A River Runs Through It - Session Summaries - Leg B

Key Points:

• On 16-6-1267 TGR - After the wedding heading back towards the knarr
• On 17-6-1267 TGR - (Proposed date of slaughter of Queen Annia Cinna's sons and duel with daughter).
• On 21-6-1267 TGR - (Proposed date set of Queen Annia Cinna coming after Branwyn - details currently unknown).
• On 22-6-1267 TGR - Branwyn successful teleports with Tiberius to the knarr and to Dryads Lair.
• On 5-7-1267 TGR - The rest of the group arrives at Dryads Lair.

Notes for All:

• Previous three summarized sessions from newest to oldest: RRTI - Leg A, Tattermalion, and Diplomatic Era Uncategorized.
• Specific to this summary page, grey text is to provide different interpretation or meaning to what is said or typed.

Leg A - Dryads Lair to Cornelia

Leg B - Cornelia to Dryads Lair

Leg C - Dryads Lair to Jistille Estates

Session: Nov1017

Before we continue on to the next scene, it is highly recommended you read Branwyn and Tiberius Wedding to familiarize yourself with where we are to begin, who the players are, and what will possibly happen.

We begin at the reception, with the happy tense bride and happy clueless groom. Their friends are gathered, enjoying cakes and drinks, but with at least one concerned suspicious individual.

HUGH D'AMBRAY
I would do anything for both of you. In life and in death. Is there any immediate assistance you need. For you of course. Any action I can do for either of you?

Seriously, guys, have you seen the Queen's eyes? They're really suspicious...

LORD BRANADARUS
Have you had anything to drink yet Hugh?

I love my mother who is definitely not a vampire, but thank you, Hugh. Go drink.

QUEEN CINNA
Thank you Lord D'Ambray. I am glad you could make it to see how happy Branwyn and Tiberius are.

Back off, kid. I can kill a man 481967 ways. Watch your back.

HUGH D'AMBRAY
Yes. I am sure they are most happy. There is nothing I wouldn't do for them. Even in death.

Need I repeat myself? Even in death. Just try me, lady.

We learn that Jilly set the kitchen workers to work and made the delicious food at the reception. Jilly remains still long enough to congratulate and hug Branwyn before running off to fix the birds that were messed up: they should have been more grey, not smoky. Tiberius Branadarus (since there are now two, first names need apply) promised Master Cook that they would, in fact, be taking Jilly back with them (and Master Cook would prefer that even if she was a good task maker who made the best of his employees).

Meanwhile, Miranda tries to encourage Hugh to relax. He is reminded by Miranda that the only thing worse than messing with the bride on her wedding day is to mess with a mother on her son's wedding day. Tiberius makes his way over and discusses with Hoffman what their next adventure might be including his interest in the Mist. As he talks with the group, Branwyn sets off to talk to the Queen and creates the pivotal, change-summary-format moment. She begins her greeting by giving the Queen a blood red ruby brooch as a thank you.

BRANWYN
It is too small a thing, but everything has been quite unexpected.

I didn't exactly plan to be blackmailed and threatened, but who does expect it?

QUEEN CINNA
It was very kind of you to think of this. Yes, Tiberius is quite unexpected. It is one of the things that I cherish about him.

Your obligatory gift pleases me as it reminds me of the spilled blood of my enemies. I will ignore your implication of the unexpected and switch to my son. The only son I care about. Don't forget I'm going to kill my other sons soon so you better keep to our very one-sided deal.

BRANWYN
As I said when we met, Tiberius thinks the world of you. And so pleasing you is very important.

Must I emphasize again how sad Tiberius will be when he's not allowed to return? Don't make me lie to him. And I'm only pleasing you because I have no choice except death, and even that choice you'll likely take away and kill whoever you please.

QUEEN CINNA
It is more important to me that you please him. I have fought with daughters before. It is always much more enjoyable to let you spend time with those you love. That will please me, that the two of you spend time with each other.

No, he won't be allowed back now stop asking me. Should I remind you I'm about to kill all my children, including my daughter? Do you want to be included in this pile of upcoming death? Take him away and never, ever return. Got it?

BRANWYN
That you may rest easy about. I do not wish to do anything to dampen his bright spirit that I have been lucky enough to have near me. I only hope that we may be able to get to our honeymoon in short order.

Yeah, yeah, I hear you already. I hate you, not just for making me lie to him, but especially because you're going to break his heart. We're leaving as soon as you'll let us.

QUEEN CINNA
I am certain you will go soon.

We must keep up appearances, darling, remember?

BRANWYN
You know how travel is. The best of intentions and all.

I remember your threats and deadline. Can you blame me for wanting to be gone now?

QUEEN CINNA
He will be wanting to travel with you again, and I am not the person to stop him.

I don't stop people. I kill them. But I put all that burden to keep him from death on you, now, didn't I. Oh how much fun this is!

BRANWYN
Oh yes, but sometimes travel is slower than one would like. I might just have to whisk Tiberius away myself.

You seriously only gave us six days. I'm still upset by that. You think it takes only six days to get to the Mist? You're going to force me to teleport him there.

QUEEN CINNA
Spoken like an eager bride. His rooms are in the western tower.

For once, I mean what I say. You play this game well.

BRANWYN
I am sure that the others that I travel with would be perfectly safe if I did that. Would you agree?

And when I do teleport him away, you'll leave my friends alone, won't you? They are not involved, are clueless, and innocent in this matter. You agree, don't you?

QUEEN CINNA
Feel free to whisk him away as soon as you can manage it. Who could possibly wish to harm anyone who travels with you?

So I actually pointed out his rooms to imply you can take him as soon as you head upstairs. As for your friends? Are you insinuating that I might hurt them? Well, I can't exactly give you a straight answer on if I would or not so best of luck!

BRANWYN
Other than the stray band of orcs? They should hopefully not run into any troubles, I would hope.

Come on, lady, don't hurt my friends. You have no logical reason to hurt them.

QUEEN CINNA
Orcs are a bother in the winter, too many garrisons allow patrols to go lax. Swift travel can help avoid that sort of problem.

I make no promises if they linger behind. Get them gone, too.

BRANWYN
That is our plan. Thank you for the advice.

That is our plan. I really hate you.

QUEEN CINNA
Thank goodness that my own guards keep a tight rein on Cornelia. They rarely let things get out of hand. Beyond our borders, however, I wish I had more control that I could influence what happens there.

I want to rule the world.

BRANWYN
Life is change. Wishes may become reality.

And you're going to use Sam to get your wish. I know, but I did not specify whose wishes may become reality, did I?

QUEEN CINNA
I do hope that you enjoy a long and happy life.

When we duel, I want it to actually be a challenge so do try to live a little longer, will you? It will make it all the more satisfying to kill you.

BRANWYN
Thank you, Your Majesty. And you and your family as well.

I know you're going to kill them. I know you want me dead. You know I want you dead. I wish your family luck, but I'm fine if you die.

So who needs some cake now? Anyone? Everyone? Cake is delicious. Miranda agrees and eats more cake after accidentally implying to Sam that Marisu is simply a dog who needs training. At least Sam seems to get along with the nobles. He's surprised Princess Grace from Terrabink came on such short notice, and he thinks the Queen is nice enough for a witch. He also thinks her daughters and sons are pleasant. It is good to see Branwyn and the Queen getting along so well, isn't it? Somehow Marisu's situation about her rebellious family and the civil war come up, but that's not wedding talk, is it now? Er, or maybe it is. Anyways, we then move on to the lovely, unexpected speech by Jennevive.

AUNT JENNEVIVE
Prince Samuel Hightower. This morning is when we part ways. You have a great and glorious future ahead of you and your new patron will take good care of you as you explore your options and your new paths. Of course, you friends will be watching eagerly to see what becomes of your choices. This is a (wooden) ring from the Elves of the Wildlands. Your friends are most eager to see what your future brings. If you need anything, simply give this ring to a bird and it will take it to Shi and Kel's home for you. They will know what to do there if they find it. From my own small give I give you this (quill). This is from a hippogriff that was in the city you might recall. It shall help you write powerful letters. And this is from Branwyn. She would hate for you to feel that you have no resources at hand. This is the treasury from Drillian, the remaining of the 100,000 allowance. We are happy to give it to you for you to spend as you wish so that you know you have your own resources. I do hope that Queen Cinna's choices for you will meet with your approval and we look forward to hearing from you for many years to come.

Here you go, kid. Now you won't rely on the Queen, and we'll keep her on her toes. Keep us informed and updated because we really, really don't trust her. Got it?

The Queen barely gets in a few words about helping Sam find a glorious future before a toast to Sam overrides anything else she might have wanted to say. Jennevive has one last gift for the Queen in the form of Sam's family tree to show he is in line for the Kingdom of Jarvis.

QUEEN CINNA
I must say that you have not stayed here long enough Aunt Jennevive. It is too bad that you cannot stay longer.

What else have you got up your sleeve, witch?

AUNT JENNEVIVE
Oh I have so many more interesting ideas with Branwyn and your son. I cannot wait to see what happens.

(Nothing to add. She probably actually means that)

Once more, the Queen is interrupt before she can reply by Jennevive declaring it time for a dance. She dances with Hugh, Sam with Marisu, and the others couple off as expected. The elves are confused by the ring, Jennevive kisses Hugh, Neith slaps Hugh, and now it's a party! Eventually the groom sweeps the bride off her feet and carries her like a sack of potatoes up to his tower. Not long after, Marisu pulls Sam aside, casts a spell to prevent eavesdropping, and tells him to not only write often, but write in code.

MARISU
What I wanted to say to you in private, when you write to any of us, and please do so often, make sure the first letters of your first few sentences spells any one of our names. So long as you do that, we'll know you're okay. If we ever get a letter without that code, we'll know you're in trouble. So long as you vary it up, it shouldn't be an obvious code.

See what I mean? Actually, this isn't too hard. Maybe you agree with me?

SAM
Thank you. Keep Everyone Loose please for me Branwyn.

Maybe another repeated instruction showing understanding?

Before the night ends, Shi'Nynze and Kel head back across the river and to the inn as Shi hates to leave her wolves alone for so long. It surprises Shi that this is viewed as strange. She is also unsure if it means something different to be an elf than a woman.

In the morning, the group says their farewells to Sam. Although tempted implied, Marisu did not, in fact, sleep with Sam. We also settle on the title of Marquessa Branwyn Branadarus the Mysterious of Drillian, Princess of Cornelia. Sam is given parting words to remind him that Prince Loplin must have his reasons for keeping so much from him.

BRANWYN
Please consider staying in touch with your guardian. Prince Loplin loves you very much. I know he hid these things. Sometimes...sometimes when you love someone you try to do what is best to keep them safe. He thought he was doing what he could to keep you safe. Politics is dangerous and no matter if he was misguided, he did it out of love for his adopted son. Not to manipulate you.

Are you listening to me, Tiberius? This could be very, very important later. I promise I'm doing my best, and though you think my actions misguided later, I have my reasons and love for you guiding me.

After a bit of out of character talking, we move back to the group on the road out of Cornelia. Branwyn gives Jennevive her appreciation and asks how she obtains the treasury money. Shi'Nynze asks about the wooden ring, isn't give much information, told it will keep the Queen on her toes, and is then warned by Marisu (who uses her whispering spell) that there is a very good chance Queen Cinna is scrying on them.

SHI'NYNZE
Er, wait. Now I remember what my Father once told me about such a ring. Ah, he'll know if he sees it.

Oh, haha, silly me. You mean that ring with the thing and stuff and that meaning and all that? THAT ring? Of course, of course. I definitely believe the Queen is scrying and somehow that has made me remember a thing I don't know.

Branwyn is reminded that she'd like Jennevive to cast divination things on her as she's been told some strange stuff. Oh and the Queen did intimate that the journey home should be safe (again, keyword: should). Of course, Jennevive still believes they'll be followed once things happen to the sons and daughter of the Queen.

This opens up discussion to the clueless group. They hear the Queen has chosen a new husband, but he was not at the feast. When asked why they might be followed, they are indirectly told that it may simply be because Branwyn has a true tendency to bring danger. Marisu asks for what she may expect when she returns. They affirm they'll do what they can to protect her. Vilmar is mentioned as well as the likely inevitability of civil war.

We leave it here, everyone still alive and relatively happy. What will happen next? Hopefully normal stuff and back to normal summary writing, but who knows? Good night!

And feel free to edit in your own double-meaning conversations or fix them. Perhaps my interpretation isn't quite to your liking, and perhaps I missed a conversation you want added. I promise not to be offended by edits!

Quotes of the Night:

[mharm-15549] You could use the gate scroll couldn't you? But, that's selfish of me to say. You may have a higher purpose for using it. I just thought I would remind you that it's an option. I'm just tying to talk our way though them
[Master] Gates work by opening for X amount of time to allow people to go through
[mharm-15549] I don't know much about them in BOB's world
[Lisa] the gate scroll is to go return that overdue library book
[Lisa] the fines are enormous!

Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549) Approach politely with a nod to both Brandarus and Branwyn
[Master] grins they are both Branadarus now

[Jilly (Master)] Princess
[Jilly (Master)] LAUGHS
[Jilly (Master)] and runs away

Queen Cinna (Master) standing with her daughter and sons
Hoffman (John A)] (quick take a picture, see what develops)
[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] LOL

Miranda Paige (John A)] first impression are important
Miranda Paige (John A)] kind of like when I am looking for a dog to train, the first few steps set up the rest of the relationship
Sam (Master) raises an eyebrow
[Miranda Paige]] (John A) shrugs
[Sam (Master)] I do not think that Marisu is ready to be trained
Miranda Paige (John A)] there I go again, sorry Prince, maybe i do need some cake
[Miranda Paige]] (John A) takes foot out of mouth and inserts cake

[Branwyn (Lisa)] (now all we need is Carissa)
[Branwyn (Lisa)] (Carissa, Carissa, Carissa - works like betelgeuse?)
Carissa has joined the game on Fri Nov 10 20:52:34 EST 2017
Hoffman (John A)] (two for two)
Marisu (TMO)] (late, but the 3 calls worked)

[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] I do believe we are missing a dance?
[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] Who is ready for me?
Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549) Hugh steps forward
[Branwyn (Lisa)] You are a brave man, Hugh D'Ambray
Aunt Jennevive (Master) slids over and takes Hugh's hand
[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] gracefully sliding him out to the floor
Aunt Jennevive (Master) a hand on Hugh's lower back
[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] it is all about who is in charge
[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] Who leads
[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] and who follows
[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] No lower darling. Netih might have to have a word with you
Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549) Twirls Jennevieve
Neith of Inholt (mharm-15549) Neith silently fuming
Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549) Eyes Neith. Turns Red. "I do believe that we have enjoyed this dance. Perhaps a little too long." Politely ends the waltz, kisses Jennevieves Hand and Bows Deep.
Aunt Jennevive (Master) bows
Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549) "My friend would like a turn I'm afraid."
[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] and grabs Hugh by the back of the head
[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] KISSES him deeply
[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] TUGS on his hair
[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] and then walks away
Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549) Hugh's eyes turn glassy and turns bright red.
[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] Walks to Neith
[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] "Um"
Neith of Inholt (mharm-15549) Whips hand back and SLAPS Hugh
[Sam (Master)] pauses and glances over at Neith
Shurkural (TMO)] NOW it's a party!
[Sam (Master)] Well I suppose now it is a party

[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (E) But would the clan be willing to help a Farthorn?
Marisu (TMO)] (I know that's supposed to be Far-Thorn, but I only see Fart-Horn)

[Lord Branadarus (Master)] Princess Marquessa Branwyn the Mysterious of Cornelia
[Branwyn (Lisa)] It is quite a mouthful
[Lord Branadarus (Master)] or Princess Marquessa Branwyn the Mysterious of Drillian and Cornelia
[Branwyn (Lisa)] But you forgot the Branadarus part
Marisu (TMO)] (at a guess, two separate titles, one for Cornelia, one for Drillian, not mixed.)
[Lord Branadarus (Master)] Princess Marquess Branwyn the Mysterious Branadarus of Drillian and Cornelia
Marisu (TMO)] (Marquessa Branwyn Branadarus the Mysterious of Drillian, Princess of Cornelia. And vice-versa)
[Branwyn (Lisa)] I think we should just stick with Branwyn except in formal occasions
[Lord Branadarus (Master)] (grins see that is why Marisu is a trained diplomat)

Hoffman (John A)] (some phrases ahve more than one meaning)
Hoffman (John A)] (summary will be fun)

Session: Nov1717

• Normal summary in-progress, but really the only thing that matters here is the eggcellent quote of the night, am I right?

  1. Leaving this up as it seems a good spot to add that I do find writing summaries differently to be a relatively fun challenge. If you have ideas, or certain formats you'd like me to try at some point, let me know! I even made an official list to keep track of them.

• And so, moving on, we spend the first part of the night teasing out what is known IC versus what is known OOC. We also discuss if a bird could be useful to befriend for mainly message carrying purposes - for now. Maybe surveillance, too?

  1. It is decided that Jennevive did share the letter Branwyn wrote her with the group. Therefore, the group knows Queen Cinna is likely a vampire, but it is only implied that Tiberius cannot return.
  2. No one except Branwyn knows the children are to be killed as she feels it's too big a burden for anyone else to carry. She wants the group to have plausible deniability when/if it comes out.
  3. Question from me: is Sam forbidden to leave Cornelia? I don't recall that coming up anywhere at all, but Bob confirmed Mario's question that he cannot leave?
  4. In questions on scrying, we discover we can simply roll save versus magic spells. Works on both if you're being watched and if someone (such as mindflayers) are trying to read your mind.

• With questions mostly answered, we start with Shur finding Shi a kestrel, Shi befriending said kestrel, and then naming said kestrel Fete (Fire). Success! Although now Fete must befriend everyone else.

  1. Miranda contemplates getting a familiar, perhaps even Eddie. She then wonders how Eddie and the wolves will get along once they meet. Good question! Although Eddie on a boat is another concern to work out, too.
  2. As Shi and Miranda discuss honeymoons, and the possible oddity of this one (it depends who you ask; Hoffman would likely be happy on such a honeymoon), Branwyn asks Jennevive what divination spells she can cast.
  3. Miranda congratulates Branwyn on passing the mother-in-law test (did she?), Branwyn does finally confirm that this is not her honeymoon yet, and Jennevive states that Branwyn likely asked about divination because she wants to know when she gets pregnant. Um, not quite, but uh, sure, we'll go with that cover for now.
  4. Kenna and Jennevive argue on whether or not, if/when that happens, who will be the one to break the news while Miranda sulks away due to the topic of discussion.

• We set up camp for the evening, the option of making our own encounters now gone, but thankfully do not roll any encounters anyways.

  1. They talk about the swamp and Miranda wonders if Shi will try to befriend more creatures (and Shur worries Shi might try to befriend lettuce). Miranda is glad to hear the wolves know how to swim and offered to teach Shi whenever she is ready to learn.
  2. Jennevive does Jennevive. Thankfully, actual questions are asked to distract Jennevive. Also, that wonderful sound bubble is used to make us all feel better about potential spies.

• Those gifts from Jennevive? A sham, as we thought. The quill is simply a hippogriff feather with no spell on it. The wooden ring? Just something she picked up at a market stall once (as to why, I don't know, as I assume she picked it up before deciding it needed purpose). But placebo effects can be powerful, right? So does it matter if those have actual spells or purpose? Guess not. We hope.

  1. Upon getting this confirmation, Shi contemplates sending a letter home about it. Sam clearly believes he might be able to seek help from the Wildlands. Is it better to let the other half of this imaginary alliance know of it? Shi is quite blunt about how the elves might react to the alliance or Sam trying to visit the Wildlands. Branwyn says she'll send a letter warning Sam to not go directly to the Wildlands. Shi settles with likely sending a message to her Father and he can decide from there what the elves will or will not do.
  2. The one real gift? All the money Jennevive gave Sam from Dryads Lair. She then credits Branwyn for avoiding one potential threat and creating a large distraction that will consume Terraguard for years. Congratulations, Branwyn?

• Branwyn is clearly impatient and wishes they'd reach the ship faster. Yes, yes, it's definitely because she misses Indigo and wants to start her honeymoon. It has absolutely nothing to do with an evil vampire queen who might want her gone and dead!

  1. Branwyn plans to teleport to the knarr, then Dryads Lair, and then River's Bend. She can always jump ship to Portown and her original mentor set up a mage school in River's Bend. In other words, she has a plan, including being prepared for an awkward conversation about casting feign death on Tiberius if needed. And yes, I'll start referring to him as Tiberius now since they are both Branadarus. Well, in the summaries, at least.
  2. With those thoughts in mind, and the timestamp of doom, Branwyn finally brings up how very awkward this honeymoon is, Tiberius! He agrees he'll be happy to leave them behind, although, perhaps they can return to the ship later? You know, if there is another dragon to fight? Somehow she convinces him to leave, and that maybe he needs to add more to his wardrobe than just traveling clothes. You really only have traveling clothes?
  3. Tiberius puts Kel in charge to the surprise of others. Kel agrees, knowing that Ilero took charge, but playing along because Tiberius needs to be gone now. Or because Kel is simply happy to see him gone (even as Tiberius says they'll be right back - or so he thinks). With that all settled, Branwyn gets ready, teleports and rolls...
  4. ...a 97?? Thankfully Branwyn is familiar with the spell or that would have been death. No need to feign death! But really, please stop almost killing yourself with teleport, okay??

• So Branwyn survives and ends up on the knarr. And Indigo....well, we don't know how Indigo reacts because this is where we stop for the night! At least there wasn't any deaths, fake or real, right? Will we keep it that way next time? Will Lisa continue to make questionable (bad) rolls in the attempt to get Branwyn to the hopeful safety of River's Bend? Find out next week!

Quotes of the Night:

[MarioCS] We elves should be home by next summer
[Carissa] The elves better find a reason to go back home. We worked damn hard on their home.
[MarioCS] lol, exactly!
(Note: because we did, see? Here, and here plus the stuff not posted? Yes: shameless plugs!)

[Master] if you make your save versus spell you can tell if someone is listening in on you
[Master] if someone actually is listening in
[Master] if you fail, or if no one is listening, then no one is listening to you

[Master] and so that would be a yes Shur points to a kestrel sitting on a dead tree
[MarioCS] The elves mourn the dead tree
[TMO] IT'S THE NATURAL CYCLE OF LIFE AND DEATH POINTY EARS!

[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Okay no more distractions. New friend is named Fete)
[TMO] (Stinky Fete?)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (...supposed to mean fire and now I'm reconsidering...)
[John A] Boba fete?
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Okay that's better)
[John A] kestrel run in two 15 parsecs?
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Fete it is now based on that comment alone!)

Miranda Paige (John A)] It is a girl or a boy?
[Kel (MarioCS)] I think it’s a boy since it will be used as a Mail bird
[Kel (MarioCS)] (see what I did there??)
[TMO] we is on a roll tonight
[TMO] ba dum pish

[Master] and yes to the women all understanding the process and how to prevent if wanted
[Branwyn (Lisa)] (I am sure that accidents still happen - we shall see)
Hoffman (John A)] (would it be up to the roll of the dice?)
[Master] roll 1d10,000 to see which swimmers hit their mark

[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Bad plan to egg her on, I know, I know)
[Kel (MarioCS)] (dont get her egg cited)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Or she'll "crack" this mystery?)
Miranda Paige (John A)] (OUCH)
[Kel (MarioCS)] (ya, but the yolk's on us)
[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] (maybe Shi will be over easy?)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (HAHA)
Miranda Paige (John A)] ( I am walking away now)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (I'm laughing too hard now. You both win this round)
[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] (don't let it scramble your thoughts)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Just feeling a bit poached)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Omelet it go, though)
[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] So we should be getting back to a hard boiled mystery then
[Kel (MarioCS)] (bob on fire)
Miranda Paige (John A)] (he pulled that out of someones A$)
[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] which? the chicken?
[Kel (MarioCS)] (Shi over easy, nice)
Miranda Paige (John A)] (I know what you want to do with that chicken)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (He hashes these out without a problem)
[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] boil softly and carry a wire whisk
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Better stop now before we go huevos our heads)
[Kel (MarioCS)] (ONG!! foriegn laguage pun!!!))
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (:D)
Miranda Paige (John A)] (but can you do than in Elven)
[Kenna Westfoot (Spring)] (LOL)
Shurkural (TMO)] (I'm apparently not punny tonight. but I'm enjoying reading yours)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Sadly not)

Session: Nov2417

• Before we get going anywhere, it is time to point out that the party is split (arguably not by choice but necessity). While Branwyn does need to roll in-game for her teleports (all successful this time - but yet another close one), the story itself can be read right over here. So, you know, go read it. And yes, Lisa plans to update it as the game progresses, so keep checking it!
• As for the rest of the party? Well they just now realized they've lost their guide (Tiberius) and will somehow have to find their own way back to Therip and the knarr. At least they know to go west! That's something, right? But first: night watches!

  1. And nothing happens again. I have my reservations for how long this luck will hold...
  2. The other problem for the party to figure out? Who is really in charge? To be fair, it's partly dependent on who is online at the time, but it seems to depend on the situation with Ilero usually having the last word, but Kel given opportunities to make decisions.
  3. Plans are also made for the possibility of the vampire and/or her army coming after them. Be extra vigiliant at night, don't be in a position of ambush, and keep an eye out for abnormalities.

• Ilero, making sure everyone sees his maps and hears his explanations, manages to get them back to Shadytown where they were once before: where they met the brownies and where we never found out who Short Man and Old Bald Man were which means yes! We finally have an answer! But before we enter the town...

  1. The group does discuss possibly seeking out the brownies again. They could be helpful. Ilero sends Marisu and Miranda to the town to seek permission to stay there again. Shur and Shi are asked to try and communicate with the fairies brownies and warned not to make them mad. Hoffman and Kel are tasked with protection.
  2. Side note: apparently Kel has a notarized scroll declaring he is legal counsel and representative of Shi and her menagerie when they are indisposed. Shi does not remember this scroll, but agrees provided none of the wolves end up as fur coats. She also adds that the bird is far too small to be of use as an accessory, either.

• As Miranda and Marisu search out someone to talk to, they run into Old Bald Man (and soon wish Ilero was there to translate). Here we discover that Old Bald Man is simply a rude lecherous jerk. Thankfully, he sends them off to talk to Tore. Will Tore be better conversation?

  1. Right up front Tore (who is, indeed, Short Man) refuses to go adventuring. Um, not quite why we knocked? But then gets very excited by the elf (Kel) he spots behind Marisu and Miranda. He claims they aren't playing fair, wants all the terms and conditions, and a full share of the treasure. Uh, getting a little ahead of yourself, aren't you, Tore?
  2. As they try to explain their situation, Tore gets upset at the mention of Tiberius and says he will not adventure with him again. How can a single individual can raise so many questions so quickly? He shuts up quickly upon hearing Tiberius is now married. Er, well, now he's the one with the questions, at least.

• Eventually Tore invites them inside to his large house with smaller than normal doors. Did I forget to mention he's a halfling? Miranda is left alone while Marisu gets the group (minus Jilly who remains with the wagon). Tore briefly disappears, to the confusion of everyone who came to meet him, only to reappear using a trap door. Well then.

  1. During dinner, they talk a bit about adventuring with Tiberius. Tore mentions the Temple of Zeus where they fought a minotaur and found a javelin with lightning all around. He asks in turn how they met him. Besides Kenna mentioning the dragon kidnapping, Marisu simply boils it down to diplomatic stuff in Dryads Lair.
  2. Tore soon asks for elf songs. Rather than indulge him, the elves ask where he heard them before. Apparently some wood elves north of Cordrawn Hills entertained them with some wild dancing and singing. So do you sing? Kel says no, and Shi admits to shyness singing to strangers/non-elves/away from home. And no, Teb doesn't sing, either.
  3. Shur decides to try to please Tore with dancing while Jennevive plucks her lute. Tore enjoys it, but not convinced he wants to help out the group. Oh, by the way, helpful hint from BOB says that maybe having a guide could be useful. This is our chance to charm a potential adventurer. Oh! So THAT'S what our goal is? Yeah, we definitely knew that not.

• Suddenly understanding, Kel decides to recite a limerick/yodel/attempt to sing:

  KEL
  There once was a lad, which came from Cornelia.
  Such a swordsman he'd be sure to tell ya.
  He bragged and he'd boast, so grandiose,
  And then bed a girl named Amelia.
  
• Nice, but not quite what Tore was looking for. Shi is almost convinced to sing (also known as Carissa finally has one picked out - saving for later), but we discover we have a secret weapon. Easiest way to please a halfling? Let him taste Jilly's cooking. And offer him some money, too, I suppose. But really, Jilly's cooking (with "borrowed" goodberries) is quite hard to turn down, especially if traveling with them means more food.

  1. We also mention to Tore that Indigo Bolger is captain of the knarr we already have which makes Tore more curious and pleased to know that we know how to adventure. Also, yes, of course he's heard of Indigo!
  2. Tore puts his price on the table: full share plus an escort fee, but no, you can't hire Jilly away from us (but you might convince her to give you extra helpings of meals). As if she would actually leave Branwyn's side. Er, unless forced because she doesn't know teleport.
  3. Another note that Tore misunderstands the group and is upset as he thinks we let Jilly sleep in the stables. We wouldn't, but again, Jilly does whatever she wants (she didn't stay in the stables).
  4. Finally, Tore agrees to a fee of sixty silver: twenty per day (assuming it'll be three days) plus meals (six breakfasts and six suppers) and full share of anything found (if "not boring stuff" happens) and leaving after second breakfast, no earlier.
  5. Tore runs off to pack without having heard his elf song, and Lisa is given a character to play until we reach the knarr (and she thought it was a choice to play him - ha!).

• Both Shi and Shur decide to spend the night with the wolves in the stables in case the brownies visit again, and Kel is there for at least part of the time. Shi leaves out the almost expired goodberries plus a few withered daisies (as a reminder of their last visit in case the brownies have bad memory). In the morning, the berries are gone, but nothing else.
• They head out after breakfast and a nap towards the west through the lands of The Mark of Phrygia (also known as the land of the killer priestess). There are Greek temples here. Anyone want to visit?

  1. Shur certainly does! She asks Tore where one can be, waving her sword in front of him saying she wants to know what the symbols mean, and is shown a small one not far from their path. Tore is told the story of the sword (given by a statue) and warns Shur that the temple may not be fond of a "non-believer" carrying the sword.
  2. So what does Shur do? More or less give away her ignorance of all things Greek BUT disarms the priestess with total innocence and excitement. So the sword?
  3. The symbols on the sword spell out Peleus who was a famous hero, one of the Argonauts who traveled with Homer. Or he was a companion of Hercules. As she says, there are many legends. Homer is the father of Achilles. Peleus was a great hero, and the father of a great healer (or a hero, at least). The woman statue? The priestess can only think of Thetis who might gift Shur a sword. Thetis was the wife of Peleus, a sea nymph. BOB notes that Chiron, the wise centaur, or possibly Hermes, returned Peleus' sword with magical powers and Peleus managed to escape.
  4. After all that education, the priestess mentions that Shur must have a quest laid upon her to have such a heroic weapon. Perhaps to protect someone? And....ohhhh, maybe that prophecy really was about Tiberius? Break the chain of dying siblings by rescuing him and all? Considering BOB quotes the song again...yeah, maybe that's it.

• The priestess wishes Shur luck, Shur thanks Tore for bringing her to the temple, and the group stops at the border of Phrygia and Venier for the night. Time for watches (after the brief interlude of teleportation rolls and having fish dumped on their heads). And here we discover the secret to watches in lands where noise won't attract things: if you have a conversation, it counts as an encounter! See quotes below.

  1. How do we find this out? Because Shi stupidly invites Jenn on first watch with her and Marisu. Another fun girls' watch! Er, but I did mention Jenn being there so...
  2. At least watches with Jennevive are predictable, right? She moves quickly on from trying to figure out Shi to, surprise surprise, asking about her relationship with Kel. Does Jenn really believe Shi will be forthcoming with her? Marisu, maybe, but Jenn? Shi tells them she's really just wanting to focus on adventuring right now (and collecting all the animal friends possible) and let the dice fall where they may. Long story short, they decide she is out of her mind, but knows her mind best! Er, Marisu says maybe don't combine their advice like that as it could create odd things...
  3. With this encouragement of conversational encounters, on second watch Kel asks Tore about those other elves he's seen. Well, they certainly aren't as shy as his friend there, and they always seem to have rules. Kel protests they don't and then realizes that, yeah, maybe they do. Tore goes on to say if he lived near forever, he'd stirred up more trouble. Kel assures him that he does, moreso with humans than halflings. Asking about his background, Tore tells Kel he is an "honest" merchant.

• What kind of honest merchant? Eh, it's too late to figure that out. Guess we'll have to ask another day, yes? And this also means we're not sure what our third watch encounter will be. Is it still going to be Shur and Ilero talking (and us speculating TMO's "impending schizophrenia")? Or will someone else join third watch? As always, tune in next week to find out!

Quotes of the Night:

[Kel (MarioCS)] ididnt want to be fighter, i wanted to be a ...dentist
[Kel (MarioCS)] have a pair of snow dogs
Ilero (TMO)] (Herbie the elf is part of our group?)

Miranda Paige (JohnA)] We are just passing thought, came though a few days ago woth Lorad Brandarus and now we are just traveling back
Old Bald Man (Master) squints
[Old Bald Man (Master)] Ya I kin see Prince Branadarus havin ya
[Marisu]] (TMO) glances aside at Miranda.
[Kenna Westfoot (Spring)] (did he just say something really rude?)
Marisu (TMO)] (yes)
[Kenna Westfoot (Spring)] (asshat)
[Kel (MarioCS)] (wow! lol)
[Kenna Westfoot (Spring)] (hehehe i don't get to say that out loud about real people. NPCs are fair game)

[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (What goodberries did Jilly have then?)
[Tore Henrick (Master)] (any she could find)
[Lisa] (she is also a pickpocket?)
[Tore Henrick (Master)] (no need to pickpocket, just rummage through everyone's things like she does when she does laundry, etc.)

Shurkural (TMO)] Hey, sorry to bother you. I'm trying to find someone who can tell me who this is. *shows symbols on sword*
[Tore Henrick (Lisa)] Don’t' wave that thing too close. I can see just fine.
[Tore Henrick (Lisa)] Don't know why people think they need swords as big as they are
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (E) Most swords would be bigger than him...
[Kel (MarioCS)] (E) we have little room to judge. Doesn’t mean it isn’t true,..or funny

[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] I think [Kel] is quite willing to follow his nose
[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] to be lead astray
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (He was a toucan this whole time?!)

Marisu (TMO)] (talk to each other! skip the rolls!)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Exactly! Talk talk talk!)
Marisu (TMO)] (at last! we've solved the nighttime encounter problem!)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (This whole time Jilly was trying to convey this to us)
[Master] at least in places that talking does not attract attention from other things

Session: Dec0117

• We start third watch with TMO nowhere in sight. Thankfully, John steps up to the plate! No way around having him talk to himself, though. By which I mean Miranda and Hoffman talk to each other about their future together: getting married, going back to Loosend, having a chat with Brother Foto and Qui Fon, something about meeting Long Sword Sally, what happened last time they stayed in one place too long, if Hoffman has talked to Branwyn yet, and helping make sure she gets her people and stuff back.
• What another wonderful encounter! So what will the new day bring as we enter the Earldom of Venier? Seeing how we're entering land where orcs were, Shi makes sure not to stray from the party again. Tore lets them know they come here from time to time to find loot or travelers to ambush, but don't have a village directly.

  1. Ever wondered about those hedges? The old Earl of Venier banned stone walls and wooden fences. Not only can you die from falling off a horse, but you can also die when your horses misses jumping a wall! In short, hedges are allowed because they don't hurt as much as running into stone. All of this resulting in undefined borders while the hedges grew, conflicts over land, and almost a civil war. Good plan!
  2. Jilly remarks that they are probably glad Shi did not come and take all their berries. Unlike her, Jilly actually cooks with the berries. All berries are good berries so why does Shi need them to make goodberries when they are already good berries? And yes, badberries do exist as do bad berries. Jilly says she'll need to teach Shi how to cook. Shi admits to interest provided they leave out the sticks. The only elf Shi has ever met who ate sticks wasn't right in the head. Jilly also questions if Shi knows anything about elves as they apparently sing and she has yet to hear Shi sing.
  3. Jilly has met six, maybe seven elves so she certainly knows more than the elf who grew up around elves on whether or not elves eat sticks. Tore has only met elves from that one adventure Branadarus roped him into. They looked for some gold and a magic ring of elves. They never found the ring. It belonged to somebody the magnificent or stupendous. Why do mages feel a need to tell everyone how great they are?
  4. Like Branwyn, Princess Mysterious, remarks Jilly. Tore wonders if that's how Branadarus got some girl to marry him. Oh dear, Tore. Never tell Jilly that Branwyn is just "some girl" as she is way better! Jilly whacks her spoon against the wagon as a threat, Shi helpfully tells Tore that Jilly loves Branwyn so maybe don't insult Branwyn whether by accident or not, and Tore, not wanting to miss any meals, apologizes for any possible disrespect.

• Somehow all of this reminds Jilly that she needs to go look for berries? Shur goes off with her to make sure she is safe. Wanting to make sure Jilly doesn't run into anything dangerous, Shi sends Fete off to do a quick recon of the area and get the lay of the land.

  1. As Fete flies off, Hoffman asks what Tore plans to do after he is done acting as their guide. He says he'll collect his silver, go home, and probably retire. For some odd reason, Lisa does not want to try to juggle playing four characters? Just do like TMO and open kLoOge three times to make it easier to switch between characters!
  2. After taking a short flight, Fete returns. While everyone else sees and hears adorable screeching (technically described as klee or killy notes than a screech), Shi hears something about smoke, a village to the north, and weird trees. Weird trees? Oh, Shi thinks he means a fence. Fete saw no movement, and as the spell that let's her talk to him is about to wear off, Shi does not send him out again.

• Remember that Jilly went off that way, Hoffman runs off. Fete was only looking at the land, not following Jilly. Hopefully she's still with Shur? Tore knows nothing about a village here. The area was mostly deserted after the Grey Death wiped most everyone out. Ilero and Shi decide to follow after Hoffman. Shi takes Anor with her, but leaves Ithil, Tinu, and Galad with the wagon. Marisu, Miranda, Jennevive, and Tore also remain with the wagon.

  1. The smoke behind the wall looks like campfire smoke. There are tattered flags limply hanging from the palisade wall. If only Marisu were hear to give us an idea what those flags mean! But she does spot a group of orcs coming from the south. The other group doesn't see them. How will Marisu warn them? She will, ah, um, er, well too late to figure that out. Cue the music! Oh and yes, of course Jilly appears at the wagon confused why everyone left to look for orcs.

• The orc immediately spot the elf, the elf spots the orcs, and the elf turns savage. Again. Hoffman wonders how to handle this situation. Shi tells him by killing them all. How else do you handle orcs? Hoffman isn't clear how to kill them. Shi gives him lots of options: stab them, gut them, set them on fire, chop them with your axe, make them pincushions. Lots of options here!

  1. Hoffman takes Shi's advice and ends up taking on half of the orcs. Who needs to jump over hedges when you can just run through them? Hugh ends up running towards the group, Miranda attempts to fly to reach the group, everyone else just stabs and shoots at the orcs (or bites at them, in the case of Anor). We also witness the rare use of Varsta Huitoa (knife) by Ilero to take down the last orc.
  2. Only a few are technically dead while the rest are disabled. Shi considers making sure they're dead dead, but decides to just kick them. Er, but not Anor. Anor decides to feast (mereth en draugrim meaning feast of the wolves).
  3. Right as combat finishes, Kel wakes from his nap on the wagon and hears Shi screaming something about orcs in the distance. So no, it wasn't a bad dream! Oops. At least everyone is all right?
  4. We find 27 copper coins and 1 gem from the orc patrol party.
  5. There is debate on raiding the camp and killing the rest of the orcs, but they end up deciding to ignore them (to Kel's disappointment) and keep going.

• Jilly is confused why everyone left, but happily tells everyone of her success in finding berries, a few nuts, bird eggs, and a red bit of string in the nest. She doesn't know if it means anything, but it is pretty! You talk to birds, Shi. Why do they want string? Well without asking that specific bird, Shi doesn't know, but some birds do decorate their nest (maybe it was a bowerbird?).
• They make good time for the day with no more encounters before setting up camp in the middle of the Earldom of Venier. So now the real question: can we again convince BOB against real encounter rolls? With my assumption that Jennevive is the key, we (or me?) decide she needs to be on a watch, but which watch?

  1. Shi again invites Jennevive on first watch with her and Neith, but does admit she'll understand if Jennevive would prefer second watch with Kel and Hugh. While Jennevive thinks either watch could be interesting, Neith does NOT like the idea of Jennevive and Hugh on the same watch together.
  2. As they work out watches, Jennevive moves to the fire. Hugh makes to move toward the fire, too, until Neith stops him with her crook. Ouch! Tore remarks how the women in this party seem quite violent...
  3. Jennevive attempts to be nice(?) to Neith, but Neith won't hear of it. Jennevive just wants to help your relationship with Hugh in her own way! This time with a plan in mind, Shi decides to ask Jennevive for a favor. She has this song stuck in her head, but although she's not ready to sing it, she would like to have the lyre accompany her. Would you be willing if she teaches you the song? Jennevive agrees, but, ah, doesn't quite learn it properly that night. I guess they'll have to keep at it.
  4. On second watch are Kel and Hugh who decide to talk about their favorite subject: hating Jennevive! They delve quickly from that to relationships to...cuddling with Jenn? Well then. Vampires and prophecy and arrows to the knee. Otters and mist and willow trees. Onward to third watch?
  5. So third watch with Ilero and Tore is, well, and hmm, yeah. You can just read it for yourself. It's worth it. Trust me:

  TORE
  Don't miss this about adventuring. Getting up in the middle of the night to pace about. Another reason to retire.

  ILERO
  Good time t'ink. Not listen chatter.

  TORE
  No tinkling bells in the middle of the night either.

  ILERO
  You hear bells?

  TORE
  Tink... or did you mean drink? I have been known to take a drink or two on watch. Keeps you focused.

  ILERO
  T'ink. In head. T'ink t'oughts.

  TORE
  Maybe a drink would get rid of whatever's in your head.
  As he looks at Ilero strangely.

  ILERO
  Hye not sure what you talking 'bout.
  Frowning, puzzled, and wondering why they turned to insults.

  TORE
  I didn't say anything about your boat. I'd like to see it though.

  ILERO
  Hye... not have boat.

  TORE
  I thought that's why you hired me. To take you to your boat.

  ILERO
  Oh, t'at boat. T'at not mine. Sorry.

  TORE
  Must be a pretty big boat to carry all of you in it.

  ILERO
  Just barely big 'nuff. No ot'er crew. Hye not good rower.

  TORE
  Be glad for that. Biggest bunch of pests those otters.

  ILERO
  Not try be mean, but you talk funny sometime. Hye have trouble understand what you talk 'bout.

  TORE
  I talk funny? Well if you can't row then you probably don't know much about boats is all. You can tell that. Especially if you want to hire a crew of otters.

  ILERO
  True. Not much sailor. Why would want crew of otters? Were-otters?

  TORE
  That's what I said. You don't.

  ILERO
  T'en why you bring t'em up?

  TORE
  You won't find any otters until you get to the river anyway. And you certainly can't tell them what to do. Even if you have ten, not one will listen to you.

  ILERO
  Well... hokay. We still on schedule get t'ere?

  TORE
  It's Tore. Not Tere. It's taking a bit longer but we're on schedule.

  ILERO
  Good. Hye ready get home.
  Looks at the halfling like he's gone insane.

  TORE
  You live in a tree? Or a tower? What's a high home?

  ILERO
  ... Hye stay at Jistille wit' Branwyn and ot'er Dragonslayers. Not been t'ere long time.

  TORE
  Tore.

  ILERO
  ... Ilero ...

  TORE
  What are the otters like where you come from??

  ILERO
  Not have otters. You like otters?

  TORE
  Never seen an otter good for anything other than making dinner out of them.

  ILERO
  Ah. Otter taste good?

  TORE
  OH! You throw otters at dragons so you can sneak up behind them and slay them. Good idea! Otters as decoys.

  ILERO
  When we get river, you be hokay get home alone?
  Certain now that he's hired a certified madman to guide the group.

  TORE
  So where you from anyway? You don't talk like the others and you sure ain't an elf.

  ILERO
  No. From town in Blackwater, up nort'.

  TORE
  Never heard of it.

  ILERO
  Quite a ways away. Not been t'ere in many years.

  TORE
  Good you speak the common tongue though coming from far off.

  ILERO
  Yes, t'ough hye have to speak slow be understood.

  TORE
  Just because you're taller than me doesn't mean you have to speak slow to me from oh so high up there. You're not that tall. That one with the axes has a good foot on you.

  ILERO
  Hkay, hyespeknormlforyu.

  He says with a smirk.

  TORE
  Huh?

  ILERO
  Hye speak slow 'cause people here not understand when hye speak normal.

  TORE
  I don't think it's helping.

  ILERO
  Could be worse. Hye has to listen to everybody talk really really slow all time.
  He (presumably) shakes his head and goes back to pacing the camp.
• So with that wonderful conversation, we pass the night talking not fighting. What will the new day bring? They're less than a day from the knarr. What otter other encounters await us? Find out next week!

Quotes of the Night:

Shi'Nynze (Carissa) points toward where Jilly is heading
Hoffman (JohnA)] (why s everyone so worried about Jilly)
Hoffman (JohnA)] (she will out live us all)

Hoffman (JohnA)] (Wearbird/wollf?)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (A word?)
[Galad (Master)] WOFF
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Heh. Wolf/Bird...word...)
Marisu (TMO)] bilf
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (But the bird is the word)

[Master] you attacked twice
[Master] missed a lot
[Master] so far have fired 4 arrows
[Master] see what battle lust does to you?

[Kel (MarioCS)] ..and thats how you take out the kneee of an orc
[Kel (MarioCS)] drops them straight away
[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] With an arrow?
[Kel (MarioCS)] takes the fight out of them
[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] to the Knee?

[Kel (MarioCS)] not their kids_ daughter's otter slaughter
[Kel (MarioCS)] in the river? water daughter otter slaughter
[Kel (MarioCS)] and the dad? father daughter water otter slaughter
[Master] The father daught water otter slaughter outa notta occura
Ilero (TMO3)] (oughtta notta matta)

Session: Dec0817

• After a nice, quiet night, the group gets going in the morning. There is talk about swamps, swimming, finding a dwarf, and mentions of Jilly's family. And lots of Jilly talking. A bit of a one-sided conversation, really.

  1. Her mother is nice, she lost her mean brother to the Grey Death as well as the Lord's son, a sheriff, who was nice to her and taught her how to use a slingshot.
  2. Jilly is still convinced the elves eat twigs, especially when Kel tries to imitate Teb, but no, she doesn't believe Kel and Teb are the same. Because Teb is smart. Ouch.
  3. Jilly also complains there aren't enough berries, especially with Branwyn gone and Marisu's inability to produce a mass quantity.
  4. By the way, shouldn't we get something for the bride and groom? No one has ideas yet of what, but they do agree it would be nice. Well they have time before they see them again to decide on a present. Hoffman contemplates making something, but what? And are there trading posts nearby? Er, yeah maybe we could have picked something up in Shadytown. Meanwhile, Kel thinks he'll write a song with a theme of insulting Tiberius. A good song that he plans to let Shi sing. Yes, I'm certain that'll go well?
  5. If you were curious, yes, Jilly isn't a big fan of the elves speaking elvish. She says they do that when they don't want anyone to know what they're saying which...is kind of true. But she's sure Branwyn knows what they're saying and Jennevive, too. Tore remarks that he doesn't pay attention to what anyone is saying and besides, who can understand that foreign fellow who apparently speaks Common? Nice enough fellow, but not easy to understand.
  6. In talking about Blackwater and Branwyn's Sainthood, Tore gets panicked at the thought of someone in the party stricken with the Grey Death. Whoops, sorry! Wrong plague. Not the Grey Death, but a different plague.

• Backtracking, we started off the night making sure everyone was still alive and not burned to the ground by the fires out west in real life. So here the group, moving west notices...fires to the north in game. When life imitates art the game more than art the game imitates life. Well, technically, they notice a haze and blowing leaves in the dry season that likely indicate a fire. Anyways, so what to do?

  1. Shi has some useful spells if they encounter the fire, but not ones that last long and for a party their size. Is it worth trying to rush to the river and hope to outrun the fire? Or should they hold off, back up some to the east, and wait it out? Maybe go south? After some talking, they head back east just enough to hopefully miss the worst of the fire.
  2. Here we'll mention that Ilero, Shur, and Marisu had an hour or two head start and can move faster than the wagon. I am unsure what this means for where they are or where they went. Did they come back to meet up? Or try to outrun the fire?
  3. Sadly we did not bring marshmallows to roast nor does chocolate exist for s'mores, but yes, there does exist a place where those plants exist in game and in real life. No lie, chocolate daisy are real and do taste like bitter chocolate. Okay then back to the game!

• We find a place the seems safe to camp with plans for Shi to soak everyone with 120 gallons of water if needed (but maybe wait until it actually is needed). So this means watches, especially to make sure the fire doesn't get close!

  1. As usual, Shi is on first with Hugh. She asks if Jennevive wants to go back to learning that song, but no, Jennevive is feeling quite talkative tonight. She asks if Shi is ready to leave home for good as The Mist gets into the soul (but don't worry, they'll see Divaekah at some point for certain, although maybe we should worry as to why they will...). They talk about Branwyn at home being confident instead of cautious. From there we move to the subject of the night: Red Cloak, Brother of Toybin (Queen's Consort), Necromancer, and Jennevive's husband. Also the guy who cursed Branwyn, sold Indigo into slavery, and tried to kill Ilero in the Skull Church. Sounds like a fun guy?
  2. In short, on first watch, Hugh and Shi learn that Jennevive may not necessarily love her husband although she is very interested in his mind and he was a good husband to her in the past, she also finds his ability to find out information attractive, that she met him during his murder trial where he proposed (she accepted which invalidated the trial but she doesn't know if it was love at first sight or just a masterful plan), he always liked playing with dead things, and his brother is a goody-goody. She has not seen him for over a year and only knows he's somewhere in The Mist. Perhaps you'll track him down for her, Hugh? We round out the conversation going back to how Branwyn is good at creating opportunities that cannot be resisted and are usually beneficial, or at the least, very interesting.
  3. So we switch to second watch and...wait, not yet. After that long, lovely talk about Jennevive's husband she decides to finish the night by flirting some more with Shi? Ah Jennevive, you never change. Not that Shi knows exactly how to interpret what you're saying (but she's pretty sure it's flirting). Wake from her dreams and embrace life because you're really here? So you don't think things could work out with Kel, but you're a safe bet? Well that's confusing. Not like Kel has some big, dark secret he's keeping from Shi that could maybe possibly ruin any kind of relationship, friendship or otherwise! Anyways, time to wake Kel and Tore for next shift!
  4. Speaking of talkative, with no fire bearing down on them, Kel and Tore keep up a lively conversation, too. Aren't conversational encounters just the best? So, after agreeing they could have probably made it to the river, Tore asks if Kel is in charge. Well, technically, Tiberius did put him in charge, but Kel says he isn't and hasn't been in charge in a long time, thank goodness. Tore wonders why that's a good thing. Does he get people killed when he's in charge or something? Er, uh, yeah, let's go with something! Maybe you should take a lesson from Tiberius since he likes being in charge and only a few get killed in the process. Kel admits that Tiberius does have some good qualities. Really, most folk do depending on how you look at them. Except orcs. Damnable orcs.
  5. After a little more small talk we get to the subject of this watch talk: Tiberius. There is a confusing tale of when they grab some princess' crown jewels and gave it to another princess for a reward. And no, neither princess would marry Tiberius. Also technically the (first?) princess wasn't supposed to have the jewels. So why does he leave an empty place setting for someone? And why did Tiberius stop adventuring for a while? That would be because, as they were setting off in the Fagnano Sea, heading to the Izturis River on the way for Tiberius to take an oath to a Prince, they ran into a blue dragon who wanted a toll. His best friend Soquil taunted Tiberius about bowing to a dragon and paying the toll, Tiberius fell for the taunt, the dragon almost killed Tiberius, and Soquil jumped in to save him and lost his life. Tiberius stopped adventuring, instead hiring crews who came to dinner after and told him their stories to make him feel like he was adventuring again, and always leaving a place for Soquil so he could hear the stories, too. Well after that happy(?) story, and a brief mention of Indigo, Knight of Gold Hills, and stopper of troll invasions, Tore goes to bed.
  6. Time for third watch! Kel stays up for another watch so Neith isn't alone. They decide that they should hitch the horse and be prepared to move quick as they can on the chance the fire gets closer. Good plan! Except that does mean waking Jilly and do you really want to...oops, too late. Neith, with plan in mind, casts Silence which...doesn't silence Jilly, but just prevents Kel from hearing them. Well then, I guess this means it's time for girl talk!
  7. After finally convincing Jilly she doesn't want breakfast, and Jilly assuring Neith she wouldn't hit her with a frying pan, only her spoon, Neith tells Jilly her plan to hitch the horse. Jilly decides to ask Neith why she's with stuffy Hugh. You know, stuffy: he's always worried about something or another and then forgets about Mercy. So what do you plan to do with Mercy? She'll be with you full time once you get back to the city. Neith does agree that Hugh cared too much about saving the demon child without giving thought to the consequences. Neith and Hugh can teach Mercy things, although Jilly says Mercy is too young to learn how to stab people. Don't suppose you can get her to grow up faster, Jilly?
  8. Jilly doesn't know what to do with Mercy. She's younger than her sister and brother. Give her to the orphanage? Oh, yes, Jilly has three sisters and two brothers. Well, she once had four brothers, but one died from the Grey Death and another was crushed under a tree (at least he wasn't thrown from a horse). Neith hugs Jilly, they get teary-eyed, and Kel is still confused as he still can't hear anything. Jilly tells Neith that she promised Branwyn she would save her, that Branwyn said she was to save everyone she can, but Neith tells Jilly to save herself over Hugh and her. Jilly doesn't exactly listen to her demand. She's going to save everyone! She even saved Kenna, kind of, at first!
  9. By the way, random news to everyone, did you know Tiberius is the only one Jennevive doesn't like? Jilly thinks it's because he only looks at Branwyn and Jennevive cannot get him to look at her. Jilly doesn't know if it's jealousy.
  10. They end third watch with Neith making a promise to Jilly to keep their talk secret, and to keep any of her other secrets, before Neith lets Jilly go back to sleep. Neith keeps that secret as the spell ends and, upon Kel's questions, tells him he didn't see or hear anything. Yeah, sure, he didn't, but easy on the leather there. Great, and he swallowed that twig! Oh well. He has another. Want one? He eats them to make Jilly happy. Neith decides a carrot tastes much better.

• So with red on both horizons (also known as sunrise and a fire apocalypse), the group wakes to see the fire consumed acres of land. There is a lot of smoke. They can try to skirt north around the burned area (towards the wastelands and orcs which will take a day), wait until it burns out as it keeps moving south, try to go straight across and hope they can continue their original path, or something else we haven't thought of (or I forgot to write down). We're less than half a day from the river. What will we do? We don't know! Guess we'll find out next week!

  1. ...although suggestions are welcomed before next Friday!

Quotes of the Night:

[Jilly (Master)] he saw you and thought it was you talking as Teb
[Kel (MarioCS)] and you do too?
[Jilly (Master)] oh no
[Jilly (Master)] Teb is smart

[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] A new forest? It could be a fun visit.
[mharm-15549] I like Forests
[Kel (MarioCS)] RUn to the Forest!, Run!

[Tore Henrick (Lisa)] Humpf! Probably could have made it to the river then if we'd a tried
[Kel (MarioCS)] we could have been on the boat by now
[Tore Henrick (Lisa)] You all are the slowest people in a hurry I've ever seen

[Neith of Inholt (mharm-15549)] I didn't want to startle you and have you whack me with a frying pan
[Jilly (Master)] I would not use a frying pan on you Neith
[Jilly (Master)] that might hurt you
[Jilly (Master)] I would only use my spoon
[Jilly (Master)] that lets you still walk ok in the morning

[Master] you should make it to the river next week
[Carissa] I mean I thought we would tonight, but...
[Lisa] next week in game years or real life next week?

Session: Dec1517

• We begin the game with just three players. This is important because it is possibly the only reason we did not encounter 96 orcs. Also bonus EXP! So, anyways, heading west, straight for the river and through the burned woods to grandmother's house we go, nightmares of orc follow us to the point of distraction. Knowing they could be attacked at any moment...

  1. ...Hugh kicks a small stump and catches on fire! Not only is he on fire, but it starts to spread from around him! Well that's better than orcs, right? Right.
  2. Thankfully, it's an easy enough problem to solve. With a flick of her wrist (or does she sing when she casts?), Shi dumps 24 gallons of water on Hugh and the surrounding area. Problem solved! And again, better than running into 96 orcs.
  3. And here we add a special notice, that again, pun always intended! Thank you.

• With far more careful steps and poking things with a stick, the group arrives to Therip! They think. Hard to tell since everything is burned down. There are some masts sticking up out of the river where there once were docks. Docks where there isn't a knarr. Um...

  1. As they look around town, and up and down the river, wondering where the knarr is, they hear a very loud voice floating towards them from downstream:

  PENELOPE
  ROW ROW ROW YOU SLIMY DOGS. ROW ROW ROW OR YOU GET THE FLOG. HO THE SHORE. PULL MORE. STARBOARD HEAVE. PORT NO LEAVE. ROW ROW ROW YOU PIGS OR I WILL THROW YOU IN THE BRIG. HEAVE. HO. HEAVE. HO!

  1. It's the sound of rescue!...? Indigo waves to them while Penelope commands the new crew. Indigo yells to the group and asks if they're all right. Oh, thank goodness it's Indigo we're dealing with and not Penelope. Indigo grabs one of the surviving row boats and goes to shore.

• The knarr has new sails, the new crew are the people they could save from Therip, the orcs started the fire and burned the place down after raiding it and kidnapping some of the people, and Indigo and crew are fine.

  1. Yes, Indigo did see Branwyn. He is aware of the situation as much as the rest of the crew (although perhaps more aware their need to rush from Cornelia and towards The Mist).
  2. Oh, and have you met Tore? Rather than take half the town with us to Bremen, maybe Tore can take them back with him to Shadytown. Of course he will! For a suitable price, that is. By the way, he hasn't been paid yet. Whoops!
  3. Jilly offers to sell the wagon for 50 silver and toss in the horse for only 10 silver more. It's the steal of the century and Tore will get to be a hero! Oh, and he can also take any of the stuff they left back there when they ran! Too bad Tore doesn't want to be a hero. No one ends their career as a hero - alive. Well, what if Jilly throws in a cake?

• We don't really have time for you to bake a cake, Jilly. We don't doubt that you could bake one in the middle of nowhere (the burned nowhere where there are plenty of hot coals), but we should get going. What if Shi reluctantly tosses in a song for you instead, Tore? A real Elven song? Oh yes, he'll definitely take that deal! But he wants to hear the female elf sing. Not that other one. He sang a clever tune, but it was probably just something picked up in a tavern. Okay, okay. Shi will sing for you and Kel will not. If you'll accompany her, please, Jennevive?

SHI'NYNZE ♫♪
Isha'len na melana sahlin.
Son your time is come.
Emma ir abelas, souver'inan isala hamin.
Now I am filled with sorrow, weary eyes need resting.
Vhenan him dan'felas. In Arvanaith na revas.
My heart has become grieved and slow. In Arvanaith is your freedom.
Vir sulahn'nehn. Vir dirthera.
We sing, rejoice. We tell the tales.
Vir samahl la numin. Vir latha sa'vunin.
We laugh and cry. We love one more day.
(an edited rendition of this song)

• Now that's an elf song! Tore will certainly take whoever wants to go back with him. Feeling slightly emotion (by the song sung at his best friend's funeral), Kel gives Tore a surprise hug. Best of luck, Tore! Maybe (but probably not) we'll see you again!

  1. Also decision that this is the Bindbole Wood Elven dialect to account for any future Elven language variations. As in, where Shi's mother is from since there is a chance of other songs/words in this particular dialect...

• After an hour and a half, everyone gets transferred to their proper place - the group on the boat, the villagers off the boat. Just before setting off, Shi gets a timeline for their trip and sends a message home (it's a link now, see?). It'll be about 4 days until they reach Dryads Lair, about a day or two at Dryads Lair, and after (x) days, they'll reach Rivers Bend, then dock at Portstown, before finally taking their skiffs and heading home.

  1. The skiffs are for when they reach swampy water. You don't want to swim in there, you know, with the leeches, turtles, and alligators and such. Not that half the group can swim, anyways...
  2. No, Jilly, not everyone can swim. When you live in a forest, climbing is more useful. Or at least that's the excuse for the elves. Sadly can't speak for others in the party. Well, Indigo says you can just climb out of the swamp when you fall in! Probably inevitable. Everyone falls in sometimes.
  3. At least Shi taught the wolves to swim. OH! Indigo! Meet Fete! Shi's newest friend. Indigo waves at Fete, Fete klees at Indigo, and everyone is happy! Fete can be talkative, the wolves are trained well and won't eat him, and onward we sail to the south!

• As they sail, Ilero mentions he's glad Tore is gone. Nice guy, but hard to understand! Says Ilero. Shi doesn't think he spoke that bad. Maybe elf ears are better. Says Ilero.
• Kel sits next to Shi and remarks how unexpected it was to hear that song again, but he holds it special, like she does. Shi tells him it's not only her favorite (with probable bias since her mother wrote it), but the most Elven song she can think of as it is a song of grief, but also celebration. Maybe she should have sung a little ditty, instead? Elvish probably all sounds the same to him. Well Kel did have another limerick for Tore. Too bad he didn't get to sing it to him, but why not sing it now? No one else is paying attention.

  KEL
  I met a wee man from Shadytown,
  Who helped out our party when we were down.
  He found temples Greek,
  He was so unique,
  Now he is gone so I wear a frown.
  
• Brilliant! By the way, did you know Kel has one for all of the crew (except Fete)? No, Shi is not allowed to tell anyone, especially not Jilly. He can easily change Shi's from something nice to something wicked. Well what if she tells Jilly that Teb wrote her something? She does seem to prefer Teb even though he doesn't eat twigs. Hey Jilly! Did you bring enough twigs for Kel? Shi says he's worried he doesn't have enough for the trip!

  1. By the way, Jilly, Shi heard a rumor that Teb's working on a story just for you! Uh, yeah! He is (now...). He just needs a few days to finish it to impress her. Well this will be fun. We can't wait to hear it!

• So what did you do while we were gone, Indigo? Christened every part of the boat? Oh. Just got some new sails in Bremen? It's a nice town. More to do there than in Therip. But Branwyn did warn him they'll be in trouble when they get to Dryads Lair. Oh, right. Might be because all the rum gold is gone...

  1. Wait. That's not our gold! That's the Queen's gold for the ambassador and...well, now we know why we'll be in trouble. Because we, as a group, according to Marisu, decided to give it away. Good work on that diplomacy, Marisu! Because Branwyn said you and Jennevive were supposed to deal with Count Vilmar. Does Jennevive know anything useful to negotiate with them? Maybe blackmail? Oh, goodness, no, dearest Marisu. Jennevive reminds her that desire is far more valuable than coin! She could certainly teach you some things. Indigo may know or perhaps we should ask Penelope...
  2. Speaking of, what's Penelope's plan? Going all the way back to Drillian or staying on the boat? Indigo doesn't know since they haven't talked about it yet. He didn't even know she was coming at all on this trip.
  3. There is also talk about Sarengar, Princess Anastacia, the man in the Red Cloak, something about an opera, a girl maybe getting pregnant, and a one-eared opera singer.

• They continue to head downstream. TMO decides we should live on the edge and let my rolls almost kills us again. Hopefully we make it past the 96 orc patrol! Oh look, three long ships. I hope they aren't carrying 32 orcs on each of them! Indigo looks through his spyglass and see...orcs. Seriously??

  1. They might have the hostages they took from Therip. They will probably try to take us hostage. What do we do?

  PENELOPE
  ROW ROW ROW! IF THEY CATCH US I WILL WHIP YOU HARDER THAN THEY CAN! ROW YOU DOGS! ROW OR YOU WILL BE FLOGGED! GO GO GO! PULL HARDER! GO GO GO! ROW ROW ROW YOUR BOAT OR THEY WILL CUT YOUR THROAT! PULL HARDER OR YOU'LL BE IN THEIR LARDER! ROW ROW ROW! MOVE MOVE MOVE YOU RATS OR I WILL BEAT YOUR ASS!

  1. Shi wants to burn down the ships. She has different ways to do so: fireball, fire arrows, fire fire and more fire. No fire? Maybe smash them with a fist of water? Warp the wood and sink the ships?
  2. The ship full of orcs are 2112 yards back and are not rowing yet. Perhaps we should just try to outrun them? With a little help from a servant of wind (and frantic rowing of Penelope's crew), they lose sight of the orcs.

• Night falls without sign of the orcs. Of course, they can catch up to us if we anchor. Do we keep sailing through the night? Find a place to hide the boat? Out west over yonder hills are the Cordrawn Hills. Oh and look! A waterfall and a keep! No that is not Castle Ant'rax, Ilero.

  1. We confirm the waterfall is falling into the river and we could maybe possibly hide behind it, but that is all as the map decides it doesn't want to work. Good timing, right? It's getting late anyways. See you (and the map) next week!

Quotes of the Night:

[Master] who wants to make that encounter check?
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (d20) [1d20=1] 1
[Master] Hmmm that is not fair
[Master] need a d12
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (d12) [1d12=12] 12
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] ....
[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] ...
[Master] OK......
[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] oh god
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] Uhh...
[Lisa] (you got the dreaded all caps OK)
[Master] thinking
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (plus the "....." and thinking. Sorry if we all die!)
[Master] what you rolled was an orc encounter, with 1d12 * 8 orcs
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Oucchhh)
[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] Holy shit bob. I don't think I can do that.... :)
[Master] I do not think so either

Tore Henrick (Lisa)] (okay - crazy game premise of the day - you play as a Roomba like character)
[Tore Henrick (Lisa)] (When something draws you away from your home maintenance duties and into the hidden passageways and long forgotten rooms of the house, you’ll be faced with challenging moral dilemmas forcing you beyond your programming to uncover the truth about the love and loss of your elusive family.)
[mharm-15549] LOL
[Master] WOW to Lisa
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Hahaha!)
[Tore Henrick (Lisa)] (called Rumu)
[Master] so Lisa will be our Guest DM in January with a fun new adventure

[Tore Henrick (Lisa)] No one's paid me anything yet.
[Jilly (Master)] I thought someone paid him
[Jilly (Master)] what?
[Jilly (Master)] WHAT!!!
Jilly (Master) takes out her spoon
[Jilly (Master)] Who did not pay Tore
Shi'Nynze (Carissa) points towards wherever Ilero is.
[Jilly (Master)] (LOL)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Tossing him under the bus. Best done while he's not here! ;) )
Mario Laptop has joined the game on Fri Dec 15 20:49:06 EST 2017
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Oh perfect! The other fellow who didn't pay you is here!)
[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] LOL
[Jilly (Master)] LOL

[Mario Laptop] so what did i mess?
[Mario Laptop] miss?
[Master] mess is more like it

[Jilly (Master)] the other elf? She is a he
[Kel (Mario Laptop)] who? Me?
[Jilly (Master)] well and a sword
[Jilly (Master)] a he and a sword
[Kel (Mario Laptop)] we are both HE, thasnk you Jilly
[Jilly (Master)] is Teb a he?
[Kel (Mario Laptop)] He is

[Kel (Mario Laptop)] (he's the founding member of a Cutlery Choir)
[Kel (Mario Laptop)] their favorite key? anything SHARP
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (You just cut right to it, didn't you?)
[Kel (Mario Laptop)] im def in tune to the needs of us
Ilero (TMO)] (wit as sharp as a tack)
[Kel (Mario Laptop)] try to keep us out of treble
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Served on a silver platter)
[Indigo (Lisa)] (don't spoon feed him any lines)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Stick a fork in it and call it done)
[Kel (Mario Laptop)] ( i went astray, music themed, sorry)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Fork in the road. You went cleft. I went....right?)
[Kel (Mario Laptop)] (mic drop. WOW!!)
[Indigo (Lisa)] (lol! nice!)

[Master] one more roll before night
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (d20) [1d20=4] 4
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Only 88 orcs this time)
[Master] um
[Master] let us see
[Master] need a d12 again please
[Indigo (Lisa)] (you are trying very hard for an encounter)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (d12) [1d12=1] 1
[Master] Indigo spots a set of three ships following behind you
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Each filled with 32 orcs)
[Master] they are sailing south
[Master] raisign sails
[Indigo (Lisa)] Uh-oh. Three ships from upstream
Indigo (Lisa) looks through spyglass at them
[Master] they look like orcs
[Indigo (Lisa)] Looks like orcs
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (That 32 orc thing was supposed to be a joke...)
TMO looks at Carissa.
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Why does he take us literally sometimes??)

[Master] have I told you all how much I love you all and how wonderful this makes me feel
[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] Aw, we love you too BOB :)
[Kel (Mario Laptop)] (meh,...he's alright)
(Leaving this here as a remind that he loves us for when we encounter the untold number of orcs next week!)

Session: Dec2217

BOB's perspective

• The night starts well, people logging in and chatting
• Glad people like their end of year gifts
• How do you ignore someone and let them know you are ignoring them?
• I need to actually do the math soon on number of sessions

  • Mario points out the next day he is in the running also

• Talk about how to handle bad guy encounters in the future, Talk about how to handle these particular bad guys, fight, flight or hide
• Another crazy Ilero idea which proves an earlier point

• Surprise the group with an offer to negociate
• Flummox the group with the idea of guarding the orcs
• Another crazy Ilero idea of sneaking up on ships in the middle of the river
• Indigo points out the noble way of doing things
• Ilero goes through with the latest crazy idea, makes really good rolls to pull it off
• Make it through the night, decide to get going as fast as possible
• Quick unexpected encounter with Giants
• Arrive in Domvile safely
• Again people agree with Jenn
• Remember giants downstream
• Remember Qui discussion
• Look up who they talked to in Berem

  1. We decided not to stop in Berem. I also made a joke about icebergs and the Titanic. It came back to haunt us. I think I need to stop making jokes....Only other thing to note is wolf hunt/giant fight not long after to the north. - Carissa

• Look up who they talked to in Billon

  1. Dockmaster #3, Grillie (probable relative of Ilero, tavern owner, bringer of hams and scrubber of decks), insect swarm. Mentions of raiders. See? Formatting Birthday Game, although tedious, was very helpful! Thanks Lisa and TMO! - Carissa

• Do end of year calculations
• Work out when they need to leave Dryads Lair by to make it back to Drillian before the 25th
• Hope someone else does quotes

  1. Credits go to Lisa for this one. - Carissa
• "Next week year end awards and then making it back to Dryads Lair unless you ......"; unless we what?? - Carissa

Quotes of the Night:

Miranda Paige (JohnA)] (do you have Comprehend languages Carissa?)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Don't think so. To speak to them?)
[Indigo (Lisa)] (ohh that would be fun!)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (You want the bloodthirsty elf to speak to the orcs?)
[Indigo (Lisa)] (yes please)

Ilero (TMO)] Indigo. T'is boat sinkable and refloatable?
Indigo (Lisa) looks at Ilero like he is insane
[Ilero]] (TMO) grins. "Was t'inking boat easier hide if most of it under water."

Ilero (TMO)] T'ree orcs rowing under white flag. Anybody speak orc?
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] I do.
Shi'Nynze (Carissa) knocks arrow

Orc (Master)] GORGRESH THE SLAYER
[Orc (Master)] FEASTER OF CHILDREN
[Orc (Master)] WE SEEK PARLEY
[Kel (MarioCS)] Parsley?, for the children?

[Ilero]] (TMO) shrugs. "Mebbe. Hye not know boats as well."
[Indigo (Lisa)] Ships
[Ilero]] (TMO)] Floaty wood bowls.

[Indigo (Lisa)] We don't just take people's boats because we like them
[Indigo (Lisa)] Ships!
[Indigo (Lisa)] Now you've got me saying it

Ilero (TMO)] (any idea how many orcs on each ship?)
[Master] looks to be at least 36 per ship
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Oh come on! The 32 orc thing was a joke! And you added 3!)
Ilero (TMO)] (durn. so much for backstabbing all of them)

Session: Dec2917

Thank you to Lisa again for quotes this week! Summary writing should resume to normal schedule and writing by next session. Which is not this session. Even though it may actually be the last for this leg of the trip. Hmm, well, it is what it is. So here is a shorter summary for the holidays:

• Final Stats for This Year: John (31% with 15 and total 639), Spring (61% with 30 and total 133), Michael (80% with 39 and total 96), TMO (90% with 44 and total 244), Carissa (96% with 47 and total 47 but not eligible for one more week), Mario (98% with 48 and total 113), and Lisa (100% with 49 and total 367).

  1. First time of 4 people with 90% or higher attendance, Lisa is Player of the Year, upcoming milestones, and possibly return of Roleplayer of the Night? Not based on lines in chat log.

• Back to the game, there is no signs of orcs and no decision what to do about them except to report them. They will likely go through the Cordrawn Hills, instead.
• We decide not to stop in Berem, Jilly thinks Teb, We, and Wu are funny names, and Kel gives the group a briefing on what elven names mean. Hugh chants instead of Penelope.

  1. Also Indigo is in charge according to Kel who did not tell Indigo that Tiberius put Kel in charge. Indigo simply confirms he's in charge of getting the ship home.
  2. Side note: Vampire regicide the same XP as creating a vampire. Gain XP from "solve not always kill" but with the lack of any commas, read it as you wish. Court of Law says so.

• Kenna wants to stop in the next town, stay in an inn, and get some fresh fruits and vegetables. Corvash is up next! Yes, there is an inn. Surely everyone is happy with this?

  1. You know what's better? Camping on the side of the river and sleeping in trees, says the elves! But they forget to tell anyone meaning come morning, the elves and wolves are gone. Whoops.
  2. As everyone tries to figure out where the elves went (including the elves), they eventually spot Fete circling above. He leads them to the riverbank where the elves camped. Oops, again! They thought you'd pick them up in the knarr. You know, like the very first time, way back when Billy became king, they went through Corvash? Oh well. We didn't lose too much time, right?
  3. Also plans to buy ribbon to tie to Fete for some communication to those non-animal speakers (so, everyone except Shi). Green meaning no trouble, red is sending for help, or something of that degree.

• We did make good time! Not quite to Dryads Lair, but close. It does mean we have to take shelter on the bank. The question is: west near the Blumm Wood or east near unknown places? A familiar enemy is better, right? West we go.

  1. Time to see if conversational encounters can still be encountered. First up? Shi and Wu (who decided to keep traveling with Indigo to the Mist). They talk, of course, about traveling. After Wu informs Kel that Wu is his family name and Sen his given name. Who? Anyways, Shi learns about Hin, Wu Sen learns about trading with Shi's clan, Shi learns cold deserts are real, and Wu Sen thinks Shi should travel more. Maybe go with him west and see if they can reach the eastern shores that way? Wu Sen has not been home for almost two years now. Oh, and he met Indigo when he brought spices to the Gold Hills on the advice of a captain. And did you know Wu Sen Cho has his own journal? Now you do.
  2. Indigo and Kenna take up second watch and talk upon finding out that yes, talking is an encounter! Kenna mentions that she's being sent south. The official story is too few missionaries in the heathen lands and as a healer she can do double the help of saving bodies and souls. The unofficial story is they do not take the little halfling priestess seriously. Poor Kenna. She wants to toss them on their teakettle, but using their own weight. Like she saw a guard do once. Here, let me try to show you what I mean, Indigo! Thankfully, no, they do not fall into the river.

• We end without third watch. Also known as Mario/Kel lucking out and not having to ask Jenn, Jilly, or Penelope to do watch with him (yes, I am still disappointed as I want a Jenn/Kel watch). Fete is debated as Roleplayer of the Night because he saved the elves, but he actually only knows two words (or sounds, technically). So none are chosen.

  1. And so, we leave it wondering who will be on third watch and with hope of reaching Dryads Lair. See you Friday!

Quotes of the Night:

[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] (What causes one HP of damage in real life?)
Hoffman (JohnA)] (in real life you have no hit points)

[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] (What causes one HP of damage in real life?)
[Kel (MarioCS)] Listening to JIlly for one five-minute session
[Kel (MarioCS)] most of it is self-inflicted, as you slowly rock, until you eventually bang your head into a wall

[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] (What causes one HP of damage in real life?)
[Master] a sprained ankle or a cut finger while chopping veggies would be 1 hp
[Master] something that slows you a bit but it is not life threatening
[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] I just imagine that you’re on deaths door, and then someone gives you a flat tire on your shoe and then you collapse dead
[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] but I digress

[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] Row Me Bully Boys, were in a hurry boys
[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] we’ve got a long way to go
[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] row me bully boys, were in a hurry boys on way to England we go
[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] so we'll sing and we'll dance
[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] and bid farewell to France
[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] so row me bully boys row

Hoffman (JohnA)] Yea, maybe give them a few, we had our alone time, but taking the wolves sound strange even for elves

[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] Wu? Would you like to do first watch with me?
[Wu Sen Cho (Master)] of course I would be honored
[Kel (MarioCS)] Shi, Who are doing watch with
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (E) You never get tired of that joke, do you?
[Kel (MarioCS)] (E) rofl, it’s all I have...

[Kenna Westfoot (Spring)] so I will do as the priests say and see how to toss them on their teakettles with their own actions

Session: Jan0518

I lied. Personal circumstances have led to another rushed summary. Really hoping for normality to return by the next one. Please feel free to add additional quotes as I've skimped on those this week.

• Third watch and morning rowing filled with chatting between Hugh and Hoffman. Hoffman mentions his relationship with his adopted mother, Hugh talks about his family's death and leaving to be part of the Silver Hawks, some talk about Branwyn, Hoffman as Hand of Fate, and speculation of families of other individuals.

  1. Eventually some small talk from Kenna and the Grand Celestry once she wakes up, Neith mentioning unhappiness about being on a ship, and then the approach to the harbor.

• Met at the harbor by Ambassador Belinor who claims to be fishing in his small row boat with two oarsmen. Penelope restocks the supplies of the ambassador who has not met Count Vilmar in person. Ambassador Belinor gets a small update on Branwyn and Branadarus. Penelope asks to see Ambassador Belinor again in the morning before we leave, and yes, she claims she's living with Indigo now.

  1. Met at the dock by dockmaster who requests to search ships because THE temple was robbed - a set of chalices was stolen. Which branch? Aclim, the same Snee is from, yes. They do not know who robbed them (but maybe Snee does).
  2. Jennevive questions the authority of the Celestry who claims the chalices are missing and so the entire city lets them in. She then ponders if, as a priestess, they will do anything for her. Surprise.
  3. The knarr is welcome to dock, but cannot leave until it is searched. They think it'll only take two days or so until they can get to their searching before we leave. Penelope offers to stay with the ship out in harbor while the party goes to the manor.

• At this point we delve, out of character, into the speculation that Ambassador Belinor probably had the stolen chalices on his "fishing" boat since he isn't a fisherman. When Penelope the Thief went to "restock" his supplies, she stole the chalices which now sit on the knarr. The knarr that is in the harbor so it will not be searched. Unfortunately, we cannot think of a way IC to be suspicious. Indigo does not have observation, Shi failed her observation, and the only characters who by nature might be suspicious are currently not available. What to do?

  1. Small note that Belinor of Turndile is Celtic if it means anything to this situation. And another reminder that this is all speculation even if it's reasonable speculation.

• Arrive at the manor where we find out that they know the money is gone (also brief talk about the wedding with Atribella). They don't know why, except that the Queen has made an investment. There have been no parties. Feeling bad for the new ambassador and wanting to not burn any bridges, between Hugh, Neith, Kenna, Indigo, Kel, and Shi, they give them 300 gold.

  1. Joseph expresses a desire to go with the group, but Branwyn told him to stay. He feels useless at the manor. Would Atribella and Phillipe miss him? He doesn't know as he hasn't told them yet. So Shi calls Atribella over and tells her. After a heartwarming conversation, Atribella decides for Joseph that Joseph will be staying at the manor with them as they'd miss him otherwise. Hugh makes sure to establish reliable communication and keep in touch once they leave to meet up with Branwyn.
  2. Another small note that Prince Loplin is mad at Branwyn but not taking it out on the Ambassador.
  3. You know another way to get money? By returning what was stolen from the Celestry...
  4. Seeing a potential opening, Indigo mentions how they say Belinor fishing in the harbor. Isn't that strange? Joseph says it's interesting, he guesses. Shi mentions how odd it is to fish in the harbor. Wouldn't the side of the river or far from the harbor be better fishing?
  5. Joseph hasn't heard about the theft, either. They have not come to search the manor.

• We're told there are three sessions open for Dryads Lair (does this one count as one of the three?). What information will Snee have for Kenna? Will we figure out a way IC to be suspicious of Penelope and Belinor? Guess we'll find out next time!

Quotes of the Night

[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (But, with luck, maybe Penelope will get rid of the chalices before we return?)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Probably not. BOB put too much thought into this, but maybe)
[Master] me?
[Master] planning?
[Master] no

Session: Jan1218

Before we continue, once more, I will state half of the conversation last night did revolve around the Twenty-fifth Anniversary Game. This included logistics, hotels, and all that fun stuff. It may or may not be summarized over on that link, but for now, know that the information you seek is in this chat log.

The evening at the manor continues with the arrival of QuiFon Ruminell in search of Hoffman. As Atribella kindly observes, Qui is not a hafling and has a big nose. We do not know if he eats rocks. While Hoffman and Miranda are not available, Brother Fotopoulos and Indigo know who Qui is and greet him happily. He soon informs them of his airship training and traveling.

QUIFON RUMINELL
I was training on the Airship, thought that would be the way to travel but you miss a lot up there.

KEL
I'm sorry. Did you say Airship?

KENNA WESTFOOT
We did that one time. Like a giant bladder.

While Kel finds the thought of an airship intriguing, Kenna remarks that she prefers ships on water which are connect to Earth. As Qui point out, swimming is useless when you're in the air and you can't travel with a heavy load. With all that said, while Qui CAN fly an airship, he doesn't actually have one. Well then. After getting over the surprise of airships, the elves are reminded of how dull and studious those darn dwarves can be. They probably do eat rocks because they're bland and boring. Everyone else seems to like him, even after his 20 month absences, but we'll see. Time for dinner?

KEL
How bout a nice Farthorn Salad with chicken?

SHI'NYNZE
Are you calling Sam a chicken?

While the elves snicker about the recently departed (as in Farthorn the First, not Sam, and recent to them, not everyone else), Jilly is excited to see Qui. She assures him she'll stock up on rocks just like she had to start gathering more sticks for Kel. Confused Ambassador Joffery is introduced to Jilly who has to be reminded to grab dinner. He briefly thinks Jilly is his cook, but no, sir, she is her own cook and does what she wants which is generally helping Branwyn and saving everyone else.

Ambassador Joffery asks what is being packed and requests to keep some of the history books from the library. During the general chatter, Penelope appears. With Inquisitor Sinthorn. As Jilly pushes past back to the kitchen, Penelope drops the small sack she is carrying where two chalices tumble out. Well then again.

AUNT JENNEVIVE
Indigo! I am sorry Inquisitor. It was suppose to be a surprise, but I will let -

INDIGO
I didn't do it!

PENELOPE
Yes he did! Do not let him fool you. He single handedly rescued the chalices. He spotted the thieves and boldly took them. We hid them for you until it was safe to return them and now here, with Aunt Jennevive, a trusted member of the church and Kenna, here also, Indigo can present them to you.

INDIGO
We ummm just arrived at the harbor and if you were a thief the harbor would be where you would be, right?

Um, yes! Kenna assures the Inquisitor that Indigo did a quick and effective job getting these chalices back. Based on the glare she gives Penelope, she will learn from Indigo's example and also do a quick and effective job at teaching the real thief a lesson later. So is everyone happy?

Oh no, not at all! Aunt Jennevive seems to recall there being a reward for the return of the chalices? After a bit of back and forth, it is decided that the reward of 200,000 gp will be split with Indigo for which he will give his tithe in the name of all the Kayugan priests and priestesses in the household. This leaves Indigo with 10,000 gp and the Ambassador with 180,000 gp. Very nice! And Penelope's reward? Why it's being with Indigo, of course! Although some of the other have different ideas of what her punishment reward should be. When the Inquisitor leaves, Indigo pulls Penelope aside and Ilero has already had too much to be able to eavesdrop or read lips at the moment.

INDIGO
You have to tell me how this happened! But you saved us. Well us for the new Ambassador. Thank you.

That, uh, wasn't exactly the kind of talk she needed. Perhaps later someone should let Indigo know this relationship might be a bit toxic for him? Anyways, after returning to the table, and hearing the Ambassador will have a party now that he has money, Indigo pitches the idea of the theme of Aclim, where the chalices were stolen. Everyone could wear traveling clothes and things from where they are from with food from all different places. Sounds fun! But it seems we'll be missing it.

Ambassador Joffery is informed that the gold was spent earlier on ships for the Queen for the war effort. This makes him feel better as it is in service to the crown. When will they get there? We don't actually know. He is also informed that Lord Sam learned he was the heir of two thrones, but is not told which thrones. We end up rounding out the dinner conversation with discussion of who will be traveling to Drillian. Yes, it will be a crowded trip back, and yes, Penelope will be joining us.

The morning brings the last morning meeting in the salon. It's a bit of a short meeting, by which I mean it's really Indigo talking to Phillipe and asking if he feels better. Branwyn would never take the household funds. It wasn't her fault (but someone else). Phillipe tells Indigo he will miss them and it was a pleasure to serve them.

As for Penelope? She still insists that Indigo keep his reward; however, she is slightly annoyed that Aunt Jennevive actually took most of the reward and gave it to the new ambassador. It could have all been for Indigo.

INDIGO
That's because she took his gold from the house when we left before.

PENELOPE
So? I thought she was not nice? That you did not like her?

INDIGO
Bah! I like her well enough. Other people don't like her more than me. She has always been nice to me. She likes to cause trouble with people that have things to hide. I don't have anything to hide so she can't bother me. You like her, right?

Penelope tells Indigo she does, but we're pretty sure she doesn't like Aunt Jennevive. And so, unless there is anything else to do in The City? Besides leaving Joffery some books and Ilero sharing some of his contacts with the new ambassador? No? Perhaps an aquatic member to add to Shi's growing diverse army of animals? Well then this is the end of this leg as we continue on to Drillian next session. How will that trip go? As always, we'll find out one way or another. See you on the next page!

Quotes of the Night

[Ithil (TMO)] Celebrate return of chalices mebbe?
[Ithil (TMO)] (who tf is Ithil?)
[Indigo (Lisa)] (the wolf speaks!)

Ilero (TMO)] (losing a hand builds character)
QuiFon Ruminell (JohnA)] (getting a hand is dangerous)
[Kenna Westfoot (Spring)] (i changed my mind, she loses a hand)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (It can get out of hand quickly)
QuiFon Ruminell (JohnA)] (on the other hand, it worked out for me)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Thumbs up for that one)
QuiFon Ruminell (JohnA)] (I am not so handiy with the puns)

[Androp Ilkep (Master)] so a gnome, a dwarf, two elves and two halfings
[JohnA] (walk into a bar)

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