Journey Day 04 AM Gnolls

The night is a relatively quiet one, which does offer Syval more of an opportunity to consider his meditations and their revelations. Jyslin is easy enough to awaken for the mid watch, and as normal she then awakens Andromeda for the morning watch before lying down for more rest herself.

That morning watch is disturbed, however, just an hour or so before dawn when an invisible magical hand shakes Syval's shoulder forcefully and then moves on, awakening Honoria and Jyslin in turn as well. It is in the pre-dawn hour, mostly still dark but with hints of the sky lightening above ... and a wrankling scent wafts to Syval's nose. Something musky, unclean, and multitudinous is approaching.

<OOC> Vanya says, "Can we finish the last scene we had going there before starting up a new one?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "I thought we were done?"

<OOC> Vanya sighs. "We're on two different pages then. No, but if you want I guess we can off-screen the rest."

<OOC> Vanya says, "We stopped for the night at the climax where Syval opened his mouth and... <nothing>. It sounds like an acid splash might be what came out, personally I'd flavor that as coming out like a weakened breath weapon with the damage (and spread) of an acid splash without being a literal orb of acid. No answer on whether Syval retained enough connection to that spark to do it successfully or whether he lost his connection afterwards, and no answer on whether there were any other effects he'd notice upon opening his eyes since that energy was described as flowing all throughout him and certainly seemed to add vigor."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Sorry. I went to bed last night thinking we were done. Probably because I was tired."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "The actions he took are actions that should lead to the execution of a spell. Preferably it should be something from his innate arcane caster spell list. And his visualization and the word he chose would define which spell would result. IIRC, you basically said that you figured the word was something more like 'rar'?"

<OOC> Vanya says, "Yes, that or the nearest dragon equivalent to it."

<OOC> Vanya says, "As a Sorc2 his spell list is meager so like I said last night, not much matches his intention. It'd be a breath weapon if that were possible."

<OOC> Vanya says, "Or maybe it just comes out as a roar. *shrug*"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "The problem is, 'speaking a word' is not an activation for breath weapon. It was an intention of a spell. Which is why I am stuck."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Which is probably why my tired brain last night threw up its paws and decided the scene was done, because I couldn't think of what the frell to do."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "So I think the best option is the acid blast cantrip. It fires from his throat, because his throat is that of a chlorine-gas-breathing green dragon."

<OOC> Vanya says, "I would have thought 'focus raw magic to the mouth and exhale' was a formula for breath weapon. That's his intention, not a coherent sentence."

<OOC> Vanya says, "Acid blast works then."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "And since it was unfocused, his intent wasn't really solid, it kinda falls apart and he loses connection thereafter."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "But before he did, he managed to cough up a cantrip of acid."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "But this time, no hot sweats and exhaustion, beyond being a little tired. Normal tired."

<OOC> Vanya snickers. "That's good then, thank you."

<OOC> Vanya says, "Syval will count that, and he was worried the connection would slip when he tried to play with it. Still a spontaneous cantrip without its somatic component. That's "special"."

<OOC> Vanya says, "I think that gives me all I need for last night's scene now. On to my pose in the present..."

Syval rouses from a start from the pad he'd been sleeping on and grabs the bardiche at his side as he looks around and tries to get his bearings. The mage's nose wrinkles unpleasantly and he moves, quietly, to stand up. Thankfully the bodyguard isn't one for noisy armor, and wears even less to bed in the foothills' warm climate.

As Syval rises up, eyes scanning the dark pre-morning, Jyslin emerges from the tent she shares with Andie doing much the same. Honoria is the least silent of the group, arising from her bedroll smoothly already arrayed in her armor, proof that she never took it off the night before.

Andie inches in amongst the other three and speaks very softly. "Neosodos slunk off a bit. But before he did so, he said he could smell nearly a dozen creatures approaching from the northwest."

Jyslin turns her head in that direction, breathing deeply, and then nods slowly as a bit of a growl enters her throat. "Gnolls."

Honoria grimaces a bit in the darkness. "They'll estimate they have us outnumbered three or four to one. I imagine they will make the attempt on us." She doesn't seem terribly concerned by this; it's all just calmly matter of fact to her.

<OOC> Vanya says, "This is a silly problem but I am actually not sure what, culturally, would be normal to wear under a sarong. It seems like it'd make a breechcloth redundant and they're essentially braies already."

<OOC> Vanya didn't take good enough clothing notes for Syval, and should revisit them anyway for whatever's normal fashion in Delzimmer.

<OOC> Vanya says, "Ack and copied over my partial pose >.<"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li yerf.

As he makes his way over to the group and leans in to listen, Syval straightens the clothes about his waist and peers off towards the stench wafting into camp, putting his nose to the wind like Jyslin. The young man at first grimaces at the scent, then yawns heavily and rolls his shoulders causing the lethargic joints to pop softly. "I'll go in front. I need some exercise," he states blandly before tightening the grip on his shaft and stepping towards the smell to place the party at his back.

<OOC> Vanya corrects that his sheet doesn't list his (wizardly) claws and afks for phone.

Honoria lays a gauntleted hand lightly on Syval's shoulder once he has translated that for her. "< You have a chevalier with you, Syval of Amlar. Perhaps you could allow me to lead, to do what it is I am meant to do? >" She glances at the women, but apparently dares not presume to tell either a witch nor a priestess what to do or how to do it. And then she leans down to pick up her shield, securing it to her arm firmly. She gathers her helm and slides it down in placeas she readies herself to go forth.

Syval stops and considers the knight, weighing her request before relenting with a nod. "< We'll go together then. >"

<OOC> Vanya says, "Sorry for short, still on phone."

Prepared, Honoria jogs out towards the enemy, guided as best she can manage in the barely lightened darkness as her baraj comes singing free of the scabbard at her hip. Sword and shield fully ready, the lady knight commander is prepared to meet the enemy she can barely make out.

Just as Honoria is closing on the gnolls, guttural cries can be heard as the bestial hyena-men catch wind and sight of their prey, not nearly as hampered in darkness, and they charge.

The moment the gnolls charge, a single silvery glowing object falls from the air, coming from above and behind, and strikes into the chest of one of the gnolls, casting more than enough illumination to make it possible for normal human eyes to pick them all out. And then their charge is met, as axes strike that heavy shield, ringing soundly and rebuffed, the lady knight wading into the opponents she can now see with supreme confidence, calling out wordlessly to challenge their ire and draw them to her.

There are eleven gnolls.

<OOC> Vanya says, "And back, thank you for waiting."

<OOC> Vanya says, "Should I roll anything or just charge into the fray?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "No need to roll anything before you charge as you see fit. But just as an FYI, Honoria is outright unflinchingly tanking against the entire gnoll horde."

<OOC> Vanya says, "I'm less impressed because they're gnolls but it is still very pretty to watch. Not that she has them all to herself..."

Not one to be left behind Syval runs out to enter the fray, swinging his bardiche back and high as its blade is shrouded in a green arcana before its wide edge whips forward in an iridescent arc to cleave through the nearest gnoll in time with a primal yell. Lacking any armor or shield of his own, the mage shows no more fear than the chevalier at joining the melee, only staying at two steps' distance to give his polearm room. The opening swing is completed with relish and the blade comes swiftly back in preparation for another, casting a threatening arc for any gnolls that dare to approach them.

Gnoll #01 rolls to hit (1d20+8) and gets 25 (17) Gnoll #02 rolls to hit (1d20+8) and gets 19 (11) Gnoll #03 rolls to hit (1d20+8) and gets 18 (10) Gnoll #04 rolls to hit (1d20+8) and gets 20 (12) Gnoll #05 rolls to hit (1d20+8) and gets 28 (20) Gnoll #06 rolls to hit (1d20+8) and gets 23 (15) Gnoll #07 rolls to hit (1d20+8) and gets 15 (7) Gnoll #08 rolls to hit (1d20+8) and gets 28 (20) Gnoll #09 rolls to hit (1d20+8) and gets 22 (14) Gnoll #10 rolls to hit (1d20+8) and gets 26 (18) Gnoll #11 rolls to hit (1d20+8) and gets 11 (3)

<OOC> Syval says, "Heh, had to show me up, did you? Look at you all fancy and changing the green text."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. So now if I just change to specify who they are rolling against, that should be enough."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "So, according to my notes, you closed to melee and flanked them after they had swarmed Honoria."

<OOC> Syval says, "We can probably track that in OOC too."

<OOC> Syval says, "According to my backscroll that's what I did too, but~"

<OOC> Syval leans in and nose kisses. "I know a tired cat who shouldn't be over-exerting herself on a Friday night. She should be relaxing."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "So, gridwise, only 8 can surround a person. So, 1-8 are on Honoria. 1,4,6 are on the side where Syval can reach, and Flank/attack. That leaves 9-11 to peel around on Syval this round, plus any of 1,4,6 who choose to turn and face him rather than Honoria."

<OOC> Syval gasp. "Hex gnolls!"

<OOC> Syval says, "Andie I think one of your cousins may be near."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Yus. I needed to denote them using only one character space."

<OOC> Syval says, "As a reminder, reach + combat reflexes so anything closing on me will have to work for it. I apologize in advance for all the extra rolls that causes."

<OOC> Syval says, "Hopefully this is like, a gnoll circus trope or something."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. So, Jyslin's action for the round was her Light spell on the arrow. Neo should go last, IMO. So, Andie's action for the round ... she's not going to risk blasting away with the two of you in the mix. So, witch missile it is." Andie rolls Witch Missle DMG (8d4+8) and gets 33 (3,2,3,3,4,4,3,3) Andie rolls Witch Missle Target (1d11+0) and gets 11 (11)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. So B goes away. Or falls to the ground, smoking. Same difference."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "I think given the layout, Neo will attempt to sneak up on A." Neosodos rolls Stealth (1d20+23) and gets 30 (7) Gnoll 10 rolls Perception (1d20+2) and gets 12 (10) Neosodos rolls To Hit on Gnoll 10 (1d20+10) and gets 16 (6)

<OOC> Syval says, "And just to confirm C was the gnoll I dropped with my charge, aye?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Unfortunately, Neo's tail does not penetrate."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "No. I'm going to assume that either 4 or 9 is the one you dropped. Pick one."

<OOC> Syval says, "4. It's funnier in Chinese that way."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. So 4 is dead. B is dead. 9 has an arrow in him that is glowing. And 2 has been hacked and bashed to paste (eventually) by Honoria."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. So, start of round 2, Syval, A and 9 are trying to close around you; AoOs please."

<OOC> Syval says, "I'd lick my lips but the stench of gnoll is overpowering and I'm still pretty sleepy." Syval rolls Bardiche (1d20+10) and gets 25 (15) Syval rolls Bardiche (1d20+10) and gets 23 (13) Syval rolls Bdc_Damage (1d10+7) and gets 13 (6) Syval rolls Bdc_Damage (1d10+7) and gets 8 (1)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Those both hit."

<OOC> Syval says, "And hopefully this'll teach me not to choke up when facing something without a hill giant's back hide to protect it. Hopefully. :)" Gnoll #01 rolls to hit Honoria (1d20+8) and gets 11 (3) Gnoll #03 rolls to hit Honoria (1d20+8) and gets 13 (5) Gnoll #05 rolls to hit Honoria (1d20+8) and gets 10 (2) Gnoll #06 rolls to hit Syval (1d20+8) and gets 17 (9) Gnoll #07 rolls to hit Honoria (1d20+8) and gets 25 (17) Gnoll #08 rolls to hit Honoria (1d20+8) and gets 20 (12) Gnoll #09 rolls to hit Syval (1d20+8) and gets 16 (8) Gnoll #10 rolls to hit Syval (1d20+8) and gets 13 (5)

<OOC> Syval says, "Me and my 11 AC just ate a bit. (Charge -2 penalty) (re)"

<OOC> Syval says, "I saw to-hit rolls but nothing afterwards."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. So, all three of those hit. Rolling damage." Gnoll #06 rolls DMG to Syval (1d8+6) and gets 9 (3) Gnoll #09 rolls DMG to Syval (1d8+6) and gets 13 (7) Gnoll #10 rolls DMG to Syval (1d8+6) and gets 12 (6)

<OOC> Syval says, "Wow, 34. I actually feel that."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li is pretty sure you felt all of those. :)

<OOC> Syval says, "Now at 31/65 HP."

<OOC> Syval says, "Gnolls definitely hit harder than goblins."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li chuckles. "Yes. Yes they do."

<OOC> Syval says, "Who's go?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. Syval, you have three Gnolls on you at 5' range. My plan is to roll Honoria next, and then you, unless you object."

<OOC> Syval says, "Go for it."

<OOC> Syval says, "To confirm: A, 9, 1, and 6 are all within 5' of me so that's 4 gnolls not 3?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Right. But one of those is confronting/attacking Honoria, not you."

<OOC> Syval says, "Copy. :)" MAIL: Mailbox purged. Name set. Honoria rolls to hit Gnoll #01 sword1 (1d20+18) and gets 26 (8) Honoria rolls to hit Gnoll #01 sword2 (1d20+13) and gets 19 (6) Honoria rolls to hit Gnoll #01 shield1 (1d20+21) and gets 23 (2) Honoria rolls to hit Gnoll #01 shield2 (1d20+16) and gets 35 (19)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "All of those hit, the 19 is a crit, rolling to confirm." Honoria rolls to hit Gnoll #01 shield2 (1d20+16) and gets 29 (13)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Hits." Honoria rolls DMG Gnoll #01 sword1 (1d10+8) and gets 15 (7) Honoria rolls DMG Gnoll #01 sword2 (1d10+8) and gets 10 (2) Honoria rolls DMG Gnoll #01 shield1 (1d6+8) and gets 9 (1) Honoria rolls DMG Gnoll #01 shield2 (2d6+16) and gets 22 (5,1)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "And #1 is pasted. Another one bites at the dust."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. Your target?" Vanya steps back 5' SW and swings defensively at A.

<OOC> Vanya says, "Ack. >.< Syval does that, not Vanya. Forgot about the rename."

<OOC> Vanya says, "Wait how -- oh! Because it booted my second connection. Oy vey." Name set. Syval rolls Bardiche_Def (1d20+6) and gets 24 (18) Syval rolls Bdc_Damage (1d10+7) and gets 12 (5)

<OOC> Syval says, "+10 -4 (Defensive Fighting) to-hit, FYI."

<OOC> Syval says, "Also +1 HP, now at 32."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. #10/A is 'bloodied'."

<OOC> Syval says, "Wow, 25 damage and still standing? Stur-dy critters. That's the one I hit for 13 earlier on an AoO right?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "That's the one you hit with 8 during your AoO"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "So damage total done so far is 20"

<OOC> Syval says, "Ahh, I meant to aim it at the more wounded one, which I guess would be 9 then."

<OOC> Syval says, "Whatever. Not a big deal. Drive on. :)"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. Uhm ... Neo will make an attempt on .... #10." Neosodos rolls To Hit on Gnoll 10 (1d20+10) and gets 14 (4)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Poor Neo is not rolling well to hit tonight."

<OOC> Syval says, "I'm getting his good rolls tonight."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Andie will witch missile #6, if no one minds?"

<OOC> Syval says, "Not complaining over here." Andie rolls Witch Missle DMG (8d4+8) and gets 29 (1,3,4,1,4,1,3,4)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Which is not enough to kill that one. but he is definitely feeling it and smoking heavily."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Also, might be worth marking your #9 with a yellow highlight; he's the source of the light."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "He has a glowing arrow stuck in him."

<OOC> Syval says, "And I am very entertained by that."

<OOC> Syval says, "Not that he's likely to move far enough from the group that it matters. We can... make sure of that. O:)"

<OOC> Syval says, "And belatedly c_c that one of these things tanked 29 damage and is still standing."

<OOC> Syval says, "I have severely misjudged their HD."

<OOC> Syval says, "I thought they had around 10-15 HP each. I'm off by a wide margin. Also more impressed by Honoria's tanking."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "None of them have rolled a 20 on her. And with her AC, they have to in order to hit her." Jyslin rolls to hit Syval touch AC (1d20+15) and gets 31 (16) Jyslin rolls healing on Syval (2d8+3) and gets 11 (6,2)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. Syval is healed for 11 hit points, as a sprinting (charging) moonpriestess 'attacks' him with a cure moderate wounds spell"

<OOC> Syval says, "Ack! Surprise cat love! (43 HP)"

<OOC> Syval says, "Thank you, Jyslin. ^_^"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. So, back to our gnoll friends."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. One AoO from Syval for A. #9 is 5' stepping back and throwing a javelin."

<OOC> Syval says, "Since I used Fighting Defensively on my own turn I'm free to attack without it while retaining the +2 AC, correct?"

<OOC> Syval says, "Still with me?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "New round. So if you're fighting defensively, then do that. I believe you CAN still make AoO while fighting Defensively."

<OOC> Syval says, "New round but not the beginning of my next turn I mean and the +2 AC lasts "until the start of [my] next turn", hence the question." Syval rolls Bardiche (1d20+10) and gets 17 (7) Syval rolls Bdc_Damage (1d10+7) and gets 10 (3)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li nods. "I'm just saying that so long as fighting defensively does not mean you cann't take AoO, then go for it."

<OOC> Syval says, "It makes no mention so away we go. :)"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Syval hacks at #10 as he closes. #10 will be making his attack roll. I need to adjust #9's for his missile weapon."

<OOC> Syval says, "And looks like Total Defense /does/ prevent taking AoO explicitly so that reinforces that Fight Defensively allows."

<OOC> Syval says, "Cripes, A isn't down? c_c"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "You missed him by 1." Gnoll #03 rolls to hit Honoria (1d20+8) and gets 21 (13) Gnoll #05 rolls to hit Honoria (1d20+8) and gets 12 (4) Gnoll #06 rolls to hit Syval (1d20+8) and gets 24 (16) Gnoll #07 rolls to hit Honoria (1d20+8) and gets 10 (2) Gnoll #08 rolls to hit Honoria (1d20+8) and gets 15 (7) Gnoll #09 rolls to hit Syval javelin (1d20+6) and gets 26 (20) Gnoll #10 rolls to hit Syval (1d20+8) and gets 16 (8)

<OOC> Syval says, "Ahh, okay. That makes more sense, thank you."

<OOC> Syval says, "Oy blin"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Honoria continues to tank away. But Syval ... ouch."

<OOC> Syval says, "If you were trying to present a persuasive argument for my adopting Mage Armor, you have succeeded. :D"

<OOC> Syval says, "<- 15 AC w/ Defensive buff" Gnoll 06 rolls DMG Syval axe (1d8+6) and gets 11 (5) Gnoll 09 rolls DMG Syval javelin (3d8+18) and gets 30 (7,3,2) Gnoll 10 rolls DMG Syval axe (1d8+6) and gets 7 (1)

<OOC> Syval says, "Oh my me that's not a sound effect you hear very often."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Wait."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "I forgot to confirm that critical hit." Gnoll #09 rolls to hit Syval javelin (1d20+6) and gets 14 (8)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "And ... did not confirm."

<OOC> Syval wipes brow with all 15 AC.

<OOC> Syval says, "Thank you for catching that so I didn't have to, literally." Gnoll 09 rolls DMG Syval javelin (1d6+6) and gets 7 (1)

<OOC> Syval says, "So is that 25 damage to me?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK, So 7, 7, and 11. 25 damage for this round."

<OOC> Syval says, "18 HP"

<OOC> Syval says, "My go now?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Yes. Your action?" Syval steps 5ft SW and swings defensively on A. Syval rolls Bardiche_Def (1d20+6) and gets 16 (10) Syval rolls Bdc_Damage (1d10+7) and gets 17 (10)

<OOC> Syval says, "+1 HP, now 19."

<OOC> Syval says, "Aww, pretty swing, but a miss." Neosodos rolls To Hit on Gnoll 9 (1d20+10) and gets 18 (8)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. Good job, Neo."

<OOC> Syval passes the good dice back to Neos under the table. <.< >.> Goll 09 rolls Poison save (1d20+7) and gets 21 (14)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Damnit. Bastard made it." Honoria rolls to hit Gnoll #06 sword1 (1d20+18) and gets 29 (11) Honoria rolls to hit Gnoll #06 sword1 (1d10+8) and gets 9 (1) Honoria rolls to hit Gnoll #06 sword2 (1d20+13) and gets 16 (3) Honoria rolls to hit Gnoll #06 shield1 (1d20+21) and gets 38 (17) Honoria rolls to hit Gnoll #06 shield1 (1d6+8) and gets 12 (4) Honoria rolls to hit Gnoll #06 shield2 (1d20+16) and gets 26 (10) Honoria rolls to hit Gnoll #06 shield2 (1d6+8) and gets 9 (1)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. #6 is decased."

<OOC> Syval says, "Round 3: 6 Gnolls remaining..."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Yes."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Andie is going to split her missiles. She's sending one at #3, and the rest at #8" Andie rolls Witch Missle DMG #3 (1d4+1) and gets 3 (2) Andie rolls Witch Missle DMG #8 (7d4+8) and gets 27 (4,2,2,4,1,4,2)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "So now we are down to 5 gnolls remaining. #3 is off the board."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Jyslin is going to try to take out #10, here, since he is the only one in 5' range of her." Jyslin rolls to hit #10 right1 (1d20+16) and gets 32 (16) Jyslin rolls to hit #10 right1 (1d6+8) and gets 11 (3) Jyslin rolls to hit #10 left1 (1d20+16) and gets 21 (5) Jyslin rolls to hit #10 left1 (1d6+8) and gets 9 (1)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "And we drop A/10. Down to 4 gnolls remaining."

<OOC> Syval says, "A is dying the death of a thousand cuts over here."

<OOC> Syval says, "12 on 5 and alas not one Grease was cast this day."

<OOC> Syval says, "Thank you~ Jyslin. And if she steps correctly she might even block future javelin throws from 9."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. 9 is aiming javelin @ Syval. 5,8,7 are attacking Honoria. Because of course they are."

<OOC> Syval says, "Hey if I was that close I'd take a swing too..."

<OOC> Syval says, "*Ahem* I mean, 'oh no! Those vile gnolls!'" Gnoll #09 rolls to hit Syval javelin (1d20+6) and gets 14 (8) Gnoll #05 rolls to hit Honoria (1d20+8) and gets 9 (1) Gnoll #07 rolls to hit Honoria (1d20+8) and gets 24 (16) Gnoll #08 rolls to hit Honoria (1d20+8) and gets 21 (13)

<OOC> Syval says, "My last round was defensive so AC is 15. The javelin misses barely."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. So ... Syval. Your call."

<OOC> Syval says, "Sorry, was prepping the rice. I'm torn between the theatric and the effective..."

<OOC> Syval says, "Is the spear I took dead on (20, unconfirmed crit) still (1) embedded in me or immediately nearby and (2) still largely in one piece?"

<OOC> Syval says, "I'm tempted to return to sender."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Javelin."

<OOC> Syval says, "Javelin sure. Thin spear."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "And ... it should be nearby, yes. Since it wasn't a crit, I'm going to say it's not actually embedded."

<OOC> Syval says, "Oh wait a tick, I actually don't know how to throw one..."

<OOC> Syval forgot Wizards don't get Simple Weapon Proficiency. Oh embarrassment.

<OOC> Syval says, "Ah what the heck he still deserves it. I do not care. -4 penalty I will live with."

<OOC> Syval says, "Well then, I'll Move to pick it up then give it a chuck back where it came from. Incoming on 9."

<OOC> Syval says, "+8 RAB so that's +8 -4 = +4 to-hit for 1d6 (Medium javelin) + 4 (STR) + 1 (Arcane Strike) = 1d6+5 damage?" Syval rolls Bloodied Javelin (1d20+4) and gets 5 (1) Syval rolls BlJavelin (1d6+5) and gets 11 (6)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Sorry. Miss."

<OOC> Syval says, "Natural 1 miss no less."

<OOC> Syval says, "Also 20 HP, +1 healing." Honoria rolls to hit Gnoll #08 sword1 (1d20+18) and gets 34 (16) Honoria rolls to hit Gnoll #08 sword2 (1d20+13) and gets 16 (3) Honoria rolls to hit Gnoll #05 shield1 (1d20+21) and gets 33 (12) Honoria rolls to hit Gnoll #05 shield2 (1d20+16) and gets 36 (20) Honoria rolls to hit Gnoll #08 sword1 (1d10+8) and gets 16 (8) Honoria rolls to hit Gnoll #05 shield1 (1d6+8) and gets 10 (2) Honoria rolls to hit Gnoll #05 shield2 (1d6+8) and gets 14 (6)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "8 is ded."

<OOC> Syval says, "Honoria is carrying this encounter. This is so~ going to skew the loot splits later. :D"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li ponders. I think Jyslin is going to step in on 7 and slash. Little Neo is going to try to stab #9.

<OOC> Syval says, "Go for it!" Jyslin rolls to hit #07 right1 (1d20+16) and gets 30 (14) Jyslin rolls DMG #07 right1 (1d6+8) and gets 14 (6) Jyslin rolls to hit #07 right2 (1d20+11) and gets 22 (11) Jyslin rolls DMG #07 right2 (1d6+8) and gets 14 (6) Jyslin rolls to hit #07 left1 (1d20+16) and gets 31 (15) Jyslin rolls DMG #07 left1 (1d6+8) and gets 9 (1) Jyslin rolls to hit #07 left2 (1d20+11) and gets 27 (16) Jyslin rolls DMG #07 left2 (1d6+8) and gets 13 (5) Neosodos rolls tail strike Gnoll #09 (1d20+11) and gets 15 (4)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Sadly, Neo misses. Oh. Wait! Neo gets flanking/surprise!"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "7 is ded."

<OOC> Syval :D

<OOC> Syval says, "And then there were 2..." Gnoll #09 rolls Save vs. Poison (1d20+7) and gets 12 (5)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "And ... Gnoll #09 slumps to the ground."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "So, 5 is the only Gnoll still standing. And as this is the end of round 4, he just fell out of rage and is exhausted. Poor bastich."

<OOC> Syval says, "He came to his senses just in time to realize his defeat. <3"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Andie is just not the 'exterminate them all' sort, so I can't see her bothering to use her attack this round to blast his arse. So, ding ding, Round 5."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "And before we resolve any further, he needs to make Fortitude save." Gnoll #05 rolls Fortitude (1d20+7) and gets 19 (12)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "He does not collapse. Morale check, lonely gnoll ..." Gnoll #05 rolls Morale (1d20+1) and gets 7 (6)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Yeah. He's running away. Or trying. As he is already exhausted, he's not going to get very far."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Your call, Syval. Are we giving chase?"

<OOC> Syval says, "I am, absolutely. Whether there's anything to catch after I reach him is another matter. He's not teleporting after all."

<OOC> Syval says, "Once he retreats do I have a clear line straight to him to Charge?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. He's running away past Neo. So, I'm going to have Neo stealth and strike as he passes by. He will get 15 feet. So he is within a full move of Syval." Neosodos rolls Stealth (1d20+18) and gets 29 (11) Neosodos rolls tail strike Gnoll #05 (1d20+15) and gets 35 (20) Neosodos rolls tail strike Gnoll #05 (1d20+15) and gets 33 (18)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Crit confirmed." Gnoll #05 rolls Poison save (1d20+7) and gets 26 (19)

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Whoof. Even with the penalty for the crit, he pushes it off."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Care to charge?"

<OOC> Syval says, "Wow. Does that leave him flanked to me?"

<OOC> Syval says, "And gladly, yes. Charge moves at up to 2x Move so I'm charging him with my bardiche pulled back for an arcane power attack. This one's catharsis..."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "When you catch him? Yes."

<OOC> Syval says, "1d20+10 +2 (Flank) -2 (Pwr) + 2 (Charge) = 1d20+12 to-hit. 1d10+6 (STR.5)+1(Arcane)+6(Pwr) = 1d10+13 damage" Syval rolls Bardiche_PwrChg (1d20+12) and gets 20 (8) Syval rolls Bdc_PwrChg_Damage (1d10+13) and gets 23 (10)

<OOC> Syval says, "Also 21 HP."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "And he's deceased."

<OOC> Syval says, "Did my math wrong on the rice. It'll be 5:30 before it's done then I still need to cook fish. I forgot about pre-heat time for a cup of water."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "That leaves #9, sleeping. I regret to inform that Neo intends to slice his throat."

<OOC> Syval says, "Which is actually perfect. By then we should be back into posing where there will be gaps. :)"

<OOC> Syval says, "Eh I'm satisfied now. He earned 9."

<OOC> Syval says, "I was going to behead him if no one else got there first. This'll be a little dragon bonding for us."

After the battle finally ends, Jyslin goes jogging out into the night, sweeping the area, making sure there are no more where these came from. Honoria checks first on Syval, clucking disappointed at him. "Syval of Amlar, wise wizards do not purposefully put themselves in the heart of combat, especially not in ways none of their compatriots can defend them." Andromeda approaches, shaking her head slightly. "The bleeding appears to have stopped. I can help speed things up, but I am sure you will be fine soon. Glad to see the damage is not worse." Neosodos vents some of his frustration and anger on the unconscious Gnoll #09, clawing out his throat quite viciously before the poison can fade and allow him to rise.

Jyslin returns after about twenty minutes. "I do not see any sign of more trouble. But the scent of these bodies will surely draw predators. We might be best to move on." In this case, she does not seem terribly inclined to search these targets, but taht does not mean there is nothing to be found. She does make a point of retrieving her glowing arrow from the body of Gnoll #09 once Neosodos is done, extinguishing the silvery light from around it before wiping it off, cleansing it, and then returning it to her quiver along with her bow as her mysterious 'handles' disappear up her sleeves once more.

<OOC> Syval says, "Sanity check, normal HP for people around Delzimmer would be 10-20 HP for non-combat occupations and 30-40 for most fighting ones like guards and mercenaries?"

<OOC> Syval says, "Id est, I've taken enough wounds to drop most people and even kill a few of them?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Sure"

<OOC> Syval grins. "I know what she actually did but it is amusing to think Honoria got so incensed that she said that in Common."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Obviously, that was in Maenast. Sorry."

Injured from a multitude of gashes, cuts, and one deep wound where a javelin passed his side, Syval looks more than slightly worse for wear as he flicks his bardiche aside to clear its blade of blood then thumps the sturdy weapon pommel-first into the dirt. Panting, he winces before doubling forward as a hand goes to his largest wound. Though it was easily lost in the heat of battle, even with Jyslin's timely healing the young mage has wounds enough to drop most people - or even kill them. Instead the bloodied young man is visibly pained but still mobile. If there's one consolation it's that most of his clothes aren't on to be dirtied.

"<I'll be fine. Never said I was a great mage - the bardiche has always been more comfortable to me. You're okay? >" he replies through gritted teeth even as he pushes himself back up straight with a grunt then looks out upon the field of dead bodies, spotting even through the dark Neos' diminutive and angry form. The little creature's ferocity earns an approving smile and in the quiet after battle, he walks the bloodied grasses, turning over corpses with his foot while checking them briefly for anything of value.

<OOC> Syval probably does not know the word for 'bardiche' and just said 'blade' or something like it actually.

<OOC> Syval is not doing a thorough investigation because dead gnolls /stink/ but he'll look for the big, the obvious, or the shiny.

"" Honoria answers. Jyslin glances between the two and shrugs. "Do you want me to bind those wounds or heal them?" apparently unaware that Andromeda also offered. The redhead says nothing more.

Neosodos finishes venting his frustrations and then rolls about in the grass, cleaning himself off fastidiously before he returns to his mistress none the worse for wear.

As many attacks as there were, only Syval seems to have taken any harm this early morning, other than the gnolls themselves.

A cursory examination turns up that each of the gnolls has leather pouch amulet around his heck which smells particularly foul in some unclean way. In addition, though their weapons are not of poor manufacture, they are none of them masterwork, let alone magical. Most can also be found to have had a sack, though most of the contents would not be of much interest to the group. There are perhaps a couple hundred bronze pieces between them. Also one of them has a human man's crudely severed yet oddly preserved hand and forearm in his pouch, with a wide bracelet around the wrist which appears to be made of some curious blue metal.

"Not much in this mess of course," Syval grumbles to himself as he checks body after body before spotting the large bulge in one gnoll's pouch. "Now what is in... ..."

"Eww." The mage grimaces in disgust before holding the limb up for the group. "This looks valuable, with the arm off it at least." By the time Jyslin returns and checks on the group, the green-haired young man's wounds have, to a one, closed, sealed, and covered over with new skin, though from a distance the dried blood still makes things look much the same. Moving once again comfortably, Syval shakes his head to Jyslin's offer. "I'm fine. Just need to wash. You want to do a rite for this or should I just pry it off?" he asks, showing the priestess what's left of an earlier gnoll conquest.

Jyslin sniffs. "It ... well. It smells like gnoll. But not like rot." Which is weird. It's a severed arm; it should definitely show signs of rot. But it does not. "If we can get the bracelet off, yes, let's bury it properly. Can you ask Honoria to lend a hand with the tents while you and I see about this bracelet?" As stated, they really should move on.

Syval nods. "It can't come with us anyway; the smell would give us away," he affirms before turning back to Honoria and gesturing the knight towards the campsite. "<We're leaving before this smell attracts predators. Can you help Andie pack the camp?>"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. Let's see how luck you are. What's your craft again?"

<OOC> Syval says, "Which one?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Craft skill specializations"

<OOC> Syval says, "Jewelry 8, Calligraphy 5, Alchemy 5."

<OOC> Syval says, "So which Craft skill do you want?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Jewelry, definitely."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "See if you can figure out where the catch might be, some way to get it open." Syval rolls C:Jewelry (1d20+8) and gets 12 (4)

<OOC> Syval says, "Me and my not-taking-10 nonsense. One day I shall learn...!"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Apparently not. Must be very cleverly concealed."

<OOC> Syval says, "Well that's what STR checks are for..."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Go ahead." Syval rolls Strength (1d20+4) and gets 17 (13)

The lady knight nods and after cleaning her shield and sword she follows the lady witch and her familiar back to the campsite to help break things down and pack things up.

Jyslin tries to help Syval examine the bracelet, trying to get it open or off the severed arm. They cannot seem to find a catch, and then Syval tries to force it open. In that process he manages to slice through the arm with the bracelet. He also manages to almost completely sever one of his own fingers; the bracelet itself is thoroughly unimpressed by all of this.

"OK. Maybe resist the urge to try to break things that are pretty visibly magical in unknown fashion next time." Jyslin's tone implies that might be a lesson Syval slept through back at the Academy, at least in her opinion.

Jyslin does not offer to heal the finger, but lets Syval heal himself up in his own time. Meanwhile, she does take the severed arm pieces and buries them, placing a rite over them, and leaving the bracelet in Syval's care.

When the priestess returns, she heads over to help put the finishing touches on getting everything packed up, their campsite brushed away almost as if it had never been. And then the group heads off as dawn finally rises.

<OOC> Syval says, "c_C"

<OOC> Syval says, "I was actually trying to pull it off the arm, like... past the wrist? But off is off, so okay."

<OOC> Syval says, "Surprisingly sharp little ting."

<OOC> Syval says, "*thing"

<OOC> Syval says, "Since I haven't done a full 8hrs sleep plus fresh preparation do I still have whatever spell slots were unused since yesterday morning?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Yes."

Syval winces at the painful process of freeing the bracelet and shoots Jyslin a mild glare. "If you have a better solution next time you can try," he retorts before tucking the bracelet into his belt and walking back into camp cradling his newly injured hand. The green-haired mage mutters an incantation to himself to summon a spell from the previous day's preparations and, with a glow of cleansing green light, the dirt and blood covering his body melts away, leaving the young man once more clean before dressing.

Not having for sleeping on the warm and dry night it's not long before Syval has his pack shouldered and is looking much like he did the morning before, minus a little residual grumpiness.

<OOC> Syval says, "Once we're underway and a ways away from our old campsite I'll tuck in behind Jyslin and Detect Magic to study the bracelet while we walk unless someone wants me for anything."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Appraisal; you can also roll on C:Jewelry if you want to pump the bonus/lower the DC. And a Spellcraft; you can throw in a K: Arcana if you want for similar reasons."

<OOC> Syval says, "Is that either or, or run all of them for max effect?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "All, for max effect, as you see fit."

<OOC> Syval says, "Not sure why I wouldn't then. Here goes~!" Syval rolls Appraisal (1d20+9) and gets 24 (15) Syval rolls C:Jewelry (1d20+8) and gets 13 (5) Syval rolls Spellcraft (1d20+8) and gets 19 (11) Syval rolls K:Arcane (1d20+9) and gets 25 (16)

"Honestly, I was going to pull a knife and see about dismembering to get it off." Jyslin admits; if Syval wants to be crankypants with her, she doesn't much care. What's done is done. Once she has her rather large pack up on her shoulders, the moonpriestess weretigress takes the lead as the group heads off. Honoria seems to naturally gravitate beside Syval, likely owing to the fact that he seems to be the only one who can talk to her and understand her.

True, Neosodos can. But he hasn't been trying.

The bracelet is magical - as expected. Close examination turns up a few interesting curiosities. The first of these is that the curious blue metal is in fact some kind of magical construct all on its own: blue crystal - quite possibly either colored blue glass, or actual sapphire - hardened by magic to act as if it were finesteel. That alone makes it very, very valuable in the right market. But with sufficient study Syval can also determine that it has some magical properties beyond its construction, relating to abjuration and necromancy, along with the usual enchantments for duration.

"Well, here's another one for the cave," Syval murmurs to himself. This sun is up, the path is clear, and he's got a shiny new and very valuable trinket to study. Thankfully it doesn't take much more than that to cure the young wizard's mood. With plenty of time yet ahead of him, he also fiddles about with the bracelet's edges in a renewed search for its elusive latch.

<OOC> Syval says, "If so permitted, taking-20 on Craft: Jewelry to figure out how this slips on and off. Again unless someone wants to talk to me. :)" With another hour of study, Syval is eventually able to figure out a few interesting tidbits, the first of which is that the edgers of the bracelet are intentionally sharp, meant to actually bite into the flesh of the wearer; the assumption, given some of the magic being sensed is that this powers the necromantic magicks of the bracelet. By managing to find, and then read the runes in the odd material, Syval can command the bracelet to 'open' and then 'close'; when it opens, it grows nearly two-hundred percent in size, making it easy to slide on. Given readings on the matter the young wizard can be marginally certain the bracelet will then adjust when commanded to close, to stop when it properly fits the new wearer.

<OOC> Syval says, "Hmm, opportunities for bad decisions abound..."

<OOC> Syval says, "There's nothing more I can learn from further study of the ring's magic correct? My study caps at auras unless it's a spell I already know?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Bracelet"

<OOC> Syval says, "Bracelet sorry. Typo."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Unless you have Identify, or a lot of magical experimentation."

<OOC> Syval thumbs up. "Thank you. Wanted to make sure my limited OOC knowledge matched Syval's somewhat greater IC knowledge on how studying magic stuff works."

Inwardly Syval smiles a bit when he figures out how to make the bracelet grow and shrink back to its normal size but the young man stops short of actually putting it on just yet. The necromantic aura is... well, necromantic. Besides it's sharp. "What a strange item..." Lifting his head, he turns to the resident witch of the group and hails, "Andie, do you know anything of necromancy? This odd bracelet is glowing with it, and abjuration. It's got a sharp edge that seems to cut in on purpose, maybe blood powered."

Andie turns and reaches a hand back for the bracelet, examining it closely. "Probably blood-bonded. A not uncommon practice for some esoteric protective items. Necromancy does not always mean relating to undeath. It can also relate to magicks of life. I will need a few hours to study it to determine more. But I can tell you, I do not sense an implicit threat in the bracelet."

<OOC> Syval says, "I'm sorry I forgot to ask before, what are the parameters for the Shave cantrip?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Parameters?"

<OOC> Syval says, "Casting time, V S M, duration?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Thank you. That clarifies."

Syval strokes his chin thoughtfully at the redhead's answer, then pauses and frowns as he scratches at the scruff on his cheek. The gnolls interrupted his morning shave too. "Take your time then. Would blood-bonding prevent us from taking it back off until we die like it's old owner?"

"Not generally, no." Andie answers. "However, that's not impossible. It happens sometimes." Always be scrupulously honest; lives can depend upon it. "I should be able to confirm that risk, or discount it, after my examination." Andie offers.

<OOC> Syval says, "You know I just realized... I haven't used a single wizard spell slot in..."

<OOC> Syval says, "Ever actually. I've just been using study time to change my day's cantrips. I should be more cognizant of that."

<OOC> Syval says, "There's nothing for me to study over lunch. :D"

The green-haired mage nods back at the offer and the young woman's counsel. "Have fun studying then," and he seems to actually mean it. Then out of consideration for the one woman in earshot who didn't follow, Syval turns to Honoria and summarizes, "<Necromancy and abjuration magic. Andie thinks it's safe and connects to the wearer's blood, but it needs more study.>"

Honoria listens, glancing towards the bracelet and then back to the mage in question. "" she admits. "" She thumps her gauntleted hand upon the large shield on her arm. "< Gardinaria was attuned and bound to me, and has never failed me. >"

"<Your shield?>" Syval infers, realizing that not once so far had the normally curious mage inspected the chevalier's arms and armor. Well, no time like the present. "<What enchantments does your equipment have?>"

<OOC> Syval yawns a little. "D'aww. So little time now that we're into the RP part again. This evening flew."

<OOC> Syval is good for a little longer but probably not a lot longer.

Honoria considers Syval for a bit. "< Well, surely a wizard would know better than I? >" she asks. Not that she won't answer, but she's entitled to say that her own descriptions will be anecdotal and thusly maybe not up to Syval's desired accuracy.

"< My armor is the least of the magicks crafted for me. Chevalier Plate armor was crafted to be very light, closely and personally fitted to the wearer. It is reinforced, and made of the finest metals and craftsmanship. It also has spells upon it which enable me to find comfort in any temperature or condition. I can also sleep in the armor without the usual discomforts, though I must still remove it for proper ablutions. >" Honoria explains.

"< Gardinaria is the strongest magic made for me. She was not just fitted to me, but bound to me in ritual during her shaping and crafting. She is lighter than her size would demand, and incredibly resilient. She will even slowly repair herself if she succumbs to damage, unless she is destroyed. >" Clearly, Honoria sounds quite proud of this.

"< Gardinaria protects from magic and the like, as well as physical harm. And she is expressly handy against flights of arrows. >" Important for a knight leading campaigns against mounted horse archer barbarians of the tribes, to be sure. "< Gardinaria is always aware of threats around us, and warns me to act. >"

Syval looks to the knight's enchanted equipment as Honoria speaks to each. Not having truly done so before the young man's gaze is attentive and insightful, spotting the venting and noting the joinings between intricate bronzework and the armor's remarkably thin steel base. "< Amazing, >" the mage breathes in a hushed reverence. It's yet another affirmation that the young woman is someone truly special from a far-off time. "< Armor crafted like yours is almost unheard of in this time even before Art is put upon it. I saw a little of your shield's magic when I was studying the bracelet, >" Syval confesses with an amused chuckle. ""

Honoria looks curious at Syval and shrugs. "" She clearly does not even know enough about magic to recognize hyperbole. "< The magicks of my weapons are simple, by comparison, I am sure. My sword is a guardian's bane blade. My lance is, as you have seen, crafted to condense itself for ease. The ring upon its base is bound to the ring upon my right hand. And the lance itself is a shocklance. >" The terms used, here and there, are hard to translate, and may require consultation with Neosodos.

"< All things of great rarity and value in this day, but... my Maenast maybe is not so good. I understand most of the Art upon your weapons, >" Syval confesses. "< And you received all of that as a knight commander? >"

Honoria shakes her head. "< No. The blade and lance I had before the campaigns of the war began. The armor I earned upon graduation as Knight Commander. Gardinaria was completed during the retreat. >" she explains. Since she does not know another language that she can share with you to help with training and translations, she leaves it to you to ask for clarifications, or get help from Neosodos.

"" the green-haired mage admits enviously as he shows his bardiche and part-time walking stick. "< Some wizards do learn how to imbue Art into the object bound to them but it's an advanced skill and almost none choose to bind a weapon as their focus. I doubt if I will achieve that - their Art is... >" Here Syval pauses, trying to find a word for his thoughts. "<Wrong for me.>"

<OOC> Vanya says, "Phone."

Honoria listens and at first she does not question. She has already proven she knows nothing of the modern world, and little of the Art. She certainly is no authority on either. But she is bright enough to be curious, so she asks, "< The Academy's Art is wrong for you? Then how did you end up studying with them? What path will you seek now? >"

<OOC> Vanya says, "Back. Sorry for the wait."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "NP. *snugs*"

Syval tilts his head back and looks up for a few seconds at the sky overhead as he gathers his thoughts. Little might the chevalier know how far back the answer stretches. "< It's a long story. Ask me after we've made camp, that would be a good time for it. For now, it's because the Academy is the /only/ path of arcane study even if they are far from knowing everything about the Weave. >"

Honoria seems non-plussed by this, but she says nothing. Chances are she views this as not being her business to speak. Given that the others do not speak Maenast - other than Neosodos - they have nothing to add on the modern state of such things. As the group continues largely quietly, with minimal commentary, Neosodos remains quite visible on Andie's shoulder, glowing brilliantly as the walking witch is visibly communing with her familiar. After about three hours journey, Jyslin holds up a hand to bring the group to a halt, then slinks off very carefully through the tall grasses, moving about two hundred yards further east and a bit north. Then she kneels down, checking something, before lifting her hand and waving the group closer.

Syval will be aware that something has died up ahead. As the group gets close enough, the others will bear witness to what at first appear to be the fallen, dessicated corpses of a group of children numbering eight. Only more careful examination will finally reveal that these bodies were not in fact human, but gnomish, and the bodies show clear evidence of vicious and terrible wounds, both with massive and blades and savage biting and gnawing.

Syval tightens the grip on his weapon and scans their surroundings when Jyslin halts the party, then advances to the priestess' position with half an eye upon the surrounding grasslands. He frowns at the findings and crouches down to study the bodies more closely. "The gnolls or something else?" he asks to Jyslin.

Vanya rolls Perception (1d20+12) and gets 26 (14)

"Gnolls. Six to eight days." Jyslin offers, sighing softly. "I do not know how their bodies specifically decay. I don't have the experience to judge any better than that." It is the first time anyone has ever mentioned aloud that different species in the Shaar actually decompose differently. But gnomes are inherently magical, and in a way different from either dragons - which no mortals can honestly comprehend - or elves, which no humans are generally privy to understanding. "Little guys fought hard, but they were vastly overmatched in numbers, and couldn't make up for that with their nature magic."

Andromeda, looking over the site of the heinous murder, simply lowers her eyes. "I know we are all tired. But I would appreciate it if we could agree to bury them."

At her words, Jyslin shucks her backpack and carries it a distance away, then comes back with two spades. "Sorry. These are the only two I have."

Honoria extracts a shovel from her own gear, and prepares to assist. "< You died with honor, ancient friends of the land. May you return to it, and find some measure of peace. >" she murmurs.

<OOC> Vanya says, "Phone again"

<OOC> Vanya says, "Back again."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "WB."

<OOC> Vanya says, "Thank you, and that should be it for the day I think."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li has managed to finish most of what I will need to do in the kitchen, too.

<OOC> Vanya says, "Hmm, and I never did sort out Syval's pack for the journey. He's familiar with back country but also not one to carry a lot of what he won't need."

<OOC> Vanya says, "Wow 12lb for a folding shovel, 8lb for a regular one. I mean, my light load is 100 pounds but still..."

<OOC> Vanya says, "I suppose my bardiche doesn't serve as much of a shovel either."

<OOC> Vanya says, "Not a good shape for it unless I'm just trying to break up soil."

At the suggestion Syval stabs his bardiche into the ground, leaving it upright, and drops his own pack as well before fishing out a fourth shovel for the group. "Fine by me. The gnolls must have stalked this area if they found us both almost a ten-day apart," he considers nonplussed before shouldering his tool and looking back to the group's priestess. "Where would you like the holes?"

<OOC> Vanya figures there are enough uses for a shovel that it'd be odd not to have one for himself.

Largely without words, the group is able to work, scarring the turf to mark out eight separate graves, and then each can work on digging two of them. The soul is relatively easy to dig into once the turf itself is peeled away, but it is heavy and not rock free. Thankfully the group of four includes three who are quite strong enough to work any larger rocks free; only Andie seems to struggle with this, but she tends to work around them until someone can spend a minute or two to help her lever one out and get it clear.

Once the holes are dug, Andie calls forth an unseen servant and asks it to carry each body's remnants to a separate grave. Andie then - quite generously - tasks the unseen servant to refill each grave with the dirt and stones that have been extracted, and return the sod to cover each one.

"As creatures of nature, this is their way, to be left to renew the cycle of life and become one with it. If we knew their names, I could try to task a sparrow to carry a message of their loss. But at least this way they can be lain to rest." Andie offers. Jyslin lays rites upon each one, not claiming their dead for Selune, but imbuing the ground with enough of her goddess' power that they will not be easily or haphazzardly raised as undead.

Honoria is the one to mention, "< Perhaps we could move a bit away, and everyone might appreciate a rest? >"

Syval casts his own incantation once the grave sites are dug and one by one passes a simple cleaning spell across the group and their tools. His own part in the rites is one of quiet observation though a somber frown does tug his lips. The young man is no stranger to death but neither is he inured to it.

At the knight's question he looks over and thinks for a moment then nods before turning back to the others. "We should move away, then take a rest over lunch." Andie looks towards young Syval, and Jyslin as well, and both nod. "Sounds good." the priestess offers. The group can then move back to the south away from this site, and then set up camp. Once Andie has put up the fire put - as usual - Jyslin starts on cooking, and Honoria sits quietly, rubbing, cleaning and checking over her own gear in great and fastidious detail. For her own part, Andie sits very quietly, slowly stroking her hands over Neosodos' scales as he lays across her lap, until at last the drake slides out from under her hands and slips into the grasses, disappearing as is his want.

Syval helps pitch tents to offer the group shade from the mid-day heat then turns away from the rest and sits down beside his bardiche, overlooking the grassy hills they'd just passed in what is loosely the meditative pose Andie had shown him earlier. His breathing comes deeply at first then slow and regular as he focuses inward, tuning out the camp.

<OOC> Vanya says, "Will take-10: 21"

As Syval focuses his mind and meditates, he is finding it easier and easier to blot out the distractions of the world, find that inner emptiness, and within it the spark of that essence. And reaching for it is also becoming easier, more stable; it is, bit by bit, becoming less slippery.

None of that makes this easy. Especially in that moment when he finally grasps it, the roar sounds through him, echoing, thrumming with that memory of rage, and his mind is again awakened to those draconic presences. Without the cavern being open, the sense is only of those here on this side of the Shaar. But that also makes the feel of them more immediate, more real.

And there is surprise - but likely not shock - that Neosodos has made his way all the way around and across camp and is barely a foot or so away from the mageling.

The thought does come to Syval's mind to break his meditation and address the Eldritch Wyrm. 'So there.' 'Yes, I figured it out.' 'Of course I know we're alike.' Choices, feelings, mingled pride and indignation at the small yet powerful drake, but with a breath the dragon-touched mage pushes them aside. The openness of doing this where Neos can see him is statement enough. And so he holds his mind pointed in the inside-out way of peering into his core and through it seeing the world. There's one dragon soul he can sense which is friendly, the one by his side. The rest and especially the frozen heart of the mountain range high above, he'd rather avoid.

Yet in its own way the oppressive sense of the other dragons close upon him is invigorating, motivating. It wouldn't do to stumble around like a freshly hatched wyrmling with such an audience. Even a lesser dragonoid still has his pride. So Syval doesn't rush nor draw away, soaking in the light and energy from his spark before once more reaching out this time with confidence and mind settled to grasp it.

<OOC> Vanya says, "Will take-10: 21"

<OOC> Vanya says, "Brief afk to start soup."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "What's he trying to do with it? He has hold of it; holding it is what brings the sense of dragons and the roar. He has managed not to let go. Now he wants to do a thing."

<OOC> Vanya says, "And soup's on."

<OOC> Vanya says, "Ah sorry. I thought passing the roar and grabbing it were two stages. This time... something inward. Focusing on that enhancement and vitality it seemed to offer before. Is that an option?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Sure."

<OOC> Vanya says, "Wow 15 minutes. That was longer than I thought it."

<OOC> Vanya doesn't have this soup making down as tightly as he thought. Name set.

<OOC> Syval also fixes that. Dang adiscon.

<OOC> Syval says, "Read: Trying not to startle the party and prompt too many questions before he explains to Honoria tonight."

Holding the spark firmly - resisting its urges to slip away - Syval can feel the many aspects of 'draconic-ness' simmering, and he must sift through those, seeking out a path. Looking for the path to enhancement and vitality, what Syval finds wells up within him, threatening to erupt; and with it he can feel great physical changes at hand, held off by a knife's edge of will given his desire not to 'show off' in front of others just yet. He can almost feel the hard, ridged edges of jade-hued scales scraping along the inside of his skin, an ache at his jaw and sides of his head, a raw bubbling power within his throat ...

How far will this spark go? There are likely to be only two ways to find out: give in and find out first hand, or consider asking Neosodos.

Tension, constraint, pressure... Seeking more of the invigorating rush of power from his spark, Syval's instead now trapped by his own form. It's a brief moment after he reflexively squeezes back upon the spark's urge to burst past his control once freed to flow but it's a shock that feels longer. There's far more here than the simple potential of enhancement magic, the wizard's most familiar realm of transmutation Art, and as that moment passes he gives in once again to abandon and his desire to know, to /be/ whatever the spark makes him.

Turning the same time he opens his eyes, Syval smiles proudly at the mottled red-orange pseudodragon beside him.

<OOC> Syval says, "(Assuming that passes.)"

<OOC> Syval says, "Almost time for me to take my dinner afk."

As Syval holds the change at the brink, examining it, seeking to understand it, he will be able to find an instinctual understanding: easiest for him, right now, would be letting it loose, transforming into some sort of human/dragon hybrid. His instincts can tell him that doing so will almost certainly result in devastation to clothing worn above the waist, as wings will rip free of his back and shoulders, and a tail will be taking care of most of what he might be wearing below the waist.

Some adaptation and preparation may be in order.

Syval can also tell that tipping in a different direction would be transforming into a fully draconic shape. His sense is that his draconic essence is young, and thusly smaller by comparison. Not nearly so tiny as Neosodos, but still smaller than the usually massive male is likely to find happy.

Once Syval manages to wrestle his way back from the edge, carrying his connection with the spark back to the real world is difficult - it is still slippery - but it is not impossible. This time, at least, it is not a mere moment's time and then lost. And as his eyes open, taking in once more that outside world, the head of the Eldritch Wyrm peeks up above the grass, golden orbs watching the human quite closely. "< Much better, Brother. >" that voice sounds in his mind. This time he can tell instantly that the 'sounds' of those thoughts are not those of Maenast, nor Shaaren, but that other language that his mind comprehends instinctively.

Satisfaction and anticipation fill the young dragonoid's mind at his accomplishment and more still, what the near future holds once he can explore more freely. It shows no doubt in his mind if not in his face as Syval takes a deep breath of the grassy air while looking back with his sandy eyes of lesser luster. It might be ambitious but having heard the wyrm in his tongue there's an urge to respond in kind. Still keeping his connection to the slippery spark, Syval tries next to guide its flowing energy through the same path the voice took in his mind while carrying a thought. Hopefully Neos will receive it.

<>

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li did include in her pose '... in his mind'; for the record.

Neosodos tilts his little dragon head to the side in a curiously feline gesture, and then bobs it in acknowledgement. "< Not the Art, so much as the human way of doing it. >" the drake's mindvoice replies gently. "< It will, I am sure, take a bit to unlearn the old ways, and discover the new. But you have begun. >"

The drake turns those eyes towards the mountains, and then back towards his 'brother'. "< Now that you have begun embracing this power, you will be sensed by other dragons at a much farther range. And if you enter into their claimed territory, you can be assured they will respond. Some very unkindly. >" Hey, not all dragons are asshats. But entirely too many of them are likely to have little patience for a monkey with delusions of scalykind.

"< If you want to learn the draconic path to magic, I recommend reviewing your notes for spells, and feeling out in your mind what draconic word, or words, sum up the smell. Then give that a try. >"

<OOC> Syval says, "Da, like I said I assumed that was post-translation from speech. I blame the "" marks maybe. Either way, corrected now."

<OOC> Syval says, "*sum up the spell?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Uhm. Yeah. Whoops. Bad DM. Typo."

<OOC> Syval says, "What do you think of using <<>> for telepathy and "<>" for non-Common speech? That's closer to what I've used in the past and helps distinguish them from one another."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. But how to delineate 'telepathy in foreign language' ?"

Syval follows the pseudodragon's gaze, feeling acutely what he's eyeing. << Yes, that one I don't want to disturb. >> But the advice on advancing his magic is encouraging and brings the young man back to a rosy view of the future. Yes, he has much to study and practice...

<< How will I know the reach of their territory? >> He asks, judging prudence worth more than curiosity.

<OOC> Syval says, "Not sure for that one. I'd be willing to cross that bridge when we come to it since telepathy so far is point-to-point so we don't have to care about whether someone other than the recipient can understand it."

<OOC> Syval says, "Say if Neos does a party-wide telepathy, we'll be writing it in English, then just tag before or afterwards the language he's "speaking" if it's not Common? I'm open to ideas there if you want to cover that ahead of time."

<< Awareness. >> Neosodos responds. << Open nose, open mind. You will know their territory boundary is close long before you get there. >> And the young mageling who is awakening to his draconic nature can well understand that said dragons will be equally as aware he is coming long before he gets there.

Draconic surprise of a dragon is - at a minimum - not an easy or happenstance thing. Assuming it is possible at all.

Syval nods in understanding of the answer and the importance behind it. It's something he perhaps won't learn so much as feel. << Your voice sounds much better like this, Neosodos. It's less scratchy than your Common. >> Unsaid but equally understood is that it matches Neosodos the Eldritch Wyrm better than his cat-sized pseudodragon body.

<OOC> TEST

<OOC> Syval pokes his connection. "Still good."

The little drake snorts, blowing out his feeling. << Dragon mouth, even tiny dragon mouth, not made for human words. >> he admits, mildly frustrated. << Most are surprised I can talk at all. >> He churrrs.

Syval chuckles in sympathy for the drake. << You don't seem one for talk. I haven't heard a word of old Maenast from you since I woke Honoria. >>

<< Because you have been spending time with her, not close enough to me. >> the Eldritch Wyrm explains. << Unlike my larger cousins, the range of my mind-voice is proportionately smaller. There are some that can send their voices into minds a mile away or more. But not me. >> Which doesn't mean he hasn't been keeping up on what the two have been saying to one another. He has ears, most definitely.

<> Syval responds. << Have you even introduced yourself? >>

<OOC> Syval says, "Phone?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li shares red (beef & kidney beans) chili. "Sorry. I missed the flash and di d not realize you had posed. My bad."

<OOC> Syval says, "Aww. Welcome back with dinner at least."

<< My spoken Maenast is no better than my spoken Shaaren. >> the little drake admits. << And most find it rude to perch on someone I do not know. >> After all, he is Andie's familiar, even if he is happy to be friends with others. << Have any nice berries? >> he inquires, teasingly.

<< None that I found on this morning's walk. Maybe if we pass near woods by night fall, >> the green-haired mage replies with amusement. << And your spoken Maenast would be understood. She is from 60,000 years in the past and I am the only person she can talk to right now. I don't know what she thinks of /green dragons/ but she likes witches; I don't think she would complain at your company. >>

<< Well then, you make introductions, Brother. Explain to her about my mind-voice. She accepts, and I will gladly come for a visit and we can talk. >> Politeness counts! Especially when one is a dragon to be introduced to a princess who is also a bad-ass lady knight.

<OOC> Syval says, "FYI, I don't *think* I've mentioned the princess thing in earshot of the party yet, though it is still true. :)"

<OOC> Syval has ICly tried to keep that to himself out of respect for Honoria and owing to the trouble it could cause getting too far out.

<< As you wish, >> Syval relents with a nod. Clearly the young man favors a more direct approach, but such is acceptable to him. Looking back towards the distant snowcapped mountains, he lets his mind coil back to his draconic nature and the spark he's still gripping. << This is getting easier with use, I may be able to speak like this as we walk soon. >> Then recalling the raw, bubbling feeling low in his throat he adds darkly, << The next band of gnolls we meet I plan to douse with acid. >>

<OOC> Syval is feeling just a little~ caustic over how that ambush went.

<< Keep in mind, Brother, that if your breath is that of the color of your hair, it will not be liquid. It will be vapor, and that spreads quickly, easily. Make sure none of us are anywhere in front of you, unless you want us drowning in our own blood as our lungs dissolve. >> Damned pretty picture the drake paints.

<OOC> Syval says, "And speaking of dragon traits I hope there were enough opportunities to show that Syval snorts like Neos since well before either of them met. There are little dragon traits he has by nature besides the big obvious ones."

<OOC> Syval says, "Ohhh right, D&D represented green dragon breath as a toxic gas not liquid acid didn't it? I sometimes forget that's a detail not all sources agree upon."

<OOC> Syval says, "Whoo, warning assiduously noted."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Black dragons spit liquid acid. Every dragon should be different. So."

<OOC> Syval says, "Yeah PF flattened them a little and gave the line vs. cone but identical damage mechanics of just simple elemental. That makes things more interesting."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Every type, rather. Hopefully you knew what I meant."

<OOC> Syval says, "So fire can ignite stuff, ice/cold can freeze, acid melts gear (and people), poison gas attacks breathing (and skin?) directly, electric of course plays by its rules and gets really nasty near water."

<OOC> Syval says, "K:Arcane to know whether a green dragon's breath is known to persist, and if so how long?" Syval rolls K:Arcane (1d20+9) and gets 17 (8)

<OOC> Syval won't take-10 because distracted by talking + spark-tending.

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "You don't know huge details. But generally green dragon breath is heavier than air. So it would hang around. How long depends in large part on local weather conditions - especially wind - and volume."

<OOC> Syval says, "Oh dear..."

<OOC> Syval says, "Side-note, that feels like an excellent weapon for an evil creature and one with appropriate weight."

<OOC> Syval says, "Not to be used near anything one would consider a friend."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Also note: he's resistant to gases in human form; immune in hybrid or dragon form."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Design of dragon lungs."

Syval's eyes swell at the reminder, almost enough to lose the grip on his spark. << Good warning... I'll make sure not to test that in the cavern. It would never leave. >>

<< It would fall. But it could be minutes, even hours. >> Neosodos answers honestly.

<OOC> Syval says, "Green dragon lungs specifically?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "And one of the metallics as well."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "But yes. Those who are like greens, only."

<< I'm glad my earlier meditation didn't work, >> Syval confesses while awkwardly scratching his hair. << Thank you for the lessons, Neos. I think now I'll try to rest before lunch is ready. I'll introduce you to Honoria when we travel again. >>

<< Certainly. >> Neosodos offers, and then he melts back into the grasses and disappears ... to sight. Syval still has a very good idea of where he is the whole way back to Andie's lap.

Syval grins quietly to himself, enjoying the new little perk to pin down the infamously elusive drake. Then finally he relaxes the grip on his spark and lets it settle as it chooses to before laying back and shutting his eyes. He'll have a few minutes perhaps before lunch is prepared and the gnolls did interrupt some good rest.

Journey Day 04 AM Gnolls

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