and boots, show that heavily-laden traffic passes through regularly.
You also see a faint path leading off the road to the east.
Obvious exits: north, southwest.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Kalinandra smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Kalinandra nods to you.

> say It's certainly not a long walk, and we've each made it probably a hundred times or more.
You say, "It's certainly not a long walk, and we've each made it probably a hundred times or more."

Tirost says, "Appreciate the pay, my lady."

> smile tiros
You smile at Tirost.

> sw
You go southwest, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Tripp's Cairn]
A knot of travelers, pilgrims, traders and adventurers clusters around a pile of stones beneath an old oak on the east side of the path.  The trunk of the oak has been riven in twain, perhaps by an ancient lightning strike.  The stone cairn is surrounded by offerings of rare herbs, flowers, and clay cups filled with home-brewed ale and sap wine.  
Obvious paths: northeast, southwest.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> say It feels odd to be walking this road and looking at it completely differently this time around.
You say, "It feels odd to be walking this road and looking at it completely differently this time around."

> chuckle
You chuckle.

> sw
You go southwest, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Soothsayer's Hut]
In the midst of the dense wood, off to the southwest, stands a grey hut supported by the bones of four great birds' feet.  Here dwells the mad S'Kra soothsayer, Berdachun.  The corners of the hut are carved in the shapes of a lion, a dragon, a cockatrice, and a viper.  In front of the hut is a carved oaken basin filled with carcasses of birds and small mammals in various states of decay and disembowelment.
Also here: Wild Archer Arcsicsin.
Obvious exits: northeast, southwest.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Arcsicsin says, "Going to be late because of this....hope they get the road cleared."

Kalinandra grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

Wild Archer Arcsicsin goes southwest.

> frown
You frown.

Nawain ponders.

> say It sounds like quite the mess...
You say, "It sounds like quite the mess..."

Tirost nods.

> sw
You go southwest, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
The road continues to the southwest and northeast, wide enough here to allow pack animals, carts, and small bands of travelers to pass in both directions at once.  A view southwest reveals a narrowing of the way, while to the northeast, you see a small clearing and hear strange sounds and cries.
Obvious exits: northeast, southwest.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> rub purse
You rub a gold coin purse.

> sw
You go southwest, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
Overhead in the foliage, you spot what appear to be gigantic birds' nests in the forks of the trees.  Twigs, leafy limbs, dried sedges and grasses, are all piled up into massive arboreal beds.  Some primal inhabitants of the deep forest, nomadic hunters and gatherers, must have slept here in the trees for safety.  Recalling tales of their poison-tipped arrows, you hope they have long since moved on.
Obvious exits: northeast, south.
You also see a sand-hued lynx with a tufted black-tipped tail (sitting), a black panther (sitting) and a shadowy watchsoul.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Kalinandra says, "It's kind of nice to really look around for a change.  I'm usually on a mission bustling through here."

> nod kali agree
You nod at Kalinandra, in complete agreement with her views.

Tirost nods to Kalinandra.

> s
You go south, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Trenilar's Slavers' Haven]
This route was once a notorious artery for slave trade in Elanthia, bringing captives, conscripts and labor to and from the imperial Elven kingdoms.  The filthy wayside eatery here was a rest stop for slave caravans, and has been run by ten generations of S'Kra proprietors.  String cots under the trees provide minimal sleeping accommodations and split tree trunks form the outdoor dining room.  Trenches dug along the opposite side of the road offer primitive sanitary facilities
You also see a sand-hued lynx with a tufted black-tipped tail (sitting), a black panther (sitting) and a shadowy watchsoul.
Obvious exits: north, southeast.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

You hear a muffled snap, but you're not sure where it came from.

Kalinandra squints.

Tirost says, "Heard something."

Etasia says, "Been a bit since I have walked this road as well. the forest of night is ever present tho."

Kalinandra searches around for a moment.

Tirost says, "Behind us."

Nawain frowns.

Tirost searches around for a moment.

> stand tirost
You stand near Tirost.

Kalinandra searches around for a moment.

Nawain sheathes her smokewhorl whip and ties it to her thigh straps.

Tirost searches around for a moment.

Nawain searches around for a moment.

Nawain gets a grey envelope from inside her thigh bag.

Kalinandra gets a glittery nodachi engraved with faintly glowing lilac moonsilver calligraphy from inside her wildlace pocket.

Etasia squints.

Nawain examines a grey envelope.

> say /quietly Should we continue?
You quietly ask, "Should we continue?"

Tirost nods.

Kalinandra nods.

> nod slight
You give a slight nod.

Etasia says, "Seems clear m'lady."

> se
You go southeast, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
Traffic is forced to come and go in turns as the road narrows.  The stench of habitation, almost sacrilege in this hallowed greenwood, assaults you from the northwest.  The congestion and contagion of civilization grows more pronounced as you squeeze past greedy merchants, bloodthirsty mercenaries, power-obsessed mages and ragtag wanderers who ply this route.
You also see a sand-hued lynx with a tufted black-tipped tail (sitting), a black panther (sitting) and a shadowy watchsoul.
Obvious exits: northwest, southeast.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Etasia nods to you.

Nawain puts her envelope in her slender rugursora.

Tirost asks, "See something, Etasia?"

> act darts her gaze from left to right, trying to watch both sides of the road simultaneously.
(Dantia darts her gaze from left to right, trying to watch both sides of the road simultaneously.)

Etasia says to Tirost, "Thougth i did, but no."

Etasia frowns.

Tirost nods.

Etasia searches around for a moment.

> nod slight
You give a slight nod.

(Kalinandra whips her head back up the road, staring intently.)

Nawain sniffs the air around her.

(Tirost's hand rests loosely on the hilt of a haralun bastard sword.)

Kalinandra says, "I think I heard something."

> frown kali
You frown at Kalinandra.

Tirost searches around for a moment.

> Etasia says, "So many shadows."

Kalinandra says, "We should go."

Nawain searches around for a moment.

Kalinandra searches around for a moment.

Etasia nods to Kalinandra.

> nod
You nod.

(Etasia moves closer to Dantia)

> say Yes, forward.
You say, "Yes, forward."

> se
You go southeast, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
The forest is very dense here, restricting the flow of traffic to the center of the road as the foliage closes in.  In this tunnel of the twisting wood, prodigious oaks extend their groping boughs and shine dimly with a phosphorescence of strange fungi.  Empty sacks, stray scraps of leather, and bits of grain are trampled down into the mud, indicating some mishap occurred here.You also see a sand-hued lynx with a tufted black-tipped tail, a black panther (sitting), a shadowy watchsoul, a serpentine path leading deeper into the forest and a twisted black oak tree.
You also see a serpentine path leading deeper into the forest and a twisted black oak tree.
Obvious exits: northwest, south.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Etasia squints.

> act hesitates for a moment at a path that branches off, but continues on her course.
(Dantia hesitates for a moment at a path that branches off, but continues on her course.)

Tirost searches around for a moment.

>s 
You go south, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
Fallen logs line both sides of the route here, snapped or hacked into pieces.  Some huge trunks are only charred husks, hollow inside.  Jagged tree stumps, the source of the fallen logs, are scattered to the east and west.  The underbrush has grown up quickly and closed in around them, so you cannot see into the forest beyond.  A single, bird-like whistle pierces the air.
You also see a pile of limbs.
Also here: Wild Archer Arcsicsin.
Obvious exits: north, south.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Arcsicsin smashes his foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

The air feels thick with an almost palpable sense of malevolence.

Arcsicsin exclaims, "I wear they are everywhere!"

Arcsicsin says, "Limbs and logs.."

> frown
You frown.

Kalinandra squints at Arcsicsin.

Arcsicsin says, "Be careful look out for them."

Etasia nods.

Nawain nods to Arcsicsin.

Arcsicsin says, "Some silly trader dropped a load in the road."

Kalinandra asks Arcsicsin, "You sure you're not the log dropper!?"

Arcsicsin says, "Trying to clean them up."

> nod arc
You nod to Arcsicsin.

Wild Archer Arcsicsin goes south.

> say Well, that's a kind service he's doing for folks passing through.
You say, "Well, that's a kind service he's doing for folks passing through."

Etasia says, "Hopefully last thing we need is the serpent vines creepin into the road as well."

> chuckle etasi
You chuckle at Etasia.

Kalinandra says, "That fellow seems to appear and very opportune moments."

> frown
You frown.

Nawain nods to Kalinandra.

Etasia grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

Kalinandra ponders.

> s
You go south, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
The oldest tree along the route here is a curious specimen.  A very young rowan tree is growing in a fork of its hoary branches.  Such small trees are deposited as seeds by passing birds, and are called "flying trees."  Their leaves, bark and wood are said to possess magical protective qualities.  
Obvious exits: north, southwest.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> sw
You go southwest, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
The road passes through a defile of vedda trees here, their white inner pith exposed, stripped of all bark.  In times of famine or scarcity, the nomads of this forest have been known to eat the bark in order to survive.  Unfortunately, in addition to meager nutrition, it contains a powerful hallucinogen which tends to drive tribesmen into a frenzy directed primarily at interlopers into their forest domain.
You also see a shadowy watchsoul, a sand-hued lynx with a tufted black-tipped tail, a black panther and a winding trail.
Obvious exits: northeast, southwest.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Nawain whispers to your group, "I've got a bit of powder that's supposed to show who is hiding, but can't for the life of me figure out how to use it."

> grin nawa
You grin at Nawain.

Tirost nods to Etasia.

> touch etas
You touch Etasia with a confident grace and familiar smile.
You sense a successful empathic link has been forged between you and Etasia.
You feel the burning fire of pain and suffering building slowly as you instinctively draw out the truth behind Etasia's injuries.
Etasia's injuries include...
  Scars Internal:  minor internal scarring -- insignificant
Wounds to the LEFT LEG:
  Scars Internal:  minor internal scarring -- negligible
Etasia has normal vitality.

Tirost nods to Etasia.

> take etasi everything quick
You touch Etasia with a confident grace and heartfelt smile.

> sw
You go southwest, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
Closely-knit vegetation shuts out most of the natural light.  Between two gloomy trees arise overlapping shadows that seem to form human-like figures.  Only a few paces off the road, the blackness is impenetrable, and home to all the dark horrors the mind can conjure.  But, you repeat to yourself, mere shades cannot harm you.
Obvious exits: northwest, southwest.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Kalinandra whispers to your group, "Back of my neck is crawling.  I feel like we're being watched but I can't place it."

You sense that Etasia's internal right arm and left leg scars are fully healed.

> frown Kali
You frown at Kalinandra.

Nawain whispers to your group, "That's probably my watchsoul. Sorry!"

Nawain beams at Kalinandra!

Kalinandra grins at Nawain, her dimples flashing into view.

> say It was Nawain all along.
You say, "It was Nawain all along."

A nearly painful prickling sensation surges through you as your protective healing matrix focuses on the worst hurts to your body.
The internal scars on your right arm appear completely healed.
The internal scars on your left leg appear completely healed.

> nudge nawa
You elbow Nawain in the ribs in a playful sort of way.

Nawain nods in agreement.

Etasia whispers to your group, "i think the powder only works on certain creatures"

Nawain waves a scarlet glaes pasabas inlaid with Eth'ral'khh symbols around.

Nawain chortles softly at some secret joke.

> sw
You go southwest, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
The road weaves around a scorched deobar tree rooted in ash.  Its blackened limbs reach skywards, defying the very forces that seared its fate, or perhaps they seek deliverance from the remnants of life once possessed.  A skeletal branch points southwards, whether in welcome or warning you do not know, but the murky woods in that direction strongly suggest the latter.
Obvious exits: northeast, south.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Etasia grins at Nawain, her dimples flashing into view.

Nawain searches around for a moment.

You hear a muffled snap, but you're not sure where it came from.

Nawain squints.

Etasia raises an eyebrow.

> act holds her coin purse close to her chest.
(Dantia holds her coin purse close to her chest.)

Kalinandra whispers to your group, "if they can hide from me, it's a sly brigand indeed."

Tirost says, "There's something in the forest."

Tirost searches around for a moment.

Nawain gets a grey envelope from inside her slender rugursora.

Nawain waves a grey envelope around.

Nawain chortles softly at some secret joke.

Sir Madigan just arrived.

Sir Madigan runs south.

Nawain idly picks at a grey envelope.

Nawain shakes her grey envelope!

> gaze south
You gaze off to the south.

Nawain squints.

Nawain puts her envelope in her slender rugursora.

Etasia whispers, "i have my aegis, i pondered bringing it out, he spies hiders"

> say /quietly Sir Madigan was supposed to be on a fishing trip.
You quietly say, "Sir Madigan was supposed to be on a fishing trip."

> grunt
You make a grunting noise.

Tirost appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Nawain giggles.

> s
You go south, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
Shadows envelop the foliage to the southeast as if hiding an ancient and shameful secret.  The deobars weep silent tears from mossy tendrils, and even a majestic sana'ati tree shies away from the heart of Endrus Forest.
Obvious exits: north, southeast.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Etasia chuckles.

> say Someone remind me to make him walk the moat for that later.
You say, "Someone remind me to make him walk the moat for that later."

> nod
You nod.

Etasia laughs!

Kalinandra says, "I've never understood the lure of fishing."

Etasia nods to you.

Kalinandra says, "Waiting all blessed day for a scaly thing on a string."

> se
You go southeast, leading your group.
[Endrus Forest, Crossroads]
A stand of lofty ironwood trees chokes the winding road which narrows to barely a wagon's width.  Thick, bulbous roots snake over the earth, and gnarled branches twist overhead nearly blotting out the sky.  Odd noises and beastly grunts drift from the malevolent shadows, lending truth to the bardic myths of a haunted forest along the trade route.
You also see a pile of limbs.
Obvious paths: southwest, northwest.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Kalinandra shudders.

> frown
You frown.

Tirost says to Kalinandra, "No? It's relaxing in nature. I enjoy it a lot."

> say More of those limbs...
You say, "More of those limbs..."

Kalinandra exclaims to Tirost, "I'd rather glitter stuff!"

Kalinandra chortles softly at some secret joke.

Tirost grins at Kalinandra.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

Nawain raises her glaes pasabas in a quick salute.

> say They did leave quite the mess.
You say, "They did leave quite the mess."

Nawain asks, "Where's that trader?"

Nawain casually observes the area.

Tirost says, "I think I see something - there in the trees."

>stand etasia
You stand near Etasia.

Kalinandra searches around for a moment.

(Tirost gestures towards some trees in the distance.)

Nawain searches around for a moment.

> gaze
You gaze off into the distance blankly.

(Etasia searches around)

Kalinandra casually observes the area.

Tirost narrows his eyes.

> say /quietly We're more than halfway there, perhaps we walk a little quicker.
You quietly say, "We're more than halfway there, perhaps we walk a little quicker."

> s
You go south, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
Dead and dying wildflowers litter the roadside, overrun with voracious weeds that rob the soil of its precious nutrients.  The less hardy flora withers away midst the dust of bright yellow blossoms, but the earth harbors their seeds, ensuring that life shall one day come full circle.  
Obvious paths: north, southwest.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Etasia says to you, "Seems clear."

Tirost nods.

Kalinandra nods to you.

> act quickens her pace, but not so quick that she can't watch the area around her.
(Dantia quickens her pace, but not so quick that she can't watch the area around her.)

> sw
You go southwest, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
A deobar sapling, no taller than a Human child, stretches its slender limbs outward and embraces the nighttime sky as if glimpsing it for the first time.  Turning southwards, the road assumes a gentle incline that reaches its peak atop a barren hillock, which is spared the tangled briars and ravaging weeds that pervade the northeast passage.
You also see a pile of limbs.
Obvious exits: northeast, south.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

> nibble dantia
You nibble your lip thoughtfully.

> s
You go south, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Hillock]
The gradual slope provides a limited view of the surrounding treetops, but not much else.  Pointed conifers and other evergreens form the skyline in all directions save the east-northeast, where black-twisted trees consume the landscape with a darkness far deeper than mere night.  These must be the warped creations of a maddened mage, for such monstrosities could never grow naturally in Endrus Forest.
Also here: Knight of Meraud Tirost, Glitterbug Kalinandra, War Wizard Etasia and Sfarns del Dzive Nawain.
Obvious paths: north, south.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Nawain moves over to guard you.

> s
You go south, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
Resplendent pine trees tower over a low-lying thicket laden with oralana.  The branches rustle with movement, and a small woodland creature scampers to the ground, darting into the thicket with something in its mouth.
You also see a pine tree.
Obvious paths: north, southeast.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Sir Madigan just arrived.

Sir Madigan runs southeast.

Etasia ponders thoughtfully

Etasia casually observes the area.

Nawain solemnly says to you, "More moating."

Kalinandra leans on her nodachi.

> act stumbles on a stray limb, and take a moment to sort herself out again.
(Dantia stumbles on a stray limb, and take a moment to sort herself out again.)

> nod nawai
You nod to Nawain.

> adjust rose
You adjust your Therengian rose into place.

Nawain winces.

Etasia gets a hazy glass gyre prominently inscribed with esoteric runes from inside her kidskin haversack.

> say /wryly Too busy looking everywhere but right in front of me.
You wryly say, "Too busy looking everywhere but right in front of me."

Etasia whispers, "can we hold a second?"

> nod etas
You nod to Etasia.

Nawain grins.

> say We'll hold here a moment.
You say, "We'll hold here a moment."

Etasia concentrates on her gyre, releasing a frenzy of light and sound!
Helixes and cross-patterns of brownish-white crystals grow rapidly across Etasia.
Etasia looks steadier.
A glowing amber mist briefly appears around Etasia's arms.
Etasia's throat contracts as a faint wisp of smoke rises from her lips.
A halo of fire flickers into being and hovers around her neck and mouth briefly.

Crobin wavers into view for a moment.

Kalinandra asks, "It is winter.  Do we dare try to burn a way through?"

Kalinandra chortles softly at some secret joke.

> grin kali
You grin at Kalinandra.

Etasia whispers, "thank you all set"

Tirost chuckles.

Etasia puts her gyre in her kidskin haversack.

Etasia puts her gyre in her kidskin haversack.

> nod etasi
You nod to Etasia.

Tirost says, "Tempting...."

> say And onward again.
You say, "And onward again."

> se
You go southeast, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
The ground here is hard and unyielding, packed to rock-like consistency by ceaseless caravans and the boots of stalwart adventurers.  Faint cracks trace the surface like webs from a demented spider, prompting a slight detour for an orderly column of black ants.  Southwest, an overgrown footpath leads off the main road towards a grove of sana'ati trees.
You also see a flattened skunk in the middle of the road.
Obvious paths: southeast, northwest.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

You hear someone humming from the shadows.

Kalinandra searches around for a moment.

Tirost searches around for a moment.

Kalinandra squints.

> glance skunk
You glance at a flattened skunk in the middle of the road.

> blanch
You blanch.

Tirost searches around for a moment.

Tirost says, "Someone's here."

Etasia searches around for a moment.

> say Let's continue to move...
You say, "Let's continue to move..."

Tirost says, "I can't quite make out there location, but I can sense them."

Tirost nods.

Kalinandra nods.

Crobin wavers into view for a moment.
Crobin joins your group.

Etasia frowns.

> rub purse
You rub a gold coin purse.

> se
You go southeast, leading your group.

Along the north, the trees and shrubs are fairly homogeneous, much the same as other wild growth at the same latitude and altitude anywhere in this hemisphere of Elanthia.  To the south, abruptly and preternaturally, all sorts of trees appear that ought not to be growing side by side or in each other's shade.  A profusion of evergreens, hardwoods, fruit trees, flowering trees and shrubs, spread themselves out as far south as you can see.
You also see a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs and a pile of limbs.
Also here: Monster Bulgrot.
Obvious paths: southwest, northwest.
Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost and Nawain followed.

Bulgrot yells, "HALT!!"

Tirost frowns.

Bulgrot clears his throat.

Bulgrot visibly quakes with an inner fury!

> blink
You blink.

Bulgrot whirls about in a bold, flashy manner!

Bulgrot rudely says, "Excuse my rude."

Kalinandra raises an eyebrow in Bulgrot's direction.

Tirost touches the tattoo on his shoulder and closes his eyes in concentration.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Righteous Wrath spell.

Etasia gestures at Bulgrot.
A flash of electrical light issues from Etasia's hands!
Bulgrot quickly looks away, avoiding the bright flash.

Nawain frowns.

Bulgrot rudely says, "As you can see."

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

Etasia frowns.

Bulgrot whirls about in a bold, flashy manner!

Bulgrot visibly churns with an inner rage!

Bulgrot rudely says, "A bit of situation has occurred here."

> act takes a half step backwards, pointedly more behind the rest of the people in her group.
(Dantia takes a half step backwards, pointedly more behind the rest of the people in her group.)

Tirost gestures.
Tirost lifts his fist toward the heavens and with a mighty shout displays his righteous wrath.

Tirost gets an icy blue crystal from inside his storyteller's bag.
Tirost holds an icy blue crystal in his hand and closes his eyes in concentration.
Tirost inhales sharply.  Though there is no apparent physical change to him, he seems more determined.
Tirost puts his crystal in his storyteller's bag.

Kalinandra closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

Bulgrot whirls about in a bold, flashy manner!

Bulgrot visibly churns with an inner rage!

Tirost asks, "So it has. Your doing?"

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Ignite spell.

Kalinandra searches around for a moment.

Nawain just tried to pull a pile of limbs.

A deep howl of bloodlust erupts from Bulgrot as his chest puffs out from the strain of corded chest muscles tightening all at once!

Bulgrot rudely asks you, "I ascertain you to be the leader? of this group?"

> glance tiros
You glance at Tirost, a male Human.

Bulgrot whirls about in a bold, flashy manner!

Bulgrot makes a disgusting grunting noise.

Bulgrot visibly churns with an inner rage!

> cough dantia
You clear your throat.

Kalinandra folds her arms across her chest.

Bulgrot visibly quakes with an inner fury!

Tirost draws forth a leather-bound black book inlaid with gold arcane symbols.
Tirost's black book suddenly bursts into flames!

Nawain exhales involuntarily and shifts her stance, as if now under a heavy burden.

Tirost gets a curving bloodwood branch from inside his storyteller's bag.
Tirost holds a curving bloodwood branch in his hand and closes his eyes in concentration.
Tirost puts his branch in his storyteller's bag.

You say, "These are my companions, yes. We are traveling to Leth Deriel."

Tirost gets an indurium phoenix with eyes of canary diamond from inside his storyteller's bag.
Tirost holds an indurium phoenix with eyes of canary diamond in his hand and closes his eyes in concentration.
A wild fervor flashes in Tirost's eyes.
Tirost puts his phoenix in his storyteller's bag.

You notice Etasia attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Etasia traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Ignite spell.

Bulgrot nods.

Arcsicsin says, "I think i got all of the small piles cleared."

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You recognize the familiar mnemonics of the Lay Ward spell.

Bulgrot visibly quakes with an inner fury!

Arcsicsin says, "But this road block will take soem time."

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

Arcsicsin nods to Bulgrot.

Tirost gestures.
A glowing amber mist briefly appears around Tirost's arms.

Etasia squints at Bulgrot.

Bulgrot rudely says, "Well we will have this mess here cleared in no time, if you wouldn't mind standing just to the side of the road there."

>say We had heard reports of limbs littering the road, we didn't expect them to be this bad.
You say, "We had heard reports of limbs littering the road, we didn't expect them to be this bad."

A subdued blackness emanates from Nawain.

Bulgrot rudely says, "While my dimwitted companion makes himself useful."

Etasia asks Bulgrot, "And who might ye be?"

Bulgrot nods to you.

Nawain squints.

Etasia raises an eyebrow in Bulgrot's direction.

Bulgrot rudely says to Etasia, "I'm Bulgrot."

Arcsicsin nods to you.

Etasia says, "We mind."

Nawain searches around for a moment.

> nod slight
You give a slight nod.

Etasia's haralun broadsword suddenly bursts into flames!

Bulgrot shakes Etasia's hand.

Arcsicsin exclaims to you, "You should of seen this caravan!"

Etasia says, "We must continue."

Arcsicsin says, "Flattened a skunk back over there."

Tirost puts his book in his storyteller's bag.
The flames dancing along a leather-bound black book inlaid with gold arcane symbols suddenly extinguish.

> say }Arc I can only imagine...
You say to Arcsicsin, "I can only imagine..."

Arcsicsin points northwest.

Etasia shakes Bulgrot's hand.

Arcsicsin exclaims to you, "Dropped logs here!"

Bulgrot nods.

Bulgrot rudely says, "Was quite the sight."

Bulgrot whirls about in a bold, flashy manner!

Bulgrot opens his mouth wide as a thunderous belch rolls up from the pit of his stomach.

Tirost whispers to your group, "This doesn't feel right."

> say }Etasia Perhaps we should simply stand to the side and wait?
You ask Etasia, "Perhaps we should simply stand to the side and wait?"

Bulgrot rudely says, "Almost spilt my beer."

Tirost whispers to your group, "Be ready."


Nawain gets an icy blue crystal from inside her watersilk bag.
Nawain holds an icy blue crystal in her hand and closes her eyes in concentration.
Nawain inhales sharply.  Though there is no apparent physical change to her, she seems more determined.
Nawain puts her crystal in her watersilk bag.

Nawain gets an indurium phoenix with eyes of canary diamond from inside her watersilk bag.
Nawain holds an indurium phoenix with eyes of canary diamond in her hand and closes her eyes in concentration.
A wild fervor flashes in Nawain's eyes.
Nawain puts her phoenix in her watersilk bag.

Bulgrot whirls about in a bold, flashy manner!

Bulgrot visibly quakes with an inner fury!

Bulgrot visibly churns with an inner rage!

Bulgrot nods to you.

Etasia says to Bulgrot, "We must continue on if you will move out of our way now."

Arcsicsin says, "People falling all over the place and they just drove off.....had a sign i think sayiung it was from Theren."

Bulgrot whirls about in a bold, flashy manner!

Bulgrot grows healthier before your eyes!

Bulgrot narrows his eyes, focused within his fury.

Kalinandra whispers to your group, "I told you that guy babbling about the road was off!"

(Nawain kicks at the nearest piles in a semblance of helpfullness while peering about suspiciously.)

Bulgrot rudely says to you, "Its clear enough for solo travelers, but not yet a group as large as yours."

Etasia squints at Bulgrot.

nod kali slight
You give Kalinandra a slight nod.

Bulgrot nods to you.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

You hear a male voice yell from the northwest, "They are close...get them."

Tirost says, "We'll move single file."

Bulgrot moves about with magnified violence!

Nawain points at Elysan, ruining his hiding place.

> glance Tiros
You glance at Tirost, a male Human.

Nawain shakes her head at Elysan.

Crobin wavers into view for a moment.
Crobin joins your group.

Bulgrot visibly quakes with an inner fury!

Kalinandra growls ferociously!

Bulgrot whirls about in a bold, flashy manner!

Bulgrot maneuvers about with supernatural grace!

Arcsicsin grabs your arm and tries to drag you, but you resist and stand firm.

Elysan goes southwest.

> glance arc
You glance at Arcsicsin.  His features are hard to make out.

Nawain stops guarding you.
Nawain begins to advance on Arcsicsin.

Bulgrot blinks at Arcsicsin.

Bulgrot whirls about in a bold, flashy manner!

Arcsicsin grabs your arm and tries to drag you, but you resist and stand firm.

Arcsicsin grabs your arm and tries to drag you, but you resist and stand firm.

Bulgrot grabs your arm and tries to drag you, but you resist and stand firm.

Tirost says to Arcsicsin, "Touch her and die."

Etasia whispers to your group, "dantia split off with crobin and we shall hold them off"

Nawain closes to pole weapon range on Arcsicsin.

Kalinandra glares at Arcsicsin.

Nawain closes to melee range on Arcsicsin.

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Arc Light spell.

Bulgrot rudely says to you, "You are heavy."

Tirost begins to advance on Arcsicsin.

Tirost makes a sharp overhand slapping motion at Arcsicsin.
Arcsicsin's target shield jerks around as a gale blows past it.
Arcsicsin is struck by a violent wind that lands a glancing strike to his abdomen!

Closing his eyes, Tirost grunts briefly in effort as a small earthen ethereal fissure opens in front of him.  Thrusting his hand through, Tirost draws out an electric javelin.  As Tirost opens his eyes, the fissure closes.

Bulgrot coughs.

Arcsicsin's body abruptly ripples and changes form, causing Tirost's attack to miss outright.
Tirost hurls an electric javelin at Arcsicsin.  The javelin lands a harmless blow to his right arm!  
The electric javelin lands at Tirost's feet.

Arcsicsin retreats from combat.

Arcsicsin retreats from combat.

> scoff
You scoff.

Nawain gestures at Arcsicsin.
Conjoined by cobwebby traceries of light, five red motes are drawn out from Arcsicsin's eyes and swing apart harmoniously around him.  As the pentad of motes then gyrates with dizzying velocity, Arcsicsin becomes encased in a spectral cocoon which soon sinks into his body.  The motes disappear into the ground one by one.

Etasia traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Arc Light spell.

Tirost closes to pole weapon range on Arcsicsin.

A lucent sphere enfolds Nawain.

Nawain tries to move onward, but something holds her fast.

Tirost gestures at Arcsicsin.
A flash of electrical light issues from Tirost's hands!
The bright flash disorients Arcsicsin.

Tirost closes to melee range on Arcsicsin.

Nawain draws forth a braided smokewhorl whip from the ties on her thigh straps.

Arcsicsin tremors suddenly and rouses from his stupor.

You catch Garrass making a grab for your pockets!
Garrass comes out of hiding.
Garrass's attempt at theft is revealed!
The timely intervention by your guardian, Etasia, stops Garrass in his act of trying to pick your pocket.

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Tingle spell.

Closing his eyes, Tirost grunts briefly in effort as a small electrical ethereal fissure opens in front of him.  Thrusting his hand through, Tirost draws out an electric lance.  As Tirost opens his eyes, the fissure closes.

Nawain whips her smokewhorl whip at Arcsicsin.  The smokewhorl whip lands a light hit (1/23) to Arcsicsin's left arm.

Tirost sidesteps and adjusts his footing.
Tirost swiftly launches an assault with wide swipes of his lance!
Tirost's electric lance lands a hard hit (5/23) to Arcsicsin's chest!

Nawain whips her smokewhorl whip at Arcsicsin.  A braided smokewhorl whip with fire whirl rubies set into a long tapered handle is deflected by Arcsicsin's target shield.

> gasp
You gasp!

Nawain whips her smokewhorl whip at Arcsicsin.  Arcsicsin deftly sidesteps Nawain's smokewhorl whip.

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

You notice Arcsicsin slip into a hiding place.

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

Tirost sidesteps and adjusts his footing.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

You hear a dark, chilling cackle of laughter nearby.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Bulgrot visibly quakes with an inner fury!

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

> say They have companions trying to steal from me!
You exclaim, "They have companions trying to steal from me!"

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

You notice Kalinandra attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Kalinandra's eyes go distant as she quickly forms intricate patterns in the air.
You recognize the familiar mnemonics of the Aggressive Stance spell.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Nawain scowls.

A deep howl of bloodlust erupts from Bulgrot as his chest puffs out from the strain of corded chest muscles tightening all at once!

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Bulgrot moves about with magnified violence!

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

You hear the dark voice of Garrass exclaim, "I am the greatest thief of all time!"

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Arcsicsin tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Tirost searches around for a moment.

You catch Garrass making a grab for your pockets!
Garrass comes out of hiding.
Garrass's attempt at theft is revealed!
The timely intervention by your guardian, Etasia, stops Garrass in his act of trying to pick your pocket.

Kalinandra gestures.

An eerie, whispered sigh echoes around Nawain.

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

Nawain smirks.

You notice Kalinandra attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Kalinandra's eyes go distant as she quickly forms intricate patterns in the air.
You recognize the familiar mnemonics of the Vigor spell.

Bulgrot rudely says, "We've been found out."

Arcsicsin comes out of hiding.

Arcsicsin grabs hold of Tirost.

As a terrible, burning rage fills Bulgrot's eyes, he bunches his muscles for a high leap.  Barreling through the air like an angry catapult boulder, Bulgrot all but crashes onto Nawain!
Nawain's silver glow flares.
Bulgrot stomps an armored right foot at Nawain.  The foot lands a good strike (3/23) to her left leg!  
Bulgrot stomps an armored left foot at Nawain.  The foot lands a good strike (3/23) to her left leg!  

Sweeping currents of faint black lines eddy around Nawain for a moment.

You notice Arcsicsin attempting to conceal his spell preparations.
Arcsicsin inhales sharply as transparent waves of building energy distort the color of his surroundings for a moment.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Deadfall spell.

> stand etasia
You stand near Etasia.

Small sparks of electricity dance in the air between Tirost and Arcsicsin.
Arcsicsin grimaces.

Bulgrot sidesteps and adjusts his footing.
Bulgrot makes an agile leap towards Nawain, attacking her with a mighty cleave!
Bulgrot's double axe lands a solid hit (4/23) to Nawain's neck!
Nawain is lightly stunned!

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Tremor spell.

Tirost gouges his fingers at Arcsicsin.  The fingers lands a light hit (1/23) to his right hand!  

Bulgrot bull-rushes at Nawain, flattening her with a weighty shoulder strike.

Kalinandra gestures.
Kalinandra closes her eyes and settles into a graceful stance.

Tirost takes a step back and readies his blade behind him.
Arcsicsin's body abruptly ripples and changes form, causing Tirost's attack to miss outright.
Tirost dashes quickly at Arcsicsin, attacking him with a mighty cleave!
Tirost's marauder blade lands a glancing strike to Arcsicsin's right hand!

You notice Kalinandra attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Kalinandra's eyes go distant as she quickly forms intricate patterns in the air.
You recognize the familiar mnemonics of the Iron Constitution spell.

Nawain leaps to her feet!

> say Etasia, keep them from my pockets.
You say, "Etasia, keep them from my pockets."

Arcsicsin gestures at Tirost.
Small globes of blue and orange light appear and dart upward like fireflies.
Creating an ominous shadow, a cracked senci gargoyle falls from above!
The gargoyle slams heavily into Tirost, knocking him completely out!

Bulgrot retreats from combat.

Bulgrot retreats from combat.

Arcsicsin butts his chain-clad forehead at Tirost.  


Nawain begins to advance on Bulgrot.

A shroud of vapor rises from Arcsicsin's body, dissipating rapidly from view.

With a spiderweb of electrical sparks, an electric javelin diffuses away into nothing.

The sphere surrounding Tirost thrums with energy and he seems somehow empowered.

Arcsicsin butts his chain-clad forehead at Tirost.  The forehead lands a good hit (2/23) to his chest!  

Bulgrot begins to advance on Etasia.

You catch Garrass making a grab for your pockets!
Garrass comes out of hiding.
Garrass's attempt at theft is revealed!
The timely intervention by your guardian, Etasia, stops Garrass in his act of trying to pick your pocket.

The sphere surrounding Tirost thrums with energy and he seems somehow empowered.

Arcsicsin butts his chain-clad forehead at Tirost.  The forehead lands a light hit (1/23) to his chest!  

Kalinandra gestures.
A liquid, dusky light cascades down Kalinandra's body like thick honey before thinning out.

Etasia stops guarding you.

Etasia begins to advance on Bulgrot.

Tirost gestures.
The earth beneath your feet begins to shake violently!

Arcsicsin is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth!  Ripples on the ground cascade away from Tirost, sending Arcsicsin tumbling away from him.

You notice Kalinandra attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Kalinandra's eyes go distant as she quickly forms intricate patterns in the air.
You recognize the familiar mnemonics of the Heal spell.

Nawain closes to pole weapon range on Bulgrot.

Kalinandra gestures.
A soft crackle briefly comes from Kalinandra's direction.

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Electrostatic Eddy spell.

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

Bulgrot closes to pole weapon range on Etasia.

Bulgrot stops Etasia from advancing any farther.

> praise etasia
You praise Etasia's efforts, supporting her with your approval.

Arcsicsin stands up.

Arcsicsin retreats from combat.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.
Arcsicsin is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth!

Arcsicsin stands up.

Bulgrot's bearing is full of confidence and battle fury, and that fury is expressed in a roar of unrelenting rage.

Etasia begins to advance on Bulgrot.

Bulgrot closes to melee range on Etasia.

Bulgrot stops Etasia from advancing any farther.

You notice Nawain attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Nawain inhales deeply and adopts a naturally cyclical rhythm to her breaths.
You decipher the signs of a Holy targeted spell!

Nawain begins to focus intently around herself.

Tirost stands up.

Tirost begins to advance on Arcsicsin.

Etasia slices a triple-fullered haralun broadsword bearing a nacre hilt at Bulgrot.  The broadsword lands a good hit (2/23) to his right arm!  

Nawain closes to melee range on Bulgrot.

Tirost inhales sharply, then violently spits a bolt of churning flame toward Arcsicsin!
Some of the fiery breath breaks against his target shield.
The incendiary spittle lightly licks at his abdomen.

You notice Kalinandra attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Kalinandra's eyes go distant as she quickly forms intricate patterns in the air.
You recognize the familiar mnemonics of the Nissa's Binding spell.

Tirost makes a sharp overhand slapping motion at Arcsicsin.
Arcsicsin's target shield jerks around as a gale blows past it.
Arcsicsin is struck by a violent wind that lands a good hit (2/23) to his left leg and kicks up a cloud of debris!

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.
Arcsicsin is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth!

Closing his eyes, Tirost grunts briefly in effort as a small earthen ethereal fissure opens in front of him.  Thrusting his hand through, Tirost draws out an electric javelin.  As Tirost opens his eyes, the fissure closes.

Bulgrot's rage at his wounds boils over.

Etasia is obscured as the intricate matrices of crystals around her chest shatter!
Bulgrot draws a tyrium double axe at Etasia.  The axe lands a light hit (1/23) to her chest!  

Nawain jabs a scarlet glaes pasabas inlaid with Eth'ral'khh symbols at Bulgrot.  

Tirost hurls an electric javelin at Arcsicsin.  The javelin lands a strong hit (6/23) that electrocutes the chest with a blow to the ribcage, lightly stunning him!  
The electric javelin lodges itself shallowly into Arcsicsin!

Nawain jabs a scarlet glaes pasabas inlaid with Eth'ral'khh symbols at Bulgrot.  

> say We will not be taken so easily!
You exclaim, "We will not be taken so easily!"

Nawain jabs a scarlet glaes pasabas inlaid with Eth'ral'khh symbols at Bulgrot.  

Bulgrot whirls about in a bold, flashy manner!

Nawain jabs a scarlet glaes pasabas inlaid with Eth'ral'khh symbols at Bulgrot.  

Arcsicsin tremors suddenly and rouses from his stupor.

Tirost closes to pole weapon range on Arcsicsin.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.
Arcsicsin shakes with the movement of the ground.  Ripples on the ground cascade away from Tirost, sending Arcsicsin tumbling away from him.

Arcsicsin stands up.

You catch Garrass making a grab for your pockets!
Garrass comes out of hiding.
You stop Garrass in his act of trying to pick your pocket.  It's a good thing you caught him in time!

Nawain jabs a scarlet glaes pasabas inlaid with Eth'ral'khh symbols at Bulgrot.  The pasabas blazes red, striking out with an uncontrolled flame and lands a light hit (1/23) to his right arm!  

Etasia slices a triple-fullered haralun broadsword bearing a nacre hilt at Bulgrot.  

Bulgrot's bearing is full of confidence and battle fury, and that fury is expressed in a roar of unrelenting rage.
Etasia resists the roar's efforts to further debilitate her limbs.

Tirost closes to pole weapon range on Arcsicsin.

Tirost gestures.
The air around Tirost begins to crackle with static electricity!

You hear a male voice yell from the northwest, "COME ON LADS THAT MONEY IS OURS."

An icy blade circling Etasia glances off Bulgrot's shield and lands a good hit (2/23) to his left eye!

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.
Arcsicsin is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth!  Ripples on the ground cascade away from Tirost, sending Arcsicsin tumbling away from him.

Nawain strikes her heel against the ground.
Fiery white magma bubbles up from the dirt underfoot!

The strong smell of ozone accompanies a bolt discharging through Arcsicsin.

Tirost closes to pole weapon range on Arcsicsin.

> touch Tiro
You touch Tirost with a confident grace and familiar smile.
You sense a successful empathic link has been forged between you and Tirost.
You feel the burning fire of pain and suffering building slowly as you instinctively draw out the truth behind Tirost's injuries.

Tirost's injuries include...
Wounds to the CHEST:
  Fresh External:  light scratches -- insignificant
  Fresh Internal:  slightly tender -- insignificant
Tirost has normal vitality.
He is insignificantly tired.

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Arc Light spell.

Nawain jabs a scarlet glaes pasabas inlaid with Eth'ral'khh symbols at Bulgrot.  The pasabas lands a light hit (1/23) to his right arm!  

Arcsicsin stands up.

Tirost points at Arcsicsin, ruining his attempt to hide.

Etasia slices a triple-fullered haralun broadsword bearing a nacre hilt at Bulgrot.  

Tirost makes a sharp overhand slapping motion at Arcsicsin.
Arcsicsin is struck by a violent wind that lands a good hit (2/23) to his abdomen, sending a sharp chill through the area.

Kalinandra holds out her arms, then brings them down evenly.
Crobin stumbles out of concealment.
Crobin wobbles slightly, then collapses into sleep.
Arcsicsin wobbles slightly, then collapses into sleep.
Etasia wobbles slightly, then collapses into sleep.
Garrass wobbles slightly, then collapses into sleep.
Tirost wobbles slightly, then collapses into sleep.
In your tranquil state, you deftly extrovert your psyche to bear the assault.
You feel a wave of lethargy wash over you, but you stifle a yawn and are able to fight it off.

Nawain jabs a scarlet glaes pasabas inlaid with Eth'ral'khh symbols at Bulgrot.  

Bulgrot draws a tyrium double axe at Etasia.  The axe lands a good strike to her chest!  
Bulgrot draws a tyrium double axe at Etasia.  The axe lands a good strike (3/23) to her chest!  

Bulgrot's rage at his wounds boils over.

Etasia is obscured as the intricate matrices of crystals around her chest shatter!

Bulgrot draws a tyrium double axe at Etasia.  The axe lands a good strike (3/23) to her chest!  

Nawain jabs a scarlet glaes pasabas inlaid with Eth'ral'khh symbols at Bulgrot.  The pasabas blazes red, shooting forth an uncontrolled flame and lands a light hit (1/23) to his right arm!  

Boiling tongues of magma race wrathfully in another path.
The trickles of white magma cool, forming ashy cinders which quickly disperse.

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.
Arcsicsin shakes with the movement of the ground.  Ripples on the ground cascade away from Tirost, sending Arcsicsin tumbling away from him.

Nawain jabs a scarlet glaes pasabas inlaid with Eth'ral'khh symbols at Bulgrot.  

> touch Naw
You touch Nawain with a confident grace and familiar smile.
You sense a successful empathic link has been forged between you and Nawain.
You feel the burning fire of pain and suffering building slowly as you instinctively draw out the truth behind Nawain's injuries.

Nawain's injuries include...
Wounds to the NECK:
  Fresh External:  light scratches -- negligible
  Fresh Internal:  slightly tender -- negligible

Nawain is suffering from a mild loss of vitality (10%).
(Nawain has 90% vitality remaining.)
She is insignificantly tired.

Arcsicsin serenely opens his eyes.

Nawain jabs a scarlet glaes pasabas inlaid with Eth'ral'khh symbols at Bulgrot.  The pasabas lands a light hit (1/23) to his neck!  

Nawain jabs a scarlet glaes pasabas inlaid with Eth'ral'khh symbols at Bulgrot.  

Kalinandra exclaims, "Whoops!  Sorry!"

Nawain jabs a scarlet glaes pasabas inlaid with Eth'ral'khh symbols at Bulgrot.  The pasabas flashes red, shooting forth an uncontrolled flame and lands a light hit (1/23) to his left leg!  

The vapor surrounding Etasia coalesces into an icy blade that joins the pair of deadly weapons already twirling about her.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.
Arcsicsin shakes with the movement of the ground.

Bulgrot narrows his eyes, focused within his fury.

Nawain sheathes her glaes pasabas and ties it to her thigh straps.

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Arc Light spell.

Tirost stands up.

Tirost lowers his shoulders and steadies his weapon.

Tirost begins to advance on Arcsicsin.

Arcsicsin stands up.

Tirost makes a sharp overhand slapping motion at Arcsicsin.
Arcsicsin's target shield jerks around as a gale blows past it.
Arcsicsin is struck by a violent wind that lands a good strike (3/23) to his abdomen!

You notice Etasia attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Etasia traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Chain Lightning spell.

Etasia begins to focus intently around herself.

Closing his eyes, Tirost grunts briefly in effort as a small earthen ethereal fissure opens in front of him.  Thrusting his hand through, Tirost draws out an electric javelin.  As Tirost opens his eyes, the fissure closes.

Nawain sheathes her smokewhorl whip and ties it to her thigh straps.

Kalinandra chortles softly at some secret joke.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.
Arcsicsin is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth!

Nawain draws forth an elegant tyrium nodachi from the ties on her thigh straps.

Tirost hurls an electric javelin at Arcsicsin.
The electric javelin lands nearby!

The strong smell of ozone accompanies a bolt discharging through Arcsicsin.

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Bulgrot.  The nodachi lands a light hit (1/23) to his chest!  

Arcsicsin stands up.

Wild Archer Arcsicsin goes northwest.

The wild fervor in Tirost's eyes reminds you of your own inner beast.

An icy blade circling Etasia slides harmlessly along Bulgrot's armor with a high-pitched squeal.

Etasia growls, and throws off the weakness debilitating her limbs.

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Bulgrot.  

Appearing to have lost sight of his target, Tirost stops advancing.

Bulgrot's rage at his wounds boils over.

Nawain's silver glow flares.
Bulgrot draws a tyrium double axe at Nawain.  The axe lands a good strike (3/23) to her right leg!  

Etasia thrusts her left arm forward, fingers splayed.
A storm of blinding white lightning arcs from Etasia's fingertips!
A bolt glances off Bulgrot's targe, causing a shower of sparks.
The worst of a bolt misses Bulgrot, but tendrils of lightning lash out in passing to scorch his chest.

say }Kali An easy mistake in the chaos!
You exclaim to Kalinandra, "An easy mistake in the chaos!"

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Bulgrot.  

Crobin yawns and stretches, coming out of his sleep.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.

Bulgrot takes a full step back and plants his feet firmly.
Nawain's silver glow flares.
Bulgrot attempts to cleave through Nawain with his axe!
Bulgrot's double axe lands a hard hit (5/23) to Nawain's abdomen!
Nawain is lightly stunned!

The violent heaving of the earth finally subsides.

You notice Etasia attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Etasia traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Air Lash spell.

Etasia begins to focus intently on Bulgrot.

Etasia slices a triple-fullered haralun broadsword bearing a nacre hilt at Bulgrot.  

Kalinandra grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Bulgrot.  

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

Etasia assesses her combat situation.

Crobin comes out of hiding.

You catch Garrass making a grab for your pockets!
You stop Garrass in his act of trying to pick your pocket.  It's a good thing you caught him in time!

You notice Nawain attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Nawain inhales deeply and adopts a naturally cyclical rhythm to her breaths.
You decipher the signs of a Holy debilitation spell!

Kalinandra says, "Sure it is."

Bulgrot spins around to face Etasia!
An icy blade circling Etasia glances off Bulgrot's shield and lands a good hit (2/23) to his head!

Etasia draws a triple-fullered haralun broadsword bearing a nacre hilt at Bulgrot.  

Crobin wavers into view for a moment.
Crobin joins your group.

Bulgrot narrows his eyes, focused within his fury.

Kalinandra snickers.

Bulgrot's rage at his wounds boils over.

Etasia is obscured as the intricate matrices of crystals around her chest shatter!
Bulgrot draws a tyrium double axe at Etasia.  The axe lands a strong hit (6/23) to her chest!  

Etasia fixes Bulgrot with an intent stare.
The piercing screech of tortured air assaults your ears, punctuated by a sharp **CRACK!**!
He manages to get out of the way!

Nawain points a crooked finger at Bulgrot and garbles an unintelligible curse.
Nothing happens.

Etasia slices a triple-fullered haralun broadsword bearing a nacre hilt at Bulgrot.  

Bulgrot's bearing is full of confidence and battle fury, and that fury is expressed in a roar of unrelenting rage.

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Bulgrot.  The nodachi lands a good strike (3/23) that scratches the right bicep (But another battle scar for his collection!)!  

The air around Tirost crackles with more static electricity causing more random discharges!

An icy blade circling Etasia slashes past Bulgrot, narrowly missing him.

You catch Garrass making a grab for your pockets!
Garrass comes out of hiding.
You stop Garrass in his act of trying to pick your pocket.  It's a good thing you caught him in time!

The vapor surrounding Etasia coalesces into an icy blade that joins the pair of deadly weapons already twirling about her.

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Bulgrot.  

Etasia is obscured as the intricate matrices of crystals around her right leg shatter!
Bulgrot draws a tyrium double axe at Etasia.  The axe lands a good strike (3/23) to her right leg!  

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Bulgrot.  

Etasia is obscured as the intricate matrices of crystals around her right leg shatter!
Bulgrot draws a tyrium double axe at Etasia.  The axe lands a hard hit (5/23) to her right leg!  

Bulgrot whirls about in a bold, flashy manner!

> act clutches her coin purse closely to her, trying to fend off the multiple grabs from hiding.
(Dantia clutches her coin purse closely to her, trying to fend off the multiple grabs from hiding.)

Tirost gestures at Bulgrot.
A flash of electrical light issues from Tirost's hands!
The bright flash disorients Bulgrot.

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Bulgrot.  

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Tremor spell.

Tirost begins to advance on Bulgrot.

Tirost makes a sharp overhand slapping motion at Bulgrot.
Bulgrot's targe jerks around as a gale blows past it.
Bulgrot is struck by a violent wind that lands a good hit (2/23) to his abdomen!

Closing his eyes, Tirost grunts briefly in effort as a small earthen ethereal fissure opens in front of him.  Thrusting his hand through, Tirost draws out an electric javelin.  As Tirost opens his eyes, the fissure closes.

An icy blade circling Etasia glances off Bulgrot's shield and lands a good hit (2/23) to his back!

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Bulgrot.  

Tirost hurls an electric javelin at Bulgrot.  
The electric javelin lands nearby!

Etasia whispers to your group, "dantia should go ahead"

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Bulgrot.  

With a spiderweb of electrical sparks, an electric javelin diffuses away into nothing.

You catch Garrass making a grab for your pockets!
Garrass comes out of hiding.
You stop Garrass in his act of trying to pick your pocket.  It's a good thing you caught him in time!

The strong smell of ozone accompanies a bolt discharging through Bulgrot.

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

Tirost closes to pole weapon range on Bulgrot.

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Bulgrot.  

Tirost closes to melee range on Bulgrot.

An icy blade circling Etasia glances off Bulgrot's shield and lands a good hit (2/23) to his right arm!

The vapor surrounding Etasia coalesces into a pair of icy blades that join the deadly weapon already twirling about her.

Bulgrot retreats from combat.

Tirost gestures.
The earth beneath your feet begins to shake violently!
Bulgrot manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly!

You notice Etasia attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Etasia traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Arc Light spell.

Sweeping currents of faint black lines eddy around Nawain for a moment.

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Lightning Bolt spell.

Tirost begins to focus intently on Bulgrot.

Tirost begins to advance on Bulgrot.

Nawain begins to advance on Bulgrot.

You notice Garrass attempting to conceal his spell preparations despite his invisibility.
You see a sweeping movement out of the corner of your eye.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Deadfall spell.

Tirost makes a sharp overhand slapping motion at Bulgrot.
Bulgrot's targe jerks around as a gale blows past it.
Bulgrot is struck by a violent wind that lands a hard hit (5/23) to his back!
Bulgrot is lightly stunned!

Etasia stands up.

Closing his eyes, Tirost grunts briefly in effort as a small earthen ethereal fissure opens in front of him.  Thrusting his hand through, Tirost draws out an electric javelin.  As Tirost opens his eyes, the fissure closes.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.
Bulgrot is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth!  Ripples on the ground cascade away from Tirost, sending Bulgrot tumbling away from him.

You hear a male voice yell from the northwest, SHE HAS MAGES ON HER SIDE....SILENCE THEM.

Etasia begins to advance on Bulgrot.

Tirost hurls an electric javelin at Bulgrot.  The javelin lands a heavy strike (7/23) that barely pierces the skin to nick the chest!  
The electric javelin lodges itself shallowly into Bulgrot!

Tirost closes to pole weapon range on Bulgrot.

Nawain closes to melee range on Bulgrot.

> whisper group I won't leave you all here to fight alone.
You whisper to Nawain, Etasia, Kalinandra, and Tirost, "I won't leave you all here to fight alone."

You notice Nawain attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Nawain inhales deeply and adopts a naturally cyclical rhythm to her breaths.
You decipher the signs of a Holy debilitation spell!

The strong smell of ozone accompanies a bolt discharging through Bulgrot.

Etasia closes to melee range on Bulgrot.

Etasia growls, and throws off the weakness debilitating her limbs.

Tirost closes to melee range on Bulgrot.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.
Bulgrot shakes with the movement of the ground.

You catch Garrass making a grab for your pockets!
Garrass comes out of hiding.
You stop Garrass in his act of trying to pick your pocket.  It's a good thing you caught him in time!

> touch naw
You touch Nawain with a confident grace and familiar smile.
You sense a successful empathic link has been forged between you and Nawain.
You feel the burning fire of pain and suffering building slowly as you instinctively draw out the truth behind Nawain's injuries.

Nawain's injuries include...
Wounds to the NECK:
  Fresh External:  light scratches -- negligible
  Fresh Internal:  slightly tender -- negligible
Wounds to the RIGHT LEG:
  Fresh External:  light scratches -- insignificant
  Fresh Internal:  slightly tender -- insignificant
Wounds to the ABDOMEN:
  Fresh External:  cuts and bruises about the abdomen -- more than minor
  Fresh Internal:  minor swelling and bruising in the abdomen -- more than minor

Nawain is suffering from a mild loss of vitality (19%).
(Nawain has 81% vitality remaining.)
She is a little tired.

Crobin wavers into view for a moment.
Crobin joins your group.

A wild sylvan-hued flash glints off of Arcsicsin's narrowed left eye as he aims at Tirost with his diamondwood shortbow.

Tirost concentrates for a moment and an electric maul he is holding is replaced with an electric lance.

Etasia gestures at Bulgrot.
A flash of electrical light issues from Etasia's hands!
The bright flash disorients Bulgrot.

> touch tiros
You touch Tirost with a confident grace and familiar smile.
You sense a successful empathic link has been forged between you and Tirost.
You feel the burning fire of pain and suffering building slowly as you instinctively draw out the truth behind Tirost's injuries.

Tirost's injuries include...
Wounds to the CHEST:
  Fresh External:  light scratches -- insignificant
  Fresh Internal:  slightly tender -- insignificant
Tirost has normal vitality.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.
Bulgrot shakes with the movement of the ground.  Ripples on the ground cascade away from Tirost, sending Bulgrot tumbling away from him.

Tirost takes a step back and angles his lance behind him.
Tirost dashes quickly at Bulgrot, attacking him with blows meant to impale!
Tirost's electric lance lands a hard hit (5/23) to Bulgrot's abdomen!

> touch etas
touch etas
You touch Etasia with a confident grace and familiar smile.
You sense a successful empathic link has been forged between you and Etasia.
You feel the burning fire of pain and suffering building slowly as you instinctively draw out the truth behind Etasia's injuries.

Etasia's injuries include...
Wounds to the RIGHT LEG:
  Fresh External:  light scratches -- negligible
  Fresh Internal:  slightly tender -- negligible

Etasia is suffering from a mild loss of vitality (13%).
(Etasia has 87% vitality remaining.)
She is insignificantly tired.

An icy blade circling Etasia glances off Bulgrot's shield and lands a hard hit (5/23) to his back!
 * Bulgrot was just struck down! 
 * Bulgrot is slain before your eyes!
The dark stripes upon Bulgrot's skin fade away.
Bulgrot appears calmer than he did a moment ago.

The vapor surrounding Etasia coalesces into an icy blade that joins the pair of deadly weapons already twirling about her.
Nawain assesses her combat situation.

You notice Etasia attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Etasia traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Ice Patch spell.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.
Arcsicsin is revealed!
Arcsicsin is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth!

Garrass reveals himself.
Garrass gestures at you.
Small globes of blue and orange light appear and dart upward like fireflies.
Creating an ominous shadow, a heavy oak limb falls from above!
Fortunately, you get out of the way in time.

Etasia assesses her combat situation.

Kalinandra exclaims, "One down!"

Nawain points at Garrass, ruining his hiding place.

> say Etasia, well done!
You exclaim, "Etasia, well done!"

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.
Arcsicsin shakes with the movement of the ground.

The strong smell of ozone accompanies a bolt discharging through Arcsicsin.

Arcsicsin fires a drake-fang arrow at Tirost.  
The drake-fang arrow lands nearby!
Arcsicsin fires a drake-fang arrow at Tirost.  
The drake-fang arrow lands nearby!

Nawain begins to advance on Garrass.

Tirost searches around for a moment.

Etasia gestures at Arcsicsin.
A sheet of slippery ice forms beneath Arcsicsin.
Nothing happens.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.
Arcsicsin shakes with the movement of the ground.

You notice Garrass attempting to conceal his spell preparations despite his invisibility.
You see a sweeping movement out of the corner of your eye.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Blend spell.

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

Arcsicsin stands up.

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

Nawain gets a twisted frozen-bone wand ensnaring a faceted Syrin's heart from inside her slender rugursora.

Tirost makes a sharp overhand slapping motion at Arcsicsin.
Arcsicsin's target shield jerks around as a gale blows past it.
Arcsicsin is struck by a violent wind that lands a light hit (1/23) to his left eye and continues to barrel on some distance away!

The faint roar emanating from Tirost's forearms suddenly ceases.

Tirost gestures at Arcsicsin.
A bolt of bluish lightning blazes out of the sky toward Arcsicsin!
Arcsicsin's body abruptly ripples and changes form, causing Tirost's attack to miss outright.
The bolt harmlessly dissipates against Arcsicsin's body.

Nawain closes to pole weapon range on Garrass.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.
Arcsicsin is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth!

The static electricity around Tirost dissipates.

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Frostbite spell.

Tirost begins to advance on Arcsicsin.

Tirost inhales sharply, then violently spits a bolt of churning flame toward Arcsicsin!
Some of the fiery breath breaks against his target shield.
Great gouts of flame wash across Arcsicsin's abdomen, inflicting deeply fire-crisped wounds throughout.
Arcsicsin is knocked completely senseless!

With a spiderweb of electrical sparks, an electric javelin diffuses away into nothing.

Nawain closes to melee range on Garrass.

Etasia begins to advance on Arcsicsin.

Closing his eyes, Tirost grunts briefly in effort as a small earthen ethereal fissure opens in front of him.  Thrusting his hand through, Tirost draws out an electric javelin.  As Tirost opens his eyes, the fissure closes.

You catch Garrass making a grab for your pockets!
Garrass comes out of hiding.
You stop Garrass in his act of trying to pick your pocket.  It's a good thing you caught him in time!

Nawain waves a twisted frozen-bone wand ensnaring a faceted Syrin's heart at Garrass.
A sheet of slippery ice forms beneath Garrass!
Garrass slips and falls forward, slamming his face on the ice.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.
Arcsicsin shakes with the movement of the ground.

Tirost hurls an electric javelin at Arcsicsin.  The javelin lands a heavy strike (7/23) that shocks the left knee for a moment with a spark-covered blow!  

> point garrass
You point at Garrass.

Arcsicsin's claws slowly retract as his hands return to normal.

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

You notice Etasia attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Etasia traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Ice Patch spell.

Tirost closes to pole weapon range on Arcsicsin.

Etasia closes to pole weapon range on Arcsicsin.

Nawain puts her wand in her slender rugursora.

Garrass's body abruptly ripples and changes form, causing Nawain's attack to miss outright.
Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Garrass.  The nodachi lands an ineffective strike to his right hand!  

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering.
Arcsicsin shakes with the movement of the ground.  Ripples on the ground cascade away from Tirost, sending Arcsicsin tumbling away from him.

> say That is the one trying to steal from me!
You exclaim, "That is the one trying to steal from me!"

You hear a male voice yell from the northwest, "These are no slouches like you said boss...WE SHOULD FLEE."

Tirost closes to pole weapon range on Arcsicsin.

Etasia closes to melee range on Arcsicsin.

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Garrass.  The nodachi lands a powerful strike (10/23) that barely pierces the skin to nick the chest!  

The violent heaving of the earth finally subsides.

Etasia chops a triple-fullered haralun broadsword bearing a nacre hilt at Arcsicsin.  The broadsword lands a hard hit (5/23) that painfully singes one side of the neck!  

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Garrass.  The nodachi lands a massive strike (11/23) that bloodies his lip, stunning him!  

Crobin wavers into view for a moment.
Crobin joins your group.

Tirost gestures.
Ice crystals begin to form in the air.
Arcsicsin gasps in shock as his body is completely coated in a layer of frost!

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Garrass.  The nodachi lands a demolishing hit (15/23) that collapses the right temple with a vicious swipe from the side!  

Arcsicsin stands up.

Etasia gestures at Arcsicsin.
A sheet of slippery ice forms beneath Arcsicsin!
Arcsicsin barely manages to stay on his feet.

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Tremor spell.

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Garrass.  The nodachi lands an earth-shaking strike (14/23) that amputates the left arm and a good deal of the shoulder in a crippling blow!  

Garrass's in shock and dying!

An icy blade circling Etasia glances off Arcsicsin's shield and lands a good strike (3/23) to his left leg!

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

Tirost sidesteps and adjusts his footing.
Tirost makes an agile leap towards Arcsicsin, attacking him with a mighty cleave!
Tirost's marauder blade lands a very heavy hit (8/23) to Arcsicsin's abdomen!
 * Arcsicsin was just struck down! 
 * Arcsicsin is slain before your eyes!
The dark stripes upon Arcsicsin's skin fade away.
Arcsicsin appears calmer than he did a moment ago.

The vapor surrounding Etasia coalesces into an icy blade that joins the pair of deadly weapons already twirling about her.

Garrass gasps and regains control of his breathing.

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Garrass.  

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Garrass.  The nodachi lands an overwhelming strike (19/23) (Oooh, Garrass's grandkids are going to feel that one!) that rips half the spinal cord from the body with a slash to the back!  
 * Garrass was just struck down! 
 * Garrass is slain before your eyes!
Garrass's claws slowly retract as his hands return to normal.
The dark stripes upon Garrass's skin fade away.
Garrass appears calmer than he did a moment ago.

Kalinandra exclaims, "Two down!  Keep at it!"

Kalinandra exclaims, "Three!"

Etasia asks, "Who Dantia?"

> gasp
You gasp!

Etasia assesses her combat situation.

Nawain growls ferociously!

> pant
You pant.

> look
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
Along the north, the trees and shrubs are fairly homogeneous, much the same as other wild growth at the same latitude and altitude anywhere in this hemisphere of Elanthia.  To the south, abruptly and preternaturally, all sorts of trees appear that ought not to be growing side by side or in each other's shade.  A profusion of evergreens, hardwoods, fruit trees, flowering trees and shrubs, spread themselves out as far south as you can see.
You also see a heavy oak limb, a shadowy watchsoul, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs, a pile of limbs and a pile of limbs.
Also here: the body of Wild Archer Arcsicsin (prone), the body of Garrass (prone), Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, War Wizard Etasia, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Knight of Meraud Tirost and the body of Monster Bulgrot (prone).

Nawain searches around for a moment.

Kalinandra exclaims, "Let's go!"

say /frantically Is that all of them?!
You frantically exclaim, "Is that all of them?!"

You hear the ghostly voice of Garrass say, "Lucky shot. Tell Anuril and Kethrai they are both marked for death."

Etasia nods to Kalinandra.

Tirost searches around for a moment.

The substance of Garrass's body shimmers, as if covered by a veil of crystal tears.  A moment later he fades away, leaving nothing but empty air where his body had once lain.

You hear a male voice yell from the northwest, "RUN BOYS SHE IS TAKING THEM ALL DOWN."

Etasia grins, revealing her dimples.

Tirost frowns.

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

The cerulean orb floats serenely in the air, just above Nawain's head.

Crobin wavers into view for a moment.
Crobin joins your group.

Nawain throws her head back and howls!

Nawain moves over to guard you.

> stand nawa
You stand near Nawain.

> say Is everyone alright?
You ask, "Is everyone alright?"

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

Tirost asks you, "You ok?"

Etasia nods.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

> nod tirost
You nod to Tirost.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

Nawain squints.

Tirost says to Kalinandra, "Thanks, Kali."

> say I hit that one over the head with my coin purse several times.
You say, "I hit that one over the head with my coin purse several times."

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

Tirost grins at you.

Nawain smashes her foot into a pile of limbs.  It suddenly explodes, scattering bits and pieces of debris in every direction.

An almost visible connection between Kalinandra and Tirost seems to thrum through the air.
Tirost shivers briefly as wounds and traces of battle abruptly vanish from his body.
Kalinandra exhales slowly as corresponding wounds bloom on her flesh.

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

Kalinandra asks, "Now can we start a fire!?"

> exhale
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

Kalinandra bounces around happily.

Nawain exclaims, "Road's clear, let's move!"

> say What should we do from here? Do we continue or try to make it back to Crossing?
You ask, "What should we do from here? Do we continue or try to make it back to Crossing?"

> nod nawa
You nod to Nawain.

Etasia whispers to your group, "nicely done you all, I thought Crobin might get Dantia to the bank while we fought."

Tirost shakes his head.

The ghostly laughter of Bulgrot echoes through the room, sending a shiver down your spine.

Tirost says, "We should press on."

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

Kalinandra says, "I would hate to go back over the ferry."

Tirost says, "You've made it this far."

Kalinandra says, "I think we press on."

Etasia nods to Nawain.

> say Great, let us continue to move.
You say, "Great, let us continue to move."

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

(Tirost looks around nervously.)

Etasia says, "Yes we get you to your destination."

> say We are going to have to report this to... someone.
You say, "We are going to have to report this to... someone."

Tirost says, "Shadows seem like they're moving in..."

Etasia smiles at you, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Kalinandra nods to you.

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

You hear a muffled snap, but you're not sure where it came from.

Kalinandra says, "We should go before backup arrives."

> nod kali
You nod to Kalinandra.

Nawain nods.

> say Yes, let's continue!
You exclaim, "Yes, let's continue!"

> sw
Tirost is engaged and unable to follow you.
You go southwest, leading your group.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
The track through the choking forest is difficult to follow here.  The path is extremely muddy and treacherous underfoot.  At times the snaking detours into which the main route has jumbled become impossible to discern.  A spider's web partially blocks the road, waiting to ensnare some unwary traveler.
You also see an unfinished burlap haversack, an unfinished burlap haversack, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap bandolier, an unfinished burlap bandolier, an unfinished burlap bandolier, an unfinished burlap bandolier, an unfinished burlap bandolier and an unfinished burlap bandolier.
Obvious paths: northeast, southwest.

Etasia whispers to your group, "Do you have all yer coin still ? In the confusion"

Knight of Meraud Tirost just arrived.

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

Etasia raises an eyebrow in your direction.

Tirost joins your group.

Tirost sheathes his marauder blade.

> whisper group Good question, I hadn't even looked!
You whisper to Tirost, "Kalinandra, Etasia, and Nawain, Good question, I hadn't even looked!"

Something grabs your arm and drags you northeast with it . . .
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
Along the north, the trees and shrubs are fairly homogeneous, much the same as other wild growth at the same latitude and altitude anywhere in this hemisphere of Elanthia.  To the south, abruptly and preternaturally, all sorts of trees appear that ought not to be growing side by side or in each other's shade.  A profusion of evergreens, hardwoods, fruit trees, flowering trees and shrubs, spread themselves out as far south as you can see.  
Also here: the body of Wild Archer Arcsicsin (prone) and the body of Monster Bulgrot (prone).
Obvious paths: southwest, northwest.

Something grabs your arm and drags you northwest with it . . .
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
The ground here is hard and unyielding, packed to rock-like consistency by ceaseless caravans and the boots of stalwart adventurers.  Faint cracks trace the surface like webs from a demented spider, prompting a slight detour for an orderly column of black ants.  Southwest, an overgrown footpath leads off the main road towards a grove of sana'ati trees.
You also see a flattened skunk in the middle of the road.
Obvious paths: southeast, northwest.

Something grabs your arm and drags you northwest with it . . .
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
Resplendent pine trees tower over a low-lying thicket laden with oralana.  The branches rustle with movement, and a small woodland creature scampers to the ground, darting into the thicket with something in its mouth.
You also see a pale avaes runestone and a pine tree.
Obvious paths: north, southeast.

Something grabs your arm and drags you north with it . . .
[Southern Trade Route, Hillock]
The gradual slope provides a limited view of the surrounding treetops, but not much else.  Pointed conifers and other evergreens form the skyline in all directions save the east-northeast, where black-twisted trees consume the landscape with a darkness far deeper than mere night.  These must be the warped creations of a maddened mage, for such monstrosities could never grow naturally in Endrus Forest.  
Obvious paths: north, south.

> yell I've been kidnapped!
You yell, "I've been kidnapped!"

act tries to pull away from whatever it is that has dragged her off.
(Dantia tries to pull away from whatever it is that has dragged her off.)

Knight of Meraud Tirost just arrived.

Sfarns del Dzive Nawain just arrived, leading her group.

Tirost joins your group.

Kalinandra makes a hissing noise that doesn't really sound much like a S'Kra Mur.

Tirost asks, "You ok?"

Nawain joins your group.

> act is flailing around at anything and everything.
(Dantia is flailing around at anything and everything.)

Kalinandra joins your group.

> say Something dragged me off!
You exclaim, "Something dragged me off!"

Nawain grabs your arm and tries to drag you, but you resist and stand firm.

Etasia asks you, "M'lady ye ok?"

Arinze leaps from hiding and ambushes Tirost!
The sphere surrounding Tirost thrums with energy and he seems somehow empowered.
Arinze thrusts a scarlet glaes pasabas inlaid with Eth'ral'khh symbols at Tirost.  The pasabas lands a demolishing hit (15/23) that punctures deeply, sending a stream of pulsing blood everywhere (Nice spleen shot!), knocking him completely senseless!  

Arinze leaps from hiding and ambushes Tirost!
The sphere surrounding Tirost thrums with energy and he seems somehow empowered.
Arinze thrusts a scarlet glaes pasabas inlaid with Eth'ral'khh symbols at Tirost.  The pasabas ignites red, striking out with a blinding maelstrom of fire and lands an apocalyptic strike (23/23) (So that's what it felt like when Grazhir shattered!) that cleaves the foe clean through from collarbone to hips!  
 * Tirost was just struck down at Southern Trade Route, Hillock! 
 * Tirost is slain before your eyes!
Tirost's rage dissipates.
The shifting winds blowing from behind Tirost die down.
Tirost's throat contracts as a faint wisp of smoke rises from his lips.
The lattice-like sphere of electricity about Tirost suddenly collapses with a burst.
The shifting winds blowing from behind Tirost die down.
The granite-like sheen vanishes from Tirost.

A spectral, darkly shimmering hydra rears high behind Nawain, and with a discordant roar lashes out in an unbridled turmoil of thirteen long-necked heads thrashing about!
The mirage-hydra sinks into the ground.

The veil of ice suddenly shatters and melts from around Etasia.

Nawain growls ferociously!

> say No!
You exclaim, "No!"

Arinze retreats from you.

Arinze retreats from you.

You notice Nawain attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Nawain inhales deeply and adopts a naturally cyclical rhythm to her breaths.
You decipher the signs of a Holy debilitation spell!

Arinze grabs Tirost's body and drags it north with him.

Scoundrel Arinze just arrived.

Nawain begins to advance on Arinze.

The wild fervor in Nawain's eyes reminds you of your own inner beast.

Arinze comes out of hiding.

Arinze grabs your arm and drags you north with him . . .
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
A deobar sapling, no taller than a Human child, stretches its slender limbs outward and embraces the nighttime sky as if glimpsing it for the first time.  Turning southwards, the road assumes a gentle incline that reaches its peak atop a barren hillock, which is spared the tangled briars and ravaging weeds that pervade the northeast passage.
You also see a pile of limbs.
Also here: Scoundrel Arinze and the body of Knight of Meraud Tirost (prone).
Obvious paths: northeast, south.

Glitterbug Kalinandra just arrived.

> point arinze
I could not find what you were referring to.

You notice Kalinandra attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Kalinandra's eyes go distant as she quickly forms intricate patterns in the air.
You recognize the familiar mnemonics of the Nissa's Binding spell.

You hear a male S'Kra Mur voice exclaim, "Pay the toll Lady!"

Sfarns del Dzive Nawain just arrived.

War Wizard Etasia just arrived.

Nawain moves over to guard you.

say They are demanding I pay a toll.
You say, "They are demanding I pay a toll."

Etasia clasps your hand tenderly.

Nawain says, "Too bad for them."

Nawain joins Etasia's group.

You hear a male S'Kra Mur voice say, "Drop the coins or another gets it."

Etasia says, "We shall not."

Kalinandra asks, "And why should we pay a brigand?"

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

Nawain sticks out her tongue and lets loose with a loud, "Thbtbtbt" from her lips!

Kalinandra folds her arms across her chest.

> frown
You frown.

Etasia squints.

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

Etasia assesses her combat situation.

You notice Etasia attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Arc Light spell.

Nawain whispers to your group, "Move."

Nawain assesses her combat situation.

Etasia whispers to your group, "south"

Nawain gets some hulnik ungent from a neatly organized herbal case with healing herbs engraved in the wood.

> leave group
You leave the group.

> hold kali
You hold Kalinandra's hand, giving her a friendly smile.

War Wizard Etasia drifts south, leading her group.

War Wizard Etasia just arrived, leading her group.

Nawain rubs some of her ungent on Tirost.

> join etasia
You join Etasia's group.

Kalinandra touches Tirost and smiles, an odd but eager glint in her eyes.

Etasia nods.

Crobin tried to join you, but you indicate to him that Etasia is leading.
Crobin joins Etasia's group.

You follow Etasia south.
[Southern Trade Route, Hillock]
The gradual slope provides a limited view of the surrounding treetops, but not much else.  Pointed conifers and other evergreens form the skyline in all directions save the east-northeast, where black-twisted trees consume the landscape with a darkness far deeper than mere night.  These must be the warped creations of a maddened mage, for such monstrosities could never grow naturally in Endrus Forest.  
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: north, south.

You follow Etasia north.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
A deobar sapling, no taller than a Human child, stretches its slender limbs outward and embraces the nighttime sky as if glimpsing it for the first time.  Turning southwards, the road assumes a gentle incline that reaches its peak atop a barren hillock, which is spared the tangled briars and ravaging weeds that pervade the northeast passage.
You also see a pile of limbs.
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, War Wizard Etasia, Glitterbug Kalinandra and the body of Knight of Meraud Tirost (prone).
Obvious paths: northeast, south.

> say I can't leave Tirost here.
You say, "I can't leave Tirost here."

Etasia whispers to your group, "need to join"

Nawain says, "I'll get him up."

You notice Nawain attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Nawain inhales deeply and adopts a naturally cyclical rhythm to her breaths.
You decipher the signs of a Holy utility spell.

> say Let's get him up first.
You say, "Let's get him up first."

> nod
You nod.

Etasia clasps the lifeless hand of Tirost.

You hear the ghostly voice of Tirost say, "I can depart if you can make it to Leth."

Kalinandra touches Tirost and smiles, an odd but eager glint in her eyes.

> shake head Tirost
You shake your head at Tirost.

Kalinandra says, "He's rezzable."

Nawain says, "We'll have you up in a second."

Nawain gestures at Tirost.
A thin silver nimbus surrounds Tirost.

The deadening murk around Nawain subsides.

Kalinandra works carefully at tending her wounded left hand.

You notice Nawain attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Nawain inhales deeply and adopts a naturally cyclical rhythm to her breaths.
You decipher the signs of a Holy utility spell.

Etasia whispers to your group, "didn't realize he died"

Etasia clasps Kalinandra's hand tenderly.

Nawain gestures.
A pale blue nimbus explodes outward, enshrouding Nawain's body like a ghostly blanket.  Slender tendrils of silver vapor slowly arise from the cloud and reach for Nawain's eyes like long spectral fingers.

The color in Nawain's eyes changes, the pupils gradually fading from sight as her eyes turn pale blue.

Nawain's eyes flare briefly and the blue-white hue intensifies.

Etasia whispers to your group, "who are we missing"

Nawain's eyes flare briefly and the blue-white hue intensifies.

You notice Nawain attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Nawain inhales deeply and adopts a naturally cyclical rhythm to her breaths.
You decipher the signs of a Holy debilitation spell!

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

Nawain gestures at Tirost.
Tirost is outlined by a silvery corona for a moment.

You notice Nawain attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Nawain inhales deeply and adopts a naturally cyclical rhythm to her breaths.
You decipher the signs of a Holy utility spell.

> say I think this is everyone.
You say, "I think this is everyone."

Nawain gestures at Tirost.
A thin silver nimbus surrounds Tirost.

As Nawain intones a quiet prayer to the Gods, her hands begin to glow faintly silver.  She extends a glowing hand towards the body of Tirost.
Dark crimson bands of light flow about the body of Tirost, pulsating with a heartbeat rhythm.  Silvery-grey tendrils twine around the red bands, seeping into the corpse.  As the last tendril vanishes from view, the bands explode with a brilliant flash and Tirost blinks dazedly, wobbling on his feet.

Kalinandra says, "More spying."

Etasia says, "Aye."

Nawain pulls Tirost towards her!

> get my eye from my watery portal
You get a carved ebony eye from inside a swirling eddy of incandescent light bound by a gold-striated coralite frame.

> rub my eye
You rub your eye.
Your eyes cloud over briefly as the magic in the eye takes hold.
You sense that Angel just located Tirost here, and you are able to backtrace her location to Pivilho Volcano, Borehole Overlook.

> put my eye in my watery portal
You put your eye in the swirling eddy.

Kalinandra touches Tirost and smiles, an odd but eager glint in her eyes.

Nawain says, "Join Etasia."

Etasia whispers to your group, "where is crobin?"

> say }Etasia I know we want to move quickly, but let's also do so smartly.
You say to Etasia, "I know we want to move quickly, but let's also do so smartly."

You notice Kalinandra attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Kalinandra's eyes go distant as she quickly forms intricate patterns in the air.
You recognize the familiar mnemonics of the Refresh spell.

> say Keep our eyes open.
You say, "Keep our eyes open."

Etasia nods.

> say He will join us along the road.
You say, "He will join us along the road."

You follow Etasia south.
[Southern Trade Route, Hillock]
The gradual slope provides a limited view of the surrounding treetops, but not much else.  Pointed conifers and other evergreens form the skyline in all directions save the east-northeast, where black-twisted trees consume the landscape with a darkness far deeper than mere night.  These must be the warped creations of a maddened mage, for such monstrosities could never grow naturally in Endrus Forest.  
Also here: Knight of Meraud Tirost, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: north, south.

Kalinandra gestures at Tirost.
Soft waves of a gentle, warm peach color flicker around Tirost.

You follow Etasia south.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
Resplendent pine trees tower over a low-lying thicket laden with oralana.  The branches rustle with movement, and a small woodland creature scampers to the ground, darting into the thicket with something in its mouth.
You also see a pale avaes runestone and a pine tree.
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Knight of Meraud Tirost and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: north, southeast.

Etasia whispers to your group, "good to go everyone?"

Nawain nods.

Kalinandra nods.

> nod etasia
You nod to Etasia.

You follow Etasia southeast.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
The ground here is hard and unyielding, packed to rock-like consistency by ceaseless caravans and the boots of stalwart adventurers.  Faint cracks trace the surface like webs from a demented spider, prompting a slight detour for an orderly column of black ants.  Southwest, an overgrown footpath leads off the main road towards a grove of sana'ati trees.
You also see a flattened skunk in the middle of the road.
Also here: Knight of Meraud Tirost, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: southeast, northwest.

You follow Etasia southeast.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
Along the north, the trees and shrubs are fairly homogeneous, much the same as other wild growth at the same latitude and altitude anywhere in this hemisphere of Elanthia.  To the south, abruptly and preternaturally, all sorts of trees appear that ought not to be growing side by side or in each other's shade.  A profusion of evergreens, hardwoods, fruit trees, flowering trees and shrubs, spread themselves out as far south as you can see.  
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Knight of Meraud Tirost, War Wizard Etasia, Unlife Nemesis Ashaar, the body of Wild Archer Arcsicsin (prone) and the body of Monster Bulgrot (prone).
Obvious paths: southwest, northwest.

You follow Etasia southwest.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
The track through the choking forest is difficult to follow here.  The path is extremely muddy and treacherous underfoot.  At times the snaking detours into which the main route has jumbled become impossible to discern.  A spider's web partially blocks the road, waiting to ensnare some unwary traveler.
You also see a glossy axinite runestone, an unfinished burlap haversack, an unfinished burlap haversack, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap blanket, an unfinished burlap bandolier, an unfinished burlap bandolier, an unfinished burlap bandolier, an unfinished burlap bandolier and an unfinished burlap bandolier.
Also here: Knight of Meraud Tirost, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: northeast, southwest.

You follow Etasia southwest.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
Thick trees line the route here, with rope-like roots swelling the surface and bursting through in places.  Most of them have been hacked back by the passing caravans and travelers.  At the base of one of the greater trees, the jumble of roots encloses a murky hole, leading into a hollow.  In such places are said to dwell Elven hermits and anchorites.  
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Knight of Meraud Tirost and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: northeast, southwest.

You follow Etasia southwest.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
Diminutive hoof prints from some cloven-footed animal pepper the road here.  The underbrush on both sides has been trampled down repeatedly, and there is a noticeable track worn into the hard-packed roadbed at a right angle.  You hear faint grunts and rustlings to the east and west, but the low thorn bushes rule out leaving the path to investigate.  A dripping sound emanates from the southwest.  
Also here: Knight of Meraud Tirost, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: northeast, southwest.

Etasia whispers, "how slow shall i go?"

Crobin whispers, "The shadows are moving quickly"

Kalinandra casually observes the area.

You follow Etasia southwest.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
The broad, stiff-veined leaves of the remeka trees here shut out the sky and the stirring of the forest breezes.  The remekas absorb great quantities of water through their roots and release it in the form of droplets that collect on the underside of the leaves, dripping to the forest floor like a localized rain shower.  This shower is too tepid to be refreshing, but a good source of drinking water so far from rivers or wells.  
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Knight of Meraud Tirost and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: northeast, south.

>whisper group This is a great pace.
You whisper to Nawain, Kalinandra, Tirost, and Etasia, "This is a great pace."

Kalinandra nods.

Etasia says, "Tirost glad ye are up, ye are very brave."

You follow Etasia south.
[Southern Trade Route, Zurinda's Bale]
The air is stuffy, humid and oppressive here, as though the leaves have conspired to make a verdant canopy to contain the heat spawned by the forest's decay and regeneration.  The low humming in your ears grows louder, a chorus of katydids beating their wings in an unrelenting, blood-quickening rhythm.  You feel oddly drowsy, or perhaps you are about to swoon from the unnatural warmth.  
Also here: Knight of Meraud Tirost, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: north, southwest.

> rub purse
You rub a gold coin purse.

From all around you, whispered noises trigger a prey reaction from you, but you quickly shake it off.

Tirost grins bravely, ignoring his obvious pain.

> gaze
You gaze off into the distance blankly.

Etasia says, "Well fought."

> say Something is off.
You say, "Something is off."

You follow Etasia southwest.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
Mysterious voices echo in the shadowy glades along the sides of the road here.  Filmy forms seem to glide among the towering trees, hinting at a magical and miraculous world beckoning you to stray from the safe, mundane limits of the trade route.  
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Knight of Meraud Tirost and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: northeast, southeast.

You hear a muffled snap, but you're not sure where it came from.

> prep ic 100
With meditative movements you prepare your body for the Iron Constitution spell.

Etasia whispers to your group, "where is Crobin?"

Kalinandra growls ferociously!

You notice Etasia attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Etasia traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Arc Light spell.

Kalinandra searches around for a moment.

You notice Nawain attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Nawain inhales deeply and adopts a naturally cyclical rhythm to her breaths.
You decipher the signs of a Holy utility spell.

Kalinandra searches around for a moment.

> whisper group He will join us if he can.
You whisper to Nawain, Kalinandra, Tirost, and Etasia, "He will join us if he can."

Tirost whispers to your group, "The one who attacked me is far beyond my skill. Not sure I'll be of much use againt him."

Nawain whispers to your group, "Putting halo back up"

Etasia nods.

> cast
You gesture.
The pattern secretes a liquid, dusky light which cascades down your body like thick honey, numbing your skin as it covers you from head to toe before thinning out.

Nawain gestures.
Nawain's watersilk bag emits a loud *snap*.
Pinpoints of intense white light erupt from the ether, rapidly streaking and blurring into a blinding whirlwind of luminance surrounding Nawain.  The chaotic patterns of light roar and moan like so many lost souls bemoaning their demise.

Arinze leaps from hiding and ambushes you, completely surprising you.
Your skin gleams with an adamantine sheen!
You are aware of the injury to your flesh, but it cannot harm your vitality through your Perseverance.
* Arinze thrusts a scarlet glaes pasabas inlaid with Eth'ral'khh symbols at you.  You fail to dodge.  
The pasabas lands a good strike (3/23) to your head.
[You're winded, solidly balanced with opponent in strong position.]

Your ka'hurst balaclava begins to grow cooler.

A nearly painful prickling sensation surges through you as your protective healing matrix focuses on the worst hurts to your body.
The external wounds on your head appear completely healed.
The internal wounds on your head appear completely healed.
The external scars on your head appear completely healed.
The internal scars on your head appear completely healed.

The strands of violently churning light intertwine, crystallizing into a halo of radiant energy around Nawain.

Your balaclava flashes, sending a green globe of lightning towards Arinze!
The globe of lightning's momentum is slowed as it strikes some unseen foe.  That'll teach 'em!

> Archon Bladevin runs southeast.
Archon Bladevin runs southeast.

The barrier of swirling light enwreathing Nawain's body fades to invisibility, the air lingering with a wraithlike sigh.

You notice Nawain attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Nawain inhales deeply and adopts a naturally cyclical rhythm to her breaths.
You decipher the signs of a Holy debilitation spell!


Arinze leaps from hiding and ambushes you, completely surprising you.
Your skin gleams with an adamantine sheen!
You are aware of the injury to your flesh, but it cannot harm your vitality through your Perseverance.
* Arinze thrusts a scarlet glaes pasabas inlaid with Eth'ral'khh symbols at you.  You fail to dodge.  
The pasabas lands a good strike (3/23) to your right arm.
[You're winded, solidly balanced with opponent dominating.]

> gasp
You gasp!

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You recognize the familiar mnemonics of the Manifest Force spell.

> ret
You retreat back to pole range.

> ret
You retreat from combat.

Kalinandra makes a hissing noise that doesn't really sound much like a S'Kra Mur.

Arinze says, "Pay the toll."

> ret
You are already as far away as you can get!

Etasia gestures at Arinze.
A flash of electrical light issues from Etasia's hands!
Arinze quickly looks away, avoiding the bright flash.

Arinze says, "And it stops."

You notice Kalinandra attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Kalinandra's eyes go distant as she quickly forms intricate patterns in the air.
You recognize the familiar mnemonics of the Nissa's Binding spell.

Nawain gestures at Arinze.
Conjoined by cobwebby traceries of light, five white motes are drawn out from Arinze's eyes and swing apart harmoniously around him.  As the pentad of motes then gyrates with dizzying velocity, Arinze becomes encased in a spectral cocoon which soon sinks into his body.  The motes disappear into the ground one by one.

Arinze tries to move onward, but something holds him fast.

Tirost gestures.

The air around Tirost shimmers with a blinding yellow luminescence.  The scintillating light writhes and twists, abruptly coalescing into a translucent field before blinking out of sight.

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Swirling Winds spell.

Nawain gets a twisted frozen-bone wand ensnaring a faceted Syrin's heart from inside her slender rugursora.

Arinze tries to move onward, but something holds him fast.

Arinze tries to move onward, but something holds him fast.

Arinze tries to move onward, but something holds him fast.

You follow Etasia southeast.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
There is a clearing to the southeast, and the sounds of several languages not indigenous to the precincts of Leth Deriel can be heard from that direction.  A few carts and wagons, an overburdened camel, and a very annoyed-looking Elothean trader loiter here, as though waiting to pass southeast but unable to proceed for some reason.  
Also here: Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: southeast, northwest.

> say Well done, Nawain!
You exclaim, "Well done, Nawain!"

Nawain says, "He's stuck there."

Kalinandra searches around for a moment.

Nawain chortles softly at some secret joke.

> say Tirost!
You exclaim, "Tirost!"

Etasia asks, "We have everyone?"

Etasia grins at Nawain, her dimples flashing into view.

You follow Etasia northwest.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
Mysterious voices echo in the shadowy glades along the sides of the road here.  Filmy forms seem to glide among the towering trees, hinting at a magical and miraculous world beckoning you to stray from the safe, mundane limits of the trade route.  
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: northeast, southeast.

Arinze tries to move onward, but something holds him fast.

Knight of Meraud Tirost just arrived.

>say Let's move!
You exclaim, "Let's move!"

Kalinandra chortles softly at some secret joke.

Etasia says, "Where is Tirost join."

Tirost gestures.
Helixes and cross-patterns of brownish-white crystals grow rapidly across Tirost.

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Veil of Ice spell.

You follow Etasia southeast.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
There is a clearing to the southeast, and the sounds of several languages not indigenous to the precincts of Leth Deriel can be heard from that direction.  A few carts and wagons, an overburdened camel, and a very annoyed-looking Elothean trader loiter here, as though waiting to pass southeast but unable to proceed for some reason.  
Also here: Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: southeast, northwest.

You follow Etasia northwest.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
Mysterious voices echo in the shadowy glades along the sides of the road here.  Filmy forms seem to glide among the towering trees, hinting at a magical and miraculous world beckoning you to stray from the safe, mundane limits of the trade route.  
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra, War Wizard Etasia and Knight of Meraud Tirost.
Obvious paths: northeast, southeast.

> point tiro
You point at Tirost.

Knight of Meraud Tirost drifts southeast.

You follow Etasia southeast.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
There is a clearing to the southeast, and the sounds of several languages not indigenous to the precincts of Leth Deriel can be heard from that direction.  A few carts and wagons, an overburdened camel, and a very annoyed-looking Elothean trader loiter here, as though waiting to pass southeast but unable to proceed for some reason.  
Also here: Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, War Wizard Etasia and Knight of Meraud Tirost.
Obvious paths: southeast, northwest.

Etasia scans the area briefly.

Nawain puts her wand in her slender rugursora.

Tirost joins Etasia's group.

Tirost gets an icy blue crystal from inside his storyteller's bag.
Tirost holds an icy blue crystal in his hand and closes his eyes in concentration.
Tirost puts his crystal in his storyteller's bag.

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Aegis of Granite spell.

Tirost gets a pallid ouroboros ring carved from mother of pearl from inside his storyteller's bag.
Tirost sweeps his ring in front of him in quick, methodical swings.

Etasia nods.

> nod
You nod.

Tirost's ring steadily brightens, until it burns like a vivid and fiery torch!

Etasia asks, "All here?"

Agonizing pain suddenly erupts in your leg as Arinze's blade slices into your hamstring!
Your Essence of Yew spell has been spoiled slightly.
You feel the limb go limp and realize you may have a hard time maneuvering for a few moments as you adjust to the pain.
[You're winded, solidly balanced with no advantage.]

War Wizard Etasia drifts southeast, leading her group.

Tirost's ring fades over the course of a few seconds, returning to normal.

War Wizard Etasia just arrived, leading her group.

Kalinandra says, "Wait."

Tirost puts his ring in his storyteller's bag.

You catch sight of Arinze as a sudden explosion of pain wracks your skull.In your tranquil state, you deftly extrovert your psyche to bear the assault.
You feel the attack make contact, but it doesn't seem to do much harm.
[You're winded, solidly balanced with no advantage.]

Tirost says, "I may fall behind as I cast."

From all around you, whispered noises trigger a prey reaction from you, but you quickly shake it off.

Etasia clasps your hand tenderly.

Kalinandra searches around for a moment.

Arinze suddenly appears behind you, hand raised.  In a single, fluid movement he chops straight at your neck!
Unable to avoid the attack, the hand clouts your temple with a single, precise stroke!  You move with the strike, lessening its impact.  Quickly you realize it has done no harm at all.

Tirost says, "Go without me. I'll catch up."

Nawain says, "Wait."

Kalinandra searches around for a moment.

Tirost reaches with his fist toward the ground.
Dusky green motes surge upward, covering Tirost's body and hardening like a granite aegis.

Arinze suddenly appears behind you, hand raised.  In a single, fluid movement he chops straight at your neck!
Unable to avoid the attack, the hand clouts your temple with a single, precise stroke!  You move with the strike, lessening its impact.  Quickly you realize it has done no harm at all.

Tirost joins Etasia's group.

> babble
You babble unintelligibly for a while.

You notice Kalinandra attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Kalinandra's eyes go distant as she quickly forms intricate patterns in the air.
You recognize the familiar mnemonics of the Nissa's Binding spell.

Etasia asks, "Where is he ?"

Nawain gets a twisted frozen-bone wand ensnaring a faceted Syrin's heart from inside her slender rugursora.

You notice movement out of the corner of your eye.

You notice Etasia attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Etasia traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Arc Light spell.

Tirost searches around for a moment.

Kalinandra holds out her arms, then brings them down evenly.
Arinze stumbles out of concealment.
Arinze wobbles slightly, then collapses into sleep.

Nawain waves a twisted frozen-bone wand ensnaring a faceted Syrin's heart at Arinze.
A sheet of slippery ice forms beneath Arinze.
Nothing happens.

Nawain begins to advance on Arinze.

> say Well done, Kali!
You exclaim, "Well done, Kali!"

Etasia smiles at Kalinandra, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Nawain draws forth a braided smokewhorl whip from the ties on her thigh straps.

Crobin tried to join you, but you indicate to him that Etasia is leading.
Crobin wavers into view for a moment.
Crobin joins Etasia's group.

You seem to get some feeling back in your leg.

Nawain closes to pole weapon range on Arinze.

Nawain whips her smokewhorl whip at Arinze.  A braided smokewhorl whip with fire whirl rubies set into a long tapered handle is deflected by Arinze's demonscale shield.

Nawain whips her smokewhorl whip at Arinze.  Arinze deftly sidesteps Nawain's smokewhorl whip.

Fractals of pale light materialize in a cascading pattern around Nawain, outlining the faint beginnings of a complex gyre.  With a bestial moan, shafts of brilliant white light erupt from the ether, illuminating the pattern as if it were lifeblood sustaining the vein.  The wall of light echoes outward rapidly, leaving a misty white halo to shroud Nawain in its wake.

Arinze stands up.

Nawain closes to melee range on Arinze.

Nawain whips her smokewhorl whip at Arinze.  A braided smokewhorl whip with fire whirl rubies set into a long tapered handle is deflected by Arinze's demonscale shield.

> say Should we fight, run, or pay?
You ask, "Should we fight, run, or pay?"

> glance etasia
You glance at Etasia, a female Human.

You notice Arinze as he stealthily closes to pole weapon range on Kalinandra.

Etasia leaves you behind because you're engaged.
War Wizard Etasia drifts southeast, leading her group.

War Wizard Etasia just arrived, leading her group.

You notice Arinze as he stealthily closes to melee range on Kalinandra.

> ret
You retreat back to pole range.

> ret
You retreat from combat.

Arinze clouts Kalinandra solidly across the temple in a single precise stroke!  Kalinandra staggers before shaking her head wildly.  Kalinandra's eyes drift unfocused as she tries to regain her bearings!

Kalinandra retreats from combat.

Kalinandra retreats from combat.

> join etas
You join Etasia's group.

Nawain retreats from combat.

Kalinandra joins Etasia's group.

You notice Arinze attempting to stealthily advance upon Kalinandra.

Nawain joins Etasia's group.

Nawain nods.

Etasia searches around for a moment.

> ret
You are already as far away as you can get!

Nawain sheathes her smokewhorl whip and ties it to her thigh straps.

You notice Arinze as he stealthily closes to pole weapon range on Kalinandra.

You notice Arinze as he stealthily closes to melee range on Kalinandra.

Nawain's halo of misty white light echoes outward!

Arinze clouts Kalinandra solidly across the temple in a single precise stroke!  Kalinandra staggers before shaking her head wildly.  Kalinandra's eyes drift unfocused as she tries to regain her bearings!

Tirost asks you, "Can you weaken him?"

Etasia begins to advance on Arinze.

Arinze clouts Kalinandra solidly across the temple in a single precise stroke!  Kalinandra staggers before shaking her head wildly.  Kalinandra's eyes drift unfocused as she tries to regain her bearings!

> say I can try!
You exclaim, "I can try!"

> prep leth 25
With meditative movements you prepare your body for the Lethargy spell.

Appearing to have lost sight of her target, Etasia stops advancing.

Arinze clouts Kalinandra solidly across the temple in a single precise stroke!  Kalinandra staggers before shaking her head wildly.  Kalinandra's eyes drift unfocused as she tries to regain her bearings!

Kalinandra chuckles.

Etasia begins to advance on Arinze.

You notice Nawain attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Nawain inhales deeply and adopts a naturally cyclical rhythm to her breaths.
You decipher the signs of an Elemental debilitation spell!

You notice Kalinandra attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Kalinandra's eyes go distant as she quickly forms intricate patterns in the air.
You are unable to decipher anything about the spell.
She suddenly looks rather passive.

You catch sight of Arinze as he approaches Kalinandra from behind with a determined expression.  After getting into position, he suddenly strikes, catching Kalinandra by surprise and landing a solid blow to the back of her skull.  Kalinandra topples stunned to the ground in an ungraceful heap.

> cast arinze
You gesture at Arinze.
Red tendrils shoot from your fingertips and arc towards Arinze, wrapping themselves around his limbs.
Roundtime: 2 sec.

Kalinandra stands up.

The chilling vapor surrounding Etasia dissipates slowly.
The three frost-covered blades circling around Etasia shatter into a fine icy mist.

Kalinandra gestures.
A greyish pallor creeps across Kalinandra's skin, and the bones of her hands grow abnormally knobby.

Fractals of pale light materialize in a cascading pattern around Nawain, outlining the faint beginnings of a complex gyre.  With a bestial moan, shafts of brilliant white light erupt from the ether, illuminating the pattern as if it were lifeblood sustaining the vein.  The wall of light echoes outward rapidly, leaving a misty white halo to shroud Nawain in its wake.
In a bright flash of light, Arinze is suddenly revealed!
The ring of light smashes into Arinze, forcefully pushing him away from Nawain.

Nawain gestures at Arinze.

Tirost gets a glossy axinite runestone from inside his storyteller's bag.
Tirost touches a glossy axinite runestone and closes his eyes in concentration.
Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Glythtide's Gift spell.
Tirost puts his runestone in his storyteller's bag.

Kalinandra's hands tremble.

Arinze retreats from you.

You hear a male S'Kra Mur voice say, "Pay the toll....."

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

Tirost raises his hand in an imaginary toast.
His eyes bug out as he lapses into a momentary trance.

> say How much do you want?
You ask, "How much do you want?"

Nawain says, "Kiss my tail."

Nawain snorts, loudly.

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Substratum spell.

You say, "Oh, or kiss her tail."

> glance naw
You glance at Nawain, a female Rakash.

> nod
You nod.

Nawain moves over to guard you.

Kalinandra asks, "Or what, hooligan?  What do you think you're worth?"

You hear someone chuckling.

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

Nawain spreads out the edges of her tutu both hands and does a little dance step.

Tirost touches the tattoo on his shoulder and closes his eyes in concentration.
Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Righteous Wrath spell.

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

You notice Nawain attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Nawain inhales deeply and adopts a naturally cyclical rhythm to her breaths.
You decipher the signs of a Holy debilitation spell!

You hear the voice of Arinze say, "No one is talking to you Gorbesh."

> frown
You frown.

Tirost gestures.
Tirost lifts his fist toward the heavens and with a mighty shout displays his righteous wrath.
Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Tailwind spell.

Etasia grumbles.

Tirost gestures.
The wind begins to shift until it blows gently from behind Tirost's back.

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

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Grounding Field spell.

> say }Etasia It may not be worth the fight, he seems quick skilled.
You say to Etasia, "It may not be worth the fight, he seems quick skilled."

Kalinandra asks, "Too bad, it was an valid question.  What kind of toll are you thinking you're worth?"

Etasia adjusts her leather cloak, her eyes staring without fear.

Kalinandra shakes her head violently, and seems suddenly more focused.

You catch Arinze making a grab for your pockets!
Arinze comes out of hiding.
You stop Arinze in his act of trying to pick your pocket.  It's a good thing you caught him in time!

Nawain gestures at Arinze.
Conjoined by cobwebby traceries of light, five white motes are drawn out from Arinze's eyes and swing apart harmoniously around him.  As the pentad of motes then gyrates with dizzying velocity, Arinze becomes encased in a spectral cocoon which soon sinks into his body.  The motes disappear into the ground one by one.

Tirost briefly points one arm up and the other towards the ground, inhaling deeply.
A lattice-like sphere of electricity forms about Tirost, bristling with crackling spikes.

> gasp
You gasp!

Nawain squints.

Nawain says, "Move."

Kalinandra growls ferociously!

> act clutches her coin purse closely.
(Dantia clutches her coin purse closely.)

Nawain points southeast.

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

Etasia leaves you behind because you're engaged.
War Wizard Etasia drifts southeast, leading her group.

> ret
You retreat back to pole range.

> ret
You retreat from combat.

> se
You go southeast.
[Southern Trade Route, Customs Post]
Several thin trees are propped up across the path in a kind of makeshift gate.  Half a dozen Elven archers are stationed around their commander, a tall and stern figure in the flowing green cloak of his regiment.  A large balance scale, some wooden pallets, and a tent form the inspection station where those entering and leaving the domain of Leth Deriel pay tolls and taxes, and attend to the inevitable ensuing paperwork.  
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Knight of Meraud Tirost and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: south, northwest.

> join etas
You join Etasia's group.

Tirost gets a pale avaes runestone from inside his storyteller's bag.
Tirost touches a pale avaes runestone and closes his eyes in concentration.
Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Clear Vision spell.
Tirost puts his runestone in his storyteller's bag.

Shifting winds gently blow from behind Tirost.

Kalinandra shakes her head violently, and seems suddenly more focused.

Nawain moves over to guard you.

Etasia asks, "We have Datnia?"

> nod etas
You nod to Etasia.

You follow Etasia northwest.
[Southern Trade Route, Endrus Forest]
There is a clearing to the southeast, and the sounds of several languages not indigenous to the precincts of Leth Deriel can be heard from that direction.  A few carts and wagons, an overburdened camel, and a very annoyed-looking Elothean trader loiter here, as though waiting to pass southeast but unable to proceed for some reason.  
Also here: Knight of Meraud Tirost, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, War Wizard Etasia and Scoundrel Arinze (invisible).
Obvious paths: southeast, northwest.

Arinze tries to move onward, but something holds him fast.

Arinze tries to move onward, but something holds him fast.

Kalinandra shakes her head violently, and seems suddenly more focused.

You follow Etasia southeast.
[Southern Trade Route, Customs Post]
Several thin trees are propped up across the path in a kind of makeshift gate.  Half a dozen Elven archers are stationed around their commander, a tall and stern figure in the flowing green cloak of his regiment.  A large balance scale, some wooden pallets, and a tent form the inspection station where those entering and leaving the domain of Leth Deriel pay tolls and taxes, and attend to the inevitable ensuing paperwork.  
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Knight of Meraud Tirost and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: south, northwest.

Etasia says, "Ok."

> say Everyone is here!
You exclaim, "Everyone is here!"

Etasia nods.

You follow Etasia south.
[Southern Trade Route, Bosque Deriel]
Handcarts, porters, and caravans laden with trade goods and commodities bound for Leth Deriel pass through here heading south, while heading north are soldiers, mages, and savants of one kind or another, fighters and other less prosperous figures.  A ranger is bent over the side of the path, inspecting some curious flowering plant.  
Also here: Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: north, south.

> say We are very close!

You exclaim, "We are very close!"

You hear the sound of someone growling ferociously!

Knight of Meraud Tirost just arrived.

Nawain says, "Tirost."

Etasia says, "No we lost."

Nawain nods.

Kalinandra exclaims, "We got!"

Tirost joins Etasia's group.

> laugh
You laugh!

Etasia says, "Tirost."

Tirost says, "I'm here."

Kalinandra snorts, loudly.

Kalinandra exclaims, "We go!"

Kalinandra grins, revealing her dimples.

Etasia says, "Join."

You follow Etasia south.
[Southern Trade Route, Bosque Deriel]
A more enchanting mix of foliage, exotic herbs, fragrant plants and glorious undergrowth exists perhaps nowhere else on Elanthia.  Surrounded by what can only be called a forager's paradise, you marvel at the bounty of nature.  Each individual species here has something of value to offer the body, soul, or spirit.  Taking a deep breath and casting a long, wistful gaze, you continue on.
You also see a deobar tree.
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Knight of Meraud Tirost and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: north, southeast.

Nawain exclaims, "Arinze is loose. Scoot!"

> say Moving with a group is more difficult than bandits.
You say, "Moving with a group is more difficult than bandits."

You follow Etasia southeast.
[Southern Trade Route, Bosque Deriel]
While pondering the fantastic variety of flora here, you listen to the wildlife encircling you.  Familiar bird songs, insect chirpings, and the rooting of forest-floor foragers all comfort you.  And yet, there is an undercurrent, a foreign and disquieting subtext of sounds and voices that lie just outside your conscious range of hearing.  
Also here: Knight of Meraud Tirost, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: southeast, northwest.

You follow Etasia southeast.
[Southern Trade Route, Bosque Deriel]
Sounds unlike any you know whirl about you in a choir of whisperings, rustlings, murmurings, and guttural hisses.  Strange calls, unlike those of any bird, reverberate in the treetops.  You feel as though this is all for your benefit or rather to your detriment, as though someone or something were watching all the traffic along this route, and signaling your approach.  
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Knight of Meraud Tirost and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: northeast, south, southwest, northwest.

Kalinandra grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

Kalinandra nods to you.

You follow Etasia south.
[Southern Trade Route, Bosque Deriel]
A purposeful rustling overhead makes you look up.  Atop platforms of lashed branches and planks stand Elven archers, watchfully guarding the approach to Leth Deriel.  The treetops bristle with their numbers.  In various spots of the road, you notice broken arrow shafts sticking out of the dirt.  These appear to be recent additions to the roadbed.
You also see a dirty strongbox secured with dented iron bands.
Also here: Knight of Meraud Tirost, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: north, south.

You follow Etasia south.
[Southern Trade Route, Bosque Deriel]
The Elven woodland fortress of Leth Deriel looms before you to the south, its walls of defensive deobar trees forming huge arcs to the southwest and east.  The high tops and entwined branches of the Alder Bower Gate overshadow the south section of the road.  Even from this distance, you see the tallest, most ancient and most venerated tree in the Elven lands, the Sana'ati Dyaus, which stands at the center of the city.  
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Knight of Meraud Tirost and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: north, southeast.

You follow Etasia southeast.
[Southern Trade Route, Outside Leth Deriel]
Directly before you to the south stands the main entrance that connects Leth Deriel with the outside world.  Huge stands of alder trees form the gate, their branches raising and falling to allow caravans, expeditions and large groups to pass through.  On either side, a living palisade of deobar trees serves as a protective, impenetrable fortification around the entire stronghold.
You also see Alder Bower Gate.
Also here: Knight of Meraud Tirost, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: northwest.

> cheer
You just feel so pleased with yourself, you can't help letting out a hearty cheer.

You follow Etasia northwest.
[Southern Trade Route, Bosque Deriel]
The Elven woodland fortress of Leth Deriel looms before you to the south, its walls of defensive deobar trees forming huge arcs to the southwest and east.  The high tops and entwined branches of the Alder Bower Gate overshadow the south section of the road.  Even from this distance, you see the tallest, most ancient and most venerated tree in the Elven lands, the Sana'ati Dyaus, which stands at the center of the city.  
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Knight of Meraud Tirost and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: north, southeast.

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Dragon's Breath spell.

You follow Etasia southeast.
[Southern Trade Route, Outside Leth Deriel]
Directly before you to the south stands the main entrance that connects Leth Deriel with the outside world.  Huge stands of alder trees form the gate, their branches raising and falling to allow caravans, expeditions and large groups to pass through.  On either side, a living palisade of deobar trees serves as a protective, impenetrable fortification around the entire stronghold.
You also see Alder Bower Gate.
Also here: Knight of Meraud Tirost, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: northwest.

Kalinandra exclaims, "I think we lost them!"

You follow Etasia northwest.
[Southern Trade Route, Bosque Deriel]
The Elven woodland fortress of Leth Deriel looms before you to the south, its walls of defensive deobar trees forming huge arcs to the southwest and east.  The high tops and entwined branches of the Alder Bower Gate overshadow the south section of the road.  Even from this distance, you see the tallest, most ancient and most venerated tree in the Elven lands, the Sana'ati Dyaus, which stands at the center of the city.  
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: north, southeast.

> pant
You pant.

You follow Etasia southeast.
[Southern Trade Route, Outside Leth Deriel]
Directly before you to the south stands the main entrance that connects Leth Deriel with the outside world.  Huge stands of alder trees form the gate, their branches raising and falling to allow caravans, expeditions and large groups to pass through.  On either side, a living palisade of deobar trees serves as a protective, impenetrable fortification around the entire stronghold.
You also see Alder Bower Gate.
Also here: Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, War Wizard Etasia, Monster Bulgrot and Knight of Meraud Tirost.
Obvious paths: northwest.

War Wizard Etasia's group went through Alder Bower Gate.
[Leth Deriel, Alder Bower Gate]
Huge, broad leafed alder trees shoot up tall and straight, sentinels in constant watch over the main gate that leads into and out of Leth Deriel, ancient Elven stronghold.  Their spreading crowns meet high overhead, forming a dense, impenetrable roof, as stalwart as any fortress made by nature or artifice.  The way leading into the town is quite wide here.  
Also here: Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: southeast.

Nawain says, "Tirost."

Etasia asks, "All here?"

You follow Etasia southeast.
[Leth Deriel, Elder Bark Circle]
Dense stands of deobars form the town palisades that curve to the northeast and southwest.  The impenetrable defense is made even more daunting by clumps of raevelthorn bushes that grow close to the ground in the gaps between the trees.  Their branches, with razor sharp thorns facing outward, appear to have been woven craftily among the trees.  
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra, War Wizard Etasia and Monster Bulgrot.
Obvious paths: northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest.

> grin
You grin.

You follow Etasia southeast.
[Leth Deriel, Liyos Approach]
Chains of liberated prisoners are hanging from trees and serve as a remembrance of times more harsh.  In former times, the condemned prisoner was dragged to the gallows, hanged by the neck until either a prolonged gurgling sound issued forth or a quick clean snap was heard.
You also see The Gallows Tree.
Also here: Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: southeast, northwest.

Etasia laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Knight of Meraud Tirost just arrived.

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Ignite spell.

Nawain nods to Tirost.

Etasia says, "I get lost in a box mind ye."

Tirost joins Etasia's group.

You follow Etasia southeast.

[Leth Deriel, Liyos Approach]
Tall proud conifers line the approach here.  The faint scent of pine resin gives you cause to stop and recall the last time that you enjoyed that refreshingly clear smell.  Squirrels leap cheerfully from limb to limb in search of more bounty and to escape each other.  
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Knight of Meraud Tirost and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: southeast, northwest.

Etasia winks and flashes a sly grin.

You follow Etasia southeast.
[Leth Deriel, Cambium Circle]
The surreal sense of being caught in a web, being toyed with by the unseen inhabitants all about you is heightened by the soft, elusive perfumes of leaf and wood floating by on the warm, moist zephyrs.  A whiff of a lady's cologne, or a curl of pipe smoke, a scent of leather all taunt your nostrils.  
Also here: Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest.

> say To the bank!
You exclaim, "To the bank!"

You follow Etasia southeast.
[Leth Deriel, Peri'el Way]
Light and shadow weave a tangled web of enchantment, with dappled forms falling along the well-tended path here.  Shapes that sometimes look man-like, sometimes bird-like, quickly dissolve into undifferentiated shadows.  The hedge here is no longer purely ornamental, but composed of various species of medicinal shrubs.  
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: southeast, northwest.

You follow Etasia southeast.
[Leth Deriel, Oakenheart Circle]
On the northeast verge of the central clearing, in the shadow of Sana'ati Dyaus, stands a figure shod in rags and cloaked in a tattered green blanket.  She huddles over an iron brazier, stirring chestnuts in a pan.  The crowd around the tree, which also serves as the town hall, barely notices her cries as she hawks her wares.  Nor do they heed those of the infant swaddled in dirty skins that she bends down to comfort every now and again.
You also see a sign mounted on the street vendor's cart.
Also here: Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: northeast, southeast, south, northwest.

Nawain whispers to your group, "Be ready to just haul Dantia bodily to the teller.."

Knight of Meraud Tirost just arrived.

> laugh nawa
You laugh at Nawain!

You follow Etasia south.
[Leth Deriel, Oakenheart Circle]
The astringent scent of Sufil trees suffuses the air, and you breathe the soothing vapors deeply.  Directly under the shade of a huge, overhanging Sana'ati branch that reaches out over its central clearing to this corner, is a small tent of painted bark cloth.  Stretched out upon cots and hammocks, with typical reserve, are the ill and wounded, waiting to be tended by the legendary Elven empath within.  
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west.

You follow Etasia south.
[Leth Deriel, Oakenheart Circle]
A circle of interlocking wooden logs, about waist high, stands off to one side.  Over it, broad leafed Zulnatha trees form a sheltering roof.  Beads of dew roll off the leaves and into the center of the log circle with a muffled plop.  You realize that the structure is some kind of well or reservoir.  
Also here: Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: north, northeast, southeast, southwest.

Knight of Meraud Tirost just arrived.

Tirost joins Etasia's group.

Nawain whispers to your group, "Banks not this way"

Tirost whispers to your group, "Do you know the one who attacked us, Dantia?"

> shake head tirost
You shake your head at Tirost.

Etasia whispers to your group, "yes i think i took wrong turn"

Arinze comes out of hiding.
Arinze wavers into view for a moment.
Arinze joins Etasia's group.

You follow Etasia northeast.
[Leth Deriel, Sana'ati Dyaus Drui'tas]
In the midst of this clearing is the mighty tree known throughout Elanthia as Sana'ati Dyaus.  Its limbs glow with a phosphorescent light and you can trace the very course of its roots by their faint glimmer.  Every vein on every leaf is a streak of pale fire, and the diverse crowd here in the main gathering place is subtly illuminated.  The tree houses all the town's official services, and people come and go through a large, open burl in the trunk.
You also see a raven, a uniformed representative, a mud-splattered chest and a festive meeting portal.
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Knight of Meraud Tirost and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, northwest.

Etasia says, "Arinze oh geez."

You follow Etasia north.
[Leth Deriel, Oakenheart Circle]
A meandering path off the main road leads to a tiny shack, so covered in vines and dried leaves that it is almost invisible in the half-murk of the woodland interior that is the essence of Leth Deriel.  A sweet, elusive scent drifts over from it that tantalizes, inflames and soothes the senses all at once.
You also see a rusted box.
Also here: Knight of Meraud Tirost, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: north, southeast, south, southwest.

Nawain points southeast.

You follow Etasia southeast.
[Leth Deriel, Oakenheart Circle]
Bergamot and citrus trees, lovingly cultivated in several small copses, ring the intersection here.  Their limbs are laden with fruit and bedecked with strips of ethereal gauze, serving as votive offerings to the woodland deities. Oakenheart Circle merges to the northeast into Aldiyaus Square, site of Leth Deriel's main shrine.  Looming large and stentorian to the southwest is Sana'ati Dyaus, most sacred of trees.  A broad clearing encircles the mammoth trunk.  
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Knight of Meraud Tirost and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: northeast, south, southwest, northwest.

Etasia nods.

> gasp
You gasp!

Nawain points south.

You follow Etasia southwest.
[Leth Deriel, Sana'ati Dyaus Drui'tas]
In the midst of this clearing is the mighty tree known throughout Elanthia as Sana'ati Dyaus.  Its limbs glow with a phosphorescent light and you can trace the very course of its roots by their faint glimmer.  Every vein on every leaf is a streak of pale fire, and the diverse crowd here in the main gathering place is subtly illuminated.  The tree houses all the town's official services, and people come and go through a large, open burl in the trunk.
You also see a raven, a uniformed representative, a mud-splattered chest and a festive meeting portal.
Also here: Knight of Meraud Tirost, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, northwest.

> say We are close!
You exclaim, "We are close!"

Nawain points east.

You follow Etasia east.
[Leth Deriel, Oakenheart Circle]
The view to the west consists of the clearing surrounding the ancient tree that forms the hub of Leth Deriel, and the tree itself, the fabled Sana'ati Dyaus.  Its trunk blocks out anything else you might have been able to see in that direction.  Merchants, traders, and other outsiders bent on commerce pass by, some headed to the bank just east, others headed to the trading post, shops and offices clustered in the area.
You also see a wooden door.
Also here: Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Knight of Meraud Tirost and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west.

You follow Etasia east.
[Leth Deriel, Dragon Tree Road]
A tall, smooth barked ebonwood tree dominates the southwest side of the road here.  Its strong, black walls form a perfect circular trunk of huge diameter.  All the low hanging branches have been trimmed to prevent climbing.  An ebony door, fashioned with exquisite metal fittings and inlaid with semi-precious gems, marks this tree as the seat of Leth Deriel's financial life, the Imperial Depository.  
Also here: Knight of Meraud Tirost, Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: east, west.

Nawain points east.

Nawain nods.

War Wizard Etasia's group went through an ebony door.
[Imperial Depository, Lobby]
The inside of the lobby here is breathtaking, unlike anything else you have seen so far in Leth Deriel in terms of its display of wealth and worldliness.  The interior of the ebonwood tree has been polished and grooved to resemble rich paneling.  A brass sign along the far wall points up.  
Also here: Glitterbug Kalinandra, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Knight of Meraud Tirost and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious exits: up, out.

From all around you, primal noises trigger an atavistic prey reaction from you and you freeze in place, terrified of Arinze.

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

You follow Etasia up.
[Imperial Depository, Domestic Branch]
Here at the inside of a large fork is a chamber that houses the tellers for local currency transactions.  Despite their rather conservative nature, the local merchants, traders and citizens seem to be conducting a fair amount of business.  A sign points up for the Foreign Branch.
You also see a beautifully penned scroll and a small calendar.
Also here: Knight of Meraud Tirost, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Glitterbug Kalinandra and War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious exits: up, down.

Nawain lets out a hearty cheer for Etasia!

> act pases her coin purse to the teller, shoving it over the counter quickly.
(Dantia pases her coin purse to the teller, shoving it over the counter quickly.)

> deposit all
The clerk slides a small metal box across the counter into which you drop all your Kronars.  She counts them carefully and records the deposit in her ledger.

The clerk pages through her ledger.  "Dantia, it looks like your current balance is 2800 platinum, 6 gold, 7 silver, 4 bronze, and 4 copper Kronars."

Etasia pants.

> pant
You pant.

Etasia says, "Ohh my goodness."

Kalinandra says, "He's still nearby."

Tirost sheathes his black book.

Etasia pats you on the back.

Fearless Crobin just arrived.

Kalinandra says, "Watch yourselfs leaving."

Kalinandra says, "He may retaliate."

Tirost says, "At least the money's safe."

> nod kali agree
You nod at Kalinandra, in complete agreement with her views.

Crobin tried to join you, but you indicate to him that Etasia is leading.
Crobin wavers into view for a moment.
Crobin joins Etasia's group.

Kalinandra nods to Tirost.

> say That was... quite the fight.
You say, "That was... quite the fight."

Etasia whispers to your group, "did all of the coin make it?"

> act speaks with the teller briefly.
(Dantia speaks with the teller briefly.)

> nod
You nod.

A Human peasant wanders into the area, looking for you.

Nawain gets an impish expression on her face, and lets out a hearty cheer.

A Human peasant gazes about the area with an intent look, watching the goings on.

Etasia beams at you!  What a warm feeling!

Nawain squints at a Human peasant.

Kalinandra exclaims, "Quite a ruckus there at one point!"

> say Every platinum made it to the bank successfully.
You say, "Every platinum made it to the bank successfully."

Kalinandra glances at a Human peasant.

Tirost smiles at you.

Kalinandra says, "We're being watched."

> say Now, I owe you all for the safe arrival.
You say, "Now, I owe you all for the safe arrival."

Etasia whispers to your group, "You all were incredble, i can get us back to the ferry?"

Etasia blushes a bright red color.

Kalinandra whispers to your group, "that peasant arrived just after us and I don't like the look of them."

> say }Etasia You did great grouping us up and herding us here.
You say to Etasia, "You did great grouping us up and herding us here."

Tirost says to you, "Honored to die in battle at your side."

Etasia smiles at Tirost, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

> say }Tirost I'm so sorry you took the brunt of that attack, but you did hold off another.
You say to Tirost, "I'm so sorry you took the brunt of that attack, but you did hold off another."

Crobin says, "I heard there was a ruckus on the road."

> say All of you did so well.
You say, "All of you did so well."

> nod crob
You nod to Crobin.

Etasia says to Tirost, "Sorry i almost left ye dead in the road, didn't realize ye died."

Tirost says, "Thank you, Dantia."

Tirost grins at Etasia.

Etasia just hugged Tirost.

> withdraw 900 plat k
The clerk counts out 900 platinum Kronars and hands them over, making a notation in her ledger.

> give kali 300 plat k
You give 300 platinum Kronars to Kalinandra.

> give Tirost 300 plat k
You give 300 platinum Kronars to Tirost.

Crobin says, "I came across a group of limbs in the road kicked about."

> give Nawain 300 plat k
You give 300 platinum Kronars to Nawain.

Kalinandra exclaims to you, "I'm sorry I wasn't more help.  I've recently become reformed in more ways than one and I'm not supposed to do any stabbins anymore!"

Tirost says to Etasia, "No worries. You made the right play, keeping our charge safe."

Crobin says, "So much blood."

Nawain beams at you!  What a warm feeling!

Kalinandra gives you 400 platinum Kronars.

Crobin says, "I hope you are all okay."

> say }Kali You were a tremendous help.
You say to Kalinandra, "You were a tremendous help."

> smile kali
You smile at Kalinandra.

Kalinandra says, "I can't accept that."

Tirost smiles at Crobin.

Kalinandra chuckles.

Nawain speaks with the clerk.

Nawain and the clerk share a few words.

Kalinandra exclaims, "I managed to sleep everyone, not just the bad guys!"

Kalinandra exclaims, "I failed!"

> laugh
You laugh!

> deposit all
The clerk slides a small metal box across the counter into which you drop all your Kronars.  She counts them carefully and records the deposit in her ledger.
The clerk pages through her ledger.  "Dantia, it looks like your current balance is 2300 platinum, 6 gold, 7 silver, 4 bronze, and 4 copper Kronars."

Tirost chuckles.

Etasia whispers, "that was fun, sorry i didnt know who to attack and mistyped some names"

>say It happens!
You exclaim, "It happens!"

Etasia chuckles.

Kalinandra hums to herself.

> say }Etasia You did fantastic!
You exclaim to Etasia, "You did fantastic!"

Etasia grins at Kalinandra, her dimples flashing into view.

Kalinandra says, "Mmhm  yup sure.  That's what we're going with."

Crobin says, "Seems you all made it safely."

Crobin says, "Meaning the blood is not your own."

> say Now, I don't think I'm quite up for traveling straight back to Crossing yet. I think I need a little downtime before I run back through there.
You say, "Now, I don't think I'm quite up for traveling straight back to Crossing yet. I think I need a little downtime before I run back through there."

Crobin says, "I am glad to hear that."

Etasia says to you, "Oh no i was umm confused a bit with whom to attack, ye all were very effective, thank the gods fer Dantia's safe passage."

Etasia flashes a quick grin.

Kalinandra exclaims, "That one fellow was just rudely shouting at us!"

> smile etasia
You smile at Etasia.

Etasia smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Etasia nods to Kalinandra.

Kalinandra says, "I've a mind to track him down down and yell back."

Tirost frowns thoughtfully.

Etasia chuckles at Kalinandra.

> say }Etasia Would you actually make me group lead for a moment?
You ask Etasia, "Would you actually make me group lead for a moment?"

Tirost asks you, "Did you hear one of the slain speak of Kethrai and Anuril?"

Etasia whispers, "i always forget command"

You whisper to Etasia, "OOC: GROUP LEAD DANTIA I think?"

Etasia says to you, "Surely."

Kalinandra says, "What?  I don't like being shouted at...."

Kalinandra nods.

Etasia designates you as the new leader of the group.

> frown tiros
You frown at Tirost.

Etasia smiles at you, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Kalinandra says, "I did hear one of the dastardly mention those names."

> say }Tirost I did not catch that in the thick of it.
You say to Tirost, "I did not catch that in the thick of it."

Nawain ponders.

Nawain nods in agreement.

Etasia whispers, "thank you, i always goof it up"

Nawain says, "I saw that, too."

> down
You go down, leading your group.
[Imperial Depository, Lobby]
The inside of the lobby here is breathtaking, unlike anything else you have seen so far in Leth Deriel in terms of its display of wealth and worldliness.  The interior of the ebonwood tree has been polished and grooved to resemble rich paneling.  A brass sign along the far wall points up.  
Obvious exits: up, out.
Crobin, Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost, and Nawain followed.

> out
You go out, leading your group.
[Leth Deriel, Dragon Tree Road]
A tall, smooth barked ebonwood tree dominates the southwest side of the road here.  Its strong, black walls form a perfect circular trunk of huge diameter.  All the low hanging branches have been trimmed to prevent climbing.  An ebony door, fashioned with exquisite metal fittings and inlaid with semi-precious gems, marks this tree as the seat of Leth Deriel's financial life, the Imperial Depository.  
Also here: Monster Bulgrot.
Obvious paths: east, west.
Crobin, Kalinandra, Etasia, Tirost, and Nawain followed.

Tirost says, "They seemed pretty organized."

> blink bulg
You blink at Bulgrot.

Bulgrot blinks at you.

Kalinandra gives Bulgrot a good pinch!

Etasia whispers to your group, "arinze did join us, he may be in shadows still"

You hear the voice of Arinze say to you, "You have beenmarked."

Bulgrot squirms.

Kalinandra exclaims to Bulgrot, "Thats for shouting at me!"

Bulgrot growls at Kalinandra.

You hear the voice of Arinze say, "Pay the toll to remove the mark."

Kalinandra folds her arms across her chest.

Etasia squints.

Bulgrot rudely says, "I shouted at the everyone."

Crobin smiles.

Bulgrot scowls at Kalinandra.

Crobin whispers, "I have been marked"

Tirost folds his arms across his chest.

You notice Etasia attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Etasia traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Ice Patch spell.

> frown crob
You frown at Crobin.

Etasia searches around for a moment.

Kalinandra raises an eyebrow in Bulgrot's direction.

Crobin says, "I just show up to see what is going on...and I get marked."

Crobin says, "Well."

Etasia says, "We shall not."

Crobin says, "That is no good."

> nod etasia
You nod to Etasia.

Bulgrot casually observes the area.

Etasia says, "Pay anything, show yerself Coward."

Kalinandra says, "He's welcome to try me.  He may not live to regret it."

Etasia squints.

Kalinandra snorts, loudly.

> fidget
You fidget nervously.

Etasia nods to Kalinandra.

Bulgrot makes a disgusting grunting noise.

Kalinandra glares at Bulgrot.

Bulgrot scowls at Kalinandra.

Nawain says, "Tolls are for governments. What bandits extract is just extortion. And that's not something anyone here's putting up with."

Nawain frowns.

Etasia gestures at Bulgrot.
A sheet of slippery ice forms beneath Bulgrot!
Bulgrot slips and falls forward, slamming his face on the ice.

Etasia begins to advance on Bulgrot.

> praise etasia
You continue to praise Etasia's efforts, also supporting her with your approval.

Kalinandra exclaims, "And he never said what he wanted!"

Crobin searches around for a moment.

Crobin points at Arinze, ruining his hiding place.

Bulgrot gasps and regains control of his breathing.

Bulgrot stands up.

Etasia closes to pole weapon range on Bulgrot.

Crobin says, "Opps."

Bulgrot releases a shriek into the air and begins to scan the horizon for enemies!

Etasia jabs a triple-fullered haralun broadsword bearing a nacre hilt at Bulgrot.  

Bulgrot's timing improves and he begins to move with supernatural grace!

Etasia slices a triple-fullered haralun broadsword bearing a nacre hilt at Bulgrot.  

Bulgrot bursts forth with a whirling shield defense!

Bulgrot explodes in a wild rage of dangerous power, his bloodshot eyes gleaming with an insatiable lust for battle!

Bulgrot explodes into a storming fury of pure violence!

Bulgrot changes stance and becomes the epicenter of a violent rage!

A rush of color fills Bulgrot's face as ripples of ravenous energy race into his limbs!

Bulgrot suddenly bursts into a frothing avalanche of rage!

Bulgrot's muscles briefly flex with new strength!

Bulgrot erupts into an unstoppable, manic rage!

Bulgrot bursts into a violent rage that amplifies his attacks!

Fury flashes across Bulgrot's face, filling his eyes with focused rage.

Etasia gestures.
A halo of fire flickers into being and hovers around her neck and mouth briefly.

Bulgrot draws forth a tyrium double axe.

> say Be careful, Etasia!
You exclaim, "Be careful, Etasia!"

Bulgrot lowers his shoulders and steadies his weapon.
Bulgrot makes an agile leap towards Etasia, attacking her with a mighty cleave!
Bulgrot's double axe lands a strong hit (6/23) to Etasia's right leg!
Etasia is lightly stunned!

Bulgrot visibly churns with an inner rage!

Nawain winces.

Bulgrot's eyes drip with tears as he unleashes an execrable sound from deep within!

Nawain stops guarding you.

Nawain begins to advance on Bulgrot.

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Arc Light spell.

Tirost begins to advance on Bulgrot.

Closing his eyes, Tirost grunts briefly in effort as a small earthen ethereal fissure opens in front of him.  Thrusting his hand through, Tirost draws out an electric javelin.  As Tirost opens his eyes, the fissure closes.

Nawain scowls.

Bulgrot whirls about in a bold, flashy manner!

Tirost hurls an electric javelin at Bulgrot.  The javelin lands a heavy strike (7/23) to his chest! 
The electric javelin lodges itself shallowly into Bulgrot!

Nawain closes to pole weapon range on Bulgrot.

Bulgrot visibly churns with an inner rage!

Nawain closes to melee range on Bulgrot.

Bulgrot bull-rushes at Nawain and knocks her to the ground.
Bulgrot runs into Etasia as his berserker's rage takes him near the shadows!
Bulgrot bull-rushes at Etasia.  Passing by, he backhands Etasia to the ground.

> stand kali
You stand near Kalinandra.

Tirost gestures at Bulgrot.
A flash of electrical light issues from Tirost's hands!
The bright flash disorients Bulgrot.

You hear the voice of Crobin say, "Marking people is not nice."

Tirost closes to pole weapon range on Bulgrot.

Nawain stands up.

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Tingle spell.

Tirost inhales sharply, then violently spits a bolt of churning flame toward Bulgrot!
Some of the fiery breath breaks against his targe.
The incendiary spittle blasts him in his back.

Tirost closes to melee range on Bulgrot.

Kalinandra exclaims to Bulgrot, "Mind your manners or I may forget my recent penance!"

Tirost gouges his fingers at Bulgrot.  The fingers lands a light hit (1/23) to his left arm!  

Bulgrot whirls about in a bold, flashy manner!

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Bulgrot.  The nodachi lands a good strike (3/23) to his left arm!  

Closing his eyes, Tirost grunts briefly in effort as a small electrical ethereal fissure opens in front of him.  Thrusting his hand through, Tirost draws out an electric lance.  As Tirost opens his eyes, the fissure closes.

Tirost sidesteps and adjusts his footing.
Tirost dashes quickly at Bulgrot, attacking him with blows meant to impale!
Tirost's electric lance lands a very heavy hit (8/23) to Bulgrot's left leg!

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Bulgrot.  

Kalinandra moves over to guard you.

Etasia growls and shakes off the staggering effects of the roar.

Bulgrot lowers his head briefly before unleashing a roar hinting at a fatal following.

Tirost takes a step back and readies his blade behind him.
Tirost dashes quickly at Bulgrot, attacking him with a mighty cleave!
Tirost's marauder blade lands a light hit (1/23) to Bulgrot's chest!

Bulgrot bull-rushes at Tirost and knocks him to the ground.
Bulgrot bull-rushes at Nawain.  Passing by, he backhands Nawain to the ground.

Bulgrot draws his arms together in a sinuous, flowing motion before sounding out a roar of deadly warning.
Etasia fled to the west in terror!

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

You notice Nawain attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Nawain inhales deeply and adopts a naturally cyclical rhythm to her breaths.
You decipher the signs of a Holy debilitation spell!

Bulgrot grows healthier before your eyes!

Nawain draws an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver at Bulgrot.  

Tirost takes a step back and hefts his maul behind him.
Tirost unleashes his maul to crash upon Bulgrot
Tirost's electric maul lands a light hit (1/23) to Bulgrot's back!
Bulgrot is stunned!

> say Nice job, Tirost!
You exclaim, "Nice job, Tirost!"

Bulgrot whirls about in a bold, flashy manner!

A Human peasant wanders into the area, looking for you.

A Human peasant gazes about the area with an intent look, watching the goings on.

Nawain points a crooked finger at Bulgrot and garbles an unintelligible curse.
A disturbing black radiance creeps over Bulgrot's electric javelin.
A disturbing black radiance creeps over Bulgrot's double axe.
A disturbing black radiance creeps over Bulgrot's segmented balaclava.
A disturbing black radiance creeps over Bulgrot's Nisha shortbow.
A disturbing black radiance creeps over Bulgrot's segmented hauberk.
A disturbing black radiance creeps over Bulgrot's targe.
A disturbing black radiance creeps over Bulgrot's segmented gloves.

Bulgrot just went west.

Tirost concentrates for a moment and an electric maul he is holding is replaced with an electric quarterstaff.
Tirost lowers his shoulders and begins to twirl his quarterstaff.

Tirost concentrates for a moment and an electric quarterstaff he is holding is replaced with an electric broadsword.

Closing his eyes, Tirost grunts briefly in effort as a small earthen ethereal fissure opens in front of him.  Thrusting his hand through, Tirost draws out an electric broadsword.  As Tirost opens his eyes, the fissure closes.

> cringe
You cringe.

Tirost raises his weapons before him and prepares to strike.

Tirost sheathes his electric broadsword.

Kalinandra says, "Oo that was a nasty looking curse."

You hear the voice of Crobin say, "Well done Tirost."

> nod kali agree
You nod at Kalinandra, in complete agreement with her views.

Kalinandra says, "This is why clerics scare me."

Tirost says, "Thank you."

Tirost asks, "Where's Etasia?"

> say Maybe we've finally scared them off...
You say, "Maybe we've finally scared them off..."

> w
You go west, leading your group.
[Leth Deriel, Oakenheart Circle]
The view to the west consists of the clearing surrounding the ancient tree that forms the hub of Leth Deriel, and the tree itself, the fabled Sana'ati Dyaus.  Its trunk blocks out anything else you might have been able to see in that direction.  Merchants, traders, and other outsiders bent on commerce pass by, some headed to the bank just east, others headed to the trading post, shops and offices clustered in the area.
You also see a wooden door.
Also here: War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west.
Kalinandra and Tirost followed.

You notice Etasia attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Etasia traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Gam Irnan spell.

> hold etasia
You already are holding her hand.

War Wizard Etasia went into a wooden door.

War Wizard Etasia just arrived.

Tirost asks Etasia, "You ok?"

Sfarns del Dzive Nawain just arrived.

Etasia joins your group.

Nawain joins your group.

Tirost sheathes his electric broadsword.

Etasia nods.

Fearless Crobin just arrived.

Crobin joins your group.

Etasia asks, "What happened he drag me?"

Etasia gestures.
Helixes and cross-patterns of brownish-white crystals grow rapidly across Etasia.

Nawain says, "Someone was tugging at me, too. Watch your elbows."

Nawain frowns.

> nod
You nod.

Kalinandra exclaims, "They're trying to separate us even though the money is safe!"

Etasia nods to Nawain.

> avoid !drag
You're now avoiding attempts to drag.

Kalinandra exclaims, "More skullduggery is afoot!"

You notice Etasia attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Etasia traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Swirling Winds spell.

> say Good idea, I won't let anyone near me now who might drag.
You say, "Good idea, I won't let anyone near me now who might drag."

Kalinandra searches around for a moment.

Tirost says, "Dangerous and tactical."

Crobin chuckles.

Etasia gestures.
A faint breeze surrounds her.

Tirost asks you, "Are they Ravens?"

Kalinandra says, "Unlikely."

Etasia gets a glittery platinum poppet with stormfire topaz eyes from inside her leucro hide pack.
Etasia holds a glittery platinum poppet with stormfire topaz eyes in her hand and closes her eyes in concentration.

Kalinandra says, "My ex-family is on extended vacation."

Nawain cheerfully says, "They're far too smart to be Ravens."

Nawain coughs.

Etasia puts her broadsword in her kidskin haversack.

Nawain glances at Kalinandra.

> nod kali
You nod to Kalinandra.

Kalinandra gives Nawain a playful poke in the ribs.

Etasia laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Nawain ducks her head.

Tirost slowly says to Kalinandra, "I see what you mean about being reformed..."

Kalinandra grins at Tirost, her dimples flashing into view.

> say I did not recognize any of them, other than the one who calls himself the greatest assassin.
You say, "I did not recognize any of them, other than the one who calls himself the greatest assassin."

Etasia whispers, "mind healin me if possible"

Kalinandra grins at Tirost, her dimples flashing into view.

> touch etasia
You touch Etasia with a confident grace and familiar smile.
You sense a successful empathic link has been forged between you and Etasia.
You feel the burning fire of pain and suffering building slowly as you instinctively draw out the truth behind Etasia's injuries.

Etasia's injuries include...
Wounds to the RIGHT LEG:
  Fresh External:  deep cuts across the right leg -- very harmful
  Fresh Internal:  a severely swollen and deeply bruised right leg -- very harmful

Etasia is suffering from an insignificant loss of vitality (1%).
(Etasia has 99% vitality remaining.)

> take etas everything quick
You touch Etasia with a confident grace and familiar smile.
You feel the transfer beginning as a cold stillness settles in the center of your being and you steel yourself for the impending explosion of pain.

> nod etas
You nod to Etasia.

Kalinandra exclaims, "In more ways than one!"

Tirost asks you, "The one who ambushed me?"

Etasia says, "Thank ya."

You sense that Etasia's external right leg wounds are fully healed.
You sense that Etasia's internal right leg wounds are fully healed.
You sense that Etasia's external right leg scars are fully healed.
You sense that Etasia's internal right leg scars are fully healed.

> shake head Tirost
You shake your head at Tirost.

You notice Etasia attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Etasia traces a geometric sigil in the air.

Crobin says, "You all chased that group off again."

>say No, Garrass.
You say, "No, Garrass."

Crobin says, "Well done."

Tirost nods.

Crobin says, "I was worried for my life."

Elysan just arrived.

Elysan runs east.

Tirost says to Crobin, "Thanks, Crobin."

Nawain says, "Watch that Elysan."

Monster Bulgrot just arrived.

Bulgrot draws his arms together in a sinuous, flowing motion before sounding out a roar of deadly warning.
Zfora fled to the west in terror!
Crobin fled to the west in terror!
Nawain fled to the south in terror!
Etasia fled to the north in terror!
Tirost fled to the south in terror!
You shake off Bulgrot's failed attempt to frighten you away.
Bulgrot's actions quickly stir up a ruckus in the area, as annoyed citizens quickly move out of the way.  One mentions to his friend that he's off to report Bulgrot for disturbing the peace.

Monster Bulgrot goes east.

Kalinandra stops guarding you.

Glitterbug Kalinandra traipses east.

Glitterbug Kalinandra just arrived.

Kalinandra says, "Well then."

Kalinandra says, "Thats one way to scatter a crowd."

Fearless Crobin just arrived.

Kalinandra joins your group.

Crobin says, "Hmm."

> nod kali
You nod to Kalinandra.

Elysan just arrived.

Elysan goes west.

> s
You go south, leading your group.
[Leth Deriel, Oakenheart Circle]
You arrive at a busy intersection where Oakenheart Circle merges with Merewala Court to the southeast, and flows into the central clearing to the northwest.  At this pivotal junction sits a mean-looking shanty, in and out of which trudge seedy adventurers who appear down on their luck, as well as richly dressed traders.  For a single establishment to cater to such an odd mix of clientele strikes you as odd.
You also see a battered and faded sign in front of the shanty.
Also here: Monster Bulgrot (prone), Knight of Meraud Tirost and Sfarns del Dzive Nawain.
Obvious paths: north, southeast, southwest, northwest.
Kalinandra and Crobin followed.

Tirost takes a full step back and plants his feet firmly.
Tirost attempts to cleave through Bulgrot with his blade!
Tirost's marauder blade lands a heavy strike (7/23) to Bulgrot's left leg!
Bulgrot is lightly stunned!

The wild fervor in Tirost's eyes reminds you of your own inner beast.

Bulgrot visibly churns with an inner rage!

A deep howl of bloodlust erupts from Bulgrot as his chest puffs out from the strain of corded chest muscles tightening all at once!

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

Tirost sidesteps and adjusts his footing.
Tirost unleashes his maul to crash upon Bulgrot
Tirost's electric maul lands a light hit (1/23) to Bulgrot's chest!

> praise tiros
You praise Tirost.

Bulgrot bull-rushes at Tirost.  Passing by, he backhands Tirost to the ground.

> disband
Defaulting to GROUP disband.  Type DISBAND HELP for more info.
You disband Kalinandra.
You disband Crobin.
You disband Tirost.
You disband Nawain.

> n
You go north.
[Leth Deriel, Oakenheart Circle]
The view to the west consists of the clearing surrounding the ancient tree that forms the hub of Leth Deriel, and the tree itself, the fabled Sana'ati Dyaus.  Its trunk blocks out anything else you might have been able to see in that direction.  Merchants, traders, and other outsiders bent on commerce pass by, some headed to the bank just east, others headed to the trading post, shops and offices clustered in the area.
You also see a wooden door.
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west.

> n
You go north.
[Leth Deriel, Oakenheart Circle]
Bergamot and citrus trees, lovingly cultivated in several small copses, ring the intersection here.  Their limbs are laden with fruit and bedecked with strips of ethereal gauze, serving as votive offerings to the woodland deities. Oakenheart Circle merges to the northeast into Aldiyaus Square, site of Leth Deriel's main shrine.  Looming large and stentorian to the southwest is Sana'ati Dyaus, most sacred of trees.  A broad clearing encircles the mammoth trunk.  
Also here: War Wizard Etasia.
Obvious paths: northeast, south, southwest, northwest.

> hold etas
You already are holding her hand.

> s
You go south.
[Leth Deriel, Oakenheart Circle]
The view to the west consists of the clearing surrounding the ancient tree that forms the hub of Leth Deriel, and the tree itself, the fabled Sana'ati Dyaus.  Its trunk blocks out anything else you might have been able to see in that direction.  Merchants, traders, and other outsiders bent on commerce pass by, some headed to the bank just east, others headed to the trading post, shops and offices clustered in the area.
You also see a wooden door.
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west.

> s
You go south.
[Leth Deriel, Oakenheart Circle]
You arrive at a busy intersection where Oakenheart Circle merges with Merewala Court to the southeast, and flows into the central clearing to the northwest.  At this pivotal junction sits a mean-looking shanty, in and out of which trudge seedy adventurers who appear down on their luck, as well as richly dressed traders.  For a single establishment to cater to such an odd mix of clientele strikes you as odd.
Also here: Glitterbug Kalinandra, Fearless Crobin, Monster Bulgrot (prone), Knight of Meraud Tirost and Sfarns del Dzive Nawain.
Obvious paths: north, southeast, southwest, northwest.

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

Nawain closes her eyes, drawing her closed fist toward her chest.
Seconds later she swings her arm outward, pointing at Bulgrot as her eyes fix on him in a vehement stare.
Nawain's watersilk bag emits a loud *snap*.
A soft crackle briefly comes from Nawain's direction.

Bulgrot gasps and regains control of his breathing.

Tirost sidesteps and adjusts his footing while twirling his quarterstaff.
Tirost angles his twirling quarterstaff down upon Bulgrot.
Tirost's electric quarterstaff lands a good strike (3/23) to Bulgrot's right leg!

Tirost concentrates for a moment and an electric quarterstaff he is holding is replaced with an electric broadsword.

Bulgrot lets out a roar of frustration as he attempts to regain his footing.

Bulgrot stands up.

Closing his eyes, Tirost grunts briefly in effort as a small earthen ethereal fissure opens in front of him.  Thrusting his hand through, Tirost draws out an electric broadsword.  As Tirost opens his eyes, the fissure closes.

Tirost steps to the side and adjusts his stance.
Tirost rushes at Bulgrot, lashing out with his broadsword!
Tirost's errant broadsword results in nothing more than a soft thud against Bulgrot's demonbone armguard.
Tirost's attack momentum continues with a second strike from his broadsword!

You notice Nawain attempting to conceal her spell preparations.
Nawain inhales deeply and adopts a naturally cyclical rhythm to her breaths.
You decipher the signs of a Holy targeted spell!

Bulgrot tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Bulgrot tries to back away, but something holds him fast.

Tirost gestures.
A vague mist begins seeping slowly from his body, chilling the air.

The wild fervor in Tirost's eyes reminds you of your own inner beast.

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Lightning Bolt spell.

Tirost begins to focus intently on Bulgrot.

Tirost inhales sharply, then violently spits a bolt of churning flame toward Bulgrot!
Some of the fiery breath breaks against his targe.
The incendiary spittle singes his back.

Crobin wavers into view for a moment.
Crobin joins your group.

The vapor surrounding Tirost coalesces into three icy blades that begin twirling about him in a graceful yet deadly dance.

Tirost sheathes his electric broadsword.

Tirost concentrates for a moment and an electric broadsword he is holding is replaced with an electric marauder blade.

Trying weakly, Tirost chops an electric marauder blade at Bulgrot.  Bulgrot evades, barely twisting out of harm's reach.  

Bulgrot whirls about in a bold, flashy manner!

Moving with the precision of a mongoose, Bulgrot chops a tyrium double axe at Nawain.  Nawain fails to block with an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver.  The axe lands a strong hit (6/23) that cuts the lumbar region just enough to bleed a little, stunning her!  

A shroud of vapor rises from Bulgrot's body, dissipating rapidly from view.

Bulgrot bull-rushes at Tirost.  Passing by, he backhands Tirost to the ground.

Kalinandra cackles!

Tirost stands up.

Moving with dominating grace, Bulgrot draws a tyrium double axe at Nawain.  Nawain badly fails to block with an elegant tyrium nodachi inlaid with lilac moonsilver.  The axe lands a good strike (3/23) that barely pierces the skin to nick the chest!  

War Wizard Etasia just arrived.

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

Kalinandra begins to advance on Bulgrot.

An icy blade circling Tirost glances off Bulgrot's shield and lands a hard hit (5/23) to his abdomen!
Bulgrot is dealt a vicious stun!

Nawain closes her eyes, drawing her closed fist toward her chest.
Seconds later she swings her arm outward, pointing at Bulgrot as her eyes fix on him in a vehement stare.
Nawain's watersilk bag emits a loud *snap*.

Tirost gestures at Bulgrot.
A bolt of bluish lightning blazes out of the sky toward Bulgrot!
Bulgrot stares in shock at the remains of his left leg as it is blown completely off his body by the lightning bolt.
Bulgrot screams and falls to the ground grasping his mangled left leg!

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.
You decipher the telltale signs of the Lightning Bolt spell.
Tirost begins to focus intently on Bulgrot.

Several bolts of flashing silver flame flare into view, churning around Bulgrot.  With surprising speed, they swirl upward into the sky with a wailing shriek!

Tirost concentrates for a moment and an electric maul he is holding is replaced with an electric marauder blade.
Attacking gracefully, Tirost chops an electric marauder blade at Bulgrot.  Bulgrot attempts to dodge, mainly avoiding the blow.  The blade lands a very heavy hit (8/23) that blows the left arm clear from the body with an explosive arc of white sky-fire!  

Bulgrot's in shock and dying!

Kalinandra closes to pole weapon range on Bulgrot.

A glowing rain of surreal silver fire begins to cascade down from the heavens!

A bolt of holy fire strikes Bulgrot's targe and quickly fades.

Nawain nods.

> gasp
You gasp!

A bolt of holy fire strikes Bulgrot's targe and quickly fades.

Kalinandra closes to melee range on Bulgrot.

Bulgrot whirls about in a bold, flashy manner!

Etasia inhales sharply, then violently spits a bolt of churning flame toward Bulgrot!
Some of the fiery breath breaks against his targe.
Dragonfire buffets Bulgrot's abdomen, twining into roaring pillars, and for a moment he rolls in scarlet flames!  When the smoke clears, only a charred black ruin is left of the torso.
 * Bulgrot was just struck down! 
 * Bulgrot is slain before your eyes!
A panicked scream pierces the air.  "Murderer!"  You notice the nearby citizenry staring at Etasia briefly, before most quickly run off in fear.

The vapor surrounding Tirost coalesces into three icy blades that join the pair of deadly weapons already twirling about him.

Kalinandra exclaims, "Well damn.  Ya'll stole my fun!"

Etasia flashes a quick grin.

>say Etasia, well done!
You exclaim, "Etasia, well done!"

Etasia says, "Well there we go."

Nawain says, "Could use a heal."

Etasia pokes Bulgrot to see if he will move.

The deathly greyness leaves Kalinandra's skin.

Tirost sheathes his marauder blade.

> say }Bulgro Now, if you promise to leave us be, we will get you back up.
You say to Bulgrot, "Now, if you promise to leave us be, we will get you back up."

Kalinandra touches Nawain and smiles, an odd but eager glint in her eyes.

Etasia says, "Bouts time."

The substance of Bulgrot's body shimmers, as if covered by a veil of crystal tears.  A moment later he fades away, leaving nothing but empty air where his body had once lain.

>say I take that as a no.
You say, "I take that as a no."

> chuckle
You chuckle.

Etasia asks you, "Ye ok ?"

> nod etasia
You nod to Etasia.

"Stop right there!"  The shout reverberates through the area as the Warden charges towards Etasia.  "You're under arrest!"
Etasia seems to be in shock as the Warden binds her hands and she is led off.

Kalinandra says, "Uh oh."

Nawain winces.

> grin
You grin.

Nawain exclaims, "Rude!"

> say I should pay that fine for her.
You say, "I should pay that fine for her."

> nod
You nod.

Kalinandra exclaims, "The warden should give her a refund!"

> nod kali agree
You nod at Kalinandra, in complete agreement with her views.

> say Let's see if I can find where they take her...
You say, "Let's see if I can find where they take her..."

Kalinandra exclaims, "Doing their job for them!"

Nawain says, "We should go meet her at the jail. They might ambush her."

Nawain nods.

<snip movement to jail>

[Gallows Tree, Town Warden's Office]
This room is chiseled out of the base of the old Gallows Tree, where hangings and drawing and quartering used to be regular features in the more tyrannical days of the Elven empires.  The Warden's Office nowadays shows that more peaceable tis a straight-backed rush chair before a long table.  Atop the Warden's desk sit a pot of hot herb tea and a tray of Mithin's donuts.
You also see the Warden's desk, a carved wooden display case and a wooden grid.
Obvious exits: down, out.
Tirost, Kalinandra and Nawain followed.

> look on desk
On the Warden's desk you see a Etasia sack, a Trustii sack, a Ellyrienne sack, a Caperius sack, a Caperius sack, a Caperius sack, a Taf sack, a Zucco sack, a Zucco sack, a Zucco sack, a Sslithor sack, a tray with a half-eaten jelly donut on it, a pot of herb tea, a Charlize sack, a Serafine sack and a Serafine sack.

War Wizard Etasia just arrived.

Etasia whistles a merry tune.

Nawain lets out a hearty cheer for Etasia!

> praise etasia
You continue to build Etasia with your praise.

Etasia says, "Didn't have enough coin fer murder."

> laugh
You laugh!

Etasia says, "On me, pardon my appearance."

Kalinandra exclaims, "We were coming to pay the bail!"

> say }Etasia Let me reimburse you for that.
You say to Etasia, "Let me reimburse you for that."

> tap desk
You tap the Warden's desk.

> say Your stuff is there, we watched it for you.
You say, "Your stuff is there, we watched it for you."

Tirost smiles at Etasia.

Etasia says, "No i need bank apparently."

Etasia says, "Thank ye."

Etasia asks, "Is in sack here yes?"

Kalinandra taps a Etasia sack atop the Warden's desk.

Etasia says, "Ok let me got to the bank."

Etasia nods.

> nod etasia
You nod to Etasia.

Etasia smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

War Wizard Etasia drifts out.

Kalinandra says, "She's too quick. I had it to give."

Kalinandra grins, revealing her dimples.

Tirost says, "I'm going to the bank too. Should probably drop this coin, before it's taken from me."

> grin tirost
You grin at Tirost.

Nawain wryly says, "I'm starting to understand why everyone hates Soul Bonding. It's so very useful in so many situations."

Knight of Meraud Tirost drifts out.

Kalinandra says, "I did get a wicked chuckle out of him being stuck to the ground."

Nawain grins.

> grin kali
You grin at Kalinandra.

Nawain nods to Kalinandra.

> say }Nawai That was very very clever.
You say to Nawain, "That was very very clever."

Nawain beams!

> say I think once we've got Etasia sorted, it might be best for us to go separate ways so we don't continue to draw attention.
You say, "I think once we've got Etasia sorted, it might be best for us to go separate ways so we don't continue to draw attention."

Knight of Meraud Tirost's group just arrived.

Nawain nods in agreement.

Knight of Meraud Tirost drifts out, leading his group.

Knight of Meraud Tirost's group just arrived.

Etasia smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

> say }Etasia All set?
You ask Etasia, "All set?"

Etasia exclaims, "Aye i am !"

Etasia beams!

> say Wonderful.
You say, "Wonderful."

> > say Well, thank you again all so much for coming on this adventure with me.
You say, "Well, thank you again all so much for coming on this adventure with me."

Tirost smiles.

> say I wish it had been less exciting... but I suppose that doesn't make for a good story.
You say, "I wish it had been less exciting... but I suppose that doesn't make for a good story."

Etasia smiles at you, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Kalinandra grins, revealing her dimples.

Etasia grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

Tirost bows to you.

> smile
You smile.

Nawain chuckles at you!

> say And it only ended with one murder charge. That feels pretty successful.
You say, "And it only ended with one murder charge. That feels pretty successful."

> chuckle
You chuckle.

> praise etasia
You praise Etasia.

Etasia says to you, "Thank ye again fer the chance to guard ye a bit."

Kalinandra says, "Could be more fun too.  I think I recognize one of those guys from where I hunt.  I might have to pay him a visit."

You smile at Etasia.

Etasia grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

> gasp kali
You gasp at Kalinandra!

> nod kali agree
You nod at Kalinandra, in complete agreement with her views.

Tirost grins at Kalinandra.

Etasia says, "Is a great group."

Etasia smiles at Nawain, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Kalinandra says, "I won't KILL him.  Just... maybe...  stab it a little bit."

Etasia smiles at Kalinandra, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

> say I am off to a quiet nook somewhere to have a cup of tea and let my heart relax.
You say, "I am off to a quiet nook somewhere to have a cup of tea and let my heart relax."

> chuckle
You chuckle.

Etasia smiles at Tirost, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Tirost says to you, "I'm glad you made it. Thank you for your confidence."

> smile tiros 
You smile at Tirost.

Etasia smiles at you, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Nawain hugs Etasia, who wraps her arms around Nawain with a warm smile.

Etasia just hugged Nawain.

Tirost hugs Etasia, who wraps her arms around Tirost with a warm smile.

> say I would advise moving out quickly when you are ready.
You say, "I would advise moving out quickly when you are ready."

Etasia just hugged Tirost.

> nod
You nod.

Etasia hugs you, and you give her a smile in return.

> hug etas
You hug Etasia who wraps her arms around you with a warm smile.  A faint scent of honeysuckle clings to her skin.

> wave
You wave.

Etasia says to you, "Enjoy yer ever."

Etasia says, "Eve."

Etasia waves to you.

> curt formal
Hands moving gracefully, you sink down in a formal curtsy.

Tirost says, "Farewell."

Kalinandra smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Kalinandra waves.

Nawain raises her tyrium nodachi in a quick salute.