After resting for a while on the ourskirts of the desert, the group prepare to take off and see if they can find shelter. What strange creatures could live in a place like this?

The Evil Saga! ~ Chapter 2: Dreams Of Lovely Infernos

Bernard Blackbrass:

*glug glug glug*

Bernard Blackbrass:

(this is before anyone else wakes up)

Ezra:

What're you drinking

Ezra:

is that sand

Bernard Blackbrass:

NO

Bernard Blackbrass:

It's

Ezra:

give me that

Bernard Blackbrass:

Sangria

Bernard Blackbrass:

not Sand

Ezra:

hey

Ezra:

this sand

Bernard Blackbrass:

no it's mine

Ezra:

tastes like crap

The Drufle:

by the way would streak or asema like a recap?

~~NO.~~ *snip*

Asema:

Jenna sneezes, more from a dying cold than any of the horrible external factors around them. "Ah, oh dear. Too much perfume, or not enough perfume?"

Jenna Callahan:

...said Jenna.

The Drufle:

snrk

The Drufle:

First things first.

The Drufle:

Would the party like to leave the lava?

The Drufle:

Because you're all currently in lava.

Tekton:

no

Ezra:

Let's discuss this in detail.

* Bernard Blackbrass wipes his mouth from cooling lava and sand before anyone else notices.

Tekton:

i have a bedroll

Ezra:

I'm kidding of course, get the fuck out

The Drufle:

Let's try not to have people standing on top of each other.

Bernard Blackbrass:

Ride Check At-Will • Dex (Armor Check Penalty) Roll: (GM Only)

Ezra:

"I trust you all slept well?"

Bernard Blackbrass:

come on bro my feet hurt

* Bernard Blackbrass mumbles something incomprehensible, gulping down 'water'.

Ezra:

"Actually, how many of us sleep?"

Ezra:

"Does the plant sleep?"

Tekton:

"I breathe at night"

Bernard Blackbrass:

"My question is how come we didn't get ate."

The Drufle:

Good question!

Tekton:

someone built a fire

Ezra:

"Well, I gather there's not much in this desert."

Tekton:

to attract all the mephits

Ezra:

"It's pretty boring."

Tekton:

(asema disconnected)

The Drufle:

really

The Drufle:

hm

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Well, all of you, i'm feeling like a walk that a way. You ladies think you can handle?"

Tekton:

Perception Check At-Will • Wis Roll: (GM Only)

* Bernard Blackbrass is more looking at Tekton, as if something didn't quite add up, after asking that.

The Drufle:

Tekton sees the same thing in the distance as had been seen before.

Ezra:

Perception Check At-Will • Wis Roll: (GM Only)

Bernard Blackbrass:

Knowledge History Check At-Will • Int Roll: (GM Only)

The Drufle:

A few stone huts, just a short walk away.

Bernard Blackbrass:

I wanna know about those damn bridges.

The Drufle:

Hm.

Bernard Blackbrass:

actually I take ten

Bernard Blackbrass:

can I do that

The Drufle:

You can, yes.

Tekton:

no

The Drufle:

No?

Ezra:

"I am slightly suprised to see civilisation here, really."

Ezra:

"Assuming anything lives there."

Asema is disconnected.

Asema is disconnected.

The Drufle:

Bernard: You would be unable to ascertain the origin of these bridges without some aid.

Tekton:

"must be animated man-eating hut golems"

Asema has connected.

Ezra:

"Are those real?"

The Drufle:

They could be!

Ezra:

"Well. Let's poke the huts to make sure."

Ezra:

cough

Ezra:

helloooo

The Drufle:

The way is clear if you'd like to inspect!

Tekton:

"let's move"

Ezra:

has everyone just died or what

The Drufle:

Asema? Satona? Sneaky?

The Drufle:

Anyone?

Bernard Blackbrass:

Sudden Insights!

Bernard Blackbrass:

Perception Check At-Will • Wis Roll: (GM Only)

The Drufle:

These are stone huts.

The Drufle:

They are huts made of stone.

The Drufle:

How much more do you want?

Bernard Blackbrass:

Knowledge History Check At-Will • Int Roll: (GM Only)

The Drufle:

You're not getting anything better with that roll.

Bernard Blackbrass:

Damn it!

Asema:

Jenna cautiously approaches the huts with as much of the group in tow as there goes. Shelter, even Malor's shelter, would be nice. Sort of. Better than nothing.

Tekton: (( test ))

Ezra:

I poke the hut.

The Drufle:

The brownish lines are doors, for those unacquainted with my particular art style.

The Drufle:

The hut does not poke back.

Bernard Blackbrass:

Roll to hit

Ezra:

"It's clear."

The Drufle:

Shall anyone enter?

* Bernard Blackbrass discretely knocks.

Golurk is disconnected.

Golurk is disconnected.

Ezra:

"Be wary."

The Drufle:

You hear grumbling from inside.

Golurk has connected.

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Be polite."

* Bernard Blackbrass puts on his best smile.

Bernard Blackbrass:

-- not best smile, but pretty good, really.

The Drufle:

Suddenly, the voice goes silent.

Asema:

"Hmmm. Well, as long as THEY'RE polite."

Golurk: (( test ))

Bernard Blackbrass:

(( tested ))

Golurk: (( ok grood ))

Mgotoo:

"What do you want, thin one?"

Golurk:

wait what happened

Golurk:

also i cant see anything

Ezra:

we approached the huts

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Ah sir, we are a traveling caravan."

Bernard Blackbrass:

(oh yeah I triggered Conceal Thoughts this morning)

Asema:

"A travelling caravan of entertainers!"

Mgotoo:

"There are no caravans in Malor."

Asema:

(And I have +10 to Bluff.)

Ezra:

"There are now."

The Drufle:

Well, I'd roll then.

Bernard Blackbrass:

(I'm technically not bluffing, see)

The Drufle:

If you'd like to bluff.

Bernard Blackbrass:

Bluff Check At-Will • Cha Roll: (GM Only)

Asema:

"Well, not normally! But you'd be surprised what demand there is these days."

Bernard Blackbrass:

I guess I aid her

Mgotoo:

"There is no joy, nor is there peace here."

Tekton: (( im gonna reconnect i cant seee the map ))

Bernard Blackbrass:

Wait

Bernard Blackbrass:

click Players

Bernard Blackbrass:

then click Tekton twice.

Tekton: (( oh wait disregard ))

Mgotoo:

"However, you do seem simple enough."

Mgotoo:

"What acts do your kind choose to perform?"

Tekton: (( an oread? ))

The Drufle:

Correct!

Bernard Blackbrass:

(now I wish I just picked Perform (Orator) like I planned)

Bernard Blackbrass:

(oh well)

Mgotoo:

"I see only one with instrument."

Asema:

"You know -- singing, dancing, the usual! It wasn't always on Malor that we did those things, of course."

Mgotoo:

"Why does your group come to this forsaken land then?"

Ezra:

"I'm a hell of a beatbox."

* Mgotoo stares at Ezra.

Mgotoo:

"Come again?"

Ezra:

"You know. Percussion. But with your mouth."

Asema:

"Hmmm. I suppose you could call it exploration! If there's someone to be sung to here, we could, and if not, maybe there's not someone, but not something."

Mgotoo:

"Our kind does not usually partake in revelry and celebration."

Mgotoo:

"And I do see that you are holding many valuables on your persons."

Mgotoo:

"Do you have something to change my current train of thought?"

Asema:

"Yes, a question! What are you going to do with those valuables here on Malor? Besides exist, I mean."

Asema:

"It seems kind of boring around here. Well, it was until we showed up, hee hee!"

Mgotoo:

"..."

Mgotoo:

"You are a gleeful one."

Bernard Blackbrass:

"What my colleague means is, would you like to trade?"

Mgotoo:

"I may, yes."

Satonakaja:

(im back guise)

Satonakaja:

(but i cant see the map)

Bernard Blackbrass:

"I may not look it, but I am rather good with a forge."

Mgotoo:

"We need no smithing."

Bernard Blackbrass:

Click your Players token in the list.

* Bernard Blackbrass only partially withdraws his mighty axe.

Asema:

"Oh? So do you need books, then? If you don't need smithing, I bet you need books."

Mgotoo:

"We have no need for reading."

Satonakaja:

(oh god where is the list)

Mgotoo:

"Our kind exists on the knowledge of our past."

Tekton: (( map explorer ))

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Perhaps someone whose knowledge is inconvenient to your present."

Tekton: (( can we just kill him ))

The Drufle:

Sure!

Bernard Blackbrass:

(( no killing Hina ))

The Drufle:

That is totally an option.

Mgotoo:

"Our present is as our past."

Mgotoo:

"We are unchanging creatures, born of the earth."

Tekton:

Knowledge Planes Check At-Will • Int Roll: (GM Only)

Asema:

"Hmm! So that's why you can hang out here and not get bored, I suppose?"

* Tekton tries to recall... weaknesses and such

The Drufle:

Are you trying to know about Oreads?

Tekton:

(silently)

The Drufle:

Oreads have no weaknesses, but do resist acid damage.

Mgotoo:

"We did not choose to come here."

Mgotoo:

This is our collective punishment."

Hina Takahashi:

"Yes well, neither did we."

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Tell us about it."

Mgotoo:

"Exiles or bandits, you are strangers to this camp."

Asema:

Jenna shoots Hina a dirty look. "What she means is, business is going south on the mainland, so we thought we'd give Malor a try. No one else will, right? If there's no business, it's here!"

Asema:

« Minus the "no". = Invalid expression: Minus the "no".. »

Asema:

« Sans the "no". = Invalid expression: Sans the "no".. »

Asema:

(Sans the "no".)

Mgotoo:

"That is poor logic, small one."

Ezra:

(He's likely not alone in this place.)

Mgotoo:

"Would you fleshbeings like to offer something of use, or may I return to my dwelling?"

Ezra:

"I guess not. What are your hobbies anyway?"

Mgotoo:

"Survival."

Ezra:

"That's a good one."

Bernard Blackbrass:

"You know this place well. Tell us. Any monsters afoot?"

Mgotoo:

"Malor allows no time for pleasantries or freedom."

Bernard Blackbrass:

Diplomacy Check At-Will • Cha Roll: (GM Only)

The Drufle:

pfffft

Tekton: (( drufle do you want me to feed them ))

The Drufle:

Feed them?

The Drufle:

No

* Mgotoo glares at Bernard.

Mgotoo:

"I shall offer no help to those who offer nothing in return."

Ezra:

"That's a fair rule."

Mgotoo:

"Shall you die, you leave your belongings with your corpse."

Mgotoo:

"Helping you with no return gives no benefit to us."

Mgotoo:

"There is no place for courtesy here."

Hina Takahashi:

"You're going to loot our bodies if we fall, then? How pleasant."

Mgotoo:

"Only those who are strong and resourceful survive."

Ezra:

"Then we'll take no more of your time, big one."

* Mgotoo nods at Ezra.

Jenna Callahan:

"Oh, hold on, everyone. I have an idea."

Mgotoo:

"May your path be smooth as granite, weak ones."

Jenna Callahan:

If he's going to leave, then I have a better idea.

The Drufle:

You can call him back, if you'd like.

Jenna Callahan:

If I attack him as he moves to leave, is there any way I could, per chance, get a surprise round?

Hina Takahashi:

"Go on then."

Tekton: (( smooth, drufle. 2smooth4school ))

The Drufle:

Er

Tekton:

"are we going to burn his house down"

The Drufle:

Yes, you would have a single action for a surprise round.

The Drufle:

If you'd like.

Jenna Callahan:

I know.

Bernard Blackbrass:

"I got a better idea", holding up his hand.

Ezra:

I really don't think we should attack without properly figuring out how many of them there are.

Hina Takahashi:

"It's made of stone, that isn't exactly possible."

Bernard Blackbrass:

(yeah that)

Bernard Blackbrass:

"No no, thank you again. We'll call upon you when we need you."

Jenna Callahan:

(Well, I *had* a plan, but looking over the specifics... yes, fair point.)

Jenna Callahan:

"Oh... well, all right, then! Thank you for what little hospitality you've given us, anyhow."

The Drufle:

Only Jenna would have the surprise round, as the party would be unaware of her plans.

* Bernard Blackbrass can piece it together easily, really.

The Drufle:

Oreads are always polite in their ways.

Jenna Callahan:

(It would've worked but I just realized I probably can't do what I was planning unless the door is open.)

The Drufle:

Even if they want you dead.

Hina Takahashi:

"What a waste of time."

Ezra:

"What an asphalt."

Jenna Callahan:

Jenna heads away from the hut, as if leading the party to an open area.

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Not so. We now know who lives here."

Jenna Callahan:

Hopefully, if someone is watching, they won't have any interruptions.

Jenna Callahan:

"You've got it, Bernie! That's a start! And it's not like finding these huts was completely worthless."

Jenna Callahan:

(I'm assuming everyone knows their names?)

* Bernard Blackbrass gives Jenna a level look.

Jenna Callahan:

(Otherwise, leave out "Bernie" there.)

Bernard Blackbrass:

(you call him Brass)

The Drufle:

Yes, you all know each other names.

The Drufle:

You spent two months with each other, I'd hope you do.

Jenna Callahan:

(If she knows he's Bernard legally, then she'll probably go with Bernie.)

Hina Takahashi:

"Hm? Well, knowledge and all that is useful but I wouldn't say we are in any better of a position." Hina follows Jenna to the open area.

Bernard Blackbrass:

"We now know this place is inhabited. My first thought was to break in."

Tekton:

two months of shipping each other

Bernard Blackbrass:

"But, Jen Darling, do make sure there's no one in the other huts. That's just logistics."

Jenna Callahan:

"That's a very good plan! Which is why we should go over it now, so there's no grumbling later."

Tekton:

"maybe I should've offered him some rations"

Hina Takahashi:

"One day on Malor and we're already considering rape, pillage, and burn. Wonderful."

The Drufle:

I didn't hear rape requested.

Tekton:

"unless they eat rocks or something"

Ezra:

"No, we're just taking up a new hobby. Survival."

The Drufle:

Besides, I imagine Oreads would be awful partners.

Hina Takahashi:

(someone is PROBABLY thinking it)

Bernard Blackbrass:

Who said rape, pillage, and burn?"

Jenna Callahan:

"If we kill him, and whatever other friends he has, the hut's ours! And whatever else they have. They didn't make it sound like much, but there are some very good lairs in the world!"

Jenna Callahan:

(Liars.)

The Drufle:

If you guys want to assault the village, you totally can.

Jenna Callahan:

"Think of it this way! It's our own town."

Tekton:

how big is the village even

Bernard Blackbrass:

"If they have the means of resources, we want to find out how."

Tekton:

i see a red line

The Drufle:

Where?

The Drufle:

Oh

Bernard Blackbrass:

"It's better to find out what he wants, and more importantly, how many of them there are."

The Drufle:

That's the other building.

Hina Takahashi:

"Well, I guess 'liberating' the place for ourselves would put a nice little shelter over out heads."

Tekton:

is that a door

Bernard Blackbrass:

You should paint it black.

Jenna Callahan:

"It would. There's no need to be so dreary, Hina! You're with us, and we should both be glad!"

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Ezra Dear", he says with a quick beckon.

Ezra:

"Hmm?"

* Bernard Blackbrass whispers "Scout ahead. See if you can find out who lives in the other building, and if there's a roof entrance."

* Bernard Blackbrass says it just loud enough to not leave any of the four out.

Ezra:

wait is that a real whisper or

Bernard Blackbrass:

Like a huddle.

Ezra:

no okay

The Drufle:

That was a game whisper.

Bernard Blackbrass:

Or a personal 'i'm talking to Ezra'.

The Drufle:

I could see it.

Ezra:

the others can't?

Bernard Blackbrass:

It's for them too.

The Drufle:

No, they should be able to.

Tekton:

i can see it

The Drufle:

Try and avoid "NAME whispers ..."

The Drufle:

Because the whisper command uses the same syntax

Bernard Blackbrass:

You can all hear it, that's the intention.

The Drufle:

So!

Ezra:

Well, anyway.

Ezra:

Let's take a look.

The Drufle:

What's our intrepid party going to do?

Ezra:

I'm going to inspect this building.

Ezra:

To the south.

The Drufle:

Very well!

Bernard Blackbrass:

Look about the town, with that pleasant smile on his face. Not up to nothing, no. Ah, Jenna. Good morning. Not up to anything.

Hina Takahashi:

". . .if we are going through with this, perhaps some of us should go off and look like we are leaving? We can meet up again later."

The Drufle:

Roll a perception check if you're looking for anything in particular.

Jenna Callahan:

Jenna's going to give Hina a gentle, reassuring pat on the shoulder, assuming she doesn't move away or react badly.

Bernard Blackbrass:

Perception Check At-Will • Wis Roll: (GM Only)

The Drufle:

Bernard manages to see jack all.

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Tekton, do follow us."

Ezra:

I'm going to see if I can find out what's inside.

Ezra:

Perception Check At-Will • Wis Roll: (GM Only)

Hina Takahashi:

Hina looks over at Jenna with somewhat empty eyes, but then just turns her head away.

The Drufle:

It appears that the party has come upon the blindness disease!

* Bernard Blackbrass knocks on the front door.

Ezra:

Well, then I'll just try again.

Bernard Blackbrass:

Let's see who's in here.

Tekton:

Perception Check At-Will • Wis Roll: (GM Only)

Rubef:

"A weak one?"

Rubef:

"How unusual."

Jenna Callahan:

Jenna shrugs with a small smile, then follows a short distance after the rest of the party.

The Drufle:

Tekton sees nothing out of the ordinary, and is only slightly less blind than the others.

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Good morning sir. Might we ask about this place?"

Rubef:

"This is our dwelling."

Rubef:

"We live here."

Rubef:

"Are you new exiles from the mainland?"

Ezra:

(This happens often?)

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Aye. Rough times, rough crossings, sea and fire."

The Drufle:

Cosma is quite a dangerous place!

Bernard Blackbrass:

(ezra keep scouting the house)

The Drufle:

People do bad things more often than you'd expect.

Ezra:

Yes lets keep looking about then

Rubef:

"Understandable."

Rubef:

"Do you have anything of use?"

Ezra:

Perception Check At-Will • Wis Roll: (GM Only)

Rubef:

"I would rather not waste our time."

Ezra:

Is there a window or anything

Tekton: (( sneak attack sneak attack ))

The Drufle:

There are no holes!

Bernard Blackbrass:

"We saw a few fiery worms, and what looked like imps! And some nice obsidian."

The Drufle:

Oreads build their homes very sturdily.

Rubef:

"Those were not imps, small one."

Jenna Callahan:

How many huts are there? Only two?

Rubef:

"The imps have home further inland."

Ezra:

Well, what's the roof made of then

The Drufle:

That you can see, yes.

The Drufle:

There may be more, there may not.

The Drufle:

The roof is also made of stone, but it's more polished than the walls.

Jenna Callahan:

In that case, Jenna moves along the perimeter of the area, giving it a wide berth, and tries to see if there are any more.

The Drufle:

The walls are rough hewn, likely from the weathering of the dust storms.

The Drufle:

Oh geez.

The Drufle:

Um.

Ezra:

The door appears to be the only entry point, then.

Bernard Blackbrass:

No windows?

Hina Takahashi:

Hina stays put behind Brass and Tekton, listening in on the conversation.

Ezra:

Perhaps they see in the dark.

The Drufle:

Jenna sneaks behind the building, seeing that there are no other buildings, but there is a forge and stable behind the western hut.

Bernard Blackbrass:

"To be honest, we didn't expect much of anyone to live here, beyond all of the lava."

Hina Takahashi:

((stable you say))

Rubef:

"We should not be living here."

Hina Takahashi:

((PILLAGE))

Ezra:

Can't you see in the door?

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Your people must be quite the survivors. Moreso than /ugh/, humans."

Rubef:

"This is where we survive."

Rubef:

"Our bodies are worn by the dust and storm."

Rubef:

"Our cores, heated by the lava and fire."

Rubef:

"We thrive in these conditions."

Jenna Callahan:

Jenna returns to Hina, looking a little pleased with herself.

The Drufle:

Ezra: you cannot see through the door, no.

Ezra:

Well, not me of course

* Bernard Blackbrass smiles heartily, picks up a handful of sand, and, surprise to anyone, shoves it into his mouth.

The Drufle:

Rubef shut it behind her.

Ezra:

I'm not even at the door.

Hina Takahashi:

Hina notes Jenna's demeanor. "You found something, did you?"

Jenna Callahan:

"Well now, Hina. There's only two huts... they have a stable and forge, too, but that's all! I'm somewhat disappointed."

Bernard Blackbrass:

(( no one knows the sand is good for him, hopefully ))

Rubef:

"A hellspawn of the earthen, I see."

Jenna Callahan:

"But I suppose if we're going to attack them, it'll be much easier with only two huts!"

Bernard Blackbrass:

"We are not unlike."

Rubef:

"We are more different than we are similar, fleshbeing."

Bernard Blackbrass:

"We too are wronged by 'lawful' society. We bring and seek news of lands beyond."

Tekton:

"what do you eat here"

Tekton:

http://www.pierreseche.com/images/sauliac_caselle.jpg

Hina Takahashi:

"I suppose, if anything, we have the numbers, assuming there aren't dozens more of them hiding in the huts."

Tekton:

turn the door invisible

Bernard Blackbrass:

((I really really hope you two are whispering.))

Rubef:

"While we were wronged, we bear no ill will."

Ezra:

(I wonder, how long have they lived here?)

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Neither do we."

Hina Takahashi:

((yeah))

Jenna Callahan:

(Yes.)

The Drufle:

Golurk: something like that, yes

The Drufle:

But bigger.

Rubef:

"Man of flora, what do you wish of me?"

Hina Takahashi:

"It's surprising they have use for a stable here though. There is hardly any grass to graze."

* Rubef speaks to Tekton without turning to him.

Jenna Callahan:

"Maybe their mounts graze the sand instead?"

Tekton:

lies damned lies

Ezra:

(Ask him again!)

Ezra:

(and do speak up this time)

Rubef:

"If you weak ones have nothing more for me, I would like to return to my dwelling."

Tekton:

oh i turned scroll lock off

* Bernard Blackbrass pinches the bridge of his nose, eyes shut.

Hina Takahashi:

"Maybe. . . though I don't know what kind of animal would live off the sand."

* Bernard Blackbrass is, in reality, sending a Missive. -- Ask for trade, ask for shelter, ask for directions. --

* Bernard Blackbrass spends the next six seconds regaining focus.

Rubef:

"Are the humans in back with your group as well?"

Rubef:

"And where has your other hellspawn gone to?"

Tekton:

"Oh I said, what do you eat here"

Bernard Blackbrass:

"We are their guides, of a sort."

Rubef:

"Eat?"

Ezra:

(We can't get information without something to trade with...)

Rubef:

"We subsist on the minerals and earth of these lands."

Tekton:

"There's no sign of plant life anywhere"

Jenna Callahan:

"T-that's right..." Jenna's voice quivers as steps forward and speaks. "I'm... just a little shy, that's all... sorry..."

Rubef:

"Very well."

Tekton: (( damned rock eaters ))

Rubef:

"May I leave before the duststorms arrive?"

Tekton:

nani

Hina Takahashi:

Hina raises an eyebrow, then follows suit. "It takes a while getting used to Malor."

Tekton:

where are dust storms now

Ezra:

(Um, duststorms...?)

Tekton:

"Dust storms?"

Rubef:

"Yes."

Rubef:

"They are storms that consist of dust."

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Might we sit inside for a bit? We won't inconvenience you - we have our own food."

Rubef:

"Instead of rain."

Rubef:

"None may enter our dwellings without sufficient reason, small one."

Rubef:

"Now, I shall take my leave."

Rubef:

"I suggest your group do as well, lest you succumb to the creatures of the desert."

Tekton: (( rockmeeeeen ))

Ezra:

(Ask if there's a nearby cave we can go live in)

Jenna Callahan:

Jenna decides to let him get away; no need to think about a surprise attack this time.

Ezra:

(maybe he's nicer)

Bernard Blackbrass:

"What can we expect?"

Hina Takahashi:

"Creatures of the desert? Absolutely wonderful news."

Rubef:

"I give no information for no return."

* Bernard Blackbrass pulls out a chunk of hewn obsidian.

Rubef:

"What you can expect is most likely death without sufficient preparation."

Ezra:

(they're organised!)

* Rubef stares at Bernard.

Rubef:

"You have taken that from the ashen mountains, I see."

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Fresh from the distant shores."

Rubef:

"Distant shores?"

Rubef:

"That obsidian comes from the mountains of the lava lakes."

Ezra:

(maybe they need soap. i can smell him from here. probably. do they sweat)

The Drufle:

I don't think Oreads sweat, no.

Tekton:

https://lh3.ggpht.com/-D9ANl-JHBLM/TmYR9d80ZMI/AAAAAAAAARE/ipBtAMHBy_s/s1600/stone+hut.JPG

Ezra:

(I should probably keep the soap anyway.)

Hina Takahashi:

what would they even smell like

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Always fine in its raw form. I tend to craft things out of it, in my spare time."

Bernard Blackbrass:

"I've made chess pieces, among other things, just to pass the time."

Rubef:

"I shall offer information on one of the creatures that plague this region for that piece."

Bernard Blackbrass:

(you need dishwashing liquid, as you are a bird)

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Splendid!" as he claps his hands. The chunk of obsidian hops up happily toward Tekton, whether he's ready to catch it or not.

Tekton:

Reflex Save Reflex Roll: « d20 + Reflex = 8 + 3 = 11 »

Hina Takahashi:

Hina moves near Jenna. "It looks like things are going better with this one here, at least."

Bernard Blackbrass:

(I think it's a touch attack but okay)

The Drufle:

Tekton catches it well enough.

Bernard Blackbrass:

(good)

Jenna Callahan:

"Yes, indeed."

* Rubef takes the piece from Tekton's hands.

Rubef:

"There is a creature that haunts this area known to us as the Sandman."

Tekton:

"We also have... gold. Do you eat gold??"

Hina Takahashi:

((he puts you to sleep))

Rubef:

"It is a vile thing, as it erodes our stone."

Rubef:

"I know not its effects on fleshbeings such as yourselves."

Tekton:

but it makes them shiny

Tekton:

very shiny

Rubef:

"I shall give you one additional piece of advice."

* Bernard Blackbrass sends a missive to Tekton. -- Ask "What does it look like?"-- He spends the next few minutes listening intently, really regaining his focus.

Rubef:

"Do not use weapons of bludgeoning against it."

Tekton: (( quick someone hit his head with a frying pan ))

Rubef:

"Its sand can absorb solid impact as easily as water absorbs heat."

Bernard Blackbrass:

(few seconds!)

Rubef:

"If you have nothing else to offer, I shall take my leave."

Tekton: (( hey party face you thank them ))

Jenna Callahan:

(Sure.)

Bernard Blackbrass:

"What shape does it take?"

Rubef:

"Usually that of a human, but it may also be nothing more than a pile of silt."

Tekton: (( oh i thought it was this guy over here ))

Tekton: (( i read that as shit ))

Jenna Callahan:

(Jenna has +10 to Diplomacy so I think that's what counts as a party face)

Jenna Callahan:

"All right, then! Thank you!"

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Ah, thank you mister..." what could his name be"

Tekton:

that would be unpleasant

The Drufle:

Can you guys not see her name?

Hina Takahashi:

(jenna sparkles in the sunlight)

Hina Takahashi:

Rubef?

Ezra:

(We can but we are not psychic)

The Drufle:

Oh right.

Bernard Blackbrass:

(Well, not all)

Tekton:

that's a girl???

* Bernard Blackbrass trailed off intentionally. Either he's getting a name answer, or not. It's fine.

Rubef:

"Peace and health to you, weak ones."

Rubef:

"For the sake of the Sands, try not to die."

Tekton: (( can we still burn his house down afterwards ))

Bernard Blackbrass:

"That went well."

The Drufle:

I'm not really sure why you guys are so intent on burning their houses.

The Drufle:

I mean, they're made of stone.

Jenna Callahan:

"Well, that wasn't too bad! But truly, it feels too dangerous to wander about with no shelter."

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Ezra darling!"

Ezra:

"It's a waste of fire, plant. Stone does not burn."

Hina Takahashi:

"So then, are we going to keep moving?"

Tekton:

great

Jenna Callahan:

"Here's what I think we should do! We'll get the other one to come out, pretend to start trading, and then -- we'll all attack him at once!"

Ezra:

"We wouldn't want to waste our fire, would we?"

Tekton:

let's dig a hole

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Tut. Attacking forts head on is unwise."

* The Drufle rolls: 1d20 => 6

The Drufle:

Ignore the roll, continue.

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Ezra! What does this town have to it?"

Tekton:

"someone find a cave"

Ezra:

"I agree, if they've survived here for long, they're strong."

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Walk with me."

Ezra:

"Sure. Right."

Bernard Blackbrass:

"There are more huts yes?"

Hina Takahashi:

"Perhaps if we had a diversion to divide them. If I was taught anything about battle, a scattered enemy is weak."

Ezra:

"They're solid."

Bernard Blackbrass:

"But just two?"

Ezra:

"Not a single window. Probably to protect from the sandstorms."

Ezra:

I don't know, did I see more?

Ezra:

Perception Check At-Will • Wis Roll: (GM Only)

The Drufle:

You did not, no.

Hina Takahashi:

"Not slice them in half, simply have them far too apart to support each other, so that they are individually easier to defeat."

The Drufle:

You do, however.

The Drufle:

See some interesting creatures behind the first hut.

Tekton:

"I can probably live through a dust storm with new scratches but you "fleshbeings" probably wont"

Jenna Callahan:

Jenna decides to follow them.

* The Drufle rolls: 1d20 => 2

* Bernard Blackbrass smiles. These two get it.

Hina Takahashi:

"Hm. I don't believe I have seen those before."

Ezra:

"What is that thing?"

The Drufle:

Oh ho ho.

The Drufle:

Would someone like to roll?

Hina Takahashi:

roll what

Bernard Blackbrass:

Initiative Check Initiative Roll: « d20 + Initiative = 1 + 0 = 1 »

The Drufle:

Planar knowledge

Ezra:

Knowledge Planes Check At-Will • Int Roll: (GM Only)

The Drufle:

What are you fighting for?

The Drufle:

Ezra: no dice.

Bernard Blackbrass:

Knowledge (Psionics) Check At-Will • IntBonus Roll: (GM Only)

Ezra:

But there was totally a dice.

The Drufle:

These are not psionic creatures, you can tell.

Bernard Blackbrass:

Knowledge Planes Check At-Will • Int Roll: (GM Only)

The Drufle:

Ehhh.

Hina Takahashi:

Knowledge Planes Check At-Will • Int Roll: (GM Only)

Bernard Blackbrass:

What do they /look/ like?

The Drufle:

Alright I guess that's good enough.

Bernard Blackbrass:

You should describe that first.

Hina Takahashi:

horses made of GEMS

Ezra:

They're shitty horses.

The Drufle:

What you have in front of you are two gemsteeds!

Bernard Blackbrass:

Are they horusses

Hina Takahashi:

you could sell the for FIVE HORSES

The Drufle:

Gemsteeds are common mounts of Earthen plane creatures, as they are extremely resilient and tough.

The Drufle:

They are made of some sort of smooth, bluish-green mineral.

* Tekton draws "suck a dick" on their door

Ezra:

"These are the stable's residents then."

Ezra:

"Why are they out of their pens?"

The Drufle:

Yes, I just forgot to draw the stable.

The Drufle:

Silly me.

Ezra:

"oh."

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Only two."

Ezra:

"Damn pop-in."

Tekton:

gasp

Bernard Blackbrass:

"You know, we really should have asked what they sold."

Tekton:

question marks

Tekton:

attack

Tekton:

attack

Tekton:

Knowledge Nature Check At-Will • Int Roll: (GM Only)

The Drufle:

Question marks?

The Drufle:

Wow.

Ezra:

"So these live on the sand. How strange."

The Drufle:

What is that roll for, Golurk?

Hina Takahashi:

"If anything, they look domesticated. Enough like horses for me to ride."

Ezra:

"I mean, sand is disgusting."

Bernard Blackbrass:

"They look kind of small."

The Drufle:

They are not small!

Bernard Blackbrass:

Well then make them bigger.

Hina Takahashi:

"Perhaps you were right, Jenna. These things might eat sand after all."

The Drufle:

They are, in fact, about 7 feet at the shoulder.

The Drufle:

I can't make them a 4x4 token, that would imply Huge.

The Drufle:

These are simply Large.

Bernard Blackbrass:

Make them 2x2 then, Large.

The Drufle:

er

The Drufle:

2x2 is what I meant.

Bernard Blackbrass:

No that is Large.

Jenna Callahan:

(A Large creature is two by two.)

The Drufle:

Oh, so it is.

Bernard Blackbrass:

There we go.

The Drufle:

Hm.

The Drufle:

There.

The Drufle:

BIGASS ROCK HORSES.

Bernard Blackbrass:

Now i'm properly intimidated by this pog.

The Drufle:

Yes, Gemsteeds need to be quite large considering the weight they have to carry!

Bernard Blackbrass:

Barbie's Arse

The Drufle:

Oreads, actually.

* The Drufle rolls: 1d20 => 17

Hina Takahashi:

uho h

Hina Takahashi:

mystery roll is high

The Drufle:

Don't mind the rolls.

* Brass rolls: 1d20+I wanna roll too => Invalid expression: 1d20+I wanna roll too.

The Drufle:

Nothing wrong here.

* Brass rolls: 1d20 => 14

Golurk is disconnected.

Golurk is disconnected.

The Drufle:

Oh my.

The Drufle:

So, where is the party off to now?

The Drufle:

That duststorm could strike at any time!

Ezra:

"We need shelter and they aren't giving it."

Bernard Blackbrass:

"True."

Jenna Callahan:

"I still like my plan, you know!"

Bernard Blackbrass:

"I'm a little loath to attack rock people though."

Ezra:

"And you know, these horses might join in."

The Drufle:

(they wouldn't)

Bernard Blackbrass:

(we don't know that)

The Drufle:

(yes i know just thought id inform the players)

Ezra:

"You know what, that's a silly idea. Forget I said that."

Bernard Blackbrass:

"I don't suppose we can hide in these stables."

The Drufle:

You most certainly could not.

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Can't be worse than lava."

The Drufle:

The Gemsteeds take up almost all the room in their pens.

Hina Takahashi:

". . .unlikely, and I would be rather worried being under a giant horse made of gemstone."

Bernard Blackbrass:

(is this because they're Large)

Bernard Blackbrass:

(oh fuck you)

The Drufle:

Mostly, yes.

Golurk has connected.

* The Drufle rolls: 1d20 => 13

Bernard Blackbrass:

"We gotta pay and get in."

The Drufle:

Pay or run, those are pretty much your options.

Ezra:

"What do they need?"

Ezra:

"They're only interested in survival, it seems."

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Gold, gems, wetwork, Jenna, we find out /now/."

Ezra:

"What of this sandman that bothers them?"

Bernard Blackbrass:

"We ask for directions, then promise to hunt it down."

Hina Takahashi:

"Perhaps if we slew it they would let us in, yes."

Golurk:

i blacked out

Golurk:

and went to the pokemon center

* The Drufle rolls: 1d20 => 18

Tekton:

grrr hoomans

The Drufle:

Come on rng, work with me here.

* Bernard Blackbrass knocks on THIS door.

The Drufle:

The door does not open, but you hear a faint grumble from inside.

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Sandman."

Mgotoo:

"What of it, hellspawn?"

The Drufle:

(You do recognize the voice as Mgotoo's, by the way)

Tekton:

hey that's a normal horse

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Let us stay for the storm, we find it down" withdrawing his mighty greataxe "and we take care of it."

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Note the non-bludgeoning instrument."

Mgotoo:

"You will not search for the Sandman."

Mgotoo:

"It will find you easily enough."

* The Drufle rolls: 1d20 => 3

The Drufle:

FINALLY

Ezra:

"Well, even better."

The Drufle:

Suddenly!

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Aw sweet"

Tekton:

we can totes jump these people

Tekton:

unless these houses are like

Tekton:

rock people clown cars

Tekton:

aaah

The Drufle:

man what a dramatic coincidence

Hina Takahashi:

"Er, I don't think we will have to search very far!"

Tekton:

tha man is naked

Tekton:

and is next to the toohoo

The Drufle:

A creature born of sand rises from the desert, staring at Jenna and Tekton.

Tekton:

"that man is naked"

The Drufle:

oh boy

The Drufle:

You guys are going to love this.

The Drufle:

Everyone but Ezra

The Drufle:

Make a will save

Bernard Blackbrass:

Will Save Will Roll: « d20 + Will = 10 + 5 = 15 »

Hina Takahashi:

Will Save Will Roll: « d20 + Will = 7 + 0 = 7 »

Tekton:

aw shit son

Tekton:

sleep

Hina Takahashi:

shit

Bernard Blackbrass:

wait

The Drufle:

Tekton, Jenna

Tekton:

Will Save Will Roll: « d20 + Will = 3 + 3 = 6 »

Tekton:

nooo

* Asema rolls: 1d20+3 => 17 + 3 = 20

Jenna Callahan:

That's my Will save.

Tekton:

wait are we good now

Hina Takahashi:

Hina attempts to draw her sword on sight of the sandman, although whether or not she succeeds is a different matter entirely.

The Drufle:

Tekton and Hina both fall to the ground, fast asleep!

Tekton:

yay

Ezra:

"Hm?!"

Tekton:

naptime

Hina Takahashi:

zzzzzzzz no more headcutting

Hina Takahashi:

not tonight

Tekton:

"that naked man just threw sand at m- *drops to the ground*"

Hina Takahashi:

Hina unceremoniously slumps to the ground, face first.

Tekton:

oh wait is that a mind affecting effect

The Drufle:

Nope!

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Oh hell no Hina wake -up-."

The Drufle:

Not technically, at least.

Tekton:

i get a plus 2 bonus but that probably wont matter

Tekton:

i think

Ezra:

"So it's that kind of sandman."

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Jenna, wake them up."

The Drufle:

To wake up a sleeping person from magical sleep requires a standard action, by the way.

Tekton:

i didnt even get a pokedex entry

* The Drufle rolls: 1d20+5 => 17 + 5 = 22

The Drufle:

Who'd like to FIGHT

Bernard Blackbrass:

Initiative Check Initiative Roll: « d20 + Initiative = 19 + 0 = 19 »

Ezra:

Initiative Check Initiative Roll: « d20 + Initiative = 16 + 5 = 21 »

Hina Takahashi has received initiative.

Hina Takahashi has received initiative.

Hina Takahashi:

i probably don't have to roll do I

The Drufle:

you do, yes

* Asema rolls: 1d20+3 => 9 + 3 = 12

Hina Takahashi:

Initiative Check Initiative Roll: « d20 + Initiative = 18 + 2 = 20 »

Bernard Blackbrass:

Spellcraft Check At-Will • Int Roll: (GM Only)

Tekton:

roll me drufle

The Drufle:

One second.

Hina Takahashi has received initiative.

Tekton:

Initiative Check Initiative Roll: d20 + 5 = 18 + 5 = 23

The Drufle:

Dang

The Drufle:

Right then!

The Drufle:

Tekton would go first, but he's asleep.

The Drufle:

So it's the Sandman's turn!

Tekton:

zzzz

Hina Takahashi:

die monster, you do not belong in this world

Bernard Blackbrass:

I know I don't.

* The Drufle rolls: d20+6 => 5 + 6 = 11

Tekton:

we should sic the sandman on the rock people

Tekton:

>

Ezra:

it is not by his sand that he is once again given sand

The Drufle:

Drat

The Drufle:

Not even close

Bernard Blackbrass:

Did you somehow miss a sleeping person?

The Drufle:

He was hitting Jenna, so no.

Bernard Blackbrass:

As someone who plays to win I am ashamed of him.

The Drufle:

He will, however.

Bernard Blackbrass:

it was a five foot step to the southwest bro wake up

The Drufle:

Move backwards away from the fight a bit.

Ezra has received initiative.

The Drufle:

Ezra!

The Drufle:

Let me roll health for him while we wait.

* The Drufle rolls: 4d10+8 => 22 + 8 = 30

The Drufle:

Hmph.

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Get around him!"

Ezra:

Do watch my steps

Bernard Blackbrass:

oh sweet.

The Drufle:

So!

The Drufle:

Ezra, make a will save.

Ezra:

Can we pretend its 50

The Drufle:

We cannot.

Hina Takahashi:

take 50

Ezra:

Will Save Will Roll: « d20 + Will = 11 + -2 = 9 »

The Drufle:

Ezra walks up to the Sandman and promptly falls to the ground, asleep.

Ezra:

"Fuckin-*thump*"

Hina Takahashi:

((i guess trying to cut his head off would have been a bad idea))

The Drufle:

Well, he's sand.

Tekton:

inb4 everyone gets coup de graced

Hina Takahashi:

so

The Drufle:

Cutting things off wouldn't do much anyway.

Hina Takahashi has received initiative.

The Drufle:

Oh wait she's sleeping.

Hina Takahashi:

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Jenna Callahan:

(Does he fly or move normally?)

Bernard Blackbrass has received initiative.

The Drufle:

He moves normally.

The Drufle:

Bernard, it's your turn!

Tekton:

someone try to wake us uo

Tekton:

p

Jenna Callahan:

(There is no "try". You can wake someone up as a standard action that provokes opportunity.)

Jenna Callahan:

(By bitchslapping them, typically.)

Tekton:

yes

The Drufle:

And by the way, once you've successfully saved against his sleep aura, it can't affect you anymore.

The Drufle:

It can put you to sleep more than once if you have awful rolls though.

Ezra:

You're not in his AoO range, right?

The Drufle:

Who?

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Oh come on." I would charge to the sandman but that's not gonna happen now.

Ezra:

Jenna

The Drufle:

No, she isn't.

The Drufle:

He has simple melee range.

Ezra:

Have Jenna and Bernard resisted the aura, then?

The Drufle:

They did, yes.

The Drufle:

They are impervious to his sleep aura.

* Bernard Blackbrass instead hops over to Hina to smack her awake.

Hina Takahashi:

hi

The Drufle:

Did he actually move?

Bernard Blackbrass:

It might have been Tekton but Jenna is closer.

The Drufle:

Ok there he goes.

Bernard Blackbrass:

Standard Action Go!

The Drufle:

Alright, Hina has woken up!

Jenna Callahan has received initiative.

Hina Takahashi:

"Blah- wha- I suppose that was too good of a dream. Thank you."

The Drufle:

It is now Jenna's turn.

The Drufle:

wait what

The Drufle:

Who's screwing with things?

Ezra:

Undooo

Hina Takahashi:

Hina gets up, sword at the ready

The Drufle:

I could've sworn we agreed not to use these

Jenna Callahan:

Jenna does a brief pirouette as she moves away from Tekton's unconscious body smiling.

Jenna Callahan:

Then, she begins to sing.

Jenna Callahan:

(I didn't do anything.)

Bernard Blackbrass:

Well actually

Jenna Callahan:

Jenna is activating her bardic performance as a standard action, then moving in arc to the other side of the Sandman (flanking with Hina).

Bernard Blackbrass:

I think you'd use Aid Another, then attack roll.

Jenna Callahan:

No attack roll is necessary.

Jenna Callahan:

Anyway, that's my turn. Bardic performance, then move.

Bernard Blackbrass:

Probably not.

Jenna Callahan:

Next round it's a free action.

Ezra:

What does that performance do again?

The Drufle:

+1 to attack and damage?

Jenna Callahan:

+1 to hit and damage for as long as I keep it up.

Jenna Callahan:

That includes for Jenna herself.

The Drufle:

Right.

Ezra:

Then apply the temp bonus.

Tekton has received initiative.

The Drufle:

Whoops he's still sleeping.

Tekton:

zzzzz

The Drufle:

Sandman's turn!

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Jenna what..."

The Drufle:

He very much does not appreciate you guys circling him.

Tekton:

coup de grace all the things

Ezra:

"*snore*-hoooot."

Jenna Callahan:

He can't coup de grace except as a full round action that provokes attacks of opportunity.

Jenna Callahan:

And that won't kill Ezra from full health anyway.

Bernard Blackbrass:

He could five-foot step toward someone then...

The Drufle:

As such...

Bernard Blackbrass:

Not that way.

The Drufle:

He melts into sand, and appears behind Jenna!

Bernard Blackbrass:

but okay.

* The Drufle rolls: 1d20+6 => 6 + 6 = 12

Tekton:

let's open the door

Tekton:

and let the sandman in

The Drufle:

Dammit Rng

The Drufle:

Work with me here, come on.

Ezra has received initiative.

The Drufle:

Nope, she's asleep.

Jenna Callahan:

"Don't worry, Bernie. You'll see."

Hina Takahashi has received initiative.

The Drufle:

Hina's turn!

Hina Takahashi:

oh man hina can't even reach it

Jenna Callahan:

Yes she can!

Hina Takahashi:

she has 20 speed

The Drufle:

pffft

Jenna Callahan:

Oh.

The Drufle:

armorrrrrr

Hina Takahashi:

delicious armor

Jenna Callahan:

Well, that's tricky, then.

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Wake up Tekton."

Ezra:

that's 20

Hina Takahashi:

oh she can

Jenna Callahan:

Oh, she can move up next to Jenna and attack from a diagonal!

The Drufle:

Oh!

The Drufle:

Wait

The Drufle:

Before I forget

Hina Takahashi:

Hina runs up just to the north of Jenna! (probably triggering SLEEP)

The Drufle:

Yes!

The Drufle:

Roll another will save.

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Wait..."

Hina Takahashi:

Will Save Will Roll: « d20 + Will = 2 + 0 = 2 »

The Drufle:

pffft

Hina Takahashi:

fuck you

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Argh."

Jenna Callahan:

Good job.

Hina Takahashi:

also why isn't my chat autoscrolling anymore

The Drufle:

Hina charges at the Sandman, and promptly falls into the sand.

Jenna Callahan:

Oh!

Jenna Callahan:

Oh, wait.

Jenna Callahan:

I just realized something that may require us to redo the entire turn.

The Drufle:

Press the little chat bubbles

Hina Takahashi:

yay!

The Drufle:

In the bottom right corner.

The Drufle:

Redo?

Ezra:

hoot

Jenna Callahan:

You see, Hina fell prone when she fell asleep, correct?

Jenna Callahan:

Meaning that she would need to spend, I believe, a move action to stand up from prone.

Jenna Callahan:

Preventing her from attacking this turn even if she had saved.

The Drufle:

Ah!

The Drufle:

I hadn't thought of that.

The Drufle:

Good point.

The Drufle:

So yeah, she isn't moving anywhere this turn.

Ezra:

Golurk resets the timeline.

The Drufle:

Standing from prone is a move action.

Bernard Blackbrass:

"Wake him up Hina."